People or political parties - whose will is supreme? | The News is NowPublic.com

People or political parties - whose will is supreme? | The News is NowPublic.com

WHY STALL BENEFITS TO ANDHRA REGION BY FIGHTING THE SEPARATION OF TELANGANA

DIVISION OF ANDHRA PRADESH
GOOD FOR PEOPLE OF COASTAL AND RAYALASEEMA REGIONS.
After the Central Government had conceded the demand for separate state hood in principle and announced initiation of steps for the formation of the Separate State, which is anyhow years away, people from Andhra and Rayalaseema regions burst into spontaneous agitation against the formation of Telangana State.
Except saying that people of all the 3 distinct regions of AP, the Telangana, Andhra and Rayalaseema wish for keeping Andhra Pradesh intact, there appears to be no logic in agitating for unity when the people of telangana region are yearning for their own identity for decades.
The bone of contention appears to be Hyderabad which has developed into a leading metropolis attracting world wide investments and attention. Those of the non telangana regions of the state say that they invested their savings in Hyderabad and played a prominent role in the development of the city and hence they cannot think of parting with Hyderabad is a argument with out reason.
As the citizens of the country, people from any region can live in Hyderabad too and do their business or jobs. If anybody threatens people from these regions to flee, there is law and order machinery and the central government to protect the interests of those from other than the Telangana region. Any how due to the implementation of 60 G.O. those living in the Telangana region have special rights for decades make people from other regions in equal. The jobs at stake are a few as the governments of the day are not making fresh recruitments even to fill the existing vacancies.Hence the loss the people of the coastal regions and rayalaseema regions on account of jobs is virtually next to nil. Hence there is nothing absolutely to fear even if Telangana state is carved out. Even if the Telangana state is carved out, the problems of unemployment remain in Hyderabad as well as Telangana regions as much as in other regions of the AP and even the entire country for that matter.
As far as the Telangana grouse that their water resources are being plundered by other regions, they need to remember that the irrigation projects like dowleswaram in coastal districts were built much earlier to the state formation. There is enough water for all and it is the problem with utilization that needs to be resolved. Even after the Telanagana State is carved out, the rights of the new states in water sharing will be protected by the tribunals and the courts and there is no need for any agitation on this count too.
The Telangana people also claim that the other regions are plundering their Coal. Such resource utilization is determined by the central government and not by the regions independently. If they stop mining coal, their revenues only will suffer.
Hence other than the emotional crises, there is no strong basis for advocating the continuation of Andhra Pradesh.
In fact the division of the state results in many benefits and rapid development in the coastal and rayala seeema regions.
Instead of fighting against the separation of Telangana area, our citizens and leaders must insist for better rights and advantages.
1. New State means new capital and lot of opportunities for development. Central Government can be forced to fund the construction of a new and ultra modern capital city like Chandigarh, which in turn creates jobs to thousands of people for years to come.
2. Central funding can be demanded for a new world class airport.
3. This state will have the longest coastline with a number of ports and thus can become gate way to India in the matter of imports and exports. These ports automatically lead to high class infrastructure and become preferred destinations for the investors.
4. These regions can demand the establishment of Central Universities and top business schools to compensate the loss of educational opportunities due to the formation of Telangana State.
5. With huge Oil and Gas reserves, the region with proper incentives can emerge as a preferred global destination for industries to set shop.
6. The unexploited natural resources in the north coastal districts can create millions of jobs if the climate for investment is created.
7. Rayalaseema region has rich iron ore deposits as well as gold mines and with central funding the region can witness rapid development.
8. The proximity of the districts of the state to Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Orissa, Chattisgarh will be of great advantage.
It is very clear that it is not by fighting the separation that the people of the coastal regions and rayalaseema region gain. It is by fighting for equitable share in waters, Central funding for rapid development that enables the new state to emerge as a rapid growth area.
Living in the past and losing a bright future is not a good option for the people of Andhra Region as well as Rayalseema Regions. Fighting for their rightful share in the assets and resources which ensures rapid development of the people of the region is the right path for all those who are agitating against the separate state of Telangana which is more an emotional outburst based on unfounded fears.
However the people and leaders of these regions must not spoil the show by rising untenable demands for the separate Rayalaseema or North Andhra States. Such division only weakens the cause of these people and hamper their development.
It is time that the leaders of these regions join together and fight for the rights, resources and assets for the new state that has a golden future ahead.

Emergency contraceptive pills – benefitting whom? | The News is NowPublic.com

Emergency contraceptive pills – benefitting whom? | The News is NowPublic.com

The Top 12 Dumbest Spending Habits Forcing Americans into Bankruptcy | FilingForBankruptcyOnline.com

The Top 12 Dumbest Spending Habits Forcing Americans into Bankruptcy | FilingForBankruptcyOnline.com

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WORST FIRE ACCIDENT IN IOC OIL DEPOT IN JAIPUR | The News is NowPublic.com

WORST FIRE ACCIDENT IN IOC OIL DEPOT IN JAIPUR | The News is NowPublic.com

STOP FLEECING INVESTORS THROUGH IPO ROUTE

Initial Public Offering Issues Vs Public Issues at face Value.
In the good old days the when ever the companies needed funds, popular method is to resort to the public issue of shares or rights issue. As a practice companies went for public issue at face value of the
Share only and many long term investors reaped the benefit of allotment of shares at face value. The loyal share holders were rewarded with handsome bonus shares or were given preference in the subsequent rights issue. It simply means that companies allotted shares at the face value though these shares traded at multiples of their face value in the markets.
The advent of book building, IPO process in stock markets left the small investors with the only option to apply for the shares at much higher prices than the face value, in the price band fixed. Left with no option, many investors put their life savings into the IPOs of companies and as the price band was often fixed much higher to the market prices bleeding the investors.
Let us study the performance of some of the IPOs that were listed recently.
1. Euro Multivision Ltd with an issue price of Rs75 is now trading at Rs34.70 which is trading at a loss of more than 53% as on date
2. Vishal Information Technologies with an issue price of Rs150 is now trading at Rs15 which is 90% below the issue price.
3. Resurgere Mines & Minerals India Ltd with an issue price of Rs270 is now trading at Rs95 which is 64% below the issue price.
4. The much touted public sector IPO offering by NHPC Ltd with an issue price of Rs36 is now trading at Rs31.85 which is an erosion of more than 10% from the issue price.
5. Austral Coke & Projects Limited with an issue price of Rs196 is now trading at Rs13.25 with an erosion of more than 90% of the issue price.
6. REPL (Reliance Power) issue belonging to the top Reliance group with an issue price of Rs450/- during 2008 is now trading at Rs155 with more than 60% erosion from the issue price.

On average more than 60% of the recent IPOs are trading below their issue price indicating huge losses to the retail investors. The losses to the investors through IPO route are widespread.

Why these losses?
It is because the valuations of the shares were manipulated by those with vested interests. Is there any way we can protect the investors?
Yes
The only way is to return to the old days and make companies raise funds through public issues at the rate of face value of the share instead of the IPO route.

If it is not possible immediately to return to the old way of allowing companies to raise funds through issue of shares at face value then the following need to be taken into account for arriving at the IPO price.
Book Value/Market Price average for 6 months– the lowest among them.
This formula ensures that prices of shares are not fixed arbitrarily to benefit the companies raising funds. It is in the interests of companies as well as investors and ensure that the market trades at fair values.

New Flexible Plastic Solar Panels Are Inexpensive And Easy To Make

New Flexible Plastic Solar Panels Are Inexpensive And Easy To Make

LET SUCCESS CHASE YOU

LET SUCCESS CHASE YOU
We all wish to succeed in whatever we do and spend our lives peacefully and happily. Success in what we aim and do is the key to happiness. We chase success and make many attempts and efforts but many times success eludes us making us unhappy and disturbs our peace of mind. We must understand that success is a relative scale and need to be balanced with reasonableness.
We can categorize people into two classes. Generally successful and generally unsuccessful. World follows those who generally succeed and discards those who generally fail in their aims, actions and efforts. Those in the successful category are not always successful because they know the winning formula of success and implement it attaining all their goals, actions, words and deeds. Some of the winners get success by the X factor ‘luck’ with out any effort on their part. Let us categorize such winners as extraordinary winners and leave them alone.
How to succeed then?
If we have to win any thing, we have to compromise or lose something. Be it money, attitude, behavior or a combination of these can make the difference between success and failure. If you want to win a lottery, you have to risk losing a bit of your money with no guarantee that you get something in return.
Dos for success:
1. Willingness to listen to what others say and capacity to make a fair judgment.
2. Willingness to change the attitude that pleases others.
3. Willingness to help others without expecting reward.
4. willingness to admit to weaknesses and willingness to change.
5. Willingness to respect others feelings.
6. Willingness to decide on actions based on impersonal judgment.
7. Willingness to adopt fair and acceptable means to achieve your goals.
8. Willingness to admit that some other person won because he has merits which you don’t have.
Don’ts for Success
1. I know all attitude and failure to listen to others.
2. Refuse to change though aware of faulty actions.
3. What I get attitude for every action,
4. Refuse to change by striving to get over the weaknesses.
5. Refuse to respect the feelings of others and adopt I don’t care attitude
6. Making judgments not based on reason, imputing motives to others for your failures.
7. Adopting unfair and unacceptable means to achieve goals.
8. Refuse to acknowledge that some body acted better and achieved success.
9. Refuse to learn from the failures.
All of those who generally fail in their endeavors need to change gradually so that instead of their chasing success, success chases them.

BARAK OBAMA NEEDS TO DO MORE FOR WORLD PEACE

President Barak Obama has rightly described the Noble Peace Prize to him as ‘call to action’. Perhaps this is the first time that the Noble Peace Prize was awarded not for the achievements / contributions already made for the cause of peace but to inspire the most powerful man on the earth, the President of the US, Barak Obama to spur him into action to make the world at peace with each other.
Obama now needs to focus on credible action plan to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons. Irrespective of the country – be it responsible powers like the US, UK, Russia or latest nations like Israel, Pakistan , India which forced their entry into the nuclear club. The best option for ensuring permanent peace is that the United Nations must have control and command over the Nuclear Weapons. Only a common nuclear command ensures uniform protection to both the nuclear as well as non nuclear weapons state. It is not advisable to rely on the individual agreements to mutually reduce the nuclear weapons. The guiding principle with respect to nuclear weaponry needs to be that no nation should have any nuclear stock pile, and those nations which have nuclear stock piles need to surrender them to an international body. While this idea may look wild at this juncture, it is the only credible way to ensure elimination of menace of nuclear weapons.
Obama has as the Nobel Peace Prize winner needs to seek credible solutions to the following issues that have a potential to threaten world peace.
1. Arab Israeli conflict-Permanent Solution to the Palestinian Problem.
2. Indo Pakistan Problem –Kashmir Issue
3. Cuba – where US needs to change the policy towards neighbor and restore friendly relation ship with the country.
4. Solutions to problems of global terrorism by addressing the root cause of the problem too along with stiff fight to eliminate the threat of terrorists.
5. Ensuring global economic stability by taking credible action against profiteers and market manipulators. Giving impetus to price mechanism by demand supply theory instead of encouraging forward trading especially in commodities.
6. Arriving at global economic model that ensures transparent regulatory mechanism to curb the excess greed of economic manipulators and ensure a fair deal to all the section-the poor, the middle class and the rich.
7. Encouraging global integration towards one world concept by working for borderless nations.
This type of agenda and concrete action plan ensures that the Nobel Peace Prize Committee has not erred in awarding the most prestigious noble peace prize to Barak Obama, the hope of not only the Americans but also the world at large.

MISCHIEF IN ANNAVARAM TEMPLE SUSPECTED

God is mute to the misdeeds of men who administer the temples especially in Andhra Pradesh. The recent news report that adulterated oil derived from dead animals in the place of pure ghee might have found place in the Prasadam preparations of the temple. The temple under the scanner is Lord Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy temple in Annavaram where devotees from all over India congregate to have the blessings of the Lord.
The temple authorities while denying that the oil derived from dead animals might have been in the preparations of Prasadam, the oil might have been used for lighting up the lamps in the temple. Either way those responsible for such acts have committed a grave lapse and hurt the sentiments of millions of Lord Satyanarayana Swamy. Perhaps the corrupt authorities must be thinking that they can escape with any lapse and continue indulging in corrupt practices, since God has infinite kindness to condone the sins of His devotees.
The manufacturers of adulterated oils, especially like the one who manufacture fat out of dead bodies of animals and pass it as edible Ghee deserve nothing less than death by hanging.
The Government should immediately place the entire temple staff in Annavaram under suspension and initiate a honest probe into the wrong doings of the temple administration. The trust board must be super ceded .
The temple day to day running need to be handed over the religious bodies and the government should stop interfering in religious matters of the Hindus.
The Government has no business to interfere in the matters of Hindu temples and stop political appointments to appease corrupt political leaders to the boards and committees of temples.

FLOOD FURY AND MUD STORY IN ANDHRA PRADESH

MUD AND FLOOD FURY IN AP
While the floods in Kurnool, Guntur and Krishna districts adversely affected 1.6 million people and left their houses, towns, cities, villages and fields filled with mud and caused losses to farmers, house owners, tenants that are hard to recover in the near future, yet there may be a little good awaiting them in the form of mud which is believed to be composed of mainly black soil which is rich with nutrients.
After the flood water completely drains out, the farmers will go back to lands to start the farming operations once again, hopefully with the liberal assistance from the government by way of input subsidies etc.
This time the farmers may find that their lands with a thick coat of black soil on their lands from the flood fury may get good crops with least expenses. Since the reservoirs are full to the brim, there may not be any water problem for the crops. Also those dependent on pump sets for irrigation needs may find the yield from the wells better with the ground getting good water charge due to floods.
The next crop season may bring the smile back on the face of farmers who suffered worst flood havoc during their life time.

FAKE/REPLICA WATCHES ON ONLINE AUCTION SITES

BEWARE OF FAKE/LOOK ALIKE PREMIUM BRAND WATCHES IN ONLINE AUCTIONS

As we all know premium brand watches like Rolex, Omega, etc cost a fortune to buy and have great resale value. The price of such watches with resale value are any thing above Rs50000/-. Many sellers on online auction sites like ebay are putting in lot of Rolex, Omega watches for sale and bidders are being enticed to bid on the watches mostly fake or replicas. The market is flooded with fakes and replicas whose price internationally is hardly Rs5000/-. Beware of bidding on such watches and identify fake watches from genuine watches by sending a mail to the auctioneers or the sellers to clarify the real position of the item that they are putting on sale. Otherwise it is quite possible that you end up paying double the original value for the fake watches and getting duped.
The online auctioneers too must ensure that the item description given by the seller matches with the actual item. One of the tricks employed by sellers is to state that it is a brand new watch in original box. Beware of the subtle meaning of these words. When confronted the sellers often say that they supply fake or replica watch in genuine box.
The tricksters on auction sites are out to make a fast buck. Beware of the tricks of these tricksters misleading the online buyers. The best option would be not to purchase premium watches from the auction sites unless convinced about the genuineness. Don’t pay for the fake under the misleading impression that it is original.

ROBBERY THREAT PUTS THOUSANDS OF LIVES OF FLOOD VICTIMS IN AP AT STAKE

Lessons from severe floods in Andhra Pradesh
While I write this still Vijayawada, Guntur areas adjoining Krishna river areas are under severe life threat. However the worst is over in Kurnool, though people are very angry with the way with which the flood situation has been handled. Thousands and thousands of the victims of flood fury in and around the bustling 600,000 Kurnool city are yet to receive food/clothes or medicine makes a sad reading of the state of affairs.
Government machinery indeed requested the people under serious flood threat to vacate their homes and reach safer areas or the relief camps. But public in general refused to move from their homes for the reason that if they leave their homes, their houses will be robbed by robbers and they are under the threat of losing their valuables and belongings.
This reason reflects adversely on the administration and police machinery. People have little faith on the government machinery to ensure safety and protection to the belongings of victims under flood threat. It clearly shows that people value their belongings as much as their life and prefer to protect their belongings even at their life risk.
Most of those who refused to vacate their homes under imminent flood threat belong to the poor and middle class sections are a pointer. For them, losing what ever little they have is like starting a new struggle for life. It took them years of struggle to acquire things like a gas stove, steel utensils, beds and importantly a TV set.
And the rumors doing rounds spread by anti social elements life robbers and thieves in the famous pilgrimage center Mantralayam that a Dam in Karnataka has breached and the flood waters soon engulf the homes led to the flight of residents till the rumor has been put to rest by the state administration.
We can see how the criminal elements try to reap advantage even in the hour of great human tragedy and the inability of the administration to instill confidence in general public about their capability to protect their lives and properties.
It needs to be studies as to what steps are needed to instill confidence about their belongings and properties in the event of such vast human tragedies needs to be addressed in the post flood havoc situation and steps be taken to prevent such a feeling.

Check out Andhra: 18 lakh people, 400 villages affected

I want you to take a look at: Andhra: 18 lakh people, 400 villages affected 

DYNASTIC POLITICS IN ANDHRA PRADESH

DYNASTIC POLITICS IN ANDHRA PRADESH
The untimely demise of popular Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy has thrown open succession question and despite a month of the unfortunate demise, the Congress Party in the State and the State Government led by the Congress party are in a disarray.
While the High Command of the Party in Delhi anointed Mr. Rosaiha, a long time trusted and loyal congress man with long administrative experience as Cabinet minister as the stop gap Chief Minister, the loyalists of Jagan Mohan Reddy, the son of late popular chief minister YSR began an active campaign to make the fresh MP with 3 months experience is being projected as the strong candidate for the mantle of chief minister ship. The Jagan camp in a hurry to en cash the sympathy factor went in for signature campaign of the MLAs to make Jagan as the Chief Minister even while the body of the late leader was lying in state.
While everybody agrees that YSR is undoubtedly the most popular chief minister the state ever had, there are genuine misgivings on the ability of Mr. Jagan being given the responsibility to head this important Congress bastion.
Any body who questions the qualification of Jagan to head the state as the Chief Minister is being dubbed as showing disrespect to the departed leader. Some of the Congress leaders like General Secretaries, Ministers talk endlessly on the TV channels as to the suitability of Jagan as the capable successor chief minister even ignoring the merits of the present chief minister Mr. Rosaiha. It is sheer dynastic politics at play dangerous to democratic traditions.
Mr. Jagan has no political experience and the group of sycophants wants to promote him as the chief minister to leverage his position for their own political and economic benefits is clear to the common man.
Mr. Jagan can grow politically by participating in active politics and creating his own stature and image instead of leaning on the hereditary politics to promote himself as the chief minister.
To say that Jagan is the only capable man to lead the state as the Chief Minister is nothing but insulting so many experienced, dynamic leaders who can lead the state. There is no political vacuum as Jagan loyalists’ project. The state is under the experienced hands of Mr. Rosaiha and only if the cabinet assists him properly, he can provide the best administration like his predecessors.
The Jagan camp is projecting Jagan as not only the choice of Congress MLAs but also the choice of 8 crore Andhra People which is a travesty of truth. They are forgetting that the opposition parties like TDP, PRP etc have garnered more combined votes in the past elections compared to the Congress party in the last elections. While any body has nothing against Jagan personally his game to capture power is being watched with sadness by many.
Jagan need to wait to fulfill his aspiration to become chief minister and curb the powerful group of sycophant leaders propagating his cause and spoiling his chances. Sympathy factor and the dynastic politics are two enemies of true democratic spirit need to be realized by one and all.

Proof the Stock Market is Manipulated by Investor Class

Proof the Stock Market is Manipulated by Investor Class

How to Fight Off Swine Flu | eHow.com

How to Fight Off Swine Flu | eHow.com

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YSR NO MORE... DEEP SHOCK TO 8 CRORE ANDHRA PRADESH PEOPLE

YSR REDDY NO MORE
YSR, surely is the most popular political leader the state of Andhra Pradesh ever had. Under him, bureaucrats were made to turn the government programs into boons for the poor, back ward, down trodden people as well as farmers.
His numerous social welfare schemes benefitted the poor in many ways. The 2 Rupee a KG rice scheme offered soothing solace to those who can ill afford to buy Rice at 15-35 Rupees a Kg. The pension scheme for the aged and the handicapped helped the disadvantaged to lead life with confidence. The free power provided to the small and marginal farmers helped them economically very much. The Loan waiver scheme for agricultural debts effectively implemented benefitted large sections of the farming community. His Rural Employment Scheme ensuring 100 days of employment to the Rural Poor and the delivery method for payments under the scheme enabled the beneficiaries to receive the wages without the local politician or the administration pocketing the benefit to the poor. His Arogyasri scheme has been immensely popular since it allowed them free access to the quality medicare at corporate hospitals. The irrigation projects that he dreamed of for making every inch of land fertile and huge allocation of funds for the irrigation projects proved that the earlier leaders lacked vision and courage to undertake large scale welfare measures benefitting the largest number of people. The fee reimbursement schemes for the poor students proved to be a boon for those eager to pursue higher education but lacked the means.
He proved that the leaders need to have the right resolve to serve the people. Every political leader can learn a lesson or two from his life and start helping the citizens instead of pursuing self serving interests.
His untimely death in the tragic helicopter crash a couple of days back came as a shocker to millions and millions of families.
It is unfortunate that the emotionally charged mourners even resorted to suicides unable to bear the loss of such a popular leader. It is reported across the news channels that more than 150 people died either due to heart attacks or suicide attempts shows how deeply people miss. As Jagan Mohan Reddy, YSR’s son told, the best tribute is to make his late father’s dreams come true.

RHODIUM COINS AN ALTERNATIVE TO GOLD COINS AS INVESTMENT

The costliest metal on earth no longer is the favourite Gold but the Rhodium. A gram of Rhodium coin costs $92 which is equivalent to about Rs4400 per gram. The cost of Rhodium is 2/3 times more than the cost of Gold. Due to its unique properties, the Rhodium coins are emerging as an alternative to investment in gold coins
So alternative to investment in precious metals has arrived.

DE-POLITICISE HINDU TEMPLE ADMINISTRATION

GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE IN HINDU TEMPLES
Hindu temples are truly the light houses attracting devotees who seek earthly favours or seek eternal bliss. It is customary on the part of the devotees to gift to the temples valuable gold ornaments, lands, buildings cash etc. Tirupathi Balaji temple is among the most revered temples in the country attracting Hindu devotees from all the parts of the country as well as from different nations. More than 3 crore Hindus visit the temple to have a darshan of Lord Balaji annually making it the most busiest shrine in the world.
The temple had gifts worth more than $10 billion in the form of diamond studded and gold ornaments. The temple had also got huge tracts of land and buildings gifted by the devotees since centuries. The cash collections are approximately about Rs300 Crores annually.
It is clear that the temple is running with the gifts by devotees from centuries. The Government which claims itself as a secular government has no business in managing the affairs of Hindu temples. Those among the eminent devotees if given a chance cheerfully accept the responsibility of managing the affairs of the temple as well as the wealth of the temple. The Government interferes in the temple matters by appointing Executive Officers and huge staff besides appointing a committee or Trust board to manage the affairs. The Trust board in name sake is autonomous. The appointments to the Trust board are often politically motivated and intend to dispense favours to the politicians of the ruling party. At times even the non believers find a place in the Committees or the Trust boards to ensure that they always tow the government line.
Due to the Politics entering the temple management, huge tracts of lands gifted by the devotees since centuries are in the hands of vested interests depriving funds for the religious activities of the shrines. The valuable jewelry items often fall into unscrupulous hands hurting the sentiments of millions and millions of devotees.
The Temple administration grants favours to the politically well connected by arranging special darshan at the cost of normal pilgrims who come from the nook and corner of the nation.
Transparency is totally absent and money making in the management of the temple affairs often draws the ire of the devotees.
The best way to curb these dangerous activities is making a law governing the appointments to temple trust boards most transparent. Eminent devotees like the Governors, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Religious Heads, High Court and Supreme Court judges, must be offered a place on the Trust boards of important temples and the choice of accepting the position should be left to the individual concerned. Those accepting this responsibility as divine duty will sure ensure the management of temples in a transparent way that ensures fair treatment to devotees. By doing these changes we can prevent the temple asset abuse.
The so called VIP darshans should be abolished totally without exceptions. If the Prime Minister wishes to visit a temple he is welcome only if he joins the que of the ordinary devotees. Showing favours to those high and the mighty goes against the very principles of Hinduism which treats devotion of the devotee more important rather than the position of power or influence he/she is occupying.
Those misusing the authority and providing special treatment to the favoured few in the matter of temple darshan will undergo severe punishment at the hands of God need not be over stressed as it is not the ignorance that led to the sad and bad management of temples but doing acts of commissions and omissions despite knowing that before God all are equal. God has not bestowed any authority on those who manage the temple affairs to provide express darshan to the High and the mighty at the cost of a normal devotee. .
The temples in India need to be freed from the clutches of the Governmental Control and kept in the hands of the devotees who treat managing the temple affairs as a divine responsibility.

LIVE GOLD PRICES

POPULAR PROGRAMMING LANAUGES

The most popular programming languages according to TIBOE.COM based on the availability of skilled software engineers is as under. Tiboe is a popular site for programming languages.
Java - 19.1%
2. C - 15.2%
3. C++ - 10.1%
4. PHP - 8.7%
5. Visual Basic - 8.4%
6. Perl - 6.2%
7. Python - 3.8%
8. C# - 3.7%
9. JavaScript - 3.1%
10. Ruby - 2.6%
11. Delphi - 2.1%
Students intending to do software programming courses are well advised to do web search to find out what programming skills are really useful and in demand instead of going by the word of IT educational institutes.

INDIA MATTER-DISASTER IN THE MAKING?

DISASTER IN THE MAKING?
Rains during the current season so far are disappointing. According to the latest data from Climate Prediction Center, NOAA, USA, the average July 09 rain fall was only 344.1 mm against the normal rain fall of 422.9 mm. This is a departure of 18.6% from the normal rain fall which is a matter of grave concern.
The deficient rain fall can cause drastic fall in the food grain production vital for the food security of the billion strong nation.
Already food shortages and rising prices of essential commodities are causing tension and worry among the middle class families. While the poor are protected to some extent by the food subsidies, the middle class is facing hard times. The ruling parties at the Center as well as the states need to shake off from the slumber and take appropriate steps before the disaster strikes India.
India fortunately escaped food famine for decades due to the copious rains that provided vital food security.
All the political parties need to sit together and arrive at agreed strategies to meet the disaster in waiting instead of wasting their time in blame game and living in the past.

INDIAN AIR FORCE HELPS SOLAR ECLIPSE STUDIES

Indian Air Force played a vital role in helping the scientists to study the spectacular Solar eclipse on the 22th of July 2009 according to a press release. For this purpose the Air Force deployed AN32 aircraft with necessary scientific instruments and scientists. The 3 hour flight from Agra flew at a height of 25000 feet giving the scientists a rare chance to study the eclipse from clear skies with excellent visibility. A Mirage 2000 from Gwalior flew at a height of 42000 feet and took spectacular photos of the eclipse as it progressed and ended. The extra ordinary photo graphs of the Solar Eclipse taken from the high flying Mirage Aircraft are stunners.
Let us hope that the Indian Air Force will come forward to help the scientists in a big way in future too.
Here are the images of the Solar Eclipse taken from the Air Force flights

ARIHANT - INDIA'S FIRST NUCLEAR POWERED SUBMARINE LAUCHED FROM VIZAG

ARIHANT – NUCLEAR POWERED NUCLEAR MISSLE CAPABLE SUBMARINE
INDIA’S latest launch of indigenous nuclear powered submarine named ARIHANT is no ordinary event. It propels India into the front ranking nations which build and operate nuclear powered submarines. Built at an estimated cost of Rs30000 crores, with Russian technical collaboration, this 6000 ton behemoth adds to the teeth of the navy and helps the nation to defend against the enemies from the sea. Not only that, this submarine has the capability of launching nuclear missiles and is treated as giving India second strike capability in the event of a nuclear attack on India.
The nuclear power plant embedded in the submarine is said to be capable of producing equivalent of 85 mega watt for the submarine operation. The nuclear powered submarine can operate in the deep seas for 10 years without needing any refueling.
The Submarine is believed to have titanium hull and is 112 meters long. It has the capability to attain surface speed of 12-15 knots and submerged speed of upto 24 knots. It can comfortably accommodate up to 95 crew members and operate for months without resurfacing unlike the diesel/electric submarines.
Built with L&T a construction major participation, for over 2 decades, the top secret project named ATV resulted in the first nuclear powered submarine to convert the dream into reality.
The ARIHANT will undergo extensive sea trails lasting a couple of years before being inducted into the Navy.

BRING GOOD LUCK TO YOUR HOMES-LUCKY BAMBOO PLANTS

GOOD LUCK PLANTS
We all chase luck. Keeping Good Luck Plants at homes and offices has based on the ancient Chinese traditions to invite luck has become popular world wide. Good Luck plants are otherwise known as Lucky Bamboo plants. Lucky Bamboo plants are excellent indoor plants simple to grow indoors.
Let us know a bit about meaning and benefit of the lucky bamboo stalks to enable us to choose the right plant. Lucky Bamboo plants bring prosperity and peace as well as attract wealth and good health according.
Varieties
3 Lucky Bamboo Stalks, 5 Lucky Bamboo stalks, 7 Lucky Bamboo stalks, 21 Lucky Bamboo stalks, etc. They come in tired arrangement, braided arrangement etc.
Where to place?
Bring growth within the family if placed in the eastern part of the house or increase financial well being if place in the South East direction in your home.
The longer the leaves grow, the more prosperity you will be bestowed is the general belief.
The Lucky bamboo stalks kept at home are said to absorb negative energies and neutralize evil effects on human beings.

BOMBAY HIT BY HIGH SEA TIDES

PHOTO COURTESY NDTV
HIGH TIDES OF HIT MUMBAI SHORES ON FRIDAY. PEOPLE LIVING NEAR TO THE SEA FRONT HAD A SCARY TIME. PEOPLE ARE WONDERING WHETHER IT IS ONLY A PREVIEW OF THINGS TO COME IN NEAR FUTURE.

Violence against Afghan women widespread and unpunished, finds UN report

Violence against Afghan women widespread and unpunished, finds UN report

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LET US HOPE THAT AIR FRANCE PASSENGERS ARE SAFE!

PHOTO COURTESY:FreeFoto.com
WEB LINK:http://www.freefoto.com

The mystery over what happened to Air France Airbus on flight from Rio de jeneiro to Paris only deepened with the discovery that the debris and the oil slick attributed to the ill fated aircraft in fact might not have belonged to the mystery aircraft.
What if the aircraft never crashed but was secretly hijacked by terrorists or even by the extra terrestrial elements? There is need to focus on the unthinkable too since even after 72 hours of crash there is no trace of the aircraft nor passengers. With the latest technology it must have been possible by now to identify the crash site by now and the debris too. The very fact that nothing has been found so far indicates that fresh thinking into the fate of the aircraft and the passengers is needed.
Let us hope against hope that the passengers are safe somewhere and that soon, we will be able to bring them back to their families.

TEXT OF OBAMA'S CAIRO SPEECH

I want you to take a look at: America is not at war with Islam: Obama

TEXT OF OBAMA SPEECH IN CAIRO
The following is a text of President Obama's prepared remarks to the Muslim world, delivered on June 4, 2009, as released by the White House.
We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world – tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.
Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust.
So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.
I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles – principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do – to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.
Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.
As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam – at places like Al-Azhar University – that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.
I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims." And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers – Thomas Jefferson – kept in his personal library.
So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.
But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words – within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: "Out of many, one."
Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores – that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average.
Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the U.S. government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.
So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations – to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.
Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.
For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. And when innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.
This is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to serve their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.
That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: we must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.
The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.
In Ankara, I made clear that America is not – and never will be – at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people.
The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.
Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.
That's why we're partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries. And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths – more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism – it is an important part of promoting peace.
We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who have been displaced. And that is why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon.
Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be."
Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future – and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. That is why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its Security Forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.
And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.
So America will defend itself respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.
The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.
America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.
Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed – more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant, and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction – or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews – is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.
On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people – Muslims and Christians – have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than sixty years they have endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations – large and small – that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.
For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It is easy to point fingers – for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: the only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.
That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. That is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires. The obligations that the parties have agreed to under the Road Map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them – and all of us – to live up to our responsibilities.
Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America's founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign of neither courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That is not how moral authority is claimed; that is how it is surrendered.
Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist.
At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.
Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.
Finally, the Arab States must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state; to recognize Israel's legitimacy; and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.
America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.
Too many tears have flowed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.
The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.
This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.
It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.
I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation – including Iran – should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.
The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.
I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.
That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.
There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments – provided they govern with respect for all their people.
This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.
The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.
Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it is being challenged in many different ways.
Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of another's. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld – whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.
Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That is why I am committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.
Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit – for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.
Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's Interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action – whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.
The sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights.
I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.
Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.
Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity – men and women – to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.
Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.
I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing communities. In all nations – including my own – this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities – those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.
But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.
This is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too many Muslim communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investments within my country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.
On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.
On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.
On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new Science Envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, and grow new crops. And today I am announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.
All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.
The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek – a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.
I know there are many – Muslim and non-Muslim – who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort – that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country – you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.
All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort – a sustained effort – to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.
It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples – a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.
We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."
The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."
The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.

MEDIA COVERAGE OF ILLFATED AIR FRANCE FLIGHT FROM BRAZIL TO FRANCE

MEDIA COVERAGE OF AIR FRANCE FLIGHT THAT CRASHED INTO THE ATLANTIC
The TV media as soon as the news about the missing Air France flight from Rio de jeniero to Paris went into overdrive and started live coverage of the Paris Airport and the anxious friends and relatives of the unfortunate flight. The Media gave extensive coverage to the French Political leadership that went to the air port to offer solace to those near and dear friends and relatives of the ill fated flight. However, even after the passenger list was released and it has come to the notice of everybody that the flight carried maximum French passengers followed by the Brazilians and other nationalities, yet no effort was made to cover the Rio de janeiro airport and the feelings of the friends and relatives of the Brazilian passengers on board the flight.
Even after 24 hours of the incident, yet nobody for sure knows what happened to the air craft. It still remained a mystery and may take a couple of days to zero on the exact crash site and start analysis of the reasons for this horrible air crash.
The utter unconcern shown by the media for the Brazilians on the ill fated plane once again brings shadow on the ability of the media to give balanced coverage of news and events. The media failed to realize that the flight is from Brazil to France and has a large number of Brazilian passengers and the Brazil air port and the families of anxious relatives of Brazilian nationality too deserve to be give due weight age in the media coverage.
Brazil soon after the news broke out, tried its best to organize the search and rescue operations and sent air force planes to search the possible areas of the crash site.
The undue focus on Paris Airport by the media for sure proves yet again that the media needs to be more responsible in the coverage of events that take place across the world. The Indian media went a step further and used the occasion to discuss the near miss incident in the Mumbai airport. It shows that the media is interested in sensationalizing the news rather than objective and balanced reporting of the news as it happens.

IMPROVING WRITING SKILLS BY USING ONLINE DICTIONARIES

Those of us who have access to the computer and internet, prefer key board to input our ideas, thoughts and action plans instead of using pen and paper. While the Operating Systems life Microsoft Office correct our typing mistakes automatically, yet to convey our expression with clarity we need the help of dictionaries. It is difficult for us to refer to the popular paper based dictionaries like Oxford dictionary to get the right word with precise meaning essential for our written communication on the net or off the net. We need the help of dictionaries not only for right expression but also words that convey precise contextual meaning. It is not what we write but how we write matters much if we have to succeed in expressing in writing what we precisely what we want to convey.
There are online dictionaries that offer help in writing the right way with right words. We can access online the following dictionaries to improve our writing skills.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/
http://www.wordreference.com/
http://corp.credoreference.com/
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/
These are only a few online dictionary web sites. The best way is to Google search for suitable online dictionary and book mark it so that when ever needed, you can gain easy access for your writing requirements. You need not of course confine to Google search but can also search with the popular search engines like AltaVista, Yahoo, etc,
So use this great online facility to tune up your writing skills so that what you write is what you intended to convey.

GROWING POPULARITY OF EMAIL

EMAILS EMERGED AS POPULAR CHOICE FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
The estimates for 2005 by the International Postal Union show that both the letter and parcel traffic put together exceed 444 billion. We can assume that the letter traffic and parcel traffic put together during 2008 might have reached 550 billion annually at the most.
According to a February 2007 article in Tech Crunch estimates there are about 250 million Yahoo! Mail users, followed by 228 million Hotmail users and 51 million Gmail users world wide. Radcati Group Inc estimates email traffic per day in 2009 reach astounding 247 billion per day. Compare this with 550 billion letter and post parcel traffic per year. It just takes 2 days internet traffic to equal to an year’s letter and postal traffic. But out of the estimated 247 billion e mail or internet related traffic per day, 81% or 200 billion email traffic is spam related. Spam can be defined as sending unsolicited, unwanted, irrelevant or inappropriate messages, in the nature of commercial advertising in mass quantities. It can be termed as electronic junk mail. Advertisers of dubious products, get rich schemes or quasi legal services mostly resorts to spam mail as it costs them little. Email spam’s target is individual users with direct mail messages. Even if we take out the 81% spam email, yet the genuine email related traffic approximately 50 billion per day and the e mail traffic compared to the postal traffic is hundreds of times shows that internet emerged as a popular communication medium. There is still a huge scope for the penetration as the estimated email users are only 1.4 billion people though the world population is estimated at 6.7 billion and with the internet devices becoming cheaper the email traffic is bound to grow bigger.
One of the main benefits of email usage is the huge savings of paper and the printing costs. Email is sure environmentally friendly and helps in eco balance.

I NEWS -INNOVATIVE NEWS CHANNEL IN TELUGU MAKING WAVES

INews-Telugu News Channel- Really different from the rest
Though the I News made its appearance a few months back as a Telugu news channel, it made its mark with the innovative and interesting content presentation. The Pin Counter episodes are a real treat for the viewers with the animated character asking boldest and frankest questions. The animated caricature was well conceived and attracts huge viewer ship. The leaders interviewed in the pin counter program often fumble to answer the sharp questions that an ordinary interviewer dare not ask. The coverage of elections or breaking of news also increased the viewer ship to this news channel.
With the advent of innovative channel I News, other news channels in telugu too have to change their style to keep themselves popular.
The live link to the I news channel is
http://www.livestream.com/inewslive

SWINE FLU REMEDIES AND TREATMENT

I found the following links useful in getting information on the remedies and treatment of swine flu
http://www.homeoguide.com/

LET US SELL GOLD

The question on the lips of everybody in India is whether to buy gold at these prices. It is time to think differently and decide. It is not the time to buy gold but yes sell gold.
India has an estimated 50000 tons of Gold in private holdings form. The Gold prices witnessed unprecedented rise due to global financial crises. However according to forecasts, like the oil price crash, gold price too is set to register a fall in the coming months. Gold price is expected to touch $700 per ounce in November 2009, which will be almost 30% off from the recent peak of $1000 per troy ounce.
The gold price already started retracting. It is on every body’s mind as to whether to buy gold or sell gold at this juncture. The high gold prices already made India the leading consumer of gold world wide into a net exporter. India is the major country that drives the demand for gold. With agencies like IMF getting ready to offload some of their gold reserves to en cash the booming gold prices, gold price is likely to fall by significant levels.
It will be prudent to sell the gold held in private hands and wait for the crash in gold prices before we buy gold. This time when you sell gold, keep it in the form of cash so that you can buy gold when the prices decline. An advice to those holding gold in the form of jewellery is that next time when you buy gold, you buy in the form of hall marked gold coins, so that they get a very good price when you chose to sell, unlike the jewellery items which are bought at discounted price.
So make good returns on your gold holdings instead of keeping them as illiquid assets

VIZAG'S FAMOUS JAIN TEMPLE

VIZAG’S JAIN TEMPLE
COURTESY YO VIZAG APRIL 09
Siva Prasad Dantu
The strongly knit Jain community is an
integral part of the rich cultural, social
and financial matrix of Vizag. And for the
around 1000 Jain families in the city,
there are two important Jain temples
providing a source of spiritual elevation
for scores of devotees, Jains and others
as well, in Vizag. Namely, the Jain temple
near the Old Alankar Theatre and the Jain
temple near the Collectorate. Both these
temples don a festive look for the Mahavir
Jayanthi Celebrations, which falls on April
7th this year.
Lord Mahavir born in 599 BC, acclaimed as the last in the
galaxy of 24 Teerthankaras (Jain Prophets) was among the
greatest apostles of peace and social reform. The essence of
Mahavir's teachings was simple and straightforward, and so
relevant in today's world of violence and hate. His doctrine:
"Do unto others as you would like to be done by. Injury or
violence done by you to any life in any form - animal or human,
is as harmful as it would be if caused to your own self."
Mahavir's tenets of Ahimsa, Asteya, Brahmacharya,
Aparigraha and Satya are strictly adhered to by the Jain
Monks, guiding them the path to eternity.
The Jain temple near Poorna Market area is built in the
traditional Jain temple style and replete with beautiful marble
carvings, is an architectural delight in Vizag. The temple was
inaugurated on 28/04/1993 with the 'pratishta' done by Sri
Marathwada Uddarak Parampujya Acharya Sri Varisen Suriji.
The Prayer Hall and Sri Siddha Chakra were added in 2004.
The 'Moolanayak' of the temple is Sri Sambvavnath, who is
the third Tirthankara. The Second idol in the temple is that of
Sri Vimalnathji, the 13th Tirthankara. The third idol is that of
Sri Vardhman Mahavirji who is the 24th and the last of the
Tirthankaras. In the second floor of the temple, there is the
idol of Sri Parsvnath Bhagawanji, the 23rd Tirthankara (this
idol is believed to be of ancient origin).
The temple is open from 6 am to 9 pm and on average daily more
than 200 devotees visits the temple and offer prayers. The
temple anniversary day, Mahvir Jayanthi and Samvasvari Divas
or Universal Forgiveness Day are celebrated with great fervour
and devotion. On these important occasions, poor feeding too
is conducted.
The important ritual timings are
6 am- 6.30 am : Bhaktambar Mahastrotra
6.30- 7.30 am : Abhisekham
10.00am : Aarati
6.30 -7.30 pm : Evening Aarati
8 types of offerings to the presiding deities are made by the
devotees. The devout can directly perform 'navang' puja here.
The temple committee has plans to construct a new Dharmasala
for the benefit of devotees. The temple matters are efficiently
managed by the committee with active participation of the
members led by Sri Sampath Kumar Jain.

VIZAG'S SUBMARINE MUSEUM ONE OF ITS KIND IN INDIA

Courtesy Yo-Vizag April 09
The Awesome Sub

Siva Prasad Dantu
The skyline at the Vizag shore is dominated by an awe inspiring
mammoth structure The Submarine Museum, 'Smritika'.
Located on the serene Rama Krishna Beach, this museum
started functioning in 2001 was converted from the mighty
1400 ton INS Kursura, a Russian built submarine. Only one
of these kinds in the Asian continent and the fourth such
museum in the entire world, this Submarine Museum standing
tall against the back drop of mighty waters of Bay of Bengal,
attracts many. As a museum, the beached Sub gives a rare
opportunity to visit, experience and learn about the forbidden
confines of a Naval Submarine, torpedo rooms, staff quarters,
the top secret sonar and radar installations and the submarine
control systems. It gives the visitor an understanding about
the trying and tough conditions under which the submariners
serve the nation.
INS Kursura had a glorious record of
serving the nation for 3 decades. It has
traversed 73500 nautical miles and clocked
over 3000 dived hours and participated
in all types of Naval Operations. It played
a vital role during the 1971 war and helped
the nation against the enemy attacks. The
Sub has a length of over 91 meters. Her
sheer size evokes awe and admiration.
Installing this decommissioned submarine on the RK Beach
itself was a daunting task and it took almost 18 months to
beach the submarine and convert it into a museum. The
Kursura Museum was thrown open to public on 24 Aug 2002.
The submarine displays its complete weapon package,
including the torpedoes. The VUDA entered into an
understanding with the Navy for maintenance of the museum
and it charges Rs. 25 per adult and Rs. 15 per child towards
entry fee. Till date, more than 15 Lakh people visited the
submarine museum since it was opened to the public in 2002.
More than 2 lakh visitors enter the submarine annually.
The Submarine Museum is open
from Tuesday to Saturdays from 2 Pm to 8.30 pm
Sundays: 10 am to 12.30 pm and 2pm to 8.30 pm
Monday is holiday for the museum.
Entry Ticket : Adults - Rs.25/- ; Children -Rs.15/-

NEED FOR BANNING POLITICAL PARTIES LIKE MDMK IN INDIA

BAN MDMK AND BAR MR. VAIKO.
Democracy requires responsible political parties. Those political parties whose hidden agenda is to promote the wrong causes need to be ousted from the political system without any mercy. Let us study the case of MDMK whose hidden agenda is to propagate not the Tamil cause in Srilanka but to promote the LTTE the militant outfit in Srilanka led by V. Prabhakaran. The LTTE has a wider goal of independent homeland for Tamils in Srilanka but the means of LTTE for attaining the goal are a blot on the civilized world. LTTE is responsible for the assassination and killings of scores of leaders and innocent people. The promising youth leader of India Rajiv Gandhi was brutally assassinated by the LTTE operatives in India under the direct command and control operations of LTTE led by Prabhakaran. Prabhakaran is on the wanted list for his role in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. Equating the cause of Tamils with LTTE and Prabhakaran is a grave error. Those who profess violence and terror can never represent the general population of a particular community like Tamils in Srilanka. Due to the charges against Prabhakaran in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, for sure Prabhakaran is a proclaimed offender under the Indian laws and for sure he is not among the list of Indian friends.
According to a newspaper report, MDMK Chief said “the unity of India cannot be guaranteed if the war in Srilanka is not stopped immediately” He also reportedly said “India also consists of seven crore Tamils. All Tamils support Prabhakaran. If anything happens to Prabhakaran, a river of blood will flow in Tamil Nadu. If you don’t stop the war, India won’t be one country”
It is clear that MDMK chief has made anti national statements by threatening the unity of the nation. He also threatened a river of blood in Tamil Nadu. Whose blood it is any way? If anything happens to Prabhakaran, the proclaimed offender in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, why rivers of blood should flow in Tamil Nadu? His statement that all the 7 crore Tamil people support Prabhakaran needs to be dismissed with contempt. The 7 Crore Tamils in Tamil Nadu along with a 100 Crore Indians for sure pray for the end of the sufferings of the Tamil Population in Srilanka. We all want an end to the decades long cross fire between the LTTE and the Srilankan army which led to the loss of tens of thousands of innocent lives. As a neighboring nation, India can always advocate dialogue and peaceful means for resolving the conflict between the dominant community and the Tamils in Srilanka. We can provide all the possible humanitarian assistance to the suffering Tamils in Srilanka. India can only advise the Srilankan Government to prefer peaceful means for resolving the ethnic conflict in Srilanka. It will be better if the LTTE cadres surrender to the UN or the Red Cross in Srilanka and await justice and help in ending the sufferings of Srilankans in general and Tamils living in Srilanka in particular. Such stand is in the interests of Tamils in Srilanka as well as in India’s national interest.
The statements of MDMK chief for sure are neither in the nation’s interest nor the interests of Tamil community in India as well as in Srilanka.
The Appropriate constitutional and statutory authorities must take immediate steps for banning the MDMK from carrying out any political activity in India including participating in elections and governance. Drastic steps are needed against the dangerous and divisive political parties setting aside political compulsions for giving space to such parties.

LET US DISCARD CASTE NAMES

Why Caste Names?
In democracy all are equal and got equal rights, equal opportunities and equal responsibilities. The Caste Factor still plays a dominant role in the electoral politics, social life as well as the selection of a candidate for a job. Those socially deprived castes including the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes as well as the backward classes constitute roughly 80% of the predominantly Hindu dominated nation. It is unfortunate that even today we are identified with the caste to which it belongs rather than the merit each of us has.
Study the following names
These examples are given for greater clarity only and not to say that they have used the ‘caste tag’ to their benefit.
1. Ravi Sastry : Ravi Sastry is a great cricketer the nation has produced. Every one of us know that he brought name and fame to the nation. So naturally Ravi Sastry is easily identified with Cricket game. The name reveals yet another fact. The tag ‘satry’ to his name indicates that he belongs to the ‘Brahmin Caste’
2. Devender Goud: He is a leading political leader in Andhra Pradesh. He was a minister in the Telugu Desam Government. His name has a caste tag “goud’ indicating that he belongs to a backward caste.
It is clear that we are not averse to attaching the ‘caste’ tag to the name of a person during the naming ceremony itself to give the child an identity with the caste grouping based on lineage.
Since we all want to give us this divisive caste factor in all fields of our lives, we can consider the example of Tamil Nadu where the Caste Name tags to the name of a person is prohibited. It is a good step in the right direction. There is no harm in recognizing Ravi as a famous Cricketer instead of Ravi Sastry. Similarly all of us whose names have caste tags can choose to remove those tags and take care that we are not identified by our caste but by our qualities and merit in the society.
Since the caste names have done much social damage, a new thinking on the removal of caste names is needed along with steps to help the socially and economically backward classes in India.

INDIANS HOLD $1.4 TRILLION IN SWISS BANKS

INDIA –TIME FOR RISING ABOVE DISHONESTY AND CORRUPTION.
By Sivaprasad Dantu
As Indians we believe that God is Omni present and Omni potent. We pretend to be averse to the materialistic way of life as we are believers in the theory of Karma which ordains that for the sins we commit in this world, we will have to take several births to atone and finally reach the feet of the lord for ever. The Vedas are clear, the Philosophy is clear. In fact, the Vedas instruct us not to borrow money but live with what ever means at our disposal. There is a stress on the righteous way of life based on the truth. The Vedas permitted a man to borrow under difficult financial conditions as an exception, but only to the extent that he has means to repay. At the time of death, one should not have any unpaid dues according to the Vedas. So even if one has to borrow, he needs to repay before death so that he can travel to nether worlds. Vedas further stipulated that those who die with unpaid dues to others can not be released from the bondage of earth, till his / her immediate successors pay off his/ her dues with interest. In the event the deceased has no direct successors, even then his distant successors need to repay the principal amount at least to whom the deceased owes dues in order to allow his spirit to travel away from the bondage of earth. If the Hindu religion is so stringent even with borrowings a person can make, imagine what fate awaits those who earn money through illegal means by indulging in corrupt practices. For sure, they receive a server punishment at the hands of the God.
Money of Indian origin to the tune of an astounding amount of $1.4 trillion according to reports is lying in the Swiss Bank where as India’s GDP in 2007 has been assessed at $1.2 trillion. This amply proves that the black money held by Indians in Swiss banks alone exceeds the GDP of the nation. According to some reports, black money constitutes 18-21% of the GDP and is in the range of around 200 billion dollars. It is a clear proof that many of us as Indians deviated from the path of religion and wisdom and are more materialistic than the die hard materialists else where.
The root cause of this situation is the exploitation of the resources of the country by business men, administrators and leaders due to the loopholes. It is the result of transparency and lack of integrity and honesty.
It is this untaxed money in dishonest hands in India that has blocked the improvement in the lives of millions of Indians. It is this money that has stood in the way of ensuring a decent life for the millions and millions in India. It is the main reason for failure to provide the basic amenities like reasonable shelter, potable drinking water and food for the majority of the people. This untaxed money is the biggest stumbling block for the emergence of the nation that has ensured decent standard of living to its citizens.
This black money has powered the political system that has interest in creating and retaining their grip over the divided sections of the community. This black money has been effectively used to build the empires for the politicians and business men and administrators based on the divisive politics.
Every body knows that in India, corruption is a well oiled parallel system that that feeds those greedy at the cost of citizens. It is for this reason that Rajiv Gandhi once lamented that out of every one rupee targeted for the development and welfare of rural areas, only 1/10 is reaching the end beneficiary. The rest of 90% is pocketed by the unscrupulous among the politicians, businessmen and administrators.
It is a common in India to expect that those who are performing their duties as political leaders holding the government power or the administrative machinery expects some private un accounted premium from the end users for the duties performed. This exploiting class has personal interest above the public service in their hearts. If a contractor wants a government contract, he needs to prepare himself to pay huge amounts to those involved in the process of granting him contract. If you need to register a house or plot of land, you need to be prepared to pay a certain percentage of money unofficially to those who matter, apart from the prescribed government fee. The businessmen too conceal most of their real income and show only that much for which they want to pay taxes. Where ever there is a loophole to evade tax or earn money through dishonest means, Indians are unfortunately at it. It is not to say that there are no honest people in the nation. But their dwindling numbers have led to alarming increase in dishonest ways to earn and accumulate the wealth.
India has only one enemy that needs to be fought with all might. India needs to wage a war to cleanse the system from the greed syndrome with toughest measures. One of the measures that act as disincentive for earning money through dishonest means is to take away the right of inheritance. At the time of death of a person, the property and all the assets must return to the state and there by people. The lure of passing on the ill gotten wealth to their children that needs to be curbed with an iron hand. Then only India can solve the problems faced by the people.
It is a thorough overhaul of the system to get rid of the greed from the corrupt minds that can create fair opportunities for every body based on merit. Till then, democracy means electing leaders who have ‘accumulation of wealth’ as the secret desire shadowing the stated ‘service to the people’ as their guiding philosophy.
India needs to rediscover its strength by imbibing qualities that discourage accumulation of wealth by dishonest means. Then only India can make a difference to the vast multitudes of its citizens.
India can create a society which is just, which gives opportunities to every one based on merits and emerge stronger on the global scene by fighting the twin devils of corruption and dishonesty.

GURU-SISHYA PARAMPARA IN HINDU WAY OF LIFE

The Hindu Society relies heavily on the perception that Guru is not only a teacher and guide but also the preceptor who facilitates a shift in consciousness. Hindu Philosophy gives great importance to the Guru or teacher. Children are taught to respect and obey the mother, father and Guru or teacher in that order. Mother is given the honor of being the first Guru to the child since the child learns from the mother even while in womb and there after. The supreme among the Guru’s are Lord Krishna, Shiva, and Sankaracharya who are treated as jagat guru’s or the guides and teachers to the entire universe. That is why we respectfully pay to Lord Krishna by saying ‘krishname vande jagat gurum’
Guru’s or the teachers are supposed to have highest level of knowledge and the quality to spread and share their knowledge without expecting anything in return. Guru is more than a teacher, more than a friend, more than a guide, more than a person who has superior knowledge-Guru has the ability to cause a shift in the consciousness that in turn leads man on the right path-right actions, right behavior, right conduct and finally free his followers from the path of life and death.
Guru in true sense has no attachment with the materialistic things in the world. He eats what others give –and pursues the path of knowledge and wisdom. He speaks truth. He knows the right path. He knows the way a man can endear himself to God. He knows how to avoid pitfalls. Guru is one who knows everything that you and me do not know. Even if you are a doctorate in a particular subject, yet your Guru is the one who knows more than you at any point of time.
In Hinduism it is only the Guru who is entitled to initiate us into the path of wisdom and knowledge. It is for this reason that the most purest of pure ‘mantras’ in Hinduism, the Gayatri Mantram can be for the first time taught and explained only by a Guru. This great mantra without ‘gurpodesam’ or without the involvement of the Guru in initiating the mantra fails to give the results, the mantra is supposed to bring to the reciter.
The relationship between the Guru and Sishya (the learner or the student) since ancient times was guided by the noble principles of the sishyas doing service to the Guru and in return attaining the knowledge and wisdom needed in this life. It is from the Gurukulam or the place where the Guru resides that the students apart from learning knowledge, learn the skills that are required to fight battles, fighting skills etc. This knowledge so obtained from the Guru used to guide the students in their lives.
The importance of Guru is always recognized and digested by the society. The Saibaba incarnation too tells his followers to choose a guru and follow his directions. Nothing else needed to be done by us other than what has been told by the Guru.
However the western civilization and western mode of education has demoted the Guru in India to that of a teacher like in the west. Of course in the west or other nations too, the teacher is respected, but the teacher has limitations. He has his own private life and teaching is a his career. But according to the Indian philosophy, the Guru remains the preceptor of knowledge, wisdom and consciousness guiding his followers (sishyas) , when ever such guidance is sought. The bond of Guru with his students under the Hindu philosophy does not break even with death.
The Hindu philosophy believes that Guru is the Brahma, Guru is the Vishnu and the Guru is the Maheswara. The Hinduism sees the Guru as the incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. He is nothing less than the God we worship.
How good it will be if we go back and live under ‘GURU SISHYA PARAMPARA’ which for sure offers all of us a life style that has less of materialistic elements and more of good conduct, good deeds and actions. If we know that we gain nothing by harming others, we will not harm but this deviation from the glorious guru shishya parampara has led us to lead a life style where living for our happiness and our pleasure takes precedence over living for a better life for others and waiting for freedom from the birth and death cycle.
The present day schooling for children has much to do with our ability to spend huge amounts on education but less in making their lives truly elevated.

USEFUL GUIDE

SIVAPRASAD DANTU's Source Page - Associated Content

http://www.associatedcontent.comuser/469693/sivaprasad_dantu.html

YO VIZAG ARTICLE ON VENKATESWARA TEMPLE IN SECTOR 6 MVP

VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE IN MVP SECTOR 6 VIZAG

Irrespective of modern technology and all its conveniences, seeking
divine intervention to deal with the daily tensions, problems and
challenges is something nearly everybody indulges in. In this regard,
many Vizagites put their faith in the Lord of seven Hills, Sri Venkateswara
Swamy. The strong belief that he blesses his devotees with happiness
that eludes them despite materialistic comforts and fulfills their desires
is unwavering. This belief stems from the conviction that that Lord
Venkateswara Swamy an incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu in Kaliyuga
blesses the devotees by destroying their sins or 'papam'.
In Vizag, there are a few temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and His
incarnations, and a popular one amongst them is the Sri Venkateswara
Swamy Temple in Sector 6, MVP, a temple where commercialism is
absent. Constructed on a sprawling 2000 sq. yard site the temple is
affiliated to Sri Madhbhaya Vedantacharya Peetham under the spiritual
guidance of H.H. Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamy
varu, the ex officio President.
Within this complex, the Sri Prasannanjaneya Temple was the first to
come up during May 1983. Many ardent devotees of Lord Hanuman
regularly visit the temple and testify to the many miracles they claim
to have witnessed in their lives. The Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple
was added on 10th Feb 1999. H.H. Sri Sri Sri Tridandi China
Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeyer had performed the Kalasabiseskham
and other important rituals and inaugurated the temple. The faith that
devotees persevere in Lord Balaji that He will fulfill all that they desire,
is supreme. The Sri Subrahmanyeswara Swamy temple and the
Ramlingeswara Temple were later added in the premises.
Hanumath Jayanthi, Sri Rama Navami, Kalyanostvam on Sravana
Nakshatram for Venkateswara Swamy Varu, are the major occasions
that draw huge number of devotees to the temple. Many visit Sri
Prasannanjaneya Swamy temple on Tuesdays and offer special prayers.
Saturdays and weekends, Lord Venkateswara Temple devotees throng
the temple. On Tuesdays, it is the Sri Subrahmanyeswara Swamy temple
that attracts lots of devotees who believe that prayers at this temple
ease 'Kuijagraha Dosham' and eliminate any obstacles towards a happy
early marriage. Abhisekham to Lord Ramalingeswara is popular with
the devotees who believe that Lord Siva grants them their wishes.
The temple has no entrance fee and everyday Prasadam is distributed
to the devotees free of cost.
Important Timings
6.00 Suprabhata Seva
6.15 Tiruvaradhana, Mangala Sasanam
8.30 Astotharam
10.30 Sahasra Namarchana
18.00 Astottaram
19.45 Mangala Sasanam
Tomala Seva except on Saturdays and Sundays 6.30 AM
The temple is visited annually by around 2 lakh devotees.
For any further information you can contact the Temple Secretary
Sri K.V. Prasada Rao on his mobile 9441465491. The temple
priests here are helpful and conduct the rituals with devotion
and sincerity.

yo vizag article MARCH 09 ENCHANTING BOAT RIDE IN VIZAG

From Yo Vizag March 09 Issue
Visakha Boat Ride
Fishing Harbour
Cruising the waters since 2005, 'VISAKHA BOAT' a 45
seater FRP boat is immensely popular with the locals as
well as tourists. On monthly average between 3000-6000
patrons, subject to the ongoing season go for a joy ride.
The sea cruise lasts for about 30 minutes, covering a
view of the coastline and the city from the sea. The
tickets, at an affordable Rs 50/- per adult and Rs 40/-
for child include a pickup and drop-off at the RK BEACH
junction in an APTDC Bus. The boat rides are conducted
from 9 AM to 5 PM. Catch the next bus at RK Beach and
experience the fascinating thrills of slicing through the
mighty ocean waters of Bay of Bengal.
Feeling the spray of the sea as the boat splices
through the azure blue waters of mighty Bay of
Bengal just adds to the many enticements Vizag
has to offer. The mystic thrills of Vizag's beautiful
green capped mountains merging seamlessly into
the mighty ocean and the sun kissed golden
beaches that bewitch the tourists and citizens alike
are nature's gift to Vizagites. And thanks to the
boat rides from APTDC, one can enjoy these
panoramic views from the seas as well. These fast
boats allow one to experience firsthand the thrill
and excitement of zipping across the waters. The
boat rides are conducted by APTDC from 2
locations. Boat rides by Visakha Boat from the
Fishing Harbour and the thrilling Speed Boat ride
from the Rishikonda Beach.
Speed Boat
Rishikonda Beach (Haritha Resorts)
For speed aficionados, APTDC's newly acquired Speed Boat ride is
the answer - though the whole ride is only 5-10 minutes! The 40 Hp
OBM FRP Speed boat can reach speeds up to 20 knots, and it sets
the adrenaline pumping! APTDC offers this speed boat ride with full
safety measures. The boat ride for 3 costs Rs 150/-. The speed boat
ride is a big hit with the youth and children. On average about 2000-
4000 enthusiasts freak out on this boat every month.
In both cases, the boat rides are cancelled in adverse sea conditions
or extremely bad weather. Mr Basant or the APTDC staff on mobile
numbers 9948042781 or 9948392978 is available for further details
and information.
Though these rides are cool and fun, the lack of knowledge regarding
them denies many from indulging in these rides. In this regard, an
information kiosk near the RK BEACH junction would be of real helpful
and instructive.
- Siva Prasad Dantu

YO VIZAG MARCH 09 COVER PAGE

This popular magazine from Vizag is catching up the imagination of one and all and became very popular within a short time

USEFUL GUIDE

How to Use Tea Tree Oil as Insect Repellent
Tired of spraying so many chemicals to get rid of pests? Need something a little less intoxicating to you, your kids, your plants, and your pets? Tea tree oil is a great natural insect repellent. Best of all, it works on plants, pets, and people.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1528475/how_to_use_tea_tree_oil_as_insect_repellent.html

USEFUL GUIDE

How to Say No Politely
Here are three times you should never say "oh that's okay".
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/370312/how_to_say_no_politely.html

Most USEFUL COMMON WEB SITES IN ANDHRA PRADESH

Most Useful Websites
We in Andhra Pradesh need online info on Railway Reservations, Tirumala Tirupathi visit, Passport status inquiry or the High Court case status. The following links help you in getting the info you need.

T T D Seva http://www.ttdsevaonline.com

High Court (Case Status)


http://hc.ap.nic.in/apcnic

Pass Port Status


http://passport.nic.in/status.htm

Railway Enquiry


http://www.indianrail.gov.in

Telephone Enquiry


http://www.ap.bsnl.co.in/enquiry/enquiryhome.htm

TTS Visa


http://www.ttsvisas.com

INFO ON RAILWAY SERVICES-EXCELLENT WEBSITE

http://indiarailinfo.com/ is an excellent website that offers faster access to the status of trains at railway stations. I recommend the site for everyone who wants to know the railway timings, online status of the trains.