INDIAN MOVIE SCENARIO

It’s time to shatter the myth that present age movie-makers are providing new heights to Indian cinema. The harsh truth is that it has been catering to elitist section of the society , who constitute very small portion of the Indian society. It’s amazing that our movie-makers are hell –bent on imposing taste and aspirations of this class on masses guided by altogether different set of perceptions. Precisely, this is the reason why creations of hi-tech directors fail to strike chord with commoners. Although our industry boasts of churning out maximum movies in a year, there is nothing for the conscious viewers to identify himself with, being devoid of both substance and elegance. Unless the directors stop taking into consideration global market as the supreme guiding element, the situation won’t improve. Yesteryear saw plethora of directors like Guru Dutt,Raj Kapoor,Bimal roy,Subodh Mukherji and etc. who were in sync with psyche of Indian people.They reflected the minds and hearts of 'aam aadmi'(common people) across the silver screen with rare sensitivity.Today they are bogged down by 'star appeal' weaving trash one after another with Shahrukh or Aishwarya instead of coming out with quality production with Tabu or Naseeruddin Shah.True, it's market which is determining the process of movie making instead of issues hovering the mass. Interestingly, regional movie-makers are still down –to-earth when it comes to selection of themes although they lack better equipments. In nutshell, for actual transformation of Indian cinema we need more people like Mani Ratnam or else the so-called Bollywood take-offs would keep on weaving illusions in the name of exploring reality.

REDEFINING TENETS OF ISLAM
ARVIND K PANDEY
Published in :Business And Economy
(Nov 18-Dec.1,05)

It's high time Muslim bodies redefine as well as reshape their priorities .In the wake of changes in the modern world , it has now become imperative for them to do so.As a result of toeing the diktats of orthodox factions , a vast section of Muslims has become victim of whimsical pursuits of the fundamentalist forces .In order to prevent these prejuidiced minds from speaking up on the behalf of innocent souls , its better they re-explore the source of it's perceptions .Let the new generation of Muslims come into their own being in tune with contents of the realistic world with hearts soaked in liberal ideas.Much better result can be achieved if conscious citizens come forward to eliminate the elements eating away the innards of democracy.This would also lead them towards an atmosphere devoid of narrow minded xenophobia.Surely , old order must give way to one loaded with life -giving ideas.

NOT KEEPING EYES WIDE SHUT
ARVIND K PANDEY
(HARD NEWS -June ,05)

Let’s be honest in anticipating needs of the time with realization that ‘eyes wide shut’ are only going to sabotage our interests in the global race. The absurd and hypocritical gestures have been the prime cause behind our so many failures in the past. Mindless US bashing, a favourite pastime of the leftists, is going to put us on the road to nowhere. Which is why Manmohan Singh sounds so true when he articulates that role of US is imperative for India’s growth .Even our arch-rival China despite its so many differences with US keeps on reinventing new ways and means to concretize its bonds with it. However , having said that , policymakers needn’t drug their senses while preparing blueprint for the future with US on the negotiation table.Getting above the bizarre contradictions that surrounds us it’s time to set the priorities in the crucible of understanding. After all, locking horns with US on AIDS donation has only worsened India’s situation with figures of HIV infected patients increasing with each passing day.

REMIX VIDEOS
ARVIND K PANDEY

Remix videos remind us of the fact that real creativity has been replaced by the gimmicks catering to cheap titilation of the senses.The lovers of original songs may not be too happy over its new incarnation but they are left with no other alternative except to carve a place for them in their lives.Well, nudity can't be passed of as 'visual manifestation' of these songs, considering that these can be cocieved in a better artistic sense.The song of bygone era are going to retain their lustre and emotional appeal since they have come out from heart of real masters.Contrasting their taste with present remix gurus holds no meaning, who are guided by commercial interests.Touching this issue from another angle, let me state that the songs which have been chosen for remix videos do not belong to 'finest category' of songs.In other words, the composition of Madan Mohan,Roshan and others of their stature fits well in their original framework alone.For instance Cham -cham baaje re payaliya(Jaane Anjaane), Kaun Aaya Mere Man Ke Dwaarein(Dekh Kabeera Roya), Mohein Bhool Gaye Saanwariya(Baiju Bawara)and etc. can never retain their appeal once these become part of distorted background!Being devoid of emotional content these remix videos can never wipe out the existence of original ones.

WANING HUMAN BONDS

ARVIND K PANDEY

Ironically, as the West comes to find meaning in social relationships , the Indians on the other hand are giving way to individualistic traits.A theme which has been beautifully treated in blockbuster "Bagbaan" in which the Protagonist is left in the corridor of uncertainity at the mercy of fate.Well there can be many ways to look at the issue apart from entering into regular West bashing-one of the best means to avoid interaction with our faults ! Let's not forget that parents, who are the child's real guiding star , encourage their sons/daughters to pursue a faulty line of action and later repent when their wards being governed by materialistic aims drop them for extension of their petty dreams.The Hindu religion which believes in the expansion of one's consciousnes via total identification with the "Great Self" talks not only about quality relationship with the human beings but also with insentinent things.Sadly, the political parties lack both courage and will to talk of Hindu perceptions ,providing dubious theories to gain ground.As a result of this skeptical attitude right from environment to human relationship everything is on the brink of total collapse, being polluted beyond repair.Worse , we are happy to discuss the anatomy of sexual relsationship at the cost of values which strengthen our bonds with people falling beyond our self-enclosed world.In media there is great rush to project surveys reflecting our sexual preferences or, for that matter, to project surveys dealing with wealth power as if all other aspects/concerns are meaningless.So long we we don't come to uphold real achievers and embrace values aimed at a simple life in league with higher percepts , there is little hope of returning back to better days.

FROM TEENAGE WORLD
ARVIND K PANDEY
THE WEEK-27 NOVEMBER ,05
During this phase of their life they are mired in myths instead of being in league with harsh realities of the life.Having said that , I must admit confrontations with them which strips of all their dignity must be avoided.Let's not subject their 'rosy dreams' to scepticism born out of dull brains of the elders.As per our President's vision , the parents should play the role of facilitators, enabling them to channelize their potential in an intelligent fashion.It's a dangerous thing to rubbish their 'choices' as it more often than not turns them into rebelious creatures.Let's not turn them into beings in league with distorted behaviourial patterns but a beacon of hope for the society.

HISTORY BASED PROGRAMMES ON TELEVISION
ARVIND K PANDEY
THE TELEGRAPH
The Indian mindset is crucible of contradictions.It is more comfortable to remain on the fringes of of brutal lies and distortions than associate itself with waves of well-carved manifestations of creative instincts.Before intercepting the future of tele-history in India, it would not be out of place if I first bring into light the dubious charecteristics exhibited by the academecians of this part of the globe,especially the historians.So much so that Romila Thapar was compelled to make an appeal on behalf of the historians"to adopt transperent means for progressive schooling" and take measures to stop propaganda based curriculum.No need to mention about the frequent verbal assault ,which takes place between Left wing and Right wing historians in an attept to provide legitimacy to their version.Tackling this issue from a diferent angle, the producers lack the courage to probe deeper issues, being devoid of of proper bent of mind.Worse , their attempts get sabotaged by technical drawbacks after overcoming prejudices in this regard.Let me make a candid confession that spirit which embraces qualitative research work ,so required to conceive a breath-taking and engrossing historical programmes, has never been the forte of neither those who get involved in such products nor those who come to invoke fleeting fascination for these matters merely to make'extra few bucks'.To think that they will provide us few moments of worthwhlile viewing is surely nothing short of building castle in the air.Sadlly, all what our so-called crusaders are aiming at is commodification of serious issues.Not long ago it was Bhagat Singh who turned out to be goldmine for the producers and for viewers another interaction wth caricatured version then had been an unavoidable reality!They stuff it with everything except facts that really matter.'Bharat Ek Khoj' and 'Tamas' were exceptions but even then they failed to create a visual impact owing to familiarity with outdated instruments.On the other hand,Richard Attenborough provided iconic status to stature of Gandhi with sensitive and perfect presntation of his life, a bang in the face of all those who boast of the achievements of yesteryears leaders but in reality are slaves of petty desires and, thus, are nowhere near their perceptions.In nutshell, it would take another few years to prepare ground for programmes using history as its building block in a real way.

HONOURING WOMEN
ARVIND K PANDEY

Published in MIRROR TODAY'S
November Issue(05)

New legislations made by the Indian government would cetrtainly enable them to fight for their rights in vigorous manneer.Though some of the women are living starry lives, a large section of them are still trapped in institutions reminding of medival mindset.A bold women is still a rare sight.Hopefully , the new age men are willing to set new standards .One hopes that this is going to make the women's attempts to rise above vulnerabilities of modern times a bit easier.

The Political stalwarts must not dare to ignore the rise of their women, making all the artrangements to channel their "collective power" to change the destiny of nation.However , having said that , the women need not to confuse 'freedom' with vulgar display of cynical mindset that believes in sabotaging ancient traditions.

They should not forget that consumerist society is governed by the principles , which defy the laws of nature.Perhaps, without this realization that roots of the modernity emerge from mirages , the battle against its demons can never be won.Let them travel on the road to success in total harmony than with fragmented hearts and minds.

JINNAH:A FLAWED VISIONARY
ARVIND K PANDEY
( THE TELEGRAPH)
Jinnah was a flawed visionary.He failed to vibe with the inherent tendencies of the Indian land.How come that the Muslims and Hindus who had lived together for more than six centuries were going to lose bonhomie in the free India?True, that his western upbringing broadened his approach but in the end he succumbed to the vested interests,failing to realize that Indian soil corresponds with the much greater loftiness.Had it not been so he would have shared platform with Gandhi who believed in the Hindu-Muslim ability to sail together.

SPEED DATING
ARVIND K PANDEY

The changing patterns of dating prove that love has now become a mechanical and cosmetic affair.Gone are the days when soulful sentiments were exchanged in an atmosphere that radiated an aura of trust .Today it seems that chemistry of love has got confined to domain of technological incarnations.No wonder why dating couples find each other boring and dull after some time just the way they feel for their gadgets, being governed by 'use and throw' syndrome.Surely, speed-dating has no value in absence of healthy speed-brakers.

SAVING BIG CATS

( 17 NOV-2005-THE TELEGRAPH)

Being in sync with pious intentions that aim at preserving this precious member of the wildlife I wish to state that this might be asking for moon in absence of strategy to check the population growth. This has invariably led to reckless felling of trees and, in process, reduced the free space for tigers. A ‘mixed landscape’ as suggested by the conservationists would in my view would be of little use without forest management. The modern man would have to honour the dividing line that separate their worlds. Any encroachment, which sadly has become the order of the day, would only going to speed up their extinction. Mind you the rapid industrialization has not only caused the depletion of Ozone layer but also poisoned the environment. Which is why big cats have become prone to so called ‘mysterious diseases’ which are in reality by product of shattered ecological balance. Let’s accept this fact very well that illegitimate use of natural resources and project aimed at creating new zones for the tigers cannot run together. Or, for that matter, mere rhetoric at Earth summits is not going to improve their situation either. The developed countries have to become truly committed to save the environment. In order to achieve concrete results it has become imperative for the developed nations to take steps to stabilize the quantity of green-house gases in the atmosphere besides funding initiatives like project tiger and similar other projects in Africa and other regions. Remember survival of tigers depend upon the survival of forest.

DEATH OF BEN KIGLEY

ARVIND K PANDEY

The death of Kin Bigley raises several important questions. Although we are free to ponder over the ethical implications of this war on terror, one, however, could not deny the fact that world has virtually become the playhouse of the operatives. What has turned out to be a major lifeline has been the indifference of bigger nations towards their total elimination. To begin with, the Beslan tragedy failed to stir the conscience of Putin;on the contrary, he just managed to tacitly disallow the external intervention. Maoists atrocities have made the lives of the Nepalese people hellish but all what China and India have done is to remain mute spectator of agony and frustration of the innocent people. Before questioning the honesty of American moves shouldn’t so-called ‘conscious forces’ re-explore the source of their cowardness? Let me confess that I am not an American supporter but I would not understate the importance of the fact that like others it did not choose to turn blind eye to dangerous developments. It’s another thing that this holistic responsibility dosen’t go well with it’s hidden deigns.

SOMETHING ON US BLUNDERS IN IRAQ

ARVIND K PANDEY

The humiliation and torture of Iraqi prisoners of war at the hands of US forces is going to form one of the most maligned chapters of world history. There is no reason why the brutal acts of the Americans be not condemned in most strong words. The atrocities of US soldiers have brought to dust their claim of being resident of civilized country. The mistreatment of POWs is clear violation of Article 13 of Geneva conventions (iii) which states that the "prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated. Likewise, prisoners of war must at all times be protected, particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public curiosity". The Red Cross Society has also called it a "serious violation of International humanitarian law". To me this indicates at the political and moral failure of the American troops. It should now immediately leave Iraq so that the people of this land are able to work for restoration of peace and dignity in free manner. And yes US should now stop hailing itself to be the watchdog of the world.

PRAISING INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCES
ARVIND K PANDEY
Published In "BUSINESS WORLD"

The commendable work done by scientists at Indian Institute Of Sciences in Bangalore needs to be viewed in a wider perspective. Not only it's going to uplift young minds to become conscious of common man's needs but also going to increase the penetrating power of scientific spirit. It’s radius shall now get extended to secluded corner of humanity, allowing people to cash-in -on scientific discoveries for attaining newer heights in their lives. Above all, it will motivate the younger lot to devote more time to research work not in some foreign lab but institute in Indian landscape. Sadly, these have today become hunting ground of second -rated scientists, being affected by 'brain -drain'.

HIROSHIMA:THE EFFECT OF PRESS CENSHOSHIP

ARVIND K PANDEY

Published In Critique's October Issue,05

According to Ram Nath Goenka 'Truth,knowledge, impartial and accurate information', the pillars of journalism, are the instruments which which really empower people.However,the battle for dominance in the Ad-race has misplaced the pririorities of the newspapers.The concerns of the "aam aadmi" have been replaced by those addressing high and the mighty.It's rare to find editor like CR Irani who never compromised with vaues merely to save the Statesman from turning into vheicle of fetish market-oriented world.Let's not be too enhusiastic about media boom.After all, DNAs and other cater to the plastic world's maddening lives , a section which fails to recognize that there can be a different world beyond their limited ones.India's vast majority, reeling under hardships of life , for them seem to have become non-existent.If that's not the case how come the sadistic pursuits of urban women come to find place on the covers of India Today and Outlook? The present age relling under cheap gimmicks has marginalised things promoting serious stuff.But that dosen't mean end of the road for gems like Statesman,Jansatta,Telegraph and etc.,which would always be ingrained in the psyche of discerning readers.They would always remain guiding stars for readers interested in getting at core of the issue,loving substance over style.So it's not the question of comback since there are always takers of value-oriented publications.Putting the issue straight,the thing that really matters whether they will abe able to move ahead withe their ideological interests without losing relevance.In a scenario when people unequivocally reject ,which appear taxing for their grey cells, being dsominated by 'tension nahi maangta 'syndrome.Hopefully, a land like ours will never be totally devoid of readers having 'a beautiful mind'.So there is always going to be space for serious newspapers even as the space for them is shrinking with each passing day. However , it appears that we are not in a mood to learn lessons, which history throws up from time to time.Had US allowed the world media to have authentic view, instead of the doctored images, of its Iraq mission the situation in Iraq would have been much better.The legacy of Hiroshima should not be white washed by the currents of time.Unfortunately, big nations have made it a habit to ignore the lessons, which history come to teach us.Today almost entire humanity seems to be living on edge.There is urgent need to set the equations right in this regard.This can never be a reality unless the superpowers come to shed their hidden desire to dominate the globe.It's their sadistic one-upmanship ,which has brought the world on verge of total exitnction.Worse, dangerous organisations like Al-qaeda have increased the probability of nukes being misused. Against this backdrop major nations cannot afford to be complascent while dealing with threats emanating from the possession of such weapons.Why can't these nations grasp this simple fact that an urge to create space for healthy growth of human beings is a much better task than to cocieve plans , which set in motion a deadly agenda for future.

ON A SAFER ROAD

ARVIND K PANDEY

( Published In TIME,SEPTEMBER 06,2004 )

Against a background of frequently occurring road deaths a brutal introspection has now become imperative if we are really interested in saving precious lives. According to a report released by the WHO in this regard it’s beyond doubt that bad road design and imperfect vehicle design are the main culprits responsible for road crashes. The Asian countries are more vulnerable to road related mishaps because with increase in number of the vehicles the road safety measures have been put on the back-burner. The report cards of the Asian governments including India establish the fact that safer traffic system has never been high on their priority list. If that’s not enough the red tape has further slowed down the progress rate. The well-designed roads, development of better post-crash methods, establishment of well equipped bodies to create awareness among the drivers and stringent measures to prevent the violation of the safety rules are some of the steps which should become sine qua non of the strategies adopted to create safe environment for the road users. Let the policy makers realize that a relaxed road user produces a more soothing sight than a road user lying in a pool of blood. Let the road lead its users to their destination rather than drooping them at the gates of heaven!

WATER PRESERVATION

ARVIND K PANDEY

(Published in"ASIA PACIFIC PERSPECTIVE:JAPAN+",SEPTEMBER 2005)

It's high time that we become conscious of ways and means to prevent wastage of water.The pious intentions aimed at water preservation must be translated into reality.However, having said that, let me state that without curbing growth of population such attempts would not yield desire results.It's very clear that in coming days water could be the bone of contention between developing and developed nations .In the same breath, it can be stated that ill-effects of industrialization need to be reduced to minimum to prevent water from further contamination.

ARE WE REALLY EVOLVING ?

ARVIND K PANDEY

Darwin might have predicted evolution in terms of various complex biological phenomenons.However, the so-called pragmatic sense adopted by the humans indicate at the fact that world is witnessing survival of the crooked , corrupt and idiots over the "survival of the fittest". No doubt it still holds relevance because it sheds light on our growth story in an intellegent way.Missing links can't be the execuse to raise doubt over it's validity but they can prove advantageous in revelations of higher order.Remember,Darwin lived in age when technology was still in its nascent stage.So missing links were bound to emanate.It's time to intercept his theories in light of new facts.What's the point in generating so much fuss when refinement of scientific facts is a natural exercise in the scientific community? Looking at it from a new prespective, let me state that a casual obsevation of the rhythm of the external happenings prove beyond doubt that they are aimed at our evolution.After all, the aim of mankind is to mould itself in the image of God.Echoing the sentiments of Shaw ,the restless within us cannot end until man turns into superman !

FALSE CHARGES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

ARVIND K PANDEY

(Published In THE STATESMAN)

Given the narrow-minded mindset of the Indian people false charges of sexual harassment becomes life-long stigma. Of late, it has become too common to rope in these heinous charges to settle political scores with the rivals. Or a mean employed by the female employee to teach a lesson to her boss who didn’t pay heed to her unwanted demands. Again in the cases where the girl elopes with her lover and returns back the girl’s family level this charge to seek revenge. Section 211 which deal with the ‘false charge of offence made with intent to injure’ punishes the offender implicated under this section with imprisonment extending up to seven years. However, cases involving false charges show no sign of abating so much so that Delhi High Court had to remark that dowry related provisions are one of the most misused provisions. These seem to unleash unending tale of sorrow for the groom’s family. In the same class lies the SC/ST Act which has been brutally used by the rested interests to strike terror among the rivals. In the West the speedy justice comes to the rescue of the victim besides mature response of those around him. In India the legal system functioning at snail’s pace reduces the victim to a state of caricature. Even after being proved innocent our so-called custodians of the society make the life hellish for him. Therefore, I agree with the obsevation that those who level false accusations of sexual harassment must be severely punished

REMOVING SAVARKAR' PLAQUES FROM ANDAMAN'S PRISON

ARVIND K PANDEY

Humiliating national heroes has become favorite pastime of politicians of our times. What else could be expected from them who are devoid of gentlemanly generosity which in the politics of blackmail has become a passé. What did the congress achieve by the removal of the plaques? What national cause did this move fulfill? Certainly nothing, except providing space for animosity and political vendetta. These well-wishers of nation who come to have tryst with power after luring the masses with promise of better governance find it more rewarding to venture into dubious territories. Thus, the tall claim of providing better governance remains a distant dream as venting its spleen against political opponents gets an edge over it in the priority list of the ruling class. Communists are perpetual spoilsports whether they are in power or not. These so-called messiahs of downtrodden raise a shrill campaign against their political rivals for perpetrating anti-people policies but themselves come to pursue these very policies, albeit in a different name, whenever chance allows them to be at helm of affairs. Not only they display the same vulgar tendencies of their predecessors but also tragically provide a sort of legitimacy to dirty politics with their verbosity. To be fair this is the reason why people at large or, more precisely, rational souls are always too eager to keep them at bay. Perhaps governments like to divert attention of citizens from real issues tormenting their lives and nation; and yes, above all, from repeated blunders. And that makes it imperative for them to create controversies at regular intervals. No matter if to make it happen they have to reduce our history to ashes, even disfigure images of men of honour, to say the least.

CREATING A TERRORISM FREE WORLD

ARVIND K PANDEY

Bush has done a commendable job in curbing the menace of terrorism. But the most difficult task is to prevent this battle from becoming a mean to flaunt its imperialistic designs. He needs to be more honest in his approaches. This distinction has to be maintained at all costs if he wants the world and his people too, to believe in his words. The terrorist attack on Beslan proves that in post - 9/11 world terrorist have become bolder in their attempts. It’s true that attack on Iraq has allowed the Muslim to train their guns toward America, thus making it more vulnerable to attacks of greater intensity. But mind you, it at the same time has also made us aware of the minds of Jihadis. The critics of Bush I think have no moral ground to oppose him. What were they doing when fundamentalist were butchering men and women in different part of the world? Simply nothing except be mute spectator of it. Now when Bush has waged a war against them suddenly all of a sudden ‘sleeping giants’ became avowed disciples of human rights! His critics are floating in river of contradictions. Mr. Bush should ignore them and get ahead with its plans. But let him make it sure that it doesn’t get tainted by imperialist dreams

ABOUT PSUEDO INTELLECTUALS

ARVIND K PANDEY

( Published In THE TELERGRAPH )

For some critics the only task left is to train guns at Hindu organisations,even at cost of their sense and sensibilities.Why do we remain mum over incidents in which Hindu Gods and Goddess are shown in grotesque manner? Why does one ignore the wrongful acts of extrermists leaders belonging to other sects,openly advocating separatism? What really hurts is that well-intentioned plans of intellectuals who always ignore the other side of the coin. Is the enthusiasm to put the nation on the road to success with its ancient ideals something absurd?.Surely, this is much better than psuedo-concerns of present age intellectuals,especially the so-called prgressive Leftist brigade -people who are more comfortable in playing the part of frogs in the well?

BRITISHERS TRYST WITH TRAGEDY

ARVIND K PANDEY

The Islamic radicals have once again been successful in projecting their deadly agenda.In one of the most stunning contrasts the death came to chase the euphoria.London wrapped in joy turnred into theatre of doom and sorrow after the four bomb blasts.The implications of bomb ouitrage is clear: to demoralize those involved in war on terror.In other words, a vast section of Muslim brethren perceives efforts of Bush and company at one aimed at elimination of the Muslim community.These false impressions gained strength after US inability to justify its stand on Iraq. Now it's time for Bush and his tribe to anticipate the new develpoments in their true colour.First step in this direction could be the introduction of measures ,which convince the people at large about the logic of war on terror.Finally, the bomb explosion are indicative of lapse in judgement regarding the growth of Islamic radicals.Therefore, let's remove the loopholes that allow the terrorists to gain an upper hand.

MS SUBBULAKSHMI :THE DIVINE SINGER

ARVIND K PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN THE WEEK)

Creativity transcends all earthly limitations.So do
those who come to develop intense passion for it.The life of M.S
Subbulakshmi echoes deep devotion and sincerity, the intrinsic attributes of
people who touch pinnacle in their field.A lack of command over accent of
Hindi often pushes the artists hailing from southern states to state of
oblivion but she easily shattered even this barrier acting as an
obstacle in attainment of iconic status.The tremendous emotional intensity
present in her voice allowed her to carve an emotional appeal.Krishna's
devotees are immediately lifted to the higher realm of cosciousness when
she sings "He Govind He Gopal"(Surdas) or "Pyare Darshan
Dijo"(Meerabai).Her stage has been set in the other world but that is not going to
lessen our love for him.

ABOUT VITAMIN "M"

ARVIND K PANDEY

( PUBLISHED IN THE WEEK)

Mahatma Gandhi once stated that it's indeed impossible to think about accumulation of huge money without thinking of wrong means!It' really disheartening that instead of focussing on knowledge-oriented peceptions we are more bothered about finding new ways and means of making money.This has not only made us greedy but also turned us into machines incapable of perceiving deeper perceptions with pefect bent of mind.The commodification of human emotions has reduced the relevance of human beings associated with the gross realities of life.I am not trying to say that money-making idea is some sort of sinful notion but my contention is that in a society like ours known for its spiritual pursuits money should never dominate over higher cncerns or, in other words,ever come to precede life seeking inner perfection.Sadly,all what we come to perceive today is vulgar display of wealth.Isn't our aims now misdirected?Let's shatter the hype associated with growth phobia, measured in economic terms, by pondering over that ' no one asks whether growth,if achieved, would better the human lot'.Precisely ,this is why Indian thinkers preferred life resting on values over life governed by materialism.Unfortunately, today in absence of collective efffort to restore the Indian culture, the nebulous idea that money quotient is sina quo non to lead a happy life.Worse, winds of change have drenched the minds of younger generation in negative perceptions.Perhaps, it's time to the steps that reverse the change ushered in by the globalization and thus broaden cultural dynamics of society, leading to a stable and happy co-existence

ALL IN THE NAME OF LOVE

ARVIND K