INGLORIOUS DEFEAT

ARVIND K PANDEY

The inglorious defeat of the Indians in the third test match at hands of England in Mumbai has provided them the opportunity to take a note of their drawbacks in a serious way . Though the debacle is by-product of erroneous decisionof Dravid to field first ,let's not overlook the fact that middle -order batsmen have the tendency to collapse like a muddy wall in rainy days. What's surprising that Indians who are known for tackling spin bowlers with ease succumbed to mediocre spin bowling of Brits with no trace of fighting spirit . Anyway , the test series will be remembered for Kumble's heroic feat and pace bowlers excellent bowling from both the sides . One needs to appreciate part time captain Andrew Flintoff for engineering superb gameplans ,which has desettled Indians for the time being .

INDO-US:STRENGHTHENING BONDS

India has slowly and steadily left an indelible impression on the world's map . In sum , it has gained enough stature to kowtow US on critical issues like seperation of civil and military programmes. But India should not get complascent over its achievement in various sectors as a vast chunk of populace is yet to harvest benefits of financial gains . Needles to say , a better Indo-US relationship , hinging on transparent deals , would act as a turning point to both the nations. Interestingly , India's desperatrion to carve a favourable nuclear and economic ties seem to have put terrorism issue on the backburner .In my eyes, India should not miss this golden opportunity to draw Bushs attention towards terrorrists centres operating in Pakistan . It's time to remind him that ' war on terror' cannot attain it zenith unless such centres are brought to dust .

SACRIFICE :A CHAKAAS TRUMP CARD

ARVIND K PANDEY

The strategic blunder of Congress has scripted a doomed fate for Sonia Gandhi .Not many are going to buy the rheotric of Congress's sycophants that her move is a ' great sacrifice ' on her part .One would like to know from Sonia that why did she take so long to realize that she was holding holding office of profit . In fact ,Congress has once again displayed that it has scant respect for Constuitional bodies and it can go to any extent to serve its ' special interests '. It is common knowledge that MPs openly flout the provisions enshrined in the Constitution right from holding office of profit to misuse of funds allocated for implementation of government schemes .The EC needs to be appreciated for taking these bulls by the horn as strict surveillance of MPs conduct is the only way to tame them .

SCHOOLISH APARTHEID

ARVIND K PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN THE WEEK ,APRIL 02,06)

I agree with President Abdul Kalam that teachers play an important role in shaping the destiny of childeren and ,therefore , they need to be equipped with modern facilities that offer quality education . Recently Maharastra Govenment has issued a directive to schools, which brings an end to discrimination made on basis of marks . The U.P. government should make similar arrangements , which comprehensively nullify the marks-oriented apartheid .Most of the premier English medium schools in Lucknow and other cities have grade based sections , which more often than not open gate of shame and stigma for the students , being indicative of of one's capibalities, albeit in unscientific manner . In fact , their one-dimensional teaching methods , laying emphasis on raising doctors and engineers alone , play havoc with sense and sensiblities of the child mired in creative instincts or , for that matter, exhibiting a different temperament .Worse , students failing to attain pecentage fixed by the school administration are shown the door at critical stage of their schooling period . Needless to say ,such arbitrary rejection make these students victim of psychological disoders .It's high time that U.P. government take steps , which honour the potential of child in fullest manner , not allowing the schools to hamper the balanced development of child's myriad wonderful traits

VARANASI IN FIRE

ARVIND K PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN INDIA TODAY ,APRIL 03,06)

The serial blasts in Varanasi are symbolic of India's frosty intelligence system , being clueless about growing network of terrorists. Both the State and Central governments more interested in appeasment of minorities instead of taking measure to counteract evil designs of fundamentalist outfits . The Indian government should stop displaying generosity of spirit towards people , who have become used to cold -blooded murders. The terrorist attacks in Ayodhya , NewDelhi, Bangalore and ,now , Varanasi not only throws light on our intelligence system stricken with serious flaws but also that remote locations are fast turning into fertile base for fundamentalist organisations . Let people not turn into denizens of cities no better than a volcanic oyster.

GOING TO THE DOGS

ARVIND K PANDEY

The presence of the sniffer dogs at Gandhi Memorial in Rajghat hasn't set a right precedent. How can you ignore the fact such places are sanctity personified ? How can you alllow it to be trampled upon in the name of providing security to the foreign dignateries ? Had the same dramatic gesture been given way to if President would have decided to visit well-known Hindu temple ? It's time to be aware of the fact that traditions and rituals can't be played with to accommodate whims and fancies of the foreign visitors .So far as providing full-proof security is concerned , there are enough technological means to keep dangerous intruders at bay .

VOLCANIC SCHOOLS

ARVIND K PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN THE HINDU,MARCH 26,06)

Movies are to be blamed for birth of viloent patterns in the child at schools . At least that's what has provided them the host of dangerous ideas to experiment with . Another factor which has led to rise in such activities has been the absence of joint families .Nuclear families often don't have room for emotional landscape of the child , making him prone to abnormal behaviour . Against this background , it has become necessary to provide child moments of social interactions. Unless we engage thaem in socially productive activities , any attempt to to keep them away from derailed behaviour would not produce desired result

NATARAJA :BATHED IN BLOOD

ARVIND K PANDEY

It's an appropiate moment for Intelligence Bureau to reassess its strategies aimed at thwarting the designs of the terrorists . It's baffling that these terrorists are able to venture into prohibited areas (remember Ayodhya and Bangalore ) yet intelligence bodies remain engaged in shadow boxing ,being totally in dark about their presence . Needless to say , the absence of POTA and TADA or , for that matter , lacklustre approach in counteracting the motives of ' jehadi factory ' have come handy for people engaged in promoting and marketing terror .Worse , oft -repeated declarations after their attacks to maintain ' communal harmony ' are now losing significance with such incidents becoming order of the day .Anyway , one is taken aback by the tolerance level of Benarasi people,who took no time to revert back to their ' masti ki paathshala '(school for bliss ) .

JESSICA'S SOUL - CRYING FOUL

ARVIND K PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN THE BUSINESS WORLD ,APRIL 03,06)

Such countless cases involving victim turning hostile make the suggesstions made by the Malimath Committe in Section 161,162 and 164 of CrP.C. gain significance . What's really surprising that an incident which occured in the full presence of host of celebrities didn't enable the prosecution to come up with even one positive witness . This not only exposes flaws in the way investigations are carried out by the police but also brings in light the cowardice of so-callleed elite class , which finds it safer to copycat hypocritical mannerism instead of heeding to the voice of conscience .If such 'who's who ' fail to discharge their judicial obligations in conscientious manner , there is hardly any merit in expecting common people ,devoid of security net , to play the role of ideal witness .

ARTISTIC CONTROVERSY

ARVIND K PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN THE TELEGRAPH,MARCH24,06)

There is nothing new about the controversy which surrounded the conferring of the Padma Shri on Ritwik Ghatak. Such debates are generated by politicians from time to time to get some publicity for themselves. But this one brings to focus the need to judge an artist by his work and not by his professed political views. This is especially true of Ritwik Ghatak who had often been marginalized for his leftist ideology. Unless different versions of the truth are allowed to coexist in society, people will not be able to know what is right. At the same time, the recent cartoon controversy has emphasized once more that one can have the freedom to express one’s views only so long as it does not hurt other people’s sentiments. However, this is a complicated matter and creative men have often set their own standards of expression. Because society takes time to recognize the greatness of artists, they should at least be given the freedom to set their own criteria which might become the paradigm one day

PRIYANKA'S MEOW

How does an elephant get out of a phone booth ?
Priyanka: The same way he got in !
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Father :What's that you've got ?It's a report card .It has red marks all over .

Father :That's really bad !When I was your age ,I stood first in class.

Son:It's your report card .Mum just got it out of the almirah .

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Q.Name whose life is full of ups and downs ?
A.A Lift -man.

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Friend:If I die ,what will you do ?
Prafulla : I may also die .
Friend :Why ?
Prafulla: Sometimes too much happiness can cause pain .

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A man was walking on the road and paused to read the graffiti on the wall .
It read " One who reads it is an ass ."

THe man thought for an hour ,erased it and wrote back "On who wrote it is an ass ."

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Seen etched on a desk in a lecture room of a college "In loving memory of all those who died waiting for this period to be over ."

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A young girl acquired a puppy .She went to the market to buy metal sauce to keep drinking water for the pet .
"It is for your dog ," said the obliging shopkeeper .

"I can have its name put on it free of charge ;so that no one else uses it "

"Not to bother ," replied the girl ."My puppy can't read English and Papa dosen't drink water ."

From KIDS CORNER ,TELEGRAPH & KHUSWANT SINGH'S COLUMN
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PRIYANKA'S FASHION STATEMENT :1.CATTY POLITICS IS DISASTROUS FOR DOGS.

2.THE COMPANY OF CAT TAKES ITS TOLL ON THE EMOTIONAL WELL BEING OF THE DOGS .

PREVENTING MELTDOWN

ARVIND K PANDEY

The way threatening enviromental changes have hit the Greenland's glaciers ,it's clear that hectic research to slowdown the melting now becomes the last refuge of the enviromentalists . Anyway , the cluelessness of the scientists about the actual cause of aggressive melting on the glacier's surface once again proves that despite technological innovations it's difficult to comprehend the mysterious phenomenons of nature in all its totality . .However , there is hardly any room to slow down the battery of researches aimed at exploration of real reasons giving rise to such dangerous developments in Greenland . After all , the people of globe need something better from nature than another Tsunami.

STOP KILLING GAME

ARVIND K PANDEY

Shivraj Patil now cannot argue with straight face that there are not enough reasons to worry about the growth of the Maoists in nation . Barely a few weeks ago Naxalites caused havoc killing 11 policemen in Raipur . This only confirms the suspicion that Indian government is utterly devoid of comprehensiove plans to combat the menace of viloent groups . One wonders what is prevemting the government to come out with strong measures to wipe out people growing in dangerous manner . Our Priminister has for umpteen times suggersted soft -measures like introductionn of land reforms , rehabilitation programmes and etc. However, one suspects that time has run out for further extension of such rosy measures .It's time for well-coordinated tit-for -tat responses

POLITICAL GYMNASTIC

ARVIND K PANDEY

(Published In THE HINDU ,MARCH 19,06)

In age when geopolitics decides fate of the nation , India should stop playing second fiddle by helping America materialise its treacherous global designs . It should not hesitate in asking US to rationalise its policies centred around nuclear relationship , its relationship with other major Asian giants directly afffecting our interests in South Asia , and its plans to place India in the Security Council. After all, let's not forget that despite harping about ' war on terror ' it has done nothing substantial to erase terrorist networks in Pakistan . Let US come to terms with these critical isues with no scent of foul play . Or else , this high profile political gymnastics would only lead to one more bout of US one -upmanship .

HURIYAT'S ROLE

ARVIND K PANDEY

(Published In INDIA TODAY ,MARCH 27,06)

The haste shown in inviting Huriyat for round table conference which does not enjoys rapport with the Kashmiri people speaks volume about the government's intentions.Geelanis and Sabir Sahs do not enjoy an unblemished image.So I am bit apprehensive about Huriyat's motives as time and again their leaders have been found trapped in dubious activities.However ,looking at the positive side of the talks I think the dialogues would certainly dilute the villification campagain run by the Pakistan which thinks India does not heed to Kashmiris sentiments.The beter way to provide crediblity to its motives would be to lend ears to various other representatives of Kashmir besides taking immediate steps to stop exploitation of people there.

HORRIBLE EVOLUTION

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 !

WOMEN ON TOP

ARVIND K PANDEY

Lord Shiva is hailed as 'Ardhnareeshwara' in India .It seems that present age is ripe for fullest manifestation of this eternal truth ,the way male bastions are being encroached upon by the fair sex.Earlier women's liberalisation movement compelled men to create space for them in their cherished aerenas .Now by giving way to their ' likes and dislikes' associated with spheres long held to be the domains of females ,they have given them the green signal to dominate their world. In other words, the female charm has taken them in their grip , making the globe virtually fall at their feet. However, instead of being dictated by secondery attributes of the better sex , the world would be a better place to live in if we make way for qualities which truly encircle women--compassion and patence.The globe will be devoid of so many ills including the menace of terrorism only if men allow womanly traits to shape their vision.In my eyes , this is a better way to woo them as it leads to development of everlasting bond between them .On the other hand, by reshaping mere ' looks' one gains temporary pleasure , which not only whithers with time but also let the cash go down the drain.

PHOTOGRAPHIC WISDOM
ARVIND K PANDEY

Time needs to be complimented for enabling its readers to reflect upon the year's sorrows and joys via breathtaking photographs. Needless to say that photographs leave an indelible impression on the conscious individual's mind as they come to unfold hidden aspects of the happenings in a mysterious way.The picture showing France in flames is indicative of the fact that ignoring the needs of immigrants , apparently aliens, could give rise to flames , which can't be doused easily. The most impressionable photograph appears to be of a New Orleans lady clasping her baby in her arms.The photograph radiates a subtle message : In a crisis-ridden hours, when all the man made sources get annihilated, the mother's arms are still there to act as blanket of security.They never deceive like government sponsored aid !

ON RIGHT TRACK
ARVIND K PANDEY

The Best Bakery judgement once again confirms that Indian judiciary has the ability , despite delays and legal complexities , to bring justice to the doors of victims . It still vouchs for providing effective relief to the sufferers. However , we are witnessing a dangerous pattern in which transfer of cases from one state to another is being considered a better option . Well, a window to better judicial set-up would be growth of impartial trial courts instead of hue and cry for change of trial 's site

KILLER EXAMS

ARVIND K PANDEY

(Published In THE WEEK ,March 19,06)

The ' exam fever ' seldom misses to take its toll on minds gripped in anxities . Counselling centres , which are by -products of parents overweening ambitions bear testimony to the reign of exam's terror . The ' exam fever ' is not only symbolic of child's anxiousness but also it smacks of parents illlusionary expectations . The best way to lessen the impact of exam fever would be to broaden the vision of child .Let him know that life is always open to beautiful prababilities and , therefore , it is foolhardy to cosider exams as be all and end all in one's life .

SIGNATURE OF PAST

ARVIND K PANDEY

' Our record of cherishing our own past was never to talk about it '. Viewing this problem against the wall erected by the Communists , one wonders what would be the fate of mounments and institutions which have somehow managed to survive the curents of time.The hypocritical gesures of the Left parties have made it difiicult for us to honour our legacy in real way.Remember their hue and cry over Sarawasti Vandana ? Mark Twain once remarked :"The one land that men desire to see and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give the glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined."These symbols of past are the most effective medium to trace our roots.In retospect, they provide nation and its people a spiritual power to reciprocate with higher ideals, being by-product of period when values were part and parcel of the life.No, two ways about it, that they need to be protected from the onslaughts of time, from the evil eyes of the smugglers.And yes, let me state in jest that these enduring legacies should be an eye-opener for our present age architects and engineers since their creations only take few years to lie in dust.

COMIIC RELIEF
ARVIND K PANDEY

The exponential growth of new generation of funny men is symbolic of people's anxiety to shed their complixities as often they can . The pressure -cooker existence of ours has made likes of Shekar Suman , Raju Srivastav and others come alive with their laughing stuff . Needless to say , they help us to move ahead in life with fresh wave of enthusiasm , not letting our soul's get crushed under the wheels of depression

SCRIPTING VICTORY

ARVIND K PANDEY

Let's congratulate Dravid -Chapppell duo for turning the Indian team into home of productive strategies instead of becoming personal fiefdoms of failed cricketers .After virtual collapse in the third Test match with Pakistan, the Indian team was written off by the critics but thanks to hardwork of Dravid-Chappell the team has learnt to bounce back . Yes , the bowling squad, lacking teeth, and the inability of middle order batsmen to diffuse the pressure are worrying factors but one hopes them to be eliminated with passage of time with right replacements and sound strategies. The duo has been in line of fire of prejudiced minds, who could find nothing right in them other than holding them culpable for exclusion of Ganguly .The glorious victory in one -dayers confirms the fact that for a dynamic captain like Dravid , the presence of Chappell acts as a catalyst in attainment of positive results . Let's hope the blistering attack of cynical minds don't come in their way of taking Indian team to newer heights

POLITICALLY MOTIVATED

ARVIND K PANDEY

(Published In The Telegraph , March 09,06)

The U.C .Banerjee Committe in all these years seem to have done nothing except beating the bush in the name of fact -finding . At least , it should have backed up its conclusions with conclusives proofs .Surprisingly , it simply reiterated its interim report's findings .This just goes to show that such enquiry committtes are merely political weapons to settle ploitical scores .They have nothing to offer other than concocted versions of premeditated minds .

PRIYANKA :MEOW TIME ,LAUGHING HOUR
ARVIND K PANDEY

"Is that 6545224?"
"No, this is 6545225."
"No matter, please call Mr.Sharma from next door."
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Two Hindi speaking friends who were trying hard to learn English decided to correspond with each other in angrezee(English).The first letter went somewhat as follows :"My dear friend ,I am in the well.I hope you are also in the well."
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The following ad appeared in a daily paper :"Are you illiterate ? You don't know how to read or write ?If so , do write to us and let us help you ."

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A man was boasting about the number of cities he had been to :London ,Paris ,New York ,Rome Karachi.

"You must be knowing Geographia quite well ", remarked one of his audience .

"Oh very well,"replied the man ,"I spent four days in Geographia ."
***

Board near a girls'hostel :
'You are not looking on the road .'

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Banta Singh was living in a DDA ground flat with his 12 childeren .A family planning motivator called on him and asked him somewgat acidly ," Banta Singhji, how is it that you have so many childeren ?'
"It's the gift of one above" he replied ,pointing to the roof .
The family planning man promptly went to thje first floor , got hold of Santa Singh who occupied the premises and had his vasectomy done.

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My teacher must be very religious ," said the little girl ."Every time I answer one of her questions she says ,"My God !My God "

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Some people start appreciating without being bothered of the content .Just see what takes place as a result of this .

A well known poet was invited to read his latest composition .He came upto the microphone and began :
"Two shirts and two pantaloons ."
Wah !Wah ! came the applause.
"Three vests and a sari ," continued the poet.
"Wah!Irshad," came the applause .
The poet stopped, turned over the notebook and exploded ," What the hell ou are applauding for ?Instead of my poetrybook ,I 've brought the washerman's account book."

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QUESTION :Why is a bad government like a bikni ?
ANSWER:Because people wonder wahat's keeping it up .And they wish it would come down .

(From Khuswant Singh's Joke Book )

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PRIYANKA'S FASHION STATEMENT:VIEWING CATFIGHT IS ONE OF THE MOST REFRESHING SIGHTS.

POLICING GOOGLE
ARVIND K PANDEY

The Chinese goverrnment has come a long way from thoser dark days when it has to bow down before the Western trade practises . By allowing Google to function with certain restrictions , it has reflected its might gained in past few years through discilplined and co-ordinated efforts in economic sector . However , restrictions imposed by China are also indicative of archaic midset of the Chinese officials , who are not in mood to support the economic growth with wave of cultural renaissance .In other words , it still fears that giving greater power to people could go against the vested interst of Communist regime . In fact , it wants to keep skeletons within the cupbord , not allowing the world to witness the trauma and ordeal of its hapless citizens amid glitz and glittter of the neo-rich society .It's crystal clear that becoming a ' global giant' does not mean becoming an owner of real progressive society .

CARTOON BOMB

ARVIND K PANDEY

Let me state unambigiously that disfiguaration of religious symbols is bound to lead to dialogue with anarchism .The moral and principled argument in favour of freeedom of speech does not provide Western countries licence to crush the religious sentiments , be they of any commmunity , with impunity . Also , while defining the limits of freedom of speech , the Western nations should not ignore the social and cultural attributes of nations having sanctified bonhomie with religious landscape . What's the point in lowering the dignity of religious symbols in the guise of freedom of expression ? For umpteen times Western nations have roped in so- called progressive tendencies to shatter the religious orientation of Asian nations . Or else, images of Hindu Gods and godddesses would not have made their presence felt on beer bottles and undergarments .The Muslim community is quite justified in staging protests even though one is appalled over their viloent nature .