RAHUL GANDHI'S WIDE BALLS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Viewed in perspective , the rhetorics of
Rahul Gandhi place the Congress close to total marginalistion in UP's political drama . It's ironical that such a well-known face has become source of meaningless remarks instead of turning into spring of hope for the Congress Party trying hard to strengthen its roots in the State . Honestly speaking , the immaturity of Rahul Gandhi has surfaced in these road-shows with his involvement in irrelevant issues . What prevented him from highlighting the woes of aam aadmi reeling under the woes of inspeakable problems ? Needless to say , his remarks have provided other parties a glimmer of hope to make a comeback via dangerous polarisation .

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TOMMY :IT SHOWS THAT YOUNG LEADERS OF PRESENT GENERATION AREN'T IN TOUCH WITH GROUND REALITIES ..BOW..BOW ..

PRIYANKA : TO BE BORN IN FAMILY OF LEADERS DOSEN'T ENSURE LEADERSHIP SKILLS....MEOW..MEOW

PAKISTANI SINGERS : MAKING WAVES IN INDIA

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The Pakistani singers have always been hot favourite of the Indian listeners . Many years ago the voice of Reshama created a sensation with soulful rendering of 'Lambi Judai..'. Later , Hassan Jehangir (Hawa-Hawa fame ),Ataullah Khan ,Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and others made waves in every nook and corner of India . Today , new players like Atif and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan are providing listeners a chance to interact with straight-from -the -heart confessions . Let's hope this 'artistic fusion ' allows both the nation to carve a better line of political understanding .

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SOME EVERGREEN NUMBERS FROM PAKISTANI SINGERS :

1.Lambi Judai sung by Reshama ..
Movie :Hero (1983);Music: Lakshmi Kant-Payrelal;Lyrics; Traditional

2.Hawa ..Hawa sung by Hassan Jahangir (Pop Album released in 1989)

3.Juda Hokein Tu Mughmein sung by Atif..
Movie : Kalyug(2005) Music : Jal ; Lyrics :Sayeed Quadri

4. Mughkoe Dafna Ke Jab Wo Wapas Jayengein ..sung by Ataullah Khan

(From His Album-Vol .27 released in 1992)

INDIA : NEEDS TO REFLECT ITS CORE PRINCIPLES

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Well, it's time for India to be conscious of its roots . Needless to state , that India is fast losing touch with the ancient principles , which has allowed her to survive amidst onslaughts of merciless invaders . Well, there is no harm in giving way to pizzas ,rock music and etc. but these in no way should be allowed to dictate thought patterns which constitute Indianness .So if there is anything as " Brand India " it should just hinge around 'simple living with high thinking 'in the company of ancient values .

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TOMMY : IT'S TIME FOR PRIYANKA TO PART AWAY WITH LOVE FOR "DHINCHAK " WESTERN OUTFITS ...BOW...BOW

MOTI: HATS OFF TO BOLDNESS OF KALU AND SHERU ,WHO DARED TO MAKE A LATE NIGHT ENTRY INTO PRIYANKA'S HOUSE . THEY WERE SUCCESSFUL IN STEALING RAYBAN GOGGLES ,REEBOK SHOES AND HER FOREIGN BRANDED JEANS ...BOW..BOW

KALU AND SHERU : WE LATER CONSIGNED THEM TO FLAMES IN MEMORY OF GANDHI'S CALL TOBYCOTT FOREIGN GOODS ..BOW---BOW

TOMMY : AT LEAST ,ONE HOME HAS TURNED FULLY SWADESHI ...BOW..BOW ..LONG LIVE KALU AND SHERU ..BOW--BOW

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REMEMBERING 1857

(Published in NORTHERN INDIA PATRIKA,JUNE 27,2007)

True , the much hyped programmes in memory of 1857 are marred by cheap gimmicks , one still cannot dare to ignore the lessons thrown up by the revolt . The revolt of 1857 prepared the ideological structure for the freedom movement , which gained momentum after few decades . I agree with William Darymple that even progressive line of action needs to be pursued in a thoughtful manner .The revolt unequivocally echoed the buring desire of the Indian people to get rid of British dominance ,albeit devoid of proper means and strategy.Though the leaders involved in the revolt blew the whistle on the Britishers in amateurish way , the revolt, however, was successful in projecting the impression that sun was going to set on the British Empire . It's time to remember the sacrifices of these unheard heroes of revolt ,making all arrangements to convert their unfulfilled wishes into reality .Sadly , the way India is embracing foreign values , it appears that we need these heroes back to put India back on track ! Lastly , many thanks for encircling the role of Savarkar in 1857 revolution in a substantial way. He was instrumental in bringing to the fore the unknown elements of the revolution in their right perspective .It's tragic that such a man ,who served this nation with an unparallel dedication has today become butt of ridicule in so-called secularist groups !

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MAYAWATI TAKES GUARD IN UP

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in BUSINESS INDIA, JULY 01,2007)

First things first .The pollsters failed to read the mood of electorates . The psephologists are guilty of giving more importance to equations formed on paper than reflecting upon the new developments which have enveloped the State before elections . Probably , it's time to bid adieu to trend of conducting exit polls .Coming to so-called social engineeering ,roped in by Mayawati , it's not phenomenal other than a shrewd way of gaining an upper hand in politics dominated by casteist and sectarian ideals . Given the insecurities which have gripped the State , the electorates chose to behave in a reactionary way instead of being guided by balanced reasoning . It's strange but true that BSP which ,of late , has been associated with politics of vendetta finds itself at the helm of power politics . Anyway , it remains to be seen how her larger-than-life presence helps Uttar Pradesh to be on the road to prosperity .Probably , it's time for the economists to be realistic while assessing the economic policies of Mayawati or they might ,too, have to eat a humble pie like our pollsters !

EXPLOITING FARMERS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(POSTED ON BUSINESS WORLD WEBSITE )

Considering the fact that policies aimed at large acquisition of lands have been formulated at par with interests of business czars ,the owners of these lands feel betrayed . It's surprising that the UPA government ,supported by the so-called saviours of workers, decided to go ahead with the creation of SEZs weighed heavily in the favour of those who are marred by the ills of suffice . The violent protests in Nandigram should make it clear to everybody ,associated with projects recquiring large possession of land , that owners need to be made part and parcel of such projects .How can their interests be dismissed without making substantial arrangements for their bread and butter ? Also, the government should eye barren lands instead of offering cultivable land to the capitalists .

CASTE BOMB

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in THE SUNDAY INDAIAN ,JUNE 25-JULY 01,2007)

The violent protests by Gujjar community in Rajasthan has brought to the fore negative shades encircling reservation policies .Though the demand made by the Gujjar community is dotted by many contradictions , it shows the eagerness of lower castes to avail the benefits of SC/ST provisions by hook or crook . Had Indian policymakers honoured meritocracy , the Indian democracy would not have been held hostage to such ugly demonstrations . Anyway , it's an opportunity for the likes of Arjun Singh and others to reflect over their maddening attachment with pro-reservation theories

THE CURSE OF GLOBAL WARMING

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in NEWSWEEK, JUNE 25,2007)

The curse of global warming is taking its toll on the climatic patterns in various parts of the world. Glaciers across the globe, especially those in Greenland and the Himalayas, have been hit hard because both developed and developing countries have turned a blind eye to environmental concerns. Unless the richer, bigger nations are made accountable for their breach of Kyoto provisions, glaciers will continue to melt. Already the weather cycle seems to have gone into unnatural patterns. The greenery of our land should not be allowed to be wiped out by the agents of globalization. We Indians miss no opportunity to criticize our ancestors for their rituals—worshiping Earth, rivers, trees and animals—but we fail to read the motive behind their acts, which were symbolic of their deep attachment to the environment. Ironically, today as modern people we might be in tune with the times, but we have lost the capacity to honor the bond with nature.

CHINA : NEEDS TO BE ABOVE SUSPICION

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Considering the problems plaguing African countries , it's necessary that major global powers should not turn Africa into batlefield of their interests . Well, China appears to be working hard to convey the impression that it's really interested in mitigating the problems crippling Africa's progress . However, one is apprehensive about 'China's calculated non-interference in the affairs of sovereign states ' How can one ignore the fact that coercive policies of China forced Tibet to lin the line of its dubious intentions . Look at the way China is involved in 'secret gameplans ' to topple interests of India in South Asia by being hand-in-glove with Pakistan .Well, China should not only be above suspicion but also appear to be so to gain credibilty in the Western world .

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PRIYANKA :BACK -STABBING HAS ALWAYS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH CHINA ,MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO TRUST CHINA ..MEOW ..MEOW

TOMMY : PEHLE MADAD PHIR KHURAFAT CHINA KI KAI YE SADA SE YE AADAT....BOW-BOW

KALU :LOOK AT CHINA'S SHIFTING STAND ON ARUNACHAL PRADESH ...BOW-BOW

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WOES OF VIDARBHA FARMERS

ARVIND K. PANDEY

When the rest of India is going gaga over India's growing economic might , inflow of foreign cash and stable growth-rate ,the farmers of Vidarbha continue to reel under inhuman conditions . In this tragic and explosive situation , the farmers of Vidarbha have been left at the mercy of incompetent and stone-hearted government officials . The substantial chunk of the money released to pull the farmers out of the crisis seems to have taken a different route , leading to bank-accounts of these so-called saviours ! After all, the pompous promises of Prime Minister haven't prevented Vidarbha farmers from killing themselves . Let's grasp the fact that armchair policy-makers would not be able to bring light in their lives .There has to be a realistic assessment of the prevailing situation , which allows these farmers to remain at a safe distance from the grip of moneylenders .The banks should come out with schemes , which provide them loans at lower rate of interest .However , the need of the hour is to provide them better alternative of survival with creation of means which helps them to attain maximum profit from their lands .

TRACING ROOTS OF JIHADIS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Yes , it's very difficult to view jihadis other than in terms of 'absolute negativity ' or 'absolute emptiness ' . It's really tragic that suppressed frustrations and deep humiliation meted out by negative forces in the Western world have led to rise of people full of retribution in the Muslim world . At the same time , let's not ignore the fact that there are large number of dangerous Muslim preachers ,too, who are constantly engaged in raising distorted followers . Well, it's time for scholars from both the sides to engage in meaningful dialogue to save the world from turning into graveyard of innocent souls .

GUJARAT:WOOING YEN

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in BUSINESS INDIA, JUNE 17,2007)

It's heartening to know that Gujarat is too eager to invite foreign bodies to invest in programmes aimed at State's progress . The deal with Japan would help Gujarat to provide a new look to its ports .One should appreciate the progressive endeavours of Modi government instead of settling political scores with him on trivial issues . The State ,in recent years, has emerged as 'role model'in terms of generating ways and means to put the state on road to prosperity .However ,the political adversaries have failed to notice the growth saga of the State , being more interested in unearthing skeletons of politically insignificant matters .

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PRIYANKA :HOPE SO-CALLED PROGRESSIVE CRTITICS COME TO VIEW GUJARAT'S CM IN BETTER LIGHT ..MEOW..MEOW

TOMMY : OR ,IT'S DIFFICULT TO ANTICIPATE BETTER THINGS IN LIFE ...BOW..BOW

BOARD BOWLED OUT BY FORD

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE TELEGRAPH,JUNE 15,2007)

Graham Ford’s refusal to coach the Indian team has created a dent in the image of the Board of Control for Cricket in India . Surely, his refusal is more a calculated decision than an impulsive one. Probably controversies, which seem to have become part and parcel of this high-profile post, have dimmed the halo surrounding the post in the eyes of foreign coaches . But Ford should not have made his presentation if he had no real interest in coaching the Indian team. It is surprising that he did not take into consideration his “prior commitments” before applying for the job.

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PRIYANKA :LET'S HOPE IT MAKES BOARD MORE PROFESSIONAL ...MEOW..MEOW

TOMMY: AND TAKES INTO CONSIDEREATION WORTH OF SENIOR INDIAN CRICKETERS AS WELL BY ALLOWING THEM TO DICTATE THE COURSE OF INDIAN TEAM ...BOW..BOW

ENSURING ESCAPE ROUTES FOR CRIMINALS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in THE TELEGRAPH ,JUNE 14,2007)

The CBI has, once again, failed to ensure the deportation of Ottavio Quattrocchi and initiate judicial action against him. This is not the first time that the CBI has failed to press charges against those who have committed a crime in this country and are roaming around scot-free. Previously, the proceedings of the Quattrocchi case were delayed unaccountably, raising doubts about the CBI’s competence in dealing with the high-profile case. Even the Taj corridor case was allowed to drag on, and now the principle accused, Mayavati, has been given immunity by the governor of Uttar Pradesh. If such expensive investigations come to nothing, they would encourage further criminal activities. The CBI should also try to shake off the image of being a vehicle for serving the interests of the government in power.

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ON WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY -JUNE 14

PLEASE DONATE BLOOD TO PROVIDE NEW LEASH OF LIFE TO PEOPLE TRAPPED IN LIFE AND DEATH BATTLE .

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TALE OF CHILDEREN DEVOID OF FUTURE

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In SUPREMACY,DECEMBER,2006)

[ON WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR, 12 JUNE ]

The Centre's decision to widen the domain of Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation Act ) would surely prevent innocent childeren from becoming prey to shrewd employers . However , let's not forget that effective implementation of these laws demands policies which ensure better future for neglected childeren .Often these laws become , more or less , redundant in wake of complexities surrounding the lives of these childeren .After all, it's absence of better opportunities which turns them into workers in dhabas,homes and hazardous factories . Ironically , such laws add to the miseries of "childeren of lesser god " , making them prone to vulnerabilities of life . Only kind gestures can once again put these childeren squarely on the side of optimism and beter future . One hopes that better laws and healthy approach would rope in kind souls to be part of noble projects aimed at resurrecting lives of the forsaken childeren . No doubt , it's more worthwhile to work for the cause of downtrodden than to be swayed by the currents of globalisation .

BANGLADESH :NEED BETTER LEADERS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in BUSINESS ECONOMICS JUNE 15,2007)

Well, it's an uphil task to bring Bangladesh back on track . Like it or not , both the major parties failed to read the pulse of nation , allowing the extremists to rule the roost . Sadly , Bangladshis are devoid of better alternatives . The only ray of hope could be emergence of another party , which has a substantial agenda for the welfare of people . It remains to be seen to what extent Md. Yunus is able to create new political contours on par with value-based politics .

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CURIOUS WHEAT POLICY

(Published in same edition of BUSINESS ECONOMICS JUNE 15,2007)

The wheat policy of the UPA government is marred by curious contradictions .On one hand , it has no time to heed to genuine demands of the wheat producers ,who have to sell their produce via middlemen to elicit better prices . On the other hand , the government is importing wheat at high rates from other countries . This bad economics and worse politics have taken toll on not only wheat production but also worsened the state of affairs of the wheat producers .Surprisingly , the benefits offered to the farmers after lot of hue and cry serves little purpose other than ensuring survival of political creatures . Today , most of the farmers are reeling under problems triggered by lack of irrigation facilties and erratic power supply .At least , the government should not ingnore its moral responsibilty of providing basic facilities to the farmers so that they can hope of better days .

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PARENTS AND CHILDREN : CROSSING SWORDS OFTEN

ARVIND K.PANDEY

( Published in DASH ,JUNE , 2007 )

This has reference to your article " The new age iconoclasts " by P N Shahi (May ,07).Though the article has focussed on the new breed of youths ,capable of getting something out of nothing, there exists an altogether different side of the whole issue . What about the so-called differences between the youths and parents revolving around modern lifestyle ? Amartya Sen hits the nail on its head by suggesting that argumentative tradition needs to be developed. In my view the youths need to provide it new dimensions. What seperates young people from the owners of silver hairs is that they are always desperate to carve better means. An urge to be on the road less travelled and rejection of worn- out ideas are the virtues that have become the hallmark of present day youngsters.There is a dark side as well to the whole story. Most parents are obsessed to pass on their ' worldly tricks ' to their childeren,which they fell imperative for survival.That, in my eyes, creates a pool of depression within their minds.This is the reason why they are not able to move ahead with their sense of idealism as the so-called pragmatic world of elders dissipates their energy. Ironically, as the time passes the promising young people turn out to be mirror image of their previous class--crooked , corrupt and mean.Movies like Nayak, Ek Doctor Ki Maut and Shool have so sharply potrayed how the young come to pay heavy price for nurturing their dreams.To avoid such situations the elders must learn to appreciate their standpoint,allowing them to shape their lives the way the want. No wonder why intellectual stalwarts like President A P J Abdul Kalam are too eager to channelise youth's energy.

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PRIYANKA : PLEASE LISTEN TO THE VERSION OF CHILDREN AS WELL IN TIMES OF CONFLICT ....MEOW..MEOW

TOMMY : OR ELSE , THE HOME WILL ALWAYS BE A KURUKSHETRA ...BOW..BOW

BRITAIN'S NEW PM

(Published in THE HINDU , JUNE 10, 2007)

Many decisions of Tony Blair did not go down well among thinking classes in various parts of the world . Apart from being culpable in the bombardment of Iraq , Blair is also guilty of ignoring the interests of people at home .It has become imperative for Gordon Brown not to follow the beaten track in anticipating America’s foreign policy. Lastly , one should not ignore Blair’s efforts to create more space for multiculturalism in Britain.

CBI :NOT UP TO THE MARK

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in THE SUNDAY INDIAN , JUNE 11-JUNE 17,2007)

The dilly-dallying on the part of the CBI might allow the Dera head to wipe out the charges of two alleged murders and rape . Such a lethargic approach would definitely sdend wrong signals to the law-breakers , being no more in the awe of the long hands of law . It's baffling that our investigative agencies allow such dubious personalities to climb the ladder of success , enabling them to have power enough to influence the course of investigation . The need of the hour is to make CBI more professional in its approach so that it dosen't lose its capacity to instil fear in the minds of wrongdoers . Lastly , the Akal Takht should accept the apolgy of Dear Sacha Sauda to prevent the State from turning into battlefield of loyal supporters of both the groups .

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PRIYANKA : AB MERI TARAH YE OFFICIALS KUCH DOODH-SHOODH PIYEIN TO INKEIN KHOPADIA KAAM KAREIN ...MEOW..MEOW

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NORTH INDIANS :NOWHERE TO GO

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The unwanted show of masochism and valour ,in the name of defending the interests of sons of the soil , by the activists of the Maharastra Navnirman Sena does not augur well for the integrity of the nation . Consider the seriousness of the situation if more such self-styled custodians of State's interests come to operate in various part of the country . Already , the groups like Ulfa have given way to killings of people belonging to Northern belt . Even in Jammu and Kashmir , the people belonging to Hindi belt are being slaughtered by the Muslim terrorists . However , the paradox involved in the whole thing has given a strange twist to the whole issue . The various States need to generate employment for their original inhabitants to avoid their migration to other States .Also, there is urgent need to control population explosion to provide a meaningful solution to this problem .

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TOMMY : IT'S A CURSE TO BE BORN IN HINDI BELT ..BOW.. BOW .

PRIYANKA : YES , PEOPLE BELONGING TO THIS BELT ARE NO MORE ACCEPTABLE IN STATES LIKE ASSAM, J&K AND MAHARASTRA .IS MAYAWATI AND OTHERS ARE AWARE OF THIS GRAVE CRISIS ?...MEOW..MEOW

AMITABH :NOT A REAL FARMER

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in THE TELEGRAPH, JUNE 06,07)

The decision of Faizabad's additional comissioner has placed Amitabh Bachchan in the dock . It goes on to prove that influential people can go to any extent to add new dimesnions in their stature . It also brings out in open the corruption existing in the Land record offices , which seem to be no more interested in verification process . This is why it's easier for the land mafias to rule the roost as these officials provide them the loopholes to get away with their fraudlent activities . Just imagine the plight of poor farmers who come to lose right over their lands because of misdeeds of these officials .

PRIYANKA'S MEOW

ARVIND K.PANDEY

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RESERVATION MANIA

One man to another : Yes, I am still unemployed despite reservations for backward classes and so on .I suppose I am not backward enough !

(From 'You Said It ' in The Times of India , June 04,07)

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Priyanka complains to her teacher.

PRIYANKA: Didn’t you ask me to write a letter to my friend in the English exam?

Teacher: Yes, what’s the problem?

PRIYANKA: It’s been a week, but my friend has still not received the letter.

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YOGA IS AMERICAN ?

" INDIA IS TO PROTEST GRANT OF YOGA PATENT BY US " - A news- report in The Times Of India , May 30,2007 .

TOMMY : It appears that the day is not far when whole of India shall be patented by US in its favour .....

PRIYANKA : Let US dare to patent me ...My shrill Meows will lead to total collapse of all its instituitions !!!

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Q.What is the difference between a 10-rupee note and a 100-rupee note?

PRIYANKA:: 90 rupees.

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DOGGIES ARE EMOTIONAL BEINGS

Vienna University scientists are of the opinion that Doggies are emotional creatures and , therefore , need mental support from time to time .

TOMMY : Well, this will definitely help the doggies to overcome emotional jerks given by Priyankas ...BOW..BOW

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A biology class was in progress. Teacher: Why do storks lift one leg while standing in water?

MUKUL: Isn’t it obvious, Sir? They would fall down if they lifted both legs!

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LUCKNOW CATS RIDING BIKES

Cats are becoming bolder with each passing day . Look at the way Kanchan Pandey , Sanju Yadav and Shilpa Tripathi , to name a few , of Lucknow are enjoying biking .

TOMMY : Well, Priyankas as truck drivers , rail engine drivers are fascinating sight for doggie brigade as long as they remain on right track ....BOW--BOW

(FROM AN ARTICLE IN "THE WEEK " ,JUNE 10,2007)

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Teacher: Class, you have 30 minutes to write an essay on football.

Samar (after one minute): Here’s my paper, sir.

Teacher: What did you manage to write so quickly?

Samar: Match called off due to rain

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DONKEY PROBLEM

Faced with complaints from a neighbour that his donkey , Buddy , was too noisy Texas lawyer Gregory Shamoun took his donkey directly to court and had the donkey testify by braying ..

TOMMY : Please someone help Tommy to testify Priyanka's anger quotient ...BOW..BOW

(FROM THE SUNDAY INDIAN, MAY 20,2007)

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DEEPAK: Vivek, why aren’t you drinking the coconut water?

Vivek: I was wondering how the water entered the coconut even though both its ends are closed

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IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA

Some people pushed the rail engine ,covering at least 60 metres , to get it started once again after it stopped due to vacuum failure .

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Dentist: What kind of filling do you want in your tooth?

ANKUR: Chocolate, doctor.

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PLEASE REVEAL YOUR IDENTITY MY VERY OLD FRIEND

(AN OLD FRIEND SENT ME A BEAUTIFUL CARD IN ANONYMOUS MANNER WITH A MESSAGE :A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED )

I would love to know the name of this "very old friend " so that I
can be nostalgic about days spent with you in past . Anyway , many thanks
for such a beautiful card with a terrific message . I love to remain in
touch with friends of yesteryears as that provides you vigour to move
ahead in life . Please reveal your identity as soon as possible .

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SONGS TIME : Many songs have been picturised on trains or have centred around trains .Here are some of them .

1 . Ye hai disco station....
Movie :Hatkadi ..MUSIC: Bappil Lahiri

2. Koi Haseena Jab Rooth Jaati Hai To...
Movie : Sholay ;Music : RD Burman ;Lyrics : Anand Bakshi

3. Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab .....
Movie : Aradhana ;Music : SD Burman ;Lyrics : Anand Bakshi

4.Gaadi Bula Rahi hai ...

Movieost ; Music :Lakshmikant Payrelal.

5. Chal Chaiyya -2

Movie : Dil Se ;Music :AR Rahman ;Lyrics : Gulzar

6. Hai Apna Dil To Awara ...
Movie :Solva Saal ; Music : SD BURMAN

7. Rai Gadi Rail Gadi Beech Walen Station
Movie : Aashirwaad

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(JOKES BORROWED FROM KIDS CORNER OF THE TELEGRAPH )

MAYAWATI'S MAGIC PREVAILS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in FRONTLINE, JUNE 15,2007)

This has reference to your aricle " Winning formula " by Venkitesh Ramakrishnan (June 01,07) .The so-called social engineering ,roped in by Mayawati , is not something phenomenal other than a shrewd way of gaining an upper hand in politics dominated by casteist and sectarian ideals . Given the insecurities which have gripped the State , the electorates chose to behave in a reactionary way instead of being guided by balanced reasoning . It's strange but true that BSP which ,of late , has been associated with politics of vendetta finds itself at the helm of power politics . Anyway , it remains to be seen how her larger-than-life presence helps Uttar Pradesh to be on the road to prosperity .Lastly , let me say that pollsters failed to read the mood of electorates ,being more concerned with equations on paper than the ground realities .It's really time to bid adieu to exit polls !