Continuing with Social Networking Sites and other utility applications

Bill Gates is a very rich man today... and do you want to know why? The answer is one word: versions - Dave Barry

This week was the continuation of being ‘at it’. It was relentless pursuit with satisfaction and hope that whatever one can imagine; the same can materialize with computer application.

What started as zeal of using this electronic machine to communicate, has evolved as a tool to every aspect of my life. Commenced somewhere around 1996, with some initial inertia, it took off with the advent of Internet. Many would recapitulate me promoting use of Computers and Internet among medical professionals for professional productivity at scientific meets and conferences.

If one recapitulates, Rajiv Gandhi was the first high profile non-professional who popularised use and spread of computers in India to various spheres of life. Incidentally, I met the then Chairman, Electronic Commission of India, Mr. P. S. Deodhar at Mt.Abu. While interacting with him, I asked, ‘How do you rate Rajiv Gandhi? Whether he visualized the rough print of the revolution we see today? He said, ‘Rajiv Gandhi had the fancy of gizmos. He had the normal curiosity of knowing about each one of them. I don’t think he had a clear plan for telecommunication and electronics’. Slowly, Rajiv Gandhi, Prof. Deodhar and Sam Pitroda while working in tandem started dreaming of the common man using these electronic devices.

Ideas just start backed sometimes by unexplainable intuition. Initially, ideas start developing; things start becoming clearer and a team sharing the common vision start falling into place. Thereafter, one starts visualizing instead of dreaming. One pursues, circumstances aid and propel to reach a recognisable destination. That’s an acknowledgeable pedestal.

Social networking Sites

Whether there is anything more to Social networking sites than just catching up with friends and reconnecting with long lost schoolmates? That’s what I intend to explore.

Let me share some discoveries of the last fortnight. It has been a pleasant surprise to connect to our students especially Post Graduate students. Having connected to one of a batch, one is able to get connected to the rest in the network.

Secondly, is you are interested in following your professional idol, spiritual guru or a potential mentor, Twitter is the place to be. It is believed that one can glimpse at what ideas are journeying through them. Immediately, the question arises, ‘How do we get their twitter id’. If you type their name in Twitter or Google search, one can probably get to their id. They are here at the networking site to share and connect and not to mask themselves.

Picking the right network group: Some guidelines
· Check for activity levels – when was the most recent post made?
· How many members are there in the community?
· Quality Check – Are there only questions and no answer.

Used well these networks might open opportunities for freelancers.

Moxilla Firefox
Even though my email id is on the Google portal, I never explored the various applications available with them. I am extremely happy using Moxilla Firefox browser with Google task bar attached to it. It is very fast and pleasant to operate. Google Earth, Google Images and Picasa photo album are worth trying. Google Spy Doctor and Google computer taskbar search interfered with system functioning; therefore, they were uninstalled.

Fine tuning the system
Having adopted some fine-tuning tasks, I have been able to feel a perceptible difference during the functioning of my system. Actually, my system was functioning slowly with some applications getting corrupted. Out of the blue, I recapitulated some inputs given by my computer maintainer.

Going to the programs from start icon > Accessories > system tools > click clean disc. After having done >click Scandisk. Lastly, click System defragmenter. These tools are also available on right clicking on the drive and going to properties.


There one sees the tools tab. I am not trying to give you the help menu (F1) but an overview.

Getting information off the Internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant - Mitchell Kapor

Let’s quit.

So long,

Sharad

Arsenic Poisoning Update

Recent media reports reveal the effort of revenue department to acquire another 50 acres of land for Atomic Energy Department as they have found rich source of uranium in this belt. The report also suggests high content of other metals and chemicals in this region.Apart from the relevance that this belt of Gogi & Kidalli Tanda are probably rich source of metals needing assessment by Geology Department, as of now, Uranium as a cause for this malignant region is ruled out

Many people want to know the basic information on safe drinking water and Arsenic metal. Hence, this academic information.

What Construes Safe drinking water?

Safe water is one that cannot harm the consumer, even when ingested over prolonged periods. Further, it should be pleasant to taste and usable for domestic purposes.

There are 4 variables that are taken into consideration while consideration water safe or potable water. They are physical aspects like turbidity, colour, taste/odour; absence of disease causing microorganisms, absence of chemical substances that are in higher concentration than acceptable and lack of any radioactivity in drinking water.

The point in discussion is presence of chemical substance, heavy metal Arsenic. A provisional guideline value for arsenic in drinking water of .05mg/lite is established.

What is Arsenic?

Arsenic is a poison used in fruit sprays, weed killers insecticides, rat poisons, calico printing etc. That means to say these people of Kirdali Tanda were ignorantly consuming slow poison for ages. Actually Arsenic is a known poison used for non-violent murders. One can recapitulate Sherlock Holmes and other detective episodes for this mode of homicides.

Arsenic is used for homicidal poisoning, as it is cheap, colourless having neither smell nor taste. Therefore, it can be easily administered with food or drink.

In suspicious deaths, hairs, nails and skin are sent for forensic analysis for presence of Arsenic, as this heavy mental is known to be present in these tissues for months after poisoning. Actually, it can be detected in completely decomposed bodies and even in charred bones or ashes.

Government follow up

The district administration is pursuing the alternate source of water to the Tanda. Also, compensatory rehabilitation is being worked out in the form of people availing handicap allowances, women welfare and old age pension. The cruz of the problem it hasn't reached the beneficiaries yet.

Political hue has seen it drawing the attention of authorities at the state level including the Chief Minister.

Rare, one of its kind known in recent times, it needs all the help to rehabilitate the community.

Coverage by 'THE HINDU'

All this time this issue was Vijay Karnataka's problem as they were lucky to take the lead. I am told this is the norm in media industry. By taking up the issue, The Hindu has made it a people's issue. Today's issue covers this revelation on the Front page. I am made to understand that it has had National Coverage as well. Atleast, the THE HINDU website covers it on the front page. Thanks to T. V. Sivanandan.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/2009/06/13/stories/2009061358580100.htm

Sharad M. Tanga

My exploration with social networking sites

Though the concept of social networking sites has been there for quite some time, the notoriety of it being used by teenagers for aimless chatting and the lack of clarity of the real utility to a professional never enthused me to try them out.

But, today, social network sites have become common parlance, occupying glaring print space frequently. Organizations, religious heads, celebrities and others are quoted of harvesting the potential of these sites. Consequently, I decided to explore the world of social networking sites restricting myself to Facebook, Orkut, Twitter, hi5, Linkedin, and Mydailyflog.

It took me almost 10 days of dedicated time to work on this. Enthused with the marvel of technology, it was unending urge to be at the laptop exploring. At times it was frustrating, it interfered with normal commitments, even hampering my daily rituals and schedules. It reminded me of the early days of Internet, when we used to adapt to the erratic dial up connection, stay up late nights so that the connection speed would be better and uninterrupted.

It is frustrating with us because the closed medical fraternity is not that net savvy. There are hardly few people who have been harnessing the benefits of Internet. A simple, small step would keep you stumbled for agonisingly long periods. To overcome this, the approach of reading the Help manual of the site would be beneficial. That circumvents many basic apprehensions and provides keys to initial utility.

Actually, this is the reason; I thought it prudent to pen this short try-out of last fortnight.

Overview
For people who have well organised windows address book/Microsoft outlook/outlook express reaching out to friends would not be difficult. However, social network sites facilitate linking you to friend’s friends and people whom you have lost touch while chasing your dreams. They all can be searched, reached and connected on one single platform.

Twitter like platform where a message of where one is or what he is thinking or doing can be posted on the wall for all to see. Here there is no scope for individualized communication, unless one opts for the message mode, which connects one to the addressed individual only.

Group creation serves a small part of this function, but it lacks openness and additional features of a networking site.

Apart from these benefits, the professional productivity seems meagre for the amount of time you spend working on your site. Out of about 1000 odd email addresses I have, about 100 people were using this medium. That’s 10%.

The satisfaction of knowing the nuances of the happening place and the sense of elation for having harnessed the recent technology that keeps you in the conduit for next few years will be achieved.

Amateur opinion is jotted down for the sake of communication.

Facebook: Site visited and used by most elites across the globe. When enquired with friends who have been using it earlier, ‘It is a site for non-professionals, not so serious guys’. For professionals, Linkedin social network site might be better. I was able to find about 10 friends who were using this site.

Linkedin: Linkedin site is tailor made for professionals. There seems to be a business network angle to it also. A site, where sourcing and targeting can be contemplated. I found 78years old Dr. Shankar Patil, former Dean and present Director of MRMC registered here. This site had about 30 common contacts registered.

Hi5: Glaringly this site had the maximum common contacts registered. About 60 members were already registered. They were all belonging to my intimate group. Commercial merchandizing by the site appeared more here.

Orkut: I was told it is site for teenagers. Nothing kept me hooked to that site.

Mydailyflog: This is networking site, which facilitates posting photographs daily.

Twitter: ‘Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?’

‘If you aren't familiar with Twitter, it is one of those things, like MySpace, that sounds totally ridiculous and stupid when you first hear about it. But once you start using it, you realize how much fun it is.’

These are promotional quotes at the site. Having tried it, it is nothing but a site that facilitates messaging on the net or phone to the tune of 160 alphabets.

A journalist friend based in B’lore using Twitter for quite some time said, ‘It’s going to be technology of the future.’ On quizzing for real examples, he quoted his professional benefit. Within an hour of the swine flue outbreak, they were able to get a twitter alert. For me, being at this site was not practical.


Conclusion: As an initial professional response, it’s a tool worth working on one site alone. These sites facilitate communication rather than any professional indulgence. I have deleted my account at sites that I couldn’t pursue.

Soliciting your experiences.

Sharad

Acknowledgments: Inputs of Mr. Syed Khaja, Mr Sandeep Ratkal & Mr. Desai

Hummingbird & Shrimp Plant

Hummingbird & Shrimp Plant, originally uploaded by phillips8. A Gateway to the World of Nature

Dr. J. P. Krishne Gowda: Dependable & Helpful to one and all.

Dr. Krishne Gowda of Chickmagalur, is a familiar name in Kannada literary circuit and social activities. A pleasing and helpful personality, he is alumni of M R Medical College and brother-in-law of my colleague, Dr. Ravindra Dhaded. This is the commemorative article written on the eve of Dr. Gowda’s 60 years.

A Commemorative article

He was standing quietly at one of the corners of the dinning table making the guests comfortable at his brother in law, Dr. Ravindra Dhaded’s residence. Actively involved in the arrangements, he was seen asking for replacements and helping guests with servings. Bringing order out of chaos seemed instinctive with him.

It was a small gathering on one of the informal get-together occasions. Pleasant and friendly vibes brought us to exchange pleasantries. That was the first occasion of my interaction with Dr. J. P Krishne Gowda. He was kind of guest who was happily helping the hosts!

Though I had heard about his truly cooperative personality by most who have interacted, I was taken aback by his really simple down to earth personality. We are no contemporaries nor do we have any professional common ground yet a chance meet at my balanced fair-minded colleague & friend Dr. Ravindra Dhaded progressed.
Some time after my father’s demise, at the MRMC Alumni meet, many of my father’s
students came to express their condolences. Dr. Krishne Gowda was one among the group in the college campus. He didn’t speak, holding my hands he said, ‘I will come and see you at your residence’. The warmth and consideration was perceptible.

His daughter’s marriage card was unique, stamped with his trademark qualities. Printed in chaste Kannada, it was glaringly interspersed with quotes addressing social issues. For me it seemed novel idea to use the periphery of the envelope effectively. Flawless, exacting with fine & neat print represents Dr. Krishne Gowda’s traits of meticulousness, perfection and social concern. Till this date, the card is preserved with me.

‘We enjoyed Dr. Krishne Gowda’s hospitality at Chikmagalur. He personally took care of us and made us at ease during our recent visit to Chikmagalur’ opine all doctors and others from Gulbarga who undertook the journey to that cooler thick gardens.

For reasons mentioned earlier, I interviewed Dr. Ravindra Dhaded to a get a glimpse of the nuances of Dr. Krishne Gowda. ‘Though he is one of the son-in-law’s of our family, he never behaves like one’. He continues ‘we always consult him for any input on major issues. He is the first one we depend on ’.

‘Her son-in-law is caring & nursing my mother today!’ says Ravindra Dhaded. Vegetarian by choice, he is known to have concern with unselfish devotion to family, friends and those weaker. ‘Once a friend, always a friend’ is Dr. Krishne Gowda’s outlook.

Wherever there is an issue to be resolved, he is the first one to step in to turn things right with no motive except to serve. Gentle, cooperative and spiritual, he wants a decent, honest and genuine relationship.

It’s a pleasure to be writing about Dr. Krishne Gowda on the eve of his 60 years commemorative occasion. We wish him and his family Health and Cheerfulness to continue his work on a wider canvas purposefully.

Sharad

Skin Cancer strikes Kirdalli Hamlets due to ?Arsenic poisoning

Skin Cancer strikes Kirdalli Hamlets due to ?Arsenic poisoning
Diligent observation detects association with impure drinking water.

Deligent observation of three patients of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Skin Cancer) occurring at the region of heel and all of them suffering from skin lesions evoked my inquisitiveness. It couldn’t be sporadic or coincidence.

Cancer patients are not normally seen arising in localities. Interestingly, here they all belonged to a tanda (Hamlets belonging to Lambani tribe of nomads). In almost 20 years of surgical exposure such an association especially with respect to a malignant disease was never seen. Hereditary occurrences might occur.

On this instance, which occurred recently, I realised that some interesting correlation exists. Skin Cancer was established by an edge biopsy but the exact predisposition and diffuse skin lesions were unidentified.

Immediately, I drew the patient to a dermatologist. Dr. Guruprasad diagnosed the skin lesion to be of chronic Arsenic poisoning. In fact, these lesions are premalignant leading to Squamous Cell Carcinoma or Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Apart from discussions to have an academic paper, my mind moved to think about the larger issue. Establishing the cause and remedy striked me. Unsure of the receptivity of press in general, I called Shri Jayateerth Patil, Chief Reporter, Vijay Karnataka, Gulbarga to broach this detection. I continued conveying that this is first time an association with drinking water and cancer involving a group of people exists and thus remediable. Further I added, let the coverage concentrate on remediable social health issue rather than personal coverage to draw the attention of administration.

Thereafter, he immediately arrived, covered it on the front page of all Karnataka Edition without my name anywhere. The rest is history.

Today, the district administration & district health officer are pursuing the matter. Water samples collected and sent for analysis. They are committed to taking care of the issue so that the whole tanda is free of contaminated water. Unfortunately, it seems to be taking political hue. That apart, a sense of elation and satisfaction is creeping in me that a large group of about 600 people will be benefited.

Visit to Tanda
We decided to visit the spot to have the feel of ground reality in spite of the scorching summer. Travelling along with journalist to the far end of the district in Shorapur tanda was a mixed experience, rich in information and poor on body. Almost 175 kms away, negotiating the long stretches of potholes was tough.

On arriving at the tanda, the people were elated with hope glowing on their face. They looked familiar, as they were my patients as stated later by them. 20% of the population having 60 hamlets were suffering from full-blown skin lesions. They might turn malignant anytime. Children seem to be spared with manifestation as of now.

Most of the adult working population had easy fatigability, suffered open wound on foot leading to amputation of leg as well in one instance. It took away their livelihood. The lady with amputation will remain handicapped for life. Actually, they were ailing yet ignorant of the underlying cause.

While returning, another peculiarity associated with this region striked us and that was the uranium belt. Gogi Village in neighbouring Shahapur taluka is known place of uranium reserve. Mining of uranium is taking place. Since, uranium isotope radiation is known cause of Cancer, we decided to see that place.

Just on the sides of Gogi – Kembhavi Road is situated the uranium exploration area. It was marked as restricted area. Armed with Press identity and my professional identity, we talked to the contractor whose job is just mine and hand over the raw material to Uranium authority of India. He elaborated that the mining activity is something like drilling a core of a size of 10 feet diameter by the core machine. While depths of 120 mts are bored to get the material, they have approached about 110 mts. It doesn’t involve any manual labour activity.

With this information, we returned. On the whole, it was a moving experience.

More on this will follow,

Sharad

Photographs of Kirdalli Tanda & Patients

View of the Kirdalli Tanda, Shorapur Taluka
Amputed leg of one inhabitant showing skin lesions also

Patient with cancerous ulcer on the heel associated with skin lesions on the palms

Photographs related to clinical manifestations of Chronic Arsenic poisoning

Yashaswini Health Insurance

Hello,

We confess our inability to maintain the date with you as thought while commencing the blog. The weekly ritual & deadline couldn’t be kept for various reasons, the foremost being my inability to narrow down to a particular issue for lack of specific feedback. Secondly, my intent is positive, constructive and communicative. If these aren’t met, there would be no reason to write. Not being discouraged, let us be dynamic, adjust according to the stream and the ambience while retaining the intent.

Yashaswini will soon become another bleeding white elephant.
Generally speaking Health Insurance is a no win situation over long period.

The write up ‘Yashaswini Insurance beset by nepotism, infrastructure snags’ in The New Indian Express dated 18th May 09 has brought to light the inadequacies in the presently popular health insurance scheme of Karnataka in cooperative sector.

Commenced in the year 2003 the Yashaswini Health Insurance Scheme had three stakeholders. A trust board managed by the pioneer Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Government of Karnataka and the farmer cooperative body. Each farmer belonging to the cooperative body pays a subsidised premium every year matched with equal amount by government of Karnataka.

In the beginning, it was presumed that it would be win win situation for all concerned. For doctors and cardiothoracic surgeons specifically it gave clientele. For Government they got a populous programme that they could drum up and for the farmers they got hope of getting the costliest surgeries done for a paltry subsidized premium. While the programme was in its infancy claims were minimal making it profitable as a business venture as well. But now, the ills of the scheme seem to manifest.

There is alleged large scale unwarranted claims processed consequent to the nexus between hospitals and the system. It is no longer restricted to nominal percentage of claims as seen during its height of popularity as novel scheme. Secondly, under the pretext that operative charges for non-cardiac surgeries are meagre, hospitals are charging the patient. Actually, no hospital in the scheme of network is supposed to collect any money. It’s a cashless health care delivery system.

The premium for the farmer has increased, consequent to the exponential increase in claims the Government contribution is increasing significantly as they cannot mar the populous programme. Finally, Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty has started commenting that most of the private hospitals are already overcrowded with patients, as Government hospitals are not coming forward to avail the benefits of Yashaswini scheme etc.

Deficiencies and ineffectivity of Government infrastructure is ubiquitous and thus well known. This scheme was incorporated so that poor farmers who have not been able to get treated in public sector or otherwise will be able to get them by subscribing to the insurance scheme.

The initial period is like honeymoon. Claims are less and patients get pooled. But sooner the ills of Health Insurance start becoming obvious.

A bleeding white elephant! It will not be the so-called progressive health insurance it was meant to be.

Meanwhile, let us look at the present situation of Health Insurance scheme of US, which is in place for many decades as a learning exercise. Today, the health insurance premium is approximately one third of the income of the individual. The burden of health insurance premium is so much that 10-12% of Americans cannot afford it and therefore are not covered by health insurance.

The insurance corporate body is doling out profits every year as medical practitioners crib of low professional charges and the common man suffers for the inability to pay the huge premium. You would ask, ‘Why would the doctor get less?’ The reason is the corporate insurance body would negotiate with the doctor community for the professional charges. If a patients needs regular appendectomy which costs $ 1,50,000/- approximately there, the insurance company fixes a rate of $30,000. All those doctors who are willing to operate at that rate will be on the rolls of the insurance company. The patients will have to choose from that list only. Finally, today, neither is the common man benefited nor the professional is. That speaks of the present insurance scenario.

Today, Karvy Stock broking people approached me for insurance subscription. They said ‘we would negotiate the premium with the insurance company and give you the lowest bidding’. This sounds the harbinger of things to come.

There is another instance, which speaks for itself. While you go to avail treatment at a corporate hospital, one needs to mention whether you wish to avail any cashless Health Insurance. A glance at the tariff is astounding. If you avail of the treatment against cash the cost of surgery would be Rs. 1,00, 000/-. While you avail it for the insurance card, the cost of the same surgery would be Rs. 3,00,000/-. If the hospital collects three times more, where will the company pay? It has to be from the increasing the premium!

I should confess that I am no financial expert but simple understanding reveals that Health Insurance programme is not as simple as saying, ‘I pay Rs. 5,000 as premium and get a treatment worth Rs. 5,00,000 some day’. There are many variables and uncertainties.

It’s not the final word.

Sharad

Low voting percentage – Stop whipping the urban middle class

The Missing Angle - Questionable electorate numbers

Consistently low voting percentage quoted in spite of every effort made this time to create voting awareness has kick started the debate on ineffectuality. The ground reality suggests active participation of the electorate, yet the figures quoted is dismal 40%-45%. In other words 55%-60% of enrolled voters have not participated. There are sufficient reasons to debate the authenticity of electorate figure itself, which has found scant attention during the debate.

All this time, the urban middle class was blamed for not participating in the electoral process. This time every effort was made to create awareness starting by the media (as part of social commitment), celebrities, Bollywood promotion documentaries, NGO’s and advertisement by election commission itself. Yet, all the 5 rounds found sustained low figures in both urban and rural areas.

Urban areas
There is high political curiosity amongst the average urban population as reinforced by the finding that every other person when enquired reassures his participation in the election. The urban streets look desolated on the Election Day except for the vote exercising activity. Yet the urban voting percentage mentioned at the end of voting is well below the mark. The employees of unorganised sector who hail from interiors avail forceful absence, as the lure of voting in villages is much more.

Rural area
The voter mobilization is much more organized in rural areas. They are enticed in various forms just before voting. In these days of costliest elections every vote is for commercial exploitation. People who have migrated to urban areas are brought back on the voting day. An article in The Hindu quoting the large migration from Gulbarga and arrangements being made by all political parties to bring them back is testimony to it. All arrangements are made to transport them locally also albeit with much less visibility than before to avoid the eyes of election observers. Having committed, non-participation in the election process becomes obvious to electorate mobilizers in rural area. Lastly, inflated voter registration gives the political parties increased manoeuvring space as 90% or more voting in any booth is scrutinized by the election commission.

System Contribution
The election commission doesn’t have the capability to verify the enrolment of large-scale bogus voters. Secondly, multiple enrolments in native & places of work continue.

The very fact that 10,000 – 15,000 votes are deleted at one stroke speaks volumes. Secondly, with such large scale unemployment & the ability to muster a crowd of 1-5 lakh people easily for a single political rally’s is taken into consideration the figure of 55-60% of enrolled voters not participating in the election process is hard to digest.

Consequently, there is need to look at the questionable numbers itself rather than whip the urban middle class for the ill as usual.

Sharad

Delighted to respond

This is to draw your attention to the article 'Will your business still be around in 2020?' by Stephen Manallack in today’s 'The Hindu'

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2009/04/21/stories/2009042153270900.htm)

wherein the relevant excerpt is ' ... Good leaders have strong moral values. There is plenty of evidence of a connection between strong moral principles and business success (one of the best books is Moral Intelligence: Enhancing Business Performance and leadership Success, Wharton School Publishing, by Doug Lennick & Fred Kiel)'

It may be relevantly recapitulated that 'Moral Quotient was the term used in Sunny's Blog'.

We are thrilled!

Sharad

Satyam: Bringing the cheat to justice is equally important.

Satyam: Bringing the cheat to justice is equally important.

The other day, immediately on the day of Tech Mahindra winning the bidding to acquire beleaguered Satyam Computers, NDTV Profit carried the reaction of Mrs. Ramalinga Raju. She claimed happiness that the company established by her husband has found a new owner and the interests of the employees are protected.

It was surprising. It sounded ridiculous. After all, it was the wilful, malafide creation of deposed Chairman, Ramalinga Raju. What is the point of expressing delight now? Secondly, this subtle signs of patronage does not augur well for the reputation of the channel or health for the society.

Amidst the celebration that Government and the nominated board was able to find a new buyer, the industry seems to take light of the largest accounting fraud of the post independence period. However, bringing the perpetrators of the fraud to justice should form an important task of Governance and not only allowing the bidding process to be completed.

The confessed amount is Rs. 7800 Crores, while the investigating sources believe it could be anywhere around Rs. 10,000 Crores. It was a systematically planned and executed fraud over a period of 2-3 years, rather much more. Faked invoices, false & fabricated statement, fake deposit certificates and bank accounts, siphoning off of money etc. What is remaining?

I don’t agree that ethics are changeable. Some business analysts were subtly trying to plead; accounting frauds are not uncommon in business, though this is on higher scale. The laws are silly and not contemporary compelling the businessmen to indulge in fraudulent acts. Another one said, Raju must have indulged in such disgraceful business against his wishes. It must have been, at the behest of his children. Rubbish.

There is system connivance also. Auditors, bankers, regulatory bodies and politicians cannot escape their responsibility. The only way to prevent such frauds from happening again is to ensure that hose that were responsible for it are brought to justice.

Sharad

Winners never Cheat - Book Overview

Let me overview a related book, which I had read some time ago – ‘Winners never Cheat’ by Jon M Huntsman

Everyday Values We Learned as Children
(But May Have Forgotten)

Author Jon Huntsman worked as a staff assistant to Richard Nixon on H. R. Halderman’s staff. He was one of the few upper-level staffer to emerge out of Watergate unscathed.

This Self-Made billionaire presents the lessons of a lifetime; an inspirational manifesto for returning to the days when your word was your bond, a handshake was sacred and swarms of lawyers weren’t needed to back it up.

The book contains 10 chapters and ends with a concluding chapter. Important aspects of each chapter are outline below:

Chapter One: Lessons from the Sandbox:
(Everything we need for today’s marketplace we learned as kids)

We all know the drill: Be fair, don’t cheat, play nicely etc. These childhood prescriptions appear to have been forgotten in the fog of competition. Financial ends never justify unethical means. Nice guys really can and do finish first in life.

Chapter Two: Check Your Moral Compass
(We know darn well what is right and wrong)

There is no such thing as a moral agnostic. An amoral person is a moral person who temporarily and creatively disconnects his actions from values”. Certain types of behaviour encourage a disconnect with our inner compass or conscience: Rationalizing dims caution lights, arrogance blurs boundaries and desperation over rides good sense.

People often offer as an excuse for lying, cheating and fraud that they were pressured into it by high expectations or that ‘everyone does it’. Some may even go to the extreme of claiming that it is the only way they can keep up. Those excuses sound better than the real reasons they choose the improper course: arrogance, power trips, greed and lack of backbone, all of which are equal-opportunity afflictions. ‘Succeeding or getting to top at all costs by definition is an immoral goal.’ The ingredients for long-term success –courage, vision, follow-through, risk opportunity, sweat, sacrifice, skill, discipline, and honesty – never vary.

Values provide us with ethical water wings whose deployment is as critical in today’s wave-tossed corporate boardrooms as they were in yesterday’s classrooms.

Chapter Three: Play by the Rules:
(Compete fiercely and fairly – but no cutting in line)

Which rules we honour and which we ignore determine personal character and it is character that determines how closely we will allow our value system to affect our lives. Character is most determined by integrity and courage. Your reputation is how others perceive you. Character is how you act when no one is watching.

There are basically three kinds of people: the unsuccessful, the temporarily successful and those who become and remain successful. The difference is character. WorldCom, Tyco, Enron and other giant companies had leaders who failed to play fair. Because they cheated, they lost. Accumulation of wealth became a driving force to these executives. They forgot the golden rule of integrity.

Real winner never sneak to finish lines by clandestine or compromised routes. They do it the old-fashioned way – with talent, hard work and honesty.

Chapter Four: Setting the Example:
(Risk, Responsibility and Reliability – The three R s of leadership)

Chapter Five: Keep your word:
(It’s high time to corral the corporate lawyers)

‘Let your ‘YES’ be ‘YES and your ‘NO’ be ‘NO’

It is important that we listen to lawyers, but only for a second opinion. Your opinion ought to be the first – and the last. When you shake hands, the negotiating is over. Your word is your greatest asset; honesty is your best virtue.

Chapter Six: Pick Advisors wisely:
(Surround yourself with associates who have the courage to say no)

Success is a cooperative effort; it’s dependent upon those who stand beside you.

Chapter Seven: Get Mad, Not Even:
(Revenge is unhealthy and unproductive. Learn to move on)

Chapter Eight: Graciousness Is Next to godliness:
(Treat Competitors, colleagues, employees and customers with respect)

Chapter Nine: Your Name is on the Door:
(Operate businesses and organizations as if they are family owned)

‘I emphasise in employee meetings that families come first. I have insisted our company workplaces attempt to be an extension of a supportive home’

‘Be a cheerleader for each other. Seek good fortune for the other person first. Most family businesses end up in disarray because of the selfish interests of one or another sibling’. The head of the successful joint families in India were benevolent.

‘The surest path to success is one where others walk with you’

Chapter Ten: The Obligation to Give Back:
(Nobody is completely self-made; return the favour and good fortune)

‘True giving is doing something for somebody who can never repay you.’

Conclusion – The bottom Line:
(Acceptable moral values are child’s play, not rocket science)

Sharad

Moral Quotient - MQ

Reading 'Winners never Cheat' book has renewed my faith in the belief that MORAL QUOTIENT (MQ) is equally important as IQ & EQ. Probably a bit more significant, as morality is not easy to muster.

To start with Intelligent Quotient (IQ), which reflects the ability of the individual to analyse and understand complex issues was measured as the principal reason for success.

Later, Daniel Golemen, in his groundbreaking book ‘Emotional Intelligence’ published in 1995 introduced Emotional Intelligence Quotient, which represented the ability to respond to issues and situations. He identified a very high correlation between success and EQ.

Yet, today, we see people no longer enjoy the legitimacy they need. So much depends on reputation that it makes the difference. The incredible internal strength makes an individual stand apart in the present milieu of one-upmanship.

The Gen Next is turning spiritual and an undercurrent seems to flow.

Sharad

Gulbarga Parliamentary Election

Advantage Revu Naik, disadvantage Gulbarga?

Amidst the cacophony of election, I didn’t wish to add another opinion. But everyday another event is occurring that signifies a meaning needing communication. Hence, this outlook with the smut isolated as far as possible.

Gulbarga parliamentary constituency has been a traditional Congress stronghold. It was here that a rank outsider Mr. C. M. Stephen (Tippanna here) was brought to contest after his defeat at New Delhi in 1980. In the last 16 Lok Sabha elections held, Congress has been victorious on 14 number of occasions, while, BJP & JDS once each.

From Congress, Swami Ramanand Teerth, Mahadevappa Rampure, Dharam Singh, C. M. Stephen, Veerendra Patil, Dr. B. G. Jawali & Iqbal Ahmed Saradgi were elected. Baswaraj Patil Sedam & Qamarul Islam represented BJP & JDS respectively.

But, this is the first Lok Sabha election being held after delimitation of constituency. Conspicuously, Gulbarga seat is now a reserved one contrary to it being General seat for last 16 occasions.

The performance of contestants in the last Assembly election held after the delimitation process might through some light on the results of the ensuing elections.

Gulbarga parliamentary constituency with 15,14,490 votes harbours 8 assembly seats. Namely, Afzalpur with 1,81,559 voters, Jewargi with 1,88,432 voters, Gurmitkal with 1,80, 374, Chitapur (SC) – 1,88,368, Sedam – 1,73,656, Gulbarga Rural (SC) – 2,15,700, Gulbarga South – 1,92,144, and Gulbarga North with 1, 94, 257 voters.


In the last assembly election Congress (I) was able to win 5 seats of the 8 seats, with the rest going to BJP. Interestingly, the present main candidates Mallikarjun Kharge and Revu Naik Singh are seating legislators from Chitapur and Gulbarga rural constituency. Both won their respective seats handsomely and thereafter are holding constitutional posts of Leader of Opposition and Cabinet Minister post in the present State Government. Mallikarjun Kharge has won for last 9 terms without losing any elections till this date. Similarly, Revu Naik has never lost while winning on 4 consecutive times. Similarity doesn’t end there, both are testing their luck at parliamentary polls for the first time.

In Performance and approach both are totally different. Stark contrast. Mallikarjun Kharge appears tough, no nonsense guy, catering to his constituency of community and electorate. His former constituency, Gurmitkal was considered to be a model assembly constituency. He is credited with establishing the state level police-training centre at Naganahalli, Gulbarga and Budh Vihar a gigantic monument in the whole of Asia on the outskirts of Gulbarga. Conscious people believe he has the capability of exerting at the Centre if he desires in addressing the issues of Amendment to Article 371 granting special status to this region, establishment of railway zone etc which have been pending for long irrespective of either Government at the Centre. The lack of towering and influencing representative was attributed.

While Revu Naik, virtually illiterate with schooling of up to 5th standard is credited with having maverick memory. He has the capability to retain 10 digit mobile numbers of most of his acquaintances. A clean, humble and approachable person, he is known to enamour people with his simple yet convincing communication. He may not have the stature, education and experience of his opponent, but he has his own way of getting the work done successfully.

This very stature, inapproachability and the accusation of being unhelpful to the majority community are undoing Mallikarjun Kharge. Added, the anti incumbency factor of such a long duration amongst his community itself is serious. He is accused of not having developed leadership amongst his community while promoting his family members all through.

In response to Mallikarjun Kharge’s expressed reluctance to move to centre, B. S. Yediveerappa in a smart move asks the electorate not to send a reluctant member to the centre. ‘Why do you want to send a Chief Minister aspirant to the centre? Let Kharge be here in the state’ is Yediveerappa’s suggestion to the receptive crowd.

Though, Siddaramiah was pressurizing the high command to suitably accommodate him in the hierarchy of the state for long. The insistence amidst the electioneering and the high command yielding is intriguing. Many are questioning the haste and wrong timing. Does it hint much more than what is obvious. Many read the uncertainty of Congress winning from Gulbarga. In case that happens asking Mallikarjun Kharge to resign in favour of Siddaramiah would be a formidable task is the reason they quote.

While discussing Revu Naik’s candidature, one is reminded of Late Ramachandrappa Veerappa, the doyen from neighbouring Bidar Constituency. He created history for having got elected on maximum number of occasions and also being the oldest member of the parliament.

Revu Naik & Ramachandrappa Veerappa have brilliant similarities. Elections often fought on emotional plane rather than informed decision; it will be historic to see whether Revu Naik Singh will follow Ramachandrappa Veerappa’s footsteps.

If so, will it be disadvantage Gulbarga?

Sharad

Gulbarga Diary - 2.1

Large-scale migration of labourers.

Today’s ‘The Hindu’ covers large-scale migration of landless labourers and the effort made by political parties to get them back to vote was reported.

Actually, this was a glaring process going on continuously for last many years. The sight of entire families boarding unreserved compartment of the trains moving towards Mumbai, Bangalore and Surat were common. It is testimony of the economic situation in the rural areas. Frankly, that holds true to semi urban areas as well.

Let it be known that the Human resource of this region is commendable. They are sought after at all places they work for their traits.

Most of Gulbarga district is thriving on dry land farming only. Irrigation is restricted to parts of few talukas only. With no industrial growth that could see the employment of workers, unskilled and skilled both have to seek employment in metropolitan cities mentioned.

It is disheartening to note that the migration doesn’t make news so that it could draw the attention of the authorities but is making news for the efforts being made by the political agents as they belong to particular communities of the candidates.

Relative mass exodus is a very bad sign. It indicates that the economic deprivation is reaching unsustainable proportions. It’s a wake up call. Will anyone listen?

Sharad

Gulbarga Diary - 3

Media & Gulbarga

Recently, a Delhi based journalist landed at Aizwal, capital of Mizoram to attend a National Seminar. To her utter dismay, she learned that the state capital of Mizoram is at standstill for last 3 days protesting the alleged excesses of the Military. There is a paralysing strike yet no space in the national print media.

An accident or a murder with personal motive in Ghaziabad would find space in national print or electronic media but not a burning state capital of North Eastern region.

With Gulbarga, the fate is similar, probably on a lesser ratio. If anyone is reading the largest circulating paper of the state capital, one will be totally unaware of the happenings in divisional headquarters like Gulbarga. Now, even with the presence of their sister concern bureau here the same attitude continues. The attitude of disregard to this region is glaring.

While, Deccan Chronicle, a non-traditional paper catering to a niche group could establish here with their Hyderabad edition, much before they expanded to Bangalore. Why couldn’t the largest circulating newspaper of the our state capital?

Newspapers here have embraced the trend started by E Naadu, in Andhra Pradesh, later successfully implemented by Vijay Karnataka in Karnataka, of having more local content. This has further squeezed the space to have any information of Gulbarga in Bangalore print edition. Exceptions are there.

As though this was not enough, it is the Bangalore state edition that is uploaded to the Internet edition. Except one or two Internet editions that carry news related to each district; the rest deprive the news of interior regions to migrant population in this liberalized world.

Finally, there is a subtle observation that most papers are taking blatant political positions in favour of a party. From the reader’s point of view they are thrust with biased & imbalanced news. It was known that the editorial policy of the publishers was restricted to the editorial content only. Now no page is left untouched. Even the Letters to the Editor column is being used! We see photographs to draw the point in Letters to the Editor section in State Paper! Some have the habit of reading this column first as it might represent a different perspective from that of the editorial, but in vain.

While I was writing letters to the editor on a regular basis a few years ago, my persistence and perseverance saw the merit in publication of more than 200 letters in all state and national newspapers, except one newspaper. Every effort to feel the sense of completeness failed. Dejected, I drew the statistics of the letters already published, the newspaper, edition etc and wrote a letter to the editor personally. He was amazed at the indifferent attitude towards Gulbarga.

Blogs with niche target can fill that gap. They permit one to have their autonomy, no hassles of deadlines and zero editorial intervention. Finally, responses are immediate and direct.

All these years we felt that one is baptised reading a newspaper and that continues for long, life long sometimes. If he or she doesn’t read the paper he is used to, the sense of satisfaction doesn’t manifest. For last few months, I have tried getting different newspapers on different days of the week. It begins with The New Indian Express for a day, The Hindu for two days, Deccan Herald for two days and finally Deccan Chronicle for two days. It has worked wonders. There’s variety and natural balance obtained. We have applied the same to vernacular papers also with satisfaction.

There’s a hitch - convincing the newspaper vendor. It has worked with me. So it should work with you as well. Try it out if you believe in it!

Sharad

Gulbarga Diary - 2

Is it ‘Nizam shahi’ or economic minoritism?

For every conscious individual from this Gulbarga it is inescapable to confront the question, ‘Why Gulbarga has not developed?’

‘Lack of political will’ seems the stock answer in political circles. It’s true, especially when you see Aurangabad developed as a result of the political thrust it received. There seems to be more than this.

It’s fashionable to recapitulate the past glory associated with Gulbarga, but it’s notable that no great strides are taken in any particular field region in the post independence period. No institution in this region can be ranked in the top bracket at the state level, leave alone national eminence. No establishment of industry that has a standing, not a single area comes to our minds.

Individual accomplishments are galore. Gulbarga has produced Chief Ministers that adored the seat on three occasions. No other district has that equating credit. Interestingly, Chitradurga, an underdeveloped district again gave Chief Minister for two terms. Now, Shimoga also joins the list.

Personalities might have their roots here, but they grew and progressed away from this ambience. Professional, art, culture, literature etc achievements are examples, which again highlight individual progress, rather than cooperative or societal development.

The only recognisable feat here in the post independence period came from Mahadevappa Rampure, a Maharashtrian from neighbouring Akkalkot. He had the vision of establishing an educational society in Gulbarga. What is glaring is that the society started its descend with his demise. One can get a feel of the state of the society by comparing it with the present status of KLE society and Bapuji Education Society, which commenced almost simultaneously around 1958.

Whatever economic viability seen today is because of the presence of these educational institutions. They are supplemented with economic prosperity seen amongst Government contractors, officials and politicians. Actually, the economy of this region is based on trading – ‘A’ buys from ‘B’, ‘B’ buys from ‘C’ & in turn ‘C’ buys from ‘A’. That’s the economy of this region.

With this milieu, where is the hope for economic progress? He is working against hope, against a well-built wall. He has striked it, striked it on numerous occasion, hurt, injured, he has reconciled to being contended. He has withdrawn, takes no initiative, doesn’t question the authorities successfully, restricts his requirements and has made contended life his way of life. Here, the trait is similar to ‘Nizam shahi’, but not due inheritance nor cultural transition. It’s acquired absolutely based on circumstances.

With limited resources and plenty to cater – a situation of economic minoritism, survival instinct becomes predominant. Selfishness reaches its extreme for individual continued existence. This situation is ideal to initiate into politicking, draw negative attitude of non-cooperation, backbiting and leg pulling.

There’s no cooperative movement nor there’s any collaboration and that’s why nothing creditable has taken place in the post independence period to transform this region.

Acquired ‘Nizam shahi’ and economic minoritism have made them docile, laidback and contended till they see hope, till the milieu is charged with economic opportunities and activities that are progressive.

Sharad

Barometer

Paulo Coelho, in his blog has sought Your Opinion

Forgiving & Forgetting
Paulo Coelho’s preface
When people hurt you: do you forgive and forget? Or do you just forgive but don’t forget?
People who tend to be seen as good – usually forgive and forget. But I don’t think that this is a question of being good or evil – I think the point is about being just. So maybe the tendency to forgive and forget those that have hurt us is not necessarily a good thing. Because if we don’t do anything to people that hurt us – they will probably continue on hurting others.

My take:
Though, most philosophies recommend forgiving and forgetting, I have my reservations.

Situation: Intentionally Hurt.
Response: No efforts are made to mend them nor do I make an attempt to teach them a lesson. I don’t forget it.
Rationale:
I am not sure about accepting the rationally of being just. It’s an emotional issue. One cannot tread the judgmental path discreetly. Actually, one should not make an attempt to deliver justice.
Initially, I believe in Karma – his and mine.
Secondly, I don’t laugh and accept it, since he or she needs to know that I have been hurt and he needs to be conscious. It also alerts me.
Finally, if he is a habitual offender, I try being away – maintaining a safe distance, sometimes to the extent of cutting communication as I believe, this guy has inherent negative energy, there is no point in guessing, confer through counseling etc. Accept but don’t be foolish to get hurt again by forgetting.

You have a strong opinion? We would like to hear from you.

Take care,

Sharad

Initial Response

Initial Response.

The initial response has been encouraging. 46 visitors in 48 hours of posting. Allowing the default settings to continue prevented many non-google account holders to register their comment. Please note, now, anyone can comment without revealing your identity.

Some like Er. Sandeep, Dr. Kulkarni have communicated their opinion about it being Gulbarga centric but encouraged to continue writing. Mr. Khaja was happy that I have recommenced lettering.

Undoubtedly, to begin with, it’s deliberately planned to be region centric and special. For people associated with this region, they are nostalgic yet their strings are getting frayed perpetually as they lack any binding information. It’s going to be local to global route as nicely observed by Mr. Khaja.

I wouldn’t agree more with Mr. Venkatesh Manu. Our uncontrolled consumptive assault on the nature has given rise to obvious manifestation. There is need to be conscious of it, express and act on the imbalance.

It’s heartening to note that, today, honourable judges of the Circuit Bench here in Gulbarga have suo motto taken an initiate to tackle one of the menace. They have committed to participate in the fight against plastics.

I would go a step further to say the Inner Nature of the human also is deranged losing the true character of human beings.

The future of the World lies in the hands that work with the nature and not against it - both Inner and Outer.

We thank all for the input.

As of now, I wish to have two posting per week. One on the weekend, another on Wednesday (mid-week) the designated ‘Gulbarga Diary’.

Though, the innate desire to communicate has made this happen, it’s sustenance that would blossom into a lasting association needs more visitor clicks on the blog.

Happy weekend,

Sharad

Gulbarga Diary – 1

Gulbarga Diary

Change of Guard at HKE – Power of Democracy.

Though Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society (HKES) is yet another Cooperative sector institution, it holds a pivotal place and thus relevance to the lay & the powers that be of this region.

From the people’s point of view, this society is the only illuminating star that held the dreams of the students and parents alike, as it is the only source of economic activity ‘industry’. Not long ago, the in spite of being Minister, Dr. A. B. Malakreddy was toeing the idea of contesting for the President’s post of this society. That speaks about the importance of the society to all & sundry.

Basawaraj Bhimalli was expected to walk through the elections, as it was his second term. Not that it was a foregone conclusion but very often the sitting president has been voted back to power. Being in power gives them enough manoeuvring capabilities. With the then incumbent, the salary hikes for medical college teachers, partial redressal of financial issues and approachability were favourable points.

Shashil Namoshi, MLC and Chairman, Nanjundappa committee recommendations implementation Board was not new to this political arena, but his inability to break the shackles and come anywhere near so as to be considered as a tough opponent in the past was the prime reason.

Another notable point this election witnessed was contest by another two candidates namely B. G. Patil and Shivanand Mankar. This gave rise to a small glimpse of uncertainty, as probably never in the past, there were 4 notable candidates. The division of votes and beneficiary couldn’t be predicted.

Manifestos and issues like corruption have lost their relevance like anywhere else. Just 6 years ago a President, Dr.Jawali, tainted with an FIR for having disposed off an antic 2nd world war aeroplane worth crores was re-elected. All candidates were sailing together on these issues except that B. G. Patil assured of leaving behind Rs. 15 crore deposits at the end of the term.

With most cards stacked along the President of the day, shades of voter power were seen with the declaration of Governing Council members’ results. Unexpectedly, plenty of new faces got elected discarding the old warhorses. But that may not be considered the harbinger of change at the top as in year 2000, even though not a single GC Member was elected from Dr. Jawali’s Panel, he got elected defeating a non corrupt, pious but dependent candidate Basawarajappa Appa.

Alleged emergence of established multiple familial power centres, inability to control the interference of cronies or rather dependence on the cronies for counselling and hovering fear that the second term with no checks and controls would be horrendous in corruption deterred the voters. About 110 votes taken by the other candidates B. G. Patil & Mankar were decisive. The last straw seemed to be the alleged excessive patronage given to a sub community – Reddy faction. That irked the majority community to get united in favour of Shashil Namoshi.

Meanwhile, the usually inconspicuous election of Vice Presidentship gained prestige with the entry of Dr. Suryakant Patil who had virtually dissociated from Gulbarga. The strategy of his close friend Dr. S. M. Patil and others to persuade Dr. Suryakant Patil to enter the fray paid dividends. He won handsomely defeating old horse Baburao Mangane. It was virtually one to one contest rather than the triangular one.

The voters who seemed to go into slumber after their appetite was satiated every election woke up this time to exercise their say for a change of optimism. The spirit of social concern triumphed. The larger interest prevailed.
Governing Council members elected are: First Timers - Vishwanath Reddy B Itagi, A. V. Deshmukh, Shivasharanappa Siri, N. D. Patil, Shantappa Bilgundi, Rajasekhar Kanaki & Girijashankar. Old timers: Sharad Rampure, Shivaraj Nigudgi, Vijaykumar Deshmukh, R. S. Hosagowda, Shivasharanappa Mantale, and Dr. Basawaraj Patil.

Prominent losers: Radhakrishna Raghoji, Dr. Sharanappa Giri, Dr. Sampath Loya, G. D. Anakal, Dr. Bheemashankar Bilgundi & others.

DISCLAIMER: These assimilated views are views of the voters. Not attributable to the author.


Summer in Gulbarga is a desert.

Desert conditions revisit Gulbarga every summer. This season the onset of summer got delayed. Actually, with Sankranti start Uttarayana and summer, reaching palpable limits at the time of Shivaratri. However, this year, the semblance of summer commenced around Shivaratri reaching the palpable limit now. Nowadays the temperature is hovering around 42 degree Celsius.

I believe, perceptibly, there is change of seasons in India, probably elsewhere also. The rainy season doesn’t commence and sustain from 7th June. During Navaratri, one experiences Dasera heat. No longer now. Deepawali to Sankranti it is winter, but nowadays every onset seems to have been postponed by about 3 weeks.

Last night it drizzled to bring down the radiating temperature.

Bye for this week. Gulbarga Diary revisits next Wednesday with something contemporary.

Take care,

Doctor Community

Hello Doctor Community,

The doctor community is facing an up rise in violence on the health care delivery personnel, hospital and themselves. The community felt that it was targeted because of its vulnerability and lack of consideration by the government.

Fortunately, Government not only took cognisance, but also acted by enacting a law that prohibits assault on Doctors-Staff- Hospital. The said act has been notified in the gazette dated 2nd March 09.

A copy of the two-page matter is uploaded to facilitate doctors interested. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to have received wide coverage. Therefore, one can consider displaying the framed copy at a high visibly place of the hospital. This awareness to the lay may act as a deterrent.

We believe, you are also aware about the recent landmark delivered by Supreme Court of India on 17th February 2009. This landmark judgment has very clearly and categorically laid down the procedure for any penal action against a Doctor by the Police as well as under what circumstances the Doctors can be prosecuted against by the patients (Credits – Dr. Arvind Kumar, AIIMS, New Delhi). In case anyone needs the judgment copy, please communicate.

Wishing the community with a purpose on World Health Day – Heal thyself.

Sharad

Message

Hello,

Today, the means of communication are many. They are convenient, cheap yet, they have not been beneficial in creating bonding.

The occasions of messaging are increasing, as festive occasions in India are not few. On the other side of the globe and even here amongst the elite every relationship has an event to reassure its sustenance.

On all these days, we use significant amount of time on forwarding the forwarded mails to all addresses in the Outlook Express or sending group sms!

It was for long in me to establish a communication that can be related to and more importantly is not overbearing.

We have done it successfully in the past. The sporadic write-ups and designated columns were able to evoke an encouraging response. This mode appears promising & fulfilling.

Through this blog, we wish to address issues, which are contemporary in age and space. To begin with apart from musings on topics of interest, an all-compassing scheduled weekly ‘Gulbarga Diary’ will be posted every Wednesday.

Hoping for a lasting association,

Sharad