Saturday, January 29, 2011

Detestable Red tapes

Recently I had the misfortune to get a certificate attested from one of the government offices and this experience showed how backward still we are in terms of management despite talks of eGovernance and tele conferencing. The issue was simple- the Bank disbursing the educational loan wanted the income of my pensioner relative to be certified. First question was why should this be certified confirmed, when a Nationalized bank is giving a statement about the income received by a person.

The first visit was totally a trip into the woods, as the office was surrounded by a huge crowd, ostensibly to receive some dole for the festival around. I was promptly informed that nothing of my requirement will be met until next week, when the festival will conclude. My feeble request that the Bank has stipulated next 3 days as last date was firmly rebutted as Bank cannot dictate terms to them. Caught between the devil and the deep sea, I approached them next week and was blindly asked to fill some forms and come in the evening. There was no acknowledgement- nothing.

Then started my journey to the office, which went on for nearly 7 times within a week- every time to be told to come later. I almost gave up hope and when I decided to make one last effort, the good official made me to wait for nearly two hours and then I myself was asked to search for my papers from a mountain of garbage. The whole place was stinking, stained with pawn spits and dirty. The silver lining was I was able to get the same that night without spending an extra paisa and when I got the same, I felt like the 1983 Indian Cricket team, which got the World Cup, when no one expected it to.
 My question is, why should someone spend so much of time running around? What about some system to acknowledge and specify a possible date? Why should the concerned person be asked to search for his own papers- in the melee I resisted from trampling on other papers, which were strewn all around? I had an attack, when told that my papers were missing- a simple acknowledgment would have saved this.
 In this age of computerization and online tracking, these are avoidable pains. While the Railways is making full use of computers and the offices of Passport provide online status, why this apathy in the state departments. I feel system and transparency are the initial steps towards better governance and winning the confidence of simple citizens.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Controllable Cancer- Cheerful to hear

It is heartening to hear our Indian born Dr Siddhartha Mukherjee remarking that cancer is controllable with some simple steps, as cancer is not one single disease but a combination of many diseases.


He suggests
- putting in place a strong tobacco control programme as minimizing tobacco use will cut down long cancer


- Initiation of sexual health education to prevent sexually transmitted cancers like cervical & oral and encourage vaccination. Cervical cancer is initiated by a virus and is a completely preventable disease by vaccination and changes in sexual practice


- conduct of mammography and screening of vulnerable women, and those above age of 50, for breast cancers ; Routine mammography can diagnose and treat breast cancer early.


- start screening for and vaccination against Hepatitis B, that causes liver cancer;


- creating centralized systems modeled on comprehensive cancer centers in the US that allow researchers to share date and engage in high quality clinical work


According to him , none of these prevention mechanisms are complicated and requires only the will of the larger authorities.

Why India has suddenly reported a massive spurt in cancer cases- 10 lakhs new patients every year and four lakhs deaths? In addition to ageing, early and accurate diagnosis is helping to attribute the exact cause of death that did not happen before. Environmental carcinogens also seem to be playing a major role, in addition to the increase in tobacco smoking, which is another major determinant

He adds that the Oncologists in India are exceptional and the kind of work done by them in a place that does not have much resources is unbelievable. The volume of patients is enormous despite which doctors show so much of compassion. Surgeons operating in less than ideal circumstances are making impressive deliveries. So there is no lack of committed medical staff, but what is required are some alterations in policy. Let us hope the Government hears this Delhi boy turned US based Medical historian, soon.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Cancer Sticks

It is natural that though so many things happen around, one does not take notice of it unless it affects one. We read about so many road accidents, petrol and vegetable price increases, amendments to laws, traffic diversions..., unless you are impacted, we don't feel that it deserves a second look and pass on to the next item in the newspaper.

Such is the case of my interest in diseases- there are innumerable diseases in the world and why is that I am suddenly focusing on this. I have occasion to observe people suffering from this dreaded disease, which starts unobtrusively, with little signs and invariably when you start noticing it, one has gone miles with this. Immediate lesson-1: Never ignore symptoms like sudden weight reduction, exhaustion, loss of appetite and persistent cough. Cancer is one, which , if detected early, is CURABLE, so watch out.

The diseases demands a lot of medical attention, which is time consuming and costly. The chemo therapy and the radiation weakens the patient considerably and if you have had decent habits, the ingrown strong immune system supports you against this medical onslaught. Slowly the patient also faces the side effects of the medical war and it takes not only money and strong immune system, but a lot of family support also to help the patient to face this. 

One visit to a cancer hospital could convert any guy to a Budha, The cancer ward i saw was filled with children - not aware of what has hit them and blissfully playing with the toy, occasionally wincing under the pain of the jab of the injection needle;  students and office going youths - clad in their jean pants- covering their balding pate, in a hurry for the Chemo to complete to go for their daily chores- you must see the worried look of the parents with them to believe this ! Office goers- whose sufferings were more compounded by the cost and continuity of their jobs rather than the diseases; the old- with their sagging immune system and their suffering ward behind. Really heart wrenching. All these go through the ordeal of this, only with hope in mind, as the medicine system is yet to be perfected for this suffering.

The suffering and the pangs deepen, when one is afflicted with this for no fault of theirs . The main culprits for this are supposed to be smoking and alcohol.

A study reported in the Times of India today says that : "Cigarette smoke starts damaging one's basic element of life viz., Genes-within 30 minutes of inhaling it. The carcinogen of tobacco smoke starts causing adverse changes in the genetic structure  of the person within 15-30 minutes of taking a puff and this  carcinogen forms toxins in blood , called 'Trash DNA' which induces adverse genetic structure or mutation , thus exposing the person to the risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer kills 3000 people in the world each day and 90% of this toll is due to cigarette smoking. The report concludes saying that this should serve as a stark warning to those who are considering starting to smoke cigarettes".

I was somewhat shaken up by the study report as I had already exposure to the above mentioned cancer ward. By lighting a cigarette for few puffs, which is unjustifiably claimed by the smokers "to relax and reduce tensions", what are you leaving for your near and dear ones? A rude shock about your health which is likely to deteriorate any time, the accompanying costs leading to uncertainty, consequential impact on their plans, the trauma of the suffering and the hastening of your own end ! Is this necessary?

Can't we live without this? In my opinion, nothing worth its salt is being achieved by lighting a cigarette. You are not striking a match to light up a cigar- but only to burn the comforts, lives and plans of your spouse, sons and daughter. It is also reported that smokes inflicts the same sufferings on the innocent passive smokers, who happened to be in the vicinity , when you smoke ! What right have you got to smoke out others' lives?

Leave it now - Stomp the cancer stick that you have in your hand NOW and never look for this again. Let this not be one of the many new year resolutions, to be resolved again the next new year. Do it in your own interest, in the interest of your own near and dear ones and in the interest of mother earth !

Your own cigarette seller also agrees and has printed, on the pack you buy to make him richer, "Smoking is injurious to health". At least listen to this hypocritical advertisement at the right place by the wrong people!

Added on 20-Jan-2011:

I found this interesting article , while going through tweets. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12193602

 Read on.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Escaping Elites

Narayana Murthy has lamented in an interview to Times of India on the 13th Jan 2011( http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Elite-white-collar-criminals-must-get-heavy-punishment-Murthy/articleshow/7267438.cms) that the elite  escape punishment though they commit huge crimes and see it as "problem with this society", and has called for speedier justice.

Added to the slow process is the god given gift of 'forgetfulness'- our people tend to forget anything if another headline comes into focus!

More than the white collar crimes, the rich and affluent drag the scales of justice to the extremes. Immediately rushing to our mind are many cases such as :
  • Scions of  rich families, mowing down the poor sleeping on the pavements, while driving in an inebriated state !
  • Many so called sadhus, accused of unholy behaviors, not befitting their chosen roles, enjoying all comforts in first class jails , while the case drags on. Most of these sadhus have bank accounts which are by no means 'சாது' . The transactions are very live, kicking and active. 
  • We also hear of tycoons in the IT industry, roped in for suspected misappropriations of thousands of crores, cooling at cozy comforts of home, while not even the charges have been finalized
  • There was another news item on the same day, where it was alleged that a police station was reluctant to accept complaint !
One cannot but avoid comparing the above to one of our learned Ministers commenting on the same day that " corruption is ubiquitously spread in country and is deep rooted in the society"  .

Well said, Murthy! But, who is listening ?

Bare foot Doctors !

It was shocking to read in the Times of India of 13th Jan that two villagers in Rajasthan, who have never been to school are learning and practicing tricky dental procedures in that village. It is also surprising to learn that they have been chosen by a team of Italian dentists to perform such procedure.

How come this is allowed and also published very proudly? I am not questioning, as I feel there will be some answers, but I fail to understand why there was such a furor when a Doctor couple in Salem , India allowed their minor son to perform a Cesarean section and the doctors were jailed.

I am at a loss as to how these things can happen in a country like India, which is witnessing such a tremendous growth in Medical Sciences. Will you subject, any of your kith and kin to such barefoot Doctors. Honestly, I will not ! 

Also, nowadays , there is a trend to rush to the court if the treatment meted out seems to be falling short of practices and expectations. In such cases, how can we approach authorities for redressal and how will the courts view this- I am just to curious to know.

These are my immediate reactions to the news item. I am sure, I will add some more to this post, as my mind is yet to digest this news.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

2011 சென்னை புத்தகக் காட்சி

சில வருஷங்கள் கழித்து இன்று 34வது சென்னை  புத்தகக் காட்சிக்குப்  போயிருந்தேன். மனசுக்கு ரொம்ப சந்தோஷமா இருந்தது. வேணுமுன்னே லீவு நாள் தவிர்த்துப் போனேன் , ஆனாலும் நிறையப் பேரைப் பார்த்தேன்.- சுஜாதா, பாலகுமாரன், பாரதியார், கண்ணதாசன் என்று  பார்க்க பார்க்க மனசு பூரிச்சிப் போச்சு. பழைய ஞாபகங்கள் ஓடி வந்தன. 

எனக்குத்  தெரிந்து ஆறாவது book fare லருந்து  போய்க்கொண்டு  இருக்கேன். அப்பல்லாம் அண்ணா சாலை Arts College மைதானத்தில நடக்கும். ரெண்டு தடவை  போவோம். முதல்ல எல்லா புஸ்தகத்தையும்  ஒரு நோட்டம் பார்க்க , அப்புறம் புத்தகம் வாங்க - ஒரு திருவிழா போல இருக்கும்.

அதெல்லாம் நினைவு வந்தது. ஆனால் இப்ப காட்சி ரொம்ப  தேறி விட்டது  . எக்கச்சக்க stalls. அவ்ளோ புஸ்தகத்தைப பார்த்ததுடன் மூச்சுத் திணறியது. சுஜாதாவின் எல்லாப் புஸ்தகத்தையும் படிச்சுட்டேன்னு நினைச்சேன். இன்னிக்குத் தான் தெரிந்தது இன்னும் நிறைய இருக்குன்னு.  மனோரமா year புக் பார்த்தவுடன் ஆசைவந்தது - எதற்கு இனிமேல் என்று தோன்றவில்லை.   மறுபடியும் ஒரு ஸ்கூலுக்குப் போற உணர்வு வந்தது.  என்ன சந்தோசம்- யார் சொன்னா பொழுது  போகலைன்னு. நாட்டுல எவ்ளவோ இருக்கு படிக்கறதுக்கு.

நண்பன் சரவண கார்த்திகேயனின் , விருது  வாங்கிய ' சந்திராயன்' புத்தகத்தைத தேடிய பொழுது,  ஸ்டால் 274 ல, அது இல்லை என்ற பொழுது ஏமாற்றமாய் இருந்தது. ஒரு வளரும்  எழுத்தாளனை ஆதரிக்க முடியலயேன்னு.

சர்வ தேசத் தரத்துக்கு புத்தகங்கள் இருக்கு. கார் பார்க்கும் வெகு விசாலம். கொஞ்சம் இயற்கை உபாதைகள் பகுதி இன்னும் சுத்தமாக இருக்கலாம். BAPASI  கவனிப்பார்களா?

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Taxman Calling !

It is time to gird your loins and meet the tax demon head on, as March approaches !
Pull out that Calculator or Spread sheet and arrive at the Tax savings to be made.

Review your Tax savings plans and :
  • Pay your Insurance premium- Nowadays, you can make online payment by directly debiting your bank account. Check with your current bankers and act
  • Check the Mediclaim validity
  • If you have a PPF account, remember, you need to make at least one payment in a year before March 31st.
  • If you have Housing loans, your employer may ask for the latest certificate on Principal and Interest paid for this financial year. Call your Bankers and request for one , so that you can pick up the same during the weekend. 
  • Note to pay your Property tax, which could be included for tax purposes.
  • Check and ensure that your house is insured. Make sure that your financiers have done this otherwise you pay this and advise them against double payment.
This is a wake up call , particularly to those who have travelled outside India and normally tend to forget these critical activities. Do Not allow policies to lapse due to delinquency.

Friday, January 7, 2011

My experiences on Planning & Savings

One need not be in a high flying job, to secure a peaceful post retirement life. It is not necessary, one need to allocate huge chunk from his monthly salary. You need not worry, if your job does not provide you for post retiral monthly benefits. Some planning and small monthly savings could help you overcome this. Employees in a Bank are more adept in this and I have had firsthand experience on their planning skills. They will borrow for anything and wherever facility is available, so that your borrowel becomes a monthly commitment and also gets absorbed in a fixed monthly repayment plan, which gets closed after a specific period of time. My intention here is to share some of the savings options, through which I had benefited.
 Bank Recurring Deposits: I have heard people lamenting in Feb every year that the month's salary will be considerably reduced due to the Income Tax deductions. It is not as though it has been announced only now that IT will be deducted. You are aware of this even last April, when the financial year started. A little forward planning and a monthly savings could save you the blushes every Feb-Mar. Similarly, think about the fixed yearly commitments such as LIC Premia, Mediclaim premia, Car Insurance, Car Service, and Vacation. A single or multiple RDs will take care of all these commitments without hassles. Believe me, only the first year could be tough and the rest will be smooth. Also, wherever possible provide for Standing Instructions (SI) at the Bank branch where your salary is credited, so that your amnesia will not hamper this plan!

NSCs: In older times, the National Savings Certificate (NSC) issued by Govt of India was the most popular investment for Income Tax and it used to double in 5 to 6 years- not sure of the present status. We used to invest continuously for 6 years and from then on rotate the matured value of the first year NSC, so that there are no more fresh investments. One can also avail a 75% loan from Banks on NSCs. But, the scenario seems to have changed and would advise checking for the latest, before investing.

Tax Saver Bank Deposits: This appears to be the new chip in the block in that the amount you invest in this is safely locked up for 5 years, during which period you cannot foreclose or avail loan against this. But, this is taken as investment for Tax savings and also earns a decent 8+% of interest. My recommendations will be to keep investing in this every year for around 5 years and thereafter, rotate the matured amounts and can be construed as the above NSC's cousin

Public Provident Fund (PPF): A very popular scheme that could be opened in any Nationalized Bank (people prefer State Bank of India). The deposit is for 15 years and every year at least once you have to remit a minimum amount of Rs 100/- The catch is the interest rate almost remain stable and people normally pump in more in the last years , so that they get higher interest even for less number of years. You can open this PPF a/c even in your minor Son / Daughter name, which is advisable. Please check with SBI for more details and latest updates.

Gold Coins: My fervent request will be to invest a small amount, (say Rs 1000 per month) and every year buy some gold coins from reputed jewelers. Go for standard coins from the Swiss Volcambi or if not available coins with Bank's seals. Such reliable coins could always be exchanged for either gold ornaments or even cash. I have personally benefited from this investment when a gram of gold was sold at Rs 700 to the current 2000+ (24 carats). But, make sure that you safe keep such investments in Bank lockers and not at home. Go for gold coins and not ornaments. It is like a plot of land which fetches more value than a constructed house!

Silver: This seemed to have gained over Gold and in 2010, Silver fetched more returns than gold! People with girl kids can buy a kilo or so and it will definitely be helpful. By advice is buy silver bars and not articles.

Life Insurance: This investment is better made when you are young, so that the policy could be long term and premium is less. In addition, this will start maturing and providing a sizable return by around 45 years of age, when you start thinking about your Son’s education etc.,

Mediclaim: I had already mentioned that this is the single most investment one should do without any exceptions and the benefits from this are multi fold. I feel there is no need to discuss much on this and everyone must opt for such a medical insurance scheme from the early years so that when you are around 50 you had accumulated a healthy 5 lakhs plus policy. Please rush

I had called life and medical insurance as investments, as it is my earnest feeling that these are the real investments for a safe and happy evening of one’s life.

I have just shared some of the investment options, which in my opinion, are good and I have also been benefited. Please check with the local conditions and counselors before proceeding with investments and also let me know if there are any further options !

Thursday, January 6, 2011

God in White Coats

Normally people frequent hospitals when one is not well. But, I become sick whenever I visit a hospital. Of late, I have reasons to visit hospital accompanying some sick relatives. My initial reactions to go to a hospital, particularly accompanying someone, is 'NO'. But when you are compelled by circumstances, like today, you start  observing around.

The God of disease is very democratic in that the big and small, rich and poor, old and young are treated alike here by the affliction. I could see very rich guy in a costly silk suit waiting to see the Doctor. A young guy in jeans, lay comatose with the accompanying travel bag, waiting. Was told that the guy had come straight from the airport. A young boy was playing with a cricket ball, while his mother was running behind with a bottle of dextrose dangling around. A young child was wailing incessantly, while a chemo therapy is on and a saddened mother sits beside holding the child. This particular scene was from a cancer ward and I was bewildered at the variety.

Though cancer is considered to be a dreaded and a normally terminal disease, these people still hang around the hospital with only one focus- "Hope and Belief". They believe that their dear one will come through. They believe in the modern medicines. Like the young boy giving an action replay of his favorite cricketer's stroke, these people replay in their mind their relative becoming one more of the many survivors.

They believe in miracles. They believe in God, whom they see in White coats- the Doctors. How dearly we are in need of their services. But, how are they treated by us? Not very different from other professionals. With the popular media and all news, they are also subjected to suspicious looks, whenever they prescribe costly tests or medicines. Let us also realize that there are still good , well intentioned doctors around, whose only aim is to make the patient breathe easy. Long live this tribe !

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

In your own interest

With every passing day I am getting increasingly convinced on the need for medical insurance, by every individual, at least everyone I care for. The ever increasing maddening road traffic and the skyrocketing medical costs could burn a big hole in your pocket, if you are not prepared.

A small investment every month, could take you on a comfortable and care free life for years to come. I cannot be more qualified to make this statement, as I reaped the benefits, very early. Way back in 1995, a normal weekend turned a nightmare as I skidded on to the midst of the GST road, due to a lorry rushing against me on the wrong side. Just before leaving for the operation theatre, my friend and Development officer at the Insurance company where I had taken a Mediclaim policy assured me that my policy will cover my expenses and that I need not worry on this count. As it turned out, the policy not only covered my medical expenses but also paid an amount for every week of my absence from my work ! The good officer also ensured that I got the amount reimbursed without any delay.

Though many of my friends who came to know about it got covered under Mediclaim, I find that still there are many who consider this as a waste. The sad part is that all exceptions are being given as reasons:
1. There is no cover in the first year
2. Dental related problems are not covered
3. Hospital Admission is essential for any claim
4. Normally, the hospital overcharge and fleece if they come to know that you are under Mediclaim

Though most of the above are partially true, there are many honest ways through which these could be overcome. First year claims are normally perused more closely but a genuine claim can be passed through with right explanations. As per the recent court ruling, the insurer is not expected to provide a copy of your Sum Insured to the hospital.

Another common excuse is - I am covered by the Group policy in my organization. Please do not commit this mistake. Particularly, with the current trend of people hopping every two or three years, you could be caught when you are on the leap from one organization to another. Further few people check the group policy, which may not provide for 100% coverage. It is always better to have your own policy, in addition to your company policy, so that you are fully covered whether you are employed or not.

In addition, it is my experience that there are reasonable officials who are willing to listen to your side of the story, before they decide.

On the other hand, imagine the timely help it could provide you, when you are in need. Every passing unclaimed year would accumulate sufficient 'no claim bonus', which is added to the Insured. Coupled with that , one could enjoy a sizable chunk of rebate in the form of Investment for Income Tax.

Mulling over the above, I feel every sane individual must avail this facility. I would suggest that the next step of yours should be in this direction. If required, I am also willing to help and guide my friends on this. Believe me, this is more with your interest in mind and I have no axe to grind on this :-)

Monday, January 3, 2011

புது வருஷம்

ஒரு காலத்தில் டிசம்பர் மாசம் கடைசி வாரங்கள் நெருங்க நெருங்க ஒரு பர பரப்பு, ஒரு எதிர்பார்ப்பு. Friends வீட்டில் உட்கார்ந்து , நடு நிசி வரைக்கும் , உள்ள ஒரே Doordharshan சானலை, வேறு வழியில்லாமல் பார்த்து, புது வருடங்களை  வரவேற்றோம்.

ஒரு வருடம் பெசன்ட் நகர் நண்பன் வீடு, ஜெயந்தியில் ரஜினி படம். திரும்பி வரும் பொழுது பார்த்த சாலை விபத்து- இன்னும் பசுமையாக நினைவில்.

ஒரு தடவை மரீனா பீச்சில் , நடு நிசி சமோசா.

இன்னும் அருகாமையில் flat நண்பர்களுடன் கொண்டாட்டம் - occupy பண்ணிய முதல் வருடம்.

கொஞ்ச வருடங்களாக வீட்டில் - மனைவி , மகளுடன். இந்த வருடம், பெண் தூங்கிவிட்டாள்- நானும் மனைவியும் - பால்கனி வழியே பார்த்த பொழுது- ஒரே சத்தம்- பட்டாசு , வேகமான பைக்குகள், விடலைப் பசங்களின் கூச்சல் ... கொண்டாட்டங்கள் மாறவே இல்லை. 

மறுநாள் காலை -
பேப்பரில் சென்னையின் முதல் கொலை பற்றிய செய்தி.
டீவீயில் புதிய scam பற்றிய பரபரப்பு  செய்தி.
வெங்காயம் விலை கிலோ அறுபது ரூபாய்க்கு சரிந்து, கூடிய விரைவில் மேலும் குறையும் என்று முதல்வரோ  பிரதமரோ அறிவிப்பு !
புதிய சாமியாரின் புதிய லீலைகள்.
தங்கம் விலை இன்னும் ஏறும் என்று ஒரு டை கட்டிய ஆசாமி சிரிக்காமல் சொல்லிக் கொண்டிருந்தார்.
ரோட்டில் ஒரு பிச்சைக்காரக் குழந்தை - வெடித்த பட்டாசுகளையும், பலூனையும் பொறுக்கிக் கொண்டிருந்தது.

  - நாடும் மாறவில்லை . அடுத்த புத்தாண்டு சந்திப்போம் - Happy New Year

Saturday, January 1, 2011

UDRS in Cricket

I fail to understand why Dhoni is averse to UDRS (Umpire Decision Reversal System). His comment on "let the umpires do a better job" is uncharitable. Everyone is prone to mistakes and that is why technology is being used to set things right. Then why are we referring to third umpire for run outs? In that case, what happens to the expected efficiency of umpires! To hand over justice, which the human mind would have missed or doubtful about, the technology is being called into play and there is nothing worng in that.

Also, it is ironic as to why this decision is being left to the playing team to employ UDRS or not. In Ashes, this is followed whereas in India , South Africa series it is not, as one captain does not see the need for it ! ICC should step in and  bring this as a practice.

As an aside, if nobody makes mistakes , then there is no opportunities for Testing practices :-)