விகடன் பதிப்பகம், 108 ஒரு நிமிடக் கதைகள் என்று ஒரு புத்தகம் பார்த்தேன். ஒவ்வொரு கதையும் ஒரு சின்னப் பக்கம் தாண்டாது. ஆனால் ஒவ்வொன்றும் ஒரு முத்து. சின்னக் கதைக்குள் பெரிய செய்தி தெரிந்தது. இந்தப் புத்தகத்தை ஒரு பஸ் அல்லது ரயில் பயணத்தில் படித்து முடித்து விடலாம். மடித்து pant பாக்கெட்டில் வைத்துக் கொள்ளலாம். நன்றாக அனுபவிக்க முடிந்தது. கிடைத்தால் படித்துப் பாருங்களேன் ! ஏனோ சுஜாதா சொன்னது ஞாபகத்துக்கு வந்தது- தேவைப்பட்டால் ஒரு கதையை பஸ் டிக்கெட் பின்புறம் கூட எழுதலாம்.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Support for sexual advancement?
There were some reports in the Times of India over the last couple of days , which I would first like to share and here are some excerpts:
"... twelve year old children will be allowed to have non penetrative sex with others their age, according to the draft protection of Children From Sexual Offences Bill, 2010 which has been sent to the States for their views by the Ministry of women and child development...The bill also seeks to introduce a gradation in the age of consensual non-penetrative sex (12-14 years and 14-16 years) against the existing age of consent for sex which is 16 years! ...
While a senior official of the ministry confirmed that the bill has been sent to the states, the law minister Veerappa Moily said he was not aware of it ? He said - Twelve years is anyway not a proper age for a sexual act....
Under the existing law, if two 12 year-olds get physical and if one child's parent complains, the other can be pulled up by the Juvenile Justice Board. The panel felt such minor things should be decriminalized, said Aparna Bhat, a Supreme court lawyer who was part of a National Commission for Protection of Child Rights group that drafted the latest bill.
Raj Mangal, chairperson of the Delhi Child Welfare Committee, said the bill could be disastrous if it comes into effect. "Twelve, given the mind and maturity of a child, is not the age to give consent. In the name of decriminalizing , you can't keep sexual acts of two children out of the notice of the authorities, she added...."
Fist I have few questions:
• Is this supposed to be a Child Protection Bill? How this revision protects?
• Are we trying to protect the children in general or trying to protect some children, who are currently affected by the current age limit of 16 ?
• What is the immediate need for this?
• Will the authorities concerned, who want this revision, come out with data on how many of the children have been affected by the existing rule or by the lack of the suggested revision?
• By passage of time, say in the next 5 to 6 years, will there be another revision which could change the age limit to 8-10 years from the proposed 12- 14 years ? What is the long term vision of the Government on this?
• Last but not the least, what are those "Minor things"?
Where are we leading our children to ? In the name of protection, are we leading our children to indulgence without any fear of legal ramifications? Are there not more important supportive bills that our children need, such as for education, dwelling units, child labour..?
At the age of 12, considered to be impressionable age, I have heard many 'moral' stories from my parents and we used to have 'moral instructions ' sessions in schools. It is hard to digest this happening in the land of Rama (the symbol of Eka Pathini) and Bhagavat Gita! But now by this act, are we trying to let them loose? Will Bharathiyar, who was a strong advocate of the emancipation of women be happy at this enhanced freedom ? He should be stirring in his grave.
By the by, who from other states is involved in such decisions? For such important decisions, how is the people of this country, of such diverse culture, consulted? It would be interesting to know the reaction of our tamilian gaurdians to this proposal. The report has also quoted other countries such as " the age of consent in US is between 16 and 18 years, depending on the state they live in; in the UK, it is 16 and Spain has one of the lowest ages of consent , at 13 years..."
Are we trying to beat everyone in the game- nice attempt to stay ahead of others !
Also it is amusing to observe that we selectively ape the practice of other countries, wherever it is convenient for us. We ape them for free sex, in our comical attire of full suit and tie in a tropical country. But, when it comes to working for the full hours in the office, punctuality, adherence to norms, road discipline, cleanliness etc., we create our own Indian culture !
Indeed, our young generation, has a very challenging period ahead. Jai Hind
"... twelve year old children will be allowed to have non penetrative sex with others their age, according to the draft protection of Children From Sexual Offences Bill, 2010 which has been sent to the States for their views by the Ministry of women and child development...The bill also seeks to introduce a gradation in the age of consensual non-penetrative sex (12-14 years and 14-16 years) against the existing age of consent for sex which is 16 years! ...
While a senior official of the ministry confirmed that the bill has been sent to the states, the law minister Veerappa Moily said he was not aware of it ? He said - Twelve years is anyway not a proper age for a sexual act....
Under the existing law, if two 12 year-olds get physical and if one child's parent complains, the other can be pulled up by the Juvenile Justice Board. The panel felt such minor things should be decriminalized, said Aparna Bhat, a Supreme court lawyer who was part of a National Commission for Protection of Child Rights group that drafted the latest bill.
Raj Mangal, chairperson of the Delhi Child Welfare Committee, said the bill could be disastrous if it comes into effect. "Twelve, given the mind and maturity of a child, is not the age to give consent. In the name of decriminalizing , you can't keep sexual acts of two children out of the notice of the authorities, she added...."
Fist I have few questions:
• Is this supposed to be a Child Protection Bill? How this revision protects?
• Are we trying to protect the children in general or trying to protect some children, who are currently affected by the current age limit of 16 ?
• What is the immediate need for this?
• Will the authorities concerned, who want this revision, come out with data on how many of the children have been affected by the existing rule or by the lack of the suggested revision?
• By passage of time, say in the next 5 to 6 years, will there be another revision which could change the age limit to 8-10 years from the proposed 12- 14 years ? What is the long term vision of the Government on this?
• Last but not the least, what are those "Minor things"?
Where are we leading our children to ? In the name of protection, are we leading our children to indulgence without any fear of legal ramifications? Are there not more important supportive bills that our children need, such as for education, dwelling units, child labour..?
At the age of 12, considered to be impressionable age, I have heard many 'moral' stories from my parents and we used to have 'moral instructions ' sessions in schools. It is hard to digest this happening in the land of Rama (the symbol of Eka Pathini) and Bhagavat Gita! But now by this act, are we trying to let them loose? Will Bharathiyar, who was a strong advocate of the emancipation of women be happy at this enhanced freedom ? He should be stirring in his grave.
By the by, who from other states is involved in such decisions? For such important decisions, how is the people of this country, of such diverse culture, consulted? It would be interesting to know the reaction of our tamilian gaurdians to this proposal. The report has also quoted other countries such as " the age of consent in US is between 16 and 18 years, depending on the state they live in; in the UK, it is 16 and Spain has one of the lowest ages of consent , at 13 years..."
Are we trying to beat everyone in the game- nice attempt to stay ahead of others !
Also it is amusing to observe that we selectively ape the practice of other countries, wherever it is convenient for us. We ape them for free sex, in our comical attire of full suit and tie in a tropical country. But, when it comes to working for the full hours in the office, punctuality, adherence to norms, road discipline, cleanliness etc., we create our own Indian culture !
Indeed, our young generation, has a very challenging period ahead. Jai Hind
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.
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.
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.
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 :
Well said, Murthy! But, who is listening ?
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 !
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.
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.
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