The biggest challenge faced by the government in building world class network of highways in India is the land acquisition. Along with the outmoded laws, there area myriad of obstacles to be faced by at the state level in acquiring the land.
One way to solve the problem is perhaps to look at who is the biggest land owner in the country ? It is the Railways and they have access to the heart of the cities, to the states, to the rural areas. Railways needs the funds. Perhaps the National Highway Authority of India can reach an agreement with the Railways for the air rights over the rail tracks and build a highway on top of that. The Highway Authority and the Railways can then both share the revenue. After all the government keeps talking about Public- Private partnership- why not a Public- Public partnership ? Its a win- win situation.
It is not as crazy as it sounds. There are bridges in the United States which have double decks with trains running on one level and cars on the others.
Similarly the Hong Kong infrastructure visionary Gordon Wu of Hopewell Holdings Ltd, had a plan to do the same in Bangkok, but which got bogged down in politics. When you drive out of the Bangkok airport and look at the rail road track which runs parallel to the highway, you will see a series of pillars which were meant to support the abandoned highway.
With today's technology , nothing is impossible. All it requires is the will to make it happen and a little imagination !!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Solitary Indian
The August 22nd Times of India had an article by Anil Dharker about the setting up of a Symphony Orchestra of India, in which Zubin Mehta expresses his view as to why Western classic music has not flourished in India. He feels that is because "We have another great stream !Hindustani and Carnatic music have such deep roots in our country that, perhaps, we didn't feel the need to look at any other musical tradition." He goes on to contrast the difference between Western and Indian classical music. "In the former a large group of individuals come together to form a cohesive whole ( say a symphony orchestra) and individual brilliance submerge itself in collective excellence ..... Contrast that with Indian music where individuality is supreme. ... Instead there is the soloist alone..."
This pretty much sums up the Indian psyche. The Indian sportsmen or sportswomen, who have done well in world championships are individual athletes, whether it is in the form of shooting, wrestling, boxing, badminton, tennis, golf, chess, billiards and so on. Yes I know some of you will argue, what about cricket ? Apart from Dhoni or Tendulkar who might put the team before self, Sehwag, Yuvraj could not care less when they go out to bat.
Also one often gets asked as to why Indians excel as managers both domestically and internationally, but yet we cannot build our infrastructure or institutions to speed up our economic growth.It appears that when the individual manager is judged on his performance,you perform well, but when you are part of the monolithic government and there is no evaluation of your performance, both positive or negative, the worst comes out.
You reluctantly have to come to the conclusion that in India we put ourselves first before the country, or team and this shows in our attitude and behavior in the street, in government and politics. While individuality is to be admired, there has to be a balance between self and the greater good in being disciplined or following the rules. This has to be inculcated at the school level - only then will we change.
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This pretty much sums up the Indian psyche. The Indian sportsmen or sportswomen, who have done well in world championships are individual athletes, whether it is in the form of shooting, wrestling, boxing, badminton, tennis, golf, chess, billiards and so on. Yes I know some of you will argue, what about cricket ? Apart from Dhoni or Tendulkar who might put the team before self, Sehwag, Yuvraj could not care less when they go out to bat.
Also one often gets asked as to why Indians excel as managers both domestically and internationally, but yet we cannot build our infrastructure or institutions to speed up our economic growth.It appears that when the individual manager is judged on his performance,you perform well, but when you are part of the monolithic government and there is no evaluation of your performance, both positive or negative, the worst comes out.
You reluctantly have to come to the conclusion that in India we put ourselves first before the country, or team and this shows in our attitude and behavior in the street, in government and politics. While individuality is to be admired, there has to be a balance between self and the greater good in being disciplined or following the rules. This has to be inculcated at the school level - only then will we change.
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Why is the world being niggardly towards Pakistan?
Why has the global response to one of the worst calamities in the last fifty years been so lukewarm ?Almost one quarter to a third of the country has been affected and almost 20 million people are suffering and yet the response appears to be less than what was offered to the tiny island of Haiti or Sri Lanka during the tsunami?
Whatever the world might feel about the rulers of the country , it is time to focus on the human suffering and not play politics. By showing how the world leaders can rise above the political issues, the rulers might get the message that the world does care about Pakistan and will do whatever is necessary. After all the Americans helped rebuild Germany and Japan after the world war, during which millions of people were killed. Let us again show them the big bigheartedness and provide the necessary support to avoid future deaths of the children and babies who are the most vulnerable and which will likely happen unless the aid effort is stepped up.
Whatever the world might feel about the rulers of the country , it is time to focus on the human suffering and not play politics. By showing how the world leaders can rise above the political issues, the rulers might get the message that the world does care about Pakistan and will do whatever is necessary. After all the Americans helped rebuild Germany and Japan after the world war, during which millions of people were killed. Let us again show them the big bigheartedness and provide the necessary support to avoid future deaths of the children and babies who are the most vulnerable and which will likely happen unless the aid effort is stepped up.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Race,Religion and Politics - Politics
What takes precedent Religion,Race or Nationalism ?
I started thinking about this while watching Fareed Zakaria on CNN, interviewing a firebrand British Islamic preacher whose parents probably came from the sub-continent. It was not the first time that this question arose in my mind. Although born and brought up in the United Kingdom, his sympathy lay completely with the Jehadi's. His argument was that as along as any Muslim was being persecuted anywhere, Muslims around the world should unite and fight shoulder to shoulder against the non-Muslims.
This argument is not being made for the first time. After all the Crusaders used the argument to try and conquer the Holy Land from the Muslims.You had the French and the English uniting in a common cause. Yet a few centuries later you had the Spanish Catholics fighting against the English Protestants who had separated from the Vatican. Centuries later you had Germans fighting against the British both Protestants.In Northern Ireland you had the Catholics vs the Protestants. In Asia you had Central Asians warlords and adventurers all Muslims fighting against each other and with the Indian Rulers, all Muslims.The Mughals rulers used Hindu Chieftains to fight the Muslim invaders.The British used the Sikhs and Gukhas to subdue the remnants of the Mughal empire.
Why is it different this time ? To the world the message is that we are fighting for our oppressed brothers, yet the persons making these arguments then resort to killing Muslims within their own countries, because they belong to another sect ( Shia's, Sunni's, Ahmadi's).In Punjab you have the Sikhs and some sub-sects killing each other. What are they fighting for ? Who is the oppressor and who is the oppressed ?
You reluctantly have to come to the conclusion that its not about religion nor is about nationalism, or race.Its all about politics. Politicians in the garb of preachers,priest or the Ku Klux Klan,using religion and race when it suits them to grab power and ultimately amassing wealth.The fires are being stoked by vested interests within their own country or by external parties and using the brain washed believers as the cannon fodder.
I started thinking about this while watching Fareed Zakaria on CNN, interviewing a firebrand British Islamic preacher whose parents probably came from the sub-continent. It was not the first time that this question arose in my mind. Although born and brought up in the United Kingdom, his sympathy lay completely with the Jehadi's. His argument was that as along as any Muslim was being persecuted anywhere, Muslims around the world should unite and fight shoulder to shoulder against the non-Muslims.
This argument is not being made for the first time. After all the Crusaders used the argument to try and conquer the Holy Land from the Muslims.You had the French and the English uniting in a common cause. Yet a few centuries later you had the Spanish Catholics fighting against the English Protestants who had separated from the Vatican. Centuries later you had Germans fighting against the British both Protestants.In Northern Ireland you had the Catholics vs the Protestants. In Asia you had Central Asians warlords and adventurers all Muslims fighting against each other and with the Indian Rulers, all Muslims.The Mughals rulers used Hindu Chieftains to fight the Muslim invaders.The British used the Sikhs and Gukhas to subdue the remnants of the Mughal empire.
Why is it different this time ? To the world the message is that we are fighting for our oppressed brothers, yet the persons making these arguments then resort to killing Muslims within their own countries, because they belong to another sect ( Shia's, Sunni's, Ahmadi's).In Punjab you have the Sikhs and some sub-sects killing each other. What are they fighting for ? Who is the oppressor and who is the oppressed ?
You reluctantly have to come to the conclusion that its not about religion nor is about nationalism, or race.Its all about politics. Politicians in the garb of preachers,priest or the Ku Klux Klan,using religion and race when it suits them to grab power and ultimately amassing wealth.The fires are being stoked by vested interests within their own country or by external parties and using the brain washed believers as the cannon fodder.
Friday, August 20, 2010
The hight of absurdity in advertising
This has to be the most ridiculous pitch for a product. The latest pitch for the Dove underarm deodorant emphasizes that apart from keeping them odor free it keeps them fair - with the models all raising their arms to show their fair underarms. What next - skin whitening cream for the sole of your feet !!!
Killing two birds with one yuan
Recently there have been news items about how China has limited its purchase of US Treasuries. Also that it has started purchasing Japanese JGB's and Korean and Malaysian Ringgit Bonds. To the best of my knowledge foreigners are not allowed to buy Chinese government yuan bonds.
On the face of it this is a prudent diversification move on the part of the asset managers who manage China's $ 2.5 trillion in reserves. However if I was into conspiracy theories, I would say that China is using its reserves to drive up the yen and won making it more difficult for the Japanese and Korean companies to compete against Chinese companies.This will also allow China to lets its currency appreciate a bit to take the heat off.
Perhaps too simplistic a view ?
On the face of it this is a prudent diversification move on the part of the asset managers who manage China's $ 2.5 trillion in reserves. However if I was into conspiracy theories, I would say that China is using its reserves to drive up the yen and won making it more difficult for the Japanese and Korean companies to compete against Chinese companies.This will also allow China to lets its currency appreciate a bit to take the heat off.
Perhaps too simplistic a view ?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
I am responsible for the mess in India ?
The night before last, I came back from Singapore on one of the small jets used by Jet Airways on this sector.Now that one has gotten used to the flat beds, it is difficult not to complain when you do not have one.
The flight arrived on schedule at 2:00 am and was at the air bridge within a reasonable time. I reached the immigration counter and handed my passport. The person concerned quickly put the arrival stamp on it.
He then noticed that I had an expired visa from Lesotho, where I had gone in June to visit my son. He started examining it. Looked at it intently. Then held up the passport under the light. Not satisfied he held up the page against the light. I waited patiently for one, two, three, four minutes and finally said, " Is there a problem ? Perhaps I can explain ? " That seemed to offend him. He went on a tirade , saying it was his job to examine the passport. "People like you don't mind standing for two hours when you go abroad, but complain when you come back ". Tried to tell him that the Singapore immigration took precisely two minutes to clear me with a smile. His response convinced me that there was no point in talking further. " Its people like you who are responsible for the mess in the country ".
Did not know whether to laugh or cry ?
The flight arrived on schedule at 2:00 am and was at the air bridge within a reasonable time. I reached the immigration counter and handed my passport. The person concerned quickly put the arrival stamp on it.
He then noticed that I had an expired visa from Lesotho, where I had gone in June to visit my son. He started examining it. Looked at it intently. Then held up the passport under the light. Not satisfied he held up the page against the light. I waited patiently for one, two, three, four minutes and finally said, " Is there a problem ? Perhaps I can explain ? " That seemed to offend him. He went on a tirade , saying it was his job to examine the passport. "People like you don't mind standing for two hours when you go abroad, but complain when you come back ". Tried to tell him that the Singapore immigration took precisely two minutes to clear me with a smile. His response convinced me that there was no point in talking further. " Its people like you who are responsible for the mess in the country ".
Did not know whether to laugh or cry ?
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Why dont we pay attention to Indonesia ?
Why is that we as a country do not view Indonesia as we do other countries either for business or for visiting as tourists.
From a business perspective, apart from a handful of enterprising business groups such as the Lohia's and the Aditya Birla Group and lately Godrej and Tata, our business houses particularly the up and coming groups are focusing on Western markets and have largely ignored Indonesia.
They do not seem to realize that Indonesia has a population, which at 234 million is the fourth largest in the world.Like India the demographics are in its favor and is similarly going through the same issues as us.On top that it is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and a friendly population which in general are favorably inclined towards India . The Japanese, Koreans and Americans have been investing in Indonesia for decades. Indian investment in Indonesia is minuscule.
Looking at my crystal ball, the economies in Asia which will matter two, three decades from now will be Japan (although its share of Asian and Global GDP will continue to decline), China, India, South Korea (probably will merge with the North sometime in the future)and Indonesia. Yet the government is not paying attention to it either politically or economically.
Java was ruled by Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms until the 14th century when the Javanese converted to Islam.While the bulk of the population is now Muslim, it does share a Hindu and Buddhist heritage.Hinduism continues to be the religion of the Island of Bali. The stories of Ramayana continue to be heard and enacted in theatrical form or in puppet shows.The Buddhist temples of Borobudur are a UNESCO heritage site and Vesak is still celebrated there.
As a tourist destination, Thailand and Malaysia continue to top Indonesia.It is probably because because there are more flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur than there are to Jakarta. Indonesia offers as many scenic places to visit as Thailand and Malaysia. I have been to Bali many times over the years and it is magical.There is a thriving arts scene there which has attracted artistic minded people from all over the world since the thirties. Indonesia has mountains, beaches and volcanoes which are just as good if not better than other countries in South East Asia.
At the risk of sounding like a paid tout for the Indonesian Tourist Department and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, I say you don't know what you are missing until you have been there.
From a business perspective, apart from a handful of enterprising business groups such as the Lohia's and the Aditya Birla Group and lately Godrej and Tata, our business houses particularly the up and coming groups are focusing on Western markets and have largely ignored Indonesia.
They do not seem to realize that Indonesia has a population, which at 234 million is the fourth largest in the world.Like India the demographics are in its favor and is similarly going through the same issues as us.On top that it is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and a friendly population which in general are favorably inclined towards India . The Japanese, Koreans and Americans have been investing in Indonesia for decades. Indian investment in Indonesia is minuscule.
Looking at my crystal ball, the economies in Asia which will matter two, three decades from now will be Japan (although its share of Asian and Global GDP will continue to decline), China, India, South Korea (probably will merge with the North sometime in the future)and Indonesia. Yet the government is not paying attention to it either politically or economically.
Java was ruled by Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms until the 14th century when the Javanese converted to Islam.While the bulk of the population is now Muslim, it does share a Hindu and Buddhist heritage.Hinduism continues to be the religion of the Island of Bali. The stories of Ramayana continue to be heard and enacted in theatrical form or in puppet shows.The Buddhist temples of Borobudur are a UNESCO heritage site and Vesak is still celebrated there.
As a tourist destination, Thailand and Malaysia continue to top Indonesia.It is probably because because there are more flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur than there are to Jakarta. Indonesia offers as many scenic places to visit as Thailand and Malaysia. I have been to Bali many times over the years and it is magical.There is a thriving arts scene there which has attracted artistic minded people from all over the world since the thirties. Indonesia has mountains, beaches and volcanoes which are just as good if not better than other countries in South East Asia.
At the risk of sounding like a paid tout for the Indonesian Tourist Department and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, I say you don't know what you are missing until you have been there.
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