Thalampu. Thapana.

My interests range from earth, human food habits, Indian politics, Telugu cinema, and occasional others.

[phdiwakar]

At the Airport, watching families back from vacations, students coming back for college after Thanksgiving. People holding placards for business travelers. Happiness of conclusion of a planned vacation, being with the family for Thanksgiving. Planning for the next day in life, at work, at home, easing back into the auto-pilot mode. Amid all this, I hear the sounds from Piano. A piano put by airport with public access. A girl who let her mother wait for having that little byte of playing her favorite instrument. A fast-paced note. All while, a teenager roaming around nearby. Not sure, if he is waiting for a taxi or baggage. And then, he gets his chance. Alas, I don't know music. I could describe how nice he is playing, like a water of a river. All turns, drops, splashes, and then path ahead. The freedom of doing what one wants to. Hope I had a camera to post his pic. While his smile for my thanks can only be felt. This experience takes my vacation with family coming to a sweet comma. Somehow, don't like "The End" in movies. After the movie also I think of the circumstances at which marriage of lovers happened, and what they might face next. Situations which brought a family together, and how they might be living together. The water from ocean reaching the land shores is taking so more of that at shore back in. And putting things within the ocean on the shore. The life is taking these all these small experiences in, and leaving back some influences back.

[phdiwakar]

Why paraphrases for supporters

I was thinking about these phrases: "BJP Bhakt", "AAPtard", not sure exact one for Congress supporters.

Some of my most learned friends, who are change-makers in their own right, are also using such phrases, while addressing non-believers of their thoughts. This happens even while garnering others' opinion on a topic. The problem while doing so is that we are showing on which side of the debate we are, and are challenging others. That creates a divided space for others providing comments. And then, we have a virtual prime-time TV debate. Folks from both sides raise voices, sometimes losing minimum decorum. And then go back to their camps. Does this really help in having wider shared opinion? A consensus with as many of the discussion points included as possible. And we can leave contentious ones in "agreed to disagree" list. If you really want to have others' opinion, at least create a space where people are not judged by what they know. A space where someone can correct themselves, rather than being defensive. And not judged on which camp they belong to.

[phdiwakar]

Right to Recall of Rajya Sabha members

"I, ……. having been nominated as a candidate to fill a seat in the Council of States, do swear in the name of ....". That is how Rajya Sabha (RS) members start their oath for the Council of States. When they represent States and public at large, let’s have right-to-recall of RS members when the state legislature composition changes.

--- Read More ---

A forum created through Article 84 of constitution to ensure representation by states through 238 (of 250) members. But are these folks really representing States they are getting elected from? With changes in 2003 for Representation of the People Act 1951, RS nominees need not even be residents of State they are representing. A loophole used beneficially by our PM of 10 years.

While that is one part of story, I am wondering why their elected terms do not change when the legislators they are representing change. With elections to State assembly, the changed house might want their state to be represented by different member(s) in Rajya Sabha.

When there are changes in State list of Constitution or voting for non-finance bills such as Lokayuktha, it's the states which have to do the implementation. Hence, it is important that State's voice will be heard through its representatives in Council of States, rather than those of a party which no more is having people's mandate in the State.

This will avoid situations of political parties affecting bills in Rajya Sabha, even though they do not have mandate of public at large. Currently, while Congress lost people's confidence in many states, its party members in Rajya Sabha, are blocking bills of interest for the states they are representing. If the RS member is not carrying forward viewpoints of state legislature, working in tandem with them, are they really representing people's opinion!!

For example, as on 04/27/2015:

 RS Members of Andhra Pradesh:

Congress: 6

TDP+BJP: 4

TRS: 1 (post-bifurcation anomaly)

 Current Composition of AP legislature:

TDP+BJP : 106

YSRCP : 67

Others: 2

 While TDP+BJP combine has 106 seats, it is being represented in RS by only 3 members. YSRCP does not any representation.

As per proportional representation voting being used for RS, the minimum representation will be:

o  TDP+BJP = 6

o  YSRCP = 4

o  Misc. = 1

 Another example, Garikapati Mohan Rao (TDP) is RS member from Telangana from 2014-2020, whilst the ruling party, TRS, is not having even 1 RS member.

The benefits I see by state legislature having "Right to Recall" of Rajya Sabha members are:

1.    Proper representation of public at large, based on their democratically provided mandate.

2.    This will avoid situations of political parties affecting bills in Rajya Sabha, even though they do not have mandate of public at large. 

3.    If someone is getting nominated to RS in 2014 from a state having its legislature elections in 2014, there is lesser chance of them pushing their case. 

4.    Since RS elections only involve voting by state legislature, cost incurred is very less.

[phdiwakar]

Sarita Devi ... A fight for her due

A mother post pregnancy had to lose 25 Kg weight. Her son does not know exactly how she looks. She comes to work, sweats a lot at work and on the D-day, her appraisal is affected. Her due is not given. Because, some supervisors wanted to give the shareholder approved employee the promotion. Not based on work but based on who puts in money.

Well, if you feel that's not correct, you can understand the problem with Smt. Sarita Devi 's problems. Its not about nationality, or about emotions. Its about believing that your performance shall be rightly judged, by the persons who stand for truth. Even the commentator could not believe that she lost.

My sincere suggestion, if you feel Smt. Sarita Devi is wrong, you have the right to think so. But, we do not have right to say what is correct and how she shall act, as that is her right. Lets respect that.

And for your information, this is not a one-off case in sports world, not even only case in this edition of Asian games at Incheon in South Korea. Devendro Singh was subjected to similar treatment and he kept quiet. Tugstsogt Nyambayar of Mongolia has much better game, than even Sarita Devi, and lost. Mongolian boxing team had better sense, and their boxing association president said, lets withdraw from games. I am not saying all Indian boxers shall withdraw, but our mission officials were more interested in socializing, ensuring better chances for Asian federation offices. For them, being controversy free is more important than standing behind the affected athlete, you are responsible for.

When we can respect the sweat drops, not in cinema halls, but of those real persons, then only we can expect better results. If we cannot, then no point fretting about the number of medals we are winning. We have lost the right to.

Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-disbelief-as-sarita-devi-l-devendro-singh-scored-out-despite-landing-all-the-punches-2022741 Match video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO-nATNUkwQ Medals presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6vPBIkydlY Others who rejected medals: http://www.firstpost.com/sports/sarita-devi-alone-others-refused-medals-1739825.html

[phdiwakar]

Innovation....No Boundaries

Has been an interesting day seeing so many innovation related news wherever I land :)

First, the Robin Hood Army, a concept based on ReFood of Portugal. Leftover food, including parcels, are picked from restaurants during their closing time. The collected food is packaged and distributed among needy in night. Right now, they are 120 core team spread across Calcutta, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi & Mumbai , providing food to 1600 every week. While, I am totally for "teach how to fish", as we shall acknowledge that in some situations, the more immediate need is to fill the stomach. May be, if you have some free time, you can join them.

Second is Zippr (http://zip.pr/), a Hyderabad (India) based start-up, which provides a 8-character unique code for your current location based on GPS. This unique code can be used by Pizza delivery guys to Ambulances to find your location. Its even searchable via Google. It has been used by "108" ambulance service also. Very useful for Indian addresses, telling/locating them correctly is an art in itself.

Third, blame it on time-availability, physical ability or others, we cannot get a pooja done in a particular temple. Or simply want Prasadam. A religious need with spiritual undertone. The Online Prasad accomplishes this. Their employees do puja on your behalf, get prasadam and deliver it to you. Even refunds available. While I might not suggest, I understand there are scenarios, when we want to use such service.

More Info: Zippr:

http://zip.pr/

https://www.facebook.com/Zippr

http://qz.com/280494/this-startup-has-a-simple-code-to-solve-indias-complex-address-problem/

Robin Hood Army:

https://www.facebook.com/robinhoodarmy

http://firstbiz.firstpost.com/economy/kebabs-burgers-robin-hoods-new-india-feeding-poor-104774.html

Online Prasad:

https://www.facebook.com/OnlinePrasad

[phdiwakar]

Choose. Click.

With clock ticking near 12 AM,  inching towards to polling booth opening minute,  with night trickling in,  with netizens still campaigning with profile pictures and cover photos,  with slammed/retorted/gave-it-back/dumped politician comments still in national news from other parts of country in this 9-phase election, with lists being cross-checked to ensure voters are adequately supported (you got it), with voters sleeping on their decision, with all these and more, there will be votes cast,

Votes cast, on basis of hope, despair, empathy and sympathy, on basis of caste, creed, payback and some, principles, which might make them angry, happy, defensive, even defective for next election.

Through all this, we are championing our democracy. A word most read but never given chance for 60% of our people on earth, A word which gives us freedom to make a mistake and correct it, A word which needs better implementation for its pseudo existence in many places,

Open the door for your steps to make this change. open the door to give expression for hindered emotions to make this change.

Choose. Click.

(published on 04/30)

[phdiwakar]

Namah Sumanjali Srihari (actor) garu

Mana kosam bathakatamu Aasha.  Nallugiri kosam bathakatamu Aashyam.

We miss you Srihari garu. We deeply miss you. There was always a moment when we were looking forward to your next film. Your next attempt to look different, act different, make that role more meaningful. Be it Hello Brother, Nuvvu Vasthanante Nenu Vadhantana, Dhee, Magadheera, Broker, Brundavanam, Ganesh, Bhadrachalam, and so many others. Others might have done those roles, but we might not have recollected those roles.  Recently, I saw Bombay Talkies. The story of Nawazuddin Siddique. The effort he puts in his only act of dashing hero on road and saying "Hey". Three letters, but you could have seen him do that. Well  Srihari was one such.  If onscreen performance were appreciable, his offscreen persona, made him memorable. Rememberable.  Some get a chance to write memoirs. Some write theirs with their actions.  Some of those memoirs are read. Some of them are felt by readers.  While, some remain etched in our memories, with not a word written, said, heard.  Srihari garu, I don't know what more you have done living more years. But, I believe you lived a life, which some call Cindrella story. You worked in a cycle shop before a theatre. And worked to be a hero in a film which played in the same theatre. No wonder, fortune favors the brave. You walked 10 KM to be a gymnast and used those in many roles you were doing. You laughed with heart, and ensured so many others could, by installing fluoride treatment plants. You lost a 4 months daughter, but ensured medical facilities for so many for whom giving birth to one was difficult. Your sorrow was fuel for a new light. For some, tears make them reclusive, repulsive, while for some they are compulsive to be better.  Srihari garu, I never met you. I never even saw you in person. But, today was the second time when I could not stop tears from my eyes in shock of losing you. Sir, I have no complaints of losing you. Because, that will complaining of giving you to us. A life well lived. A life well remembered. A life....which had life.

[phdiwakar]

Life of Pi (2012)

Directed by Ang Lee. With Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Tabu. A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger.

"Somethings I missed" as just been updated with watching 3D version of this movie in a theater. Some exaggerations are well expressed, when not expressed and only felt. Watching this film was one. While the story and all the sequences of events might be known for you by now (if not, watch the movie  ), I was interested in the climax scene of Richard Parker (the tiger) going into jungles. After tired Pi and Richard Parker reach Mexican shores, Parker gets of the lifeboat and walks towards jungle. Pi falls on the sea shore, facing sand and unable to even get up. If Richard Parker wanted to ensure his food for couple of days, he had a ready meat. But he moves ahead. Walks towards jungle and does not look back towards Pi when getting into the jungle. All through Pi, wants Parker to give him that last glance of "goodbye".  As Pi mentioned, if not for Parker, he would have died of boredom. Pi was awake, alive, kicked himself to be up and running and even befriended the companion-and-the-killer, Parker.  If only rationality sounds good for you, Parker is like those utmost fear we tend to have. It might dying in penury, or being left alone, or leaving our souls not having ever achieving what we always wanted to. It can be any kind of fear and varies from person to person. Most of us know our fear, and if we readily do not acknowledge/know, its a particular fear that drives most of our actions. And that includes both positive and negative ones (Of course, positive/negative is our perspective). IF we face it, achieve with any/all options we have, keep the fear alive (as that is kicking us alive) and move ahead, even that fear will be part of us. Not something kicking us, but something nudging us for that extra step. Not something straightening our hair or showing our jaws as concave examples. We can let it accompany, and feel its a company in our accomplishments. On a religious viewpoint, Parker going into jungle, seemed to be like Lord Vishnu going into jungle. He stayed with Pi, made him fear as that's only thing which can take him to his shore alive, took his affection like a friend, and when time came, moved ahead. There might be another Pi in that jungle, who needs Parker. Another Pi, who needs to get ashore, alive and aspirational of being better human. A stirrer.

[phdiwakar]

12 Most Toxic Fruits and Vegetables

EWG releases its annual report on which produce has the most pesticide residues.

Dirty dozen (prefer to buy organic; in order of pesticide load with apples being worst):

Apples

Celery

Sweet bell peppers

Peaches

Strawberries

Imported nectarines

Grapes

Spinach

Lettuce

Cucumbers

Domestic blueberries

Potatoes

Better off (I will not say clean, but fine to buy conventional):

Onions

Sweet corn

Pineapples

Avocado

Cabbage

Sweet peas

Asparagus

Mangoes

Eggplant

Kiwi

Domestic cantaloupe

Sweet potatoes

Grapefruit

Watermelon

Mushrooms

[phdiwakar]

We allow GM food on plates, but don't allow doped athletes on TV.

If we feel righteous in not allowing doped athletes from sports, and even make them pay years later, then how good are we to allow GM food in plates of our unsuspecting children (even those in womb get affected). And let them suffer for years.

[phdiwakar]

Vote for AAP, hoping corruption control, with instability !!

This was my response to post by a revered Indian start-up investor (he really is) supporting AAP, asking for votes against corruption, and not worry about stability. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How many General Body Meetings do you attend every quarter, for one company? Mostly 1 for 4 quarters. Does this mean, a company does not have any issues, and need not meet. No. It means, we have confidence that company has to be given time and space for getting things done. And also there is lot of cost and time involving in conducting a General Body Meeting. Similarly, we expect the party (I can even say company) or consortium which is running the government shall be able to run until next General Election. It has human resources, will, ability to run a stable government. Trying to have less fiscal deficit, we cannot have general election every 3 months. I understand that Corruption shall be minimized, and if possible, eliminated. But, only that on plank, and no clarity being provided on other aspects is not right.  If AAP thinks that they are alternative at center, they shall also be campaigning about the difference through their policies for economy, industry, health, education, power, water. I do follow AAP pages. But no posts on these. These aspects can "co-exist" with "communalism is bigger threat than corruption" statements.

[phdiwakar]

10% Change in Food Habits

Can you make a 10% change in your food habits !! A 10% for better health for yourselves, your loved ones, and also those you may have soon.

"NO" to your kid from buying snacks with cartoon characters on it. 

"YES" to buying a bag of potatoes/apples from local farmers (may be a bit costlier, but worth it)

Once a month packet of no-antibiotics non-veg good. (I take only veg, but if youdo). 

Lesser of canola oil. 

An apple, banana or any fruit your kid likes, before that favorite snack of her/his. Applies to you also.

An occasional visit to local coop. (http://strongertogether.coop/coops/)

Read food labels of your breakfast cereals. Because you might not change them often. Your individual analysis (more than Ads) matters more. 

Avoid (better no) high fructose corn syrup foods.

Lesser sodium intake. Even if you buy soup, you can compare food labels, choose lesser sodium option.

Oil comparison links:

Chart covering almost all known cooking oils: http://www.eatingrules.com/Cooking-Oil-Comparison-Chart_02-22-12.pdf

Why No Canola Oil: http://www.foodrenegade.com/why-canola-oil-not-health-food/

There can be more in that list. Please tell me yours.  Inspired by Food Patriots documentary by Groundswell Films.

[historicaltimes]

Workers swarm over scaffolding to erect the Nagarjuna Sagar dam in India, May 1963

[phdiwakar]

Those unsung heroes have helped millions get food, have a standard of living, and much more.