Sunday, 30 December 2007

MAY OUR SOULS REST IN PIECES!

More than the sadist, fascist and terrorist motives behind the political assassination of B.Bhutto in Rawalpindi on 27th Dec.2007 at 6.00pm (ist) ,there have been eventualities in Pakistan during recent past, that 'ensured' political killing of of the most honored leader in Pakistan. The declaration of emergency for a short time,preparations for democratizing the under/over estimated nation in turmoil all the time in 2008, January, Musharaff's flat yes to US by giving up his Military uniform and come at 'par' with civilian dress, the unwarranted welcome to Nawab Shariff ,Pakistan people global cry for regulating democracy in the nation,frightened military set up confused both by people on one side and terrorist attacks from the other, Musharaf's last attempt to be in power etc. are some of them.for such a nation, silly problems like poverty, unemployment, high costs,scarcity of food etc. have been out of reference at any moment of time.

It's time to realize that both the future and safety of Indian secular democracy are more dependent on the democratic norms to work effectively, in Nepal, Bhutan, Srilanka and Pakistan .It also need to be reckoned that in India , we also do have a section within that abhors secular democracy and upholds strongest psyche to restore 'those great old times' when India used to enjoy 'golden' days for centuries together....(?)

So, such minds must be happy over Bhutto's killing who by and large set out for democratizing Pakistan by getting it rid of Military controlled (and US guided) democracy in her mother land ruined under the able and most unstable rule of Musharaff. It should worry us more in reality !
Both the killed and killers have been killed in the recent unfortunate event leaving NO proof and the one that NEVER will be sought or asked for .They might all join hands in the paradise now and look down towards the earth to 'enjoy' how the next moves will take place in a new Pakistan-in-the making.


Bhutto paid her life.She will be a legend like Indira Gandhi hereafter. And for us, she will be one more page full of history book to remember for next generation.. till all these surround nations realize to live peace rather than kill and get killed for mythical political ends. Our homage to the killed soul of a much fascinating lady who fell prey to the attacks from Political Islamic terrorist moves.
May her soul rest in peace and for the rest lot of pieces have yet to be assembled for the rest of life ..as long as it stays here.

So let us be prepared to pay homage to ourselves well in advance!

Hate kills: harmony works.We just know this much.

******************************************************************

-- Pradeep Deshpande.
(Socio-Economic-Political Writer)

Tuesday, 27 November 2007

feature in mulund-powai plus (toi) 24th nov 2007



It took only 15 minutes for an enthusiastic group of youngsters to explain the various uses of the RTI and how one could sucessfully file an application for necessary information. During the innovative street play devised by Dnyeyam, a youth group, Mulundkars watched as two young men, modelled on the popular duo Munnabhai and Circuit, discussed the RTI.


The play was first performed on November 17, outside Mulund east station and then outside Chintamani Gardens, and drew a lot of spectators.
“The only way to help end a problem is by developing awareness about it, and what better way than through the most traditional medium of street plays,” share the founders of the group.


“Using characters such as Munnabhai and his loyal friend Circuit, is a great idea as it immediately appeals to people,” says Bharti Mane, a spectator. The play brought to the forefront the reason for the RTI Act, the importance of using it and the correct way by which an application can be made to rightfully obtain information.


The actors relied on time-tested tactics to attract the attention of the busy citizens. They began by striking a steel plate with a spoon. “If we call ourselves a democratic country, then the RTI is one of the tools that confer power on the common man.
Until and unless people know their rights, they can’t fight oppression,” points out Umakant Nadkar, a member of the group. The RTI Act has been in the news for many years now, yet, most people are not aware about it. And even if they are, most of them do not want to get hassled with the paperwork involved.


“I had not heard about the RTI Act, but now have enough basic knowledge and will find out more about it. And yes, I will use it when the time comes,” says Mahesh Soni, a spectator. Pramod Konzarkar, a senior citizen, who watched the play, strongly feels that the youth should participate in more awareness building causes and spread information about educational reforms, pollution and so on. He believes that such grass-root efforts are not a “waste of time”, but in fact a timely investment, which definitely has a long term effect.


One of founders notes, “We need to have more such street plays on a consistent basis, only then will it have a deeper impact and develop sensitivity among people. We have to inspire them to take up issues on their own.”



Sunday, 28 October 2007

campaign for questioning...




Citizen's campaign for accountability continues.
Starting on 2nd October, there have been four meetings,- 2 by Agni, one by Juhu Citizen's and one by Janhit Manch. There has been one succesful and visible protest demonstration by H-west ward Citizens trust. The movement now gathers momentum.
Also attaching the Hoarding at Marine Drive.
Next two events
1. Press conference by 'I love Mumbai' at Mumbai Patrkar Sangh at 4.30pm on Monday, 29 Oct. on Crawford Market

2. A meeting of friends and citizen has been organized on the subject of Crawford Market sale of FSI and pocketing of Rs.6000 cr of wealth of the city of Mumbai by few existing licensees with the connivance and support of some officials and possibly many corporators.
It is symbolic of the malaise that has been spreading like cancer. But thanks to a serious and studied initiative of people like Shailesh Gandhi there is a good chance that such scams can not only be exposed but can be stopped and the citizen teach politicians a practical lesson that they cant get away with such loot . This is possible if we follow the Satyagraha .
As a member of informed middle class citizen of Mumbai we appeal you to attend the meeting and have the concepts clarified and see what we all can do and go beyond casual criticism and take some practical step without requiring to get u onto the streets.
place : Hall of Makarand Society, Savarkar marg, Mahim
time 6.30 pm 1`st Nov thursday
pl come and bring ur likeminded friends and family members
Love shailesh.

All my emails are in Public Domain.

Wednesday, 24 October 2007

RTI WORKSHOP

Forum for Public Interest is organizing a free workshop on "Right toInformation Act" by Mr. Shailesh Gandhi on 25th Oct, 07 from1 pm to 6 pm at Nalanda- Lower Parel, S B Marg, Kamala Mills Compound.

Call: 20310400 for registration.

Love,
shailesh.

All my e-mails are in Public Domain.

www.satyamevajayate.info

Thursday, 18 October 2007

crawford market bachao... bhrashtachar hatao

Please see if you can inform people about this and also come yourselves.
On 26th Bombay Catholic Sabha is organising a meeting, 7th march Mahiti Adhikar Manch,
Dr. Ajay Kothari-renowned ENT specialist of Khar,- is trying to organise the medical fraternity.
Let us all make our efforts. The cumulative effect may be tremendous:
Janhit Manch led by the redoubtable Shri Bhagwanji Rayani launches its first JAWABDYA on Vijayadashmi:
CRAWFORD MARKET BACHAO
BHRASHTACHAR HATAO
Rs . 1000 crores of public loss is at stake !
So, let's oppose this proposal for Mumbai's sake !
Crawford Market, the 138 year old heritage structure is virtually being donated.
Neither was a tender floated, nor were bids invited.
On 11-10-2007 , the BMC house passed this proposal by voice vote unanimously within a minute.
The developer would be spending Rs.105 crores and earning Rs.1050 CR.
That is 10 rupees profit for every one rupee spent !
The estimated return on investment is 1000% !
If this isn't corruption, what is?
This proposal is also in violation of the heritage norms.
The FSI of 4 will create a massive pressure on the crumbling infrastructure.
Public Meeting - Question your Corporator
Venue : Shri Vile Parle K.V.O. Seva Samaj, Amarsons Bhavan, 68, Misquitta Road, Opp.Railway Crossing, Vile Parle (East), Mumbai – 400 057
Day & Date : Sunday, 21st October, 2007
Time : 10 am to 11.30 am
Invitees : You all and the Corporators and MLAs.
Contact Person : Utsal Karani (93249-91030)

letter to gurudas kamat... jawabdya campaign

Am giving letter sent to Shri Gurudas Kamat below. Please write letters to various Corporators and political leaders, to save your 5000 rupees.
Next meeting by Janhit Manch at Vile Parle (e) on 21st; 10am to 11.30am.
Bombay Catholic Sabha meeting at Chembur on 26th evening.
Many other organizations are also gearing up. If you plan a meeting do share the information
shailesh gandhi
B2 Gokul Apartment, Near Asha Parekh Hospital,Poddar Road, Santacruz (W),Mumbai-400054 ,
Tel: 32903776, 9867327305 Email: shaileshgan@vsnl.com
16 October, 2007
To,
Shri Gurudas Kamat,
19, G.R.G.Road, Near Acharya Garden, Chembur, Mumbai 400071. Tel: 25212727
Sub.: Public loss of 1000 Crores on CRAWFORD MARKET ‘REDEVELOPMENT!
Dear Shri Kamat,
I write to you since i am perturbed by a decision of various political parties in the MCGM on 9/11. This is regarding the proposal for the ‘redevelopment’ of Crawford Market. It has been shown clearly by simple calculations that the present proposal deprives the Citizens of a huge loss of their money, without any logical reason being offered. We are sacrificing a very important part of our Heritage structures and skyline for which we are only caretakers for the future generation. However, even if we assume that some people do not value it, the financial implications of a Public loss of over 1000 crores are evident. I am giving the main implications of the proposal:
Area of Plot
22472
Sq.mts.
RTI info
Area with licencees
6206
Sq.mts.
RTI info
Proposed Building
65690
Sq.mts.
RTI info
MCGM gets
26495
Sq.mts.
RTI info
Developer and tenants get
39195
Sq.mts.
RTI info
Construction Cost
16000
Per Sq.mt.
Assumed
Sale Price of Property
350000
Per Sq. mt.
Assumed
Construction Cost to of building
105
Crores
Calculated
MCGM gets free of Construction
42.4
Crores.
Calculated
Developer and tenants get extra
32989
Sq.mts.
Calculated
Ie. Profit at Public cost by
1049.6
Crores.
Calculated
Note: 10.7 sq.ft.= 1 Sq.mtr.; Construction cost Rs. 16000 per sq. mtr. is equal to Rs. 1495 per sq.ft.
Sale price of Rs.350000 per sq.mtr. is equal to Rs. 32710 per sq.ft.
The data on the proposed construction and the sharing of area has been obtained by the undersigned under RTI. When this proposal is applied to the other 101 Municipal Markets the total loss to Public will be over 6000 crores. If MCGM gives the construction on contract, or decides on the developer by competitive bidding, it can earn over 6000 crores! Each Citizen including the poorest loses Rs.5000. Citizens had approached 95 Corporators individually during July, August 2007 to explain how this proposal was a huge loss to the Public. 86 Corporators across all parties, including over forty Corporators from your party had agreed that the proposal was in not Public interest. Congress MP Shri Milind Deora wote to Corporators of all parties to defeat this retrograde proposal. Yet, on 9/11 the Corporation has passed this proposal which will deprive each Citizen,-including the poorest suffering from hunger,- of Rs. 5000. Citizens have started a JAWABDYA abhiyan to ask Corporators the reasons for this treachery. Some of your Corporators at a meeting at Colaba stated that the proposal was bad and they had opposed it, but had to fall in line because of orders from their leader. On close questioning by Citizens, they said you were the leader. We request you to reconsider this and publicly assure us that your party would ask for the proposal to be scrapped. If there are any plausible reasons for allowing this proposal, please let the Public know. If we get no plausible reasons for stealing 5000 rupees of each of us, we will obviously conclude, it is because of GREED and CORRUPTION.
The only duty of elected representatives is to serve and safeguard the people. I am sure you will do your duty.
Yours truly,


shailesh gandhi

Tuesday, 16 October 2007

jaago



Yaha aapne suna hai
Yaha aapne padha hai
Bahut varshon se chalta aaya-
Yaha ek inquilab hai.

Thukrayie nahi ise-
Kahi thokar kha chuke.
Ab thokar nahi khani-
Isliye likh rahe.

Partantra me kaha tha-
Bharat chhodo, swadeshi apnaao.
Swatantra mein yehi kiya-
Bharat bhi chhoda, videshi bhi apnaaya.

Udhar mein jaakar swadeshi apnaaya!
Sanskritik mandal basaya,
Mandir-Masjid banvaya…
Par Bharat ke liye kacchu na kiya.

Udhar mein jakar unako dosh diya!
Mandir-Masjid-sanskritik mandal
Banavane ke liye-
Raaste par utar aaya!
Par Bharat ke liye kacchu na kiya.

Udhar mein jaakar-
Bharat ko doshi thaharaaya
Ki Bharatvaasio ki neenda
Swades ki taraf anguliyaa bhi uthayi-
Bhool hi gaye- chaar anguliya apni taraf hi uthi!

Khub piili pepsi-coke, khub piili bisleri-
Khub khaaya lays, khub khayi maagi.
Khub pahanaa nike, khub pahana levis-
Har din jaate hai mcd’s pizzahut
Har din hote hai barista.

Par- bhool gaye plaachimada- bhool gaye dahanu!
Bhool gaye nandigram- bhoolhi gaye singur!
Bhool gaye raigad- bhool bhi gaye pen!



Arrey jaago, jaago sonewaalo jaago-
Daur naya nahi hai, yaha daur purana hai.
Naye package mein daur purana-
Hamare saamne aaya hai.

Thukra do is package ko-
Apnaao naariyal nimbu paani.
Juhu beach ka gola, pune ka chivda.
Mathura ka petha, kolkata ka rossogulla.
Inhi ko apnaao bhai, inhi ko aapnaao.

Pukar rahi hai yaha mitti-
Ab vakt aaya hai.
Karz hampar hai mitti ka-
Ada karna hi farz hai.

Yaha Bharat ki jaroorat hai-
Yehi samaj ki maang hai.
Hum tum yahi par rahe-
Aur desh ke liye-
Kacchu to Karen.

Jaago…

-- Sachidananda.
(Eternal Happiness)