Feast for Thought

P Sainath writes in the article  The Iron Laws of the Earth Sciences  - " He also became the Minister for Earth Sciences (which, as often pointed out, is seen in his home State as jargon for real estate expertise). Jealous detractors say it is his raising this sector to the level of a science that makes him priceless to the Congress." Just as (Ministry of)  Earth Sciences means more about ministering to the real estate expertise, one can come up with more re-definitions. Here's one - for those in  the Indian (media) elite circles,  eco-friendly = (neo-liberal) ECO nomy-favouring policies. Further, the words 'climate change' probably refer more to vagaries in the economic weather of the country than the Inconvenient Truth that humankind faces! For those who bat for the environment - let's talk about being  enviro-friendly , shall we?

The Sainik School at Kazhakoottam , Trivandrum which happens to be the Alma Mater of so many of my friends, is observing the Golden Jubilee of its existence this academic year, and the grand finale is scheduled for 21 Jan 2012. One of the SSKZM alumni  has brought out a collection of school stories titled " After You Sir ", with a noble intention that reads "All the royalty accrued from the sales of the book is donated to Sainik School to support economically disadvantaged students." What's special about these stories? They are written or recounted by alumni - who were once upon a time raw rural lads who left home at the tender age of 10. - who faced the physical vastness of a rather unsophisticated residential school so different from carefree village bylanes. - whose EQ is phenomenal, with their hearts - and minds - in the right place. - who are ever ready to give their all to the Alma Mater. Read plaudits about this love offering - for that's...

The Hindu : Opinion / Cartoon : Cartoonscape, December 5, 2011

The debate rages on. This is one area where ringing in the new may not be quite what the nation needs.... Instead of the friendly neighbourhood, dhoti-clad grocer selling you rice, atta and dal, you will be piling up all sorts of mostly superfluous items on to your shopping trolley and get checked out of store by young, suited and booted, extra-polite MBA degree holders. Among the many pros and cons of the issue of FDI in retail, I am concerned that the aspects of consumerism and environmental burden receive no mention at all. We already have plenty of supermarket chains chock-a-block. In the race to offer items at cheaper rates, supermarkets outdo each other with very alluring offers. Those who can afford it, will continue to make use of these offers, even if they do not need the item! All these chains most likely include CSR departments, whose most evident job is to put out notices of reduced plastic / polythene use, even as more items are packaged attractively in plastic. Why ...

"Mahatma Gandhi - A different type" aptly sums up the design of a font inspired by the Mahatma. You can download the font from gandhijifont.com. Let's strive to keep everything simple!

Pic courtesy - The Hindu In Indian boardrooms, we hardly see any colour and some sense of national identity. Why do we don dresses that are appropriate in some other climate, and also use extra energy to cool. Big Paradox!

'The riches belong to nobody, certainly not to our family&#39 If this has been reproduced verbatim, Hail MArthAnda Varma!