Recently, myself and my wife Raj had been to Madurai to attend the wedding of one of our family friends Ms Sarika with Mr Arrun. We reached Madurai a day in advance of the wedding day (25 Nov 2010) so that we will have some time to visit the temples in and around Madurai.
It was raining with small drizzling showers when we entered the Holy Meenakshi Temple, Madurai. We were forewarned of the imminent crowd at the Temple as usually found there. But, to our surprise, the crowd was quite thin and we could cover the visits to important points inside the temple which included, the Ambal Sannadhi, Sundareshwarar Sannadhi, Mukkuruni Pillaiyar, Theppakkulam and other places. Our visit was over within an hour from the time we entered the temple which would take over two hours on any normal day. It was a blessing in disguise that the drizzling rain had helped us in going to the temple on such a day when we could have good dharshan of the deities without any waiting. We prayed for the good health and well being of all our family members. We gratuitously offered a ten rupee note to the priest (normally we used to offer one rupee only) and also put another ten rupee note in the donation box. Having finished our rounds, we exited the temple from the Southern Gate.
As we were taking our walk on the service road around the temple , we saw a couple of very young boys – may be about 4 or 5 years old, practicing acrobatic movements like somersaulting, walking with one leg up etc. We stopped a while and watched these two engaged in their practice session unmindful of what was happening around them. They were very playful and no elders were seen around them to oversee and monitor them. With a sense of great feeling that all our sins cleaned inside the temple with our sincere prayers to the deities inside, we felt, as any fools like us would also feel, that we should offer these kids something – eatable or money . I had a few biscuits in my shoulder bag and with the consent of my wife (which every husband does), I offered them to the kids with a request to take and eat them. They smiled at us and politely refused our offer. For a while, we were surprised and we did not get any clue for their refusal to take our offer. Perhaps, it was the first time when someone has refused such offers from us and it made us feel puzzled. Then we offered a few coins. They again refused. In fact, they simply darted away from us to a distant place where they resumed their practice.
As we were returning to our hotel, we were discussing within ourselves the reasons for the refusal of our offer by the kids. Perhaps, the Deities inside the temple are sitting silently and taking all our offers which are made and accompanied with some of our requests to be fulfilled by them. Perhaps, these Deities have appointed these kids as their representatives to give a clear to message to people like us to be more pure in our heart in serving the humanity and not come to the temple with selfish motives. So, it is true to the aphorism that ‘Bhagwan Manushya Rupena’ I felt that I met the God outside the Temple in the form of two kids who gave us an excellent message for our good.
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Monday, 4 January 2010
Other Side of Bolivia Visit[1]
A team led by Shri Chalapathi Rao, MD, NABARD visited Bolivia in August 2001 to study the regulatory and supervisory mechanism of microFinance Institutions [mFIs] there. Bolivia is a country of 8 million people, 8 people per KM and a GDP of US$ 8 billion. The local currency is Boliviano [6.6 Bs = 1 US $]. As in most of the Latin American countries, for all business and financial transactions, both the local currency and the US $ were freely used by the people.
When the team landed at El Alto airport, on the shiny morning of 12 August 2001, the air was thin and the atmosphere quite cool. El Alto is located at about 16,000 ft above Mean Sea Level [MSL]. Therefore, the Oxygen level was pretty low. Overlooking the beautiful ice-capped mountain Ili Mani, was the city of La Paz, the seat of the Government of Bolivia [though Sucre is the constitutional Capital], an enchanting place. La Paz is at a slightly lower altitude than El Alto and it is considered as the Highest Capital city in the world. Making any effort to move faster difficult for any new comer to this part of South America and for the NABARD team, it was a venture [also an adventure] when it landed at El Alto airport. Buildings located at elevated levels and roads, lanes and by-lanes having steep slopes reminded us of towns in Western ghats of India, particularly Kerala. There were occasions and events to be shared from the week long visit and here are some of them.
For most of us the day starts with a cup of tea. The team was not an exception. For keeping the body O2 level at a comfortable level, we were advised to take a local variety of tea called ‘Matadi-coca’ dipped in hot water. It is taken without adding milk to it. The tea was actually a powder made of processed leaves of matadi plants. Whether it helped in increasing the O2 level in us, it certainly worked on our mind and increased our confidence level to move around without much fear of getting breathlessness.
The study started with discussions with one of the Second Tier Financial Institutions called FONDESIF. This meeting was held in the premises of the Central Bank of Bolivia where the office of FONDESIF was also located. With GTZ staff to receive us at the entrance, we tried to enter the premises with great ease. But, it was not to be. The security arrangements at the entrance of the Central Bank were so tight, that every one of us was first asked to surrender our Pass Ports. No foreigner was also allowed inside the premises without prior information. Then, each one of us was asked to go through the metal detector gate, closely watched by the security staff. Then, each of our baggages was searched. We had our cameras with us. But, they did not allow us to carry them. As a rule, the Bank does not allow anyone to carry a camera inside the Bank’s premises. So, we surrendered our cameras to the security staff. With some amount of explanation and persuasion by the GTZ and FONDESIF with the Chief Security Officer, they retrieved our cameras later, so that we could take a few snaps of the meeting.
About use of camera and photography, yet another interesting experience we had. We visited a small town called Battalias near the Andes ranges and went to the local market. It was something similar to weekly markets we see in a number of rural areas in India. The market functioned from 6 00 am to 2 00 pm with hundreds of small vendors selling a variety of wares like stationery, snacks, soft drinks, cycle parts, agricultural implements, electrical parts and agricultural and non-agricultural products. A large number of them were women. We wanted to take a few snaps with some of the entrepreneurs selling goods there. Either they refused to be photographed with us or demanded some payment for allowing them to be photographed. Though strange, there was some sense of pride in their refusal to be photographed.
Incidentally, we observed that a large number of micro-enterprises –mainly vendors –were women. We could even see women well passed their 60’s selling a number of articles in the streets of La Paz. Most common reason offered for such a situation was the economic compulsion in running their families. Something similar to this situation is prevalent in the northeastern region of India, particularly Manipur.
Another interesting occasion to recall was when we visited the work place of a micro-entrepreneur supported by a Private Financial Fund [PFF]. The entrepreneur whom we visited was a lady manufacturing leather blazers and jackets. Her husband was also actively engaged in the business. In one work area, they had kept a very old computer [486 or so] with softwares of logos of prominent international brands loaded in it. She called one young boy working for her to show us the process of making a design. He looked quite rustic and simple. He sat before the PC, connected it to the stitching machine and drew a design with such great ease as though he had mastered the computer application. Appreciating his skills, we just asked him as to how he could pick up such skill and knowledge on PCs. The lady entrepreneur bowled a googley saying that he did not study beyond some middle school level and all his knowledge of computer was by his sheer steadfastness to learn by continuously working on various designs. He had just mastered the use of it. Kudos to him and the lady entrepreneur.
On another occasion, when we went to meet an entrepreneur, we were not allowed entry. Even the main gate was not opened with reply in negative given from inside. The reason for refusal for allowing entry was the sight of a few vehicles suddenly showing up at the gate and the fear that the tax officials had come to check- a situation much similar to India on some occasions. After satisfying about our bona fides, we were allowed entry to the premises. Again, it was yet another lady entrepreneur engaged in knitting garments for over three decades. She had taken US $1000 as loan from a PFF. She mentioned that everyday she used to go to the market place to sell the garments as a street vendor. She seemed to have come a long way from her thirty years of hard work.
Bolivian people look somewhat similar to those Indians living in Himalayan ranges- medium stature, very strong legs and tan in colour. Their main food comprises of rice, bakery products, meat and fish. Almost all the people were non-vegetarians. Peculiarly, the entire team from India with exception of Dr. Klein of GTZ, New Delhi was veggies. Therefore, searching for a vegetarian food was another adventure for the team. However, we were adequately equipped with some dry food like ‘Tehplas’, ‘Kakharas’, ‘Pohahs’ and other snacks. We had taken with us [in fact, Prakash had brought] pre-cooked side dishes like chenna masala, aloo curry and a few others, which helped to meet the dinner requirements partially. Natural yogurts available from the shops supplemented our dinner needs. One day, we were taken to a restaurant for lunch. Each of us was given a Menu card to peruse and choose items of our choice. It was surprising to see that pictures of animals with their parts identified and the names of dishes printed against each of them for ordering. Looked a novelty! May be an enterprising hotelier in India might like to adopt this technique. As a contrast, we went to a restaurant ‘Vegetariano Armonia’ that served only vegetarian food. It was one of the few places where exclusive veggie food was available in La Paz.
One day, we went to a local market called- Sagarnaga in La Paz. It was full of small shops [5 feet by 5 feet shops – such typical shops are in Mumbai too] mainly selling handicraft items and the famous Alpaca woolen garments. The vendors were mainly women. They were very polite, soft spoken and patient for the tough bargaining made by the buyers. They were however, not aggressive sellers though similar goods were available with a number of shops. But, once a prospective buyer turned up, they showed all the interest in selling their wares to him or her. We did make some good purchases, of course after a bit of bargaining.
One day after a meeting with one institution we were waiting in the lobby of the office. It was past 1 p.m. The staff were returning after lunch. Just then, we observed that an official of the office entering after performing two functions. One, he whipped his identity card through a computerized system and two, he pressed his LHT [Left Hand Thumb] on an electronic instrument kept nearby. Then he entered the office. Sounding strange to an Indian, we enquired about the need for such a practice of marking the LHT also. The reply came silenced us. Anyone who is in possession of the card can wipe it and get the time recorded [proxying!]. But, marking the LHT will eliminate any chance of misuse as the personal identification of the person concerned is also verified by marking the thumb impression. A novel idea indeed!-[Any lessons for us?]. Similar LHT electronic system was introduced in PRODEM –PFF to enable the staff to identify the client who comes to withdraw and transact business with it. It has virtually dispensed with issuing of withdrawal slips to its depositor clients. The client will be required to identify by marking his/her LHT against the electronic instrument kept outside the teller counter. This alone will allow entry for the staff to open the folio of the client in the monitor in front of him. This is another area, which needs to be implemented in our banks particularly in RRBs and Coops. Whether Indian banks can adopt this practice depends on the presence of good electrical infrastructure also.
One day, we visited a lake called ‘Titicaca Lake’. It is a fresh water lake in the Andes ranges. It was a tourist spot normally crowded during the season beginning from September. A part of it is in Bolivia and the rest in Peru. We halted in a restaurant there for lunch. As veg food was to be prepared exclusively for us, it gave us some time to see the place around. Myself and Mr Bakshi tried our hands on Table Tennis. We just started to play pushing the ball from one side to the other and picking it up from the ground. It was just two to three minutes only since we started playing. Both of us found our palpitation raising and we gave up our efforts to try on TT. Such was the level of O2 as we could not stand and play beyond that time.
La Paz was a quiet place and the people were very hospitable. The language spoken was Spanish and so the hosts had arranged an interpreter for our use. She was Ms Martha, in her fifties. She was so professional that she had the entire kit for her job ready on hand wherever we went. She had also developed such a tremendous network among the bankers, FFPs and a host of other government people that she was well recognized. In the one week long association with her, she became quite friendly with the team and she helped us beyond her main job of providing interpretation in the meetings.
Another person who moved us visibly was the Hon’ble Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr Mario Raquena Pinto. His letter to the Visa authorities in Bolivia greatly helped us in getting our Visa issued on the spot on arrival at the El Alto airport on 12 Aug. As per the programme, only one meeting was scheduled with him. When we went to his chamber on 14 Aug, he invited us with warm welcome and sat among us in a small round table and discussed a whole range of issues concerning microFinance. His knowledge and commitment for development of mF sector was visible and he encouraged us to come with suggestions to improve the sector. He showed keen willingness to learn from the Indian mF experience [though we had gone to study their systems]. The discussions with him created so much interest in him, he wanted to be present for the wrap up meeting fixed for 18 Aug. And he was there well before we reached the GTZ office to receive us again. So, we had yet another round of discussions and finally, it was past 9 pm and we were to catch our flight early morning next day. Then he volunteered to drop us in his car at the hotel and he himself drew it all the way and bid us bye. It was a touching moment for us and we felt more than honoured by his humility.
Before we landed in La Paz, we were cautioned about the low level of O2 there and advised to equip ourselves adequately. The nights were chilly and snowy also. The day times were just lukewarm and every day it required some amount of minimum woolen clothing to protect from chilly breeze. So, right from the time we landed, the GTZ team used to enquire about our health. From the second day onwards, it became almost a routine for the GTZ officers who came to pick us at the hotel, to ask us if we had any problem on account of lack of O2. We used to reply in negative saying we were comfortable and did not envisage any problem on this account. After a couple of days, they were surprised to see us robust, because their experience with visitors to La Paz was that every other new comer had faced difficulties needing administration of O2 to come back to normalcy. They asked whether our food habits –veggies- made us feel more comfortable in La Paz. We were not sure of any satisfactory answer to offer except repeating that we were okay. Just before we left, when they made their enquiry about our health with concern, Shri Chalapathi Rao, quipped saying “You see, none of the Indians will suffer from lack of Oxygen, particularly, the Mumbai residents, because we regularly inhale polluted air only containing Carbon mono oxide and less of O2. So, our body system is immuned to the environment where less oxygen is prevalent as in La Paz”. The hosts did not ask about the secret of our good health thereafter. Thus, we boarded our flight back home on 19 August to the surprise of all.
[1] Reproduced from the article published in the in-house journal NABARD Parivar in 2001
When the team landed at El Alto airport, on the shiny morning of 12 August 2001, the air was thin and the atmosphere quite cool. El Alto is located at about 16,000 ft above Mean Sea Level [MSL]. Therefore, the Oxygen level was pretty low. Overlooking the beautiful ice-capped mountain Ili Mani, was the city of La Paz, the seat of the Government of Bolivia [though Sucre is the constitutional Capital], an enchanting place. La Paz is at a slightly lower altitude than El Alto and it is considered as the Highest Capital city in the world. Making any effort to move faster difficult for any new comer to this part of South America and for the NABARD team, it was a venture [also an adventure] when it landed at El Alto airport. Buildings located at elevated levels and roads, lanes and by-lanes having steep slopes reminded us of towns in Western ghats of India, particularly Kerala. There were occasions and events to be shared from the week long visit and here are some of them.
For most of us the day starts with a cup of tea. The team was not an exception. For keeping the body O2 level at a comfortable level, we were advised to take a local variety of tea called ‘Matadi-coca’ dipped in hot water. It is taken without adding milk to it. The tea was actually a powder made of processed leaves of matadi plants. Whether it helped in increasing the O2 level in us, it certainly worked on our mind and increased our confidence level to move around without much fear of getting breathlessness.
The study started with discussions with one of the Second Tier Financial Institutions called FONDESIF. This meeting was held in the premises of the Central Bank of Bolivia where the office of FONDESIF was also located. With GTZ staff to receive us at the entrance, we tried to enter the premises with great ease. But, it was not to be. The security arrangements at the entrance of the Central Bank were so tight, that every one of us was first asked to surrender our Pass Ports. No foreigner was also allowed inside the premises without prior information. Then, each one of us was asked to go through the metal detector gate, closely watched by the security staff. Then, each of our baggages was searched. We had our cameras with us. But, they did not allow us to carry them. As a rule, the Bank does not allow anyone to carry a camera inside the Bank’s premises. So, we surrendered our cameras to the security staff. With some amount of explanation and persuasion by the GTZ and FONDESIF with the Chief Security Officer, they retrieved our cameras later, so that we could take a few snaps of the meeting.
About use of camera and photography, yet another interesting experience we had. We visited a small town called Battalias near the Andes ranges and went to the local market. It was something similar to weekly markets we see in a number of rural areas in India. The market functioned from 6 00 am to 2 00 pm with hundreds of small vendors selling a variety of wares like stationery, snacks, soft drinks, cycle parts, agricultural implements, electrical parts and agricultural and non-agricultural products. A large number of them were women. We wanted to take a few snaps with some of the entrepreneurs selling goods there. Either they refused to be photographed with us or demanded some payment for allowing them to be photographed. Though strange, there was some sense of pride in their refusal to be photographed.
Incidentally, we observed that a large number of micro-enterprises –mainly vendors –were women. We could even see women well passed their 60’s selling a number of articles in the streets of La Paz. Most common reason offered for such a situation was the economic compulsion in running their families. Something similar to this situation is prevalent in the northeastern region of India, particularly Manipur.
Another interesting occasion to recall was when we visited the work place of a micro-entrepreneur supported by a Private Financial Fund [PFF]. The entrepreneur whom we visited was a lady manufacturing leather blazers and jackets. Her husband was also actively engaged in the business. In one work area, they had kept a very old computer [486 or so] with softwares of logos of prominent international brands loaded in it. She called one young boy working for her to show us the process of making a design. He looked quite rustic and simple. He sat before the PC, connected it to the stitching machine and drew a design with such great ease as though he had mastered the computer application. Appreciating his skills, we just asked him as to how he could pick up such skill and knowledge on PCs. The lady entrepreneur bowled a googley saying that he did not study beyond some middle school level and all his knowledge of computer was by his sheer steadfastness to learn by continuously working on various designs. He had just mastered the use of it. Kudos to him and the lady entrepreneur.
On another occasion, when we went to meet an entrepreneur, we were not allowed entry. Even the main gate was not opened with reply in negative given from inside. The reason for refusal for allowing entry was the sight of a few vehicles suddenly showing up at the gate and the fear that the tax officials had come to check- a situation much similar to India on some occasions. After satisfying about our bona fides, we were allowed entry to the premises. Again, it was yet another lady entrepreneur engaged in knitting garments for over three decades. She had taken US $1000 as loan from a PFF. She mentioned that everyday she used to go to the market place to sell the garments as a street vendor. She seemed to have come a long way from her thirty years of hard work.
Bolivian people look somewhat similar to those Indians living in Himalayan ranges- medium stature, very strong legs and tan in colour. Their main food comprises of rice, bakery products, meat and fish. Almost all the people were non-vegetarians. Peculiarly, the entire team from India with exception of Dr. Klein of GTZ, New Delhi was veggies. Therefore, searching for a vegetarian food was another adventure for the team. However, we were adequately equipped with some dry food like ‘Tehplas’, ‘Kakharas’, ‘Pohahs’ and other snacks. We had taken with us [in fact, Prakash had brought] pre-cooked side dishes like chenna masala, aloo curry and a few others, which helped to meet the dinner requirements partially. Natural yogurts available from the shops supplemented our dinner needs. One day, we were taken to a restaurant for lunch. Each of us was given a Menu card to peruse and choose items of our choice. It was surprising to see that pictures of animals with their parts identified and the names of dishes printed against each of them for ordering. Looked a novelty! May be an enterprising hotelier in India might like to adopt this technique. As a contrast, we went to a restaurant ‘Vegetariano Armonia’ that served only vegetarian food. It was one of the few places where exclusive veggie food was available in La Paz.
One day, we went to a local market called- Sagarnaga in La Paz. It was full of small shops [5 feet by 5 feet shops – such typical shops are in Mumbai too] mainly selling handicraft items and the famous Alpaca woolen garments. The vendors were mainly women. They were very polite, soft spoken and patient for the tough bargaining made by the buyers. They were however, not aggressive sellers though similar goods were available with a number of shops. But, once a prospective buyer turned up, they showed all the interest in selling their wares to him or her. We did make some good purchases, of course after a bit of bargaining.
One day after a meeting with one institution we were waiting in the lobby of the office. It was past 1 p.m. The staff were returning after lunch. Just then, we observed that an official of the office entering after performing two functions. One, he whipped his identity card through a computerized system and two, he pressed his LHT [Left Hand Thumb] on an electronic instrument kept nearby. Then he entered the office. Sounding strange to an Indian, we enquired about the need for such a practice of marking the LHT also. The reply came silenced us. Anyone who is in possession of the card can wipe it and get the time recorded [proxying!]. But, marking the LHT will eliminate any chance of misuse as the personal identification of the person concerned is also verified by marking the thumb impression. A novel idea indeed!-[Any lessons for us?]. Similar LHT electronic system was introduced in PRODEM –PFF to enable the staff to identify the client who comes to withdraw and transact business with it. It has virtually dispensed with issuing of withdrawal slips to its depositor clients. The client will be required to identify by marking his/her LHT against the electronic instrument kept outside the teller counter. This alone will allow entry for the staff to open the folio of the client in the monitor in front of him. This is another area, which needs to be implemented in our banks particularly in RRBs and Coops. Whether Indian banks can adopt this practice depends on the presence of good electrical infrastructure also.
One day, we visited a lake called ‘Titicaca Lake’. It is a fresh water lake in the Andes ranges. It was a tourist spot normally crowded during the season beginning from September. A part of it is in Bolivia and the rest in Peru. We halted in a restaurant there for lunch. As veg food was to be prepared exclusively for us, it gave us some time to see the place around. Myself and Mr Bakshi tried our hands on Table Tennis. We just started to play pushing the ball from one side to the other and picking it up from the ground. It was just two to three minutes only since we started playing. Both of us found our palpitation raising and we gave up our efforts to try on TT. Such was the level of O2 as we could not stand and play beyond that time.
La Paz was a quiet place and the people were very hospitable. The language spoken was Spanish and so the hosts had arranged an interpreter for our use. She was Ms Martha, in her fifties. She was so professional that she had the entire kit for her job ready on hand wherever we went. She had also developed such a tremendous network among the bankers, FFPs and a host of other government people that she was well recognized. In the one week long association with her, she became quite friendly with the team and she helped us beyond her main job of providing interpretation in the meetings.
Another person who moved us visibly was the Hon’ble Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr Mario Raquena Pinto. His letter to the Visa authorities in Bolivia greatly helped us in getting our Visa issued on the spot on arrival at the El Alto airport on 12 Aug. As per the programme, only one meeting was scheduled with him. When we went to his chamber on 14 Aug, he invited us with warm welcome and sat among us in a small round table and discussed a whole range of issues concerning microFinance. His knowledge and commitment for development of mF sector was visible and he encouraged us to come with suggestions to improve the sector. He showed keen willingness to learn from the Indian mF experience [though we had gone to study their systems]. The discussions with him created so much interest in him, he wanted to be present for the wrap up meeting fixed for 18 Aug. And he was there well before we reached the GTZ office to receive us again. So, we had yet another round of discussions and finally, it was past 9 pm and we were to catch our flight early morning next day. Then he volunteered to drop us in his car at the hotel and he himself drew it all the way and bid us bye. It was a touching moment for us and we felt more than honoured by his humility.
Before we landed in La Paz, we were cautioned about the low level of O2 there and advised to equip ourselves adequately. The nights were chilly and snowy also. The day times were just lukewarm and every day it required some amount of minimum woolen clothing to protect from chilly breeze. So, right from the time we landed, the GTZ team used to enquire about our health. From the second day onwards, it became almost a routine for the GTZ officers who came to pick us at the hotel, to ask us if we had any problem on account of lack of O2. We used to reply in negative saying we were comfortable and did not envisage any problem on this account. After a couple of days, they were surprised to see us robust, because their experience with visitors to La Paz was that every other new comer had faced difficulties needing administration of O2 to come back to normalcy. They asked whether our food habits –veggies- made us feel more comfortable in La Paz. We were not sure of any satisfactory answer to offer except repeating that we were okay. Just before we left, when they made their enquiry about our health with concern, Shri Chalapathi Rao, quipped saying “You see, none of the Indians will suffer from lack of Oxygen, particularly, the Mumbai residents, because we regularly inhale polluted air only containing Carbon mono oxide and less of O2. So, our body system is immuned to the environment where less oxygen is prevalent as in La Paz”. The hosts did not ask about the secret of our good health thereafter. Thus, we boarded our flight back home on 19 August to the surprise of all.
[1] Reproduced from the article published in the in-house journal NABARD Parivar in 2001
Thursday, 31 December 2009
It was a bright sunny day
It was a bright sunny day. Yogesh, a retired bank officer, sitting in the reclining chair and glancing through the news paper was enjoying his morning tea. Sneha, the little cute grand daughter was running round her grand mother, Ammatha. For this tiny tot, the grand old lady was a great friend. Ammatha has already helped her daughter in law, Sumitra in cutting vegetables for the morning lunch. She also helped her in getting the lunch ready.
Sumitra, was fully engaged in attending to the chores of her husband, Prasanth who was in great hurry to leave for his office. With his tie on his neck, he was having his breakfast. He glanced at his watch. It was nearing eight.
“Oh! Ho! I will be late for the meeting, Sumi. By the by, I do not want my lunch box as I would be joining a visiting team in the office for lunch. So, sorry!”, he pleaded. The lunch box was already kept ready for him. Sumitra was visibly upset by the sudden change of plan of her husband. She made her annoyance clear and loud by taking away the tiffin box from the dining table.
She was also in a hurry. With the clock ticking nine, she was trying to put her plait in order simultaneously adjusting her pallu. She finished her morning meal- a brunch- and stuffed the lunch in her box. She gave her final instructions to her mother in law as to what remained to be done, the needs of Sneha, coffee for the servant maid who will be coming around noon etc., etc.
Saying bye to her daughter, she swung the door open and flew like a bird flying out of its cage. She should catch her 9:17 train from Santacruz to reach her office at Churchgate at 10:00 in the morning.
****
The summer heat was visible in getting hot air blown from the ceiling fan. Yogesh was having his afternoon siesta. His wife, Ammatha was trying to immerse herself in reading Bhagawat Gita. Just then, the door bell rang. The courier boy was waiting with a letter to be delivered. He called for Yogesh. The old man identified himself as Yogesh and received the letter. He opened the envelope and started reading the letter. It was from their second son, Rakesh. He is an accountant in a reputed company in Chennai. His wife is working in a bank there. The old man did not show any expression in reading that letter. But the old lady was curious. She wanted to know the details and asked him. With reluctance, Yogesh handed over the letter to his wife. She glanced at it and gave a quick reading. She looked up to him with a question mark on her face seeking his response. The gist of the letter from his second son was that he wanted his parents to come to Chennai immediately as he was under orders of transfer to Hyderabad and so his parents particularly the old lady -mother, would be able to take care of their two children.
Ammatha looked at the clock and it was about to strike three. She got up to make tea for her husband and herself. She also wanted to prepare some tiffin for her grand daughter, Sneha who will be coming home around four in the evening. It was the duty of Yogesh to fetch the grand daughter from the school nearby. So, she hurried the preparation of tea and placed it before him with a few biscuits. Yogesh was in a pensive mood deeply drawn from the message of the letter received from Rakesh. He sipped his tea silently and got up to go and bring his grand daughter from her school. Ammatha broached the subject to know his mind. He simply said that they could tell the contents of the letter to their first son and daughter in law after their return from their offices.
****
It was dinner time. Till then, Yogesh did not open the subject to his son. Ammatha also did not tell Sumitra about it. The old lady started serving food for both her husband and son. Sumitra was helping her daughter in her school -home work. Ammatha, as though he had forgotton, reminded him of the letter received in the afternoon. Yogesh raised his head and with a hesitant tone opened the topic. He indicated to his son that they would like to leave for Chennai as requested by Rakesh. Prasanth was taken a back for a while. Sumitra though did not follow the conversation, heard that both of them wanted to go Chennai to be with their second son. Prasanth wanted his parents to stay back with them until atleast alternative arrangements are made. Sumitra was reluctant to put her daughter in a crèche as she knew that comfort and safety of their presence can not be ensured even if Sneha is put in a crèche. So, she also joined the conversation and asked them not to go to Chennai at that stage. Prasanth suggested that he would talk to Rakesh if needed. But, it was not required. Soon the telephone bell rang. It was Rakesh on the other side. Prasanth tried to persuade Rakesh to allow him to keep the parents at Mumbai itself and advised him to make alternative arrangements for his children.
Two days went by without any decision and every day, Rakesh was phoning up enquiring about the travel plans of his parents. Third day, he landed at Prasanth's place taking the morning flight from Chennai. It was totally unexpected. First, he wanted his parents to leave for Chennai in a day or two by train. Sons and the daughter in law were in deep conversation. The old parents were watching from the side without actively participating in it. After some discussions, Rakesh suggested that if need be, father can be kept with Prasanth and he be allowed to take the mother with him as he has two kids to take care. With great reluctance, Prasanth and Sumitra consented to the division of parents between the two brothers. The oldies were just watching. Their willingness, convenience if not consent - nothing was sought from them.
The dinner time again. The old lady served her two sons and husband. They were engrossed in discussing how much money they had to spend on their children, sarees, pants, shirts etc. etc. from time to time to keep pace with the colleagues in the office and seasonal changes. They also talked of how difficult for them to stay at home in the hot summer and the need for an airconditioner and their plan to install one in their apartments. Rakesh, however, said that he cannot afford to fly his mother to Chennai and so she can travel by train in two-tier sleeper class, and if available by three tier A/C class.
It was a quiet night outside. The two oldies were whispering to each other. It was obvious that they were not consulted by either of the sons and they were unable to say against any of their proposals. The darkness made the night look more dangerous and the two fell asleep without knowing what to do next.
****
It was a yet another bright sunny day. It was also a Sunday and so, Ammatha need not take care of Sneha. But, she was assisting Sumitra in her preparation of break-fast. Rakesh was planning to leave by morning flight itself. Hence, everything was prepared with greater hurry than a normal day. For Ammatha, every day was a normal day. Suddenly, they noticed that the old man Yogesh was missing. His easy-chair was empty. Prasanth asked his mother about his whereabouts. She did not know as to where did this old man vanish in the early hours. Was he angry with all and ran away from home? Was he unwell and so had gone to the doctor by himself without any help from his sons and wife? It was nearing nine in the morning. He did not even have his morning cup of coffee. Every one at home became worried. No clue left to find his whereabouts nor any message to know his mind. The time was ticking. Everyone became nervous with weird thoughts crowding their mind and fear overpowering them. They almost decided to go to the police station to make a formal complaint and were about to come down.
Around ten in the morning, they saw from their balcony, that the old man was slowly entering the building compound. Wiping the sweat from his forehead and holding a small bag near his chest, he claimed the stairs to reach the first floor where their flat was located. There was a great sigh of relief in their faces. Ammatha took the mangalsutra in her hands and pressed it against her eyes and thanked God. But, the sons were in a mood to take him to task and waiting for him to enter. No sooner he entered than they started asking one question after another seeking his explanation as to how dared he ventured out leaving everyone in utter confusion.
The old man smiled. He did not retort. He called his wife, Ammatha and said " I have purchased two tickets for both of us. We are going to Udumalpet by train leaving Mumbai today afternoon by three. I have a friend there and I have phoned him up to look for a house for us to stay. He has his own house to spare and he has agreed to let it to us". So saying he turned to his sons and remarked, "Look, we would like to continue as your parents and not servant maids to take care of your homes and children anymore. I think that this is possible with this arrangement." Ammatha moved swiftly to pack their belongings for the next journey. She had never spoken against anything her husband said or did. Everything he did was for the larger good, she knew. Though, there was some amount of sadness in leaving both the children, there was an overwhelming joy that she would stay put with her husband. At this old age, he also needs her presence more than anyone else. She was munching her thoughts and moved away. It was yet another bright sunny day for her.
*****
Sumitra, was fully engaged in attending to the chores of her husband, Prasanth who was in great hurry to leave for his office. With his tie on his neck, he was having his breakfast. He glanced at his watch. It was nearing eight.
“Oh! Ho! I will be late for the meeting, Sumi. By the by, I do not want my lunch box as I would be joining a visiting team in the office for lunch. So, sorry!”, he pleaded. The lunch box was already kept ready for him. Sumitra was visibly upset by the sudden change of plan of her husband. She made her annoyance clear and loud by taking away the tiffin box from the dining table.
She was also in a hurry. With the clock ticking nine, she was trying to put her plait in order simultaneously adjusting her pallu. She finished her morning meal- a brunch- and stuffed the lunch in her box. She gave her final instructions to her mother in law as to what remained to be done, the needs of Sneha, coffee for the servant maid who will be coming around noon etc., etc.
Saying bye to her daughter, she swung the door open and flew like a bird flying out of its cage. She should catch her 9:17 train from Santacruz to reach her office at Churchgate at 10:00 in the morning.
****
The summer heat was visible in getting hot air blown from the ceiling fan. Yogesh was having his afternoon siesta. His wife, Ammatha was trying to immerse herself in reading Bhagawat Gita. Just then, the door bell rang. The courier boy was waiting with a letter to be delivered. He called for Yogesh. The old man identified himself as Yogesh and received the letter. He opened the envelope and started reading the letter. It was from their second son, Rakesh. He is an accountant in a reputed company in Chennai. His wife is working in a bank there. The old man did not show any expression in reading that letter. But the old lady was curious. She wanted to know the details and asked him. With reluctance, Yogesh handed over the letter to his wife. She glanced at it and gave a quick reading. She looked up to him with a question mark on her face seeking his response. The gist of the letter from his second son was that he wanted his parents to come to Chennai immediately as he was under orders of transfer to Hyderabad and so his parents particularly the old lady -mother, would be able to take care of their two children.
Ammatha looked at the clock and it was about to strike three. She got up to make tea for her husband and herself. She also wanted to prepare some tiffin for her grand daughter, Sneha who will be coming home around four in the evening. It was the duty of Yogesh to fetch the grand daughter from the school nearby. So, she hurried the preparation of tea and placed it before him with a few biscuits. Yogesh was in a pensive mood deeply drawn from the message of the letter received from Rakesh. He sipped his tea silently and got up to go and bring his grand daughter from her school. Ammatha broached the subject to know his mind. He simply said that they could tell the contents of the letter to their first son and daughter in law after their return from their offices.
****
It was dinner time. Till then, Yogesh did not open the subject to his son. Ammatha also did not tell Sumitra about it. The old lady started serving food for both her husband and son. Sumitra was helping her daughter in her school -home work. Ammatha, as though he had forgotton, reminded him of the letter received in the afternoon. Yogesh raised his head and with a hesitant tone opened the topic. He indicated to his son that they would like to leave for Chennai as requested by Rakesh. Prasanth was taken a back for a while. Sumitra though did not follow the conversation, heard that both of them wanted to go Chennai to be with their second son. Prasanth wanted his parents to stay back with them until atleast alternative arrangements are made. Sumitra was reluctant to put her daughter in a crèche as she knew that comfort and safety of their presence can not be ensured even if Sneha is put in a crèche. So, she also joined the conversation and asked them not to go to Chennai at that stage. Prasanth suggested that he would talk to Rakesh if needed. But, it was not required. Soon the telephone bell rang. It was Rakesh on the other side. Prasanth tried to persuade Rakesh to allow him to keep the parents at Mumbai itself and advised him to make alternative arrangements for his children.
Two days went by without any decision and every day, Rakesh was phoning up enquiring about the travel plans of his parents. Third day, he landed at Prasanth's place taking the morning flight from Chennai. It was totally unexpected. First, he wanted his parents to leave for Chennai in a day or two by train. Sons and the daughter in law were in deep conversation. The old parents were watching from the side without actively participating in it. After some discussions, Rakesh suggested that if need be, father can be kept with Prasanth and he be allowed to take the mother with him as he has two kids to take care. With great reluctance, Prasanth and Sumitra consented to the division of parents between the two brothers. The oldies were just watching. Their willingness, convenience if not consent - nothing was sought from them.
The dinner time again. The old lady served her two sons and husband. They were engrossed in discussing how much money they had to spend on their children, sarees, pants, shirts etc. etc. from time to time to keep pace with the colleagues in the office and seasonal changes. They also talked of how difficult for them to stay at home in the hot summer and the need for an airconditioner and their plan to install one in their apartments. Rakesh, however, said that he cannot afford to fly his mother to Chennai and so she can travel by train in two-tier sleeper class, and if available by three tier A/C class.
It was a quiet night outside. The two oldies were whispering to each other. It was obvious that they were not consulted by either of the sons and they were unable to say against any of their proposals. The darkness made the night look more dangerous and the two fell asleep without knowing what to do next.
****
It was a yet another bright sunny day. It was also a Sunday and so, Ammatha need not take care of Sneha. But, she was assisting Sumitra in her preparation of break-fast. Rakesh was planning to leave by morning flight itself. Hence, everything was prepared with greater hurry than a normal day. For Ammatha, every day was a normal day. Suddenly, they noticed that the old man Yogesh was missing. His easy-chair was empty. Prasanth asked his mother about his whereabouts. She did not know as to where did this old man vanish in the early hours. Was he angry with all and ran away from home? Was he unwell and so had gone to the doctor by himself without any help from his sons and wife? It was nearing nine in the morning. He did not even have his morning cup of coffee. Every one at home became worried. No clue left to find his whereabouts nor any message to know his mind. The time was ticking. Everyone became nervous with weird thoughts crowding their mind and fear overpowering them. They almost decided to go to the police station to make a formal complaint and were about to come down.
Around ten in the morning, they saw from their balcony, that the old man was slowly entering the building compound. Wiping the sweat from his forehead and holding a small bag near his chest, he claimed the stairs to reach the first floor where their flat was located. There was a great sigh of relief in their faces. Ammatha took the mangalsutra in her hands and pressed it against her eyes and thanked God. But, the sons were in a mood to take him to task and waiting for him to enter. No sooner he entered than they started asking one question after another seeking his explanation as to how dared he ventured out leaving everyone in utter confusion.
The old man smiled. He did not retort. He called his wife, Ammatha and said " I have purchased two tickets for both of us. We are going to Udumalpet by train leaving Mumbai today afternoon by three. I have a friend there and I have phoned him up to look for a house for us to stay. He has his own house to spare and he has agreed to let it to us". So saying he turned to his sons and remarked, "Look, we would like to continue as your parents and not servant maids to take care of your homes and children anymore. I think that this is possible with this arrangement." Ammatha moved swiftly to pack their belongings for the next journey. She had never spoken against anything her husband said or did. Everything he did was for the larger good, she knew. Though, there was some amount of sadness in leaving both the children, there was an overwhelming joy that she would stay put with her husband. At this old age, he also needs her presence more than anyone else. She was munching her thoughts and moved away. It was yet another bright sunny day for her.
*****
Leave me alone
Once, two of my friends -a doctor and an engineer expressed their desire to spend a night in the house of a very small farmer in a remote village. As a NABARDian, I was thrilled and I took them to a village quite far from our town.
After moving round the fields, around 10 p.m, we knocked at the doors of a small farmer and explained our mission and wanted him to help us stay in his house overnight. He was nice to oblige us but, expressed his difficulty in accommodating all the three in his small house. He said that he could take in only two of us and advised that the third one could stay in the cattle shed just outside.
My engineer friend opted to stay in the cattle shed and so myself and my doctor friend were allowed to sleep inside the house. After an hour or so, there was a knock at the door. The farmer opened it and found that the engineer friend was standing outside expressing his difficulty in sleeping in the cattle shed due to mosquito menace.
So, my doctor friend volunteered to move to the cattle shed allowing the engineer friend to sleep inside the house. After another hour, there was again a knock at the door. The doctor friend was standing and he pleaded that he be allowed inside as he too could not stand the mosquito bites.
Now, the farmer looked at me and so I moved myself to the cattle shed allowing my doctor friend to sleep inside the house. By then, I had lost all my sleep. After an hour, there was again a knock at the door. The farmer opened the door and he was surprised to see the buffalo standing there.
It said, " This NABARDian is having a big questionnaire in his hand and asking all the questions about the cattle breeding, lactation, looking into my teeth to find my age bla bla bla and spoiling my sleep. I cannot stand him. Please allow me to sleep inside or leave me alone."
After moving round the fields, around 10 p.m, we knocked at the doors of a small farmer and explained our mission and wanted him to help us stay in his house overnight. He was nice to oblige us but, expressed his difficulty in accommodating all the three in his small house. He said that he could take in only two of us and advised that the third one could stay in the cattle shed just outside.
My engineer friend opted to stay in the cattle shed and so myself and my doctor friend were allowed to sleep inside the house. After an hour or so, there was a knock at the door. The farmer opened it and found that the engineer friend was standing outside expressing his difficulty in sleeping in the cattle shed due to mosquito menace.
So, my doctor friend volunteered to move to the cattle shed allowing the engineer friend to sleep inside the house. After another hour, there was again a knock at the door. The doctor friend was standing and he pleaded that he be allowed inside as he too could not stand the mosquito bites.
Now, the farmer looked at me and so I moved myself to the cattle shed allowing my doctor friend to sleep inside the house. By then, I had lost all my sleep. After an hour, there was again a knock at the door. The farmer opened the door and he was surprised to see the buffalo standing there.
It said, " This NABARDian is having a big questionnaire in his hand and asking all the questions about the cattle breeding, lactation, looking into my teeth to find my age bla bla bla and spoiling my sleep. I cannot stand him. Please allow me to sleep inside or leave me alone."
A life in the death of September[1]
As every day passes, memories of events fade. With new events taking control, the files in the hard disc of the brain are overwritten with the new ones. May be the space is limited. Or the brain decides to overwrite the file without waiting for a command from outside. But, some files are not overwritten. They still remain fresh with better recall effect. One such file is the events captured on 11 Sept 2001, the day when the twin towers were brought down, the day when thousands of innocent people lost their lives, the day when the Americans felt that their openness was exploited by the outside world. In a few months from now, one year will pass since this great tragedy struck this beautiful earth.
I was in the US to visit my daughter and I spent a full week of August 2001 there. Wherever I travelled, I breathed freshness and I admired the frankness of Americans and their systems. First encounter was with the Immigration official. He asked my profession and when I mentioned that I was a banker, he simply allowed me to pass with a broad smile and a remark "Oh! you deal with money." I was amazed at the way everyone was treated with equal care and courtesy. I saw people moving inside the airports as though they were in a shopping complex. Everything seemed to move with one single theme- I believe you and your words. Such is the simplicity with which people moved in the country. At Tucson where my daughter lived, both my daughter and the son-in-law were waiting to receive me well inside the airport and almost near the luggage retrieving belt. They could come in so freely and help me to retrieve my luggage. Such was the freedom they breathed every where. People were cordial and smiling but business like. So, when I returned to India and saw later, the fall of the mighty towers, my heart also sank and wept for the innocent people died in the tragedy. It was a deep hurt and wound. For quite some time, I was thinking as to why this has happened to these beautiful people of this wonderful country. A few thoughts crossed my mind on this occasion.
Post 11 Sept, the world is looking at Islam with a jaundiced eye. Who can we blame for this? The events made many to feel so. As in the case of any religion, in Islam also, there is a mixture of the eternal and universal ethical and spiritual elements. A number of scholars have given their interpretations on Islam and Prophet Muhammad. One such interpretation appeals to me most. This has come from Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mission. It was said that the character of Prophet Muhammad has been misrepresented, not only by many prejudiced non-Muslim critics, but also by the ambitious and worldly-minded faithful Muslims as well. Prophet Muhammad lived a simple life with a mission to fulfill for the goodness of humanity. The universality of the Prophet's message is also revealed in his teachings, that only those are nearest to his heart and God who do what is right. In several Suras of the Quran, one can come across this universal approach. According to him, the second Sura of the Quran commands us to believe, in not only what was revealed to Muhammad, but also in what was revealed to those who went before him. This clearly indicated the Prophets's acceptance of many true religions of which Islam is one. In a number of verses of the Quran, one can see the high example of tolerance and respect set by Prophet Muhammad in his dealings with non-Muslims. Particularly, Verse 256 of Chapter 2 of the Quran upholds religious toleration and fellowship and Verse 135 of Chapter 4 emphasizes justice and equity in interpersonal relations. These and other similar verses of the Quran proclaim truths which are eternal and universal.
Looking at 11 September, memory goes 108 years backwards. It was equally an eventful date in the history of America. On this day in 1893- exactly 108 years (2001)- Swami Vivekananda, the wandering monk from India in search of a way, made his memorable speech in the Parliament of Religions, Chicago. Christopher Isherwood writes on the speech thus in ‘What Religion in the words of Swami Vivekananda’, “In his deep voice, he began, ‘Sisters and Brothers of America’ and the entire audience, many hundred people, clapped and cheered wildly. Many did not know him at all. Even the voice of Vivekananda cannot fully explain it. A large gathering has its strange kind of subconscious telepathy, and this one must have been somehow aware that it was in the presence of that most unusual of beings, a man whose words express exactly what he is. When he said, ‘Sisters and Brothers of America’ he actually meant that he regarded the American women and men before his as sisters and brothers; the well-known orational phrase became simple truth”. He said that "We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true". The speech was short but moved the hearts of many a hundred present there.
As though he had the prophecy of what would happen over hundred years after his memorable speech, the events of 11 Sept 2001 had its echo felt in his speech. He said that “Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilisation, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now." How true were his words? How relevant is the message even today. And what a coincidence that these two events had taken place on 11 Sept?
Finally, my thoughts on the events of 11 Sept 2001 poured as verses and here they are:
"Eleventh September 2001, born from the deathbed of a thousand lives
Memories haunting of the darkness spread with sun still rising
America, a heaven on earth, raised its heat towards east in search of dark evil hidden there
World curious and wounded watched with awe!
Oh! God! Why did you do that to a peace loving nation?
Was the question in the lips of millions.
Offering my life if He returned one youth alive, was always my prayer.
Strangely God responded to my clarion call.
Happy felt I that a plant will be redeemed at the altar
God asked, "My Son, if I take your life, I may lose one good creation either"
"Shall I take the life of Osama, instead? He countered.
"Son, no life can replace another as no life is superior", continued He.
Evil done is the Foundation for a stronger tomorrow, ignorant don’t understand.
Your courage and your prayer honored
I bless America with stronger shoulders to carry greater responsibilities-
As America has always been
God is great, I found once again".
With the tenth anniversary of 11 September fast approaching, each one of us would need to introspect on the events that led to the tragedy and those ensued thereafter. Basically, every human being is endowed with good qualities and all religions are preaching tolerance of other beliefs and religions. Somewhere down the line, we began to drift and suffer. We need to increase our love and concern for others to maximize happiness for the humanity. Showing love, affection and concern for others is like riding a bi-cycle. One can ride a bi-cycle only to go forward. One can not ride it backwards. Life span is small and it is to be spent usefully for the good of all. Therefore, let us resolve not to inflict wounds on our brothers and sisters. Let us pave way for a new order to live in harmony and peace for all.
**************
[1] Written immediately after 9/11 disaster in US. Now, updated.
I was in the US to visit my daughter and I spent a full week of August 2001 there. Wherever I travelled, I breathed freshness and I admired the frankness of Americans and their systems. First encounter was with the Immigration official. He asked my profession and when I mentioned that I was a banker, he simply allowed me to pass with a broad smile and a remark "Oh! you deal with money." I was amazed at the way everyone was treated with equal care and courtesy. I saw people moving inside the airports as though they were in a shopping complex. Everything seemed to move with one single theme- I believe you and your words. Such is the simplicity with which people moved in the country. At Tucson where my daughter lived, both my daughter and the son-in-law were waiting to receive me well inside the airport and almost near the luggage retrieving belt. They could come in so freely and help me to retrieve my luggage. Such was the freedom they breathed every where. People were cordial and smiling but business like. So, when I returned to India and saw later, the fall of the mighty towers, my heart also sank and wept for the innocent people died in the tragedy. It was a deep hurt and wound. For quite some time, I was thinking as to why this has happened to these beautiful people of this wonderful country. A few thoughts crossed my mind on this occasion.
Post 11 Sept, the world is looking at Islam with a jaundiced eye. Who can we blame for this? The events made many to feel so. As in the case of any religion, in Islam also, there is a mixture of the eternal and universal ethical and spiritual elements. A number of scholars have given their interpretations on Islam and Prophet Muhammad. One such interpretation appeals to me most. This has come from Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mission. It was said that the character of Prophet Muhammad has been misrepresented, not only by many prejudiced non-Muslim critics, but also by the ambitious and worldly-minded faithful Muslims as well. Prophet Muhammad lived a simple life with a mission to fulfill for the goodness of humanity. The universality of the Prophet's message is also revealed in his teachings, that only those are nearest to his heart and God who do what is right. In several Suras of the Quran, one can come across this universal approach. According to him, the second Sura of the Quran commands us to believe, in not only what was revealed to Muhammad, but also in what was revealed to those who went before him. This clearly indicated the Prophets's acceptance of many true religions of which Islam is one. In a number of verses of the Quran, one can see the high example of tolerance and respect set by Prophet Muhammad in his dealings with non-Muslims. Particularly, Verse 256 of Chapter 2 of the Quran upholds religious toleration and fellowship and Verse 135 of Chapter 4 emphasizes justice and equity in interpersonal relations. These and other similar verses of the Quran proclaim truths which are eternal and universal.
Looking at 11 September, memory goes 108 years backwards. It was equally an eventful date in the history of America. On this day in 1893- exactly 108 years (2001)- Swami Vivekananda, the wandering monk from India in search of a way, made his memorable speech in the Parliament of Religions, Chicago. Christopher Isherwood writes on the speech thus in ‘What Religion in the words of Swami Vivekananda’, “In his deep voice, he began, ‘Sisters and Brothers of America’ and the entire audience, many hundred people, clapped and cheered wildly. Many did not know him at all. Even the voice of Vivekananda cannot fully explain it. A large gathering has its strange kind of subconscious telepathy, and this one must have been somehow aware that it was in the presence of that most unusual of beings, a man whose words express exactly what he is. When he said, ‘Sisters and Brothers of America’ he actually meant that he regarded the American women and men before his as sisters and brothers; the well-known orational phrase became simple truth”. He said that "We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true". The speech was short but moved the hearts of many a hundred present there.
As though he had the prophecy of what would happen over hundred years after his memorable speech, the events of 11 Sept 2001 had its echo felt in his speech. He said that “Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilisation, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now." How true were his words? How relevant is the message even today. And what a coincidence that these two events had taken place on 11 Sept?
Finally, my thoughts on the events of 11 Sept 2001 poured as verses and here they are:
"Eleventh September 2001, born from the deathbed of a thousand lives
Memories haunting of the darkness spread with sun still rising
America, a heaven on earth, raised its heat towards east in search of dark evil hidden there
World curious and wounded watched with awe!
Oh! God! Why did you do that to a peace loving nation?
Was the question in the lips of millions.
Offering my life if He returned one youth alive, was always my prayer.
Strangely God responded to my clarion call.
Happy felt I that a plant will be redeemed at the altar
God asked, "My Son, if I take your life, I may lose one good creation either"
"Shall I take the life of Osama, instead? He countered.
"Son, no life can replace another as no life is superior", continued He.
Evil done is the Foundation for a stronger tomorrow, ignorant don’t understand.
Your courage and your prayer honored
I bless America with stronger shoulders to carry greater responsibilities-
As America has always been
God is great, I found once again".
With the tenth anniversary of 11 September fast approaching, each one of us would need to introspect on the events that led to the tragedy and those ensued thereafter. Basically, every human being is endowed with good qualities and all religions are preaching tolerance of other beliefs and religions. Somewhere down the line, we began to drift and suffer. We need to increase our love and concern for others to maximize happiness for the humanity. Showing love, affection and concern for others is like riding a bi-cycle. One can ride a bi-cycle only to go forward. One can not ride it backwards. Life span is small and it is to be spent usefully for the good of all. Therefore, let us resolve not to inflict wounds on our brothers and sisters. Let us pave way for a new order to live in harmony and peace for all.
**************
[1] Written immediately after 9/11 disaster in US. Now, updated.
California Almonds Made in Asia[1]
Meera was on voice chat with her son, Raju working in Seattle. He was coming to India for a conference on Business Process Outsourcing [BPO].
“Don’t forget, California Almonds for our home and relatives”, she reminded him.
Next week, Raju landed at the Bangalore airport. Meera and Murthy, his parents were there to receive him. With Raju was Mr. Bill Jobs, his friend, joining Outfosys, Bangalore, India a leading software company. Raju introduced Bill to his parents and indicated that he would stay with them for a week.
On reaching home, Raju gave her the packets of almonds.
Looking at the details printed on the container, she enquired whether Raju had seen almond orchards in California.
“Oh, it was a great sight to watch huge almond orchards stretching from Sacramento Valley to the San Joaquin Valley. Our company had developed ERP solutions to one of the companies in almonds business. So, I could see from the production to the very end of the process. It was amazing to see that they were showing concurrent attention to the production, processing, packaging and marketing. They take great care for quality at every stage of its operation. With all these, they are also able to offer almonds at competitive prices, much less than that of Indian almonds. Quality is the key for their success. You know, ma, that about 70% of the world’s supply of almonds is produced in California”, Raju explained.
Murthy, listening to the conversation, intervened with a big laugh.
“Hey, you know that Badam [Indian name for almond] has its origin to the deserts and mountain slopes of Asia. It had been cultivated in India and China for thousands of years before it took its present home, California. There was a huge tree in our ancestral home and we used to eat badam every day.”
“Ok. It was, it had been – these are all history. Do we get good Indian almonds now?” She interjected her husband.
“True, I too agree, Meera. The Americans think and deliver quality products at an affordable price. You think of a particular variety and taste, it is there. That is American. I do not know how long we will take to learn from them.”
Bill was watching silently the proceedings and trying to understand an Indian home.
Next day
Murthy was sipping his morning tea. Raju joined him.
“Ma, there is no flavor in the tea.”
Meera asked Bill whether he too would take tea.
“I prefer black coffee to tea, madam”, polite reply from Bill.
“Why, you don’t like tea? ” She asked.
Murthy smiled. “It reflects his strong patriotism, my dear. There is an interesting story behind Americans preferring coffee to tea. Have you heard about the famous Boston Tea Party?” As there was no response, he continued.
“In May 1773, the British government had imposed the Tea Tax on the Indian tea sold by the East India Company to the Americans. The people demanded removal of the tax on tea. In addition, the dockers began refusing to unload the tea from ships. Then, on December 16, 1773, a group of men boarded the British ships having Indian tea in the Boston Harbor and dumped over 300 chests of tea into the sea. Of course, this event became a blessing in disguise for the Americans as a series of events led to their Independence in a little over three years.”
“Over the years, Indian tea lost its space too, mainly due to high cost of production and low quality. Now, it is unable to compete with other countries in the global market.”
“It seems that a similar situation has arisen particularly in America in so far as outsourcing various services to countries to developing countries.”
Bill did not make any comment.
Raju escorted Bill to Outfosys and then went to attend the conference. In the evening, Raju picked up Bill and reached home. With dinner served, the conversation continued.
“Bill, how was the first day at Outfosys?” Raju enquired.
“It was a great day. I had some anxious moments before taking up this job. But, the way the guys came forward to help me, introducing me to the VP, HR, I am sure, I will enjoy my stay in the new job.”
Raju shared his experience in the conference.
“India gets very little business with high volume low-end work compared to about $ 7 billion value of global BPO services”, one delegate lamented.
“The Americans have demonstrated time and again, their ability to innovate and widen their frontiers of excellence and leave the developed products and services to the developing countries to provide. The Old Asia desired aid. The New Asia aspires trade. So, the present fear is more out of insecurity bug gripping through a perceived fear of losing everything in life. But, it is not so”, another delegate reasoned out.
Murthy intervened. “If it is BPO fear for Americans and Europeans, it is the penetration of WTO for the developing countries like India. With billions of dollars of support and subsidies available to the farmers in these countries, the developing countries feel threatened. So, it is necessary for the governments in the developed countries to take active role in managing and shaping the globalisation efforts for the benefit of all instead of looking at one sector alone.”
Bill nodded in affirmative.
Murthy continued. “I also feel that the Americans should rather fear the soaring imports from China, which pushed U.S merchandise trade deficit to a new height of $549 billion in 2003, an increase of 14%. So, the real challenge lies in developing the manufacturing sector to its previous glorious level instead of fearing the services outsourcing. Otherwise, a day may come when California almonds are exported with a label of Made in China or Made in India”.
Bill smiled at the obsession of Murthy about California -no, no- Indian cum Chinese almonds. But, he found some rationale in Murthy’s argument.
Discussions turned to poverty and employment and Bill tried to give a brief account of his perception.
“With my limited knowledge, I can say that poverty in America means an annual income level of around $17K for a family of four. But, in India, it is a huge amount and it represents the annual income of millions of people considered rich. So, they are prepared for a trade off because, the opportunity cost of labor for them was much less than the one available to them in developed countries.”
“As far as jobs are concerned, what types of jobs is a big question haunting many Americans. But, various analyses show that the jobs of the future will require only slightly greater education credentials. They also provide no evidence of a skill gap, a concern often expressed in outsourcing.”
“Yes, I agree, Bill,” Murthy responded.
“During my days, I could not secure admission for an engineering course, as there were just 3 or 4 colleges in the State. But, now, it has over 200 engineering colleges and about 20,000 students are passing out every year. Similar is the situation in a number of states. It means more professionals are there to take new challenges now than before. We are also now realizing the value of quality in the services sector. Well, the government also did not do anything and that was a great service for the growth of this sector. Rest is what you see today.”
“Moreover, America and Europe with their relative low level of unemployment and social safety net may need to be more sensitive to the plight of developing countries having much larger level of unemployment. These countries also have fewer resources to cope with.”
Next day
“Go with the flow” is the best approach, Bill in voice chat, was persuading his friend in the U.S to take up a job outside U.S instead of crying from there. There are opportunities outside, he reasoned out.
“You see, after working in a company there, I have now joined Outfosys, India just when the noise of BPO was increasing. This year, Outfosys will be recruiting about 10,000 people for various levels of functions. You also join such companies in India or other Asian countries where such openings are increasing.”
“Nope. I may not be able to manage my present level of living with a lower level of income in such places.” His friend was not convinced.
“Why not? Salary-wise it might appear lower than what an American would be getting in U.S. But, with the emolument one gets in these companies, one can lead a comfortable living and also save. Saving is one thing we have forgotten in America. I have now reinvented its virtue here”, explained Bill.
“Nope. I am afraid to go out of U.S to work.”
“See, migratory birds sense earth’s magnetic field and reach their destinations without losing their bearing. We must emulate their quality of seeking new frontiers. Columbus wanted to go to India to do business. Instead he landed in America. But, he did not regret. Similarly, we must shed the fear of unknown. The technological development has annihilated time and distance. So, you also move out and brave the new world.”
“Nope.” His friend did not yield.
Bill did not give up. “When we want to be a leader, we should not see competition as a threat; we should take competition as competition.”
“Do you know that you can drive a bi-cycle only forward and not backward? The same is true of technological development. We can only move forward. Sooner, we understand, the better for us. Sure, you will take that step forward soon.”
“Yep, yep. I think I should now consider it seriously.” His friend responded with confidence.
Bill was happy to win over one more American to come to India to work.
A couple of years after
The Bill Jobs Institute of Management, an international school started by Bill at the outskirts of Bangalore was organizing a seminar on ‘ Concepts of Bhagvat Gita and lessons for Indian companies’. Bill, as the President of the American Association, International Chapter was celebrating the momentous occasion of crossing 1000 Americans as members from Bangalore alone.
Do you want to join him?
+++++++++++
[1] Written for Shell Essay Contest sometime in 2004. Reproduced now.
“Don’t forget, California Almonds for our home and relatives”, she reminded him.
Next week, Raju landed at the Bangalore airport. Meera and Murthy, his parents were there to receive him. With Raju was Mr. Bill Jobs, his friend, joining Outfosys, Bangalore, India a leading software company. Raju introduced Bill to his parents and indicated that he would stay with them for a week.
On reaching home, Raju gave her the packets of almonds.
Looking at the details printed on the container, she enquired whether Raju had seen almond orchards in California.
“Oh, it was a great sight to watch huge almond orchards stretching from Sacramento Valley to the San Joaquin Valley. Our company had developed ERP solutions to one of the companies in almonds business. So, I could see from the production to the very end of the process. It was amazing to see that they were showing concurrent attention to the production, processing, packaging and marketing. They take great care for quality at every stage of its operation. With all these, they are also able to offer almonds at competitive prices, much less than that of Indian almonds. Quality is the key for their success. You know, ma, that about 70% of the world’s supply of almonds is produced in California”, Raju explained.
Murthy, listening to the conversation, intervened with a big laugh.
“Hey, you know that Badam [Indian name for almond] has its origin to the deserts and mountain slopes of Asia. It had been cultivated in India and China for thousands of years before it took its present home, California. There was a huge tree in our ancestral home and we used to eat badam every day.”
“Ok. It was, it had been – these are all history. Do we get good Indian almonds now?” She interjected her husband.
“True, I too agree, Meera. The Americans think and deliver quality products at an affordable price. You think of a particular variety and taste, it is there. That is American. I do not know how long we will take to learn from them.”
Bill was watching silently the proceedings and trying to understand an Indian home.
Next day
Murthy was sipping his morning tea. Raju joined him.
“Ma, there is no flavor in the tea.”
Meera asked Bill whether he too would take tea.
“I prefer black coffee to tea, madam”, polite reply from Bill.
“Why, you don’t like tea? ” She asked.
Murthy smiled. “It reflects his strong patriotism, my dear. There is an interesting story behind Americans preferring coffee to tea. Have you heard about the famous Boston Tea Party?” As there was no response, he continued.
“In May 1773, the British government had imposed the Tea Tax on the Indian tea sold by the East India Company to the Americans. The people demanded removal of the tax on tea. In addition, the dockers began refusing to unload the tea from ships. Then, on December 16, 1773, a group of men boarded the British ships having Indian tea in the Boston Harbor and dumped over 300 chests of tea into the sea. Of course, this event became a blessing in disguise for the Americans as a series of events led to their Independence in a little over three years.”
“Over the years, Indian tea lost its space too, mainly due to high cost of production and low quality. Now, it is unable to compete with other countries in the global market.”
“It seems that a similar situation has arisen particularly in America in so far as outsourcing various services to countries to developing countries.”
Bill did not make any comment.
Raju escorted Bill to Outfosys and then went to attend the conference. In the evening, Raju picked up Bill and reached home. With dinner served, the conversation continued.
“Bill, how was the first day at Outfosys?” Raju enquired.
“It was a great day. I had some anxious moments before taking up this job. But, the way the guys came forward to help me, introducing me to the VP, HR, I am sure, I will enjoy my stay in the new job.”
Raju shared his experience in the conference.
“India gets very little business with high volume low-end work compared to about $ 7 billion value of global BPO services”, one delegate lamented.
“The Americans have demonstrated time and again, their ability to innovate and widen their frontiers of excellence and leave the developed products and services to the developing countries to provide. The Old Asia desired aid. The New Asia aspires trade. So, the present fear is more out of insecurity bug gripping through a perceived fear of losing everything in life. But, it is not so”, another delegate reasoned out.
Murthy intervened. “If it is BPO fear for Americans and Europeans, it is the penetration of WTO for the developing countries like India. With billions of dollars of support and subsidies available to the farmers in these countries, the developing countries feel threatened. So, it is necessary for the governments in the developed countries to take active role in managing and shaping the globalisation efforts for the benefit of all instead of looking at one sector alone.”
Bill nodded in affirmative.
Murthy continued. “I also feel that the Americans should rather fear the soaring imports from China, which pushed U.S merchandise trade deficit to a new height of $549 billion in 2003, an increase of 14%. So, the real challenge lies in developing the manufacturing sector to its previous glorious level instead of fearing the services outsourcing. Otherwise, a day may come when California almonds are exported with a label of Made in China or Made in India”.
Bill smiled at the obsession of Murthy about California -no, no- Indian cum Chinese almonds. But, he found some rationale in Murthy’s argument.
Discussions turned to poverty and employment and Bill tried to give a brief account of his perception.
“With my limited knowledge, I can say that poverty in America means an annual income level of around $17K for a family of four. But, in India, it is a huge amount and it represents the annual income of millions of people considered rich. So, they are prepared for a trade off because, the opportunity cost of labor for them was much less than the one available to them in developed countries.”
“As far as jobs are concerned, what types of jobs is a big question haunting many Americans. But, various analyses show that the jobs of the future will require only slightly greater education credentials. They also provide no evidence of a skill gap, a concern often expressed in outsourcing.”
“Yes, I agree, Bill,” Murthy responded.
“During my days, I could not secure admission for an engineering course, as there were just 3 or 4 colleges in the State. But, now, it has over 200 engineering colleges and about 20,000 students are passing out every year. Similar is the situation in a number of states. It means more professionals are there to take new challenges now than before. We are also now realizing the value of quality in the services sector. Well, the government also did not do anything and that was a great service for the growth of this sector. Rest is what you see today.”
“Moreover, America and Europe with their relative low level of unemployment and social safety net may need to be more sensitive to the plight of developing countries having much larger level of unemployment. These countries also have fewer resources to cope with.”
Next day
“Go with the flow” is the best approach, Bill in voice chat, was persuading his friend in the U.S to take up a job outside U.S instead of crying from there. There are opportunities outside, he reasoned out.
“You see, after working in a company there, I have now joined Outfosys, India just when the noise of BPO was increasing. This year, Outfosys will be recruiting about 10,000 people for various levels of functions. You also join such companies in India or other Asian countries where such openings are increasing.”
“Nope. I may not be able to manage my present level of living with a lower level of income in such places.” His friend was not convinced.
“Why not? Salary-wise it might appear lower than what an American would be getting in U.S. But, with the emolument one gets in these companies, one can lead a comfortable living and also save. Saving is one thing we have forgotten in America. I have now reinvented its virtue here”, explained Bill.
“Nope. I am afraid to go out of U.S to work.”
“See, migratory birds sense earth’s magnetic field and reach their destinations without losing their bearing. We must emulate their quality of seeking new frontiers. Columbus wanted to go to India to do business. Instead he landed in America. But, he did not regret. Similarly, we must shed the fear of unknown. The technological development has annihilated time and distance. So, you also move out and brave the new world.”
“Nope.” His friend did not yield.
Bill did not give up. “When we want to be a leader, we should not see competition as a threat; we should take competition as competition.”
“Do you know that you can drive a bi-cycle only forward and not backward? The same is true of technological development. We can only move forward. Sooner, we understand, the better for us. Sure, you will take that step forward soon.”
“Yep, yep. I think I should now consider it seriously.” His friend responded with confidence.
Bill was happy to win over one more American to come to India to work.
A couple of years after
The Bill Jobs Institute of Management, an international school started by Bill at the outskirts of Bangalore was organizing a seminar on ‘ Concepts of Bhagvat Gita and lessons for Indian companies’. Bill, as the President of the American Association, International Chapter was celebrating the momentous occasion of crossing 1000 Americans as members from Bangalore alone.
Do you want to join him?
+++++++++++
[1] Written for Shell Essay Contest sometime in 2004. Reproduced now.
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
What we can do before Mexico Meet on Climate Change.
The much talked, hugely crowded Copenhagen Meet on Climate Change is over. The next Meet will be in Mexico. More than expected heat - in a way adversely affecting the climate was generated. Some say that the Kyoto Protocol will be a history. Where do we go from here? What actions are needed to make the next Meet a more focused one in terms of real action for the better? Not much clarity is coming from any quarters - be it governments or the United Nations Framework Convention and Climate Change (UNFCCC). But, life is not going to be the same for countries like India. The action of USA appears to have set the cat among the pigeons- atleast the BASICS countries.
Earlier, in the Marrakesh Accords in 2001, three flexible mechanisms were agreed upon for bringing an equitable balance between nature and the mankind. These were,
i Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
ii Joint Implementation (JI), and
iii Emission Trading (known as ‘carbon market’)
Out of the three mechanisms provided in the Protocol for reduction of Green House Gases (GHG) emission, India as a developing country was entitled to opt for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects only as it was not under obligation to reduce GHG emission as per the Protocol. Rest of the two mechanisms was mainly relevant to developed countries, called Annex-1 countries.
Following the principle of common but differentiated responsibility, India and other similarly placed countries maintained that the major responsibility of curbing emissions rested with the developed countries which have accumulated emission over a long period of time. Besides this, the Kyoto Protocol enabled India to take up clean technology projects with external assistance as per national sustainable development priorities. But, the Copenhagen Meet has thrown out of the window, a number of decisions which formed part of the Kyoto Protocol.
Till the Kyoto Protocol, the Carbon dioxide (CO2) was considered a devil for the humanity. However, when it was turned into a monetary value, the attraction for CO2 became so huge for countries like India and China, called non-Annexure 1 countries under the Kyoto Protocol. For over a decade, the industrialized countries, particularly the USA did not show much seriousness to the noise made by the members of the Kyoto Protocol. In fact, USA did not seem to recognize it at all.
***
As of now, countries like India found a good business opportunity in carbon credits which still continues. Typically, a CDM project must provide emission reductions that are additional to what would otherwise have occurred. Such projects which qualify for registration and issuance of credits would require investment in more capital intensive technology. The CERs generated by the CDM project are sold to a CER buyer, which gets additional revenue for the CDM project holder.
Till July 2009, India has 456 CDM projects registered and been issued 71.73 million Carbon Emission Reductions (CERs) / Carbon Credit units which is second to China which has 638 projects and 153.23 million CERs issued to it. It is expected that CERs valued more than 2.7 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent would be issued to India during the first commencement period of the Kyoto Protocol, 2008-1012. As of now, India is a seller of CERs and not a buyer of CERs.
The Indian corporates and NGOs with the blessings of the government, thought that they can use the hot opportunity to generate good amount of revenue by implementing eco and environment-friendly projects which are eligible for getting support under CDM. Now, with the announcement of the Government of India (GOI) for voluntary (involuntary) reduction of 20-25% in the period 2005-20 in reduction of emission intensity, cold water has been poured (by USA) on the hope of countries like India to make business out of it.
Hitherto, even industrial units emitting CO2 in India enjoyed the benefit of CERs without any co-obligation to have a cap on emission of CO2. In other words, they were emitting CO2 and also selling CERs and making money out of that. Now, such hot opportunity is likely to become a nightmare of sorts for a large number of industrial units in India. If India were to take upon itself the commitment to reduction of CO2 emission up to 25%, then a number of industrial and other units (may be the government also) will have to buy CERs from the market which may more than neutralize the inflow of funds generated so far in carbon credit trading in the country.
In other words, by accepting such measures as a minimum of 20% reduction in emission intensity, it will turn out to be a carbon debit for a number of industries in countries like India. With the move to take reduction in emissions by the developing countries, the carbon credit market may either become more volatile and become adverse for developing countries as it would make the industrial units in developing countries to pay more for each CER unit they need to purchase or get killed by the very carbon credit market.
With monetary conversion of carbon credits, the focus turned to use all the means, both correct and incorrect, to overestimate the carbon credits by the industrial units called ‘Operators’. Moreover, wherever a complex financial product like carbon credits offers huge returns to the project holder, there is bound to be misuse at various levels such as over estimating CERs by the ‘operators’, falsifying records by ‘CDM project holders’ for getting the full value of CERs and above all fooling the world by telling that trading in carbon credit would help discover the real price for the damage done due to climate change. For example, we hear of Accelor Mittal having got allocated far more carbon permits that it needed for which it is estimated to gain around £1 billion by 2012. This is another gravest fall outs of monetizing the CO2 emissions, which one may call misuse or disuse of carbon credits. We also hear of negative propaganda against TERI headed by the Nobel Laurate Dr. Pachuari.
***
What can we do now?
As of now, the whole exercise of climate change has been reduced to the level of a financial product traded in the financial markets rather than a definite commitment from all the countries to bring about a positive change in the climate for the sake of the humanity as a whole. For a moment, if we think of removing the carbon trading mechanism and replacing it with a non-monetary value based mechanism, no country would object to voluntary reduction of CO2 emission. So, the best way is to de-couple the climate change dialogue and the carbon credit mechanism.
Is it feasible? The answer is a clear ‘yes’. It only needs conviction among the governments to move with the real work of climate change. At present, under the CDM projects, most of the monetary benefits go the operators and not to the common man who is mostly poor who actually contributes for the improvement of the climate change through such projects. So, to meet the real issues of climate change, countries should make the programmes people centric instead of money based ones helping mainly the ‘operators’ as is being done now.
Say, for instance, a solar panel project is put up by a farmer and the agency implementing it aggregates all such projects and claims the eligible CERs and it stops at that stage. Instead, the NGO should ensure that the proceeds after actual overheads should come to those who have put up solar panel energy systems. Therefore, if people feel that they stand to gain by the climate change, they will participate and this would increase the chances of success of this great exercise.
If we look at the CDM projects sanctioned in India, a large number of them were rural based projects (exception is New Delhi Metro Project). But, very little has been done to make use of the institution like NABARD which has exclusive focus on integrated rural development in the country. It has demonstrated that projects like watershed development, afforestration programmes etc., have contributed substantially for creating eco-balance in the country. It is necessary to use NABARD’s expertise in encouraging setting up of more and more participatory green projects.
Another way to bring about a real change in climate change exercise is to remove the heavy dose of technicalities in communicating the programme contents to the people at large. The language used to popularize and propagate the programme should be simpler and free from jargons for understanding of common man. When I asked a number of farmers about their knowledge of climate change, all of them expressed total ignorance of any such thing happening through their projects. Institutions like NABARD can take up the role of creating greater awareness among the rural masses on climate change.
Most importantly, there is nothing like demonstration effect - Kar Ke Dikana effect. Discourage use of number of vehicles by politicians, bureaucrats and higher segment of population by charging a heavy levy for using more than one vehicle, encourage use of bi-cycles and such measures.
Earlier, in the Marrakesh Accords in 2001, three flexible mechanisms were agreed upon for bringing an equitable balance between nature and the mankind. These were,
i Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
ii Joint Implementation (JI), and
iii Emission Trading (known as ‘carbon market’)
Out of the three mechanisms provided in the Protocol for reduction of Green House Gases (GHG) emission, India as a developing country was entitled to opt for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects only as it was not under obligation to reduce GHG emission as per the Protocol. Rest of the two mechanisms was mainly relevant to developed countries, called Annex-1 countries.
Following the principle of common but differentiated responsibility, India and other similarly placed countries maintained that the major responsibility of curbing emissions rested with the developed countries which have accumulated emission over a long period of time. Besides this, the Kyoto Protocol enabled India to take up clean technology projects with external assistance as per national sustainable development priorities. But, the Copenhagen Meet has thrown out of the window, a number of decisions which formed part of the Kyoto Protocol.
Till the Kyoto Protocol, the Carbon dioxide (CO2) was considered a devil for the humanity. However, when it was turned into a monetary value, the attraction for CO2 became so huge for countries like India and China, called non-Annexure 1 countries under the Kyoto Protocol. For over a decade, the industrialized countries, particularly the USA did not show much seriousness to the noise made by the members of the Kyoto Protocol. In fact, USA did not seem to recognize it at all.
***
As of now, countries like India found a good business opportunity in carbon credits which still continues. Typically, a CDM project must provide emission reductions that are additional to what would otherwise have occurred. Such projects which qualify for registration and issuance of credits would require investment in more capital intensive technology. The CERs generated by the CDM project are sold to a CER buyer, which gets additional revenue for the CDM project holder.
Till July 2009, India has 456 CDM projects registered and been issued 71.73 million Carbon Emission Reductions (CERs) / Carbon Credit units which is second to China which has 638 projects and 153.23 million CERs issued to it. It is expected that CERs valued more than 2.7 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent would be issued to India during the first commencement period of the Kyoto Protocol, 2008-1012. As of now, India is a seller of CERs and not a buyer of CERs.
The Indian corporates and NGOs with the blessings of the government, thought that they can use the hot opportunity to generate good amount of revenue by implementing eco and environment-friendly projects which are eligible for getting support under CDM. Now, with the announcement of the Government of India (GOI) for voluntary (involuntary) reduction of 20-25% in the period 2005-20 in reduction of emission intensity, cold water has been poured (by USA) on the hope of countries like India to make business out of it.
Hitherto, even industrial units emitting CO2 in India enjoyed the benefit of CERs without any co-obligation to have a cap on emission of CO2. In other words, they were emitting CO2 and also selling CERs and making money out of that. Now, such hot opportunity is likely to become a nightmare of sorts for a large number of industrial units in India. If India were to take upon itself the commitment to reduction of CO2 emission up to 25%, then a number of industrial and other units (may be the government also) will have to buy CERs from the market which may more than neutralize the inflow of funds generated so far in carbon credit trading in the country.
In other words, by accepting such measures as a minimum of 20% reduction in emission intensity, it will turn out to be a carbon debit for a number of industries in countries like India. With the move to take reduction in emissions by the developing countries, the carbon credit market may either become more volatile and become adverse for developing countries as it would make the industrial units in developing countries to pay more for each CER unit they need to purchase or get killed by the very carbon credit market.
With monetary conversion of carbon credits, the focus turned to use all the means, both correct and incorrect, to overestimate the carbon credits by the industrial units called ‘Operators’. Moreover, wherever a complex financial product like carbon credits offers huge returns to the project holder, there is bound to be misuse at various levels such as over estimating CERs by the ‘operators’, falsifying records by ‘CDM project holders’ for getting the full value of CERs and above all fooling the world by telling that trading in carbon credit would help discover the real price for the damage done due to climate change. For example, we hear of Accelor Mittal having got allocated far more carbon permits that it needed for which it is estimated to gain around £1 billion by 2012. This is another gravest fall outs of monetizing the CO2 emissions, which one may call misuse or disuse of carbon credits. We also hear of negative propaganda against TERI headed by the Nobel Laurate Dr. Pachuari.
***
What can we do now?
As of now, the whole exercise of climate change has been reduced to the level of a financial product traded in the financial markets rather than a definite commitment from all the countries to bring about a positive change in the climate for the sake of the humanity as a whole. For a moment, if we think of removing the carbon trading mechanism and replacing it with a non-monetary value based mechanism, no country would object to voluntary reduction of CO2 emission. So, the best way is to de-couple the climate change dialogue and the carbon credit mechanism.
Is it feasible? The answer is a clear ‘yes’. It only needs conviction among the governments to move with the real work of climate change. At present, under the CDM projects, most of the monetary benefits go the operators and not to the common man who is mostly poor who actually contributes for the improvement of the climate change through such projects. So, to meet the real issues of climate change, countries should make the programmes people centric instead of money based ones helping mainly the ‘operators’ as is being done now.
Say, for instance, a solar panel project is put up by a farmer and the agency implementing it aggregates all such projects and claims the eligible CERs and it stops at that stage. Instead, the NGO should ensure that the proceeds after actual overheads should come to those who have put up solar panel energy systems. Therefore, if people feel that they stand to gain by the climate change, they will participate and this would increase the chances of success of this great exercise.
If we look at the CDM projects sanctioned in India, a large number of them were rural based projects (exception is New Delhi Metro Project). But, very little has been done to make use of the institution like NABARD which has exclusive focus on integrated rural development in the country. It has demonstrated that projects like watershed development, afforestration programmes etc., have contributed substantially for creating eco-balance in the country. It is necessary to use NABARD’s expertise in encouraging setting up of more and more participatory green projects.
Another way to bring about a real change in climate change exercise is to remove the heavy dose of technicalities in communicating the programme contents to the people at large. The language used to popularize and propagate the programme should be simpler and free from jargons for understanding of common man. When I asked a number of farmers about their knowledge of climate change, all of them expressed total ignorance of any such thing happening through their projects. Institutions like NABARD can take up the role of creating greater awareness among the rural masses on climate change.
Most importantly, there is nothing like demonstration effect - Kar Ke Dikana effect. Discourage use of number of vehicles by politicians, bureaucrats and higher segment of population by charging a heavy levy for using more than one vehicle, encourage use of bi-cycles and such measures.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)