Saturday, November 29, 2008

Stop Talking.. Start Doing..

62 hours. 195 killed. 295 injured.

We have been watching the TV last 2 days about Mumbai Terror attack.. With varying comments like "Man, our security system Sucks!", "We know that it's coming to Mumbai - it's a matter of 'when' - how can they let it happen", "Mumbaikars are so insensitive to burn crackers in such a situation!", "TV channels are trying to make it so dramatic", "Where is Raj Thackeray?", "These terrorists are so clever", "Few dozen terrorists have brought an active city of 2 crore population to its knees"... and a detailed discussion following each comment!

Talk.. Talk.. Talk.. Till we die!!! So, what can we do? Feel sorry for the people who lost their lifes? Express deep condolences? - Who needs all our sorry and condolences? The middle class as usual speaks, feels and forgets after a couple of weeks. These don't matter to lower class. The upper class seeks footage, assesses the material damage to their businesses. People unanimously say "Government has to solve this issue. We are helpless in these situations!" The talk continues - "But you know.. Government is incapable.. It's corrupt.. It gets priority all wrong.. Till we have dirty politicians, nothing is going to happen". Enough of talks.

Not just terrorism. Take any other social issue - Pollution. Poverty. Corruption. Child Labor. The list goes on.. Our talk goes on as well.. Endlessly..

Didn't mean we shouldn't talk - Of course, our words become actions. What I meant is useless talk.. empty speech.. the attitude of being an eternal cribber.. constant complainer! So, next time - when you think you can't make a difference - when you think you are not interested in taking further action - pls dont talk - you can better spend that time in selling an additional pepsi or write 100 lines of software code or serving another customer in your shop - just do honestly - atleast that would serve the country than your pointless talk.

I feel 98% of social work is done by 2% of the committed people - the action people - the selfless people - they just dont have time to talk like us.

In fact, I feel even this blogging is pointless - it's just another way of talking..

From today, let our actions speak more than words!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Black Tiger

White Tiger: Read a fiction after a long time. Thanks SK, BK and Mam for the B'day present!

Gripping. Entertaining. Humorous. Shocking. Infuriating. Humiliating. A roller coaster of emotions while reading this simple-yet-thoughtful book. I quite liked the way the story unfolds; the language, interpretations & narrations - as from a poor-innocent-villager-driver-murderer-turning-into-smart-entrepreneur.

Yes, on one side, I laughed at the sarcasm, wittiness and the humor in the novel. It made me realize some dark truths about India. Thoughts like: 'Come on, you can't do this to them - the under-privileged', 'Man, am I living in this country? Completely oblivious to what's happening to the poor!', 'S**t, the system is really screwed! How & When can we fix it?', 'We need heroes of Shankar movies to weed out these morons - unethical, corrupt and sucking politicians, bureaucrats & business-men' preoccupied my mind.

But on the another side, his criticisms and remarks on India made me rage with anger: 'Yes, I know my country is not perfect. But is it as bad as he portrays?', 'An American / German / Chinese or any other country man will have equally bad and imperfect things to write about. But will they do so?', 'Is this how an Indian has to present India to an outsider?', 'Thanks, Aravind! you have done a great honour to your mother-land. You made us proud of you for winning the award', 'No wonder the sadistic western judges voted it out for booker award - Who wouldn't like bad-mouthing a threatening, rising neighbour, esp. when the expatriate of the same house becomes the messenger', 'Dude - you are giving a very biased opinion!'

I tried to synthesize and resolve these incongruous view points: The very fact that I had the first view point means that I agree that there is mess - yes, every Indian would agree that there is mess. So, in addition to the self-proclamations of "Incredible India!", it wouldn't harm facing the grass root-level reality. Unless we face it, we won't solve it - we would just be in the conceited state. So, let's face it! But, how about the biased opinions? Screw opinions, man! Who cares? How does it matter if a neighbor thinks that there is some problem in my family - what ultimately matters is the happiness & well-being of my family. But my dear friend, it's not shielded any more - In an increasing flat world, what matters are the impressions and opinions - A country portraying itself as 'powerful with big brother attitude' would be successful in ensuring due respect from small boys, another nation advertising as 'safe, peaceful and sound political system' would simply attract flooding inflow of investments. So, "impression management" is very very very important!

"Haa Haa.. I know what happened to all those big big companies which tried to trance people with their false impression management systems.. so, you better be yourself.. people would appreciate known devils than an unknown Gods.. What have impressed outsiders is the ability of this devil to rise among the self-proclaimed-gods and getting noticed.. Yes, a devil with a messy past.. But future is definitely bright.. We may be just be black devilish tigers.. Nevertheless have the power and capabilities of a white tiger.. So, my dear friend, don't give up HOPE.. Let's imagine India and Create ideas for the new Century*"

Thanks Adiga for this entertaining book. Sorry, for being a little harsh on you - But it helped.

*PS: Got to read 2 chapter experts of the forth-coming book of Nandan Nilekani - "Imagining India" - Very promising - Looking forward for it.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Need more proofs?

Moon. Light. Rain. Breeze. Sea. You. 
Yes, they said all these should feature in my first poem.

Can one survive 1000W electric shock everyday? I defy physics whenever you go past me!

I had 1 million thoughts yesterday.. You played dual role in all of them.

I saw a two-petal red rose in my life.. yes, your lips!

"Let's make it Green" became my slogan though I'm not an environmentalist. (Yes, it's your favorite!)

They categorized as 'day' and 'night'. I too have 2 categories - 'Eyes' and 'Mind'. (Yes, the way I see you!)

Thanks waves, for the cheers! One reason why I like bringing her to beach.

Don't you know I'm behind you. Everyone in the college including the professor & the bench know it!

Even my puppy advised me to propose. You would blush if I tell its idea of proposing.

Used to wonder why I was born.. Got clarified on Jan 27th - the day I met you.

Aren't the white long dresses extremely painful? You seem to wear it everyday in my dreams.

Meteorological department can predict rain with 100% accuracy for 1 place in this world. My heart - 24x7 (after I met you!)

I hate attending classes. But I will fight for extra classes, evening classes, weekend classes. At least they bring you to the college.

Let Rahman not hear you laughing. Would use it as new musical instrument in his composition!

I'm happy. I won the bet with my friend. Accurate prediction of what you would wear for a week.

Can a man fly? that too in water..? Been doing in it for an year!

India would be a super-power, if people work like my HEART. Doing double-duty.. sincerely.. passionately.. consistently..

Who said only mouth can speak? Every cell of mine can speak clearly.. yes, your name!

Oye Sun: fire Mr. Moon, appoint a new guy who can beam like you - Her mom keeps calling her after you-set in the evening!

"See all these.. Read them all.. You wrote me all these.. at various points in your life.. I kept it safe so that it would be useful one day like today.. You have been asking why I call you an 'Idiot'.. Aren't these good enough? Need More Proofs??" -- Mrs. Krishnan handed over the diary to Mr. Krishnan. Both had a good laugh looking at them!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

ONE Ideology.. ONE India..

What makes a nation tick? Make it leap ahead of others? Bounce back from a crisis?

The overarching answer I could think of is ONE ideology - a common ideology - ONE that binds the entire nation - ONE that inspires every one in the nation irrespective of their age, sex, profession & socio-economic status. Prominent examples where ONE ideology worked would be revolutions, freedom-movements, national war etc. Japan's demolition in 1945 and raising from ashes is a good example. It's similar to companies having ONE sound vision with stakeholders' buy-in doing much better than others.

Ok, let's shift our focus to India. Yes, India has amazing diversity in culture, language, religion and what not, ideologies - I greatly admire and being proud of the same. But is this really helping in the progress of our ultra-capable nation. Ideologies like "My religion is superior", "Need a separate state for us", "THE Champion of Political party XYZ", "Cinema actor fan club", "Reservation for my caste", "Job preference to sons-of-soil" etc are like 16 horses trying to pull the chariot in innumerable directions. Beyond a point, all of these just take away people's time and energy than adding real value to the progress. Wait, by ONE ideology, I didn't mean that people shouldn't have any other ideologies - rather the ONE ideology should be the "primary" ideology for most people - people can freely have N+1 secondary ideologies. 

The immediate questions that pop-up are - 
  • ONE ideology stems from the assumption of "progress" being the priority of the nation. But who decides this priority? - one says "progress", another says "diversity", third one "freedom". My opinion: freedom without power & progress is like big empty pot - you can 'someday' fill it with all you want, but when? It has been more than 60 years! Adding 'Diversity' may not help much - just makes the pot - a big 'beautiful' pot.
  • Does the boundary of 'Nation' make sense in today's 'flat' world? Only 0.008% of India's population works for Infosys. In my opinion, the entire nation hasn't progressed to the level of thinking / talking about ONE world. 
  • What's the ONE ideal ideology? Is it possible at all to come up with only one? Yes, It's going to very very challenging. But the example of "CHANGE" ideology pepped up by young Obama gives us the hope of YES WE CAN! (the actual execution of the ideology is yet to be witnessed, but getting it right with people's buy-in is half-job done!)
  • Who will promote, champion, lead this ideology? Who will empower & inspire others to live this ideology? Are our politicians sane enough to think of national interest? Is it going to be business man or a social worker or a public figure or media? Will we get another M.K.Gandhi? Who is the ONE? 
The search continues... 

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Little things..

Buzz! Buzz!! It was the calling bell. Half asleep, Aditi's consciousness told someone is at door. She acted deaf to enjoy the extra bit of coziness - curled back into bed thinking 'Who knows I am awake!'. Buzz again! She couldn't act deaf again - door was opened. 

It was Valli, the house servant. 

Aditi sleepily asked  "What Valli? It's just 6:30 AM! Why half hour early today?" 

Valli said "Maaf keejiye ji.. Aaj beta ko hospital leh-jaana.." 

Aditi - "oh, ok. ok.. Finish work quickly and go home early"

Valli began the usual house-sweeping and utensil-cleaning at a brisk pace. Aditi entered the kitchen and started preparing the tea for her. That day was different - She didn't know why she felt so, but she thought she should prepare tea for Valli as well. She made an extra cup.

Aditi handing over the tea to Valli, said "Have chai Valli."  Valli was a little hesitant - "What is this ma? You serving tea for me!". Aditi said "It's ok, Valli. please have it". Unexplainable joy in Valli's face, heartful thanks in her eyes.

Same day. While heading to office in Taxi, Aditi thought "Sometimes we take things for granted - things like - servants are supposed to serve us.. how wrong it could be.. Compared to the services she does for me, what I did was nothing.. It's just a small thing.. a simple thing.. a little thing.. but making a big difference to Valli..  I'm so happy for whatever I did today.. Hope her son gets alright soon!"

Her thought related it to other things in life - "In some way, it's not just our servants, rather the people who love us the most - parents, kids, spouse and close friends.. we take them for granted.. we forget to appreciate them.. we forget to reciprocate their love.. Little things like playing hide and seek with my son.. a funky-tshirt as surprise b'day gift to my dad in 50s.. calling a school friend who admired me in school days - to just say a 'hi'.. yes, little things to me.. makes a big difference to them!"

From that day, Aditi never missed the opportunity of preparing an additional cup of Chai for Valli. 

Monday, November 17, 2008

From Today...

From the diary of Mr.Common Man:

Till Yesterday..
  • I WORK like a donkey for my living
  • I FIGHT like a dog for my survival
  • I HOG like a pig for my growing
  • I CHEAT like a fox for my approval
  • I PLAY like a kitten for my pleasure
  • I LAZE like a buffalo for my relaxation
  • I KILL like a lion for my supremacy

From Today..
I am a MAN. Yes, I GIVE like a man to others & the society! Thanks to GiveIndia.org!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Top 3 predictions

It's fun to play the game of predicting future. Let's come up with 3 random predictions for 3 random people..

Super Star - Rajnikanth
  1. He will enter politics, quit then and enter again (though will never hold any major post)
  2. The next generation Tamil Kids would love to play/see Rajni toys/animation shows - "Ranjnee-Show", "Scooby-Kanth", "Super-Star-Man"
  3. His movie "Enthiran, the Robot" will do so much collection that it would take decades and a heavy depreciation of Rupees for the new tamil movie to match its collection

Ultimate Queen - Aishwarya Rai
  1. Would have a baby boy who is to be named starting with letter "A"
  2. She would venture into Movie production, many of which would have good collections in UK and US
  3. She would head "Bachans Foundation" which would soon become India's one of the biggest social organizations

The Wall - Dravid
  1. Would play a villian role against the super hero Shivraj Kumar in a Kannada movie (Yes, Shivraj's 150th movie!) which would later be dubbed to all Indian languages. The movie would also feature Cricket bat stunt
  2. The "Dravid Cricket Academy" would attract talents from abroad. BCCI would mandate every new Indian player to get coached for1 week to learn the tricks of test cricket batting
  3. He would chair the committee set up by ICC for the new format of the cricket called "S-Format" (Short for "Senior" Format). This format doesnt require running or scoring runs - winner is chosen based on S3 - Style, Stamina and Strength

November Twelfth!

(Short Story 2)

"You know, today is a special.", John started.. holding Maha's hands.

"Don't tell me you took bath today!",
winked Maha.

"Chup! something to do with our relationship"


"Hmm.. couldn't think of anything.. you tell"


"Gals are simply dumb! boys have to explain everything! It's 143rd time we are meeting secretively in this park"


"My God! You keep track of all these! You beat cricinfo statistics!"


"Yeah, it's women who typically keep track of all these.. our case is just the reverse!"


"Hmm, who decides all these 'things-to-be-done-by-women'?"


"Its our culture! And it's how Venus creatures are designed. Though there are abberations like you!"


"Enough of mindless chat, John. Tell me what's happening with your job search. You don't behave like a 24 year adult",
a bit of seriousness in Maha's face.

"Correction - 23! Hmm.. I'm doing my best, Maha.. even yestereday talked to my uncle's friend.. ",
the glow in John's face seemed to fade

"You know what.. my parents are becoming very serious about my marriage.. Soon all my tam bhram aunties will begin the groom-hunting-process. I am very scared!"


"Tell your dad you won't marry anyone but me"


"I told you thousand times John.. my family is very orthodox.. they can't imagine any one from other community to be their son-in-law, forget different religion! A mega-drama is soon to be staged once the secret is out! Hmm.. I hope I can initiate the conversation after you have a good job. I am much worried.. But you seem to be very careless!"


"Maha, dont tell me I am not serious - I have never been this serious for anything else in life. You mean so much to me. I can't imaging a life without you. If you happen to marry someone else, graveyard wouldn't be too far for me!"


"Enough John, don't put senti dialogues like these - we have crossed that stage.. show me it in action!"


"Come on, Maha! You saying I am not taking any action?"


"I am not saying so - I am just saying you dont seem to have the focus and commitment"


"Oh.. yeah! amazing! welcome to the world of commitment! The world which men understand and live-by more than women!"


"Why do you have to talk about women in general?"


"Yeah, you girls are just focused on getting things done for you. You never care about how men feel. Have you ever heard stories of women dying for men. Mental asylums and suicide attempts appear only in men's dictionary."


"Love should let people Live, not die!"


"Nor do I say so. It's just an indication of how committed men are! If things don't work out, women would be sad for few weeks, may be months.. worst case - few years.. life will resume normally after that! Men are not like that!"


"Who says all these to you? Don't get all these wrong impressions from movies! Women are more committed than men! We don't check out every damn person of opposite sex in the roads! We dont yearn for 'more beauty' every moment.. We are committed to one person!
" - this is Maha

"Hmm, you speak so much! If you are so committed, why can't you just say 'yes' to the registration marriage"

"Come on, John! How can I forgo my parents who supported me, helped me in every possible way for the last 22 years just like that.. I cant run away from home - I would like everything to happen with their blessings!"

"Then, I dont think it's going to happen! Maha, you gotta decide - Me OR your Parents!"


"John, why speaking like these?
"

"Because I am seeing so many live examples outside - Gals leaving guys just like thst. Rock solid hearts you people have!"

"You are not understanding John. Most women in our country are made to be dependent on men - father, brother or husband. Additionally, the difficulties, disappointments & betrayals in the name of "love" and "marriage", which we go through, call for higher level of cautiousness, patience and courage!"

"You mean to say that I would cheat you and that you don't trust me!"


"John, I didn't mean that.."


"Then, what? You are just proving the point - women are just pure simple selfish creatures!"

Tears started rolling in Maha's beautiful cheeks.. She just started walking with waterfall of tears "You dont understand, John! Let's just leave it!"

5 years later...

Maha holding John's hands, "John! Can you tell me why today is special for us?"

John laughed "This tracking job gets shifted to women after marriage!"


Maha ignoring his comment said "A turning point in our life - the day which changed our lives! The day which really made you become serious. The day I left you in the park with tears.. the day which brought out the talents in you to get this amazing job within 20 days.. ultimately the marriage of the most loving and most fighting pair.. and the cute & lovely kid named Nitin! The magical day.. Yes, Nov 12 it is!"

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Short Story 1

As Ranjan was hurrying back home from office on a busy friday evening in Mumbai, multiple things were racing in his mind - Should I take the train or the bus? Will I reach home in time? Will I disappoint Nandita and Aruna once again? What if that 'stupid, dumb & cruel' manager calls me again?

It wasn't more than 5 seconds - His phone started ringing "Pappu can't dance saalaa...". Oops, what he didn't want to happen finally happened - The Nokia was flashing "Abhishek Nayar". He was in two minds - "Should I pick it up or not?" He built up his courage to shift the phone from his left side pocket to right side without answering the call. Mr. Saturday would never satisfy with a single attempt - "Pappu can't dance saalaa.." again - Ranjan felt like shouting "This Nayar saalaa can't let me be in peace!"

Nayar was blaring from the other side "Ranjan.. Toot gaya.. laptop chaalu nahi kartha hai yaar... this bloody thing is not booting up again.. I told nah - you didnt fix this f***ing thing properly - the all important presentation with Mr. Ratan Tata is in the laptop.. I need to present it today.. Come right now!" Call was disconnected. Ranjan felt helpless. He told himself "I shouldn't have joined this stupid job - IT support in a world famous Investment Bank - All these dumb-a**es call themselves intelligent, but can't fix a simple thing with their laptops"

5 years back, Ranjan shifted to Mumbai after he married Nandita. Aruna, their lovely kid, is one of the smartest kids Ranjan has ever seen. In fact, he believed that Aruna has more computer knowledge than the i-bankers in his office. He loved his family so much. The only complaint the family had about him was his punctuality. "The little one" at home had been pestering him to take her to "Kungfu Panda" - He had managed to say "next week" for 5 weeks. Today morning, the little one, being smart said "I know you. You won't book tickets. And even if you book, you won't come on time. Myself and Mommy going. You just sit with your computer and manager - both of which don't have any brain." Finally, Ranjan was moved - He told Nandita "Let's not disappoint Aruna once again - book the ticket for evening show today - I will be at home by 6 PM" - Nandita laughed "Don't make false promises! It's fine if you dont take her to movie. I don't want yet another story of booking and not making for the movie." Ranjan said in Super star Rajini style "Book pannu. Naan oru thadava sonna, nooru thadava sonna maari" ("Just book - My one-time-telling means 100-times-telling" ;))

As Ranjan was rushing back to office, the above scene flashed in his mind. He thought "Yes, today story over. Little one will behave like a big mother. Wife would wait with a knife. Yes, everything is over!" It was already 5:30 PM. Evening show is at 6:30 PM. Chiding the fate & fat (Nayar), he reached office at 5:45 PM. Nayar was typing something in his laptop while happily munching Domino's pizza with double cheese . Ranjan thought "what the hell is this?" Seeing Ranjan, Nayar said "Oh, I forgot that I had called you. I solved the problem". Ranjan "Oh, what was the problem?" Nayar laughed and said "I went to my neighbors room and tried to boot a laptop there!" Ranjan wanted to kick the sick Nayar. He told silently "Nayar.. Real jackass you are! Thank God you didn't go to your neighbor's house and tried to ..... " Oops, already 6 PM. No time to think about Nayar now. Time to run to house - He was sure he would reach by 7 and would miss the movie as usual.

His Sonata watch was showing 7.17 pm when he entered the house. TV was on - Cartoon Network channel - Tom was getting it left, right and center from little Jerry. He thought "Don't worry, Tom.. you are still better than Ranjan" He sat on the sofa silently. Nandita was cooking and happily singing "Vaseegara.. " ("Zara zara.." in hindi!) He didn't have the guts to talk to her now. He started shouting "Aruna Kannu.. where are you?" - Came the immediate reply "Daddy, dont disturb me.. I am playing in computer - will talk to you later." Ranjan was baffled by the behavior of the 2 girls at home. Came the sweet voice of Nandita with hot filter coffee and aromatic samosas, "Have these.. you deserve them. Don't panic - haven't added anything mischievious in food!" Ranjan didnt know what to do - He started gulping the coffee and stuffing his mouth with a samosa. She said "Slow, no hurry! The movie is only at 9:30 PM"

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Jaago Re.. Oram Po..

It happens with Chennai Autowalas - Yes, my blogs. Dusting off my blog after a long time.

Scene 1: Mumbai Airport. Just before the departure of my flight to Chennai, had a conversation with a friend from Janaagraha on their new initiative with Tata Tea - "Jaago Re! One Billion Votes". I am sure many of you would have seen and appreciated the TV ad. The initiative is very commendable for multiple reasons
  • Its new approach with the strong message of "Agar aap soyenge to desh kaise jagega!"
  • Making voter registration a much simpler process esp. by leveraging technology
  • Endorsement by Election Commission
  • Support of a corporate body - Tata Tea
  • Execution by a dedicated Janaagraha team (with most of them below 30 years and alumni from IIT Madras who devoted their career to work for social causes)
  • Last but not the least, the YOUTH factor - the initiative is to be driven by youth - Yes, true to what Vivekananda says "Give me 100 youth, I would change the fate of the country."
It's an excellent case of how multiple stakeholders can work together to begin a new era - a change that many have wished to bring in.

Scene 2: Chennai Airport. Landed at Midnight - I couldn't believe myself for having gotten an Auto from Airport to Nungambakkam for Rs.150, that too without any bargain. Yes, remember Chennai! The driver immediately proved his kindness and honesty by helping a poor airport worker on the way. I couldn't avoid but to ask him "Chennai eppadi irukku?" (How is chennai doing?). The conversations during the rest of the journey were interesting. (It's interesting to have conversations with auto drivers - they mirror the mentality of a common man and they know / see the mentality of many random people who travel in their autos). He began with how inflation is affecting the common man - He gave a statistics, which I never realized and found hard to believe - a tomato costs more than Rs.2! His point was that Government is driving the inflation and that the politicians just suck out people money (whenever he mentioned politicians, he promptly prefixed the Tamil abuse starting with "thev.." - I couldn't resist but to laugh at hearing the Senthamizh!). I decided to listen than giving gyan on inflation. He continued "I may not pay income tax, but i'm paying tax indirectly - from the match box to the petrol. Have these political Bas***** ever utilized the money properly? Look at the roads... For sucking and looting people's money, they and their families will never have a good death." Yeah, I asked the question, most of you have in mind - "You are complaining so much.. what did you do to change it? Did you vote in the last election?" With an ephemeral laugh, he said firmly "I'm 49 years old and have given up voting long time back.. I also encourage my family to not vote." Filled with rage quickly from tummy to eyes, I remarked "You dont vote.. but just keep complaining huh?" He quickly responded "Are there any good politicians or parties here? All are bas**** Whom will I vote for?" He made it clear that he doesn't support any party / politicians and that he believes in just 4 things in life (a) Being an MGR fan, though he never supported him as a politician (b) Lord Muruga devotee (c) Responsible family man (d) Honesty in work. I said "Hmm.. you wouldn't bother about what is happening outside your life. yeah, there are bad politicians.. but you won't make an effort to change things". He replied "Nobody can change these. I can't change the world. I will just do my work honestly and will help the person next to me in whatever small way I can". Auto reached door #9, **** Street, Chennai. Would have been nicer to hear more of his view points about life and politics, but just had to thank and bid adieu to him.

People might be perplexed by the title of the post! "Jaago Re" in hindi means "Wake up" - A call for action from others. "Oram Po" in Tamil implies "Leave way for me" - a typical phrase used by autowalas. In a broader sense, the 2 scenarios depict 2 different ways of living. W.r.t. voting, they imply different standpoints. In fact, it's not just the autowala - lot of people give up on voting saying "No good politicians", "things can't be changed." My good friend quoted this article - she said it makes much more sense to take an economist view and not vote in India today.

So, should we shout "Jaago Re" or "Oram Po"? You decide what you want to shout, but I would make my call loud and clear "Jaago Re"! I strongly believe - voting is not just a "civic duty", "self-interest", "make-a-difference", "feel good", "look good" factors, rather it's the "foundation" for many things. Like a foundation for the building, it incurs a significant cost at the beginning and may not have any immediate perceptible benefits, but it's absolutely necessary for a solid building. Voting may not be a cure-for-all solution. It may not be the ONE step, rather step one for solving many social issues.

So, what are you waiting for? If you haven't registered yourself, go ahead and register to vote at www.jaagore.com and no harm in spreading a good message to others! :)