According to many scholars we belong to a country where anarchy has found its being. The Civil Disobedience movement to them symbolized social anarchy. Yet Gandhi’s anarchy had more shades of white than red.
Gandhi always believed in treating his opponents with kindness and respect and that law breakers must take responsibility for their actions.
Does that sound like anarchy?
I believe not.
The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘Anarchy’ as the social state in which there is no governing person or group of people, but each individual has absolute liberty without the implication of disorder.
Gandhi’s anarchy has and will never fit into this definition. The participants stood up to break laws which were unjust. It is our moral duty to stand our ground against laws which create discrimination rather than bring equality of opportunity. After all unjust law is no law at all.
Moreover they did have a governing person- Their Conscience……
Thus if anarchy did not take place in the 1920’s then it is taking place now. Though this anarchy started with the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, its implications are being seen now. What we see today has transcended the borders of social, physical, economical, political and moral frontiers. The breach is so effective that the next generation itself has come on the forefront of danger.
Environmental Anarchy is here.
Since the 1980’s the only broad based solution to this issue has been to find ways to be sustainable. Sustainability is an approach which has a wide jurisdiction in the social and economic arena with its obvious foundation in the environmental junction. The interesting issue is the intersections of these three subjects create the scope of a sustainable future though there are inherent contradictions among these three subjects themselves.
For example; when the economic and social policies interact the question of equity rises. Similarly when environment and economic challenge climate change the issue of viability puts up uncomfortable questions. Finally the social and environmental arena puts forward the difficulty of creating solutions which are endurable.
Thus, my solutions stand on the tripod of these three issues- Equity, Viability and Endurance.
EQUITY
The core belief that we must fix responsibility first and then act must be revalued. The question has lingered for a long time with no answer for we all respectfully demand that we must agree to disagree. As global warming steps up to spread it dark blanket, the least we can do is to stop an endless debate to define responsibility of each and every nation.
The reason for the failure of the Kyoto protocol has been the fact that no one want to take the responsibility of emission rates fixed by others. We hate boundaries set by others, so why shouldn’t sovereign powers. At the same time worthy questions are raised as to why a certain nation should object to emission rates of others while its own emission rates seem higher than normal.
In this situation we need to eliminate the very process of fixing preset emission rates or responsibility on one nation. We have seen differential treatment in any arena- be it social, political and economic, has never worked.
By historical reckoning be it the economic, social or political differentiation made during the British India or the pre American Civil Rights Movement era, have all fallen on their faces. It is time a new regime comes up. The UNO exists to provide an equal platform to every country irrespective of size, stature or status, to voice their opinions and choices. Even if the UNO seems too idealistic an organization it is time we give this brand of equality an opportunity.
We must give rest to the debate of the under developed versus the developed. It is a match-up with no positive consequences. The only result will be that time has gone past us and we have come to the end of our own survival. It is time we come together, construct ourselves based on co-operation, help without any socio-political-economic agenda and do what we can to curb the spoils of decades past. Let every nation decide what is best for them, because when we do our best for ourselves only then can the collective best be possible.
It is time for an individualistic approach.
I believe this solution is too idealistic for the environment now, but it seems all that is practical has not worked, so it is time we give idealism an opportunity.
VIABILITY
The Serenity Prayer says:
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And, the wisdom to know the difference.
The important factor that we must understand is that the world cannot stop exercising on fossil fuels. The use of fossil fuels has dated back over three centuries. To imagine the limited use of these substances abruptly because of their limited stocks is preposterous. Our way of life is completely established. Till the day the deposits of these fuels last the world is going to use them.
This sums up the first part of the Serenity Prayer. We cannot change this fact; we must accept it, and its consequences.
Viability is an issue which we need to address not with the perspective to stop the use of fossil fuels but with finding methods and applications which stand complementary to the use of fossil fuels. This will allow these methods to gain a solid foundation in our living systems and when the appropriate time arrives for us to solely rely on their services, the transition will not be so arduous, as a sudden change would be.
Developing countries find renewable sources of energy far more suitable, for energy transmission generated from fossil fuels to remote and rural sectors can be both difficult and expensive. Locally produced fuel presents a more viable option. India has set an example with Gobar Gas. This fuel can be easily made as we harbour the highest cattle population in the world, and logistically this fuel is financially stable and easy to produce. Many projects which have employed renewable energy have established that it caters to employment generation and to increased business opportunities.
Diversification is the need of the hour. In the current conditions it is viable to use fossil fuels to establish sources of non renewable sources of energy like hydro electric power plants, wind mills in high wind areas and mass produced solar panels. India presents a very interesting mix of environmental diversity which gives us an opportunity to exploit the natural resources. Our summers are long and hot, with plenty of sun in every part of the country. This gives us a huge prospect of producing solar energy. With our economy booming, diverting a chunk of money to this cause can help the states establish solar power stations. Similarly rain water harvesting is an interesting option, knowing that we have long rains and tidal energy also presents a lot of scope for energy recruitment.
This sums up the second of the Serenity Prayer. We can change; and that we must make intelligent choices as to where we can change, because that is where we can make a difference.
ENDURANCE
When it comes to endurance we in India need to be more principled oriented in our socio-political approach towards the environment. It is time citizens understand their responsibilities. It is the moment for the Legislators to discuss real issues regarding the environment and realise what is important. Mumbai and the Lakshwadeep islands are in real threat of drowning in the sea by 2030, and this threat becomes a reality with every passing day.
Small measures like car pooling, water conservation, recycling, afforestation, usage of Gobar Gas, use of public transport etc must be employed with enthusiasm by the citizens. A people’s movement can only begin with the people themselves acting responsibly; understanding the needs of the environment at this moment precedes their own. We are not asking for monumental sacrifices, a small paradigm shift is what is required. It is the same with legislators also. Sustainable development has been the buzz word for over three decades; it is time we put its promises to work.
Gandhi showed us that it was judicious combination of a few gigantic and numerous diminutive steps that help bring in a revolution. No movement for the greater good of the society has and will be successful unless it is a people’s movement. The international forum will see our huge population as a burden in terms of the people’s movement we wish to bring about.
Logistically it does bring about intimidating numbers yet I choose to see this as a blessing. The more the population, the more minds work towards greener pastures, this leads to more participation which will effectively lead to a greater revolution.
The task seems daunting, but when a man wearing khadi, carrying a stick and who lived with pleasantly simple values can bring about a change then I believe so can we.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
You are India's future generation - How can you lead / influence the climate change challenge to ensure a sustainable future for the country and the p
Monday, June 8, 2009
EDUCATION AND REFORMS NEEDED IN INDIA
E-D-U-C-A-T-I-O-N
It is a very special word. Its spelling might be a mammoth task for a young learner to learn but to its stark contrast, its definition becomes simpler as we grow in age, knowledge and experience.
What truly is education ?
Everyone has a personal definition and I have one. To me education is awareness. Awareness which is complete in totality. Awareness in terms of oneself, awareness of the world around us, awareness of the people who make the world and keeping in mind present context, awareness of our precious planet.
Education encompasses teaching and learning specific skills and also something less tangible but more profound, that is the imparting of knowledge, positive judgment and well developed wisdom.
Education has as one of its fundamental aspects that is the imparting of culture from generation to generation. Education means to draw out, facilitating realisation of self-potential and latent talents of an individual.
The education of an individual human begins at birth and continues throughout life. The goal of education is fourfold: the social, intellectual, economic, and political or civic purpose. Current education issues include which teaching methods are most effective, how to determine what knowledge should be taught, which knowledge is most relevant, and how well the pupil will retain incoming knowledge.
Educators have identified education as an inherently political process with inherently political outcomes. The challenge of identifying whose ideas are transferred and what goals they serve has always stood in the face of formal and informal education.
India's biggest export through ages has been education. Education yoga, education in food and spices, education in living, education in life sciences and technology and finally education in peace. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has a vision of India as a knowledge superpower, is slowly becoming a reality. We are taking steady steps towards the same. Infact from what I observe... the goal is not being a superpower but making us all empowered with knowledge.
India has been a major seat of learning for thousands of years. While some of the country's universities are among the world's well-renowned, it is also dealing with challenges in its primary education and strives to reach 100% literacy. Universal Compulsory Primary Education, with its challenges of keeping poor children in school and maintaining quality of education in rural areas, has been difficult to achieve, Kerala being the only Indian state to reach this goal so far.
All levels of education in India, from primary to higher education, are overseen by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, and heavily subsidized by the Indian government, though there is a move to make higher education partially self-financing. Indian Government is considering to allow 100% foreign direct investment in Higher Education.
There are broadly four stages of school education in India, namely primary, upper primary, secondary and higher secondary. Overall, schooling lasts 12 years, following the "10+2 pattern". However, there are considerable differences between the various states in terms of the organizational patterns within these first 10 years of schooling. The government is committed to ensuring universal elementary education for all children aged 6-14 years of age.
The current system of education, with its western style and content, was introduced & funded by the British in the 19th century, following recommendations by Macaulay. Traditional structures were not recognized by the British government and have been on the decline since. Traditional structures were not recognized by the British government and have been on the decline since. Gandhi is said to have described the traditional educational system as a beautiful tree that was destroyed during the British rule.
After independence, in 1976, education was made a joint responsibility of the states and the Centre, through a constitutional amendment. The center is represented by Ministry of Human Resource Development's Department of Education and together with the states, it is jointly responsible for the formulation of education policy and planning.
The 86th Amendment of the Indian constitution makes education a fundamental right for all children aged 6-14 years. The access to preschool education for children under 6 years of age was excluded from the provisions, and the supporting legislation has not yet been passed.
The 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan' is a flagship programme of the Government of India for achievement of universalization of elementary education in a time bound manner, as mandated by the 86th amendment to the Constitution of India making free and compulsory education to children of ages 6-14 a fundamental right. The programme aims to achieve the goal of universalization of elementary education of satisfactory quality by 2010.
The programme seeks to open new schools in those habitations which do not have schooling facilities and strengthen existing school infrastructure through provision of additional class rooms, toilets, drinking water, maintenance grant and school improvement grants. Existing schools with inadequate teacher strength are provided with additional teachers, while the capacity of existing teachers is being strengthened by extensive training, grants for developing teaching-learning materials and strengthening of the academic support structure at a cluster, block and district level. SSA seeks to provide quality elementary education including life skills. SSA has a special focus on girl's education and children with special needs. SSA also seeks to provide computer education to bridge the digital divide.
Reforms in the Indian education system are three fold at the three levels of education:
• Primary
• Secondary
• University level
Primary
In terms of primary education I shall concentrate exclusively about rural educational infrastructure.
TEACHERS IN VILLAGES
At the primary level the most important step needed is to call for good teachers from the village itself and training keeping in mind the fact that they will be the future educators of the children born in the village. The most important step to be taken to ensure the above is to highly remunerate those teachers who stay back in villages. This will ensure high retentive levels of teachers in the harsh conditions that villages offer.
RETENTION OF CHILDREN IN VILLAGE SCHOOLS
The next focus in the direction of primary education should be to achieve high retention levels of children in village schools which can be achieved by giving social and economic incentives to the parents for keeping children in schools. These incentives should be doubled for those parents who send a girl child to schools.
Social incentives can be seen in form of representation in the village panchayat and economic incentives can be in the capacity of monetary subsidies in education and job opportunities at the district and state levels once their wards education is complete.
ASSIMILATION OF THE COLLECTOR OF THE DISTRICT INTO EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
To ensure the above two steps the collector at the district level needs to be given heavy responsibility to ensure implementation of educational reforms with utmost seriousness, sensitivity and conviction. His leadership assumes importance because his leadership gives credibility to the educational programs which are being implemented by the government.
Secondary
In terms of reforms in secondary education the following reforms are advocated:
STRESS ON PRACTICAL LEARNING AND CLASS ROOM PARTICIPATION
Practical learning is the prime focus of education considering that education in the long run is needed to make a living. Practical learning focuses on hard work, responsible learning and actual growth of knowledge that is required for success in future profession.
Class room participation leads to independence of thought, openess of attitude towards other thought processes, delimiting of inhibitions and easy learning from observation.
CHANGE FROM ROTE LEARNING TECHNIQUES TO CREATIVE LEARNING STYLES
Our system breeds rote learning which cripples the creative strings of the students who have to exclusively reproduce the their text books on their exam sheets and not what their own concious or knowledge is.
Exam system based on rote learning needs to be changed and independent learning should be highly encouraged. This would allow students to research which in turn will make them have access to greater pool of knowledge.
Truly eduaction is beyond classrooms and textbooks.
STRESS ON STUDY OF ARTS RATHER THAN MINDLESS ENDORSEMENT OF THE SCIENCES
At the higher secondary level we see a single minded endorsement of the study of Sciences which at times takes proportions fit to be termed as mindless and insensitive. This fuels added pressure and aspirations on students and parents. With our education al set up Sciences takes prime position and students who study Sciences are elevated to levels of brilliance which are far from facts of real life.
The study of Arts at this level tends to project the students as one who is average. People overlook the challenges that Arts student face. The saddest part is that these Science students
end up studying Arts by the time they enroll college.
Then why is their such a prejudice towards Arts ? A look into the U.S. structure says that applications for Arts in colleges and schools are more than Sciences. That might be another extreme but what we can learn from them is a healthy respect for the students who pursue Arts from the high school level.
UNIVERSITY LEVEL
At the university level some of these changes are needed.
SETTING UP OF A GROUP OF UNIVERSITIES ON THE LINES OF THE IVY LEAGUE FORMAT
The ivy league set up in the U.S.A. is an exceptional example of exclusive education for the masses. Through its heavy funding towards scholarships, fellowships, student loans and subsidies these universities scout the best of minds and talents from across the world from an equally diverse social, political and economical demography.
The same needs to be done in India and semi autonomous universities need to be established with eduactional standards at par with the ivy leagues ensuring education at the highest level.
INCREASE FUNDING OF UNIVERSITIES
Funding at the universities need to ne increased considering that some of these institutes of excellence are falling short of cash. IIT Mumbai at one hand does not have any cash to pay its satff while Pune University is sitting prettyly on some fat and idle cash without spending it on infrastructural growth or educational support.
INCENTIVES FOR INDIGENEOUS RESEARCH
Monetary incentives need to be given to students who are lured by corporate greed so that they can come out with independent research projects as truly we are falling short on research projets when it comes to international standards. Progress takes palce with research and that is where qwe are falling short.
Our culture has always held education in the highest esteem and upheld its importance time and again. We need to understand that accountability is of prime importance when we talk of educational reforms. We also need to be highly aware of progressive measures that we take because progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Training the young minds of the future occupies the highest priority and we must invest a sizeable amount of time in building a resourceful batch of teachers with the highest moral and educational standards.
We also need to be aware of social justice and equality when it comes to education. By our own reckoning our governmental spending on public educational organizations is low as compared to the private entities. This means better textbooks for a private school student as opposed to one studying in a public school. I think that is a shame. A lot of people say that the gap cannot be bridged today but then when will it happen.... Because the right to justice, the right to equality and the right to uniform education will happen now or never.
Yes, the going will be tough but then without pressure, without expectations we will never strive towards enthusiasm or success let alone our goals
It is a very special word. Its spelling might be a mammoth task for a young learner to learn but to its stark contrast, its definition becomes simpler as we grow in age, knowledge and experience.
What truly is education ?
Everyone has a personal definition and I have one. To me education is awareness. Awareness which is complete in totality. Awareness in terms of oneself, awareness of the world around us, awareness of the people who make the world and keeping in mind present context, awareness of our precious planet.
Education encompasses teaching and learning specific skills and also something less tangible but more profound, that is the imparting of knowledge, positive judgment and well developed wisdom.
Education has as one of its fundamental aspects that is the imparting of culture from generation to generation. Education means to draw out, facilitating realisation of self-potential and latent talents of an individual.
The education of an individual human begins at birth and continues throughout life. The goal of education is fourfold: the social, intellectual, economic, and political or civic purpose. Current education issues include which teaching methods are most effective, how to determine what knowledge should be taught, which knowledge is most relevant, and how well the pupil will retain incoming knowledge.
Educators have identified education as an inherently political process with inherently political outcomes. The challenge of identifying whose ideas are transferred and what goals they serve has always stood in the face of formal and informal education.
India's biggest export through ages has been education. Education yoga, education in food and spices, education in living, education in life sciences and technology and finally education in peace. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has a vision of India as a knowledge superpower, is slowly becoming a reality. We are taking steady steps towards the same. Infact from what I observe... the goal is not being a superpower but making us all empowered with knowledge.
India has been a major seat of learning for thousands of years. While some of the country's universities are among the world's well-renowned, it is also dealing with challenges in its primary education and strives to reach 100% literacy. Universal Compulsory Primary Education, with its challenges of keeping poor children in school and maintaining quality of education in rural areas, has been difficult to achieve, Kerala being the only Indian state to reach this goal so far.
All levels of education in India, from primary to higher education, are overseen by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, and heavily subsidized by the Indian government, though there is a move to make higher education partially self-financing. Indian Government is considering to allow 100% foreign direct investment in Higher Education.
There are broadly four stages of school education in India, namely primary, upper primary, secondary and higher secondary. Overall, schooling lasts 12 years, following the "10+2 pattern". However, there are considerable differences between the various states in terms of the organizational patterns within these first 10 years of schooling. The government is committed to ensuring universal elementary education for all children aged 6-14 years of age.
The current system of education, with its western style and content, was introduced & funded by the British in the 19th century, following recommendations by Macaulay. Traditional structures were not recognized by the British government and have been on the decline since. Traditional structures were not recognized by the British government and have been on the decline since. Gandhi is said to have described the traditional educational system as a beautiful tree that was destroyed during the British rule.
After independence, in 1976, education was made a joint responsibility of the states and the Centre, through a constitutional amendment. The center is represented by Ministry of Human Resource Development's Department of Education and together with the states, it is jointly responsible for the formulation of education policy and planning.
The 86th Amendment of the Indian constitution makes education a fundamental right for all children aged 6-14 years. The access to preschool education for children under 6 years of age was excluded from the provisions, and the supporting legislation has not yet been passed.
The 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan' is a flagship programme of the Government of India for achievement of universalization of elementary education in a time bound manner, as mandated by the 86th amendment to the Constitution of India making free and compulsory education to children of ages 6-14 a fundamental right. The programme aims to achieve the goal of universalization of elementary education of satisfactory quality by 2010.
The programme seeks to open new schools in those habitations which do not have schooling facilities and strengthen existing school infrastructure through provision of additional class rooms, toilets, drinking water, maintenance grant and school improvement grants. Existing schools with inadequate teacher strength are provided with additional teachers, while the capacity of existing teachers is being strengthened by extensive training, grants for developing teaching-learning materials and strengthening of the academic support structure at a cluster, block and district level. SSA seeks to provide quality elementary education including life skills. SSA has a special focus on girl's education and children with special needs. SSA also seeks to provide computer education to bridge the digital divide.
Reforms in the Indian education system are three fold at the three levels of education:
• Primary
• Secondary
• University level
Primary
In terms of primary education I shall concentrate exclusively about rural educational infrastructure.
TEACHERS IN VILLAGES
At the primary level the most important step needed is to call for good teachers from the village itself and training keeping in mind the fact that they will be the future educators of the children born in the village. The most important step to be taken to ensure the above is to highly remunerate those teachers who stay back in villages. This will ensure high retentive levels of teachers in the harsh conditions that villages offer.
RETENTION OF CHILDREN IN VILLAGE SCHOOLS
The next focus in the direction of primary education should be to achieve high retention levels of children in village schools which can be achieved by giving social and economic incentives to the parents for keeping children in schools. These incentives should be doubled for those parents who send a girl child to schools.
Social incentives can be seen in form of representation in the village panchayat and economic incentives can be in the capacity of monetary subsidies in education and job opportunities at the district and state levels once their wards education is complete.
ASSIMILATION OF THE COLLECTOR OF THE DISTRICT INTO EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
To ensure the above two steps the collector at the district level needs to be given heavy responsibility to ensure implementation of educational reforms with utmost seriousness, sensitivity and conviction. His leadership assumes importance because his leadership gives credibility to the educational programs which are being implemented by the government.
Secondary
In terms of reforms in secondary education the following reforms are advocated:
STRESS ON PRACTICAL LEARNING AND CLASS ROOM PARTICIPATION
Practical learning is the prime focus of education considering that education in the long run is needed to make a living. Practical learning focuses on hard work, responsible learning and actual growth of knowledge that is required for success in future profession.
Class room participation leads to independence of thought, openess of attitude towards other thought processes, delimiting of inhibitions and easy learning from observation.
CHANGE FROM ROTE LEARNING TECHNIQUES TO CREATIVE LEARNING STYLES
Our system breeds rote learning which cripples the creative strings of the students who have to exclusively reproduce the their text books on their exam sheets and not what their own concious or knowledge is.
Exam system based on rote learning needs to be changed and independent learning should be highly encouraged. This would allow students to research which in turn will make them have access to greater pool of knowledge.
Truly eduaction is beyond classrooms and textbooks.
STRESS ON STUDY OF ARTS RATHER THAN MINDLESS ENDORSEMENT OF THE SCIENCES
At the higher secondary level we see a single minded endorsement of the study of Sciences which at times takes proportions fit to be termed as mindless and insensitive. This fuels added pressure and aspirations on students and parents. With our education al set up Sciences takes prime position and students who study Sciences are elevated to levels of brilliance which are far from facts of real life.
The study of Arts at this level tends to project the students as one who is average. People overlook the challenges that Arts student face. The saddest part is that these Science students
end up studying Arts by the time they enroll college.
Then why is their such a prejudice towards Arts ? A look into the U.S. structure says that applications for Arts in colleges and schools are more than Sciences. That might be another extreme but what we can learn from them is a healthy respect for the students who pursue Arts from the high school level.
UNIVERSITY LEVEL
At the university level some of these changes are needed.
SETTING UP OF A GROUP OF UNIVERSITIES ON THE LINES OF THE IVY LEAGUE FORMAT
The ivy league set up in the U.S.A. is an exceptional example of exclusive education for the masses. Through its heavy funding towards scholarships, fellowships, student loans and subsidies these universities scout the best of minds and talents from across the world from an equally diverse social, political and economical demography.
The same needs to be done in India and semi autonomous universities need to be established with eduactional standards at par with the ivy leagues ensuring education at the highest level.
INCREASE FUNDING OF UNIVERSITIES
Funding at the universities need to ne increased considering that some of these institutes of excellence are falling short of cash. IIT Mumbai at one hand does not have any cash to pay its satff while Pune University is sitting prettyly on some fat and idle cash without spending it on infrastructural growth or educational support.
INCENTIVES FOR INDIGENEOUS RESEARCH
Monetary incentives need to be given to students who are lured by corporate greed so that they can come out with independent research projects as truly we are falling short on research projets when it comes to international standards. Progress takes palce with research and that is where qwe are falling short.
Our culture has always held education in the highest esteem and upheld its importance time and again. We need to understand that accountability is of prime importance when we talk of educational reforms. We also need to be highly aware of progressive measures that we take because progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Training the young minds of the future occupies the highest priority and we must invest a sizeable amount of time in building a resourceful batch of teachers with the highest moral and educational standards.
We also need to be aware of social justice and equality when it comes to education. By our own reckoning our governmental spending on public educational organizations is low as compared to the private entities. This means better textbooks for a private school student as opposed to one studying in a public school. I think that is a shame. A lot of people say that the gap cannot be bridged today but then when will it happen.... Because the right to justice, the right to equality and the right to uniform education will happen now or never.
Yes, the going will be tough but then without pressure, without expectations we will never strive towards enthusiasm or success let alone our goals
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
EUTHANASIA: THE DEBATE OVER THE RIGHT TO DIE WITH DIGNITY OR DOCTORED DEATH
Medical science has now acquired life supporting systems and medications to extend life artificially for long periods, even after the loss of brain activities and the control of bodily functions. The decision to reject such artificial treatment should be of the patient alone and no one else.
This decision of the patient constitutes the act of 'euthanasia'. Earlier this was called 'mercy killing '.However, now, the term "euthanasia" encompasses acts from lethal injection to "assisting" in suicide and to withholding basic levels of care from non-terminal patients. Euthanasia is a concept which is chequered with a lot of moral dilemmas and as such is a hugely controversial topic.
In the case of Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide, the countries that advocate 'mercy killing' are Holland, Northern Provinces of Australia as well as some states in the United States of America. The Netherlands is the first country in the world to legalise euthanasia. The bill allows doctors to kill patients with terminal diseases who are suffering "unbearably," if they request it.
'Right to death' is different from euthanasia. Euthanasia means 'a good and peaceful death'. The term euthanasia comes from the Greek words "eu"-meaning good and "thanatos"-meaning death, which combined means “well-death” or "dying well". The term 'terminal', as defined by medical experts, means a disease that cannot be cured nor has no remedy. In fact, the final remedy is death. A practicing consultant, who is an expert in that particular field of illness, must confirm the terminal illness of the patient.
The classic example can be given of Terri Schiavo who died in the year 2005 after the United States Supreme Court allowed her feeding tubes to be taken off on the behest of her husband, though her parents relentlessly opposed it. Some have since maintained that her death constituted judicial murder.
The Indian Constitution says that the 'Right to Die' is not a fundamental right under Article 21.The Right to Die is inherently inconsistent with the Right to Life. The Court held that the Right to Life is a natural right, embodied in Article 21. However, suicide is an unnatural termination or extinction of life and therefore, incompatible and inconsistent with the concept of Right to Life.
Supporters of euthanasia are of the opinion that being in a permanent comatose and helpless condition was not at all beneficial to the patient. It was held that this concept was unrelated to the 'Principle of Sanctity of Life' or the 'Right to Live with Dignity'. The Court said that this argument was of no assistance to determine the scope of Article 21 of the Constitution while deciding whether the guarantee of 'Right to Life' includes the 'Right to Die.'
The court made it clear that the 'Right to Life,' including the right to live with human dignity, would include the existence of such a right till the end of natural life. This also includes the right to a dignified life up to the point of death, including a dignified procedure of death. This may include the right of a dying man to die with dignity, when his life is ebbing out.
The Court reiterated that the argument to support the views of permitting the termination of life in such cases by accelerating the process of natural death, when it was certain and imminent, was not available to interpret Article 21 to include the right to curtail the natural span of life.
The various reasons which support euthanasia are choice, which is an essential feature of a liberal democratic society, pressure on the medical facilities which is otherwise wasted on a person who does not really receive the wholesome goodness of such resources, economical pressure on the kins of the affected person and the outrageous exploitation of human resources and emotions.
Conversely, there is equal number of motivations to oppose euthanasia. These reasons, in brief, are disrespect to the moral code of medicinal conduct, feasibility of such an act when the patient is not in sane mind, act being against the wishes of the family or being performed under some pressure which is not appropriate. Further, the act is considered immoral if seen under theosophical light.
Euthanasia can never be implemented in a country where there is a clash of ideologies. There has been a lot of debate over this topic over the past few decades. The right to life of an individual is certainly the most fundamental right. Yet in extreme cases, it should not be binding on the individual to exercise that right in cases of agony.
Suicide should not be confused with euthanasia. The former is a narrower term when compared with euthanasia. In Greek, euthanasia means a 'good death'. Other countries will have to decide for themselves whether they should implement Euthanasia or not. Maybe, the Dutch style of an open policy is the best way to deal with such a delicate and ambiguous concept.
This decision of the patient constitutes the act of 'euthanasia'. Earlier this was called 'mercy killing '.However, now, the term "euthanasia" encompasses acts from lethal injection to "assisting" in suicide and to withholding basic levels of care from non-terminal patients. Euthanasia is a concept which is chequered with a lot of moral dilemmas and as such is a hugely controversial topic.
In the case of Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide, the countries that advocate 'mercy killing' are Holland, Northern Provinces of Australia as well as some states in the United States of America. The Netherlands is the first country in the world to legalise euthanasia. The bill allows doctors to kill patients with terminal diseases who are suffering "unbearably," if they request it.
'Right to death' is different from euthanasia. Euthanasia means 'a good and peaceful death'. The term euthanasia comes from the Greek words "eu"-meaning good and "thanatos"-meaning death, which combined means “well-death” or "dying well". The term 'terminal', as defined by medical experts, means a disease that cannot be cured nor has no remedy. In fact, the final remedy is death. A practicing consultant, who is an expert in that particular field of illness, must confirm the terminal illness of the patient.
The classic example can be given of Terri Schiavo who died in the year 2005 after the United States Supreme Court allowed her feeding tubes to be taken off on the behest of her husband, though her parents relentlessly opposed it. Some have since maintained that her death constituted judicial murder.
The Indian Constitution says that the 'Right to Die' is not a fundamental right under Article 21.The Right to Die is inherently inconsistent with the Right to Life. The Court held that the Right to Life is a natural right, embodied in Article 21. However, suicide is an unnatural termination or extinction of life and therefore, incompatible and inconsistent with the concept of Right to Life.
Supporters of euthanasia are of the opinion that being in a permanent comatose and helpless condition was not at all beneficial to the patient. It was held that this concept was unrelated to the 'Principle of Sanctity of Life' or the 'Right to Live with Dignity'. The Court said that this argument was of no assistance to determine the scope of Article 21 of the Constitution while deciding whether the guarantee of 'Right to Life' includes the 'Right to Die.'
The court made it clear that the 'Right to Life,' including the right to live with human dignity, would include the existence of such a right till the end of natural life. This also includes the right to a dignified life up to the point of death, including a dignified procedure of death. This may include the right of a dying man to die with dignity, when his life is ebbing out.
The Court reiterated that the argument to support the views of permitting the termination of life in such cases by accelerating the process of natural death, when it was certain and imminent, was not available to interpret Article 21 to include the right to curtail the natural span of life.
The various reasons which support euthanasia are choice, which is an essential feature of a liberal democratic society, pressure on the medical facilities which is otherwise wasted on a person who does not really receive the wholesome goodness of such resources, economical pressure on the kins of the affected person and the outrageous exploitation of human resources and emotions.
Conversely, there is equal number of motivations to oppose euthanasia. These reasons, in brief, are disrespect to the moral code of medicinal conduct, feasibility of such an act when the patient is not in sane mind, act being against the wishes of the family or being performed under some pressure which is not appropriate. Further, the act is considered immoral if seen under theosophical light.
Euthanasia can never be implemented in a country where there is a clash of ideologies. There has been a lot of debate over this topic over the past few decades. The right to life of an individual is certainly the most fundamental right. Yet in extreme cases, it should not be binding on the individual to exercise that right in cases of agony.
Suicide should not be confused with euthanasia. The former is a narrower term when compared with euthanasia. In Greek, euthanasia means a 'good death'. Other countries will have to decide for themselves whether they should implement Euthanasia or not. Maybe, the Dutch style of an open policy is the best way to deal with such a delicate and ambiguous concept.
THE YOUTH BRIGADE SEEMS TO BE A FARCE
If there is anything which has taken more political space this past
elections other than the worthless allegations over BOFORS and soap
operatic party structures, has been the contribution of the ‘youth’ of
the country towards this election and their entry into the world of
Indian politics often seen as a haven for the older generations. Rahul
Gandhi the flag bearer of the youth brigade has been seen as the one
who has rounded off on the young leaders of the Congress and has been
leading them, for having revived the Youth Congress and for bringing
some national political presence in student politics. But the youth
that he seems to lead or speak so passionately about brings about a
range of questions and most prominent of it is are they really the
youth of the country?
The so called young leaders who have been elected into the Parliament
this year are truly the youth in terms of their age. They are vibrant,
robust and bring in new ideas but the diet being forced down our
throat at every opportunity of them being true representatives of the
youth is very misleading and to some extent a farce.
If we hand pick some of the new entrants amongst the ‘youth’ we find
that they are off springs of big political houses, come from
economically prosperous family and so in turn are very well educated
and have had a cushioned entry into the world where they claim to
represent the youth of the country.
For example, Nilesh Rane, all of 27 is the son of Narayan Rane, a
political veteran in the state of Maharashtra. Elected from the
constituency of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra on a Congress ticket, he
seems to have gotten a platform ready made for his big arrival into
the Parliament. The bell rings the same tune for another young
Congress MP, Hamdullah Sayeed who won the Lakshwadeep seat with a
Congress ticket and is the youngest MP in the house. But what is
overlooked with convenience is that the Delhi High Court advocate is
the son of late P.M. Sayeed who won from the Lakshwadeep seat for four
decades. Ravneet S. Bittu, another Congress MP is a Youth Congress
leader whose grandfather just happens to be former Punjab CM late
Beant Singh.
And the cases can go on and on…..
RLD MP from Mathura, Jayant Chaudhary is a LSE graduate whose father
is Ajit Singh, the founder of RLD. Shruti Chaudhry from the Bhiwani
seat is the granddaughter of Bansi Lal and daughter of Minister for
Forest and Tourism, Kiran Chaudhary in the Hooda Government in
Haryana. Shatabdi Ray from Birbhum is an acclaimed actress from
Tollywood. Similar are the stories of Priya Dutt, Sachin Pilot and
Jyotiraditya Scindia who come from illustrious political families.
Need we speak more about the Marans from Tamil Nadu who publicly
declared that we must accept dynastic politics or the Chautala’s from
Haryana, or the dynastic politics of SP in Uttar Pradesh, or the
Gandhi’s from across the Indian political lines, where debutants or
second timers have all blue blood running in their veins? Agreed Rahul
Gandhi fielded 10 Youth Congress leaders of which 8 won but what about
the rest who represent privileged hues. Agreed again that the aam
youth of the country might not want to be part of politics, choosing
high profile jobs instead, but what is disturbing is that these
elected MP’s claim to represent the youth when in fact most don’t
identify with them and their journeys. Agreed that dynastic politics
rules in our country but don’t mislead us with the rhetoric of true
youth representation when we all understand that it is the new guard
replacing the old ailing guard from the same family to safeguard the
golden gates of the same treasure trove of power and political fame.
The political parties functioning across the Parliament must realize
that they must accept dynastic politics with a free arm just as DMK
did, oh so proudly, and stop manhandling the expectations of the
country that someone new can come, when the newness comes from the
same stable working overtime without any results over the past few
decades. There is nothing wrong with sons of politicians becoming
politicians themselves and getting a cushioned entry, its there in
every professions, sports, the arts, medicine and law but the
hypocrisy of the entire exercise as seen in politics seems as a tick
off.
elections other than the worthless allegations over BOFORS and soap
operatic party structures, has been the contribution of the ‘youth’ of
the country towards this election and their entry into the world of
Indian politics often seen as a haven for the older generations. Rahul
Gandhi the flag bearer of the youth brigade has been seen as the one
who has rounded off on the young leaders of the Congress and has been
leading them, for having revived the Youth Congress and for bringing
some national political presence in student politics. But the youth
that he seems to lead or speak so passionately about brings about a
range of questions and most prominent of it is are they really the
youth of the country?
The so called young leaders who have been elected into the Parliament
this year are truly the youth in terms of their age. They are vibrant,
robust and bring in new ideas but the diet being forced down our
throat at every opportunity of them being true representatives of the
youth is very misleading and to some extent a farce.
If we hand pick some of the new entrants amongst the ‘youth’ we find
that they are off springs of big political houses, come from
economically prosperous family and so in turn are very well educated
and have had a cushioned entry into the world where they claim to
represent the youth of the country.
For example, Nilesh Rane, all of 27 is the son of Narayan Rane, a
political veteran in the state of Maharashtra. Elected from the
constituency of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra on a Congress ticket, he
seems to have gotten a platform ready made for his big arrival into
the Parliament. The bell rings the same tune for another young
Congress MP, Hamdullah Sayeed who won the Lakshwadeep seat with a
Congress ticket and is the youngest MP in the house. But what is
overlooked with convenience is that the Delhi High Court advocate is
the son of late P.M. Sayeed who won from the Lakshwadeep seat for four
decades. Ravneet S. Bittu, another Congress MP is a Youth Congress
leader whose grandfather just happens to be former Punjab CM late
Beant Singh.
And the cases can go on and on…..
RLD MP from Mathura, Jayant Chaudhary is a LSE graduate whose father
is Ajit Singh, the founder of RLD. Shruti Chaudhry from the Bhiwani
seat is the granddaughter of Bansi Lal and daughter of Minister for
Forest and Tourism, Kiran Chaudhary in the Hooda Government in
Haryana. Shatabdi Ray from Birbhum is an acclaimed actress from
Tollywood. Similar are the stories of Priya Dutt, Sachin Pilot and
Jyotiraditya Scindia who come from illustrious political families.
Need we speak more about the Marans from Tamil Nadu who publicly
declared that we must accept dynastic politics or the Chautala’s from
Haryana, or the dynastic politics of SP in Uttar Pradesh, or the
Gandhi’s from across the Indian political lines, where debutants or
second timers have all blue blood running in their veins? Agreed Rahul
Gandhi fielded 10 Youth Congress leaders of which 8 won but what about
the rest who represent privileged hues. Agreed again that the aam
youth of the country might not want to be part of politics, choosing
high profile jobs instead, but what is disturbing is that these
elected MP’s claim to represent the youth when in fact most don’t
identify with them and their journeys. Agreed that dynastic politics
rules in our country but don’t mislead us with the rhetoric of true
youth representation when we all understand that it is the new guard
replacing the old ailing guard from the same family to safeguard the
golden gates of the same treasure trove of power and political fame.
The political parties functioning across the Parliament must realize
that they must accept dynastic politics with a free arm just as DMK
did, oh so proudly, and stop manhandling the expectations of the
country that someone new can come, when the newness comes from the
same stable working overtime without any results over the past few
decades. There is nothing wrong with sons of politicians becoming
politicians themselves and getting a cushioned entry, its there in
every professions, sports, the arts, medicine and law but the
hypocrisy of the entire exercise as seen in politics seems as a tick
off.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
POLITICS OF MAJOR CONVINIENCES
It is the season of major political moves considering the general elections. In the fag end of this election, which turns out to be most drab in terms of issues raised during the campaigns, it has turned into a major slugfest of convenience. Not that our politics has been any different but this time around, it seems that the cutting across every political line there is, convenience seems to be the mantra of every politician worth any money or name.
What started as individual campaigns in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for the Congress has suddenly made a stark u-turn in terms of their independence of thought. Calling on their former allies, Rahul Gandhi made a disaster in terms of their agenda. The use of the word ‘Like Minded Party’ was done so heavily and without any appropriate measure it seemed to have lost its significance in the discourse that took place during that fateful press conference. The election participants who started out as foes suddenly were being called on for making a government in case a hung assembly comes on. If one remembers there were numerous television appearances where many Congress spokespersons had claimed of Jayalalitha’s maligned political prowess and that Congress would never make any alliance with her party but now it seems to be convenient for the Congress to do so. Why must it be done? Suddenly it seems Nitish Kumar is an astounding leader of the masses who has the ‘like mindedness’ to be a possible ally for the Congress. And the Left seems to be wooed again on the same lines. Where is the self respect of every party gone? I wonder how a flip flop happens with such suddenness in the public eye. Again the alliance with Trinamool Congress raises eye brows.
We all are very aware of the fact that the Parliament is heading towards a very messy stale mate in terms of the power sharing means between the major national parties. Even BJP is doing no better. With Varun Gandhi drawing heavy crowds and still subtly commanding over sensitive communal issues is as astounding as the BJP support for him when it is speaking heavily for secular forces in the centre. His speeches are littered with distasteful remarks. For a commanding party with such a national presence it seems blasphemous to pitch in non-leaders like him. The Samajwadi Party has no clue of where their agenda is going as they shout off every roof top that any government which assists them in displacing the Mayawati government will have their support. We do seem to have reached a pinnacle of repulsive political diplomacy.
The other convenience is to pitch in there own favourite candidate in the open market of Prime Minister-ship. If Mayawati, with heaven knows what faculty, stakes a claim to the seat, then there is Jayalalitha who harbours such ambitions. Then there is NCP pitching the idea that the time is ripe for a Maharashtrian to become the PM. What absurdity is this? The PM has to represent the country, has to be a national face and not a face that gives vent to regional aspirations, which have to be strictly guarded and shown across. Some of these leaders are firmly regional faces and somehow they wish to have a national impact which is a surprising move over and over.
The agenda’s of the parties seem to border around the fact that we are beggars. Free colour television, rice and wheat at single digit monetary value and other such disastrous conveniences. Is India that poor? And even if we are it is because the money issued to development is lost in the pyramid of heavy corruption which shrouds the administrative bodies. The Samajwadi Party is attempting to stop English language and computers. I am an advocate of increased use of Hindi, our national language, in daily exercise but to stop the use of both these utilities is akin to inviting disaster to strike us while we know it is well on its way. Does less use of computers lead more job creation? I doubt it. Keynesian Economics is still valid in times of recession but this agenda seems to be stretching it too far. Do they think the aam junta is so mindless? With what thought are such agenda’s created and with what face do they manifest such views?
This has by far been the most disheartening election campaign with no issues raised, no worthy manifesto to be shown and most the campaign has centered on a famous soap opera. I cannot possibly blame the low voter turn out considering the lack of interest in the people. This has been the season of some absurd and unacceptable major political convenience. It raises serious question about our political future.
What started as individual campaigns in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for the Congress has suddenly made a stark u-turn in terms of their independence of thought. Calling on their former allies, Rahul Gandhi made a disaster in terms of their agenda. The use of the word ‘Like Minded Party’ was done so heavily and without any appropriate measure it seemed to have lost its significance in the discourse that took place during that fateful press conference. The election participants who started out as foes suddenly were being called on for making a government in case a hung assembly comes on. If one remembers there were numerous television appearances where many Congress spokespersons had claimed of Jayalalitha’s maligned political prowess and that Congress would never make any alliance with her party but now it seems to be convenient for the Congress to do so. Why must it be done? Suddenly it seems Nitish Kumar is an astounding leader of the masses who has the ‘like mindedness’ to be a possible ally for the Congress. And the Left seems to be wooed again on the same lines. Where is the self respect of every party gone? I wonder how a flip flop happens with such suddenness in the public eye. Again the alliance with Trinamool Congress raises eye brows.
We all are very aware of the fact that the Parliament is heading towards a very messy stale mate in terms of the power sharing means between the major national parties. Even BJP is doing no better. With Varun Gandhi drawing heavy crowds and still subtly commanding over sensitive communal issues is as astounding as the BJP support for him when it is speaking heavily for secular forces in the centre. His speeches are littered with distasteful remarks. For a commanding party with such a national presence it seems blasphemous to pitch in non-leaders like him. The Samajwadi Party has no clue of where their agenda is going as they shout off every roof top that any government which assists them in displacing the Mayawati government will have their support. We do seem to have reached a pinnacle of repulsive political diplomacy.
The other convenience is to pitch in there own favourite candidate in the open market of Prime Minister-ship. If Mayawati, with heaven knows what faculty, stakes a claim to the seat, then there is Jayalalitha who harbours such ambitions. Then there is NCP pitching the idea that the time is ripe for a Maharashtrian to become the PM. What absurdity is this? The PM has to represent the country, has to be a national face and not a face that gives vent to regional aspirations, which have to be strictly guarded and shown across. Some of these leaders are firmly regional faces and somehow they wish to have a national impact which is a surprising move over and over.
The agenda’s of the parties seem to border around the fact that we are beggars. Free colour television, rice and wheat at single digit monetary value and other such disastrous conveniences. Is India that poor? And even if we are it is because the money issued to development is lost in the pyramid of heavy corruption which shrouds the administrative bodies. The Samajwadi Party is attempting to stop English language and computers. I am an advocate of increased use of Hindi, our national language, in daily exercise but to stop the use of both these utilities is akin to inviting disaster to strike us while we know it is well on its way. Does less use of computers lead more job creation? I doubt it. Keynesian Economics is still valid in times of recession but this agenda seems to be stretching it too far. Do they think the aam junta is so mindless? With what thought are such agenda’s created and with what face do they manifest such views?
This has by far been the most disheartening election campaign with no issues raised, no worthy manifesto to be shown and most the campaign has centered on a famous soap opera. I cannot possibly blame the low voter turn out considering the lack of interest in the people. This has been the season of some absurd and unacceptable major political convenience. It raises serious question about our political future.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
PREDICTIONS FOR 81ST ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS, 2009
It is time for the most lavish awards to roll out its gifts to another set of winners. Let’s take a peek at the possible winners……….
Best Motion Picture of the Year
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
The predicted winner: Slumdog Millionaire is the clear front runner here. This rags-to-riches tale seems to be the critics delight, the favourite for audiences worldwide and the toast of every award ceremony worth talking about.
Might just make it: The Academy struck a major shock by eliminating Revolutionary Road in favour of Milk among the nominees, still the argument of Slumdog Millionaire remains very strong. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Frost/Nixon are strong contenders. The eventuality of their winning is remote. Still the Academy can throw in surprises… remember Brokeback Mountain.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie, Changeling
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Melissa Leo, Frozen River
Kate Winslet, The Reader
The predicted winner: As always the Academy loves to shock and surprise. This time again, they replaced Kate Winslet’s Golden Globe winning role in Revolutionary Road and nominated her supporting actress winning role in The Reader in the lead category. This ruined her possible historic double win. Nevertheless, this category remains the most exciting in years for there are no clear frontrunners and has the best talents in the industry vying for the grand prize
Anne Hathaway started strong in the early award season scooping every critic’s award possible. The baton then somewhat moved on to Meryl Streep with a strong momentum leading to the Golden Globes. But the Golden Globe Awards put Kate Winslet as the complete front runner. Though she scooped the supporting actress nod for The Reader against different nominees, this still puts her in a higher pedestal. She won the BAFTA on Sunday for The Reader against similar nominees as at the Oscars. The SAG awards went both to Meryl Streep for best actress and Kate Winslet for the best supporting actress. This makes this category all the more unpredictable.
In the battle between the living legend, Streep and the maverick English brilliance, Winslet it will be Streep with the golden statuette but expect a very close finish, a very very close finish in fact.
Might just make it: Anne Hathaway may just surprise the proceedings with her gigantically loved role in Rachel Getting Married. She has vowed most of the critics, just remains to be seen if members of the Academy are vowed. She truly remains the dark horse this season. Expect surprises…..
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Richard Jenkin, The Visitor
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn, Milk
Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
The predicted winner: Though Leonardo Dicaprio remained denied yet again it seems to be a two way battle between Mickey Rourke and Sean Penn. Mickey Rourke who seems to have seen a sudden revival in his drug induced career, seems to be on the higher side of winnings in the popular awards. He won both the Golden Globes and BAFTA but the veteran winner Penn came back strongly to win at the SAG and a host of critics awards.
Expect the Academy to love the underdog, read Rourke but then again past winners have been equally cherished. If it all comes to the end of the wire then Sean Penn will be scooping up another Oscar.
Might just make it: Brad Pitt has flown under the radar for most of the award season for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. He has been nominated every where but has won a couple of critic’s award. Just like Anne Hathaway, he is the dark horse in this category with an added bonus of being a debutant to the Oscar race. Might just break the class ceiling when and where it matters the most….. Who knows?
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams, Doubt
Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis, Doubt
Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler
The predicted winner: This again is an open category and has opened furthur with the absence of Kate Winslet’s nomination for her work in The Reader. In her nonattendance, a three way battle seems to have opened. Penélope Cruz won the BAFTA on Sunday which added further momentum to her ambitions, Amy Adams has had a wonderful innings as a two time nominee and would like to convert her third into a win while Taraji P. Henson has been raved about for her work in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
If all goes well, expect Penélope Cruz to look all pretty with the Oscar, a wonderful gown, a ravishing hairdo and an accented thank you speech.
Might just make it: Viola Davis seems to be making all the right noises for her ten minute appearance in Doubt. She is one who could come all the way and disrupt the happy party for the three front runners. The Academy enjoys breakthrough performances, it might just be the ticket for Viola in the big league.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Josh Brolin, Milk
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
The predicted winner: It’s unanimous, it’s well deserved and it’s almost a sure thing. It’s Heath Ledger for his unfathomable warped performance in The Dark Knight.
Might just make it: Robert Downey Jr. seems to be getting the momentum in his stride and it is a very well deserved nomination but the writing is on the wall and it says The Joker………
Best Achievement in Directing
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Steven Daldry, The Reader
David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant, Milk
The predicted winner: With every award going his way it seems futile to make any predictions. It’s Danny Boyle all the way…………
Might just make it: With Sam Mendes being over looked for Revolutionary Road (another shocker) the field clamped down even more competition. If a second in command has to be nominated it has to be Ron Howard for Frost/Nixon.
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Courtney Hunt, Frozen River
Mike Leigh, Happy-Go-Lucky
Martin McDonagh, In Bruges
Dustin Lance Black, Milk
Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, Jim Reardon, WALL•E
The predicted winner: In Bruges…. Period.
Might just make it: WALL•E and Milk might snare in a competitive look into the winners circle but a win seems highly unlikely.
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Eric Roth, Robin Swicord, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
John Patrick Shanley, Doubt
Peter Morgan, Frost/Nixon
David Hare, The Reader
Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire
The predicted winner: Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire. Take a bow!!!!!!
Might just make it: The Reader and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button might just about play spoilers but in the competitive arena, shockers are far and few in between. Not this time………..
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
Alexandre Desplat, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
James Newton Howard, Defiance
Danny Elfman, Milk
A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire
Thomas Newman, WALL•E
The predicted winner: The envelope reads A.R. Rahman…. This award is for billions. Let us enjoy our moment.
Might just make it: No one seems to be seen this year as competition….
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
A.R. Rahman, Gulzar("Jai Ho"), Slumdog Millionaire
A.R. Rahman, ("O Saya"), Slumdog Millionaire
Peter Gabriel, Thomas Newman("Down to Earth"), WALL•E
The predicted winner: The second envelope should also read A.R. Rahman but hoping that it has Gulzar Saab’s name as well. Jay Jaykar for ‘Jai Ho’………..
Might just make it: WALL•E might just sneak this one away as a consolation prize…….
Best Achievement in Sound
David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce, Mark Weingarten, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ed Novick, Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo, The Dark Knight
Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, Resul Pookutty, Slumdog Millionaire
Tom Myers, Michael Semanick, Ben Burtt, WALL•E
Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño, Petr Forejt, Wanted
The predicted winner: Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, Resul Pookutty will take the Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire. No second doubts………..
Might just make it: The Dark Knight will have to be content with a runner up finish.
Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
Bolt
Kung Fu Panda
WALL•E
The predicted winner: WALL•E! WALL•E! WALL•E! WALL•E! The envelope screams WALL•E…………..
Might just make it: Kung Fu Panda might have an outside chance…
Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
Der Baader Meinhof Komplex (Germany)
Entre les murs (France)
Revanche (Austria)
Okuribito (Japan)
Vals Im Bashir (Israel)
The predicted winner: Critics loved it, and so will the Academy members. It’s Vals Im Bashir from Israel.
Might just make it: Kung Fu Panda might have an outside chance…
Best Motion Picture of the Year
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
The predicted winner: Slumdog Millionaire is the clear front runner here. This rags-to-riches tale seems to be the critics delight, the favourite for audiences worldwide and the toast of every award ceremony worth talking about.
Might just make it: The Academy struck a major shock by eliminating Revolutionary Road in favour of Milk among the nominees, still the argument of Slumdog Millionaire remains very strong. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Frost/Nixon are strong contenders. The eventuality of their winning is remote. Still the Academy can throw in surprises… remember Brokeback Mountain.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie, Changeling
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Melissa Leo, Frozen River
Kate Winslet, The Reader
The predicted winner: As always the Academy loves to shock and surprise. This time again, they replaced Kate Winslet’s Golden Globe winning role in Revolutionary Road and nominated her supporting actress winning role in The Reader in the lead category. This ruined her possible historic double win. Nevertheless, this category remains the most exciting in years for there are no clear frontrunners and has the best talents in the industry vying for the grand prize
Anne Hathaway started strong in the early award season scooping every critic’s award possible. The baton then somewhat moved on to Meryl Streep with a strong momentum leading to the Golden Globes. But the Golden Globe Awards put Kate Winslet as the complete front runner. Though she scooped the supporting actress nod for The Reader against different nominees, this still puts her in a higher pedestal. She won the BAFTA on Sunday for The Reader against similar nominees as at the Oscars. The SAG awards went both to Meryl Streep for best actress and Kate Winslet for the best supporting actress. This makes this category all the more unpredictable.
In the battle between the living legend, Streep and the maverick English brilliance, Winslet it will be Streep with the golden statuette but expect a very close finish, a very very close finish in fact.
Might just make it: Anne Hathaway may just surprise the proceedings with her gigantically loved role in Rachel Getting Married. She has vowed most of the critics, just remains to be seen if members of the Academy are vowed. She truly remains the dark horse this season. Expect surprises…..
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Richard Jenkin, The Visitor
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn, Milk
Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
The predicted winner: Though Leonardo Dicaprio remained denied yet again it seems to be a two way battle between Mickey Rourke and Sean Penn. Mickey Rourke who seems to have seen a sudden revival in his drug induced career, seems to be on the higher side of winnings in the popular awards. He won both the Golden Globes and BAFTA but the veteran winner Penn came back strongly to win at the SAG and a host of critics awards.
Expect the Academy to love the underdog, read Rourke but then again past winners have been equally cherished. If it all comes to the end of the wire then Sean Penn will be scooping up another Oscar.
Might just make it: Brad Pitt has flown under the radar for most of the award season for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. He has been nominated every where but has won a couple of critic’s award. Just like Anne Hathaway, he is the dark horse in this category with an added bonus of being a debutant to the Oscar race. Might just break the class ceiling when and where it matters the most….. Who knows?
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams, Doubt
Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis, Doubt
Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler
The predicted winner: This again is an open category and has opened furthur with the absence of Kate Winslet’s nomination for her work in The Reader. In her nonattendance, a three way battle seems to have opened. Penélope Cruz won the BAFTA on Sunday which added further momentum to her ambitions, Amy Adams has had a wonderful innings as a two time nominee and would like to convert her third into a win while Taraji P. Henson has been raved about for her work in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
If all goes well, expect Penélope Cruz to look all pretty with the Oscar, a wonderful gown, a ravishing hairdo and an accented thank you speech.
Might just make it: Viola Davis seems to be making all the right noises for her ten minute appearance in Doubt. She is one who could come all the way and disrupt the happy party for the three front runners. The Academy enjoys breakthrough performances, it might just be the ticket for Viola in the big league.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Josh Brolin, Milk
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
The predicted winner: It’s unanimous, it’s well deserved and it’s almost a sure thing. It’s Heath Ledger for his unfathomable warped performance in The Dark Knight.
Might just make it: Robert Downey Jr. seems to be getting the momentum in his stride and it is a very well deserved nomination but the writing is on the wall and it says The Joker………
Best Achievement in Directing
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Steven Daldry, The Reader
David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant, Milk
The predicted winner: With every award going his way it seems futile to make any predictions. It’s Danny Boyle all the way…………
Might just make it: With Sam Mendes being over looked for Revolutionary Road (another shocker) the field clamped down even more competition. If a second in command has to be nominated it has to be Ron Howard for Frost/Nixon.
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Courtney Hunt, Frozen River
Mike Leigh, Happy-Go-Lucky
Martin McDonagh, In Bruges
Dustin Lance Black, Milk
Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, Jim Reardon, WALL•E
The predicted winner: In Bruges…. Period.
Might just make it: WALL•E and Milk might snare in a competitive look into the winners circle but a win seems highly unlikely.
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Eric Roth, Robin Swicord, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
John Patrick Shanley, Doubt
Peter Morgan, Frost/Nixon
David Hare, The Reader
Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire
The predicted winner: Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire. Take a bow!!!!!!
Might just make it: The Reader and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button might just about play spoilers but in the competitive arena, shockers are far and few in between. Not this time………..
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
Alexandre Desplat, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
James Newton Howard, Defiance
Danny Elfman, Milk
A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire
Thomas Newman, WALL•E
The predicted winner: The envelope reads A.R. Rahman…. This award is for billions. Let us enjoy our moment.
Might just make it: No one seems to be seen this year as competition….
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
A.R. Rahman, Gulzar("Jai Ho"), Slumdog Millionaire
A.R. Rahman, ("O Saya"), Slumdog Millionaire
Peter Gabriel, Thomas Newman("Down to Earth"), WALL•E
The predicted winner: The second envelope should also read A.R. Rahman but hoping that it has Gulzar Saab’s name as well. Jay Jaykar for ‘Jai Ho’………..
Might just make it: WALL•E might just sneak this one away as a consolation prize…….
Best Achievement in Sound
David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce, Mark Weingarten, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ed Novick, Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo, The Dark Knight
Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, Resul Pookutty, Slumdog Millionaire
Tom Myers, Michael Semanick, Ben Burtt, WALL•E
Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño, Petr Forejt, Wanted
The predicted winner: Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, Resul Pookutty will take the Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire. No second doubts………..
Might just make it: The Dark Knight will have to be content with a runner up finish.
Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
Bolt
Kung Fu Panda
WALL•E
The predicted winner: WALL•E! WALL•E! WALL•E! WALL•E! The envelope screams WALL•E…………..
Might just make it: Kung Fu Panda might have an outside chance…
Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
Der Baader Meinhof Komplex (Germany)
Entre les murs (France)
Revanche (Austria)
Okuribito (Japan)
Vals Im Bashir (Israel)
The predicted winner: Critics loved it, and so will the Academy members. It’s Vals Im Bashir from Israel.
Might just make it: Kung Fu Panda might have an outside chance…
Thursday, January 22, 2009
LET’S SET OUR HOUSE IN ORDER BEFORE WE STEP ON TO MEND SOME ONE ELSE’S
Since the Mumbai attacks, all we have seen is a surge of governmental pressure over Pakistan to hand over the twenty listed terrorists, close the permanently-open-to-attack terror camps and dismantle their intelligence services along with a very liberal dosage of diplomatic and pleasing-to-the-ears backlash. Add to the above an umpteen number of ‘Enough is Enough’ citizen mails which have been dropping onto our mailboxes with the regularity of the wins seen by the Indian cricket team lately.
In the midst of this all, all I want to do is to shout on the top of my lung and ask every single activity on these streamlines to just STOP. Enough with the back lashing, enough with the citizen mails, enough with the you-stop-first diplomacy and finally enough with we-are-the-victims façade. This has been going on for a while now and I believe a collective number of nerves are right at the edge of the wire, mine included.
Let’s first look after our affairs. Let us first make adjustment to our perceptions to our own problems and finally let’s just make a difference in our lives first before bringing an alteration in someone else’s life. It is time we mind our own business rather than make someone else’s business our very own.
We need to realise that rather than blame Pakistan let us first bring about a sea change in our security system. We have to diversify our security measures, make the grades in terms of advancements in technology support and get a firm grip over our strategies. We must stop blaming Pakistan for our tragedies, our short falls and our mistakes. Of course they are going to disagree to our allegation, they will not commit to our demands and they definitely will not owe up to their shortfalls no matter what the evidence. We have to get a grip over our internal circumstances. The diplomatic blame game must stop at this very instance. It is doing us no good. It would serve us well if we divert our attention to getting our security cover up to the bet we can in the given circumstances.
Finally, for the citizen drive we are seeing. It has to stop. All we are doing is giving suggestions which I am sure no one is applying. The high-horse situation must discontinue at the very instance. All we can do is ACT! That is the focal point. How, when and where is question. i mean, we are perpetually in a slumber. No offence but every writer seems to be one among us, still sleeping.
ONE SUGGESTION- Let’s just get our lives right, personally advocate changes in yourself. Do those little things that matter, like switching off lights when not needed, saving water, not litter, take safety measures in our driving methods, not giving aid to corruption even if we have to stand in the line for another few hours or have to jump through loops to get our work done, giving back to the important charities, paying our taxes and being honest in our own lives. And for gods sakes lets not say WE DO ALL THESE THEN WHY DO WE SUFFER! We suffer because we don’t do it right……
Michael Johnson once said- You can practice throwing the ball in to the basket for years, but if you employ the wrong method then no matter the hours you are doing it wrong.
That’s what is happening to us. We want to do the right things but end up trying to do the same the wrong way. So let us set our lives the right way……… We all believe in bringing revolutions but we don’t realise revolution begins only with the self. The thing is revolutions are not manufactured, they are not created my conceited efforts, it just happens when a lot of people sub consciously act the right way for the others to follow.
So first LET US ACT IN OUR OWN LIVES, SET THER HOUSE RIGHT IN OUR HOMES AND THEN WHEN COLLECTIVE HOMES ARE SET RIGHT REVOLUTION WILL BEGIN ON ITS OWN.
LETS ACT IN OUR LIVES FIRST…………… let that be our New Year resolution.
In the midst of this all, all I want to do is to shout on the top of my lung and ask every single activity on these streamlines to just STOP. Enough with the back lashing, enough with the citizen mails, enough with the you-stop-first diplomacy and finally enough with we-are-the-victims façade. This has been going on for a while now and I believe a collective number of nerves are right at the edge of the wire, mine included.
Let’s first look after our affairs. Let us first make adjustment to our perceptions to our own problems and finally let’s just make a difference in our lives first before bringing an alteration in someone else’s life. It is time we mind our own business rather than make someone else’s business our very own.
We need to realise that rather than blame Pakistan let us first bring about a sea change in our security system. We have to diversify our security measures, make the grades in terms of advancements in technology support and get a firm grip over our strategies. We must stop blaming Pakistan for our tragedies, our short falls and our mistakes. Of course they are going to disagree to our allegation, they will not commit to our demands and they definitely will not owe up to their shortfalls no matter what the evidence. We have to get a grip over our internal circumstances. The diplomatic blame game must stop at this very instance. It is doing us no good. It would serve us well if we divert our attention to getting our security cover up to the bet we can in the given circumstances.
Finally, for the citizen drive we are seeing. It has to stop. All we are doing is giving suggestions which I am sure no one is applying. The high-horse situation must discontinue at the very instance. All we can do is ACT! That is the focal point. How, when and where is question. i mean, we are perpetually in a slumber. No offence but every writer seems to be one among us, still sleeping.
ONE SUGGESTION- Let’s just get our lives right, personally advocate changes in yourself. Do those little things that matter, like switching off lights when not needed, saving water, not litter, take safety measures in our driving methods, not giving aid to corruption even if we have to stand in the line for another few hours or have to jump through loops to get our work done, giving back to the important charities, paying our taxes and being honest in our own lives. And for gods sakes lets not say WE DO ALL THESE THEN WHY DO WE SUFFER! We suffer because we don’t do it right……
Michael Johnson once said- You can practice throwing the ball in to the basket for years, but if you employ the wrong method then no matter the hours you are doing it wrong.
That’s what is happening to us. We want to do the right things but end up trying to do the same the wrong way. So let us set our lives the right way……… We all believe in bringing revolutions but we don’t realise revolution begins only with the self. The thing is revolutions are not manufactured, they are not created my conceited efforts, it just happens when a lot of people sub consciously act the right way for the others to follow.
So first LET US ACT IN OUR OWN LIVES, SET THER HOUSE RIGHT IN OUR HOMES AND THEN WHEN COLLECTIVE HOMES ARE SET RIGHT REVOLUTION WILL BEGIN ON ITS OWN.
LETS ACT IN OUR LIVES FIRST…………… let that be our New Year resolution.
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