I want to be....

The other day I asked my neighbor's son - who is studying in 10th standard - about his future plans. He looked a bit concerned and said "I wanted to be a computer engineer, but now that there is no IT boom, I am thinking of studying M.B.B.S and become a doctor."

Most high school students and surprisingly even their parents know of only two career options, engineering and medicine. Students are not even aware of career opportunities in other fields like economics, journalism, science etc. They choose their career not based on their interest and aptitude, but on parental pressure and herd mentality. This has to stop if India has to fully utilize the potential of its human resources.

To start with, students have to be made aware of the career options in different fields. This can be done by changing the academic curriculum in such a way that it focuses more on the practical applications of the subject. The teachers also have to play an important role in making the students cognizant of the career options in their subjects.

Secondly, it must be mandatory for all schools to have a career counselor, who can work with the student to identify his/her strength and weaknesses and help in making an informed decision about their career choices. Though some schools do have career counselors, a majority of them don’t have one.

Thirdly and perhaps the most important of all; the parents should encourage the child to pursue a career of his own interest. Most parents either realize their dreams through their children or are just ignorant about the career opportunities in their child’s interested field. In the latter case, the counselor has to proactively interact with them to remove their any of their misconceptions.

Human resources are the most important asset any country can have; India is fortunate to have it in abundance, but their utilization leaves a lot to be desired.

Should Capt.Gopinath contest ?

Captain Gopinath is contesting for the Lok sabha seat from the Bangalore south constituency. Opinion is divided as to whether he should contest at all? Even if selected, will he have sufficient clout to effect any policy decisions ?

I for one believe that Gopinath should contest. If he wins, it will be a watershed event in Indian politics. Politics has always been considered a dirty game, especially by the educated elite. It is something which is discussed over a cup of coffee and forgotten even before the cup is over. Gopinath's victory will prove that being an successful businessman doesn't stop you from entering politics, it doesn't alienate you from the common people. The entrepreneur community consists of some of the shrewdest brains in the country; their entry into politics will immensely help India in addressing some important issues before it like poverty, unemployment etc.

Many argue that even if Gopinath is elected, as an independent candidate he will not have the necessary clout to influence any major policy decisions. This may be true, but lets not take such a myopic view. He may not be able to influence any major decisions in the next five years, but as an MP, his point of view will be heard and more importantly it will inspire more and more people to enter politics. Someone has to start somewhere and we should think of it, as just the beginning.

Eminent personalities like Narayan Murthy, chief mentor of Infosys, have openly advocated the candidature of Gopinath. A victory for Gopinath will not be just for him, but for an entire community disillusioned with politics. I sincerely hope that Gopinath wins and pave the way for a new breed to people to enter politics.

Arzz Kiya hai....

जिंदगी की राह पर चल पड़े थे मंजिल की ओर,
हर मंजिल के बाद, मंजिल मंजिल न रही,
हम हम न रहे

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हम तो चले थे बांटने लोगों में प्यार,
लोग हमें प्यार की कीमत पूंछने लगे

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Deal or no Deal ?

Deal or no Deal ? This is the question in everybody's mind before the crucial vote of confidence for the UPA government. Several people have been exposed and several have been a revelation in the events preceding this crucial vote.

For once, the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was described as the weakest Indian PM ever by the opposition leader L.K Advani, did not look so weak. He demonstrated a tremendous political will by not only taking the Left head on, but also in his efforts to save the government, through his hitherto unknown political acumen.

Everybody expected this from the Left, didn't we ? I sometimes feel that Prakash Karat has just woken up from coma after 30 long years. His thinking, idealogies and actions, all seem to be from the period of cold war. His hatred for America even makes Ian Botham and Ian Chappel seem as lovers.

If at all there is an award to be given for the most oppurtunistic political party, there will be a very close race between SP and BSP. Seeing its powers getting diminished in its home state of Uttar Pradesh, SP has once again tied up with its old foe Congress.How long this alliance will last, is a question which only time can answer. Mayawati, on the other hand has found a small opening to fulfill the ultimate dream of any politician, to be the Prime minister of India. Though her dream may be far from reality, she definitely has made her intentions clear.

The one party which has probably disappointed the most is BJP. L.K Advani has realised that this may be his last chance to be the Prime minister of India and thus they are opposing the deal which even they know is good for the country. When BJP first got into prominence in the national politics, they were seen as the party with a difference. Now, the difference has finally vanished.

The nuclear deal fiasco has again brought the dirty politics into fore.But again, rather than blaming the politicians we show ask the question, who sent them into the parliament ?

Bombaat- Mano Murthy shines again

Mano Murthy has been instrumental in doing a face lift for Kannada film music in recent years. Be it "America America", "Amritadhare" or the peerless "Mungaru Male", he has done some of the best works in Kannada film industry.

Mano Murthy has again hit the right notes with Bombaat. It has some truly melodious songs sung wonderfully well by Sonu Nigam and Co. "Mathenalli Helaranenu" is my favorite song from the movie sung by Sonu Nigam. The lyrics by Jayant Kaikini are superb, as usual. The female version of the song is sung by another Mano Murthy favorite, Sherya Ghoshal. She has sung it beautifully and with some subtle variations from the male version, it adds a different flavour to the song. Rajesh and Supriya have sung the song "Strawberry Kenne". With simple lyrics and simple music, it is a sweet innocent song which you will definitely enjoy listening to. "Chinna Hele Hegiruve" and "I am so Bombaat" complete the list of the songs.

All the songs are enjoyable and I hope the film is equally good. Great work Sir, you are really doing a great service to Kannada music.