GOOD MO (U) RNING!

Every morning, I sift through about sixteen news papers. I am not describing this to claim anything, but it has become a daily routine for me for the past many years. Amongst Kannada news papers, I read Kannada Prabha, Praja vani, Vijay Karnataka, Samyuktha Karnataka, Udaya Vani and Hosadigantha while in English news papers, I start with Mint followed by Economic times, DNA, Deccan Chronicle, Times of India, Indian Express, Deccan Herald and The Hindu.

Occasionally, a strange thought occurs to me that on most of the days, none of the news papers greet “good morning” to me. Instead, they seem to compete each other to say ‘good mourning’! It was the same experience this morning too.

Was it a selective refusal by the media to handover that one positive and elusive Good News to the citizen of Karnataka who is reeling under the theatre of absurdity of State’s Political drama.

Yes, today’s Good News is that our State of Karnataka has achieved the SECOND place after Gujarat in a list released in Delhi yesterday. This achievement is in the fruitful implementation of UPA’s 20 point program that focuses on poverty eradication and rural development schemes.

Congress is leading the UPA government at the Centre. But, the BJP ruled states are in the first four positions. Gujarat stands at the top while Karnataka, Jharkhand and Punjab are at 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions respectively.

The ambitious Twenty Point Program scheme was launched by late Indira Gandhi in 1975 and restructured in 2006 with the focus on improving the living standards of the poor and down trodden section of Society. The important thing is, this review was conducted by the Union Ministry of Statistics and program implementation.

Yes, good news may not be considered worthy news. Because it may not be ‘breaking’! I came across this info as a small news item in the page 10 of Times of India and reasonably prominent in Kannada prabha. And that’s it.

Rahul Gandhi travelling in sleeper a coach has more ‘appeal’ than this not so appealing developmental achievement.

S.Sureshkumar

New writeup in Vijay karnataka- 27-10-2010

Hi,

My column on the past fortnight’s sad events has been published in today’s Vijay Karnataka. Resort sojourn by the MLA’s, riotous Assembly proceedings, rumours about purchase and black mailing of public representatives, AND in the midst of all these same oasis attitudes. Please read on. 

S.Sureshkumar

SUCCESS TAKES EFFORT TO ACHIEVE- AN INSTANCE OF A WELL MANAGED SHOW

Regardless of how you define success, it takes effort to achieve it.  Sincere, dedicated effort I mean. That too, if it is an event organized by a Government machinery, it takes that much more effort to make success a reality! Red-tapism, political interference, lack of immediate accountability, all such things prove an impediment for any ambitious program to become a reality in a government set up.  

I am mentioning about this year’s Dasara festivities at Mysore. It had all the stumbling blocks, the confines of course.. Yet, the State sponsored festival, is an astounding success this year. Successful because, it was more of a people’s festival managed more efficiently.

Like any other year, well ahead of preparations of Dasara, a planned setup was put in place. The difference was sticking to that plan and execution. As part of preparations, there were loads of suggestions taken from the common man, senior citizen, former and present people’s representatives, literatterus, veteran journalists, and alike to make Dasara more colorful and distinctive not compromising on the traditional flavor. It was ensured that most of the sensible suggestions are implemented in true spirit. I am happier, that even after me relinquishing the position as District In-charge Minister of Mysore, my successor Mr.Ramadas has carried on with the spirit to a logical conclusion.

When I was given the responsibility to implement this year’s Dasara, I had my task cut out.  My foremost desire was to make it more a people’s festival.. Simpler in approach, sophisticated in implementation. It was a journey; I took to Mysore by train too to garner some suggestions on improvising Dasara this time. Some of the firsts that added up to the fervor of the festivity this time are here.

• Uttarakhand is a State which hosts Kumbh mela. The mela has become more famous by its elegant administration. To a State with  just a 15 million population, an approximate 80 million people had visited this year’s Kumbh mela sans any security lapse. No one commented about overbearing government administration. Fascinated, it prompted me to speak to the Chief Minister of that State, Mr.Ramesh Pokhriyal. I wanted a people friendly police for this Dasara at  our own Mysore too. Uttarakhand administration was kind enough to send their DIG to share their experience with our police. Our police force deployed for Dasara festivities were given a thread bare training to be more generous and people friendly. Result; there were no security problems and no complaints from people too. In fact, Times of India wrote an exclusive story on this changed image of our Police.
• There was also DASARA THALI- a special menu for all those who visit hotels in Mysore during the festival time. Hotel associations were kind enough to provide sumptuous food at a very low price.
• We had put a blanket ban on the posters and the flexes in and around the place of celebration. This was well received.
• It was a conscious decision not to carry the pictures of any politician except the Chief Minister on all the posters, banners and buntings that are put up at the designated public places and those released to media. This was implemented in true spirit.
• ‘Kingdoms that ruled Karnataka’ was the theme that was decided for Tableus that were to be put for procession. It was decided well ahead of time. We had a video conference with all the District Administrations too and explained about this concept.  When I watched them on TV’s yesterday, the scene was really colorful and attractive.
• Manaranjana Dasara was a new event organized this time which show cased some real good local talents too. Yuva Dasara was also a hit considering hundreds of youth actively participating in it.
• Balarama has been the cynosure of all eyes during the famous Dasara Procession. It was one of the longstanding demands that the 750 kg Ambari (howdah) need not be put on his back as early as two hours before the start of the march and make the poor animal to suffer. This was taken in right spirit. And this year Ambari was placed on Balarama just few minutes before the green signal and he was saved from the unnecessary torture.
• There were not many political speeches involved and importance was given to the events and their success. 

Many such newer initiatives, more people friendly and lesser political influence were tried this time which really collaged well to bring more fame to our prized festival. Behind all this success, there was an effort which deserves appreciation. It was a commitment by the District administration, the Police force and political leaders, who co-operated by whole heartedly agreeing to the above said changes.

Although I was not involved in the final moments of this Dasara, the professional management of the show has given me a great satisfaction that reinstates people’s belief in the system. My heartfelt acknowledgments to all those who were part of this grand success!

S.Sureshkumar

CAN WE VIEW POLITICS DISTINCT FROM THE GOVERNANCE? NEED OF THE HOUR

The Assembly ruckus of last week was replaced by diligence and pragmatism yesterday. We proved that, we too have “good behavior”!  Thankfully, Opposition friends too were actively involved and were gracious enough to accept the verdict! Behind smooth conduct of yesterday’s proceedings, there were elaborate security arrangements. Hundreds of white clad marshals were all in place ready to face revolt either physically or verbally. They had the ‘noble’ responsibility to keep the House in order by politely shifting the nonsense creators out of the House, meanwhile silently encountering any kind of chagrins by them.

 

It set me thinking, for whose good all these arrangements? Members of Legislature are law makers in literal sense; they have the vested authority to lead the common man, frame the laws, so that the Society looks up to progression. Look at the paradox. The System weeps silently for a protection from their impatient fury!

What we are repeatedly witnessing from politicians these days is the relentless wielding of strings of power wagon to their personal agendas, which otherwise should have been a tool to build the Society. I am afraid we are increasingly crossing “Lakshman Rekha” of power and seem to be leading people only through negative examples.

The last Monday’s action and the reactions that were reported later in media and elsewhere have only delinked the already weakened chain of trust between the common man and his representative. The ghastly scenes of a member who was a Minister just a fortnight ago tearing off his shirt and expressing his mouthful of anguish standing atop the benches and few others kicking the doors of the August House by threatening the duty bound Police, will surely be remembered by the people for a longer time. Mind you these ‘galattas’ were not for upholding the common man’s right, instead they were for the sake of ….. ..!  Can the persons representing people behave in such a despicable manner? Have they been authorized by people authorized to conduct this way?

It’s a typical case of people knowing more about their rights but never want to be controlled by rules and regulations. It is high time, the political leaders think and start finding out the real remedy, lest these wounds fester further and swallow the whole of remaining minimum.

Depressingly, Governance again takes a complete backseat by the tumultuous petty politics. My sentiments are with those who are deeply distressed and disturbed.

S.Sureshkumar

AN INSTANCE OF STRUGGLE AND SUCCESS-13-10-2010

 Hi,

This is an instance of struggle paying off. 'Chiranjeevi' a young lad has rechristened success for himself by toiling hard amidst a non-conducive atmosphere. I only wish it motivates present day youngsters to pursue their goals to success. Pls read my new article in today's Vijaykarnataka

S.Sureshkumar

INDIA UNITES!

Allahabad High Court verdict is unique in nature. It might have generated mixed feelings. BUT it has certainly succeeded in NOT generating any wild repulsion.

It is a good sign of a matured (some may term it as maturing or forcibly matured) leadership. The reactions too of the political and religious leadership are simply – sober in nature.

Media has also refreshingly behaved in an exemplary manner exhibiting lot of restraint. Today’s Economic Times banner Headline has succeeded in communicating the mood of the nation in just four words. LAND DIVIDED, INDIA UNITED- best explain the verdict. It is a classic example of how a headline should be. It is catchy, meaningful and tells everything. Similarly, Deccan Chronicle too has come up very creative “JUDGES DIVIDE AYODHYA TO UNITE INDIA” – Just excellent.

In total, the verdict – though delayed but not totally denied – the Reactions of the leadership across the Country, the coverage by the media- have shown that we have grown sensitive, as well as sensible.

Hope this mindset spreads!  

NEW ARTICLE IN VIJAYKARNATAKA 28-9-2010

Hi,

Intelligent youth of present day are increasingly becoming cynical because of the incidents amongst us. This is more decelerating for the nation as a whole. In the midst of this absolute cynicism, we often find, marvels such as E.Sridharan aka Metro Sridharan, who defy their age and go on to prove themselves forever. Any amount of acclaim is not sufficient for people like Sridharan.

Should not the present youth consider people like him as true role models? Pls read my writeup appeared in today's Vijay Karnataka.

Best

S.Sureshkuamr

A reward of ultimate contentment!

That was a little effort, which succeeded in bringing smiles on the faces of those little kids. I know, they were the smiles of absolute contentment.

As part of my follow up of Dasara preparations, I was in Mysore yesterday.  After a host of meetings, it was around three in the afternoon, we went to Chamundi hills to oversee the plans afoot. In the midst of the discussions with Officers, I happened to see a bunch of School children with their teachers wearily looking at us. 200 children, all of them had come to Mysore from different government schools of Turuvekere taluk of Tumkur district as part of their “CHINNARA PRAVASA” an annual program, every school follows as part of its curriculum. Although, there was an excitement on those little faces, I somehow felt the smiles were incomplete. In fact, the teachers and those children had even a photo snap session with me. I spoke to some of them, and tried to know the reason for those incomplete smiles.  It was only when I insisted, I came to know, that these kids were starving for food for quite some time as already the DASOHA timings were ended. DASOHA is a daily ritual organized by the temple authorities for all and sundry who visit the place. The teachers had a plan to reach the place early, take darshan of deity as soon as possible and get food for their students there itself. All their plans had taken for a toss as they had come little late. As many as 200 poor children, they could not afford hotels too. And the result, children were left high and dry! The scene of those starving hapless kids and helpless teachers was heartrending.  Stirred, I called up the temple authorities and instructed that these children had to be taken care of immediately.

Half an hour, the children were sitting before the plates relishing the much needed food.  I went up to them curiously to just see if the smiles were back on their faces. Glittering, yes few of them were so excited; they reached up to me and said "thank you" in their own innocent ways. The contentment on those innocent faces was really relieving for me and left me in high spirits for the rest of the day.

These kinds of incidents are all the more rewarding more than any other things!

DISEASED MINDS IN THE SYSTEM GIVE A JOLT TO COMMON MAN- An instance of message sent well

Each district of the State has an In-charge Minister. Presently, I look after Tumkur and Mysore districts. Once in three months, I review the progress of developmental works happening in the respective Districts, in what is known as KDP meeting. MLAs , MLC’s, MPs, Zilla Panchayat President, members, and all officers participate in the meeting.

Yesterday (31.8.10) I was in Tumkur to chair one such KDP meeting. We took up many issues, reviewed Action Taken Reports for the decisions taken during previous meeting, and directed specific actions on various subjects... It was an intense meeting which stretched beyond 5 hours.

Right after the meeting press friends asked few questions which went on well too. Just when I was busy answering, a Journalist came up to me with an issue which made me really furious. He disclosed the indecent attitude of an Executive Officer of a Taluk, who had come to attend the meeting. While everyone is supposed to be all his ears in an important meeting as this, this Officer was quite aloof ‘enjoying’ lewd pictures of females on his mobile. As a proof of it, the Journalist showed the scene caught on his camera.

It left me wild and annoyed. I went up to him, clasped his mobile, handed it over to the Police and later questioned him for his indecent behavior. In jitters, he was shocked. The sudden trap, left him dumbfounds. Obviously, he couldn’t defend himself. A man in his late forties he was, as an Executive Officer, has the serious responsibility of overseeing all the development works of a Taluk. But he must have felt, this meeting was not for him, instead was a time to derive this kind of boorish contentment. My irritation knew no bounds. I took him to task, and thankfully, I could restrain my anger. I decided to suspend him immediately, and ordered for an enquiry.

But that didn’t leave me satisfied at all. What is more afflicting is the growing tribe of such cranky, morally insensitive and otherwise corrupt babus which is increasingly proving a bane for the Government machinery and in turn for the Society. It pains even more, to mention, common man too is not taking these kinds of issues seriously as well and instead treats this as just a matter of joke.

I believe all the Political leaders, should at least resolve to proceed against such characters and never to shield such perverts. The Society is keen to see people at the helm with foresight, savvy, and if possible, some accountability. It is a daunting task, yet, we must revisit to retain our societal sanity.

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS OF PUBLIC LIFE

I have to share a very funny, yet an embarrassing experience. The other day, I was in Mysore to oversee Dasara preparations, as well as to attend a host of functions. One of them was a program organized by Journalists association at 12.30 PM. His Excellency Governor of Karnataka was to inaugurate it.

In the early hours of the day, I visited the Destitute Rehabilitation Centre which is commonly termed as Beggars relief Centre, along with DC, Police Commissioner, Corporation Commissioner and other authorities. After speaking to the inmates, and taking stock of the situation, we announced some major systemic correction measures. Later on, we proceeded to inspect Dasara procession route, from Palace to Banni Mantap. Still more time left, we went to inspect Project sites. It was around 12.15 then, when I started heading towards the Journalists program venue.

Even at that time, I didn’t have an iota of idea, that I would be a victim of the faux pas in a few moments from then. The Pilot whose Vehicle were we following, took us to the program venue. It was already 3 minutes late. I rushed inside to reach the Stage. His Excellency, Governor was seated on the dais already. Besides him was the revered Swamiji of Pejavar Mutt. This was more of a surprise for me as Pejawar Mutt Swamiji’s name was not mentioned in the invitation card that I had seen earlier. Stifling my growing surprise, I took blessings of Swamiji and apologized to Governor for having come late by three minutes. I shared the dais with them, and glanced at the invitation card that was kept there. It was a literal shock.

That was not the function I was supposed to attend! It was a Sanskrit Language related function, which was chaired by Swamiji as well as the Governor. This program, which was scheduled to commence at 11 AM had started at 12.30 as Governor was late. The Organizers were also surprised by my uninvited arrival. (Pleasantly surprised I believe!) For me, it was confusing, embarrassing and unease to sit through that uninvited and unexpected function.

Ultimately, our Program of Press day, started at 2 in the afternoon, instead of 12.30 PM. It was a real fauxpass although unwitting!

All this confusion and the embarrassment was thanks to Police Pilot, who just took me to the function, where Governor attended without trying to know the one, which I was supposed to attend along with the Governor.

Public life brings you many such unforeseen happenings which many persons of my ilk would have experienced too!

S.SURESHKUMAR

Karyakartha for a political Party- New Article in Vijaykarnataka- 18-8-2010

Hi, 

'Karyakartha' of Political Parties who is supposed to be their backbone is fast losing his importance in the present murky 'political Setup'. "Followers" are eclipsing "Karyakarthas" while the latter's importance really matters at any given point of time. Hence the gap between the politicians and the common man is widening like never before. Before it spells doom for the Political Parties, its high time, they woke up to the reality and nurture this prized possession. Pls read my write up appeared in today's Vijay Karnataka. I would be keen to know your comments.

S.SURESHKUMAR

APPEAL TO POLITICIANS on 15th AUGUST

One the eve of this Independance day, I wrote a letter appealing to all my fellow politicians to do away with mud-slinging each other atleast on this pious occassion. Vijay Karnataka today carries a relevant writeup too.

S.Sureshkumar

ARTICLE IN TODAY's KANNADAPRABHA

I have written an article in today's Kannadaprabha about the much talked about Mining issue in the State of late. I have advocated the need of framing a national policy which would give the issue a lasting solution. Pls read and offer your comments

S.SURESHKUMAR

VIJAY KARNATAKA 4-8-2010

Hi,

This is an article published in today's Vijaykarnataka. Personal pains take a backseat when the professional commitment matters. There are certain people who remain equanimous in spite of personal ordeals and continue to excel in their fields. Our own Chief Secretary of State, Mr SV Ranganath is one such exception. Pls read on

S.Sureshkumar

NEW ARTICLE IN VIJAY KARNATAKA 21-7-2010

This is another article appeared in today's Vijay Karnataka.. Commitment to your work matters however tiny your responsibility might be. Here is a person namely Mukundan who is one such example. We have so much to learn from him!

S.SURESHKUMAR

ONE MORE TIME TO INTROSPECT!

Today, I really felt, what I shouldn’t have. An ordeal is finally over. The Legislative session, which was planned to last till the end of this month, was indefinitely adjourned today. After a hard week, three things still leave me depressed.

· An English daily, today had carried a front page photo of few honorable members of Legislative Council standing atop the tables of the imperial house, demanding a CBI enquiry, while the whole scene bewilderingly looked upon by a group of young school going children from the visitors’ gallery who were brought to witness the proceedings. It left me pondering, as to what impression these young and naïve minds might have carried home after witnessing the whole scene. After all, each one of them had come to gain knowledge of how peoples’ representatives would “voice” the aspirations of Society. They must be puzzled, while their teachers make only an erring student stand atop the bench, how come, these people stand on the tables to prove a point! The photo didn’t greet me a good morning!
· About 18 legislations and a budget of over 70000 crore rupees were approved today without any participation of the Legislature. Opposition friends refused to take part in the debate and instead engaged themselves in high decibel sloganeering. Today was the fifth day of that unfortunate exhibition. For the people outside, it appeared a pure and simple mockery of sorts.
· I owe myself to RSS since my childhood days. In fact, I was a spirited worker of Jansangh since my high school days. RSS and Jansangh have shaped my career. I am always proud to identify myself with my Organisation because of its distinct nationalistic character. I was in silent tears today, when I had to hear the outcry of opposition members in both the houses abusing my Party. “Gali Gali mein Shor hai.. BJP chor hai”, “ಸಾವಿರಾರು ಕೋಟಿ, ಬಿ ಜೆ ಪಿ ಲೂಟಿ..” I never anticipated that in my life, my Party will become a recipient of such epithets..

People in general are already unhappy about overall behavior of legislators. Their trust in our dedication to societal cause is fast receding. Is it not that time for my entire legislator friends to introspect (introspect again!) ?

I for one, have always been a staunch lover of Parliamentary etiquettes. Incidentally I’m the Minister for Law and Parliamentary affairs too. I had a strong desire to make legislative sessions more meaningful and purposeful.

But this time, alas, that was not to be.

Yes, I am dejected and despaired. May be, I too had my own contribution in this whole affair. But unwittingly for sure.

On behalf of all the legislators, my sincere apologies lie with the common man.

- S.Sureshkumar

VIJAYKARNATAKA 13-7-2010

This is an article appeared in Vijaykarnataka dated 12-7-2010. Let the enjoyment of reading be yours!

S.Sureshkumar

CHIRA YAVVANIGARENDARE IVARALLAVENU?

This one must be an eye opener for the "aged" youth amongst us. There are many spirited elders between us who defy their age and carry on with their noble activities.What bothers our youth to think out of box and contribute themselves to society? Pls read my article appeared in Vijay Karnataka dated 7-7-2010. Would you mind offering comments?

S.SURESHKUMAR

WHERE HELPLESS AND VOICELESS GET HURT FOR NO FAULT OF THEIRS

Yesterday afternoon, as I traveled to Chiknaykanahalli of Tumkur dt, a little dog was unexpectedly hit by a car travelling in the opposite direction. Oh! It literally shook my conscience.. When that mongrel was running amok shocked, confused and weak, after it was hit, I could literally feel its pain. Although it was an “accident”, it left me wondering, as to how innocent helpless creatures get hurt for no fault of theirs and doesn’t have voice to protest.. and doesn’t have voice to revolt either.. It really took some time for me to get back to my moods. 

In fact, I was on my way to Gopalapura village near Huliyar of Chiknaykanahalli taluk where a “voiceless” female was beaten to death on that fateful day of 28th June. Honnamma was a dalit woman who identified herself with a Political Party and was earlier known for her rather fearlessness and rude behavior. It obviously attracted many rivals for her throughout the time. But anyone would agree, that shouldn’t have resulted in her brutal assassination. Do you want to know how the female was beaten to death? Her rivals who were around 15-20 men, dragged her out of her place, dumped her in a drain, dropped heavy boulders on her ,enjoyed her screaming with crucifying pain for quite some time.. When her screech became more and more feeble and down, those “mighty men” presumed, she was dead and started leaving the place. Honnamma who still had little lifeblood left in herself, regained consciousness and pleaded for water. Realizing that she was still alive, the “mighty men” came back, dumped her in a larger pit, and threw stones at her till the wind was taken out of her sails. 

It looks like a scene straight out of an action movie..But it was not to be. Police getting in to the scene afterwards and taking those involved in to custody is a different matter altogether. But if one comes to know it’s real and done, the affliction and the discomfort it leaves in an emotional heart is really upsetting. How helpless people get hurt for no fault of theirs and doesn’t have voice to protest.. and doesn’t have voice to revolt either.. Where is our Society up to? Can it be dared to define this as “stone age”?!

ARTICLE IN VIJAYKARNATAKA 23-6-10

When Politics is for development there is no reason why our Country shouldn't march ahead.. Last fortnight, my experience with many representatives of progressive states finds a mention in today's article. Pls read on to offer your views.

S.SURESHKUMAR