Business to the Buddha

Tag: Aam Aadmi Party

  • Monk with mobiles!







    Can mobile phones / smart phones make us more spiritual? I asked myself this when I another question stuck my mind – has my ‘attention span’ reduced? This ‘attention span’ question is intriguing. What is the problem of attention span? Well, we lose interest in things happened yesterday. We may just ‘move on’ from any significant hSadhuappening one hour back. The lack of attention span is blamed to the technology and in some cases to the smart mobile phones.

    Before digging this topic further, attention span means – “the length of time for which a person is able to concentrate on a particular activity or subject (without being distracted)”. So in one way it is a problem that we lack concentration. What if we flip the coin and say that is a good thing – why not live in the present.

    A case in point of the same is US presidential election. What I read in news is – whatever frivolous news comes in the forefront, becomes obsolete within few hours. The word ‘frivolous’ in previous sentence is calculated and selective because of the most talked about candidate in election. It is interesting that this ephemeral nature of the news or short attention span can be observed in twitter trends. Any breaking news stuff becomes “what was that?” after few hours. No one seems to care about any ethical question, event or comment. In no time we have a new entertainment (breaking news). The problem is such that grave questions are buried due to short attention span.

    An example in Indian context – ‘Corruption’ was a huge point of discussion three years back. A political party came into existence due to the same. Apparently this party is not willing to take case of corruption seriously now – be it case against former CM of Delhi, CWG, talking about prominent political family or the political party or any other cases of corruption raised by the people associated with this new political party.

    This seems to be true that technology has put us into a situation when we lose interest in everything happening around us in no time. I’m sure in future the duration of lose of interest will be few seconds – sooner or later. Since technology is growing at fast pace, ‘later’ is likely to happen soon, who knows?

    Well does not it mean we – humans – will become more meditative? Because in meditation our effort is to be in present moment. Since, meditation is not ‘doing’ therefore will technology make us so helpless or so efficient that we will effortlessly be in the present moment?

    Effectively, mobiles or the problem of attention span is a two way sword, isn’t it? It is upto us to maximize the utility from it. Would we or the next generation be monk with mobiles?

    Image source – unknown old Google search.

  • Indian Elections – Criminals in politics






    When Anna said once – “I don’t agree to party politics.” I didn’t understand that. During election days I was being very hopeful on good candidates from the opposition parties and hoping they would make it one sided whitewash of ruling parties. Unfortunately I was too optimistic about Indian political system. There are many tainted candidates from all parties who have been in power for so many years. Just to give you a perspective

    Criminals in Election

    Source – ADR report first 6 phases Link

    Note when my friend Vaibhav called to suggest write on elections I said no. He suggested don’t write favoring any party. So this suggestion boils down to what Anna Hazare said. A good way to make Indian political system accountable is voting a non criminal, non corrupt and good candidate at each constituency. Then forget he/she is from which party.

    This will eventually force everyone to put forth better candidates – educated and worth voting for.

  • Indian Elections – Divided we stand Together!






    You should not be surprised when Economists (all educated – PhDs from the USA) are not looking at these expenses; …they are saying that this is an inflow of money from Swiss banks so this is boosting Indian economy! Markets are anyways touching high almost every second day [Pun Intended].

    One of my friends – Vaibhav – called me last week. He said someone (Lets call him Ravi) came canvassing for a political party to him. Viabhav asked me if I can write something on Indian Politics! I plainly rejected saying my blogs relate to Business and Spirituality I wont write on politics.

    Economist'sHe further persuaded me, said- (Vaibhav speaks) let me give you my example, I said to Ravi – I am supporting who will form Govt! Ravi told me “good, are you sure you support criminals in politics, do you find corruption as chalta hai!…” Vaibhav said “no!” Ravi – than what is your take? Will you vote for corruption, criminals!”

    Vaibhav continued over phone “Pravin, it made me think. I shall vote for what I think is right even if that person loses election. Why dont you write?” I still said – no to political blog, I am favoring a better India, not any political party. Everyone must have their plans for a better India. Every party has different priority, we should respect each one. Vaibhav said do not write in favor of any party per se, ask people to vote for what they feel as right not necessarily for any party.

    Today I voted, so thought that I should speak my mind out.

    Earlier I have written on various topics closely related to governments, economy and corruptions. All these include crony capitalism as well (perhaps subtly). How can these big parties invest so much on election? Who funds them and what is the part in the flesh (of these invisible hands) in future policy making? According to news the Ad expense itself is in Crs ref Hindustan Times News! Forget about ground activities such as rallies, printing of leaflets and air travel of netas (buying votes by cash/liquor) etc. You should not be surprised when Economists (all educated – PhDs from the USA) are not looking at these expenses; perhaps they are saying that this is an inflow of money from Swiss banks so this is boosting Indian economy! Markets are anyways touching high almost every second day [Pun Intended].

    What I see in the current Indian political system is – lack of effective opposition. It is evident that the government also realized it. The UPA government has talked about everything except Janlokpal bill in 2011. Passed a weak bill (just to garner votes in 2013 state election & general election now). If we look at 2011 at various occasions Govt spoken to malign those who want to stand against corruption. The list includes – Anna Hazare, Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal (his wife) and Sri Sri.

    It has been observed that CBI can VERY efficiently work against those who can be threats to Govt. but CBI FAILS miserably to Find facts, File cases and Finish the proceeding against any political parties. It simply proves the current system does not work. I asked myself few questions about two years back – Will Mr Raja contest next election? Will Mr Sibal contest? Mr Digvijay Singh had been finishing his 10 years “Sanyas” after a comprehensive (Bijli, Sadak, Pani) MP Defeat, would he contest next Lok Sabha elections? All are answered now.

    Corruption has become talk of the history. No one speaks as passionately against corruption as we – citizen of India – voiced in 2011. The reason is simple – we are divided by political parties – we all want things to change, we do not want to change our narrow focus of political affiliation!