Oil price hike in India… a pinch impossible to skip

While the opposition party called it a ‘black day’ and ‘terror unleashed by the government’ and other fragments of the ruling party like the communist party calling it a suicidal move, the common man waited with bathed breath for the prices to rise!

The price rise that was enforced all over India was certainly not a happy decision for the government either but I think we as citizens of India need to look at the rise rationally rather than blindly following the political opportunists and take a shortsighted stand!

I applaud the PM’s unusual gesture of addressing the nation and explaining the price rise. It shows that our PM considers himself accountable for all the important decisions his government takes and he explained very clearly and precisely the reasons for the rise and the other steps taken by the government to soften the blow.

There were a few sections of media who said that the PM had not been aggressive enough in defending his decision! I don’t see a reason for him to be aggressive. This is an issue that is going to hit the common man directly and adversely, he believed he was accountable for this and hence presented his case to the public. I believe if he had been aggressive it would have given an impression of being defensive and trying to hide the real motive behind the move, which would have certainly not convinced many!

Lets face it, we have been hearing the oil prices skyrocketing in the world market over the last few years, it would be impossible for any government to share the entire burden while the consumer remained ignorant and enjoyed the bliss. Also with our booming economy we have been rather reckless in our fuel consumption. It is high time we become answerable to ourselves and share a fair share of blame.

A simple look at the monthly statistics of vehicle dealer would be enough to confirm that we have been responsible for higher oil imports over a prolonged period. Starting with simple ways of reducing fuel consumption would certainly go a long way.

Pune University sets up its campus in Dubai

Pune University is to be the first state university to set up its campus abroad, and that place being Dubai. With 30 courses being offered in the Dubai campus it is a stupendous effort for a state university.

The campus to be functional from the coming academic year brings hope to many as they would get quality education without having to leave their country. We have had many universities having tie- ups with Indian colleges to give foreign degrees but this effort of setting up a division abroad in itself is unique and commendable.

The faculty is to be local with University faculty being flown in as and when necessary. Such efforts reinforce the effects and spread of globalization. Kudos to Pune University for a great effort.

Marathi manoos v/s North Indian

In the wake of recent events, unfolding in Mumbai that centered around the so- called Marathi manoos sentiments, I was left with an uneasy and unsettling feeling…

The Pune I know is called the Oxford of the East. Students not only from all over India but from many parts of the world come to Pune to pursue higher studies. Pune is known to be a city of intellectuals and rational thinkers, then how can there be sporadic violence’s in Pune and that too to protest the presence of people from other states?

After the political parties decided to play their cards based on ‘Marathi Manoos’ sentiments protesting that North Indians are taking over their jobs or crushing the Marathi culture, I was shocked to see the violent incidents in Mumbai, Pune and many interiors in Maharashtra. Wasn’t it our fundamental right to be able to move in any part of the country or settle down in any place without any fear? Aren’t we Indian’s first? How is it that we have never protested about huge number of illegal migrants from Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries settling in India but can’t tolerate Indian’s moving to neighbouring states? Isn’t India supposed to depict Unity in Diversity?

Why were the poor people who earn their living by selling snacks at the chowpaty or people at the low ends of the economy structure targeted to show the Marathi unrest? I am a proud Maharastrian, but I can’t see the rational of such vandalism acts. What are these political parties opposing?

Is it the mere presence of people from different states?
Is it the cultural difference?
Is it the irregularities or other forms of unlawful acts?

If it is the mere presence of people from different states- Then many Maharashtrians have settled in other parts of the country and abroad. Should they also face similar consequences and return to the city? They could be spread for various reasons- jobs, education or better opportunities. If they are asked to return back bcoz MNS has taken this stand, is MNS going to compensate them?

If it is the cultural difference – Then Maharastrian’s staying in other states also follow their culture, doesn’t that mount up to cultural difference?

If it is the irregularities or other forms of unlawful acts – then isn’t the government mechanism to be blamed more than the immigrants? If we are strict with corruption, unlawful acts and any other form of violation can’t it be curbed.
Who are they trying to fool by saying this crap. Marathi’s don’t need this and Maharashtra certainly does not deserve to be labeled as despotic or irrational.