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Saturday, November 29, 2008

WOULD WE BE ABLE TO DEFEAT TERRORISM

Indian Commandos have been able to defeat the terrorists. Kudos to them! The Government of India never tried to negotiate with the terrorists unlike on previous few occasions. It was befitting reply that terrorism cannot be negotiated. Our commandos have done a tremendous job. But would our government and civil society now be able to eradicate the terrorism from our nation ? I hope for the best but do not like to believe that people are capable of challenging the terror. .The main reason is that our beloved country is a fragmented nation and is full of dichotomy. Neither our social leaders nor our political leaders can get united to voice in unison against terrorism. Everyone has his own axe to grind.

Has any group from our country said, irrespective of caste,creed and religion ,that we will never allow the terrorists to overcome us whether it is in India, Israel, Thailand or America or any part of the world? None ? Even our leaders have to think twice to demonstrate an united face even at the time of national catastrophe like terrorism. No two religions will also combine to even loudly protest. Hindus would think of Krishna, Christian reaches for God and Muslims seek asylum in Islam before even words of condemnation are uttered against terrorism .

Terrorism had started at first as an ideology to win over control of geographical area. Now terrorism have become a profession.Terrorists have no caste creed or religion .They are killers. Incidentally they pursue a religion. They would not even spare any person of their own religion when they pursue the blind attack. Should terrorism in Bombay be taken as an isolated case? Or is it a part of the grand design of terrorism all over the world? How do we challenge the terrorism? If all sensible human do not combine it would impossible to contain terrorism in the civilized world. Do anyone have any answer how to deal with terrorism?? If we sleep over the problem today there would be no tomorrow for all of us. Do You agree ??

A friend of mine wrote to agreeing that terrorism must be contained yet he asked a pertinent question. I quote him since he is from North east and seen what terrorism is. "I agree with you. But terrorism had to be define well as in case of Nelson Mandela and Dalai Lama. Dear sir I am from Nagaland and I cannot brand my people fighting for their right to self determination under the provision of UN'(Indigenous People right to self determination) as terrorist."
At first, it appeared, he was little confused so I wrote back to him with the following words "Congratulations for your conviction. But terrorism should not be confused with the Right of self determination. Terrorism is not a mission for the love of its its own people, place and culture. If some one obstruct and become impediment then only you retaliate but do not start an act of terrorism. Both Mandela and Dalai Lama were apostles for the cause of their own people.Both were great fighters for their culture, land and people but were never a terrorist. Both were harbinger of peace, progress and wisdom. The fight for right of self determination is not an cowardice act of terrorism. It an honourable act.Even UN has provision for it. We salute your conviction but not terrorism. We have great regards for the honorable way of the right of self determination." My friends was of course convinced that terrorism should be rooted out of the society.

Many people all over the countries responding to the discussions initiated by me in the google blog wrote back to me as under;"The thing about Mumbai terror attacks is that no one knows exactly what the terrorists want. Not trying to be judgemental or anything, but Indian constitution, and the Indian system, is one of the most liberal ones, and no one is being discriminated against, at least not on the basis of religion".

If there is someone who is being discriminated against, it is the common man...The terrorist come out and kill him, The government regulations will affect him, and his life is made difficult by so many other ways.

The Mumbai attacks are not an isolated case, as recently Delhi underwent a series of blasts, in which many people were killed.

Terrorism has to be dealt with an iron hand, and that is the only way to deal with it. For the first time in India, the authorities refused to negotiate with the terrorists and that is a good thing. In the past the terrorists had managed to bargain and thus get many hardcore prisoners released. At least this time no such thing happened.

But the most important points out of our discussions emerged that until almost all the educated citizens come out openly against the act of terrorism boldly ,with anguish ,always people from outside the nation would take advantage of the society. The terrorist have no love for the country and society where act is perpetuated. Today terrorist are not always foreigner. Without convince of local people they can cannot take up venture of terrorism repeatedly. So Sealing of borders, sealing of sea route must be the top priority. Raising of internal security ministry perhaps would be the foremost duty. The entire contingency plan to deal with terrorism must be taken up with right earnestness under an independent commission headed by person of the status of a General. He should report directly to the Internal security Advisor. The raising of a Commando force and stationing it in the capital is farcical. It should be stationed in the border areas and sea bordering towns and land lock areas where terrorism are actively pursued or there are probability of pursuing. Intelligence and infrastructure need to be improved a lot. What is the possible reason that Europe especially France, Germany and Britain have been able to contain terrorism? It is for the people of those countries who believed in the golden dictum that "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty".The civil society of those countries raised their voice against terror and forced the government to actively put the mechanism on place to tackle terrorism. Those countries gave more importance to intelligence system than the guns. It is the civil society who became the active agents against terror. That made it impossible for terrorist to mount sustained attacks. Perhaps the same thing would be required for our country too. This kind of awareness in some of the workers of the tea gardens once made it impossible for terrorist to penetrate the tea garden after initial hiccup. Danger is not only from outsiders it is equally required to confront insiders. If the society can evolve solid understanding then no power in the world would be able to penetrate terrorism into our society. Commando would then stand by like in Britain, France, Japan and Germany only in readiness!
For the first time the Government of India did not try to negotiate with the terrorist this time. Of course on many occasions it is a tactics for gaining time ,to understand the environment, situation and strength. In case of Mufti Muhammad Sayeed( when he was Home Minister)the Government succumbed very fast to release the political pawn. That was bad. I do not know if there was no political heavy weight in the present Bombay siege. Commandos have defeated terrorists today but would we be able to kill the very base of terrorism? How?
Do we think merely with guns terrorism can be contained? Do we believe that the conviction of civil society can root out terrorism? Have we stopped behaving like a selfish entity? Have we tried to become more humane? Has intelligence improved? Are anyone there to answer us???How can we stop terrorism?

Monday, November 24, 2008

WHAT MAKES A GREAT BLOG ?

I found a question asked by a fellow blogger: what makes a great blog? It was a very interesting question. The question appealed me and I replied to the fellow blogger in a discussion plate form. Yet, I thought there are a few admirer of my writing who may be interested to know as to what have I replied to my fellow blogger friend. I am repeating my reply for the benefit of those who do not participate in blog discussion yet go through my blog sometime. Here it goes:

"A blog can be attractive if blogger can think in an unique way for himself and can touch the mind set of his readers. A successful blogger is he who can articulate his thought in a way that others feel that to be their idea! Every blog is an unique expression of mind, because each writer of the blog is an unique person. Yet there can be a harmony of thoughts. The way of expression may differ. As an individual he or she is an unique phenomenon or personality. A human can think of the same thing in thousands of way, dream similarly, acts differently and perceive in an outstanding way. The content of the blog must touch a chord in the readers heart and mind. If a blogger can empower others, make a person happy and usher in total happiness and absolute peace to readers he would be the most sought after blogger. We really hail a great blogger with an unique mind.
Greetings and congratulations to an unique, interesting and empowering blogger. GPB,5,Deshapriya park Road, kolkata, 26'India. e mail:gpbarua@yahoo.co.in"

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

FAREWELL TO A GIANT OF A FRIEND: PULAK

Pulak Lahiri was a giant of a friend. A friend in need is friend indeed! I met pulak long back when I was a young boy of seventeen. It was the day of admission and I was looking for the place where interview would be held. Noticing my hesitant steps a smart slim and confident looking person came forward and asked me " Have you come for the admission interview?" I nodded my head hesitantly. He showed me the way and told "Go ahead. Best of luck . Throw away your all inhibition. Dame it ! you are going to be a Cottonian indeed". Later, I knew the person was Pulak Lahiri, a well known football player of the school and college tournaments. Pulak was an educationist, Sportsperson, writer, a sports journalist and a compassionate friend but above all he was a humane per excellence!

He used to live at a hilltop house at Sukleshwar temple near Panbazar. Pulak was a class senior to us and was intimate with Pradip Baruah, then a great table tennis player and a brilliant college theater personality. Pulak, Khagen Dutta Baruah and Pradip were friends from youth.All were sportsmen to the core of their heart, friendly and vibrant.During the college days of Cotton I was not very intimate with pulak. Yet, we used to meet him at college canteen or and at Ashoka, panbazar for a cup of tea sometime. He was a witty person. His knowledge of sports was vast We used to nick named him as "Encyclopedia the sportica". Whenever there was any doubt on records relating to sports, pulak's was the final words. "How many times Viay Hazare scored centuries?" OR Did DaTTU Phadker played for Bengal or Bomaby before inclusion in Indian team"? "Who was the first Indian to score triple century"? All queries were settled by Pulak.

During our post graduate days, Pulak used to educate us which are the best shops in calcutta that catered to the tasty Sandesh in season. Is it Bhimnag or Nakur or SenMahsoy? He would always vote for Nakur. Which is the best printing press? Saraswati or Gossain. He would always select Saraswati. Which one is the best Bangla magine "Desh or Amrita"? He would name "Desh" to be far superior. Not that those things mattered much to us . yet it was good information in a collegiate rendezvous.But Pulak was always at the centre of the rendezvous. He used to preside over the session naturally. In fact he used to magasticaly preside over the gossip session and was known as the "Firstclass Addabaz". For him our general knowledge was at its best. After our post graduation we went away in two different directions. He went to education and I joined business house. But our common link remained to be the creativity. Since LBS have remained my major publisher, very often we used to meet at the bookstall presided over by Khagendra Nath Dutta Baruah.Here also though Butu presided over the session, Pulak used to be the Master of the ceremony. Here I used to meet many wellknown writers including Biremdra Kumar Bhattacharyya,Lakhmi Nandan Borah, Sananta Tati and Suren Medhi. As soon as pulak saw us coming, he would yell to Darika,an assitant, for organising hot black tea and ask us " hey, how about a peg of Rum now?" The black tea was nick named as Rum. Most of the time I would reply " rather a glass of coffee liqure would be preferable". Bhutu, knowing my preference, always sent for Coffee from Ashoka.

One day during ninties of the last century pulak came to me at looit Sora where I used live then for sometime while visting Gauhati. He said let us edit a book of poems written by Nabakanta Barua. I was surprised. I asked him Did you ask the permission of the poet? His poems are wellknown already. Why do you want to edit it? Already all the copies of "Hey Mahanar..." were sold out. He replied "it would be different kind of publication where some of the selected poems of the poet would be printed. Bhutu wants to publsih it that way. He took permission of Barua sir with a rider that in this project you should be also associated". The conversation of that day ultimately resulted in a slick book of poems later, which was distributed along with a CD of recitation. The publiction was recived well by younger generation. Bhutu's dream came true for the efforts put up by Pulak!

Pulak's son worked for a while as an executive in our company. One day he rang up from Gauhati informing me that he is visiting calcutta to meet me. I asked why do you have to visit calcutta? I would visit Gauhati next week. we can meet then. He insisted that he needs to met me soon. I asked him to tell me over phone his problem. He hesitated first then told "Look Gautam, I am very upset. My son wants to leave the job at garden.
what is this? I do not want him to leave the job of Magor. He is getting a job in Bombay." I replied " convey my greetings to him. Tell him he has done well. You should not stop him. It is his life. Why should you interfare? If he does not change how would he go up?" Ultimately he agreed to the request of his son and allowed him to join the new job. Pulak somehow thought in case his son leaves the job I would feel bad and he would be embarassed. This was a wrong perception of his. When I explained he felt relieved. He never wanted to upset his friends from Youth till now.

I am little surprised to hear the sad news of his demise. He had no0 sickness and was robust. I got the news too late. This was the time when terror did hit Gauhati. everyone was talking to me but forgot to mention about his demise the same day when more than Ninty people died. When I got the news it was too late. His son came, performed last rites including memorial and religious services. Whom do I communicate with for expressing my grief? I talked to my wife and thought I would visit gauhati and meet Pradip Baruah ,his life long friend to express my condolences. Pulak was never a high flier, always a high achiever with silence. He truelly left for his heavenly abode silently without the gaze of his lots of admirers.He was great person full of humility and humanity. I lighted up a lamp today to pay my respect to the memory of Pulak. Surely, God will bless him!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

NEED TO STIMULATE INDIAN ECONOMY FAST

To save from the effect of down turn of Global economy it would be necessary to stimulate the Indian economy in a sustained and disciplined manner from now on ward.The Government of India has taken some measures. The RBI has also taken some strong measures of monetary control. But these are not enough.I must admit that the RBI's steps to reduce CRR and repo rate are good but not enough. These steps should have been take much before. According to me there are further scope to reduce the repo rate to ease the liquidity situation and to stimulate the growth rate of the economy.According to me Government alone cannot stimulate the economy.The trade and Industry have also responsibilities to reduce price of their products. Realty sector is suffering but have not yet reduced per square feet rate. why? The cost of steel and cement have come down. Why would not builders bring down the per square feet Price? If Government of India is sanguine that a further stimulus are necessary there should not be any reason to delay the further bringing down of repo rate for empowering bank to stimulate growth. The argument put forward by Rahul Bazaz that price cannot be brought down is not tenable. Automobile sale will boost if adequate price cut is initiated. If it is not done voluntarily the market dynamics would force to bring it down after sometime.

Yes it is a fact that the inflation has come down to a single digit figure. It is no mean an achievement. According to our calculations the inflation, despite reduction of interest rate ,would further come down due to better availability of farm products during January and February and would remain low till the month of March 2009. However it is expected that inflation may overtake the economy again in the April, May and June in case Monsoon fails. Perhaps inflation would further comedown to 7.5% in the months of February.

However we are not very sure that growth rate would stick to 8.5% during the last few months of the year.The finance Minister has been stating that he expect a decent rate of growth in current financial year. We do not think so. Despite the fact that there are only four months to end the year it would not be possible for the economy to hold high growth rate. The turmoil of the world would manifest in Indian economy now. There is no reason to believe that the Indian economy would remain decoupled from the impact of the global down turn. No economy in the world can stand alone now especially those economy who has direct link with the economies of Britain and USA.Even India would get backlash of the recession of Japan. The export to Japan whether it is iron ore or tea would surely be effected. Less and less of business persons from abroad would visit India during these four months. Indian Hospitality industry used to make hay during these months. These industry would suffer due to impact of less number of visits by executives from abroad. These four months are crucial months for hospitality industry and tourism industry. These two industries would be bound to suffer during this period.It is time for hospitality industry also to bring down the price of their product.It is understood that Hospitality industry is contemplating to bringing down price soon.On our current forecast, GDP growth is poised to fall to a seven-year low of 6.0 percent in 2009/10, from an estimated 7.2 percent in 2008/09.
It is understood that the government imposed a 5 percent import duty on a range of iron and steel products, and slapped a 20 percent duty on crude soybean oil imports to protect domestic producers in the face of falling commodity prices. This is a commendable act. Similarly Government must bring pressure on the realty sector and auto sector to bring down the price instead of giving indirect incentive to the prospective customers. The reduction of price in the basic cost structure would provide higher incentive to customers due to cut in tax etc and that would stimulate sale of automobile instantaneously. The RBI also advise banks to bring down the rate of interest of Housing loan too so that more and more people are interested to build houses,apartments and condominiums.( To stimulate growth Government of India may consider nil interest to certain sectors in line with Islamic banks of Dubai). Once the housing loan( in 2004) was 7.75%. It is now 10.75%. I would like to urge that RBI should bring down further repo rate soon with an understanding that both housing loan and auto loan interest would be brought down further by 100 basis points i,e. to 9.50%. This would ensure lot of activities and would stimulate growth.

Foreign funds have withdrawn $13.1 billion from Indian shares this year, adding to pressure on the rupee which is also weighed down by a widening trade deficit as export growth slows.Chidambaram, our finance Minister recently said that,India, Asia's third-largest economy could miss its annual export target of $200 billion for this fiscal year as the slowdown in developed nations trims overseas demand. Despite the fact that Government of India feels that the growth rate would remain high during this financial year and the next year would seen much better growth large number of our economist friends believe that the growth rte end up in 7% in this year and the next year's growth would not be substantially much higher.It could go up marginally.
It is understood that in G 20 meeting there was complete unanimity among the participating countries on the need for a co-ordinated fiscal stimulus. The fact that the group had agreed to meet again in April means that the new administration in the US would be involved in the action plan.

It is further understood that while regulatory changes would be implemented at the national level, global bodies could be tasked with oversight.

Dr. Ahluwalia Deputy chairman of planing commission mentioned about providing a counter-cyclical fiscal stimulus to the economy and said government should step up its investment in infrastructure. We entirely agree with this suggestion. The country must step up development of infrastructure for the sake of multiplier effect on sustained growth of the economy.It is true that normalcy in markets would return only when the people are confident that no further collapse in the financial system is likely.

The hope of the Government that there won't be any job losses in the economy as a whole, would remain an illusion. Despite the fact that some of the business houses responded to the prime minister appeal not to affect the job cuts the economic slow down have already taken the toll on unemployment. Employees have been asked to either accept pay cut up to the extent of 30% or to stay away for a period a three months with half pay. In certain place like Bata, in SahagungBihar, agreed but workers revolted. This kind of arrogance would bring in catastrophe not growth. The employers would be forced to declare suspension of operation, which would be counter productive for all concerned.In case depression & deflation need to be prevented immediate actions as stated above must be taken forthwith by Government, Industries and workers.

It is true that our country is in a better shape, compared to Europe and Japan now, but unless positive measures to boost the economy are taken by all the stake holders the global turmoil would overpower our country' economy and there would be no escape route than to take care and revive the economy. I have complete faith on the new economic team headed by Dr. Rajan and his vision of growth. But measures should be crystallised soon and implemented effectively.

_______________________________--

Thursday, November 6, 2008

IN MEMORIAM OF A CHILDHOOD FRIEND .....

It was a dark fall evening.On 20Th October,2008, lazily sitting on the western balcony of my house at Kolkata, I was reading a poem written by my friend Dr. J.l. Borkakoti of London School of Economics. The first paragraph of the poem was significant:

" To suck life from the booming drums
when blood freezes the skull,
Is not for you
To seek shelter from the strokes scythe,
From the stare of vacant shining plates."

Hardly I finished reading the first stanza, the telephone rang . I picked up the
phone. It was Smita, my daughter in law, from Castaic , LA. She enquired about our health and welfare. After exchanging pleasantries she pensively revealed the sad news of demise of Tapan Kumar Dutta. Smita said in a husky voice, uncle Tapan passed away peacefully at Hospital in Los Angles. I became thoughtful. Memories of past years passed through my mind. Only a few days ago I called up Aparna,his lovely wife enquiring of Tapan's health. But I could never realised that end was so near.

I lost track of Tapan after our college days for he went outside the State for his higher studies and to work, there after for a long time, abroad. I continued to work in India. In fact we never met during our working life though I continued to get information about his development, well being and career. Almost after twenty five years again we first met in LA(courtesy Dr.Maya and Anjan Bhaumik)& there after in Guwahati whenever he used to visit home. (During my visit to USA on official work during Seventies & eighties I never met him for he was working then in Saudi Arabia).
The news of Tapan's demise made me sad & nostalgic.It was a personal loss for me. He was my childhood friend. We lost track of each other for long years but regained contact almost after twenty five years. Tapan was a vibrant person. He had a personality which impressed everyone. He could endear himself with all ages. Tapan was not only an efficient engineer but a very compassionate human being. The thought of his death so early made me pensive. After receiving the news I went to my study and prayed for a while for the peace of the departed soul. We also invoked the blessings of God to provide strength to his wife and children to withstand the loss with a sense of resignation. A leaf of my childhood days passed by my eyes.....



We both were born in forties of last century & grew up together in the same area of Uzanbazar, Guwhati town of Assam. This was the area where we were raised in our early childhood.We played here & went to private libraries and were educated in well known schools.I met Tapan for the first time when we were twelve years old through a neighbourhood friend Utpalananda Bharali. Utpal and Tapan were great friends and classmate in Don Bosco. I was in Kamrup Academy. Both the schools were well known for its games and social activities beside academics. Don Bosco was an English medium school and Kamrup Academy was a vernacular school. Tapan learnt English under the supervision of Father Burns,an Irish Priest of Catholic order. Naturally Tapan could articulate his thoughts exceedingly well in English as a young boy. His power of expression impressed me most and I was awe struck during those days listening to vocabulary of Tapan. I felt proud when Tapan used to come to our house to invite me for a game of table Tennis.There was a famous photo studio own by late Dhani Ram Borah near our house in M.C. Road. In fact this was a great rendezvous for famous people like Kamkhya Nath Thakur,(artist and commissioner of scout) Purna Bharali,( Scientist) Golap Chandra Chowdhury( Headmaster) & Kirti Ram Baroowah(Doctor). All of them were famous people in their own right and they used to gather together regularly. In later years famous players of Assam used to meet at the same place to listen to radio commentary of test cricket. Tapan used to come to the studio to meet us and to play table tennis. In spite of our different schooling background we became good friend . This was possible for Tapan loved meeting and mixing with people.

Tapan was very intelligent & witty.He did not mind cracking jokes at his own expense. He was a fantastic human being. Though he was a student of science yet he loved recitation of poetry. I still remember when we met after twenty five years, his first question was : "Hey! what about your poems? Do you still write or not?" He was very happy that my poems in English were published by Oxford book of Kolkata. He had amazing power to remember small thing of life ! Helpful to his friends Tapan always enjoyed the achievement of his friends. A brave person always ready to face the turmoil coolly but never minced words. Even under challenging circumstances he never hurt any one. Humility & polish behaviour were his strength. The sportsman spirit was his hallmark.

As we passed out our matriculation we joined Cotton College.Tapan took to Tennis then . He played later regularly in India club. I played tennis for a short period but devoted more time to writing poetry, play and recitation.Tapan never took part in dramatics but he was very much interested in poetry. He used to encourage Ishan and me in our endeavour to write and recite poetry. I feel his loss greatly. How can I forget, it is at his suggestion, a group of Assamese resident gave me a reception, in a meeting, in LA few years back for writing a book of poems "A windowful of Sky" published by Oxford Books.

Tapan lived a truly satisfying life.Over the years we both grew up to become a senior citizen. I admired Tapan in my younger days for his vibrant personality. Yet I admire him now for his outlook towards life. He loved to enjoy life as it came!Tapan used to tell, "for a fool retired age is a bitter winter, but for a wise person it is a golden time for enjoyment." He told me "you must take care of your health to be able to reap the full benefit of retired life". Today Tapan is no more but his words are alive in my mind.There is a great difference between simply living a long life and living a full and rewarding life. According to a Buddhist philosopher "What is important is how much rich texture and colour we can add to our lives during our stay here on earth. However long that stay may be quality is the true value,not the quantity."
I am happy that Tapan lived a full & rewarding life. He added colour to his environment and in his relation with friend. He would be remembered for the quality of life he lived. Tapan's departure would crate a great void in us. We will be remembering him always- a bright vibrant friend who was long lost but regained eventually at last.! We pray Almighty for the peace of the departed soul.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

HAIL OBAMA AS THE LEADER OF THE NEW WORLD

The election of Barrack Obama today as the president of USA symbolises the rise of new order in the world. He stands for the change of perception of the people .His emergence signify that in a modern world skin is less important. What is more important is the capacity to empower humanity. His rise symbolises the synthesis of poor and rich, black and white & brown and yellow. The synthesis of unified colour of USA was evident for the first time when he addressed million people in Chicago to acknowledge his victory. He graciously acknowledged the contribution of McCain in the nation building. Obama requested for his expertise to build up new world . Hail Obama as the leader of the New world order! On 28Th August 1963 Martin Luther King delivered his famous speech "I have dream.." The election of Obama as the president is the fulfilment of that dream.

Why are Indian happy? Because, Indian middle class can relate with his reasoning and democratic vision of equality, fearless society and universal brotherhood. Apparently, he has made some remarks which are not apparently favourable, at the first sight, to common Indian. yet most Indian largely rejoiced his victory. The most urban educated Indian felt that some one of their own breed has been elevated. Obama had no connection, even remotely, with anything Indian. His respect to philosophy of Gandhi, tasting of Indian food, his friendship with his Indian room mate in his student days in new York are nothing remarkable. we all go through these phases in our life. I like Italian food that did not mean that I am admire everything Italian. I do not very much like British food yet I feel great about British pride on scientific achievements as well as human approach towards people of the world.Obama appealed in Malayalam and in Hindi. even that did not make him popular. His personality, his reasoning and his emergence out of depravity made him favourite.

Many people think Obama would not be as friendly to Indian Interest as George Bush was. This is a wrong conception.What he uttered during his campaign days that he would not tolerate outsourcing. It may rather prove beneficial to India. He might rather ask Indian firms to set up shops in USA so that outsourcing could be avoided yet Indian firm can flourish by appointing Americans who is capable of learning IT.

His utterance on Kashmir should not be wrongly interpreted. What he meant was that if better relation between India and Pakistan could be ushered in than both the country would be able to devote more time in confronting terrorism.He has never told that Kashmir should be handed over to Kashmiris or to Pakistanis. Did he said that? one thing must be kept in Mind that what he said in the campaign was a short crisp statement. As soon as he sit in the hot seat of the president he would weigh both the sides and proceeds with what is the best for the world.

Obama is for a change. The change is for a better world. The change is meant for oppressed& deprive people and the nations. The change is for the minority community.The small business in America ( including 7 to 11 stores) are mostly owned by Indian American.The most petrol pumps of new York are controlled by Indians. Obama promises that minority business would be looked after.In that event who would be benefited? Indian mostly, as they are the owners of small stores in America. Nobel Laureate Amartya sen , hearing the news of Obama election, said that he was delighted with the victory."It has important consequences for India". he added

I have followed successive elections very carefully. I have seen whenever Democrats win the election then America become a much more vibrant nation. The economy booms. One of my friends son went to America in 1990. I told him that he has gone in the best of time to come.At that time Republican were ruling. I told them that in another four years there would be elections and in case Democrats wins there would be more employment and better financial stability. In 1995 Bill Clinton came to power . America's entire economy changed for the Good. Unemployment were wiped out. More and more jobs could be created. The same thing would happen to America from 2009 to 2013.The economy would turn around and Barrack Obama would prove himself to be the one of the best President ever produced after Roosevelt.

Obama may also mess up his own vision and that may create hell in the world. But it is most unlikely.He was raised well with great values. He would be true to his gene. His father , a Kenyan by birth could impress a white lady even when society was not liberal. Both survived tension of the time and never fell apart. Obama is the product of those cherished values. He would surely survive all catastrophe especially when he has a lovely partner in his wife. His wife ,Michelle, is a great great grand daughter of Gim Robinson, a bonded labour.But she has overcome all that. She is a Princeton and Harvard educated lawyer today. Her earning has been much more than her senator husband. She left all that to fulfil the dream of her husband. She would now be the most educated First lady after Mrs. Clinton. Obama in his victory speech acknowledged that she was the tower of the family and is his strength.In fact the most enduring friend.

one thing is true, Obama is an American. He would surely think of the welfare of America always.He would do his best what is good for his country.It would be foolish to expect that he would side with India, China or Kenya at the cost of America. Forget about such silly things. He is born as American citizen, raised in America and he loves his country dearly. It is natural for him to promote his country not any other culture.
I pray God to give him strength to serve his country well and bring peace to the world. World is looking at him with a great expectation. Take care Obama! God bless you!