VET DOCTORS

In Keralam, people depend on Veterinary Doctors and others working under them, for assistance in looking after cows. At present, there is great shortage of personnel causing difficulties, though there are dispensaries for animals almost in all villages. Where there is unemployment, it is difficult to understand this situation. This is true of almost all [...]

POEM – POETRY IS UNTRANSLATABLE

“I like the way your poem uses religious imagery to convey its meaning…very effective.” Comments a viewer. It will be plagiarism, if I do not mention about the source of my two line poem. That is why I gave the Malayalam lines in bracket, I do not know the author. Our language is very rich [...]

OIL EXPLORATION IN THE DEEP SEA BED SHOULD BE BANNED

The recent explosion near the American coast, in the gulf of Mexico, has raised several questions, not only about the environmental hazards, but also about the very idea of exploration in the deep sea. My theory is that the crust of the earth is a huge pressure cooker, the steam under very high pressure circulating [...]

A NEW STYLE OF BEGGING

Passing the hat around is the Western way of begging. It is unknown in India. Some people approach, saying they have no money to go back home. Some old men ask for money for refreshments or tea. One day a middle aged woman, accompanied by a young girl, not bad looking, knocked at the door. [...]

MAMATA’S VOLTE FACE

Chidambaram, Union Home Minister said the derailment in West Bengal was caused by explosions set off by Maoists. Mamata also echoed the same. Now she says the Maoists have no role in the tragedy. Two trains passed through the track earlier; this is impossible, if the track was blown off. She maintains that it is [...]

LIFE IS A STRANGE GAME

What is the goal? We do not know. There is no referee. There is no coach. It takes a life time to know how to play; but then it is too late. If I am given a chance to live all over again, surely I won’t make those mistakes again. If some unknown person comes [...]

TOUCH ME NOT

That shy plant, which is aptly called “touch me not” is not alone, in protesting against our advances. We all like to touch and fondle things we like. Pets are meant only to serve our emotional need for caressing. Some parents take it for granted that children like it. Indeed some may like it, but [...]

GHOSTS OF KARGIL HAUNT THE ARMY

After the 1962 debacle, the Kargil war is something even I could have managed better than the Generals, because I do play chess! In both games, strategy is more important than tactics. In 1962, a fully prepared Chinese army, who knew every nook and corner of the locality, with the help of spies who mingled [...]

TRAIN DERAILMENTS

One more derailment and death of passengers is cause for great concern. Does not the railway authorities have any responsibility? Why are they getting salary? Do not the Minister and the Railway Board have any duty to look into the causes of increase in derailments? Why are we silent spectators?

I WAS CAUGHT IN THE RAIN

When I started my morning walk at about 8 AM, it was hot and sunny. When I reached Peruvanam temple, it started drizzling. So I took shelter in the southern gate (gopuram). At first, it was slow. Soon it began in right earnest and I went on changing my position to avoid being drenched. The [...]