KASHI YATHRA <a href='http://www.blogsurfer.us/

Even in those days, when the whole of the subcontinent was a vast forest, with formidable rivers without bridges and mountains inhabited by wild animals, people from different parts of India, used to go on pilgrimage to the holy temple on the bank of the sacred river Ganga

It was doubtful whether they will return alive; so they used to bid farewell to friends and relatives before undertaking the journey on foot.

A chain of temples where food was free and the pilgrims could rest in the night, facilitated movement across the country. There were high ways used by merchants. Horse drawn conveyances were available in different sections.

The lure of adventure beckons me. Alas! I am too old to go to Kashi on foot.

My cousin Unnikrishnan once traveled on foot all the way from Keralam to Calcutta and thence to Delhi, where he appeared for IAS examination and chose Indian Forest Service.

He was brought up in the forest and his choice was expected; but he had one basic fault – he is thoroughly honest. Such people are unwanted in Government service in India!

One of my ancestors lived in a guest house, belonging to the Raja of Cochin, in Kashi.

He rarely came home and remained a bachelor. I have a vague memory of him, when he visited our ancestral home.

FINANCE MINISTER HAS BECOME A DICTATOR

When the common man is being sqeezed by merchants (HOW CAN WE LIVE WITHOUT RICE AND SALT?), the Finance Minister has decided to finish him off. How else can we explain the increase in excise duty on petrol and diesel?

The plea that there is no other alternative is baseless. I suggest some measures to save money:

1) Cut defence spending by postponing all procurements for one year. Nothing will happen in one year.

2) Shelve the moon mission Chandrayan. It is like a middle class baboo buying a helicoptor. We learn nothing new about the moon.

3) Withdraw from Commonwealth Games.

All parties, including Congress allies like Trinamool congress, RJD, DMK etc have opposed the move to increse the cost of oil. Please see the writing on the wall and withdrw this antipeople move.