Marching Backwards – A Short Note on Prohibition and The Cognitive Errors

I request my readers to consider the following ridiculous proposals:

Let us have a laughable and imprudent rule that women cannot step outside their houses as this will wipe out rape from the society and, surely, rape is undesirable. Alternatively, let men not step outside their houses as this will make wipe out rape from the society and, surely, rape is undesirable

Let us have a laughable and imprudent rule that all vehicles must be taken off the road as this will make accidents impossible, and, surely, accidents are undesirable.

Let us have a laughable and imprudent rule that all businesses must stop and let the honest governments of the day run all businesses as this will make wipe out black money from the society and, surely, black money is undesirable.

Let us have a laughable and imprudent rule that all liquor must be banned as this will wipe out drunkenness and domestic pain from the society and, surely, drunkenness and pain are undesirable.

The above ridiculous proposals are ridiculous only because this is what governments do.  Governments walk ass-backwards in its effort to walk in the rhythm of life of the people who have chosen them to govern.

There is a recent movement developing where liquor bans are being brought in, ostensibly, as it promotes quality of life in society (Frankly, this is nothing but invoking the stereotype of a sad family suffering a drunk husband / father).

Here is my question – is drinking a crime or being drunk stupid is?  Drinking is not a problem (By the way - I don't consume alcohol) – it’s the silly things men and women do after getting drunk that seem to be a problem (I mention men and women both here as I would like to break the bias about only men being drunk and becoming a nuisance to themselves and others).

Well, let us see where we morally stand with these new legal and administrative reforms to society. Drinking alcohol is a personal activity where the person drinking is mostly inward bound in terms of his affinity to the pleasures of the body. The person has willingly chosen to use his / her body in a way that potentially is harmful.  As this activity is an individual activity, society has a moral obligation to moderate it with certain rules and regulations ONLY SO that the activity does damage only to the individual body and not to the society.  We now have here age limits, registrations, higher taxes and licenses etc that govern the liquor industry.

The after effects of drinking too much are many and spill over to others and potentially go much beyond the person consuming alcohol.  They are obvious and too many and I will not list them here.  The moral issue here is to see if innocents, and society overall, are victims of drunken men and women.  If this is indeed the case, society can work on it through law and administration.

The distinction to be made here is that society cannot criminalize an act of freedom and must only focus its attention only where the subsequent actions post that act of freedom become a criminal act. This is basic law.  It is true that a crowd has no brains and therefore it is not surprising that such declarations are made to crowds especially around the time of elections.

Intoxication is undesirable and I list below some suggestions to solve these issues:

Alcohol can be sold to a married person only if he produces a valid APAN CARD… alcohol permanent account number.  This card must have a quarterly expiry where it can be renewed based on an affidavit from the spouse certifying that he/she/family has not suffered domestic violence or pain on account of the spouse’s consumption of alcohol.

Successive incidents of domestic violence on account of intoxication must result in the transfer of salary credit to the spouse.  Other retirement benefits too can face such a consequence.

Here is a final suggestion that truly exposes any government's hypocrisy together with the absolute and sincere lack of desire in really ensuring that alcohol intoxication does not affect the innocent - Forbid brand name extensions and subliminal advertising.  A liquor company must not be allowed to sell any product / service that even remotely carries the brand name or graphic design of its alcohol content brand.

The above suggestions are indicative and can be modified to suit the constitution and the laws of jurisprudence.  In any case, our prime responsibility is to think out solutions.

It may be helpful to remember that the Mumbai Underworld is a product of the Alcohol Ban in Maharashtra.  I pray - let us not develop a medieval mindset and not march backwards to our glorious brainless pasts.

© Nitesh Kotecha

Glorified Sycophancy - Ridiculing Intelligence to a Crime

I have been observing with great interest, the sparkling conformity, and the lack of common sense that is parading in the form of erudite crystal clear analysis of political situations. However, I hope to keep my blog sanitized and will avoid bringing politics here.

Our country saw much turbulence over the past few months where crime and misdemeanors happening around the states in the country were solely attributed to have the blessings of the central government.

I will now make a paradoxical statement – many know the truth and still no one knows the truth.  When I say that many know the truth, I mean that if the government got cracking down as to who did it, it would not take long before the truth is out.  When I say that no one knows the truth, I mean that the governments (state or central) have not yet got cracking down on the issue, and as such, no one knows the truth.

We now have a situation where the truth is far out and yet near.  Here comes in the media – the first institution that glorifies sycophancy.  Media houses depend on advertising for their revenue, and this takes them to the dark areas of connections, corporations, and government blessings.   Certain Media houses have their political inclinations and thus receive a diktat about how to malign a government in power.  Another section of media houses do the opposite and paint the government in a better shade.  This is routine all over our planet, with the possibility of some exceptions.

What amazes me, is the reaction of the public at large.  I have noticed many people, near and far, on social media or otherwise, react to the media and absorb either large chunks of negativity or go about chest thumping for the government in power.  I consider both these behaviors as aberrant as they stem not from an application of mind.  The singular statement that these people propound is that all opinions are given by “these few so called intellectuals”.

Intellectuals give opinions.  Does one want an opinion that smells of the absence of intelligence?  Why will an intellectual not give opinions?  Here is a person who value his/her opinion and expresses it.  Why is an intellectual’s opinion so threatening?  Here are some answers.

1.  Society.  A society is a group of people who interact with each other, largely because they have similar cultural interactions, or have a common political or geographical environment.  People in societies have a civil bond that binds them.  A society has members.  Members are individuals who have merged themselves to form a group (society).  So now what exactly will shake a society? Well, a member that differs from the society.  How does a member differ? – Well, on account of actions and thoughts.

This is it – it’s the individual who has chosen to value his own thoughts and actions, over the society, who threatens society.  This is an intelligent person.  Now if this person goes the wrong way with his thoughts and actions, the law and other penal provisions will catch up.  However, if this person has great thoughts and commendable actions, we now have an intelligent person who is capable of transforming a society and thus society’s fears of such individuals.

A society, by definition, is not capable of high intelligence, as it’s too busy ensuring its membership, existence and maintaining a status quo.  Only an intelligence person can instill some form of stimulus to a stagnant society and reform it to a higher level of consciousness.

2.  The need to remain in the good graces of other people.  An intelligent person abhors such a need and rarely feeds this fear.  However, followers and sheep alike are so scared of standing apart on account of their thoughts that they find safety in the thoughts held by society.  Their self esteem is now under question and so the only intellectual response they have is to ridicule the opinions of the intelligent.

There is this variety of people who have to remain loyal either to the government in power or to the opposition.   These people have a tearing need to demonstrate their loyal to either of the sides and thus form a “society” of like minded people and then rampage the streets. Here too we have a group that is devoid of any dissenting superior voice and thus will fight back any spark of intelligence that threatens to change society.

3.  The desire to be right.  This is a possible subconscious, but overarching, drive that turns people into rigid beings where they insulate themselves against any point of view that could assist them in evolving.  The people are actually afraid that they may learn something!

Here is my statement to the sheep of the world – look around you; the world has changed only on account of intelligence.  Society has a need to preserve itself and is thus not as likely to shine as pure productive intelligence.

© Nitesh Kotecha

Because You Were There

Time passes, the world changes

I'm still the same old kid

And your jokes still bring me laughter

As if you still were here

And it hurts when I smile

'Cause my heart still remembers

When you were around

'Cause you were there

When no one was

Just when I thought nobody cared

You showed me love

'Cause you were my friend

You always told me

And I am still here

Because you were there

So precious, small treasures

A time when truth was innocent

True friendship was all we were after

A place where kids could still be kids

And it hurts but I'm glad

'Cause at least I was blessed

To have you as my friend

'Cause you were there

When no one was

Just when I thought nobody cared

You showed me love

'Cause you were my friend

You always told me

And I am still here

Because you were there

You're my best friend, yes, there are no accidents

God has a plan for everyone

And He brought you in my life

To show me what a good friendship was

'Cause you were there

When no one was

Just when I thought nobody cared

You showed me love

'Cause you were my friend

You always told me

And I am still here

Because you were there

You were there

You were there

You were there

Because you were there

Because you were there

Because you were there

Songwriters

EDMONDS, KENNETH

Published by

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Indian Education Goes to Hell... In a Lamborghini

I received a letter from my child’s school stating that the fees will scale up very high this year as the Right To Education (RTE) is now in force. Why? Well, read on...

The Government of India (GOI) enacted a law called “Right to Education”.  This law forces all schools, public and private, to enrol children from economically deprived backgrounds to the school.  The school must provide free education to these children.  This Honorable Supreme Court of India (HSCI) has upheld the constitutional validity of this law.

What a tragedy.

India’s most annoying finance minister, Mr P Chidambaram, introduced an education tax in 2004.  Then he introduced a Higher Secondary education tax in the next year or so.  This tax was collected so that the government to could spend money on education.  The nation had to pay it as a tax.  The GOI then drowned billions of rupees in a badly managed scheme called the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA).

Then, our finance minister lost all fiscal discipline and set off a loan waiver scheme that destroyed India’s finances. Then, the GOI decided to enlist itself in the Guinness Book of World Records for enacting the most insane law on Planet Earth – Retrospective taxation enacted in 2012 but with effect from 1947.  The Indian Rupee crashed as foreign investment dried out. Then, the UPA realized that they have done to this country what Hitler did to Poland and soon decided that they will need to pursue mindless social policies in order to be in government and be somewhat relevant in the 2014 elections.

Then, they brought in the Right to Education.  Here are the problems:

The GOI has been collecting and education tax for 10 years for the purposes of Education.  The GOI has achieved pittance in comparison to the funds they have collected.  Why should private schools pay for what is clearly a failure on the part of GOI?  Is this incident not just another tax on the people of India?  I mean, the people have already paid an education tax.

The RTE is primarily the responsibility of the schools in India.  Neither the GOI nor the HSCI have enacted any rules that will prevent the Schools from passing on the buck to the other 75% of the students.  Is this fair?  Is this right?  Is this moral?  Well it is not – but it is legal, unfortunately.

Indian education will suffer.  No doubt.  It is tempting to believe that the UPA government created this entire mess.  It is so to an extent.  However, the opposition, which will soon come to further govern and ruin this country, has allowed this to happen as anything to the contrary would have compromised its vote bank.

Indians must work harder and save more money.  Then... send your children abroad for a good quality education. Then let them stay here and have their offspring in that country.  This is the only way out of this maze.

© Nitesh Kotecha

Like Waves Against The Sand

Let me tell you

Some truths of life,

Joy is not for the few

And nor is misery rife,

Its really sad

But bliss comes and goes

Like waves against the sand

In our youth

We begin to court,

And we swear

Never to break heart,

Its really sad

But love comes and goes

Like waves against the sand

We have friends

And we have relatives,

Some help till our end

While others give us the peeve,

Its really sad

But folks come and go

Like waves against the sand

Parents aid their dear

And support their kin,

Some lend their ear 

Others throw caution to the wind,

Its really sad

But time comes and goes

Like waves against the sand

This list can go on and on

We cannot sit idle and pray,

A simple moral must follow on

So listen to what I have to say

Your brain is your weapon

Listen to me, girls and boys

Its edge you must always sharpen

Without it you have no other choice

You should be glad

Wisdom never comes and goes

Like waves against the sand

© Nitesh Kotecha

No Wonder... I Saw You Smile

A bird flew to me,

 and said to me;

“From far I flew

Just to be with you”

And I say,

“I think it is His style

I think I see Him smile”

“I need some shade

am afraid I will fade;

I need something sweet

Do you have anything to eat?”

And I say,

“I think it is His style

I think I see Him smile”

“I need to be on my way,

my land is far away;

Shelters today are only a few,

Staying here was never the point of view”

And I say,

“I think it is His style

I think I see Him smile”

What can one say of such beguile?

Or lapse of reason for a while?

And then I want to cut it with a file,

But then... I saw you smile;

All my thoughts did I want to compile,

But then... I saw you smile;

Well, I know that this is His style,

No wonder... I saw you smile

© Nitesh Kotecha

Maybe I Think Too Much

The seed is just barely sown
and you already consider it grown?
It is only over time that
the mulberry bush becomes the silk gown;
but you just want to dig in
and over its undergrowth you frown?
Will you, Oh! Gardener,
please give it your loving touch?
But, then I say to myself,
"Yeah... Maybe I think too much."

The seed is just barely sown
and you already consider it grown?
It is only over time that
the mulberry bush becomes the silk gown;
but you just want to dig in
and over its undergrowth you frown?
Will you, Oh! Parent,
please give it your loving touch?
But, then I say to myself,
"Yeah... Maybe I think too much."

The seed is just barely sown
and you already consider it grown?
It is only over time that
the mulberry bush becomes the silk gown;
but you just want to dig in
and over its undergrowth you frown?
Will you, Oh! Almighty,
please give it your loving touch?
But, then I say to myself,
"Yeah... Maybe I think too much."

©  Nitesh Kotecha

What Is Wrong With My Garden?

Well, I did the routine chores,

Am waiting till the rain pours;

I have planted the seeds,

And removed the weeds;

Am proud that my call will be harkened

Can anybody dare say

"What is wrong with my garden?"

Well, the rain never came,

I stand and face the shame;

I had planted seeds of pride,

Into the sun I must now ride;

Nature is proud that its call is harkened

Should anybody dare ask

"What is wrong with my garden?"

A man gives to the world all he has,

And looks skywards with his eyes unfazed;

But the Lord of Time holds a mast,

The future soon becomes the past,

Time is proud that its call is harkened

It is with humility that I say

“I know what is wrong with my garden,

Oh Lord! May I beg your pardon?”

© Nitesh Kotecha

Of State Capitals And Rape Capitals – Why Many In India Have Got It Wrong

A girl was brutally raped in Delhi – India’s Capital and affectionately called by some as India’s Rape Capital.  This rape turned out to be the last straw on the raped camel’s back and people all over the country are pouring out in thousands to express their opinion on the state of affairs in India.  Well, high time.

There is much talk about stricter laws and stiff punishments for rapists.  I agree philosophically, but I feel that in demanding stricter laws and stiff punishments for rapists, we may lose a wonderful opportunity to address the real problem.

Let me explain.

The last thing India needs is a new law.  Our country is riddled with laws.  More than 1300 laws were repealed by the Ex- Law Minister Mr Ram Jethmalani sometime between 1999 and 2004 and we don’t even feel the difference of it in our lives.

There is much blame put on the Indian Politician.  I cannot understand this.

Why blame the politician?  Every country on the globe is riddled with politicians who are in politics and government for personal glory.  How many politicians sincerely work for their country?  I am sure there are some but I am pretty sure that if they had a choice, they would rather focus on how to get re-elected than on nation building.  To quote P J O’Rourke – “A little government and a little luck are necessary in life – but only a fool trusts either of them.”

An Indian citizen can effectively measure up any Indian Politician in a matter of minutes.  It is not going to take rocket science to know that the objective of government is not to govern the nation - it is to use the nation’s resources for personal advantage.

A classic way to make money is to sell goods and services to a dumb client who has no idea of how much to pay for such goods and services and as a result pays much more than the market would otherwise.  Another way to make money is to do business with a client who has much money and will never run out of it.  Another way to make money is to do business with a client who is duty bound to make payment.  The Government enterprises, companies and institutions are one such client base which has all the characteristics listed above.  It is even better if your uncle is the minister heading those very enterprises.

There is much blame put on the Indian Police.  I cannot understand this.   The police don’t function.  Any Indian should be able to see that.  This fact was obvious to Indians even before the gang rape in Delhi.  Blaming the police means one does not understand how the police function works.

A few words for the cops.  How would you feel if you had to be on the vigil protecting a politician whom you know to be a crook?  What would you do if you had to spend hours day in and out serving and observing an elected parliamentarian crook plunder the nation?  Remember, a politician can ruin the life of a cop – in minutes.  A cop is a human being too.

Now I come to the final pillar of stability in the country.  The only institution that can change India is neither the parliaments, nor the state law and order institutions.

It is the Honorable Supreme Court of India.

This is where Indians must hope for change. It is the only institution who can take decisions without fear of retribution from the politicians.

However, there are other issues that must be addressed.

The Honorable Supreme Court of India has given many wonderful decisions.  There are many Indian states and institutions who have not implemented the orders of the Supreme Court.   They are in direct contempt of the highest court in the Land for a number of judgments.  And nothing is being done about it...

This is where we Indians fail.  The Courts fail to ensure the implementation of the law.  There is much satisfaction that they derive in passing on the judgment but they are hesitant to find if their orders are being implemented.

In light of the above, what difference will one new law make? Little I presume. There is no point in a law if there is no agency which ensures that it is implemented.

Protesters must not line up at the President’s residence.  The President must act on the advice of council of ministers and as such has no real powers to do anything of consequence.

The real protest would be line up outside the Honorable Supreme Court premises and pray for justice.  The Honorable Supreme Court has suo moto powers to take cognizance of any event and pull up the concerned department.   It is the only hope for this nation.  It is the only institution with a heart and which can guarantee Indians their constitutional rights - the only change agent left in this country.

To hope for the parliament to change the nation is a gang rape in itself.

© Nitesh Kotecha

I Am A Liar But Dont Call Me A Rascal: The Sins of Parents and Teachers

An elderly person and a father was lying to his daughter.  The daughter caught him lying.  The daughter called him a rascal.  The father says “I am a liar but don’t call me a rascal.  I am your father.”

Let us now analyze this a little bit.  This little anecdote highlights the irrational demands made by the elderly, the revered and other such sacred cows.

Calling names such as rascal etc is a one time event. Lying is a perpetual habit!  Which one is worse?  The father clearly is using his position as a parent to minimize the dangers of lying as if it is a borderline virtue !

A closer look at the above text will tell you that the elderly do not only demand respect but also demand pardon – from the young!

Hello?!  Should not this be the other way round?  Are not the elders supposed to be the embodiment of experience, grace, virtue and forgiveness?   This is the only reason why we are traditionally and ritually  “programmed” to respect them.

However, this brings to light many issues... what is the cut off age for an elderly person?  How do we define such a person?  For a child of age 5, the father at age 31 is an elder – however, people of such age are still treated as young people by society.  Why not have respect for all – young and elder people? Why not give respect purely because the person deserves it or has earned it irrespective of age?

Our ancient texts have glorified the devotions that one must pay to parents, teachers and guests.  These are absolute statements much like the directive principles of state policy that is highlighted in our constitution.  Do these postulates account for situational variables?  I believe they are absolutes and disregard the situation or the psychological framework of the person.

I have had bad teachers in my life – teachers who don’t have an iota of knowledge, not an ounce of moral fiber nor any shade of decency.  Why does one have to pay obeisance to such rot?

We don’t have to, I guess.  The only way out is to forgive these people.  They have no idea of their shortcomings.  They too are programmed, by virtue of their conditioning, that since they are of age or they have a position as parents or teachers – this fact alone automatically qualifies them to receive unconditional respect, obeisance and devotion.

Forgive them.  This is the price we pay for being compassionate and mindful of people's faults. But it is the only way out

© Nitesh Kotecha

Brother... Where You Bound?

A simple look at the latest developments in technology will give you an idea about a new paradigm coming up in our work environment – substitute technology and remove the human interface.

Researchers and Developers are creating digital actors – yes animated characters so real that one would not believe that the person you see on the screen is a digital creation.  Let’s face it; the dinosaurs have been looking real ever since Jurassic Park (1993) – it is about time we have digital characters who look every bit human.

Major Motor car companies are now incorporating bio-metric signals in the cars so as to assist the driver.  The car would signal a light representing coffee – meaning the driver’s skin is emitting signs of exhaustion or fatigue.  There are minor sensors in the steering wheel which will detect undesirable jerks in driving.  The cars will then automatically reduce their top speed and switch on side sensors which will assist the driver in ensuring his safety.

Stock brokers developed algorithmic trading and now have software in place for such trading.  The manned operations are discarded and the staff given the pink slip.

What is happening?  The above events are just a sample of how technology will soon substitute routine jobs.  New jobs will be created in place as the demand for such technology increases.  And soon those jobs will be replaced with technology and other new jobs will be created.

The above events summarize the need for people to understand that if they are in to traditional jobs, routine jobs, jobs that represent skills that machines can replicate – they need to re-evaluate the career paths they may have chosen for themselves.   Of course, certain jobs cannot be replaced – technology cannot replace a judge or a lawyer at a court.  Politics will not allow technology to replace a cricket umpire! Or an elected representative for that matter!

The current definitions of a business degree will need to undergo a metamorphosis in the sense that future business leaders will see pressure mounting on them as they meet the challenges of such changes in their business.  Curriculum focused only on the administrative side of businesses will need to be revised to accommodate for developing ability in spotting trends.

© Nitesh Kotecha

Not The End, My Friend

Dedicated to the soft and delicate one(s)

This is not the end, my friend,

Just a turn and not a dead end.

See how life gives its twists and turns?

The Protector hurts and gives heart burns!

The past is past,

It is the future we must fix,

Take the ashes of the heart burn

And rise like the phoenix!

For this is not the end, my friend,

Just a turn and not a dead end.

They say we must pay for all our sins,

For grief and pain caused to our kith and kin,

But it is not your time to go,

You are here to stay,

Rejoice as you will live,

To die another day!

For this is not the end, my friend,

Just a turn and not a dead end.

 © Nitesh Kotecha

If

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too:

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;

If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same:.

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings,

And never breathe a word about your loss:

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much:

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son!

By Rudyard Kipling

Top Ten Ways To Eliminate Corruption in India

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

© Nitesh Kotecha

To Wonder

To crush and to ridicule one, people may try

But it does not make sense to wonder

All the what which where when and why?

Some scheme and connive, some may even lie

But it does not make sense to wonder

Why lesser mortals don’t change till they die?

To improve or to destroy? Even God gives a sigh

But it does not make sense to wonder

In which manner did God cut the pie?

'm scribbling these lines to you my children

Just keep smiling and don’t you ever cry

In this world it is no wonder

We go forward only if we try try and try

© Nitesh Kotecha

On Death And Dying

Death is inevitable, something that will touch every one of us at some time – no matter how hard we try to avoid the thought or pretend it’s not there.  It is something that people don’t wish to talk or think about and yet it is as certain as our birth.

The greatest fear in human beings is the fear of the unknown.  What happens to me at death?  The cause of this fear and confusion stems in not knowing who or what “I” am.  We feel “I” am dying thinking “I” to be the body.

When I realize “I” am not this body, then I free myself from death altogether.  I am immortal, eternal and I leave this body when the part I have been playing is over.  Remember, the senses (smell, touch, taste etc) are the instruments of consciousness, but not consciousness itself.  Whatever we can experience from sense objects will not give experience of immortality.

We experience sorrow when something is taken away from us and yet we know that everything in the world is perishable.  It is not that we should not enjoy the things and the people around us.  We are actors on a stage.  The world is a drama and we souls are acting through our bodies, playing our part with other actors, using the props, and choosing scenes of our choice.

We must learn to live in the present enjoying each moment realizing the overall plan of this drama.  We wonder at the intricacy and precision at which each action brings an equal and opposite reaction.  This theory of cause and effect, action and reaction, is the basic law of life, both on physical and metaphysical planes.

This understanding also helps us to face the loss of a loved one.  We must realize that we were playing a part together with someone and now, that scene is over.  It is the possessiveness of things and people that causes sorrow.  This is also called “Maya” or illusion of life.  It is because of Maya that we experience grief, sorrow, emptiness and loneliness.

When somebody’s part is over, we fell that we have lost that person’s love and comfort.  But, it was never yours.  You are fortunate to experience that person’s love or comfort just as you are fortunate to experience the warmth of the sun’s rays or the coolness of the water.  We cannot control the coming and the going of a person more that the rising and the setting of the sun.

Neither money nor power nor prayer can stop the eternal flow of Life and so we must learn to flow with it.

© Nitesh Kotecha

Don’t Let Yourself Be Hurt This Time

The gazelle slowly walked 

As her mother patiently talked

"We are the lion's meat

Everyday is not so neat

Calm your senses as you eat

For the bell will ring

And loud will be the chime

Don’t let yourself be hurt this time"

Don’t let yourself be hurt this time

Don’t let yourself be hurt this time

The boy quickly shook

As his father gave a last look

"I know I have been rude

'm sick 'n can’t have any food

Gimme a hug 'n make me feel good

For the bell will ring

And loud will be the chime

Don’t let yourself be hurt this time"

Don’t let yourself be hurt this time

Don’t let yourself be hurt this time

© Nitesh Kotecha

Old Wine - Computer Education in India

The world is different place now then at the time when I attended school.  Today, social networks and mainstream media are an integral part of all communication that takes place – whether it is Business, Politics, or Social Life.  However, the state department of education has participated just a little.

Teachers, Educators, Parents and Students do understand how learning is changing.   However, I am of the opinion that the involvement is just not so large enough, for our schools in India.

Many students are immersed in social networks and cellular technology outside of school life, and there are not enough adults in their lives who can guide them as to how they can use those connections to learn.  Our access to information, people and ideas is exploding on the net.  However, the education system in India has had this inability to recognize the paradigm shift.  The Education Boards do not fully understand the learning process that are needed for learners who want to share their knowledge and interests. 

The syllabus and course material does attempt to integrate the net and media with the way we learn, BUT, the examinations and their formats, together with state education board politics ensure that such 21st century skills do not amount to much.

My stay in USA had me interacting on the UNiX software by AT&T.  There was no graphic user interface.  Communicating was cumbersome (If you wanted to chat with somebody at a site - say school.com, you had to use for a command a word that was rather inappropriate - “finger xyz@school.com”!!!)

The net is now easy.  However, this ease does not necessarily guarantee education and growth.    The content on the net is much, but essentially that work reflects what we were doing with pen and paper.  The medium of publication has changed and nothing else.

21-century skills are just not possible for schools that are run by archaic school education boards which in turn are controlled by politicians and antediluvian academic dinosaurs.

Here are some thoughts:

- Mathematics is taught beautifully on the internet, free of charge, by the Khan academy (www.khanacademy.org).  I wish I had learnt to tame this monster this way.  Why cannot school children “officially” learn their material from websites such as these?

- I have downloaded dance numbers and videos that explain economic theories!  It is fun!

- School going children and schools must publish their own teaching skills at their own websites.  All school going children must have their own blogs at the school website where they are encouraged not only to share know but to also develop their own content.  The school webmaster can surely monitor the content.

Our ability to easily publish content online will force us to rethink the way we communicate with students, the way we deliver our curriculum and the expectations from the next generation.  Likewise, Teachers and Professors must publish their own content on blogs and encourage participation from students.

- Blogging on school websites allow children to have an audience and thus the children may grow to be more confident.

- Publishing self-content will force the children to have better critical, writing and analytical skills.

It is understood that the above model suggests a school which has funds and has children whose parents can afford the higher expenditure.  This is ok.

© Nitesh Kotecha