Happenings around...

Its been a while since I wrote anything about what is happening around me. My 3 week trip to Canada put me at a complete loss and it took me a good deal of time to get back. I do go through the daily ritual of reading the newspaper which has now become absolutely a ritual. Come on, is there anything interesting that is happening around us? Sample these:

• After all that hype and hoopla, the Nuclear Agreement has finally been signed by Pranab Mukherji and Condolezza Rice. Thank God! Honestly, I dont understand how it is going to benefit us or work against us. I really wanted this Hyde Act and 123 to stop once and for all considering the amount of print space and air time the issue has been hogging for the past many months!!!Either it had to be signed or it had to be abandoned and thankfully for all of us, one of these have happened. Honestly, I dont think signing an agreement would matter to such a great extent since the ministries change not only in India but also in the US and it would not be that difficult for either governments to rescind the contract at a later date if it, as a whole or in parts, stands to adversely affect the interest of either country. This is what I believe and the point here is that it is all over!
• Border- Gavaskar Trophy: Now the first test at Bangalore is being projected as if it is the last game of cricket played between India and Australia. The teams are also doing their best to keep the suspense going. The scoreboards change sides like the BSE Sensex and enthusiasts of the game world over are at a loss to understand how this is going to end up. All we can say is best of luck to Kumble and Ponting and their respective teams!
• The NANO "NO-NO" Story: It is good that finally someone has managed to make Ms. Mamata Banerjee eat humble pie. Last heard, the lady was crying that Singur should have industries. But, I dont think anyone would listen. Why do something like this against the TATA's- the most respected and reverred industrial group in the country? Anyways, if at the end of all this another industrial group decides to invest in West Bengal, Buddhadeb and Mamata can thank their stars. Based on what I see, Modi's stars are shining bright and I would not be surprised if he ends up being the Prime Minister of the country
• Kandhamal, Bajrang Dal, Mangalore Episodes clearly tell us that a "sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic" exists only in school text books. I remember clearly how I used to learn the meaning of each of these terms by heart when I was in Class 6 or something. The chapter in question was Indian Constitution (These days, one has to be extremely careful while mentioning about chapters in school textbooks, remember "Mathamillatha Jeevan" controversy in Kerala?) which today stands reduced to a mere legal document. These days, even "Letters to the Editor" columns of newspapers are filled with fierce opinions from Christians and Hindus on whether or not forced conversion to Christainity exists. When one reads through all this, one clearly understands that there is no point blaming the politicians who use communalism as a weapon for vote bank politics. If the people of the country are divided on matters as trivial as caste, community and religion, why would not anyone take advantage of these issues? Looks like things have cooled down a bit after what transpired with the poor nun in Orissa. Lets hope that things get clear very soon!
• Sainthood of Sister Alphonsa: At the end of all this, there is something good also happening for the small state of Kerala and that is the canonization of Sister Alphonsa to sainthood. Sister Alphonsa who lived a short life of just 36 years was the epitome of kindness, sacrifice and love. Post death, her intervention resulted in miraculous cure of many diseases of children and that is the reason why she was canonized. First (Indian) woman and second Indian to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, Saint Alphonsa will continue to live in the hearts of millions and hopefully, continue to create miracles in the lives of many a little things...