Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Right to Education is the closest link to India's future

To, Dear Indians,

If India is to rightfully stake its claim to stardom in the new world order, it definitely needs to wipe the shame of illiteracy and lack of basic health care for highly preventable diseases. How does one do that?

Well, here is an opportunity at our doorstop with this not-so-perfect yet a giant leap of sorts education bill
Nitin Sonawane

Universal power of micro finance

To, Dear Indians,
Dr Yunus and his experiment with micro finance has brought this poverty-eliminating tool at the forefront of our discussion on the big ideas that could change the world.
Like every sport that needs an even playground and impartial referee to succeed, micro finance has to be complemented with platform of governance and job opportunities.

Click here for an interesting article on the challenges and limitations of the power of micro finance.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Guilty without trial

To, Dear Indians,
The state of our state is abysmal and there are tragic stories galore. If our heroes like Gautam Goswami cannot get a fair trial within reasonable time, what shall a common man aspiring to be a hero dream of? Experts from legal fraternity, I am eager to see your suggestions for a solution. Please respond!

Nitin Sonawane

Click here to read the story

While we were cribbing, Dr Ravi Chopra was defying convention

Dear Indians,
Perhaps, our most irritating, banal reaction to a call for public service or nationalist sentiment is - Koi Kuch Nahi Kar Raha Hai - so why should I bell the cat?
Well, while many of us are abandoning our responsibility to our nation ostensibly because no one is doing anything, here is an example of someone who gave up a potentially cushy lifestyle for a worthy cause of our nation. So, I dedicate the following article to all naysayers and non-doers. I pray to God that he be kind enough to awaken you from your unhealthy slumber before you are the only ones left NOT serving the nation.
Nitin Sonawane

Please click here to read about Dr Ravi Chopra

India lacks informed citizenry and is as much to blame as corrupt officials & politicians

To, Dear Indians,
Here is an interesting article on how we are becoming informed citizens judiciously electing candidates on issue of governance but that we are not demanding nearly enough from our elected representatives on the issue of exercise of power. The blame, however, does not fall on the politician himself, but upon us citizens. The battle is not between citizens and politicians but it is between voters of two kinds. One that insists on sound public policy and other that claims rights based on caste or community. Who wins this battle will determine the future of India. When we hear of something as egregious as one leader holding countless ministries, we do not express adequate vocal criticism. This lack of public demand for better governance allows our politicians to bow to the public demands of caste based ministerial appointments.
Nitin Sonawane

Please click here to read the article