The war with hunger

The story of Shaheed Jetin Das is one of glorious moments of India’s freedom struggle. The great revolutionary sacrificed his life for the motherland in 1929 at the Lahore jail after 63 days of hunger strike. He is the only person who died in the pre-independence era by fasting against the colonial rule. Jetin Das's struggle was a golden episode which shocked India and inspired millions of freedom fighters.

In a country were great persons like Jetin Das had sacrificed their soles to live independent ,a woman has been fasting for 10 years-not against any foreign power, but against the terror created by the country's own rule. The epic of Irom Sharmila-"the iron lady of Manipur" is one of the biggest struggles independent India has witnessed. On November 2, 2010 she completed 10 years of fasting in Imphal, the capital of North-Eastern state of Manipur.

Irom Sharmila is on hunger strike since 2000 demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 from Manipur. She started her strike after the Assam Rifles troops shot dead 10 innocent people in Mallom near Manipur on November 1, 2000. In that incident, in which the victims included an 18 year old National Bravery Award winner was shot for the reason of an IED explosion by the militants, which left no causality. But the troops target was all innocent civilians who were at their homes and some others who were waiting for bus. For Irom Chanu Sharmila, who was 28 at that time it was the incident which took her towards the fight against the notorious law, AFSPA which protested such actions of the Armed Forces. Her struggle was not for any publicity, but for the supreme goal of repeal of AFSPA.

AFSPA, a law which gives the power for the Armed Forces members, even non commissioned officers, to use force which can cause death for mere suspicion towards any person and can be punished only with the approval of the centre if find guilty, a case which never happened. This law which is enacted in various areas of the country, mainly in Kashmir valley and Manipur was meant to suppress militancy. But over the years it is widely misused and resulted in numerous cases of fake encounter killings. It also lead to widespread human rights violations, including murder, rape, torture, etc., Many of these incidents occurred in broad daylight with witnesses, but the responsible were protected by the notorious law. People who lived under this law have leaded a life of misery and sufferings as in an enemy occupied territory.

Justice J.B.Jeevan Reddy commission, appointed to the enquiry of the gang rape and murder case of Manorama Devi, a Manipuri girl, in 2004 by the troops of Assam Rifles which lead widespread protest across the country, had recommended scraping the AFSPA, but government refused saying it will increase militant activities. But the Act continued to be against the innocent in many occasions after that also, like the case in which an innocent youth, Samjith was shot in a busy market area in Imphal in broad daylight, which was explained being an encounter. This incident was video graphed which clearly proved the innocence of the victim. But neither centre nor state didn’t take any action against the responsible, which encouraged them to go ahead with their actions against the people.

Sharmila is the lead in the struggle against AFSPA now. She is under arrest charged with section 309 (attempt to commit suicide) of Indian Penal Code, IPC. As this section allow only one year’s custody, but each year she is arrested after release, since she continues the strike. For 10 years she has not eaten anything and is hospitalized and fed through nasogastric intubation with a deteriorating health in J.N.Hospital, Imphal, were her ward has been declared as a sub jail. She had taken her struggle once to Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi's Tomb, escaping to Delhi after one release. All her letters to the Centre including Prime minister and President has turned down without any action and she continues her struggle.

Over these years she has become the face of Human rights struggle in India and won international attention. She had won numerous awards for her struggle, which she donated for the well being of the people and declared her only aim is the repeal of AFSPA. As government refuses it she continues her war with hunger until victory is achieved or being dead as like Shaheed Jetin Das.

Negative impacts of India-ASEAN FTA

The signing of ASEAN FTA has raised many objections from various parts of India. Through the tariff free trade, which comes into effect by the FTA will be a blow to the Indian agriculture and fisheries sector. This was the reason to argue upon the negative list by the two parties. The negotiations later led to the shortening of the negative list which place a number of India’s cash crops on normal track of import.

The FTA will be a blow to planters and farmers from South India since ASEAN countries has comparative advantage in the production of certain agricultural crops. ASEAN countries are featured with similar climate and geographical features with similar crops that of South Indian states, especially Kerala and Tamilnadu. Moreover ASEAN countries are having advantage in the production of crops like rubber, tea, coffee, pepper, etc. which are the main crops of these south Indian states. These products are characterized by high productivity and low cost of production in ASEAN countries. This can be improved in future with their current resources itself, due to low density of population and fertile land. Indian producers now itself face problem of high cost of production, low productivity, low prices and lack of cultivatable land due to high density of population. Tariff free trade help ASEAN products to enter Indian market, where domestic products will be unable to compete with. This will lead to a decline in agricultural production and dependence on imports.

Instead of protecting the key products by putting them on the negative list, India has agreed those to be on the special list of five products. The items on this list will have 50% tariff cut by 2018. The temporary protection will not be helpful for Indian products to recover from production disparities. 50% tariff cut is a very good advantage to ASEAN countries.

Palm oil is also not in protective list. Malaysia is having a high palm oil production and it is one of the major exporters of palm oil. Import of low cost palm oil will affect the market of sunflower oil and coconut oil and thereby coconut and sunflower market in India. These products constitute major part of crops in the southern states.

Fish and fish products are another major good which ASEAN has a good advantage. They are characterized by high availability of fish due to natural features. The involvement of fish and fish products in the trade pact is in complicated way in which they spread over normal track and negative list, leaving several loop holes. The import of such products may affect the domestic market featured with seasonal variations of availability.

Even though rubber is included in the negative list, several rubber products are on the normal track which will help the rubber industries of ASEAN countries to export to India.

The negative list items don’t guarantee any protection from tariff cut. Each year the items on the list will be reviewed. If in one year the production of an item in the list is reduced in one sector the product will go to normal list. This may affect products like fisheries which have natural variations in availability.

ASEAN’s import from India is only 2.1% of its total import, while 3.4% of their export is to India. In 2006-’07 total exports from India to ASEAN increased by 21 % only while import increased by 66% ,i.e., growth in import is three times larger than exports. Trade deficit has increased from 0.5 billion US$ in 2002-‘03 to 7 billion US$ by 2009 Aug. After tariff cut this deficit may increase.

India-ASEAN FTA-How far it is gainful?

India and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) had signed a free Trade Agreement on 2009 August 13 in the meeting of ASEAN-India Economic Ministers held in Bangkok, Thailand. Both parties signed the pact on trade in goods under the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). The CECA was signed in 2003 in recognizing the economic potential for close linkages between the two parties. Through the treaty the parties had agreed to enter into negotiations in order to establish an ASEAN-India Regional Trade and Investment Area (RTIA), which includes a Free Trade Area (FTA) in goods, services and investment, and to strengthen and enhance economic cooperation.

This treaty has been framed after years long negotiations and discussions started after the First India-ASEAN summit in 2002. The setting up of a FTA aims at tariff free trade between the trade bloc and India. This trade agreement has taken effect from January 1, 2010 onwards. One of the important trade treaties signed by India so far, this treaty aimed at the regional cooperation between the two important growing economic powers of Asia. But, In India the signing of the agreement has gained wide protest from various parts of the country. So the treaty has been widely discussed following the framing of agreement. Certain sources have claimed that the free trade which would be established would be having a negative effect over the country’s domestic market.

The volume of trade between India and ASEAN countries has shown considerable growth since 2000. The total trade volume has increased from 7 billion US dollars during 2000-’01 to 45.3 billion US dollars during 2008-’09. The signing up of the framework agreement was helpful for this increase. By the end of 2010 the total trade volume is targeted to reach 50 billion US dollars. The signing up of a free trade agreement will break the barriers of trade and will help to increase the volume of trade between two blocks. This will constitute to the development of the region.

Agreement on export of services sector will be gainful to India. India currently ranks 9^th in export of services globally and ASEAN countries is a net importer of the same. This advantage will help to gain more market and eventually contribute more to the GDP. Another important field India has advantage is the Investment sector. Indian companies seek direct investment in the ASEAN countries through the agreement. Currently Singapore is one of the top destinations for Indian overseas investment. The secure environment and economic developments in some countries are motivating factor for investment. The top Indian companies are aiming to invest in IT, infrastructure, banking, automotives, and mining and real estate sectors of ASEAN countries mainly in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Through the agreement Indian investors can seek more opportunities in Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam which has shown considerable growth in development. Indian products of machinery and machine parts, steel and steel products, Certain Agricultural products like wheat, oil cake and meat, chemicals and textiles would gain additional market access as a result of tariff liberalization.

Currently India is having good trade relations with Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia only. A major chunk of India’s trade with ASEAN is to these countries. Singapore is heading with 32 % of total trade while Indonesia (27%) and Malaysia (18%) follow. By the FTA, India can increase the trade with other seven countries of ASEAN.

For a great step forward

After months of tension and controversies, CWG is all set to begin. The arrangements made for the games are now widely appreciated. Opening ceremony showcased the vivid culture of India colourfully. Now the arena is taken up by its people-the contingents. With over 6000 athletes from 71 countries, this Games is the biggest one in the history of Commonwealth games.

The games was struck with the withdrawal of several star athletes. But now along with a good number of international stars, Indian team is lining up a number of world class sportsperson. This time India is hoping more and is aiming for its best result so far in any of the International competitions.India finished fourth in the last edition (Melbourne 2006) and third in Manchester (2002). This time with the home advantage, with wide support of fans and mostly with the talented young competitors, India is hoping to finish second in the medals tally. Ahead of the Asian Games this November and the 2012 Olympics, this is a golden opportunity to take a step towards those bigger stages and bigger dreams.

One of the biggest hopes is in badminton. With world No.2 Saina Nehwal and world No.6, Diju-Jwala Gutta mixed-doubles pair, it is not just a dream. The Badminton event, without China, but with Malaysia, Singapore and England, is not lacking good competition. Indian should fight hard to keep the hopes live. Chetan Anand is also hopeful in men’s singles. Tennis is another event which India has taken as favorites. In this newly added event at CWG, Indians are top seeded. Paes-Bhupati doubles pair, Somdev Devvarman, Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza are India's main contingents. With their super performance recently, Indian team may dominate the Tennis.

Boxing and Wrestling are also events where India line-up some gold bidders. With five time World champion, Mary Kom, in women’s boxing and Olympic medal winner, Vijender Singh along with Akhil Kumar in men’s event, it is not a dream which never comes true. Wrestling team, headed by World Champion, Sushiel Kumar is also ready to pick a number of medals from the ring.

The events which India bagged a number of medals last time was shooting and weight lifting. This time in Shooting it is stronger team. Olympic Gold winner, Abhinav Bindra, Samresh Jung, Gagan Narang, etc, are aiming another gold hunt at home. Weight lifting team is also aiming the same.

In Table Tennis and Squash, it will be good competition. There also India has a good squad. Sharath Kamal, last time gold winner in TT is set for another this time. In Squash, Saurav Goshal, Joshna Chinnappa and Deepika are hoping to grab at least three medals. In Archery, India may be able to take medals with Dola Banerjee as the big name. In swimming events, where Australia and England dominates India's chances are rare.

In team events, the best hope is in Hockey. Men Hockey team, with their recent setbacks in World cup and Olympics qualifiers, will have to fight hard to grab a medal, in an event where big names like Australia, England, NZL, Pakistan and South Africa take part. In women section, India is a favorite for the medal.

At last, the most important event, Athletics. Here it is a good competition with a number of African, European and Caribbean athletes. India's main hopes are Tintu Luka, Mayookha Johnny, Ranjith and Krishna Puniya. As India's performance in track events is not much better in CWG, this time also it will be hard to grab gold from the track.

Indian team's dream of the second spot is not a milestone which cannot be achieved. India has the resource for it. With the wide support of home crowd, it can be achieved. And let it be a foundation and inspiration for the bigger events. For a better tomorrow, a great step forward. Good Luck India....

Traditional micro financial systems of mutual understanding

Micro financial enterprises have grown importance nowadays. These enterprises are highly contributing to rural development in India. The rural working class population in India is in need of a financial support at various situations they face. His daily wage work will not earn him ready cash or left with him that amount to meet the expenses of several functions of his family or any emergency situation. So, in such cases micro financing is always helpful to the rural population. Bangladesh Gramin Bank of the neighboring country is a world famous micro financing institution.

But when we explore rural India, there are various traditional financial systems. 'Kuri or Chitti' is such a system seen in several areas. In this system an amount of money, (ranging from 10 000 to 50 000 usually) is fixed by the person carrying out the system. Then a number of workers (sufficient number to cover the sum total) join this scheme and each has a smaller denomination (mainly 10 percent) to pay in installment each week. Each week the fixed amount is collected and one of the members is selected by lucky draw, who will get that weeks total. He will not be drawn again and has to pay again the installment until all members get the amount. The first week’s amount will go to the person who carries out this business. If anybody is in need of money urgently, they will get next week’s draw if the concerned is contacted. This savings scheme is very helpful for daily wage workers and is even carried out abroad also were large number of Indians work.

In the south Indian state of Kerala, there is a system called 'panappayattu'.It is a system of mutual understanding, which is mainly conducted during occasions which needs a big amount of money. This tradition reflects the helping mentality, Co-operation and the mutual understanding of the rural people. Marriages and house warming are the main occasions where this system is carried out without its name used. The main aim is to meet the expense or to pay debts. A tea party is organized along with the marriage function or house warming function. This party is usually organized the day before the function. And all relatives, neighbors, friends, colleagues are invited for the party. And the guests will contribute an amount, according to his ability and considering the need of the host. All the contributions are entered in a register and kept with the host after the function. The guests are served with tea and snacks. So, the function will be gainful for the host and he may get a sum to meet the expenses at the time. There are occasions in which, good amount of money left after meeting the expenses.

The function turns to co-operation after this. The person who received the financial help will keep the register with him. This person will be invited for similar functions at many of the guest’s residence. They will be also in need of money. This time, the first person contributes the amount he received earlier, or a higher amount considering the need. So, it become like a payment back. This system is so, highly helpful in getting financial support, without usury. Each one is helping his friend, with a thought of getting a help back from him, when needed.

So, what a man will do when he is in need for money and there is no function to be held, may be for a house repair or paying a debt or something like that. He must have given money earlier to his friends on several occasions, and have to get that back. At this time he will conduct a 'panappayattu'. (Word meaning- “fight for money"; I got amazed when first viewed that board, thinking of a fight. Since in our place this practice is called’ kurikalyanam’. The person will conduct a small party in a tea shop at the village bazaar one evening and give invitations to the persons whom he has to get money. To get attraction front of the teashop is decorated with leaves and songs are played over speakers. The invitees will come and contribute (pay back), and they are served with tea and snacks. This makes the practice a financial system of mutual understanding reflecting the brotherhood and co-operation of the typical country side.

"Kuri's and 'Panappayattu' has become rare these days. The number of such functions is very low comparing to a ten year ago, even though at household functions are still continuing. The new age micro financial institutions and money lenders has taken the place to help the people with money, but with a high interest. Kuri's has also become rare, replaced by government run savings programmes, like post office savings, Co-operative banks, etc. These systems may have some advantages over the traditional ones. But they lack the spirit of country side culture. Disappearance of such practices is a big blow to the brotherhood and harmony of the village people.

Commonwealth Games-Will the medals worth?

Organizing a mega sports event, is a chance for the host nations to showcase its tradition and culture and express their hospitality to the world. Moreover such events contribute to the development of sports in that country. But when it comes to India’s case it becomes just another chance for corruption, wastage and dirty politics. The 2010 Commonwealth Games is to be held in Delhi this October. With one month left to start the games Delhi is struggling to finish the works of the stadia and other infrastructure. Last month reports of wide scam in the works came out. Large amount of public money has been wasted by misuse and the expense shot up because of lack of proper management. Thousands of crores has been spent over various projects so far. Some venues which completed work, is reported for lack in quality. The main venue, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was renovated at a cost of Rs.961 crore (It is to be noted that, the Gachibowli stadium was newly constructed for almost 21 crores, for the Afro-Asian games in 2003). Like this for almost every project, huge amount more than needed was spent, and is still struggling to finish before timeline and is lacking quality. The Organizers are also widely criticized for the eviction of thousands of poor people for making space.

Development of the country’s sports structure is the main task of mega events. And how far India is prepared to utilize the games in that way? CWG is participated by member countries of British Commonwealth. Here only some events are having world class quality in competition. The main attraction of a multi game event is athletics. At CWG it is having good quality. But India is very poor in athletics according to CWG level. India doesn’t have a world class athlete to show up as a torchbearer. When China hosted Olympic Games, they had world champion Liu Xiang, to showcase. India’s performance in previous CWG events was mainly in shooting and weight lifting. Both items are less competitive in this event compared to Asian Games and Olympics.Delhi games also miss star athletes like Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, etc. The unfinished stadia, games village and other infrastructures, wide corruption, blame game and the withdrawal of star athletes has put the game under shadow, before it starts. And if it fails to provide any development to the country’s sports structure, then the tax payers money is entirely wasted for a mock. In 2003, crores were spent for Afro-Asian games and it was an utter failure, both in competition and success. South Africa, Qatar, Japan, Korea, China all gained from the events they hosted. They were able to improve their sports structure and were able to carry over it to more big events.

This large sum of money, if efficiently utilized for the development of sports in the country will gain good results in the future. If there is a well planned program with this resources, India will surely become the giants in world sports. We are having talented youth. All they need is good support and good infrastructure. We just need efficient utilization of resources. For that, sports administrators should be sports lovers, rather than money loving politicians. Otherwise these events produce nothing and will be another burden over the poor tax payer.

Haleem-Hyderabad's taste for Ramadan

When we walk through the streets of Hyderabad, It always gives an enchanting feeling. The blend of cities old and new varieties ranging from bazaars, palaces, forts, minarets to the new hi-tech buildings, flyovers, stadiums, malls, etc, is the beauty of the twin cities. The cuisine of Hyderabad, add up to the delight of visitors. A variety of tastes, starting from the famous Hyderabad biriyani to the special fruit biscuits of Karachi bakery, make the mind full of food lovers. And when we are down the streets, during the holy month of Ramadan, our eyes will catch the sight of colourful line up of sign boards, with display of special dish, which we haven’t met throughout the year. And when we reach to it, a delightful smell from a big pot, and the sight of a hot dish welcome us, it’s “Haleem”- Hyderabad’s unique special dish for Ramadan. Each and every corner of the city is piled up with the shops, selling this delicious food. Cities star restaurants to the small vendors equally enjoy in the making and selling of this dish.

Haleem is made from meat, along with ghee, a variety of spices and dry fruits. This semi-liquid food is enjoyed by the people mainly after Iftar (breaking of the fast). While majority take it as a secondary food, some who cannot compromise with its taste, take as much to fill their stomach. It is made on large scale, in big pots with specially designed fire place. And the work over it starts from morning and is ready to serve by the time of Iftar. The line up in front of shops after sunset shows the peoples response to its taste. Moreover, it provides much satisfaction after a day’s fasting. Haleem is also prepared in households for Iftar. During the season, variety of competitions is organized like eating Haleem and preparing it.

The origin of Haleem in Hyderabad has many opinions. Mainly it is believed to have reached from Persia, during the period of Nizam, along with many other dishes like the Iranian tea. However Haleem is unique to Hyderabad in India. Now its sale has been extended to Mumbai and Bangalore airports. Old city-the Charminar area is best place to have Haleem in the city. There is large number of vendors selling it there. King Koti is another area which lines up with a number of Haleem shops. The desire of the city’s residents for this delicious dish has made the season a hub for the vendors. The immigrants of the city, from various parts of India and other countries, have it, first for curiosity and then, caught with its taste. If you are in the city during Ramadan, then don’t miss the taste of Haleem.

Kashmir-clouds of violence again

For the last two months Kashmir witnessed one of the furious clashes in recent years. The tension raised between the locals and the security forces has led to the loss of several lives and loss of property worth millions. The situation in Kashmir now is one which needs immediate attention and a permanent solution. The Atmosphere of the valley has been in a disturbed condition after the Omar Abdullah government took over the power. Many protests and demonstrations were held in different parts of the valley in response to fake encounters and killings, like the Shopian case. These incidents has led the state to an explosive stage, which has been triggered in this June, with the death of a school boy, Tufail Mattoo, hit by a teargas shell in Srinagar. This teargas shell was shot in order to suppress a rally organized to protest against the fake encounter at Machhil in April, this year, which killed 3 youths. After the death of Tufail, the current mass upsurge reached its peak level, with continuing violence and many killed in firing by security forces. The violence continued and spread all over and the number of people killed in firing and in police custody increased. For the last two months more than fifty youths were killed in the violence lead to destruction of mass property, government vehicles and offices. As the entire area is under curfew, the shops remained closed; people are suffering without the availability of food and other necessities. Schools, Colleges, Offices, Business centers all remain closed in the valley. This time the violence had spread almost entirely, from cities to towns to villages and is seen the active participation of women, children and youth, who are battling with the police with stones, neglecting the wide torture and response with guns.


The situation in Kashmir has become to such a disturbing situation because of the failure of state and central governments to win faith in the people. The government hasn’t learned any lessons from the uncontrolled activities of the armed forces across the country, and especially in the states of Kashmir and Manipur, were the deadly ASFPA exist. This act is actually a ‘license to kill’. The failure of the government to control this killings, has lead the situation worse. The responsible officers of the incidents are free from law despite the clear evidences against them. And there is no sign of warning or not at all a condemning word from the authorities in these incidents. This silence has now leaded to the breaking silence by the public in Kashmir. If any action has been taken in the Machhil case, the current upsurge would not have happened. But the gentlemen were busy with Commonwealth games. In a country were a question is raised in the parliament, when a cricketer is not selected to the national team, notorious killing of its citizens by its own forces are not at all discussed. And the Indian armed forces, whether it is paramilitary, civil police or the military, is (in) famous for its notorious, unfriendly behavior, from the colonial period itself.


The violence is in a mass scale, without any leadership, so the usual method of arresting the leaders will not work. Since the time limit for a political solution is almost over, now the step taken by the government is to push more troops, or the army itself to suppress the violence. How long the violence can be suppressed with boots and guns. More troops means more killing and more violence. The usual policies are difficult to work this time.


Here the immediate package is the involvement of the Prime minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh in Kashmir. The people protesting can only be calmed by winning their faith over the government. PM should listen to the grievances of Kashmiris .He should admit the mistakes and apologize in the death of innocent people and try to provide justice to the people of Kashmir. This will be the last chance, if the centre fails this time, we cannot predict the result of the next explosion from the valley. Surely it will be uncontrollable.

Beautiful game in Rainbow land

Football is the most popular game in the world. Wherever it is played, this beautiful game attracts the hearts of millions. Lakhs of players and thousands of clubs in constitute the world football. No other game reaches nearby this in popularity. It is the great passion of this game which leads the people to its way.

And what will happen when the world’s greatest football event is with us. World cup football is the most awaited sports event. It is the end of waiting for many years. Winners waiting to prove it again and losers for winning what they lost last time. For the fans it is a waiting for beautiful matches in national colours. Since the lights of Berlin Olympic stadium were off four years ago they were counting down for the lights to be on at Johannesburg. Qualifying matches, losses, confusions, winning, and all added up to excitement. With analysis, calculations, betting and all fans celebrated the count down period.

This time world cup had founded a new arena. The coronation of football kings will be in the Dark Continent- The home of wild and beautiful power football which conquered the world by last two decades, Africans dream has come true. They love football than any thing. They forget the civil wars, bloodsheds, Famine, Poverty for their favorite game. From Abedi Pele, Rodger Milla, George Viya, Kanu, Ballumi, Diyouf etc., to Drogba, Essien, Eto’o, McCarthy ,… African football had grown a lot. And they are expecting more this time, the show off their own teams, at home. Can they create History? Asia proved it when they were the hosts. And why can’t Africa?

Before the kick off the most asked question is always-Who will be the winner? And who all has the chance for lifting the cup. Fans support their teams the best with all favorable calculations and assumptions. -Argentina, Brazil, Spain, England, Portugal, Germany are in the hotlist of predictors. With each team and its supporters the football mania continues…

Latin America-the song of football
When we check the world cup history, from 1962 onwards we can see a rotation going on in winning the title. Cup goes to Latin America and Europe alternatively. What force is making this perfect rotation? Last time it was the chance of Europe, and before semis itself all the other continents were out of the race. Is there anything true in it? If this continues again, then this time it is to Latin America. And who will win for them? There is only two teams to win for them-The all-time football favorites-Brazil and Argentina. Majority of football fans around the world are with either of these teams.
Brazil is a team always favorites. No words are needed to introduce them. Just that name is enough for canaries. All teams want to beat them. And they want to win always; nothing less than cup is enough for them. How are the chances of Brazil? They are in good form now, won Confederation cup last year. This time Brazil has a young squad with a super coach campaigning for the seventh title. If they are in full swing no other choice will be there for the title. If kaka, Robinho, fabiano trio can be the successors of “Ro-Ro-Ri” trio of 2002 then Yellow will bloom again.
Argentina is never far behind. They have been waiting for 24 years for a cup win. Each time they come with much expectation and somewhere they miss it. This time the man who had won for them in 1986- Diego Maradona is preparing the team for an end to the long drought of titles. Can they fulfill that dream with world footballer Messi or will it be another tragedy? Argentina is a super team, and if they click the dream will surely come true in Africa.
Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile are the other teams from Latin America. Paraguay is in good form, and they are having a golden opportunity in the first round, with an easy grouping, they are predicted to be the runners-up of the group. If Chile can overcome Swiss and Honduras, they will be heading to pre-quarters, to meet Brazil there. Uruguay’s chances in group-A, with France, Mexico and the hosts, South Africa is not predicted.

House of power football-Europe
Europe is aiming a victory outside their continent for the first time and to keep the title with them itself. Out of the 13 teams from Europe England and Spain is at the height of expectations. Home for world’s best leagues these countries don’t have much to boast in international arena. European champions-Spain is predicted to be a new winner of FIFA world cup. They are having a good squad this time, which can compete with any other team in the world. England is also having a very good squad. Each time this is the situation with them, in 2002, 2006, 1990 all. But every time they fell over some hurdles. With Fabio Capello‘s tricks can they win a second title after 44 years.
Portugal is another hopeful team. Luis Figo’s successors were struggling in the qualifiers with superstar Cristiano, Deco, Carvalo, Nani, Etc,. Over the past years they had gained much fans and support, but present situation is tough for them. Even with star players, this team is not good as 2006 semi finalist team.
Traditional European power houses-Germany, Italy, France and Holland is also hoping for their favorite title. Germany has a good record in world cup history. Recently they had good results in Euro cup and Last world cups. But injury is the main problem they face which darkens their hopes. They had lost 5 key players including captain and playmaker Ballack and first goalkeeper Rene Adler. If the young squad under Philip Lahm can overcome these losses then Germany will be the real Germany again. Italy is the defending champions, but not in the favorites list. The old squad of 2006 cannot go further again. Their performance in Euro cup 2008 and Confederation cup 2009 doesn’t gave much expectation from the Azzuris. France is also in poor form. The runner-up of last time struggled in the qualifiers itself, and even loss to China in a recent friendly. They are having only the memories of the golden era. Frank Ribery is giving some hope for the French squad, but that is not enough here. Holland is also a team which ends up in the middle way always. If they can overcome that bad luck this time it will be the orange harvest in Africa.
The other teams from Europe-Slovenia, Serbia, Greece and Slovakia are not much considered; even for the second round. If Denmark continues the performance in qualifiers, then sure, they will be the dark horses. They are hoping that from group E, with Japan, Cameroon and Holland.

African dreams
With all these power houses existing, heart beats for some other colours. Yes, at their home, can the Africans be far behind. Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon and Algeria are handling the flag of Africa with the hosts-South Africa. If any of them can create history, it will be the biggest prize for them for hosting this mega event. With Super stars Drogbe, Appiah, Eto’o and all their teams are at the top of hopes, with the support of their own people. Grouping has given Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon chances to advance from first round.
Ivory Coast is with the giants and expecting to leave one of them in tears. South Africa’s hope from the first round is unpredictable from group A, with equal powers Uruguay and Mexico along with France.

North America-to prove there power
Among the teams from North America, USA and Mexico are in good form. USA will be advancing from group C. They had performed well in the confederation cup. Can they repeat the great upset of 1950 when they face England in their first match? Even not they can go to the next round beating Slovenia and Algeria in their present form. But in second round they may be facing Germany. Mexico is always a pre-quarter team. This time also they will be moving to their only. Honduras is not hoping much unless a good performance.

Asia-Oceania:Something special this time
The third world of football-Asia is in a different combination this time. There is no team from Middle East, but North Korea, who had qualified after 44 years. In 1966, their only appearance before, they created history by reaching the quarter, which was the best performance by an Asian team until 2002. South Korea and Australia is likely to advance from first round. Socceroos is considered as a danger by giants after their performance in the last world cup. South Korea is having a group to hope. If they can overcome Nigeria Red will roar again.
Japan had to do something special this time to succeed in the group stage. They are not considered much like last time.
The one and only team outside all this, New Zealand is trying to celebrate their surprise qualification. Luck was with them this time. Oceanic giants, Australia said goodbye to the confederation, and unlucky was with Bahrain again. If “All whites” do any thing in the tournament, then it will be another giant surprise.

Each world cup tournament had something special with it. Surprise winners, goals, upsets, new stars, etc,. At last one team will emerge as winners- Sometimes according to predictions, sometimes above all expectations. What surprise will be Africa having? We have to wait till July 11. Until that we have the beautiful game with us....

The Hunt continues...........

Last week, India suffered one of its biggest tragedies in recent years.75 CRPF jawans and one police head constable was killed in an ambush laid by the fighting Maoist guerillas in Dantewada district, Chhattisgarh. This was the biggest attack on forces by Maoists so far. The scene of the attack and that of the coffins lined up covered in Tricolour and flowers was absolutely shocking. The blood stained war in the forests of Eastern India, may come to a turning point through this event. The so-called high power meeting held in the capital next day, has talked about, aerial attack over Maoist hideouts.

But a number of questions arise here. Who will win in this war at last? How far the ruling class will be able to suppress this insurgency. And what happened to the ‘Operation Green hunt’? There was a tremendous increase in the number of casualties at both sides after this operation started. Does anybody tried to understand the real problem.

The remote areas of central and Eastern India, now called the ‘Red corridor’ is an entirely neglected area for decades. None of the government machinery had reached these remote villages, lying midst dense forest. And this wide neglect must have forced the tribal’s to take arms. This area is rich in mineral deposits. Iron ore and Bauxite is mined at large scale. Many new deposits were found in these forests and it made the place a haven of corporate sector. Many sources say that the tribal’s were forced to vacate their native villages for many new mines. Large areas of land were taken by corporate companies for their capitalist motives. There was evidence that many politicians are having shares in these ventures. So, the joint efforts of corporate and politicians, with their money and political power, forced the tribal’s to give away their traditional culture and values, which eventually lead them to armed struggle.

It was in 2004, Prime minister, Dr.Manmohan singh declared ‘Maoism as the biggest threat’. The following years witnessed a growth in Maoist power. Increase in number of attacks, and taking over the control of a large area (Maoists now controls 83 districts, out of 220 they operate) which turned the scene into a fully fledged war. Last year, the centre started ‘Operation Greenhunt’. Even home minister, P.Chidambaram, denies the existence of such an operation, there was a mighty increase in the forces for anti-naxal operations. The forces started fight against Maoist hideouts. The civilian force, ‘Salwa judum’, worsened the situation by raiding villages and killing the tribal’s. There were many reports of rape by security personals and ‘Salwa judum’. Then the Maoists started their hunt, mainly targeting the security personals. A good number of attacks followed, along with kidnapping, abduction, train hijack, blowing railway tracks, etc., converting the insurgency to a war.

There is a serious mistake on the part of government in handling the problem. Government has sent forces without sufficient preparation. The paramilitary forces are fighting at extremely adverse conditions. There is no sufficient knowledge of the areas which was neglected so far. They were not specially trained in jungle warfare. There was no sufficient weapon, proper arrangements for living or proper communication and intelligence facilities. Camps were mainly makeshift which made it vulnerable for attacks. Maoists had a good advantage over the forces, that they know the fighting grounds very clear and were trained in Jungle warfare. They also had good communication and intelligence links spread through the fellow villagers. CRPF is carrying out a tough task. Who is responsible for sending the troops to such a condition, which cannot be won easily? Capitalist motives are ruling above all these. There linking with the ruling class and beurocracy had worsened the situation. Poor people and their sufferings is not at all a matter of concern for them. Both the sides, Forces and Naxals have become the victims of the interest of the corporatism.

Naxal activity cannot be tolerated any more. It is one of the biggest threats to the country today. India needs immediate relief from this. This is one of the mighty barriers to pass on the path to development. Unless there is a serious move towards this problem, it cannot be stopped. After last week’s attack, there was a big cry for total war against Naxalites. Many suggested the involvement of Army and Air force in the operation, which they denied telling defence mechanism cannot be used against own citizens. Why can’t we think of any other solution? Can’t we have a peaceful process? There is no issue which cannot be solved through bilateral talks. First find the roots of the problem which arise this anti-government activities. Let services be sent instead of bullets. Settle the matter peacefully. Make the tribal’s friends; else they will turn Maoist. Otherwise the war will continue, without winners, but only losers.

A call for our tigers

In 2007 I had an opportunity to visit the Parambikulam Wildlife sanctuary, Palakkad district of Kerala as part of a natural camp. We had a detailed study about the forest and animal’s there. Four trips were conducted to different parts of the sanctuary which helped us to have a close watch of the nature. We saw many tiger tracks, where the animal had scratched the ground. We were informed that there are above 20 tigers in the sanctuary and soon it will become a tiger reserve. After the trip, I had always an attention to news from Parambikulam sanctuary.

Recently Parambikulam was named as a tiger reserve. Then I noticed an ad on TV, where cricketer M.S.Dhoni, appearing for the ‘save our tigers’ campaign-a joint initiative of WWF India and a telecom company, with a caption –“just 1411 left”. These facts lead me to look upon the tiger population of India.

Our National animal is fighting for its survival. During British raj Tiger hunting was a Royal sport. Then the poachers came for its hide and claws. The adverse effects of modernization also added upon the animal’s bad luck.

At the break of 20^th century, there was around 40,000-45,000 tigers in India. But when the first census was conducted in 1972, the number was just 1827.This lead to the launching of the conservation venture ‘Project Tiger’. It was started in 1973-74 aiming tiger conservation in specially constituted 'tiger reserves’. Presently there are 39 tiger reserves across the country, but the tiger population is just 1411(2008 census).The project had a positive result at the beginning, as it is to be noted that, in 1990 number of tigers was around 3500.But now, even tiger reserves, like Sariska (Rajasthan) and Panna (Madhya Pradesh) has no tigers. Many of the tiger reserves have only low population. These factors give a clear picture of the danger faced by our National Animal.

We can note down the reasons for decline, Poaching, depletion of habitat due to deforestation, pollution, decline of food supply and many more. But these were noted before each project. And what happened to the conservation programmes, which spent crores of rupees. The authorities were not even able to check, poaching and smuggling of tiger parts. Tiger hide, claws, etc., has high demand abroad, especially in China, where a controversial bill, which legalizes Tiger trade, is to be brought soon. The corrupting officers had also added up to the misery of big cat.

Growing population and various development projects had caused the decline of habitat for tigers. Also polluted nature and lack of food had a serious effect. It is to be noted that in 2009, 86 tiger deaths were reported and this year, so far it is 12.This may be mainly due to above reasons. These all matters are pointing to the failure of conservation programmes, which became just another source of corruption.

Now the time has come, to act. A cry to save tiger is coming up from various corners. And this cry should be attended with immediate action. Serious measures can only save our tigers. People who love nature and animals should come forward. Another project or another committee is not an answer to this. This only needs a combined force for action-a Tiger action force.

What happened to the National Game should not happen to the National Animal. So, kindly please join your hands for our tigers. Else we will have nothing left, as our national symbols……

Useful links

www.saveourtigers.com , homepage of save our tigers campaign.

www.wwfindia.org , WWF India home page.

www.projecttiger.nic.in , know more about ‘Project Tiger’.