Rich got richer !

A recent study by the National Council for Applied Economic Research threw up some interesting but rather unfortunate results. The top 20% of India's population enjoyed more than 50% of the national income in FY10. This may by itself not seem very surprising. But add to that the fact that in 1993-94, about 37% of India's people earned over 50% of national income and the picture that arises does not look very encouraging. Further, 60% of India had a mere 28% share in total income. This figure stood at 39% around the period of 1991.

The years from 1991 onwards are considered to be reform years for the country. Evidently, the freeing up of the economy has benefited some sections of society much more than others. An Economic Times report points out that this disparity is more to do with the fact that a vast section of Indian society do not have the means to increase their earning power. Due to this, some people are finding themselves in a better position to grab the opportunities a growing economy is throwing up. Clearly, subsidies, support prices and employment guarantee schemes are not proving to be enough. It is education and skill development where more focus should be. As the saying goes, give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime

Remember those who serve!

Hola Amigos,


Got a very nice story to read today. Found it interesting enough to share -

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "50¢," replied the waitress.
The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.
"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "35¢!" she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.
When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.

You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
Small acts of courtesy and kindness lifts up your character.

There is nothing better which raises your moral than a motivating story. I know it cause I was grown up hearing many. So, will keep sharing such stuff and more thoughts as it comes across.

Hasta la vista!

Uneasy Devotion !

My friends asked - Why are you growing your beard? I replied - Have made a wish.. will go to Tirupati and get it shaved. They say you don need to do it. But guess I am in an era where things usually get done bribing one another. And we haven't excluded Gods for that matter (not that he asks us to!). It just takes a 100 Rs note and a temple visit for one to get rid of his sins (atleast thats what most sinners would love to believe). Its a difficult thing to do. You know you can't back out cause the unseen force scares you. You say it and you'll have to do it. Its getting difficult for me everyday but I am still holding my ground. I myself have tried bribing the god on numerous occasions before, seldom has it worked. Dunno what kind of hope still keeps this "kick-to-ask-more-wishes" alive. Had been to a famous temple few months ago and felt irritated to get in a queue for Darshan! Was a long queue to tell you. Being right in middle of the crowd makes me uncomfortable. I sometimes wonder- is this what gonna make a difference? My weird beard!! Why can't I do something else which looks more appropriate (yes even for the god!). Present 'em a 100 Rs note? Is that gonna make it better... any better....!!?? Yes this makes me uncomfortable, and is probably not what I would love to do! But I am still gonna wait and go for it .
Though I don't have a answer but I still pose a question to myself -

Why this Uneasy Devotion?