New Releases

I sometimes wonder why I miss updating this in the scheme of things

Two songs in Tamil
Munnar (Koncham Poo Koncham thean) and in Madurai Sambhavam a duet with Hariharan ji (Kulathil Mudhal Kallai... ), Sihigaali in Kannada a duet with Kunal Ganjawala (Hele Tangaali) Snehituda in Telugu a duet with Karthik (Chiluka Navvave)

Also Modhi Vilayadu has released as of yesterday and as I said earlier on this blog I am the voice of Kajal in the movie. Please watch the movie (in theatres please) and let me know what you think.

FYI

Mom has been working and planning this for quite sometime and we shall shortly be commencing a school for Hindustani Classical Music (Classical Vocal, Sarangi, Sitar and Tabla) and a Dance school which shall focus on teaching Odissi and Kathak. Looking at the number of mails that we have received in the past year or so, especially by aspirants who are serious about learning, she did not see why this needed to be postponed any longer.

Leave a comment with your Email ID for more info.

Happened to go shopping for groceries with mom and she happened to mention that a kilogram of pulses procured from a store cost 100/-. Just about a month back it was 70/-. Sometimes I wonder if we are in a country which functions akin to Robin Hood or why always quote someone some place else? To have an Indian counterpart, Kochunni, in Kerala. For clarity, he was a lot like Robin Hood. He robbed the rich and gave to the poor. But not all of the rich. The noble amongst them were let be. But it definitely makes me ponder if our country and the way things are function the way Kochunni did and in most cases, in ways that he did as well. There are enough and more idlers in our country. And there are some who feign being in the lower strata though they might earn as much as a proper upper middle class family for the free benefits that happen. Those who end up slogging it out face super taxes, yeah I know there are some countries where taxes go way beyond what it is in India, but sometimes its almost like its a crime if you are the tax payer in this country. Taxes are high, we have to pay exhorbitant amounts to procure basic food supplies... If you live in Tamilnadu one of the things that you will hear again and again from a lot of people is "Don't you earn/make money? Then better pay up". (Sambaadhikkare illa? Appo kudu) I dont know if you have heard this line or something that is similar but you have no idea how many times we have heard it. Why do people who draw a monthly salary treated like unofficial ATM's?
I happened to read a report on how Traffic Ramaswamy got fed up with the corporation officials and decided to go and manually remove the unauthorized shops in T Nagar. Solo. And used only his two hands. First apparently a lot of people shouted at him but then the rest of the shopowners ran away seeing what he is doing. At 75+, blind in one eye (because there were people who beat him up for doing all this for a city and a people who really do not care ) this one man is going about doing everything that he can to make this city stick to some norms. Our country's biggest strength remains and shall always remain in its population. Why cannot the people just see the truth that is staring at them in the eye and kick injustice where it has to be kicked. Why are people collectively cowards? Why is it still in singular when we refer to a being that fights an unjust system? When someone like Ramaswamy fights for a change on a street in Chennai how is it that the politicians do not seem to have even an iota of that love for this country. After all, a man of the soil becomes a politician and is able to pull a lot of clout and increase his net worth only because of his status as politician. And in this country. Business deals that are struck almost always have a vested personal interest of the immediate people involved in the whole process. And definitely so it is with the politicians. I am a nobody to say a politician is a servant of the country or that people employed by the Government should sweat their blood and sacrifice every interest and work for the country. Because that just cannot be the case. Because the Government does not give great benefits, salaries or facilities for its employee. He has a family, he has children too who will have dreams as your children might have. And how is he going to pay for an engineering or medical degree with a 5000/- per month salary? And I heard enough and more from some people who went on and on, during my stint as an RJ that people working in the Govt. should be selfless. Should not think of family and whatnot. Really now? Are you going to be paying for a Govt employee's medical expenses? You, the citizen of India, even if you knew that someone has a very clean record? Yeah, sure you'll say that they can go to the GH. Its all free. But would you, who has an access to a computer and has an internet connection and reading this line this very moment step into the GH when you expect your family to be taken care of and come out hale and hearty? We as Indians are basically hypocrites. We cannot move a finger to do anything. Even if a portion of the city of Chennai came together to support someone like Traffic Ramaswamy there will be no issues, no bribery, no red tape anywhere. But we are the quintessential untiring cribbers. My city, my country needs a miracle. Perhaps a prayer. Perhaps a conscience. Perhaps the right deed at the right time. Or perhaps all that my country just needs are true citizens.

P.S.: Just heard yesterday. Do you know that most Government/Private schools (correct me here if I am wrong) have a new rule which does not allow a chair for teachers in Classrooms? The New law according to the Education ministry says that teachers are supposed to be standing the entire day and cannot sit. So the chairs have been removed from this academic year. This is definitely how it is happening in Salem. And most definitely in other parts of the country as well. What a wonderful life we give our teachers.

Another opening

I know this blog has lately become a space for jobs with Blue Elephant. I shall soon return to my musings but there has not been a trigger yet. Anyway, more importantly in case you know someone with the following skill sets do ask them to leave a comment with their ID.

• Must know Spanish/French/German/Italian.

•Accounting Skills (Experience with SAP would be an advantage)

•Quality qualification (6 sigma methodology, Total Quality Management, such as Continuous Improvement,Kaizen)

•Sound knowledge of procedures and issues within Accounts Payable , Accounts Receivable and General Ledger accounting

Quite something

Have been going through the exercise of hiring full time interpreters for Blue Elephant the past few weeks and its quite a task. I wonder how all these major conglomerates manage hiring so many thousands of people.

I did not realize that so many people were into languages and seriously as well.

And it definitely makes a lot of difference if you know a foreign language along with a professional degree.

And if the language has a script of its own, better still.

On the Cover Inbox 1305

I happened to meet Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi at the Screenwriting Workshop organized by Sri Kamal Haasan. Shortly thereafter she called me to ask whether I would like to be on the cover of her magazine. All that I could say was "I would be honored".

After the feature in Hindu MetroPlus this is my second cover story. And I have been super kicked. To be on a magazine cover is a super feeling, for want of a better adjective.

I have not read the magazine yet but I requested Mrs Kiruthiga to send me the cover image so that I could put it up on my blog and she sent it to me within seconds.

I found her to be highly genteel, extremely down to earth and easy going. Fun to be around. I learnt a new lesson in simplicity and humility from her. Life does present so many opportunities to learn from people if we just care to notice and have a mind open enough to learn.

The only person I slightly felt sorry for was Pradeep, the photographer. I could have well been one of his tough subjects. Felt too conscious of the entire lights-camera-pose thing. Shall post an update once I get my hands on the mag.

I happened to read the report in TOI this morning on the performance of Tamil films for the first half of 2009 in Kollywood.
Whenever I become a part of the movie I have always prayed, spoken to God and given him a petition to make the movie a commercial success. From what little I know a lot of people are extremely passionate about cinema, some pledge their houses and put their entire savings on the line, run into serious debt to release a movie that they make. All for the sake of pursuing a dream. And those who dare to dream and dare to act on those need all the divine help they can gather. That's my opinion.
Looks like some prayers have been answered. To read that Ayan was a blockbuster, Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu and Yaavarum Nalam were hits was brilliant to read first thing in the morning.
Also as long as Laesa Parakkudhu was concerned, I remember how wonderful the session with Sri Selvaganesh was. Until then I had only known him as a brilliant percussionist. But working with him was beautiful. He was tolerant and happened to sincerely, heartily appreciate every nuance by a singer during a recording. Several weeks later I met the Vinayakaram family at the screening of VKK. The stalwart that he is, Sri Vikku Vinakaram was kind enough to tell me that he liked Laesa. I have heard several elders talk of how difficult it used to be in earlier to get that one compliment from a musician. When you hail from a family of classical musicians or even if you happen to have the opportunity to move with one, they would easily share with you on how difficult it was to learn and get anything in the name of a compliment from a Guru or anyone else, especially from classical musicians.
And Laesa has been my caller tune ever since the song released. To this day I have people asking me "Have you sung this song"? Mostly surprised. And the credit completely goes to Selvaganesh ji. I did not realize the kind of expression he brought out of me until I heard the song on the CD.
Coming back, let me say this post is a thank you to Mr God for fulfilling some of my prayers.

We are hiring

Blue Elephant has begun to expand and we are looking at hiring interpreters of various languages who can be stationed in Chennai.

We are looking at Korean Chinese and Japanese interpreters on an immediate basis, so if you do know someone who can be here for a period of one month to a year then do send me a comment. 

TIA

RIP MJ

Was actually looking out to read reports of his concerts which were stated to resume in July. And I always wished I could have seen him perform live at least once. And wished that Rahman sir and he would come out with a song or even better, an album.
I wish that he will come back and live experience a better life, meet and be with better people, who are actually human and have angels for parents .

The Isaiaruvi Awards nominees

I happened to mention that you could vote through Bharat Student.
Cast your vote for your favorite artists and the link is here.

http://www.bharatstudent.com/tamilmusicawards/nomination.php

Survival of the fittest

Happened to finally start working out three months ago though my membership dates back 16.
It took me a year to turn up at the gym after repeated text messages and "what are we to do with your membership" calls.
My trip to the Himalayas (which never happened in the first place and how I regret it) became the impetus. My trip advisor told us it is necessary to buy some gear and break in the shoes. And get fit for all the trekking. First I thought I ll go jogging by the beach early morning. I romanced the idea. Watching the sun rise, fresh air to breathe, waves rolling in and out..... sigh. But then all these rumours of a Tsunami did not help and also with a morning radio show at that point in time, it was impossible. I was already waking up too early and I do not think I would be left in peace to jog by the waves at 4:30 in the morning. Who am I kidding anyway, I live in India. I enrolled my mom at the gym first and decided to start off as well.
If I were asked to give advice, I would probably say, start a good exercise routine. (I promise you, your lifestyle definitely changes for the better once you pump some iron. OK I am not really pumping any but that's old style to say I am working out. And I like that old style thingerie sometimes)
But when you do and if you happen to take up one of the umpteen packages that fitness centers offer these days, you better take it in writing from them about what exactly is.
After a few days and once you are a member it is very easy - and convenient - for them to forget what they promised you in the first place.
Also there is one more thing I do not understand. This came from another friend. She signs up for a 3 month membership and then she falls sick and does not get to go for two months. She goes back to the gym and they tell her sorry, you need to pay up if you have to use the facilities. Otherwise you should have given a letter to "freeze" the membership until you are back. A lot of her hard earned money went down the drain. They for their own advantage would not accept a letter from the hospital or her doc. Of course I agree enough of these certificates are "doctored" but what the hell? In addition to falling sick and all the other things you need to take care of, you need to remember to tell the gym, hey I am sick and I wont be back for a said number of days, please extend my membership.
In our country a lot of people are super charged about starting such places, in this case, a good fitness center or even a salon with well trained staff means you start making money from the word go or so I think, considering the number of people traipsing in and out of such places. But the people who start these businesses almost all of them seem to forget this one and perhaps the most essential thing. Of being a little gracious to the ones who put the bread, butter or maybe I should say fat free margarine, sugar free marmalade on the table for the owner and the employees of an organization. Taking into account fitness centers have people signing in up in numbers usually more than 1. People keep telling you that you need a gym partner. Otherwise you won't really show up at the gym. I turn my nose up at that concept but then one additional person gets pulled into a fitness routine and the gym gets richer. All good.
Coming back, at different points in time I used to wonder why some people argued with the management at such centers and at several other places too but I now think we all need to do that. Perhaps there need not be a hue and cry but we all know that we get embarrassed asking for what we deserve.
But I think its time, high time infact to be assertive consumers and ask more questions, your gut and fears notwithstanding, about the products that we buy, the services we sign up for and everything else. Be plucky. Like someone said, millions saw the apple fall. I am sure they saw loads of other things fall too. But only Newton asked why (the apple fell that is. I do not think I should misquote history). And that made all the difference. The power of one is huge. And I wish you recognize it, revel in it and assert it, hopefully to also answer the call of righteousness and justice.
Signing off, I ll say take fitness seriously. And once you start following a regimen, you become a different person. You look great and you feel great. Your system is good. Your heart starts singing. Try it out. I wanted to tell you after I had been consistent at it. And also there is some such thing as saying too much too early. And I didn't want to blab too soon.
So, if you are thinking of paying up even at a famous or reputed gym, read the fine print, ask a lot of questions and don't help the management forget the perks they offered you. More than anything else, you must remember. Because they ll convince you that have forgotten everything. If you are suffering from STM loss, work out and skip that cup of coffee. Some study somewhere says that is because of coffee, of modern times I guess, that makes us forget things.
Have fun :)

Isaiaruvi Awards 2009 Launch

Happened the past weekend. Decided to show up for something after quite some dismal times.
And that was the right thing to do.
They had come up with the idea of getting Singers and Music Directors to turn up and walk the ramp. Right from Madhumitha, her sister Charulatha, Srilekha, Suchitra, Deepa Miriam (of Kangal Irandaal), Sumangali, Mahathi and Shwetha Mohan, Benny Dayal, Rahul Nambiar, Ranjith, Krish, Karthik, Vijay Yesudas, Naresh Iyer and Belli Raj made up the singers. Ms Rohini, Bobo Shankar who has composed for Kulir and James Vasanthan represented the composers. FYI, I wasn't part of the gala on stage but I cheered from the first row.
And believe me, I think to be a part of the audience was the best thing. Its funner.:) Though I usually take the womens' side the men somehow stole the thunder. And the best amongst the singers walking the ramp IMHO was definitely Vijay Yesudas. Enough attitude to give a professional model a run for his money. Benny and Krish were brilliant too. And the three got the maximum cheering from the audience. Suchitra looked super professional amongst the women - her fitness regime definitely shows. And I think she must have taken some kind of a Markandeya Varam or something for eternal youth :D She looks even younger than she looked several years ago.
But overall I think the new kids on the ramp had super fun and we were given to understand that the choreographer was pretty impressed with all the singers. Vijay Adiraj hosted the show and really there aren't too many like him in India who can pep a live audience.
Khushboo cast her first votes to choose her favorite stars. And if you would like to do so, I guess there is an option of voting online. The invite says, you could do so at www.bharatstudent.com, but for the life of me I cannot see where the link is, if there is one.There is a promotional truck going around and there is a talent hunt also and 10 winners will be trained by Srinivas sir.
As for the awards, its quite a huge list and I found my name under Chinnamma Chilakamma and Avarampoo. I think there are songs chosen from every movie that released last year. Or so I think.
The grand finale happens on the 11th July.
The post event party was enlivening as well and we finally found our smiles back. Got an opportunity to speak with Vijay Anthony and he keeps proving time and again that he is quite a forthright person and stands for his beliefs. Met up with other several people I had not seen in ages. Photographers I had met at the beginning of my career, journalists as well. Also happened to meet the cameraman who was first part of the team that had me, the director and cameraman. Remembered the good times we had and the funnest times was with this cameraman called Saravanan who prefers to be known as "Aryan". Shooting with him had always been a super happy time along with Rajkumar because he used to keep tripping on Saravanan and all that I could do was prevent myself from rolling on the floor laughing. I realize that no matter what happens if we somehow remember to hang on only to the good memories, remember the good people, things are much better. But yes, it takes a while to forgive and forget the instances that make the bad ones. But once that is achieved there is a lot more peace.
The pictures are up on Galatta and Behindwoods have a look and God bless

You know..

There are times in your life where your belief and the trust in people especially in the professional scenario is shattered to an extent that you think that the ground beneath you has cracked. It is happening to me for the second time this year. When the people you look up to, respect and trust to a fault turn out to be otherwise I wonder what life is all about. I followed some professional advice implicitly and all I see is a brilliant web I find myself in. We couldn't see it being spun. All because of trusting to the extent of not questioning anyone or even double checking. When my mother's instincts went into alarm mode, we decided to get into verifying the goings-on and are currently gaping to see the outcome and wondering how things came to pass. It happened once at the beginning of this year and it has happened again. And at this point in time, I hope and pray that this will be for the last ever time.

I realize that when I attempt to push the envelope in everything that I do and strive to go where no one has, as a student of music or anything that I might do, I realize that upsets a lot of people. That has been quite a constant in my life and my mother's.
Someday when I really become a true achiever, if and when I decide to write a biography of my mother's life and my role in hers and our collective experiences, the people we have seen, of course everything will be from a personal standpoint it could probably be a quite a wake-up call for most people. And for a lot of them, it might not be something new at all.
But now it makes me wiser. At one point in time, an expert on the stars predicted that I would not trust a soul in this world and would be super cautious. Then and actually to an extent even now it seems far fetched as my basic makeup is to trust and not doubt. I'd rather trust in the innate good that people have rather than be warped.
But perhaps I am heading towards the realization of that prediction, perhaps it was more like counsel.
I cannot and do not think I will be able to elucidate further, but to you, the reader of this blog, in a very silent way you contribute to a facet of my life. And there are some of you who make yourselves heard in the comments, there are a couple of things that I would like to share. Take it, maybe, with the proverbial pinch of salt.
I have learnt that nothing matters more than honesty, dignity, values and ethics. Even when tested, hold ground. My mom's life has been an example and continues to be. My grandad was another person who stood for values and honesty. Of course I would never know anyone else as well as I have seen my mother and her experiences. I have been taught and belong to the same mould. I also realize that when you are on the path of being straightforward, there are fewer people who like you and fewer people that compliment you on the way you are made because it upsets their pattern of life. But nonetheless, I can promise you that when this lifetime as you ends, you are not going to be wondering how many people you have pleased or what kind of a good certificate you have got. You would only be reflecting on the times spent, and no one else matters. And if at that point you were dissatisfied with what you have done and the choices you have made, you are going to be coming back to the same plane, presented with the same choices until you learn to make the right choices. That which is just and that which is righteous.
And another thing, we are all blessed with something called a gut feeling. Something that the learned will call "the voice of the higher intelligence". When something does not feel right, even if you are asked to make a certain choice or do something by someone you hold in high regard, trust your instinct first. And if your parents are blessed with it, follow that. You are your own counsel and judge. More often than not, you would be right. Trust yourself and to be able to have the guts to listen to your inner voice, they say meditation helps. I don't meditate myself but I guess my music practice sessions come close to that. Nonetheless I am going to be trying this soon.
No matter how tough things might be, trust yourself, trust your choices and decisions when they perhaps landed you in hot water, own up and get into damage control. And do not regret that you decided to do something. It had to come to pass and it is OK. Trust in the creator and if there are times that seem difficult, though I pray for you that you may never really have times that are very difficult - they could perhaps just skim the surface and show you a "Jhalak" but no more - hold ground, do the right thing and may God be with you.
And as I have said before, my blog is sometimes reflective. And most of the passages here I tell myself because I guess I want to hear this. This is more or less a blog to myself. But also to you
God bless and take care.

Really love

the new Pothys ad featuring Sathyaraj and Seetha. I think it looks super and love the Tamil. I think they should do a movie as King and Queen.
I am a fan of this ad. Wonder when period films will be made again. But with gargantuan budgets I guess that is going to be a tough one to manage.
Talking of movies I totally think Hugh Dancy is super dishy. I see I have a pattern of liking the Hugh first names. Hugh Grant Jackman (!!) and now Hugh Dancy. Of course Hugh Jackman will be number 1 coz of Kate and Leopold and not to mention X Men.
Hugh Dancy, guess I saw him first on Ella Enchanted and the Jane Austen Book Club. And now Confessions of a Shopaholic. Super cute. Guess there is hope in the world.
For those girls cribbing that there is no eye candy around, there is still hope. Until then lets settle for the movies. After all art imitates life and if God made Jackman and Dancy there must be someone closer home ;)


P.S: Jackman Jackman Jackman. Not Grant. I dont dig Grant at all!

You can hear Aahaa FM online!

Apparently through a website called www.loka.fm.

Someone just mailed me and she happened to mention that she liked my show and heard the show yesterday from Malaysia. I was curious to know how she did so. And voila, lo and behold! :D

And as I type this out I can hear the show station on my laptop. Which is a first. :)

"You cannot have the cake and eat it too". I can understand what it conveys. Now who came up with line especially with a cake in it? Why would anyone go through the process of baking a cake and just have it and watch it rot? I love pastries and when I am around, if there is cake at my place, it will be like now you see it and then you won't.

Isn't a cake meant to be eaten? Ah well. I wish I can go to Taj Cake shop now. Any suggestions for where one can get the best pastries?

Loved this....!

Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and the other is the husband!

Don't marry the person you want to live with, marry the one you cannot live without, but whatever you do, you'll regret it later.

You can't buy love, but you pay heavily for it.

(Especially this one!!) Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.

Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others.

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.

Woman: Is there any way for long life?
Doctor: Get married..
Woman: Will it help?
Doctor: No, but then the thought of long life will never come.
It's funny when people discuss Love Marriage vs Arranged. It's like asking someone, if suicide is better or being murdered.

Happened to notice

Quite a number of spelling mistakes on the scrolls at the bottom of the screen in a couple of prominent channels in recent times.

They can't even check the spelling of doesn't before making it live now?

Headline scroll or whatever they call it, not sure of the right jargon. It read something on the lines of "X DOSEN'T KNOW"

Newspapers also. They don't run spell check or what? And yesterday morning callers on my show said, to speak and know better English one must read the newspapers and watch news channels. 

Hmm. 

4 years of Blogging

What started off as baby steps into something that I was not quite sure I would be good at and had to be suggested quite a few times from Kribs has lasted four years. One of the regular visitors to my blog and now a friend happened to note and send me a mail that the 7th May 2009 clocks 4 years of blogging. Strange how time goes by.

Its been great indulging in this and its nice to step apart from myself and observe the changes in thought process over 4 years. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one, every well-wisher, every critic and the passive reader.

I also have to thank the Cyber Crime cell as I have had to seek their assistance in a couple of cases. 

Thanks for the support people. Thanks for the statistics that read 687,000+ hits in 4 years. 

I have loved this space and it has been nice being here.

What I would like to see in my country

In no particular order

Roads - Well laid and as per promise. In all my driving within villages even near Chennai, the claim is to have laid 40 feet road, but only 25 feet road exists and expenditure is shown for the 40 and the remaining money pocketed by those who were part of the exercise.

Clean roads, no garbage, no spitting, no defecating/urinating. Enforce existant laws.

A singular power/decree that cannot be disobeyed. I guess the Supreme court is supposed to be that. But looks like, as far as I know the Chennai corporation and so many other Govt organizations could not care less.

Excellent Public transport. So good that people should prefer to travel by PT. More Eco friendly vehicles. Wish the clean vehicles come soon. People say that the oil countries will not allow the production of such automobiles as that will reduce the dependency on them. Fuel as promised. Lack of adulteration. I hear that Kathmandu in Nepal is extremely polluted because of the adulteration in the fuel that is also Govt. aided (before you jump to frame that comment to say that Nepal is not part of India - I know, but I had to mention it here. I love Nepal for the cultural richness as well)

Absence of Goondagardi and bribery in my state. I do not know how it works in other states, but if all that they show in Tamil movies is true, I want that gone.

No slums. And don't allow them to form as well. If there are people who are coming in from villages to live/work in the city, give them proper, clean settlements. On these lines, I want North Madras cleaned up. In every sense.

Public toilets.

Super education. Wonderful Corporation schools. It will be nice if English and Hindi is made compulsory in schools at least for the sake of national communication. People in almost every other state understand Hindi except in Tamilnadu. Why? I guess it has some political history. I heard of some anti-Hindi campaign for whatever the reason. I think the only place this anti-Hindi campaign can find place or existence is only in history books or better still newspapers dating to that time. Its time such hate politics are part of history. No language or caste or creed or community should be hated.

Absence of reservation on the basis of caste, community and religion in every sector. Actually I know that Government forms in several countries don't want to know your religion. I want that here. I want equal rights for everyone. Selection in educational institutions on the basis of talent and performance alone. Allowances should be made only to those who are economically backward. That's the only backward-forward community that should exist, and only for a short while until poverty is a thing of the past in this country.

Farming. Everything and whatever it takes to improve this sector.

More power to the defense sector. Absence of political influence in the Police force and no bribing there as well.

Super road rules. Fit policemen. Enforce traffic laws. Make laws known to the public.

A Singular ID system for the residents of the country which can be used for voting as well. Allowing NRI's to vote. Even though a lot of them think India can go nowhere or maybe couldn't care less.

Super services in the Government Hospitals. I hear (from listeners) in Aahaa Kaapi Klub that the facilities and medicines are of the best quality. Especially in Tamilnadu and Chennai plus neighbouring areas in particular, whip those who do not offer medical/life-saving services to the man that needs it because he did not pay bribe. In this case, I wish the guys who don't offer medical assistance can be publicly flogged like in the Arab countries.
Make the working hours, facilities and infrastructure good for doctors as well. I would not like to be treated by a doctor who has not slept in 48 hours and neither should anyone else.

Uninterrupted clean water supply, electricity. Is asking for unification of rivers too much?

Track those who release effluents and hazardous waste into the environment. Fine them heavily, get them to install machinery or better still supply it that will prevent the same. I know Japan has some sort of a system in place.

Solid Waste management. Ban burning garbage and cancel contracts of garbage companies that do so.

Clean the Ganga and every holy river. Keep every pilgrimage center squeaky clean. Every Temple, Church, Mosque and every other place of worship super clean. (I wish I could do this. Have a personal attachment to this. I really wish I could. Or rather its magic wand time)
I have heard that the Gurdwaras are brilliant that way. I love the concept of Langars.

Ban plastic covers, plastic cups in every tourist hotspot. Actually avoidance and if possible total ban of plastic wherever possible - Read Stores.

Builders being conscientious and come up with structures that are earthquake proof. If Japan could do it so can we. Even after Bhuj, I wonder how many Indians ask if their apartment is proof a lot of things. Informing people of areas that are seismically faulty. I do not think that something like that is in place.

Planned infrastructure development. At least now!

Conscientious media.

Clean politics. Educated politicians that really want to take this country forward. No politics of hate. No politics of religion. No politics of caste.

No more negative statements that India will never see light by the people of India who live here, breathe this air and eat the food that comes from the Indian soil. More so by the well meaning NRIs. Enough said. The others of course are too awe struck.

P.S.: A real wish that perhaps needs only a miracle is this. I read so many articles reporting crimes on women and children. Sometimes, its crazily based on caste. A lower caste woman is assaulted and killed, a lot of this happens in rural India. Crimes of battery and sexual assault on children goes unpunished in this country. This is when I realized that sometimes it looks like the law makers buried their conscience and joined the force. And in this case, I wish for an Anniyan who would make sure justice is served. If such crimes have to stop, the only thing would be the fear of an unstoppable force. And I sincerely wish that can come to pass and delete crime on women and children, not only in India but all over the world.

I am sure I am missing quite a few important things. Any omissions are not on purpose and I apologize if any sentiments are hurt. Please leave a comment and I shall definitely add those that I have missed.