This is an unfortunate incident where this person is absolved from conviction for rape since he passed civil service exam. This exemplifies how education is not leading to overall development of a person. Though we cannot generalize this case, I here attempt to examine why such a judgment is unfortunate..
1. It fundamentally violates rule of law
2. It is shifting focus from heinousness of crime to judging the victim's motives setting a bad precedent.
3. Intellectual ability is no substitute to moral values.
It is disheartening to see that this person is selected for Indian Administrative Service(IAS). Think of the consequences if such a person sets out to serve the nation. The logical conclusion to this should have been canceling his recruitment rather than reducing punishment. We cannot afford to have such morally corrupt administrators when we have mammoth task of developing the nation, reducing crime inter alia staring into us!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
wailing dogs
I donno whats wrongs with these beings.. All of them are wailing in synchronization at this odd hour..I think they have congregated right in front of my apartment...Im scared.. I sometimes fear.. do they really see death? Lets examine.. How can they see anyway? I don't believe in super-natural power.. So there is no way I can prove this fact with my logic. So I would better say they are wishing each other or fighting over place to sleep.. Does it make sense? I donno..
Anyway, now that they stopped crying I need to get back to my work..
FYI: Today's topic: West-Asian crisis.
getting back to frontline,
Lays
Anyway, now that they stopped crying I need to get back to my work..
FYI: Today's topic: West-Asian crisis.
getting back to frontline,
Lays
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I had a mock interview today with Upendra sir who is very famous for Sociology and also Mohan sir. Both of them were very cordial. I felt totally comfortable talking to them. I tried to narrate it here as it happened that day.
U = Upendra sir, M= Mohan Sir, L= Laya.
Board: Come in Laya
Me: Good evening sir
Board: Good evening,
U: Please take your seat Laya.
L: Thank you sir.
U: Ok Laya, you are a mechanical engineer and you are working as a software engineer now. Am I right?
L: Yes sir, but Im not working now. I quit my job in 2008 Jan.
U: Why?
L: Sir, I was not able to study for this exam, I had to attend to work till late. I was not getting time to study.
U: ok, I feel all the problems of present day are due to mechanical engineers. The kind of pollution we have.. They create engines and cause pollution..What is ur take on this Laya?
L: Sir, but without them, we would not have got this kind of development.
U: Ya, surely "This kind of development" (sarcastic .. smiles off)
L: (I smile after it strikes to me ..)
U: Ok Laya tell me, what should we do to change the direction of our development?
L: Sir, we should have a sustainable development model rather than indiscriminate growth without concern for resources. On demand side, we should cut-down upon our luxuries, spend less energy and save resources.
U: Do you think Gandhiji's philosophy is relevant in this? Did you see in newspaper? We spent so much to get his chappal and glasses? Do you think his ideas are relevant in today's world?
L: Sir, I dont know which aspect you are referring to, but Gandhiji always talked about self-sufficiency, using our own resources.(Later I realized that he was referring to simple-living, leading to reduction in consumerism. I felt bad for I could not answer it there.)
U: Ya, I didnt expect you to know that. Im sure you dont know. That is a course in BITS that you should never read such things rt?
L:(Clueless. I dint know what he was talking, but he was smiling to me so I smiled back.)
U: Ok coming back to our original discussion, what should we do to have sustainable development?
L: Sir, from supply side we should develop more efficient technology by spending more on research and develop technologies like solar using CNT(Carbon Nano tube).
U: U are saying solar energy. Is it viable to be used in the kind of industries we have, the buildings and all power requirements?
L: Sir, with present technology we have, it is not viable. But CNT is one such technology which is increasing efficiency number of times by saving more energy using nano particles.
U: What is nano-technology?
L: Sir, it is using the advantage of minute size of particle to reach greater efficiency. It can help is developing semi-conductors, hmm... Sir I dont know beyond this..
U: Ya, u dont know. Its ok. Is it related to Mechanical engg?
L: Yes sir.
U: But isnt it too technical?
L: Yes sir it is.
U: No problem...Ok, Laya tell me the position of socio-economic development of AP
L: Sir, AP has certain human development indicators showing great improvement like population control and also recent development in I.T
U: Only in Hyderabad.
L: Yes, sir. In and around Hyderabad but that is attracting lot of investment. But there are many negative indicators such as low literacy rate, moderate sex-ratio etc.
U: What about the differences in development of different regions? Say Telangana?
L: Sir, imbalance in regional development is one of the most important problems of AP sir.
Telangana region is backward due to various factors. Firstly, its natural resources are not favorable for prosperous agriculture. Lack of adequate rainfall, lack of irrigation facilities leading to agrarian crisis. Lack of political will is another cause behind this.
U: What do you think about the demand for separate state?
L: Sir, the problems are genuine. But the solution may not be correct.
U: Are you worried about Hyderabad? Dont worry you will not loose it.
L: No sir thats not the reason. But I say we should look into the negative impact of dividing Andhra. Like tackling naxal problem, dividing river waters, disturbing forward and backward linkages etc. Therefore all conditions should be considered before splitting it. If it is proved beyond doubt that separate telangana would lead to its prosperity, we should go ahead and do it.
U: Naxal problem? Do you think grey hounds has worked well? They just changed their names but naxals are still there. Nowadays it is spreading to regions like Chattisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand bringing it into Red corridor.. what do you think are the reasons?
L: Sir I think improper implementation of land-reforms, uneven distribution of resources, under-development of many areas...(Suddenly he got a call and he went out and Mohan sir took over)
M: Ok Laya, dont you think political parties are just doing it for political motive rather than real intension to develop Telangana?
L: Yes sir, unfortunately, some of the political parties are using it for getting more seats.
M: Unfortunate? Why unfortunate? You want to get good marks in interview so you are preparing. They want to get seats so they are doing it.
L: Sir, but politicians are leaders. They should not loose sight of larger duty, socio-economic development of people.
M: Why do you think these womens reservation bill, separate Telangana are not passing through despite parties reaching to consensus? You think they say something and do something else?
L: Sir, I consider these 2 as different cases. Firstly, separating Telangana is a very important issue. All the factors should be considered before taking any such decision. Government is waiting for SRC II to look into economic viability before splitting the state. Such great decision should not be taken hastily. Regarding the Women's reservation bill, it is truly unfortunate that Women's bill is not passed all these days. But now that it is introduced in Rajya Sabha, it wont lapse and we can expect it to be passed in next Lok Sabha.
M: Do you know that naxalites are supporting separate Telangana?
L: Yes sir.
M: But you said, fighting naxalism would be a problem if we separate Telangana? Why do you think it is serious problem?
L: Sir, Telangana region is mineral rich. This needs investment for industrial development. Entrepreneurs will invest where safety of their capital is ensured. Sometimes, these areas donot attract investment due to naxal problem. Instead if we work for development of whole region, people would stop seeking naxal's help and naxals also would find no reason to carry on their struggle.
M: What are the advantages of decentralization?
L: Sir, India is a diverse country with different problems in different regions. Through decentralization we can have better picture of ground realities. Local people know their problems better and can find out suitable solutions. So, planning would be more focused when compared to the centralized planning.
M: Then dont you think smaller states would lead to decentralization?
L: Sir, we have Panchayati Raj institutions to look into local problems. We should strengthen them. If they are made to work efficiently, in spite of having a larger state we can have decentralization. On the other hand, if states are small but local bodies are not efficient, they wont reap the benefits of decentralization.
U: Laya you have been getting so much salary at such a young age? I think it is 60000 per month. It is huge amount by any standards. Why did you leave that job?
L: For me money alone is not a motivator sir.
U: Ok tell me why do you wanna come into civil service?
L: Sir, I studied well in Navodaya Vidyalaya which is government school. I have been provided all the facilities food, books, education free of cost. So I thought it is my obligation to give it back to my nation for making the person I am.
U: This is a childhood dream?
L: No sir, I developed it over a period of time, I felt it very strongly recently. But I had to join job due to financial reasons and also because I got a good job in campus interviews, to get the experince I joined work. But when I realized that I am not able to study while working I quit my job sir.
U: Ok tell me how will you be useful here?
L: Sir, I believe in hard work. I would work hard to implement all the programs properly. I am sensitive to problems of people. I can sympathize with them and work out solutions.
If any new task is assigned to me, I take interest to know about it, learn and adapt myself to give my best. I think this habit of mine would be useful in administration to be flexible and work efficiently.
U: What is your dream for your district Laya? Have you ever thought that this would be the ultimate goal I want for my village or state?
L: Sir I want to see that all the programs are implemented the way they were planned without even a single rupee going waste. But I dunno how to....
U: But you donno how to do it right now.. No problem. What is your vision for women?
L: All women should be empowered, they should assert their rights.
U: How will you empower them? What would you do as a district collector?
L: Sir, it should start from home.There should not be any discrimination against girl child, and girls should know their rights and assert them. From government, all the policies should be implemented to provide health, education etc to women. It should be made clear that there is no difference between an educated women and an educated man. We need to create this kind of confidence among people.
U: Ok did you face any such discrimination at home?
L: No sir, I was lucky enough to get parents who were conscious to give me equal attention. They always treated me equally.
U: Ok, you are lucky!
U: Do you know what is Patriarchy?
L: sir, male person being the head of the family, taking decisions all by himself without involving women can be called as patriarchy.
U: Do you know what is feminism?
L: Sir, Feminism means defending women's position, talking on her favour and giving more importance to women.
U: Have u heard the word Eco-Feminism?
L: No sir, I did not.
U: Have you heard Public patriarchy and private patriarchy?
L: Im afraid, I never heard them.
U: Ok, Laya tell me how do you sit and relax? You seem to be very hardworking. You got 97% which I cant even dream of. This makes me jealous. Tell me how you relax?
L: Sir, I have developed interest in many co-curricular activities since school days. I like singing, painting - though Im not a professional, I paint and paste something on my wall which makes me feel good. I do Yoga and I have interest in many other activities..
U: Inspite of all this you got 97%??? great...
L: Sir, I got 97% only intermediate, I was participating in co-curricular activities since my school days.
U: Do you have any formal training in singing?
L: Since my mother is a music teacher...
U: (He interrupted) So, it comes naturally to you....
L: Yes sir, I have natural passion for singing but I could not learn too much from her due to hostel life I had throughout my career.
U: ok ok...:)
U: Thank you Laya.
Feedback:
Upendra Sir: You were good. Lively, enthusiastic. You were what you are. A young girl, sincere, committed but not so well-read.. coz you could not talk about Gandhiji and things like Feminism... Where you know well, you answered well. Areas related to public administration, Geography. Even Telangana issue you handled well. Where you did not know, you were blank.That should not go much against you. But the kind of trust you showed on board members.. You never showed a slightest feeling of fear, nervousness. You were cordial, cheerful through out. I think you should get good marks
Mohan Sir: You were very good! I learnt something from you. You just banished the argument on Telangana saying, if it is proved to lead to prosperity of Telangana, Im for it! Thats a great thing. Usually people try to defend their stand by trying different arguments. You just closed the argument. I never thought about it this way.
But about naxalism, it was a disaster. Why do you think it is that big a problem? Did anyone say that to you or you felt?
Upendra sir said, "she only felt. Thats sheer innocence." I said, sir I felt it and discussed with seniors, they also said its true. So, I thought it could be one of the reasons.
Mohan: It is not such a major factor to be worried. Even with greyhounds do you think the problem is solved? They just changed their names from people's war group to Maoism but it is not ended completely. Let the govt work on developmental activities more and solve the problem.
You show great commitment. They want people like you. I came across this kind of a person before.( Mohan sir to Upendra sir "How much did she get? She got good marks dint she? last year?") Even if you dont have information, knowledge they wouldnt mind. They want with commitment like you. Indeed I'd judge UPSC based on the marks you are going to get. If you get good marks, they are good.
Laya: Thank you sir.. (with astonishment)
Upendra sir: Your trust on board was amazing!
Laya: Sir, May be coz I know both of you I dint feel stressed.
Upendra sir, no no it shows up!
Laya: Thank you sir.
U = Upendra sir, M= Mohan Sir, L= Laya.
Board: Come in Laya
Me: Good evening sir
Board: Good evening,
U: Please take your seat Laya.
L: Thank you sir.
U: Ok Laya, you are a mechanical engineer and you are working as a software engineer now. Am I right?
L: Yes sir, but Im not working now. I quit my job in 2008 Jan.
U: Why?
L: Sir, I was not able to study for this exam, I had to attend to work till late. I was not getting time to study.
U: ok, I feel all the problems of present day are due to mechanical engineers. The kind of pollution we have.. They create engines and cause pollution..What is ur take on this Laya?
L: Sir, but without them, we would not have got this kind of development.
U: Ya, surely "This kind of development" (sarcastic .. smiles off)
L: (I smile after it strikes to me ..)
U: Ok Laya tell me, what should we do to change the direction of our development?
L: Sir, we should have a sustainable development model rather than indiscriminate growth without concern for resources. On demand side, we should cut-down upon our luxuries, spend less energy and save resources.
U: Do you think Gandhiji's philosophy is relevant in this? Did you see in newspaper? We spent so much to get his chappal and glasses? Do you think his ideas are relevant in today's world?
L: Sir, I dont know which aspect you are referring to, but Gandhiji always talked about self-sufficiency, using our own resources.(Later I realized that he was referring to simple-living, leading to reduction in consumerism. I felt bad for I could not answer it there.)
U: Ya, I didnt expect you to know that. Im sure you dont know. That is a course in BITS that you should never read such things rt?
L:(Clueless. I dint know what he was talking, but he was smiling to me so I smiled back.)
U: Ok coming back to our original discussion, what should we do to have sustainable development?
L: Sir, from supply side we should develop more efficient technology by spending more on research and develop technologies like solar using CNT(Carbon Nano tube).
U: U are saying solar energy. Is it viable to be used in the kind of industries we have, the buildings and all power requirements?
L: Sir, with present technology we have, it is not viable. But CNT is one such technology which is increasing efficiency number of times by saving more energy using nano particles.
U: What is nano-technology?
L: Sir, it is using the advantage of minute size of particle to reach greater efficiency. It can help is developing semi-conductors, hmm... Sir I dont know beyond this..
U: Ya, u dont know. Its ok. Is it related to Mechanical engg?
L: Yes sir.
U: But isnt it too technical?
L: Yes sir it is.
U: No problem...Ok, Laya tell me the position of socio-economic development of AP
L: Sir, AP has certain human development indicators showing great improvement like population control and also recent development in I.T
U: Only in Hyderabad.
L: Yes, sir. In and around Hyderabad but that is attracting lot of investment. But there are many negative indicators such as low literacy rate, moderate sex-ratio etc.
U: What about the differences in development of different regions? Say Telangana?
L: Sir, imbalance in regional development is one of the most important problems of AP sir.
Telangana region is backward due to various factors. Firstly, its natural resources are not favorable for prosperous agriculture. Lack of adequate rainfall, lack of irrigation facilities leading to agrarian crisis. Lack of political will is another cause behind this.
U: What do you think about the demand for separate state?
L: Sir, the problems are genuine. But the solution may not be correct.
U: Are you worried about Hyderabad? Dont worry you will not loose it.
L: No sir thats not the reason. But I say we should look into the negative impact of dividing Andhra. Like tackling naxal problem, dividing river waters, disturbing forward and backward linkages etc. Therefore all conditions should be considered before splitting it. If it is proved beyond doubt that separate telangana would lead to its prosperity, we should go ahead and do it.
U: Naxal problem? Do you think grey hounds has worked well? They just changed their names but naxals are still there. Nowadays it is spreading to regions like Chattisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand bringing it into Red corridor.. what do you think are the reasons?
L: Sir I think improper implementation of land-reforms, uneven distribution of resources, under-development of many areas...(Suddenly he got a call and he went out and Mohan sir took over)
M: Ok Laya, dont you think political parties are just doing it for political motive rather than real intension to develop Telangana?
L: Yes sir, unfortunately, some of the political parties are using it for getting more seats.
M: Unfortunate? Why unfortunate? You want to get good marks in interview so you are preparing. They want to get seats so they are doing it.
L: Sir, but politicians are leaders. They should not loose sight of larger duty, socio-economic development of people.
M: Why do you think these womens reservation bill, separate Telangana are not passing through despite parties reaching to consensus? You think they say something and do something else?
L: Sir, I consider these 2 as different cases. Firstly, separating Telangana is a very important issue. All the factors should be considered before taking any such decision. Government is waiting for SRC II to look into economic viability before splitting the state. Such great decision should not be taken hastily. Regarding the Women's reservation bill, it is truly unfortunate that Women's bill is not passed all these days. But now that it is introduced in Rajya Sabha, it wont lapse and we can expect it to be passed in next Lok Sabha.
M: Do you know that naxalites are supporting separate Telangana?
L: Yes sir.
M: But you said, fighting naxalism would be a problem if we separate Telangana? Why do you think it is serious problem?
L: Sir, Telangana region is mineral rich. This needs investment for industrial development. Entrepreneurs will invest where safety of their capital is ensured. Sometimes, these areas donot attract investment due to naxal problem. Instead if we work for development of whole region, people would stop seeking naxal's help and naxals also would find no reason to carry on their struggle.
M: What are the advantages of decentralization?
L: Sir, India is a diverse country with different problems in different regions. Through decentralization we can have better picture of ground realities. Local people know their problems better and can find out suitable solutions. So, planning would be more focused when compared to the centralized planning.
M: Then dont you think smaller states would lead to decentralization?
L: Sir, we have Panchayati Raj institutions to look into local problems. We should strengthen them. If they are made to work efficiently, in spite of having a larger state we can have decentralization. On the other hand, if states are small but local bodies are not efficient, they wont reap the benefits of decentralization.
U: Laya you have been getting so much salary at such a young age? I think it is 60000 per month. It is huge amount by any standards. Why did you leave that job?
L: For me money alone is not a motivator sir.
U: Ok tell me why do you wanna come into civil service?
L: Sir, I studied well in Navodaya Vidyalaya which is government school. I have been provided all the facilities food, books, education free of cost. So I thought it is my obligation to give it back to my nation for making the person I am.
U: This is a childhood dream?
L: No sir, I developed it over a period of time, I felt it very strongly recently. But I had to join job due to financial reasons and also because I got a good job in campus interviews, to get the experince I joined work. But when I realized that I am not able to study while working I quit my job sir.
U: Ok tell me how will you be useful here?
L: Sir, I believe in hard work. I would work hard to implement all the programs properly. I am sensitive to problems of people. I can sympathize with them and work out solutions.
If any new task is assigned to me, I take interest to know about it, learn and adapt myself to give my best. I think this habit of mine would be useful in administration to be flexible and work efficiently.
U: What is your dream for your district Laya? Have you ever thought that this would be the ultimate goal I want for my village or state?
L: Sir I want to see that all the programs are implemented the way they were planned without even a single rupee going waste. But I dunno how to....
U: But you donno how to do it right now.. No problem. What is your vision for women?
L: All women should be empowered, they should assert their rights.
U: How will you empower them? What would you do as a district collector?
L: Sir, it should start from home.There should not be any discrimination against girl child, and girls should know their rights and assert them. From government, all the policies should be implemented to provide health, education etc to women. It should be made clear that there is no difference between an educated women and an educated man. We need to create this kind of confidence among people.
U: Ok did you face any such discrimination at home?
L: No sir, I was lucky enough to get parents who were conscious to give me equal attention. They always treated me equally.
U: Ok, you are lucky!
U: Do you know what is Patriarchy?
L: sir, male person being the head of the family, taking decisions all by himself without involving women can be called as patriarchy.
U: Do you know what is feminism?
L: Sir, Feminism means defending women's position, talking on her favour and giving more importance to women.
U: Have u heard the word Eco-Feminism?
L: No sir, I did not.
U: Have you heard Public patriarchy and private patriarchy?
L: Im afraid, I never heard them.
U: Ok, Laya tell me how do you sit and relax? You seem to be very hardworking. You got 97% which I cant even dream of. This makes me jealous. Tell me how you relax?
L: Sir, I have developed interest in many co-curricular activities since school days. I like singing, painting - though Im not a professional, I paint and paste something on my wall which makes me feel good. I do Yoga and I have interest in many other activities..
U: Inspite of all this you got 97%??? great...
L: Sir, I got 97% only intermediate, I was participating in co-curricular activities since my school days.
U: Do you have any formal training in singing?
L: Since my mother is a music teacher...
U: (He interrupted) So, it comes naturally to you....
L: Yes sir, I have natural passion for singing but I could not learn too much from her due to hostel life I had throughout my career.
U: ok ok...:)
U: Thank you Laya.
Feedback:
Upendra Sir: You were good. Lively, enthusiastic. You were what you are. A young girl, sincere, committed but not so well-read.. coz you could not talk about Gandhiji and things like Feminism... Where you know well, you answered well. Areas related to public administration, Geography. Even Telangana issue you handled well. Where you did not know, you were blank.That should not go much against you. But the kind of trust you showed on board members.. You never showed a slightest feeling of fear, nervousness. You were cordial, cheerful through out. I think you should get good marks
Mohan Sir: You were very good! I learnt something from you. You just banished the argument on Telangana saying, if it is proved to lead to prosperity of Telangana, Im for it! Thats a great thing. Usually people try to defend their stand by trying different arguments. You just closed the argument. I never thought about it this way.
But about naxalism, it was a disaster. Why do you think it is that big a problem? Did anyone say that to you or you felt?
Upendra sir said, "she only felt. Thats sheer innocence." I said, sir I felt it and discussed with seniors, they also said its true. So, I thought it could be one of the reasons.
Mohan: It is not such a major factor to be worried. Even with greyhounds do you think the problem is solved? They just changed their names from people's war group to Maoism but it is not ended completely. Let the govt work on developmental activities more and solve the problem.
You show great commitment. They want people like you. I came across this kind of a person before.( Mohan sir to Upendra sir "How much did she get? She got good marks dint she? last year?") Even if you dont have information, knowledge they wouldnt mind. They want with commitment like you. Indeed I'd judge UPSC based on the marks you are going to get. If you get good marks, they are good.
Laya: Thank you sir.. (with astonishment)
Upendra sir: Your trust on board was amazing!
Laya: Sir, May be coz I know both of you I dint feel stressed.
Upendra sir, no no it shows up!
Laya: Thank you sir.
Friday, March 6, 2009
UPSC mains result
UPSC civil service mains exam 2008 result came and I cleared it!
I'm so happy but this is not the final result. I still have to clear interview and get good score only then I'll get the service I want. It depends on mains marks + interview marks. So I should start serious preparation from now and focus on both mains and next prelims to be on safe side.
-Laya
I'm so happy but this is not the final result. I still have to clear interview and get good score only then I'll get the service I want. It depends on mains marks + interview marks. So I should start serious preparation from now and focus on both mains and next prelims to be on safe side.
-Laya