OBC Reservations
The Apex Court verdict upholding the controversial law providing for 27 per cent reservations for OBCs in the Central Educational Institutions including IITs and IIMs is a major victory for the UPA government. It is a consolation that the 'creamy layer' among the backwards will not get reservation, though some of the Dalit leaders may pursue for its inclusion. It is highlighted in the judgment that reservation is one of the many tools used to preserve essence of equality, so that disadvantaged groups can be brought to the forefront of civil life. Eloquent arguments can be had to favour both sides of contenders. Nor it is possible to give a judgment which is acceptable to both sides.OBC candidates. had been suffering privations over long priods because of their peculiar status in the society and the constituition itself provides for safeguards for people of SC-ST denominations. On the other side, there are brilliant and eligible candidates in the so called upper castes and to deny them chances for higher education may be a travesty. Democracy is all about debates and decisions on public concerns as reflected in the 93rd Amendment and Central Educational Institutions Act. It certainly upholds the laudable effort of the governmnet to translate the vision to promote the co-ownership of the elements of democracy by the backward classes. A corollary to the concession for the OBCs may be the call for reservations for the poor among the forward classes. Plea for inclusion of the creamy layer would be an absurdity and a shocking aberration. It can provoke an endless debate as the decision has opened a Pandora's box.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 11-4-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Dr.M.S.Gill
M.S.Gill
Dr M.S.Gill did a remarkably independant job as India's Chief Election Commissioner and the nation recognises this. But his appointment to a political job as MoS has raised eyebrows. Supreme Court and High Court judges the CAG are barred by law to take up jobs after retirement. The Election Commissioners are statutory authorities and should fall under the same category as the judges and the CAG. These are eminent persons with independent status and should remain so in public eye. This view had been shattered by an earlier CEC aligning with a regional political party and then migrating to a national party to contest elections. The BJP made a noise over this but they too crossed the Lakshman Rekha by appointing a retired CAG as a state governor. In a polity wrecked by rampant corruption and actions of expediency, offices of constitutional authrities need to be insulated against offer of reappointments on retirement. If this policy is favoured, democratic foundations are bound to suffer in the long run. This is not to say anything against Dr Gill as a person, but we are discussing broader national issues.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 10-4-08 Email ID < idfark@gmail.com>
Dr M.S.Gill did a remarkably independant job as India's Chief Election Commissioner and the nation recognises this. But his appointment to a political job as MoS has raised eyebrows. Supreme Court and High Court judges the CAG are barred by law to take up jobs after retirement. The Election Commissioners are statutory authorities and should fall under the same category as the judges and the CAG. These are eminent persons with independent status and should remain so in public eye. This view had been shattered by an earlier CEC aligning with a regional political party and then migrating to a national party to contest elections. The BJP made a noise over this but they too crossed the Lakshman Rekha by appointing a retired CAG as a state governor. In a polity wrecked by rampant corruption and actions of expediency, offices of constitutional authrities need to be insulated against offer of reappointments on retirement. If this policy is favoured, democratic foundations are bound to suffer in the long run. This is not to say anything against Dr Gill as a person, but we are discussing broader national issues.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 10-4-08 Email ID < idfark@gmail.com>
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Julio Rebeiro
Julio Ribeiro gets Dadabhai Naoroji Award
Mr Julio Rebeiro, former Mumbai city police commissioner is a Titan among India's sons and by honouring him with Dadabhai Naoroji award, we are honouring ourselves. Rebeiro has an impeccable record of public service as a top IPS officer and his contributions as police commissioner, chief of security in Punjab, Ambassador of Romania and Head of various social organisations mark him out as an outstanding Indian. A no non-sense official, he wielded the positions with great eclat. While managing patently difficult assignments, Rebeiro remained calm and was approachable to the common man. His striking ability to understand human psychology made him acceptable to the slum dweller and the influential alike. He soared so high in public esteem, that none in top police cadres could ever come near. Honesty and credibility in public service made him the most popular police commissioner and a Padma Bhushan Awardee. His life and achievements serve as a beacon light worthy of emulation by government officials. His excellent articles in the journals are a treat for the readers.
A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 8-4-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Mr Julio Rebeiro, former Mumbai city police commissioner is a Titan among India's sons and by honouring him with Dadabhai Naoroji award, we are honouring ourselves. Rebeiro has an impeccable record of public service as a top IPS officer and his contributions as police commissioner, chief of security in Punjab, Ambassador of Romania and Head of various social organisations mark him out as an outstanding Indian. A no non-sense official, he wielded the positions with great eclat. While managing patently difficult assignments, Rebeiro remained calm and was approachable to the common man. His striking ability to understand human psychology made him acceptable to the slum dweller and the influential alike. He soared so high in public esteem, that none in top police cadres could ever come near. Honesty and credibility in public service made him the most popular police commissioner and a Padma Bhushan Awardee. His life and achievements serve as a beacon light worthy of emulation by government officials. His excellent articles in the journals are a treat for the readers.
A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 8-4-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Friday, April 4, 2008
Disband Salwa Judum forthwith
Vigilantism is counterproductive
The supreme court's decision that Salwa Judum employed by Chattisgarh government and blessed by the union government tantamounts to abetment to murder is timely. It is true that parts of Chattisgarh is infested by Naxals posing serious law and order problems in the state. But the reign of terror unleashed by the state government and its vigilante squads hardly justifies the pattern of solving the problem. It is hoped that the apex court order will bring to halt the vigilante squad operations started in Dantewada since 2005. Vigilante squads cannot be compared with the village self protection groups in J&K state The atrocities committed by the Vigilante squad by killing about 500 villagers and displacing thousands of tribals from their homeland need to be probed by an independent commission. The hapless tribals have migrated to adjoing areas and they are undergoing untold sufferings caused by the state administration. Naxalism needs to be countered by more pragmatic methods and not by Salwa Judum and similar tactics. The state administration must get some punishment for fostering such unpardonable acts and the tribals affected must be resored to their homes and fields to resume their herditary occupations. We must not forget that we are living in an independent India with soverign rights tto the people. It is significant to note that only a PIL could reverse such a perverse practice.
A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 5-4-08 Email Id idfark@gmail.com
The supreme court's decision that Salwa Judum employed by Chattisgarh government and blessed by the union government tantamounts to abetment to murder is timely. It is true that parts of Chattisgarh is infested by Naxals posing serious law and order problems in the state. But the reign of terror unleashed by the state government and its vigilante squads hardly justifies the pattern of solving the problem. It is hoped that the apex court order will bring to halt the vigilante squad operations started in Dantewada since 2005. Vigilante squads cannot be compared with the village self protection groups in J&K state The atrocities committed by the Vigilante squad by killing about 500 villagers and displacing thousands of tribals from their homeland need to be probed by an independent commission. The hapless tribals have migrated to adjoing areas and they are undergoing untold sufferings caused by the state administration. Naxalism needs to be countered by more pragmatic methods and not by Salwa Judum and similar tactics. The state administration must get some punishment for fostering such unpardonable acts and the tribals affected must be resored to their homes and fields to resume their herditary occupations. We must not forget that we are living in an independent India with soverign rights tto the people. It is significant to note that only a PIL could reverse such a perverse practice.
A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 5-4-08 Email Id idfark@gmail.com
The Sixth Pay Commission
The Sixth Pay Commission RecommendationsThe sixth Pay Commission's recommendations seem to bridge the gap between compensation packets of the government functionaries and those in the private sector. Though the nature of work and involvement are not identitical, the effort is to bring some parity.Voices of dissent are coming up from different wings of the government itself and a lot of efforts are needed to bring balance.Government servants enjoy a lot of facilities like housing, medical, transport, leave travel, retirement, add ons like pension for life time. They have more or less fixed times of duty up to a level. However these are not available to private employees and hire-fire system is common. Private employees at every level are accountable, delays are not permissble and extended work hours are a general rule. Therefore comparisons are not applicable, each sector has its own strengths and weaknesses. But if the government employees can deliver the work on time, no one will grudge the hikes. Otherwise, the tax payer will pay much more for delayed or denied results
A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 28-3-08 Email ID < idfark@gmail.com>
A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 28-3-08 Email ID < idfark@gmail.com>
Senior Citizens
Senior Citizens
Senior citizens face a variety of problems and it is time that we address this issue with the seriousness it deserves. The senior citizens are about 81 million now and the numbers are growing. A good number of those between 60 and 70 years of age do some work according to their abilities and supplement their income and engage in some activity to keep life moving well. Thus they contribute to the well being of the country even after the mandatory retirement. However the society has a short memory and forgets the contributions the seniors had done earlier. The senior citizens face the challenge of getting relegated to the backyard a large number of them are facing some kind of rejection from the youngsters. It can be mitigated by senior teaching some children in the locality or share their skills to the needy students. The corporations, municipal councils and educational institutional institutions may take advantage of seniors by involving them into some useful activity. There are several NGOs who may like seniors to participate in nation building activities according to their skills and state of health. If computer literate, they can do a variety of activities aimed at developing neighbourhood and in the process remain engaged in an enjoyable activity.Above all, they can spend time on spiritual advancement and sublimate their lives.
A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 4-4-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Senior citizens face a variety of problems and it is time that we address this issue with the seriousness it deserves. The senior citizens are about 81 million now and the numbers are growing. A good number of those between 60 and 70 years of age do some work according to their abilities and supplement their income and engage in some activity to keep life moving well. Thus they contribute to the well being of the country even after the mandatory retirement. However the society has a short memory and forgets the contributions the seniors had done earlier. The senior citizens face the challenge of getting relegated to the backyard a large number of them are facing some kind of rejection from the youngsters. It can be mitigated by senior teaching some children in the locality or share their skills to the needy students. The corporations, municipal councils and educational institutional institutions may take advantage of seniors by involving them into some useful activity. There are several NGOs who may like seniors to participate in nation building activities according to their skills and state of health. If computer literate, they can do a variety of activities aimed at developing neighbourhood and in the process remain engaged in an enjoyable activity.Above all, they can spend time on spiritual advancement and sublimate their lives.
A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 4-4-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Broadband
Broadband
Your editorial ( TOI March 3) regarding broadbasing broadband is appropriate and timely. TRAI may claim that 60 million Indians have access to internet, 46 million have wireless internet subscribers and 2.47 brodband subscribers These numbers are small compaed to our large population. It ia noteworthy that India has one of the lowest broadband subscriber penetration rates in Asia. The government attempt to maximise revenue gains by imposing high liecnsing tariff on service providers is not a welcome step.Broadband facility should be considered as a basic necessity for ushering in development. Disparities in knowledge dissemination can be removed by enhancing broadband access to a larger section of people. At the same time the quality of broadband service needs to be improved to avoid huge time loss.
A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 4-4-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Your editorial ( TOI March 3) regarding broadbasing broadband is appropriate and timely. TRAI may claim that 60 million Indians have access to internet, 46 million have wireless internet subscribers and 2.47 brodband subscribers These numbers are small compaed to our large population. It ia noteworthy that India has one of the lowest broadband subscriber penetration rates in Asia. The government attempt to maximise revenue gains by imposing high liecnsing tariff on service providers is not a welcome step.Broadband facility should be considered as a basic necessity for ushering in development. Disparities in knowledge dissemination can be removed by enhancing broadband access to a larger section of people. At the same time the quality of broadband service needs to be improved to avoid huge time loss.
A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 4-4-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
IIT Fee hike
IIT Fee hike
The fee hike by the IITs came in for a wide discussion in the media. The yawning gap between the demand for funds and availability to keep these quality institions in prime shape can be met only by pumping additional funds. The fee structure was set years ago and the allround expendiiture levels have gone up considerably. The staff salaries are raised periodically and other expenses too have gone up. Such institutions need to be kept updated by suitable infrastructure. It may be said that the government is spending something like Rs 750 crores annually to maintain the IITs and a further allocation may not be feasible. At the same time Indian students are reported to be spending $13 billion annually in pursuit of higher education abroad. and the banks are liberal to give loans to such students.Many students from the upper income brackets can afford proposed fee hike It is agreed that the poor and meritorious students should not be priced out by the fee hike and the solution lies in giving them suitable scholarships and soft loans.This procedure may enable releasing a good amount to set up primary education facilities. Taking all these factors into consideration, the IIT fee hike seems justifiable.
A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 4-4-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
The fee hike by the IITs came in for a wide discussion in the media. The yawning gap between the demand for funds and availability to keep these quality institions in prime shape can be met only by pumping additional funds. The fee structure was set years ago and the allround expendiiture levels have gone up considerably. The staff salaries are raised periodically and other expenses too have gone up. Such institutions need to be kept updated by suitable infrastructure. It may be said that the government is spending something like Rs 750 crores annually to maintain the IITs and a further allocation may not be feasible. At the same time Indian students are reported to be spending $13 billion annually in pursuit of higher education abroad. and the banks are liberal to give loans to such students.Many students from the upper income brackets can afford proposed fee hike It is agreed that the poor and meritorious students should not be priced out by the fee hike and the solution lies in giving them suitable scholarships and soft loans.This procedure may enable releasing a good amount to set up primary education facilities. Taking all these factors into consideration, the IIT fee hike seems justifiable.
A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 4-4-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Justice Jag Mohanlal Sinha
Justice Jag Mohanlal Sinha
Justice Jag Mohanlal Sinha passed away at the ripe age of 87 a couple of days ago. Justice Sinha was a known for his indomitable courage of conviction and he ranks among the most independent judges India ever had. In his historic judgement, Justice Sinha gave the verdict unseating the Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi of corrupt practices.he maintained strict court decorum through his order that no one should stand up when Mrs.Gandhi entered the court room. Even the policemen on duty were asked to wait outside the court and the security of the Prime Minster was maintained by the members of the bar. Angered by the verdict, Mrs Gandhi ordered Emergency on June 25-1975, suspended fundamental rights, arrested opposition leaders across the country and clamped censorship on newspapers and media. Perhaps it is the only case wherein a Prime Minister was unseated for charges of corrupt poll practices by a Judge. Justice Sinha will remain alive in the minds of people who value courage and judicial probity.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 23-3-08 Email IDidfark@gmail.com
Justice Jag Mohanlal Sinha passed away at the ripe age of 87 a couple of days ago. Justice Sinha was a known for his indomitable courage of conviction and he ranks among the most independent judges India ever had. In his historic judgement, Justice Sinha gave the verdict unseating the Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi of corrupt practices.he maintained strict court decorum through his order that no one should stand up when Mrs.Gandhi entered the court room. Even the policemen on duty were asked to wait outside the court and the security of the Prime Minster was maintained by the members of the bar. Angered by the verdict, Mrs Gandhi ordered Emergency on June 25-1975, suspended fundamental rights, arrested opposition leaders across the country and clamped censorship on newspapers and media. Perhaps it is the only case wherein a Prime Minister was unseated for charges of corrupt poll practices by a Judge. Justice Sinha will remain alive in the minds of people who value courage and judicial probity.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 23-3-08 Email IDidfark@gmail.com
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Broadband connections exceed 30 lakhs
India has a total of 30.20 lakh broadband connections to end of December 2007. The government is keen to increase the connectivitystatus in a phased manner. Maharashtra and Goa have the largestnumber of boradband connections (6.54 lakhs) followed by Delhi (4.09)Tamil Nadu(4.06) Karnataka (3.32) and Andhra Pradesh (2.34) if we listout the top five states. It is significant to note that out of the total of of 30.2 lakh broadband connections in India, Maharashtra andthe southern states account for 17.66 lakhs connections. Higherconnectivity leads to higher pace of economic and social developmentand can be useful for better disaster management. The eastern statesare poorly linked if we see the figures of West Bengal with 1.65 lakhsand North East states with a mere four thousand (4856) It isheartening to note that the government is setting up one lakh CommonService Centres to cover 6 lakh villages in the country and develop aplatform for furthering better social and commercial goals. The planenvisions such Centres to be set up at front-end delivery points invillage clusters. To put all these plans in place, the government issetting up a National Knowledge Network with the added provision togive tax incentives to the players in the field. The plans arecertainly good on paper, it should not collect dust like many otherprojects.
Dr.ARK PillaiMumbai 21-3-08 Email ID <idfark@gmail.com>
India has a total of 30.20 lakh broadband connections to end of December 2007. The government is keen to increase the connectivitystatus in a phased manner. Maharashtra and Goa have the largestnumber of boradband connections (6.54 lakhs) followed by Delhi (4.09)Tamil Nadu(4.06) Karnataka (3.32) and Andhra Pradesh (2.34) if we listout the top five states. It is significant to note that out of the total of of 30.2 lakh broadband connections in India, Maharashtra andthe southern states account for 17.66 lakhs connections. Higherconnectivity leads to higher pace of economic and social developmentand can be useful for better disaster management. The eastern statesare poorly linked if we see the figures of West Bengal with 1.65 lakhsand North East states with a mere four thousand (4856) It isheartening to note that the government is setting up one lakh CommonService Centres to cover 6 lakh villages in the country and develop aplatform for furthering better social and commercial goals. The planenvisions such Centres to be set up at front-end delivery points invillage clusters. To put all these plans in place, the government issetting up a National Knowledge Network with the added provision togive tax incentives to the players in the field. The plans arecertainly good on paper, it should not collect dust like many otherprojects.
Dr.ARK PillaiMumbai 21-3-08 Email ID <idfark@gmail.com>
The World TB Day- 24th March 2008
The World TB Day- 24th March 2008
Latest Data Sheet- A Must Read for every Indian
Statistics- Scientific Facts:
India is the world’s TB Capital
India has an estimated 14 Million TB cases.
TB- the two letter word is a killer!
Estimated 1.9 Million new cases are added.
70% of these are detected and put on treatment
Undetected TB patients spread disease to 10-15 healthy people
6 lakhs Indians are not aware that they suffer from TB
Loss to the nation is estimated at Rs12, 000 Crores every year.
Reason? Absenteeism, loss of earnings, medical costs etc.
TB is caused by a germ called mycobacterium tuberculosis.
TB of lungs is more common, though it may affect any other part
Smoking aggravates the disease.
TB patients are prone to get HIV-AIDS
Symptoms
Persisting cough for 3 weeks and more, sometimes with blood streaked sputum
Fever especially at night
Lack of appetite
Loss in body weight
Loss in energy levels, immunity levels.
Action Plan
Consult a doctor without loss of time
If detected as TB, take regular and adequate medicines
Treatment span is about 6 to 8 months
TB drugs and treatment are FREE of charges in Govt hospitals/clinics
Drugs available in neighbourhood - Free
Take treatment regularly as directed by the doctor
If discontinued, it may turn into Drug Resistant TB- Difficult to cure.
Undetected and untreated TB patients spread TB to 10-15 healthy people
A period of quarantine may be needed in some cases.
What can people do?
Help Govt- NGOs in TB work as best as possible
Report cases known to you
Talk to family members, relatives and friends on TB- spread awareness
Take time off to visit slums-villages and spread the message.
Stress on continued treatment for the entire period to avoid Drug Resistant TB
Teachers in schools and colleges should tell the students about TB
Public debates- activities to spread the message may be taken.
Mass Media should be involved to spread awareness.
Contribute your mite in money and efforts for the cause.
Promoting factors
Health is not considered a felt-need- it is taken for granted.
Symptoms of TB are not known to people, especially villagers
Smoking is a regular habit for many
People disregard symptoms
Government and Community Action.
Creative Health awareness campaigns to get impact among all sections of people
Higher allocation of GDP for health
Better housing and sanitation
Slums should be removed with better housing
Effective population control
Better health disciplines, balanced diet and exercises
Provision of Health Educators for clusters of villages and slums
Effective restrictions on use of tobacco
Media should promote health awareness in their programmes
Support IDF
IDF is a Registered National NGO doing work for TB and other diseases
Get in touch with IDF – visit www.idf.org.in
Email to idfark@gmail.com – idfmumbai@gmail.com, idfchennai@gmail.com, idfkarnataka@gmail.com, idfjaipur@gmail.com
What is Indian Development Foundation (IDF) ?
IDF has 120 Associate Hospitals and Projects spread out in India
IDF has a large team of Volunteers and a few Social Ambassadors
IDF is a self-supporting NGO, depending on public donations for work
IDF is in its 25 years of national service.
IDF welcomes your valuable support in cash and kind
IDF has 80-G facility for donors
IDF is authorized under FCRA for foreign donations
IDF has 15 Tribal schools and Empowerment Classes across India
IDF develops rural villages as part of their work.
IDF interacts with millions of students every year through schools-colleges
IDF is an ideal people-friendly NGO
IDF operations are transparent and subject to strict audit regulations
IDF Board of Trustees has leading Social Scientists- Leprologists- Specialists
Free Poster – Literatures on TB available at
Indian Development Foundation
L 10/ 3 & 4 Jal Ratan Deep
Bangur Nagar, Goregaon (West)
Mumbai 400 104
Tel : 022 – 28762008/ 3008
www.idf.org.in
idfark@gmail.com, idfmumbai@gmail.com
Latest Data Sheet- A Must Read for every Indian
Statistics- Scientific Facts:
India is the world’s TB Capital
India has an estimated 14 Million TB cases.
TB- the two letter word is a killer!
Estimated 1.9 Million new cases are added.
70% of these are detected and put on treatment
Undetected TB patients spread disease to 10-15 healthy people
6 lakhs Indians are not aware that they suffer from TB
Loss to the nation is estimated at Rs12, 000 Crores every year.
Reason? Absenteeism, loss of earnings, medical costs etc.
TB is caused by a germ called mycobacterium tuberculosis.
TB of lungs is more common, though it may affect any other part
Smoking aggravates the disease.
TB patients are prone to get HIV-AIDS
Symptoms
Persisting cough for 3 weeks and more, sometimes with blood streaked sputum
Fever especially at night
Lack of appetite
Loss in body weight
Loss in energy levels, immunity levels.
Action Plan
Consult a doctor without loss of time
If detected as TB, take regular and adequate medicines
Treatment span is about 6 to 8 months
TB drugs and treatment are FREE of charges in Govt hospitals/clinics
Drugs available in neighbourhood - Free
Take treatment regularly as directed by the doctor
If discontinued, it may turn into Drug Resistant TB- Difficult to cure.
Undetected and untreated TB patients spread TB to 10-15 healthy people
A period of quarantine may be needed in some cases.
What can people do?
Help Govt- NGOs in TB work as best as possible
Report cases known to you
Talk to family members, relatives and friends on TB- spread awareness
Take time off to visit slums-villages and spread the message.
Stress on continued treatment for the entire period to avoid Drug Resistant TB
Teachers in schools and colleges should tell the students about TB
Public debates- activities to spread the message may be taken.
Mass Media should be involved to spread awareness.
Contribute your mite in money and efforts for the cause.
Promoting factors
Health is not considered a felt-need- it is taken for granted.
Symptoms of TB are not known to people, especially villagers
Smoking is a regular habit for many
People disregard symptoms
Government and Community Action.
Creative Health awareness campaigns to get impact among all sections of people
Higher allocation of GDP for health
Better housing and sanitation
Slums should be removed with better housing
Effective population control
Better health disciplines, balanced diet and exercises
Provision of Health Educators for clusters of villages and slums
Effective restrictions on use of tobacco
Media should promote health awareness in their programmes
Support IDF
IDF is a Registered National NGO doing work for TB and other diseases
Get in touch with IDF – visit www.idf.org.in
Email to idfark@gmail.com – idfmumbai@gmail.com, idfchennai@gmail.com, idfkarnataka@gmail.com, idfjaipur@gmail.com
What is Indian Development Foundation (IDF) ?
IDF has 120 Associate Hospitals and Projects spread out in India
IDF has a large team of Volunteers and a few Social Ambassadors
IDF is a self-supporting NGO, depending on public donations for work
IDF is in its 25 years of national service.
IDF welcomes your valuable support in cash and kind
IDF has 80-G facility for donors
IDF is authorized under FCRA for foreign donations
IDF has 15 Tribal schools and Empowerment Classes across India
IDF develops rural villages as part of their work.
IDF interacts with millions of students every year through schools-colleges
IDF is an ideal people-friendly NGO
IDF operations are transparent and subject to strict audit regulations
IDF Board of Trustees has leading Social Scientists- Leprologists- Specialists
Free Poster – Literatures on TB available at
Indian Development Foundation
L 10/ 3 & 4 Jal Ratan Deep
Bangur Nagar, Goregaon (West)
Mumbai 400 104
Tel : 022 – 28762008/ 3008
www.idf.org.in
idfark@gmail.com, idfmumbai@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Over 1 Million visually challenged in India
India has over 1 Million visually challenged persons
India has over 1 Million visually challenged persons as per 2001 census. It is really sad that there is such a large number of visually challenged persons in our country. Blindness is the most crippling handicap and those affected by it go through untold sufferings. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of visually challenged persons with 18.52 lakhs , followed by other states like Bihar(10.06) Tamil Nadu (9.64) West Bengal (8.62) Rajasthan (7.54) Madhya Pradesh(6.36) and Maharashtra (5.81). A large percent of cases in India seem to be cataract cases. Fortunately cataract can be remedied through a relatively simple operation. In government hospitals such operations are done free of charges, while clinics of NGOs charge comparatively lower amounts. It is painful to see visually challenged persons managing travel in crowded suburban trains and negotiating their way through crowded streets. People in shelter homes carry out excellent work to earn their livelyhood. It will be in the fitness of things if the government provides community homes for them and suitable employment. They should not be made to travel to earn their bread. India can certainly provide suitable relief measures and the society in general will only be too happy to support such humanitarian moves to make their life less burdonsome.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 18-3-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
India has over 1 Million visually challenged persons as per 2001 census. It is really sad that there is such a large number of visually challenged persons in our country. Blindness is the most crippling handicap and those affected by it go through untold sufferings. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of visually challenged persons with 18.52 lakhs , followed by other states like Bihar(10.06) Tamil Nadu (9.64) West Bengal (8.62) Rajasthan (7.54) Madhya Pradesh(6.36) and Maharashtra (5.81). A large percent of cases in India seem to be cataract cases. Fortunately cataract can be remedied through a relatively simple operation. In government hospitals such operations are done free of charges, while clinics of NGOs charge comparatively lower amounts. It is painful to see visually challenged persons managing travel in crowded suburban trains and negotiating their way through crowded streets. People in shelter homes carry out excellent work to earn their livelyhood. It will be in the fitness of things if the government provides community homes for them and suitable employment. They should not be made to travel to earn their bread. India can certainly provide suitable relief measures and the society in general will only be too happy to support such humanitarian moves to make their life less burdonsome.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 18-3-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Monday, March 17, 2008
Transexuals
The Tamil Nadu government did the right thing to recognise the need of a section of suffering people by giving them identity as transexuals. All are not made alike and we can't wish away the realities. These persons could not get basic rights like the ration cards and entries in public documents because of their peculiarstatus and the government decision would correct an imbalance.The action of the Tamil Nadu government is sure to influence other state governments and the centre to follow suit, thus ending a serious anomaly.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 17-3-08 Email ID< idfark@gmail.com
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 17-3-08 Email ID< idfark@gmail.com
Baba Amte
Baba Amte was a Titan among men, who lived and served leprosy patients all through his life.A man of indomitable spirit, Baba Amte had the rare courage to outlive the dimensions set by a society unaccustomed to serve leprosy patients on the streets. Baba Amte had his earlier training in leprosy from Dattapur colony at the suggestion of Vinoba Bhave and later he had the formal training at the School of Tropical Medicine at Kolkatta. Physical handicaps did not deter him to do what he felt as right and he plunged into leprosy work as no one ever did before. His name became synonymous with leprosy and he received the highest national and international honours and awards. I had the privilege of meeting him on a few occasions and his words gave me immense courage to do leprosy work. I recall the occasion when Baba Amte planted a sapling in the backyard of Bombay Leprosy Project years ago. He infused courage inthe minds of leprosy workers and comforted the patients wherever he went. His life and mission endeared him to millions of people in India and abroad. Though he shed his body in February this year, Baba Amte will live in the minds of millions of right thinking admirers.
Dr. A. R. K. Pillai, President Mumbai- 17-3-08Indian Development Foundation (IDF)[Formerly Indian Leprosy Foundation]
Dr. A. R. K. Pillai, President Mumbai- 17-3-08Indian Development Foundation (IDF)[Formerly Indian Leprosy Foundation]
The Tibetan Imbroglio
The current uprising by the Tibetan monks and the general population in Lhasa is the outcome of a long standing vexed problem. Ever since the annexation of Tibet into the fold of China, the reports indicate massacre of over a million people. The Chinese has a regimented form of government and popular voice has very little relevance or impact. The Chinese has a stake in keeping Tibet under tight control because of their ever expanding desings of territorial ambitions against India. In a situation like this, India may find it difficult to formulate policy, as any attempt to suggest may be termed as dabbling in internal affairs of another nation. It is therefore appropriate that the UN and the international community may raise their concerns and restore peace and tranquility in Tibet. The Beijing Olympics may serve as a catalyst for amicable solution.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 17-3-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 17-3-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Friday, March 14, 2008
I I M Idealism
I I M Idealism
The story of Mr Neela Nageshwar from IIM-A ( HT March 13) is encouraging and inspiring. MBAs from IIM-A have been getting fabulous offers from business houses during the last few years. Having done hard work, they certainly deserve all the recognition and due compensation. In the contemporary world of ours, everyone is crazy about money and there is nothing wrong if qualified persons go in for such pay packets. However Neela Nageshwar's story is different, it sets an example. He comes from a middle class background with all attendant hardships in life and it would have been an uphill task for him to plough through such a demanding study. His refusal to accept good offers from India and abroad and seek his fortune through setting up a processing plant for herbal plants. is laudable. What can be more challenging than this youngster's masterly example? The government should recognise his patriotism and challenge and give him all the help needed for realising his dream. Nageshwar's story is stimulating as it is refreshing.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 14-3-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
The story of Mr Neela Nageshwar from IIM-A ( HT March 13) is encouraging and inspiring. MBAs from IIM-A have been getting fabulous offers from business houses during the last few years. Having done hard work, they certainly deserve all the recognition and due compensation. In the contemporary world of ours, everyone is crazy about money and there is nothing wrong if qualified persons go in for such pay packets. However Neela Nageshwar's story is different, it sets an example. He comes from a middle class background with all attendant hardships in life and it would have been an uphill task for him to plough through such a demanding study. His refusal to accept good offers from India and abroad and seek his fortune through setting up a processing plant for herbal plants. is laudable. What can be more challenging than this youngster's masterly example? The government should recognise his patriotism and challenge and give him all the help needed for realising his dream. Nageshwar's story is stimulating as it is refreshing.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 14-3-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Historic breakthrough
The historic breakthrough by PPP and PML(N) to form a coalition government gives a glimmer of hope to Pakistanis from the yoke of military rule for long years. Though the people of Pakistan gave their verdict against the 'King's Party' and its collaborators about three weeks ago, the two major political parties took their time to sort out their agenda and come to a workable arrangement. PPP chairperson Asif Ali Zardari and PML(N) president Nawaz Sharif deserve congratulations for their statesmanship. Such a coalition arrangement would not have lacked democratic merit as long as they worked together for recasting the constitution to its pre-dictatorship form. However the Murree declaration is not without hazards as issues like restoration of sacked judges may mean last minute counter offensive from Musharaff. Zardari may also have his share of anxiety in a posibe revival of cases against 'Mr Ten Percent', the nick-name ascribed to him. These pinpricks apart, both the leading political parties and Pakistan's civil society deserve a pat for engineering this historic breakthrough. We in India welcome restoration of democratic norms in Pakistan and with the people well.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 12-3-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 12-3-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
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