GUYS, i have decided to post most of my stuff in SULEKHA where there is a wider audience. Also, it helps not to ask everyone to read it personally. I would be posting here too, but only on topics where we would have to know each other. Here is the link to my sulekha posts, Sulekha blog

HINDI NAHI MALUM

The experience that i have had as someone from Tamilnadu, which for many by default means i am anti-hindi, is not unique. In fact i am sure that many have had similar experiences. I have been asked so many times why we tamils hate Hindi, why we refuse to learn hindi or why don't we learn hindi. I don't really care about the politics being played out by the political parties on this, but i really see nothing sinister in not learning Hindi. But, i have had a tough time explaining to my hindi speaking brethren that not learning hindi does not mean that we are anti-hindi.

Take my own case, I did my schooling in a pretty good school in Chennai. I was offered the option of learning Hindi or Tamil along with English which was the medium of instruction. My parents reasoned, and i completely agree with their notion, that first i have to learn my mother tongue and for communicating with the rest of the world i have English. There was nothing like, i should not learn Hindi. As a matter of fact, i did take private Hindi lessons since i felt it would help if i worked in North India. Again, it was a very practical consideration that it would help me communicate if i end up working in North India.

But, once i moved to US for my graduate study, i have been asked the same line of questions over and over again. It all starts with why do you tamils not learn Hindi? I have to explain that i was given an option of choosing between Hindi and Tamil, and i chose Tamil since it was my mother tongue. The fact that tamil has a vast array literary work and is used extensively in TN validates my reasoning. Then the question becomes, why do you guys hate hindi? When i confront them to give me an example where tamil population in general being anti-hindi. The best they can come up with is the DMK anti-hindi agitation which used to happen even before i was born. The only way anyone can define the attitude of majority of tamils towards hindi is apathy - indifference. We know it is a major language spoken in the Northern parts of India (40 % of India, i suppose). But more than that no-one really keeps hating hindi. The same indifference can also be seen towards Bollywood movies. Its not that we all hate Bollywood movies, its just that we have an industry which produces equally "good(?!)" movies. Once they find me uncompromising, they of course use the Brahmastra, a question that supposedly should make me see their point.

The Brahmastra their questioning my patriotism because i don't speak hindi. I should say that most of the times it was never asked straight. It was always a little play with the words where you can see that they are trying to appeal to the patriot in me. So, the question begins with 'Hindi is our national language. You would learn a completely foreign language like English, but you wouldn't learn Hindi you National language.' I used to get really really angry when i used hear that. I came to realize later, when i have heard the same enough number of times, that this argument does not stand scrutiny. First of all, only 40% of India speaks Hindi. That means 60%, a majority does not speak hindi. Two, Indian constitution itself specifies that both Hindi and English are the official languages for the central govt. Three, there are 21 official Indian languages, so its not like Hindi alone is given some official, sacred position in the constitution. And nowadays, i don't fail to inform my friends who invoke patriotism as a reason to learn hindi, that Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. The other thing i have realized is that the people who complain the most are the ones who would come to chennai, where they know people don't speak hindi, unprepared and come out of the central station and expect everyone to understand them. They don't understand that they be a little more prepared when they go to a new place.

The point is, we indians have so many things to worry about, food, electricity, water (bigtime in chennai), school, exams, job, spouses, siblings, career etc., Nobody has the time to hate a language that they don't even know.

POLITIKX MACHI

I was totally indifferent to American Politics, that was until Iraq happened. Having seen the build up to this war up close, it just hit me how a decision, however stupid it might be, taken in washington can affect the lives of hundreds of thousands half way across the world. Unlike most of my fellow desis who are in this country who kinda know where they are with respect to the Iraq war and indifferent to American Politics nevertheless, i started paying attention to some of things happening in Washington. So, i would note down some of the absurdities as i find them myself or noted elsewhere weekly as America prepares for elections in Fall 08. Anyways before i go on with this weekly American and Indian Politics update, i thought i would give in some links to presentations which were quite thought provoking. I have seen each of these presentations more than once and thought a bit about the stuff they are talking about. Take a look at these videos with an open mind. It would give a whole new perspective on the kind of journalism that is present here in the US.

The first video is a talk by Noam Chomsky (one of the intellectuals i respect the most) and by well known Journalist Robert Fisk. Its more than 1.5 hrs, but believe me, it will be a well spent 1.5 hrs (certainly better than Spider Man III). http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8431351908091440891

The second video is a documentary by Bill Moyers titled 'Buying the War'. This is about how the mainstream media capitulated at the feet of this administration instead of doing its job. Cheerleading as they were when their services were needed the most in asking the tough questions, they have now taken a U-turn in their approach and have started asking some questions (though not quite tough enough, i would say), but only after the approval rating has plummeted to the late 20s. A case of too little, too late. http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/btw/watch.html

The third one is an interview with Jon Stewart of the Daily Show by Bill Moyers again. Unlike other interviews you might see on TV here in the US, this is an intelligent conversation between two men about the Iraq war and Gonzo-gate. http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04272007/watch.html

What is the case in India? From what happened in Dinakaran Office in Madurai, there is nothing to feel proud about. Shameful is the first word that comes to my mind, Madurai being my native place.

C Karthikeyan

Evolution vs Surface Tension: A comparitive study of Absurdities in democracy

Atleast one Presidential debate, however early or premature it might be at this point, is over and its funny to see what passes off here for debate. Take for instance the Republican Presidential debate in Reagan library in California. After all the softball questions, John "trying-to-sound-hawkish-inspite-of-truth" McCain was asked specifically if he believed in Evolution. He took a second and gave out a yes, albeit cursing his own luck for getting this question. Then came the question to the bunch as a whole, asking anyone who doesn't believe in evolution to raise his hand. Three of them raised their hand. McCain was mentally kicking himself for telling YES instead of filibustering. He needed to change or adapt his story in the next one or two seconds. How does he do it? He immediately starts speaking, calling the host by name before he goes to the next question and tells him," you know what, i believe in Evolution, but when i hike the Grand Canyon i can see the hand of GOD." I was like, WHATTTT? He is flip-flopping at a rate that would make a commercially available flip-flop proud. The irony in this whole issue is this. US took home all the 5 NOBEL Prizes for Science last year, yet their presidential candidates are being asked if they believe in Evolution.

Think about this happening in India. I don't think there is any debate (or Primaries in our country like here, but no one can beat us in rhetoric) in this format in India. Anyways, our politicians do have the worldview to talk about absolute rubbish with such conviction that you would forget the real issues at hand. Like in Gumidipoondi, when i was on the way to Tirupati from Chennai, there was a meeting (looked like for one of the councilors post) a DMK guy was on stage thundering aloud at the injustices happening in Iraq. I was like what about the local issues of water, electricity etc., NOPE those are real issues never to be touched.

Having slept while watching this debate, i had this weird dream. Its a Prime Ministerial Debate. The hopefuls for a future PM for India are all standing there trying to prove who is more religious than the other and why they have to be selected. Prannoy Roy asks Candidate 1 this question - Do you believe in Surface Tension? Quite taken aback, the candidate says, "though i feel tensed most of the time, i don't let it surface. I control myself." Thanking for giving a new perspective on surface tension, Roy moves on. Candidate 2 is asked the same question. Being a man of Science and reason he says, "yeah! of course." Then Prannoy Roy with a tongue in cheek asks, how many of you think Ganpathy really drank milk? When half the stage and almost all of the audience raise their hands, Candidate 2 immediately interjects and says, "ROY, i believe in surface tension, but when i saw the milk being sucked in from the spoon, i understood Ganpathy was thirsty", to thunderous applause and everyone going Ganpathy Pappa moriya!!!

I woke up and started thanking GOD (irony!!!) that our country hasn't come to this level. Atleast, not yet!

C Karthikeyan

RESERVATION - Who will bell the cat?

Reservation, this one word will evoke a whole gamut of emotions in every Indian, whether he is either for or against the idea. Each one of us, Indians, have an idea about how this immensely important issue should be. Yet, i see no intense intellectual debate or rational reasoning put to use within our society, right from the street corner tea stall to the corridors or power in New Delhi. Rather, our emotion seems to take a lead leaving us with more agony, people digging their feet deeper into their beliefs however bigoted it might be without a chance for any form of compromise. The media, which always sensationalizes everything from a petty robbery and something as personal as marriage, has only fanned the flames of anger and passion.

Everytime the idea of Reservation comes up in the national conscience it brings up a passionate, though with either impractical or unreasonable, debate about what form Reservation should take. The most common and an idea that almost every educated Indian seems to agree is the idea of Reservation based on Economics. At this point, i agree that the current form of reservation is not serving those who really need it and it is for this reason i want to explore, open this question before you guys, to have an honest reasonable interchange of ideas on what should and could be done. I don't want some general vague talking points we see everyday on TV.

These are some of the conclusions i came to when i thought about Reservations based on Economics. Though, if there is a way to successfully implement this which is not a small task by any means, this idea might be one of the fairest, i couldn't see how this can be brought about. I want to just go through some of these issues that i can think of and to see if we can with a solution through this discussion. I am thinking of a practical solution, not some Utopian idea which should make everyone happy in India. That is impossible.

Firstly, how do we decide on some one's economic strata, when only a minuscule percent of the Indian population pays tax. Herein lies the biggest problem. When such a huge chunk of population depends on the agriculture and other small businesses where we don't have any form of accounting, how to formulate a solution where again a privileged few won't take advantage of the loop holes of the system?

Secondly, in the system how do we decide who become eligible for reservation? If we are going to make the decision based on the incomes of the parents, what if someone tells that he doesn't need any support from his parents, for that matter he has separated from them and expects to be eligible for reservation? If there is a tangible benefit, i.e., difference between a seat in IIT or some private college, in showing yourself to be economically disadvantaged then people will abuse the system. We all know that.

Thirdly, we all know that the true spirit for reservation has long been dead. In fact it died the day it was written. Think of the idea of reservation. It is for people who have for generations have been on the margins of the society, who without any form of help from the Govt in an apathetic society like ours will never be able to compete in the mainstream. However, whenever there is a debate on reservation, whether you watch NDTV or IBNLIVE or whichever channel, who do you see shouting at the top of their voice, its the people who are in the IITs, the AIIMS and other prestigious institutions.

I accept, they too are affected by the way politicians play with reservation as a tool to be in public memory whenever they get lost in the crowd. But have you ever seen these channels go to a remote corner of India, ask a villager who still fights daily to survive about what he needs and how this system has to be changed to bring him into the mainstream. No, i have never seen it. For the news channels its about money, viewership - the middle class and advertisements. For the politicians its about the votes. Much like the Africans (refer previous post) who have to be kept poor to display the benevolence and magnanimity of the rich, there is a huge population in India in who's name there is a struggle going on, but surely they wouldn't know what happened in the end, for they will be left untouched just as they were left untouched when Reservation Version 1.0 ran through its life.

I will post some of the ideas that i have seen that are not really based on pure economics in my next post.

C Karthikeyan

Beyond a Mosquito Net

(Frederic Courbet/Panos Pictures, for Fox)

I must admit this picture made me think like none other, atleast in a longtime. Most will recognize the guy in this picture, Ryan Seacrest of American Idol. It brought to my mind so many questions about charity. As can be seen in this photograph, a person from a wealthy nation is giving away mosquito nets to another in one of the impoverished places in our planet.

Malaria being one of the biggest killers in Africa, it is a very practical way of helping these people out. But, for some reason, i felt this was not right. There is a small controversy surrounding this act of philanthropy. You can read this here NYTIMES Story. Notwithstanding FOX network's generosity, there is something wrong with that picture.

This picture represents the current trend of someone who is doing this just for his or her own satisfaction. In this particular case, it is even more insincere, you just have to read the NYTIMES article. For all the highfalutin claims of generosity by FOX i don't buy their case. I might sound cynical but i do believe it was all for publicity. And it was cheap. There is no underlying sympathy, let alone empathy in these acts of generosity. It takes more than just handing out mosquito nets to these people. And the fact that Africa has been kept impoverished inspite of their natural resources tells you the story. The big pharmaceutical companies wouldn't spend their money on coming with a malarial vaccine since it is a third world disease and would spend millions coming up with Viagra shows where their priority is.

Take the picture above. What does Ryan Seacrest know about the problems faced by these people in their everyday life? Why not spend 10 minutes and explain the challenges these people face in FOX and FOX NEWS. This will reach a larger audience which might lead to a change in the priorities of the American Govt. But in this world of instant gratification, if i send 20 bucks to some charity and if possible i get to know that someone got a mosquito net from that money, i feel morally satisfied. I start to think i have done my part for this society, feel a little more self-righteous. Never do I stop to think what should be done to root out this endemic poverty and diseases that plague the African continent. The reason for this rant is the apathy that runs deep in our society. Its like, if you want fame and if you feel a little deficit morally or spiritually, donate some money to africa and if possible squeeze every ounce publicity that you can get out of it. It is in this regard that i have my greatest regard and appreciation for people go out of their way to make a change.

The case of Corporate America is even worse. Why is FOX news not using its reach in washington (we all know who owns it) to influence the policy of the American Government. We all know what is happening in DARFUR, Sudan. I hate it when corporations give out puny amounts in the name of charity and publicize it shamelessly. It is beyond SHAME.

I must at this point appreciate my friends Prasanna and Arul who take sometime out of their lives to do some work on charity and other literacy programs. And if any of you readers want to participate in these programs please contact me or Prasanna.

C Karthikeyan

Cho Seung-Hui of Virginia Tech gunned down 32 people on 4/16: heinous, meaningless and utterly inhuman.The media went berserk. It's fitting if CNN, NY Times and the like cover the event and its aftermath extensively. What's puzzling is that the Indian media has left no stone untunrned in covering the event. Two indians Minal Panchal and G V Loganathan perished in the shootout.

With all due respect to the departed souls, since when has an event on foreign land started to occupy the front pages of Indian media for days together? Since eternity.My condolences and sympathies are with the families who lost people that fateful day. When you compare how such tragic events are treated in India versus any other country, my head hangs in shame. The media here writes up about each and every soul lost and posts condolences thus showing sympathy. When was the last time Indian media did that? Does anyone know the names of people who lost their lives at nandigram recently? Or the names of the security guards who faught bravely to avert an major disaster at the parliament?

I had come to terms with the importance of life in India versus the west. What's disturbing is the fact that the importance of a life lost on Indian soil is nothing compared to when a soul is lost on foreign soil.Probably every body would have read something like "14 people were killed today at a police firing. There were 3 men, 5 children and 6 women among the dead."

Cattle get a better treatment in the west!

Iphone, Ipod, Imuse

Like everyone else i was also caught up in the hype surrounding iphone announcement. As i started reading more and more about this phone, a question kept arising in my mind again and again. The question is this.

Why do people fall head over heals to talk about this phone. After all this is just another product from a company and why does all the media and people talk about it and market the product (the so called media hype) even before seeing the product? In short why are people and media marketing this product instead of apple or cingular?

As someone who is trying to drop his Electrical Engineering skin and start seeing things from a business perspective, i tried to look at this question from different perspectives and what i obtained were more fundamental questions and few answers. I will post these questions and some of my inferences and want to know your perspective on these. I don't want superficial answers to these questions guys. Think over it and post in your comments. You are also welcome to give me a call. We can discuss this. Srini, Sunil and Sapan, i am looking forward to your comments as i know you guys have interest in this area.

Here are my musings. What is so special about this iphone except that its coming from a company whose last product was a big hit (ipod). And if you really think very objectively there is nothing special about ipod. Its only "revolutionary" idea was the circular scrolling type access. The sound quality from its headphones is not so great. I have heard better sound from a cheaper Creative made product. People have already analyzed and come up with their own reasons why it was a hit. But my question differs a little. I have a few related questions which if we can answer, we might get a better insight into marketing.

We all know that if you ask anyone if they like to buy things that are unique, something which kinda reflects their identity or otherwise, they would atleast in theory almost always say they want something unique. But why do people go in for a product like ipod as if that is the only thing available. There are other music players that are as good if not better than ipod.

1) Why do people buy Ipod just to make a fashion statement? Is it because Ipod was released as a higher end product in which case many of the current Ipod users couldn't afford and slowly when the the price was reduced (its still expensive) people wanted to just satisfy their earlier desire to own something that they once couldn't afford. Now they are part of the "elite" crowd.
Or is my presumption wrong that people would want something thats unique (the idea that i have of Mankind is that every individual wants to be included in every group, but whatever group he is in already should be exclusive, meaning not everyone should be allowed in that) or something that's different from others is wrong?

2) This question came from the previous one. If you are to start a new business, which is a better way to brand yourself? Is catering to the masses like what WalMart does is better or branding yourself slightly upmarket so that you can keep coming up with new products for the upmarket and give out your older products to the masses (something like what apple is doing) better. I don't think walmart is such a good example since it is the biggest company in the world

Another observation here is that once you position yourself as a low cost product, it is very difficult to break into the higher end market. Even walmart couldn't move into upmarket products in fashion (if you have been following business news closely you will know that when it introduced the Metro 7 line of apparels it was a big flop). I think a better example here would be DELL. Can anyone think of a highend laptop like APPLE MACBOOK PRO from DELL. Will anyone even think of spending around 3000 bucks on a system from DELL. I don't think so, since DELL positioned itself as a low cost seller of computers. But the margins it is getting out of PCs are getting lower and lower. I read a report in NYTIMES (sorry i don't save the link, it was a couple of months back) telling that DELL is trying to move into the higher end because its current business is not getting it enough profit (quite logical, since there is only so much you save by cutting costs through efficient supply chains). The point is in the longer run which one is a better strategy.

3) The other observation here is with ipod, nothing was revolutionary except probably the way it was marketed and the way it looked. There were and there are better music players. It didn't have any of those revolutionary, earth-shattering technology involved to make it a big success. It was just a music player packaged in a neat looking way and tied with iTunes where people can download music. Simple stuff put together to make a very successful product. Something to think about......

Anyways please post in your comments. I have written it in a hurry, since this blog has been without any activity. I will from now on post atleast once a week. Part of my experiment at re-organizing my life towards a better lifestyle.