The Unsung heroes

Read an article in rediff.com today. I was really moved by the way the author has written about the death of one of his erstwhile neighbours, Manish Pitambare, who was killed yesterday in Kashmir, fighting for the country. He mentions that Manish was a brilliant student who scored nearly 90 percent in SSC. He could have chosen an easier path of doing some degree and do some white collar job. But the fact that he was driven by his passion to serve the country and was not carried away by other materialistic attractions, really makes one feel proud about him. There are a lot of unsung heroes like Manish, but every one of them deserve to be praised for what they have chosen. My heartfelt condolences to the family of the deseased. I am really proud to be in a country where people like Manish lived.

The original article can be read from:

http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/nov/28obit.htm

Attended a Right To Information (RTI) workshop today in my college. It was conducted by Mr.Gaurang Vora, a practising Pathologist who is also an RTI activist. It was an excellent lecture. In fact, I am wrong in calling it a lecture..it is a interactive session on the subject.

We were around 29 of us and were very much enthused by the provisions of the act. It is really a welcome step by the Government of India, which has been taken after so many decades of independence. While the constitution provides for such a provision, it is almost 5 decades after which an act has been framed mentioning the guidelines and steps to be followed in obtaining the information. Kudos to all those activists who had slogged hard to get the Govt do something on this subject.

We were surprised to know the powers that we as citizens have in terms of our right to info. While apathy is still prevalent, this seems to be a step in right direction in curbing corruption. If one were to say that the Government servants are opposing this act tooth and nail, he/she is completely wrong because it is said that a good proportion of RTI applications are filed by the Govt servants themselves regarding promotions etc. This was a surprise news to me. At last, we got an Act which, unlike other acts, is a tool in the hands of the citizens rather than a tool against them.

Oh...it has been a long time since I had scribbled some thing here....this back pain is really showing its ugly face :( ...nywz

Last week, went to a orphanage/drug rehabilitation centre in Santa Cruz as part of my college's social responsibility forum to celebrate children's day.....was really a day well spent. We organized various events..like tambola, magic show by a professional magician, we showed them Jungle Book II. In between, involved them in dancing, singing etc. I really cant forget what one of them told me - " come on uncle, sit next to me and lets watch the movie together, and share my snacks"

While every one enjoyed the day to the core, one just could not resist feeling sorry about these souls, who r so young and addicted to drugs at this age and r struggling to lead a decent life.

I, for once, thanked God for all that I have got to lead a decent life. I really appreciate the services done by such NGOs in various fields like child education, AIDS awareness, sexual harassment, et al. One really needs a passion for such activities lest it wud be very difficult to devote oneself to such activities. I only hope that atleast a part of such compassion resides in me for the rest of my life so that I can do what I can on my part.