Assualt on Anjalose

Assault by Mannanchery police on CPI AlapuzhaAssistant Secretary T J Anjalose ExMP is condemnable. 

Since then the new DGP has given some suggestions to  check traffic violations the local police of many stations defied his directives and behaved like mad dogs. Some police men believe that the traffic violation is the highest crime  in the country and their sole duty is to check this crime alone.Even when ExMLAs and Panchayath members travel in cars this leader still uses a bike personifying that he is one among the average citizens of the state. If this the plight of leaders like Anjalose then that of ordinary people can be imagined. 

There should be some scientific way to check the traffic violations. The police should not be permitted to assault drivers  to collect money as traffic violation fine with or without  receipts.

K A Solaman 

'Premam' exorcism

The Kerala police has started ‘Premam' witch hunt by arresting three teen agers at Kollam. The question asked by the mother of one of the boys that ' would they arrest all the one and a half lakh people who viewed this film  online’ is very relevant.

This cinema is a poorly crafted one depicting all the vices in the society. These vices are no longer bad for them and youngsters can do what they like according to the film producers. Smoking, drinking, drug abuse, mutual fighting, ox-love, vulgar parenthood etc is are fully pictured in the film. How could a film run all the time with bottom script “smoking is injurious to health” when the Government spends profusely for tobacco control?

 On seeing this film a teenager will confuse what is moral and what is not..  The moral classes now conducted in schools and colleges are to be rediscovered to match the likings of the youngsters.  The hero of all wickedness and his friends in this film in black attire, are now role models for many teen agers. As the hero loves his teacher, young teachers find a tough time now colleges to take their classes. When a teacher turns to the black board for writing something, she often hears a loud call 'Malare'. This seems rather horrific.

The persons responsible for these nasty incidents are the producers of the film and the members of the Censor Board. A film full of vices, which is to be certified as A now runs house packed  in all theatres without that certification. The viewers are mostly school-college students.The government should immediately check whether this film is fit for teenagers and also seek the opinion of the parent-teacher community. By that time police should stop their exorcism against youngsters and take action against the producers of the film for deceiving the entire community.

K A Solaman 

MLA lacks restraint.

There are many occasions in a man’s life at which he remains powerless before a woman. One such occasion was well portrayed in the Malayalam blockbuster movie “God Father” in which the character played by actor Innocent politely saves the situation when his brothers have remained defenceless. Possibly Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Moncy P. Alexander might have thought of his children and all his limitations in beating the ferocious M LA E.S. Bijimol when she assaulted him. The attack on ADM is a direct action by the self-indulgent MLA against the honourable High Court that issued order to maintain status quo on a complaint.

Some of our MLAs believe they are the State. They think that they have the right to beat people including high officers. If this is the trend to continue, the special privileges given to legislators should be soon withdrawn.

K A Solaman

Remove trees!

Every year, falling trees or branches cause tragic deaths and tens of millions of rupees in property damage. As a result, some people have come to the conclusion that big trees are to be removed. This is quite rational and hence trees posing dangers are to be removed. However when a tree is removed new saplings should be planted as a compensate effort.

K A Solaman

Anti-superstition legislation

It is a commendable move by Kerala government to bring out an anti-superstition legislation intended to curb cruel practices held in the name of religion. Uncivilized and cruel practices of piercing of spears in body parts, hanging on cross for a day, taking children for fierce exercise etc to be immediately cramped.

A clear demarcation between superstition and faith is not at all possible; however cruelty in the name of superstition should be stopped. Recurrence of tragic sorcery cases, killing lambs and chicks on false notion and denying medicine to ailing people because of faith, etc to be looked into. The anti-superstition legislation can cut back such illegal acts to some extent, no doubt.

K A Solaman

Sex is a divine gift for Christians! (2013 Jan Post)

The Catholic Church in Kerala going to introduce sex education into the catechism curriculum is a welcome step provided it reduces sex related abuses among the community. However it would be a tough time for catholic priests and nuns who practice absolute celibacy to deliver such classes. How could one speak about sex without experiencing it once in a life time?  

The religious classes up to tenth standard in Sunday schools are managed by youngsters who do not even know about menstrual cycle. Interestingly as some uninformed priests also keep a similar view and they are unable to handle sex education classes. What they know only is the proclamation of Powathil Thirumeni asking Christian couple to procreate profusely. Bishop Powathil can say like this because the laity associated with him is rich and are able to feed children a dozen or more. Nevertheless, for poor catholic fishermen residing in the cost of Arabian sea are unable to give good food and education to their children. When the Government of India speaks about single child it is impudent on the part of catholic clergies to argue against government policy.

If sex-education classes are handled by psychologists and counselors working in that field it will be alright but it is unlikely to happen in Sunday schools as many of the schools are incapable of bringing experts for classes. Christian concept of sexuality should not be for producing more children but for inculcating good manners and well behaviour.  

K A Solaman 

Aruvikkara profligacy

The Aruvikkara by-election campaign was in fact show of money power. Who spent what is beyond anybody’s  guess. . The expenditure part of the election campaign by various candidates in Aruvikkara crossed all permissible levels stipulated by the Election Commission of India. The campaign was so theatrical presenting that there would be no life for political parties after Aruvikkara poll.The inflow of black money also cannot be ruled out.

There is a provision for expenditure observer in the constituency to monitor the spending by the candidates. But in this particular case it seems that the observer was in deep sleep all the time. The monitoring mechanism in the constituency has miserably failed to check the extravagance of political parties. Invisible expenditure relating channel show etc still remains unaccounted.

The candidates would become morally corrupt too when they submit returns to the Election Commission.

K A Solaman 

Needed organic farming

Healthy food is people’s right but it is often torpedoed by vested groups. These groups include farmers, store keepers and traders. The vegetables and fruits now available in markets are contaminated by pesticides and other chemicals that can adversely affect people. Just washing vegetables is not enough to ensure produce clean enough for consumption

Even if the most toxic chemicals have already been banned for use in agriculture it is often used by farmers. We, therefore, should try to do every effort to minimize our intake of these adverse chemicals. And in this regard the best option is turning our self in to organic farming. The examples of Kanjikuzhy and Mararikulam Panchayaths are noteworthy in this respect. The self groups in this area produce pesticide- free vegetables and find a good market for them. An agriculture clinic has been started under the supervision of a co-operative bank here to disseminate the advantage of organic farming. Knowing which produce contain more pollutants can help us make the right choices, avoiding the most contaminated fruits and vegetables. It  is really a folly to outsource our basic food requirements.

We should keep in mind to buy only organic food materials.

-K A Solaman

Thoughtless lot of Aruvikkara?

The State of Kerala is also following the Tamilian way of electioneering for the crucial Assembly bypoll in Aruvikkara. The constituency got a celebrity touch with film stars Suresh Gopi and Innocent appearing on the scene to take the campaigning to an excited mood. More popular film stars are expected to tour the constituency on coming days turning it as place of unthinking people.

Kerala was once pompous of not fielding film stars as election candidates and often condemned the folly  of people of Tamil Nadu running after film stars. Bur now the “Shotgun” Suresh Gopi adds colour to the BJP campaign for its candidate O Rajagopal, former Union Minister. The Leftist MP Innocent, the most popular film comedian of Kerala with his humour-rich speeches, campaigns for Marxist candidate M Vijayakumar. Another film star Mukesh also campaigns for Vijayakumar. And at the same time actress Khushboo and another popular film actress are expected to campaign for its candidate KS Sabarinathan. 

Thus the whole election scenario has turned into a film picnic spot turning the people of Aruvikkara a thoughtless lot.

-K A Solaman 

Anoop is right

There is a point in endorsing the Face Book post of  Kerala  Food Minister  Anoop Jacob against RBPillai and hid son  K B Ganesh Kumar.  Pillai is notorious for all sort of unlawful acts and if Anoop says  Pillai had approached him for making illegal appointments in Consumer Forum, it cannot be ruled out. K B Ganesh Kumar, who was in the good book of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy for quite long now turning as his worst foe indicates that Kumar is a person never to be trusted. It is true that Kumar has miserably failed in running his own house. His business with the assets of late actor Sreevidya is also doubtful.  

It is a pity to see that the LDF is seeking the assistance of Pillai and son in Aruvikkara election. Any chance of victory there is spoiled by the nexus of LDF with Pillai and son.

K A Solaman

The inevitable will happen

Almost all self financing engineering in Kerala are in the verge of putting down shutters because of dearth of takers for engineering degrees. The prospects of engineering graduates are very bleak and those come out from low profile colleges lack the required standard and skill suited for any engineering works. However, these colleges can be advantageously converted into resort hotels or business establishments as profit making is the sole motto of self finance college managements. 

In yesteryears the news papers were flooded with cinema advertisements. Now they are replaced ads of engineering colleges just for survival. The quality and standard of these colleges lie in advertisements only and not in actuality.

In most of the colleges little emphasis is given for academic eligibility and intellectual quality of students. The classes are run largely by guest lecturers with a meager salary. When uneducated laborers earn Rs 25000 or more in a month the guest lecturers with M Sc and M Tech in self financing colleges earn only Rs 10000 or less. The exploitation in this sector is embarrassing.  Just for instance in the IHRD college in Cherthala, Physics and Chemistry subjects are handled by guest teachers since its inception and the earning per month by the teacher in Phyisics or Chemistry is below Rs 5000. If a permanent hand is appointed the salary will be eight times but the authorities will not appoint permanent teachers as profit making is the sole business.

Since minimum quality and intellectual level are not available for students coming out from most of the colleges, a few of them will soon close and only the fittest will survive. The students and their parents should be very vigil to select a college for future study in engineering courses.

- K A Solaman

Medical entrance drill

Illegal methods to score high rank in Medical Entrance and other competitive examinations often come in public very rarely. SC scraping AIPMT 2015 and ordering re-conduction of test reveals widespread corruption in this direction.

Admission to a single MBBS seat alone being a hefty business of several lakhs rich and the influential resort to all sort of illegal trade.  Leakage of question papers and manipulation iof rank lists are often carried out denying opportunities to the poor and the bright. Man’s craze for medical profession vanishes only when this job lacks the present attraction.  And for this more medical colleges are to be started and more seats are made available. Those who are behind this large-scale cheating should be brought to book.

However, it is a fierce drill for all the  6.3 lakh students  and their patents  to face another  All India Pre-Medical Test.

K A Solaman 

Fatty Kerala wedding

Show him the way out.

There are innumerable IPS officers in Kerala cadre but Tomin J Thachankary is an exception. He is always in the rumour for misdeeds. This time Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has ordered a Vigilance inquiry against him in a cheating case. It is alleged that he cheated quarry owners by selling off an unlicensed quarry and took Rs 8 crore for the Rs 20 crore deal. Telephonic conversations are available with the quarry owners to validate their claim.

There are also reports mentioning irregularities in Consumerfed where he is the MD. He has a dubious history of crimes for which the Opposition leader is also a complainant. So this is high time to show the way out to this unjust officer.

K A Solaman

The daughter

Ground reality

After an initial hiccup the Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan took Aruvikkara constituency by storm.  Hundreds of people thronged the public meeting venue to hear the veteran. The  slogans  like “Kanne, karale VSe, muthe muthe VSe, janalakshangalude nethave” was exhilarating.

Sardonically for official Marxist comrades VS is very dear during election times and is a class enemy deserving capital punishment at other times. The CPM State leaders, in fact, have no understanding of the ground reality. If they wake up it will be good for them and for the party.

K A Solaman

Fat Kerala weddings

The resolution taken by the Keraia Women Commission(KWC) to shun lavish marriages is a radical one. Fulsome marriages which had become a status symbol in Kerala had left many families to utter debt. Bountiful marriages are common in many communities across the state giving rise to the phrase,  ‘Fat  Kerala weddings’ – an affair costing several lakhs of rupees even among the middle class. A hotel or a resort arranging a single marriage charges in tune with rupees 30 lakhs or more for the event alone. Then on accounting the money spent for ornaments, dresses etc it would exceed rupees one crore for certain posh marriages.
Spending heavily for a marriage would certainly run on families into strenuous debts. So the KWC directions to cut down unnecessary or showy expenditure is a welcome move and it is highly beneficial for middle and lower classes.

Certain marriage extravaganzas are accompanied by redundant traditions like inviting professional dancers, organising orchestra or music by DJs and even liquor parties during the ceremonies. This should come to an end and the Kerala weddings, once known for their simplicity, should regain its past glory. Wedding should become a function to show one’s wisdom rather than wealth borrowed via debt.

K A Solaman

Low Floor robbery

Sooner or later the ordinary and fast passenger buses of KSRTC will be replaced by low floor buses as it is the most crafty way to collect more money from ordinary people without any protest. The bus concession permissible to students would become meaningless then as they are not permitted to travel by LF buses. Politicians advocating low floor buses should ensure safe and economic travel facility to common man. Spending heavily for buying LF buses ignoring the plight of KSRTC pensioners and ordinary people is a despicable act on the part of KSRTC

K A Solaman

Illogic speak

Can anyone  compel an Indian voter to cast his vote for a particular candidate? If not what is the logic behind SNDP Yogam Secretary to ask  Aruvikkara voters to vote according to their choice?  A communal leader asking voters to cast vote according to his fancy is out of the ordinary and hence the speak of Vellappally is unwarranted.

K A Solaman

Advantage UDF

No relief for the poor

Under the Modi regime, the country is facing the same bad phase as it did during the UPA government’s time. Development has been forgotten and the government is busy addressing the internal disturbances of the party. The finance minister has taken no corrective measures for the relief of the poor. The common people are not able to save even a single rupee due to high inflation and price rise of essential commodities.

KA Solaman

Kerala 

The Hindu Business Line published on June 3, 2015

Pollution check for easy money.

All my observations about police  checking vehicles  went wrong. Today(4th June) they sprang upon all the two wheeler owners near Mathilakm Green Gardens Hospital on NH 66 and fined every one for traffic violations. Even those without a ' no pollution' certificate were fined Rs 200 each. When all the state owned vehicles including KSRTC buses run without this certificate what is the logic in punishing two wheeler owners? Interestingly getting a pollution certificate is a matter of 70 rupees for which  pollution is not actually checked.

I think the local police keep a  grudge towards their newly appointed chief.
If it is the govt intention to get easy money then it is better to resort some meaningful method other than to tax poor two wheeler owners. The govt might have issued a notice for compulsory pollution certificate for all vehicles before asking the police for a rapid action with the blessing of the new police chief. 

The people of Aruvikkara are a lucky lot for they having no such humiliation in the coming month.

K A Solaman

Abuse and praise

The 4 km stretch from 11^th mile to Kanjikkuzhy on NH 66 was a place of frequent confrontation between  police and  vehicle owners as there were usually three police pickets in the stretch checking helmet, seat belt and what else. All of them were suddenly disappeared with the dictate of newly appointed police chief. Thus all the abuses hurled on police minister have now turned into all praises for the police chief.

If police chief and chief secretary are the policy making cream of the crop what is the fun in keeping a ministry by spending heavily from the State exchequer?

K A Solaman

Star campaigner at Aruvikkara.

It is an irony of fate to see that it is R Balakrishna Pillai is the star campaigner for LDF in Aruvikkara  and not the founder leader Achuthanandan. A man undergone jail term for one year for corruption becoming advocate of Marxist candidate is not all advantageous for the candidate. Now only Oommen Chandy feels the heat of giving jail term concession for Pillai for his 'iron disease'. Howeve, Pillai's campaign against UDF is good for them.

KASolaman

Mundane Indian laws.

By Bihar court ordering registration of an FIR against Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta, who have featured in the Maggi advertisements, it has been proved that Indian laws are rather mundane.

India is a place of sub-standard food items. But there is no check on quality of food products by government agencies. The poor people of this country are at the mercy of corrupt politicians, manufacturers, businessmen, traders and celebrities. The prime responsibility goes with the manufacturer and approving authority. The role of Bachchan or Dixit or Zinta in promoting a brand is not a big issue.

Sachin has done advertisements for food products and if anything found wrong with any of them, will Sachin be arrested? Bachchan has done advertisement for pulse polio drop. Will he become guilty if a child dies of reaction? In Kerala, Mammootty, Mohanlal and Manju Warier had featured in the ads of many substandard items like curry powder, apparels, fake finance companies, liquors, ayurvedic products, gold shops etc.. Will they be arrested if curry powder and gold ornaments found adulterated?

Nevertheless, the Bihar court order is an eye-opener for all rapacious celebrities who jump into the ads of low-quality consumer products. And in this respect actors Rajnikanth and Kamal Hasan are role models as they never attempted to hoodwink the gullible public by means of unscrupulous advertisements.

K A Solaman

Acche din kya?

Modi government is seemingly a product of speechifying. If people opening bank account is an indication of ‘ acche din’ it is alright. But for the poor and the daily wagers it is now very bad days. Even in stock market this peril could be seen.
Under Modi regime country is facing the same worse phase as that of UPA government.  Development has been forgotten and the government is  busy in addressing internal disturbances of the party. The present FM is seemingly inefficient as he has taken no corrective measures for the relief of the poor.  The common people are not able to save even a single rupee due to high inflation and price rise of essential commodities.

It is time for Modi Government to take immediate measures to prevent the fast eroding confidence on them by the common man.

K A Solaman

Published by NIE on 4 May 2015

Aiming high

Many are the ways to get into Guinness book of world records. A series of election failure can also be thought as one. This is the first impression one gets when BJP in Kerala fielded senior leader a O Rajagopal, as the party candidate from Aruvikkara.

When there are very smart leaders in BJP, it is highly unconvincing why this decision was taken by BJP core committee. Possibly they are aiming high to take Rajagopal to world record of consecutive election setbacks. Rajagopal has no single instance of success in elections though he was a union minister for some time.

K A Solaman

On line classes too?

It is ridiculous on the part of Ernakulam Maharaja’s college authority to shift admission process to the online for the reason that SFI activists laid siege to the Principal’s office and administrative wing of the Maharaja’s College. Autonomous status to Maharaja’s college is an unwanted one as it denies admission to many students from poor families. The SFI agitation in this case is in the right path.

Would the college authority also conduct classes on line with the assistance of LBS centre once the admission process is completed?

K A Solaman

Scripted drama

It is interesting to watch Rahul Gandhi enjoying tasty fish lunch served by a fisherman's family at Chavakkad, Kerala. The simplicity of the lunch lies in that it was served on the floor. The less flexible CM, KPCC President and Home Minister might have found it very difficult sit on the floor and eat.

The Congress vice-president was served curry and a variety of fish fry items including 'neymeen’, a very costly dish, along with 'kappa puzhukku'. Possibly the fish curry was indeed prepared in a 5 star hotel.

This kind of drama will not be of any good to the party. They should think why they lost miserably in the last election. Sitting on the floor, dining with poor, wearing ‘adivasi’ clothes are simply scripted dramas which won’t save the Congress.

K A Solaman

The sun set

Made-up achievements

This has reference to the letter put out as a newspaper ad by Prime Minister Narendra Modi . He said in it his government had rejuvenated a languishing economy, brought a corruption-free rule and restored trust. This is rather incongruous as our economy is facing a lot of disgrace because of various factors. The petrol price has been hiked several times and the stock market has nosedived.  The PM has only rhetoric and his government lacks potential to deliver good plans. The sort of corporate approach of the government is dangerous to the poor man

So the government must do something tangible to improve the ground reality faced by the nation. Rs 800 Crore spent on advertisements just to trumpet imaginary achievements of the government, is imprudent.  

K A Solaman

Ensure identity of migrant workers.

Kerala witnesses now a record inflow of workers from other states like West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Tamil Nadu. Estimates say there are more than two lakh migrant workers in state and crimes related with them are on the rise. Nearly about 50 cold blooded killings by them were reported in the recent past.

As the crime rate of migrant workers is on the rise a methodical vigilance is needed in this direction. Valid identity card should be ensured to all migrant workers to check Bengladesh migrants. These workers should also be provided with free work skills training, improved social welfare system and psychosomatic services.

K A Solaman

Delhi impasse.

The Delhi State governance at present is an unspeakable example demonstrating our immature political system even after 68 years of independence. What there happens is the murder of democracy. The Lieutenant Governor issuing orders defying the advice of Chief Minister is out of the ordinary as it makes fun of well-informed voters of Delhi.

It is to be noted that under democracy no one is above the Electoral College and free to comment on choice of voters.  In India only legislatures are responsible for administration of various states and not the Centre appointed Governors. So it is binding on LG to act on advice of CM and Council of ministers and any action against it would bring unprecedented impasse in administration.

K A Solaman

State is not ruled by church.

VHP leader Pravin Togadia’s effort to open five medical colleges and 10 engineering colleges in the State with the cooperation of various Hindu organisations is a welcome move. The organisation’s aim to launch educational institutions in Alappuzha and Idukki would remove the backwardness of the two districts. Nevertheless, Togadia’s move is doubtful because of his dubious history of hate speak. Togadia was once denied permission to enter into the state.

The SNDP Yogam Secretary Vellapplly Natesan endorsing Togadia saying “ the state is ruled by church” is dubious. It is apparently intended to create communal hatred and hence Togadia’s visit in the next month should be viewed cautiously.

K A Solaman

Ps: I dont know why NIE has not published the second part of this letter today(25May)

What a rip-off!

It has been reported that heart patients in India have to pay 700 per cent more than the import cost for stents — stents imported for ₹25,000 are sold at ₹1.55 lakh. This was revealed by the Food and Drug Administration. The survey has also shown that the MRP itself is exaggerated and depends on the whims and fancies of distributors. This shows how the doctors, hospitals and medical distributors are hand in hand, and cheat the citizens of India.

KA Solaman

Alappuzha, Kerala

Allopathic cheat

It has been reported that heart patients in India have to pay 700 percent more than the import cost for stents. Stents imported for Rs 25000 are sold at a price of Rs 1.55 lakh. This was revealed in the first-ever cost survey by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The survey has also shown that the maximum retail price (MRP) itself is exaggerated and depends on the whims and fancies of distributors. This shows how the doctors, hospitals and medical distributors are hand in hand , and cheat the poor citizens of India. They have no morality. God only can punish these unscrupulous rogues when the government remains as a mute spectator.

There are alternative medical systems, more effective for certain diseases than Allopathy but not given due importance in the lime light of big corporate allopathic hospitals. Most of these hospitals, with their widespread publicity, are doing daylight robbery. A noble profession has turned into a racket through unholy nexus between doctors and medical distributors.

The Government should act immediately and stop this kind of rip off.

K A Solaman
Published by the Hindu Business Lines on 21-5-15

Corruption in Pakistan?

After triggering a political storm in the State with his corruption remark, Congress leader A K Antony retracted from his earlier stand. Now he says his was only a general statement and not intended to target anyone.  

People of the state know well the corrupt practices in the state. A few ministers are involved in corruption and they will have to answer after the next election. Minister K Babu, who is alleged corrupt, says as if he read the mind of Antony that what the senior leader said is about bureaucratic corruption and not of ministers.. If bureaucrats object, no doubt, Antony will soon retract and say what he said about corruption is not related to India but to Pakistan.

By his comment Antony has proved that tumult in the party and its subsequent soothing are so fast in the Congress party unlike the CPM where the available PB often warns the founder leader.

K A Solaman 

Antony’s gimmicks

For the last four years, while in Kerala, it was A K Antony’s way to keep mouth shut to avoid any question relating corruption in the state. And in inescapable occasion, he would say the Kerala leaders are competent of handling any untoward circumstance. Now, at the fag-end of the rule he laments about widespread corruption aiming at  another chance in the next election. However, as usual Antony made a face-off exercise saying that he had made only a general statement.

It is a wonder that this veteran leader still lives in the 80s when people blindly believed such utterances. Now in an age of media exposure Antony’s gimmicks would not work. If he really wants to save the Congress party in the state  he should do something tangible by  supporting firmly good leaders like V M Sudheeran.

K A Solaman 

Thing of beauty?

The state of Kerala is a Kangaroo court where the rules and regulations of Indian Union are no longer binding. The Kerala State Minister for Information and Rural Development K C Joseph’s comment criticising the recent Supreme Court verdict banning photos of political dignitaries in government advertisements, is a pointer in this direction. It is not in tune with federal system, according to him.

Nevertheless, Joseph did not disclose the advantage of adding photos of not so cheerful faces of ministers in government ads. Instead it is a burden to the state exchequer. If the photos on government ads are intended to cheer the people it would be better to publish the photos of Katrina Kaif or Kareena Kapoor as Justice Markkandeya Katju once suggested  for a  beautiful face in PM’s chair.

 The famous English poet John Keats wrote: “A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever “. Does anyone think that the photo of  Kerala Minister is a beautiful thing?

K A Solaman

Demeaning national icons.

Recently in a local seminar on “Mahatma Gandhi s Philosophy”, I witnessed that there were less takers for Gandhiji. Most of the talkers supported Justice Markandeya Katju, A Roy, and Tamil poet Meenakandha Swami, all are supposedly   Gandhi abusers. Of course the name of Marathi poet V D Gurjar, who abused Gandhi, did not figure out as the talkers were unaware of him. In India it is a crime to dishonor National Flag and National Song but not Father of the Nation. This should end and in this regard the Supreme Court order on artistic freedom of expression is a welcome one.

No one should use abusive language against historical icons like Mahatma Gandhi.

K A Solaman

2006 Letter revisited!-The Hindu

Appalling apathy 

Ms. Patkar's fast has entered the seventh day. Yet the Government is unwilling to concede her demand on rehabilitation of the families affected by the Sardar Sarovar dam project. Such indifference is appalling. The Government should realise that her hunger-strike is receiving increasing support from across the country.

K.A. Solaman,
Alappuzha, Kerala April 5, 2006, The Hindu

History repeats for Amma

History repeats first as a tragedy and then as a comedy. Ms Jayalalithaa’s earlier conviction and present acquittal tell the same story. Crime seen by one judge is not a crime for the other. Obviously our judiciary is blind and mute. The laws applicable to common man is longer hold good for celebrities and high profile politicians. 

In India majority politicians are rotten mangoes. The chance to choose better among them is not easy. Jayalalithaa in one aspect is better than other dirty politicians as she has no family and her asset is State asset. She will not spoil it for her kith and kin like Karunanidhi &Co.

K A Solaman   

Zonal rallies redundant

No rally could save the sinking UDF ship in Kerala as worst is their image. However, they are thinking of zonal rallies to highlight the achievements. . Interestingly, a final decision on rally on May 19 could not be taken by them as the infighting among the front partners goes unabated. Kerala Congress (M) supremo K M Mani, who is supposed to give green signal for the rally, is busy in US with his personal business.

Nevertheless, the UDF leaders can take a sigh of relief because all the splinter groups who are notorious for corruption are leaving UDF. R B Pillai and son had left the UDF. The Veeran faction of the JDU is in a desperate bid to have ministerial berth and hence started discussion with CPM. The RSP leader Chandrachoodan had mouthful against Oommen Chandy government.

Thus the prospects of the UDF go high and high as more splinters leave the front.. So rally of any sort envisaged by the UDF is unwarranted.

K A Solaman

Ridiculous move

This has reference to the government order to cancel the appointment of lecturers in Kerala University. The order is to cancel the appointments that were made after the government amended university rules in September 2013 to give the benefit of reservation to all categories. Accordingly, 11 lecturers will have to be dismissed. The higher education secretary has written to KU vice-chancellor, asking him to inform the government after cancelling the appointments.

This action shows how Thuglakian the proceedings are. The appointments were done according to the rules that existed prior to the September 2013 amendment. Applications for the posts were invited much before September 2013. The appointed teachers have almost completed nearly one-and-a-half years of service. Asking to dismiss them based on an order originated after the start of their recruitment process seems ridiculous.

As the university is a statutory body, the secretary can only suggest reconsideration of appointments. Being the appointing authority, it is up to the university to take action. Any unauthorised external intervention, even from the government, is out of the ordinary.

Besides, the majority of the appointed teachers joined the university departments after relinquishing their posts in government and affiliated colleges. In addition, the action will invite a series of judicial predicaments.

KA Solaman

The Hindu Business  Line published on 6-5-15

Cry my country

In India all celebrity criminals have many fans and these fans often attempt suicide when their hero is convicted. A Salman Khan fan attempting suicide outside high court, Mumbai is the latest example. For thousands of Salman fans now Justice A. M. Thipsay of the High Court is a hero and the Additional Sessions Judge D. W. Deshpande who awarded jail term to the actor is no-good. Cry my country for keeping the vast population uneducated and unrefined.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express published on 8-5-15

Hit-and-run Khan

As the Mumbai session court convicted the Bollywood actor Salman Khan in the 2002 hit-and-run case, many in the film industry expressed sympathy for the actor. The Bollywood affluent have little concern about homeless poor sleeping in footpaths. They argue for the loss of money in film industry with actor’s jail term and think they are above law. They hope for trouble-free trial in higher court leaving scant regard to poor man’s modesty.

So everyone who demands actor’s acquittal should understand that he is not being prosecuted for participating in any freedom struggle but for drunken driving. He killed an innocent man and injured others. The five year jail term is inadequate for the crime he committed.

Perhaps the real reason for his trial and conviction is woman’s curse, seemingly from a former Ms World..

K A Solaman

Cancellation of K U appointments.

This has reference to the government order to cancel the appointment of lecturers in Kerala University. The order is to cancel the appointments that were made after the government amended university rules in September 2013 to give the benefits of reservation to all categories. As per this order, 11 lecturers will have to be dismissed. It is the higher education secretary, who has written to KU vice-chancellor, asking him to inform the government after cancelling the appointments.

This action shows how Thuglakian the proceedings of the Higher education Secretary is. The appointments were done as per the rules existed prior to September 2013 amendment of rules. The applications for the posts were invited much before September 2013. The appointed teachers have almost completed nearly one and half year of service. And asking to dismiss them based on an order originated after start of their recruitment process seems ridiculous.

Moreover the Government Secretary could not ask VC to dismiss the teachers. As University is a statutory body, the Secretary can only suggest to reconsider the appointment if it will not stand before a legal analysis. Being the appointing authority, it is the University to take action. Any unauthorized external intervention, even from the government, is out of the ordinary.

Besides, the majority of the appointed teachers joined the University departments after relinquishing their posts of assistant professor in government and affiliated colleges. They could not return to their former institutions once they lose the job in the University. In addition the stupid action of the Higher Education Secretary will invite a series of judicial predicaments.

The whole episode shows some sort of political foul play from some corners, may it be Congress-A and Chamakkala led Congress-I rift. It is intended to tarnish the image of the University. And any action affecting the fate of 18 appointed lecturers would certainly harm the credibility of both the Government and the University. The teachers now working will definitely take up the matter to a court of justice if they are hurt. It is the responsibly of the government to reduce troubles than to create more.

K A Solaman

Quest for fake degree

After Bihar to appear in media for mass copying in public examination, it is Kerala’s turn to figure out with such tags. In Bihar the copiers are ordinary people but in Kerala it is an Inspector General of Police. This IG was found allegedly trying to copy during an LLM examination of MG University. He was  trying to copy answers from the papers in his possession during MG University LLM examination.
The reason for such high handedness by top officials is very clear if we examine the plum posts waiting for them after retirement. The posts of Information Commissioners, Human Rights Commissioners, PSC members, Consumer Redrassal Forum members are waiting for retired personnel with law degree. If the aspirant has the habit of making liaison with top politicians, it is very easy to get into the posts.    
IG’s copying indicates the putrid state of flawed examination system by the University. The quest for fake degree would end if the government so decides not to post retired service personnel to coveted posts.

K A Solaman