Sunday, January 25, 2009
inaugural speech of the new president of united states of america. BARACK OBAMA
I thank President Bush for his service to our nation...
... as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath.
The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.
Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many, and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable, but no less profound, is a sapping of confidence across our land; a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less.
It has not been the path for the faint-hearted, for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame.
Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West, endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died in places Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed.
Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done.
The state of our economy calls for action: bold and swift. And we will act not only to create new jobs but to lay a new foundation for growth.
We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.
We will restore science to its rightful place and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality...
... and lower its costs.
We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.
All this we can do. All this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short, for they have forgotten what this country has already done, what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long, no longer apply.
MR. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works, whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.
Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end.
And those of us who manage the public's knowledge will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched.
But this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control. The nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.
The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.
Our founding fathers faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations.
Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.
And so, to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.
They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use. Our security emanates from the justness of our cause; the force of our example; the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy, guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort, even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We'll begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard- earned peace in Afghanistan.
With old friends and former foes, we'll work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat and roll back the specter of a warming planet.
We will not apologize for our way of life nor will we waver in its defense.
And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that, "Our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.
We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth.
And because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.
To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict or blame their society's ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.
To those...
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.
And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders, nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.
We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service: a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.
And yet, at this moment, a moment that will define a generation, it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.
It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break; the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours.
It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new, the instruments with which we meet them may be new, but those values upon which our success depends, honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old.
These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.
What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence: the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall. And why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day in remembrance of who we are and how far we have traveled.
In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by nine campfires on the shores of an icy river.
The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood.
At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words; with hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come; let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Thank you. God bless you.
And God bless the United States of America.
An excellent and Great Love Story of Narayana Murthy (Infosys Founder) and Sudha (From Sudha's Autobiography)
Saturday, September 20, 2008
the amazing youth
Youth is amazing,
I wish the world would see,
Just how beautiful we are,
How compassionate we can be.
I wish they could take back,
All the cynical things they’ve said,
And see how much we shine, be positive instead.
Remark on our radiant smiles,
And the differences we make,
All of the people our lives touch,
All of the chances that we take.
Notice how we change ,
Each and every day,
Wanting to leave childhood n teenage,
Yet desperately wanting to stay.
I wish they could remember,
How tough our lives can be,
The promises that are broken,
The violence that we see.
Yet still we venture onward,
Unsure of where the road may lead,
Hoping they will take notice,
Hoping they’ll take heed,
Of the changes that we’ve made,
Of the power that we hold,
Of the wisdom we have hidden,
Of the stories yet untold.
I hope the world will notice,
What some have already seen,
Youth are amazing people ,
Striving to follow their dreams.
Sunday, August 31, 2008

It seems to me that everyone under 25 is obsessed with three things in India. They are
- IPL
- Chetan Bhagat’s new novel and
- Orkut.
I don’t blame them for the first two since even above 25 are obsessed with them . But I can’t understand the lure of Orkut. Orkut is considered as a social networking website where you can catch up with your friends but I have found that people who were considered as serial murders during college have friend list crossing 100 (I have less than 150 friends).
Its surprising that orkut is helping people discover friends with whom they rarely spoke but made a point to share sutta. Boys who were scared even to ask for notes from gals are scrapping them as if they were his best buddies in college. (And the buddy added in the friend list is busy scraping the same gal). If u ask me, Orkut has launched a revolution by making Indians realize that its a national duty to have atleast 100 pals and to scrap atleast 10 people a day.
But what I am unable to understand is the role played by offices and colleges in this national movement of friendliness. Where ever I have gone orkut has been banned . Even proxy servers are unable to help us to perform our duty. Offices are treating orkut as a nuisance where employees spend precious resources by sending long scraps to people who reply with “HI. How r u?” or “Fine”. I am unable to understand the mentality of management. Do they think by banning orkut they will be able to make employees work. I doubt it. What didn’t work in last 3 years is not expected to work ever .But I don’t want to blame the management, they can make mistakes while going through tedious process of making stupid decisions , playing golf and finding scape goats for their poor decisions.
What I really have objection against are the-colleges. Why are they unable to acknowledge that how important is for student to scrap people whom they share bench before and after lunch. It seems colleges have underestimated their ability to churn out students without any employable skills. It is this network and not kotler or Theraja’s or Boylsted which will help them to achieve their monthly target of insurance/profits, or locate a fault or design an RE model etc. J
To conclude -
It seems that youngsters are obsessed with orkut and oldies with preventing them from doing so J. Hence I would request you to follow the age old dictum. Love (Scrap) thy neighbor; but don’t get caught.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
WINNER
“ you can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses”
I am a winner
I have beaten odds to get where I am today.
I have felt some pain every time I have walked another step forward, yet after having taken one step back , I have known the regression and giving up were not options for me. I have felt the emptiness of separation as I have moved in the wrong direction.
I have learned the arts persistence , tenacity and dedication. I know how it feels to watch my world and dreams shatter to a million pieces at my feet. I know what it is to run until there is nothing left inside of me , and then run some more.
I know how it feels to be loved, and I know how it feels when the love grows hard and cold.
I know how to be happy . I know how to smile and spread joy into lives of others with that same smile.
I have learned that one conversation can make or break a fragile mind and heart, and thus I have learned to chose my words carefully.
I know that enthusiasm is the key to everything, and yet I know how it feels to completely lack enthusiasm.
I have learned that winning is not everything, but sometimes it feels like it is the most important thing. I have learned that the other colour ribbons only prove to make that blue so much sweeter. I know that my chief competitor is always myself.
I know that sometimes my best isn’t good enough for others and that people can be cruel. I know that sometimes I get frustrated with myself, specially when others get frustrated with me.
I know how it feels to have something mean so much to me that it is me. I have experienced wrath , outrage and fury, but have still made it through the storm as a survivor.
I know what it is to love. I know how to spread joy and how to extract it from even the darkest situations.
I know what is hope is, and I rely on it as my last refuge.i know that darkness must exist if only to make those tiny bits of light seem that much brighter.
I know that success is self made , and that luck is a relative term.
I know that I am strong.
I know that miracles do exist, angels do find us in our hour of need, and there is always something behind me , pushing me forward.
I believe in myself at all times, even when I think that I don’t and even when I feel like no one else does.
I know how it feels to be lost .I also know how it feels to be picked out of a crowd . what it is like to be the winner, and how it feels when ,for one moment, you are the star of the show.
Above all , though, I know that all of this has made me ME .
I know that being a winner is not about winning whatever race faces me in the moment. I recognize I am winning just by pushing myself everyday and by waking up each morning feeling blessed by the day that lies ahead of me. Through this I am winning in the most important race ever, the race I entered at birth—this race we call LIFE.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
ME AGAINST MYSELF
Why are we so alone? This is the question I ask myself frequently.
But we aren't!!!!!!!!what with all those people around us -our family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and even strangers- in fact we are surrounded by a sea of humanity.
Yes we are! the sea of humanity is nowhere to be seen if you look carefully enough. The decisions we make are our own, the upheavals our mind goes through day in and day out are felt by none but ourselves, only our heart bears the testimony to the blows it is subjected to, in none of our endeavours the sea of humanity makes it presence felt.
C'mon man! don't we celebrate with our family and friends with utter joy and undying fervour, are they not around to relieve us of our sorrows, and aren't they the same people we look for advice when in moments of contemplation. These gems are the reasons our lives sparkle so bright , they make this stupid world worth living in (this last line is lifted and adapted).
Where does the sparkle vanish when the shadows emerge? When the destiny plays its sinister plan and throws us into a blackhole of never-ending struggle, the only people who emerge are the naysayers proclaiming sarcastically "didn't-i-say-so".The trust is lost, the confidence is lost, the spirit is lost; what is not lost is life- life,whose weight we must drag along on our solitary shoulders through the rocky terrain before us.
The struggle gives meaning to life. The struggle which tires us, saps us out of our breaths, ready to crush us into a million small shards of nothingness also polishes us, works like a sculptor with his chisel shaping us up in perfect symmetry to bring up a masterpiece. And after all that sweat drenched time when we come back home to witness the pride glowing on our father's face, the pent-up unconditional love of our mother being showered on us in enormity, the mischievious curl of our brothers' lips saying more than any words can and the open arms of our friends beckoning us with all the gusto- then what we experience is pure elation, an elation which lifts us off the ground and leaves us light as a feather.
But when the sculptor deals us a brutal blow and what is left is broken pieces of what could have been a masterpiece but now is a pile of uncomprehensible shapes. When this happens then we come back home to not pride, not smiles, not gusto, no not any of the above but only dissapointment and sighs, drooping lips and drooping shoulders. We can feel the sharp gaze of the world boring through our body, making us scream which they are silent to because they only heed success. The brutal world does not recognise philosphy, this cruel monster calls a failure "Failure" and not "A-stepping-stone-to-success", and it distances itself as far as it can from us.
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THE ARGUEMENT SEEMS TO HAVE NO END. I REQUEST MY FRIENDS TO PUT FORWARD A FITTING CONCLUSION TO IT - IT MAY BE EITHER WAY.
BESIDES THIS YOUR VIEWS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME, IN FORM OF COMMENTS, ON THE PIECE ITSELF.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
NRI's & NANDIGRAM
74 NRIs, belonging to a diverse group of academics, professionals, lawyers, activists and students, many of them volunteers and supporters of the organization - Association for India's Development – have filed a collective Right to Information application at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC.
The Questions raised are the following:
ü Have demanded information on the number of people killed or injured in the current spate of violence since November 4;
ü The reasons for delay in the protection of citizens and human rights activists who tried to visit the area;
ü The number of police force deployed in the area;
ü The actions taken by the government to restore peace, provide relief, rehabilitate the displaced villagers, and book the criminals who perpetrated the ghastly acts of violence and those who blocked the entry of media-persons and CRPF jawans in Nandigram;
ü The status of land-acquisition and the SEZ project in the area.
What is commendable is NRI’s who we think as runaway dream chasers are doing real good work by doing their bit by demanding accountability from the pathetically rotten system.
But my question is.... A Govt. which can kill mercilessly & commit Genocide at will -----
WILL IT CARE TO EVEN ANSWER THE RTI..? umm............. I dunno...what do you say..?