MUTHUKANNU PAGES

The attack by unguided souls against foreigners at Taj, Trident-the tourist spots at Mumbai- and at the commuters at Chatrapathi Sivaji Railway Station on 26th instant have sent shock waves across the country.The cowardly act on any pretext staged by the terrorists against innocent people will never be forgotten.Loss of lives cannot be compensated. The horror created will certainly die down gradually but it marks will never heal from our memory.This horrendous crime has in another perspective has stregenthened the people's resolve to unity and fraternity. At society level, party- politics should never be permitted to act smart and score points on who has failed and who would have dealt the situation better. It is a challenge thrown open to all. we should never allow such narrow tendencies to gain upper hand, sidelining the common concern for safety of foreigners visiting this heritage land and peaceful living of our citizens. Terrorism in any form and in any hue should have no pla

The seasonal rain in Ayypasi, the Tamil month for copious rain has deceived us.The depression-born Nisha has given rain creating history for Statisticians and hysteria for politicians.Mankind's atrocities against Nature has been returned in the same coin with large scale devastation and loss.Proliferation of towns;conversion of water-bodies for human induced development;Laying of cement roads; tar roads obstructing drainage as mark of development violating harmony of the environment have far reaching repercussions, which could be appreciated well in the wake of incessant rain recently. Knee-deep water logging, submerge of housing lay-outs, choking of drainage systems, paralyzing of normal life and other difficult situations faced by commuters have raised serious questions on the developmental path earmarked by the rulers. The loud claim of bridges, roads and infrastructure development are surely indications of external growth but the drastic reduction in agriculture and untrammel

Neither calmness of grave; Nor calumny of brave; The quietude of mind; The gratitude of nature; Harmony of communities; compassion of religions; not exclusive; but inclusive; internalization, realization, endurance, tolerance; all manifestations of ethics, ethos, culture; to drive away vultures of hatred, enmity and intolerance; to usher in peace, the evanescent trait, inherent in mankind!

The attacks against workers from Bihar and others by the activists of Maharashtra Nava Nirman Sena in Mumbai are impalpable and reprehensible.Civil society for that matter will never approve of such negative tendencies and nefarious activities to be staged in any part of India, by the notorious Organization. But a deep and detailed analysis of the events of such Movements may help us understand the social psychology behind such violence.The sloganeering of the ideal of 'sons of the soil' and upholding the banner of Marathis have some basis, if we look at the other dimensions of the issues raised by them. The cosmopolitan culture and the overall development of Mumbai, relegating the status of the people of their own state compared to others ,who have settled in the areas have irked and might have pricked their conscience.The lack of marked improvement and regional imbalance faced by the Marathis for decdes in the State, have driven them to a point of frustration and agitation

Recently,I had come across a news item in a local daily, where a photograph of a Dalit youth appeared- a victim of police firing in Ehumalai, Tamil Nadu- dead and carried away by four policeman, each one of them holding the limbs of the body stretching it as,' a cart pulled by weary unwilling bull'.Even the last respects normally adhered to by common man was found lacking.The deep-seated allergy and imbibed casteist approach towards the underprivileged, thriving within the State Apparatus, bore testimony to such ignominy.The so called disciplined force once again stand exposed.