The monsoon session of the Indian Parliament came to an end recently. But when it comes to some of our darling MPs, nothing seems to deter them whether or not a session is running. After all, the government is paying them for just showing their faces in the Parliament. This particular time, there have been more than a hundred members of Parliament who did not bother to participate in any of the activities taking place in both the houses. The session went on for over a month before it ended.

The above statements are not mere exaggerations but have been suggested by reports. So, we can say that despite the salaries being hiked, nothing seems to motivate our so-called leaders. It seems to be more of a one-way regime where in the common man continues to pay taxes for the fat bundles of money to just end up in the lazy pockets.

Well, let’s come to the findings made by PRS Legislative Research which is a professional think tank! 35 members from Rajya Sabha and another 68 members from Lok Sabha have not taken any active interest when it came to questions, debates or even private member’s bills.

For those who don’t know, there are about 479 members in Lok Sabha and another 229 members in Rajya Sabha. This is keeping aside all the ministers, the speakers, the deputy speaker (of Lok Sabha) and the deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha. So, the notorious members comprise of about fourteen percent putting both the houses together.

It does not end here…when it came to questioning in the lower house, 117 members did not even bother where as in Rajya Sabha, another 79 added to this list. More so, out of the entire lot of members, only forty one percent of the members in Lok Sabha cared to be present during the sessions and another forty three percent from the Rajya Sabha. Only these many had an attendance level of above ninety percent.

Also, only eighty four percent of the total time of the sessions was utilized effectively. This caters to about 116 hours from a total of 138 hours. With this, the maximum commotions during the sessions came about in the House of the People where only 11 hours were spent productively out of the 23 hours which were planned. This caters to only forty seven percent of the total time.

When it came to Rajya Sabha, the productive timelines catered to only 104 hours out of 115 hours which comprises of twenty three percent of the total scheduled time for the questions.

In all of the above dark spots, the only spark seems to be Shailendra Kumar from the Samajwadi Party who actively participated in maximum number of debates. So, now we know why the nation has a growth trajectory which rapidly slow at all times!

Any scoop of news which is even slightly baffling would definitely grab the eye ball. I am sure most of you have heard of this phrase, “a little bit of controversy always helps”. It is said to be one of the easiest ways to gain publicity and get you or your particular niche/genre/group/product or service recognized.

When it comes to controversies and mass media, I cannot think of an instance other than the so-called “Reality Shows”! I have always loathed reality shows for their lack of imagination. All I could see are some people locked up in a house together without any form of communication with the outside world…yet the world over, people are watching them. Or talented children losing their innocence and those precious years of childhood only for some fame and recognition which I feel they would anyway get when they grow older. And then we have people who I guess are so unaccepted by the society that they need to advertise themselves on television with the producers organizing a “Swayamvar” for them to get married. Well, there are no happily everafters in this world and so, only to see them breaking up sooner or later which again creates more news.

On the other hand, it is easier to imagine Kiran Bedi in Aap ki Kachehri. Atleast, we get to see some of the realities which happen in everyday life rather than the plastic world. However, imagine a similar concept with Rakhi Sawant advising on general issues! And my answer is “couldn’t NDTV find a better judge?” Or rather, our very own Ms. Sawant is definitely the Queen Bee when it comes to controversies. So, the channel would sure be tuned in!

Similarly, we have actors or celebrity couples performing in Dance Competitions or people from the masses singing their way to glory. Amongst all these, one would definitely find a good dose of spices and condiments. Right from arguments to cat fights to the much-hyped judges…everything seems to be done for those TRPs!

Wait…there is more! We also have those going back to their previous lives through some hypnotic techniques claiming to be finding out their deepest secrets. Or there are people ready to be all truthful just for some money. Well, money is definitely something important but what use would it be if it is at the cost of our loved ones?

Well, I guess enough of examples. But then it is important to realize as of why these shows are an instant hit with the audience? After all, there is some reason that made me write a piece on it despite having an aversion towards them. The reason behind the success of these shows has been that they are different from the usual. We all like watching something new and exciting which is very different from the usual definition of entertainment. And so, the media moghuls have started saying, “Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega!”

On the other hand, for the celebrities (who are usually the actors from television) participating, they are better recognized with their actual names for a change. And more popularity for sure! However, when it comes to common people taking part in these shows, it is their talent which is recognized. It is definitely a platform for those who would want to make it big. Although, concrete examples are yet to come out!

But the more important fact is to what extent one is ready to go in order to be recognized? Agreed that it does bring in a good amount of publicity for those involved! Also, this definitely leads to the best form of publicity which is done through the word of mouth. At the same time, those involved in controversies are a source for gossip throughout. Above all, controversy does sell!

Class distinction has been entrenched in India from times unknown. With many civilizations walking in and out of the nation, there have been many alterations in how the societal classes are perceived in this country.

In the ancient times, the society and its people were divided on the basis of caste. Each caste had a purpose to achieve based on which they led their lives. The society was then governed by certain rules which were more or less equivalent to laws. As per the ancient scriptures of the Hindus, there are four classes known as the “Varnas”. These Varnas consisted of the Brahmins who were the scholars, teachers and priests; Kshatriyas which consisted of the kings and warriors, the Vaishyas including the tradesmen and lastly, the Sudras who comprised of laborers and workers.

Each caste then had a particular duty to be fulfilled in the society. This also decided on the way of life that was led by them. For instance, Brahmins being the scholarly led a very simple life which was based on what was given to them in alms. In other words, the Brahmins were the keepers as well as the interpreters of Dharma. This led them to enjoy the highest social stature in the society. Similarly, Kshatriyas were bestowed with all the political power.

When the era of the kings and emperors was slowly being taken over by the British, a new set of class system walked into the nation with it. The British society was thoroughly based on class. However, this class system was somewhat different from what was existent in the Indian society. For the English, caste was a symbol of social standing, occupation as well as the intellectual ability of an individual. This interpretation was completely different from what it was for the Indians. With new rules being formed, the caste system became more rigid in the Indian society.

In the modern era when the rules of the society are changing, a new form of societal distinction emerged. People are now classified based on their incomes. We commonly classify people belonging to the lower, middle or the elite classes. Apart from this, they are also based on what is known as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

Keeping the above aside, the more money people have, the higher they stand in the societal classification. In times of today, money, political meddling and networking with the important plays a big deal for a hassle free living. And so, puts one on a better standing on the social scale.

The only difference between the ancient and the current distinction is that, in the ancient era, people from the lower strata never looked down upon till the time of the British. Instead, each profession was respected and obeyed as a law which led to a peaceful living.

Now, the question that arises very often is why people are looked down based on their class or caste? Instead, why cannot they be accepted as people or residents living in a particular society? These two aspects are somewhat difficult to accept in a culture where caste system has dominated throughout. Hence, it cannot be said that it could be removed in the future. However, perspectives might change. But then, some form of class is bound to exist for this society to function.

It is said that some aspects or things in this world never change. This phrase was just proved to me when I went back to my college today. It’s been four years since I finished my Bachelor’s degree from a college which is known to be highly academically oriented. Our student days are the most cherished because this is the time when we make friends for life. So, whenever we step back and rewind, we expect happy memories. But then life is not the way it seems to be…

After four years, I went back to my college only to meet an administrative staff which is cold and distant. It was the same then but as a student it was expected. However, fours years later when I am a working professional, my outlook has obviously changed. But then, no surprises here, it is India and it is very common to be received like that especially in a government educational institution. Just like any other ex-student who wanted her mark sheet copies to be attested, I asked the concerned people for the same.

As always, part of the job was done instantly, which included paying money for the transcripts and collecting a receipt. But when it came to stamping my mark sheets, apparently it is too time consuming to stamp five copies of degree and mark sheets. More so, when it came to leaving the concerned documents after verification for the work to be done and being collected later, it seems some aspects are simply not possible.

As professionals, we all aim to work towards a solution for any problem. But when it comes to a government institution, harassment is the only answer. All that these people are trained to do is make visitors wait because time is a resource for them. Apparently, colleges in Delhi (especially my college) seem to be forgetting that a college gains its reputation only because of its students.

On the other hand, we have our professors who introduce us to their current batch of students as one of the brightest of our times. We are set as an example which we obviously never thought when we were studying that we would secure such a position in the hearts of our professors. They are more than glad to help but then when it comes to the administrative part, even they fall back.

I know this write-up aims at some negative publicity but it is high time some sense of acknowledgement comes in from these people who think that they are the stalwarts of the college. They have to be reminded that they are the first ones who represent the college to an outsider who walks into the campus. As students, we were taught how important it is to be professional to succeed in this highly competitive world. But it seems to be the least important for those who are important where it matters.

Imagine someone saying the above in a corporate office to an outsider! The scene would be definitely somewhat different. Resisting a visitor like that would mean an insult which clearly is not a good show put up by an organization. Time is a resource for everyone and not a mere individual. It is high time that this fact is realized by those who are earning a fat sum of money only to ask people to come back later!

The police of Baldwin Park have recently rescued 35 undocumented applicants who are suspected to have been staying in the place in an illegal manner. According to reports, these people were kept in a house that is located in the San Gabriel Valley city; the same has been confirmed by the authorities.

According to police official Lt. David Reynoso from the department of Baldwin Park Police, they managed to have a telephonic conversation with a man who confirmed that he has been held against his choice in the house.

The moment the police officers reached the premises located in the 400 block of La Rica Avenue, they found so many people absconding from the venue. Reynoso also confirmed that the number of held immigrants included one child who is 12 years old. It was further confirmed that the people were kept into custody till the time their clan members could arrange the ransom money.

Investigations are going on in the process. Till now, two people who are suspected to hold strong connections with the whole episode. It has also been confirmed that these immigrants are from various parts of Central America and Mexico.

It has been speculated that these people were kept under the custody for more than a months after the police managed to release them. The accused were intending to smuggle them to various parts of the United States.

An international sports event means big business for the sex industry! Common Wealth Games occurring in October in Delhi is no exception at all! The industry has already started sniffing the inflow of thousands of tourists who come from all over the globe for the sole purpose of enjoying sex and fulfilling their gratifications. As per reports on electronic media the alluring bodies have already landed in the capital!!! As per reports the escorts are having their silver too! The spoon of gold is in their mouth! You name the country and they have hot bodies from those nations waiting to be dropped at your hotel room… Blonde Germany girl, Cool African beauty, a seductress from Hawai, the list is endless on their menu card! Of course, a common man can never afford to get cozy in the arms of a foreign beauty! Wink Wink Isn’t it?

Can the situation get more unfortunate? But then, what can one say about the oldest trade in the world? And who is to decide whether it is unfortunate or not? Those who get pleasure say that it is fun and those who get paid do it for money. Overall, it just becomes another commodity that is being exchanged. So who is to complain? Police agencies are always overworked and with commitment on keeping venues, sportsmen and visitors safe being their priority, sex industry is a low priority crime for them.

With more and more people looking forward to fulfill their lust, the market of contraceptives would also see a boom in the coming months! More the tourists more would be the sale! Who would save them from the after affects of indulging themselves in their uncontrollable delights? Adults are smart enough to understand the need of protection and those who are not – god help them! Perhaps CWG body should accept the reality and do campaigns to sanitize the public and especially prostitutes on this key matter.

Wait and watch!

Balance is the key to lead a successful and beautiful life which includes everything but in balance. It is important in everyone’s life be it in the life of an entrepreneur, student or a housewife to maintain a balance between various aspects of their daily routine. A student must know how to balance between his studies and curricular activities; otherwise he will fail in one or the other thing. It is equally important that we maintain our balance between materialistic and spiritual or religious life as well.

Our life has so many things to deal with, like our relationships, work, health, entertainment , responsibilities for family and country etc and to be successful in all these aspects, we must know how maintain balance between all of them.

In our everyday life, it is the work which occupies the major part of our life and many people get so occupied with their work that they end up neglecting other important things of their life. In corporate world where there is huge pressure on employees to meet their deadlines and long working hours, people really have lost balance in their lives. There is no denial that one can not survive without work because this is what ultimately gives you the money which is the source of everyone’s survival but along with work other things are also necessary. Sometimes some goal or target grabs so much of our attention that we forget everything else and devote all our energy in accomplishing that goal. Achieving goals or targets is not bad but leaving everything else behind for that one particular goal or target can be harmful for an individual.

Time management is the solution to most of our problems. Everybody is provided with twenty four hours only but it depends upon us how we utilize them. And within these limited hours only we have to accomplish all our tasks along with giving rest to our bodies and minds. And to manage the time, it is very important that we set our priorities for our life. When we set our priorities, then it becomes easy to divide our attention according them. For some people it’s their work which is a priority, so they spend more time with their work. When we divide our time according to our priorities, then there are very few chances that we will not be leading a balanced life.

In the end what matters is that we live a life in which we are happy and does not hold any regret that we are missing out something because we don’t have enough time. When we will manage our time wisely according to our priorities, then it will never be so difficult for us to maintain balance in our life.

A couple from Brazil who migrated to the land of Kiwis in order to start a new beginning of their life has been tugged in bureaucratic limbo. The reason is that the wife has indulged into an unplanned pregnancy.

The concerned couple, Marcio Tulio de Moura, 35, and his partner Barbara Ohana de Sena Vieira, 26, wanted to file an application for new visas for their temporary work permit. But the whole application process went against them as Barbara could not clear the medical examination. Her reports showed that she is pregnant. Hence, she is unable to fulfill the health requirement decked with getting the work permit.

Barbara is five months’ pregnant and hence fails to qualify for the laws created by Immigration New Zealand. As far as the husband is concerned, he can qualify for residency under the Skilled Migrant category. Further, he has the option to include his spouse as well as their daughter, Ana who is 4 years of age. But he can do so, only if they are granted the new work permit.

The couple arrived in New Zealand in month of May of the year 2007. Since then, the husband worked at the position of stonemason in Queenstown- New Zealand for a span of twenty four months. His partner was employed in the supermarket of the town centre.

In addition, the couple was not allowed to work as their applications were kept in limbo since the month of June. So it’s been almost two months that the couple are jobless and hence are stuck in a bureaucratic limbo.

The female partner said that she is considered of going for abortion. But now the couple is eager to have a second child and hence is making their minds for termination. The wife is worried that they are out of money and cannot get employed!

In a written statement to a question asked in Rajya Sabha, the Minister for External Affairs, Mr. S.M. Krishna said that no student has come forth with complaints. About 20 representations have been received from students by the High Commission of India which is situated in Canberra along with the Consulates General in Sydney and Melbourne. These students have been affected due to the closure of colleges. Their representations have been for their fee refunds.

At the same time, alternate placements are being offered to such international students in similar colleges or institutions. Incase, similar placements are not being offered or available or are being accepted, the students have the option of getting their money refunded. Such cases of Indian students in Australia are being addressed with the relevant Australian authorities for the relocation or for the refund of the tuition fee.

However, despite the tuition fee being refunded, many of these students have lost out on a lot. Despite being placed in a similar course in some other institution, it might not be the same. This is especially when they walked into the nation with lots of hopes and aspirations.

Above all, since the DIAC has all the rights to change the rules without any prior notification, it is highly suggested that these students are better prepared for such mishaps which are quite unfortunate. More so, the advice of an immigration consultant dealing with student visas for Australia would give a better insight for students as to how to deal with such a situation.

According to American President Barack Obama, his country had returned to a healthy competitiveness. In addition, the danger that was prevailing the jobs going to nations like India and China is over.

In an event in Austin, Texas, he went on to say that when he took the oath as a President and joined the office, their economic plan dealt with rewarding the hard work rather than greed. This plan was responsible for award responsibility in place of irresponsible behaviors or recklessness. This plan has main focus on the middle class on the country and how to provide them with more security.

He further stated that the country was competitive enough and ensured that the employment options do not go to China, India or Germany, but instead are provided to the nationals of U.S. itself. In addition, the President has been involved in various public speeches stating as to how his strategies are totally against outsourcing people from different countries.

He said that rather than spending money on special interest tax loopholes, it would be apt to invest in important matters like education and clean energy, facets which would benefit not only the nationals of the country, but the overall economy.

He said that it would take a lot of time to come out of the economical mess which has been created over so many years. It will take time to “dig the way” out of this hole created!

The mess has affected the lives of plenty of our families, so it will take a lot of time to heal back!