Category Archives: Miscellaneous Musings!

Disaster is a great leveler!

                                                                                                                                                                                                    September 05, 2005

 
Disaster is a great leveler!
  
Hurricane Katrina recently struck the Gulf Coast of U. S. with a vengeance. It is a natural disaster with sudden fury. The power of nature is exhibited in its complete raw.   This disaster keeps on unfolding more horrors with each passing day. People in New Orleans, Mississippi, Alabama and other coastal areas are suffering untold miseries. The scale and enormity of destruction is so great and incomprehensible to those of us who are safe here in our homes. In early days of the calamity, the enormity of the storm escaped the attention of the U.S. administrations at all levels.

 
It boggles our mind to understand as to how this has happened here in the most developed and advanced country in the world. The formation of hurricane & ensuing storm was deciphered and discussed ad infinitum. However, emergency preparedness to address the consequence of such Category 5 hurricane was lacking. The smugness resulting in slow response to help the survivors and subsequent rescue effort is of real concern.
  
About 80% of the New Orleans population is Afro-American and more than 30% were quite poor with no physical and financial means to move out to higher grounds. Most rich and powerful moved out in their cars and vehicles to the higher areas. Nobody thought of the poor. No busses were organized to help move the poor and sick prior to the day hurricane hit the area. This is a systemic problem in U.S.   In every major city in U.S. the poorer section of the citizens is the Afro-Americans and if a natural (or man-made disaster) were to strike any of these cities, one can predict the same scenario expected to be repeated. The underbelly of the U.S. is exposed.
  
More than 15% of oil refining is done in these areas. More than 30% of the export and import trade for the U.S. is going thru here. Hurricane Katrina is having an enormous impact on the U.S. economy and thus on our Canadian economy. The early evidence of this came with substantial and sudden jump in gas prices. The winter months will tax our pocketbook with cost of heating oil and natural gas.
  
Americans are fuming in anger and shame this week as anarchy and mayhem swept over post-hurricane New Orleans amid a complete systemic and leadership failure.   A rich society disconnected from large population (albeit poor) and neglect of safeguard to economic infrastructure can be very un-nerving. The social scientists will have work cut out for them to study this.
  
The pictures of sufferings, distress, horror and pain caused by the hurricane are etched in our minds forever. Even at this distance, we are distressed, pained, numbed, revolted and just plain immobilized. We feel frustrated not being able to do much. There is universality in disasters and we know we can be victim of some disaster or other and we hope that our multitude of authorities is prepared for such eventuality.
  
We are once again reminded that the power of human beings is limited against natural phenomena and incidents. Disaster is a great leveler. All societies, rich or poor, advanced or developing, faith-based or secular, democratic or dictatorial are mercilessly exposed to such disasters, at one time or another. The societies, which are caring and prepared, can reduce the pain and trauma of affected citizens and help to rebuild their lives.   Thanks for letting me unload.  
  
Pravin Shah

Delusional characters!

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2005 July 24

 
Delusional characters!

 
What is with these guys? They blow themselves to effect mayhem and panic among population. The latest bombing in London and then at Sharm al-Sheikh in Egypt are carried out with no clear objectives identified. These bombers are brainwashed to some foreign illusory cause.
  
The bombings are done stealthily. What cowards!
  
Are these bombers deprived? Depraved? Defeated? De-cultured?   In my opinion, no! They are delusional characters. They do not come from poor families. They are educated and have either grown in the western societies or most of these are educated in western countries. They are aware of freedom and do use all the available facilities to further their delusional cause.
  
They are delusional for the perceived grandeur of the past. They are demented with teachings they get from so-called madarassas and, it seems, tacit or direct support from some states.
  
The glory of killing “kafirs” (non-believers) which will lead to heaven seems to be the doctrine sold, with cunning, to these poor young individuals.

 
London is a world city and everyone in the world has a stake in its growth and survival. The disturbance in London affects the world economically as well as culturally. London is a symbol of freedom and openness. A good mix of world populations live cheek-by-jowl in London and all of them get along fine and generate wealth & good life. London has become an example of equality and opportunities to anyone with good grace and hard work.

 
Our prayers should be with the families of those who lost life and limb from such coward bombings by delusional people. Terrorism is a curse and shall be fought relentlessly by all wherever it occurs.

 
  
Pravin Shah

Voting Issues

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                June 18th 2004

Voting issues                                

Some of us are still in doubt as to whom or which party we must support in the coming Federal election.
  
The times have changed. No political party seems dependable. Old values of service, humility, integrity and honesty are not visible. There is mirage floating in the wind. Lot of push and shove! At least this is how it seems.
  
My views for choosing the right candidate and party are as below:
  
1)             The political party who will increase army troops for defense of our Country but more so if many of the troops are stationed at Petawawa Army base. This will boost the economy of this beautiful valley.
  
2)             The political party who will support Canadian science and particularly the nuclear science as without this knowledge we will always be subordinate to others. I am for peaceful use of nuclear energy but necessary level of research cannot be achieved without steady and meaningful funding.
  
3)             The political party who will curtail enormous payouts to whom they like.The compensations offered or given are creating different class of citizens in this country. Those who live in magic lands against some of us who are struggling to survive!
  
4)             The political party who will believe in equality of all citizens and do not get mired in orthodox and past dogmas.
  
5)             The political party who do not borrow money burdening the future generation but be frank if increase in taxes is needed for the programs we cherish.I really am not against Health premiums provided this helps our Health system. I believe that it does not really help to deficit finance in the long haul.
  
6)             Last but not least the political party who is concerned about those of our citizens who are struggling financially like homeless people or single parents.  ot air coming out of the politicians does not give me a good feeling. We need to know real programs for helping those in need.
  
This is quite a mix bag of issues. My main consideration will be the party who can bring visible growth to this part of the valley.
  
Pravin Shah

  

Points to Ponder – Federal Elections –2004

Points to Ponder                                                                                                                                                         June 11, 2004


Federal Elections ”“2004


  
Some of us are still in doubt as to whom or which party we must support in the coming election. It is about time that this decision is not kept pending. It is searing our collective mental agility especially when weather is not quite co-operating. It gets hot one day and on another day it is pleasant or raining or who knows where it is all going!


What blah! Blah! Blah! We are getting from each party!   No, I have not heard a word from any one of our local candidates. Where are they?   The signs on the lawns are sprouting rather reluctantly and with not much thought as to the location or message.


It is all long distance like let your finger do the talking syndrome. Jack Layton talks about the homeless people one day and then silence! Would Stephen Harper really cut our taxes by 25% and would he increase the Canadian armed forces by 25,000 troops? The promises that Paul Martin makes for improving our health system are really the true ones or just election promises.


The times have changed. No political party seems dependable. Old values of service, humility, integrity and honesty are not visible. There is mirage floating in the wind. Lot of push and shove! What a way we have come to. At least this is how it seems.


All promises of dishing out different goodies to varied groups of voters are just that. No single government in Canada can fulfill all given promises unless it downloads the expenses to lower government or by jacking up multiple user fees.   The Provincial Conservative Government in Ontario led by Mike Harris came with tax breaks and we were all happy till we found that many services were downloaded to the Municipalities and our Property taxes skyrocketed. Wow! What fools we were.


Federal Liberal Government with Paul Martin as Finance Minister slashed the deficit by cutting federal contribution for health and education. Many years after the deficit was eliminated no meaningful help came from the Federal Government to help the health or education. Now suddenly enormous sums of money are found and promised. What a miracle!


I guess the federal politicians and bureaucrats will now have to learn to sacrifice with lean lunches, meals, trips and expense accounts. Poor souls! Sheila Fraser, our beloved Auditor General, eat your heart out!


My pointers for choosing the right candidate is as below:


1)           The political party who will increase army troops for defense of our Country but more so if many of the troops are stationed at Petawawa Army base. This will boost the economy of this beautiful valley.


2)           The political party who will support Canadian science and particularly the nuclear science as without this knowledge we will always be subordinate to others. I am for peaceful use of nuclear energy but necessary level of research cannot be achieved without steady and meaningful funding.


3)           The political party who will curtail enormous payouts to whom they like. The compensations offered or given are creating different class of citizens in this country. Those who live in magic lands against some of us who are struggling to survive!


4)           The political party who will believe in equality of all citizens and do not get mired in orthodox and past dogmas.


5)           The political party who do not borrow money burdening the future generation but be frank if increase in taxes is needed for the programs we cherish.


          I really am not against Health premiums provided this helps our Health system. I   believe that it does not really help to deficit finance in the long haul.


6)           Last but not least the political party who is concerned about those of our citizens who are struggling financially like homeless people or single parents. Hot air coming out of the politicians does not give me a good feeling. We need to know real programs for helping those in need.


Have I made it easier for selecting the right candidate? Frankly, I am reaching out for Tylenol for my pain. I pray that you do better than me.


  
Pravin Shah

D-Day

   
                                                                                                                                                                                                 June 06, 2004

 

D-Day

 
It is with great respect we should commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings by allied troops at Normandy on June 06,1944. There were sacrifices, so raw at times, that would bring anguish in all our hearts.

 
Our valiant Canadian troops along with troops from other countries stood their ground under all difficulties and ultimately pushed the entrenched Nazi troops out of their positions. In Normandy, the first great breach in the defenses of Hitler’s fortress had been won. Many Canadian personnel lost their lives.

 
Both World Wars (I & II) were in essence like “Family Feud” between European nations who fought to claim a share in spoils of colonial riches. However, World Wars I   & II also point to the fact that unity of purpose and willing coalition of the world powers could defeat evil empires.

There is a silver lining to the past World Wars. The wars led to independence of many countries colonized by European Powers over the last few centuries. Human rights and equality have become a norm for modern world and we see human progress and economic development of many countries in Asia and elsewhere.

 
Millions lost lives in the World Wars and thereafter in Communist regimes with disruption in daily lives. Is this worth it?  

 
Lest we forget, human equality and mutual respect for all cultures, races and religions is the foundation of civilized nations. A democratic society with vibrant free press and judiciary is a necessity. We should always stand guard for this.

 
Salute to the Canadian soldiers; past and present.

 
  
Pravin Shah

 

 

 

 

Mother’s Day

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  May 08, 2004
  
Mother”™s Day


This Mother”™s Day saw a considerable number of mothers who were not happy. In fact they must be feeling the unimaginable consternation and pain.


The mothers of the prisoners in Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq must be having a terrible time to fathom the humiliation their imprisoned sons were put thru by the army of the most powerful and liberal country. The photos, which are circulating in all the media of the world, have shown the helplessness of the conquered people.  


This was not to be. The U.S army went in Iraq as liberators of the Iraqi people from the tyranny of Sadaam Hussein and removing the threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Those of us who supported this action are chagrined at the turn of the event.

The worldview of the morality for democracy, freedom and equality has taken a bit of a beating.  


The mothers of the young American soldiers who have been sent to Iraq (and also to Afghanistan) must be an unhappy lot too. It seems that these young men and women were not trained properly for such duty. The war is not going according to the script they were told. Here the enemy is elusive and borderless and this asymmetric combat in an urban or rural guerilla war is placing limits on America’s competence and credibility.


On this Mother”™s day, the best gift we can give to all the mothers is to have peace and prosperity but to achieve this we need to heed the message of Dalai Lama who was recently in Canada. He talked about compassion and peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect.  
  
Can we rise to this challenge so that all mothers can rejoice in the growth and happiness of their children?   I am a dreamer and there is nothing wrong in dreaming!
  
  
  
Pravin Shah
  
  
  
  

My heart Cries!

 
  
                                                                                                                                                                                                             April 19th 2004

 
My heart Cries!

 
The Holocaust Remembrance Day was commemorated on Monday, April 19th. This day is an important reminder as to how any group of human beings (including an advanced industrial society) can be blinded by the false human instinct of greed, jealousy and prejudice.

 
A whole national industrial complex using the latest technology of the time (with gas chambers) exterminated 6 million Jews plus many others including Gypsies not liked by the so-called “civilized” nation.

 
The Holocaust Remembrance Day should also remind us of a similar deviant behaviour where a group of human beings (in a so-called advanced society) obtained forcefully another group of human beings (from Africa) and sold and kept these as slaves for generations.

 
This Day should prick our conscious to be exemplary and respect each other and value our common human heritage.

 
My heart cries when I see everyday on the TV the happenings in the Middle East and one wonders where will this lead?   We seem so helpless!

 
  
Pravin Shah

 
Not sent anywhere.

 

Understanding the meaning of Easter Holiday

                                                                                                                                                                                      April 02, 2004


Understanding the meaning of Easter Holiday


There is a joy in our heart as we feel the spring in the air. Snow is melting and we can see and enjoy the green grass.    
This is also time to celebrate Easter, which is for the Christians, an important festival to celebrate. It is a rejoicing holiday which commemorates the resurrection of Lord Jesus and signifies to the world the love, interest and care of the divinity for the humanity.        
It is also the time when families have fun together in hunt for Easter eggs. A quality time spent with the kids is always a very redeeming activity.

Those of us who are not Christians, the participation in the Easter egg hunt with the kids provide connectivity with the folk tradition of the larger community.
  
At this time, the deeper meaning of the Easter celebration requires to be grasped. Each one of us has our own understanding and thus we get refreshed in our own way in renewing our faith in the divinity and also the humanity.


The birth of the Jesus signifies that the Creator will not sit idly by and let the world slides into chaos and cruelty. In our Hindu tradition, God has assured, that whenever there is an adverse condition (full of injustice which disturbs the working of established societies), He will come on this earth to correct the situation.
  
The birth and resurrection of Jesus is a positive proof of the God”™s commitment.   There are few lessons hidden here for us to decipher. One of these is that for correct end, one needs to use correct means. There is no short cut to problems at hand. Another lesson is for a just cause to prevail over a longer period, a lifetime commitment and sacrificing attitude is more effective rather than frontal attack. The brute force may win battles but in the end the war can be lost.
  
The most disturbing lesson, which I am surmising, is that notwithstanding God”™s intervention like Jesus”™ birth and resurrection, men do not learn the folly of his ways. We are too arrogant and look for our own self-gratification. Otherwise how can we explain what is happening around the world and especially in the Holy land (including in Bethlehem and Jerusalem) where Jesus walked and sacrificed Himself for enlightening humanity.
  
I hope that this spring we will contemplate the true meaning of the Easter and work towards respecting and understanding our Neighbours and communities around.


Pravin Shah

Ode To Chatterjees on their move to Toronto

 

Sunday,   March 21, 2004

The Ode   delivered at the farewell party for Chatterjee’s held at Knights of Columbus Hall in Pembroke by Deep River/Pembroke East Indian Community.

Chatterjees, known for their smiles
Smiles:
Smile for a while
As if it’s in Chatterjees style
Spreading many a mile
And lasting a while
Will gather in style
All through one smile

 
Chatterjees, who exude warmth
A Friend:
It takes more than caring
To be a real friend;
The nature of friendship;
Requires a blend of warmest compassion
To reach and to comfort
The way that Chatterjees do
That”™s their kind of friendship
Is priceless to all

 
Chatterjees, one kind of a people
Special Family:
Writing about life
Friends helping thru strife
Dependable when needed
Chatterjees are one of a kind
     

Chatterjees, who are huggable
Inspired Hug:
Have you ever
Watched Chatterjees,
Eyeing each other as   “Dost”
Indian hearts sharing hugs
They help inspire
Such a simple verse

 
Chatterjees, our great support
Miss You:
Those of us who moved to
Deep River/Pembroke corridor

 
Over the years one by one
In a trickle from Toronto
Or a bunch from Whiteshell

 
Chatterjees a   “Welcome Wagon”
All music, parties and sunshine
A warm laughter and support

 
Smile and welcome, we will miss
Departure to Toronto leaves a void
AH! That”™s what life is about

 
Leena, Sadhan, Sudeep and Sumita
Jackie & Pravin wish you the best

 
Keep your smiles and warmth
Toronto will be yours in no time.

 

Pravin/Jackie Shah

Farewell Dinner for Chatterjis at our house

The following is a “Certificate” presented to Chatterjis at the dinner party organised at our house on   Saturday March 13, 2004. It is all in the fun mode.

Sadhan/Leena Chatterji’s Farewell dinner at home of Pravin/Jackie Shah –                                     Saturday 13 March 2004

   

 

We, who are present here to-night, confirm that  Sadhan & Leena Chatterji are of sound mind, body and spirit when they have decided to turn their back on   this   peaceful and friendly  Renfrew County for a traffic & smog filled, noisy city of Toronto     to   spend their  well earned retirement time.                                        
That is their wish and destiny.
We are definitely sorry to see them leave us as orphans and leaderless even though we know that we will have a base for us to visit Toronto for  cultural experiences and city excursions.
We announce here loudly and clearly that we will miss them very much    but do wish them, from bottom of our collective hearts, a very happy and satisfying retirement.    
May God grant all their wishes!