Vipanchi

There is a widespread dialogue that India is heading towards Universal Basic Income.I think this is the right time to analyze this concept and understand whether this is the right time for India to adopt it. So, what is UBI : It is an unconditional basic money that is given to every citizen of the country to live a dignified life even if she/he is involved in a low paid job or preferred not to work. Western countries are looking at this option to protect their citizens from the disadvantages created by globalization(immigration-loss of jobs) and technological advancement(artificial intelligence -job loss). Does India need it? I do not think that the time is ripe for India to go for UBI. There is immense income inequality in our country.Any welfare scheme that treats the rich and the poor equally will prove to be regressive and it would also result in decreased resources from the poor's share. The unemployment question in India is something that is to be answered by investin...

This is a story from a village not too far from urban dwellings.It is the native place of an EX MLA, known for his long-term(25 yrs) in office.This village gets 4G speed internet, and many people over there use smart -phones and trendy bikes.Road connectivity, water availability (in general, as compared to drought areas, doesn't mean water surplus) are not problems to this village.Communal harmony is observed at its best -A temple, church and a mosque are just a few feet away.Muslims attend Krishna Ashtami celebrations too, Hindus and Muslims share food.Many upper class(caste) kids have good access to education, in fact, the so-called TECHNO SCHOOL EDUCATION, in the nearby town. As I have given a vivid picture of the village, I would like to tell about this girl- Swapna (name changed).This is not a story of sexual assault which many people think when mentioned as a girl's issue.This is something that is concerned with human dignity.It offers an idea of how conventional educat...

This is a part of my effort to understand Indian villages.  Why understand a village? India's largest chunk of people live in its villages. To understand india, what is any good way to start if not its villages? What's in store?  I will post insights about a topic picked up from village set up, will try to make sense of the happenings, through which I hope to learn about our villages, their political, social, economic dynamics besides all the fun and discovery! I'm excited!

This Malayalam film directed by Martin Prakkat , is a worth watch for those who want some refreshment from the routine. This movie stands out as it do not depend on a typical love story, though the concept of love is present. This is a story of two modern day monks , yes they are monks indeed, who do not care, in fact uninfluenced by human relations. They are moved by "universal love". Travelling, making new friendships, saving the depressed, helping the needy and disappearing suddenly is the nature of charlie, the protagonist. This movie depends on a very different story which encompasses various dimensions of society-suicide, child sexual abuse, old age, love, art, travel, magic. OMG!!, many more. Any outsider falls in love with Kerala, its scenic beauty, thanks to the screen play. Like many other Malayalam movies, its screen play is cool, without sharp emotions like anger and hatred. Its a celebration of life!  Wow what a film!!!

Swamy Vivekananda is a legendary orator, thinker,philosopher and a great patriot.His contribution to Indian renaissance during 1890s is immense.He helped Indian youth to recoup their lost morale, to combat the tyrannical British rule. Besides these, his teachings hold impact even now.His teachings helped me to gain courage when I felt lost in a sea of depression, so is to many people.At times of depression,blind faith in his sayings makes us strong again and helps us to become a better person. 5 very powerful sayings of him, which must be resonating in ones mind ,if one wishes to win:  It is essential for anyone to learn to emulate others ,but at  the same time we must remember to stay the person as we are.BE YOURSELF.   2.   when you talk to yourself,you know to love yourself,to groom yourself,to rectify yourself and thus strengthen yourself.   3.   Devote yourself to your goal and you will succeed.          ...