I Cut My Leg Off And Ordered: Go And Bury It

Major General Ian Cardozo was a young major in the 5 Gorkha Rifles in
the 1971 war with Pakistan. In a swift military offensive, India defeated
Pakistan within 13 days, liberated a region and led to the creation of
Bangladesh.
In the war, the then Major Cardozo stepped on a landmine and had to cut
off his badly wounded leg with his own khukri.
Yet, through sheer will power and determination, he did not let his
disability come in the way of his duty as a soldier and went on to become
the first disabled officer in the Indian Army to command an infantry
battalion and a brigade.
A brief interview with him..
Tell us about your wound.
At that time, I was still not wounded.
There was a BSF commander who got panicky when he saw all these
fellows (prisoners) and asked: Please send someone here. I told the CO
that I would go. I did not know that I was walking on a minefield. I
stepped on a mine and my leg blew off.
A Bangladeshi saw this happening, he picked me up and took me to the
battalion headquarters. They were feeling bad. I told the doctor, Give me
some morphine. They had no#8800 it had been destroyed during the
operations. Do you have any Pethidine? No
I told him: Could you cut this off?
He said: I dont have any instrument.
I asked my batman: Where is my khukri?
He said: Here it is, Sir.
I told him: Cut it off.
He answered in Gorkhali: Sir, I cant do it.
1

I told him: Give it to me. I cut my leg off and ordered: Now go and bury
it.
You tell people that you are embarrassed to tell the story because it was
nothing at all. What was your first thought?
My first thought was for her (pointing to his wife, Priscilla). I thought,
What a stupid thing happened to me. It was beyond my control, it just
happened.
Then the doctor came and tied it up. My CO also came: Ian, you are very
lucky, we have captured a Pakistani surgeon. He will operate on you.
Nothing doing, Sir, I dont want to be operated by a Pakistani doctor. Just
get me back to India, I answered.
By that time Dhaka had fallen and there was no chopper available.
I then told the CO: Two conditions. He immediately said: You are not in
position to put conditions.
I told him: OK, two requests. One, I dont want Pakistani blood.
He retorted: You are a fool. I said: I am prepared to die a fool. My
second request, Sir, I want you to be present when they operate on me.
The CO asked: Why? I answered: You know why. (There had been cases
of torture). So, he agreed.
Anyway, the Pakistani surgeon did a good job. His name was Major
Mohamed Basheer. I have never been able to say, Thank you. I owe him
a thank you, but it is not easy (to find someone in Pakistan].
What did you feel when you cut your own leg?
People are giving more credit than I do. Actually I just felt deeply
embarrassed because my leg was in a terrible state. I did not want to look
at it and others to look at it. I wanted to get rid of it. Nobody wanted to do
it, so I did it.
You have said that you always dream that you have two legs.
Yes, in my dreams, I have two legs, no artificial leg.
How did you manage to get a promotion after being disabled?
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One has to accept that the army puts a great amount of emphasis on
physical fitness. One has to be fit to be a commander at any level.
From my side, I felt that the doctors were unfair to me to say that I could
not perform as well as anybody else.
With my wooden leg, I was determined to prove to the army as well as to
the world in general, that a person with a wooden leg could do as well, if
not better, than a two-legged person. I resolved to keep myself physically
fit.
I woke early morning, did some exercises and went for a run. I did the
battle physical test. I had a problem with the officer in charge of the test
who refused to allow me to pass the test. He said he would not let me go
through that test because a year earlier someone physically unfit had
gone through the test and died.
I told him I was fit, but he answered that he would arrest me if I do the
test. I told him: You can put me under arrest only after I commit the
offense. So let me do the test and you can arrest me after.
So I did the test and left seven officers with two legs behind me. The
officer was a good man, he said, putting his arm around my shoulder:
Well done, Sir, good job.
I later went to the vice-chief and asked him, what else should I do? He
said: Come with me to J&K.
He came by helicopter to a place at 6,000 feet. I climbed from the road to
the helipad. When he arrived, he asked me: How did you come here?
thinking I had used my contacts to fly with a chopper. I told him: Sir, I
climbed from the road.
He was surprised: You can climb! I told him: What I can or cant do is
the minds of my senior officers.
He said Alright and put up my case to the army chief (General T N Raina)
who asked me to accompany him to Ladakh. I walked in mountains in
snow and ice. General Raina saw this and when he returned to Delhi, he
3

asked for my file and wrote: Yes, give him a battalion and to all other
officers who are not taking shelter behind their wounds.
For me, it only meant that one has to do what is required by ones job. I
was the first disabled officer to be approved to command a battalion.
The same thing happened when I was to take command of a brigade. The
bureaucracy said: No, you cant command a brigade. I wrote to the army
chief that I had proven that I could command a battalion; there was no
reason why I should be demoted in a staff job.
The chief said: Why do you harass this man, give him the command of a
brigade.
Later three disabled officers became army commanders. One even
became vice-chief: he had earlier had both his legs amputated.
What would you tell the youth of this country?
I have many things to say: You have only one life to live, live it to the full.
You have 24 hours in a day: Pack it up.
The other thing is Never give up.
If you believe in something, do it in a right way at the right time.
I must say I had always the support of my wife for whatever I did in my
life.

Good Scientists Solve Problems,

but Great Scientists Know Whats Worth Solving
Abhay Ashtekar is a theoretical physicist and the founder of loop
quantum gravity, an increasingly popular branch of physics that attempts
to unify quantum mechanics with Albert Einsteins theory of general
relativity (which celebrates its centenary this year). Currently the Director
of the Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry at Pennsylvania
State University, Ashtekar spoke to Nithyanand Rao and Swetamber
Das at IIT Madras on October 7, 2015 about his inspirations, his
encounters with Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and Roger Penrose, work
on gravity and cosmology, and his criticisms of string theory.
The freewheeling interview has been edited for clarity and divided into
four parts:
1.
Getting started on gravity and cosmology
2.
Learning from Chandra
3.
Challenges in loop quantum gravity
4.
Arrogance in string theory
Part I Getting started on gravity and cosmology
How did you get interested in gravity? Since the very beginning you
have been working in this area.
Well, I grew up in a small town and not in a big city. My father was in the
civil services and he was transferred to a small town called Kolhapur.
There, somehow I managed to find some books by George Gamow. Now,
I dont know how. That was very interesting for me, particularly this book
called One Two ThreeInfinity. That had some cosmology that Gamow
had written about in a popular manner. Thats what got me interested in
this kind of science.

Then, I went to Bombay to do the last two years of my B.Sc. At that time, I
was very fortunate that some senior professors at the Tata Institute of
Fundamental Research (TIFR) started a project in which they were to get a
few students from colleges undergraduates to come to TIFR once a
week to discuss things. So inspired by Gamows books and things like
that, I tried to construct some cosmological theories like howNewtons
[gravitational] constant was changing in time and if that happens, how
does the cosmological scenario change? I have to say that Gamows were
semi-popular books. They were not serious scientific books but still there
were a few formulae in it, so I just used that.
Then, there were people like S. M. Chitre he retired many years ago but
is still active and lives in Bombay. I gave him the paper and he
encouraged me very much.
When you went to the US, you were specific that you wanted to
work on gravity
Yeah. In those days, there was no internet. Its impossible for you to
imagine! [Laughs] Therefore, one did not have too much information. So
one had to go to the United States Information Service which was in the
US consulate. They used to have these little brochures from various US
universities which described their graduate programs. So I looked up
graduate programs there. There were two one in Maryland which had a
strong program in gravity, general relativity and cosmology; and the
second was in [the University of] Texas. So I applied to these two places.
Maryland wrote back immediately saying that they dont consider
students from India until they finish their Masters, but Texas admitted
me and gave me an assistantship. Probably this was due to the letters I
got from various people at TIFR. But it worked out. I was extremely underprepared as you can imagine.
So you went right after your B.Sc.?
6

Yes, I was not quite 20, I think, when I went. I had what was more like a
sophomore-level of preparation, but I was in a graduate program. The
first year in particular was extremely tough; I had a lot of work ahead of
me to catch up, that was very hard. These were quantum jumps. In a way
it was also helpful, because I did not have time to get a culture shock as I
was too tired to do anything other than work!
Also, the people at TIFR had suggested we all go through the Feynman
Lectures on Physics, which were more fresh at that time. There were
problems to be solved at the end of each chapter. There was one
particular problem nothing really profound in the first volume itself. I
did the problem at first and my answer matched with the answer given at
the back of the book. Then I realised that something was wrong with the
answer conceptually. So, I re-did it and I got a different answer. I
presented that at TIFR; they said yes, this is right. And then like an
aggressive, cheeky kid, I decided to write to Feynman, saying theres a
mistake in the book it was not really in the book, just in the answers. I
wrote that if you do the problem naively then you get the answer given at
the back of the book but, in fact, its wrong and it should be done this
way.
He was very kind he replied. He said, yes, the book is wrong and you are
right. So I think that letter probably helped me later to get an
assistantship and admission to Texas, even though I was not prepared at
all. Anyway, I caught up in a couple of years.
That must have been a huge morale booster for you.
Yes, it really was. Feynman was very kind to young people but he also
wanted to put some distance he ended the letter by saying you know
the subject well enough to rely on yourself. Basically telling me not to
bother him again! [Laughs] At least, thats how I understood it.
Then, I started working with a young faculty member at the same time
that I was doing these basic courses [at the University of Texas]. His name
7

was Robert Geroch; and Chandra [Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar], was

actually very impressed with him. He offered Bob [Geroch] a position in
Chicago. Bob offered to take me with him to Chicago. So I finished in
Chicago.
Part II Learning from Chandra
I guess you took classes by Chandra as well.
Yes, I came to know him quite well. I was very fortunate. After my Ph.D., I
went to Oxford to work with Roger Penrose. That was also because of
Chandra. But then they asked me to come back to Chicago. So I went to
Chicago again. Particularly in this second stage, I came to know Chandra
and his wife very well. They were kind. They used to invite me for dinners
and so on. Chandra was so reserved; he was god-like, a completely
different level of human being. But then he would get into the flow of
things and he would tell all the stories his memory was just
phenomenal; there is nobody who comes anywhere close to him. He
would remember what he was doing in, say, August 1931 and what had
happened then. He would recall it with all the details all the people and
all the names and everything. I have trouble remembering what
happened yesterday! He would tell these fantastic stories.
I was really fortunate that I got this exposure to three great people, my
great teachers: One was my Ph.D. advisor Robert Geroch. Chandra told
me that he felt that except for John von Neumann, he has never seen
anyone as brilliant as Bob; and it was true. Bob is extremely brilliant. But
then something happened and he suddenly stopped working. I dont
know what happened but before that he was totally off-scale. He had
such clarity of thinking, such crispness. I learnt by osmosis the way of
thinking, how to think from scratch. He would take us once a week for a
pizza dinner or something and hand us a new research paper. Those days,
8

everything came by mail because there was no arXiV or anything. We

were supposed to look at the abstract of the paper and try to guess what
it was about and how did they did it. That was very good, because you
have to start from scratch and you didnt know much to begin with; and
we were just graduate students. He used to put us in this situation it
was like being thrown into the water and being asked to swim.
With Chandra, I got this deeper sense of values which is about what is
right, a moral compass about how to be a good scientist and a good
human being. A proper sense of values. Chandra was the one who said
that I should go to Oxford for my postdoc. I was fortunate again as I had
got several offers but Chandra said I should go to Oxford, so I went there.
I went to Roger Penrose. With Penrose also, it was really unique. He was
not as brilliant as Bob Geroch was, or as quick. But he had this way of
dreaming, looking into the future, groping in the dark and coming up
with completely unbelievable ideas. Thats also something that you
cannot learn from a book you see these people in action and you learn. I
think with all these three people I learnt things which I could never have
learnt from books. Robert Gerochs clarity, crispness and speed; with
Chandra the backbone, the hard and deep stuff which always makes life
meaningful; and with Roger Penrose it was a dream-like quality that is so
essential for research.
The hardest thing about research is always I tell this to my students and
postdocs this balance. When you do something and you are in the
middle of it, you need like Chandra said a certain amount of scientific
arrogance. Theres nothing wrong about scientific arrogance. Theres
everything wrong about personal arrogance. Scientific arrogance is
basically the belief that, yes, I am going to solve this problem. Even if
other people have thought about it, it doesnt matter; I will solve it. You
really have to get into it. You want to get into the details, you want to
understand the intricate structure which is laid out in front of you, find
9

the missing links. And things that are completely wrong in your thinking
and maybe also in other peoples thinking. At that time you just have to
be an extreme optimist. You have to believe that its going to work and
completely disregard scepticism from other people. But then once it is
finished, you have to turn around 180 degrees and you have to look at in
cold blood. Does it even make sense? And then poke every possible
hole in it. Its just the opposite of what you first did. First you make
progress, do things; and then be your worst critic.
These two skills are draining. You can go with the first skill quite a bit, but
after a while you dont advance. You need to have this ability of really
going back and looking at things critically and seeing the solidity and
poking every hole that anybody else can poke. If you dont have this solid
foundation, you cannot build on it further. You can just do the first things
and not go much further. I think that psychologically and mentally this is
tiring, to be able to go back and forth.
One has to be able to cope with frustration as well.
Yes, it can be frustrating because you believe in it, and you have spent so
much of energy and passion and time on this problem. But then, you
have to get used to it and work on the next problem. This is the skill. This
is, I think, how you achieve good productivity on a long range.
The other important thing is that I learnt this from Chandra more than
anybody else many people can solve a problem. I mean, I can solve
many problems even more elegantly than Chandra might have solved.
But the skill is to come up with a problem to come up with the right
problems. Things that are going to change the direction. Things that are
not going to be only incremental progress but really could make a
difference. And that, I think, is not easy. That is what distinguishes great
scientists from good scientists the ability to really spot this, what is
really worth working on. I dont mean to trivialise the second ability,
which is the ability to solve a given hard problem, because it requires
10

both the arsenal of tools and some brilliance. But its not the same as
coming up with the right questions to ask. That is, I think, something that
students should be aware of. It is not enough to be extremely smart and
to be able to solve a problem. That is a different skill than things that will
shift paradigms. Of course, you need both of them to make real progress.
You won the first prize for an essay from the Gravity Research
Foundation back in 1977.
Its a funny foundation. It started in a slightly crackpot-ish manner. But
then very senior scientists like Bryce DeWitt, Roger Penrose, Stephen
Hawking all submitted essays. The essays were supposed to be about
ideas more than just technical papers. Something which is more
important than just a technical result, something which looks at a
problem in a certain way, a new direction not paradigm-changing, not
that big.
You had completed your Ph.D. by the time?
Yeah, I was actually on my second postdoc at the time. I think I was in
Chicago. I had some ideas and I wrote it up. I had done my homework by
seeing how to write those things so that it makes an impact. Because
even if you have a good idea, if you dont put it in the right way it doesnt
have the same impact as somebody else who might have a lesser idea
but puts it in the right framework and makes interconnections. It was not
something really great, but it was satisfying to be recognised. I think its
not very often that people who are postdocs get it. Usually more senior
people got it.
When were young and try to do something new, its always there at
the back of our minds, how well will it be received by the experts.
Even for a technical paper, the title and the abstract are really important
even if you may think whats the big deal? But those things are
important. Somehow those are the skills that you dont always learn.
Maybe because your advisors never tell you. But its important. The
11

number of people whod actually look at that paper would depend on

how you write these things.
So yeah, it was good. I got it somewhat early compared to some other
people.
Part III Challenges in loop quantum gravity
If we can now come to loop quantum gravity, which youve been
working on for a long time.
It is a fact that unifying ideas from general relativity and quantum
mechanics has been a long-standing problem. The motivation for loop
quantum gravity comes from multiple directions. Technically, it had to do
with these ideas that Penrose had about twistor space. When I was a
postdoc, I learned twistor theory. Though I never worked on it, I learned
completely about what was happening at that time. The big
breakthroughs happened around that time in twistor theory. Theyre
happening again now, but there was a little bit of a quiet period for a
long time. And there were some critical ideas that Penrose had, about
what the role played by helicity or self-duality was. That is to say, there are
some symmetries of solutions of Einsteins equations [of general
relativity], and Penrose felt that this symmetry has to do with duality. For
example, if you have a photon, just like every zero rest-mass particle, it
has two helicities. It is spinning either in the direction of the fourmomentum or in the opposite direction. So you get these two helicity
states. The same thing is true in the weak-field limit for gravitons. So
Penrose was trying to generalise that idea in the nonlinear context.
I felt that the way that it was happening in twistor theory was very, very
interesting, but that somehow it was not going completely in the right
direction. They were emphasising complex manifolds a lot, and not real
manifolds. I felt that one has to take those ideas but formulate them in
12

terms of real space-times, real metrics. Because thats what we experience

its more directly, physically relevant. I felt that there was some deep
idea but it was not being used in the most fruitful way. That was the one
technical aspect of the problem. So one deep motivation came from
some of the important ideas from twistor theory and, as I say that, theyre
becoming important again now.
The second thing was about the idea that, because gravity arises from the
space and time in general relativity, if you have a quantum theory of
gravity it should also be a quantum theory of geometry. Therefore, this
continuum geometry we see around us should be an approximation. Just
like this table, for example, looks very smooth and continuous to me. But
if I look at it under an electron microscope, I see theres this discrete
structure there are atoms in a lattice, and theres a lot of vacuum
between them. So the idea is that there should be atoms of geometry,
that there should be some fundamental building block out of which
geometry arises. And then, coming from these ideas that I was telling
you, which were inspired by twistor theory, it turned out that the
fundamental excitations of the geometry should not be like gravitons but
itll be deeper. Gravitons will be an approximate concept later on. But itll
be deeper and they turn out to be one-dimensional.
So the fundamental excitations are one-dimensional, which is a little like
a polymer. If I take this shirt, and I take a magnifying glass, I can see that
the shirt is fundamentally one-dimensional, because the threads are onedimensional. Its just that those threads are so densely packed that I get
an illusion that its two-dimensional. What comes out in loop quantum
gravity is that the geometry of space is like that. Its woven by these onedimensional fibres, its like a polymer. But this polymer is so intricately
woven and tightly spaced that we get this illusion of continuum. Its
coarse-graining. If you go to the atomic size, its not continuum at all. But
13

if I coarse-grain it, there are so many atoms that, for all practical purposes,
its a continuum. The same thing is true of geometry. The geometry we
use in Einsteins theory, general relativity, where space-time is a smooth
continuum, is an approximation. To go beyond, one has to work with this
fundamental building block, these atoms of space-time. Thats the basic
idea of loop quantum gravity. Then one has to come up with proper
equations for this.
In the 1990s, several colleagues, particularly Jerzy Lewandowski at
Warsaw who was a postdoc with me developed this quantum theory
of geometry. Since then, it has been used for black holes, for cosmology,
the Big Bang. So there are about 250-300 people in the world who work
on this now. We have meetings called Loops every two years just this
year we had one, in Germany.
Do you foresee any experimental tests?
In any approach to quantum gravity, experimental tests are hard to come
by, just because technology has not caught up with the theory. I mean,
general relativity is a hundred years old, and its only now that we can
hope to see hard tests of general relativity. We still dont have a single
hard test of the strong field regime of general relativity. All the tests
weve had are more or less about weak gravity strong compared to
Newtons, but weak compared to Einstein gravity. The hard test would be
two black holes colliding and theyd produce gravitational waves. Theres
great excitement now because the gravitational wave observatory
[Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory] has
come online. Theyve been building for 20 years, but now they have the
sensitivity to be able to see this. Theres this rumour that theres a
detection. Well see what happens.
So even with general relativity, it has taken so long, a century. Quantum
gravity is even harder to test. Therefore its not likely that were going to
get direct tests of any quantum gravity theory tomorrow, but we would
14

have observational evidence coming in. And that would be through to

me at least, it seems cosmology, the very early universe. In the last three
years, weve been working very hard on that, trying to push the so-called
inflationary scenario. Inflationary scenario starts very early when the
density of matter was extremely high, but still very low compared to
whats called the Planck density where quantum gravity effects would
come up. Its about 10-12 times Planck density. Planck density is about
1097 kg/m3. So the density relevant for inflationary cosmology is 1085
kg/m3. Nuclear density is only about 1018 kg/m3.
So were already talking about around 70 orders of magnitude higher
than nuclear density. But we want to go even beyond it was very hard
work, but very satisfying also. Its like what I was telling you before
during those years, you just have to believe that somehow its going to
work. We did succeed, we did complete the program.
So youre essentially looking for the signatures in the cosmic
microwave background (CMB).
Exactly. But it could also be large-scale structure [in the universe],
ultimately. Its amazing that this large-scale structure arose from the
CMB. There are limitations as to what you would be able to see with CMB
and what large-scale structure can show you. Its just the CMB structures
that have got magnified to the large-scale structure and, therefore,
looking at galaxy-galaxy correlations and such things, it really came from
some correlations of the CMB. So, the inhomogeneities [of the CMB]
there will be some deviations because of the pre-history, which is even
before inflation have to do with quantum gravity. Then the question is:
are they observable or are they not observable?
I have been working on it for so long and now one can actually make
contact with observations and say that there should be deviations from
what the standard inflation is and these deviations would be the imprints
of what happened before. And that has to do with the Planck epoch and
15

quantum gravity and so on. We are still not in the stage in which one
would say well, this is the smoking gun. Even inflation is not the smoking
gun of anything. People would say that there are other scenarios. There
isnt any other obvious explanation which works so well, so one takes it
very very seriously. Similarly, there are these deviations from inflation, for
which there should be some natural, fundamental explanation.
So, with improved observations, it should be possible to have
experimental tests.
Yes, in fact Planck [a European Space Agency satellite that studied
theCMB] data may be useful. The Planck collaboration is now going to
release the data that we need. They plan to release it within a year from
now in the middle of next year. So, these are interesting times!
Part IV Arrogance in string theory
There was this Strings conference recently at Bangalore. A claim was
made there, in fact quite explicitly, that its the only way to quantise
gravity and so on.
There are many things I have to say. First of all, I think that string theory
has really enriched our understanding enormously, especially with new
connections in mathematics and this so-called AdS/CFT correspondence.
In some sense, it has expanded the reach of Einsteins gravity because
you can use methods from gravitational physics for example, some
Greens function on black hole background space-time in order to
calculate some quantities in superconductivity. Its pretty amazing that
you can do such things. Of course, hard condensed-matter physicists will
say while thats useful, its a model which mimics superconductivity at
some level but it really is not high-temperature superconductivity we
actually see in materials. I think, say, 80% or 90% of the condensed
matter physicists would say that. But to me it is still interesting that one
can actually do such things.
16

So there is no question that string theory has enriched us. What is

unfortunate is that they are extremely intolerant, in my opinion. Its
everywhere. There is no need to be so intolerant. Because in science there
should be a competition of ideas. Let it be a free competition of ideas
rather than declarations. Its not faith; and somehow when you say this is
the only true thing, I dont see much difference between that and some
guru saying that his is the only true path.
One of them even made a claim that alternative approaches have
been incorporated to string theory and, therefore, its the only true
theory.
Joe Polchinski, a very prominent string theorist, he did say explicitly that
this was some years ago, at KITP [Kavli Institute of Theoretical Physics]
Santa Barbara at its 25th anniversary. He said, well, string theory has
incorporated everything. String theory is a little like Microsoft because at
that time Microsoft was incorporating everything. He said loop quantum
gravity was more like Apple. I thought it was a great complement!
[Laughs] He explicitly said so. I said somehow I could accept Apple; at
least Microsoft wouldnt gobble us up!
That was a huge compliment.
Well, yes. In retrospect, it was a huge compliment, exactly!
String theory has achieved a lot. I dont know why science needs such
statements; indeed, scientists should not make such statements. Let the
evidence prove that its the only theory. Let the evidence prove that it is
better than other theories or let its predictions be reproduced more than
those of others. Science should not become theology. And, somehow
such statements have a strong smell of theology, which I dont like.
Theres even been talk of post-empirical science.
Yes. There was another Strings conference in India at TIFR, in 2001. I
happened to be in India at that time people had just discovered that the
universe is going through accelerated expansion, so that the
17

cosmological constant may be positive. And I saw in newspapers that Tom

Banks and Edward Witten had said that, no, the cosmological constant
cannot be positive because it is incompatible with string theory. It has to
be negative, they said. And that these observations are premature. They
were completely wrong. The fact is that nobody goes back to these things
and says, well, let us be a little more modest about it.
Its like shifting the goal post.
Exactly! There is nothing wrong with making the statement. But then
ignoring completely that you made that statement that is wrong. And
then to say that this is the only theory. It has not had hard experimental/
observational success, and it has not made that much progress in
quantum gravity. It does not tell us, for example, what really happens
when a black hole evaporates. There is some dual description of it but
there is no space-time description of it. It doesnt tell us what happens to
the singularities of general relativity. All the hard questions that are there
in quantum gravity, they are not answered by string theory.
The second thing is that, in fact, the big progress of string theory since
1997 with Juan Maldacenas conjecture, AdS/CFT; so, its now been 18
years or so has been in the applied ideas of gravity to other areas of
physics and there it has been successful. I am impressed by the success.
Other people who actually work in other areas may not be as deeply
impressed but I feel that to have seen an underlying unity in science at
some level, even though it is not at an exact level that one wants it to be, I
think that is good. Thats progress.
We seem to be using these gravity ideas in other domains of physics
rather than solving quantum gravity problems. I dont think that the
quantum gravity problems have been solved. And I have said this
explicitly in conferences with panels in which Joe Polchinski, Juan
Maldacena and I were panellists that, in my view, this is very powerful
and these are good things. However, the AdS/CFT conjecture is the only
18

definition of non-perturbative string theory one has and its a definition,

its not a proof of anything. It talks about duality, but theres no proof of
duality. To have a duality, A should be well defined, B should be well
defined and then you say that A is dual to B. Since we dont have another
definition of string theory, we cannot hope to prove that string theory is
dual to its conformal field theory. You can define string theory to be the
conformal field theory. You have to construct a dictionary relating string
theory in the bulk and conformal field theory on the boundary. That
dictionary has not been constructed in complete detail.
Again, nobody is taking anything away from the successes that the AdS/
CFT duality has had; but there is a big gap between the successes and the
rhetoric. The rhetoric is at a much higher level than the successes. So, for
example, in this conjecture, first of all the space-time is 10 dimensional.
The physical space-time is supposed to be asymptotically anti-de Sitter,
which has a negative cosmological constant. But we look around us, and
we find a positive cosmological constant. Secondly, the internal
dimensions in the conjecture, or this definition, are macroscopic. The
Kaluza-Klein idea is that there are higher dimensions but because they
are all wrapped up and microscopic, say, at Planck scale, we dont see
them. Thats plausible. But here, in AdS/CFT duality, they need the radius
of the internal dimensions to be the same as the cosmological radius. If
so, if I try to look up I should see these ten dimensions; I dont. So, it cant
have much to do with the real world that we actually live in. These are
elephants in the room which are not being addressed.
There is a Centennial volume of General Relativity which was just
published. I was editor-in-chief of that work. The volume has four parts
the fourth part is called Beyond Einstein and deals with quantum gravity.
At the beginning, there is an introduction for a general audience, a nottoo-technical introduction as to how the field of quantum gravity has
evolved. Theres a subsection called Elephants in the Room and I say
19

explicitly that there are these obvious issues and practitioners just
pretend that they dont exist. And that to me is unconscionable; I feel that
thats not good science. I dont mean to say string theory is not good
science, but publicizing it the way its done is not good science. I think
one should say what it has done, rather than this hyperbole.
What did you think of Lee Smolins book The Trouble with Physics? I
believe youve worked with him.
Ive worked with Lee but I have not read that book. Thats a qualifier that I
have here. Some of my close friends who are very good physicists who
have read the book who are not in gravity, but very good condensedmatter physicists said that they liked it. They thought that he made
good sense at the end. But string theorists say that the book is
misleading, it has wrong or false historical statements. I dont know
because I was not there. So, I dont know much about that.
I feel its very good that people like Lee, who understand things, write
such books expressing their point of view of it. But personally, I feel that I
would like to do science. Let its value be decided by what comes after
maybe its not worthwhile. Thats fine. I had a good time, and somehow
thats enough for me in some ways. But I do believe, as I told you before,
that I wouldnt be spending so much energy and time and concentration
unless I believe that it has some very good ideas. I firmly believe that
whatever the final theory is its not going to be loop quantum gravity as
we know it today but it would have some essential ideas that come from
loop quantum gravity; it would probably also have some essential ideas
from string theory I certainly think that the idea of quantum geometry
is going to survive. It is going to be there. It might be much more
transformed, but it is going to be there.
So, I feel that I personally dont want to get into these debates. I would
like to talk more about doing science.
20

Nithyanand Rao is a freelance science writer based in

Bangalore.Swetamber Das is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Physics
at IIT Madras.

21

Beware the Rise of the Pseudo-Intellectual: Tom Wolfes Boston

University Commencement Address
Few things bypass our cultures codified shell of cynicism more elegantly
and powerfully than the commencement address that singular mode of
intravenous wisdom-delivery wherein an elder steps onto a stage and
plugs straight into what Oscar Wilde called the temperament of
receptivity, so elusive in all hearts and doubly so in the young.
Historysgreatest commencement addresses masterworks like Joseph
Brodskys Speech at the Stadium andDavid Foster Wallaces This Is
Water deliver not vacant platitudes but hard-earned, life-tested insight
into the beliefs, behaviors, and habits of mind that embolden us to live
good, rewarding, noble lives.
That is what celebrated writer Tom Wolfe (b. March 2, 1931) delivered
when he took the podium at Boston University in 2000 with a
magnificent address included in Way More than Luck: Commencement
Speeches on Living with Bravery, Empathy, and Other Existential
Skills (public library).
Tom Wolfe by Henry Leutwyler
Wolfe begins by putting in perspective the value the gift of an
education:
As someone who grew up in the Great Depression of the 1930s, I know
that a commencement is a family triumph. Forget money. Aside from
love, the cardinal virtues, and time, there is no greater gift parents can
give a child than an education.
And yet much of the true value of education, Wolfe argues, is being
eclipsed by what he calls pernicious enlightenment our ideafetishism, continually fueled by the challenge of finding wisdom in the
age of information, which leads us to mistake surface impressions for
substantive understanding. Wolfe writes:
22

We live in an age in which ideas, important ideas, are worn like articles of
fashion and for precisely the same reason articles of fashion are worn,
which is to make the wearer look better and to feel la mode.
He examines the role of the middle class in the dissemination and
uptake of ideas:
The truth is that there is a common bond among all cultures, among all
peoples in this world at least among those who have reached the level
of the wheel, the shoe, and the toothbrush. And that common bond is
that much-maligned class known as the bourgeoisie the middle class
They are all over the world, in every continent, every nation, every society,
every culture, everywhere you find the wheel, the shoe, and the
toothbrush, and wherever they are, all of them believe in the same
things. And what are those things? Peace, order, education, hard work,
initiative, enterprise, creativity, cooperation, looking out for one another,
looking out for the future of children, patriotism, fair play, and honesty.
How much more do you want from the human beast? How much more
can you possibly expect?
I say that the middle class around the world is the highest form of
evolution. The bourgeoisie! the human beast doesnt get any better!
The worldwide bourgeoisie makes what passes today for aristocrats
people consumed by juvenility who hang loose upon society look like
shiftless children.
Perhaps with an eye to Virginia Woolfs legendary rant against the
malady of middlebrow, Wolfe notes:
We writers spent the entire twentieth century tearing down the
bourgeoisie! We in the arts have been complicit in the denigration of
the best people on earth. Why? Because so many of the most influential
ideas of our time are the product of a new creature of the twentieth
century, a creature that did not exist until 1898 and that creature is
known as the intellectual.
23

The true enemy of the assimilation of substantive ideas, Wolfe argues,

isnt the middlebrow person but the pseudo-intellectual or, even, the
intellectual for anyone who describes himself as an intellectual (to
say nothing of a public intellectual) already implies the pseudo by the
very act of such self-description. (You know the type perhaps he has an
exaggerated European accent of unidentifiable Germanic origin,
perhaps he quotes Voltaire excessively, perhaps he slips one too many
French words into ordinary speech where a perfectly good English option
exists.) Wolfe makes an important distinction:
We must be careful to make a distinction between the intellectual and
the person of intellectual achievement. The two are very, very different
animals. There are people of intellectual achievement who increase the
sum of human knowledge, the powers of human insight, and analysis.
And then there are the intellectuals. An intellectual is a person
knowledgeable in one field who speaks out only in others. Starting in the
early twentieth century, for the first time an ordinary storyteller, a
novelist, a short story writer, a poet, a playwright, in certain cases a
composer, an artist, or even an opera singer could achieve a tremendous
eminence by becoming morally indignant about some public issue. It
required no intellectual effort whatsoever. Suddenly he was elevated to a
plane from which he could look down upon ordinary people. Conversely
this fascinates me conversely, if you are merely a brilliant scholar,
merely someone who has added immeasurably to the sum of human
knowledge and the powers of human insight, that does not qualify you
for the eminence of being an intellectual.
Art by Maira Kalman from And the Pursuit of Happiness. Click image for
more.
Having often thought about the role of cynicism in our culture how we
use its self-righteous hubris to mask our insecurity and vulnerability I
24

find myself nodding vigorously with Wolfes observation about the use of
moral indignation in public discourse:
One of the things that I find really makes it worth watching all the
Academy Awards, all the Emmys, all those awards ceremonies, is to see
how todays actors and television performers have discovered the
formula. If you become indignant, this elevates you to the plane of
intellectual. No mental activity is required. It is a rule, to which there
has never been an exception, that when an actor or a television performer
rises up to the microphone at one of these awards ceremonies and
expresses moral indignation over something, he illustrates Marshall
McLuhans dictum that moral indignation is a standard strategy for
endowing the idiot with dignity.
Wolfe leaves graduates with a clarion call for cultivating the critical
discernment necessary for making up ones own mind in the face of such
wearable intellectualism:
Youre not going to find many traditional judges who can lead you any
longer, since they now wander helplessly, bemused by the willful
ignorance of that bizarre twentieth-century organism, the intellectual.
Youre going to have to make the crucial judgments yourselves. But you
are among the very handful of those who can do it.

25

On Sunday evening 13th July 2014, the Air

India's flight AI-144, a B-777, was ready for a routine flight from Newark
to Mumbai with 300 passengers and 15 crew. The weather in New Jersey
was heavy passing showers here and there.
It was a routine departure at about 5 pm (local time) for a long 15-16 hrs
flight to Bombay now Mumbai. The aircraft naturally was at its maximum
take off weight, as it was fully loaded with the fuel required for this long
transcontinental flight.
The take off run was a normal routine one. Immediately on lift off the
worst nightmare of a pilot, the loss of an engine at maximum take off
weight, happened. The left engine caught fire, and at the same time the
cockpit engine fire warnings did not function. The passengers and crew
sitting on the left side were horrified to see flames from the left engine.
Other airplanes and Air Traffic Control warned the Pilot of the engine
being on fire. The Pilots till that time unaware of the engine fire, checked
up and carried out the emergency drills as per the required procedures.
The B-777 is a 2 engine aircraft, and loosing one engine (50% power) at
the maximum a/c weight on take off is a nightmare for the best of Pilots
and in the best of circumstances.
In such an emergency, the Pilots will first think of making the aircraft
light, which is done by dumping the extra fuel. For this Pilots need to
climb up to a designated minimum height and dump the fuel in areas
already specified by the local airport authorities. The time to reach the
dumping height and area could have taken 15 to 30 minutes, because of
heavy weight and loss of an engine. The actual fuel dump can take
another 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the amount of fuel to be
26

dumped out. The exercise of dumping fuel to lighten the aircraft would
have taken any thing around 60 to 70 minutes, a valuable time they did
not have.
The Pilots had a serious emergency of an engine having been on fire at
hand. This could have caused, secondary as yet unknown failures. They
had to take an instant decision, which they rightfully took to land as soon
as possible, rather than use up precious time to try and dump fuel.
The immediate landing back, of course had its own problems. The very
high landing weight. This in turn will need the aircraft to be landed at a
much higher speed. The immediate anxiety of the Pilots in this case
would have been three fold. Firstly, will the airplane stop in the available
runway length, landing at about 200 Knots (which is 370 kms/hr), the
minimum speed required at the weight. Secondly, will the landing gear
take the load of landing at such a high speed and weight (85 tonnes
more than the maximum design landing weight). Thirdly, they were
flying only on one engine, which has its own problems of aircraft
handling and control.
The Pilots averted a major emergency into becoming a possible
catastrophe by landing the aircraft successfully back. The handling skills
and good cool airmanship displayed by the Pilots was the primary reason
of this emergency being converted into just an incident, which the Indian
media thought was of no consequence of being reported or being
commented upon. The visual media (all channels of TV) was only
concerned on a non issue of why one 'Ved Pratap Vaidik' met a certain '
Hafiz Saeed' on a visit to Pakistan. The print media was merely interested
in printing and commenting some dubious statistics where the ATC
Controllers and Pilots have erred. Regrettably the media just shut their
27

eyes to this incidence as it made no juicy news for them. They were not
interested in how a major catastrophe was averted and lives of 315
persons were saved by the good professional handling and competent
decisions of AIR INDIA PILOTS.
My congratulations to Capt Gautam Verma and his crew (2nd
Commander Capt Niranjan Singh & First Officers Capt Pankaj Wadhawan
& Capt Shilpika Das) for displaying airmanship and professional
competence of the highest order in handling a most difficult situation
competently and successfully.
It is disappointing that the PRO of Air India has also failed in bringing the
true facts of the incidence to the notice of the visual and print media and
getting the competence and proficiency of their employees due national
recognition. It should also be a matter of great national concern that the
Indian media had nothing to say about the competent handling of this
grave in flight situation and preventing it becoming a catastrophe.
The writer is a retired Air India & Indian Air Force Pilot with over 40 years
of flight experience.
Friends do share this with others, as the National media has failed to
recognize and give due credit to our Indian Pilots, who have done a great
and creditable job and not let a grave emergency develop into disaster.
Author : Dalavai Nagendra Babu Dinesh

28

NASA Adds to Evidence of Mysterious Ancient Earthworks

High in the skies over Kazakhstan, space-age technology has revealed an
ancient mystery on the ground.
Satellite pictures of a remote and treeless northern steppe reveal colossal
earthworks geometric figures of squares, crosses, lines and rings the
size of several football fields, recognizable only from the air and the
oldest estimated at 8,000 years old.
The largest, near a Neolithic settlement, is a giant square of 101 raised
mounds, its opposite corners connected by a diagonal cross, covering
more terrain than the Great Pyramid of Cheops. Another is a kind of
three-limbed swastika, its arms ending in zigzags bent counterclockwise.
Described last year at an archaeology conference in Istanbul as unique
and previously unstudied, the earthworks, in the Turgai region of
northern Kazakhstan, number at least 260 mounds, trenches and
ramparts arrayed in five basic shapes.

The Bestamskoe Ring is among the so-called Steppe Geoglyphs in

Kazakhstan at least 260 earthwork shapes made up of mounds,
trenches and ramparts, the oldest estimated at 8,000 years old,
recognizable only from the air.
Credit
DigitalGlobe, via NASA
Two weeks ago, in the biggest sign so far of official interest in
investigating the sites, NASA released clear satellite photographs of some
of the figures from about 430 miles up.
Ive never seen anything like this; I found it remarkable, said Compton
J. Tucker, a senior biospheric scientist for NASA in Washington who
provided the archived images, taken by the satellite contractor
DigitalGlobe, to Mr. Dey and The New York Times.
29

Ronald E. LaPorte, a University of Pittsburgh scientist who helped

publicize the finds, called NASAs involvement hugely important in
mobilizing support for further research.
This week, NASA put space photography of the region on a task list for
astronauts in the International Space Station. It may take some time for
the crew to take imagery of your site since we are under the mercy of sun
elevation angles, weather constraints and crew schedule, Melissa
Higgins of Mission Operations emailed Dr. LaPorte.
The archived images from NASA add to the extensive research that Mr.
Dey compiled this year in a PowerPoint lecture translated from Russian to
English.
I dont think they were meant to be seen from the air, Mr. Dey, 44, said
in an interview from his hometown, Kostanay, dismissing outlandish
speculations involving aliens and Nazis. (Long before Hitler, the swastika
was an ancient and near-universal design element.) He theorizes that the
figures built along straight lines on elevations were horizontal
observatories to track the movements of the rising sun.
Kazakhstan, a vast, oil-rich former Soviet republic that shares a border
with China, has moved slowly to investigate and protect the finds,
scientists say, generating few news reports.
I was worried this was a hoax, said Dr. LaPorte, an emeritus professor of
epidemiology at Pittsburgh who noticed a report on the finds last year
while researching diseases in Kazakhstan.
With the help of James Jubilee, a former American arms control officer
and now a senior science and technology coordinator for health issues in
Kazakhstan, Dr. LaPorte tracked down Mr. Dey through the State
Department, and his images and documentation quickly convinced them
of the earthworks authenticity and importance. They sought photos from
KazCosmos, the countrys space agency, and pressed local authorities to
seek urgent Unesco protection for the sites so far without luck.
30

Photo

The earthworks, including the Turgai Swastika, were spotted on Google

Earth in 2007 by Dmitriy Dey, a Kazakh archaeology enthusiast.
Credit
DigitalGlobe, via NASA
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Continue reading the main story
In the Cretaceous Period 100 million years ago, Turgai was bisected
by a strait from what is now the Mediterranean to the Arctic Ocean.
The rich lands of the steppe were a destination for Stone Age tribes
seeking hunting grounds, and Mr. Deys research suggests that the
31

Mahandzhar culture, which flourished there from 7,000 B.C. to

5,000 B.C., could be linked to the older figures. But scientists
marvel that a nomadic population would have stayed in place for
the time required to fell and lay timber for ramparts, and to dig out
lake bed sediments to construct the huge mounds, originally 6 to
10 feet high and now 3 feet high and nearly 40 feet across.
Persis B. Clarkson, an archaeologist at the University of Winnipeg
who viewed some of Mr. Deys images, said these figures and
similar ones in Peru and Chile were changing views about early
nomads.
The idea that foragers could amass the numbers of people
necessary to undertake large-scale projects like creating the
Kazakhstan geoglyphs has caused archaeologists to deeply
rethink the nature and timing of sophisticated large-scale human
organization as one that predates settled and civilized societies, Dr.
Clarkson wrote in an email.
Enormous efforts went into the structures, agreed Giedre
Motuzaite Matuzeviciute, an archaeologist from Cambridge
University and a lecturer at Vilnius University in Lithuania, who
visited two of the sites last year. She said by email that she was
dubious about calling the structures geoglyphs a term applied to
the enigmatic Nazca Lines in Peru that depict animals and plants
because geoglyphs define art rather than objects with function.
Dr. Matuzeviciute and two archaeologists from Kostanay University,
Andrey Logvin and Irina Shevnina, discussed the figures at a
meeting of European archaeologists in Istanbul last year.
With no genetic material to analyze neither of the two mounds that
have been dug into is a burial site Dr. Matuzeviciute said she used
optically stimulated luminescence, a method of measuring doses from
ionizing radiation, to analyze the construction material, and came up with
32

a date from one of the mounds of around 800 B.C. Other preliminary
studies push the earliest date back more than 8,000 years, which could
make them the oldest such creations ever found. Other materials yield
dates in the Middle Ages.
Mr. Dey said some of the figures might have been solar observatories
akin, according to some theories, to Stonehenge in England and the
Chankillo towers in Peru.
Everything is linked through the cult of the sun, said Mr. Dey, who
spoke in Russian via Skype through an interpreter, Shalkar Adambekov, a
doctoral student at the University of Pittsburgh.
The discovery was happenstance.

33

Akkai Padmashali, a transgender who isfighting for the rights and

acceptance of her community, has beenrecognised for her efforts

Born as a boy named Jagdish, Akkai chose to become a transgender. She

contacted other transgender women and told them about her dilemma
and her desire to be one of them. They cautioned her that this path
would only be full of problems. But Akkai was determined. She wasnt
happy as a boy, and wanted to change as soon as she could.
At a young age of 12, suffocated in her own body, she wanted to commit
suicide. But she didnt. Instead, she gathered enough courage to disclose
her real identity. The journey wasnt easy. From facing sexual violence, to
taking up sex work for four years, Akkai faced all of it with immense
strength.
She not only transformed her life, but is also changing the way our
society treats sexual minorities.
She joined Sangama, a local NGO that works with sexual minorities and
later founded Ondede (meaning convergence in Kannada), an
organisation that aims to create awareness about sexuality, sexual
diversity and the right to choose ones sexual orientation.
The award is not just her victory, but an achievement for the entire
transgender community. You can readAkkais life story here.
Other recipients of the honour include the Chairman of Indian Space
Research Organisation, A.S. Kiran Kumar, cricketer Vinay Kumar, writer
Aryambha Pattabhi, former judge A.J. Sadashiva, film actors Sowcar
Janaki, Sadashiva Brahmavar, Shani Mahadevappa and Sadhu Kokila,
and theatre actor H.G. Somashekara Rao. A total of60 personalities have
been chosen for this years Karnataka Rajyotsava Award.

34

Rajyotsava Award is the second highest civilian honour of Karnataka

state. It is conferred annually on November 1 the formation day
of Karnataka State that is celebrated as Kannada Rajyotsava. The award
recognizes people who have shown extra ordinary commitment in their
chosen fields. This year, it carries a prize of Rs. 1 lakh, a 20-gram gold
medal and a citation.
My Story: They Believed That As A Transgender I Can Be Treated &
Handled Any Way They Want
Yesterday night I and my boyfriend was attacked while returning from a
dinner party with friends. The only reason was to get so violent for those
men was they wanted to touch me all over and talk to me. And when I
and my boyfriend opposed to what they were doing, they got so angry
that started hitting both of us.
Those men believed that as a trans person I can be treated and handle
any way they want and I should not be opposing it. Fact remains same
that whether you are female or feminine or or anywhere near where you
express your femininity will be attacked in this patriarchal society.
I have no idea where are we heading towards with so much of hate for
minorities.
The Logical Indian Communitys strongest condemnation goes out to the
attackers of Ms. Rudrani Chettri Chauhan. The attack further highlights
the stains of patriarchy in our in-equal society. The Logical Indian
requests the government to bring the guilty to justice and enact a tough
legislation to empower and safeguard the transgender community
against such attacks. Our unflinching support goes out to Ms. Rudrani,
the transgender community and the struggles & challenges they face.

35

Chhotu The Boy Who Grew Up Too Soon

Today I met a Man who is holding a dream of his family on his little
shoulder. You might be thinking that why I am using the word Man for
a 10 years old child..!! Because, he is among the earning members of
his family. A year back he came from Patna, Bihar to Delhi with his elder
brother to became a support for his family.
Delhi is a dream City for many of us. In India an average family size is
about 4.8 members, still I am calling that he belongs from a small
family of just 8 members, father , mother, one elder brother & sister and
3 younger sisters. He and his elder brother is only earning member of
their family. In Delhi he lived with his elder brother near Akshardham
Metro station and travels daily to Lajpat Nagar Metro station to earn few
pennies by selling novel/fiction books at a minimum margin of Rs.
20-30, earns daily Rs 200-250 .When I asked him about his primary
studies/schooling or knows how to study , he replied baap ne kaha
school chor aur 2-4 paise kama. This is the actual truth of very poor
families in India.
Later, I asked him after few earnings, when he had a visit to his family
and what did he took for them ..? Then with an innocent smile on his face
he replied-pichla holi gaya tha or sab Ke liya mithaai le gya , maa ko
saree di or choti behno Ko frock diya. His devotion for his family and
innocence touched my heart because I am also earning from last 5
months and when I visited to my home, my hands were empty. He taught
me the importance and values in life towards family and others at such a
small age.
Today in our country children are still struggling for their livelihood. A
child instead of going to school, working for his family livelihood..!! Who
36

is actually responsible parents ??Government??Situation?? or us ??

These questions remained unanswered from several decades
Lastly,A book which we buy from him might help him to bring 4 chapatti
in his home.

37

The UPPSC Aspirant Who Pulls A Rickshaw For A Living

While returning home after my morning walk yesterday, I saw this
gentleman sitting inside his rickshaw, lost in deep study with a book in
his hands. I was curious and decided to say hello.
His name was Sunil, and he was a rickshaw-puller originally from
Lakhimpur Khiri. He told me that he was a graduate and he was studying
for his upcoming UPPSC exams. That came as a very pleasant surprise. I
also noticed some general knowledge books in his rickshaw. He told me
that he plied his rickshaw in nearby areas, and that he did not have a
house to live in, but in fact slept in his rickshaw itself. I asked him how he
managed to survive outside during the winters. He told me that he
manages somehow.
I asked him why he did not rent a room somewhere, to which he replied,
my fellow rickshaw-pullers live in noisy neighborhoods. They drink
liquor in the nights and have regular fights and arguments in their
localities. How will I manage to study at peace with all the chaos?. I could
only nod.
Soon after, two people came and asked to be dropped to the Lakshmi
Nagar Metro Station. Sunil agreed and bade me goodbye.
I have decided to help him in whatever way I can. I am planning to buy
him the Competition Success magazine every month, and a few
notebooks too.
I do not know whether he will clear his exams or not, but his
determination and dedication deserve our respect and salute.
Lal Babu Lalit

38

My Story: How RTI Changed My Life

RTI Changed My Life
The Right to Information has not been simply a tool to combat corruption.
For me, it proved to be life changing. It helped me face and solve a huge
personal problem and helped me reach one step closer to my academic
goals. After clearing my higher secondary examination I had started
preparing for CLAT (Common Law Admission Test). As the date of formsubmission came closer, some of my friends who were already pursuing
legal studies conveyed to me, during a course of conversation, that I was
ineligible to appear for any law entrance examination of the Country
since I had passed my higher secondary examination from National
Institute of Open Schooling commonly known as N.I.O.S. This
information was a complete shock to me. I felt as though all my dreams
had been shattered. I had wanted to pursue legal studies from my early
days of schooling. I had absolutely no idea how to acquire information
that would help confirm the truth of what I had heard. I lived in a small
village and didnt have access to modes of seeking information. I had
very limited knowledge of the internet.
I telephoned the Bar Council of India office, New Delhi, hoping that I
would get the true and correct information that I needed so desperately,
but the response I received was no relief to me at all. It confirmed the
Information passed on to me by my friends. In anxiety, I kept telephoning
the BCI office and in this way telephoned them more than 20 times with
a hope that some other official may pick up the phone and say that I am
eligible but it didnt happen and I failed in my every attempt. Thereafter I
contacted NUJS, Kolkata which was conducting CLAT that year and it too
confirmed the Information that I am not eligible to sit in this
examination. As a last effort, I started contacting Private Universities over
39

phone but all of them disappointed me by confirming that the legal

profession had closed its doors to me.
At this time when I had become entirely depressed and hopeless, I read a
piece of Information in a Hindi daily about the immense power of this
beautiful legislation called the Right To Information. I didnt know how to
write an RTI application and whom to send it to. But I knew I had to try.
So, I picked up a plain white paper and drafted an application not in its
prescribed format but in the ordinary form of a letter of grievance and
sent it to the HRD Ministry, Government of India. A few days later, I
received a reply that the subject matter of my Information pertains to the
NIOS and the same has been transferred to it. Within a month, I received
a detailed reply from NIOS with all relevant documents which opened the
blocked door to my legal studies. The barriers I faced were created due to
the false, inauthentic and misleading Information passed on to me by
several entities. The Information I received through the RTI revealed that I
was absolutely competent to sit any law entrance test. Unfortunately, I
couldnt appear for CLAT that year because it had become too late to
submit the application. Today, I am successfully pursuing my fourth year
of Law from a reputed private university situated in the capital city of
Odisha. This happened because of the power of Right to Information. I
sometimes think, that if I had been born in a Pre-RTI era, I wouldnt have
been able to fulfil my dream of pursuing legal studies.
Ordinary Peoples Power
After this first taste of the power of Information, I have filed more than
200 RTI applications till date encompassing multiple public issues and
including a few personal as well. When I used to live in Varanasi, inflated
electricity bills were a huge problem for the entire locality. Common
people used to receive electricity bills amounting to Rs.10 lakhs, 20
lakhs, and in one shocking case, 200 crores as well. This happened
because the departmental staff did not come to check electricity meters
40

as per their duty. I met several higher officials of the department

numerous times with a request to send their staff to our locality but they
paid no heed to my pleas. I ultimately filed an RTI application seeking
detailed records of meter checking by the concerned electricity
department and things changed overnight. The next day concerned S.D.O
came and promised to send the staff regularly for meter-checking and
solve all the other related grievances of the public then and there.
Recent Past: The Sorry State of Governance
At a time when our strongest anti-corruption and transparency
legislations has entered a decade, the attitudes of the States towards the
Right to Information Act reflect a sorry state of Governance. My personal
experiences in using the RTI in the recent past have become
unfortunately bitter experiences. To state a few of these experiences, 5 RTI
applications have been stonewalled by PMO, three by Ministry of Home
Affairs, two by Ministry of External affairs, one by President Secretariat,
one by NHRC and one by UGC.
The Govt. of NCT of Delhi which came to power advocating transparency
in the Governance has also refused similar, genuine Information which
the PMO and the President Secretariat had refused, citing different
unjustified grounds. To me, this showed that almost all the prime
democratic Institutions entrusted with the task of strengthening the
democratic structure of our nation are defeating the very spirit of
democracy by refusing to share Information with the people. I feel that
every attempt to conceal Information from the stakeholders of democracy
threatens the foundations of that democracy.
The RTI has been a personal journey for me but it has also helped me
question issues larger than my own life. It helped me fulfil my dreams
and connected me to the fabric of democracy in India. Information and
access to information changed my life. I celebrate and salute a decade of
the vital, fundamental, life-changing, peoples Right to Information law in
41

India, and hope that it will be used by many others like me in the next
ten years. I am convinced it will make transparency and accountability
more real for the ordinary citizen, and help build a healthier and more
robust democracy.

42

My Story: We People Are Too Lucky Who Enjoy All The Luxuries Of
Life
I am working in Mindspace in Navi Mumabai(Airoli) which is house of big
IT companies like Accenture,L&T,Capgemini,Wipro etc. About
15000-20000 IT engineers work here with handsome packages.
On Friday,when I was going towards office I saw a child of about 12-14
years old sitting outside road of Mindspace. He was shoe shiner and was
asking every person going in front of him to stop and make their boot
polish from him.
As everyone was in hurry to the office, every one snubs him. As I passed
that child, I noticed he was crying as no one was stopping. Looking at him
I stopped there and asked him to polish my shoes and while crying he
started polish. Courageously,when I asked the reason why he was crying.
He said (Ghar mei meri maa or sirf main hun,ghar ka kharcha nai chalta,
sirf 50-60 ka dhandha hota hai roj). He is the only child living with his
mother and he only earns 50-60 Rs per month.
We people are too lucky who enjoys all luxuries of life like
mobile,internet,food to eat,house to live.We waste so much money in
things even we dont need. But unfortunately there are so many people
living in poverty with lack of water,food,proper sanitation and other
necessary amenities of life.
This child is one of those people. At his age it would have been easy for
him to beg, but instead he has chosen for hardwork. I request all people
who works at mindpace make your shoes polish from him even just a
once week, it will be great help for him.
Approx 80% Of People In Mumbai Beggars Home Are Not Beggars
Eliminate begging, get the children basic education.
43

When I see a shocking scene like this, when a one-month old infant is
lying with a blind lady on a station platform, I ask- Does anyone know
what can be done to this one-month old infant lying in the hands of a
blind lady in the platform of the Chembur railway station?
The infant has been continuously crying and his voice is not even heard
by anyone, because the busy life in Mumbai does not let anyone look
around oneself and see what is going on. And there is also a loser- a guy
wearing saffron robes (a sannyasi dress), sitting next to her and eating
chips, while the infant was tired and tired of crying. When I told that the
infant has been continuously crying, the lady pretended as if breastfeeding him. I am still not sure the infant is theirs, or if it is part of a
begging gang/scam.
Now, the last time I called an NGO, they said oh everyone knows about
the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 according to which
begging is a crime, take them to the police and they will rehabilitate
them. Then, if police were already doing this, by now, there should be no
beggars in India. I also read in another article that 80% pf people who are
in beggars home in Chembur are not beggars. Most of them are old
people, cancer patients etc., who have been mistakenly put into beggars
home by police.
The primary goal in our country should be provide 2 meals per day to
everyone. When I was riding a taxi from CST to Marine drive, the taxi
driver was discussing that, since there are no jobs in villages, people run
to the city and then they have no place to sleep, so they lie on the streets.
Cities like Bangalore, Mumbai have created so so many jobs in the city
that it has increased the number of homeless people and slums. There
should be a strategy to distribute the jobs across the state and send the
child beggars to schools, get them education. This is the only sure shot
way to ensure that at least the next generation does not beg, and can
stand on their own feet.
44

I Agree Everyone Wants Profit Out Of Their Business But That Is Not
How They Make It
I stay in Vasai area of Mumbai. Today i visited a beer shop and asked for 3
cans of beer which cost Rs.100 each, and i was charged Rs. 105 for each.
when asked i was told that the rates have increased i said okay and paid
the amount but just before leaving the shop i checked the price tag on
the can it was Rs. 100, so i asked that person that it is Rs. 100 and your
are charging me Rs. 5 extra so he said its cooling charges which we take,
so i said fine but why on each can, he said thats the rate and you need to
give it. so i said fine if you give me a bill, i am ready to pay, as the MRP is
Rs.100 so he refused. So i said at least charge me the cooling charge on
one of the can as i am taking 3 cans so he said NO. So i gave the cans
back, took back my money and left. Then i went to another beer shop and
the same thing happened. Next i went to a cold drink shop and took 2
bottles of thumbs up, there the shopkeeper charged me Rs. 1 as cooling
charge on each bottle, i paid and left.
If i am not wrong all this costs are already included in the MRP when sold
to the shopkeeper by the distributor, and so why charge extra?? And if
they are charging extra for cooling when it is already included in the MRP,
they should sale the bottle at less cost when they give us a warm bottle.
This cooling charges are found in almost 90% of shops in Mumbai and
they are not even worried about any one complaining about it.
I agree everyone wants profit out of their business but that is not how
they make it.

45

My Story: That Time I Say His Face So Happy As He Had Won Lottery
Of Lakhs Of Rupees
I am from Nagpur and working in Hyderabad in IT company. I used to
travel my hometown often (in a month or two) by railway.
Whenever reached to Nagpur railway station, I hear loud noises from
auto-rickshaw drivers, somehow with neat dresses, for Sitabuldi stop
(which is a Central stop and around 2/3 km from railway station). They
used to charge Rs.15 for shared and Rs. 40/50 for private.
But there are some people who quietly stand to railway station, coming
to passengers and asking to opt for their transport. These people are
none other than CYCLE RICKSHAW pullers. Most of the time, you will see
them filthy, perspired, with untidy and poor dress.
They will charge you Rs 40 or if you negotiate they will drop you at Rs. 25
as well due to the fear they will miss this passenger as well.
Some months back, due to non-availability of auto rickshaws I
approached to one of the cycle rickshaw pullers, who was in late 40s.
His cycle rickshaw was seemed old like his age. He asked me for Rs. 40
but after negotiation, he became ready at Rs. 30. During that 2 km
journey, his cycle rickshaw chain went down twice and he stopped to
repair it. I asked him why he dont buy a NEW cycle rickshaw. He laughed
and said Kya saahab, meri din ki kamayi hi 150-200 rupaye hai jisme
mujhe apne parivar ko bhi chalana padta hai.
I was stunned by his statement and kept quiet. He is earning only Rs.
6000 max per month in which he needs to feed his family, send her 9
year daughter to school (Zila parishad of course as he cannot afford any
other school). And we used to bargain with them for Rs. 10/20. I think,
nowadays, beggars are earning more than that.
I Din ke aapko kitne passengers mil jate hai ?
He 3-4 mushkil se milte hai
46

I Oh, Fir baki waqt ?

He Agar passenger na mile toh hum apne rickshaw se boriyo ka saman
pahucha dete hai. Hamari majburi ka fayda uthake duakan ka malik
humse wo boriyo ka kaam 20-30 rupayo me kara leta hai. Ab kya kare, ye
cycle hi hamari rozi-roti hai.. Jaisa kaam mila waisa kr lete hai. Ghar
chalana hai.
Finally we reached to the stop and I handed him Rs. 100. He said,
Sahaab change dijiye, mere paas 100 ka chutta nahi hai. I asked him to
keep the remaining rupees with him. He got surprised and asked,
Really ? I smiled and said, yes.
That time I say his face so happy as he had won lottery of lakhs of rupees.
I felt contented and left.
I then thought , we, citizens of Modern India, used to spend loads of
money over shopping, entertainment, and even cabs and most of the
time never compromised/bargained due to the brand or luxury we are
getting. But we always bargained with poor, be it rickshaw-wala, street
sabji-wala or any poor labour.
Thus in our country, rich are getting richer and poor gets poorer. It is not
only due to govt. policies but also because of us, our mentality.
From that time on-wards, I always preferred Cycle rickshaw over Autorickshaw drivers for smaller distances and always handed them more
money (Rs. 50 or so) than what they used to expect. I might be losing
some extra money but the happiness I see it on their face is worth more
than that.
Many people are not preferring them as they felt it is time consuming to
reach to Sitabuldi or any nearby destination. Of course it is because they
dont have Engine or what is called Horsepower in their cycle rickshaw.
But they are hard-working and if you are not in hurry, you can always opt
for them, thereby keeping their faith on their work.
47

Many fesivals are coming now. We can cut down some expenses over
decoration/shopping etc. and help the poor labour by not bargaining, or
even giving some extra money (Rs 10/20 or so) if you feel its worth so
that they can also celebrate the festival and buy some new clothes for
their family. A little contribution from everyone can ultimately lead to
bigger help.
Same goes for our farmers who are under heavy depression and
continuously committing suicide due to drought situation. We depend
on them everytime for our food but this time they need us under this
horrific situation. I will request @The Logical Indian to share the gateway
by which we can provide them monitory assistance or any other help they
require.
By doing the above, they will be encouraged for the work they are doing
and not feel depressed, which ultimately leading them to become a
beggar or do suicide.
My Story: It Was The Hard Work And Determination Of These People
This is not actually my story, but the story of a group of doctors, medical
students and a few senior citizens of Gorakhpur. It is a story of will-power,
determination and hard-work. On 2nd of October 2014, a small Safai
Abhiyan was held in the BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur.
The staff and the students were asked to clean the colleges premises. It
was a one-day program. Everyone was quite happy. However, one of the
doctors, DR P N Singh (Professor, ENT department) was not. He wanted to
take it to a whole new level. He shared his idea with his doctor colleagues
and it was welcomed by all. It was decided that every Sunday, the doctors
will reach the college sharp at 5 AM and clean the college campus.

48

The first Sunday witnessed around 15-20 people. Gradually, the college
students, the workers, the sweepers and even the other concerned
citizens of our city started joining this mission. Today we are a group of
around 80 people who reach the college every Sunday at 5 AM. This Safai
Abhiyan begins at 5 AM and goes till 9 AM, continuously.
It was the hard work and determination of these people that the Medical
college, which a few months back was always cursed for poor
maintenance and garbage disposal now is a topic of discussion
everywhere. Around 1500 plants have been planted till date. Initially,
wooden frames were used to protect them from grazing animals, but the
plan failed since the rush of ambulances and other vehicles smashed
them. So now, steel casings are used, cemented and are painted in the
color of our tricolor so that no one spits on them.
The plan really worked! The funds for this were raised by the doctors
themselves. This was the summary of the full-fledged Safai Abhiyan
going on in the BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur since 2nd October
2014, every Sunday, without any gap. No matter how the weather is.
I Can Only Say That I Am Still Dealing With It Everyday
When I lost my mother I didnt just lose a parent I lost my conscience
keeper, my sense of balance and my best friend. When you ask me how
Ive dealt with it.
I can only say that Im still dealing with it everyday. Theres no dealing
with something like that once and for all. She was such a strong
personality that everyday I try to channelize my energy in the way she
would have liked me to.
I know shes watching over me, so I try my best to make sure shes proud
of who Im becoming. Even in the midst of her cancer treatment she
insisted that I go back to college to complete my senior year, and my
49

brother begins shooting for his first film because thats the kind of
woman she was.
We always came before everything else for her and she didnt want us to
put anything on hold because of her illness.
The hardest part I guess was coming to a home without her because for
me home was where my mother was and now home is wherever my
brother is. Even without being here shes made me so strong.
Im 511, strong, independent and nowhere close to being a damsel in
distress. Its because of her, that I dont need anyone to save me. I already
have myself for that.
A Drunken Man Sat In My Cab And Started Hurling Abuses At Me
The other day a drunken man sat in my cab and started hurling abuses
at me. I bore it and safely dropped him home at 4am, but I was very
upset because as it is my job is so under appreciated.
I was so cynical, I actually considered leaving and going back to
Chandigarh.
Just then, another customer got in and asked me to take him to the
airport. Even though it was early in the morning, he asked me my name,
where I came from and where I stay in Bombay.
Half way through the journey he opened a box of sandwiches and offered
me one and when he got out, he smiled and gave me 50 Rupees extra
because 2 or 3 cab drivers before me had refused to take him.
This is Bombay ; it has so many worlds within it that even if you want to
leave it- you cant.

50

My Story: Why Its So Wrong To Be Divorced?

My uncle suggested a boy for me to marry a few years ago, and my
parents trusted his decision. A few years into the marriage, I realized that
he was an alcoholic and very abusive under the influence.
I tried to stay patient and change his habits but when I couldnt take it
anymore I decided to leave him. I expected my parents to be supportive,
but instead they were pressurizing me to go back to him and not shame
the family.
My husband and uncle brainwashed my parents into believing that I was
lying about everything. I knew that if I continued to stay at my parents
house, I would eventually succumb to the pressure and go back to him
so I left for Bombay.
I work here at a salon, but Ive never felt more alone. Even here, men look
down upon me because of my failed marriage. I dont understand how
Ive shamed my family, or why its so wrong to be divorced? What do they
want for me to suffer but continue putting a smile on my face?
The Man Who Brought IIPM Down And Saved Many Students Lives
I have always held that if what we say is truth, we must defend ourselves
and the truth, no matter the stress of time, emotion and resources. We
fail the larger cause when we end up with a compromise. It is far better
not telling the truth than compromise and ratify a lie. Indian Institute of
Planning and Management(IIPM) was a test case, where multiple cases
were launched against me in different courts across the country.
One such case was a criminal case filed against me in Gurgaon, which we
challenged in the Chandigarh High court. After a 4 year struggle and
many hearings, today, The Honble judge was pleased to pass the
following order:
51

Under these circumstances, it would be wholly unjustified and in fact, it

will be an abuse of the process of the Court, if the petitioners are
subjected to undergo trial. The respondents could not place any
document on record even to show what the petitioner had published was
wrong. They have no proof to support the claims made by them.This
Court is of the view that the proceedings pending against the petitioners
are nothing but an abuse of the process and in order to meet the ends of
justice, the summoning order and the complaint are quashed. The
petition is allowed. Copy of this order be sent to the Court concerned.
-Peri Maheshwar , He fought against the fraudulent nature of degree
conferred by IIPM leading to closing down of the IIPM. In December
2013, the Delhi High Court barred IIPM from publishing any TV, print or
online advertisements without first obtaining the courts approval, given
that past IIPM advertisements had potentially misled the public. In
September 2014 Delhi High Court censured IIPM for misleading
students and restrained it from using words like MBA, BBA, management
course, and b-school to describe the programs it offers. IIPM has stopped
admitting students directly from the current year, and will shut its
campuses across India one by one.
Peri Maheshwar is the founder of Career 360, He believes that
demographic dividend India seeks can turn into a nightmare if youth are
not shown the right direction to best utilise their capabilities. He
graduated in mathematics and economics and, in 1991, became one of
the youngest students in the country to pass his chartered accountancy
exams at the age of 21.

52

Jagdish Meena: Rickshaw Puller, Waiter And Now An Assistant

Professor
Someone said very true, Always remember that your present situation is
not your final destination. The best is yet to come. If your present
situation is worst, not as per your expectation and even after that you are
satisfied with it and dont make any effort to change it, then it cannot be
changed. But if you have enough dedication, spirit, zeal, enthusiasm, and
most important strong willpower, then there is the whole world to win.
You can do whatever with your life, either you can ruin it or make the best
of it. It depends only on you. You are the only creator of your own destiny,
God is only to write in your destiny what you deserve depends on your
efforts.
The story of Jagdish Meena, who overcame adversities and realized his
dreams. In this story, we shared an account of the struggle of a man who
finally scripted his success story by sheer dint of hard work, weathering
the difficulties resulting from poverty and paucity that the life unfolded
for him.
This real life story is that of Jagdish Meena who went on to become an
assistant professor in Rajasthan University, Jaipur overcoming all the
obstacles that crossed his ways.
He did everything from pulling rickshaw to working as a waiter in
marriages in order to make his dream fulfilled and meeting the expenses
of his education. He never gave up in his life full of struggle. All the
efforts and hard work that he put in like this one day paid off. He pulled
himself a job of assistant professor in Rajasthan University.
53

According to professor Meena, his parents were farmers, but due to water
scarcity in his village, no farming could take place. So his father did
masonry work to feed the family of eight. But his earning was not
sufficient for brought up of six brothers and sisters. He says that due to
financial constraints, his father could not afford his school expenses.
jm
His Eyes were full of Tears while Pulling the Rickshaw
Professor Jagdish says, I was 14 years old in class 10th. I lived in
Karnawar village of Baswa Tehsil. Some people used to come to Jaipur for
pulling rickshaw from my village. I also came to Jaipur with them. My
heart became full of sufferings and eyes were full of tears when I pulled
rickshaw with two or three passengers. I used to sleep and eat in a
rickshaw on the pavement. I pulled rickshaw only seven days in a month
so that studies couldnt be affected. I also came to Rajasthan University to
leave passengers but never dared to enter the university. I set up
rickshaw on the left side of the gate and thought while seeing the
students that if today I compromised with my life, then I will have to pull
rickshaw lifetime. It was not the life that I always wanted. Then I decided
to become a professor in Rajasthan University. To fulfill this dream, I
pulled rickshaw till class 12th.
Job of a Waiter to pay Bill of Mess
After passing 12th class exams, he took admission in Rajasthan
Universitys Fine Arts programme. I started to live in Meena Hostel. Bill of
hostels mess was of Rs. 1000- 2000, that was not possible to pay for me.
Parents used to lend money from others and sent to me. But sometimes
54

it couldnt happen. As I had no money to pay for the hostel mess, I started
working as a waiter in the marriages. I graduated with a gold medal. I
could have easily got a good job at that time, but I wanted to do
something bigger. So I decided to continue with my studies. I took
admission in PG (Post Graduate) in 2007. To afford studies expenses, I
started taking drawing classes in private schools. I also made live
portraits in art fairs at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur, where I was paid Rs.
100 for every portrait. After that, I worked for three years in a school in
Rajgarh during which I completed my Ph.D. and at the age of 31, I
became an assistant professor at the Rajasthan University. And my dream
has fulfilled now. Professor Jagdish says.
So this is the success story of Professor Jagdish Meena. Hope you got
inspired from his efforts.

55

My Story: I Noticed That They Were Barefoot And So I Bought Them

Slippers
I met this neglected and extremely poor family. I had just finished a
lavish lunch (with food wastage) and saw them outside the restaurant.
They were estranged, messed up, hungry etc. My heart cried and I opted
to offer them something. I noticed that they were barefoot and so I
bought them slippers.
On discussion, I came to know that they were farmers. Unfortunately, the
situation of farmers in our country is very horrible. They wanted food and
the father said , - .
They were asking for leftover food!
Those who grow food have nothing to eat. And, after that day I promised
myself never-ever to waste food on my plate. This is the least I can do to
respect the farmers dignity. God is everywhere and also its in food.
I learned one of the biggest lessons of my life LOVE FOOD HATE
WASTAGE!

56

My Story: I Was Amazed To See The Spirit Of This Young Soul

That day, I was returning from my work on a Saturday evening in a local

train from Church gate to Borivali.
I was half drowsy so every now and then used to raise my head to give a
look around. It was in Vile Parle that I was astonished to see a wrinkly old
lady with a walking stick in one hand and a bunch of beaded bands on
the other hand. I was amazed to see the spirit of that soul and her NEVER
SAY DIE attitude.
I brought 2 pieces from her (not only out of respect) also because those
were pretty enough pieces to buy just for 10 bucks. Out of curiosity when
I enquired of her age, I found her as very amiable and high spirited
women of 82. We got down on the same station and I could see the
difficulty she was facing to even get down the train hence could imagine
her entire days labor she does to survive.
She told me her name is Kamala ben Mehta. She was discarded by her
family and she lives with her brother in his house for which she has to
pay Rs 130 to him (and provided with one time meal). My intention of
writing is only to spread the word around and to help her even in
smallest possible way. Salute to her spirits!

57

My Story: I Realized That Rickshaw Puller Was Actually Pulling With

One Leg
My heart sank today when, while coming back home, I realized that the
rickshaw puller was actually pulling with one leg.
This totally shows the hardships of life. Some people cry about it, and
some people are fighters like him.
I asked him to take the money and said that I would take another
rickshaw. But he refused. Hat off to his spirit and hard work. You are an
inspiration.
While we feel pity for him, he continues to inspire others. The Logical
Indian Community salutes this real Life hero who can show light even to
Sun. We also feel proud of members who never fail to ignore such
inspirations and share with us to light up other peoples lives.

58

My Story: While Travelling, Bus Conductor Makes Us Believe In

Humanity
Its expected to get a ticket from a conductor while travelling by bus and
the relation between the commuters and conductor ends then and there
itself.
While travelling to Bahadurgarh, the bus conductor, after issuing tickets
to the passengers, came up with something that startled everyone. It was
never seen before.
He distributed water to everyone. He does this task not to impress
anyone but for himself. It is least expected of anyone to come up with
this kind of task as this does not add to his salary. His small initiative gave
a direction to do something in life.
The Logical Indian salutes the humanitarian efforts of this man. If this
story gives direction to even one person then surely it can do the same to
many others, too.
The 4 Rupees Helicopter Ride; Story Of A Lady Fulfilling Her Dying
Husbands Wish
He may not survive long. It would be too difficult for you alone to carry
his body later from Mumbai to your town. Upon asking, the Doctor told
the plain truth to the woman who already understood through her stay in
Tata Cancer Hospital since last month that her husbands cancer was not
curable. She still wanted to make sure he received every treatment which
is available, before giving up. She was with tears in her eyes but a firm
expression as she walked walking down the corridor to the stairs to the
ward; the same corridor that she walked through and the same stairs she
went up and down during the last month, carrying tea from a vendor
downstairs and washing dishes to make some money for her husbands
59

treatment. He was suffering from laryngeal cancer. She came to her

husband and he knew by looking at her what the doctor might have said.
He consoled her, Vijaya I am proud of you. It is no small thing for a small
town girl to have come to Mumbai and sustain like this. I guess I am
ready to go. You also be ready to let go. Since we have children to take
care of. Lets go back.
She didnt say a word, completed all the paperwork, got her husband
discharged and they were heading towards the station. But where they
arrived was actually elsewhere. The man asked where they were. She held
his hand, brought him near a counter saying, Mumbai Darshan by
helicopter for 4 Rs.( have a look at Mumbai through helicopter ). It was
1970s. She said , you always say that you want to get a ride in a
helicopter. This is least I can do for you.
You have done more than enough. He said with a heavy voice. Both of
them took the ride and came back home. He died 3 months later.
She took over family and raised three children. One of them is my father.
She was my grandmother. She inspired me and made sure I became a
doctor. Although she is not with us anymore, her stories still inspire us. I
felt like sharing one of those.

60

My Story: And He Said Mummy Tabaele Mei Kaam Karti Hain, Papa
Off Ho Gaye
That boy right there, his name is Nandu Vijay Pawar. I met him while
going to Baroda. The train was to leave at 3:45 pm and he entered my
coach at 3:40 pm with a school bag.
He started asking people something, but many didnt respond and
others were busy stuffing their luggage beneath the seats.
He came to my compartment and told me Joothe polish karvalo I said,
Mere pass joothe nahi hain jo polish ho sake, Yeh lo Rs.20/- (I dont
have any shoes to get polished. Take this Rs 20). He declined to take the
money and told me something, I wasnt expecting. No, I will not take
money if you dont get any shoes polished. I am not begging. I want to
work and earn and he said that in English. I was a bit shocked with the
way he responded and an aunty and uncle were sitting right across my
seat and they were shocked as well.
I told him Par joothe hain hi nai, Kya polish karoge? (But I there are no
shoes, what will you polish?)
He said, Aapke joote haina yeh wale. Usse saaf kar dunga. (These shoes
of yours. I will clean them)
I didnt want him to do that, but his will to earn money by working and
not begging made me remove my shoes and give it to him. He cleaned
my shoes and while he was cleaning them. Aunty asked him, Kya karte
ho shoe polish ke alava? (What do you do apart from polishing shoes?)
And he replied I go to a school in Goregaon.
Uncle asked him, Tumhare maa-baap kya karte hain? (What do your
parents to?) And he said Mummy tabaele mei kaam karti hain, papa off
ho gaye aur ek choti behen hain, woh bhi school jaati hain (Mummy
works in a cow shed, Papa died and there is a younger sister, who goes to
school, too).
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He was done cleaning my shoes by then and I gave him Rs.20/- for that.
He took the money and started packing his bag, aunty told him Jaldi
karo train chalne lagegi (Be quick, the train will start moving) and he
said I have to get down at Andheri station.
Aunty asked him TC ya police wala aaya toh? Tumhare pass toh ticket bhi
nahi hain (What if the TC or policeman comes? You do not even have
tickets).
He said something that melted my heart, TC ke joothe polish kar dunga
Paisa toh dega nai, par jaane dega aur Police wala kya karega 3-4
jhaapad maarega aur fir chodh dega. ( I will polish TCs shoes, he will not
give any money but will let me go. What will the policeman do? Will slap
me three or four times and then let go of me). I was speechless.
While he was done. He asked me Didi, Andheri station pe notebook dila
doge? Mujhe school ke liye chahiye (Sisiter, at Andheri station will you
get me a notebook? I need it for school). I told him Main train se toh nai
utar paungi Par main tujhe paise de dungi book kharidne ke Le lena (I
cannot get off at the station but I will give you the money to buy the
notebook). I gave him Rs.50/- more and he said Thank you, Mera naam
hain Nandu, sabka bandu Nandu Vijay Pawar, and he walked off smiling,
with his school bag and I kept looking at him because that boy right
there, taught me a lesson for life.
Nandu Vijay Pawar, I hope and wish that you achieve great things in life
and may god save you from all the evils of the society.

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My Story: Yes Im Handicapped But Not Dead

Yes Im handicapped but not dead I will work till my body and health
allow me to. I sit at the back-end of my shop because I dont want people
to see my disability and then buy things out of pity, I may earn less but
after all its my hard earned money and not a result of sympathy.
There are people around me who sell cigarettes and pan masala to
everyone even to school going children and below 18, I never do that.
Many a time I feel someone is below 18.
I ask for their id cards and then they go to another shop and Im happy for
not earning that money. I would have become a beggar if I would have
thought Im a handicapped.
I dont think about the parts of my body I dont have I look at the parts I
have and how much they can work and I guess they are enough for my
survival. Finally after all these years I have concluded that I am not
disabled rather I am differently abled.
I may not be normal but thats not my weakness or I dont cry on it and
letting me more down. After all who am I to question fate. I am just like
every normal person who is facing difficulties but still working for the
survival or to become something.
Love talking to such positive people when Im on assignments. He sits
opposite to block N in Connaught place.
They Were Pretty Excited To Share Their Views On The Importance Of
Education
I recently visited CP and met two boys (shoe polishers) who really
changed my outlook on things and made me appreciate the privilege
that is education.
Padhai sabse acchi cheez hoti hai. Hum subah subah padhai karte hai
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aur din mein kaam. Barahkhamba pe ek lady hame padhati hai. Woh
mahiney ke 1000 rupaye leti hai padhaane ke aur hame achha lagta he
ki hum apne khud ke kamaye hue paiso se padhte hai
(Education is the best thing. We study in the morning and work
throughout the day. Theres a lady at Barahkhamba who teaches us. She
takes Rs.1000 per month to teach us. Its a proud feeling that we study off
our own money.)
Its wonderful knowing that the underprivileged youth have an
understanding of the opportunities education could provide them with.
Help these guys out. Buy a pen you dont need, a toy you probably wont
use, get your shoes polished, and give them a break. Some of these kids
are genuinely in it to make something of themselves.
These guys dont know what Facebook is but they were pretty excited that
theyd be seen online sharing their views on the importance of
education. Thats Prabhu on the left and Dildar on the right.

64

The Story Of A Balloon Man, Unbelievable But True

I was waiting for a friend when I saw this balloon seller. I had time and
couldnt resist but talk to him. The climate (of heart) was extremely
beautiful and took me crazy towards him.
? (Will you buy balloons?) he asked
immediately as he saw me coming.
He thought that I was a buyer of his balloons but he wouldnt have
guessed that I was coming to eat his brain. I explained my reason to
communicate with him. He was, suddenly, very happy.
, .. ? (Oh wow! Will you take my interview?)
(Yes)
and I started. His name was Mr. RAMVILAS GUPTA . He was from
Gorakhpur city in the north Indian sate of U.P. (Uttar Pradesh). I asked him
if he earned enough by selling balloons and to my surprise; he told me
that he earned Rupees 200-300 everyday in just half a day. Unbelievable
but true!
I got very interested in knowing more about this Balloony-Man and
opened up a detailed conversation. He told me that he used to sell
something called Paan (a very popular time-pass eatery that gives red
color on roads and walls) and prior to that he used to work in a company
and prior to that, he was a farmer ! (wonderful)
He was quite satisfied in all the professions and earned good amounts.
, (What to do? I could not stay put in
one place)
Somehow, it never worked out being in the same profession. Hence, he
shifted now and then but he had no regrets because in all the professions
he had worked hard and earned well. His determination at this age and
65

his conviction won my heart. This man and his style of being a master in
whatever he did will always inspire me.

66

Working For The Past 60 Years, With No Husband Or Children To

Take Care Of Her
This is Kamlaben. A feisty 78 year old woman I met in a local train. She is
a vendor and sells pretty little bracelets to local commuters. She lost her
husband within a month of her marriage, had to live with her parents,
has lost most of her teeth now and walks with the help of a cane.
Why is she selling bracelets at this age when she should be retired and
taken care of? I then went and bought 3 bracelets and struck up a
conversation with her. She has been doing this work for the past 60
years! With no husband or children to take care of her, this is a woman
who refuses to become dependent and has been working every day to
survive.
When I asked about any brothers or sisters she may have who could help
her out, She said, Bhai hai, par aajkal koi kisiko nahi paalta (I have a
brother, but today nobody wants to take care of another person). She said
she has seen a lot of people showing sympathy but nobody wants to buy
her wares. I just want to work and feed myself.
A woman with so much determination, I felt inspired. We spend so much
money on various things. I request you, if you happen to meet this
amazing lady on your commute in the local train, dont give her
sympathy, just buy something from her. It will only cost you Rs. 10, which
is not a big amount for most of us.

67

Ye Toh Hero Hai, Jo Iske Mann Mein Ata Hai Yeh Bhaisaab Wahi
Karte Hain
I think a lot of people from Chandigarh must be knowing this man. He is
Ajay Verma, a self employed man, who sells saunf packets in the
Sector-22 market. He was diagnosed with polio from birth, thats why hes
not able to move properly, or even talk, but hes a very popular figure
amongst all the localities for his working spirit and friendly nature. He
always meets everyone with a smile, handshakes with them, and says
Dobara ana when youre about to leave. And most importantly, he never
forcefully tries to sell you his product. He is indeed a very generous man,
I have met him thrice now.
Once, I asked him Whats the best part about your job?
He said Naye dost milna. (Means making new friends)
The shopkeepers nearby told me that hes coming here for the past 12-15
years. His family used to be afraid of him traveling everyday from Ambala
to Chandigarh, but Ajay manages himself pretty well. They told me Ye
toh hero hai, jo iske mann mein ata hai yeh bhaisaab wahi karte
hain. (He is a Hero and he does what he likes.)
And thanks for the Thumbs up Ajay. The next time I meet you, I will give
you this picture, with all the comments printed at the back. Youre a role
model to many and you should know that.
He Doesnt Have Parents So He Stays With Us
He doesnt have parents so he stays with us now. Hes going to start
school next year and his grandfather and I are very excited weve
collected money over the years for him and even though we dont make
much from what weve saved we can afford his school fees.

68

Ill miss him accompanying me here in the morning when he goes to

school, but Ive always wanted to see him in a uniform and shiny new
shoes, ready to make his dreams come true.

69

My Story: When A Hollywood Actor Went Homeless For A Day

What it is tobelikehomeless, no one bothering to even look at youand
even if someone does,there is disdain in his/hereyes. Richard Gere, a
hollywood actor went homeless for a day and what he went through, he is
never going to forget. But he learntsome invaluable lessons too.
When I went undercover in New York City as a homeless man, no one
noticed me. I felt what it was like to be a homeless man. People would
just past by me and look at me in disgrace. Only one lady was kind
enough to give me some food. It was an experience Ill never forget. So
many times we forget how blessed we are. We should not take that for
granted. And if we can help someone in need, we should. Thats why after
I was done, I walked around and gave food and $100 to every homeless
person I saw. They cried and were so grateful. Be the change you wish to
see in the world.
My Story: This 10 Year Old Knows The Importance Of Responsibility
Better Than Most Of Us
I met this 10 years old boy in Maurya Lok, Patna campus, selling
Gubbara with different designs.
He helps his father (road side toy seller) every evening after 4 pm. If you
ask his name, very confidently hell tell Amit Kumar Pandey and will
create designer balloons as you want.
He is very active and expert at his work. I asked his father, Why are you
putting him with you for this kind of work? His father replied, I never
asked him to come and help me. He finishes his school by afternoon and
completes his home work before 3pm every day.
When I start selling Toys daily around 4pm, Amit comes along with me
and starts making Gubara for upcoming customers. Every day I ask him
to go out and play but he never leaves me.
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I asked some basic questions regarding his schooling and guess what?
Whatever he answered, he answer with full confidence and boldly.
He replied, Papa maine sara home work kar liya hai, ab koi kam nahi hai
bacha hua, so mai apke sath rah ke apki Madad karunga. (I finished my
home work, now no more pending work, I will help you with your work).
How could a little kid be so responsible at this little age? I admire him
and feel thoughtful after talking to him.

71

My Story: Once A Farmer, Now Almost Mentally Disordered

I met this man some days ago while hunting a fresh story. At first glance
itself, Mr. Manchala Singh won my heart. He hails from north India, and
is on a journey in the city of dreams; since no one knows not even him!
He roams on his cycle and talks less. However, I was able to communicate
a little with him. Hes one of those displaced and unfortunate farmers,
who have lost everything except hope. Hes now dislocated form his
family and has developed a physiological issue. Once a farmer, he now
insane (almost). He has a bag full of stories to tell. He talks of past days of
glory w hen there was abundance.

.
One thing I am sure that this is not his real name. I kept his asking about
his real name but he was indifferent. I didnt get to know much of him
but I know the pain of getting raped out of business; especially an age
old family business.
Only God knows how many such people are walking on this land of
plenty without a beginning, without an end. I cant do much but can
surely pray and listen to their story and maybe, offer support in whatever
way possible.

72

My Story: Meri Maa Ke Liye Zaroor Dua Karna Pata Nahi Kiski Dua
Puri Hojaye Aur Meri Maa Bach Jaye
A few days ago I called an auto-rickshaw and told him about my
destination he said, 250 Rs. I told him that was too much. As I was
walking away he called me again and said, Chotay Bhai, Aap pehli
sawaari ho maa bemaar hai 230 kerlo. I was fasting and couldnt see
another Rickshaw so I agreed.
That Driver kept mentioning his mothers condition and told me how
doctors refused to continue his mothers treatment because he hadnt
any money. I have seen people asking for money by involving their
parents sickness.
I knew he was going to ask me to help him for her mothers treatment,
but he didnt. He only said, Beta meri Maa ke liye zaroor dua kerna pta
nahi kiski dua qabool hojaye aur meri maa bach jaye 2 mahinay pehlay
meray walid ka intiqaal hogaya hai ab maa bhi chali gae to main aur meri
behan akelay reh jayengay (son, please pray for my mother. Who knows
whose prayers would be accepted and my mother would be cured. 2
months ago my father passed away. If my mother also passes away then
my sister and I will be left alone). He kept asking me to make dua for her
mother. He was desperate. Later on he got a call and his sister told him
that their mother passed away.
He replied.
Inna Lillah Wa Inna Ilahi Rajioon
Main bas sawari utaar k aya

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He told me his mother just passed away and he had to go to hospital but
first he will drop me on my location.
I was stunned, I couldnt speak. I made my mind that I would pray for his
mother in Maghrib I even prayed for his mother in rickshaw. He was
calm, tears rolled down his eyes as he said Jo Allah ko Manzoor, lekin ab
hum dono behan bhai kya keraingayI gathered my senses and told him
to drop me here I will take another rickshaw but he refused and dropped
me on agreed location.
When I gave him 230 he gave 30 back to me and said Maa k liye Zidd ker
raha tha ab wo nae rahi to aap ko naraaz nae kerna 200 hi dedo

74

From Sweeper To Technician Head, Who Travelled Across Tanzania &

Germany To Install Machines
I was posted at Air Force station Jodhpur and there was this guy who
came to clean my room and mop the floor. I asked him how he felt. He
was frustrated with his job, but had a big dream. He was helpless and
disgusted with the humiliation he was getting in his job.
I asked him- What are the things you can do?
He said I love electronics, I can solder well and repair electrical
machines.
I started giving him small tasks and asked him to keep improving his
skills.
A few months later, I quit IAF and joined a nascent start up at New Delhi.
It was a hardware + software integration company, and we were looking
for a really good electrician to connect sensors, cameras, illumination
systems. A highly skilled guy at a low cost was difficult to find.
I told the CEO that I knew somebody talented. He asked me What
qualifications does he have?
I said None! He is not even a matriculate.
He said- No! We cant hire less than a graduate.
I insisted that we give him a chance and get his quality of work verified.
He agreed and routed us to their parent group where two of the brightest
electronics engineers (All India Rank <200) from IIT Delhi were working.
I asked them to evaluate his skills by giving him a soldering assignment.
They gave tough components to solder. He spent 30 minutes and
submitted the job. I asked the engineers how the quality of his task was.
They said it was very good, and that they hadnt seen this quality of
soldering. Only a gifted guy could really do it with quality. They gave
strong recommendation and the guy was hired.
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Within a month his work with terrific zeal in soldering, managing circuits
of cameras, IR sensors, proximity sensors, LED lights made the systems
work very reliably. He also drove the vehicles used to test our machine.
One day when I reached office, I saw him too engrossed in preparing a
circuit. In a span of a few months, the boy had transformed himself from
a sweeper to a technician. One year into the job, he traveled to Tanzania
to install machines and then traveled to Germany. He has now become
the maintenance head of that company for Southern India.
Apne Dharm Pe Chalo Aur Sab Se Prem Karo
People like him do exist. I spotted this person on the crowded Ganpati
Visarjan day at Girgaum Chowpatty. The saying which he had on his
board caught everyones attention. When I went to him and asked him as
to what makes him preach such a thing., all he said was beta zindagi
dekhi hai humne isliye yeh baat zehan me aayi, dharam bass aapko
himmat deta hai mai kehta hu sabse prem karo (I have seen life, that is
why this thought came to my conscience, religion just gives you strength,
I say love everyone).
I asked him Aap kaunse dharm ke hai? (What is your religion?). To this
he responded, Mai koi dharam ka nahi hu, mai yahi poster le kar Ganpati
visarjan, Muharram, Chrishtmas me le kar ghumta hu jisse harr kisi tak
yeh sandesh pahucha saku. (I belong to no religion, I carry this same
poster during Ganpati Visarjan, Muharram, Christmas so that I can spread
this message to everyone). He went on to tell that he goes to every
procession of every religion just to spread his word.
It was really great to meet such a person who spreads the message of
love.
#Respect
76

Nana Patekar : A Megastar Who Is A Saint By Heart!

How can we connect any individuals brilliant skills and achievements to
patriotism? Legends like Sachin Tendulkar or Amitabh Bachchan have
undoubtedly garnered respect for the country, but they did not begin
playing cricket or acting after being imbued with patriotism. Their
achievements are resultant of their hard work and passion which they
had towards their respective fields. With full dedication they reached the
Mount Everest of success. I would like to repeat, that undoubtedly with
their achievements the country got respect. But it would be wrong to
bestow on them a medal of patriotism with regard to their
achievements. Had they been able to continuously contribute with their
distinguished abilities towards the service of the county in social life, only
then would they have set an example of patriotism. The fragrance of good
deeds, spreads slowly but eventually.
An ordinary face of an extraordinary man is Nana Patekar, whose name
brings to us memories of his dialogue from the film Krantiveer,
., (this is the blood of Hindu and this is the
blood of Muslims). Just kidding.. In the field of acting, he is no less than
a megastar.
However, when he made headlines recently, it was for a very noble and
unbelievable work. He, all by himself, helped 5,000 farmer households
with financial aidin the village where the head of the farmers,
committed suicide after being disturbed due to draught conditions in the
village. Some of you might have watched in the news the instance when
Nana was distributing the cheques and a few youngsters started clicking
his photographs. On this, Nana chased them and asked them in anger
Is this any function going on here? At one place a funeral procession
was being taken out and at another they were taking pictures! I smiled
77

instantly looking at his expression that connected me to his film Tiranga,

but in the next five minutes whatever happened on the stage, left my
eyes moist.
A very young, delicate widow could not hold the cheque in her shaking
hands as she was not able to carry herself. Acting as a fatherly figure to
her, Nana who being strong until now became sentimental. His heart was
moved on hearing another farmers storyhe had to walk to his village on
foot, and did not have enough money to buy a bus ticket. From his
savings, Nana distributed cheques of Rs. 15,000/- each to 5,000 farmer
households. In the community hall he went to those 5,000 seats. He
bowed to them and with his folded hands and moist eyes handed the
cheques to widows, children, men.and his ekla chalo re, journey
continues without any show-off.
Just now, I watched him on a news channel where he sits on the floor in
his house and appeals, No farmer should commit suicide; till my last
breath I am there with farmers! Leaving behind the world of glamour he
reached to the helpless farmers in the farms of Sundar Bazaar, like a ray
of hope to them, like the last straw they could hold on to while drowning
in water. My salute to this megastar who is a saint in his heart. My
message to you is to spread the story of his wilfulness to greater miles.
Madhu
Koi Kaam Chota Ya Bada Nahi Hota Sahab: Atma Ram Singh,72, ExIndian Navy Personnel
Atma Ram Singh, aged 72 years has worked for 24 years for Indian Navy
as a colour painter. He has three sons well settled in Ludhiana, but he
doesnt stays with any of them.
His only problem is that he doesnt get the freedom with them which he
enjoys staying alone.
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He lost his wife way back in 2003 and when I asked him, Why do you
work, you must be getting pension?, he said- agar baitha rahega to jaldi
zindagi pura ho jayega (If I will keep sitting I will die earlier). He is very
thankful to the government for granting him his current job.
I asked him, Dont you feel the loss of dignity, sweeping the floors
everyday? to which he replied-koi kaam chota ya Bada nahi hota (no
work is big or small). I admire the window through which he sees life.
Submitted By Sourav Satpathy

79

My Story: Next Time I Sit In My AC Car, I Shall Remember This

Today I got into the regular bus to work. It was non AC.
It was unusually crowded, so I stood at the front next to the driver and the
engine. After a few minutes, my feet became very hot. There was too
much hot air coming from the engine which heated up the entire place. I
was restlessly waiting to get down at my stop.
Then I noticed the driver. With one towel on his neck and one on his lap,
he was continuously wiping sweat from his face.
It is just 10:30 in the morning. This chap had the whole burning day
ahead.
The mindless, insensitive traffic made the situation worse for him. After
all, he had to keep his cool since there were so many lives dependent on
him.
I want to remember this the next time I am sitting in my AC car and
getting angry on any bus driver indulging in a slightly annoying driving.
Truly, road rage can be better managed if we kept in mind the situation of
every driver and not just our own convenience.

80

My Story: She Said Her Husband Died Around 20 Years Back, Her
Son Is An Alcoholic
Raja lo, Rani lo, Gudda lo, Guddi lo, taash, paper soap lo ji is the
announcement when she arrived in a train.
Yes you heard it right, its been almost two years now I have been
traveling from Panipat to kurukshetra and back by Railways, each and
every day, I saw her yelling the same line.
Her name is SAPNA, 70 years old widow. She sells her Raja Rani, the toys
(the king and the queen) in Paschim Express from past 20 Years, just 3
years less than my age.
When I talked a bit more with her, she said her husband died around 20
years back, her son is an alcoholic, which probably is the main cause of
her present condition.
Pet k liye kamana parta h bhaiya, she replied, when I asked her about
the reason for working. She complains the government because she is
not entitled to the widow pension or old-age pension, jo pese fekta h
use pension milti h she added. That obviously means a sort of
corruption.
I will not ask you to get some nice purchases from her and raise her
income, as nowadays all people posting and appealing for the same, the
only thing I want you to know is, if a Sapna can do at this age, despite of
such circumstances, she hasnt surrendered, she opted to work and earn
some living for herself, which is really a nice thing, lets pledge, that we
will not allow our circumstances to overcome our will power.

81

Story of An Ex-HAL Employee, An Engineer With 4 Well Settled

Children
This is the story of an Old man (around 80 years old) who is an ex-HAL
employee and also a part time Engineer in Bengaluru. He has 4 children
(2 daughters and 2 sons) who are happily settled in Bengaluru. They are
working as Inspectors, Engineers and IT professionals. This 80 year old
man (Mr.Ramakutty) is in Bengaluru for the last 60 years, can speak and
understand English, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and Kannada.
I met him near Chinmaya Hospital, Indira Nagar. He was trying to stop
motorists for a drop to the Old Madras Road. I stopped. He sat on my bike
holding my shoulder tight (tighter than my wife holds me when I zoom
on my bike) He was heading to his rented home in Lingarajpuram where
his 70+ year old wife stays.
She has been bedridden for years. I asked the old man why he was on the
roads in this freezing weather. He said for a JOB! I was stunned to hear
this from a 80 year old man, I asked, Why? He said To feed himself and
his wife.
I immediately stopped my bike and asked if he had his lunch. He said
NO. I took him to the nearest tea shop, bought him a cup of tea and
snacks. I could see some energy building in the old mans body after
having the food and later he quietly said that he eats only once a day to
save money. I asked him for his sons/daughters phone numbers which
he hesitated to give. After 20 minutes I asked him once again before
dropping him to ring road, he said they will scold me.
When I asked why they would scold him, he said that his children were
annoyed with me and my wife because I have not build them houses/
bought anything till now.
I was fortunate to meet him I feel. I gave my phone number to him and
told him to call me if he needs anything. Im posting for those great
children who think that a house, cars or money is greater than parents!
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MY HUMBLE REQUEST to allPlease take care of your parents, one day

you will be parents too.

83

My Story: A Man On India-Nepal Tour For 6 Months On His Bicycle

We were on our way to Gangotri temple, and our driver stopped at one of
the temple to do darshan(view) and have some snacks. We met this man
outside the temple, he had a bicycle on which there were few bags, one
bucket, and few other stuff, I was quite keen to know whats his story? We
went and asked him, so whats this India-Nepal Tour all About?
And he gladly replied, maa (south Indians generally call females as maa),
Im from Andhra Pradesh and I always wanted to go famous pilgrimage
of India and Nepal on my cycle.
He had already covered Nepal by then in four months when we met him,
and was planning another 3 months road trip to India. He mentioned few
places to me he wanted to cover (Uttrakhand, Punjabi, Gujrat and few
other places) I asked him why cycle but?
And he said, I wanted to see my strength, and I know gods blessings are
always with me, so I can definitely cover this road trip, and also my Blood
Pressure is under control if I ride cycle. Im most satisfied when Im riding
my cycle around.
Quite amazed and happy to have few minutes conversation with him,
and at last he asked maa, can we have a pic please. I was like sure, he
took out his Camera which was hanging around on his neck, we had a pic.

84

My Story: 50 Years Is A Long Time, Have You Been Driving This Taxi
All This While?

Chacha, Howrah jaoge? , I asked him. I was irritated from the previous
five refusals. Thankfully he agreed. I sat and he started the meter.
Chacha meter se zyada to nahi loge? I asked as I still couldnt believe
that a taxi wala had agreed and didnt even ask for extra!
Nahi, babu, meter se hi chaliyega, agar aapko mann ho to thoda zyada
de dena
I didnt reply at that moment, and sank back in the seat. There was
something about this guy that made me want to talk to him. I started
awkwardly:
Me: Uncle, are you from Bengal?
He: No, babu. Im from Jharkhand.
Me: Oh,okay, how long have you been here for ?
He: It has almost been 50 years. I dont even remember when I first
came to this city
Me: 50 years is a long time, Have you been driving this taxi all this
while?
He: I started with a factory. worked there for 17 years, then the factory
shut down all of a sudden. With nowhere to go, I started driving Taxis.
since then I have been a taxiwallah.
Me: Its been long.
I didnt ask anything for a while, and just observed him, meandering
through the traffic with ease, later I packed up some courage and decided
to question him on the rampant taxi refusals.
Me: Uncle, I was refused by five taxis before you agreed. They were all
young guys. Dont they want to earn money? Dont they understand the
need of the passengers?
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He: Babu, they understand everything, but the passengers, the

government, the media dont understand them. we taxiwallahs are poor
people. Now if someone asks me late at night to go to a place very far
from my house, shouldnt I refuse? They ask me to go to Dhulagarh at 11
PM while my house is in Khidirpur, why should I agree? I wont get any
passenger while coming back, and Id have to pay the price of the diesel
from my own pocket along with the daily fare of the taxi. I hardly make
300- 400 bucks everyday after paying all these expenses to the owner. If I
agree to go wherever the passenger wants to go this late in the night,
how would I run my house?
He had a point, no one ever listens to their part of the story. All we care
about is our time. we read a few news articles and curse them.
Me: But uncle, the refusals are rampant during peak hours too!
He: I dont do that. There are some taxiwallahs, who think theyll only
look for fares wholl pay more, or go to routes where there is more chance
of getting a passenger, but I dont think they are doing anything wrong.
Instead of going to a direction where I wont get any money while
coming back, its better to not go there. I was once asked by a guy to go to
this place, which is around 20 Kilometers from here. I got around 270
bucks from him as per the meter, but while,coming back I didnt get any
passenger, I had to pay 250 bucks for the fuel spent on those 40kms.
Now after three four hours of hard work, if you make only 20 bucks of
profit, isnt it better to say no?
I kept quiet for a while, I felt he had a strong point, we should not always
listen to what the media says, and these guys do things for a reason. Its
not that they dont want to earn- the refusals are because they dont want
to starve even after hours of hard work.
Me: Chacha, Why dont you buy your own taxi? How long will you rent a
cab? I asked this question to divert the topic. Anything more about the
refusals wouldve been harsh on him
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He: I owned two taxis once, and was financially very stable, but 5 years
back, I had to sell both of them to marry off my daughter. I wanted to give
her a grand wedding. I spent around 8 lakh rupees on her wedding.
Everyone was very happy.
I saw his eyes go wide open with pride.
Me :Was she your only daughter?
He: I have a son and two daughters. Both the daughters are married
now, and leading happy lives with their families. My elder daughter has
started a school, and the younger one is a teacher in a government
school. My son is a Manager in a restaurant
His face was elated, the shine in his eyes was something I had seen in
somebody after a long time.
Me: Wow! Youve taught your kids well!
He: Yes, all my kids have a Masters Degree
Me: Your kids are in such good positions, why do you still drive a taxi?
He: Because I dont want to be dependent on them, I have never taken
a single penny from anybody as a loan. My mother died when I was 15, I
had a younger brother and a younger sister, I took care of them. Even
they are well off financially, but I never asked for a single penny from
them. If you go by my age I should have retired 5 years ago, but this will
power to be self dependent drives me and my taxi.
Me: Chacha, baat to badi gehri kehdi aapne (Uncle, that was very
deep.)
Me: Accha chacha, why do you drive a taxi? You can easily get a private
drivers job. The pay would be more stable, you wont have to pay for
anything from your pocket!
He: I once tried that, but the owners used to ask me to do petty jobs, as
if I was their home servant! sabji le aao, cylinder upar chadha ho, kapde
iron kara lao(Go get the grocery, take the Cylinder upstairs, get the
clothes Ironed). I didnt like that, so I quit and came back to taxi
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business. Ab umar bhi nahi rahi cylinder uthane ki (Ive passed the age
of lifting cylinders)
I laughed with him.
He: Babu, purane gate pe utroge ke naye pe? (Sir, where do I drop you?
The old entrance or the new one ? )
Me: Chacha, yahi utar do, accha ek photo le lu aapki? Likhunga aapke
baare me, bade mast ho aap, aur naam bhi bata dijiye zara aapka.
(Uncle,drop me here, Can I take a photo of you? Id write about you,
youre amazing!)
He: Mathura Prasad hai ji naam.
Then I reached my destination and had to hurry up into the station. I
hope I meet him again someday. This was one of the best conversations
Ive ever had. I regret not taking his number. I hope he remembers me
the next time I meet him so that I can get a great photo of him.

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My Story: Conversation With A 14-Year-Old Rickshaw Puller

I was waiting for my friend at Dwarka Sec-9 metro station. Since I reached
early, I had to wait over there for more than half an hour.
In that duration, I noticed one 14 year old kid, who was a rickshaw puller.
He was asking everyone to sit on his rickshaw, but because of his age,
everybody ignored him. No one was thinking to hire him. After half an
hour, I received a call from my friend to reach sec 7.
Since I was observing that kid for last half an hour, so I took his rickshaw
to reach sec 7. I asked him chotu Ramphal chalega? and after hearing
this he just said haa chalunga bhaiya, baitho. After that I had small
conversation with him. His name was Raja.
Me- Itti kam umar me rikshaw kyu chalate ho. (You are so young, why do
you drive a Rickshaw.)
Raja- Kya karu bhaiya, paise milte hain tbhi to khane ko milega. (This
helps me get my basic needs.)
Me- Ghar me aur koi nhi hai? (Who all are there in your family.)
Raja-hain, mummy aur papa. (yes, Mother and father.)
Me- To papa kaam nhi krte? (So doesnt your father work?)
Raja- Wo v rikshaw chalate hain, bt jitta wo kamate hain uski daaru pi jate
hain. (He also drives a Rickshaw but what he earns only suffices for his
daily liquor.)
Me- To tum din bhar rikshaw chalate ho? (So do you drive a Rickshaw
whole day?)
Raja- Nahi school v jata hu. (No, I go to school as well.)
Me- Kis class me ho tum n tyming kya hai school ki? (What standard are
you in, whats your school timing?)
Raja- 4th me hu, aur school subah 7 bje se dophar 1 bje tak hota hai. (I
am in 4th standard and my school timing is from 7 in the morning to 1 in
the afternoon.)
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Me- To tum uske baad rikshaw chalate ho. (So after school you drive
Rickshaw.)
Raja- Haa, dophar k baad raat 12 bje tk mai rikshaw. (Yes, I drive Rickshaw
till 12 in the night after my school gets over.)
While listening to all this, I didnt realize when I reached sec 7. I gave him
40 rupees and got down. During the discussion I realized that how much
blessed we are, that we have everything to live happily, even after that we
so many complains. And this boy, just at an age of 14 is feeding himself
and his family. From that moment I hired him, to the moment I got down
the journey of 10 minutes made me understand that we should value
what we have, rather than cribbing for what we dont. That 40 rupees did
not make a difference to me, but it did change something in someones
life.

90

My Story: This Watchman Chased That Guy For 1.5 Km To Secure My

Lost Wallet
Around at 5:30 pm in the evening, I was going to MG road and I was
waiting for my friend at forum mall-kormangala, that was rakshabandhan
plus Saturday so it was huge rush over there as forum is one of the
biggest mall in Bangalore city.
I picked up my friend from there and I was on my way to MG and
suddenly I found that I dropped my wallet somewhere, I had my 2 debit
cards, one credit card, pan card and original licence and some cash as
well. I was scared and panic like anything, at that time I was around 3 km
far from forum mall but I was sure that I dropped it somewhere between
forum and last signal.
So I parked my bike and I went back by walk to forum in search of my
wallet if in case I got my wallet back but in deep in my mind I knew that
the possibilities are less than 1%.
I reached forum and I didnt found it through the way and I was so much
tensed and panic because only one Bangalorean can understand how
hard it is to drive your vehicle in Bangalore without license and also I am
having a bike whose registration is from Gujarat and it makes the
situation even worst,
So as my last hope I asked to one security guy who was damn buys in his
duty of parking rickshaw outside the mall, I asked him O bhaiya yaha ek
wallet gir gaya tha mera kahin dekha kya aapne.
After few minutes, he bring me to his security room and after some
verification i got my wallet back and I was happy like anything, After I
came out from the control room with extreme amount of happiness,
some rickshaw guys were standing over there, they told me sir say a big
thank to this watchman because when you dropped your wallet one
random guy got that immediately.
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This watchman ran after that guy around 1.5 km for your wallet and got
your wallet back and submit it to his superior authority and from one
random receipt from your wallet he even tried to call you but that
number was not working, and I was shocked like anything because still I
was not able to believe it and I didnt expect this kind of honesty from
one random security guard.
I hugged that guy and when I offered him some rupees as a reward for
his honesty he refused to take it and told me one simple line sir ye to
mera farz tha but please next time mere jaise koi bhi chota aadmi mile to
please usase acche se thoda pyar se ijjat ke saath baat karana vohi hoga
meri imaandari ka inaam.
And that thing realised me how small I am in front of this kind of guys,
this incident totally changed my vision towards this kind of person of our
society realised that how rich our country is and how honest the people
are.

92

Journey From A Rag Picker To Becoming A Celebrity Photographer

Stories of rags to riches continue to inspire millions and in a country like
India where there is no dearth of ideas, we draw inspiration from
someone who has started off with nothing and has achieved something
more than money.
We are talking about Vicky Roy who passed and witnessed some of the
turbulent times. He was born into a poor family in Purulia district of West
Bengal. Today he is an accomplished photographer.
At the age of 11, Vicky ran away from his home with 700-800 rupees
which he took from his uncles pocket and came to Delhi in 1999. There
he narrated his story to the children who were working at the platform,
with whom he joined to work as a rag picker. He used to collect used
bottles which he filled to sell in general compartment at the meagre
amount of Rs 5.
Despite having worked at the railway station, he did not have sufficient
amount of income as the hoodlums at every platform snatch away his
hard earned money. Since an income was required to earn bread, he
went in search of a job. Since he has never seen Lal Quila, Qutub Minar,
he took up the job at a restaurant as a dish-washer.
From there he was picked up by one of the volunteer of Salaam Balak
trust, an NGO founded by Mira Nair after her movie, Salaam Bombay
became a huge hit. At the NGO he started studying but scored only 48%
in class X after which Vicky was advised by his teacher to take up
something else and that was the turning point in his life.
Travel being the centre point of his interest, drew him to photography.
The trust was visited by a British photographer who explained everything
to Vicky in English which he could not understood. In 2004, when the
photographer was returning, Vicky was accompanied by his friend who
acted as a translator for him.
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Vicky asked that since he is not eloquent in English, could it be a major

hindrance in becoming a professional photographer to which the
photographer replied that the great Chinese, and Japanese
photographers too dont speak good English, but is good at photography.
The photographer further advised him to speak in Hindi as he is an
Indian.
By this time the trust had got another mentor who was a portrait
specialist and Vicky assisted him. In 2007, he did his first solo show
called street dreams where he chose under 18 year old kids. The idea
came to his mind because he too has spent a considerable amount of
time at the streets with few dreams in his pocket. He got a kid whose
name was also Vicky and the kid used to come to Vickys shelter home in
the morning and left by evening because he had to sell balloons. His
exhibition took the rounds of South Africa, US and Vietnam. At this stage,
he was 19.
He was suggested to take part in a photography competition of an
international repute and was looking for young photographers. Vicky was
selected but was asked to get some pictures of construction.
After this he returned back to Delhi and took the pictures of cranes used
in the construction of metro rail. However, these pictures were disliked by
his mentor who advised him to click pictures which could portray the
image of Indian construction site, for ex: a baby holding his mothers
saree while she is working.
Vicky clicked the pictures and was selected at a level where two were
selected from US, one from Hong-Kong and he from India.
After having a successful start, he went to America and studied
photography at International Centre of Photography. He was even two
hours of time to click the pictures of reconstruction of World Trade Centre.
He did his second solo show in 2009 called WTC Now.
He was even associated with a project called Apna Ghar.
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Vicky is even the recipient of Duke of Edinburgh for which he was invited
to London where he went to Buckingham and had lunch with Prince
Edward.
He along with his friend Chandan, started a photo-library as the books on
photography are priced too high. The library through donations now has
as many as 700 books and is often visited by reputed photographers. The
books have been donated by photographers. Tours are also organised by
Vicky and his friend.
The inspirational story of Vicky Roy will inspire millions of youngsters
who with their will may achieve reach the peak of glory. It is still an
inspirational story as the boy, Vicky could have chosen a short cut but
struggled and walked on the razors edge to achieve big.

95

My Story: The Excuses We Make To Meet Our Love

In those days we needed a visa to visit Goa, so Id gone to the city of
Karwar with my friends to get it. We stayed there for 2 days until our visa
came and thats where I met his twin brother at the Club House. He
wanted to time pass with me and told all his friends about the Bombay
girl he met. So after work, my husband here his twin brother came to
see me too. We only briefly spoke afterwhich I left for Goa. A few weeks
later when I was back in Bombay at my teaching job, the Principal called
me and said that there was a phone call for me and personal phone calls
werent encouraged. I picked up and realised it was himhe called and
said he was in the Navy and was visiting Bombay so he would like to
meet. Now, my friends husband worked in the navy, so we did some
research and realised that he wasnt in the navy at all. Basically, he was
coming to Bombay to see me and cooking up all kinds of excuses to do
that.
What made you want to see her?
I dont know how to explain this to you, but Ill give it a try since the
time I saw her, I knew she was the woman I would marry and I just had to
be with her. I could have done anything to be with her. And look where
we are today53 years weve been together and I still love her just as
much.

96

My Story: I Thought It Was Just A Packet Of Beedi But I Was Totally

Wrong
It was back in the monsoons of year 2003. I was just a school passout.
Back then as a student we didnt have the luxury of having a car or a bike
to go somewhere.
It was pouring heavily. Time: Around 7 A.M. in the morning.
I had to board an early bus to somewhere.
With a double protection of an umbrella and a rain-coat and I was waiting
for some means to reach the bus-stop.
It was then, I saw a rikshaw-waalah passing by. As the usual process in
India is I gave a shout RIKSHAAA (rickshawcalled loud). The rickshaw
stopped and I boarded it.
Moments passed by and suddenly I saw a small polythene pouch falling
off the rickshaw waalah, For a few moments I completely ignored what I
saw.
May be because I was a kid.. May be I was not THAT wise back then Or
may be because I just thought that it *JUST* might be his beedipack (Indian cigarette) / tambaku-pack (chewing-tobacco). Anyways the
fact is that I chose to ignore it.
A few moments later I dont know what, but there was something
that forced me to say oo bhaiya tumhaari jeb se kuch gir gaya hai
peechey (Hey brother something fell off from your pocket back there).
He quickly felt his pocket and braked the rickshaw hard.
He just asked kahan? (where?). I just pointed towards rear.
He left the rickshaw and started running back, Fortunately after a small
search he managed to find the polythene-pouch floating on a puddle
of water.
He came back running with a smile on his face and started touching my
feet!!
97

I was taken aback and asked him as to what was that all about.
What he said back then still haunts me.
Bhaiyaji ye mere pichle poore hafte ki kamayi thi, agar ghum ho jaati to
baniya is hafte ka ration nahi deta, Fir khuda hi jaanta hai apne ghar
waalo ka pet kaise paalta.
(Brother this packet had all the earnings of my last week. If I would have
lost it I would not have been able to pay the shop-keeper for this weeks
groceries. Then God knows how would I have managed to help my family
survive this week without food.)
I was almost in tears listening to him and realizing how big a mistake I
was (unknowingly) about to commit by not telling him about the fallen
pouch!
Next the man started riding the rickshaw and a few moments later he
asked me bhaiyaji chai piyoge? Meri taraf se?
(Brother Will you have some tea? I ll buy you one?)
I just said a polite NO. The guy insisted again. Probably a cup of tea was
the best thanks note that he could have offered me in that heavy downpour. No?
But this man was hell bent upon to do something good for me. So, when
we reached the bus-stop he refused to charge me for the ride.
A small incident but i still clearly remember this conversation which had
so many hidden things in it if you dig-in.

The state of people living hand-to-mouth.

The honest hard-work that this guy was putting in for his
familys survival

The big heart he had to offer me a cup of tea/free ride

just to express his gratitude.

Scenario wherein I would not have told him about his

fallen pouch?
Believe me i was full of thoughts when I left the scene.
98

My Story: Auto Driver Goes All The Way To Track And Return Lost
Valuables To The Owner
I am talking about an incident which happened with me a day before
Raksha Bandhan.
I boarded an auto from Naraina to Subash Nagar at around 8:30pm on
28th Aug15, the Auto No. was DL 1R M 3928, it belongs to Mr. Maan
Singh from Uttam Nagar ( I came to know later about these things) when
I left the auto, only after few minutes I realized that I left both my laptops
in the Auto. I panicked and hastily took a scooty from a friend to find the
auto wala, my brother also followed me on his bike. Unfortunately we
couldnt find him, all we knew was that he was a 50-55yrs old Sardarji
and the Auto was from Uttam Nagar (as it had a board written On Duty
Meter Sewa on the front and Uttam Nagar on the back of it). We scouted
every lane of Uttam Nagar and asked everyone possible describing the
auto and sardarji. We reached back home at 3 AM all exhausted and lost
all hopes of getting the laptops back. It had happened with me earlier as
well that I left my Digital Camera in such an auto and never got it back. So
I was not hopeful of getting them back ever.
To my surprise, at around 7AM in the morning next day I got a call from
my brother that the auto walla called him on his cell phone and asked
him about the laptop that I left mistakenly in his auto. After few minutes I
got a call on my number too. Actually my cousin sister had couriered
rakhi which was there in the bag and it had both of our numbers and my
address. My brother straight away went to his home in Uttam Nagar to
collect the bags.
I hereby salute the person Mr. Maan Singh for his honesty.
I would have lost all my data from my laptop and it would have been
really difficult for me to retrieve it because I had not taken any backup.
99

He could have easily sold those off for few thousands or could have used
it for his own purpose but he chose to return it back.
I hugely respect this man.

100

These Random People Started Pouring Mud On To The Pot Holes In

The Dark Night After They Saw
It was around midnight I was walking on the roads of Hyderabad with my
friend.
We saw some young guys filling up the potholes on the road. I found
them digging some sand from the side-road with the help of wickets and
transferring it on to a plastic bag to carry out that operation.
It moved me and I joined in. While working together, I asked them how
did it all start? The answer shocked me.
They were sitting on the side of the road chilling out. They saw a lady and
her child fell down while trying to pass by in the night on those dark
road. They said it made them feel bad that people are having trouble
going home safe due to these kind of roads.
They immediately went on to find something to help them fill these hole
on the road. I felt that at least some of the youth are feeling responsible
for the society. Amazingly we also got some help from this heavy machine
driver who was passing by.
The Strength Of Your Like, Share and Re-Tweet: Indian Oil Complaint
Resolved
We shared a My Story ofChanchal Rungta on August 24, 2015 title: An
Interesting Way By Which Indian Oil Petrol Pumps Are Cheating Its
Customers. Chanchal Rungta updated us recently that the complaint was
addressed by Indian Oil officials and issue has been resolved. We are
glad and thank Indian Oil for taking the complaint into consideration and
initiating appropriate actions. We thank our community members for
always being active and supportive for such causes. Your each Like, Share
and Tweet matters!
Heres what Chanchal told us:
Hi Team Logical Indian,
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I am writing to you in reference to my previous story dated 24th Aug-15

with title An Interesting Way By Which Indian Oil Petrol Pumps Are
Cheating Its Customers
I have been rigorously following up with the accused Bunker and
participating in the investigation with Indian Oil Corporation and the and
have been able to to get the below-mentioned response from Indian Oil
Corp. Indian Oil has stopped supplying fuel to the bunker since 24th Aug
until the Bunker takes necessary steps to curb such behavior. As a result
the bunker is CLOSED since 26.08 morning till moment.
The Petrol Bunker has fired all its compromised staff and I have been able
to get them to lodge an FIR against the accused duo. Also they have
written me an apology letter ensuring they wont let such issues happen
ever again. Attached herewith are the snapshots of the FIR and the
apology letter they wrote.
I am thankful to Mr. Shryansh Ajit Sacheti, BDO SA-II of Indian Oil corp for
actively taking all the necessary steps to resolve the issue from root.
The issue is closed now. Thank you Team Logical Indian and the readers
for all for your support!
Thanks and Regards,
Chanchal Rungta

Dear Sir,
This has reference to your complaint against M/s G.Chinnapa reddy
service station .At the outset, we regret the inconvenience caused. Based
on the complaint, we had reviewed the CCTV footage and the following
was observed:
You were fueled for Rs.200/- and hence no cheating in this case can be
established However, based on your past experiences with the Retail
outlet, we have initiated the following actions against the Retail Outlet:
Police complaint has been lodged against the two attendants , whom you
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identified on 26.08.15, when undersigned visited the Retail outlet with

you (Copy attached)
Dealer has been counseled and warning letter has been issued.
Technological interventions in terms of development of the Retail outlet
will be initiated. We trust that the action taken by us is as per your
expectation.
She Didnt Shed A Single Tear When I Was Declared Dead In The
1962 Indo-China War
She didnt shed a single tear when I was declared dead in the Indo-China
war, in 1962. God reciprocated her prayers and I returned alive after 22
days, walking continuously for 7 days in the canal, hilly areas and eating
tree leaves. Today, on her deathbed, she cried and asked me to make a
promise to be her husband in the next life. I never knew goodbyes are so
difficult.

103

An Ingenious Idea That Makes This Station One Of The Most

Beautiful Railway Stations In India
Came across an amazing thing just as my vacation was about to begin.
This was on my way to Kottayam, from this quaint little town of Aluva,
about 16 km from Kochi airport. These pictures are from the railway
station. As I entered the station, I saw these plastic bottles hanging from
the barricades between the railway tracks and colourful flowers blooming
all over them. Intrigued (and with some time at hand to kill), I went to the
station master, C Balakrishnan, who was kind enough to entertain my
query even as he was in the middle of a discussion with Mr. Mohan, CPS,
and Ms. Indu, one of his team members.
The trio informed me that this ingenious idea was the brainchild of Mr.
Arun, the health inspector. This initiative may look like a simple
intervention, but it addresses multiple issues. Just a small step towards
beautification of the premises, the plastic bottles were collected from
the tracks by members of Ms. Indus team, thanks to incessant littering by
travelers in trains that passed by over the last few months. China Rose is a
relatively low maintenance plant, I was told, and not only does it easily
withstand rough weather conditions, but is also aesthetically pleasing.
This was a practically no-cost initiative, and doesnt require significant
extra effort for maintenance. Plus, an interesting way of using bottles
strewn away on the tracks.
The most critical impact of this simple intervention blew me away: often,
people used to cross railway tracks and that had led to an unprecedented
increase in rail accidents; these plants dont leave much space for people
to cross through, thereby encouraging them to use the foot over bridge to
cross over to another platform.
Ms. Indus team member was hard at work in the sun, clearing the railway
tracks, and the entire team continues to strive to maintain cleanliness.
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Kudos to the team. Couldnt help but post this: a classic example, in my
opinion, of teamwork, low-cost, simple innovative intervention that is
sustainable, environment-friendly, and just amazing!

105

My Story: He Got Thrashed Because He Had The Courage While I

Didnt
On Friday the 28th of August at around 10 pm, I was at the IFFCO Chowk
metro station, on my way to a friends place. As I was walking to the
station, I noticed a long line of people waiting to get through security
check. The line started at the security gate, went down the entire length
of the station, down the stairs, looped around a tree on the sidewalk, and
finished on the road somewhere under the station. I approached the line
annoyed; I didnt want to deal with this shit. I wasnt even sure if this was
the security check line or the line to buy tokens. I didnt need to buy a
token so I wanted to find out which line this was before wasting any time
in the wrong line. I heard a shout that seemed to answer my question.
Two men, one armed with a large staff, were angrily yelling:
! , ! (This is the token line!
Those who have a card, go to the other gate!) These men were dressed in
some kind of army uniform so Im guessing they were CISF (Central
Industrial Security Force) guards.
People, confused by the crowd and commotion, came up to ask the
guards which line it was. The one with the staff was getting steadily
angrier and more violent with his responses until he grabbed one of his
enquirers by the collar, a poor young man, and slapped him. The other
guard came running and together, they pushed the man through the line
and on to the service lane. He fell to the ground and the guards started to
kick him. At one point, he tried to get up but was struck by the staff, and
fell again. The guards were repeatedly slapping, punching, kicking, and
striking him with the staff. After five to seven minutes of beating him,
they pulled him up to his feet and back through the line. The one with
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the staff addressed the people waiting in line like an audience,

punctuating his speech with punches and slaps:
! (This is the token line!) *smack*
, (Those who have a card) *smack* ! (go to the
other gate!) *smack* **** ? (Now do you understand,
****?)
Nobody said a word. I was frozen as well. The guards pushed the man
back through the line and continued their yelling, exercising the
dominance they had just established.
The man walked to the side. He had fire in his eyes, the same fire that he
did during the onslaught. Never wavering, staying strong, defiant, and
angry throughout the abuse. Alone, yet courageous. Later, he walked up
to the guard with the staff and loudly asked his name. The guard ignored
him.
The guards, after their first violent attack, started to freely physically
abuse anyone who came up to them to ask questions. The guard without
the staff grabbed a young, more privileged looking man by the head and
struck him. He then violently pulled him into the station and they
disappeared from view.
Here are some things I learned and questions I have:
1. Always take a video; dont bother with aiming and focusing for photos
(all my pictures are blurry and unfocused).
2. I am so soft. I almost started crying, being just a bystander. The young
man, the victim, was fearless.
3. Next time, should I personally defend and risk getting attacked
myself? What is the best way that one should respond in such a
situation?
4. Relatedly, how does one mobilize the crowd in such a situation? The
guards could have been easily overwhelmed by the intently-watching
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crowd, but no one was willing to say something against the injustice. One
idea is to ask other bystanders whether they agree with what is
happening in front of them. If people are forced to speak out loud, they
automatically become involved.

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The Happiest Moment Of My Life, When I Helped A Lady Who Stole

A Purse
She was arrested and brought to police station for stealing a purse. The
lady constable slapped her but she didnt utter a single word. It took me
no time to understand the pain behind her silence. I followed her in the
slum dwelling and found that her husband was suffering from severe
typhoid fever. I took him to the doctor, purchased some medicines and
donated a months salary and that was the happiest moment of my life.
The quicker we judge, the more prone we are to fall into committing a
moral crime. If he had just let her go with the abuse she was meted out
by the lady constable, who was unaware of the other side, the policeman
too would have been part of a moral crime. Everyone has a different story
to tell, if only we care to listen.

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Iranian Story From HONY, Receiving Appreciations From Barack

Obama To Mark Zuckerberg
Even Iran and United States are not friends and consider each other
threat to each other. Recent visit of Brandon- Humans of New York, to Iran
has brought the people of two nations closer, even when diplomatic ties
b/w the nation is not working well. The latest post of Humans of New York
tells the story of a man whose son gave away apricots behind his back as
they walked home from the shop.
The message of the post was so profound even USA President, Barack
Obama couldnt resist himself from commenting on the post. The post
was even liked by CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg.
The story from Humans of New York:
Todays his tenth birthday. Hes a very emotional young man. He likes to
solve other peoples problems. One time when he was five years old, he
came with me to the store and we bought two pounds of fresh apricots. I
let him carry the bag home. He walked a little bit behind me the entire
way. After awhile, I asked him to hand me an apricot. I cant, he said. Ive
given them all away. I knew then that I was raising a
humanitarian. (Tabriz, Iran)

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A Mechanical Engineer, An Auto Driver

It was a Saturday afternoon when me, my cousin brother and sister-inlaw took an auto from city market to rotighar,gandhibazar.
While we were going in the auto, me and my cousin were discussing
about an institute that offers engineering degree in two years. I asked my
cousin the institute name but he was not really sure about the
abbreviation.
He said its called some AIME or something. But the auto driver told the
institute was called AMIE. Later he gave us the complete information
about the institute, courses offered, number of subjects that were offered
in one year etc. I was shocked by the way he told us about the institute.
Later he asked about my academics. I told him that I completed my
engineering from BMS College of Engineering.
Then he asked me my specialization in particular. I told it was Industrial
engineering and Management. Since many people will not be aware
about my branch name, it is a routine for me to tell that my branch is
related to Mechanical Engineering just that our course includes some
MBA subjects as well. I wanted to tell the same to the auto driver.
Before I could complete, he asked me, Oh IEM ah?. I was stunned. Who
would expect an auto-driver to know all this. My mouth could not stop
asking questions. I asked him How do you know all these things?
He told me that even he was a Mechanical Engineer who did his Diploma
in Mechanical engineering, later finished his B.E. in Mechanical
Engineering from JSS college of Engineering( one of the very good
engineering colleges in Karnataka)two years back.
Thats it. I dont even have words to describe my reaction when he told me
this. I was completely shocked!! I asked how come he is doing this job
instead of finding other jobs meant for engineers.
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He told me, Madam, there are so many people like me in this field.
Destiny has made us to settle for this. And we are doing it. Even now, my
professor keeps calling and tells me to do MTech. I feel that engineering
what I have done is only useless. Why waste another 2 lakhs?
I told him, You can pursue Mtech. Then take up a lecturer job.
He told me, Who pays for my Mtech? And even if I do Mtech I would get
25,000 as my initial salary. Im getting the same now and I am ok with it.
It is a waste if I am doing Mtech.
I could not answer his question. Yes I could make out that he had family
commitments that is why he ended up taking up an auto-driver job. Also,
I could see the frustration on his face for not getting a job with the
qualification he had. I dont think he would have settled for this job
without even trying for mechanical engineering jobs. Probably 10-15
years back nobody would have imagined an engineer becoming an autodriver. Its not the destiny, but the existing job-market has made many
engineers to settle for under-employment.
I guess he is a true #logicalindian who has accepted the fact and moved
on in his life.
Story ended by me giving him a free advice to start doing something
related to his academics.He nodded with a smile, probably which meant
it could never happen!
Making a graduate employable is more important than just making a
graduate. I hope, at least we may not have to see PGs like this in future.

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Meet The Two Security Guards Who Are Inspiring Millions Through
Their Dedication
Meet Sagar Ashokrao Bhagat (Right Side)
Qualification: BE (Computer Science & Engg.)
Previous Job: Security Guard at Woodland Heights, Chandivali-Andheri
East
On 24th August, we posted a #MyStory submitted by one of our
community members. The Story was about a boy named Sagar Ashokrao
Bhagat,who was working as a security guard. Sagar was looking for a job
suiting to his educational qualification. He has a BE degree in computer
engineering.Bhagat took up work as a security guard two months back
after failing to find engineering jobs.

The conversation between Sagar and Sreejesh :

While leaving for office, I noticed a young security chap on duty at the
society gate, quietly reading a book kept in between his society vehicle
entry register. It was something different for a security guard so I stopped
and asked, what are you reading? Java programming! he replied in a
humble tone.
It was a shock for me. I have a BE degree and I stay with my Mausi. I am
looking out for a suitable job and to keep things going I have taken up as
a security guard! he continued. Sagar you inspired me today!! came
out of my mouth.
We are glad to inform you that he has got several job offers. The story was
originally posted by Sreejesh Krishnan on his facebook profile, who lives
in the same building where Sagar was working as a security guard.
Meet Balinder Singh, The SSE aspirant who works as an ATM security
guard. (Left Side)

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The conversation between Balinder and Harsh :

Today while coming back from a party I suddenly realised that tomorrow
is Rakshabandhan and in the same reference I looked at my wallet and
found it little short for tomorrow since I am blessed with so many sisters
for that auspicious day. I decided to go to my local ATM branch to
withdraw some money but what I found when I reached there was so
motivational that I decided to share it with you all. I saw this young fellow
must be in early 20, Balinder Singh from Fatehabad, a guard at ICICI ATM
branch sec-11 Panchkula with some books and was studying under street
light. At once I thought it might be some comic or masala book he must
have been enjoying to kill the time but after looking closely I realised
that it was not. Unable to hold my curiosity I asked him Bhaiya kya parh
rahe ho at which with a big smile on his face he said mein SSE k
entrance ki taiyari kar raha hun to which I again asked him why he is
studying under street light and not inside ATM equipped with AC and
good light to which he humbly replied that after 12 midnight they closed
AC and so he has to sit outside but which is absolutely fine for him.
We often blame our failures to the tough times we go through in our
lives without realizing that failures are our own creation.The above
quoted is a perfect example that success is not any 1 legacy nor the fate
instead its kind of a 1 man standing match outcome in which opponent
against you is your own hardships in your life.
I dont really want anybody to go to this guy and help him financially
because that might deviate him from has goal but what I would like to
appeal is if anyone has some good books or can help him with his
studies do help him and also if you can share this so that this can reach to
more people and he can get best possible help in terms of achieving his
goal because I really believe that he is truly a deserving candidate.
The story was originally posted by Harsh Vats on his facebook profile.
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We thank all of you who made efforts to spread the words If we work
collectively, we can be the force of change!

115

Engineer Working As A Security Guard Got Job Offer, After His Story
Was Widely Shared
Dear Members,
On 24th August, we posted a #MyStory submitted by one of our
community members. The Story was about a boy named Sagar Ashokrao
Bhagat,who was working as a security guard. Sagar was looking for a job
suiting to his educational qualification. He has a BE degree in computer
engineering.Bhagat took up work as a security guard two months back
after failing to find engineering jobs.
We are glad to inform you that he has got several job offers. The story was
originally posted by Sreejesh Krishnan on his facebook profile, who lives
in the same building where Sagar was working as a security guard. The
story went viral from there.
Our heartiest thank to all of you who participated in it, it was all your
shares, likes, and comments which made this possible.
The Logical Indian community aims at highlighting issues which are
often neglected. Being members of this community, we feel its our
collective responsibility to actively engage in such campaigns/activities
which are socially inclined.
We once again thank all of you who made efforts to spread the words If
we work collectively, we can be the force of change!

116

92-Year-Old Wins Gold At World Masters Athletic Championships in

France
Vallabhajosyula Srimulu, a 92-year-old navy veteran took part in 10 km
speed walk in the 92-94 year category at the World Masters Athletic
Championships in France and won Gold.
He took part in the championships held in Lyon, France from August 4th
to August 16th. He is now back from France.
Cdr Srimulu was reportedly quoted as saying that his heart swelled with
pride to see the national flag being hoisted at the medal award
ceremony.
I participated in 5-km, 10-km and 20-km speed walk and could
complete the 10-km walk and get the gold. While 20-km walk is my
favorite I could not complete since I was disqualified from both 5-km and
20-km events, Commander Sriramulu told The Hindu on Monday.
The competition has strict guidelines which says that both the legs
should not be in the air at any point in the race. It further states, when the
walker has to ground the heel, the knee should lock otherwise it would
be counted as a run. He adhered to the stringent rules that have been the
sole reason for his disqualification earlier.
My chest swelled with pride to see the National Tricolour being hoisted
at the medal award ceremony after the event, but it was disappointing to
see a nondescript volunteer presenting the medal, he recalled.
Cdr V Sriramulu is a navy veteran who even served in World War II. He
has been a sport enthusiast and has excelled in waling and running. In
December 2010 he took part in The Asian Masters Athletic
Championships, Kuala Lumpur, winning 4 gold medals. In the world
championships held in California in 2011, USA from 6th to 17th July
2011 won a Gold Medal in the 20 km race walk and two silver medals in
the 5 km and 10 km race walks. He did some mountaineering as well.
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Well, we have so many outstanding examples that it needs to turn

around and get inspired.

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Serving As A Traffic Cop At Rs 6600 Monthly Salary Since Last 19

Years
Working for the past 19 years as a home-guard right in the middle of a
busy intersection, Benudhar Sahu has become the centre of attraction,
quite literally! His liveliness is unmatched, his antics for a traffic cop
unparalleled! Hes fondly referred to as the Billy Bowden of the traffic
pitch, because just like the umpire, his swift arm movements and nonstop whistling can bring even the busiest traffic line to a complete
standstill!
He is the most popular traffic cop of the city, handling the busiest
intersection with his almost ninja-like hand gesturesand he does that
365 days of the year without any hint of complain. With a salary of Rs.
6,600 per month and a family of 6 people, including two daughters and
a son, he definitely struggles to makes his ends meet.

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My Story: An Interesting Way By Which Indian Oil Petrol Pumps Are

Cheating Its Customers
Dear Sir,
I would like to bring to your kind notice that a major scam is going on in
your Bangalore Indian Oil Petrol Pumps.
I have been visiting your Indian Oil Petrol Pump (MS Ramaiah Road) for a
year now. There is an interesting way by which they cheat their customers.
So here it goes:
There are usually two people standing at every kiosk, one who takes the
money and the other who fills up the gas. When I pay the person to fill up
petrol worth 500/-, they take the money and they input petrol for 100
rupees in the machine, insert the nozzle in the tank but dont start the fill.
In a while, the person who takes the money pretends that there was a
confusion and tells the other person that its 500 bucks to be filled in, not
100. The other person says he has already filled in 100 rupees and will fill
for 400/- more. So they end up filling for only 400 rupees whereas they
take 500 rupees.
I have faced this same issue for more than 10 times. Initially I didnt take
notice, but on recurrence, I confronted them. They apologized and asked
me not to raise a complaint. So I excused them with a warning.
Today I went to get gas worth 200 bucks. They tried to cheat me in the
same manner. First they pretended to fill in for 50 rupees and then
actually 150 more. I went to the manager, and he was more interested in
verbal clarification rather than letting me write a formal complaint in the
Complaint/Suggestion Register. However today I managed to procure the
register and write a complaint. I have attached a snapshot for your
reference. Upon consulting with a few more customers at the bunker, I
realized lots of other people are facing the same issue. I think all the
employees at the bunker are involved in this. Kindly investigate and take
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necessary actions. I am also going to file a case with the consumer court
shortly.

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My Story: I Was Married At The Age Of 14 & I Worked At 10 Houses

For My Childrens Education
I was married to a merchant when I was very young. I was fourteen years
old when my hands held the wheel of a family life. Initially, my husband
did good in his business and the amount of money that came in the
household was ample enough for both of us. Six years after marriage, I
conceived my first child. It was a girl. My daughter and I were looked
down upon by my in-laws, my husband, and the neighbourhood. My
second child was a boy. It was tough for me to bring up two children, one
who was over-pampered by everybody and the other one who was
loathed by her own relatives.
My husband had an accident. He fell down from a very lofty tree. He has
been bed-ridden since then. His business came to a hault. My daughter
and I started washing dishes and doing the household chores of people
to earn money. My son grew vegetables in our kitchen garden and sold
them. It was not enough.
We lost our home, our lands, everything. I worked at 10 houses to send
my children to school. I worked hard and added pie to pie to shift from a
masters outhouse to our own hut. Hard work never fails.
Today, my husband can sit, my son is a farmer and my daughter a tailor. I
still work at houses. It has got me, somehow. If I had not worked and
served people by helping them with their daily chores, God would not
have helped me.

122

Son Of A Pune Bhel Vendor Cleared CA In First Attempt

The group of students preparing for the final exam of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), also known as CA Final exam.
Couple of days ago results came out, only one of them could manage to
smile.
It was a mixed day for me. Its happiness for myself and sadness for my
friends who could not clear, large-hearted Mahesh Londhe, who has
cleared all his CA exams in the first attempt, told Business Standard.
The 21-year-old has not only cleared one of the toughest exams to crack
(only about 8 per cent cleared it this year) in one shot, but also mounted
other odds that would have put off many.
Mahesh Londhe said My prime motivation was my parents. They
supported me in all decisions. I am from a backward community. My
father is a bhel seller. He did not force me to work. He believed his son
could become a CA,.
Londhes father Vishnu Vitobha Londhe earns about Rs 200-300 selling
bhel at the Pune Railway Station, while his mother works as a help
assisting teachers at the Akansha Foundation, non-profit till recently.
The young CA acknowledges the role played by the foundation in helping
his education, both financially and through other assistance such as
mentoring.
When I was in class XII, I used to have difficulty with accountancy.
Akansha had arranged special classes to help me get over these, Londhe
said.
Akansha also helped him get a sponsor for the CA course. Mr (MS)
Unnikrishnan, CEO of Thermax sponsored my entire CA course from CPT,
IPCC to final, he said.
The entire course and fees for classes which were quite high would
have cost around Rs 4-5 lakh, he estimated.
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Despite this, there were hard times at home. I faced several problems.
My father used to work on commission basis for a firm. Unfortunately, he
had to leave it and then start on his own. Those were difficult times for
us, Londhe recalled.
Maheshs journey from being an Akanksha Child to a chartered
accountant is like a dream come true. Mahesh Londhe, student of the first
batch of Pune Akanksha centre has made it as a certified Chartered
Accountant, Akansha said in a statement. The foundation works with
children from low-income communities with a high-quality education
and has eight centres and 16 schools in Mumbai and Pune. Maheshs
journey with the foundation began 13 years ago.
His mentor Aashish Patki made him realise he needed to work for a life
beyond his 10th standard. Patki gave him brochures of commerce
colleges and asked him to visit them. This was a turning point for him.
First Division in class X got him admitted to BMCC for B Com. A score of
72 per cent in HSC gave him the courage to join the course for Chartered
Accountancy.
A cheerful Londhe, who came fifth in his university in graduation and
speaks fluent English, said he wants to take up a corporate job after
completing his articleship later in September. I am quite young. So,
initially Ill look for a job, preferably in a manufacturing firm focusing on
internal control systems, adding confidently, After getting some
experience, may be after 10-15 years I shall plan to start my own practice.
That will be the second stage.
Londhes parents, though not much educated themselves, understood
the importance of education for all their children.

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Real hero : A pilot who saved lives..

On Sunday evening 13th July 2014, the Air India's flight AI-144, a B-777,
was ready for a routine flight from Newark to Mumbai with 300
passengers and 15 crew. The weather in New Jersey was heavy passing
showers here and there.
It was a routine departure at about 5 pm (local time) for a long 15-16 hrs
flight to Bombay now Mumbai. The aircraft naturally was at its maximum
take off weight, as it was fully loaded with the fuel required for this long
transcontinental flight.
The take off run was a normal routine one. Immediately on lift off the
worst nightmare of a pilot, the loss of an engine at maximum take off
weight, happened. The left engine caught fire, and at the same time the
cockpit engine fire warnings did not function. The passengers and crew
sitting on the left side were horrified to see flames from the left engine.
Other airplanes and Air Traffic Control warned the Pilot of the engine
being on fire. The Pilots till that time unaware of the engine fire, checked
up and carried out the emergency drills as per the required procedures.
The B-777 is a 2 engine aircraft, and loosing one engine (50% power) at
the maximum a/c weight on take off is a nightmare for the best of Pilots
and in the best of circumstances.
In such an emergency, the Pilots will first think of making the aircraft
light, which is done by dumping the extra fuel. For this Pilots need to
climb up to a designated minimum height and dump the fuel in areas
already specified by the local airport authorities. The time to reach the
dumping height and area could have taken 15 to 30 minutes, because of
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heavy weight and loss of an engine. The actual fuel dump can take
another 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the amount of fuel to be
dumped out. The exercise of dumping fuel to lighten the aircraft would
have taken any thing around 60 to 70 minutes, a valuable time they did
not have.
The Pilots had a serious emergency of an engine having been on fire at
hand. This could have caused, secondary as yet unknown failures. They
had to take an instant decision, which they rightfully took to land as soon
as possible, rather than use up precious time to try and dump fuel.
The immediate landing back, of course had its own problems. The very
high landing weight. This in turn will need the aircraft to be landed at a
much higher speed. The immediate anxiety of the Pilots in this case
would have been three fold. Firstly, will the airplane stop in the available
runway length, landing at about 200 Knots (which is 370 kms/hr), the
minimum speed required at the weight. Secondly, will the landing gear
take the load of landing at such a high speed and weight (85 tonnes
more than the maximum design landing weight). Thirdly, they were
flying only on one engine, which has its own problems of aircraft
handling and control.
The Pilots averted a major emergency into becoming a possible
catastrophe by landing the aircraft successfully back. The handling skills
and good cool airmanship displayed by the Pilots was the primary reason
of this emergency being converted into just an incident, which the Indian
media thought was of no consequence of being reported or being
commented upon. The visual media (all channels of TV) was only
concerned on a non issue of why one 'Ved Pratap Vaidik' met a certain '
Hafiz Saeed' on a visit to Pakistan. The print media was merely interested
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in printing and commenting some dubious statistics where the ATC

Controllers and Pilots have erred. Regrettably the media just shut their
eyes to this incidence as it made no juicy news for them. They were not
interested in how a major catastrophe was averted and lives of 315
persons were saved by the good professional handling and competent
decisions of AIR INDIA PILOTS.
My congratulations to Capt Gautam Verma and his crew (2nd
Commander Capt Niranjan Singh & First Officers Capt Pankaj Wadhawan
& Capt Shilpika Das) for displaying airmanship and professional
competence of the highest order in handling a most difficult situation
competently and successfully.
It is disappointing that the PRO of Air India has also failed in bringing the
true facts of the incidence to the notice of the visual and print media and
getting the competence and proficiency of their employees due national
recognition. It should also be a matter of great national concern that the
Indian media had nothing to say about the competent handling of this
grave in flight situation and preventing it becoming a catastrophe.
The writer is a retired Air India & Indian Air Force Pilot with over 40 years
of flight experience.
Friends do share this with others, as the National media has failed to
recognize and give due credit to our Indian Pilots, who have done a great
and creditable job and not let a grave emergency develop into disaster.

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On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Read How The War Unfolded

Today is the Kargil Vijay Divas, a day on which our great nation
commemorates our victory in the Kargil war and the sacrifices of our
brave soldiers who laid down their lives for their motherland.
The Kargil War involved Indian and Pakistani forces and took place
between May 26 and July 26 with the Indian armed forces successfully
driving out the infiltrators and reoccupying Indian positions along the
LOC. Here is how this conflict unfolded.
1. On 3 May 1999, local shepherds on Indian side of the LOC reported
Pakistani intrusion in Kargil. By May 10, infiltrations were also noticed in
Dras, Kaksar and Mushkoh sectors.
2. On May 15, an Indian Army patrol lead by Lt Saurabh Kalia discovered
large scale intrusion of Pakistani Army. The patrolling troupe consisting of
just 6 people fought with the Pakistani armed forces until they ran out of
ammunition, got captured, and were tortured to death. Soon after, India
responded with Operation Vijay, mobilising close to 30000 troops and
paramilitary forces to the Kargil-Drass sector.
3. By May 26, the Indian Air Force started taking an active part in the war,
losing fighter aircrafts and men but bolstering the Indian response
through Operation Safed Sagar.The Indian Navy meanwhile launched
Operation Talwar to block Karachi port to cut off Pakistans supply lines
through the marine route.
4. On May 27, Pakistan captured Flight Lt Nachiketa as a POW. Squadron
Ldr Ajay Ahuja tried to locate Nachiketa but got martyred at the hands of
the Pakistani forces.
5. On June 1, Pakistan bombed NH1A, the lifeline route connecting the
Leh region to the rest of India. India resorted to using NH1D through
Himachal to avoid further casualties.
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6. By June 9, Indian Army had recaptured two key positions in the Batalic
sector.
7. By June 13, Indian Army had recaptured Tololing, significantly turning
the tide in Indias favour.
9. Over the next one month, India continued to gain important positions.
The fierce Indian response and mounting international pressure forced
Pakistan to pull out their troops from the Indian side of the LOC.

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KARGIL HERO
It was a tough decision to write this but I have nothing to hide. The
more I stare at his name plate stuck neatly on to my notice board,
the more angry I get for how easily you have forgotten him. The
letters in white engraved onto the black plate say C B DWIVEDI in
capital letters in English and in Hindi. Every year I come across
multiple articles on the Heroes of the Kargil war and not once have
I found his name there. Trust me, Ive waited with patience for over
16 years. Hes the reason I picked up journalism, hes the reason I
want to make a difference without expecting anything in return
from the world. So his story will be told, today, by me.
Because his life wasnt a waste and you better thank him for the life
youre living.
Army is a profession. Actually, its more than that. Its a way of life.
Its like giving a job to somebody worth a million rupees, and
telling him that Hey you might just die tomorrow. Even for a
million bucks, you may not find many takers. It takes a lot to choose
army as a profession. Once in the academy, you also get a chance
to choose a fighting arm or any other. So it takes a lot to CHOOSE to
be on the front and take the bullet for your countrymen. Yes, my
father did exactly that. He picked up Artillery.
He served the Indian army for 18 years; today you can become a Col
in that much time. I wonder what post he would be at today if he
was around. Maj. C.B. Dwivedi, an officer who didnt have time to
sleep a wink during war never forgot to write a letter to his family,
faking his well-being oh-so-perfectly, even during war. His last letter
to my mother wentsomething like this:
Dear Bhawna,
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Sweet Kiss.
[]
A lot of news shown on TV is true but a lot of it is false. So dont
believe in it completely, just believe in God. []
This was two days before he sacrificed his life for the country.
Daddywas a complete family man and our mother was the boss of
the house. But its him who had spoilt her.Even when he would call
from Srinagar, he would say chota baby kahaan hai and we would
call mummy quickly. Doesnt mean he wasnt a doting father. He
used to plan his leaves around our exams. We were so dependent
upon him that my sister didnt know how to as little as prepare for
her exams without him.
I still fail to understand how he sounded so carefree in his letters
amidst all that chaos during the Kargil war. I remember him calling
us from the Satellite phone and talking about the bad weather in
the background. Im yet to come across a selfless man as him.
Seriously. The day I find him, Ill marry him.
Not all units are employed during every war. During theKargil war,
Artillery and Infantry were employed majorly. Gunners belong to
artillery. And Maj C.B. Dwivedi was a proud Gunner. He would sit
bravely at the top of the artillery gun (a weapon thats big enough
to be a tank), fearlessly facing the enemy, throwing reigns of fire at
them from dusk till dawn. Yes this is how the Kargil war was fought
at night, when the world was sleeping peacefully, the Indian army
was on duty.
Early morning of 14th May 1999, I still remember, was when 315
Field Regiment (Kargil) was deployed to Drass. The Kargil conflict
was indeed a shocker for all of us. It was the most unexpected war
in Indian history. My mother, my sister and I had just gone to see
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daddy in our summer vacation and the surprise was we only got
12 hours with him. He mentioned that in one of his letters to my
mom, where he says:
Even though the meeting was short, only twelve hours, it was
really nice seeing you. Ill see you guys soon.
The harsh truth is we never saw him again, had we known those
were the last twelve hours we were spending with him, we wouldve
done so much more instead of just eating lunch and dinner with
him in the mess.My father was a true romantic, a true comedian, a
true chef sometimes, a true father but before all of this, he was a
true soldier. His jawans loved him for he was the one motivating
factor they had in their life during war. Until he was behind 315, the
unit sufferedonly two casualties during the Kargil war.
315 was the first artillery unit to be inducted into the war zone.
Daddy was the officiating Second in Command during that
time.Operation Vijay (the Kargil conflict)was a tough war, mainly
because of lack of information, the underprepared army and the
strategic positioning of the cowards who had intruded into our land
disguised as civilians.
The first day the regiment arrived at the base camp in Drass, there
was a reign of fire that fell upon them. As my uncle (Col Upadhyay,
who spent every second with my father in his last days) recalls, the
unit had no idea where the enemies were sitting. He remembers
saying the following lines to daddy that night:
Sir, were in big trouble.
There was absolutely no information about the positioning of the
enemies, the army was sent to the war zone blindly. With Tololing
on one side and Tiger Hill and Point 4875 on the other, they had
some massive planning to do.
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Daddys unit, 315 field regiment, was responsible for supporting

operations for 1 Naga, 8 Sikh, 17 Jat and 16 Grenadiers that went
on to finally capture Tololing, Point 5140, Black Tooth, Tiger Hill,
Point 4875 (Gun Hill), Mahar Ridge and Sando Top in Drass
Mushkoh Valley. My father as Second in Command was responsible
for complete survey for artillery units to come in, he used to take off
every morning to look for empty spaces around highways in order
to park the vehicles and artillery units coming in. He was also
responsible for proper communication to bring in ammunition,
coordination for firing, and war survey and dumping plans. The
time between 14th-31st May were the toughest days for the unit,
they had to fire at one place and quickly move on to another
location, this was an ongoing process in those days.
The only free timedaddy hadwas spent onstaring at the map and
devising plans for their next move. But he still wrote letters. He
never forgot doing that.
With the responsibility of infantry units over their shoulders, 315
oftenfaced two choices at night either you stop firing and wait till
morning in your bunkers/tents or keep firing and protect the
infantry units. My father mostly chose the latter. The artillery didnt
even have bunkers, they were staying in tents. And Gunners dont
have much choice to hide when they are firing because they are
sitting right at the top of their artillery guns facing the enemy,
looking at them eye-to-eye. Thats where my daddy sat. Right at the
top. Fearlessly.
Even Indian aircrafts were shot down during this time, this is
whenSquadron Leader Ajay Ahuja lost his life on May 27th 1999,
which was the biggest blow to Indian army. But what had to be
done had to be done.
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I remember we my sister and I had seen daddy commanding an

Operation in Udi once (I dont remember the year) and we
couldnt stop laughing. He was far far away and had allowed us to
sit on top of ahill and look at him at work. He was walking around
with his hands crossed backwards, like a true soldier with his back
straight commanding the soldiers. We kept giggling saying, Daddy
is just taking a walkordering people around.
We were too young to understand what a terrific leader he was. That
day, he came back because the enemy had waved thewhite flag (to
declare peace). He was always a winner.
It was the evening of July 2nd 1999, when 315 was hit by yet
another dilemma to continue firing or to stop firing but
the infantry units (18 Grenadier and 8 Sikh) wouldve been in
serious danger had they stopped. Daddy againchose the former, he
rushed out of his tent and motivated his boys to keep firing, to keep
at it. He knew how difficult it would be to get through this but he
had to make the tough choice. It was either protecting himself or
protecting a whole unit he chose the latter.Its the madness in a
soldiers blood that most of us will never understand. He was mad.
He sat at the gunners position and continued firing facing the
enemies, just when a shell landed right next to him. He was hit on
his arm. He realised that. But, what he didnt realize was that some
of them had pierced his arm and entered his body from the sides. In
the heat of war, a soldier doesnt feel his pain. Maybe, that was the
reason. As a result, he suffered a lot of internal bleeding but kept
thinking its just his arm.
In this shelling, he and four of the other gunners suffered fatal
injuries while the Gun Position officer and the Troop leader suffered
from non-fatal ones.
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Daddy was the only 2 IC in that time who was single-handedly

overlooking so many operations in that terrifying war zone. The day
used to start at 2.30 am for 315, when they moved around in the
hills on their vehicles with the headlights switched off. Such was the
danger they were exposed to. The heroes of 315 brought home the
victory and received an honorary title as well but could never get
the well-deserved appreciation from the country, from the people
who were probably sleeping quietly in their homes because they
were risking their life at that point. They were the backbone of the
war and so were never remembered again.
Tiger Hill was the last stop for the Indian army, my father could not
see the tri-colour flag flying high but Im sure he could sense the
victory from wherever he was at the time. He was a huge part of it
and no media can take that away from him.
Our world came shattering down with the news on the 2nd of July
1999, we were a young bunch of kids to him, including my mother,
she was only 34 then. But, his spirit in some way picked us up every
time we fell. Its been 16 years to that day.
As my mother, my sister and I await the invitation from the
government to celebrate Vijay Diwas in Drass some day with them,
I want to salute every one of them because of who India is alive
today.
My father, my hero, I salute you.
Diksha Dwivedi

135

The Man Who Single-Handedly Changed More Than 10,000 Lives

Through Rainwater Harvesting
Dr. Bhagwati P Agrawal is a social entrepreneur, who is the director of
Sustainable Innovations Inc. based in Fairfax, Virginia. Agrawal pursued
his higher education from America. He always had keen interest in
technology, and never wanted to be questioned about the same. Been in
America, he worked for creating technologies for over 100 Fortune
companies.
Having achieved excellence in his endeavors, Agrawal remembered his
roots very well. He had remembered the times when he had to fetch
water from surrounding areas and consume that water for the whole day.
One day he called upon a meeting with his friends who discussed about
the lack of clean water and sanitation facilities in the Indian villages.
He visited villages and learnt the situations even better. Firstly as he says
in his interview, there was no ground water in villages; water the village
received was all rainwater. Due to this, women and kids had to spend
around 4 hours every day on an average to fetch water and bring it back
to their houses. In this manner the women would waste a lot of time daily
and remain unemployed. The kids on the other hand had to miss their
school.
Dr. Bhagwati Agrawal with his team launched an project called Aakash
Ganga which would help encourage safe drinking practices in the
villages. A villager explains, When it rains then the water gets collected
in smaller tanks and later when it overflows through these smaller tanks;
then through perforated pipes and gutters it enters the bigger
tanks(underground reservoirs). This is a way of rainwater harvesting
system promoted and led forward by the team of Aakash Ganga. Agrawal
explained that he had wanted to do something for society, and he could
do it only with his business know-how.
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Today over 10,000 people in 6 drought prone villages in Rajasthan are

benefitted by Aakash Ganga project. For this initiative Agrawal received
the Purpose Prize in 2012. He is planning to take this project to more and
more villages in India. For this he is working with local and state
governments and is dedicated to provide health care services in urban
slums in addition to the Aakash Ganga project.
The Logical Indian community salutes the good work he has been doing
for the welfare of the society for years. The youth of India will surely be
motivated by Dr. Agrawals initiative. We should also contribute to the
society, by helping the Indian villages get proper education, health and
hygiene facilities.

137

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138

How 1 Engineer Helped Stop a Dam Disaster that Would Have

Marooned 5000 Villagers As a result of heavy (338 mm) rainfall inGondal taluka of Rajkot district
in Gujarat, a dam started overflowing on June 24th, threateningthe lives
of hundreds of peoplein the nearby Padvala and Charkhadi villages.
It was because of the prompt action taken by an engineer Harshad
Bhimani, that thelives of thousandsof villagers was saved. These villages
are located downstream of Vekri dam over Bhadar river.
As the dam started overflowing, the officials on the site noticed a breach
on the protection wall and informed Bhimani about the same. He had
just 30 minutes to vacate the two villages, otherwise they would have
been completely washed away by the overflowing water.
On reaching the site he saw that the earthen protection had already
collapsed and water had started seeping in through the cracks. Without
wasting any time,he started thinking about the possible solutions to stop
the water from breaking the protection wall.
He soon came up with the idea ofusing cement to seal the breach in the
wall and ordered cement bags from a nearby factory.
His command was soon executed and he received 465 bags of cement in
just 20 minutes. All the villagers and local labourers joined Bhimani as
he started placing these cement bags along with boulders in front of the
breach to stop the water from flowing outside the wall.
Bhimani and his team didnt have the time to open the cement bags, so
they just started throwing them into the breach. It took them three long
hours to seal the breach, but the water had stopped seeping in and the
village was safe.
If Bhimani had not taken a quick decision, over 5,000 villagers would
have lost their lives. But all is well that ends well and the villagers cant
thank this engineer enough for his incredible support.
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The Rockstar Auto-Driver Who Gave Up His Passion To Support His

Family
I was returning from guitar classes. I took an auto, back home. On the
way, the auto-driver (autowallah, as we call them in Mumbai) asked me
how long has it been since I started learning to play the instrument. I told
him it was my 2nd session that day. 5 minutes in the conversation I
understood he knows a lot about guitar. I knew there was a story behind
it and I wanted to know that story. So I asked
PS: The whole conversation happened in Hindi
Me: Sir how do you know so much about guitar?
He: *chuckles* I was a professional guitarist. I used to play with a group
of friends, at small restaurants and bars. We used to perform on streets
also. All that was 10 years back.
Me: Then why did you stop playing?
He: Money wasnt good for musicians back then. Also, there was no
assurance of a gig on daily basis. I was married and I needed something
which assured my family food, at least twice a day.
Me: Hmm.. tell me more about your friends, the group of friends with
whom you played, a bit?
He: We started playing when we were around your age. They used to go
to college, I couldnt since I was working at a factory during day time.
Every evening we used to meet, play our favorite songs and perform at
some bars if we could get in. Good times, those.
(We reached the place where I was going to get down)
Me: It was good talking to you, uncle.
He: You mind if I play something on your guitar? Its been long since I
played one.
(I could see how eager he was to play the guitar)
Me: Sure! Id love to listen to you.
He started playing the background score from Sholay.
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Me: That was awesome! Even after almost 10 years you have a good
command on the instrument. How do you feel?
He: I feel I should buy a guitar soon. My son learns and plays on his
friends instrument.
Me: Thats great. I hope I learn well.
He: You will. Its not easy but promise me youll not give up for at least a
year.
Me: Yes, I wont.
He: Dont give up on guitar for a year and guitar wont give up on you
ever then. (Actual words: Beta tum guitar ko ek saal mat chhodo, guitar
tumko zindagy bhar nahi chhodega)
We cant even comprehend how much, in how short period of time, can
someone can touch our lives and inspire us!

141

One Doctors Fight Against a System Where Cancer Patients Die for
Lack of Money
Aai, I will become a doctor when I grow up and cure people without
money, promised 8-year-old Swapnil Mane to his mother, as he
helplessly watched his poor neighbour die of cancer. Twenty years later,
this oncosurgeon and his wife have helped thousands of cancer sufferers
in 52 villages in Maharashtra and have operated on 550 patients for free.
Twenty years ago, an 8-year-old boy tugged at his mother:
Aai (Mother), I want to help Godse Kaka!
But how can we help Swapnil? Baba (Father) does not earn so much that
we can help him monetarily, or else we would have.
But AaiWhy dont the doctors help him and cure him?
Doctors cure only those who have money, Swapnil.
The last line uttered by Swapnil Manes mother gave him his mission in
life.
He was watching Godse Kaka die every day. He was watching Godse Kaku
cry every day. Godse Kaka was Swapnils neighbour. He was a daily-wage
worker at a farm. He earned about Rs. 50 to Rs. 60 per day. And now, not
even that, due to his disease.
Aai, I will become a doctor when I grow up and cure people without
money too! Swapnil promised his mother.
Swapnil eventually came to know that Godse Kaka was suffering from
lung cancer, and just because he did not have Rs. 50, 000, he had to die.
So now, Swapnil was determined to become a cancer specialist and fight
against cancer.
According to data from the National Cancer Registry Programme of the
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the estimated mortality rate
due to cancer saw an increase of approximately 6 percent between 2012
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and 2014. There were close to 5 lakh deaths due to cancer in the country
in 2014. Every year, 50,000 women die due to cervical cancer. Every day,
1300 people die due to cancer in India.
On May 1, 2011, Dr. Swapnil Mane (MBBS, MD, DGO, FCPS, MD
Oncosurgeon) started the journey towards fulfilling his dream of making
cancer treatment affordable and even free if necessary for the needy in
India. He inaugurated the Dr. Mane Medical Foundation and Research
Centre, a national, social, secular NGO which stands committed tocancer
control, at village Rahuri, district Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The
Foundation is one of the few medical foundations in India, which has
been recognized by the Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
(SIRO), Department of Science and Technology.
Doctor Mane, along with his team of 13 doctors and 6 paramedical staff,
has so far conducted free cancer check-ups and medicine distribution
camps in 52 villages of Maharashtra, under a community-based cancer
project.
The Foundation adopted two remote villages, Mhaisgaon and Taharabad,
for this community-based cervical cancer project, and made them free of
cervical cancer in just two years. The team has operated on 550 patients
free of cost and has undertaken 106 cancer awareness sessions.
Prevention is an essential part of our mission. Through public education,
clinical preventive services and research, we strive to reduce the
incidence of cancer and serve people who may never be our patients,
says Dr. Mane
However, all that glitters today was not gold always. Not being financially
very sound, Dr. Swapnil Mane joined the Tata Memorial Hospital at
Mumbai (the same place from where he had graduated), as a fellow in
gynaecological oncology. He started his career with a vision to just cure
the patients without looking at their financial status. But, one day, Dr.
143

Swapnil met a patient in the lobby of the hospital. He looked pale and
worried. When Dr. Swapnil asked him the reason for his sadness, he said
that he was a cancer patient and only had money to come to Mumbai.
Now he did not know how he would be able to pay the hospital bills and
go back to his village.
I gave the patient some money and also found an NGO to sponsor his
fees. Once his treatment was done I gave him money to go back home.
He was happy; however this was the moment when I decided to practice
in a village rather than in a metropolis like Mumbai, recalls Dr. Mane.
He was pained to see patients who came from villages sleeping on the
footpaths of Mumbai just because they did not have money to rent a
place in the city till their treatment was done.
-He then started his research and found out that his own town, Rahuri,
had no tertiary health centre available in and around 50 km. He was
shocked to know that the doctor ratio in this area is 1:50,00 (the national
average doctor-population ratio is 1:1,700). Also, there was no medical
institution or health centre that had a diagnostic facility for cervical
cancer, in spite of the fact that one in every 100 women in the area was
affected by cervical cancer.
The main occupation of people in Rahuri tehsil is farming. Most of the
population is landless and survives on daily wages by working on the
farms. They generally live hand to mouth. Treating one of the family
members for cancer or even going for an early diagnosis is, financially,
next to impossible for them.
After his initial research, Dr. Mane decided to start practising in Rahuri,
and that too at half the cost compared to other doctors. As a result,
patients started flooding into Dr. Manes clinic. This became, however, a
matter of worry for other doctors at Rahuri. The doctors association
there generated a notice against Dr. Mane to stop his charitable work.
144

But, in spite of all the objections, Dr. Mane was determined to help the
people in this area. His wife, Dr. Sonali Mane, stood steadily by his side in
this difficult time and they both continued to diagnose and treat patients,
taking negligible fees. Slowly, even the few doctors who were opposing
the couple, joined them instead. These doctors then started their project
in a rented building, and thus the Dr. Mane Medical Foundation and
Research Centre was formed.
I was not sure, when I got married to him, if what my husband was
doing was right. But his dedication and selfless work were a motivation
for me to join him in this noble journey. I still remember one of our
cancer detection camps at Wambori. A lady was trying to come forward for
a check-up. But she was stinking so badly that people did not let her
come near the camp. When we came to know about her, we checked her
immediately and found out that there was pus secretion from her vagina
that had been going on for months. The pus had a pungent smell and
she was in deep pain. Due to financial constraints, she never went to a
doctor for all these years. We operated her on a priority basis and
removed her uterus, which was affected by fourth stage cancer. She visits
us regularly now and keeps thanking us on each visit. These thank yous
cannot match any amount of money in the world, says Dr. Sonali Mane.

145

How One Award-Winning Radio Channel Forever Changed an

Underserved Community in Haryana
I was buying a register during my exam from the nearby shop. The
shopkeeper charged me Rs. 184. When I reached home, I opened the
packet and saw that the printed rate was Rs 124. I had heard in the Jano
Grahak Jano program on Radio Mewat that no one can charge you more
than the printed rate. So I went back and confronted the shopkeeper. He
said as it was exam time the demand was more I could take it or leave it.
I told him that I would go to Radio Mewat and get it announced.
Sheepishly he called me back and returned Rs 60 to me. Irfan, a
resident of Mewat, Haryana.
This is one of the manystories shared by Archana Kapoor, the founder of
Radio Mewat and the NGO SMART (Seeking Modern Applications for Real
Transformation).
SMART is dedicated to bringing about real transformation in the lives of
socially and economically backward communities with the use of mass
media and different tools of communication, according to Archana who
started this NGO in 1997, at the age of 37. She is also known for her work
as a publisher, filmmaker, author and activist.
Why Radio Mewat?
Radio Mewat, one of the many initiatives of SMART, is the first
community radio station in Mewat, an extremely underprivileged district
in Haryana that is located about 70 km from Delhi.
The community radio was set up in September 2010. The one and only
focus of the radio is to disseminate information that benefits the
community, empowers them, gives them an identity and provides a
platform for the marginalized and vulnerable sections of society to share
their stories and talk about their issues.
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The radio station has received two national awards from the Union
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It also won an award for being
the Most Sustainable Community Radio Station in 2011 and for the
Most Creative and Innovative Programming in 2012.

147

The radio station, the reporters and the team

While Archana used to visit Mewat every single day when she started out,
she now has to go only once in a while because the community is
learning to take over. Currently, there are 11 full time reporters, a
committed managerial team and an administrative team 75 per cent of
them being from the local community.
But is it a challenge to find people who would be interested to work for
the radio?
Archana does not feel so. She has seen the youth in the community being
very excited about the entire set up since day one. They love what they
do. The station has given them a status and acceptance in the society. The
radio has not only trained over a 100 local people, but has also provided
opportunities of employment and exposureTheir involvement is
beyond programming and broadcasting. If an FIR is not being lodged,
Radio Mewat is expected to intervene; if a ration card is not being issued,
we will be asked to help so it a 247 engagement.
Radio Mewat broadcasts 17 hours a day and that shows the kind of
impact it is having on the community. As the proud founder points out
People are getting information which they never had access tothe
administration has become an integral part of the station as repeated
demands from the community and airing of grievances have forced them
to provide answers. Transparency in governance has increased. Panchayats
have been made more accountable. For the first time in the history of
Mewat, Gram Sabhas were held. This happened only after a sustained
intervention through the community radio station.
Here are some stories from and about people in the community for
a clearer picture of how a radio station is actually changing lives:
I heard about the symptoms of TB from Radio Mewat and called the
station. Their reporter came to see me and took me to the hospital for the
148

tests. I am now getting my treatment done and am not ashamed of

sharing this story. I am in fact telling everyone to get their sputum tested.
I now know that TB is curable. Shahid - Ever since she was a child,
Zainab, a 29-year-old woman, wanted to study. But her parents did not let
her continue with her education after grade 5. Today, she is married and
lives in Palladi village in Mewat. Last year, when the radio came up with a
program called Masti ki Paathshala, where they were teaching Math, she
was very excited to join it.
In this program, for every right answer to questions discussed during the
program, we give the listener a star. Zainab is also participating. She
listens to it regularly and calls when she has the answer. She has already
collected seven stars and says that it is really good that she is able to learn
Maths now. This is something she always wanted to do. So even if it is
after ten years, she is able to learn now. And it is not just her; she makes
her children and everybody in the family sit and listen to the program. On
earning ten stars, she will get an award, even if it is a small thing, says
Archana.
The Challenges
While the team has overcome many initial challenges, there are still
some that prevail. The most important one of them being the
employment of women at the station, as families are still hesitant to send
girls to work in the media sector. Archana is aiming for at least half of the
content to be produced and broadcast by women. Then there are issues
revolving around demands for increased remuneration, and the financial
crunch. The team also has to deal with technical challenges because of
limited resources.
I have about 16 people working for me, so I had to get projects to sustain
them and for their salaries. Because the guidelines are so strict, we cannot
get sponsors from the private sector. So we end up looking at the
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government for sponsored projectsWe have been able to break even

now. We have been able to pay the salaries, keep the equipment working,
and to keep afloat for five years.
The Future
Archana now wants Radio Mewat to slowly become an independent
community run entity, where the community realises the wisdom in
supporting and running it.

150

His Free School Is Moulding Visually Impaired Kids Into Civil

Servants & Entrepreneurs
This school for deprived and visually challenged kids trains them to be
civil servants and entrepreneurs right from the time when they are very
young. Those who dont have much themselves are taught the
importance of giving back to society. And the amazing founder of this
institution teaches them by personal experience.
What would you say about a modern-day school that churns out selfempowered, multi-dimensional and sensitive individuals who give back
to society? Where progress is led by example and not just exams, where
character is as important as curriculum and compassion scores over
competition? Where prospective students do not have to line up with
their parents in long admission queues, but are instead embraced as new
members of the family without even having to pay a rupee?
If this doesnt sound unreal enough yet, heres another fact: this school
has been providing free housing, food, clothes, vocational training, and
formal education from nursery to post-graduation to underprivileged,
visually challenged and sighted children since 1998.
And whats more, the free residential school does not receive any
financial aid from foreign or government bodies.
It is the belief and intention of the founder, Sri Acharya Rakum, to
make people share and be part of the struggle to house, feed,
clothe, and educate the 600 children who he considers his own.
Even children from distant villages and tribal areas come to join this
school and nobody has ever been turned back. A blackboard outside the
school lists the most urgent requirements of the children every day, such
as soaps, shampoos, milk, and other daily rations. Rakum says that half of
the schools needs are fulfilled by the kindness of passers by who

151

respond to the list. The other half is where the struggle lays a hand-tomouth existence that is a constant challenge for the school.
The beginning
Acharya Sri Rakum School for the Blind was founded in Bangalore back in
June 1998, for children who are born blind or visually impaired. Today, it
has three branches across Bangalore, providing quality inclusive
education, nutrition and a loving home to a total of 600 visually impaired
as well as sighted students.
The founder, Rakum, is a karate world champion who made a world
record back in 1988 by breaking nine slabs of ice with his forehead.
Having a four-wheeler drive over his chest, is one of his other daredevil
feats from his karate championship days. He is also a multi-linguist who
speaks several languages, including Japanese. He has good knowledge
of naturopathy, which he uses to maintain high immunity levels among
the 600 children. Apart from his various fields of knowledge and
expertise, he also seeks to instil values in the children with his own
example. When two elderly women came begging for food one day, the
children told them they had no food as they had just finished eating. But
Rakum told the children to bring his lunch for the two old ladies, and
since then he says, the children are eager to follow his example of
generosity and compassion whenever they see anyone in need.
Who are they helping?
The school works with children belonging to families below the poverty
line, and children who have been shunned by their families and denied a
childhood. The idea is to give them the opportunity to grow up into selfsufficient adults. There are four projects run by the school:
Pension Scheme for Elderly Women: For women above 65 years of
age, in seven slums in the city.
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 Helping Hands Project: Helping sustain 300 young widows.

Little Friends Project: Encouraging slum children to attend
government schools, by providing them school supplies and daily rations
if they enroll.
Disabled Project: Providing medicines, Braille books, jobs and basic
supplies to the physically/visually challenged above the age of 30.
How was the idea implemented?
Seeing the pain and suffering of so many children moved Rakum to start
this noble initiative by giving up his flourishing career in martial arts. He
says he realised one day that power can be destructive as well as creative,
and he felt inspired to choose the latter. Ensuring a life of dignity and
self-sufficiency to all its children is the goal of this school.
Extra-curricular activities take on a whole new dimension in this school.
They start with yoga, karate and cycling as part of their daily time-table
and extend to cooking, carpentry, basic plumbing, and electrical repairs
on Saturdays. From class 6 onwards, children receive training as cooks in
the kitchen. Sri Acharya Rakum says that with this culinary training, all the
children can start their own restaurants and bakeries once they are adults.
And once the sighted children turn 18, he makes sure they acquire
driving licences for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. With the
amount of yoga and karate lessons they receive throughout, they also
have the potential to teach these things anywhere in the world. Many of
these children are already highly skilled yoga practitioners and even 3rd
degree karate black belt holders.
A big part of the founders vision is that these children become civil
servants and return to their villages to improve the lives people there.
Thus children are trained for the Civil Services Exams from class 6
onwards.
The impact so far
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This August, three students from the school wrote the Civil Services Exam.
Also, some of the postgraduate students from the school are now the
directors and headmasters in different schools. The current headmistress
of the Indiranagar branch is an ex-student who completed her M.A. and
B.Ed degrees from the same school. A sighted child of visually challenged
parents recently graduated and wrote the Civil Services Exam as well.
From being abandoned as children to becoming self-sufficient adults, it
has been an invaluable journey for thousands of these students.
The challenges
Rakum yearns to provide a bigger, better living space to the children.
Right now, they have a cramped living situation in an old dilapidated
building, with one bathroom for every eight children. The classrooms are
small with asbestos roofs that cannot even keep out the rain. As a matter
of principle, no new students are refused admission, even with its limited
infrastructure and funds, and this makes the accommodation and care of
600 children an even tougher challenge than it already is. The donations
he receives from the general public are just enough to meet the
immediate and on-going needs of the school, and hence he isnt able to
set aside money as investments that can compound and yield returns
over the years.
Through the blackboard outside the school, and their Facebook pages,
children put forth their urgent requirements and the response has been
enough for them to sustain and thrive over the years. But Rakum hopes
to see more involvement from the general public; as he rightly points
out, these children are the societys responsibility, and not just his own.
He hopes to be able to pool in enough funds to put together better
classrooms and living spaces for all the children.

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They Said Her Son Was Possessed. Then Her Fight against Witchhunting Began.
She is barely literate, in her mid-sixties and has been on a mission for
several years now. But far from being worn out or disheartened, she forges
on with a conviction that is both rare and inspiring. A tribal woman from
the remote Thakurbhila village in western Assams Goalpara district,
Birubala Rabha has been crusading tirelessly against witch-hunting. This
plain-speaking woman, with the dust of country roads on her feet, her hair
tied back in a tight bun and hands calloused by years of hard labour
courageously takes on anyone who tries to violate the dignity of women.
Today, she has become one of the prime architects of the countrys most
stringent laws against witch-hunting recently enacted by Assam. In this
excerpt from My Half Of The Sky by Indrani Raimedhi, published by Sage,
take a look at how Birubala has become the voice of the so-called witches.
On that moonlit night, surrounded by a ring of hostile faces, Birubala
held Sunila against her breast and began to speak. Shame on you! she
cried, pointing a finger. Can you see her now? If she is a witch, why does
she bleed? Why has she lost her senses? You fool, Sunila is one of you.
She feels the hunger that you do. She feels the cold, the heat, sadness,
and joy. Look at her clothes. Are they not shabby like yours? Look at her
house . . . you turned it to ashes. But what was it? A hut of cane and straw,
with a mud floor. Why did she not use her power for a better life? Why
did she not go to a better place instead of being poor and hungry here?
Did the oja tell you she is a daini? Do you believe everything that he tells
you? Then you are no better than sheep. Use your reason.
The crowd melted away. A woman came forward with a rag and a bowl of
water to wash Sunilas wounds. Her husband and child came to her,
weeping. Birubala gathered her shawl around her and began her long
trek to the village.
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Hailing from a poor family, wife of a farmer in remote Thakurvila of

Goalpara district, bordering Meghalaya, little about Birubalas earlier life
explained her emergence as a gutsy crusader well beyond middle age
Orphaned at the age of six years, Birubala tackled domestic chores and
homework with her trademark diligence but could study only up to Class
V. She, however, more than made up for that with her skills in cooking,
embroidery, weaving, poultry rearing, and other useful activities.
By the time she was 16, she was setting up her new life with husband
Chandreswar Rabha and quickly became the mother of three sons and a
daughter Dharmeswar, the oldest, followed by Bishnu Prabhat, and the
youngest son, Doyalu and daughter Kumoli.
Life was tough and they had just enough to keep body and soul together.
The even tenor of their quiet lives was interrupted when the eldest son,
Dharmeswar, then 15 years of age, began to change.
He muttered to himself, stayed away from home for days, feared
imaginary foes, and even hit his mother. In desperation, his father visited
an oja for help. The oja had an explanation that was stranger than
Dharmeswars ailment.
It seems that the boy had married a fairy who was going to be the
mother of his child. As soon as the baby was born, the oja warned,
Dharmeswars life on earth would end. Dharmeswar would live for
just three more days.
The little household waited for death, already grieving for poor
Dharmeswar. Days came and went, and the boy remained alive.
Birubalas fear turned to relief and then, indignation. How dare the oja
make such wrong predictions? With her innate sense of justice and fairplay, Birubala realized that other villagers, her community, needed to be
taught about the importance of being reasonable, shedding

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superstitions, and breaking free from the stranglehold of wily medicinemen who preyed on their fears, ignorance, and helplessness.
Inheriting a love for social work from her mother Sagarbala, Birubala
formed the Thakurvila Mahila Samiti. It was from this platform that she
raised public awareness against witch-hunting and other social ills. Then
she became the secretary of the Greater Borjhara Mahila Samiti. In 1999,
she became a member of the Assam Mahila Samata Society.
What is the tripping point when a simple villager becomes a source of
evil, a witch? Every village has an oja, a medicine man and astrologer.
He is the one who reads our fortunes, begins Birubala earnestly. And if
he mentions someone as a witch, everybody believes him.
There is another way people find out about a witch. If a villager falls ill
and no medicine seems to work, he is covered from head to toe with a
net. People then prod his body with sharp sticks. He screams and cries in
agony, but the villagers want him or her to name the evil one. Very often,
just to escape these attacks, the poor person utters someones name,
calling him or her a witch.
What happens then? She explained: The woman named as a witch will
be ordered to appear before the whole village. Her crime is related to her
and she is either chased away or trapped in a net and tortured by
prodding with the sharp point of a spear.
When such a woman is killed, her body is hacked to pieces and buried in
separate places to prevent her rebirth. When such a person is chased
away or killed, the land and other assets are seized from them. Family
members are often too terror-struck to object, in case they meet with the
same fate. Witch-hunting cannot just be dismissed as a social evil in a
backward region. It is a flagrant violation of human rights. .

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Life has come a long way for Birubala. In 2005, the Northeast
Network nominated her for the Nobel Peace Prize.
That same year, she was felicitated by Reliance Industries Limited in
Mumbai under their third edition of Real Heroesordinary people,
extraordinary serviceand she has found mention in Switzerlands 1,000
Women Peace Project, which has honored 1,000 female peace workers
from ISO countries around the world.
In spite of all the honor and adulation heaped on this feisty woman, her
life remains simple, even harsh.
Birubala, of course, is too proud to open up about her needs, and the
stories of her privation remain cloaked in silence. Rather than being
disheartened by her poverty, she continues to dream of her pet project, a
shelter home for victims of witch-hunts, where doctors would help them
cope with trauma of torture, a place where they would be safe, fed,
clothed, taught a trade, given the courage to fight back, and reclaim a
dignified life.
(Excerpted from My Half of the Sky by Indrani Raimedhi; Published by
Sage Publications; Pp: 200; Price: Rs 495/Hardback)

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