Saturday

Its a Saturday in this part of the world - a day perfectly sandwiched between one that was full of apprehensions regarding the week gone-by, and one that will be the harbinger of yet more apprehensions that will fuel speculation about my longevity in the Consulting main-stream.

http://www.krishna.com/ is a great site for people who are caught in a bind just like me. The download-able murals, the music and chants all help to lend a different perspective to my life.

A visit to the ISKCON temple in Mumbai also alleviates much of the skepticism with which we tend to view our lives after going through a rough patch.

It has often been averred by the pundits of mind-bend that a couple of minutes each day spent in meditation puts you in touch with your core. As a child, I used to religiously undergo this communion with the Higher Spirit and feel good about it. As I grew older, worldly influences came in my way of continuing my interlude - though I used to make shy amends. But as I with time, transition into a more responsible mortal role, I realize how important it is to regain the lost innocence that used to fuel my essence.

I see all around me people who are adept in the art of "High Thinking and Low Living", people who preach compassion to the world without cleaning up their own backyard, people who spout 'morality' but who turn a blind eye to the goings-on in their own families. As I strive to grapple with these issues, I thrash around haplessly in the waters of mental unrest.

It is during such time that Krishna steps in and shows me the way towards a solution. For all Your Sanguine graces, I am grateful to You my Lord.

Nuclear Deterrent

With all the talk about India's nuclear deterrence capability and how it would play a huge role in determining national security in the face of over-riding pressure from across the Atlantic, I thought - why not update myself a bit on the issue.

I came across terms such as The Hyde Act and the puerile sounding '123 Agreement' and was amazed at the implications that Indian government's decisions may have on the Indian public. A book by a key author of the Indo-American nuclear deal - Ashley Tellis, "India's Emerging Nuclear Posture: Between Recessed Deterrent and Ready Arsenal" also caught my fancy.

An insightful piece of information which I thought captures the core of the discussion is a must read for all you fission-fusion afficionados out there:

http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/may/16guest.htm

This article penned by S Ragotham has an interview with Ashley Tellis which captures some fantastic insights into the machinations that are so often not transparent to the common man. The basic question - "Should India eschew its right to conduct further nuclear tests?" is one that should be left open for considered debate not just amongst bureaucrats but also intelligentsia and technologists. And the time for debate is Now!