Hike in Petrol Price

Government has recently hiked petrol price by Rs. 7.55 –a- litre.  A steep hike of 10%.  The actual impact to consumer is the tune of Rs. 8.00-a- litre.  The reasons given for such hike is that the oil companies are bleeding and their reserves have been eroded because of   mounting losses.  In India though the administered  prices were dismantled long back yet Public sector oil companies are controlled by the government therefore government dictate the price.   In view of this pricing policy, price based on market mechanism only remains on  the papers.  But the moot question is whether government justified further  burdening middle class who is already overloaded  with plethora of taxes?

Government has itself accepted that there is policy paralysis in India because of coalition structure.    It waited first for assembly elections in some of the states to over and then  parliament session to close, to blow this lid of hiking petrol price.  Further it had  extreme fear psychosis from West Bengal Didi  Mamta who will always flay its tantrum and act as a opposition leader to halts government for pursuing its policy.    Government found new love in Lalu Prasad and   Mulayam Singh and mustard courage to announce steep hike in petrol prices.  Now question is why only petrol prices?  Why not that of diesel, Kerosene and LPG?

There is huge cross subsidization of diesel, Kerosene and LPG.  If there is reasonable hike in all the three, then definitely petrol price will alone not suffer such a  casualty.    Every year government gives subsidy to the extent of Rs. 1,90,000 crore on account of diesel, LPG and Kerosene.  Government has its own logic.  If LPG price is increased, then common man will suffer.  If diesel price is increased, then the freight cost will go up and there will be inflationary pressure in the economy. 

But the fact lies somewhere else.  The world over practically there is no difference in prices of  MS and diesel.  A major component in fuel prices is taxes.  A consumer has to pay bear custom duty, excise duty and VAT.  In some states  like Punjab and Haryana, the VAT is as high as 40%.  The oil companies are holy cows suffering from operational inefficiencies, corruption, indecisiveness, nepotism and ultimately this leads to higher cost of production and poor consumer is made to suffer.  Government is charging such astronomical  VAT to finance its resources.  But what kind of resources ?  Government does not have money to pay the salary to school teacher, maintenance of its hospitals, cleaning of roads, providing potable water to its farmers  for health of citizen.    But see the contrast.     It has resources to provide the best of luxuries to its ministers, bureaucrats, police officers, and VIPs.  In Punjab alone, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister does not travel without a fleet of atleast 25 cars, surrounded by not less than 100 commandoes and so is the case with other ministers and their deputies.  Why this extravaganza?  Perhaps our democracy has become feudalistic type of governance.    The great nations and great leaders do not indulge in this kind of hypocrisy. 

However, there is a ray of hope.  “When there is will, there is a way”.  While giving reply to Parliament during discussion on Lokpal Bill, Finance Minister Pranav Mukherjee said, “Corruption cannot be routed by blow of a whistle, but government will take concrete step by making public institution more and more transparent supported by technology.  Refund of Income tax, Making of Passport  are such efforts in that direction.”   This leads us to believe that if government takes effective steps burden on common man be minimized  if not wholly mitigated. 

How can we achieve the goal of helping poor without disturbing economy.  The scheme of ‘Adhar’ is one step in that direction.   A few concrete steps like stop subsidizing the product, instead  give subsidy  by way of cash in the bank account of poor as per consumption norms, hike in excise duty in diesel run cars and SUVs, stop unproductive expenditure, reassess threat perception and cut expenditure on so called VIPs, strong anti corruption measures like Lok Pal Bill or equivalent, strong action on tax evasion are some of the steps which government can take to bring the economy on track.   

But surely, putting common man to suffer by hiking unprecedented petrol price does not go well with anybody when government has other options, like reducing excise duty, VAT and stopping cross subsidization. 

MY SCHOOL DAYS IN JODHPUR

The autumn is at its scenting ostentation.     The weather is at its best of pleasantness.  The cool breeze of morning followed by bright sun shine is so soothing that the mind and heart go for prayer and thanks God for making life so beautiful.  And when you are enjoying such beauty of nature, the FM  is rendering “Kanha se aaye badra”, “koi gata ..main so jajata”,” tuje mere sur me sur mila de” and so on by Yasodash, you are completed lost in mesmerised effect of music and of course its associated beautiful  reminiscences.    This has prompted to me write this

Having passed middle school in Mokalsar and after appearing test for National Talent Hunt examination, my train hurtled me to Jodhpur for onward education.  This was a rule in the family that everybody has to go to Jodhpur after middle school, though matric facility was available in Mokalsar.  But sheer thought of getting good education, parents, sent us to Jodhpur.

It was 15^th June, 1978 when I took  Bhildi  Passenger and changed train at Samdari to board on Barmer Passenger, to say good bye to Mokalar for ever and embrace a new city called Jodhpur.  I was 13  at that time. I  got off at Jodhpur Railway station at around 3.30 pm.  But I did not have the correct address, but had some vague  idea,  so walked upto Jalori gate and then took a tempo who unloaded me at my destination.      I didn't know that the excitement and happiness I had in my mind for joining new school and new location will put a new challenge to life…living in a hostel kind of situation without involvement of parents.

Our flat had One Bed room, one drawing cum study room and one Veranda and a kitchen.  Three brothers were already there.  Two were studying and the and the third one was working in a nearby town  who used to visit us once or twice in a fortnight.

Hanwant School was obvious choice by my father for secondary education as list of meritorious students were prominently displayed on the walls of School. 

I spent three years in the school and I do not remember any day without any teacher in the class.  And surprisingly, in the very first year I was called on the stage at the Annual function and honoured for having 100% attendance.    This was enough inspiration for me to do a little hard work.  In  all the three classes from 9^th to 11^th I stood first in the class.  Xth was of course Board and I secured 11^th position in all over the Rajasthan.   This came without any additional efforts.  I was simply studying regularly and did not carry burden of tension in my mind for Board exams.  Coming from a humble background of rural life, I was in indomitable spirit to impress the school with my extracurricular activities also. 

Therefore, I  took active part in debate and essay writing competitions.  And as the luck would have it, I stood on top ranking in both the contests at District Tournaments.

I had special challenges on acceptability in the school as I was new.   Therefore, it was vert pertinent for me to be recognised so that I get due respect from peers and teachers.  I observed a few days and found that some of the students are very good at studies and very prompt in response.  I tried to develop friendship with them by being more attentive in the class and making myself first every time in response.   Besides, remembering the lessons, neat assignments, focus on language was a must for me.  And very soon, with all humbleness, I made my presence felt in the class.  Participation in extracurricular activities particularly essay writing and debating were added in my profile as a hobby which I still pursue.     Lot of opportunities were coming in my ways from District Administration, Rotary Club, Lions Club to participate in these programmes.  And honestly, I did not lose even a single opportunity.  It was really a learning experience when I faced female students of St Patrics School in debating.  Their accent, their delivery style and sense of clothing, expression, and confidence was unparallel.    The first opportunity came to me to speak on stage on 15^th August , 1979 when I was class X student and was asked to come on stage and speak extempore.  This day was also coincided  with Krishna Janmasthmi and I was to speak on both the occasion.   And was surprised to see that I could speak for 10 minutes non stop and got standing ovation from students and teachers alike. 

There was no dearth of encouragement from school side.  Shri Mahendra Singh Chouhan was our Head Master and I was having privilege to buy any text book from Laxmi Book Depot at the expense of school.  What a great man was he!  He understood the psychology of a kid.  And I never allowed him to be disappointed when come to performance.   I also bagged many prizes in District level competitions in debate and essay writing. 

I never attended private tution classes.  But our routine was very disciplined.  Daily two hours practice on type writer was a must to score marks above 90%.  Since we all brothers were there as students, so house hold work was also important.  I was sharing the responsibility of collecting water, cleaning the house and utensils.  Though in our building we were four tenants, but cleaning of the whole building was my utmost priority.  When seeing a kid of school cleaning the building, all other neighbours particularly women folk would come out and extend their help.   Morning and evening walk was a part and partial of my life.  I used to get up at around 5 o clock, used to go for a walk upto Satsang Bhawan, used to participate in the morning prayers.  Evening used to be still more pleasant; we would have our dinner by 7 pm.  Raju nromally joined me in the evening walk.  We used to take different routes every time to enjoy the serenity of nature.  Walk upto Nehru Park and Shastri Circle was our routine. 

A common friend in the family introduced me to a lawyer Shri Paras Chopra in 1980 when I was in class X.  I started working with him  and got initial lessons for pass port applications, Sales Tax Returns, Income Tax Returns, Bank Finance and start up of new venture.  In the process I had to travel upto Jaipur for all these work.     Now when I think of past, I just smile.  My travel used to be either in Bus or train and  I still vividly feel smell of bidis in the train coaches.

My trip to Jaipur used to be of special significance.  My brother’s in laws house was there.  Suresh, my bhabhi’s brother used to give me company.  Both of us would cover   Jaipur city on bicyle and used to visit offices together as I had little knowledge of geography of Jaipur.  Evening used to be for merry making.  We would  play all games, have nice food cooked by mother of my bhabhi.  Card games, Dice Games, merry making, cinema in Raj Mandir, visit to Ganesh Temple on Moti Dungari road and so on were always on our itinerary.

To prepare for board examinations,   my friend Ashok and I agreed to study together.    I used to go to his house from 12.30 noon to 6 pm in the evening.    During this period, we would study continuously without break.  Of course, in between energy drinks and fruits were always served by his Jiji to keep us refreshed.   I developed a very strong bonding with Ashok and I still consider him as my best friend.   The festival of holi used to be either during examinations or immediately after examinations.  There used to be special charm attached to celebration of this festival of colours in Jodhpur.  The celebration used to be a weeklong affairs.  I remember folk songs of a local singer, Dhinga Gori Mela, Gawar to Mela and host of activities in the city area, men and women attired in colourful costumes, enjoying festivities, the fragrance of jodhpuri sweets, suparis and smell of new clothes were used to be deadly combination to keep us mesmerized. 

I very strongly feel the school time is the best  time in the life of anybody when he enjoys maximum, he learns the lessons of life, the text book education which is really useful in life, and a time, whose memories are normally not faded, a time when you make friends for ever.  Therefore, let kids fly in the big sky called school,  let them inhale the fragrance of beauty of this world.

Jai hind.

Republic Day, 26th January 2012

My short speech in the office.

My dear brothers and sisters,

On the eve of 63rd Republic Day of India I congratulate you and greet all soldiers of the country. Our armed forces are known for their valor and supreme sacrifice to keep us safe. I once again salute them heartily.

Today while coming to office, I came across a fat lady on main sector 70-77 dividing road. The lady was crossing the road without caring about the traffic lights and high speed traffic. I stopped my car and straight went to that lady and told her that while her own life was in danger, her a single act could have caused multiple accidents. She looked at me and said, “Gentleman who are you to give me sermon. You know today is Republic day, the day when (in 1950) our constitution was passed by Parliament. We got Freedom of Movement as our Fundamental right and better you do your business”. I simply bagged sorry and went away. Dear friends, “Is this the meaning of Freedom”? We have taken the words of constitution the way we please. So we take freedom as free passes without any restriction. We have simply chosen to erase and ignore that we have also certain obligation towards society. While constitution has given us fundamental rights, it also speak about the fundamental duties of citizen right next to it. And very first duty is that we will respect the Constitution of India and abide by the governing laws. But how many of us care to understand this?

We in Punjab, perhaps 90% of us go to foreign countries particularly USA, CANADA,UK, Australia and also seek permanent immigration. We admire their traffic system, their laws, their civic sense, their cleanliness, their infrastructure and what not. And many a times, live in inferiority complex that in India, we lack all these beautiful things. We start comparing ourselves with uncivilized society. But still do we learn a lesson? That is the moot question! Once we come back, we are “Ajad” again. The first thing which we do is to spit at any where in corner of airport building. We sit in our car with family members who come to receive us. We will throw wrappers of chocolate on road. If traffic cop is not standing then we will simply jump the traffic light. If caught, we will bribe the cop. If distance of our residence is more, we won’t mind wetting the walls of any building to relive our bladders.

My dear brothers, I am not trying to give you examples of all our wrong doing. But the core thing which I want to emphasis is that these are very small things which do not cost us anything. They are very easy to adopt. It is rightly said “example is better than perception”. Our children learn from our behavior. Let us give them finest example of our behavior. I am sure, at some point of time, we must have felt embarrassment when our kid scolded us for violating zebra crossing.

Therefore, without taking more time, it is my humble request to all of you, let us make our country a beautiful place by our simple and good behavior. International community comes to us to understand our rich culture and heritage. Even the renowned TV host of USA Ms Oprah Winfrey was mesmerized by our family system and caring for elders when she visited us recently. So let us buckle us. Respect our laws and respect ourselves.

Jai Hind.

NAVNEET BHANDARI

It’s now 3 years since my lovely brother in law left for heavenly abode as God wanted him to be there with him. We might not be able to touch him today, feel him today, see him today, but his memories will always be with us as fresh as if he is with us today.

I had a treasure of pleasant memories of around 18 years. He was very intelligent, sharp, hardworking, affectionate, helping, selfless and very bright person.

From schooling to professional education of law, Navneet always stood the best among the brightest students. His friends Bharat Vyas and Rajkamal always cherish the students days he spent with them and narrate how he used to excel in academics. He never allowed his low eyesight’s to become his weak point to come in his way in reaching top of pyramid.

At the age of 19 years, he went to Mumbai and worked very hard with Mamas to take their business to new strides. Navneet would never mind travelling in Mumbai’s local buses and trains. He would always engage himself in discussion with Mamas in the evening as how to explore new ways to excel in the business. With able training of both the mamas, he chose to do his own business and came to Jodhpur in the year 1986 and started business of electronic goods, cement , water tanks and so on. In later years he shifted to distributorship of Titan watches for western Rajasthan. He won many accolades from his principal every year and always achieved his targets. In return company has also rewarded him appropriately by sponsoring international trips practically every year. As a true son, he in turn gifted his first trip to papa and mummy.

As a father, he was always mindful of upbringing and education his kids Prachi and Gullu (Abhineet). His joy knew no bounds when the news of Gullu’s admission in IIT Delhi broke. That was perhaps the happiest moment of his life. Today he must be taking pride that Prachi is also pursuing management degree from N.M.M, Mumbai, one of the finest management institutions in India.


For papa and mummy, he was a true guiding force. Papa would always discuss with him all issues, ranging from family to business, society, new building, religion, friends, and anyting on this world. And papa would listen to him carefully. Whether it’s morning tea or evening tea, it would always be with Navneet. Howsoever, he might be busy in his business, he would not skip his tea with Papa/mummy. Can any parents ask for more?

Navneet was a very pious person. No businessman would sacrifice his own staff for welfare of theirs. But Navneet was an exception. He sent me his two most trusted staff members to be recruited in my company, so that they can get better career opportunity despite knowing the fact that he would face music after their departure from him. But then he was not a selfish person. He was a true friend of theirs.

On the day of Raksha Bandhan, Navneet would be getting not less than 100 Rakhies. And as a true brother, he would bless each of the sister. In this world of opportunism, all the sisters would look at him as a true mentor.

Sarita bhabhi must be missing him a lot. Navneet had always proved to be a great husband.

In the last 18 years, we had ‘n’ number of holidays together. I have finest memories of Mount Abu, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Rishikesh, Dharm shala, Manali, Kodai kenal, Saputara, Masoorie, Udaipur, Silvasa, Kashmir and so on.

For me he was not only a brother in law, but a great friend. He would take all the pain to understand problem. He would advice, guide and pave the way. Who else, but I miss him the most.


Today I pay my homage to him and pray God we are able to follow some of his ideals.

FAMILY MEET 2011 AT PUSHKAR

Family get together a new concept started by my parents’ family way back in 1997. Our first get together was held in Mount Abu. Subsequently we had such Meets at different places such as Ranakpur, Nathdwara (3 times), Bhilwara, Rishikesh and again in Mount Abu.
Cherishing the idea my in laws followed the suit. And afterwards we had wonderful Meets at different locations such as Mussoorie, Silvasa, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Udiapur, Mount Abu, Saputara, and Falna.
Though family member do meet during marriages or at any social functions. But to bring all of them at a single platform is a big task. Besides, during family functions, most of the family members are occupied in discharging their various duties and therefore they hardly get time for spending quality together. Especially female members are always busy in kitchen.
Therefore, the basic idea behind such meetings was to encourage participation of all family members so that the new generation can know about their cousins, grandparents, Mamas, Chachas, buas, Phuphas, Masi, Mausa and so on. Member do come from different parts of the world, therefore they do bring rich experience to share with other family members. Lot of learning takes place. The love, affection, brotherhood and sacrifices are shared. Indeed this is an exercise in building great institution in itself.
Normally such gathering takes places after every two to three years. For us three different families are there, so normally after 18 months or so one such Meet happens.
The responsibility of organising such event is taken by any one unit of the family for next summit on last or concluding day of each Meet. This time the whole programme was oranised by Ganpat Kaka at Pushakar, near Ajmer from 13th to 15th August 2011. The meet was from my wife’s parental side so ideally can be called “Bhandari Family Meet”. We are total 119 members and out of this 95 members (both domestic and NRIs) were present at the venue known as “Ananta Resort”, an excellent property with all the facilities one would dream for an ideal location. The Resort made in the Indonesian Architecture, is in the midst of a green carpeted valley, with water bodies, long walk ways, asthetically landscapped gardens, chirpping birds, gives you a serene and tranquil feeling.
The day one started with tying rakhies by all sisters to their brothers and bhabhis. This one hour programme was followed by Title giving ceremony by Singhvi family from KOTA. THEN THE SERIES OF WHOLE DAY PROGRAMME STARTED. LIGHT HUMOUR SKIT, WHO WOULD BE MY DREAM PARTNER, CHESS, CRICKET, FANCY DRESS, SONGS, DANCES AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST LATE NIGHT GOSSIPING WERE THE ORDER OF THE DAY.
The second day was again full of activities, swimming, morning walk, quiz, debate, Presentation on Virasat, were the programme upto lunch. Evening was meant for grand celebration on the occasion of Golden Jubilee Celebration of Gunpat Kaka. The whole programme was coordinated by Kaushal. It was a show of around 3 hours and almost all family members participated in various programmes like drama, poetry, profile reading and so on. And late evening was followed by disco dance by all and sundries. Some of the events which really will be remembered long time to come are:
1. Mimickery by Manoj : Ashok Gehlot and Justice Bhandari
2. Recipe Book : By Usha Bhandari
3. Interview on TV : Barkha Bhandari with Justice Singhvi and Ashok Bhandari (IPS-Rtd)
4. Who will be my dream partner : Presentation by Preksha, Vabhiv and Palak
5. Mimickery by Shail Kothari : Dadisa
6. Songs : Avi Mehta, Tanaya and Jaisal
7. Dances : Gaurv and Anshi, Prachi, Nandani, Arti
8. Presentation on heredity traits : Virasat by Preksha and Prateek
9. Fancy dress with theme presentation : Arpit (Sunny deol), Beenu (Rakhi Sawant), Smt Vandana Bhandari-Sonia Gandhi, Sh Subhash Bhandari : Manmohan Singh
10. Poetries : Sh Mohan Singhsa, Sh Daulat Singh sa, Sh Gulab Singhsa, Sh Shanta Bhandari
11. Chess : Mr Justice Singhvi

Song skit and Debates were notable programmes (peformed by me and Beenu) appreciated by all. Mohan Bade papa added special flavours to debate.

The third day was 15th August, our independence day. National anthem and patriotic songs rendered by Barkha and Usha didi enthralled the hall. This was followed by prize distribution ceremony. A visit to Pushkar Temples was in our itinerary. The Monsoon showers welcomed us in the town of temples and rose flowers. After visit to temples, the sumptuous Rajasthani meal (dal, bati, churma etc) made our day. And our Meet was concluded with a vote of thanks to Chair - Mrs. Kamla Mohnot.

Everybody is looking for next Meet. Yes….to be organised by Shri Mohan Singh sa who simply jumped to the mike and announced taking the responsibility. Great indeed. Hats off to him.

Holi___Festival of colours

We anxiously await the Festival of Holi which normally happens either in the month of March or April. These are the months when winter bid good bye and spring and Autumn set in. Scenting atmosphere and blossoming flowers mesmerise this beautiful earth. The crop is ready for harvesting. And therefore, special significance for welcoming new season and enjoying together.

We all come together, forget our difference and play with colours. This is the only festival when you cannot distinguish between and haves and have-nots. All are equals and everybody enjoys.

With this note, I wish everybody a very colourful, cheerful and happy holi.

BANGKOK TRIP MARCH 2011

The geographical heart of Southeast Asia, the Kingdom of Thailand is more than a pulsating, vibrant tourist destination – it is one of the biggest economies in the region. Heavily export-oriented, Thailand, or the Land of Smiles as it is popularly known, is recognized for the openness of its economy, and willingness to accept foreign direct investment. The recent agitation by Red Shirt was also successfully thwarted.

Thailand today is the world’s largest rice exporter, the second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer. Having made significant progress in social and economic development in recent years. The current growth rate is around 8% p.a. Unlike its other neighbours in Southeast Asia such as Laos, Vietnam, or Burma, Thailand was never colonized – and the country’s developing, free-enterprise economy is slowly shifting from agriculture to manufacturing.

Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, has been inhabited for around 5,000 years with the earliest civilization believed to be that of the Mons in central Siam, although the first Siam state is the Theravada Buddhist kingdom of Sukohthai.

The land of Theravada Buddhism has had a long tradition of being one of Asia’s most culturally vibrant countries. With miles of extended coastline, Thailand has some of the world’s best beaches, ancient architecture, friendly people and unique cuisine.

The Thai traditional greeting, the wai, involves pressing the fingers and palms together at chest level while slightly bowing the head. The wai is always returned, and performs the twin functions of greeting and showing respect.

My previous posting was mainly focussed on our site visits to various interesting places of tourists destination. Please do visit.. http://mastpradeep.blogspot.com/2010/09/thailand-trip.html.

This trip was meant to be a business trip. Therefore, we were more interested to know about the retail business in Thailand and Bangkok in particular. A team of 20 Real Estate Managers of Reliance visited Bangkok from 3rd March, 2011 to 6th March, 2011. The extensive tour of retail market was undertaken and atleast 20 big properties consisting of super market, departmental stores, speciality stores and hyper mart were studied and tried to find out the reasons for success of retail business in Bangkok. A few questions were framed in mind and tried to find out the answers.


Why Hyper as a format has been successful in Thailand:

i) Meet local aspiration
ii) Both spouse are working : Easy to shop at one go.
iii) Strategically located
iv) USP : Fresh is actually fresh both Vegetarian and non-Vegetarian
v) Ready to cook and ready to serve
vi) Price points : competitive and affordable
vii) Quality assurance
viii) Quick Service
ix) Food court and impulse buy on GF : Major driver
x) Robust logistics


Normally, the stores are located on wide roads, best competitive places, good demographic profile, futuristic development etc.

Government has been extremely helpful and approval process is not so cumbersome.

Now a days Government has become a little cautious due to traffic problems and is encouraging new stores on highways.

The continous research is integral part of their business. Therefore, they have been able to meet the challenge of competition.

Currently the size of organised retail in India is hardly 5%. With economy growing at a rate of 9%, there is very good future for retail industry in India. There will be tremedous surge in employment in this sector.

We had wonderful experience moving around with all team members. Lot of learning in terms of team building, sacrificing, cost saving, new development came into being.

Let us hope for better India tomorrow.