Elections Yes! But with Due Respect to Forefathers...

Maharashtra Assembly elections are round the corner. Polling on 13th October and counting on 22nd October. And yet...

The ruling coalition has been discussing seat sharing for the last three days and in our news room we wait for the final decision every day and making our headline that 'discussions continuing...' Yesterday somebody got tired and asked me how long would you continue making the same headline! The opposition coalition will declare candidates on an auspicious day, that is, tomorrow, why you will know a little later.

Apart from the problem of delimitation of the constituencies which caused many stalwarts on all fronts lose their earlier ones, there is one basic issue for causing the delay.

It's Pitrupaksha, that is, the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadra (September-October) leading to the new moon when our ancestors descend on our earth and it becomes easier for all Hindus to give their respectful offerings directly to their forefathers. All 15 days offerings are made at homes, temples, beaches and river sides and shraddha (funeral ritual) ceremonies are held. Basically it's our deep respect and gratefulness to our ancestors. We seek to please them and get their blessings.

But the main problem here is that though this fortnight is immensely auspicious, no major decisions are taken, no major trading and deals are made and all wait for the illuminated fortnight that follows to make new beginnings. And tomorrow is the first day of this fortnight when Goddesses are worshiped throughout.

So, we expect everything to happen from tomorrow. Though today was the first day of filing nominations, only one candidate filed his in whole of Maharashtra which has 288 constituencies!

More on Pitrupaksha!

Celebrating 50 Years of Doordarshan!

Door-darshan means tele-vision literally. Doordarshan is the national public broadcaster of India, nominated by the Government of India as Prasar Bharati.

On this day of 15th September in the year 1959 Doordarshan started its telecasts with a makeshift studio and a small transmitter. Its regular daily telecasts started in 1965 and by 1972 some of Indian major cities were covered.

In 1982 Doordarshan began its national network and it penetrated every home in nook and corner of India. That same year color television was also introduced.

Doordarshan--the first to introduce soap opera, the first to start film based programs, the first take games like football and cricket to every home of India, the first to continue committed entertainment. The only television channel to give truth and only truth to the people.

We are celebrating 50 years today. With the colors and vibrancy of the country. A very colorful musical program was organized and recorded today in Mumbai which will be telecast soon.

Doordarshan

Credit Card Use Costlier

No doubt you need credit cards in lots nowadays. One for one particular use, one for some other consideration and some for general use. You go on multiplying your accounts on account of no annual fee, less interest rates, freebies and all that. From the grocery stores to the online reservations you do it on ease without having to carry cash. To say more of such benefits is cliched.

But, particularly in India, costs of card use are increasing. Cash advance facility is almost passe due to prohibitive costs, minimum fee of Rs 300/ whatever amount you withdraw plus interest from the very date. Lifetime free cards are accepted norms, but use is the basic need.

Revolving credit is also proving too costly. Now almost every bank has increased the monthly interest rate to 3.1% or above instead of customary 2.95% with special reduced rate offers. Even in high profile co-branded cards the rate is upwards of 3%. And, some special APR cards have gone to 3%+ interest without notice.

On many purchases like fuel, railway reservations and all you need to pay an extra transaction charge.

So, now you must have a sizable savings account balance to use credit cards and to settle full dues in one go so as to avoid cumulative interest charges.

Isn't this against the trends of consumerism and the market economy?