Barack Obama said he was surprised and deeply humbled and would accept the prize as a call to action. He said “To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who have been honoured by this prize, men and women who’ve inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.â€
Educational institutions and freedom of religion
Educational institutions have the right to make rules. Those who study in them have to abide by the rules.
People of India have freedom of religion.
It is unreasonable for any student to ask the management to change the rules because his/her religion says otherwise.
Explusion of Jaswant Singh
India’s national motto is Satyameva Jayate – truth always triumphs. If Indians and Pakistanis accept that their leaders were not perfect many problems will be solved. There will be peace between India and Pakistan. Money spent on defence will be reduced and will be spent on solving problems of hunger, disease, illiteracy, drought and so on. India and Pakistan need more people who write what is right.
Apostolic Administrators
A bishop being Apostolic Administrator of another diocese reminds me of Pre-Reformation days when many bishops had two or more dioceses under them. In some cases those appointed as bishops were not consecrated for years.
Mercy Petitions
Pratibha Patil, for almost two years after becoming the President of India, did nothing about pending mercy petitions. Now she will take up one mercy petition per month. There are about 26 mercy petitions pending. Most of them were legacy of her predecessors.
Comments on Budget 2009
My comments on Budget 2009-10 are as below: Tax exemption limit should be same for all categories. It can be Rs.1,60,000/- or Rs.1,90,000/- or Rs.2,40,000/-. It was expected that it would be raised Rs.2,00,000/-. As it did not happen there was disappointment. Abolition of Fringe Benefit Tax is good. Minimum Alternate Tax should not have…
Examinations are necessary
Kapil Sibal, India’s HRD Minister, has announced plans for abolition of Board Examinations for Std X and Std XII. He wants grades to be given in place of marks. He wants one Board for India. There are many other plans. I want to comment on exams and marks.
Reservation for women in legislatures is wrong
Women’s Reservation Bill is in news again. UPA Government wants to pass it. One third of seats in Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies are up for reservations for women.
Riots in Punjab
Those who rioted in Punjab need to be punished. Being soft on rioters saying they did not attack other people but burnt vehicles is not acceptable.
Vote counting on 16/5/2009
It was supposed to begin at 8.00 a.m. and over by 10.00 a.m. However even till midnight many results had not been declared. What caused the delay? If the counting for all Lok Sabha seats did not begin at 8.00 a.m. why it did not begin? If it began at 8.00 a.m. why did it…