Journalism of Courage
Special tool
The traffic branch of Pune police has always been in news for the use of modern technology to provide solutions to traffic problems such as Blackberry phones,Facebook and modern web-based tools. Recently a senior inspector with the traffic branch was seen using a fine tool to cut apple. The tool cut the apple into six slices separating the part that contains seeds. When asked,the humble officer replied,We have never used any out of the world tool. The point is to use tools in the right place and make everyone use it.
Marriage worries
The sting operation that exposed the sex determination of foetus being carried out in the city led to angry reactions from all quarters against the illegal practice being adopted by city medical practitioners. Elected representatives discussed the issue for two hours in the general body with leaders expressing concern over dropping female population. However,also to be heard were some lighter comments. In her speech,BJP leader Mukta Tilak pressed for the need of strict implementation of PCPNDT Act by PMC and expressed concern of decrease in female population but went on to add,If the situation continues,women wont get husbands for marraige. Aftera big laugh, many suggested her to correct her statement and say that men would find difficult to get brides in future.
Catching up on sleep
Seated at the last bench of a book reading event,I could see one journalist seating peacefully unlike the rest of us who were just waiting for the event to get over. His head was giving an acknowledging nod once in a while. When the reading ended,and everyone made their way to the exit,this journalist was still patiently sitting on his chair. On my way out,I glanced at him only to find him fast asleep and oblivious of what was happening around him. When nudged by a fellow journalist and told that the event was over,he put on a serious face and left.
RTI; no staff for info
Even as Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 is to be followed by all departments,the government officials feel that it is an unnecessary burden on them,with many of them facing paucity of staff. When a scribe went to file an RTI at the charity commissioners office,the official became angry as he checked the RTI application and said,You people are unnecessarily increasing our load. Look at us,where is the staff and you people ask for such detailed information. It required a lot of explanation to convince the official that it was the right of any individual to file the RTI. File RTIs but provide us the staff,said the official from the government department,as he finally accepted the application.
Annas back…
At a media interaction at Patrakar Bhavan on Tuesday,Anna Hazare was in his elements. He spoke on how the PM was non-commital,his efforts for a consensus across the political sepectrum and conditions set for Ramdevs joining his fast from August 16. When it came to support from those very vocal,Anna said,There are many who shout slogans like Anna Aage Badho,Hum Tumhare Saath,I turn around to find there is nobody behind me. This,he hoped,wont happen now.
Tailpiece
From Saturday,25 paise coins are off circulation. Someone was heard remarking,The government has realised they cannot handle one Anna,how would they cope with four annas! (Sushant Kulkarni,Ajay Khape,Anjali Jhangiani,Nisha Nambiar,Manoj More and Sunanda Mehta)
