Warrier's blog

https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/fiscal-deficit-hawk-with-a-sense-of-humour-subir-gokarn-dies-at-60-119073001733_1.html May Gokarn's soul RIP M G Warrier

With a raft and a spear, see the unseen side of PM Modi | india news | https://www.hindustantimes. com/india-news/pm-modi-to- explore-wilderness-with-bear- grylls-for-environment- awareness/story- tTtageKgdd7o3HhYg0p0CI.html Prime Minister Modi exploring wilderness. Watch it on TV on August 12, 2019 M G Warrier

An affair from school rekindled- More about Pen : Nostalgia http://www.newindianexpress. com/opinions/mindspace/2019/ jul/30/an-affair-from-school- rekindled-2011253.html Writing, which started with a finger, has come full circle. First, my Guru helped me write the first letter with a finger in rice spread out on a plate (or leaf?). Guru used a sharp iron rod to write all Malayalam alphabets on a couple of dry palm leaf pieces. The astrologer wrote my horoscope also on a bunch of palm leaves. Then I used slate pencil. After several promotions, to led pencil, steel pen, ink pen, ball point pen...post-retirement, I'm back to using single finger for writing. On this smart phone, which makes me feel less smart. We had a typist in RBI, Thiruvananthapuram who used only index fingers of his hands while typing on the Remington typewriter. He must be smiling from heaven now, finding his erstwhile colleagues who made fun of him during 1960's, struggling to key in "Goo...

A foot soldier to the cause of reading - Books knocking @your door! https://www.thehindu.com/news/ national/a-foot-soldier-to- the-cause-of-reading/ article28622342.ece Read this short report.  No, it's not about online marketing. A 73 year old Antharjanam* (Namboothiri lady) walks whole day, 7 days a week, carrying Panchayath Library books at house doors. M G Warrier *Remembered അടുക്കളയിൽ നിന്നു അരങ്ങത്തേക്ക്

Peeved Subhash Chandra Garg applies for VRS -  https://www. thehindubusinessline.com/ economy/out-of-finmin-garg- seeks-vrs/article28712159.ece Posted online comments. M G Warrier

Self effulgent Atma - The light inside the "pot" https://www.thehindu.com/ society/self-effulgent-atma/ article28739463.ece Shankaracharya explains complicated "tatwas" through simple examples. Like 'the rope and the snake' or the light "in the pot" in this piece. M G Warrier

When words get us into trouble- I'm aware, I'm inviting trouble! http://www.newindianexpress. com/opinions/mindspace/2019/ jul/29/when-words-get-us-into- trouble-2010877.html The author of this article is a career guidance counselor and columnist based in Thiruvananthapuram.  M G Warrier

Subject: The striking tales the rain tells - Govardhan, Bhagiratha... https://www.thehindu.com/ opinion/open-page/the- striking-tales-the-rain-tells/ article28732940.ece Narayana Pillai helps us go back in memory line. Recalls stories from Indian mythology and explains their relevance to the present context. M G Warrier

5 Points To Prove God’s Existence https://www.speakingtree.in/ article/5-points-to-prove-god- s-existence I don't know whether God would feel comfortable finding His subjects trying to prove His existence! I "believe", God is a personal "experience", which no second person can explain better. The effort to convince another person about the existence or non-existence of God, according to me, is like helping a blind person to search a black cat which is not there in a dark room. By this analogy, God forbid, I'm not denying the existence of the black cat. For the blind person, help is required to know where actually the cat is. He may not be worried about the colour of the cat. But the "guide" is trying to restrict his search to the dark room where the cat is not there. M G Warrier

Autumn of the matriarch: Women in their 90s and 100s are scripting stories resilience and cheer in Kerala - For those who retire @56 in Kerala, "old age" is decades away! https://www. thehindubusinessline.com/ blink/cover/autumn-of-the- matriarch-women-in-their-90s- and-100s-are-scripting- stories-resilience-and-cheer- in-kerala/article28719556.ece For those NRKs (Non-Resident Keralites) who are addict to negative WhatsApp trolls which tell them that they are "lucky" living outside Kerala, this article may be a dapmpener. M G Warrier

Bharathotsavam 2019 showcased artistes who revealed their acumen and aesthetics during their recitals - Showcasing art forms https://www.thehindu.com/ entertainment/music/three-day- bharathotsavam-in-thrissur- showcased-artistes-who- revealed-their-acumen-and- aesthetics-during-their- recitals/article28698092.ece M G Warrier

War and peace - When choices get limited, opt for the better M G Warrier https://www.thehindu.com/ society/faith/war-and-peace/ article28691629.ec e

https://www.business-standard. com/article/economy-policy/ subhash-chandra-garg-the-man- who-started-many-fires-for- finance-ministry-119072401795_ 1.html Hope this link opens. Found this report interesting.  A slightly edited version of the letter copied below was published in Business Standard during 1st week of July 2019.  Hope Modi 2.0 continues Swacchatha Abhiyan M G Wa rrier                     July 2, 2019 RBI’s ECF This refers to the report “Jalan Panel seeks to convince Garg to tone down dissent note” (Business Standard, July 2). The message that one member in the Jalan Panel is more equal than even the chairman of the Panel going into the Economic Capital Framework (ECF) of RBI is disturbing. Viewed from another angle, the report brings out the undercurrents that have been trying to destabilize RBI’s top management since the departure of Dr Raghuram Rajan. In the instant case, the effort by ...

http://www.newindianexpress. com/opinions/mindspace/2019/ jul/25/cleaning-out-history- from-a-storeroom-2008899.html Reading this, remembered my own attachment to possessions. How many times I have decided to bring order to my almirahs and ducks. Failed miserably every time. Wonder, what will be the fate of "collections" with people who were not fortunate to shift residences on transfer or for other reasons. This article also reminded about Shankar's Weekly and how meticulous some newspapers and magazines were in payment of remuneration those days.  M G Warrier

Ivory Throne- Tragic contest for power and authority Manu S Pillai's debut book reviewed in Freepress Journal in 2016: https://www.freepressjournal. in/book-reviews/ivory-throne- tragic-contest-for-power-and- authority

M G Warrier                             July 24, 2019 Redefine public sector This refers to Prof TT Ram Mohan’s article “No light at the end of the tunnel?” (Business Standard, Finger on the Pulse, July 24).  Last 5 years have seen the Indian financial sector getting churned chaotically in unprecedented proportions. Contributing factors included diverse interests of depositors and borrowers, owners ( mainly GOI) and supervisors and regulators (represented by RBI) and the short-term views on long-term policy issues taken by political leadership represented by GOI. In banking industry which is dependent on deposits from public for bulk resources, the bifurcation of institutions into public and private sectors for the purpose of regulation and supervision as also social responsibilities is fallacious. Aspects like the quality of manageme...

Nanni aarodu njan (Aham [1992]) | നന്ദിയാരോടു ഞാന്‍ ചൊല്ലേണ്ടു (അഹം [1992]) https://malayalasangeetham. info/s.php?10478&cl=1 If the link opens, read or watch the recital of a short Malayalam song*. Briefly: "Whom I should thank? My father? My mother? My teacher?" *From a Malayalam movie "AHAM" M G Warrier

 Manu S Pillai,  the young historian who does serious research in under-explored segments of Indian History has mastered the art of telling history through the medium of stories without mixing fiction. He proved this first in his voluminous debut  The Ivory Throne.  Now, after publishing    his third book “The Courtesan, The Mahatma and The Italian Brahmin” when he discloses his intention to take up writing as a profession, one feels lucky and wishes him success. We are living in an era known for spread of misinformation, untruths and fake history mostly for personal or political gains. In this scenario, emergence of young talent willing to accept the challenges in research into an area like history which is not as lucrative as politics, science or economics should be welcomed and encouraged. All are not gifted with the command over language and an attitude supported by an inclination to pursue research into the past and above all the courage to reveal...

Adventures of an amateur gambler- Get inspired from a gambling experience! http://www.newindianexpress. com/opinions/mindspace/2019/ jul/20/adventures-of-an- amateur-gambler-2006574.html By not visiting US, how many things I've missed in life? A journey by road: 2000 km in 15 hours ( Of course, all have not travelled with family, 600 km in 24 hrs in a corporation ambulance: I have, in 1979!) Making  $250  overnight by gambling (I have saved ₹5/- over a period of one year, invested the amount in GOI Prize Bond Scheme in 1960 while in College, checked every month when prizes were announced and finally collected maturity proceeds ₹6.25 in 1965 when my salary was ₹200 plus!) Each one get unique opportunities and go through different experiences in life. Really we don't miss what's reserved for us. M G Warrier

"Guilt of murder": Never feel guilty, after the event! http://www.newindianexpress. com/opinions/mindspace/2019/ jul/22/the-guilt-of-murder- weighs-me-down-2007488.html I'm interested in following Shevlin Sebastian's advice in the last paragraph. Not very practical, though! Two days back I killed a beautiful young centepede which was moving around in the drawing room of our 20th floor flat. According to Vaikom Muhammed Basheer that fellow and I have equal right to survive on this planet. Unfortunately, at one moment, I was more powerful and "intelligent"😊 M G Warrier Shri C V Subbaraman, Mysuru observed: For morning to be good, it should not start with stories of murder! But it is now unavoidable.  I appreciate your confession that you had to kill a centipede, the intruder into your drawing room. In the country of the centipedes you would be charged with cold blooded murder and convicted if proven. Please take care for a proper defen...

https://www.thehindu.com/ society/faith/apt- interpretations/ article28501836.ece Remember Exrbites Group member Vathsala Madam telling us about the multiple meanings words had in Sanskrit. I'm not elaborating. If you open this link you may also get a feel that words can be holding inherently much more than the "face value"! Totally unconnected, but when I read "Prathivadi Bhayankaram..." as part of one Acharya's name, Mr P B Ranganathan who was RCO in ACD, Thiruvananthapuram and later moved to NABARD came to my mind. Lost contact decades ago. M G Warrier

M G Warrier                    July 22, 2019 Facing fiscal reality This refers to your editorial “No windfall gain” (July 22). Ever since Economic Survey 2016 erroneously estimated the quantum of RBI’s reserves inflating the figures by including fictitious revaluation reserves and unilaterally suggested avenues for deployment of the assumed surplus, there have been clarifications and analyses including Dr Raghuram Rajan’s September 3, 2016 Delhi speech and Dr Rakesh Mohan’s three-part article published in October 2018 in this paper. It is intriguing that certain quotes from the ECF Panel’s thoughts are being selectively leaked out or scooped and being used for speculation in the mainstream media. The reference is to the reports suggesting that Jalan Panel may recommend transfer of RBI's surplus in tranches over a few years and about the expected quantum of surpluses. There may be reasons for certain quarters to selectivel...

How many professionals in India, who are in their 70's and have accumulated wealth and fame by practising their professions have the kind of commitment to their chosen profession and can look back with satisfaction as this Master Artist or "Acharya"? M G Warrier https://www.thehindu.com/ entertainment/theatre/ kathakali-maestro-sadanam- balakrishnan-looks-back-on- his-75-years-in-the-arts/ article28618800.ece

MOON MAGIC: Remembering Neil Armstrong & Buzz Aldrin on the eve of Chandrayan 2 https://www.speakingtree.in/ article/moon-magic Magic, Moon and Music Chandra.. Chandrasekharan.. Chandrayan.. Chandra means shining in Sanskrit. This article claims to look for lunar magic in music.. M G Warrier

https://www.thehindu.com/ opinion/open-page/looking-for- water/article28620926.ece Spare two minutes to mourn the death of the intelligent crow.  Crows represent not only ancestors. They give advance information about guests arriving. Here, the warning is about our misuse and abuse of natural resources. Not only water, we are sucking mother earth of her "marrow" as said by Dr Hema Nair in this article. We do not need the help of RTI Act to know the overexploitation and loot of world's resources with the active support of those in power.  M G Warrier

Book as a reliable friend Shared this article with Exrbites Group Warrier http://www.newindianexpress. com/opinions/mindspace/2019/ jul/19/every-great-book-is-a- search-for-meaning-2006082. html Yesterday, in the evening group in the park in our residential colony, discussion was about "bad" political leadership. One view was "you get the leadership you deserve". I was "attacked" for my view that until 'We The People" actively participate, there's no use blaming the leadership. And they asked: "Are you participating?" My answer was I participate by expressing my opinions in the media. I was asked to tell one thing that had changed by my writing. Like, the army retreating to "safer zones", 'Warrior' diverted the subject and proposed adjournment of the meeting "Sine die" Reason: "The audience would not understand 'NishkaamaKarma' theory!" M G Warrier

Recent Media Responses: M G Warrier 1 History in stories This refers to “Small bites of history” (Business Standard, Book Review, July 19) by Uttaran Das Gupta. Manu S Pillai, the young historian who does serious research in under-explored segments of Indian History has mastered the art of telling history through the medium of stories without mixing fiction. He proved this first in his voluminous debut The Ivory Throne. Now, after publishing   his third book “The Courtesan, The Mahatma and The Italian Brahmin ” when he discloses his intention to take up writing as a profession, one feels lucky and wishes him success. We are living in an era known for spread of misinformation, untruths and fake history mostly for personal or political gains. In this scenario, emergence of young talent willing to accept the challenges in research into an area like history which is not as lucrative as politics, science or economics should be welcomed and encouraged. All are not gifted wit...

https://www.thehindu.com/ society/faith/dangers-of- desire/article28562553.ece Perhaps, excluding 'personal' demands from one's own prayers could be the first step in conquering desire. When afflicted by poverty, ailments or uncertainties in life, one's prayers can become personal, seeking relief. But, if one accepted universal prayers like " LokassamasthasSukhinoBhavantu" as a way of life, I think, occasional personal "demands" will get automatically granted as a "bonus" M G Warrier

M G Wa rrier                               July 19, 2019 History in stories This refers to “Small bites of history” (Business Standard,  Book Review, July 19) by Uttaran Das Gupta. Manu S Pillai, the young historian who does serious research in under-explored segments of Indian History has mastered the art of telling history through the medium of stories without mixing fiction. He proved this first in his voluminous debut The Ivory Throne. Now, after publishing   his third book “The Courtesan, The Mahatma and The Italian Brahmin” when he discloses his intention to take up writing as a profession, one feels lucky and wishes him success. We are living in an era known for spread of misinformation, untruths and fake history mostly for personal or political gains. In this scenario, emergence of young talent willing to a...