On the roads of Gujarat...

Almost everywhere in and around Gujarat you may find the eccentric culture of the state and that is true with most of the states. But recently a friend of mine came from Karnataka and we went for Gujarat darshan on our own and i should say it was a deightful journey. But at end of the journey my friend noticed one thing above all that along all the major cities in Gujarat there is one common thing. And that was Narendra Modi's hoardings every few kilomitres on any road major in Gujarat. Every half a kilometre you will find one person smiling at you from a corner that is Mr. Narendra Modi. I dont about other states but the way Modi flaunts itself i think the marketing aspirants should learn something. Let us not discuss as to what he is doing is right or wrong because its an endless issue. But the question is about accountability of "public money".
It is said that hoardings all across Gujarat is costing about hundreds of crores. From where does the money comes? In a recent controversy Bihar CM Nitish kumar criticised Modi for flaunting himself in all sorts of advertisement. But who cares? What matters to people of Gujarat especially who blind-foldedly support Modi is his Hindutva face. There is s difference between Development and Growth and what we are witnessing in Gujarat is not development but Growth which is natural and not Modi-crafted. It is thought by most people residing outside Gujarat that it is one of the most non-corrupt state. But it was never. Its a catchy punch-line thats it. I know its almost impossible not to taste the honey kept on the tip of your tongue. Menace of Corruption prevails everywhere but to flaunt it just to extract some votes and reinforcing the habit of institutionalised corruption is a matter of shame. I read somewhere that " Power unravels the real Man" but here it has come true in the form of " Power unravels the Real Modi".

"Half"- World Cup...

The world is awaiting the biggest event of this year and that is the "Football World Cup" being played in South Africa. Yes, ofcourse it is special for many reasons because it is for the first time played in an African nation with an overwhelming jubiliance and fanfare. Around 25 top playing nations will qualify for this years trophy. But there was one thing which amazed , surprised me the most that is there are only two countries from Asian continent playing this world cup that is Japan and North Korea. The continent which has Maximum population, maximum land area and maximum countries are least represented. The reasons may not be apt but then how can we say that it is a "World Cup" rather it has to be termed as "Half World Cup", isnt it? If the name "World Cup" is based on viewership around the globe then the name is apt but not for any other rational reason which i could find...
The top two populous countries are not represented which almost constitutes 30% of world 's living population then is it fair enough to say that we are viewing a world cup. This reasons may look absurd but still shocking. Any game should be judged only on performance and merit and not on representation but then FIFA as world class regulatory body should promote infrastructure facilities in those countires which is lacking it. India is ranked 134th in the world not because football is unpopular or not played enough or because the denizens lack the talent but its just because of lack of infrastructural facilities and politicization of the game and ofcourse the idolization of cricket.
Qualifying rounds do provide chances and opportunities to many such countries with utmost passion but lacking facilities but of meagre help. The onus is on FIFA to see whether there is maximum representation from every corner of the world. We can only hope that this "Half World Cup " which is being played gets converted into a real "World Cup" in times to come.