NO Accidental Prime Minister

General Elections 2014, one the most bitterly fought elections in the history of independent India is finally coming to an end. In the next few days, faith of every candidate and party will be decided as voting ends and counting begins.

As the political drama unfolds one man is quietly getting ready to walk into the sunset. Renowned economist, father of economic reforms & liberalization in India and the man who lead UPA Government, Dr Manmohan Singh  bids good bye to public life.

Dr Singh lead one of the most successful and progressive governments in the history of independent India, but equally marred with controversial scams, he was blamed for being non-communicative and was targeted unfairly as a puppet in the hands of Sonia Gandhi.

Dr Singh’s last 2-3 years in office has been his toughest, an over critical media, obstructive opposition and anti-corruption movements across the country took a toll on communication. Dr Singh is not known for being aggressive; his dignified approach was mostly interpreted as his incapability to act tough. A soft spoken Dr Singh was attacked constantly by a barrage of media and opposition sometimes with a pre-set agenda.

Today as Dr Singh gets ready to leave office, there is a sadness that surrounds, call it the era of sound-bites or a well planned propaganda by the opposition, UPA Government and the Indian National Congress failed to aggressively put across the achievements of Dr Singh lead Government.

The biggest failure of Dr Singh lead government was simply lack of aggressive and relentless communication. As main stream media looks for stories from the social media, lack of proactive communication from UPA Governments only added to its list of trouble. One may argue that its fatigue, rarely any government has successfully completed its 2 terms in office.

As India stands at cross roads, and is fighting an ideological battle, facts got replaced with rhetoric and parliamentary elections is fought as presidential one from one end of the spectrum. A bitterly fought election has over shadowed the achievements of Dr Singh lead UPA Government, and only time will tell how Dr Singh’s Government will be viewed as the election dust settles.  

No one knows what Dr Singh would do next, but I firmly believe that history will judge Dr Singh kindly and will attribute the India Growth story to Policies he laid out during his tenure. Why shouldn’t it, there cannot be a better person to lead India than Dr Singh, and even during the most tough economic times he put India ahead.

Dr Singh will always be #SinghIsKing for many INC supporters like me; I admired him for being dignified even during brutal, abusive and uncouth campaign against him, he held the dignity of the Office of the Prime Minister of India.

Whatever maybe the outcome of General Elections 2014 Dr Singh will indeed have the last laugh, and time will reconcile to the fact that he was ‘NO Accidental Prime Minister’. 

Thank You Dr Manmohan Singh for building a Liberalized and Inclusive India, I am glad that India had a Prime Minister like you.   

- Kavitha Reddy

Proudly With Congress

On 17^th April 2014 Karnataka will go for a single phase LS polls, and is indeed one of the toughest elections ever for the party I support and associated with. Ever since I remember I have been part of INC election campaigns but this elections has been the most exciting as the campaign has been both online and offline.

When I started using Twitter for the first time all I could see was anti-INC, anti-Gandhi, anti-UPA rants and abuses. Few of my pro-Govt & pro-INC tweets and replies were trolled and attacked viciously and it did scare me and bother me for days. But reading @GSurya tweets made me realize that it’s important to put out your voice and facts irrespective of what the trolls are going to say, hence started my braver and bolder version as INC supporter.

During Karnataka assembly elections some of us in Bangalore tweeted and shared updates on FB pages along with our offline campaign in our constituencies and we got to know each other, were glad that #NammaSarkara came to power with a big number. 

Aby once called me and asked if I want to be part of pro-INC Social Media initiative, the answer was a big YES. Eventually all like minded INC supporters initiated by @WithCongress came together with a common objective to put out facts and to counter BJP & RSS propaganda and divisive online campaign. All of us had one philosophy not to abuse or use language that INC as a party does not subscribe to or that would embarrass the party. 

Meeting and interacting with people like @GauravPandhi, @RachitSeth, @Vishesh4, @Kashyap_1982, @MaxMelbin, @Bhushannag, @Srivatsayb made me more proud supporter of INC, it assured me that I have support whenever I get trolled or targeted by nasty Modi Bhakts or Swamy Patriots :)

Highlights of our online support for INC was when Shri Digvijay Singh invited us to meet CM Siddhu, DKS, HM George, KPCC President, BKC (thanks to Gaurav) and we shared our views and how we will be helping Karnataka Govt and INC to spread information, put out facts and counter propaganda online. The smile on CM’s face said it all; he was thrilled when Shri Digvijay Singh said ‘they just do not want Modi to come to power’.

Over the last one year (almost) we trended hastags, shared views, shared data, put out facts, countered allegations and rhetoric, debated with actual data of UPA Govt achievement, shared data on Gujarat, questioned Modi fearlessly, dissected Modi speeches, made fun of his lies and errors, replied to trolls with data, questioned media for biased reporting, questioned journalists on their silence over Modi, supported INC, made witty comments, replied aggressively, made strong comments, spoke for INC , shared whatsapp messages, defended INC and its Leaders with data and made our presence felt in the social media that was once dominated by right wingers and we also won support of many neutrals.

Winning moments came when I got messages appreciating the updates and information that I was fearlessly putting out, even though I was trolled several times by my BJP friends :). There were few friends who took digs at me or trolled me, but my updates were not for converted, it was indeed for who were undecided, unsure or who were looking for information and logical debates/comments/updates. Many of my close friends were uncomfortable with my hard support for INC, but I was/am doing my duty as an informed citizen, asking uncomfortable questions, countering rhetoric with data with a single objective that India should decide based on FACTS. 

My proudest moment as an online supporter was when Nandan Nilekani was in HSR Layout and I met few of his team members (non-political people), when I introduced myself their first reaction was ‘oh Kavitha Reddy the strongest supporter of INC, have read your tweets’ :) 

As election day comes closer and offline campaign ends, there is a sense of satisfaction that I have done my best to put out facts both online and offline and at least ensure that people who are neutrals, who are non-political, who would vote based on facts, who appreciated arguments will go and vote for a Good/Right/Best candidate who represents the Idea of India.

As voters we have the responsibility to vote and elect a Good/Right/Best candidate as our MP, so give your conscience the option to choose the right MP who can represent you in the Lok Shaba. When you press that button let it be ONLY for a Good/Right/Best candidate. Be assured that when we choose the Good/Right/Best candidate ONLY then we can expect a Good/Right/Best Government.

Jai Hind, Jai Karnataka 
#BharatKeMazbootHaath

Ideas For Bengaluru

Nandan Nilekani Blog: I shared my #IdeasForBengaluru

 

M K Gandhi at Namma Metro

My Life is my Message - M K Gandhi 

Happy New Year 2014

Media Coverage

Kavitha Reddy Articles and Quotes in Media

1. For Basecamp Adventures

2. For Social Cause & Citizen Journalist

   - Citizens’ drive at Agara Lake collects 70 bags of plastic, Citizen Matters 
   - Agara Lake - Living on the Edge, Times of India Neighborhood Edition
   - Relieving Questions (Public Toilets in HSR Layout), Times of India Neighborhood Edition

3. For Kaagaz Foundation

   - Women's Day Celebration, Times of India Neighborhood Edition

MiG n Kamet

MiG named after the fighter aircraft & Kamet named after a mountain are the stress busters at home. Other than showing off their stress buster skills they also specializing in crashing out basically anywhere anytime. Mom-Daughter duo just know how to get their way :) 

- Kavitha Reddy

Education Means

Education is the key to Empowerment; it opens our hearts and minds to greater possibilities hence Education = Possibilities.

I can never imagine education as just college/university degrees or certificate nor will it end with it, education is a continuous process and the day you stop it, it only means you have shut the doors on possibilities.

Education is also a gateway to explore self and to view the world from different perspectives. It nurtures reasoning & rational thinking and gives me the strength to challenges the odds & status-quos.

It indeed empowers me to influence a better tomorrow and to leave behind a better society when my journey ends.

I truly believe in what Nelson Mandela said ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’. 

- Kavitha Reddy 

Education Times: http://educationtimes.com/ads/ge/article2.html

Go Girl! Travel the World

Last few years has witnessed a significant increase in Indian travelers and particularly women. Travel is indeed a hobby/interest that women have taken to with great enthusiasm; financial independence, connectivity, accessibility and technology have opened up the world to women. Several destinations have even gone a step further to offer special travel/holiday packages for women travelers.

Sadly an increase in brutal crimes against women across the country (both rural and urban) is going to have a huge impact on this new found travel freedom. One can debate and nuance the cause of increasing crime against women, but mobility and freedom to travel is indeed a key factor that determines the level of participation of women in the economy, politics and social structure. The fear is that the increase of violence against women will deter participation of women in all fields and will end up pushing us 15-20 years backwards.

One of the very important aspects of women empowerment is providing a safe environment for women who travel on work or leisure. As a traveler I am very concerned that incidents of violence against women will result in more social restriction and lesser focus on creating a safe environment and empowering women. It will be a sad day when the fear of crimes against women will stop many of us from going out exploring and traveling the world.

Yes there is a lot that the governments have to do to create a safe environment for everyone irrespective of gender. Our society should take more responsibility in not just condemning the crimes against women but also grooming the boys in their homes to respect women and treat them as equals, and more importantly as humans.

But as women travelers we need to start taking control, unless we do not get confident about ourselves and be prepared at all times we will be curtailed with restrictions and fears. As a traveler I have been travelling for many years mostly alone. Be it the buses in UP or Rickshaws in Mumbai or the Jeeps in Uttarakhand I have travelled in some of the most remote areas across the country, three things that always makes me feel safe are Confidence, Awareness and Preparedness.

Confidence

• Be confident about yourself mentally and physically
• Learn basics of self-defense, which will make you more physically confident/aware
• Do not disclose information about your travel
• Avoid any eye contact or talking with strangers, particularly men
• Do not let anyone get too friendly

Awareness

• Be aware of the surroundings, nothing happens all of a sudden
• Have complete information of the destination you are travelling
• Do not share food/cigarettes with any stranger during the journey
• Be aware of your luggage and do not stack all the money in a single place
• Try not to be alone in a bus/jeep/train
• Travel in public transport or in a recognized transport facility
• Avoid unscheduled night travel unless necessary
• Take upper berths or women compartment if you are travelling in a train
• Choose a reputed/recognized/authorized travel agency/tour guide, get references

Preparedness

• Inform friends and family where you are travelling
• Carry your ID card and emergency contact details
• Carry a whistle either around your neck or clip it where you can access it easily
• Have your phone at quick access with emergency/police control room numbers on speed dial
• Objective is travelling so dress for travel, watch what you are wearing, don’t invite unwanted attention
• Wear skin tights or a swim suite underneath your dress
• Do not wear tight or revealing attire stick to full sleeve t-shirt, slightly loose jeans or khakis or salwar suit
• Travel light, ensure you have your backpack/trolley bag packed properly
• Do not wear expensive jewelry or display valuables like laptop/expensive phone/GPS/camera/cash etc
• Carry a pepper spray if possible

We need to sometimes empower ourselves and be confident, be aware and be prepared, let’s be practical there cannot be a police constable standing guard on every road every locality at all times. Government, Police, Society are responsible to provide a safe environment for every citizen irrespective of gender, but we cannot outsource our dreams and destiny either.

So go travel the world do not wait for all the signals lights to go Green to embark on a journey!

- Kavitha Reddy, Director Basecamp Adventures

Can CM Siddhu Revive Bangalore Lakes?

 More Pictures

Agara Lake on the agenda of CM Siddharamaiah first city rounds was indeed a shot in the arm for the citizens who have been relentlessly campaigning to revive & save the Agara Lake for the last 6 months.

Earlier Mr Ugrappa Sr Congress Leader, a regular walker at Agara Lake have been supporting the citizens cause had initiated to meet the CM and submit a detailed memorandum. He also has requested the CM to consider a visit to Agara Lake and on 7^th Sept 2013 CM visited Agara Lake and got firsthand information on the condition of the lake along with severely senior government officials, local MP and MLA.

Mr Kupendra Reddy Congress Leader thanked the CM for making time to visit the lake and minced no words in conveying the urgent need to revive the lake both from an environmental point of view and from a public health prospective. He pointed out that the sewage water & un-cleared floating garbage has lead to a huge increase in dengue cases in the locality. He also mentioned that the funds has to be allocated at the earliest to speed up the restoration work, and if LDA is not able to act immediately then either BBMP or BDA should be involved to ensure Agara Lake is revived and saved. He also spoke about almost vanishing Parangi Palya/Somasundra Palya/Haralur Lake due to ramped encroachment and stressed on the need to do a re-survey of the lake and clear encroachments.

Mr Satish Reddy MLA of Bommanahalli, who had not shown any interest about the lake over the last few years, did make a request to the CM to allocate funds to revive the lake. He spoke about how the lakes are inter-connected and that it also flows to TN where it is used for agriculture purpose.

Mr Ugrappa stressed upon the need to revive the lake as it is a very large water body of ecologically importance. He also requested the CM to explore the possibility of handing over the lake to BDA or BBMP as LDA seems to lack manpower and technical capability to revive the lake. He drew the attention of the CM on the health hazard due to sewage inlet into the lake.

Mr Ananth Kumar MP of Bangalore South spoke in support of the revival of both Agara Lake and Parangi Palya/Somasundra Palya/Haralur Lake. He appreciated that the CM re-starting the city tours and requested him to make it a regular as it will enabling him to get more direct inputs from the citizens and resolve their concerns effectively. He also promised Rs 25 lac from MPLAD funds for the development of Agara Lake and asked ALPMS team to meet him sometime next week.

Mr Dayananda Reddy MLC drew the attention of the CM on the questions he had raised in the Legislative Council about Agara Lake. He updated the CM that ALPMS which is a citizen initiative has been meeting up with officially across departments and have been driving the cause to save and revive the lake. He spoke about the need to save the lung space and to maintain the ecological balance. Most importantly he brought to the notice of the CM that government has been asking citizens to implement RWH in their home but should not forget that lakes are a great source not only to harvest water but also recharge underground water tables. He mentioned that contaminated water that is getting into the lake will also contaminate the ground water in the long run if it is not addressed immediately.

Chief Minister took note of the memorandum submitted by the members of ALPMS and promised that he will call a meeting of all the concerned departments (LDA, BDA, BBMP, Forest, KPCB, BWSSB etc) and will do the needful at the earliest. He also expressed displeasure on the inaction so far and took a dig at the previous BJP government for not implementing the various reports on encroachments and protection of lakes and environment. He agreed that there is a need to protect the environment and water bodies and will do everything in his capacity to revive the lake. He also directed BBMP Commissioner to do a re-survey of Parangi Palya/SomasundraPalya/Haralur Lake and identify the encroachments.

For the citizens who have been waiting for some action on the Agara Lake, it was indeed reassuring as they could bring it to the notice of no less than a CM of the state. Members of ALPMS who spoke stand committed to keep up the pressure and also contribute to take up some of the critical repair works, and their priority is to get the rain water into the lake.

- Kavitha Reddy