The call of my life

Not more than 4 days back, I was sitting at my desk wondering what life ahead has in store for me. Infact, what am planning to do with my life!! Lots of pictures came across... I had 'n' options but with no clear orientation I knew that these options would be knock of opportunities left unheard! I was confused and a lil worried too. One of my friends told me that I am amongst the lucky few to have numerous options and should be rather happy about it. Temporarily I put these thoughts aside. Couple of days back I was busy at my desk discussing a 'bug' with a colleague of mine. The persistent phone call did succeed in grabbing my attention. The call was from my bro. His first line.. "Priya, u got thro College X". Boy, am I being fooled!! Moments later, I realized I wasnt. Apparently, the Admissions Office ppl tried contacting my number and my bro had my cell that fine day. Blood gushing through all my nerves, I took a few mins to digest the news. Couldnt really muster the truth that the call was going to change my life forever. Its a bye to those Java bugs(Hard to accept it, but I did start enjoying these bugs too!); late hour sitting with the umpteen lines of code for company; and the incoherent jargons on hardware and software!! Well, its a new life... a student life for the next 2 years (It does feel young going back to college again).

Imprinted forever in my diary, 14th of June 2004... the day I received the call of my life.

Widening Divide..

Was reading a few articles on 'Globalization & Its Effects'. At every point of time in history (which refers to the 20th Century), economists have pointed fingers towards one or the other country shining, thanks to globalization. Ghana, for example, liberalized its economy in the early 1980s and was claimed an instant success. The place rich with gold and other natural resources was exploited by MNCs to unbelievable extent. Land was seized from natives by MNCs for commercial reasons and compensation paid was meagre. The rich 'Rice Fields' were destroyed and today the natives have to buy American Rice, just because they are subsidized. People there have to pay for all essential needs including water, medical care and even toilet usage. A few analysts say that Globalization will take its toll in any developing country.

India and China, on the other hand, are viewed as being cautious in liberating their respective economies. The economic divide in the fast growing Chinese economy is yet-another disquieting case-study. While the urban rich are cushioned on piling Yen, the poor rurals are fighting for basic needs like food, water and education. Rural areas are considered dumping grounds for the infinitive wastes disposed by the Chinese factories. Behind the success are stories of innumerable people dying of cancer and lung problems, thanks to the never-ending pollution. All these inspite of being ruled by the Communists, who are supposed to echo the sentiments of the poor, for ages now. India, as it seems, is not far behind in furthering the rich-poor divide; which is a saddening status. Education as one can see is becoming a costly affair and the public run schools have time and again proved not worthy enough.

According to me, an equal society (as claimed by the Communists) is never possible. Based on a few parameters, there is always a divide; which is a law of nature. But should this divide be widened to this extent? Have not the poor an equal right to atleast the basic utilities? Dont they have a right to compete for a better life? There is always a fight for survival n the fittest wins. But does crushing the poor and diminishing them of their fighting capabilities ethical??? Things must change for the benefit of the poor..for the benefit of natural balance..for the benefit of mankind.