The happiness of relief

The apex court has stayed the implementation of 27% reservation for OBCs in central universities. When I heard this, I didn't jump of happiness. Neither did I call up friends to congratulate them for the now visible fruits of their efforts (of speaking on this issue last year). My reaction was more sublime and less visible. The news gave me a peculiar inner happiness, the 'happiness of relief' one gets, when he gets to know that what he believes is right. I am an optimist. Even in this era of pessimism about the systems that we have in place in our country, I strongly believe that though things are in bad shape, they are not rotten, and more importantly, they are getting better with the passage of time. The Supreme Court judgement simply reinforced this belief of mine; and thus that inner happiness. [One could not have expected such a bold judgement by the court, say 10 years back]

The judgement I think, made a stronger statement than what the print and the electronic media reported. According to me, it said 2 things loud and clear -- firstly, "you can't get away with everything" ('you' here referring to the legislature); and secondly, "there is still place for logic in decision making". This was clear by the questions the SC asked the government -- regarding credibility of data on the number of OBCs in the country, and about the logic behind non-exclusion of the creamy layer from the quota benefits. The court even went ahead to say that its all "vote bank politics". I think these are the more important reasons why this judgement should be applauded.

We all know that the 'reservation debate' is far from over. What will happen in August when the next hearing on the issue takes place is yet to be seen. The final judgement can go either ways. But this stay order has certainly brought smiles to the faces of all students, who protested on roads across the country last summer against reservations. More importantly for everybody, including those who did not protest on the roads (but never-the-less discussed the issue in their drawing rooms), it gives a clear message -- "Don't Lose Hope!".

What to expect?

Hi! Its been long (almost 2 years) since the thought of starting a blog first came to my mind. But as they say -- its better late than never.

Coming straight to the point, what can one expect from this blog? Well, as the title says, these are changing times (in India). And the change is not restricted to any particular sphere. Its one thing that is increasingly becoming constant in every aspect of our life. And with the passage of time, more and more of our countrymen are becoming a part of this change -- positive change (atleast the net effect is positive). Through this blog I wish to express my viewpoint on a wide range of issues (as and when they crop up) and share my experiences in these times of rapid change. You can expect posts on politics, business, society or for that matter anything that directly or indirectly affects us. To cut a long story short, this would be a generic blog with focus on India in these very exciting "Times of Change".

I cannot comment with certainty on how frequently I would post here but to begin with I plan to post atleast once a week. Your participation in these posts would be most welcome. I hope you enjoy this journey with me.