2paisa

As the state faces a drought and farmers committ suicide, the Maharashtra government is busy planning a huge statue of the Maratha warrior king Shivaji in the middle of the Arabian Sea (off Marine Drive in the city of Mumbai). What is alarming about this is the cost of this statue (350 crores of rupees) which is probably enough to save the lives of lakhs of farmers in this drought year.

This is what the Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan remarked about his government’s plan for this statue:-

“The statue of Shivaji will be a great landmark for the city. It will be in the Arabian sea halfway between Chowpatty and Marine Drive. The platform will span 8 acres. And it will be taller than the Statue of Liberty. People can travel to it from nearby jetties.”

This could be yet another election stunt to get the Maharashtrian vote, but the question I think we should all be asking  -  is this what is required of the government to do now, especially when two-thirds of Maharashtra is facing a terrible drought and farmers are committing suicide?

Vishal Dadlani (a musician) who started an online signature campaign and finally filed a PIL against TV news channels covering the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai live on TV,  is planning another one against the erection of this statue.

Also, take a look at an interesting opinion on this issue, from Chinmaye Bhave.

As we celebrate 62 years of Indian independence today, I sincerely hope we can all do away with our prejudices and ensure every one of us truly knows what it feels like to be independent – men, women, children; people of all religions, castes, creed and sexual preferences.
 
And, be more open to different, independent ‘voices’ which make up the diverse, vibrant fabric of the Indian nation and ensure they all get heard.

This song by Pentagram best encapsulates this thought.  Happy Independence Day!

As news of the latest swine flu death (taking the national toll to 20 now) in India came in about an hour ago, I began wondering how to best control rapid spread and prevent deaths.

Upon not finding any easy answers to this I thought of looking at some numbers:-

 
Comparing numbers for some of the countries which have had a higher number of reported cases than India has and no deaths, throws up some interesting questions … 

What makes it so difficult or complex to control rapid spread (esp. urban areas, given that all deaths have been in urban areas) of the virus in India?   And, what has lead to the higher number of deaths due to the flu in India?

Given that a large country like China had almost twice as many cases,  they have been fairly successful in controlling spread after the initial few months  and  preventing deaths due to the flu,   it is perhaps worthwhile trying to think over this and find answers.

Thoughts, comments, views anyone?

10 (Ten)
The number of months it took to find a good Indian restaurant in Seoul.
The points out of 10, I would give to the food here.

Located in a very unusual place (a place you would least expect an Indian/Nepali food restaurant to be in Seoul), “Everest” is hidden within the dirty allies of Seoul’s bargain shopping district of Dongdaemun and I think is the best place to go to if you’re looking for North Indian and Nepalese cuisine in Seoul.

You might not be able to see it right away but you’ll certainly be able to smell the delicious aroma from the street. Among all the Indian restaurants I’ve been to in Seoul – Chakraa, Ganga, Durga… Everest by far has the best and most economical food. For under 12,000 won you can have a meal with a delicious curry and bread.

Although not too close to where I live, I don’t mind the occasional once in 2 weeks bus ride to Dongdaemun. And I’m definitely not the only one who doesn’t mind the extra travel. I have seen long waiting lines that go out of the restaurant door and down the staircase. Remember to get there early or call for a reservation.

The restaurant is owned and run by Nepalese people who are very warm and friendly. The interiors of the restaurant are brightly done up with handicraft lanterns and souvenirs from Nepal, giving the restaurant a very ethnic feel of the sub-continent. Since the restaurant is run by Nepalese people, they also serve some Nepali fare – momos, thukpa, chow-mein.

The last time I went there I had the mutton curry, dal makhani and stuffed kulcha. I strongly recommend you try the stuffed kulcha… quite an interesting mix between a kulcha and an aaloo paratha. And, finally closed with a hot cup of “masala chai” (a must-try again).

‘Smart’ eaters should go for the “Nepali Set”, which is basically a combo meal, with 1 dal, 1 mutton curry, 1 vegetable curry, rice, papad, pickle, salad…. all for only 9,000 won!

Directions: Exit#3 of Dongdaemun subway station, walk about 80 metres (with Woori Bank on your left), turn left into the narrow lane and after walking for about 2 minutes into that lane you will see the “Everest” sign board on your right (it’s on 2F of the building)
Phone: +082 (0)2-766-8850
Website: http://www.everestfood.com