Thursday, March 30, 2017

The statues of Liberty and Shivaji


We Indians have a very unique self-persecution complex.

We admire, when a Warren Buffet or a Bill Gates become multi billionaires. But we can't stand it, when an Ambani or a Tata or a Birla makes it to the same league. " Without the sweat of the workers, these guys would not have made it there. See! The workers are still where they are!!" It is as if Gates and Buffet made every worker in their companies uber-rich before they got there!!!

We gape our mouths open, marvelling at the Statue of Liberty. But when a grander Shivaji statue is being planned, our socialistic brainwashing over 69 years makes sure we ridicule that effort. Never mind the economics of it. Once the heart is captivated by the socialistic nonsense of " oh! That money could have been spent on farmers committing suicide in the same Maharashtra!! " , then mind stops working.

The socialist mind ignores the fact that this project us going to have trickle down effect on the city's economy, by way of creating at least 5000 more jobs for the long term, and many more during the period if construction. When the statue is inaugurated, there is going to be ferry services to the island, and that in itself will create multiple jobs on a permanent basis, much like what Liberty is witnessing today. Not to mention the boost for tourism ( give me the name of ONE worthwhile tourist place in Mumbai other than the Gateway, today. Contrast that with what Shanghai , for example, has to offer).

The socialist continues to harp the farmer dirge. Make no mistake. Farmers are in dire need of help. The Mah govt is already taking steps. And much more is needed. No doubt. But why send an economically beneficial project, that has the potential to generate long term jobs and add to the Mumbai city economy, to the gallows, in the name of the hapless farmer?

Did anyone ask what happened to almost 65,000 crores supposedly spent on irrigation projects in Maharashtra state alone, since independence? Did anyone dare to ask " show me the dams, viaducts, the canals and the borewells which were used as alibi, to siphon off money meant for the farmer?" Did anyone dare to ask " by, after 70 years of independence, farmers don't even get basic water facility for irrigation. Why, even after spending so much money, farmers are driven to the wall?"

Yes, farmers need a better chance to survive. Fight for their rights, if you wish to, dear socialist. But on a standalone plank. Question the expenditure of the allocated funds. Make sure there are no pilferages. Make sure that the money meant to be spent for the farmer, ends up just that way. If you do, you can keep both the farmer happy, and the face of the Shivaji statue sporting a majestic smile, from the Arabian Sea.

But, in the name of the helpless farmer, don't exhibit your "crabs in the open basket" attitude. Don't try to kill a project that will be seen as prestigious, not only for Mumbai, but for the whole state.

http://www.ndtv.com/mumbai-news/on-board-hovercraft-pm-modi-lays-foundation-stone-for-rs-3-600-crore-shivaji-memorial-1641393

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