Playing Too Many Super Mario Bros. Games?

When it comes to playing  side scrolling, running and jumping video games, my favourite is the Super Mario Bros. series of  side scrollers.

They are fun, entertaining and will inspire a lighthearted  mood in your day if you have just finished playing a rather serious RPG epic.

But sometimes when you have played one too many of these  games, certain aspects of the game remain with you when you are not even close to a video game console. So I came up with a few of the ways you can tell if you have been playing too many  Super Mario Bros. side scroller video games. Here they are:

Someone mentions he/she has a plumbing problem and you say without hesitation, ‘call Mario.’

While perusing an article or book, you come across a question mark and you silently wonder  what would happen if you were,  to say, touch it.

Your cell phone rings and you get strange looks from other people in the room because the ringtone is from a Super Mario Bros. video game.

You are watching  something on National Geographic or the Discovery channel, but the second you hear the word Peach or Toad, you immediately think of  the Princess Mario is always trying to rescue from  Bowzer’s Keep.

You spot a flower that  is similar to the Fire Flower and wonder  what would happen if you suddenly gained the power to throw fire balls at things if you touched the flower.

Someone mentions the word shy and you instantly think of  Shy Guy.

You see a flagpole and wonder if someone could jump all the way to the top without getting hurt.

You spot a coin on the ground and  wonder about  how many coins Mario has accumulated over the years.

You  see, hear or watch something about dinosaurs and wonder what Yoshi does when he is not in a Super Mario Bros. game.

You see a mushroom and wonder what would happen if humans could grow instantly taller or bigger just from eating one.

Those are only a few, but if you are ever in the mood to play a video game that’s  fun and entertaining, give a Super Mario Bros. side scroller video game a go.

And start having fun all over again.

India’s Role in Global Changes by Gandhi Scholar: Dr. Ravindra Kumar

For last several years we are witnessing discourses on globalization, global changes and its effect upon individuals, societies and nations. It appears as if globalization is some new phenomenon. Seminars, symposiums and debates are being organized continuously on subjects related to globalization and global changes at various levels all over the world. The effect of globalization on the world at present, and what can be its effect in the future, are the major points of discussions in this context. Individuals are presenting their own viewpoints on these issues, and of course they have the right to do so. But, it would be inappropriate if they neglect the reality of the process of globalization and present their views inappropriately, or with bias in particular the academicians, intellectuals or professors. It thus becomes essential and appropriate that new dimensions of the process of globalization in relation to its effect upon India and the world are discussed and analyzed. But, at the same time it is also necessary that they are examined and evaluated honestly and sincerely having the inevitability and importance of globalization in the centre.
Globalization and Global Change
Globalization [Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in Indian term], is derived from the word Globe [Vishwa]. It is proximate to the words Vishwavyapi, Sarvadeshik, Sarvabhaum or universalism, which are broad concepts. Moreover, they deal with the continuing process of the world. By nature process is dynamic. In dynamism changes are inevitable. The pages of history before us prove this fact and I do not think the need arises to mention more in this context. Hence, it will not be inappropriate to go forward accepting the similarity in purpose between globalization and global changes.
Inevitability of Change
Change is inevitable and is essential at all levels and in all walks of life. It is an endless process. It is continuous and is an eternal law. If not so, life would become static and inactive. Movement of life would discontinue and hence, life would become aimless and meaningless. Hence continuity and changes are necessary. So, if there is a change at global level, there is nothing astonishing or new about it? Similarly it is also true that changes bear an effect too.
Throughout the ages considerable changes have taken place some of which though originated in a particular nation has had its effect worldwide. Mention may be made of the various scientific inventions [of 16th-19th Century A. D.]. We are aware that along with inventions in science, industrialization [in 18th-19th Centuries A. D.] brought about unprecedented changes in social, political and economic sphere all over the world. Despite its many side effects industrialization more or less affected each and everyone in world. But, was it not a step towards globalization?
Citing two examples of change and its effect we can bring to mention two extraordinary political events in the Twentieth Century A. D.:
First, the Communist government, which was formed for the first time under leadership of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin [1870-1924] in Russia, which besides attracting the attention of the world affected all walks of life, social, political and economic globally. Second, the British Colonialism, which was thrown away under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in India to pave the way for Swarajya and a democratic form of government in 1947 leaving a profound impact on people all over the world.
In brief, we can talk with certainty about the inevitability of change which is essential at all levels and in all walks of life. It is a rule. Emphasizing on reality of Law of Change, two thousand five hundred years ago Gautama Buddha had said, “Nothing is beyond the process of Law of Change. It is eternal. For, nothing can be the exception to it.”
Development and Dimension
After the security of existence it is the continuous process of development, which leads man towards achieving his goal in life. In its constant process development reaches various dimensions thus widening the scope of cooperation and collaboration, which has affected the whole scenario today. Now, the world looks like a family. Despite the differences of opinion, diversities of faiths and disparities in methods of working, people all around the world are coming nearer to each other. Distance has become less. Moving forward in unison has become a necessity hence bringing the ancient Indian slogan Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam to a reality. This process will not stop; it will continue and will cross halts time and again. Despite the momentary obstacles or hindrances, interdependence will increase and cooperation among people will grow.
Moreover, limitations will decrease at all levels and in all walks, and boundaries among the nations will diminish. The slogan ‘the world is but one family’, I repeat, will transform into reality in one way or the other.
India and Global Change
Since ancient times the process of globalization has taken place in India and it is not a new phenomenon. India’s ancient civilization and composite and harmonious culture are living examples of Hindustan’s pace towards the process of globalization and global change. Dravidian-Aryan confluence and later harmony of cultures of Greeks, Kushanas, Shakas, Hunas, Arabs, Turks and Mongols within the Indian culture is a proof of this. It becomes apparent from the fact that centuries ago India opened door for those who reached its land individually or in caravans with their own beliefs, faiths or tradition from any part of the globe to settle here permanently.
Right from the era of Indus Valley Civilization India has been into trade with almost all countries of South and Southeast Asia, besides having business with countries like Bahrain, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Greece. Since ancient times along with Vedic [Hinduism] and Buddhism, other Indian schools of thought have been drawing the attention of people around the world. They reached many countries and became the part of many in the world. Similarly, teachings of almost all major religions of the world also reached India from time-to-time and became indivisible part of life of its people. As known to all, people like Huien Tsang, I-Tsing, Fah-Hian, Meghasthenes or Kosmas reached India in ancient times to study the life of Indians and to explore its different schools of thought. They visited many places of the country, gained knowledge and after reaching back to their respective countries paved the way for cooperation and collaboration between their compatriots and India.
In short, the history of India proves that since ancient times it has been on the forefront in the process of globalization. Furthermore, India itself has been guiding the process of change. The general approach of Indians or the nature of its culture is absolutely evolutionary. Leaving impression of their characteristics on others, and learning from the characteristics of others without any prejudice has been the main quality of Indians. Hence, if twenty-five percent of total graduates [approximately ten thousand in number] after completing their studies in the four major Indian IITs [Kharagpur, Mumbai, Chennai and Kanpur] on the strength of their capability and intellect succeed in making place for themselves every year in a country like the United States, there is nothing surprising in it. Moreover, if India after the United States and the United Kingdom becomes the third choice for the investor NRIs and if Indian cinema, life and philosophy play the vital role in the world affairs, it is not surprising.
Change and Side Effects
This process of development affects peoples positively and negatively, both. Moreover when change is major its impact is major too, hence the nature of impact becomes important in this context. With the unprecedented progress in science, the upshots of industrialization had been the root causes of colonialism and imperialism, which were responsible once for political and economic slavery of the majority of the people of the world. They were also responsible for people’s backwardness in socio-cultural spheres. Later, they paved way for competition among nations ultimately resulting in the two World Wars [between 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 respectively]. Moreover, we are witness to the current prevailing situation. Despite passing through the process of unprecedented development and awakening among the people, the world has prepared its path for its own destruction. It is really a dreadful situation for all.
India’s Responsibility
India has always played an important role in the process of globalization. It has added dimensions to this process from time-to-time. Hence, India’s importance in the current global changes is worth mentioning. Its responsibility lies in moving towards the right direction and becoming welfaristic. Furthermore, India is the biggest democracy of the world and is a country of diversities. It has presented unique example of amalgamation of diversities before the world. From economic point of view too it is an emerging super power. Its annual economic growth rate is eight to nine percent. It is a ray of hope not only for poor or developing nations but also the developed countries of the world as it is working as a bridge between the two. Moreover, due to its constantly increasing strength and development in the field of science and communication technology, India has emerged as a leading political power at the global level. Being a responsible nation India has its say in the international affairs too. In this situation it is appropriate that India watch the whole process of globalization minutely so that a situation like that of colonialism or imperialism does not emerge again, and this process and global changes prove welfaristic for all, and particularly for those who are still deprived of their rights .
Today the situation of the world is such that either all can proceed forward towards prosperity, as there is no other alternative left, or they be ready for complete destruction. In this regards, I reiterate, India with its lessons from its past, can contribute tremendously following the policy of non-aggression and non-expansionism. India has the capability of achieving this. Along with resolving its internal problems and simultaneously marching together with other nations of the world in larger interest of common men and their welfare, India with the feeling of responsibility must go forward in this direction.
*Dr. Ravindra Kumar is a former vice chancellor of Meerut University in Meerut, India.

What Is An RPG (Video Game)

When  I  received a strange look from an acquaintance who has some US Army experience upon my mentioning that I like RPG video games, (he thought I was talking about a Rocket Propelled Grenade) I realized that there are persons among us who might not know what this genre of video gaming involves.

So for those of you who are not too familiar with this type of video game, here is how you can tell if one of your new friends is playing or talking about an RPG video game.

You know you’re playing an RPG video game when:

The game opens with a gripping story that at once gets your attention. After that intro, (some are long depending on what game  you are playing) you realize you are in control of the main character who is the hero/heroine.

In some games you might have to name your hero, or use the default name, in others you don’t. But once you are in control of said hero/heroine, don’t be surprised if  an in game  character asks you to get rid of some rats, bugs or roaches from  someone’s basement.

You begin with a not so strong weapon  such as: a sword, dagger, knife, etc that you wield by pressing a button on the game console’s controller.

In some games, if  you are playing  your Nintendo DS, you might have to use your  Nintendo DS stylus. Later on as you advance in the game you get weapon upgrades and you notice that your hero is also becoming stronger as he/she starts levelling up.

In addition, you visit towns, dungeons or caves where you open treasure boxes, get and collect items, rescue those in distress, fight bosses, and  meet others who might join your party on your way to encountering and confronting the game’s villain.

That usually happens at the end of the game, when you and your party of heroes are at their  strongest and are equipped with the best weapons, armour, heal potions, magic spells etc.

An even though RPGs are my favourite kind of video games, I also enjoy playing  Side Scrollers like: Super Mario Bros. Prince of Persia, Henry Hatsworth and the Puzzling Adventure etc, puzzle games such as: Tetris, Bejeweled Twist, Puzzle Kingdoms, etc. and  FSP  (First Person Shooters) such as: Wolfenstein 3D, Doom etc.

-The fun will amaze you, and the game will keep you returning for more-

yours truly

Nintendo DS Gamer Marries Video Game Character

Before this story broke around  November 23rd 2009, I thought video games were things gamers including myself took lightly.

You know, you play the game, have fun while you’re playing, and when you have finished playing you put away the system and the game. Game time for the moment is over. Right?

Maybe not so for a  Japanese gamer known as ‘Sal9000.’ For while Sal9000 was playing a simulated Nintendo DS game titled: Love Plus, he, Sal9000  fell in love with a character from the game called Nene Anagasaki.

But the video game experience  did not end there for a certain Sal9000. Apparently Sal9000 took this video game dating simulation form of entertainment to the next level by marrying the character he fell in love with, Nene Anagasaki.

And for those of you who are interested, in the video game  Love Plus for the Nintendo DS, Nene Anagasaki is an Anime type character. And the game does not seem to be currently available in the US.

I wonder if Sal9000 dressed up  his Nintendo DS for the wedding night. If so in what? And did someone have to sign a Prenuptial Agreement?

And as a PS I also wonder if the Powers that Be at Microsoft and Sony are pondering why can’t something like this happen for an Xbox or Playstation gamer.

Nintendo And Gamestop Rock!

For those of you who read my piece about missing my  Nintendo DS  portable video game system while it was  breaking down, things were not what I thought they were.

As  most of you already know, with the introduction of the  Nintendo DS Lite and more recently, the Nintendo Dsi, the original  Nintendo DS was  quietly  phased out. So while I was trying to see if my  original Nintendo DS system was  worth salvaging, I communicated with folks from Gamestop  and Nintendo. With satisfying results.

First, I called up Gamestop  to see if they  had  a battery for the system.  The attendant  was friendly and  helpful, also telling me that  if the problem with the Nintendo DS system was due to battery  life  failure, I could probably get a battery online.  But if I wanted a really good battery I would have to go to Nintendo for it.

By this time, I felt as if I was not going to ever play my Nintendo DS again. So I did an online search for a Nintendo DS battery  but  upon feeling   a bit  skeptical,  I decided to give the folks  at  Nintendo a call and see if they had a battery for the system  I hoped would just work.

And after diagnosing the problem with the Nintendo attendant on the other  end of the line, he told me the problem may not necessarily be with the Nintendo DS battery.  And if it  were,  I would have to get a Nintendo certified battery  because the Nintendo DS batteries I saw online might not work  due to the fact that they, the batteries, may not be Nintendo certified.  Relieved to hear that  the problem  may not be with the  Nintendo DS battery,   I waited for more positive news.

The Nintendo  representative went  on to tell me the problem could be with Nintendo DS adapter/charger I was using to recharge the Nintendo DS battery.  If the charger were malfunctioning for some reason, that could be the reason  my Nintendo DS system was not getting power.

After speaking with him, I then made a quick call to the Gamestop store I frequent for all my  video gaming needs. Speaking to the same Gamestop  clerk  I spoke to earlier, I explained to him that the guy at Nintendo said the problem could be with the charger not the battery.

Probably  sensing my despair at not being able to use my  Nintendo DS, the Gamestop  guy  told me to bring in the system, and he would test it  thoroughly.

Happy  to hear that, I took in my  Nintendo DS to the Gamestop store. Pleased  when the Gamestop attendant finally got the time to handle my case, ( there was  a line, so I initially  had to wait my turn like everyone else) he tried another charger.

To my  relief, I found the Nintendo guy to be right, the problem with my Nintendo DS was the charger. And after the Gamestop guy showed me that the green light on my  Nintendo DS system was on, he also showed me the problem I was having with my  charger.

Over time and without me noticing it, (I’ve had the charger for over two years) the charger was broken. So I got a replacement charger, thanked the Gamestop guy and went my  merry way to recharge  and enjoy  my Nintendo DS  system.

Thanks  to Gamestop  and  Nintendo. You guys rock!

Missing My Nintendo DS…

I  have heard people say that you don’t miss something or someone until it’s/he/she is gone.

Something I realized is not always true just recently when my Nintendo DS battery life started to fail.  For I began to miss my Nintendo DS  as soon as I saw that red light on.

You know, the one that tells you when the battery is low. And when I used the Nintendo  DS AC adapter to recharge it, that failed too. So while I waited until morning so I could go and get another Nintendo DS battery, I started to wonder about all the fun I had with the Nintendo DS.

The first time I got it, I was fascinated with the dual screen feature, then the touch screen. And I also remembered the many  Nintendo DS and GBA games I played on it.

Games such as: The Legend Of  Zelda Phantom Hourglass, Phoenix Wright And Justice For All, Professor Layton and the curious village, Namco Museum of  a few popular arcade titles like, Galaga, Galaxian, Pac Man, Space  Invaders.

There were other titles and many RPGs such as: Final Fantasy IV on the GBA, Final Fantasy IV the  Nintendo DS version, Dragon Quest IV and V, Legacy of Ys Books I and II for the Nintendo DS as well, Summon Night  for the GBA, then later Summon Night Twin Age on the Nintendo DS, Animal Crossing Wild World, Puzzle Quest Challenge Of The  Warlords, Puzzle Kingdoms, GBA Mazes Of Fate etc.

All in all, I am quite fond of my Nintendo DS. I like  the built in alarm clock feature, the clock itself, Pictochat, even the one of a kind sound effect you hear when you turn on the system.

It is my best video game system to date. And I would like to commend the folks at Nintendo for bringing it to us avid gamers. It’s just one of those things you start missing long before you are unable to use it  anymore.

Maybe Online Dating Isn’t For Everyone

I have always believed that trust is something that should be earned over time. Because it requires time. Time to see if you feel comfortable  and safe  enough with that person to trust him/her.

And when the internet  was gaining popularity in the mid to late 90s up to  the present, something else started happening. There were programs known as  online chat rooms and instant messenger ones that gained popularity as well.

A thought provoking thing was also occurring. Some young girls and women who chatted with people they came across in a few of those chat rooms decided to meet in person. Sometimes these meetings worked out well, and other times some of those girls and young women ended up being assaulted, killed, maimed or physically hurt. And for a while, due to the negative aspects of these meetings, I  did not want to enter the online dating realm.
Who can you trust when just about anyone can hide behind a username, computer and  internet chatroom?

But  I would  succumb. Because the guys I tried to date out here in the real world, not the virtual one, were not really working out for me.

And after looking at a few dating websites’ commercials, I thought I  would give it a try. After all, after you sign up, enter a photo and fill out a questionnaire, these websites are  supposed  to fix you up with someone you’re most compatible with, right?

I  was in for a little surprise. The first guy I communicated with on there seemed all right, and after the second date, I thought  this might be the one.

I did not hear from him for a couple days so  (ignoring the if he doesn’t call you it means he’s not into you rule)  I  got in touch with him and asked  if something was wrong? He answered with. It’s nothing personal, but he did not get any chemistry with me.

When it’s a matter of chemistry, it is personal, isn’t it?

Date number two. First  of all, I was fooled by the online photo. Because the online photo of this guy made him seem healthier. Surprised to see that was not the case when I did meet him in person, he told   me most of the things a guy might tell a woman if all he wants to do is get her in his b_d.

Guys number three and four were more or less the same. But they got  to the point right away, like on the first date. They wanted  to take me to their place to see if we were sexually compatible.

I have paused the dating scene for now. I might never find the one I am looking for and like someone  told me, hey, maybe love  and longterm relationships aren’t for everyone.

As for the trust issue. I think I am less trusting now than I was before I began dating guys online. If all they’re looking for is a quick s_x  fix, they definitely had the wrong girl when they decided to go out with me.

If online dating has worked for you or anyone reading this, good for you and I wish you well.

Legend Of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

I must  admit that  the  first time I  saw someone playing a Legend Of Zelda  video game, then played it myself,  I was taken in.

Taken in by the fun game play, collecting rupees, exploring dungeon after dungeon, defeating the villains or boss monsters, rescuing in game characters and ultimately,  Princess Zelda, herself.

One  Legend Of  Zelda game after another, it never got old or boring. There were times that I did get tired of going to the Temple Of  The Ocean King in LOZ, Phantom Hourglass  though.

But not even that discouraged  me from wanting to press on and finish the game that is now  high on my list of the Legend Of Zelda video games.

And  by the time it was all over, I got used to travelling with Link on that ship. I wanted more. I wished there was perhaps one more dungeon to explore or more treasures to find  with the crane.

My suspense is probably about to come to an end. For when I first heard of  another  Legend Of Zelda  game for the Nintendo DS, I was so surprised I took to doing a little research.

And yes, there is another Legend Of  Zelda video game  coming out for the Nintendo DS. This one,  as many of you LOZ fans already know of, is titled: Legend Of  Zelda Spirit Tracks.

Although it sort of picks up from where Phantom Hourglass ended, this time Link is on dry land and is travelling around on a train.

He is not alone though. Remember the Phantoms from Temple Of The Ocean King? One of them is with Link in a more, shall we say,  helpful capacity.

From what I can deduce, so far, he, the Phantom,  helps Link solve puzzles and so on. For example, the Phantom might stand on one switch while Link is on another which triggers a locked door to open etc.

I  can hardly wait to play LOZ Spirit Tracks which is due out in December 2009 or later this year.

It will certainly be a different departure from seeing Link washed up on shore or traversing the LOZ video game  world  by ship.

Or maybe there’s just something about trains that sound kind of adventurous.

India: Democracy versus Mobocracy and Gandhi by Gandhi Scholar: Dr. Ravindra Kumar

The roots of democracy in India are very deep. Probably it is India where democracy started functioning first. It is evident from the existence of institutions like Sabha, Samiti and Viditha in the Vedic era. Afterward, the existence of many republics during the time of Gautama Buddha and Shakyamuni’s advocacy in favour of democracy, his stress upon development of democratic institutions and noteworthy suggestions made by him in this regard strengthens India’s claim to it.

Generally, the democracy is recognized as a political institution. On the basis of it a political system of governance is conducted. But, in ancient times, the Buddhist assemblies in India have worked successfully in a democratic manner. Hence, it has been more or less applied in religious sphere also. From this the significance and relevance of democracy for India can be well understood.

We can firmly believe that democracy is the best form of governance for a country like India. Along with political field there is a possibility of its functioning in economic and religious fields. We can assert this for the reason that India is a country of diversities and its unity is possible only by a democratic system of governance.

Democracy versus Mobocracy

Mahatma Gandhi, himself felt the importance and necessity of democracy for India, despite its being liable to be greatly abused. That is why; he emphasized upon its constant development and maturity. Through this he wished transformation of his dream of Ramarajya into a reality. In the Ramarajya of his imagination each and everyone, weak or strong, gets equal opportunity to rise and his security and honour are guaranteed. In short, Gandhi’s Ramarajya is an advanced form of democracy.

Now, the question arises, is there a possibility of transformation of Gandhi’s dream of Ramayana or an advanced form of democracy into a reality? If yes, then when? In this respect Mahatma Gandhi himself was not sure. Hence, he was not puzzled on these hypothetical questions. He knew that a human being always commits mistakes knowingly or unknowingly. He was also aware that one cannot get rid of them immediately and completely. Similarly, a manmade institution, it doesn’t if it is a democracy, can also not become free of evils entirely and right away.

Therefore, Mahatma Gandhi, along with other necessities, particularly stressed upon discipline, equal respect of law by all and priority to social will over the individual will in a democracy. He was of the opinion that indiscipline, disrespect of law and priority to the individual will over the social will are among the main causes behind evils in a democracy. So, it is necessary to minimize them for making the democracy disciplined and enlightened.

Moreover, Mahatma Gandhi laid great emphasis on a healthy public opinion and expressed the need for responsible representation. The reason being if public opinion in democracy is not healthy and matured it can be converted into a mobocracy instead of giving strength to it. On many occasions and at different levels this can be observed in many counties of the world including India.

Similarly, if representatives in a democracy are not responsible, they weaken it instead of becoming its defenders. Sometimes it can also be experienced particularly in India. Therefore, Mahatma Gandhi called upon the people to reduce possibility of abuse in democracy to the minimum from time-to-time. He time and again emphasized upon making democratic system of governance firm, healthy, disciplined and responsible. Mahatma Gandhi’s call to save democracy from becoming a mobocracy and to make it people-friendly and finally transforming it into a Swarajya was, and is, worth giving a thought.

Despite the large number of people coming together mobocracy can never be the reflection of a democracy. Due to lack of discipline and control over the crowd a mobocracy cannot transmit the will of the people. Hence, a mobocracy sometimes becomes more dangerous than a dictatorship. That is why; Mahatma Gandhi also said, “They [who are in a mob] have no mind, no premeditation. They act in frenzy.”

How can a democracy be devoid of mobocracy? How can it be transformed into a real people’s rule? How can it become a Swarajya? Mahatma Gandhi was of the opinion that it was possible through the process of constant reforms in democracy and not in avoidance of it and that too in accordance with demand of time and prevailing circumstances. Simultaneously, for the rise of the institution of democracy he rightly called upon the people to carry on their duties and to maintain discipline.

In this process he further spoke about people’s awareness: it meant people’s consciousness of their duties, rights and responsibilities towards the nation. For, he fixed the responsibility of people’s representatives on the one hand and the government on the other. He opposed the idea of such a democracy in which a handful of representatives, it doesn’t matter if they are elected for a fixed period by the people itself, sat at the centre to work for it. Through that the real aim of democracy can never be achieved; the system cannot become a self-rule. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi himself:

“Democracy cannot be worked by twenty men sitting at the centre. For, it has to be worked from below by the people [consciously] from every village.”

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, Gandhi’s stress upon an alert democracy is vital and significant. We should see no reason for an institution of democracy becoming unhealthy if its holders are disciplined and responsible. If citizen are conscious enough the democracy will definitely step forward towards a true self-rule. A disciplined, responsible and conscious democracy can become a true government of the people. Such a rule can turn into a Swarajya and can pave the way towards the Ramarajya of Mahatma Gandhi’s imagination.

Hence, Gandhi’s views regarding a democracy cannot be taken slightly. They must be analyzed minutely. An open debate on the vitality and relevance of them in the current perspectives should be organized. If they seem relevant as per the demand of time, they should be examined and adopted.

Today the whole world is looking at Ahimsa-based ideas of Mahatma Gandhi. Particularly, institutions of higher learning are making critical analysis of his views on democracy. In such a situation the relevance, significance and utility of his ideas for India can be understood thoroughly.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Dr. Ravindra Kumar is a renowned Gandhian scholar, Indologist and writer. He is the Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Meerut [India], and the Editor-in-Chief of Global Peace International Journal.

More Media Coverage, Michael Jackson Or Farrah Fawcett

Not too long ago, give or take a few years, some people fussed over who got more media attention over whom.

Say, for example, we had news item number one. A non white female turns up missing or worse, her body has been discovered. News item number two. Similar situation, the only differences are, the victim is a white female from an affluent background.

Most times, the one from the affluent background ended up getting more media coverage. But when you have two celebrities dying on the same day, one Farrah Fawcett whose battle with Cancer was a painful one and one Michael Jackson who died suddenly, one might wonder, what gives with the media attention.

And how is one to share the media coverage here? It didn’t take long to realize that  nothing was shared here. The one star once famous for her role as a ‘Charlie’s Angel’ got a few mentions here and there.

But the one with the more glamorous and  controversial lifestyle, Michael  Jackson,  got and up to this day is still getting more coverage.

Farrah Fawcett’s funeral was a quiet  one. Michael Jackson’s,  which   will  occur next Tuesday, July 7th 2009 is set to be a  huge event with a Memorial Service at the Staples Center in LA.

An event many fans will be left out of due to the space at the facility and an internet drawing, something like a lottery. His funeral will be televised, hers was not.

I liked Farrah Fawcett. I thought she deserved more coverage than she got. I also liked Michael Jackson for the musical genius that he was.

But when you have  Michael Jackson, the mega star also  checking out from this world on the same day as you, Farrah Fawcett,  someone who was best known for her role on  “Charlie’s Angels’ what’s a person to do.