THE BYSTANDER

Somewhere I read; some wise guy drew conclusion after discussing a lot about human faith and  dependence on God; that man created the God! My poor memory does not help me to recapitulate his whole narration but this, his last sentence cast a permanent impression even in my dull brain. In fact history suggests since ancient times where ever human civilization developed in whichever form, they had their own God. Chinese had their own; so the Mayas or Aztecs ;despite of their civilization proliferated on either side of Pacific! In fact , in the initial stages of civilization mankind felt quite unsecured and vulnerable before wild animals and natural calamities. To hunt or fight they needed strength; that was physical and to brave flood or thunder storm they needed stamina; that was mental.  For both they looked for placebo and that was God. Well; I don’t want to be dragged into the charge of blasphemy; after all the God is great to provide us unique elixir in terms of ‘ho...

THE BYSTANDER: Driving with electricity

One million plug-in hybrid vehicles on America's roads by 2015 – what seemed utopian just a few years ago is now President Obama’s stated goal. The world’s rising demand for energy, limited oil resources as well as stricter environmental and climate protection regulations are causing us to rethink our driving habits in order to achieve sustainable transportation and  energy efficiency . Electric vehicles, powered largely by electricity generated from renewable sources of energy, meet these objectives extremely well. Electric vehicles are destined to eventually conquer the last great bastion of conventional fuel consumption – road traffic. Green transportation: Electric cars and vehicles in urban traffic Particularly in  cities , quiet, emission-free electric vehicles are ideal green transport solutions. Public urban transportation, such as trams and trolleybuses has been part of our lives for many decades. Electric cars and vehicles are the only f...

THE BYSTANDER: Whopping Compensation of Rs1 Cr. for Medical Negligence

I was just transferred to that small district town. As a bachelor I found it was difficult for me to get a modest accommodation on rent. My colleges were all quite supportive, promised to find out one. But even after a month they too failed to find a hovel for their young boss. Their hesitation to disclose the reason for the failure of their sincere mission turned me bit curious. I asked Burrababu , calling him into my chamber considering this would offer required confidentiality. Frankly disclosing uncomfortable situation with my purse after meeting the hotel bills for a whole month; I pleaded staying in hotel for discharging my duties would finally land bankrupt! Mind you; salary in 70s with government job was not so lucrative. Burrababu understood my point; then submitted prudently that as a eligible bachelor I am not eligible for accommodation on rent from any good Samaritan. Just think my plight! Getting married was a long drawn process as far as arranged marriages are con...

Aging being a natural process; we all age but few are aware of this. Here is a story I received; narrates the embarrassment of this natural precess : .... Several days ago as I left a meeting at our church, I desperately gave myself a personal TSA pat down.  I was looking for my keys. They were not in my pockets.  A quick search in the meeting room revealed nothing.  Suddenly I realized, I must have left them in the car.  Frantically I headed for the parking lot.  My wife, Diane, has scolded me many times for leaving the keys in the ignition.  My theory is the ignition is the best place not to lose them.  Her theory is that the car will be stolen. As I burst through the doors of the church, I came to a terrifying conclusion.  Her theory was right.  The parking lot was empty.  I immediately call the police.  I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my keys in the car, and that it had been stolen. Then I made the most difficult call of all, "Honey," I stammered.  ...

This happened about a month ago near Lonavala.  A guy was driving from Bombay to Pune and decided not to take the new expressway as he wanted to see the scenery along the old road. The inevitable happened, when he reached the mountains. His car breaks down - he's stranded miles away from nowhere.  Having no choice, he started walking along the side of the road, hoping to get a lift to the nearest town. It was dark and rainy. And pretty soon he got wet and started shivering. The night rolled on, and no car passed by.   Suddenly he sees a car coming towards him. It slows down and nearly stops next to him. Without waiting or thinking a bit , the guy opens the door and jumps into the rear of car which starts moving by then....  Seated in the back, he leans forward to thank the person who had saved him. To his horror, he realizes there is nobody behind the wheel!!!........   Even though there's no one in the front seat, and no s...