About

I like to share some thoughts which I believe will help towards a sustainable future

Some items I'd like to work on

After quite a few years of dilly dallying, I have come to the conclusion that I need to work on systems and policies than pointed solutions in a break fix mode. I am not sure where to begin but I tried to approach institutions such as takshashila.org for a course in policy and governance. I need to start working with people of vision and passion

Items I'd like to learn about and work on:

   

Urban living

   -to be elaborated

Primary Education 

Agricultural reforms and GAP (good agricultural practices) to benefit the producer and the consumer. 

Cashless transactions and role of technology
   Straight cut into unaccounted labor and illicit wealth
   Transparent economy
   Less chance of theft of cash
   No counterfeit currency
   Savings in minting and clerkage
  We need to work on policies to draw people to discard cash and move on to e-systems
Challenges are:
  Internet hacking and cyber security for banking   

Vocational training which is tailored to local employment

Water resources management

I believe creation of level playing field is in the interest of larger section of society but there are many who lead transactional lives, losing the plot early in the game.

I am of opinion that direction is more important than the end goal which is set once. Goals need to be reviewed and provisions should be made to make necessary changes.

I also strongly believe that while all humans are equal in terms of their unique existential identity, they are different in terms of values they bring to the table and this should be kept in mind. These differences are not to belittle anyone but to enable people align to their objectives

I am convinced that 'pay it forward' model makes systems self sustainable,
I am very positive that with right amount of optimism and patience, every adversity gives us multiple opportunities to evolve and progress.

Thoughts on Commute and Urban transport

When I was living in Hyderabad during my early life, private transport was an alien to middle and lower strata. People would not mind walking half a kilometer to reach to nearest bus stop and wait for a bus. The wait was not too bad, considering the life was not too hectic. The buses were crowded and people did not have too many options, except the occassional Auto-rikshaws and even ricksahaws. That was so, well into early 90's.

       Things have changed. The colonies are clogged with double-parked roads, no space for pedestrians for a walk. Work/Study commute is already a big challenge, consuming close to 2-3 hours (back and forth) which makes me wonder, what has it given in return? A hefty car loan, So much more time on the road, annual insurance, more cost of overall commute and filled up roads/parking lots, and not the least, a *pride* of owning a car, as owning a car has has become a symbol of dignity.

     I have been in the USA for a while and felt that the suburban living necessitates the commute by car, as the weather is inclement and car lobbies prevent local governments to enable more public transport. If we look@India, the climate is very pleasant for good 9-10 months (not counting the pollution due to the vehicular count) and a 10 minute wait for a bus will save so much of all above and a brief walk to bus stop is not at bad, when there are no cars behind, honking to death.

     The solutions can be both from individuals and government where the public transport should not be looked as a "for profit" and should be subsidized and draw the deficit from people who want to access the road (pay per use basis). The road tax should be abolished in such cases. Current mad rush on the roads can be controlled by economizing the better options, both for public good. People should form local bodies and arrange for local (within a colony) shuttle connecting to the arteries (main roads) and with GPS and mobility, the wait for bus/shuttle can further be reduced.. Possibilities are exciting and endless, for a better society.

    A car can still be used for a vacation, for the thrill of driving and exploration.