Recently, I spent time reading up on Communication Theories and found it quite interesting. In the days of Aristotle and Plato, public debating was a common thing and it seemed to have helped people realise what they stood for or against because they could listen to different perspectives on various issues and topics.
When I get together with friends (or even acquaintances), I realise that I usually enjoy conversations on diverse topics and most often than not land up on controversial topics such as say religion or nationalism for example.
When such topics start off and hit a crescendo there is always someone in the group who is worried that this could turn out to be a fight and will try to cut the topic short. There is an uncomfortable silence immediately after this because the conversation hardly ends with logical conclusions. The idea of such conversations for me is to listen to other people's perspective on a topic and add to my understanding of that topic. Is it learning? probably to some extent.
I miss having a platform to do this regularly especially because I enjoy this type of learning since it brings to light people's experiences and what they have taken away from their experiences. Now, I am not sure if others feel the same way or is it just me :)
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
The first step...
I have taken the first step. Blogging is like opening your thoughts to anyone who chooses to read. It's kind of scary and exciting at the same time. I have taken the plunge, now I've got to learn to swim!
For all those in India, something new that has been running on my mind of late has been the Section 49-O of the Indian Constitution. I know it has been doing the rounds on email but I want to do some research on it and see if we can all start off a movement to benefit the country in the long run. The time has long gone past when we just sat and complained about things not working. Time to stand up and take control over our lives.
This is what I have read so far on Section 49 (O).
===================================================
Did you know that there is a system in our constitution, as per the 1969 act, in section "49-O" that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked and convey the presiding election officer that he doesn't want to vote anyone! Yes such a feature is available, but obviously these seemingly notorious leaders have never disclosed it. This is called "49-O". Why should you go and say "I VOTE NOBODY"... because, in a ward, if a candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that particular ward has received "49-O" votes more than 123, then that polling will be cancelled and will have to be re-polled. Not only that, but the candidature of the contestants will be removed and they cannot contest the re-polling, since people had already expressed their decision on them. This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This would change the way, of our whole political system... it is seemingly surprising why the election commission has not revealed such a feature to the public...
===================================================
Now, I would like to spend some time doing my own research on how effective this would be, what are the legalities that might help the exiting political system make the whole plan backfire. If anyone reading this post has any comments, please share it along!
For all those in India, something new that has been running on my mind of late has been the Section 49-O of the Indian Constitution. I know it has been doing the rounds on email but I want to do some research on it and see if we can all start off a movement to benefit the country in the long run. The time has long gone past when we just sat and complained about things not working. Time to stand up and take control over our lives.
This is what I have read so far on Section 49 (O).
===================================================
Did you know that there is a system in our constitution, as per the 1969 act, in section "49-O" that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked and convey the presiding election officer that he doesn't want to vote anyone! Yes such a feature is available, but obviously these seemingly notorious leaders have never disclosed it. This is called "49-O". Why should you go and say "I VOTE NOBODY"... because, in a ward, if a candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that particular ward has received "49-O" votes more than 123, then that polling will be cancelled and will have to be re-polled. Not only that, but the candidature of the contestants will be removed and they cannot contest the re-polling, since people had already expressed their decision on them. This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This would change the way, of our whole political system... it is seemingly surprising why the election commission has not revealed such a feature to the public...
===================================================
Now, I would like to spend some time doing my own research on how effective this would be, what are the legalities that might help the exiting political system make the whole plan backfire. If anyone reading this post has any comments, please share it along!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)