Redeeming Libya

On February 15, 200 people started out a protest in Benghazi against arrest of Libyan human rights activist Fethi Tarbel. Five days in, the demonstrations erupting in various part of the country have found violent resistance from Anti-al-Gaddafi forces. Libya has, till now, seen over a 100 casualties in what has been deemed to be a part of “2010–2011 Arab world protests”.

As people pour in the streets to fight for their rights, the government is finding ways to restrict internet to curb the spread of this civil war. More comprehensive ‘information blackout’ was followed by troops firing live ammunitions and fierce clashes occurring with the protesters.

Such protests should be a realization for the world to see the hardships the government in these countries has inflicted upon its people. In an effort to create a civil and peaceful world it is important to support the restoration of fundamental human rights. Along with the protests at home, international pressure should persuade the government in these countries to give in to the rightful demand of the citizens.

People are not meant to be rendered crippled under the whims of those in power.

The Democratic Vail

Dear People of Egypt,

Freedom doesn’t come cheap. If ever it does it loses the respect it deserves. It is needed to be fought for again and again. We know this because we are a vestige of ‘free’ generation of the great Indian democracy. A generation which is deemed free but is slave to the czars of corruption and political bureaucracy.

We applaud the civil disobedience movement that you started. Your struggle didn’t stir the government in your country only but also helped other dormant minds wake up to the larger meaning of liberty. It made people comprehend things beyond the democratic fallacies and it made regimes around the world realize the power of people.

Time demands that we take a cue from your rebellion and fight for what rightfully is ours. The true meaning of freedom and democracy can only be realized when elements like corruption, constitutional inequality and economic disparity can be disarmed.

It’s tough but freedom is worth every bit of the fight we put.

Long live the revolution,
The People of India

[Appeared in HT Edge on February 14, 2011]
(Unfortunately under wrong credits which was later rectified)

The big fat obesity problem

According to The Lancet report, world obesity rate in adults has almost doubled from 1980 to present. However, no direct correlation could be established between blood pressure/cholesterol levels and obesity because of feasibility of screening and treatment in high-income countries. Despite that, the journal did raise some serious lifestyle issues. 

The major cause for obesity is proven to be excessive food intake and lack of physical activity. This way of life is not just restricted to adults but also catching up among teenagers. In India alone, the biggest perpetrator of such unhealthy dietary, the fast food industry, was found to be growing at an alarming 41% in comparison to its 4.8% worldwide growth in ’06.*

Before obesity becomes an epidemic, it is imperative that it find some resistance that foils its spread further. Youngsters should restrict the consumption of fast food before it becomes a medical problem in their prime. Widespread limiting of the intake of such food could ultimately restrict the alarmingly growing fast food industry. Along with it regular exercise and workout, as elementary as walking, could further help a healthy case.

* The stats are taken from Wikipedia.