Saturday, February 14, 2009


Found this plaque on the external wall of our renovated post office building. We have seen thousands of such plaques all over the country, which, our politicians consider to be one of their trumpets and also, through which they try to make themselves immortal. Our leaders are always willing (very kindly) to grace each and every foundation stone laying or inauguration, be it a building, bridge, bus shelter or toilet, and leave behind a stone announcing their presence, for the benefit of posterity. In spite of their willingness and eagerness, there is a limit to the number of places at which they can be physically present and actually use their golden hands in our service. They have all the time and plenty of planes, cars and people to facilitate their movements but unfortunately have only one body. Hence some of the places may be deprived of the honour of having great names on the walls.
With this new technique, they can keep their only body in one place and use their golden minds to inspire thousands of people and proclaim their service to mankind in thousands and thousands more plaques. Renovated, repaired and repainted structures can also boast of a honoured name on their walls.
Disgusting though it is, the silver lining is that – if only they are content just to be omnipresent and omnipotent like god, causing inspirations, and proclaiming their work through the plaques, we will be spared of the expense and inconvenience of their physical presence!

i am sure that sri DVG had such people in mind when he wrote,

Neladinda moLake oDevaaga tamaTegaLilla
Phala maaguvandu tuttooridaniyilla
beLakaneeva surya chandraradondu saddilla
holi ninna tuTigaLanu – mankutimma

roughly meaning,

when the seed sprouts drums are not beaten

when the fruit ripens trumpets are not blown

sun and the moon illuminate the world -with out noise

shut your mouth

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