27.08.06 Celebrating centenaries are natural because memories of things kicked-off a hundred years ago and having gripped imaginations during the period, or at least in some phase of it or other, deserves to be recalled for us to revive the spirit of its momentous climaxes. So to celebrate Vande Mataram's centenary is natural enough. But should there be forced participation? No, particularly not in India, with its culture of freedom.

Presidency

However good Dr. Abdul Kalam is, and I am his fan alright, I feel that our great nation has an endless line of brilliant people to project as the President of India. However, since the President is selected and elected by the political class, we normally get party hacks. Probably it is this fear that makes us not want to let go of Dr. Abdul Kalam, for we know a great person when we see one. I hope a person of the calibre of Narayana Murthy of Infosys or Dr. Kurien of Anand or Nanaji Deshmukh of the RSS (if he is healthy enough) is nominated. Otherwise I too would rather have Dr. Abdul Kalam.