Vote is the most powerful non-violent weapon in a democracy–and that explains, on the one hand, why it scares and unsettles the powerful and the authoritative autocrats; and on the other hand, why people still believe and hope in democracy. It is the vote that demands connection between the most powerful and the least powerful politically. It is the vote that demands accountability and answerability from the mighty politicians. It is the vote that forces the politicians, at least momentarily, to uncouple themselves from the Adanis and Ambanis and engage with the aam aadmis of our country. Let elections come, politicians and leaders who seldom are seen among the common folks are found walking, talking, and eating with them. Once in five years our country, like many countries across the globe, conducts the sacred ritual called elections, where every citizen pulls themselves off from the anonymity of the irresponsible crowd, and self-importantly takes responsibility for their and their
We have grown up hearing the ancient wisdom, "Water is life, and clean water is health." The recent water stress that cities all over the country, and very palpably Bengaluru, is facing indicates that our life and our health are at risk. At any time, in want of water, our electrocardiogram graph can go flat into a straight line. The demand for water has exceeded the available amount of water. 1.2 billion people, one in every seven persons, across the globe spend their day searching or waiting for water. Can we bounce back? The answer is in building and maintaining a blue-green infrastructure. In a region, if the amount of renewable water per person is below 1,700 m3, the country is said to be experiencing water stress. If it is below 1,000 m3, it is said to be experiencing water scarcity. And if it is below 500 m3, it is experiencing absolute water scarcity. We are not yet at absolute water scarcity level; but indications are that our negligence, indifference and lack of i