Bangaloreans who do not vote and go on Vacation

Do you know what percentage of Bangaloreans voted in the last Lokasabha elections? Was it highest in the state or the lowest? BTW, Bangalore City consists of three Lokasabha constituencies. And below is the percentage of voter turnout in each of the three constituencies in the 2014 General elections:

Bangalore North - 56.47%

Bangalore Central - 55.70%

Bangalore South - 55.69% 

Overall, approximately 56% voter turn out in Bangalore city and unfortunately it happens to be lowest in the State? The Silicon valley of India where well educated and intelligent live, is ill famous for being the first from the the bottom of the list! (has it s got something to do with BOTTOMS UP habit?). What a MATTER-OF-SHAME? Unfortunately the same thing may repeat in the 2019 general elections! or even worse!! how?

A few days after the Election Commission [EC] announced elections the above message was circulating in the social media. The message lists all the holidays that fall just before and after the voting day in Karnataka (18th april). That is Mahaveer Jayanthi on 17th, Good Friday on 19th, Weekly holiday on 20th and 21st April. If an employee takes OFF on 18th April, then one can go one vacation for 4/5days! Hence, the message in a sarcastic tone urges the citizens, not to go on vacation during the election time. On other hand, reminds people to be responsible citizens. Will the Bangaloreans realize their responsibility this time? Or do they visit malls and watch movie in multiplex? Or do they go on picnic? Or do they go on vacation? Or is there a rational approach that EC can implement?

As you may know, EC generally imposes restrictions on outlets serving alcohol during the days of the election. Also there are restrictions on movement of CASH! In the similar manner, isn't' it possible to put restrictions on a few more establishments to discourage voters from going on vacation during elections? How about

1. Malls, Multiplexes, Museums closed still 6pm on voting day.
2. Theme parks/ Recreational establishments completely shut down on voting day.
3. Any tourist spots should be kept closed.
4. Shutdown Resorts on the day of the elections & previous day (allow only foreigners)
5. Postpone any major sports event or IPL matches.

Just one rational thought towards making the elections process a successful one! My humble request to EC, is to think on these lines and take appropriate steps. Even the "Association of the theater owners" or the "Mall associations" could come forward to show their moral support for motivating people to vote. Hoping that it would help higher voter turnout during the election day!

"The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all". - John F.Kennedy

Defense vehicles - scale down models

(p.s: The photos above are representation purpose only. Courtesy: Internet)

India over a period of years has developed many state-of-the-art combat equipment which is used by Indian defense forces to safeguard the nation. It could be “Arjun” tank or “Dhruv” helicopter or “Tejas” fighter-jet or carrier “INS Vikrant” or submarine “INS arihant” or the ballistic missiles “Agni”, “Pruthvi”, “Brahmos” and many more. Besides defense forces, even ISRO has built many launch vehicles and satellites that makes every Indian feel pride. These matter-of-pride events could be creating world record by launching maximum satellites in a single go or by launching heaviest satellite!

However, if the patriotic Indian or an enthusiastic student want to have a replica or the scale model of the vehicles and feel proud about it, it is simply impossible! Because the scale down models of the above vehicles or missiles or launch vehicles are NO where available! Only some cheap Chinese imported toys are available (I have enquired in fancy stores, toy shops and super markets in Bangalore as my son wanted to own one, but none have the scale models!!). Isn't it disappointing??

Now, the question is why shouldn’t the government of India think of allowing the manufacture of  scale down models of the defense vehicles or the satellites/launch vehicles? Isn't it possible to sell them in toys/sports shops? Isn’t it a matter of pride? I am sure many patriotic citizens would like to have them. Especially the kids, students feel very proud. And they would help to build the scientific temper along with building the patriotism. (BTW, do these scale models compromise our defense forces in any way?)
Further these scale model toys can be of the following types:

1. Plastic moulded models. Affordable model for all sections of society.
2. Showcase items made of cast iron. Collector’s item.
3. Assembly type for students and DYI enthusiasts.

I believe this is an ideal opportunity for an unemployed people or an entrepreneur to venture into. I hope the GoI, MoD, ISRO will give necessary permission and guidelines to entrepreneur to manufacture the scale models and help create JOBS.

"If you can DREAM it, you can DO it" - Walt Disney.