[Assam] Unsubscribe
Parthajit Baruah
parthajitbaruah at yahoo.com
Sat Oct 14 11:48:04 PDT 2006
----- Original Message ----
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To: assam at assamnet.org
Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2006 12:00:05 PM
Subject: assam Digest, Vol 15, Issue 32
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Today's Topics:
1. Re: Microbanking and Grameen (Rajib Das)
2. Murderous Indian troops can no longer hide their Assamese
blood soaked hands. International War CrimeTtribunal WILL not let
the criminals off the hook on the grounds of their action under
the Indian Parliamentary Acts. (Bartta Bistar)
3. Re: (no subject) (mc mahant)
4. Re: [BBC] Novel Prize in Peace (mc mahant)
5. Re: (no subject) (mc mahant)
6. Dragon Space-a White Paper- 2006! (mc mahant)
7. Re: (no subject) (mc mahant)
8. Re: What a shame! YOUR Qs ANSWERED IN CAPS (Nayanjyoti Medhi)
9. Re: We work through ''ARADHANA'' (Nayanjyoti Medhi)
10. Tea - Legend, Life and Livelihood of India (Barua25)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 23:52:01 -0700 (PDT)
From: Rajib Das <rajibdas at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Assam] Microbanking and Grameen
To: "Roy, Santanu" <sroy at mail.smu.edu>, Dilip/Dil Deka
<dilipdeka at yahoo.com>, ASSAMNET <assam at assamnet.org>
Message-ID: <20061014065201.33926.qmail at web30612.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
The suicides related to farmer loans in India
(Maharashtra and Andhra) does not happen because of
microbanking. It happens - in addition to higher risks
related to farming - because the interest rates
charged by traditional money lenders is very high.
Microbanking is when these traditional money lenders
are replaced by institutional lending at manageable
rates.
The difference between the local seth and a private
modern bank, if you may.
--- "Roy, Santanu" <sroy at mail.smu.edu> wrote:
> Dilip-da:
> I am not very familiar with the details but it is my
> impression that the Grameen bank's traditional focus
> group was the class of landless rural poor and that
> of course means that the key activities they were
> targeting were of a non-farming nature (these people
> may work as wage laborers in agricultural farms but
> they do not need credit to carry out that activity).
> But I also understand they have aided in providing
> capital for irrigation & fishery projects.
> I also have the impression that you are also right
> about them only lending to groups (and not
> individuals) - the social monitoring aspect can only
> work in such group based lending.
> Regards,
> Santanu.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dilip/Dil Deka [mailto:dilipdeka at yahoo.com]
> Sent: Fri 10/13/2006 10:47 PM
> To: Roy, Santanu; ASSAMNET
> Subject: Re: [Assam] Microbanking and Grameen
>
> Santanu,
> Thanks.
> Another importance difference I perceive is that
> Grameen makes loans in the manufacturing and service
> sectors whereas microcredit in Indian villages as
> reported is in farming. I'd think manufacturing
> (tailoring, carpentry, welding etc.) and services
> (auto repair, bicycle repair, grocery shop) are good
> risks as opposed to cotton farming that is dependent
> on amount and timeliness of rain, and price of
> cotton in the global market among other things.Am I
> right?
> Also I read that the loan approval through Grameen
> involves guidance to the borrowers in forming
> borrower groups so that there will be social
> pressure (as you said) to pay the loan back. For
> example, an application from a single borrower or
> from one family may be rejected. Is it true?
> Dilipda
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: "Roy, Santanu" <sroy at mail.smu.edu>
> To: Dilip/Dil Deka <dilipdeka at yahoo.com>; ASSAMNET
> <assam at assamnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 9:58:21 PM
> Subject: Re: [Assam] Microbanking and Grameen
>
>
> Dilip-da:
>
> Indeed there are major differences. The grameen bank
> micro-credit movement is about empowering the poor
> to take care of their credit needs by pooling their
> meager resources (and using that to attract outside
> credit to the group). It is about local
> self-monitoring which allows the group to exert
> social pressure on borrowers to pay back so that
> others can get their loan when their turn comes.
> Thus, the risk of default on repayment is
> automatically reduced - something formal sector
> financial institutions could never secure. This is
> not to deny it has also had its share of major
> problems. But the fact that over a million families
> are now covered by this scheme is a tremendous
> achievement. It goes to show us that transforming
> the lot of the poor does not necessarily require
> huge amount of resource input; it requires
> institutional change and institutional innovations -
> something at the decentralized grassroot level, not
> something built by and for the babus.
>
> As for the so called micro-credit led farmers
> suicides in India, I am rather appalled by the
> nature of arguments being made here. Everybody seems
> to believe that the problem is one of indebtedness
> caused by lack of cheap credit and that the solution
> is to pump cheap money into the hands of farmers. As
> I see it, this "solution" will make the situation
> far worse. The reason why we have such a sharp
> increase in suicides among farmers has to do with
> the fact that the degree of risk faced by these
> farmers has become substantially higher. This comes
> from two sources. One, they have switched to newer
> cash crops that are inherently more sensitive to
> fluctuations in weather and quality of other inputs
> so that the yield fluctuates much more. Two, they
> are integrated much more into the world market and
> therefore subject to much higher degree of price
> fluctuation because the global prices are sensitive
> to changing supply conditions in other parts of the
> world as well as global demand
> conditions. There is little by way of insurance
> against the cumulative risk faced by these farmers.
>
> Further, many of these farmers feel the need to earn
> a certain minimum threshold income to meet their
> subsistence need and to service past debt.
> Therefore, they prefer high risk alternatives.
> To see it simply - suppose you need 100 rupees to
> survive or pay interest on past debt (or meet your
> aspiration level). You have two options, one that
> gives you Rs. 80. The other gives with you Rs. 200
> with 10% chance and Rs 20 with 90% chance. The
> latter is a terrible risk to take but you may take
> it in desperation because with 10% chance you will
> be out of the debt/survival trap, while the low risk
> alternative is certain to not meet your aspiration
> level. That of course means that 90% of farmers will
> perish badly.
>
> So, what does cheaper sarkari subsidized credit do
> in these circumstances? It simply makes you borrow
> and invest more heavily in the high risk crops. The
> government subsidies go towards subsidizing bad risk
> taking. And suicides.
>
>
> Santanu.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: assam-bounces at assamnet.org on behalf of
> Dilip/Dil Deka
> Sent: Fri 10/13/2006 9:24 PM
> To: ASSAMNET
> Subject: [Assam] Microbanking and Grameen
>
> There is microbanking in India and many suicides
> were ascribed to it because farmers couldn't pay
> back. Then there is Grameen bank in Bangladesh, one
> form of microbanking, that has been widely
> successful and finally has won a Nobel prize.
> I was interested in learning the differences in
> approach in the two countries and have been reading
> up on the subject. The following site gives one a
> good account of Grameen and its successes.
> It looks to me, in India they are just reducing the
> loan amount and calling it a microloan/microbanking,
> whereas in Bangladesh there is a total new approach
> to it, to make sure that the borrowers can pay back
> and will, by using social entrepreneurship.
> Thus the words "Grameen bank" and microbanking are
> not synonymous. There is a little know-how involved.
> Dilip Deka
>
> [PDF] Grameen Bank - Microleasing File Format:
> PDF/Adobe Acrobat - View as HTML
> payment of the leased amount any time without any
> penalty. ... as well as access to other Grameen loan
> products induces the lessee to make timely.
> payments. ...
> www.gdrc.org/icm/a-dowla.pdf
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> assam at assamnet.org
>
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>
>
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>
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>
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------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 09:01:17 +0100
From: "Bartta Bistar" <barttabistar at googlemail.com>
Subject: [Assam] Murderous Indian troops can no longer hide their
Assamese blood soaked hands. International War CrimeTtribunal WILL not
let the criminals off the hook on the grounds of their action under
the Indian Parliamentary Acts.
To: AssamNet <assam at assamnet.org>
Message-ID:
<23e0addc0610140101v2cdcb0dalb2b22942d83e8196 at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Army admits torturing ULFA suspect
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/army-admits-torturing-ulfa-suspect/23960-3.html
IANS
Posted Saturday , October 14, 2006 at 11:10
Guwahati: The Indian Army engaged in anti-insurgency operations in Assam is
once again mired in a row over torture in custody of an United Liberation
Front of Asom (ULFA) suspect, forcing authorities to apologise and order a
court of inquiry.
Hundreds of people blocked a highway for hours near Khowang in Dibrugarh
district on Friday, protesting the alleged third-degree torture meted out to
a farmer, Nipul Saikia, after he was picked up by soldiers from his house
five days ago.
"I think Saikia was not treated properly and so we have ordered a court of
inquiry. I would like to assure you that the guilty would be punished,"
Major General NC Marwah, general-officer-commanding (GOC) of the 2nd
Mountain Division said.
Saikia was picked up from his home on Monday on suspicion of being a linkman
of the outlawed ULFA and was kept in their custody until Thursday before he
was admitted to the Dibrugarh Medical College with serious injuries.
"Saikia was brought to hospital with rectal bleeding and his condition was
serious. The injuries were suffered probably due to electric shocks," a
doctor attending on him said, requesting not to be named.
The GOC visited Saikia at the hospital and tendered his personal apologies
to him for the incident.
There were similar protests in the eastern Tinsukia district where hundreds
of people took to the streets and blocked highways to protest the detention
of about 20 villagers, including women and children.
The villagers were picked up by the Army earlier in the week after an
explosion triggered by the ULFA injured a soldier in the area. The Army
authorities on Friday released 10 women and children after the protests.
The Army is engaged in a massive military operation in eastern Assam against
the ULFA after New Delhi last month called off a six-week ceasefire blaming
the outfit of stepping up attacks.
In July, the Army punished Major Nishant Sharma and Rifleman Sudip Gurung
after finding the duo guilty of killing a villager in custody.
The military court ruling came after the Assam government lodged a protest
with the Army saying the villager, Ajit Mahanta, was shot dead after being
picked up by the Army on suspicion of having links with the ULFA.
His body was found in a bag in a hospital in neighbouring Dibrugarh town in
eastern Assam the next day after he was picked up. The Army then claimed
Mahanta was shot dead when he tried to escape.
The Assam government's decision to seek a probe into Mahanta's death
followed widespread public protests in eastern Assam that prompted police to
open fire killing nine protestors.
"These kinds of torture and excesses by the army in the name of countering
militancy would further alienate the masses," an analyst said.
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Message: 3
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 14:14:27 +0530
From: "mc mahant" <mikemahant at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Assam] (no subject)
To: bosanta at googlemail.com
Cc: assam at assamnet.org
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Message: 4
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 14:23:29 +0530
From: "mc mahant" <mikemahant at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Assam] [BBC] Novel Prize in Peace
To: masukmian at gmail.com
Cc: assam at assamnet.org
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Message: 5
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 15:09:36 +0530
From: "mc mahant" <mikemahant at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Assam] (no subject)
To: bosanta at googlemail.com
Cc: assam at assamnet.org
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Message: 6
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 15:35:08 +0530
From: "mc mahant" <mikemahant at hotmail.com>
Subject: [Assam] Dragon Space-a White Paper- 2006!
To: assam at assamnet.org
Message-ID: <BAY116-F30A343FCCAC1350C83D54BDA0B0 at phx.gbl>
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Message: 7
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 15:45:36 +0530
From: "mc mahant" <mikemahant at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Assam] (no subject)
To: bosanta at googlemail.com
Cc: assam at assamnet.org
Message-ID: <BAY116-F22DC3BEF69BBA1D3B4498FDA0B0 at phx.gbl>
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Message: 8
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 16:16:03 +0530
From: "Nayanjyoti Medhi" <nayanjyoti.medhi at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Assam] What a shame! YOUR Qs ANSWERED IN CAPS
To: "Chan Mahanta" <cmahanta at charter.net>, assam at assamnet.org
Message-ID:
<eda7ef120610140346n2cf193ap556f29f620ca74a7 at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Chan Da
Do you think writing long letters mean something. No it does not. The only
meaning it lays out is that you have nothing better to do and spend all your
time (however precious it maybe) on the internet.
Say something meaningful. And you won't be able to retain me. I'm pretty
expensive. :)
So why don't you take a break from this utopian internet life and do
something worthwhile. Like maybe clean your room. Watch Football with your
kids. Somebody will appreciate atleast.
Regards
Nayan
On 10/14/06, Chan Mahanta <cmahanta at charter.net> wrote:
>
> Hello Nayan:
>
>
> Greeting from St. Louis, in the heartland of America.
>
>
> Glad to make your acquaintance. Nice to know that you are a practising
> lawyer and that too in the high court. Often we play 'baam-ukil' here,
> without anyone being able help us with questions. Now we know we can speak
> to a real-life lawyer to help us out. Sorry, but I don't think we will be
> able to keep you on retainer :-).
>
>
>
>
> >Its not true that I/we have any disagreement with the political
> >viewpoint of anyone. Anyone can have his/her personal viewpoint on >any
> subject.
>
>
> *** Glad to know you realize it. I was almost afraid you too were in the
> same boat with Jyoti, from your note of support for his position.
>
>
> It is OK to have different views and not to agree with someone. But when
> we differ or oppose, we also have an obligation to explain why. Just telling
> someone that she is wrong, does not go anywhere. Because why discuss and
> debate is to try and persuade others, and not merely to assert our own
> righteousness. And it is patently rude to go attack someone personally,
> directly or indirectly for any heartburn that their views may cause us :-).
>
>
>
>
> >*But the very specific point that I would like to point out is that -
> >The wrong decisions that lead to the present socio political scenerio >of
> Assam/Asom/Axom..... were not taken by this present generation.*
>
>
> *** That is a loaded gun you aim here Nayan :-).
>
>
> A: What WRONG decision are you referring to? And WHO took
> those decisions?
>
>
> B: And if these decisions were taken by your 'pitamoh' (
> ancestors)
> :-), and they span generations, it tells me these might be
> societal
> problems that none of us can just wash-off saying you did not
> take part in it. I guess you could, but obviously to no avail.
> Would I
> be wrong to conclude that?
>
>
> *>So I think the remedy should also started by the same Generation who
> >took the right decisions to make this land Xonar Axom, and if they >can't
> then let us help.*
>
>
> *** IF the previous generation created these problems you refer to, why
> are they NOT helping resolve it? But more importantly, is your society being
> run by that previous generation only, or are you, the present generation, a
> part of that same society and thus a part of the solution?
>
>
> I ask, because I cannot imagine the adults of a society like yourselves
> can remain outside of solutions to their societal needs. If your previous
> generation is keeping yours outside of its governance, then YOU, my friend,
> need nothing less than a revolt to take your rightful place in running your
> present and shaping your future. And you all have no excuses for not being
> involved, if you live in the much touted 'liberal democracy' of India.
>
>
>
>
> >*In Assam net I have come across some great discussions and really >great
> ideas. And maybe this forum would go a long way in solving the >problems
> that persist in this land.*
>
>
> *** I know you say that because you want to be generous :-) to us netters.
> But if by some chance you are serious, then you are harboring extremely
> unrealistic expectations which will lead to nothing but damaging
> disappointments.
>
>
> On the other hand however, yes, this net can indeed facilitate a dialogue,
> a discussion and a debate in describing the issues and developing solution
> scenarios for what confronts Assam. Yes occasionally we might even be able
> to offer an idea or lend a helping hand. But you all in Assam alone can and
> will have to resolve your society's problems.
>
>
>
>
> >*But then nothing will happen if we are thrown out/discouraged, >because
> we are ones who will face tomorrow and will carry the torch >forward.*
>
>
>
>
> *** While I entirely agree with the latter above, I cannot imagine WHO or
> WHY anyone, anyone at all, would wish to or attempt to either discourage
> your involvement, much less* push you aside or throw you out*. No one I
> have ever known, even the most stridently iconoclastic of NRAs I have known,
> would do any such thing.
>
>
> That however, is entirely different from giving or withholding active
> support for whatever one may put forth.
>
>
> Not that you have brought this up, but you all must remember few very
> important thing about us ex-pats, because I can sense the underlying
> assumptions in the various exchanges of recent days:
>
>
> Even though we lead a reasonably comfortable and secure life, by
> and large, our sense of vulnerability is far higher than the
> average, because few if any of us have had the safety net of
> an extended family and friends unlike our counterparts back in
> Assam do. Therefore most of us immigrants, have always had
> to weigh our involvement in whatever we do against how it
> might impact our financial security. But it will change as our
> children
> grow up, raise their families and they become independent.
>
>
> The above is exactly why you see so few entrepreneurs amongst us.
> Most
> of us are wage earners, but with a degree of security that comes
> with it.
>
>
> There is a major misconception amongst our friends and families
> in Assam that us NRAs are hugely wealthy. Yes a few may be, but so
> few that it could not be applied as a rule. They are reasonably
> set, but by no means wealthy by local standards. As such it is
> unrealistic to expect large or significant charitable outlays
> from them. A couple of hundred dollars for this and that is
> different.
> But to expect large outlays, even for eminently worthwhile causes
> is simply unrealistic.
>
>
> Time too is a precious commodity. It was more so when our children
> were growing up and both parents were/are in the work-force. You
> would not believe what we went thru with pre-school childcare
> issues in our younger days. Therefore I can empathize with what
> others are going thru now.
>
>
> Ours also is a small community. We all have held the same ideals
> as you younger folks do now about helping others. And we continue
> to do that, but with a more mature and realistic approach. The
> bright-eyed optimism of unfettered young adults in prosperous
> societies with security and safety ready to change the face of
> Assam with our new found empowerment soon gave way to the stark
> realities of raising a family and securing their futures. We
> attempted to do so many different things for Assam! I personally
> led a number efforts at raising funds for charitable work, some
> right here in Assamnet, sometimes inviting taunts and
> boos from some of our less gifted compatriots :-). But one thing
> I quickly found out was that this small group of NRAs is NOT
> like a well that could never dry up.
> People give once, twice and may even three times. But comes a time
> only the complete fool will keep approaching the same people,
> again
> and again. The well does dry up.
>
>
> The lesson here is this: Charity will not deliver Assam to the promised
> land. Assam must create the opportunities for itself by managing its above
> average resources for ALL its people. It is the only way!
>
>
> To that end good luck and god-speed to you all. And do count on us to lend
> a hand when we can, in areas we can.
>
>
> Best,
>
>
> dada
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> At 10:23 PM +0530 10/13/06, Nayanjyoti Medhi wrote:
>
> Mahanta Da,
>
>
>
> *** It is not a secret that yours, Jyoti's, Nayan's , Rajib's and a lot
> many others' angst in assamnet is rooted in your disagreements with the
> political viewpoints of those such as yours truly.* --------Its not true
> that I/we have any disagreement with the political viewpoint of anyone.
> Anyone can have his/her personal viewpoint on any subject. But the very
> specific point that I would like to point out is that - The wrong decisions
> that lead to the present socio political scenerio of Assam/Asom/Axom.....
> were not taken by this present generation. So I think the remedy should also
> started by the same Generation who took the right decisions to make this
> land Xonar Axom, and if they can't then let us help. In Assam net I have
> come across some great discussions and really great ideas. And maybe this
> forum would go a long way in solving the problems that persist in this land.
> But then nothing will happen if we are thrown out/discouraged, because we
> are ones who will face tomorrow and will carry the torch forward. Dada, let
> the people unite, remove the generation gap. Then maybe someday ..........
> *
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *Regards*
>
>
>
> *Nayan*
>
>
>
>
>
> On 10/13/06,* Chan Mahanta* <cmahanta at charter.net> wrote:
>
> Hi Momy:
>
>
>
>
> Thanks for your response. I am delighted to see a young Oxomiya woman
> holding her ground and providing leadership and courage to others like Jyoti
> Das and Nayan Medhi for example in a forum such as assamnet. That is MY
> kind of an Oxomiya; courageous, proud and willing to take a stand for what
> she believes in :-). So all powers to you Momy.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Having said that, I think it is important to point out out what was wrong
> about the OPINIONS that you delivered in your farewell note/s:
>
>
>
>
> *** First off, your disappointments about assamnetters and assamnet were
> indeed rooted on an unexpressed assumption that it is a forum which* ought
> to* discuss
>
> *only* projects and issues such as what you hold dear, to the exclusion of
> issues that others might find more interesting. No doubt yours and others'
> like yourself who expressed such sentiments are GOOD and laudable
> issues/projects.
>
> But it does not mean, in any way shape or form, that other issues could
> not or should not be pursued at the same time.
>
>
>
>
> *** It is not a secret that yours, Jyoti's, Nayan's , Rajib's and a lot
> many others' angst in assamnet is rooted in your disagreements with the
> political viewpoints of those such as yours truly. You, just like anybody
> else here, are entitled to your views. But it would have been better if you
> could express that forthrightly, instead of finding other reasons to vent
> your frustrations. That is what I alluded to as the "Urohi gosor wr onyo
> korbaat", which roughly translated means that the real root of the
> disappointments are different from what was presented as.
>
>
>
>
> *** Your assumptions about the 'older generation' of expatriate Oxomiyas
> as a self-centered lot, unwilling to help others is a rather shallow and
> ignorant one. It is a typically unenviable Indian/Kharkhowa trait of making
> broad brush
>
> judgements about a whole class of people based on scanty sampling.
>
>
>
>
> *** What *I* do or have done, either as charity or as public service, is
> MY business. I don't need anybody's approval or judgement about its
> adequacy. Besides, it is neither about ME, nor you, nor Rini Kakati, whom
> you have singled out as a villain :-). That is why I shall not speak about
> it here.
>
>
>
>
> *** It is also true that as laudable as charitable efforts are, they are
> merely
>
> outlets for salving one's guilt, and are inadequate vehicles for improving
> Assam's lot.
>
>
>
>
> Personally I have no need to resort to charitable efforts to soothe my
> feelings of guilt. The burden of my guilt is far less than most I know. But
> I have nothing against those who do.
>
>
>
>
> *** I do have a right to use the words I do to characterize opinions of
> others, including 'naive', just as you do. But I use words judiciously and
> carefully, and only when I can back them up.
>
>
>
>
> If you would like to know why I used the word naive, let me know, I will
> be pleased to explain :-).
>
>
>
>
> >NOT TRYING TO PROVE ANYTHING.
>
>
>
>
> *** Not true. The haughtiness with which you dismissed assamnet, and thus
> its many participants, was a poor display of your own self-importance and
> self-image. While you are entitled to it, others don't need to accept it
> without a word :-).
>
>
>
>
> >I won't go into details now(YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME IF YOU WANT TO), but
> if you >would like for me to, I will be pleased to take them up for
> discussion at a >later time.(WHY PRIVATE..IT STARTED IN A PUBLIC FORUM, KEEP
> IT THAT WAY)>
>
>
>
>
> *** I don't get into private debates about public issues.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> >(TALK AND TALK AND TALK SO THAT BY THE TIME I AM OF YOUR AGE, I WILL
> SHARE MY >OPINION WITH A YOUNGER MEMBER IN THE EXACT SAME WAY AS YOU HAVE
> DONE).
>
>
>
>
> *** Discussions/debates and action are not mutually exclusive of each
> other. Both can happen at the same time. Assamnet is NOT an action group,
> never has been, never will be. So if you came here with the expectation that
> it will be a platform for launching ACTIONS, while entirely possible ( I
> have personally led such efforts in the past and more than once), is not at
> all a given and not a realistic expectation. That *I* have learnt from my
> nearly 12 years in assamnet. But the difference between you and I is that I
> did NOT leave in a huff, because I could not interest others in what I
> consider worthwhile or important.* When I failed, it was due to my
> inability to communicate and persuade.* And when we succeeded ( yes we did
> too) it was because others did participate and contribute.
>
>
>
>
> That is what I and Ram too attempted to point out to you, but
> unsuccessfully. No doubt because you already knew everything you needed to
> :-) about assamnet.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> >WELL THAN POINT ME TOWARDS THE RIGHT DIRECTION, DONT ASK ME TO ARGUE,
> DEBATE >AND DISCUSS)
>
>
>
>
> *** It is not my place to teach someone like you Momy.I was merely
> attempting to point out what was missing from your assessments and verdicts.
> I do however serve as a teacher to those who learn from what I point out,
> just as all those others from whom *I* have learnt so much over a decade
> and more.
>
>
>
>
> *In fact I can, without any hesitation what-so-ever, declare that I have
> learnt MORE about Assam (and India too) from this forum than anywhere else
> in my entire life, in-spite of the fact that I grew up in what is
> essentially Assam's heartland. And I know I am the better for it.*
>
>
>
>
> *Assamnet is, without a doubt, the most important forum for Assam and the
> Oxomiya identity that has developed in this IT age. And the credit for it
> goes to Prof. Jugal Kalita,Prof. Deep Medhi and the people who contribute to
> its existence and expansion thru their participation.*
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> >AND AM NOT AT THE LEAST INTERESTED IN ALL YOUR OPINIONS ABOUT ME ( ESP.
> MR >MAHANTA)..
>
>
>
>
> *** But the opinions that *I* have expressed are a RESULT of the
> opinions that you expressed and implied Momy. I do not go about finding
> ways to express opinions of others in this net or anywhere else. But I do
> speak out when I find reasons to take issue with others'.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Another long one here. Nice to have spoken to you. Wish you the best on
> all your efforts, personal as well as societal.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> cm
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> At 4:19 PM +0100 10/12/06, Momy Saikia wrote:
>
> Hi Momy (HELLO MR MAHANTA):
>
>
> I was disappointed to read your note on the disappointments of your
> own (YOU SHOULD BE AND EVERYONE ELSE BECAUSE YOU COULDN'T APPRAISE AN
> YOUTH'S OPINION).
>
> Allow me to share a little observation of mine, with the hope that
> you will take a moment of your precious time to ponder(I ALWAYS HAVE TIME
> FOR ANY CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM AS ITS ONE OF THE REASONS BEHIND MY
> DEVELOPMENT):
> Expectations is the mother of all disappointments!" (WELL IF YOU ASK
> ME...EXPECTATION IS THE MOTHER OF ACHIEVEMENT)..... Is it catchy or
> what? (ITS DEGRADING THE TERM FOR ME SO NOT CATCHY AT ALL SIR) Remember
> you heard it here first :-)( I NEVER HEARD OF IT AND EVEN IF I DID, I
> WOULDN'T MAKE SENSE OF IT BECAUSE THESE PROVERBS ARE OUTCOME OF SOMEONE'S
> EXPERIENCE NOT MINE).
>
>
>
> The point is that you had expectations of assamnetters (NEVER DID, THATS
> YOUR PRESSUMPTION); does not matter if they are realistic, meaningful,
> useful, or otherwise(ANY INTELLIGENT BEING WOULD AGREE THAT TAKING AN ACTION
> TO HELP SOMEONE ISN'T UNREALISTIC, NON MEANINGFULL OR USELESS). And since
> those were not met (TRUE), you are leaving the forum (LEAVING THE FORUM
> BECAUSE, I WOULD RATHER INVEST TIME IN ACTIONS THAN DISCUSSIONS WHICH LEADS
> ME NOWHERE BUT RESULTS IN RESENTMENT TOWARDS DIFFERENT PEOPLE OR GOVT IN THE
> END), in a huff (WELLCOME TO THE 21st CENTURY, IF YOU NEED SOMETHING DONE
> THAN DO IT NOW),
>
> waving your own virtues(CAUSE I BELIEVE IN THEM UNLIKE MOST OF YOU),
> imagined or real(ABSOLUTELY REAL AND SO I AM ABLE TO PUT THEM INTO ACTIONS),
> for others to see and go (ACTUALLY TO IRK MINDS LIKE YOU...THE POSITIVE
> OUTCOME OF MY MAIL IS THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE MAILED ME IN PERSON OFFERING
> HELP TO BUILD A SITE...BUT YOU AGAIN TOOK TIME TO WRITE ME A PAGE FULL OF
> YOUR OPINION ABOUT ME AND WANTING A DEBATE OUT OF IT) ( --Wow! What a young
> lady of action she is (SURE I AM, ELSE I WOULDN'T HAVE THE CONFIDENCE TO
> POINT AT THE "WORDS ONLY" GROUP).
>
>
>
> But I understand ( I SERIOUSLY HOPE YOU DO). Most do(AGAIN I CAN HOPE THAT
> THEY DO). We have seen them all here (THIS COULD ONLY MEAN TO ME THAT YOU
> HAVE BEEN POSTING YOUR OPINIONS ON THIS SITE SINCE IT FIRST STARTED). Good
> news (NOT REALLY CAUSE YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME)
> however is that you are young (JUST 25, LOT OF EXPECTATIONS YET), and
> hopefully still open to learning (I WOULDN'T BE DEVELOPING IF I WASNT OPEN
> TO LEARNING)
>
> new tricks unlike some old us old dogs (DONOT EVER HUMILIATE
> YOURSELF...NO ONE CALLS YOU THAT , I AM SURE) . And it is NOT a beauty
> contest (I DO UNDERSTAND SIR, SEEKING HELP FROM YOU GUYS TO HELP OTHERS
> ISN'T A THOUGHT OF A BEAUTY ONLY...BEAUTY+BRAINS) here -- to prove what a
> hot-s--t one is or not (NOT TRYING TO PROVE ANYTHING..DO READ MY MAIL ONCE
> MORE) :-).
>
>
>
> New tricks? (TRICKS???THOUGHT I WAS STRAIGHT FORWARD) Indeed. You have
> shown how naive(WITH ALL DUE RESPECT SIR, INSPITE OF YOUR AGE YOU HAVE NO
> RIGHT TO USE "SUCH" WORDS AGAINST ME) you are about some of your assumptions
> (ASSUMPTIONS GET YOU STARTED WITH ANY PROBLEM), beliefs ( CAUSE I BELEIVE IN
> THEM) and expectations(TO BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE, I NEED TO EXPECT), from the
> few notes you posted here(FEW BUT SUBSTANTIAL). I won't go into details
> now(YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME IF YOU WANT TO), but if you would like for me to,
> I will be pleased to take them up for discussion at a later time.(WHY
> PRIVATE..IT STARTED IN A PUBLIC FORUM, KEEP IT THAT WAY)>
>
> But that is nothing new (YOUR OPINION AGAIN SIR). You are not alone in
> your naivete (I WOULD BE GLAD IF YOU ARE NOT ONE OF MY KIND THAN). We have
> all been there(HAVE YOU??NOT REALLY OR ELSE YOU WON'T BE STILL A MEMBER OF
> THE FORUM). Again good news is that we can shed them(NO INTENSIONS OF
> SHEDDING MY QUALITIES). How? Yes, by talking(TALK AND TALK AND TALK SO THAT
> BY THE TIME I AM OF YOUR AGE, I WILL SHARE MY OPINION WITH A YOUNGER MEMBER
> IN THE EXACT SAME WAY AS YOU HAVE DONE). By
> debating, discussing and deliberating and by paying attention(I DON'T HAVE
> TIME FOR PROLONGED DISCUSSIONS OR DEBATES).
>
> You may ask: But isn't that a waste of time? Aren't you guys just blowing
> air, accomplishing NOTHING? (THERE YOU GO..SEE YOU FINALLY KNOW ME BETTER)
>
> Well, it would be, IF that is ALL we do (YOU WOULD KNOW BETTER).
>
> See Momy, discussing and debating the issues we do, is NOT mutually
> exclusive of doing something concrete(WHICH I QUITE WELL UNDERSTOOD EVEN
> BEFORE YOU MENTIONED).
>
>
> That is what you fail to recognize(MAYBE, THANK U FOR TAKING THE EFFORT TO
> MAKE ME REALISE). Again, no harm done. You have a lot of time to learn(I
> AGREE WITH YOU THERE).
>
> Many netters do many things--for their own betterment and for others' too.
> Not all talk of their actions or contributions. And besides, there is ALWAYS
> a whole lot more to the persona of these people than what their posts in
> assamnet may indicate. It will do you good to be aware of that(PLEASE MAKE
> ME AWARE OF WHAT YOU HAVE DONE SO FAR AS YOU CLAIM TO BE OLD ..YOU HAVE HAD
> YOUR WHOLE LIFE AHEAD).
>
> What is important to recognize however, is that those who know better, or
> are expected to know better--people like yourselves, cannot and must not
> remain smug in your own righteousness, your self-image of a person of
> action, like you assert(WELL THAN POINT ME TOWARDS THE RIGHT DIRECTION, DONT
> ASK ME TO ARGUE, DEBATE AND DISCUSS). For if you do, you will be NO
> DIFFERENT from those who you perceive, albeit on scant and superficial
> evidence of assamnet posts, to be mere hot-air blowers, or having little to
> contribute towards what YOU consider meaningful. What is meaningful can come
> in many, many forms(JUST AN EXAMPLE FROM YOU IS WHAT I AM REQUESTING
> FOR..BESIDES I CLEARLY MENTIONED TWO CATEGORIES IN MY CONCLUDING
> LINE..PLEASE READ IT).
>
> Another thing is that, we know, often a new member would leave in a huff,
> because netters' criticisms/comments hurt their sense of what they hold
> dear(I BELEIVE IN MYSELF AND SOME INDIVIDUAL WHO IS VIRTUALLY KNOW TO ME
> JUST CANT HURT ME WITH WORDS..IT WILL TAKE YOU LOT MORE): Often myths
> associated with their realities or their beliefs (AGAIN FIRM BELEIEFS). And
> being unable or unwilling to articulate a defense of their own values and
> views, they would cite others' 'egos' or pro-this or anti-that or
> full-of-hot-air-ness(NOT ME...BUT YOUR MAIL COULD BE A CLASSIC EXAMPLE).
> This is the quintessential "Urohi-gosor-wrtw-onyo-korbat" syndrome(TAR MANE
> NUBUJILU). There is only one cure for it: SPEAK UP, defend what you
> believe(I ALWAYS DO CAUSE I HAVE NO FEAR OR SECOND THOUGHTS..I AM CONFIDENT
> AND ALWAYS SPEAK OF THINGS I CAN DEFEND IF NECESSARY). You will be
> surprised, that you CAN educate others(I KNOW THAT). And we will all be the
> better for it.
>
> Gave you an earful, didn't I :-)?(I CAN ABSORB MORE BUT DONT'T MAKE IT A
> HABBIT)
>
> Take care(U TOO), and whether you return to assamnet or not,(I WON'T AFTER
> TODAY) all the best to you and yours(AND TO YOU SIR).
>
>
>
> cm(MOMY)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Windows Live? Messenger has arrived. Click here to download it for free!
> http://imagine-msn.com/messenger/launch80/?locale=en-gb
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> assam mailing list
> assam at assamnet.org
> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>
>
>
>
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Message: 9
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 16:26:31 +0530
From: "Nayanjyoti Medhi" <nayanjyoti.medhi at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Assam] We work through ''ARADHANA''
To: "jogen kalita" <jogenck at yahoo.co.in>, assam at assamnet.org
Message-ID:
<eda7ef120610140356j347dde0dob6d059569e07d838 at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I would like to join Aradhana alongwith my brother. My brother is Physically
handicapped (Spinal Cord Injury, C4-C6), Paralysed from Chest down. We
usually give information to anyone interested, and are helped in this by the
Indian Spinal Injury Center. We try to let the patients and their family
know how to cope with paralysis and what to be done after injury. How do I
contact you so that we can also join ?
Nayan
On 10/13/06, jogen kalita <jogenck at yahoo.co.in> wrote:
>
> We Work Through ''Aradhana''
>
> Hi Every one in the net, you will be glad to know about one small
> organisation ''Aradhana'' which has been working for the development of the
> needy young ones in the state and more impoportantly working hard for the
> upliftment of the good number of young ones suffering from thier physical
> and mental disabilities.
> They are also havving unique qualities in them.
>
> We work through music. Music is our main instrument. There are people with
> us like noted singer Torali Sarmah and Ms Sangeeta Kakoti, noted Acot and
> Director Brojen Bora, noted author and journalist Anuradha Sarma Pujari, IPS
> officer Mr Dilip Borah, social worker Ms Nomita Sarmah of ghy has been the
> Gen Secy.
>
> We have to work with our membership fee only (Rs 300/- life member). We do
> not go for asking for govt grants etc.....
>
> WE ARE Successful in working through this. For example we could
> help hysically handicapped two students from Ghy to stand at the national
> competition who had shown talents to the nation. And many more.............
>
> I shall be grateful if any one comeforward to get life membership to help
> us to go forward to do little bit for the people who really need our
> support. It is only Rs.300/- It will be highly appreciated if we can get a
> few like minded life members of Aradhana abroad.
>
> I am putting this to net because, when she knew that I will be coming to
> London Again, Nomita baidew requested me to think for aradhana all the time.
>
>
> With Best Regards,
> Dr Jogen Kalita.
>
>
> ------------------------------
> Find out what India is talking about on - Yahoo! Answers India<http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mail/in/yanswers/*http://in.answers.yahoo.com/>
> Send FREE SMS to your friend's mobile from Yahoo! Messenger Version 8. Get
> it NOW<http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mail/in/messengertagline/*http://in.messenger.yahoo.com>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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>
>
>
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Message: 10
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 10:49:05 -0500
From: "Barua25" <barua25 at hotmail.com>
Subject: [Assam] Tea - Legend, Life and Livelihood of India
To: <assam at assamnet.org>, <assamonline at yahoogroups.com>, "AANA"
<aanaonline at yahoogroups.com>, <texamese at yahoogroups.com>,
<northeastindia at yahoogroups.com>, <FriendsofAssamNE at yahoogroups.com>
Message-ID: <BAY108-DAV7E309924DA777448231C8AD0B0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
If you are a Tea Lover or an Indian, you should definitely like to have this book in your home.
Amazon.com raised the price and now sells it for $60.00 plus shipping and handling. If you see this ad, you will get it from the Distributor: (Cool Grove Publishing, Inc. New York) for $50.00 whhich includes shipping and handling anywhere in the United States and Canada. Copies at this rate are limited, so please hurry. Distributor's full contact details below. Every dollar goes to the cause of the Assamese publisher and distributor.
I read this book. Three things make this book unique and stand out from the lot; the content which is 'fluid and yet well researched' and written in poetic language by the Assamese poet Gautam Prasad Baroowah; non-fiction mixed with fiction and poetry; and stunning photography (by Dushyant Parasher) of tea gardens in Assam. If you want to have a feeling of yourself standing on the Assam Trunk road and looking at a tea garden on a January foggy morning when the near distant scene is half covered with fog, you should this book; if you want to feel what various poets said about tea in general, starting from Confucius to T.S Elliot to Rabindra Nath Tegor, you should have this this book; if you want to know how a 75 years old British Tea garden director pays tribute to Bruce brothers and to Maniram Dewan on one hand for the indebtness of generations of tea planters to come, and at the same time how he remembers his old boyhood Assamese village friend, Bhogai, remembers the
days when he spent with him eating Assamese village delicacy like 'Goroi Pwra', then you should have this book.
As an Assamese, I feel proud to buy this book and keep it in my library. Thanks to Tez Hazarika.
Rajen Barua
PRESS RELEASE
Tea - Legend, Life and Livelihood of India
A new 'tea-table' book about India's preeminent industry written by
Gautom Prasad Baroowah and photographed by Dushyant Parashar
"This well-designed, entertaining, and informative book deserves a place on every tea lover's book shelf. The photos are spectacular; the next best thing
to actually standing in an Indian tea garden. The charming story of Mr. Bowles' return to Assam, and his visit to Charles Alexander Bruce's grave, to tell the
pioneer about the continuing story of tea, around the world, is worth the price alone."
- Elizabeth Knight (Author of Tea in the City/www.teawithfriends.com)
The 'tea-table' book's US book launch was held at the Rubin Museum of Art, New York City, on September 6th 2006. The author Gautom Prasad Baruah's address was accompanied by a special event celebrating the culture of tea with performances of a Japanese tea ceremony and Assamese tea garden dances. Speakers included Joe Simrany, president of the Tea Association of USA, who gave an upbeat assesment on the state of tea in the USA before introducing the author. A wide variety of teas were served by two local tea houses during the signing. About 275 people , from tea lovers to book and culture watchers, attended.
Tea - Legend, Life and Livelihood of India is a story of dedication and evolving culture. This is a multi-dimensional look at one of India's most successful industries. Carrying a message of good-will with a bold perspective, the book is conceived and written by a leading steward and insider to the trade. The seven narrative chapters-Discovering Tea, Tea is Forever, Flavour and Taste, Indian Tea - Partners in Progress, A Colourful Life and Culture, A Health Drink and The Future-cover the triumphs and tribulations of the trade since its inception as a commercial enterprise in Assam in the mid 1800's.
Topics covered are the tea plant (Camellia Assamica and Camellia Sinensis)-history of cultivation and use; a survey of the industry and its growth in India and globally; the manufacturing process-tea tasters and quality control; tea as a health drink; the culture and lifestyles of the owners/planters and workers; the evolution of labor relations (standard of living, educational and medical care facilities-a prototype for fast newcomers), and reflections on adapting to change.
The July 8th 2006 launching in Kolkata, India received prominent mainstream editorial coverage over the next three days in The Kolkata Statesman, Kolkata Telegraph, The Hindustan Times and Asian Week.
"The well-designed book with captivating photographs to supplement it is a well researched story of the bud and two leaves.this book is sure to attract the attention of producers, buyers, sellers, brokering houses and last but not the least, the government, as his (Baroowah's) recommendations are subtle and authoritative: a very powerful combination." - The Hindustan Times March 2006
< Distributor: Cool Grove Publishing, Inc. 512 Argyle Road, Brooklyn, NY 11218>
< Contact: Tej Hazarika> < Email: tej at coolgrove.com > < Phone or Fax: 718 287 7221 cell: (646) 287 0225 >
< Website: www.coolgrove.com > < Publisher: Red River an imprint of LBS Publications, Guwahati, India >
< ISBN:8185921024 > < List price: US $ 60.00>
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End of assam Digest, Vol 15, Issue 32
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