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Chairperson: P Kilemsungla 24th april forenoonI will try to write answers in few days 1.why cybersecurity2.what about private companies security .3.is india vulnerable to cyberthreats.4.what can be done5.why then e-services through e-gov6.what is good governance7.recently visa denied to arunachal students ..why always controversy betwwn china and india8.what u ll do as Arunachal administratorM19.what is globalization10.what is special about it11.why india not benifitted in trade front12.what u ll do as administrator for illegal miningM2:13.are u fond of wild life14.have u visted any national park in Karnataka15.name any one16.y agumbe is famous for17where it is18.i will give a circuitry relation ur birth place gadag…have u heard of gwadar?19.has india done similar to that20.what is string of pearls21.what is india’s apprehension22.what india is doing in counter23.china bases same as NATO? M3:24.India vs Bharath (very long Q) gap25.how can u bridge itM4:26.what is nature of job in bsnl27.what administrative issues u ve solved 28.y bsnl not efficiently working29.how u ll make employees accountable30.why u ll go for decentralization(very big debate on centralization and decentralization)31.suppose ur selected now and u r put in telecom domain what u ll do to improve bsnl.
One of my senior's interview: Board: Rajni Razdan Date:22/4/14 Session-Afternoon Duration: 25-30 mins Background: M. Phil (Pol Sc., JNU), MA (Pol Sc., DU) Optional: Odia Literature Home State: Odisha Hooby: Watching movies (mainly art cinema) Interest: Calligraphy, Carrom Achievements/Prizes: Cultural Secreatary, Literary Awards, Editor of two literary magazines, Junior Research Fellowship
CP: (showing my photo)
• Is this you? (with a very encouraging smile) • Name? • Roll no? (passes the baton to M1, leaving me surprized because no questions from the chair)
M1: (the most encouraging member)
• whether doing job anywhere? • Anything unique about your Roll No? (it was like 123454321) • Don’t you feel lucky about it? Ans– Sir, I don’t believe in such things. (with a smile of course)
CP inrevenes: why not? Having this roll number you have successfully entered this room. (with a huge smile). Something good might be waiting in future. Don’t be negative
M1 again: reads a relatively longer quote by Chinese president on Gandhi, and asks me to explain (mainly about Gandhi’s relevance there – China) • China faces difficulty investing in its neighbourhood, but same doesn’t happen while investing in Africa. What could be the reasons? • Have you been to Agra? Ans–No sir. M1: Really? • Have you been to Lotus Temple (Delhi) • What faith do they believe in? • What’s their motto? (wasn’t able to recall the exact word – i.e. vasudheiva Kutumvakam. However, the idea was same. M1 uttered the term and I thanked )
M2: (The youngest member, probably in his late 50s.)
• Do you think India is a socialist state? Ans–yes sir. • How? • Where is socialism in the constitution? • China also claims to be socialist. What’s the difference between them and us (on socialism)? • What about Russia during cold war ? What was is called then? • Its present system? Ans– Federal Republic • Sure? Ans–yes sir • Ok. Which is more powerful (Soviet Union or Russian Federation) to counter American Hegemony? • Does China have the capability to challenge USA? Ans– No. Then follows a discussion • Can India compete with China? Ans– Yes, with explanations. • What is our gwoth rate? (just passing question in between the discussion) • With this growth rate, how can we compete? • What is “Democratic Tax?” ( i.e. a term used by me. While answering, I said that India is growing at a lesser rate in comparison to China because our economy is paying a “democratic tax”. Socialism is the beauty and burden of our democracy. And our economy has to pay the price for it.) • What is Odisha’s contribution to India? Then discussion goes on...
M3: (The pleasing personality. He is probably in his 70s )
• Do you know about Charvak? • Then, he reads a quote (Rinam Kritwa Ghitam Pivet... ). And asks to explain its relevance in current economic system. • Can it be fittingly applied to the “Credit card culture” that your generation is very fond of? My answer is followed by a collective laughter, I smiled in reciprocity. • What is digital divide? • Why is it happening? • Name that temple in Campuchia, where India has recently initiated renovation activities. • Do you know there is an Ayodhya in Thailand? M1 smiles–really? Ans– No sir.
M4: (the inquisitive philosopher)
• Some people say sanskrit is a dead language. Do you agree? • Why is sanskrit language the most compatible language for computers ? • Name three political thinkers you like most. • Difference between Gandhi and Ambedkar– a very common topic in JNU campus • Reads a quote from a book written by some american thinker recently. (Unable to recall now) but it was something like “we intended to create an economy driven by market, but we ended up creating a society driven by economy.” Explain it in Indian context. • Who coined the term “Democratic Tax?”
CM: Thank you! Your interview is over.
Note: It is really difficult to carve out questions from an interactive session. The Board was very coardial. Don’t know why after entering the room I felt very happy.That Rajni Razdan is an authoritarian/non-cooperative CP is a myth. At times, she used to come into the discussion, and always with a smile. So, don’t go by others’ prejudices. Just stick to your SELF. I don’t know why the board went philosophical. May be, because of my DAF that reflects literature and political science everywhere. But it was a good combiation of philosophy, economics and IR. Totally interdesciplinary . The board never let me get carried away or get nervous. Everone was approaching with an encouraging smile. In result, my flow was natural. Feeling like I was taking part in their discussion and vice versa. If I said a couple of points, members (except M2 who was cordial in other ways) used to add one, then moving fro and coming back. I was open to their views and used to incorporate their points while acknowledging with a heartfelt thanks coupled with a smile of course. In short, it was an enlightening experience. No idea what my score will be, but it was satisfactory
dear seniors, i had my interview on 28th, chhattr singh board
the board was very cordial. interestingly almost all my questions were opinion based. my views were countered many times and i tried to justify. don't know whether the board members were satisfied. around 4 factual questions were asked out of which i could answer only one.
a blunder happened when i was stopped midway through an answer when i had just said that if i don't get into civil services i might end up a cynic. the members contradicted me and i somehow did not have the opportunity to clarify. (kindly tell how much impact this might have).
yet the interview felt as if it was a flow of conversation and totally stress free. later i came to know that it had lasted for 40-50 minutes, though it didn't seem long to me. i however felt that even though it was stress free, there was much more that i wanted to say and couldn't. i didn't feel like my interview was over. in fact i even didn't leave for a long time, didn't feel like it.
40-50 minutes also gave a feeling that this means less marks for the board didn't find qualities they needed.
i will post the transcript soon, but i request seniors to tell if this feeling is felt by others as well and what to expect in terms of marks in such a stress free, free flowing conversational interview that lasts so long. i will be highly obliged. thanks
One of my senior's interview: Board: Rajni Razdan Date:22/4/14 Session-Afternoon Duration: 25-30 mins Background: M. Phil (Pol Sc., JNU), MA (Pol Sc., DU) Optional: Odia Literature Home State: Odisha Hooby: Watching movies (mainly art cinema) Interest: Calligraphy, Carrom Achievements/Prizes: Cultural Secreatary, Literary Awards, Editor of two literary magazines, Junior Research Fellowship
CP: (showing my photo)
• Is this you? (with a very encouraging smile) • Name? • Roll no? (passes the baton to M1, leaving me surprized because no questions from the chair)
M1: (the most encouraging member)
• whether doing job anywhere? • Anything unique about your Roll No? (it was like 123454321) • Don’t you feel lucky about it? Ans– Sir, I don’t believe in such things. (with a smile of course)
CP inrevenes: why not? Having this roll number you have successfully entered this room. (with a huge smile). Something good might be waiting in future. Don’t be negative
M1 again: reads a relatively longer quote by Chinese president on Gandhi, and asks me to explain (mainly about Gandhi’s relevance there – China) • China faces difficulty investing in its neighbourhood, but same doesn’t happen while investing in Africa. What could be the reasons? • Have you been to Agra? Ans–No sir. M1: Really? • Have you been to Lotus Temple (Delhi) • What faith do they believe in? • What’s their motto? (wasn’t able to recall the exact word – i.e. vasudheiva Kutumvakam. However, the idea was same. M1 uttered the term and I thanked )
M2: (The youngest member, probably in his late 50s.)
• Do you think India is a socialist state? Ans–yes sir. • How? • Where is socialism in the constitution? • China also claims to be socialist. What’s the difference between them and us (on socialism)? • What about Russia during cold war ? What was is called then? • Its present system? Ans– Federal Republic • Sure? Ans–yes sir • Ok. Which is more powerful (Soviet Union or Russian Federation) to counter American Hegemony? • Does China have the capability to challenge USA? Ans– No. Then follows a discussion • Can India compete with China? Ans– Yes, with explanations. • What is our gwoth rate? (just passing question in between the discussion) • With this growth rate, how can we compete? • What is “Democratic Tax?” ( i.e. a term used by me. While answering, I said that India is growing at a lesser rate in comparison to China because our economy is paying a “democratic tax”. Socialism is the beauty and burden of our democracy. And our economy has to pay the price for it.) • What is Odisha’s contribution to India? Then discussion goes on...
M3: (The pleasing personality. He is probably in his 70s )
• Do you know about Charvak? • Then, he reads a quote (Rinam Kritwa Ghitam Pivet... ). And asks to explain its relevance in current economic system. • Can it be fittingly applied to the “Credit card culture” that your generation is very fond of? My answer is followed by a collective laughter, I smiled in reciprocity. • What is digital divide? • Why is it happening? • Name that temple in Campuchia, where India has recently initiated renovation activities. • Do you know there is an Ayodhya in Thailand? M1 smiles–really? Ans– No sir.
M4: (the inquisitive philosopher)
• Some people say sanskrit is a dead language. Do you agree? • Why is sanskrit language the most compatible language for computers ? • Name three political thinkers you like most. • Difference between Gandhi and Ambedkar– a very common topic in JNU campus • Reads a quote from a book written by some american thinker recently. (Unable to recall now) but it was something like “we intended to create an economy driven by market, but we ended up creating a society driven by economy.” Explain it in Indian context. • Who coined the term “Democratic Tax?”
CM: Thank you! Your interview is over.
Note: It is really difficult to carve out questions from an interactive session. The Board was very coardial. Don’t know why after entering the room I felt very happy.That Rajni Razdan is an authoritarian/non-cooperative CP is a myth. At times, she used to come into the discussion, and always with a smile. So, don’t go by others’ prejudices. Just stick to your SELF. I don’t know why the board went philosophical. May be, because of my DAF that reflects literature and political science everywhere. But it was a good combiation of philosophy, economics and IR. Totally interdesciplinary . The board never let me get carried away or get nervous. Everone was approaching with an encouraging smile. In result, my flow was natural. Feeling like I was taking part in their discussion and vice versa. If I said a couple of points, members (except M2 who was cordial in other ways) used to add one, then moving fro and coming back. I was open to their views and used to incorporate their points while acknowledging with a heartfelt thanks coupled with a smile of course. In short, it was an enlightening experience. No idea what my score will be, but it was satisfactory
Awesome quality of questions. I guess it was a great discussion with huge diversity of questions coupled with an encouraging panel which wanted to "extract" the opinion of a candidate on multiple fronts. A great way to bring out the real core of a person!
29th April 2014, Forenoon Session. Board: Dr. Mrs. KielemsunglaProfile: Mechanical Engineer working in NTPC Ltd. Optional: History State: Tamil NaduHobbies: Reading books, Writing articles Chairperson: You are Keerthi. Mechanical engineer with History as optional. That’s fine. (Pause)Who were the British rulers who contributed to India’s development?Ma’am. Lord William Bentinck, in the abolition of Sati, with Raja Ram Mohan Roy, in women’s education. Lord Dalhousie, in starting the Indian Posts and telegraphs.Chairperson: Which British ruler contributed to the field of education?(Thought for a while, couldn’t remember any viceroy contributing much to education. Curzon and Universities Act came to mind, on the negative side). There was the Wood’s dispatch asking the government to give importance to education of Indians. Other than that I can’t remember any British ruler contributing to education ma’am. (What she must have had in mind was Lord Macaulay. So basic..! yet, as I was listing the viceroys (british ruler,she said) in mind, couldn’t remember him.Chairperson: What were the aspects of Civil Disobedience movement? When was it started? Why was the Civil Obedience movement started?It was started in 1930 ma’am. (I was struck. Couldn’t remember the trigger of Civil Disobedience movement.) There was a phase of passivity after the non cooperation movement. The civil disobedience movement was to intensify the national struggle.Chairperson: Ok. What were the salient points? There were 11 points, know?Ma’am. There was boycott of civil courts, Boycott of legislative councils, Picketing of liquour and foreign goods shops. Chairperson:Those were the strategies. I am asking about the aspects. I was not able to answer.Chairperson: Ok. What would be your approach in administration? In responding to demands of the public?The administration should be responsive ma’am. We should be accessible. We should listen to them. That would be my approach.(Asked the next gentleman to ask questions)
M1: You were born in Tindivanam. You have studied in Cuddalore.What is Cuddalore’s historical importance?Sir. Cuddalore was one of the early British establishments. It acted as the centre of British activities from 1746-1752. After the frequent French attacks from Pondicherry, the base was shifted to Madras. There is a fort called Fort.St. David in Cuddalore still.M2: Tell me about Sangam literature.Sir. Sangam literature belonged to the BC period. There were 3 Sangams. Only the works of the last Sangam are available to us. The Sangam literature can be classified into 2 aspects. The Agam and the Puram. The Agam deals with matters of the heart. The puram deals with the external areas. Like bravery, chivalry. Shall I quote a Sangam poem that I like sir?M2: Yes.From Agam or Puram sir?M2: Anything.Quoted a poem on King Adhiyamaan. (A poet describes his strength as follows. There was a carpenter who could build 8 chariots in a day. If such a skilled person would sit for an entire month and carve One chariot wheel , how strong would that wheel be? My king’s strength is like that.)M2: Ok. There is a poem in Sangam literature relating to a king of Tindivanam (My place of Birth). In Sirupaanaatrupadai. Do you know that?No sir. M2: There are lot of engineering colleges springing up near Tindivanam (my place of birth). But the quality of engineers is not that good. They work for 8000-10000 rupees salary. What is your opinion about this? Why has this happened?True sir. I can think of one aspect. Many of these new colleges lack basic infrastructure also. For example, Labs. For a stream like mechanical engineering, labs are very important. These are the place where we practically understand the functions of equipments like internal combustion engines. Areas like heat transfer. These colleges should first set up running laboratories with working equipments.M2: So where is the problem. Who allows the colleges to function without labs?Sir. The task of approving engineering colleges is with AICTE. However, how frequently they inspect colleges or how do they evaluate, that I am not aware, sir.M2: So you say that the problem lies with inspection.Mmm… Yes sir.(Next member)
M3: What are your views on democracy? In your opinion, what are the core values of democracy?Sir, can I take a minute to recollect and answer you.M3: Yes.Sir. I can tell you two aspects that come to my mind. One is, In a large country like India, people cannot direct rule themselves, so they send representatives to rule them. So democracy is people’s rule. Two. A democratic government is accountable to the people. People can hold it responsible. Through the parliament.M3: Let us focus on the second aspect of what you said. About the executive being accountable to the people. When did you think India started being democratic. In this aspect. There were elected representatives before independence also. Do you think, there was ‘democracy’ then also. (After thinking for a while) No sir. Though they were elected representatives, they were not accountable totally. Because they were not free. There were restrictions. There was the Viceroy and Governor General’s council.M3: Let us skip the modern and medieval period. In ancient India, there were governments accountable to people. Can we say India was a democracy since ancient times?We cannot give a generalised statement sir. There were regimes which were accountable and there were regimes that were not.Ok. How about regimes those were accountable?Me: Still, no sir. Because the control was not with the people. The control was with the rulers.M3: Ok. Do you think the administration should be responsive to people?(Thought for a few seconds) Absolutely sir.M3: To what degree will you be responsive? How will you decide to what degree you should be responsive?(Thought for a while) Through field visits. Through informal inspections. By visiting the areas in the district. Through citizens charters. Through RTI.
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Comments
Chairperson: P Kilemsungla
24th april forenoonI will try to write answers in few days 1.why cybersecurity2.what about private companies security .3.is india vulnerable to cyberthreats.4.what can be done5.why then e-services through e-gov6.what is good governance7.recently visa denied to arunachal students ..why always controversy betwwn china and india8.what u ll do as Arunachal administratorM19.what is globalization10.what is special about it11.why india not benifitted in trade front12.what u ll do as administrator for illegal miningM2:13.are u fond of wild life14.have u visted any national park in Karnataka15.name any one16.y agumbe is famous for17where it is18.i will give a circuitry relation ur birth place gadag…have
u heard of gwadar?19.has india done similar to that20.what is string of pearls21.what is india’s apprehension22.what india is doing in counter23.china bases same
as NATO? M3:24.India vs Bharath (very long Q) gap25.how can u bridge itM4:26.what is nature of job in bsnl27.what administrative issues u ve solved 28.y bsnl not efficiently working29.how u ll make employees accountable30.why u ll go for decentralization(very
big debate on centralization and decentralization)31.suppose ur selected now and u r put in telecom domain
what u ll do to improve bsnl.
Board: Rajni Razdan
Date:22/4/14
Session-Afternoon
Duration: 25-30 mins
Background: M. Phil (Pol Sc., JNU), MA (Pol Sc., DU)
Optional: Odia Literature
Home State: Odisha
Hooby: Watching movies (mainly art cinema)
Interest: Calligraphy, Carrom
Achievements/Prizes: Cultural Secreatary, Literary Awards, Editor of two literary magazines, Junior Research Fellowship
CP: (showing my photo)
• Is this you? (with a very encouraging smile)
• Name?
• Roll no?
(passes the baton to M1, leaving me surprized because no questions from the chair)
M1: (the most encouraging member)
• whether doing job anywhere?
• Anything unique about your Roll No? (it was like 123454321)
• Don’t you feel lucky about it? Ans– Sir, I don’t believe in such things. (with a smile of course)
CP inrevenes: why not? Having this roll number you have successfully entered this room. (with a huge smile). Something good might be waiting in future. Don’t be negative
M1 again: reads a relatively longer quote by Chinese president on Gandhi, and asks me to explain (mainly about Gandhi’s relevance there – China)
• China faces difficulty investing in its neighbourhood, but same doesn’t happen while investing in Africa. What could be the reasons?
• Have you been to Agra? Ans–No sir. M1: Really?
• Have you been to Lotus Temple (Delhi)
• What faith do they believe in?
• What’s their motto? (wasn’t able to recall the exact word – i.e. vasudheiva Kutumvakam. However, the idea was same. M1 uttered the term and I thanked )
M2: (The youngest member, probably in his late 50s.)
• Do you think India is a socialist state? Ans–yes sir.
• How?
• Where is socialism in the constitution?
• China also claims to be socialist. What’s the difference between them and us (on socialism)?
• What about Russia during cold war ? What was is called then?
• Its present system? Ans– Federal Republic
• Sure? Ans–yes sir
• Ok. Which is more powerful (Soviet Union or Russian Federation) to counter American Hegemony?
• Does China have the capability to challenge USA? Ans– No. Then follows a discussion
• Can India compete with China? Ans– Yes, with explanations.
• What is our gwoth rate? (just passing question in between the discussion)
• With this growth rate, how can we compete?
• What is “Democratic Tax?” ( i.e. a term used by me. While answering, I said that India is growing at a lesser rate in comparison to China because our economy is paying a “democratic tax”. Socialism is the beauty and burden of our democracy. And our economy has to pay the price for it.)
• What is Odisha’s contribution to India? Then discussion goes on...
M3: (The pleasing personality. He is probably in his 70s )
• Do you know about Charvak?
• Then, he reads a quote (Rinam Kritwa Ghitam Pivet... ). And asks to explain its relevance in current economic system.
• Can it be fittingly applied to the “Credit card culture” that your generation is very fond of? My answer is followed by a collective laughter, I smiled in reciprocity.
• What is digital divide?
• Why is it happening?
• Name that temple in Campuchia, where India has recently initiated renovation activities.
• Do you know there is an Ayodhya in Thailand? M1 smiles–really? Ans– No sir.
M4: (the inquisitive philosopher)
• Some people say sanskrit is a dead language. Do you agree?
• Why is sanskrit language the most compatible language for computers ?
• Name three political thinkers you like most.
• Difference between Gandhi and Ambedkar– a very common topic in JNU campus
• Reads a quote from a book written by some american thinker recently. (Unable to recall now) but it was something like “we intended to create an economy driven by market, but we ended up creating a society driven by economy.” Explain it in Indian context.
• Who coined the term “Democratic Tax?”
CM: Thank you! Your interview is over.
Note: It is really difficult to carve out questions from an interactive session. The Board was very coardial. Don’t know why after entering the room I felt very happy.That Rajni Razdan is an authoritarian/non-cooperative CP is a myth. At times, she used to come into the discussion, and always with a smile. So, don’t go by others’ prejudices. Just stick to your SELF. I don’t know why the board went philosophical. May be, because of my DAF that reflects literature and political science everywhere. But it was a good combiation of philosophy, economics and IR. Totally interdesciplinary . The board never let me get carried away or get nervous. Everone was approaching with an encouraging smile. In result, my flow was natural. Feeling like I was taking part in their discussion and vice versa. If I said a couple of points, members (except M2 who was cordial in other ways) used to add one, then moving fro and coming back. I was open to their views and used to incorporate their points while acknowledging with a heartfelt thanks coupled with a smile of course. In short, it was an enlightening experience. No idea what my score will be, but it was satisfactory
i had my interview on 28th, chhattr singh board
the board was very cordial. interestingly almost all my questions were opinion based. my views were countered many times and i tried to justify. don't know whether the board members were satisfied. around 4 factual questions were asked out of which i could answer only one.
a blunder happened when i was stopped midway through an answer when i had just said that if i don't get into civil services i might end up a cynic. the members contradicted me and i somehow did not have the opportunity to clarify. (kindly tell how much impact this might have).
yet the interview felt as if it was a flow of conversation and totally stress free. later i came to know that it had lasted for 40-50 minutes, though it didn't seem long to me. i however felt that even though it was stress free, there was much more that i wanted to say and couldn't. i didn't feel like my interview was over. in fact i even didn't leave for a long time, didn't feel like it.
40-50 minutes also gave a feeling that this means less marks for the board didn't find qualities they needed.
i will post the transcript soon, but i request seniors to tell if this feeling is felt by others as well and what to expect in terms of marks in such a stress free, free flowing conversational interview that lasts so long. i will be highly obliged. thanks
Wish you the very best!
2014, Forenoon Session. Board: Dr. Mrs. KielemsunglaProfile:
Mechanical Engineer working in NTPC Ltd. Optional: History State: Tamil NaduHobbies: Reading
books, Writing articles Chairperson: You
are Keerthi. Mechanical engineer with History as optional. That’s fine. (Pause)Who were the British rulers who contributed to India’s
development?Ma’am. Lord William Bentinck, in the abolition of Sati, with
Raja Ram Mohan Roy, in women’s education. Lord Dalhousie, in starting the
Indian Posts and telegraphs.Chairperson: Which
British ruler contributed to the field of education?(Thought for a while, couldn’t remember any viceroy
contributing much to education. Curzon and Universities Act came to mind, on
the negative side). There was the Wood’s dispatch asking the government to give
importance to education of Indians. Other than that I can’t remember any
British ruler contributing to education ma’am. (What she must have had in mind
was Lord Macaulay. So basic..! yet, as I was listing the viceroys (british
ruler,she said) in mind, couldn’t
remember him.Chairperson: What
were the aspects of Civil Disobedience movement? When was it started? Why was
the Civil Obedience movement started?It was started in 1930 ma’am. (I was struck. Couldn’t remember
the trigger of Civil Disobedience movement.) There was a phase of passivity
after the non cooperation movement. The civil disobedience movement was to
intensify the national struggle.Chairperson: Ok.
What were the salient points? There were 11 points, know?Ma’am. There was boycott of civil courts, Boycott of
legislative councils, Picketing of liquour and foreign goods shops. Chairperson:Those were the strategies. I
am asking about the aspects. I was not able to answer.Chairperson: Ok.
What would be your approach in administration? In responding to demands of the
public?The administration should be responsive ma’am. We should be
accessible. We should listen to them. That would be my approach.(Asked the next gentleman to ask questions)
in Tindivanam. You have studied in Cuddalore.What is Cuddalore’s historical importance?Sir. Cuddalore was one of the early British establishments.
It acted as the centre of British activities from 1746-1752. After the frequent
French attacks from Pondicherry, the base was shifted to Madras. There is a
fort called Fort.St. David in Cuddalore still.M2: Tell me about
Sangam literature.Sir. Sangam literature belonged to the BC period. There were
3 Sangams. Only the works of the last Sangam are available to us. The Sangam
literature can be classified into 2 aspects. The Agam and the Puram. The Agam
deals with matters of the heart. The puram deals with the external areas. Like
bravery, chivalry. Shall I quote a Sangam poem that I like sir?M2: Yes.From Agam or Puram sir?M2: Anything.Quoted a poem on King Adhiyamaan. (A poet describes his
strength as follows. There was a carpenter who could build 8 chariots in a day.
If such a skilled person would sit for an entire month and carve One chariot
wheel , how strong would that wheel be? My king’s strength is like that.)M2: Ok. There is
a poem in Sangam literature relating to a king of Tindivanam (My place of
Birth). In
Sirupaanaatrupadai. Do you know that?No sir. M2: There are lot
of engineering colleges springing up near Tindivanam (my place of birth). But
the quality of engineers is not that good. They work for 8000-10000 rupees
salary. What is your opinion about this? Why has this happened?True sir. I can think of one aspect. Many of these new
colleges lack basic infrastructure also. For example, Labs. For a stream like
mechanical engineering, labs are very important. These are the place where we
practically understand the functions of equipments like internal combustion
engines. Areas like heat transfer. These colleges should first set up running
laboratories with working equipments.M2: So where is
the problem. Who allows the colleges to function without labs?Sir. The task of approving engineering colleges is with
AICTE. However, how frequently they inspect colleges or how do they evaluate,
that I am not aware, sir.M2: So you say
that the problem lies with inspection.Mmm… Yes sir.(Next member)
views on democracy? In your opinion, what are the core values of democracy?Sir, can I take a minute to recollect and answer you.M3: Yes.Sir. I can tell you two aspects that come to my mind. One
is, In a large country like India, people cannot direct rule themselves, so
they send representatives to rule them. So democracy is people’s rule. Two. A
democratic government is accountable to the people. People can hold it
responsible. Through the parliament.M3: Let us focus on the second aspect of what you said.
About the executive being accountable to the people. When did you think India started being
democratic. In this aspect. There were elected representatives before
independence also. Do you think, there was ‘democracy’ then also. (After thinking for a
while) No sir. Though they were elected representatives, they were not
accountable totally. Because they were not free. There were restrictions. There
was the Viceroy and Governor General’s council.M3: Let us skip the modern and medieval period. In ancient
India, there were governments accountable to people. Can we say India was a
democracy since ancient times?We cannot give a generalised statement sir. There were
regimes which were accountable and there were regimes that were not.Ok. How about regimes those were accountable?Me: Still, no sir. Because the control was not with the
people. The control was with the rulers.M3: Ok. Do you think the administration should be responsive
to people?(Thought for a few seconds) Absolutely sir.M3: To what degree will you be responsive? How will you
decide to what degree you should be responsive?(Thought for a while) Through field visits.
Through informal inspections. By visiting the areas in the district. Through
citizens charters. Through RTI.