EDITOR'S COLUMN

Friends

So the monsoon is here, some time plenty, some times scanty. It is giving a kind of signal, monsoon may not be normal this season. No wonder Meteorological Deptt has reportedly remarked that it has reversed the forecast for the season from 99% to 96% of normal rainfall. It is a matter of concern especially, the increasing pressure on demand for water both from increasing population and increasing industrial and infrastructural need. Recently a team of those involved in farming and agriculture had gone to Israel on a study tour and to take part in an exhibition. They have learnt, despite Israel not being a water abundant country, it has managed its water resources very well. According to these visitors, who have returned to India, despite this water constraint, their production per acre is higher and they feel there is enough to learn from Israel. It is true our officialdom will do well to take note of this and take some long term steps to manage this increasingly decreasing natural resources.

Our Reach-out initiative in a local school culminated with students being honoured with flowers and the Rs: 1000/- award per student as announced by us. In a pleasant development, the School Development & Management Committee (SDMC), honoured the undersigned.

It was memorable for the emotions expressed by both teachers and students. Show of goodwill was overwhelming with all other parapharnelia of such events, a scroll of hounour was read out and presented. We have reproduced the scroll in this issue.

Month-in-Perspective, as usual, did go into some of the happenings of the month to come up with its own take.

The election of Dimple Yadav, wife of Akhilesh Yadav, who quit the Loksabha to become the Chief Minister of UP has exposed the machination in our so-called democracy. It was not only hegemonistic of some influential families but also a joke of the whole electoral politics. She was elected unopposed. That was incredible in an India, where there is no dearth of capable candidates. Democracy in India is in continuing dismal mode for its increasingly one-sided promotion of those who are already in power and are enjoying its perks. We have taken up the issue under Focus. Hope our readers will find it interesting. Do kindly revert with your thoughts.