Self help is the best help

'Self help is the best help', I simply love this phrase. We admire people who achieve, we don't admire beggars. In India poverty is abundant, courtesy, ever increasing population. So are filth, illiteracy, inequality and social problems. Is India shining is a famous debate topic.

Amidst this is the new headlines of India giving aid of $5 million to flood hit Pakistan, which was initially rejected by our neighbor and then accepted after being advised by U.S.

Generosity need not be proved. Why do we have to increase the donation amount and offer it again to Pakistan if the leaders don't feel their people are in need of it? Pakistan journalists (supposed to be the voice of nation) reported that the amount was rejected because it was negligible and the offer was an insult. Mr. Manmohan Singh and all the other politicians need to understand that its tax payer’s money they are offering.

It reminds me of an incident at Wagah border that I visited in 2000. After the retreat ceremony people greet each other when the doors are opened. Cheers, wishes and enthusiasm was what dominated. One of our fellow countrymen passed all our soldiers to greet a Pakistani soldier. He meant nothing ill, but was reprimanded by one of our soldiers for it. "Don't you feel pride? Don't you feel for us?" was what he asked. Most of us who place a lot of importance on diplomacy would find it sickening, against humanity may be. But the incidence was just after Kargil war. The soldiers lose their life, politicians and civilians don't bear the brunt until a 26/11 happens.

And sadly, knowing exactly that we don't and never will receive any co-operation from Pakistan, and knowing exactly how donation money is used there, our politicians and bureaucrats are donating. Please use the money for real welfare, not for donation (not when its not asked and gives bad results) not for commonwealth games.