The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Reporter's Diary

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Reporter's Diary

DID YOU know that the Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, and his colleague, the Industries Minister, P.G.R. Sindhia, consider themselves lucky for each other and for the State?

At the inauguration of a trade promotion-cum-permanent exhibition hall at Whitefield here on Monday, Mr. Singh stressed that Mr. Sindhia had been extremely lucky for the Department of Industries. Since he took over, there had been more investment in the State. "The opening of the new trade centre is just another milestone," Mr. Singh stressed.

When it was his turn to speak, Mr. Sindhia said that Mr. Singh had brought even more luck to Karnataka. "The State suffered for four years, there were no rains, farmers had no crops, there was no drinking water and then Mr. Singh became Chief Minister. We've been having plenty of rain and the major reservoirs are now overflowing. Doesn't that show that he is lucky for us," he asked.

That was not all. Each time, Mr. Singh stood up — to receive bouquets, to greet some body and so on — Mr. Sindhia, who was seated beside him, stood up too.

* * *

BE IT a business meet or any forum involving Australians and Indians, there is bound to be a difference on one topic — cricket.

This came to the fore recently at the inauguration by the Premier of Queensland (Australia), Peter Beattie, of the newly formed Karnataka-Queensland Trade Forum.

Referring to the coming cricket series between the two countries in India, he, in a lighter vein, said: "Though we are friends, this is one thing that I disagree with you all. The present (Australian) cricket team will win the forthcoming cricket series against India."

Steve Waugh, he said, retired as captain without winning a series against India. "Last time we won was way back in 1969-70. For 36 long years we have not won a series against India."

"Thirty-six years, Minister (referring to P.G.R. Sindhia, Minister for Industries, Infrastructure and Civil Aviation), is too long a period. It's our time to have a win."

He said he was hopeful Mathew Hayden, "a good and a decent man" from Queensland, would contribute to Australia winning the cricket series.

* * *

THOSE SMALL plaques or boards placed on tables on the stages of public functions are often overlooked by the audience. But they serve a very useful purpose for those from the media.

Photographers hurriedly note down the names and positions on the stage, for their photo captions. No editor wants a mis-spelt name or the wrong names for those on the left or right of the chief guest in the centre. Neither would those dignitaries tolerate a mistake. Some in the media do take things too far; when a Minister is seen near a prize-winning cow at an agricultural fair, the caption makes it very clear who is the Minister in the picture.

At a very dignified judicial event here, there was consternation among the organisers. The name board of a judge missed the "Hon'ble" prefix and somebody had to run around assembling the missing letters from an "alphabet bin" nearby. The job was done just in time. It was a matter of honour, after all.

By Divya Sreedharan, Raghava M., K. Satyamurty

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