The chosen one...

She is learning Indian classical music for 8 years...

Has played Violin for 6 years...

Her interestes include swimming, reading, painting, writing....

Wants to attend Harvard..

Aspires to be a a cardiovascular surgeon

She is just 14!!!!!

And wins $30,000 cash and and a trophy.

All she had to do was to spell the word 'stromuhr'.

Isnt that simple?? No, it isnt by any means. Forget spelling it.. did you even know that 'Stromuhr' is an instrument for measuring the velocity of blood flow and its of German Origin. Am sure most of us would have tripped trying to get it right.

But, Anamika Veeramani made her parents proud on Friday, by winning The 83rd Scripps National Spelling Bee 2010 held in US (since 1925). She emerged as the winner of the 273 participants. Last year she was placed fifth, but this time she is numero uno. A record 8 Indian origin kids have won it in the last 12 years, and this is the third consecutive victory for an Indian origin at this prestigious competetion.

Just a word on the Scripps company, which is a non-profit organisation... their purpose of holding such an event every year is simple..(in their own words)

Our purpose is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts, and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives. 

Congratulations Anamika!!!

44th President of United States

Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Place: Capitol Hill, Washington DC, US
Date: January 20, 2009
People gathered: Estimated 2 million!
Gathered for: To witness swearing in of America's first black President
Name: Barack Obama



"President" Obama's first speech

My fellow citizens:


I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.


Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.


So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.


That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. Video Watch the full inauguration speech »


These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.


Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.


On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.


On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.


We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.


In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.


For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.


For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.


For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.


Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.


This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.


For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.


Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.


What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.


Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control -- and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.


As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.


Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.


We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.


For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.


To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.


To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.


As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.


For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.


Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.


This is the price and the promise of citizenship.


This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.


This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.


So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
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"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."


America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Source: CNN.com, timesofindia.com

Obama is the US president!

Another man to live his dreams!!!

Videos of Barack Obama claiming victoy in the US 2008 elections. The first African-American to ever climb the stairs of the White House.

Listen to his opening statement...

Part-1



Part-2



Part-3

India makes it to the Elite Club

India could not have been kept out of the elite club any longer. Well, there is no better illustration of India's impeccable stature at the world stage... Today the NSG has given a go ahead to the India-Centric wavier of Nuclear fuel supplies. Surely an historic day for India. The magnitude of this gesture/decision is very significant as far as India is concerned. When the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) approved a US plan to engage in nuclear trade with India, it means that India is no more isolated from the Elite club of nuclear nations to exchange nuclear technology/fuel for civilian purposes. More than that i feel the world recognises India, values and trusts its commitment to the non proliferation of nuclear technology/weapons. I use the words recognises, values and trusts because, India has shown great maturity in its nuclear program that it was just a matter of time that the world rewarded India and backed the Indo-US nuclear deal. Mind you, this recognition comes without india signing NPT or even the CTBT. In other words India's commitment and its moratorium on conducting further nuclear tests and its non-proliferation is seen almost as being on par with NPT agreement. This is stupendious victory for India, and history has always shown that India is unique and special, and cannot be seen like any other nation around the world. India is indeed incredible, thats the voice that seems to be buzzing at the NSG meet. With the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Cooperation being approved and given a go ahead, India has finally come out of the 34-year old nuclear apartheid. India was barred from holding any nuclear trade with any of the NSG member nations after the May 1998 Pokhran tests by India. With the help of US proposal to NSG, this fencing has been demolished so that it clears/paves the way for India to have bilateral nuclear commerce with any of the NSG member nations.

As pointed out on my previos blog, the three vital points of Indo-US nuclear deal seeing light were-

1] Get the US congress to change laws which will permit America to extend civilian nuclear help to India,

2] Get the Nuclear Suppliers Group to accept the deal and be open to nuclear cooperation with India and

3] Have IAEA to prepare India-specific safeguards, which indicates that the nuclear rules and regulations which apply to NPT countries will not be the same for India.

India and US have successfully crossed the first two hurdles. The thrid one is all procedural now for both the nations to start the nuclear co operation.

Well done India!!!!!

India and US have emerged from the all the hurdles and hassles, in getting the nod for this deal, which is indeed historic and very important for the energy security of India and or the Indo-US relations.

No-Deal?

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday indicated that the Government is willing to put the Indo-US nuclear deal on the backburner. "The end of the nuclear deal will not mean the end of the Government. We are not a one-issue Government. The deal not coming through is not the end of life, " Singh said.

And today on his way to the Nigerian captial, the PM did not speak to the media. The sources said that the UPA government, in the aftermath of the October 9 meeting with the Left parties, will convey to the US that it will not be approaching the IAEA for a safeguards agreement.

This is indeed disappointing, and i feel like we have taken a back step in the growth of our Nation. The energy needs for India in the next decade is immense and this deal with the US and NSG would have helped us meet atleast most of the requirements, if not all. Now we have lost the N-deal with the US and also the Iran-India pipeline. Where is India heading to?? The balancing act has to end somewhere. As a common man we are to blame for all this as well, instead of giving a complete majority we voted in bits and pieces to various political parties. Hope we learn and contribute so that our leadership (Hindustan Times Leadership Summit) can take it foward for us, without any strings attached. The people who lead the country must be given a free hand, i feel the Congress leadership knows what its doing, atleast with respect to this Nuclear deal. Im not a politician, nor would like to discuss polictics here, but i ceratinly feel for the N-deal not going thru.. for the moment that is. Its a pity that the world recognises and regard India very High on the world stage, yet the political parties within are making an all out effort in hindering this growth.

Some of the headlines look like this -

N-deal is not on, govt will tell US soon - Times of India

Failure of N-deal won’t be end of life: PM - India Express

Don't let radical view hijack N-deal, US lawmaker to India - Rediff.com

Australia puts uranium deal with India on back burner - Rediff.com

Time is of Essence

Indo-US Nuclear Deal

The operationalisation of the nuclear deal is getting into the crucial stage as both US and India work non-stop to make it a reality. While US is taking things up with the 45-nation NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) to get the necessary changes in the guidelines allowing the supplies to India as per the 123 agreement. India on the other hand has its Atomic Energy Commission chief and India's top nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar at the 51st General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, working to get an India-specific safeguard pact with IAEA which is required to proceed on the N-deal signed by India and US. The concern and the eagerness by the US adminstration to see it through (both at NSG and IAEA) was clearly on display when the US Ambassador David Mulford, addressing the fourth Indo-US Economic Summit said "Now, we must take the last steps. Time is of essence".

"Burn"ing down nuclear issues

A CNN-IBN report

Indo-US nucelar deal

A lot of water has flown down the river Ganges since the Nuclear Deal was signed between the two biggest democracies of the world. It has not been a cake walk for either of them since then. Keeping track of the drama unfolding bt Washington and New Delhi, i feel, all outstanding issues/concerns needs a lot of bilateral sittings to sort. Read thru some latest news on this. N-deal hits roadblock, India worried.

Bush signs the Indo-US nuclear deal

Excerpt from NDTV.

The halls of the White House, decked with boughs of holly, rang through with the sounds of celebration as President George W Bush signed the Indo-US nuke deal. The passage of the crucial deal in the US Congress comes just before the Christmas holidays. "Today, I have the honour of signing a bill that will strengthen the partnership between the world's two largest democracies. The relationship between the United States and India has never been more vital. And this bill will help us meet the energy and security challenges of the 21st century," said Bush.

Click Here for more...

India @ crossroads with the world

India shud not accept any changes in the Indo-Us Nuclear deal. Crazy or what…? Its a gimmick that the US is playing... twisting India’s arm on the nuclear deal saying get some changes in the deal and get this bill completed this year, else processing will start all over again by the newly elected Congress. Read this… US advocates want the changes in the Nuclear deal.. I say.. what was Bush & Co. doing when they had come down to India to sign the historic deal?????? India should say… “No changes" or "Hell with it!!!”

You will see this happng..... USA is bound to play with India in its bid for UNSC membership.

Indo-US Historic nuclear deal signed

The ice between the oldest democracy and the largest democracy has been broken. India and the US have reached an understanding on the implementation of the civil nuclear cooperation agreed upon last year. This was announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday after talks with visiting US President George W Bush. Addressing a joint press conference with the US President after their talks, Singh said the finalisation of identification of civilian facilities will begin. "Discussions will be held with the IAEA on the guidelines for bringing the civilian nuclear reactors under its safeguards," he said.

Now it's up to the United States to achieve three things:

1] Get the US congress to change laws which will permit America to extend civilian nuclear help to India,

2] Get the Nuclear Suppliers Group to accept the deal and be open to nuclear cooperation with India and

3] Have IAEA to prepare India-specific safeguards, which indicates that the nuclear rules and regulations which apply to NPT countries will not be the same for India.