To lead our country to new heights and to inspire new thoughts, visions, ideas and motivation needs in the people of India, the need for awakening with a fresh and right thinking administration, alertness and activeness to the surrounding environment. Never rest unless a fair and just policy and system is implemented in practice. What a system of government we have, when such corruption can-not be checked at the highest level and in the highest form? When so much is being said by media, (editorials of “Marine Waves”), isn’t it possible for the Supreme Court of India to file a case under its Suo-Moto powers on behalf of media reports with valid exposures, to investigate the matter by CBI? It appears that the present politics, is not focused for the interest of the citizens at large, but it is all about the vested interest. Choosing inaction over action, is admission or neglect? Media needs to desist from propaganda and biased approach to “News”. Bias cannot defeat the rights. The media should evolve ethical standards based on socially accepted norms and standards of fair conduct, which would largely determine the degree of accountability. Seafarers of India should wake up against corrupt, unjust, unregulated practices; oppose the opportunist unworthy mariners and middlemen, in the Mercantile Marine Department, of the directorate general shipping. Empower the seafarers by providing access to all requisite information. Common practices mostly found in our social system are mischievous, teasing and torturing. Let’s help out to Root-out the prevailing corrupt practices, re-thinking and self-introspection to ensure that sovereignty of the country and its people will be safeguarded. Seafarers need to be really united at least during this computerized age by exchanging their thoughts, as inter-actions will result in the well being of all the seafarers. This is after having very much understood, the sufferings of the seafarers, who lead a secluded sacrificial life, away from their near and dear ones, while earning foreign exchange for their country of origin but being neglected of their welfare comparatively to those working ashore, by their national governance. Many old- timer seafarers hanging around in port cities jobless, in poverty, the old age retired senior citizen seafarers, leading a life of poverty without after service benefits etc. Though, the neglector of their legitimate welfare of seamen is a violator of human rights. All this owing to incompetent mariners inducted neglecting seamen’s welfare while they view only their vested interests. Hence, only competent people in the governance with commitment, concern and compassion towards fellowmen could put an end to these social maladies.

Think it over… Why does a person, knowing what truth is, hesitate to speak it out? Is he ashamed? Ashamed of whom? Whether he is a superior or a subordinate, what matters it? The fact is that habit swallows us all. Let us reflect over this and rid ourselves of the bad habit. …M K Gandhi

I call upon the aggrieved seafarers, hanging around near the Seafarers Club on Kamani Marg and as well as near the Seamen’s Hostel, near Masjid Bunder Stn. etc. etc. to think strong and you become strong. Think weak and you become weak. As you think, so you become. The food for the self is thought. So, choose thoughts as you would choose healthy food. The world of thought is more real than the external world. Learn to picture yourself as strong, good and loving. To become conscious of our mental pictures is a part of wise living. The Vedas tells us to picture ourselves as infinite and blissful.. Aham Brahmasmi.

Dr. P.K.Chandran, Ph.D; MBA; D.Sc; FIE(INDIA), MSNAME(USA), PgDIMS(UK)

Chief Justice A K Ganguly.
Honourable Justice A K Ganguly, 29-07-2008.
His Excellency, The Chief Justice of Madras High Court,

Senior Citizen’s plight for justice and protection of the Sanctity of Courts.
Case Study. Cheque bounce case. CC827/06, with Saidapet XXIII Court, Chennai.

The humble and innocent citizen, expect fair and timely delivery of justice, Sir. Those who drag the case cunningly with extended times to be severely punished. If we literates and enlightened citizens don’t value “TIME” The accused, meanwhile, multiplies the innocent’s hard-earned money. Please have mercy on the innocents, who have no political links gets neglected, continues to incur money, effort and time to recover the hard-earned money.

CASE STUDY
10th September 2004. Rupees One Lakh Cash paid to Mr.K R Ramamurthy, to meet his emergent needs, after my breaking a Fixed –Deposit. He promised me to pay cash earlier itself and take back his Post Dated Cheque No. 542212 dt. 20-03-2005, of Indian Bank, Raja Annamalaipuram East, Chennai-600028, assuring that he can never forget this kind help but a friendly betrayal.

After lapse of six long months i.e. 3 days prior to cashing the cheque, Mr.K R Ramamurthy approached me ( i.e. 16th March 2005 ) asking me not to present the cheque for realization but for upto 14th April 2005, for which I did ask him to put a written request, accordingly he gave me a written letter of request dated the 17th March 2005. Subsequently, he sent me an e-mail, asking me to present on the 19th April 2005. Despite the waiting, the same when presented for realization, bounced back for insufficient funds. The same notified to Mr. K. R. Ramamurthy, who regretted for the same in words and promised to make payment soon, as he said, “ expecting the settlement of his partition dues, pertaining to his parental property at Madurai”, and a flat for his disposal in Kodambakkam, while his wife is the President of the Flat owners association where he lives. After which he was only giving dates and alas I was constrained to recover my hard-earned money through the court of law. Later on from verification of credentials, I came to know that whatever he said were all false. His family is on rent and therefore the question of his wife being the President of the Flat owners Assoc. doesn’t at all arise. My earlier vision of Mr. Ramamurthy being from a respectable family turned out to be a well planned cheat, trying to earn by short cuts, making use of the loopholes in the system. He calls himself President of the All India Freelance Journalists Association. If so who elected? Term for post held? Does the Bye Laws of any association call for periodical meetings, why elections not conducted but for self-styled portfolio. He has his own specialized advocate, influencing with politicians of the ruling government (previous/present) etc. He gets exempted from attending courts, availing all means of delay tactics, which includes delaying in the listing of the file suit onwards, use of liberal adjournments, applying for quash petition(which was dismissed by the Honourable Justice K N Basha Crl.O.P. No.25241 of 2006 and M.P.No.1 of 2006 (Re-Criminal Original Petition filed under Sec.484 of Cr.P.C. to call for the records and quash the proceedings in C.C. No.827 of 2006, on the file of the learned XXIII Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Saidapet, Chennai-600015). The case was at the defence stage admittedly the complainants witness was over, no justification for entertaining the quashing petition. QUASHING PETITION IS DISMISSED AS DEVOID OF MERITS. The learned XXXIII Metropolitan Magistrate further directed to expedite the trial as expeditiously as possible and more particularly within a period of five months from the date of receipt of this order (24-07-2007). Then on, the advocates of either side colluded. Adjournments continued liberally as the accused was exempted from attending court hearing dates, while self a heart patient declared hyper-tension and lost his job on medical grounds in 1993, while with the Govt.’s, Shipping Corporation of India Ltd; and continue to be under treatment from then on. Regularly attending courts to recover my hard-earned money, put into hardships by the harassment and caused humiliation, during the period of my attempts to recover my hard-earned money.

On 30-11.2007, my Case No. CC No.827/06, referred to LOK ADALAT saying for instant order. Both sides present. The matter settled at Rs.1,05,000/- only towards full and final settlement with initial payment of Rs.50,000/-and balance of Rs.55,000(rupees fifty five thousand only), on or before 26-02-2008, failing which the complainant is entitled to recover the case amount with interest at 10% from the date of default by filing an E.P. Ungrateful person K R Ramamoorthy, did not turn up, to pay my dues. Contempt of Court taken lightly. While SBI, Andhra Bank pays 10.25%, KarnatakaBank pays 10.5% interest to senior citizens, in dignified manner.

27-02-2008. Been to Lok Adalat Office,Saidapet. Supdt. asked to file an EP as per the judgement of the Lok Adalat Judge. Entrusted Advocate Mrs.Anuradha (Mobile No.9840669363) on 06-03-2008, who filed EP on 27th March 2008. Later my advocate informed, Concerned Court Clerk on leave, Court on vacation, file called for from Saidapet XXIII Court etc. On 20-06-2008, Personally been to Saidapet and on query XXIII Court Bench Clerk informed that the records are their in 1st Floor. The Sec. Head Clerk asked Mr. Hamid i/c.records clerk, who verified and said that the file is in tact with his custody and no court has called for the same. Rushed to Madras High Court and on enquiry with the E.P. Section revealed that my file was of late taken back by my present advocate. Checking up with my present advocate, Mrs.Anuradha-Mobile No.9840669363, she said that the E.P. was returned to file back in XXIII Court where it will be re-opened. Affidavit filed for re-opening CC827/06 in my presence, by representative of my advocate (Mr.Elamparithi advocate) and same admitted saying adjourned for 22-07-2008, Same advocate Elamparithi, when appeared, he was asked by the same honourable magistrate XXIII Court as to where is the provision for re-opening this case CC827/2006? go back to Lok Adalat and find out, adjourning again for the 29th July 2008. This time my advocate deputed another Advocate G.Ramesh, as her junior (who was ignorant of the case background), the honorable magistrate repeated the same, asking provision for admitting the case for re-opening, adjourning for 6th Aug. 2008. My advocate calls up and informs fresh suit will be opened in Saidapet Criminal Court.

Please note. If, my lawyer was not aware of the legal system and come un-prepared to represent my case. Why could not the court penalize the lawyer? Why punish me by liberal adjournments? Please give me justice. While Courts are considered as saviors of democracy, to an extent responsible for reining over the Police.

The accused, manages to take exemption to appear, accused treated better, by his good acting as he knows the loopholes to feed the lower rungs of police and courts and getaway. Hence, the criminals allowed to flourish and prosper by unlawful means. THE ACCUSED IS AT LARGE. Please come to the rescue of this innocent senior citizen, at least for instilling justice and sanctity of the courts, orelse its like encouraging criminals to grow and flourish. Thanks.

Dr. P.K.Chandran, Ph.D; MBA; D.Sc; FIE(INDIA), MSNAME(USA), PgDIMS(UK).
M107-05, Prefab Apts., 29th Cross Street, Besant Nagar, Chennai-600090.

Dr.Chandran Peechulli

"The world is mainly of ocean, neither one nation nor one navy, can meet all of the world's maritime challenges. Administrators and seafarers of the world, have to work united in common, since shipping is international, in their respective places with coordinated efforts. Don't we need a place that is secure for all, in this globalised world? "Don't we not understand that the maritime threats to our security are real, such as criminal organizations, threats violations of the fishing grounds, pandemic diseases and piracy," All of us suffer devastating natural-disasters, threat that earthquakes, tsunami, storms, floods and mudslides etc. may impact us.

"Seventy percent of the world is covered by water, 80 percent of the population lives probably within about 100 miles of a coastline, and finally, 90 per cent of the world's trade directly depends on the oceans, the seas, bays, inlands, islands, coastal areas, rivers and even the airspace above them, "The maritime matters; maritime is important. In a globalizing world, it's more important than ever." The national maritime administration (directorate-general of shipping), is found to have their own priorities of vested interests, neglecting to protect the interest of the very high risk contingent of seafarers. Heartlessly, inflicted injuries to a survivor of the sunken- vessel, by causing unreasonable delay, literally denied, holding up issue of COC NCV Class IV; till date of this publication, thereby said seafarer is at mercy, put into hardships of unemployment.

The survivor was picked-up from the sunken vessel, after three long days in deep-seas, by the Indian coastguard. Applaud to the disciplined, committed and dedicated work-force of Indian Coast Guard. Aftermath of the mental and physical trauma, of the survivor, the concerned MMD officials, ought to have behaved in a socially responsible manner, with a human touch, enquiring his welfare but instead harassing and humiliating the Seafarer, NCV 2/ENGR.,Gopal Chandra Paul, inflicting injuries. Such atrocities cannot be tolerated. A good heart can only gauge the unbearable internal pain, starvation owing to un-employment for want of valid COC as held by him earlier. He has all along served as watch-keeper of small and medium vessel's power plant, with vast experience over three decades as watch-keeper, a veteran on coastal/NCV. Fair and Just Policies, towards Justice and welfare to seafarers, turning into a distance dream. Mariners inducted into the department, serving in the directorate general of shipping, knowing very well that nothing will happen to them, even if they intentionally, corruptly ignore fair practice. Remedy of this lies with accountability of the government machinery. Seafarers, look forward for transparent dealing. Owing to discrimination in MMD services, a small section of seafarers derive the benefits while much larger section of seafarers, pay the costs. Many are living silent deaths. If 'curse' has a real meaning, one has to answer for their own deeds. Is there a system in place to protect active seafarers from sailing in war risk area? While in this dynamic, national and international environmental outlook, considering safety and health of seafarers, the challenge to policymakers is to ensure, instilling the best fair practices, in policy and procedures, terms and conditions of employment for both officers and ratings, are comparatively logical, reasonable and fairly on board, domestic and foreign-going vessels. Thus, ensure 'Seafarers' employed by companies experience favourable terms and conditions of employment and this should remain a common concern for respective national maritime administrations and both INSA (Indian National Ship-owners Association) and the relevant unions(RE-UNFAIR Pay-scales in the name of non-promotional categories, while a floating staff engineer thrown out of service, like a fish out of water, from a government of India enterprise(SCI), for no fault of his but for blood-pressure (H.T.), in 1994, was neither awarded medical disability nor VRS nor a fair final settlement of accounts, as yet. High time a feasibility study for outsourcing, "services to seafarers", may be considered News of Fake CDC's(Continuous Discharge Certificate), in Bombay open market : A CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) is an identification document, a seaman needs to sail. It is issued by the Shipping Ministry through the Directorate-General of Shipping to those who have cleared the pre-sea and STCW course examinations from an authorized institution of the directorate general shipping. Bombay Police have always been efficient to track fake CDC's, from 1980's in the open market, now and then, which was on the news, particularly surrounding the "Jahaz Bhavan" at Walchand Hirachand Marg, (wherein housed the office of the directorate general of shipping), e.g. opposite GPO, where the off the shelves STCW Course certificates and CDC's were made available for a price, primarily for those seeking employment in gulf countries. Seamen with a CDC and a passport, along with an official letter from the shipping company, can travel abroad or enter the country without a visa. Although the forged CDCs were largely being used by unqualified men to secure jobs on ships, the fact that it also allows entry and exit without a visa, has now set alarm bells ringing at national security angle, owing to the terrorists known these days. It is high time cross reference to entry of CDC, INDOS and passport of seafarers are made, to curtail illegal entry of intruders into the country, and as well for statistical figures of Indian sailors leaving and returning back to their country. It is high time CDC norms were tightened. Free issue of CDC, to those who just undergo short-term course in the name of GMDSS, is another loophole for securing CDC and taking placement in other trades. Directorate declaring 1500 CDC's been issued during the year 2005-2007, under the category of "Purser" explicits corruption within since the figure is unrealistic, while this category is restricted to passenger vessels while in India, hardly few engaged in A&N. All this corruption with connivance of those within MMD. 3 year diploma from the State Board of Technical Education is nevertheless to be considered less than 10+2. As a matter of fact, Diploma – EEE, should have been considered much superior than 10+2, for GMDSS course particularly while pursuing for higher technical studies. The Engineering Diploma holders of the State Board of Technical Education, are eligible for admission into BE/B.Tech. with remission i.e. for Graduation in engineering, approved by the University Grants Commission. Hence, under the circumstances, failing to consider such candidates for GMDSS admission, is a grave injustice Security measures have not been taken into consideration, considering reference co-relating local ration-card, local police verification, passport etc. "Marine Waves" emphasizes "Seafarers to be groomed well during training " to carry the good image of the nation, overseas. Dr.Chandran Peechulli, Ph.D; FIE (India).

The views expressed here are those of the writer and not necessarily of expressindia.com
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Dr.Chandran Peechulli, Ph.D;FIE(India) PO Box 5006, Chennai.
Seafarers genuine grievances going undressed.
Blog Posted By: Chandran Peechulli on:6/13/2008 6:50:42 AM

Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.
— THOMAS JEFFERSON, former US President.
"In an age where communication is considered matching almost the speed of light, the means of communication is not therefore as important as the content of our communication. Some of the content of our communication can sometimes create animosity and hatred between communities, as in the recent incident in Maharashtra state. The need therefore for a wider spectrum of thinking, in broader sense. What we need to focus on is "content that can empower the people of this country", "Information Empowers", with Empowerment there is progress. "The Right to Know is inherent to the freedom of expression" "The RTI Act
has proved to be a progressive instrument of democracy, empowering citizens to obtain official documents with ease and have access to government record without having to pay bribe, and to ensure accountability on the part of the government official." there was a dire need to implement the RTI in letter and the spirit, if the country is to be saved from corruption and tyranny.
"Media accountability must encourage true democratic participation of social responsibility". Media must use and sustain human community in different sections, in a broader spectrum of thinking, such as economic, political, cultural, educational and religious. The information provided by the media is at the service of common good". Press Reporters should not blindly rely on the text provided in the PRESS MEET for publishing. Generally the same are biased/lopsided. "Information about assets and liabilities, criminal and career records of public servants and politicians must be made public on a website". One should learn to be knowledgeable, keeping abreast with their relevant subjects.
The Media has a tremendous role to play. They should publish policies given by the government, for general awareness, for better and quick implementation and paving the way to national progress and development. This will induce the citizens to raise legitimate rights and privilege issues. It will not only awaken the locals but also the officials, to be more productive and not lead a lethargic life. Media must play a positive role without bias and prejudice,
since it is a vehicle for bringing in good and better governance. Seafarers are exploited and deprived of their basic civil rights, they need to be enlightened.Major portion of their life cut off, from the human world. Replacement issue of lost certificate, to a survivor of a sunken vessel, unduly delayed resulting in his un-employment of over six long months, on loss of pay and hence family falling into debts, same taken up by MARINE WAVES with the directorate,
and alas COC delivered on the 30th May 2008, said NCV 2nd Engineer presently employed and now sailing, thank god. Dy. Chief Surveyor informs that the delay was owing to formalities in the process of issuing certificate. Seamen without good contacts or influence have to suffer with such unworthy discrimination and unfairness, depriving of their citizen rights.
• While an active seafarer on his hard-earned leave, suppose to be with his near and dear ones ashore, has to plan and prioritise his essential needs, to run to various offices i.e.
• Passport Office - for renewal of passport. Agency can be availed.
• R.T.O. for renewal of his Motor Driving Licence - do -
• U.S.Embassy for US Visa. Systematic, well organised.
• M.M.D.Services: Is it a seafarer friendly service?
For renewal of CDC, revalidation of certificates, etc. it is truly a harrowing experience. When a seafarer, is constrained to call at MMD office. Chennai, where the private security deployed, sitting inside the Air Conditioned office, at the entrance (unknown as to whether private security guard officially employed in Govt. MMD offices, to do clerical and reception duties?), said Security Guard turns back the seamen calling at MMD office authoritatively,saying it's Deck Day - only deck personnel will be attended and not Engine Day and vice versa, or TIME is over for the day, all this in the 5 day week work-culture. When asked, as to why security guard performs such jobs? Informs that they are instructed to perform such duty, as per P.O.'s instruction and no one else can enter the department without entering the said register. When asked why that person has not entered the register, pointing out to
a person, informs he is a known person to Surveyors, who regularly visits. Please note that this type of security arrangement noticed after the CBI's crackdown and suspension of Office Superintendent And clerk of MMD, having been caught red-handed for bribery and corruption.
Lean/skeleton strength observed in MMD,Chennai, during the beginning and end of the 5 day work- culture, cause of serious concern, since seafarers calling for MMD services,
coming from far-off places incurring time and valued money on their travel, boarding, lodging and incidental expenses, more painful when they get stuck during the week-end (being away from their family, during their hard-earned leave period on land), no accommodation in Seafarers Club which is being mis-used, worst of all is when the MMD services not offered after the collection of fees, incurring time, effort and money. Hopes shattered with
disappointment.
Undue delay in MMD Services hence doesn't value seafarers' time ashore, therefore the exodus of Indian seafarers preferring to appear for Certificate Of Competency overseas. Undue delay with unwanted unreasonable queries, non-refundable fees, with uncertainties for their reasonable expectations, all this during the count down of hard-earned leave period, is a cause of serious concern. Therefore it is requested that DG Shipping website entertains
seafarers grievances, similar to that of the Dept. of Public Grievances, acknowledging complaint with reference number, followed by timely corrective action to flaws, deficiencies, discriminated injustices etc. By this, the directorate can also feel the real pulse of their foreign-exchange earners,(Indian seafarers) mindset.
Having been invited to attend a seamen's welfare meeting, noticed non-mariners and Fr. Anthony and his followers, are committee members. While, Seafarers are not from any particular caste, creed, religion etc. Hence. suggested to Principal Officer,MMD, Chennai to draw attention of all mariners in the city of Greater Chennai and suburbs to join as members of Seafarers Club, with a nominal annual subscription and such association members could make
it a great success by inter-acting, manage and produce better results, viewing seafarer's real welfare. Progresses do not just come by itself by offering varied assignments to anybody whom one likes, Middlemen's corrupt. Only authorized Govt. staff, need to handle the seafarers and authorised faculty staff in Maritime Institutions, not any Tom, Dick and Harry.

I am paused to think, while surveyors claim shortage and being overworked, why they should be more inclined upon direct management of Seafarer's Club? while it is a house- keeping discipline? Surveyor's should have better assignments to do, for their existence in national maritime administration, attending to the voice of the seafarer's, crying for justice, as in the case of 2nd Engineer Gopal Chandra Paul, who got his COC alas on 30th May 2008,
after this office intervening for a just cause, with the directorate. There are countless cases of trauma, nervous breakdowns, suicides amongst seafarer's family-members, many getting cheated owing to not knowing the prevalence of cheating in city and suburbs etc. "We have no intention to defame anybody directly nor indirectly, as we have no animosity with any specific person or of any department" but for exposing the grievances of seafarers and the probable
causes, for early redressal. If at all unknowingly hurts beyond our knowledge and reach as “err is human”, kindly accept our apologies.

Dr. Chandran Peechulli
Ph.D; MBA; D.Sc; FIE(India), PgDIMS(UK), PgTED; FIIPE; MSEI; MSNAME(USA)
Ex.Chief Engineer(Marine), G.M.(Tech) Crossworld Shipping.
Managing Editor & Publisher-"MARINE WAVES" International Maritime Newsletter.

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Sincerly

Prashanth

Lots were heard about politicians & bureaucrats having businesses in the Middle East (mainly in UAE). Some control the businesses directly whereas, some of them have their close relatives control the business. Expose all those businesses in the countries where you reside.

Election expenditure is the root cause for corruption in India. A candidate has to spend lakhs of rupees to get elected and even if he gets elected, the total salary he gets during his tenure as an MP/MLA will be meagre compared to his election expenses. How can he bridge the gap between the income and expenses? - publicly through donations and secretly through corruption. Donations by Corporates and liquor barons to parties / candidates are often to get policies favourable for their business.

Subhash

Rajaji warned us of all this in the 50s..

athiyaman.blogspot.com

God bless you and your family.

Thanking you