The Indian Railways were started 159 years back, on 16th April 1853, and the first train was introduced between Victoria Terminus (Bombay) and Thane.  (The Telegraphs were also introduced on the same day). During the last one and half century, it has grown as the fourth largest railways in the world after USA, Russia and China. It has got tracks of more than 11,500 kms with about 8000 stations.

The Indian Railways have become an important part of the lives of Indian people connecting them with their friends and relatives all over India. It is the cheapest mode of journey for the common people.

But the recent plans of the government for privatisation and PPP in Railways don’t augur good for the future. Instead, the government should try to construct fresh tracks, improve the services and provide more facilities in the railways. It is a national treasure and the biggest provider of jobs. Don’t  jeopardise its future as in the case of Air India and BSNL. The workers in the Railways has a pivotal role to play in strengthening and improving the railways.We have to save railways from the present crisis.

The Telegraphs played a crucial role for more than one and half century, but after the introduction of telephones its importance lost gradually and after introduction of latest technologies, it has almost lost relevance. It is continuing only as a nominal service at present. But the great contributions telegraphs have given to the people will ever be remembered.

A professor of Jadavpur University, Kolkata has been arrested and taken in to custody for circulating a harmless joke and picture in the e-mail on the change of Railway minister by Trinamol Supremeo Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of W.Bengal. The professor Ambikesh Mahapatra was severely beaten by Trinamool goondas, before he was arrested and charged.

Politicians and cultural leaders across the spectrum have strongly reacted to the arrest and charges. As the protests intensified, the victim was given bail.

This is an indication of the day-to-day affairs after the Mamata Government took charge. Such actions have to be condemned strongly.

India is a country of several states, cultures and traditions. But there are more similarities than differences and hence it is a nation. Tomorrow almost all parts of India is celebrating festivals, Vishu, Baisakhi, Bihu etc. etc. Names may be difference, but it is all part of the festival of this great nation.

On this opportunity my Best Wishes and Greetings to all our Comrades, Friends and Well Wishers!

The judgement  of the Supreme Court yesterday upholding the provisions of the Right to Education Act (REA) is to be highly appreciated. The private school management has appealed to the apex court stating that the provision of 25% free seats to poor students will infringe their fundamental rights assured in the Constitution. The Supreme Court rejected the petitions and stated that this provision is to be implemented.