Bloated Babudam
More heads, less work-that's the state of the bureaucracy in India. A privileged lot with guaranteed rights, pay and perks, they cost the taxpayers Rs 75,000 crore a year.The work culture makes them surplus but hard to get rid of.

Taking the
Plunge
Congress President Sonia Gandhi shedding her inhibitions and taking a dip at the Mahakumbha in Allahabad and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's Dharma Sansad at the same venue were both seen as political moves.

Starved of Future
With the state reeling under a severe drought and government measures providing little succour, the prospect of a famine looms large. The debilitating results are now showing up as a chain of catastrophes in this rain-fed region.

Puppy Paradise Professionals have turned Ludhiana into the richest city.

Fifth Column
by Tavleen Singh
Let's Get Real

Kautilya
by Jairam Ramesh
Core To RBI,Sore To Others

Right Angle
by Swapan Dasgupta
Knee Dip In Hindu Votes

Flip Side
by Dilip Bobb
Panic Stations

Luck's Abode

Pen Friend

More...

METRO FEATURE

Looking Glass

Coffee Bar

Bangalore: Coffee lovers can now look forward to a combination of restful ambience and eclectic music to get into the mood for that stimulating cup of java. Barista's first Espresso Bar opened in the city's Commercial Street and has on offer
exotic varieties of the drink from Espresso Italiano (Rs 20)
to Cappuccino (Rs 30). The hot favourite is the Brrrista at
Rs 40 which is the bar's trademark cold beverage (a smooth combo of full-bodied espresso, fresh milk-based granita, flavoured syrup, demerara sugar, purified water and ice,
and served with or without ice cream). There is no phone
at the bar but you can step in any time between
10:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Music

Delhi: At the three-day Gunidas Sangeet Sammelan from February 2 to 4 at Kamani Auditorium, artistes pay tribute to the master musician Gunidas through instrumental and vocal recitals. At this year's festival, apart from established artistes like Vasundhara Komkali (wife and disciple of the late Pandit Kumar Gandharva), Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Satish Vyas, watch out for upcoming vocalist Sanjeev Chimmalgi, disciple of Pandit C.R. Vyas. Invitation cards can be collected directly from Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg. Call (011) 338-8084.

Cultural Festival

Bangalore: Originally conceived by Protima Bedi, the one-day festival Vasantahabba held at the sprawling grounds at Nrityagram, Hessarghata, is now considered a major event in the roster of classical dance and music of India. On February 3, Vasantahabba 2001 will feature dance performances by Daksha Sheth (contemporary dance), Nirupama and Rajendra (Kathak) and The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble (Odissi). In the music section are maestros like Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha (Dhrupad vocal), Suma Sudhindra and drummers Dollu and Somana Kunita. To give the festival an international flavour, Alicia Morena di Palma, a Flamenco dancer from the US, has specially been invited. Talvin Singh, the internationally acclaimed percussionist, is also expected to perform. Call (080) 846-6313 for more details.

Contributed by S. Sahaya Ranjit and Stephen David

Top

Heads In Golf
It seems the golf course is a welcome change from the boardroom. On a foggy Saturday morning last week, 96 of India's top CEOs braved the cold and determinedly made their way to ITC Classic Golf Resort near Gurgaon. more...

Looking Glass

Bangalore:
Coffee Bar

Delhi: Music

Bangalore: Cultural Festival

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