WITH the AL-led government installed in power, there is anticipation of people-oriented actions. But there is also resignation and concern that the ferment in different sectors makes for an inherently unstable mix in which old demons, paranoid nationalism, partisan feelings, and demagogic populism could win out against democratic governance and ideals.

IT is happening too often and it is too vicious. Parochialism is rearing its ugly head in Mumbai too frequently. The Shiv Sena is threatening to throw out "outsiders" from the city and the rest of Maharashtra. Self-centred party chief Bal Thackery has created a ruckus once again, this time dragging into controversy Sachin Tendulkar, the world's best batsman, who said after the 20th year of playing cricket that he was proud to be a Maharashtrian but he was Indian first. How should this remark irritate anybody? Still the shrill voice is coming from Mumbai.

SCHOOLS all over Asia have started teaching English poetry using pop song lyrics. This plan is excellent in every way, except for one small drawback: the average pop lyricist has as much poetry in his soul as a bag of ready-mixed concrete with accountancy qualifications.