Swami Ramdev's 7-point plan

He contorts his body like a gymnast would. He oratory skill can hold thousands of his devoted followers in rapt attention for hours even as they do Yogasanas that are seemingly impossible. In just a few years since his programmes began beaming to millions of Indian households, Baba Ramdev has become a global ambassador for the ancient spiritual practice.

In this exclusive, first-ever piece for Hindustan Times, Baba Ramdev charts his seven-point plan for an India of his dreams -- a spiritual superpower. Do you agree with him? Read here and comment.

How tough is it to build world class transportation infrastructure

It is possible, says E Sreedharan, the indefatigable engineer who helped build the excellent Delhi Metro Rail system. Even at 79, Sreedharan continues to work tirelessly to build the country's best public transport network. But a lot many things need to change, he says, before that can happen.

"The government should also seriously think of setting up a separate ministry to oversee and expedite Metro constructions in all our cities with populations over three million. Only such measures will solve the transportation problems of our medium and large cities.
India also needs an administrative environment where decision-making is very fast. Procedural shackles slow down projects and this situation must change. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has been quite successful in this respect and there is no reason why government departments and public sector undertakings cannot follow the Delhi Metro example."

Makes sense, doesn't it? You can read the entire piece here.