Amorphous

Wataniya Broadband - Internet access, finally a reality for all Maldivians

2009-10-18T02:28:00.000+05:00

Last Thursday night, Wataniya launched its mobile broadband service, in a small ceremony held at the Holiday Inn. The service, branded as "Wataniya Broadband" consists of a modem called a "W Modem" and two attractive packages; for light internet users, Broadband Explore and for heavy internet users, Broadband Extreme. The service delivers up to 1mbps speeds in any 3G coverage zone, and up to 384kbps nation-wide over its EDGE network. 3G coverage is available in the Male zone, in some resorts and some islands. The packages are extremely competitive with the current offerings in the market by the ISPs - Broadband Extreme is a data pack with 6GB for only RF 590. But the services' biggest benefit is that it is a mobile broadband service. This means there’s no need for any line installations or cables, or waiting. Just buy a modem, package, plug and start browsing. You do not need to be in any special coverage zone like WiFi, just open your laptop and start your browsing anywhere where you can get a mobile signal - like a safari, or a nearby uninhabited island, or on top of a terrace. Finally you can have an internet connection that you can carry with you anywhere you go.

Disclaimer - I am a Wataniya employee and have been involved in the project at a minimal level, and am proud to have done so.

I'm especially grateful for this service because of its potential for development of socio-economic conditions within the country. Until now, the two ISPs have been inadequate in providing internet service to all islands. Only a handful of islands have any proper internet infrastructure (ADSL or Cable). About 50 or so islands have an extremely expensive WiFi solution. That leaves two thirds of the country without any internet connectivity at all. Now a cynic might say that mobile internet is already available on all islands. But that is not a real solution to the problem. Mobile internet is extremely expensive at 1 Laari/KB. I've had customers call and beg to reduce the price. One person described the situation as living in a "virtual prison". For example reading a few pages of haveeru.com.mv every day is sure to get you a RF 2000+ bill at the end of the month.

Wataniya's Broadband solution will give you the right price and speed - it is truly an Internet solution for Everyone, in all islands and atolls. The two thirds of the country that have been neglected all these years can finally have a solution that will work for them. The potential for development here is enormous. Now it is possible for a person from a remote island to set up a business and send emails, and reach new markets. I think this is highly congruent with the way the Maldives have been moving recently, towards more decentralisation, and this certainly enables better communication without relying on expensive leased lines. All schools in all islands can finally have access to the wealth of knowledge available online. Health centres can reach patients hospital record databases back in Male’. A product like this is indispensable for social workers moving back and forth between islands. This would enable them to better document their cases, update their records instantly and communicate with their colleagues. Productivity across the country is sure to rise.
Together with a product like a Netbook, this could work miracles. Netbooks are extremely cheap computers available for almost Rf 4000. A Netbook and a W Modem is essential for every school going child in the country.

I can see so many possibilities opening up because of this, that I can say that this is only the beginning of a new revolution.

Out of Darkness

2008-10-29T21:10:00.001+05:00

Last month the opposition leader of Singapore, J. B. Jeyaretnam, passed away in obscurity, never seeing his dreams and ideals realised. He was a staunch supporter of human rights, and the ruling party, PAP, had him convicted of libel and defamation several times. This elderly man scorned and hated by the majority party, lead a life of revolt and constant struggle. This may have been the fate of the opposition in Maldives. There is a strange allure to the idea of a tragic hero, who lives in constant struggle and ultimately fails. Death itself is his redemption. This is a constantly recurring myth, reverberating throughout the ages. It would have been bitter sweet, for our opposition to have lived and died like that. Yet, now they face something more disastrous – reality and responsibility.

Last night the opposition rose to victory by a margin of 15,000 votes. After a long and bitter fought battle between the two parties, of negative campaigning and name calling, the opposition was able to claim victory by about 3:30am. For most people this is a long awaited step in the right direction for democracy in the Maldives. The opposition has constantly blamed the government for being too restrictive on our rights, and deliberately curtailing progress. In addition, the government have been unable to address severe problems in our society – drugs, rise in crime, and population congestion. Many see the ousting of the incumbent president as opening a pathway to solving these problems.

There were many factors for the rise, and ultimate victory for the opposition. Several structural shifts in society happened in the early 2000’s, which allowed for this victory. Population congestion and a booming youth population, coupled with communication technologies, like mobile phones and the Internet, fuelled the drive toward democracy. The opposition, resolute and steadfast in their determination having learned much from the defeats in the 90’s, was able to mobilise and activate a loyal base of support. The past five years had been intense, as we saw several changes taking place in a relatively short period. Political parties, the freedom of assembly, independent newspapers, radio stations, TV channels, and a new constitution. Looking back, it feels like a swirling chaotic whirlwind, breaking through the old political guard, demolishing its power and hold on the country.

What does this mean for the ordinary person? We demanded Change. By change what we meant was that to secure the safety and prosperity of the country, we do need a change in leadership, and that it was essential for any progress to occur. I am by nature deeply pessimistic. I do not foresee any quick and easy resolution to the social and economic problems that we have in the country. The challenge for the newly elected leadership is to show that safety, security, and prosperity could be achieved in a functioning, flourishing democracy, without the need of a benevolent dictator. This is indeed most fundamental for our faith in this democracy. Gayyoom left a large shoe to be filled in terms of prosperity. It will be hard to achieve all our hopes and dreams in a short period. We have partially achieved our objectives. There’s more to be done.

Where will I be in this ‘Aneh Dhivehi Raajje’ ? I have always been critical of authority and power, and will continue to be so. Not because it is easy or convenient, but because it is necessary to maintain our flourishing democracy. So, don’t be surprised if you see me making fun of Anni.

I am voting for change!

2008-10-27T01:40:00.003+05:00

I dedicate this poem by Bertolt Brecht to our President, for his good service to the country.

The Interrogation of the Good - Bertolt Brecht

Step forward: we hear
That you are a good man.

You cannot be bought, but the lightning
Which strikes the house, also
Cannot be bought.
You hold to what you said.
But what did you say?
You are honest, you say your opinion.
Which opinion?
You are brave.
Against whom?
You are wise.
For whom?
You do not consider your personal advantages.
Whose advantages do you consider then?
You are a good friend.
Are you also a good friend of the good people?

Hear us then: we know.
You are our enemy. This is why we shall
Now put you in front of a wall. But in consideration
of your merits and good qualities
We shall put you in front of a good wall and shoot you
With a good bullet from a good gun and bury you
With a good shovel in the good earth.

Badhalakah Enmen - Listen, Learn, Change

2008-10-26T15:48:00.001+05:00

Video of "STO in vee khiyaanaiy" - performed by Badhalakah Enmen artists at Raalhugandu Roadshow - 25th October 2008.

Our ineffectual police

2008-09-27T02:48:00.002+05:00

23:52, 26th September 2008, Friday

I was visiting a friend tonight, picking up some movies, and listening to music. We were interrupted by loud voices of two people, who were demanding to open a house just across the lane. This place in front was a day room often rented for temporary use. Mostly resort workers and people visiting from other islands rent this place for short stays. Judging from the way these people spoke, the slurring voice that is often characteristic of addicts, it would be safe to say that they were "Parteys".

These two were demanding to get in the room. Inside was a bangladheshi man frightened for his life, refusing to open the door, and speaking through the window.

This conversation went on for five minutes, after which these two started banging on the door, trying to break in, which we later found to be badly damaged.

We decided to call the police, as the situation was getting worse.

Calling 119.

Rings for a minute, and call ends. Nobody had answered the phone.

Trying for the second time.

Ringing for 30 seconds, at which point a girl answers in a sleepy, moody, and uninterested voice.

Friend : Hello

A girl responding in a lazy lethargic voice.

Police girl : Hello

Friend : There’s shouting in-front of the house, we can hear people trying to break in , and they are threatening to rob the place. We can hear loud banging on the door, and screams from inside.

Police girl : Where is this? Where are you calling from ?

Friend : (house), lily magu

Police girl : Which district ?

Friend (confused – doesn’t she know lily magu?) : Galolhu

Police girl : What's your name ?

Friend (tense) : Is it very important ? Why should I tell my name?

Police girl : What if the police arrives and nobody is there? Should we hunt for them all over male', it would be difficult to identify them

Friend : I can only hear them, I cannot see them, its happening in front of my house and I'm inside!

Police girl (unresponsive and uninterested) : You're not even witnessing this right, so how can you be so sure ?

Friend (perplexed) : Yeah, but I can hear them. I thought it was my responsibility to call and inform. But, if you are not interested, never mind.

Police girl ( sigh ) : Ok. ok . Let me look into it.

Friend : Alright! Bye

We left the place after 20 minutes, and the police, dedicated to protecting and serving the public, had not arrived. The owner of the room was fixing the door, which was damaged. It seems the "Parteys" had left without success.

Internet and political discourse

2008-09-22T23:35:00.001+05:00

Americans are celebrating OneWebDay today, and the theme for this year is online participation in democracy. Our little fledgling democracy in the Indian Ocean has benefited in numerous ways from the marvel that is the Internet. Blogs, online newspapers, video sharing sites, social networks and others have enabled wider participation in the political discourse of this country. Even though, broadband penetration remains at a measly 4%, the fundamental societal changes that have come in place are immense. Our historically opaque government has responded to these changes by giving away a lot of content online. Yet, there are ways that we could improve our government and the political system. Adopting Open Government Data principles is a way forward to increase transparency. Such principles could enable informed discourse in the public sphere, reduce apathy and alienation, and improve accountability.

Nothing to see here

2008-09-13T20:49:00.000+05:00

There is this great line in Transmetropolitan Issue #5 - "You learn about a culture from its television”. Whenever I feel extremely down, I find reassurance in Transmetropolitan from a nugget like this. For me, this is the season of feeling down, paralysed and incapacitated. In addition to the hunger, and sleep depravation, there is this feeling of annoyance with the whole of society that swells inside me. This preoccupation of people with consumption. This complete character turn around that happens every year. The way people behave gets slightly exaggerated, and simplified, like a Monet painting, society broken down to it's bare essentials - a few bold strokes.

It is a cruel sight. We lose our subtle coping tactics, we let go during those moments when we would have suppressed our thoughts, we forget the sleight of hand we use to mask our irrationality, and are too worn down to remember the little gestures of optimism, and the faint glimmer of hope is cast away. The whole of society seemingly loses its collective sanity for thirty days, not that it was very sane to begin with. Every perspective is tilted slightly out of frame. What people desire during the day is preoccupation in some silly game, and during the night, it is gluttony. Our cognitive surplus, as Clay Shirky calls it, rotting away on UNO, Monopoly and most of all Television. Not that I would criticise games, it has its benefits. The point being that the people takes playtime to ridiculous levels during the season. It is not that I cannot cope with sudden changes. I could enjoy a good social festival as much as anyone else would, but this is not what bothers me. To better explain let me try, through reference to television.

Local television programming is unbearable to watch during most of the year. But that's nothing compared to the hysteria that goes on public display during ramazan. There is a lot that one can learn about this society from the programming on TVM. The first thing one would notice is the extreme swings between religious programs and silly hindi dance scenes reinvented with sexual undertones by Maldivians for a tenth of the budget. This constant alternation between Id (dance) and SuperEgo (religious fatwa) would make any Ego (self) indecisive. Perhaps that is why Maldivians are in a constant struggle against themselves to make rational choices. Instead of critical thinking, the television stations broadcast a variety of thought control programs, so that we would censor and monitor ourselves. Perhaps, some would consider this values, while I see that as religious indoctrination. The silliest thing is, in this time of political change, instead of fostering the value of certain civic virtues, we have several reactionary figures like Yousay mocking democracy itself. I am not criticising criticism itself, but why is it that we have so few who understands that to maintain a republic we need to cultivate a certain amount of civic virtues. These television figures who haven’t a clue to, why certain civic virtues are necessary, gets to ridicule debate and difference in ideas. It is as if there is a constant tension pulling us back toward a past when we were dictated, as to how we should behave, instead of learning and adapting to the new, and in my view better present. Instead of learning how to debate, how to exchange ideas and we constantly fed this sloth that the past when we were inactive, and conformist was better.

The other thing that one would notice is the monotonous voice and the ambivalent attitude of the hosts on television. Words come out of their mouths like the dribbling saliva from the mouth of a mental patient. Their hollow zombie eyes, their artificial smiles, make me cringe. Perhaps, it is not them, but the story selection that creates this monotony. Nothing too controversial, nothing out of the ordinary, none too violent, none too explicit, a watered down version of the world, as if to protect us from reality itself. I can do without the paternalism.

The Other Maldives

2008-09-10T03:10:00.000+05:00

The man toils above the frame of cement and steel, his skin scarred by the scorching sun and body by the flints, the dust, and gravel. The machines, their continuous, endless grind – seemingly a metaphor for their exploited labour. Endlessly swirling, consuming, devouring. The construction, as it's been developed, becomes a living organism, that feeds on the broken body, and grows into a womb, to breed more toilers. More workers fed into the system of excess. Society has become an iron cage - a prison, where one does not see the other, merely feels a presence of the next-door cellmate. Like a hollow muffled sound through a thick oak door. It is a society, well regulated by an internal unsound logic, which frames and partitions a structure of intolerance, and subordination to itself. The cage holds violent creativity, and the human spirit, chained and tethered. The person, who on looks this bizarre spectacle, has no memory or feeling or desire of himself or others, not of the past or future. He is simply passive, unable to voice his own humanity; perhaps he has no voice, only the whine of an animal, ambivalent to the conditions that surround him.

Perhaps, this is the reality of the Other Maldives; 70,000 labourers, who exist invisible to us. Whom, we cannot, or will not empathise with - because they foreign and strange, or simply considered - dirty. Because, we would rather ignore the situation as long as we are satisfied, contempt with the current conditions. Nevertheless, that contempt is ephemeral and conditional, because the city ever growing would devour us in the end. We are marginal, as they are, on the fringes of the system of exploitation, where the fruits of our creative life are bled into the bank accounts of a few.

A few weeks ago, I volunteered to distribute some flyers for a promotion done by our company. The target of the promotion was foreign expatriate workers, and we had to visit their workplaces, where they ate, slept etc. I was truly shocked to see the places where they resided. At one place, we witnessed about fifty people cramped into a small building. It was unhygienic and the place smelled of the most pungent smell one could imagine. These could not be called barracks of any sort, they were just two pieces of wood stretching along the wall for the length of the room, a top row and bottom row, on both sides of the room, with a single walk way in the middle. People were cramped together, sleeping next to each other, in a way that reminded me of a concentration camp. I am convinced that better hygienic and clean residences could be provided without affecting the bottom line of these construction companies. In addition, these issues should concern the human rights organisations of Maldives. Nevertheless, they remain silent.

The exploitation, the unfair, inhumane treatment has to stop. But for it stop we have to see through the walls of the prison that binds us. This will not be easy, because we, they, us, and them, are bound and woven inextricably, in to the system of exploitation. It is as if there is no redemption, except to understand and feel the sorrow of lost souls, toiling on the carapace of modernity, invisible to our eyes that are fixated on the future.

Salty spray

2008-09-08T18:03:00.001+05:00

Windy and sunny, with shiny bursts of white cotton clouds. Mild and enjoyable sea. The breeze, although salty and heavy at times, makes the trip back to Male very pleasant. The trip to Hulhumale was very different from the trip back. Ramazan makes it hard to get out of bed. I’m almost always in a daze, during the trips.

Person in the seat next to me is sleeping; some are yawning and stretching themselves, overcome with weariness. It's very common to find people in heated arguments these days. I think I hear a few of those in the back.

Almost sundown now. I'm sure these people could not wait to get their hands on some food. This should be a very tiring journey for them. New labour law should’ve had a provision for working during Ramazan, something along the lines of a complete one month holiday.

Day 168

2008-08-31T19:24:00.002+05:00

Sea : Slightly rocky, and rolling, but tolerable. Slightly windy, but the on and off rain continues, drizzling and pouring.

I have lost track of weekdays and weekends. Seems like an endless spiral into an ocean of paperwork. The most annoying thing at work is the constant distraction, not of people, rather of spontaneous issues that arise, needing immediate attention. That's why I prefer to do documents at home. All things considered, it's still worth it. Forces me to engage with the world.

(via mobile)

Monsoons

2008-08-31T01:54:00.002+05:00

Heavy rains, without wind. The sea is unusually calm for the weather. The ferry does not rock as much; even on fairer days, the sea would treat us much worse. It is serene and calm even under the gushing torrents. The sea or the rain does not bother me as much, as it does others, not even when it is furious and raging. Not even with the screams and the constant tumbling. The grey sea is like an old friend, who comes knocking, reminding me of the fragility of mortality, and I welcome it, as one should.

Watched Generation Kill episode 1. I should expect no less from the writer of 'The Wire'. Both are similar in that the microcosm of the platoon was explored in minute detail, as ‘The Wire’ which had its local politics explored very well.

(via mobile)

How fragile and meek..

2008-07-30T10:49:00.003+05:00

"We are slaves working for thieves working for mere men who have built well oiled machines through the ages with tyranny and the unjust as gears that drive us.

Ode to my soul.

How fragile and meek I must look to the master under cerulean skies"

- Ali Hasen Didi

Maldives Street Celebrations (vid)

2008-06-15T00:17:00.004+05:00

Maldivians celebrating on the street, immediately after winning the final match of SAFF Championship 2008. We just went crazy!

Obligatory post on Terrorism

2007-11-04T06:21:00.000+05:00

Maldivians were shocked and dismayed by the recent terrorist attacks. One main reason was because it was targeted towards tourists, our only livelihood. The other was because this was an unprecedented, bold and outrageous move by young men. What I find to be deeply disturbing is that few empathise with the victims, and the human suffering.

We had developed an understanding of why such previous attacks had happened – as the result of Western imperialism or the rise of materialism – and as such some would rather gloss over the danger and disruptive aspects of fundamentalist thought. Most believe that fundamentalism or extremism is a recent phenomenon and needs to be studied carefully, to be confronted by preaching true Islamic values and hopefully righteousness will prevail.

But when we have failed to empathise with human suffering, it could be said that something fundamental has gone wrong with our culture, education and upbringing. And this rise in extremism, or religious fundamentalism is nothing new as there have been several such events, usually known as “Great Awakenings” that had happened in the past, from which we could learn. In confronting this radicalisation of society, we have used the most ineffective tools, forceful coercion and violence. Instead we have better tools, and good research has been done on the subject. By classifying this as uniquely Islamic fundamentalism we have disassociated with decades of research into confronting this type of extremism and what it really is ; Destructive cults.

Thaler Singer, who wrote a book called "Cults in our Midst", describes some common features of any dangerous cult.

These cults have a preoccupation with bringing in new members. They usually target people in extremely vulnerable situations.
The leadership is not accountable to any moral or financial authority.
The disciples are discouraged and punished for questioning the leadership. The disciples will be obsessively devoted to the person, principle or thing.
They create an external monolithic fear, or a "us vs them" mentality.
"Ends justify the means" and readiness to use unethical means to achieve group objectives.
The disciples are required to socialise only with members of the cult. In extreme cases the cult requires the disciples to cut ties with old friends, family members and the outside community.
The disciple under this controlled environment will undergo suppression of previous beliefs and will be given a new closed system of logic. The disciples are given something greater than themselves, and the group objectives seem more important than anything in their past or anything in their future.

Cults differ from mainstream religions in a very fundamental way. Cults discourage critical thinking and doubt. They also discourage research and original ideas. Instead it’s disciples are told to rely on authoritarian figures(mullahs, priests) for clarity. In any religion a person can rely on a number of ideas, written by different people with diverse opinion and come to his/her own personal understanding of how his/her religion works. Cults discourage dialogue and disparity. Its disciples are told that there is only one single pure way of thinking, and usually it’s what the mullah, priest or sheikh is purporting.

NO TO TERRORISM! DON'T TOUCH OUR MALDIVES!

2007-10-03T23:15:00.000+05:00

We don't want terrorists and terrorism in our Maldives!

Join the cyber-protest by Maldivian bloggers.

Having said that, I find the complacent lax general attitude towards this act rather frightening.

Where are our street protests?

Robert Jordan dies.

2007-09-17T22:53:00.000+05:00

Author of the Wheel of Time series Robert Jordan has died this morning.

I haven't read the complete Wheel of Time series ( 11 books in total ), but I would say that he had a great writing streak.

His world is a confrontation between Manichean good and evil - of forces of darkness and light. At the heart of this battle is the tragic hero, the Dragon; who has to confront the darkness but shatters the world, and brings about its end.

"The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the Third Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose. The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning." - The Eye of the World (Book 1 of the Wheel of Time)

Goodbye My Friend

2007-01-14T10:49:00.000+05:00

Goodbye my friend,

It's been a long time since we talked, but it was always fun to hang with you. I learned so much from you, and called your way of life a philosophy. I've so many fond memories to go back to because of you. Thank you, Yamin.

Live Fast, Die Young
You'll be remembered.

Review : Mousou Dairinin (Paranoia Agent)

2006-02-26T23:03:00.001+05:00

Paranoia Agent is a gritty take on society, a harsh look at our modern culture. The grim reality of living in a world with abundant "Escapism". For most anime fans it would be, understandably, a total turn-off ; in that the series has very little appreciation of the Otaku culture. For those who are already familiar with Satoshi Kon's style of storytelling it's a welcome return, after Tokyo Godfathers' different approach.

The story follows the victims of a mysterious elementary school boy known as Shonen Bat, who clubs his victims with a bent baseball bat. The detectives assigned to the case follow the ever elusive Shonen Bat, into the minds of the victims where fantasy and reality blur. It would be best to describe the series as a psychological thriller.

Highly recommended for anyone too tired to watch another glassy eyed anime girl or yet another metrosexual anime hero: I give it, 5 out of 5 bent and bloody bats.

JerryC Rocks!!!

2006-02-01T04:42:00.000+05:00

The first of February and nothing to do on night shift, except browse google videos. That's when I discovered JerryC. He composes his songs by himself and plays the guitar like a grand master. He's still in his bedroom playing to an Internet audience. Listen to his own version of Canon in D by Pachelbel and if you aren't convinced you lack eardrums. There are tons of people trying to imitate him on google videos.

Listen to his other stuff at his fan site http://www.jerryc.co.uk/

He absolutely owns everything sweet.

This blogging Life

2006-01-27T22:43:00.000+05:00

"Like every great religion of the past we seek to find the divinity within and to express this revelation in a life of glorification and the worship of God. These ancient goals we define in the metaphor of the present — turn on, tune in, drop out." - Timothy Leary

Minor statement from Avant Game

2005-10-09T00:25:00.000+05:00

Games are serious. Some people dismiss them as “pointless,” but they are blind to the power of pointlessness. The power of games is in their intrinsic pleasure. The nature of games is not to point. The nature of games it to experience. And experiences can be extraordinarily powerful things.

Barnstar for Oblivious

2005-08-29T18:48:00.000+05:00

Oblivious has been awarded the Barnstar on Wikipedia. Congratulate him on his talk page.

In the beginning...

2005-04-24T18:58:00.000+05:00

Before there was Wikipedia, there was Everything2. Without form or consideration, a jumbled mass of literature, and of seemingly irrational and illogical hierachy. Where is everything is definitely not within six degrees of completeness, and more towards infinite recursion; a reactive process - creating more bizarre humour through it's own modification.

Once you get in there is no escape - the labyrinth of words.

Weariness

2005-04-18T18:52:00.000+05:00

Weariness — Nothing is so insufferable to man as to be completely at rest, without passions, without business, without diversion, without study. He then feels his nothingness, his forlornness, his insufficiency, his dependence, his weakness, his emptiness. There will immediately arise from the depth of his heart weariness, gloom, sadness, fretfulness, vexation, despair, (Pascal, 1669).