Sibal gets even, sends Modi Aakash tabs and a stinker

Stung by Narendra Modi's barbs on delay in delivery of Aakash tablets, Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal has asked the Gujarat chief minister to keep education away from politics and sent him a couple of these low-cost devices.

"... Your statement has disappointed me. Education is a collaborative venture beyond the pale of politics and we need to work together in the best interest of the children of the country," Sibal said in his letter to Modi sent along with the devices on September 26. "We have sent the devices to the CM. He lives in netherworld, I have shown him on land that Aakash is in your hand," he told reporters here on Friday.

Modi had said that the much-hyped tablets were still to come down to earth yet. "Kash (If only) this Aakash tablet could land on earth, then the lie (promise of free laptops by state Congress) they are spreading now would hold some weight," Modi had said.

Noting that the advanced version of Aakash 2 has been developed by IIT Bombay with more applications, Sibal, in his letter, asked Modi for his feedback hoping "you would be satisfied with the hard work that has been put in by our institutions and our people".

Sibal said, "Though it (Aakash) has taken time, I am of the firm opinion that Aakash will showcase the best in frugal innovation that our country can proudly pioneer". He said the Cabinet would soon be approached on seeking of approval for manufacture of five million Aakash tablets.

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