The Legislative Council is a consultative body that has to offer its wise counsel, consultations and deliberative discussions on the various policies and programs of the government that will have a direct impact on the citizens of our state. Thus it becomes imperative that the right persons go to the Legislative Council. Apparently, it is more relevant at the present juncture that needs no further elaboration vis-à-vis the present day politics that appear to take a nosedive by the hour. There is much talk about the criminalization of politics and corruption of magnitude that goes beyond one's comprehension or imagination.

The Graduates do have a greater responsibility to stem the rot that we face today.

I believe that, if I am elected as a Member of the Legislative Council, I can do a very credible job as a member of this august body.

I believe that I would add my considerable experience in furthering the goals of our society especially in the field of education.

Specifically, I can serve in the following fashion:

• A good education involves not only the sciences, but also the arts, languages and humanities. An appreciation of one's native language along with other languages, the history and culture of the nation that we have become will be necessary to make today's youngsters well rounded men and women who can take part in society fully. I will be a champion for this integrative approach.

• As important as higher education is, the more urgent need is to improve our primary schools and high schools, particularly in the rural areas. Many students in rural areas cannot afford the high fees of good private schools and the public schools lack adequate funds to maintain good facility and teachers. We need to address this issue if we are to become a great force in the coming decades.

• We should also not forget the importance of trades. Many schools such as the polytechnics offer useful career training for students who are more comfortable learning a trade than an academic route through a college. The society needs not only engineers, doctors, accountants, historians and language experts, but more importantly, it needs plumbers, carpenters, auto mechanics, welders and others with trade skills. I will do all I can to increase funding for this effort so that we address the unemployment problem in a meaningful way.

The Legislative Council is an advisory body. The legislation takes place in the Assembly. However, the Council fulfils an important role in taking a more dispassionate look at the various legislations and funding proposals. This together with the more active legislature can serve our state well. Tamilnadu is now at the forefront of economic expansion in our country, thanks to the efforts of the various administrations to attract and keep industry. We should do all we can to maintain this momentum.

In summary, I pledge to do all I can to serve you. I hope I have earned your confidence. I hope you will demonstrate your confidence by voting for me. I give you my solemn promise that I will work earnestly to represent you and I shall not fail.

Thank you for your consideration.

Your willing candidate,

T R Balakrishnan