Times change

Times change
For scribes inspired by the crusading zeal of the Indian Express in the early 80s, it was a defining moment. Arun Shourie, Union Minister for Disinvestment, was the chief guest at Business Standard`s annual awards for excellence. In his acceptance speech for being awarded entrepreneur of the year, Mukesh Ambani, chairman, Reliance Industries verbally genuflected before Shourie --- practically saying he was the best thing that has happened to this current government. Although on TV Shourie looked a tad uncomfortable the next morning Business Standard`s photo-op of the two dripped bonhomie. A far cry from the days when the Indian Express, under Shourie, had campaigned fiercely against Dhirubhai Ambani and Reliance`s astounding ability to manipulate the system.