What if?

 The unfortunate Earthquake in Sikkim on 18th September claimed as of now 87 lives though there is different numbers being quoted by different media but the fact that it is a huge and severe loss to the people there is something which we should not debate.

We have already had people showing their grief on this calamity. Our Bollywood "heroes" & "heroines" have "mourned” the quake as if just mourning is enough. For them, who make 100 crores from one film, a small paltry amount of Rs. 50 lakhs or Rs. 1 Crore each would have expressed their grief more proactively

The loss of life and belongings once again throws open a big question mark? how well prepared are we to face the after effects of such disasters? This issue should not be politicised as loss of life because of a natural calamity is beyond anyone's control, beyond any politics but yet we have to look at a core issue.

Most of the eartquakes have happened mostly in states bordering on the himalayan range whether it is Uttaranchal, Himachal and now Sikkim. we all know that the infrastructure conditions in these states leaves much to be desired. Why did not the state and central government work towards improving it?

Sikkim is a unique case. Ever since its becoming a part of India, on 16th May 1975, the state is connected to rest of India by only one road! (Siliguri -Gangtok Road). The state doesn't even have an airport! here i have to raise ( though i did not want to) a question on the role of congress government. what did they do for the state? anyways lets leave it...

so since there is only one connecting road, naturally the "Operation Trishakti Madad",  the name of the rescue, relief & resurrection carried out by 5500 army personnel & 700 ITBP personnel along with all possible help from BRO, are facing problem in quick dispatch of relief. Added to that the rain and weather also doesn't seem to be too kind on the poor people there. isn't it worrying enough?

my next thought goes in the rehabilitation work for those who have lost their homes, employment. i am sure no one would disagree that our Indian mentality tries to make money from second person's grief. my worry is that even if PM relief fund is meant for such rehab activity, what is the guarantee that poor people are not exploited? that they are getting what they deserve?

Herein, i feel that more than Government, which has too complicated a system overburdened by red tapism, the Indian corporate house have to come forward. they have to see the state, quickly explore the investment options (tourism, beer, handicraft are local potential areas apart from normal set ups) and start business units there and state government has to just clear the formalities FAST. People who have been displaced  need confidence and not assurances. These are the moments when govt. & corporate partnerships have to work very objectively.

Let's stop here but before i do, consider this. Sikkim has only one road linking its capital Gangtok to Nathu La and one landslide-prone road, just five meters wide, joining the state with the rest of India. Sikkim's road density is 28.45 kilometers per 100 square kilometers against the national average of 84 kilometers. Arunachal Pradesh is even worse off, with a road density of just 18.65 kilometers per 100 square kilometers. No trains run to the border-states of Sikkim, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. While Chinese military personnel can drive down to the Sino-Indian border and will be able to take trains too in a few years, Indian soldiers often trek 10-15kms to get there. 

WHAT IF, there was an invasion from China? With such an infrastructure lapse, are we really ready to face them?

To be or not to be Narendra Modi

 Communal, mass killer, rioter, hatred monger, fanatic, corrupt, despot, monster …

Visionary, nationalist, secular, a true leader, great administrator, future PM

Two altogether different set of words with different meaning. But these adjectives are often used as a preface for one common man. Narendra Damodardas Modi. Isn’t it intriguing how a same man can evoke such strong reactions as exhibited by the choice of the words above? Doesn’t it create a feeling of confusion? Lets address the confusion.

Narendra Modi  ,post 2002, has been the object of utmost “attention” of the very “ethical” media, intellectuals (some of them are actually self professed & self announced intellectuals) and of course the Congress and some other parties who call themselves “secular”. Is Narendra Modi really an embodiment of all the hate words that’s often been attributed to his name? Is it really the case?

Let’s begin by addressing the major charges against Narendra Modi or NaMo as he is popularly called by his supporters and followers.

Charge 1 -  He engineered the riots of 2002. There were allegations by Sanjiv Bhatt, Gujrat IPS charging Modi of abetting the riots.

Charge 2 -  His government carried out encounter killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh

Charge 3 -  He tries to portray himself as bigger than the party.

Charge 4 -  He is popular just within Gujarat & Gujratis. He doesn’t have a following outside Gujarat

Charge 5 -  He has not done enough for the minority & only hindus have benefited

Charge 6 -He uses social media to his advantage !!! (trust me many sections of people & media have made this charge too)

Charge 6 (a joke) -  This is a latest one on twitter by an ‘expert’. The expert says that Modi moves and behaves like a Pehelwan!!! (Gosh! I am not going to comment on this one)

The charges above, makes it seem, that Modi is indeed a monster. A monster who just kills minority. A man who is popular without any concrete reason. So are people supporting a wrong man? Is the country in major risk of becoming highly volatile if he becomes the PM? Let’s look into it -

Charge 1 -  He ‘engineered’ the riots. He was slow in reacting to the riots and the intelligence reports provided to him by, amongst others, Sanjeev Bhat were apparently not listened by Modi.

Yes riots happened in 2002 but what triggered the mass violence. The riots (here I mean the one which was covered by media/intellectuals & followed till date) was triggered by, if not more but nothing less in propensity, another act of gross violence when 59 kar sevaks, belonging to the Hindu community, were burnt alive inside a compartment in Godhra. Doesn’t this act remind us of pre-partition days violence? It does, at least for me. The killing of the kar sevaks sent a wave of impatience and anger amongst the people and then the riots followed. It was a mob which started the riots and members of both the community got killed.  So it was NOT triggered by Modi?

Sanjiv Bhatt, after a gap of 9 years, suddenly woke up to a call of his conscience and decided to target the CM (about his lack of action). His claim of attending the high level meeting chaired by CM on 27^th February 2002, has been rejected by the other officers who had attended the meeting.

So, Mr. Bhatt gets the testimony of his driver who “confirmed” that Bhatt had attended the meeting. Did his driver also attend the meeting to have confirmed it?  Ok , he saw Bhatt entering the CM residence but how does it prove that Bhatt indeed was there in the meeting? He, for all reasons, mite have been asked to wait outside.

Later on he raises the question mark on the integrity of the SIT which had already dismissed his views.

So why does the name of Bhatt keep emerging? Thanks to the media who found a blue eyed boy in him. The media questions the decision of Gujrat government to suspend the cop. Why was Bhatt suspended? Because he had neglected his duties and went on leave without permission. Isn’t this act worth of a suspension? In his past, he had indulged in similar acts of indiscipline. 

In 1990, when Bhatt was posted as Dy. Sup. of police at Jamkhambhliya taluka of Jamnagar, a person died allegedly due to police beating during a communal flare-up. A local court initiated criminal proceedings against him and six others in this regard. Recently he was again found to be accepting graft from opposition leaders like Black Berry etc.  Should we still keep taking his views & ‘information’ & affidavits seriously? I don’t think so.

There was another allegation of a bandh being called by BJP which was the reason for the riots? Being a BJP state, the bandh , for any cause , would have been successful. But how did the bandh lead to riots. Did the leaders publicly call people to go and kill?

Rather. Modi managed to control the riots in three days and had got military on the streets of major cities in the second day, thus preventing any further loss of life. Isn’t it worth consideration? Which major riots in other states got over in one or two hours?

Let me reiterate that riots are bad for any state but the sheer objective targeting of the Gujrat riots is uncalled for. There have been many riots before and after 2002 (with many of them in Congress states). So if the media has taken upon itself the task of unraveling the riot creators, it should also target the rioters in other states.
One of the recent one being in Hyderabad Old city in March 2010 (I leave it to your imagination as to who were the major casualty in the old hyderabd).We have had 1984 which was justified by the statement of then PM Rajiv Gandhi. In his words, "when a big tree falls, earth shakes” but all these riots have been forgotten or mentioned more as an after thought. Rajiv Gandhi had moved on but media/intellectuals made Modi stop at 2002 but it is to the sheer credit of his strong character that he did not bow down to such assertions of media and did what was desired of him.

.

More importantly, he ensured that there was NO single riot in the years following 2002. Hasn’t many congress states witnessed riots at regular intervals but which never got the media attention that was due to them.

Charge 2 – Gujrat government ordered fake encounter killing of Soharabuddin Sheikh

Who is Soharabuddin Sheikh? A gangster having links with, Dawood Ibrahim, with 13 cases against him in three cities. Recently he had started an extortion racket with aid of politicians & policemen.

I question the so much hullaboo behind the killing of a dreaded gangster whether in a fake encounter or in a proper encounter.

But still, if it is a Human Rights violation, then  is it the first ever fake encounter killing? Hasn’t there been so many in Bombay during congress rule? Anyways, ok it was wrong but why again is the name of Modi dragged into this incident. Did Modi ever try to stall the proceedings against Amit Shah, his close confidante?

He initially supported him but when some evidence and allegations of people, like Sanjiv Bhatt (who being an IPS officer, illegally checked the email of Addnl Attorney General), Teesta Seetalwad ( I wont even talk about her, please) came up, he immediately asked the agencies to do the needful. In fact Gujrat government accepted that Rubina Sheikh was killed too. So let the proceedings happen against the culprits but why target Modi???? 

Charge 3) He tries to portray himself bigger than the party

When did he ever make any statement or show any indications supporting such an intent or charge (by his detractors). Has he ever raised any rebellion against the party High Command. Has he ever questioned their any decision? This, despite the mass following, should be ascribed to his high discipline, inculcated by his years of association with RSS, and extreme commitment to party. 

It is true that today lots of people associate BJP with Narendra Modi but what’s wrong in it? The sheer fact that people have loved him and respected him to think as such can not be questioned, so why blame Modi for the thoughts or rabid support of the people. This is needless to mention though that BJP has been a disciplined party but may be some individual ambitions have created a wrong impression. But I feel it is media which has created such an image because they are aware of this man’s sheer popularity and use this charge (which is a figment of their imagination) as a tool to thwart his future growth.

Charge 4 – he is just popular in Gujarat and not outside its boundaries.

A small look at twitter or tweets of Non-Gujrati is enough to counter this base less charge. I feel there is hardly any Indian (unless completely devoid of political news) who does not know of Modi and holds a strong opinion of him. He is popular across the country and the number of people who queue up to attend his meetings is a testimony for the same. By the way, Yours Truly is a Bengali.

Forget India, today even the congressional Research service report of US has highlighted the great role of Narendra Modi in developing Gujarat. The same US which had once refused to grant him visa (needless to mention the media had gone overboard when visa was refused but the same exuberance was missing when congressaional report praised Modi). Today China is acknowledging Gujarat’s strength in manufacturing sector and is now keen to partner Gujarat.

Charge 5 – He has not done enough for the minority & only the hindus have benefited

Well the recent episode involving Ghulam mohammad Vastanvi is enough to falsify such a blatant allegation. Vastanvi , the head of darul Uloom Deoband (India’s oldest Islamic seminary) had praised Modi, developments made by Gujrat under his reign & most importantly said that muslims in Gujarat DID NOT face any discrimination under Modi post 2002. of course Vastanvi had to relinquish his post but the larger question is that he praised Modi. Mr. Vastanvi is a muslim, an educated person , from Gujarat. He is not used to make a statement out of the blue. He said what he had seen in Gujrat, being a Gujrati himself.

What wonders me though is the behaviour of media post the statement (& ultimately his relinquishing his post). Did the media ever go to Gujrat, did they ever talk to any members of the minority to fathom whether they are actually being still victimized. Every community has prospered and the fact that members of minority chose to attend the “Sadbhavna diwas” on 17^th September 2011, speaks of the reality

Charge 6 – he uses social media like facebook & twitter a lot.

Which media has highlighted his great work for the state except just mentioning it as ‘one more news or a scroll’/? In view of such apathy from the media, what’s wrong in his using the social media to spread word about the progress? Can we dispute the fact that one and all got to know a lot about his great work through social media. Rather it again showcases his vision and respect for technology and its pro-active use.

So more or less we have tried to touch upon the allegations against Modi (though a lot of justifications can be added to thwart such allegations).  Let’s very, very quickly see some of his visionary actions –

• Today Gujrat is the hub of industrialization
• Gujrat global summit saw investments like never before. In fact Anil Ambani publicly said that Modi should be the PM
• Puegot, Ford, TATA Motors, Maruti are setting up their shop in Gujrat
• iCreate - aims at providing most suitable environment to the young entrepreneurs who want to come up with new innovative ideas and products with the skillful use of technology. The project will be guided by an advisory board led by Mr Narayan Murthy. Mr Murthy has gone on record, for his praise of Modi.
• Post the Gujrat earthquake and the relief work undertaken by Modi Government, on 16-10-2003 Gujarat govt got UN Sasakawa Certificate of Merit for outstanding work in the field of disaster management and risk reduction
• Rishi Mahotsav – agricultural research labs for the land
• Chiranjeevi Yojana – To reduce infant mortality rate
• Matru Vandana – Providing preventive and curative services under the Reproductive and Child Health Programme
• Beti Bachao – Campaign against female infanticide to improve sex ratio
• Jyotigram Yojana – Provide electricity to every village
• Karmayogi Abhiyan – To educate and train government employees
• Kanya Kelavani Yojana – To encourage female literacy and education
• Balbhog Yojana – Midday meal scheme for students to encourage school attendance from poor backgrounds.
• 13000 teachers added to Gujarat’s teaching fraternity… entrusted them the responsibility to shape Gujarat’s future.
• Gujarat has set an example for India in the renewable energy sector & have become World's solar-hub
• Guj CM fellowship is an unprecedented chance for youth to get first-hand experience & be a part of participative governance
• Guj solar mission taking new heights. In fact, his own house produces 80watt of electricity everyday
• Gujarat's roads regarded as exemplary for international best practices in road management.
• Upgrading technology in RTOs & youth's skills in trades & industries, inaugurated modern RTO & a new ITI.
• He gave  521 gifts worth Rs 14 lacs to ‘girl child education wealth’ counting 10 crore so far, grateful for such a chance. Govt toshakhana
• Launched 'Chalo-Taluke' campaign which aims to institutionalize & energize decentralized administration. ‘Sabka saath-Sabka vikas’ each unit of administration will be a driver of growth and also its beneficiary.
• At 10.97%, Gujarat tops decadal Agri-growth in country! Let us compete to develop India faster!
• Projects like A daughter, a tree and a teacher…
•  Narendra Modi was the only Chief Minister who had alerted the country about our weak coastal security much before 26/11, in a CM meet presided by PM. Everyone, including the then HM Shiv Raj Patil , had ignored his advice and we faced 26/11. He was ridiculed by media for visiting Mumbai during the attacks but doesn’t that act show his conviction and commitment for the country. Did the media bother to ask Union Government as to why Modi’s fears were not addressed to? But Alas, Modi is a man who will have to live with the ‘media certificate' for ever though fortunately he has never cared for any certificate.

There are many many more....

Today Narendra Modi has ceased to remain as a mere human being. He has evolved in to a thought process, what we call ‘soch’ in hindi. His philosophy, vision is associated with all the positive thoughts that a normal Indian has for the country. This soch cannot be stopped now by any manipulative bids of the media & ‘intellectuals’ alike.

The point is that it is time to move on , lets not stop at 2002. Let’s accept this man who has single handedly changed the perception of the countrymen. He has instilled a feeling of confidence amongst Indians and that’s why people are, rightly, demanding and hoping to see him as the PM (a young one at 64) in 2014 (though it remains an internal decision of BJP). A man who has proved his acumen at state will prove it once again at the centre stage.

It is time to look upon Modi as an opportunity to take the nation on the fast track towards progress.A strong leader makes the entire world sit up and notice, a strong leader makes the entire country rally behind him and there is no iota of doubt that Modi is indeed the strongest leader in the recent years that India has had. 

You can love him or hate him but CAN NOT ignore him. No one can be Modi because a person like Modi doesn’t come across every other day, so I sign off by hoping that 2014 brings in a positive change to the country.

Friendly Neighbourhood Chinaman!!!

In early Eighties, I saw my first open theatre movie and it was B&W.  This movie stayed with me for a very long time; in fact it often comes back to my thoughts even today. I am talking about “Haqeeqat”,starring Dharmendra, late Balraj Sahni, made by Chetan Anand. The movie, a brilliant one, was made against the backdrop of 62 Sino-India war. The movie, for the first time, told me that we had faced an invasion, the utter helplessness of our soldiers and the utter apathy of the rulers from this side of the Himalayas. The movie also had a dialogue, “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai”. This dialogue was not the figment of imagination of the movie makers but of the first Prime Minister of our Country who grossly misunderstood China and overestimated our defense capabilities. Well, he and the country learnt a lesson. Or did we?

So is it another case of Crouching tiger & Hidden Dragon ?

No it is not, the dragon is not at all hidden. It has made its intentions very clear. The dragon is well fed, nourished , equipped. It’s ready to spit fire. BUT the tiger? I am searching for the tiger. Where has it hidden? Guess, the Tiger was always there but its soul has gone into a hiding. It was forced to go into hiding.

Let’s start with a very quick recap of the road to 2011. In 1962, Indian government rather army was not wrong in their estimation of Chinese intentions. The steps of Gen B M Kaul were in the right direction. The Forward policy of the army was also in the right direction but the mis-impression of Nehru about Chinese (Mao Zedong) being his “benevolent bhai” was wrong. Mao proved him wrong. His understanding of the preparations of Indian defence forces was wrongly placed. Indian President Radhakrishnan said that Nehru's government was crude and negligent about preparations. Nehru admitted that Indians had been living in a world of own understanding.

Chinese had their own reasons to suspect Indians. Their suspicions were on three platforms-

·        They suspected India of supporting Tibetian movement. It was wrong. India had already recognized  Tibet as a part of China.

·        They suspected Indian army movements. The forward policy played its role in arousing the doubts but forward policy was not aimed at aggression but maybe had elements to raise doubts in China’s minds.

·        China was always uncomfortable with indian confluence with erstwhile USSR and also the good relations maintained with US.

But the invasion in 1962 was well planned and in view of the prevailing international conditions. The fact that 1962 war started on 20^th October (the day when Cuban missile crisis started) proves this argument. China was assured that both US & USSR will not come to the aid of India and they did not. Though JFK had sent an airplane, on nehru’s request but it went back since China had declared cease fire on 20^th Nov,1962. in hindsight, it was good that US never came to our rescue because in all probability, they still would have been in our country “aiding” us.

1962 have been followed by two more skirmishses or mini wars in 1967 (Chola incident) and 1987 Sum Dorong chu valley in 1987.

So why is the Dragon so repulsive about the Tiger?

Both India & China have gone thorough the same metamorphosis over the years. Both have had a relations going back to centuries thanks to the silk route or the interest of their historians in India. The road to freedom or rather the timing of the freedom has been more or less the same. Yet, they have grown by leaps & bounds whereas we have taken “restrictive” steps ahead.

PRC’s very ethos was based on the platform of global dominance. They have never been very comfortable with the idea of any regional (India; to some extent Japan) or global (US/Russia) challenge. This feeling has further been ignited by a very strong feeling of national pride. A feeling which made them claim and occupy Tibet as a part of the Chinese motherland, same for Taiwan.

The emergence of India and its ethos was based on the, philosophy of Panchsheel &   global brotherhood, NAM etc, as propounded by Nehru. Panchsheel failed India in 1962. Perhaps any global initiative of India has not delivered concrete result. Had it, then we would have got the permanent membership in UNSC. Just an image of being friendly doesn’t help. There is no harm in being friendly but with well toned muscles but I wonder if we have it.

Talking further on the image, has the image of China being “confrontationist, aggressive” worked against their interest? Take a closer look at the world economic trends. China is doing a much better job way far ahead of India. Today Shanghai has emerged as one of the global centre of trade. Which Indian city, in all fairness, can claim, as a alternate to Shanghai? Per haps Mumbai but I feel it is distant poor cousin.

Human beings make a country and a human being’s attitude defines the country’s attitude. Chinese (read their leaders) , by nature, have been aggressive, proud of their heritage and solely believe in the concept of nation above else. We Indians, thanks to our founding father or first Prime Minister have traversed a different route altogether. A route aiming at international affiliation over nation.

Has the situation changed? Where is both the country placed today? A quick glance

After almost the same years of independence,

• China’s GDP is more than triple of India. (can not be disputed)
• Their foreign exchange reserve is more than triple of India (can not be disputed)
• Their military expenditures is more than triple of India (can not be disputed)

China, a communist nation, suspects India s anti-communist. They have an agenda to make their presence felt in Asia and the entire world. The route known to them is aggression & confrontation and the best part is that they don’t shy away from it.They have progressed by leaps & bounds.  

It will be a fool hardy on the part of todays’ present Government to neglect or ignore China’s intentions. A recent attack on our bunkers was just a small example. There are major ones. While India has not made any effort to make its presence stronger in the sub continent, here is what Chine has done.

I won’t waste space by talking of their relations with Pakistan. One liner is sufficient. Pakistan enjoys uncompromising patronage & support of China in all its ideas & demands (including Kashmir). Nor would I waste time on their warning to India to stop oil exploration in the south china waters (offered to us by Vietnam). But what about other countries in the sub continent -

Burma –

·        China has been supplying Burma with jet fighters, armored vehiclesand naval vessels. They have trained Burmese army, air force and naval personnel.

·        Access to Burma's ports and naval installations provide China with strategic influence in the Bay of Bengal, in the wider Indian Ocean region and in Southeast

·        China has developed a deep-water port on Kyaukpyu in the Bay of Bengal.

·        It has also built an 85-metre jetty, naval facilities and major electronic intelligence systems on the Great Coco Island,  located 18 kilometres from India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands, giving China capabilities to monitor India's military activities, including missile tests.

·        China assists in constructing a naval base in Sittwe, a strategically important sea port close to eastern India's largest city and port, Kolkata.

·        Beijing also funds road construction linking Yangon and Sittwe, providing the shortest route to the Indian Ocean from southern China.

Bangladesh

·        The  Bangladesh Army has been equipped with Chinese tanks, its navy has Chinese frigates and missile boats and the Bangladesh Air Force flies Chinese fighter jets. I

·        in 2002, China and Bangladesh signed a “Defence Cooperation Agreement” which covers military training and defence production.

·        Dhaka is one of the major emerging buyers of Chinese warfare technology&  products.

·        Dhaka has built their maiden anti ship missile launch pad at Chittagong with compete aid of China. They have carried out a test (single as of now) with Chinese assistance.

·        They have successfully test fired their anti ship missile based on Chinese technology. It can go upto 120 kms.

·        As per reports, Osman built completely on Chinese technology & assistance can hit upto 42 km to 120 km. How far is Kolkata from Dhaka?

Sri Lanka

·        Sri Lanka’s military has inked several significant defence agreements with China.

·         China is supplying modern radar and large quantities of ammunition, to the Lankans.

We sent IPKF to Sri Lanka, our soldiers died but to what avail. Did we utilize our IPKF initiative? The congress government and its foreign policy makers has to answer.

China began a massive military exercise called “Stride 2009,” deploying 50,000 troops in areas far from their home bases for live-fire drills. It proved effectiveness of China’s infrastructure, which allows the quick deployment of troops hundreds of miles away.

China’s former leader Deng Xiaoping had signed an agreement with India that both countries would maintain a standstill in the Himalayas and avoid military build-up. The promise held until 1998, when China began improving its military infrastructure in the Himalayas and building multiple missile bases. But it did not increase its ground forces, which stood at 200,000 soldiers. And now China is building two divisions in high altitude war fare.

How well is the Tiger prepared?

Yes India has indeed improved its defense preparedness. There is a much major improvement since 1962 but yet A LOT remains to be desired. The defence spending has to go up. As of now ministry of Defence is “against” spending Rs.12000 crore to set up Mountain Strike Corps (which is of utmost importance to us). The roads and other infrastructure has a lot to be done but ministry of environment is against creation of all weather route from Siliguti to N.Sikkim citing ecological reasons! These are few of many missing initiatives on our part to further strengthen the nation’s defense against its “biggest enemy”.

An Army truck trying to squeeze through on very narrow road leading to Khardung La (ref – www.military photos.net)

Yes today we have nuclear bombs thanks to the NDA government (which was fiercely condemned by the Chinese), we have a significant arsenal of land to air & air to air missiles but questions is do we have the guts to use it if, god forbids, situation demands. NDA government had the guts of calling China as its biggest worst enemy. Sometimes these statement show our no nonsense attitude but the present government has been too lacking in its initiatives. The fact that China bombs our bunkers is worse but worst is the complete lack of any statement by out present Defense Minister, forget his visiting the bunkers.

Post 1963, Mao made a famous statement that “The way to world conquest lies through Havana, Accra, and Calcutta”. This statement in itself show their attitude but hope the government has not forgotten that Calcutta is in our country.

I sign off by reiterating that Chinaman, like the Spiderman, is weaving its web around us and before it gets too late, the Tiger , led by THE SINGH, should start tearing off the web. As I said attitude matters, look at the photograph below. Doesn’t the body language of the chine guy represent their attitude. Jai Hind!

Few lovely pages

Last week I happened to visit a book store and while searching for the books on my list, I suddenly saw a heap of comics at a corner. It didn’t even look like new editions but a certain curiosity led me towards them and on the top I saw an old edition of Amar Chitra Katha. I think the story was “Rana Paratap”. I just couldn’t help picking it up and turning the the pages.

While going through the comic, I could find myself going back to my childhood when reading “Amar Chitra Katha” formed a quintessential part of my daily appetite. How the pages with colorful pictures and simple writing kept me engaged for hours on. I could recall how I was the official narrator of Indian mythological and historical tales during family gatherings, thanks to Amar Chitra Katha.

This flashback from the book store back to my childhood was simply refreshing. At the store, eventually I read at least 3-4 stories and needless to say, bought many more.  This also set a train of thought in my mind with effect to the contribution of “ACK” towards building the foundation of moral values and preservation of our heritage amongst the Gen-X.

How enlightened is today’s youngsters about our heritage? What is their source of entertainment and indulgence? They are a generation that is hooked on to the social media and gadgets. Their entertainment start and ends with X-Box and other such gadgets. Even if we forget the presence of “ACK” for a second, do these children actually have time to listen stories on India’s glorious past from their grandmothers? In fact, do they actually have their grandmothers staying with them, thanks to the concept of “nuclear family” that abounds in today’s time?

Herein a conscious effort needs to be made to rejuvenate this attraction towards knowing about our past. And the buck stops at the parents and perhaps the schools. Today’s parents are yesterday’s children and definitely everyone has invariably read “ACK” during their growing years and have imbibed a lot from it. So, what is stopping them from encouraging their children to read “ACK”. This has two distinct advantages - one, children will get to know about the past and secondly, it will develop a reading habit amongst the children.

Even schools can play a role. With an increasing trend of schools deviating from conventional means of teaching to unconventional, audiovisual and interactive ways of providing education, there is a potent scope to make “ACK” a part of curriculum. Visual in nature with simple language and photographs, the story 7 the intended message can be easily conveyed.

ACK is just an example of how simple read can effectively bring forth a willingness to learn our past. I understand that today’s children, thanks to a very tough regimen at school, may not find reading a favourite pastime. Here, technology can be used. After all today’s children / even adults react positively to technology. CDs, widgets can be an alternate to address this gap. In this context, I feel happy to see cartoon films being made on Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bheem, Ganesha etc. but the makers have to be very careful in not transcending the line between edutainment & just entertainment. A plateful of former is required.

The collection of stories, offered by ACK, has covered literally every plethora of India’s glorious past.  Topics, varying from mythological, historical figures, spiritual gurus to our entire struggle for Independence right starting from 1857 revolt, has made known the lives of lesser known or even unknown heroes.  This connects India’s today with India’s yesterday. The stories have made us proud of what was and we attempt at trying to make our present a semblance of our past. It has made us learn the values of bravery, honesty and righteousness.

In an age where computers, i-pods, high end mobiles have got the better of our life and we are simply running away from our life towards chasing ever growing needs, it makes it more important to understand our roots.

Chinese are extremely proud of their heritage. What stops us from doing the same? Only with a foundation, firmly imbibed with the values from our past, can we dream of ever becoming strong in the future.  Its time to rediscover and love our past to create our future.

Image credits -  Google images.
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What An Idea Madam Ji!!!

I have highest of regards for Ms. Neerja Chowdhury. She is an acclaimed, accomplished political, social commentator, a very senior journalist with years of experience behind her. She has seen the murky waters of Indian politics very closely and knows the inhabitants of these waters very well.

Having said this, I can’t bring myself to agree with her latest article, sorry, analysis of the current political scenario that was carried in a popular well read English daily. The newspaper, in question here, is DNA English Daily which published her analysis on 10^th September 2011 (http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?queryed=9&eddate=9/10/2011) and titled it “Events Pushing Rahul into the prime minister’s chair”. I suggest that please read Ms. Chowdhury’s article to understand the points shared below.

My first bone of contention is on the usage of the word ‘Push’. Normally, the word push is used in context of making someone do an act against his/her willingness. Becoming the PM is the ultimate desire of any politician worth his salt and this ambition applies to Rahul as well. No one needs a push and if Rahul is “unwilling” to become PM, then it sets a big question mark over the statements of some congress leaders.

He was never unwilling perhaps he was unprepared at least during UPA-I (a grooming period for him). The word Push can rather be applied for the present incumbent of the coveted post – S. Manmohan Singh. Anyways, this is not the primary objective of this write-up.

Ms. Chowdhury’s analysis, in essence, has pointed put three “reasons’ (detailed in her  article; for reader’s sake. I will outline them) which are ‘pushing’ Rahul into the PM’s chair. The following is a humble attempt by a grossly inexperienced common observer of Indian politics to dissect and debate the three reasons.

Let’s have a closer look…

Reason 1) There has been a slide in the popularity of Manmohan Singh. Anna agitation against corruption represented angst of middle class, recent foreign policy muddle w.r.t Teesta river pact & Didi’s outburst, recent terror blasts in Delhi. Open support of his candidature by Mr. Digvijay Singh & observation of Praveen Aaron that Anna issue was deliberately mishandled to derail Rahul from becoming PM.

Yes Singh is no longer the king. To be fair to him, he had a comparatively unblemished, peaceful first term. But the recent issues, scams and turbulence, particularly in last 120 days, have indeed made the Government unpopular. When congress made it clear that UPA government is run by coalition dharma, all stakeholder’s views are taken, then why single out one man for unpopularity. There should be a collective responsibility of failure. And how does it prove that PM’s popularity is inversely proportional to Rahul’s popularity?

Anna Hazare movement was against corruption and it was a matter of chance that Manmohan Singh is the PM of the government which received his & his follower’s ire. Does it in anyway suggest that had Rahul been the PM with Anna protesting , there would have been a dip in the following of Anna. The agitation was not against one particular person but against the system.

Mamta Banerjee’s public outcry – she said that the government did not inform her prior about Teesta draft proposal. Was Manmohan Singh personally supposed to call her? Yes he was wrong in assuming that his concerned team members mite have informed her. There was a miscommunication. Same could have been repeated by Rahul. Moreover, Ms. Mamta Banerjee, known for her temperament, can make public outcry against the most popular Prime Minister of her times.

The recent Delhi blasts is one of the many blasts that have happened. The frustration of people have been the same post each blast. If blast is a reason, then PM should have resigned eons ago. And does it mean that unfortunately, if there is a blast in times PM Rahul Gandhi, he will resign?

Mr. Digvijay Singh’s support of Rahul Gandhi can not be considered a reason. It is one man’s wish for changing the system. Just because he has been vocal can not be subscribing enough to make Rahul as the next PM.

Praveen Aaron’s statement is questioning of the entire congress party. This party has never seen or known anything before or after Gandhi family. The government has enough and more cohorts of Gandih family, so how can some people mishandle Anna issue in order to derail Rahul Gandhi’s chance of becoming PM. Isn’t he more or less already accepted by one and all within the party as their next PM candidate.

Moreover, let’s have some quick rejoinders on Rahul’s so called popularity.

To keep it short, we will look at just two incidents

1)      Post the much hyped , media supported padyatra of Rahul, there was Kisan Mahapanchayat on 9^th July at Numaish Maidan, Aligarh. The much hyped meeting was a damp squib and a disaster to the T. With major attendance from congress workers & wannbes, there were very little number of actual beneficiaries.

2)      The recent reception that was extended to Rahul at RML again questions his so called popularity. Even Gadkari visited RML but he was not heckled. A popular politician is popular in ANY circumstances. Perhaps, he needs to give samosa to people too frequently.

Reason 2) UP is the compelling reason. With a personal stake, the results will define his stature. BJP thinks that scam after scam & Anna movement will make UP voters look at BJP with new eye whereas congress thinks that Rahul as PM will make upper caste vote for him.

Yes, UP is indeed the compelling reason. It’s make or break for Rahul’s credibility as a leader and organizer. The elections, scheduled for 2012, is still along way to go and can not be a reason for change in central leadership of congress NOW.

Congress ruled the state for a long time but that was before the parties of strong local reckoning like SP & BSP came in the forefront. The UP before and after Mandal commission agitation are altogether different.

This is a state which is driven by a strong casteist politics. With Muslim, OBC & SC/St votes divided between SP, BSP & Congress, there is polarization but the higher caste (Brahmins & Thakurs) have always supported BJP and there is no reason to believe that they wudn’t in the ensuing assembly elections. Besides, the return of Uma Bharti, the prodigal daughter of BJP, will obviously help in getting some lower caste votes for the party.

Moreover, the state voting trends r different in western, central & Eastern UP. Rahul’s padyatra was limited to western UP and can not guarantee voted in Central & Eastern UP in a big way.

Moreover, by supporting the farmers, he has possibly managed to alienate himself from Thakur votes, so that vote is assured for BJP.

BJP is the only party seen to have supported Anna openly. With the anti corruption wave, this again would be of positive consequence to BJP.

So UP elections cannot really be a call for change of leadership at centre. Perhaps post assembly elections we can decide.

Reason 3) And that is his mother's health, and she was abroad for over a month now for treatment for an undisclosed illness. From all accounts, she may not be able to play a proactive public role for some time till she recovers. She will want to see Rahul installed in the top gaddi, rather than wait till 2014. Even if the Congress loses in 2014, he would be Leader of Opposition — and on the political track.

I agree that this is the most plausible reason considering the dynastic party congress is. With ‘princes’ like Sachin pilot, Jitin Prasad, Jyotiriditya Scindia & other leaders firmly behind the “Crown Prince”, it’s natural that  Rahul is elevated to the gaddi.

Though normal logic, defies Sonia “wanting” Rahul to become PM, as a reason at all, but when  much more experienced party leaders (than both mom & son) will kowtow and not leave any stone unturned in making Rahul the PM, then it is good enough a reason to believe.

Sonia Gandhi & family was marginalized by Late Narsimha Rao but post his demise, she slowly but surely crept her way in, of course she made her own coterie of late Arjun Singh, Janardhan Dwivedi etc but the queen is careful enough to change her loyalists the moment she feels their presence/utterance of slightest provocation. This is one trick, I am sure Rahul will be quick to follow and once learned, if not already, will be willing & not pushed to PM gaddi. There would always be lame ducks in his regime offering his shoulders for mistakes and enough mouth to lavish praises on him alone for all the great works

Though I feel if that being the son of Rajiv, grand son of Indira, great grandson of Nehru  and great great grandson of Motilal is no reason or qualification enough to justify Rahul to the PM’s post but Congress’ indisputable discipline & ideology, of respect for family over party, is good enough to propel Rahul to become PM. Even though a PM post solicits its occupant to have all the right credentials, experience, wisdom and knowledge of varied topics, but Rahul will be the ‘Caesar’ with a ‘think tank’ to manage the senate sorry our parliament.  

one more? ok, Chalta Hai!!!

 Chalta Hai!!!

September 7^th 2011, May 25^th 2011,  Sep 27th 2008, 13^th Sep 2008, April 14^th 2006, October 29^th 2005, May 22, 2005, June 18^th 2000, July 26^th 1998, Dec 30^th 1997, May 30^th 1997, Oct 26^th 1997….

Now before you all wonder why I am sharing these dates, let me tell you these were the dates, when the “most secured” city of India – the capital of our country was subjected to terror attacks. 12 in all! In just over a decade! In one city!

And not to mention the other cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Malegaon, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Hyderabad that have been subjected to “major” and “minor” attacks. Isn’t it strange, though, of our media to coin terms like major & minor with respect to terror attacks? I feel the pain of a bereaved after a “minor” attack , if not more than one of a ‘major’ attack, is not less by any means.  But that’s a different topic altogether.

Isn’t it really questioning of our system, our government, our agencies and of ourselves that we have allowed ourselves to become a “soft target” or a “soft nation”. Why? Why have these incidents become, if I can call it, a part of our life? Why is it that our angst is vented out for a day utmost two till the time we get a new ‘deviation’? It’s time, coining the name of program on a media channel working 24X7, buck stops here. It’ time to hold accountability.

Then who is to be blamed?? The entire system or the people running it. A system is invisible but the people running it are visible. These people, have to answer the critical question of what is lacking in our system which makes us so vulnerable to these attacks. I think system can be evolved only when the right people are in place.

We need to dissect the whole scenario and identify the key stake holders/ opinon builders. In my opinion, the stake holders are in order of responsibility 1) The Government 2) Security Agencies 3) Politicos 4) The opinion creators i.e the media.

This article does not attempt to criticize the role of government in a negative way but when a country is held to ransom by some terrorists by openly killing residents of Mumbai or  many such repeated incidents, a natural question mark comes over the intent of the government in terms of it’s  willingness to accept this as the biggest challenge this country has been facing largely over the almost last 20 years. With Congress government ruling the country, for most part of this 20 years, it is but natural to wonder if it’s INTENT is in the right place. The government has to give confidence to the people of this country about their seriousness in combating this menace of terror.

Just making statements condemning the acts of terror or saying that “we identify terror as the biggest problem’ “we are doing our best, all intel inputs have been followed up” does not suffice. Words alone can’t rid us of the terror. The present Home minister said that “All states have been alerted” leaves much to be desired. Even an inexperienced but little educated person, upon having become a Home Minster of this big country, would have done the same. The time for making statements like “there three incidents are a blot on my career” is not going to get any empathy or sympathy from the listeners. He is much above these statements and we don’t need verbal martyrs.

At the same, time, we need to understand that the Home Minster is asked or looked upon by his government , to interfere, “take action’ in issues which does not directly concern his ministry. If a Home Minster devotes much of his time on such issues, I guess the country internal security will take a back seat.

Now lets look at the agencies. We have CBI, Raw, IB, SSB (I am not sure if it’s still functional) and the state police. Lets not include other paramilitary forces like CRPF who are per haps more involved in fighting the another menace called naxalism and many times with sticks. But the question is whether these multi agencies are working in tandem. A common observer like me should like to believe that it does. But then why such re-occurences. Government created NIA but still we have such attacks. So is NIA team being rendered useless? Are all the agencies sharing reports openly? Why I am saying this is because with these agencies being controlled by government (read politicos), some of these agencies will be more keen to keep their masters happy rather than sharing the information. If a robust system is inplace, then how did the most basic act of enabling security by installing CCTVs get amiss??? How did Delhi Police say that not “enough” intelligence was passed on to them? What is the definition of “enough intelligence”. We can not squarely blame any one but these calls for deep introspect.

HM made a statement that more support in the form of night vision etc are going to be worked out but what about HUMINT? Do we have enough of it? Are our borders and some madrasas being run at the borders being monitored properly? If yes, then how could the NIA remain clueless about sleeper cells of SIMI & IM in Jharkhand? For this HUMINT is required, just machines wont help. Only when we have right people to man and use the facilities, we can get enough intelligence. In this I must say that I am amazed by the articles of journalists who specialise in terrorism. When a Shishir Gupta can write an informative book called India Mujahiddin or journalists like Vicky Nanjappa write exhaustive reports on terrorism, I am sure our agencies can do much more. Then why not? Forget these terror attacks,  forget getting Dr. Hafeez Saeed or Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, we have not yet got our hands or even any information on Tiger Mennon. Doesn’t  it smear of  lack of intent?

We look forward to western agencies for inputs or guidance. US created DNI after 9/11 and it was an umbrella body for all the security agencies including CIA. Similarly India created NIA but NIA hasn’t done enough. Moreover, if India is quick to look at western agencies for guidance, they should also learn how the lack of required action is dealt with. A case in example is how Admiral Dennis C Blair, the former director of DNI was asked to resign by Obama owing to the f acts that The Fort Hood shooting, the Christmas Day bomb plot and the Times Square car bomb (inn which the bomb fortunately did not explode and was disarmed) was  plot all took place during his tenure. Another contributing reason was the failure of DNI to to put Abdul Muttalib, who tried to blow the flight to Detroit, on the ‘no-fly list’. How many heads have rolled in our case? If we want to learn, we should learn everything. The Government is accountable and has to hold the HM responsible for these acts.

Now I look at few rather two cases.

Case 1) Parliament attack -  the person captured with all the evidence is still in jail and with certain segment of people asking for his clemency. Why? I feel that once a terrorist’s act is proven, as a judiciary rule, he/she should not be allowed to appeal for mercy petition.

Case 2) Malegaon blasts -  initially the needle of doubt is pointed at SIMI but over night a new name of pragya sadhvi (a female hindu religious leader) comes up and withn a few days she is arrested. A ‘very fast proactive action’ indeed but what after that, still now the case has not moved and no strong evidence has been presented by investigating agencies ( FYI, the evidence basis which she was arrested was that she had sold her bike to a person who was later named in the terror act and was murdered). Is it strong enough a reason to arrest or more importantly to keep her in prison for three years. Today she is barely able to move, so both the case and the ‘prime accused’ are not moving. This case smacked of political overtones with allegations and counter allegations by both ruling party and BJP the largest opposition. Doesn’t this case merit being solved as soon as possible?

These again raises the question mark on the role of our investigating agencies and their masters. Are the cases investigated in the right desired ernest? Needs to be seen

Media & politicos

Post every attack, media goes into a frenzy for scoring brownie points on TRP. Which media has , continuously, pursued even a single case for more than a week say 10 days after the act? None. How many media house have actually carried a proper “breaking news” w.r.t any attack. None. So what are they doing. They are debating and it is required but indian media has had the habit, post each attack, in conjunction with the government to make one statement – Let’s not politicize the terror attacks.

I think that a valid question on national security is NOT politicization. Then what is the accountability of the opposition leaders? Should they not question the responsibility of govt towards the citizens of the country. Should they not debate, question this menace. None of the opposition party have ever backed away from supporting the government or making a unified statement to condemn the act and support the government. It is required in the hours post an attack but sooner or later, these attacks have to be debated, so how is it bad.

Why does the government & media house give undue importance to people like Digvijay Singh & Arundhati Roy. What is their business in making unsolicited statements creating further confusion and mutual doubts? Why does the Home Minister allow such people to take his business in their hands? It’s time such people should be asked to shut their mouth and refrain from making confusing biased and statements which are their own personal figment of imagination.

It is time to develop the right perspective. Situation can change and we can counter this menace but what is required is the INTENT. If intent is in place, intel can follow. It is time the agencies are given a free hand without unwarranted influence from the politicos. Unless the system is not cleared of its rot, not much is going to happen and one more day and date will be remembered for some time and  then forgotten till the next act. Unless some action is taken, some heads rolls, the chalta hai attitude is not going to stop.