Indians have contributed so many words, phrases, slang to the English language; sometimes to enrich it and sometimes because we genuinely did not know the English equivalent of a vernacular word. Most of the phrases used in Indian English are not a part of ENGLISH. Yet we use them time and again and the funny part is, people all over the world have began to understand what we mean when we transliterate a vernacular phrase into English with such seamless ease that would shame the purists. "Chutney" is the word that now find mention in the oxford dictionary as accompaniment for "Idly" - which is also an Indian word. Most of these words which are not English have found acceptance because the world loved Indian cuisine and had to use the terms the Indians use, due to lack of relevant words in the English language. Similar explanation can be given about the word "Chaai", now in this case, we have a relevant word Tea, but the way Indians serve their tea is way too different from the way tea is being served world over. Hence the acceptance of the term "Chaai". I could list so many words on similar lines being accepted in the English language.
Now lets move on to the phrases, "Don't eat my head" is a toto Indian-English phrase which is equivalent of "Don't get on my nerve" in English. Yet world over, Indians make use of this phrase and are perfectly understood. Then there are cases where Indians use local equivalence of and English phrase. Like a phrase say, "They are like romeo-Juliet" becomes "They are like laila-majnu". No one knows who the hell Laila is or who Majnu was, but we replace them conveniently with the immortal characters of Shakespeare while depicting endless love. Now, today, I propose to add a new phrase that I assume will gain acceptance sooner than later. When someone is sweet to you or goes out of the way to accommodate you, you tend to say, "You're such a sweet heart". Let me introduce the Indian equivalence which I hope will be accepted world over (fingers crossed).
Phrase: "Such a laila you are" :: equivalent to "you are such a sweet heart", changes observed as Indians don't go by the grammar to frame a sentence but go by the words that explain the feelings behind the words. In this phrase the feeling to be conveyed is the excess of sweetness and hence most Indians will begin it with a 'such'.
Origins: Now all of you might be wondering, "who the hell is laila", well at least most of you :P. To tell you the truth guys, I don't know either. She does not epitomise love or friendship or care. Nor is she part of some eternal couple like Romeo and Juliet. So its absolutely okay if none of us had heard of her or have seen her. Let me describe Laila as I have heard. She is this girl-next-door who goes out of the way to keep the important people in her life happy. She is the one who makes them feel special and wanted. She is a shoulder whom you can count on when you need to cry , she is a ear to you when you want to bitch about anyone and everyone, she is a girl you can count on to stand by you when things are going tough but more than anything else, she is the one who makes you feel that she stands to gain from your friendship with her. In short, she is so much more than a sweetheart.
So the next time you find such a person make sure you say "Such a laila you are". :D
So long.....
Friday, August 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Governance paralysis
I don't remember, over the past year if there was any decision taken by the Government that was not torn into by the opposition. I am not talking about the central Government, even various state Government and local bodies. Ever since we have taken the word "corruption" seriously and have been tearing into our administrators for alleged misappropriation of funds, no one seems to be willing to take any kind of administrative decisions. At every level, bureaucrats and politicians are stalling important projects just to ensure that they are not flouting any rules; also, if any of their decision can be misconstrued as an act of ommission or commission. Today its a sad state of affairs where most of the politicians who are corrupt are daring the system and making money and the few honest ones are scared to take decisions because they don't wish to be embroiled into controversies that do not exist. Today, in high inflationary times, the most cheap item is reputation of other person. We have stooped to a level wherein we can tarnish any one's image with few allegations and when proved wrong, nothing is done to make good for the damage caused. Gone are the days when people and institutions were responsible for their words and deeds alike. Today, cut and run seems to be the order of the day.
Let me state a relevant example. Couple of days ago, my room mate walks into my room and says " Dude! the PM is indicted in the 2G scam". I was shocked to the core. From the days I have followed politics in India, I have never seen or heard anyone questioning the intent and conduct of Dr. Manmohan Singh, as a bureaucrat; as a Reserve bank Governor; as Minister of Finance or most recently as the Prime Minister. Even if you line up a thousand people Indians or otherwise; layman or world leaders; politicians or economists, it would be difficult to find a single person who would question the integrity of Dr. Manmohan Singh. People may question his style or differ with his policies, but not one would say he is corrupt. For all practical purposes, he is like Yudhisthira, above all this mess. So you can understand my concern when I heard about his indictment by a court of law. My belief in goodness was shaken to the core. When I switched on the television, no doubt there was a ticker "PM indicted in 2G scam..". After watching the news for the next 15 minutes, it dawned upon me that some accused in the 2G scam (who was a former Minister) had, in his defense to the charges said that a few of the decisions were taken keeping the Prime Minister in the loop. He conveniently hid the fact that the parts discussed with the Prime Minister were later changed by him and this event caused the financial loss. I do not understand the word "indictment" in this context. Are we using a defense used by an accused to tarnish the image of our PM? Was the news channel unaware of the meaning of the word "indict"? The journalists who are crafty with words when it deals with people's reputation are very careful when they defend themselves. The ticker ran the entire night despite being pointed out by several legal luminaries that the word "indict" in this context is outlandish. Be that as it may, there was no regret expressed either, they simply moved on leaving scores of us with the impression that the CBI court had indicted the PM of wrong doing.
We Indians were known for blatant breach of privacy, now we are also using our media for slandering and rumour mongering. With everyday that's passing by, so many skeletons are tumbling out of the cupboard about how media is being used to settle political scores, it has become imperative that we rein them in. My prayer to the Supreme court of India would be, "Your honor, I know we are a free country with certain rights which are fundamental so far as they don't impinge upon the fundamental rights of others. If we allow media to slander and tarnish reputations with impunity by upholding their "freedom of speech", the people whose right to live with respect which is being wrongly trampled upon, should be compensated for the loss". Like the ancient Greece, we must hold the messengers accountable to the words that slip out of their mouth. If slandering the judiciary can amount to "contempt" and the person faces punishment, we must also hold people making light comments about major institutions like the President, the Prime Minister, the CAG, the Parliament, the CVC and CBI in "contempt" and if proven frivolous, the person must face punitive action for misusing the "freedom of speech".
I would like to state at the outset, constructive criticism must be always welcome. My problem is with the TRP hungry media who manufacture 'headlines" to capture eyeballs. In many cases, there is hardly any link between the headlines and the content. I object to criticism of the nature where you attach motives where none exist. I agree the Government is answerable to the people as they are our custodians and as tax payers we should question them. The way we frame these questions is very important. When a journalist with no experience of economics or finance whose only exposure to the banks is while he withdraws funds from ATM, sits in judgement of a policy decision made by people who have spent entire life in economics, and makes light of it, it insults my intelligence and the intent of those making these decisions. If every aspect of my day to day work has to explained at the end of the day to a dimwit who then suggests you alternatives and attaches mala-fide intent, I would be pissed off. I would rather avoid taking a decision and procrastinate every small decision for fear that if I go wrong, it would not be a honest mistake, it would be a "colourful" scam. Today this fear has gripped our bureaucracy and politicians. People whom we have elected to take decisions on our behalf are doubting their ability to make the said decisions. There are people who suggest having a referendum on all decisions but they constitute a dumb minority who have given up on the system we have. The only reason Mumbai could not get CCTV surveillance was because no one wanted to take a call on which company to tender for procurement. No one wanted to be blamed for receiving illegal gratification because they chose A instead of B. In the end, the city of Mumbai loses out on security apparatus. My point is, in the process to make them accountable, don't go to the extent of micro management that it becomes impossible to make day-to-day administrative decisions.
My favourite quote by Dr. Manmohan Singh (PM, India) to the bureaucrats, "If 5 out of 10 decisions taken by you are proven right post-facto, you are doing an excellent job". We need to let it be known that humans are supposed to err and many times when you make a policy decisions, you do not have all facts in front of you. Yet you take tough decisions, some of them work out some others fail. As long as your intent was clear, you should not fear taking decisions. I hope this message is being passed on by the political bosses to the bureaucrats working under them, cos if they don't, governance will be crippled and the India story will have an unnatural death.
So long...
Let me state a relevant example. Couple of days ago, my room mate walks into my room and says " Dude! the PM is indicted in the 2G scam". I was shocked to the core. From the days I have followed politics in India, I have never seen or heard anyone questioning the intent and conduct of Dr. Manmohan Singh, as a bureaucrat; as a Reserve bank Governor; as Minister of Finance or most recently as the Prime Minister. Even if you line up a thousand people Indians or otherwise; layman or world leaders; politicians or economists, it would be difficult to find a single person who would question the integrity of Dr. Manmohan Singh. People may question his style or differ with his policies, but not one would say he is corrupt. For all practical purposes, he is like Yudhisthira, above all this mess. So you can understand my concern when I heard about his indictment by a court of law. My belief in goodness was shaken to the core. When I switched on the television, no doubt there was a ticker "PM indicted in 2G scam..". After watching the news for the next 15 minutes, it dawned upon me that some accused in the 2G scam (who was a former Minister) had, in his defense to the charges said that a few of the decisions were taken keeping the Prime Minister in the loop. He conveniently hid the fact that the parts discussed with the Prime Minister were later changed by him and this event caused the financial loss. I do not understand the word "indictment" in this context. Are we using a defense used by an accused to tarnish the image of our PM? Was the news channel unaware of the meaning of the word "indict"? The journalists who are crafty with words when it deals with people's reputation are very careful when they defend themselves. The ticker ran the entire night despite being pointed out by several legal luminaries that the word "indict" in this context is outlandish. Be that as it may, there was no regret expressed either, they simply moved on leaving scores of us with the impression that the CBI court had indicted the PM of wrong doing.
We Indians were known for blatant breach of privacy, now we are also using our media for slandering and rumour mongering. With everyday that's passing by, so many skeletons are tumbling out of the cupboard about how media is being used to settle political scores, it has become imperative that we rein them in. My prayer to the Supreme court of India would be, "Your honor, I know we are a free country with certain rights which are fundamental so far as they don't impinge upon the fundamental rights of others. If we allow media to slander and tarnish reputations with impunity by upholding their "freedom of speech", the people whose right to live with respect which is being wrongly trampled upon, should be compensated for the loss". Like the ancient Greece, we must hold the messengers accountable to the words that slip out of their mouth. If slandering the judiciary can amount to "contempt" and the person faces punishment, we must also hold people making light comments about major institutions like the President, the Prime Minister, the CAG, the Parliament, the CVC and CBI in "contempt" and if proven frivolous, the person must face punitive action for misusing the "freedom of speech".
I would like to state at the outset, constructive criticism must be always welcome. My problem is with the TRP hungry media who manufacture 'headlines" to capture eyeballs. In many cases, there is hardly any link between the headlines and the content. I object to criticism of the nature where you attach motives where none exist. I agree the Government is answerable to the people as they are our custodians and as tax payers we should question them. The way we frame these questions is very important. When a journalist with no experience of economics or finance whose only exposure to the banks is while he withdraws funds from ATM, sits in judgement of a policy decision made by people who have spent entire life in economics, and makes light of it, it insults my intelligence and the intent of those making these decisions. If every aspect of my day to day work has to explained at the end of the day to a dimwit who then suggests you alternatives and attaches mala-fide intent, I would be pissed off. I would rather avoid taking a decision and procrastinate every small decision for fear that if I go wrong, it would not be a honest mistake, it would be a "colourful" scam. Today this fear has gripped our bureaucracy and politicians. People whom we have elected to take decisions on our behalf are doubting their ability to make the said decisions. There are people who suggest having a referendum on all decisions but they constitute a dumb minority who have given up on the system we have. The only reason Mumbai could not get CCTV surveillance was because no one wanted to take a call on which company to tender for procurement. No one wanted to be blamed for receiving illegal gratification because they chose A instead of B. In the end, the city of Mumbai loses out on security apparatus. My point is, in the process to make them accountable, don't go to the extent of micro management that it becomes impossible to make day-to-day administrative decisions.
My favourite quote by Dr. Manmohan Singh (PM, India) to the bureaucrats, "If 5 out of 10 decisions taken by you are proven right post-facto, you are doing an excellent job". We need to let it be known that humans are supposed to err and many times when you make a policy decisions, you do not have all facts in front of you. Yet you take tough decisions, some of them work out some others fail. As long as your intent was clear, you should not fear taking decisions. I hope this message is being passed on by the political bosses to the bureaucrats working under them, cos if they don't, governance will be crippled and the India story will have an unnatural death.
So long...
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
If I had a million dollars, I'd be rich....
This one line summarises the current state of affairs in India. We have been faced with worst set of political and corporate scams and no one wants to make the wrong doers accountable and to make them answer tough questions. Actually, all we want to know and wish to know is how such a huge scam could occur and what lessons were learnt from it. Instead, we are baiting for the blood of these wrong doers and forgetting the lessons to be learnt. In such a scenario, another scam is just waiting to happen and we would once again be up in arms against the Government for napping. I do not understand once the case is heard by the court, why do we need to run a campaign on it. One thing, you are depriving the debate space for corrective measures by using it for harping on the scams and its political fallout, but most importantly, the court proceeding will not be affected by running a campaign on a sub judice matter. So we are in fact wasting our breath by still dissecting a problem long after it has been identified and when we should be discussing solutions.
Indian Parliament has so many self correcting mechanism that if they are allowed to function, no scam should ever occur. First, we have the option of discussion of bills on the floor of the house. It’s a forum to take into account where various political parties stand on any piece of legislation. Once the discussions are done and the view points noted, the bill moves to a standing committee which examines the bill threadbare and allows civil society an opportunity to provide the inputs. Then the bill is voted upon by both houses of Parliament and then seeks the approval of the President before it becomes a law. So, the laws of our country have the blessing of majority voice of Parliament and hence all the members are accountable for the laws we have. Secondly, we have all policy decisions being brought before the Parliament for informing the people about the Government policies and people who do not agree have a forum to register their disagreement. The Parliament has a Public accounts committee that goes through the Auditor report on Government spending and discrepancies. Also, there are sub committees headed by distinguished and veteran Parliamentarians for various Governmental initiatives where inputs can be provided by people who actually seek to make their voice count.
The law and order apparatus is also based on similar belief. It has a self correcting mechanism and it is incumbent upon the senior official to be accountable for the actions of those reporting directly to him. So if a constable is corrupt, then the SHO is accountable for it…so on …to the Police Sub inspector.. to the Circle officer …to the Superintendent … to the DCP and the Commissioner. Our Constitution provides for several levels of checks and decentralizes the duties but consolidates authority in the upward direction. Even the power of Governance is distributed between the Executive (headed by the Prime Minister), the Legislature (to make effective laws) and the Judiciary (so see that the letter and the spirit of Constitution prevail). Each leg of the Constitution acts as a check/balance for the powers of the other leg and together they run the show. If one of the legs malfunctions, the other takes it upon them to sound the errant and try for a course correction. If any systemic problem is identified then each leg of the Constitution must resort to self correction. I know this is a long and tedious process but it is the only effective and lasting solution.
Now, there is a case for creation of an ombudsman or “Lok Pal” who will look into malfunctions in the executive and bureaucracy. There is a huge outcry to include the legislature and the judiciary. I think we must ask ourselves one question, if we do not trust our elected representatives with absolute power and want a judiciary to keep a tab on them, how can we trust a nominated body like the ombudsman with absolute power to prosecute. Who guarantees that this unchecked authority will not get involved in system corruption like the one that’s crippling our other institutions? If several levels of checks provided by our constitution can fail, then it is only a matter of time that the ombudsman fails. When it does, don’t we need to install a proper systemic check so that it does not create a crisis beyond repair? I know, betting on the ombudsman to fail seems cynical and negative, but we must factor in the fact that all institution were created with the public good in mind, however, over a period of time, they began malfunctioning and corruption crept in. We need to factor in that eventuality and not wait for the malfunction to set in before we begin looking for checks and balances. Also, if we have decided not to trust any of our existing institutions, then aren't we being hypocritical in reposing all our faith on an institution that does not even exist. Are we in the wrong for saying, “if we had an ombudsman, this would never happen” when we are not sure how an ombudsman would actually function. Are we trying to seek momentary happiness by looking for a panacea for all our problems, so that we feel we are in safe hands? When this illusion ends, will we be better off or worse off? We need to ask these tough questions to ourselves and the dream merchants (read India against corruption campaign) who are trying to sell this dream. It is very easy to say all my problems would go away if I had a million dollars and was rich; until you actually have it, you can never be sure if you will be better off or worse off. So isn’t it better to make the best use of existing resources and force our institution to self regulate. It will take a long time… maybe 10 years.. maybe more. Trust me; it is the only solution that will last because no one likes a big brother watching over our shoulders. We have to enforce high accountability rather than increase the number of regulators because even the regulators can fail.
So long….
Why our parliamentarians must watch Zindagi na Milegi Dobara
Let me start with the premise that I have watched the movie and it could not satisfy me; but that’s just me. I expect a lot more from a movie than a narrative about a foreign locale. Anyway, I am not here to provide feedback to excel entertainment on their latest production, I am here to impress upon our parliamentarians to make use of TODAY rather than keep procrastination. I only want to state that now, more than ever, when people are questioning the whole point of having Parliament as a forum if the entire political class uses it for mere theatrics than substance filled debates, we need the politicians to not disappoint us. In the past, we've had the likes of Sharad Yadav (MP, Janata Dal (U), Bihar) who infamously said on the floor of the house “women’s reservation bill will be passed over my dead body”; we've had a Sushma Swaraj (Leader of opposition) who feels everything that goes right in this country is God’s grace and everything that goes wrong is the Prime Minister’s fault. It’s been a long time that we have seen gripping debates in the Parliament solely based on facts and numbers. We want to see debates not disruptions and they better get this point. At all costs the Parliament should be allowed to run. People who want their voices to be heard, will stay back and debate and as for the rest, they have the television studios for theatrics. So guys, please seize the moment, stand up and be counted.
The Parliament has been convened by the President for the monsoon session and in a run up to this we have had several un-precedented events. First, we have the fallout of many financial irregularities that has been gripping the imagination of our nation. So far, we have seen peace meal explanations given by the government on various media platforms. These media platforms are basically used for grandstanding and no one comes to these studios with intent to debate the topics. The sad part of the story is, no one wants to let us know the real truth behind these acts of omission and commission and every political party is trying to build a smokescreen and making a virtue of a necessity. My point to the politicians is simple: As the citizen of this country,” WE MUST KNOW THE TRUTH”. We must understand where our representatives stand on issues that matter to us. The truth of the matter is no one wants to let us know the truth. Each political party sends a green horn to the news studio and the dumb-ass just stands there defending his party line. Every charge is not answered on the merits, but on politics. Someone needs to tell these “party spokespersons” that pointing to your opponent’s mistakes don’t automatically defend your stand. Every criminal act has motive and logic behind the act, and all we want to know is how you face the charge and what the intention was. We understand that even the Prime Minister can make mistakes (policy failure, wrong appointments etc.) and as humans we err before we get it right. All we ask of you is to explain your intent and reasoning behind your decisions and leave to us to judge if it was an honest mistake or mala-fide intent. We don’t want to know how your political party is less corrupt than that of your opponent. So my point is, if you harp on the fact –“Parliament is Supreme”, show it on the floor with issue based debates. Throw your punches on the Prime Minister, make it very very personal battle, make it no holds barred but for God’s sake don’t mess around with your electorate. Our only problem is you guys don’t debate. In television studios you say “Parliament is the forum for debates” and when the Parliament is in session, there is abysmal attendance and mostly disruptions. The “common man” is frustrated that either ways his representatives are not responding to his queries. Its time we raise the level of political discourse in this country; do it now voluntarily, else it will forced upon you by the likes of Anna Hazare.
We have seen many a protests and “fasts” and other unnatural and banal actions by “civil society” groups. We have Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and Bengal faced with farmer protests every other day over land acquisition. The problem is well known and ancient land-acquisition law of 1894 that is being used in 2011. Even the Supreme Court has struck down several shady land deals by the Government of UP recently stating we need a better law. So we have an immediate problem to address. Anna Hazare and his group of “distinguished morons” are going around holding referendum in Kapil Sibal’s constituency. Annaji, why are you making it personal? Mr. Sibal is doing his job as a Minister and you are doing yours. If you have a right to opinion, so does he. Now it is for the collective wisdom of the Parliament to debate and pass the Lokpal Bill. You have a right to hold “referendum” as you call it, but Parliament also has a right to ignore its outcome. Government is your friend and not your enemy; you should use your pull with the people to impress upon the Government not to antagonise it by going tom-tom about the PM being corrupt. We know it’s the absurdity of Mr. Kejriwal and the Bhushans that you are mouthing, but in the days to come, you will stand to regret the fact that you were being used by them. We have several financial bills like the Goods and Service Tax regime, Direct tax code, Foreign Direct Investment in Retail, NREGA amendment bill which are necessary for kick starting second level reforms in various sectors. A new telecom policy needs to be worked on, foreign university bill for HRD, Communal violence bill are also waiting to be tabled in the house. So in layman terms, there is enough work to last the 40 days that Parliament will function and we want the Parliamentarians to make use of every bit of it. Of course, we will have a bit of nudge and push to the Government by the opposition and there will be time for passionate speeches and the Prime Minister’s response; but all of this will be lost if we don’t allow the Parliament to function.
In the past, we have made a mockery of the Parliament and it has resulted in people daring to question the forum and wanting to create laws at Ramleela maidan and Jantar Mantar. When its turf is threatened, even an animal fights back and here, we have people directly wanting to take over the process of legislation and our legislators are still busy fighting each other. For every Raja there are Reddys and for every Ashok Chavan there is Yeddy. So please stop fooling around and make the best of this opportunity. You may not a get a second chance to win back your credibility and establish the supremacy of Parliament, so please don’t let it go down the drain.
So long…
The Parliament has been convened by the President for the monsoon session and in a run up to this we have had several un-precedented events. First, we have the fallout of many financial irregularities that has been gripping the imagination of our nation. So far, we have seen peace meal explanations given by the government on various media platforms. These media platforms are basically used for grandstanding and no one comes to these studios with intent to debate the topics. The sad part of the story is, no one wants to let us know the real truth behind these acts of omission and commission and every political party is trying to build a smokescreen and making a virtue of a necessity. My point to the politicians is simple: As the citizen of this country,” WE MUST KNOW THE TRUTH”. We must understand where our representatives stand on issues that matter to us. The truth of the matter is no one wants to let us know the truth. Each political party sends a green horn to the news studio and the dumb-ass just stands there defending his party line. Every charge is not answered on the merits, but on politics. Someone needs to tell these “party spokespersons” that pointing to your opponent’s mistakes don’t automatically defend your stand. Every criminal act has motive and logic behind the act, and all we want to know is how you face the charge and what the intention was. We understand that even the Prime Minister can make mistakes (policy failure, wrong appointments etc.) and as humans we err before we get it right. All we ask of you is to explain your intent and reasoning behind your decisions and leave to us to judge if it was an honest mistake or mala-fide intent. We don’t want to know how your political party is less corrupt than that of your opponent. So my point is, if you harp on the fact –“Parliament is Supreme”, show it on the floor with issue based debates. Throw your punches on the Prime Minister, make it very very personal battle, make it no holds barred but for God’s sake don’t mess around with your electorate. Our only problem is you guys don’t debate. In television studios you say “Parliament is the forum for debates” and when the Parliament is in session, there is abysmal attendance and mostly disruptions. The “common man” is frustrated that either ways his representatives are not responding to his queries. Its time we raise the level of political discourse in this country; do it now voluntarily, else it will forced upon you by the likes of Anna Hazare.
We have seen many a protests and “fasts” and other unnatural and banal actions by “civil society” groups. We have Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and Bengal faced with farmer protests every other day over land acquisition. The problem is well known and ancient land-acquisition law of 1894 that is being used in 2011. Even the Supreme Court has struck down several shady land deals by the Government of UP recently stating we need a better law. So we have an immediate problem to address. Anna Hazare and his group of “distinguished morons” are going around holding referendum in Kapil Sibal’s constituency. Annaji, why are you making it personal? Mr. Sibal is doing his job as a Minister and you are doing yours. If you have a right to opinion, so does he. Now it is for the collective wisdom of the Parliament to debate and pass the Lokpal Bill. You have a right to hold “referendum” as you call it, but Parliament also has a right to ignore its outcome. Government is your friend and not your enemy; you should use your pull with the people to impress upon the Government not to antagonise it by going tom-tom about the PM being corrupt. We know it’s the absurdity of Mr. Kejriwal and the Bhushans that you are mouthing, but in the days to come, you will stand to regret the fact that you were being used by them. We have several financial bills like the Goods and Service Tax regime, Direct tax code, Foreign Direct Investment in Retail, NREGA amendment bill which are necessary for kick starting second level reforms in various sectors. A new telecom policy needs to be worked on, foreign university bill for HRD, Communal violence bill are also waiting to be tabled in the house. So in layman terms, there is enough work to last the 40 days that Parliament will function and we want the Parliamentarians to make use of every bit of it. Of course, we will have a bit of nudge and push to the Government by the opposition and there will be time for passionate speeches and the Prime Minister’s response; but all of this will be lost if we don’t allow the Parliament to function.
In the past, we have made a mockery of the Parliament and it has resulted in people daring to question the forum and wanting to create laws at Ramleela maidan and Jantar Mantar. When its turf is threatened, even an animal fights back and here, we have people directly wanting to take over the process of legislation and our legislators are still busy fighting each other. For every Raja there are Reddys and for every Ashok Chavan there is Yeddy. So please stop fooling around and make the best of this opportunity. You may not a get a second chance to win back your credibility and establish the supremacy of Parliament, so please don’t let it go down the drain.
So long…
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The stories which nobody wants to hear.........
Disclaimer: The events used in this story may have been historical but the persons referred to are purely imaginary and are used to put across a point of view. Any resemblance to any person living or dead maybe purely coincidental.
10-November-1984
"When an large tree is felled, the earth feels the shivers". The city of Delhi was still coming to terms about the assassination of the Prime Minister. There was a deathly silence about the state mourning observed and it was as if a lull before a storm. It is said, a lot about politics could be learned from the 'pan-wala' in Delhi and on one such occasion I overheard a guy warning his Sikh friend to shift out of Delhi to avoid any sort of back lash to the assassination. The Sikh guy was pretty cool about it and told his friend that he believes in the Government and they will be safe in Delhi. I smiled at this guy and said, "Am sorry to say, but I am impressed by your belief in the Government.. I would not risk my life, if I were you". I still remember his words "Hi.. you don't know me. I am Mr. Goldie Brar, I have lived my entire life in Delhi. This is my home. I would not leave my home just because some eccentric person assassinated the PM. I believe in India and will not leave Delhi" . I just smiled and left. I heard a few days later that Goldie was in the hospital nursing injuries. I thought I would pay a visit. I could not recognize the guy, it was clean shaven trim haired version of Goldie (Sikhs wear a turban and sport a beard). I said "kya hua?". He looked at me with stone cold eyes. After a few tense moments he spoke "Mohalle waale sagey nahi rahe.. unhone madat nahi ki. Meri biwi ka balatkaar hua and saalon ne usse kaat diya... koi aage nahi aaya bachane....saare chup chaap khade dekh rahe the..."
15-June-1990
"Kashmir void of pandits". The ethnic cleansing of the Kashmir valley has been complete. After series of violent deaths in the valley and eternal threat of militants, seeing no response by the state to protect them, the Kashmiri pandits have left the valley in millions and have settled in numerous refugee camps in Jammu and near the national capital. The pandits are so shattered by the experience that they do not intend to return. It is a sad narrative for our diverse country which was proud of its mixed heritage.
7- December -1992
I was traveling with a group of people from Lucknow to Delhi using the state transport bus. I remember I boarded the bus in a tense atmosphere. Almost everyone in the bus was secretly talking about what happened the evening before when a huge army of kar-sevaks demolished a 450 year old Babri masjid stoking fuel into the communal fire. Lucknow had been tense all day. The chief minister had resigned owing moral responsibility and the entire state was tense. Unable to continue my trip, I planned to return to Delhi. It was a quiet and chilly December night and almost everyone on the bus was awake and talking under their breath. After we crossed the city limits, the bus took a detour for a break for the drivers to have some tea. I remember it was 1:00 am and I was out of the bus to buy some cigarettes. All of a sudden, a police jeep arrived and 2 men wearing saffron head gear got off the jeep. They inquired about the people in the bus and picked out the 3 Muslim gentlemen sitting at the back of the bus. They literally dragged them out and put them in the jeep and drove away. None of us spoke or asked the men about their behavior. We just let a few of us be picked up based on religious profile and we moved on with our journey as if nothing happened. I remember the looks on the faces of these men. There was fear and surrender. As if they knew that they would not be alive and were the city fleeing to save their lives, but fate had caught up. I remember one guy was tugging onto my shirt as if to say "please save me...".. I stood there cold to the fact that I let it happen before my eyes and did not stop or protest. I read in the newspapers a few days later that "3 Muslim youth, Rizwan, Shafi and Noora were severely beaten up and left for dead on Lucknow - Delhi Highway. Police suspects hate crime"
10-January-1993
Today was just another day at work, yet it was very different. Everyone was talking in whispers and even though no one said it, it was very evident that entire city of Bombay was saying a silent prayer. It was almost a month ago that this city had seen a communal riot and today some politicians were planning to revive the communal sentiments by sharp and crude editorials in their political mouth piece. Everyone was worried about how the administration was going to stop violence this time. It was a theme in Bombay that was hard to miss. Every political party turned a blind eye and let the city burn the last time around; will it be repeated. The trains were running empty in the evening. I saw a mob chase a woman and her two young girls with sticks and swords. I shuddered but stayed quiet, it was not a moment for bravado but for survival instinct to kick in. Sometimes you need to be oblivious to your surroundings so that you can survive. The next morning several people were gathered around our building and were discussing something animatedly. Turns out, Dr. Khalid Ahmed of our locality was brutally thrashed and his wife and girls were massacred near the railway crossing. The mob had burned down his house and his clinic. We were all sad about the event that a very learned doctor and a philanthropist had to face this eventuality. He and his family (being well off) had always helped people in our locality and Dr. Ahmed was known for his free medical help to poor and needy. It was a cruel joke that at his hour of need, no one helped him out.
14-March-1993
"Blasts rock the financial capital Bombay". As many as 13 blasts occurred at various locations killing at least 200 people and injuring scores of them. So far no one seems to know who could have targeted the city in such a big way. Police sources say (anonymously) the blasts were an act of revenge for the communal riots that had gripped the city few months ago.
28-February-2002
News spread in Ahmadabad that a train carrying kar-sewaks was burned down at Godhra (few hundred kilometers from Ahmadabad) and several people had died in the tragedy. The news spread like wildfire in Gujarat and there was simultaneous out pour of agony and sympathy. Some right wing groups vowed revenge for the massacre. Two days later, I was travelling to Delhi from Ahmadabad on a train. The station was packed to the limit and many people were travelling without luggage. Most of them had a look of fear. Last night, a mob of right wing activists had burned down a large township near Ahmadabad and killed around 400 people. The mob was looking to kill minorities and assaulted to kill anyone who tried to protect them. I met several people whose near and dear ones were killed /maimed/ burned in front of them just because they were from minority community or had sought to aid them. Most people I met, vowed never to return to Ahmadabad........
26-May-2005
"Mumbai shook by twin blasts". Gateway of India and Zaveri bazaar rocked!! Police suspect communal harted to be the motive. So far 6 people have died and 20 injured.
12-July-2006
Serial blasts in the suburban train network killing almost 150 people with several hundreds injured. First class compartments were the target of the conspirators. Tiffin containers and office bags were used to plant the bombs in the trains. Police receive anonymous e-mail suggesting that the blasts were in retaliation of the Gujarat massacre few years ago.
Year 2008
Blasts have been a norm this year. The Union minister for home affairs faced a volley of tough questions today. First it was Samjautha express, then Mecca Masjid (Hyderabad); then Ajmer Sharif; then Bangalore (twin blasts) and lastly Ahmadabad (28 blasts). In all the cases several youths of minority community have been arrested and have been in the jail for almost six months. There has been no progress on any of these cases and the media reports suggest that most arrests made by the authorities have been eye wash to show some action has been taken. The minister facing flak for inaction has blamed fundamentalism for the latest surge in violent attacks.
For most of us, these are the news items over the past 25 years collected and chronicled, but for scores of us, these were life changing events. These were events during which we as a country have failed our citizen. We allowed the use of religion to stoke passions. We allowed the use of state force to torture and kill some of us. In some cases by active participation and in most cases by passive support, we have reduced a united India to look more and more divided with every passing day. Some political parties allowed the massacre to allow their foot soldiers vent their anger and the rest of us don't want to look like appeasing the minorities so we turned a blind eye and do not take up their cause. Event after event it has been more and more clear that lack of closure for the communal riots of the past have motivated the youths of this country to indulge in terrorism. Indians are not new to attacks by terrorists from the neighbourhood, but now Indians were attacking each other using terror as a platform. Instead of applying a soothing balm to old wounds by giving them legal recourse, political game of one upmanship and strong religious identity groups don't allow the normal course of justice. In most cases the investigation is stifled as it begins to lead to the doors of some high flying minister. Instead, we use these events to fester old wounds and create the atmosphere for the next terrorist attack. It is a vicious cycle and all of us are to blame for it. We use politics to shield the people who indulge in communalising the society and this in-turn allows fringe groups to attack our cities in the name of avenging the wrong doings. We are unknowingly doing this and every time there is a blast or an attack on our cities we wonder, "Why do these people not let us live in peace"... Instead, we must hang our head in shame that we have always failed our fellow citizen in the hour of need. Someone has to stop this cycle of violence and start the cycle of re-conciliation. We need a statesman.. now more than ever.
So long.......
10-November-1984
"When an large tree is felled, the earth feels the shivers". The city of Delhi was still coming to terms about the assassination of the Prime Minister. There was a deathly silence about the state mourning observed and it was as if a lull before a storm. It is said, a lot about politics could be learned from the 'pan-wala' in Delhi and on one such occasion I overheard a guy warning his Sikh friend to shift out of Delhi to avoid any sort of back lash to the assassination. The Sikh guy was pretty cool about it and told his friend that he believes in the Government and they will be safe in Delhi. I smiled at this guy and said, "Am sorry to say, but I am impressed by your belief in the Government.. I would not risk my life, if I were you". I still remember his words "Hi.. you don't know me. I am Mr. Goldie Brar, I have lived my entire life in Delhi. This is my home. I would not leave my home just because some eccentric person assassinated the PM. I believe in India and will not leave Delhi" . I just smiled and left. I heard a few days later that Goldie was in the hospital nursing injuries. I thought I would pay a visit. I could not recognize the guy, it was clean shaven trim haired version of Goldie (Sikhs wear a turban and sport a beard). I said "kya hua?". He looked at me with stone cold eyes. After a few tense moments he spoke "Mohalle waale sagey nahi rahe.. unhone madat nahi ki. Meri biwi ka balatkaar hua and saalon ne usse kaat diya... koi aage nahi aaya bachane....saare chup chaap khade dekh rahe the..."
15-June-1990
"Kashmir void of pandits". The ethnic cleansing of the Kashmir valley has been complete. After series of violent deaths in the valley and eternal threat of militants, seeing no response by the state to protect them, the Kashmiri pandits have left the valley in millions and have settled in numerous refugee camps in Jammu and near the national capital. The pandits are so shattered by the experience that they do not intend to return. It is a sad narrative for our diverse country which was proud of its mixed heritage.
7- December -1992
I was traveling with a group of people from Lucknow to Delhi using the state transport bus. I remember I boarded the bus in a tense atmosphere. Almost everyone in the bus was secretly talking about what happened the evening before when a huge army of kar-sevaks demolished a 450 year old Babri masjid stoking fuel into the communal fire. Lucknow had been tense all day. The chief minister had resigned owing moral responsibility and the entire state was tense. Unable to continue my trip, I planned to return to Delhi. It was a quiet and chilly December night and almost everyone on the bus was awake and talking under their breath. After we crossed the city limits, the bus took a detour for a break for the drivers to have some tea. I remember it was 1:00 am and I was out of the bus to buy some cigarettes. All of a sudden, a police jeep arrived and 2 men wearing saffron head gear got off the jeep. They inquired about the people in the bus and picked out the 3 Muslim gentlemen sitting at the back of the bus. They literally dragged them out and put them in the jeep and drove away. None of us spoke or asked the men about their behavior. We just let a few of us be picked up based on religious profile and we moved on with our journey as if nothing happened. I remember the looks on the faces of these men. There was fear and surrender. As if they knew that they would not be alive and were the city fleeing to save their lives, but fate had caught up. I remember one guy was tugging onto my shirt as if to say "please save me...".. I stood there cold to the fact that I let it happen before my eyes and did not stop or protest. I read in the newspapers a few days later that "3 Muslim youth, Rizwan, Shafi and Noora were severely beaten up and left for dead on Lucknow - Delhi Highway. Police suspects hate crime"
10-January-1993
Today was just another day at work, yet it was very different. Everyone was talking in whispers and even though no one said it, it was very evident that entire city of Bombay was saying a silent prayer. It was almost a month ago that this city had seen a communal riot and today some politicians were planning to revive the communal sentiments by sharp and crude editorials in their political mouth piece. Everyone was worried about how the administration was going to stop violence this time. It was a theme in Bombay that was hard to miss. Every political party turned a blind eye and let the city burn the last time around; will it be repeated. The trains were running empty in the evening. I saw a mob chase a woman and her two young girls with sticks and swords. I shuddered but stayed quiet, it was not a moment for bravado but for survival instinct to kick in. Sometimes you need to be oblivious to your surroundings so that you can survive. The next morning several people were gathered around our building and were discussing something animatedly. Turns out, Dr. Khalid Ahmed of our locality was brutally thrashed and his wife and girls were massacred near the railway crossing. The mob had burned down his house and his clinic. We were all sad about the event that a very learned doctor and a philanthropist had to face this eventuality. He and his family (being well off) had always helped people in our locality and Dr. Ahmed was known for his free medical help to poor and needy. It was a cruel joke that at his hour of need, no one helped him out.
14-March-1993
"Blasts rock the financial capital Bombay". As many as 13 blasts occurred at various locations killing at least 200 people and injuring scores of them. So far no one seems to know who could have targeted the city in such a big way. Police sources say (anonymously) the blasts were an act of revenge for the communal riots that had gripped the city few months ago.
28-February-2002
News spread in Ahmadabad that a train carrying kar-sewaks was burned down at Godhra (few hundred kilometers from Ahmadabad) and several people had died in the tragedy. The news spread like wildfire in Gujarat and there was simultaneous out pour of agony and sympathy. Some right wing groups vowed revenge for the massacre. Two days later, I was travelling to Delhi from Ahmadabad on a train. The station was packed to the limit and many people were travelling without luggage. Most of them had a look of fear. Last night, a mob of right wing activists had burned down a large township near Ahmadabad and killed around 400 people. The mob was looking to kill minorities and assaulted to kill anyone who tried to protect them. I met several people whose near and dear ones were killed /maimed/ burned in front of them just because they were from minority community or had sought to aid them. Most people I met, vowed never to return to Ahmadabad........
26-May-2005
"Mumbai shook by twin blasts". Gateway of India and Zaveri bazaar rocked!! Police suspect communal harted to be the motive. So far 6 people have died and 20 injured.
12-July-2006
Serial blasts in the suburban train network killing almost 150 people with several hundreds injured. First class compartments were the target of the conspirators. Tiffin containers and office bags were used to plant the bombs in the trains. Police receive anonymous e-mail suggesting that the blasts were in retaliation of the Gujarat massacre few years ago.
Year 2008
Blasts have been a norm this year. The Union minister for home affairs faced a volley of tough questions today. First it was Samjautha express, then Mecca Masjid (Hyderabad); then Ajmer Sharif; then Bangalore (twin blasts) and lastly Ahmadabad (28 blasts). In all the cases several youths of minority community have been arrested and have been in the jail for almost six months. There has been no progress on any of these cases and the media reports suggest that most arrests made by the authorities have been eye wash to show some action has been taken. The minister facing flak for inaction has blamed fundamentalism for the latest surge in violent attacks.
For most of us, these are the news items over the past 25 years collected and chronicled, but for scores of us, these were life changing events. These were events during which we as a country have failed our citizen. We allowed the use of religion to stoke passions. We allowed the use of state force to torture and kill some of us. In some cases by active participation and in most cases by passive support, we have reduced a united India to look more and more divided with every passing day. Some political parties allowed the massacre to allow their foot soldiers vent their anger and the rest of us don't want to look like appeasing the minorities so we turned a blind eye and do not take up their cause. Event after event it has been more and more clear that lack of closure for the communal riots of the past have motivated the youths of this country to indulge in terrorism. Indians are not new to attacks by terrorists from the neighbourhood, but now Indians were attacking each other using terror as a platform. Instead of applying a soothing balm to old wounds by giving them legal recourse, political game of one upmanship and strong religious identity groups don't allow the normal course of justice. In most cases the investigation is stifled as it begins to lead to the doors of some high flying minister. Instead, we use these events to fester old wounds and create the atmosphere for the next terrorist attack. It is a vicious cycle and all of us are to blame for it. We use politics to shield the people who indulge in communalising the society and this in-turn allows fringe groups to attack our cities in the name of avenging the wrong doings. We are unknowingly doing this and every time there is a blast or an attack on our cities we wonder, "Why do these people not let us live in peace"... Instead, we must hang our head in shame that we have always failed our fellow citizen in the hour of need. Someone has to stop this cycle of violence and start the cycle of re-conciliation. We need a statesman.. now more than ever.
So long.......
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
If the Lord could speak.....
In the midst of all the politicking about black, white and grey monies, comes bolt out of the blue. A relatively unheard of temple in Kerala is coughing up $20 billion in gold coins and ornaments. The valuation does not include the antique pricing which might go upto 4 times this value. All of sudden, Sree Ananthapadhbanabha Swamy temple is the richest in India (maybe in the entire world). This had brought a sharp focus on the ways in which we donate to our temples and the way these funds are utilized.
I am taking into account the fact that any money saved by me for a rainy day comes under the wide ambit of tax laws. If I pledge that I have stashed away the funds for investment under various sections of tax laws that govern our country, I am allowed only after providing the tax authority of ample proof that I am indeed complying to my pledge. Even then, the proceeds of my investment (interest earned / capital gains ) are taxed as they are "income" generated from my funds. In short, if we are honest in declaring what we own, we end up paying more rather than being incentivised for honest compliance. In this context, if I choose not to earn any money; instead I invest in building say a temple / church / masjid / gurudwara etc. or become a patron of one, I have access to unending wealth and no tax :) A win - win situation to be in. I would like to state at the very beginning that I have high respect for the priests / pastors /maulavis / granthi who have make a meagre living in some place of worship in a remote area, I have a bone to pick with the very famous temples and other places of worship which are tourist attractions and have yearly turnovers which could shame many business houses around the world. I feel they live a life of plenty where they are expected to use the proceeds for charitable causes.
Add to this the presence of godmen in our country is more a bane than a boon. Anyone who is anyone makes a business of "belief in the Almighty" and mints money. Worse, they earn always in cash and its next to impossible to audit the proceeds that they generate. Refer to the Ramdev saga where an almost good for nothing person is making billions selling dreams to millions of people. Today this guy has the balls to give sermons to all of us on black money without considering the sham of yoga and ayurvedic medicine, under which he mints billions every year. Consider the press stories (which are being hushed up) of crores of rupees and almost 100 kg gold recovered from the chambers of the late Baba of Puttaparthi. In the case of baba, to be fair to him, he had built many hospitals and educational institutions in which education and health care was provided at low cost for everyone (irrespective of religion). So in a way, what he earned by being a Godman, he returned to society in his own ways. I only question the extent of mismanagement of funds now that he is no more. Is it fair to allow these men run amuck with looting the money people donated for charity and not even paying taxes on them. Why should certain good for nothing people become rich from the proceeds of charity and the poor man is still on the streets starving due to lack of food and dying because of lack of shelter and access to health care. How different are these godmen and religious trusts different from the politicians who loot the taxes that we contribute towards the expenses to be made for us.
Why should not there be an audit of funds by private firms ordered by the Government on the utilization of funds for the purpose of charity by these religious trusts Why should we let them have a free hand "in the name of God" so that they continue making money in his name and add on the black money generated in India. If the Lord Almighty could speak, am sure he would say "take care of my people and don't let any person die because of lack of means.. rather than build grand places of worship in gold and precious stones in my name" . I am sure honoring the life that he created would be better than studding his image with precious ornaments. In the end, bringing a smile on the faces of the have-nots should be termed higher than donating to these godmen because you maybe feeding a system that creates huge amount of black money. In the end...... the Travencore King can't wash his hands off the trust he heads by saying "It is God's money", as chief patrons its also his job to see that its being used for God's work.
So long.....
I am taking into account the fact that any money saved by me for a rainy day comes under the wide ambit of tax laws. If I pledge that I have stashed away the funds for investment under various sections of tax laws that govern our country, I am allowed only after providing the tax authority of ample proof that I am indeed complying to my pledge. Even then, the proceeds of my investment (interest earned / capital gains ) are taxed as they are "income" generated from my funds. In short, if we are honest in declaring what we own, we end up paying more rather than being incentivised for honest compliance. In this context, if I choose not to earn any money; instead I invest in building say a temple / church / masjid / gurudwara etc. or become a patron of one, I have access to unending wealth and no tax :) A win - win situation to be in. I would like to state at the very beginning that I have high respect for the priests / pastors /maulavis / granthi who have make a meagre living in some place of worship in a remote area, I have a bone to pick with the very famous temples and other places of worship which are tourist attractions and have yearly turnovers which could shame many business houses around the world. I feel they live a life of plenty where they are expected to use the proceeds for charitable causes.
Add to this the presence of godmen in our country is more a bane than a boon. Anyone who is anyone makes a business of "belief in the Almighty" and mints money. Worse, they earn always in cash and its next to impossible to audit the proceeds that they generate. Refer to the Ramdev saga where an almost good for nothing person is making billions selling dreams to millions of people. Today this guy has the balls to give sermons to all of us on black money without considering the sham of yoga and ayurvedic medicine, under which he mints billions every year. Consider the press stories (which are being hushed up) of crores of rupees and almost 100 kg gold recovered from the chambers of the late Baba of Puttaparthi. In the case of baba, to be fair to him, he had built many hospitals and educational institutions in which education and health care was provided at low cost for everyone (irrespective of religion). So in a way, what he earned by being a Godman, he returned to society in his own ways. I only question the extent of mismanagement of funds now that he is no more. Is it fair to allow these men run amuck with looting the money people donated for charity and not even paying taxes on them. Why should certain good for nothing people become rich from the proceeds of charity and the poor man is still on the streets starving due to lack of food and dying because of lack of shelter and access to health care. How different are these godmen and religious trusts different from the politicians who loot the taxes that we contribute towards the expenses to be made for us.
Why should not there be an audit of funds by private firms ordered by the Government on the utilization of funds for the purpose of charity by these religious trusts Why should we let them have a free hand "in the name of God" so that they continue making money in his name and add on the black money generated in India. If the Lord Almighty could speak, am sure he would say "take care of my people and don't let any person die because of lack of means.. rather than build grand places of worship in gold and precious stones in my name" . I am sure honoring the life that he created would be better than studding his image with precious ornaments. In the end, bringing a smile on the faces of the have-nots should be termed higher than donating to these godmen because you maybe feeding a system that creates huge amount of black money. In the end...... the Travencore King can't wash his hands off the trust he heads by saying "It is God's money", as chief patrons its also his job to see that its being used for God's work.
So long.....
Monday, May 16, 2011
Is His Excellency the Governor crazy ???
Hans Raj Bharadwaj, His Excellency the Governor of Karnataka is in the news again. News report suggest that the Governor has taken into account the recent events and recommended the Karnataka Assembly to be kept in "suspended animation". The BJP is up in arms against the Governor and the Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa is planning a dharna outside Raj Bhavan. Soli Sorabjee (former attorney general of India) has called this move by the Governor as arbitrary and accused him of acting partisan and behaviour not worthy of the head of state. All this furore has brought sharp focus on the role of Governor and a basic question, should the head of state be a mute spectator if the executive is running a poor show? If the CM is running the government at the pleasure of the Governor, should the CM be allowed to foul mouth the Governor. If the same thing happens at the Centre, will we all abuse the President of India? These are all valid questions and needs introspection. In the end, if the Governor cannot act as a checks and balance to the working of Chief Minister then probably we do not need a head of state. Let the CM be supreme authority. Else, lets respect the chair of the Governor and not foul mouth it in public.
Let me come to the particular problem. Soli Sorabjee (with no due respect) is losing it. He is called upon by the news channels as a constitutional expert but arrives always on behalf of his client, B.S. Yeddyurappa. People should know that he appeared on behalf of the Government of Karnataka in the High court to justify arbitrary disqualification of 16 BJP members of legislative assembly by the Speaker of Karnataka Assembly. The Government (i.e CM and the Speaker) received strictures from the Supreme court for not following procedures and not following path of natural justice. Even then, Soli Sorabjee had a blinkered view that everything Yeddy does is the right way forward. Even now, he stands by his client. Moving on, let me take you through the 3 years of BJP rule in Karnataka and at the end of it I would like to ask, was the Governor arbitrary?
In May 2008, the BJP got its first government in south Indian state of Karnataka. B.S. Yeddy rode on the sympathy wave caused by "breach of trust" by ex-CM Kumarswamy which led to mid-term polls. Since then, in the last 3 years, Karnataka has hardly seen the CM in control. For first 3 months, Anant Kumar (BJP MP, Bangalore South) was breathing down his neck as he wanted to be the CM of first BJP Government of Karnataka. Somehow, Yeddy convinced the Delhi leadership that if the BJP wanted to get Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka, they must let him be the CM for at least a year. He got a breather. In 2009, Nort-east Karnataka saw the worst floods which affected 5 districts and completely destroyed several villages. People were living in camps and roadsides with no food or water. Yeddy decided on "padyatra" to ask for donations for flood relief and the people of Karnataka donated generously. The CM raised 500 crores in 10 days and got a relief package of 1500 crores from centre. Midway through the padyatra, Reddy brothers began the strangle hold on Yeddy and the CM cancelled his plans to bring on flood relief. Yeddy was in Delhi for next 45 days trying to save his Government. Imagine, the state without a CM for 45days when it is facing worst floods. On 46th day, Yeddy appeared on TV weeping that he had to sacrifice Shobha Karandlaje (minister in his cabinet) in order to save his Government. He could not find tears for people who lost their life, property, near/dear ones in the floods but he sure cried for his friend and colleague.
The Government was saved. No one knows what happened to the 500 crore that he raised from public donations. In the next 3 months, the office of the CM, several of his ministers were dragged into illegal mining controversy and the CM agreed that he was arm twisted by Reddy brothers into allowing it. The Supreme Court brought a ban on mining in Karnataka because the CM was helpless in stopping it. There were several allegations of illegal land denotification by the CM to favour his family and relatives. Interestingly, he agreed to doing it and said he was following his predecessor (isn't A.Raja in Tihar Jail for same reasons :P ). Again he was seen weeping on TV citing his limitations and asking people to indulge him. Meanwhile, Yeddy has been buying loyalties of Reddy brothers by giving them plump ministerial portfolios. Reddy brothers are bankrolling elections in Karnataka by "operation Lotus" where-in they make legislators from JD-S and Congress resign their seats in-lieu of 30 crores cash and surety of getting them re-elected on a BJP ticket. This has helped BJP increase its tally from 108 /224 in May 2008 to 121/224 in May 2011. Awesome operation indeed. Again in October 2010, Yeddy faced fresh rebellion from 16 MLAs and was asked to prove his majority on the floor by H.E. the Governor. Yeddy won the vote but not without a little help from the Speaker who randomly disqualified the 16 MLAs and did not allow them to vote. For last 6 months, the Lokayukta of Karnataka is building a case to prosecute Yeddy and Reddys for illegal mining and illegal denotification.
The last nail in the coffin was the Supreme court strictures and reversal of disqualification of the 16 MLAs by the Speaker. Now, if the Governor fires Yeddy, it cannot be called arbitrary. If I were Yeddy, I would thank His Excellency profusely for putting me out of my misery and allow President's rule. When next elections are announced, go to the people and ask for a bigger mandate and rub salts on the wounds of Congress. The BJP as usual is trying to resuscitate a Government in coma. If they save it today, in 6 months there will be fresh rebellion. Who are the losers?? the people of Karnataka. They deserve a Government who serves them but they have a CM who is forever trying to save his chair and fight the Governor. Please pull the plug and end this charade. Seek a fresh mandate without the money power of Reddys if you really want to govern. Else continue this path of perpetual confrontation and lose the next election miserably as you will not have any achievement to show for.
So long.....
Let me come to the particular problem. Soli Sorabjee (with no due respect) is losing it. He is called upon by the news channels as a constitutional expert but arrives always on behalf of his client, B.S. Yeddyurappa. People should know that he appeared on behalf of the Government of Karnataka in the High court to justify arbitrary disqualification of 16 BJP members of legislative assembly by the Speaker of Karnataka Assembly. The Government (i.e CM and the Speaker) received strictures from the Supreme court for not following procedures and not following path of natural justice. Even then, Soli Sorabjee had a blinkered view that everything Yeddy does is the right way forward. Even now, he stands by his client. Moving on, let me take you through the 3 years of BJP rule in Karnataka and at the end of it I would like to ask, was the Governor arbitrary?
In May 2008, the BJP got its first government in south Indian state of Karnataka. B.S. Yeddy rode on the sympathy wave caused by "breach of trust" by ex-CM Kumarswamy which led to mid-term polls. Since then, in the last 3 years, Karnataka has hardly seen the CM in control. For first 3 months, Anant Kumar (BJP MP, Bangalore South) was breathing down his neck as he wanted to be the CM of first BJP Government of Karnataka. Somehow, Yeddy convinced the Delhi leadership that if the BJP wanted to get Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka, they must let him be the CM for at least a year. He got a breather. In 2009, Nort-east Karnataka saw the worst floods which affected 5 districts and completely destroyed several villages. People were living in camps and roadsides with no food or water. Yeddy decided on "padyatra" to ask for donations for flood relief and the people of Karnataka donated generously. The CM raised 500 crores in 10 days and got a relief package of 1500 crores from centre. Midway through the padyatra, Reddy brothers began the strangle hold on Yeddy and the CM cancelled his plans to bring on flood relief. Yeddy was in Delhi for next 45 days trying to save his Government. Imagine, the state without a CM for 45days when it is facing worst floods. On 46th day, Yeddy appeared on TV weeping that he had to sacrifice Shobha Karandlaje (minister in his cabinet) in order to save his Government. He could not find tears for people who lost their life, property, near/dear ones in the floods but he sure cried for his friend and colleague.
The Government was saved. No one knows what happened to the 500 crore that he raised from public donations. In the next 3 months, the office of the CM, several of his ministers were dragged into illegal mining controversy and the CM agreed that he was arm twisted by Reddy brothers into allowing it. The Supreme Court brought a ban on mining in Karnataka because the CM was helpless in stopping it. There were several allegations of illegal land denotification by the CM to favour his family and relatives. Interestingly, he agreed to doing it and said he was following his predecessor (isn't A.Raja in Tihar Jail for same reasons :P ). Again he was seen weeping on TV citing his limitations and asking people to indulge him. Meanwhile, Yeddy has been buying loyalties of Reddy brothers by giving them plump ministerial portfolios. Reddy brothers are bankrolling elections in Karnataka by "operation Lotus" where-in they make legislators from JD-S and Congress resign their seats in-lieu of 30 crores cash and surety of getting them re-elected on a BJP ticket. This has helped BJP increase its tally from 108 /224 in May 2008 to 121/224 in May 2011. Awesome operation indeed. Again in October 2010, Yeddy faced fresh rebellion from 16 MLAs and was asked to prove his majority on the floor by H.E. the Governor. Yeddy won the vote but not without a little help from the Speaker who randomly disqualified the 16 MLAs and did not allow them to vote. For last 6 months, the Lokayukta of Karnataka is building a case to prosecute Yeddy and Reddys for illegal mining and illegal denotification.
The last nail in the coffin was the Supreme court strictures and reversal of disqualification of the 16 MLAs by the Speaker. Now, if the Governor fires Yeddy, it cannot be called arbitrary. If I were Yeddy, I would thank His Excellency profusely for putting me out of my misery and allow President's rule. When next elections are announced, go to the people and ask for a bigger mandate and rub salts on the wounds of Congress. The BJP as usual is trying to resuscitate a Government in coma. If they save it today, in 6 months there will be fresh rebellion. Who are the losers?? the people of Karnataka. They deserve a Government who serves them but they have a CM who is forever trying to save his chair and fight the Governor. Please pull the plug and end this charade. Seek a fresh mandate without the money power of Reddys if you really want to govern. Else continue this path of perpetual confrontation and lose the next election miserably as you will not have any achievement to show for.
So long.....
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Isn't it pure justice.. ?
Remember the scene from the Godfather wherein the Godfather (Marlon Brando) is sitting on a chair listening to Bonasera (the undertaker) who is narrating the woeful tale of how these bunch of young boys molested his young, beautiful daughter and when faced with resistance, disfigured her face. Bonasera is seen pleading with the Godfather to kill these boys so that his daughter gets justice and the Godfather says "its not justice, your daughter is still alive"; to which Bonasera replies "let them suffer then, as she suffers".
Tom Hanks says to Meg Ryan in the movie "You've got mail", "The Godfather is the answer to all the problems we face in our life. Every line is so powerful and so practical". In fact, he is true to a large extent. Today, Indian judiciary is faced with this peculiar problem of how to deal with serial rapists and what quantum of punishment would act as necessary deterrent for such crimes. The jury is still out on this but the initial response we get from women's right activists is not very encouraging. The Delhi high court observed, "We should seriously think of medical castration as suitable punitive action for people convicted of serial rapes and child molestation. The crime is serious and warrants for harsher punishments than the ones prescribed currently by law". Within the next few days, everyone who is anyone had an opinion on this and 90% of the opinions were against "Talibanism" and felt that civil society could not be cruel and could not maim or kill a convict in rape cases (even child rapes). People strongly felt that current punishment was harsh enough and we must raise the conviction rates rather than plea for harsher punishments.
I am willing to concede a partial point, that being, we must increase the conviction rates. The point I cannot accept is, our current quantum of punishments are sufficient to act as a deterrent and serve as "justice done". Let us apply the "Godfather rule" to this to verify. Consider a situation wherein a little girl 5-6 years of age is sitting at her home playing wither her barbie doll. Her neighbour "uncle" whom she has seen for so long day in and day out or say her father with whom she lives or say her uncle or say cousin brother (someone from her circle of trust) comes into the house. Taking notice that the girl is alone at home, proceeds to sexually molest her (with/without amounting to rape). This can be more than one persons too (gang rape). If the girl dies, its a simple case for the judge to award the death sentence /life imprisonment to the accused and the little girl is also out of the trauma once and for all. In the sad eventuality that the girl survives, the trauma lives with her for her entire life. Besides the physical pain that is endured by grown men sexually exploiting a child; since these were from her "circle of trust", the trauma increases manifold. She will never trust another person in her life. She will grow up into this un trusting individual who can never enjoy physical intimacy with any man she loves because of her traumatic past. In short, her entire life is affected by the lusty and criminal acts of few irresponsible men. In return, what punishment does the society prescribe for these men (if they are convicted eventually), a maximum of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. Many cases, the conviction doesn't happen as our current laws have many loopholes and the victim breaks down in the court of law as her trauma is being used against her. The accused are set free to repeat this with another little girl and yet another life is destroyed. How can this be "justice done"??? The payoff for crimes against women and children is so high that more and more people find it a safe crime and indulge in it.
The sad part is, the moment someone suggests to make the payoff so less that people are scared to commit crimes against women, the women rights activists term them barbaric and Talibanism. Well sometimes, we have to put the fear of permanent damage into the minds of rapists. Why should our mothers, sisters and daughters stay home and not be able to travel independently because of the fear of being attacked and sexually assaulted by these 'beasts' and in turn these 'beasts' should not have a fear of permanent damage to their life in case they try indulging in crime against women. We are okay with our women folk and children living in perpetual fear but are not ready to put the fear of "justice" into the minds of these assaulters. I know death sentence would not be justice but like the Godfather says "let them suffer as she suffers". At some point of time, we have to look for options like medical castration and social disgrace and boycott as viable options for people indulging in heinous crimes against women and children. Lets make the society free from fear of being assaulted, pursued and attacked just because you happen to be a woman or a defenseless child. We as a society owe it to them more than trying to be fair to people indulging in crimes against them. Lets take the Delhi high court's observations seriously and come up with harsher punitive actions against serial rapists.
So long....
Tom Hanks says to Meg Ryan in the movie "You've got mail", "The Godfather is the answer to all the problems we face in our life. Every line is so powerful and so practical". In fact, he is true to a large extent. Today, Indian judiciary is faced with this peculiar problem of how to deal with serial rapists and what quantum of punishment would act as necessary deterrent for such crimes. The jury is still out on this but the initial response we get from women's right activists is not very encouraging. The Delhi high court observed, "We should seriously think of medical castration as suitable punitive action for people convicted of serial rapes and child molestation. The crime is serious and warrants for harsher punishments than the ones prescribed currently by law". Within the next few days, everyone who is anyone had an opinion on this and 90% of the opinions were against "Talibanism" and felt that civil society could not be cruel and could not maim or kill a convict in rape cases (even child rapes). People strongly felt that current punishment was harsh enough and we must raise the conviction rates rather than plea for harsher punishments.
I am willing to concede a partial point, that being, we must increase the conviction rates. The point I cannot accept is, our current quantum of punishments are sufficient to act as a deterrent and serve as "justice done". Let us apply the "Godfather rule" to this to verify. Consider a situation wherein a little girl 5-6 years of age is sitting at her home playing wither her barbie doll. Her neighbour "uncle" whom she has seen for so long day in and day out or say her father with whom she lives or say her uncle or say cousin brother (someone from her circle of trust) comes into the house. Taking notice that the girl is alone at home, proceeds to sexually molest her (with/without amounting to rape). This can be more than one persons too (gang rape). If the girl dies, its a simple case for the judge to award the death sentence /life imprisonment to the accused and the little girl is also out of the trauma once and for all. In the sad eventuality that the girl survives, the trauma lives with her for her entire life. Besides the physical pain that is endured by grown men sexually exploiting a child; since these were from her "circle of trust", the trauma increases manifold. She will never trust another person in her life. She will grow up into this un trusting individual who can never enjoy physical intimacy with any man she loves because of her traumatic past. In short, her entire life is affected by the lusty and criminal acts of few irresponsible men. In return, what punishment does the society prescribe for these men (if they are convicted eventually), a maximum of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. Many cases, the conviction doesn't happen as our current laws have many loopholes and the victim breaks down in the court of law as her trauma is being used against her. The accused are set free to repeat this with another little girl and yet another life is destroyed. How can this be "justice done"??? The payoff for crimes against women and children is so high that more and more people find it a safe crime and indulge in it.
The sad part is, the moment someone suggests to make the payoff so less that people are scared to commit crimes against women, the women rights activists term them barbaric and Talibanism. Well sometimes, we have to put the fear of permanent damage into the minds of rapists. Why should our mothers, sisters and daughters stay home and not be able to travel independently because of the fear of being attacked and sexually assaulted by these 'beasts' and in turn these 'beasts' should not have a fear of permanent damage to their life in case they try indulging in crime against women. We are okay with our women folk and children living in perpetual fear but are not ready to put the fear of "justice" into the minds of these assaulters. I know death sentence would not be justice but like the Godfather says "let them suffer as she suffers". At some point of time, we have to look for options like medical castration and social disgrace and boycott as viable options for people indulging in heinous crimes against women and children. Lets make the society free from fear of being assaulted, pursued and attacked just because you happen to be a woman or a defenseless child. We as a society owe it to them more than trying to be fair to people indulging in crimes against them. Lets take the Delhi high court's observations seriously and come up with harsher punitive actions against serial rapists.
So long....
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Machismo?? Why can't I fly like Superman !!!
I just happened to watch "the Dark Knight" and it gave this sudden adrenalin rush about being a arbiter of justice and putting my "physical strength" to better use. It usually happens to me when I watch superhero movies, I tend to oversimplify things and get into an imaginary world where no logic resides. Things happen as I want them to be and I solve many a problems that plague our society, "single handedly". I behave for a while like Superman without a cape and am filled with this new found machismo. Soon enough, the effect of the movie wears-off, and I return to a world with realities and hard facts. This happens to all of us and the trick is, to always remind yourself that the effect of the movie will wear off soon, meanwhile not to do "stupid things" that we might have to regret for the rest of our lives.
We Indians suffer from this syndrome more than anyone else. Maybe, its because we have never felt "power" in reality and hence we continue in this imaginary world where we have power to change anything and everything. Every time we find ourselves in a bad place, we, as a nation, look to our certain neighbour and say out aloud "At least we are better off than them. Look at that mess". There are times however even this "being better off" syndrome doesn't help and that is the time we look for ways and means to be called a "WORLD POWER". Our media begins to pick out small news items from various parts of the world where someone, somehow and in some context said the following... "India is a global power". Then this news item will be broadcast with supporting theories that we are actually a world power. The reality is far from that, the moment "India- the world power" tries to flex its muscles to try and control an errant neighbour, we as a nation realise that we are a power as long as we don't actually exercises the power. Cos if we do, we will realise that our voice doesn't resonate enough in this world. We have to come out of that glamour effect and realise the reality that we do not have the clout to pull off adventures.
The latest adventure of Uncle Sam in our neighbourhood aka "Operation Geronimo" where-in the President of the USA authorised a small team to hunt down the dreaded terrorist Osama Bin Laden caught the imagination of Indians and sure enough we were caught in the "superhero" effect. People in India started suggesting the Government Of India start authorising such raids on India's most wanted living in our neighbourhood. We again started to hear comparisons saying they killed Bin Laden and yet we continue to feed Kasab in our prisons. India should emulate American way of hot pursuit on terrorists. Then as usual the BJP started with why is Afzal guru not hanged yet?? and the Congress responded saying why did we surrender terrorists in Kandhahar?? Sure enough the superhero effect will wear off and we will realise that we do not have the money / political / military clout to breach the airspace of a sovereign state and make them feel stupid rather than retaliate. Should we be expecting India to behave in a way Uncle Sam pursued Osama Bin laden?? I think its not the way we operate and every single time we equate India to America, remember one single thing. The US spent $1.3 trillion over 10 years to neutralise one person and marginally disrupt his network. The day India can spare that much money after its usual expenses on education, health care, upliftment of poor, social schemes, writing off farmer loans, upgrading infrastructure etc. we can surely bankroll our neighbour into allowing us the liberty of making them feel stupid. Until such a time, we need to stick to conventional means of pleading with others to talk sense to them. Our neighbour will not change, so maybe in 10 years time we will actually get this chance to embarass them. Until then, lets just watch the Americans pull off such daredevil acts and lets applaud the effort.
So long...
We Indians suffer from this syndrome more than anyone else. Maybe, its because we have never felt "power" in reality and hence we continue in this imaginary world where we have power to change anything and everything. Every time we find ourselves in a bad place, we, as a nation, look to our certain neighbour and say out aloud "At least we are better off than them. Look at that mess". There are times however even this "being better off" syndrome doesn't help and that is the time we look for ways and means to be called a "WORLD POWER". Our media begins to pick out small news items from various parts of the world where someone, somehow and in some context said the following... "India is a global power". Then this news item will be broadcast with supporting theories that we are actually a world power. The reality is far from that, the moment "India- the world power" tries to flex its muscles to try and control an errant neighbour, we as a nation realise that we are a power as long as we don't actually exercises the power. Cos if we do, we will realise that our voice doesn't resonate enough in this world. We have to come out of that glamour effect and realise the reality that we do not have the clout to pull off adventures.
The latest adventure of Uncle Sam in our neighbourhood aka "Operation Geronimo" where-in the President of the USA authorised a small team to hunt down the dreaded terrorist Osama Bin Laden caught the imagination of Indians and sure enough we were caught in the "superhero" effect. People in India started suggesting the Government Of India start authorising such raids on India's most wanted living in our neighbourhood. We again started to hear comparisons saying they killed Bin Laden and yet we continue to feed Kasab in our prisons. India should emulate American way of hot pursuit on terrorists. Then as usual the BJP started with why is Afzal guru not hanged yet?? and the Congress responded saying why did we surrender terrorists in Kandhahar?? Sure enough the superhero effect will wear off and we will realise that we do not have the money / political / military clout to breach the airspace of a sovereign state and make them feel stupid rather than retaliate. Should we be expecting India to behave in a way Uncle Sam pursued Osama Bin laden?? I think its not the way we operate and every single time we equate India to America, remember one single thing. The US spent $1.3 trillion over 10 years to neutralise one person and marginally disrupt his network. The day India can spare that much money after its usual expenses on education, health care, upliftment of poor, social schemes, writing off farmer loans, upgrading infrastructure etc. we can surely bankroll our neighbour into allowing us the liberty of making them feel stupid. Until such a time, we need to stick to conventional means of pleading with others to talk sense to them. Our neighbour will not change, so maybe in 10 years time we will actually get this chance to embarass them. Until then, lets just watch the Americans pull off such daredevil acts and lets applaud the effort.
So long...
Monday, May 2, 2011
Osama must die... but should we celebrate?
May 02 2011, the dawn that saw the end of most wanted terrorist on the face of the earth, i.e. Osama bin Laden. In the wee hours of 02 May, a small contingent of US forces conducted a raid using two army choppers and engaged the residents of a palatial house at Abbotabad. Couple of hours later, all the five residents were found dead and one among them was Osama bin Laden. The US forces took custody of the his remains and broke the news to their boss who was more than happy and congratulated them for a job well done. At 23:00 hours EDT, the world heard of the news from the US President Barack Obama about "justice done" after 9 1/2 years. The President was cautious and told his fellow Americans that the war on terror was not won as yet. This news brought large crowds of Americans into the streets of New York city and many other cities all around the US. People were seen celebrating the death of a terrorist who had inflicted a major damage to the US in recent history. Most politicians extended warm greetings to fellow Americans on this day of victory and joined in their celebration. This forced me to think, should we be so happy about this event? Have we, as a society become so vengeful that we celebrate the killing of people who have wronged the society. I can understand the families of people who died in the 9/11 carnage feeling a sense of justice, but celebrations were way over the top. It was a solemn event and I expected the President (whom I admire) to advice his countrymen that this was not an event to rejoice but an event to stand solidly behind the US Marines who are working so far away from home to bring those people to justice who wronged the Americans. It was an event to feel sorrow for the loss of another life and the irony that it was necessary in the larger interest of society. Rejoicing the event of death does not speak well of a civil society.
Ever seen a judge rejoice the event of awarding a death sentence to a convict? Even if the accused has committed a heinous crime that owes no leniency, the judge awards the death sentence only in "the rarest of the rare" case. It shows the sacredness that we attach to life, like the old adage "when ever blood is spilled, humanity dies". In a society, where justice that takes away the life of a convict is treated as a solemn event, public rejoicing of the killing of one's wrongdoers, seems a little barbaric. In any case, the fight against the scourge of terrorism did not start with Bin Laden nor will it end with him. It is a continuous process and has to carried out always. There are several layers to that fight and each one of us can contribute in a major way. The security forces should have to interfere only in extreme cases and we should be aware that lives will be lost in that eventuality; so it should never be the first response to terrorism. Terrorism breeds with the insecurity and one person's terrorist is another person's hero. This can be known from the facts that there was a huge following for the likes of Hitler, Bin Laden even though they authorised mass murders. So the problem are not these individuals, its their ideology. If we as a society have to defeat terrorism then its time we stop hunting down Bin Ladens and Al Zahawaris or radical religious groups. Pointed killings take a racial/ethnic/religious overtone and creates a mistrust among the society. If we have to defeat these groups, we have to defeat their ideology and to defeat an ideology, one has to bend a little to pick up the people around you. If we are too stubborn to bend or are not accommodating to other people's views, then this war on terrorism will be a perpetual one. I hope the better sense prevails among the leaders of the world after the demise of one of the most wanted terrorist and they use the event to reach out rather than to celebrate.
So long....
Ever seen a judge rejoice the event of awarding a death sentence to a convict? Even if the accused has committed a heinous crime that owes no leniency, the judge awards the death sentence only in "the rarest of the rare" case. It shows the sacredness that we attach to life, like the old adage "when ever blood is spilled, humanity dies". In a society, where justice that takes away the life of a convict is treated as a solemn event, public rejoicing of the killing of one's wrongdoers, seems a little barbaric. In any case, the fight against the scourge of terrorism did not start with Bin Laden nor will it end with him. It is a continuous process and has to carried out always. There are several layers to that fight and each one of us can contribute in a major way. The security forces should have to interfere only in extreme cases and we should be aware that lives will be lost in that eventuality; so it should never be the first response to terrorism. Terrorism breeds with the insecurity and one person's terrorist is another person's hero. This can be known from the facts that there was a huge following for the likes of Hitler, Bin Laden even though they authorised mass murders. So the problem are not these individuals, its their ideology. If we as a society have to defeat terrorism then its time we stop hunting down Bin Ladens and Al Zahawaris or radical religious groups. Pointed killings take a racial/ethnic/religious overtone and creates a mistrust among the society. If we have to defeat these groups, we have to defeat their ideology and to defeat an ideology, one has to bend a little to pick up the people around you. If we are too stubborn to bend or are not accommodating to other people's views, then this war on terrorism will be a perpetual one. I hope the better sense prevails among the leaders of the world after the demise of one of the most wanted terrorist and they use the event to reach out rather than to celebrate.
So long....
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