Absence of basis

At a crucial juncture, with the SriKrishna Commission report barely a month away, Andhra Pradesh is rudderless. Neither the 'High Command' nor the ruling party at the state level has any clue nor wherewithal to to instil discipline in its members to face the looming ominous dangers staring at the State.

Political games are being enacted by the Congress people with churlish delight in deriding and checkmating adversaries within their fold. Opposition parties including the TDP are pathetically left out of action. They simply do not exist.

It is disgusting and immoral to call the conglomeration of individuals now technically in power in Andhra, a Party. They are disparate individuals hankering for power, money, caste appeasement and regional considerations.

One prominent MP appeals to the designate-CM to do 'justice' to Kamma Caste in ministry formation and an energetic CM replies with just one berth for this Caste vis-a-vis 14 for Reddys. There is another first-time Minister who is raising a private army to 'defend' the people of his region in Hyderabad and what sort of a oath he has taken is really intriguing.

Most old timers are ashamed of the portfolio given to them. A serious rethinking about our Constitution is called for as even the Prime Minister is unable (what to talk of a Chief Minister) to decide who will be in his ministry and who will get what portfolio.

How long this circus will last? What is the fate of this state? What about its development? A state that sends 42 MPs has just one Urban Development Ministry at the centre. Not a single economic ministry - not just now, always.

There is nothing called Andhra any more. Most of the Ministers were unable to pronounce Telugu properly while taking oath. I am sure nobody would have been dressed in typical telugu dress. The very basis for formation of this state does not exist anymore. People talk of Telangana, Nizam State, Seema-Andhra, Coastal Andhra, Kalinga-Andhra, Rayalaseema, Greater-Rayalaseema, etc.

It may not be a bad idea to split the state on these lines and merge teem with contiguous states. This will definitely meet the aspirations of a majority of so-called leaders who refuse to break bread with their co-linguists.


.ponder

Comrade in arms

Two news items in today's papers sound identical. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday decided to be practical and keep moral considerations at bay on the issue of getting Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa to resign. The Congress Party decides that tentatively no disciplinary action will be taken against Jagan.

It is pathetic to see the state to which these two main political parties of India have been reduced to. In both the cases, regional satraps are roaring and the central leadership is pussy-footing.

Open defiance, one behind the cameras (airing program criticizing the coterie surrounding the throne) and the other in front of the cameras (I am my own successor), has gone unchallenged. Pragmatism has prevailed over posturing. Are the two main parties in collusion, one may wonder, seeing Parliament not functioning effectively blanking any business. Small parties like Communists, TDP and JD(S) are making token noise. Vridha Naari Pativrata!

Small issues like alleged loss of 1.6 lakh crores to the exchequer and tiny issues like CWG scams have already paled into insignificance. Parliament is stalled. What is Adarsh? Sounds familiar but can't recollect.

Life goes on like this. New news elbows out old scams. Public memory is not short but too small to store so much data. The hard disc has to crash.


…ponder

Demoralising the opponent

Each evening at the Wagah border, spectators from both India and Pakistan are treated to a comic opera performed in dead seriousness. The lowering the flags and closing the border (symbolic) gates is a ritual of one-upmanship to the glee of the innocent bystanders who treat this as a patriotic display.

BSF and Pakistan Rangers, in their ceremonial best, conduct an aggressive drill which include, high steps, stomping, thumb snooking and eye-ball-to-eye-ball glare. This pantomime, while ensures jingling of tills of hotels and restaurants there, also keeps up the temperatures high, albeit symbolically and psychology is a part of warfare.

However, there appears to be a move from the Indian Indian side to make the spectacle more moderate which Pakistan has promptly rejected. But as long as one side remains committed to aggressive display, the other has no option but to keep up its end.

However peace-willing we are and however committed we are to Gandhism, we should not water down the military's resolve to maintain highest morale of its men. Simply, since our military is subordinate to constitutional scheme of things, we should not meddle with its traditions and day-to-day affairs.

Military is meant to be aggressive even in posturing. Also we should recognise and respect the sacrifices made by our gallant men time and again. If we can demoralise the enemy in the process, it will be an added bonus. India's move in including occasional women soldiers in this ceremony is a good move in that while showcasing the achievements of our daughters, we also announce from roof tops to Pakistan that its men are no match to Indians in this culturally progressive world.

In fact I would earnestly suggest to those in decision-making to prominently display the photograph of Gen.Niazi surrendering to Gen.Aurora in 1971 as the backdrop on our side. No amount of posturing can equal this in either raising our morale or lowering that of the enemy - Pakistani army is definitely enemy of India, one should concede irrespective of what Kuldeep Nayyars and Khushwant Sings may think.

...ponder

Cultural Dimension to Unemployment

It is not news that countries considered rich with favorable population numbers vis-a-vis resources also suffer from unemployment. But what strikes strange is these countries have substantial expatriates (both legal and illegal) working there and most of their consumables manufactured elsewhere even after decades of experiencing unemployment. And even more strange is that decades of such experience has hardly brought any ripple of change.

US and Saudi Arabia are classic examples though their backgrounds and reasons differ.

In US one theory going round is Americans should not accept employment at competitive wages at which for example Indians work there. It is felt that the American economy, which is dependent on higher spending by its population, will suffer if low wages are accepted resulting in lower spending habits. Another reason is the social security which provides dole for the unemployed. A third is the disinterest of the substantial lower middle class for higher and technical education (which is quite expensive) leaving high-end jobs to those from other countries. It is also ironic that the sense of dignity of labor inhibits ambition to climb the social ladder. I wonder whether there is a social ladder.

In Saudi Arabia the case is different. Women are prohibited from accepting many employments. There is a recent fatwa against women employed as cashiers. They just cant accept mixing of gender. Even if a Saudi wants to open shop hiring women, he has to have operations at two locations segregating men and women. This is not a sound business proposition obviously. Meanwhile thousands of girls are churned out by Universities only to twiddle their thumbs. Hard work is looked down upon by men. Hence jobs that call for strenuous working have to go elsewhere. Thirdly Saudis will not accept the wages, working hours, discipline and living conditions acceptable to say Indians, Pakistanis, Philipos, etc.

Such being the scenario and the prospects of change remaining bleak unemployment will steadily climb along with out-sourcing and employing expatriates. Not withstanding the stridency and rhetoric from those who matter. The remedies will differ suiting the peculiarity of each culture. Americans will have to shed a bit on dignity of labor while Saudis will have to cultivate it, for example.

In the meantime (while the sun shines), China and India can make hay.


…ponder

Kashmir

Arundhati Roy is convinced that Jammu & Kashmir was never a part of India. Why state the obvious that too in isolation. Why is she mired in the past? What about the present? My question is, was Sikkim ever a part of India? Were Hyderabad and Junagadh parts of India? Where does she draw the line? Can't she treat 1947 as the cut off date and count those princely states which acceded to India as parts of this country? How J&K is different from the rest of these princely states except for a few constitutional exceptions. DMK in its early avatar was for secession and creation of Dravidastan. If this demand is revived, will she support? Does she believe in the Constituion? If so, how come she does not feel J&K part of India today. If not, in what type of rule she believes instead of constitutional rule? Anarchy?

Regarding her accusation against certain TV channels that they are pumping for TRP ratings, while I don't disagree with her, I also feel she is also no less striving for her own TRP rating. Will she deign to boycott these channels in future? Will she file cases against them for being accessories to criminal acts as alleged by her?

Regarding our Home Minister's statement that no action is also action, I am happy that he chose to quote P V Narasimha Rao who is a person non grata with the First Family and its camp followers. Madam must really squirming and may administer a private dressing down.

As to not file sedition case against her, it is the prerogative of the Executive to file or not file or file and soft pedal cases. There are any number of examples. Given the huge backlog of cases and the tenacity with which political cases are pursued, it is a wise action or a inaction as PVR would certify from heavens with a hearty chuckle.

…ponder

Taking a stand

Today's "The Hindu" has a news item "Fatwa' canceling 'nikah' after joke on Skype sparks debate".

Without going into the right and wrong of the issue raised and the fatwa issued, I will confine myself solely the way "The Hindu" handled this human tragedy.

Firstly, The Hindu did not opine on this subject. They may yet come out with a stand espousing their convictions.

Secondly, the way this was reported, the Correspondent is more worried about the young Quatari facing the prospect of his marriage being terminated than the plight of his wife facing divorce and marriage (hardly willing under the circumstances) to another person for no fault of hers.

Thirdly, is it not sexist to emphasise the dilemma of the man while maintaining deafening silence on the plight of woman? So much for gender justice..

I will be utterly disappointed if the paper chooses to remain silent given its secular and progressive credentials

…ponder

The Race

India and China are said to be neck to neck in the race for global economic pie with China having a slight edge over its rival. But it is said that in the long haul, India will outpace China due to its demographic profile. More Chinese are aging with little replacement from youngsters. India, with is slack population policy is said to be more endowed with young blood. Another reason is mastery over English language.

If saying good bye to cultural revolution and taking Hong Kong into its fold propelled China's growth into a global player, jettisoning of the Nehuvian socialism and adopting more liberal economic policies has spurred India's surge. Information Technology further took the country into big league. But, something more is there in this saga, as Glasnost and Perestroika took Russia nowhere.

India's growth story could have been much more spectacular had the Central government had been strong enough to bring some state/concurrent subjects under its wing to set a faster pace. A one-party majority government could have allowed the Prime Minister more room to manoevre his policies and more importantly, allowed him to pick a team of his choice. During the iimes of Nehru and Indira Gandhi who were calling the shots, they could rope in such eminent non-political intelligentia like Desmukh, Chagla, KL Rao, etc as Ministers. Even a Narasimha Rao, in minority, could manage with a Man Mohan Singh as the Finance Minister, as he was running a single party government. Today coalition partners arm twist the PM for plum portfolios for their favourites.

If only we can develop tier-II and tier-III cities with good infrastructure like assured power, connectivity and importantly air ports, the picture could have been rosier. Unfortunately the lobbying power of Realtors has ensured concentration of activity in a few cities thus styming growth elsewhere at lesser cost.

Government could also do well to stop spending on infrastructure creation in the major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkota, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru and instead divert the investments to cities like Pune, Vizag, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Dehra Doon, Ranchi, etc.

...ponder

Contrast

America and India were both colonies of English. America threw out the English after defeating them in a war. India saw the English out after a prolonged not-so-non-violent struggle (you can't shut your eyes to Jallianwalabagh or Partition and its aftermath). America won its freedom when the English were at their zenith. India became independent when the sun was already setting on the British empire. Yet another difference, America became free whereas India merely became independent. The irony is that all Indians, especially some princely states, those opposing of Gandhiji and Congress and certain communal elements did not support the freedom movement, though as a race, they were also different from the white ruler. America, whose predominent population consisted of pioneering migrants from England, were united in their resolve to throw out the English.

Americans think, act and show that they are different. Right from the form of government to day to day life, they showcase their difference in a telling manner.Their switches work the other-way, down means off and up means on, traffic moves on the right and vehicles are left hand drive. Even the way toilets flush is opposite of the British practice.

India chose not to do away with the vesteges of colonial rule, whether it is the form of state structure or Civil Service or Rules and Procedures or the spoils system of ruling the Nation.

I fail to understand why our Founding Fathers did not opt to follow the American model but chose for the status quo. One reason could be that all the intellectuals of India (honorable exception being JP) had their education in England. See Thinkers like Nirad C Choudhury were proud to acknowledge they were more English than English.

Could this be the reason why self interests rather than national pride takes preference? Could people like Deve Gouda, Chandrasekhar, Charan Singh, Gujral become the Heads of Government in a Presidential form of Government? Could Nehru go on and on even after 1962 if popular contest was there one-to-one?

I think that is why we preferred Independence to Freedom.

...ponder

Saffron Surge

It was a sea of saffron. More than 80,000 assembled in a sprawling arena, cheering their idols. Men, women and children swathed in saffron. Huge saffron flags were being waved. The proceedings began with Garuda (Eagle) landing in the middle of the grounds. There was a lot of music, marching of massed bands and disciplined drill by hundreds of youngsters. Drill with flags, lathis (batons), gymnastic performances show-casing kushalata (skill), parishram (hard work), deeksha (concentration) and niyam-palan (discipline).

They were united in one purpose - lustily cheering the saffron brigade decimating their opponents. The atmosphere was festive. The police were present in their efficient best to lend their weight in favour of smooth conduct of the demolition.

The whole exercise was a cake-walk with even token fight not being put up. Not withstanding the hot sun, the saffron humanity lustily cheered each breaching egging the storm troopers for further rampage. Walls (defensive) crumbled one after the other. After a couple of hours, nothing was left. The demolition was complete and the victorious gloating.

Date & Time - 2nd Oct 2010 11 AM.
The setting - Auburn University stadium.
Event - football match between Auburn and Lousiana
result - Auburn demolished Lousiana 80-3.
Saffron - the colours of Auburn.
Eagle - Mascot of Auburn.

If anybody (In India), especially secuiarists thought otherwise, they may excuse me. My reporting is faithful.

Moral - Don't jump to conclusions.

...ponder

Animals to the Rescue

It is news that Hanuman Langur monkeys, 38 in number, are deployed to protect participants and spectators of the Commonwealth Games coming up in Delhi. Reaction to this news, varies from philosophic resignation to incredulity to contempt. Man, in his wisdom, has put animals and birds to his use from times immemorial and their effectiveness is there for all to see. Deploying dolphins to protect naval assets is a routine option. Pegions are used as Messengers. No need to enumerate the various uses of dogs. The first living thing to go into space was a dog. Even insects are used to predict earth quakes.

Naturer intended humans and animals to live in harmony. Earth worms and snakes are farmer-friendly and this delicate relationship is being turned over its head by the unwise and greedy human.

I see the instant case of monkey deployment as a practical, humane and cost-effective and efficient option, not withstanding the sarcasm and scorn with which this is viewed by some westerners.

Especially in the context of many human-made things failing to measure up to the expectations despite their cost, it is heartening to note that these simians, who expect payments in peanuts, will deliver goods without fail and a sense of security envelopes all that there is no room for human failure here.

I hope Maneka Gandhi and Amala will not cry foul over this deployment. This is, any day, a better option than an air rifle.

We in India rever and worship animals too. Here the belief is that God has taken the incarnation of animals too at various ages for specific purpose. So it is in keeping with our ethos too to turn to animals for rescue of humans.

...ponder

Parallels

Three unconnected matters struck me as parallels.

Kashmir is on fire. Schools and colleges are forced to shut. One of the important leaders of separatism proudly states there is nothing wrong in students losing their academic year. She declares loss of studies, opportunities, future and even lives of these students is nothing compared to achieving 'freedom'. But her minor son applies for Indian Passport to go abroad and study there. It shows to go that either duplicity is practiced or she has no influence over even her son. Reports indicate that many separatists' children pursue studies elsewhere.

It is reported that quite a lot of youth, especially students, committed suicide for the cause of separate Telengana state. Students of University in Telengana districts lost valuable academic time and probably early employment opportunities too. But, the irony is not a single suicide has occured from the families of 'Leaders'. Not that I recommend dying for a cause. As Gen.Patton had said, no body attains anything by dying but by living and fighting. But fact is fact. Suicides and death only for masses.

There is another tamasha going on in the name of 'Odarpu Yatra' - consolation journey. It appears that hundreds have died on hearing about the death of former AP CM. But not a single soul from his family or party leaders. Here also the so called grief stricken deaths from masses only.

VIPs will be VIPs - Like Lord Venkateswara's darshan.


...ponder

Misplaced Priority

After the 2003 Afro-Asian Games at Hyderabad, the major international sporting event being held in India is the forthcoming Commonwealth Games at New Delhi.

The amount spent by the Central Government for the CWG (bogged down in corruption allegations, cost overruns, delays) is Rs.28,054 crores whereas a measly Rs.100 crores was allotted to the Hyderabad event and it was expected rest of the cost would be raised from private sources. Even after taking into account that 7 years have passed and the inflation, the contrast is stark.

As stated by the Hon'ble Minister, the lion-share of this amount will go to create permanent infrastructure for the city. That is, indirectly, you are developing a city, which already had such bonanza during Asiad, further starving funds elsewhere.

Instead of creating infrastructure which will generate jobs perpetually, investment in stadia and swimming pools will take us nowhere except these will rot as we know our sports potential. These will be put to political use. How many sanctioned projects of public importance are given token allocations in budget for want of funds. How many foundation stones have been laid without a revisit to those sites.

This is skewed development, if not, parochial. New Delhi may be the capital of India. But our attempts to showcase India by projecting it to the exclusion of the rest of the country again and again is pathetic. Except for enriching the pockets of a few, what do these games achieve? How much of these thousands of crores goes to the athletes or the coaches? What infrastructure is created elsewhere in the country to spot, train and nurture talent?

For all round development, not only infrastructure but also talent, these games should be played at various venues. Sailing in Hyderabad, Rowing in Kerala, Football in Bengal, Hockey in Punjab or Jharkhand, etc The whole country should be involved and showcased and importantly nurtured.

We already see the results. Except for a miniscule number of individuals, our country never gets to the podium as a team. A country teeming with a billion population


....ponder

Ambivalence and Duplicity

Babu Garu has been handed a humiliating defeat. He pretends that this was due to his preoccupation with Babli issue and hence not campaigning for the bye-elections. Nothing can be farther from truth. Had he come in front of the mike in public, he would have had to take a stand on separation or unity, which he has avoided till now. Telugu Desam Party which showed a strong presence in Telangana Districts during general elections, is reduced to ashes. The likes of Devendra Gouds will have to re-think. At worst, they may form a rebel TDP. There is no future for anybody with the yellow tag in Telangana districts.

Now, the story does not end with bye-elections or Telangana. Voters of rest of the State will also see through his game when opportunity comes. You cannot deceive all, all the time.

Justice Srikrishna Committee earlier said that they would try to elicit his views on the issue. Let us see whether he faces the committee and honestly takes a stand on the issue.

The fate of the party in Coastal and Rayalaseema areas is also sealed. The leaders there must be squirming uncomfortably. When the time comes, will the party president avoid campaigning in these areas also lest he has to take a stand? What state he has been reduced to. For a Politician to avoid mike and camera is nothing short of committing harakiri.

Hopefully, formation of a new state may come to his rescue. He may accept the fait accompli ' gracefully ' thus successfully avoiding taking a stand . But still, his presence will be a handicap to the party in Telangana even after the state is formed.

He has truly fallen between two stools.

...ponder

Last journey

Cadaver donation is one significant aspect which is yet to catch up in a big way in our society. This apathy is due to ignorance, lack of infrastructure, religious beliefs and staid thinking. People should be educated about its noble intentions and concerned authorities should create visibly dignified infrastructure to encourage people to opt for donation of their bodies.

Teaching Hospitals and Medical Colleges should come forward in association with voluntary and charitable agencies in creating this awareness, infrastructure and quick, efficient and dignified service.

I have read about an Hospital in Royapuram, Chennai, which takes care of terminally ill or very aged people, who are destitutes or abandoned by their kith and kin, in their last days, on the condition their bodies are donated to the Hospital.

Apart from the benefits that will accrue to the would-be recipients of organ donation, this could be an efficient and clean option of body disposal provided, proper infrastructure is created.

Leaving aside the miniscule minority of Parsees, who follow the most environmentally friendly way of disposal of their dead, the only two options available are burial or cremation. There is immense pressure on land and there is so much dearth of firewood, that both these options have already become unviable, especially in urban areas, where cremation grounds/cemeteries have been encroached in a big way and just no land is available to create newer ones. Electric crematoriums just don’t function in majority of cases.

Hence, the time has come for searching for other options. Sea burial, especially in coastal cities, towns, is one excellent idea. This could be a third option to those who do not want to donate their organs.

Concerned authorities like Municipal Corporations, Rotary/Lions Clubs, other Charitable organizations can join together in creating the required infrastructure like proper collection site, boats, trained staff, etc. There should be staff available for registration of the sea funeral to facilitate quick issue of Death Certificates.

Government should first come forward to enact laws (if required) for recognizing this system of disposal of the dead, provide space, infrastructure and give wide publicity. Old Age Homes should counsel their inmates about this. Religious seers and leaders should educate their flock about the good that will come to the society by this noble act. Instead of harping on traditions, they should boldly encourage their co-religionists to change – for the better of the humankind. Most importantly, they could set personal example.

Late Jyoti Basu set a very visible and noble example like many unknown before him.

…ponder

Man-made Ecological Disasters

Today’s TOI has given thumbnail sketches of 10 man-made ecological disasters in the context of recent oil spill off American coast. These can be read at the following link.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Human-error-Man-made-ecological-disasters/articleshow/5906418.cms

Knowing the consequences, due to lure of money or populism or vested interests or plain callousness, we continue to perpetuate ecological disasters through simple actions like throwing plastic to very serious actions like permitting import of surgical waste.

Yesterdat TV9 reported that by planting imported Australian ‘Thumma’ saplings over thousands of hectares in Tirupati hill ranges, we have wiped out ethnic flora and bio-diversity has been stamped out and as these trees have a life span of only 35 to 40 years, shortly these hills will be barren rocks with no support to the ecological balance. Environmentalists and botanists have to study the veracity of this report and, if true, come up with long term solutions.

Government should take urgent action to bring legislation to totally eliminate or atleast severely regulate the following for example.

. Ship breaking.

. Import of dangerous waste/scrap into the country.

. Quick plantation of only local varieties of greenery wherever plantation takes place. Advise of local Tribals should be followed.

. Stop distribution of exoitic varieties of cattle and instead distribute local breeds though may be less productive.

. Strict and regular audit of radioactive materials.

. Compulsory use of jute/cotton bags in place of plastic.

The alarm bells have been ringing. These should not become tolling of disasters. Let us all wake up.

…ponder

Development and roots

I live in Kakinada. This was a Portugese colony, later annexed by the British. Yanam, a former French enclave and today part of Pondichery shares border with Kakinada. This was a small moffusil town though the headquarters of East Godavari District. There are three main roads parallel to each other intersected at right angles by side roads. This town has several lakes, well preserved, and generally clean. Once upon a time, this was known as Pensioners’ Paradise.

Educationally, this town was very important. The first Engineering College in AP was established here. There is a Medical College, one of the oldest Arts college, Polytechnic, ITI, etc. some dating back to pre-independence days. Today we have several corporate schools and colleges, coaching centres, in addition.

The discovery of gas off Kakinada coast is changing the face of this town. You see more of people from other parts of country which was not the case even as recently as 5 years.
Like any other town, vehicles have outgrown the capacity of roads, shopping malls like Spencers have sprung up. The profile of the people has also changed. Kakinadites are in the software field in a big way.

However, one puzzling aspect is there is no gas run buses or autos here. Kakinada gas may power several projects elsewhere. But people in places like Gadimoga, the nerve centre of gas industry here, cook with firewood. Delhi buses may run on CNG extracted here, but here buses run on polluting diesel.

Industrial activity will bring wealth, resources and opportunities. But along with these, it also brings ecological disaster, displacement of local population, turning farmers into migrant labour and so on. Whereas the wealth, opportunities and resources are enjoyed elsewhere, the misery is faced by the local population alone for whom no tears are shed. Fishermen are one of the worst sufferers. High seas braved by them for centuries are no longer open to them.

Oil/Gas exploration and extraction is a highly complex activity where only very highly skilled people can be employed and what with automization, least labour employing. But it guzzles thousands of acres of land. What is the fate of these marginal farmers, farm labour, fishermen? Migration to urban ghettos? Slavery in Gulf? Social unrest?

…ponder

Riddle called 'Service'

Yesterday during a chat with the Anchor of TV9, Mr,Ram Gopal Varma, made an interesting confession. That it is beyond him to understand why politicians go to voters and request them to give a chance to ‘serve’ them. The riddle is, why people request to ‘serve’.

What is there in ‘serving’ to make them spend crores, undertake gruelling tours, use and face muscle power with every possibility of not being accepted by the voters to ‘serve’ them.

It is indeed puzzling. This urge to serve.

For example, Nehru was a great man, chosen heir of Gandhi. He went on and on serving the people till his death for which he had to regularly beg the voters of Phulphur to give him the chance. As a logical derivation, he could not have served the country without wriggling out the privilege at Phulphur nor did he serve the country before advent of independence and elections.

Also some families dedicate their sisters, brothers, progeny, distant relations and coming generations to this sacred cause of ‘serving’ the people. There is the example of one venerable gentleman serving the country for decades and has already placed the services of two sons, one nephew at the disposal of country and reports suggest that he is requesting the mighty high command to allow his daughter also to serve.

People found new political parties if they don’t get the chance to ‘serve’ from their present party. Even new States are sought to be created because they were sidelined by their bosses.

No wonder Gokhale foresaw all this and founded the Servants of India Society. Must be either chuckling at his joke or uneasily turning in his grave.

…ponder

Intolerance of regional aspirations

The other day BJP made a ruckus about the naming of the new flyover in Hyderabad. It was hilarious while being hypocratic. They wanted it named after Mahatma Gandhi while the Government decided and named it after Late Indra Reddy, a local Congressman and late husband of present Home Minister. The handful trouble makers were bundled out and the function went off smoothly.

There are four aspects to this episode. One, BJP trying to appropriate the name of Mahatma Gandhi after it tried to appropriate the name of Sardar Patel. Secondly, BJP taking the name of Mahatma is like the devil quoting the scriptures given its roots and creed. Thirdly, jettisoning its legacy of Hindu Maha Sabha and the Sangh given these organisations’ stance vis-a-vias Mahatma. Fourthly, its intolerance of regional culture, icons, aspirations and diversity.

When people aspired for Uttarakhand, even while conceding, it took churlish delight in naming the new state Uttaranchal only to be cuffed on the wrist at the first opportunity. The state has been re-named Uttarakhand.

BJP’s growth has been stymed not because of its bankruptcy of principles, which is a fact, but because of its narrow thinking in rejecting the plurality of India and Indians, not only from the religious point of view but from cultural and linguistic angles too. Unable to expand on its own, it finds solace in the arms of the likes of Sibu Soren.

It is not a matter of pride for this party that it is chosen or dumped by others and never the vice versa. Whether it is Chandra Babu Naidu or Jayalalitha, it is they who use BJP when convenient and discard it at first hint of uselessness.

Today, even in an environment where coalitions are inevitable, if we have a unipolar power centre like Congress, it is thanks to the intolerance and incompetence of BJP. The TINA factor will keep Congress going strong. With the absence of a viable alternative party or even an alternative viable alliance, Congress is audacious enough to put regional satraps of its own party and allies like Arjun Singh, Laloo Prasad and Mulayam Singh in their places.

…ponder

United Voice of Telangana

The most important step in the fight for achieving separate Telangana is the formation of Joint Action Committee, an umbrella forum, consisting of almost all the political parties, non-political organizations representing interests like students, Government employees, Caste Groups, etc. This was formed at the initiative of a leading TRS and Congress functionary each . During its formative stage itself, several hiccups were noticed, which is but natural, like, (a) Nomination of a non-political compromise candidate as its Convener; (b) Decision to convene its meetings at neutral venues like Hotels rather than at the TRS Party building; (c) Initial hesitation of TDP in joining JAC etc. One of the first acts of the JAC was administering an oath to all its Constituents that they will set aside their party affiliations, flags, separate agendas, but strive unitedly under the aegis of this JAC till the goal is reached.

Today what do we see?

Congress has decided to disassociate from the JAC without leaving it. They are forming their own Committee.

All the MLAs and MPs resign in such a way that only one resignation was found to be in order.

After the Srikrishna committee’s terms of reference are announced, TRS MLAs resign without consulting the JAC. They have now been accepted.

TRS and other party MPs decide not to press their resignations which are already rejected.

After JAC’s dictat, Only two Congress and one PRP MLAs resign which are rejected by the Hon’ble Speaker. TDP MLAs submit their resignations not to the Speaker but to the Convener of JAC with riders. Out of 2 BJP MLAs, the Leader does not resign but the other MLA resigns due to ‘communication gap’ which has been promptly accepted.

Ministers decide to continue in office.

One of the decisions of the JAC is that the vacancies caused by resignations will be contested only by the resignee so that he/she can be re-elected unanimously. Now Congress has announced it will contest these vacancies in byelections which makes others crying foul.

The leader of a important constituent of JAC is heckled and pelted with water bottles when he tries to address a meeting.He represents an oppressed community

Some more suicides have taken place from impoverished sections.

…ponder

Simple, Innovative and Effective

Muhammed-bin-Tughlak is a Tamil political satirical play written, directed and enacted by ‘Cho’ Ramaswamy in the early sixties. It ran for years to packed houses. This was translated into Telugu and Hindi too and finally made to the silver screen in a few languages. This play was prophetic in that, the cabinet consisted of one Prime Minister and all other MPs Deputy Prime Ministers.

Meghalaya is a small state in the North-East. It has a 60 member Assembly. The otherwise quiet and scenic Meghalaya is in the news recently for its path breaking innovation. It has a Chief Minister and three others with the rank, status and perks of Chief Minister! Unfortunately, the last three do not have the powers and functions of the CM. May be in future. At least the powers and responsibilities could be shared.

This novel but effective solution should be improved and replicated by other states and the centre too. This could be an ideal solution to many burning problems if taken to its logical solution.

If only Andhra Pradesh had 3 CMs, one from Coastal Andhra, one from Telangana and another from Rayala Seema I think the present crisis and loss of lives would have been avoided. There will be no family feuds in the first family of Tamil Nadu if the two sons, nephews, etc are all made CMs. One PM each from each religion and caste would have made our country truly secular and ensured social justice.

Imagine how efficient and convenient it could be. When a Heads of Government meet is held, we can have 4 PMs simultaneously holding separate discussions with China, US, Russia and Uk, thus speeding up treaties and decisions. Say for example if we have a couple of Presidents, there will be no need to get governments dismissed from abroad (where the sole President is visiting) nor get an important proclamation signed in the bathroom. Hopefully a handy President will be available. If not, we can increase their numbers to the optimum level.

People who eulogize our Constitution and its framers will scratch their heads and wonder why and and how this simple, effective, egalitarian and democratic provision eluded the framers’ collective wisdom. But nothing is lost. They have made provision for amendments.

….ponder

Disturbing trend

Why do people commit suicide? Is it due to reaching one’s tether end? We can understand people taking this extreme step in a fit of emotion triggered by a particular incident. We can also understand this in the context of intense personal grief or loss of face. But suicide for a public cause? For trivial issues?

Recent trend amongst the younger generation shows that they are very poorly prepared to bear hardships and disappointments. Also there is the tendency not to face reality and willing to forego their desires, even small ones.

Students dying in hostels due to fear of poor performance in studies, extreme ragging, jilted affairs have become common place.

Psychiatrists could attribute this tendency to various reasons. They are the specialists. To my lay mind the following appear to contribute this disturbing social ill

a) Extinction of joint/extended families. In such families importance to children, outwardly minimal, resulted in less ego in them. Ego is the reason for many homicidal tendencies. Also there was the influence of grand parents in reining in the parents and children. There is the possibility of continuing certain values and the scope to find solace on one shoulder or the other.

b) Crumbling family values.

c) Stress in parents and children resulting in frequent outbursts.

d) Present day rat race leaving little scope for the children to savor their childhood.

e) Perceived inequalities – everyone wants everything (wants not needs) irrespective of their means to achieve it.

f) Criminalisation of mind at an early age due to over-emphasis bordering on hero worship of crimes on TV and movies.

g) Even the present day architecture of houses which leaves little elbow room and privacy leading to frequent friction.

h) Uncertainity about their future.

Recreation, leisure, travel, visiting, games, spirituality, etc could alleviate this evil to a great extent. But where is the opportunity? Or time for the children?

One disturbing trend in the tragic spate of suicides in the context of present day turmoil in AP is that, without exception, they are all simple, from poor economic and rural background and mostly from weaker communities. And highly impressionable. Not a person from affluent sections. None from political class. Is it because their future is assured? Are these children cynical and practical in the sure knowledge that they are princes-in-waiting?

…ponder

Superstitions

The other day I received a beautiful portrait of a Goddess on G mail. I forwarded it to several friends because it was beautiful and grand. Not because of the admonition accompanying it that I “should forward to so many people and I will benefit by it and if not beware…”

I received a proper dressing down (well deserved) from a loved one for this act which makes me sit up and ponder.

Cutting across religions, nationalities, races, continents, most of the people are superstitious, one way or the other. Traditions, customs, practices may vary; but the common thread is they are superstitious. Take for example number thirteen, this particular superstition has come from so called ‘last supper’ which we don’t know was a reality or a myth. We simply believe thirteen is an unlucky number which is given official recognition in RDSO Officers’ Colony at Lucknow. After Bungalow No 12, it is 12A and then 14! Likewise black cat cutting across your path. Walking under a ladder and so on.

Most of the superstitions may be harmless – only a nuisance. At another level, inconvenient. But there are some really horrific and end in criminal acts. Recently two kids were murdered near Srikakulam in AP to propiate Gods for material gain.

Now the borderline between faith, belief and superstition is very blurred. People tend to confuse one for the other. It may be due to ignorance or fear of unknown or the path of least resistance of playing safe,

Some people grow hair – some shave – all as a matter of faith. This is perfectly harmless example. But killing, for treasure or begetting children? Likewise suppression of scientific evidence (eclipses) and perpetuating myths corrupts impressionable minds. Superstition leads to other vague but unscientific subjects like black magic, astrology, gemmology, vaastu (distinct from architecture) .

Our Constitution exhorts a spirit of scientific temper and query.


…ponder

Committee

After his statements of 9th December, 23rd December and 5th January, our Honorable Home Minister made yet another statement on 28th January today. His performance in last two months has been quite impressive – graduating from a dream budget-presenting Finance Minister to a State(ment)sman.

However, unlike his previous statements, which sent clear signals, today’s one is brilliant in that it is being interpreted in hundred different ways by hundred different men, mostly of Congress. Is it not a feat that a mere couple of sentences are packed with so many meanings?

After watching all the channels, I have discovered that none has correctly understood the portent of Mr.Chidambaram’s statement. It is left to me to bring the actual meaning of his statement out.

People are all wondering what the Committee is about. What will be its Agenda. No more suspense. It is about bifurcation.

If you think the Committee is for bifurcation of the State, go and have your head examined. It is about bifurcating the Home Ministry about which he threw a few hints earlier. Internal Security will be separated and he will handle that. All other subjects like the hot potato called Telangana can be handled by someone else.

See how brilliant a solution to a vexing problem.

…ponder

Shape of things to come?

Proponents of seperation argue that Fazal Ali Commission report clearly pointed to the disparity between the Andhra and Hyderabad states in respect of their respective revenue status. The newly formed Andhra state had low per capita income and the revenue position was also not good whereas Hyderabad state had comfortable revenue position.

But they are silent about this comfortable position of Hyderabad being attributed by the Commission to the sound revenue system and due to sale of liquor.

It is also oft repeated that in comparison to the Andhra state the Government employees of Hyderabad had much better salaries.

It must be borne in mind that since Congress had already wielded power in the Composite Madras Presidency during British rule it introduced prohibition and practically there was no revenue from Abkari. Regarding sound revenue system, one has only to recall the repressive Nizam regime comprising of cruel local lords extracting revenue though inhuman methods from a hapless peasantry. The Commission itself reports that except for the Hyderabad urban area, rest of the Hyderabad was in pitiable state. Despite their other shortcomings the areas directly ruled by British had comparatively a very liberal dispensation.

If we surmise that in the State of Hyderabad during Nizam’s rule and later after the Police action, there existed a system which thrived on repressive revenue collection and liquor consumption by a poverty ridden population and that the Public servants fattened themselves from this ‘comfortable revenue’ position, are we wrong? Was this not the reason for the struggle especially by Communists and peasants against the rulers?

Is this an incentive and inducement shown to the Government employees to support the separate movement?

…ponder

Contrast between 1972 and 2009

One more blog in the context of the turmoil in Andhra Pradesh. This is to elicit clarification on certain doubts. I will be grateful if any knowledgeable person throws some light.

In 1969 we had a separate Telengana movement. Nothing came out of it except somebody became the Chief Minister.

In 1972 we had a bigger movement for separate Andhra. I remember north and south remained cut off for over a month. Till today’s turmoil, that was the strongest movement and yet no separation took place.

By contrasting of the scenario then and now, the following emerge. I hope few will dispute these.

a) There was no real estate boom then. There was no accusation of vested interests capturing thousands of acres in Hyderabad or around who could be against separation.

b) Average citizens were still to acquire property as the means were very limited and an own house was still a distant dream that too for a few. Mega housing projects like KPHB were still to be born.

c) IT Sector was unknown, Likewise Bio-technology or pharmaceutical sectors were also unknown. So there was no clamor of ‘I developed it’. Nor about jobs in private sector.

d) There were no parallel movements of serious nature for bifurcation of states elsewhere. So no question of opening a pandora’s box.

e) There was no demand whatsoever from Andhra movement for Hyderabad nor any discussion about its future status.

f) There were no regional parties like TDP or PRP dominated by coastal people having a vested interest in Hyderabad or Telangana.

g) More importantly there was no parallel movement in Telangana area seeking continued integration with rest of AP.

Still separate Andhra did not happen. Why?

…ponder

Judiciary to the rescue

Evers since Mr.T.N. Seshan assumed the office of CEC, there has been a sea change in the public life of our country. Constitutional authorities discovered themselves and their power and more importantly how and when to wield it. The rise of the power of the constitutional authorities like Hon'ble Courts, CEC, CAG, has been directly in proportion to the fall that has set in the standards of our public life particularly in politics.

One good fallout is the rise in awareness and respect amongst people for the constitutional bodies bewildered by the political system. They are less disheartened now. Other avenues have opened up.

Just as vacuum cannot exist, any abdication of responsibility by one leads to another occupying that space, luckily with good results in most of the cases.

Any number of blunders or acts of commission and omissions are undone by Hon'ble Courts in a jiffy.

University students wanted their hostels and messes to remain open. With Hon'ble court’s intervention, they are open and heavens have not fallen. Likewise they wanted a rally on 3rd and again with Court’s conditional nod they can have one, hopefully a peaceful one especially because politicians are barred. Police have a difficult job on hand but the steam has to be let off.

There are any number of instances where a Court or a CEC or a CAG had to exercise the authority normally the domain of the Executive. In some cases, it has also been very convenient for the executive to tackle some unpopular or vexing problems, like demolitions, from behind the armor of judicial diktats.

In recent years Public Interest Litigations and Right To Information Act have at times prodded or aided the Executive into action.

All this tell us that (i) ours is a vibrant democracy despite some drawbacks and there is no need to lose heart; and (ii) politicians should take the cue and come back to the standards of pre/post independence days.

Today a Prime Minister or a Chief Minister cannot have people of his choice in his cabinet nor can he decide allocation of subjects. A Legislature Party cannot elect its Leader. This is true of most parties that come to power. Such abject surrender is not merely of power but responsibility also. This trend needs bucking.

Clouds do come with a silver lining.

…ponder