It was quite entertaining to watch the slanging matching between the two principal characters of Indian politics. Clearly, Mayavati bested Sonia Gandhi. Round one to Behenji.
I dont know what answer Sonia Gandhi has to the poser of Maya as to what development the Nehru family has done to the Rae Bareilli, Amethi, Sultanpur areas. She should come out with her clear-cut reply instead of indulging in dramatics.
UP in ganeral and this area in particular prides itself in producing only Prime Ministers and very little else. This is no fault of Sonia Gandhi. Many industries were set up by the Centre in Sultanpur-Jagdishpur belt by the centre during Rajiv Gandhi's time like BHEL, ITI, etc. I believe almost all of them closed down due to one reason or the other.
Sidharth Reddy, wherever he is, who was nursing these areas during Rajiv Gandhi's time, should stand up and speak now.
Charan Singh's attempt to send Indira Gandhi to jail turned the tide for her. Let us see how Maya can influence the fortunes of Sonia Gandhi.
I would also like to know whether ICF and RCF, BEML, the three present coach building units are working to their optimum capacity. Will the media investigate this? BSP members should elicit this information in parliament.
Mayavati is offering land in more backward areas of UP. What is the response?
Now Sonia Gandhi has been refused permission to address a rally from a particular place in MP too. Will she offer to go to jail there too?
One-upmanship is not the prerogative of one individual or a family.
Let us hope we will have some more entertainment from these two ladies, both of whom are of PM material.
...ponder
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
End the strife
In this land of Budha and Gandhi, lives are lost in the name of religion. I notice a sudden upsurge in religiosity without spirituality. Ignorance is reigning supreme. There is no time for individual introspection, solitude, meditation or even reading of scriptures. This is more perceptable amongst Hindus because congregation and attending to temple services is not mandatory for them.
Religion is a big money spinner. So many sects; so mnay godmen/women. It is awesome to see the luxury and comfort they can manage. The very dictionery meaning of ascetic or sanyasi is turned on its head. It is a wonder that people flock to listen to mediocre gurus. Jiddu Krishnamurti must be squiriming wherever he is.
This religiosity without spirituality has spawned several fringe outfits which are abetted by political parties for their partisan ends. They can only abet but cannot control.
This has also led to genuine fervour amongst vast masses resulting in larger turnout at places of worship which are ill equipped to handle huge crowds. Tour operators may also have a hand in this. The police are stretched to their limits. Mishap after mishap is occuring. People are dying in hundreds in stampedes. It is tragic.
Another dimension to this is the rumours of miracles. Ganesha drinking milk. Idol of Sai Baba opening eyes. Another Godman giving darshan on the moon! There is neither reverence of God nor spiritual understanding of Him involved in these. Why people believe these?
God is within and we should strive to see Him there. It is not possible for all. A Perceptor is needed for us. But this should not degenerate into ignorant supplication.
The solution lies in every individual imitating the virtues of God whom they fear. And treat every fellow human being as God.
...ponder
Religion is a big money spinner. So many sects; so mnay godmen/women. It is awesome to see the luxury and comfort they can manage. The very dictionery meaning of ascetic or sanyasi is turned on its head. It is a wonder that people flock to listen to mediocre gurus. Jiddu Krishnamurti must be squiriming wherever he is.
This religiosity without spirituality has spawned several fringe outfits which are abetted by political parties for their partisan ends. They can only abet but cannot control.
This has also led to genuine fervour amongst vast masses resulting in larger turnout at places of worship which are ill equipped to handle huge crowds. Tour operators may also have a hand in this. The police are stretched to their limits. Mishap after mishap is occuring. People are dying in hundreds in stampedes. It is tragic.
Another dimension to this is the rumours of miracles. Ganesha drinking milk. Idol of Sai Baba opening eyes. Another Godman giving darshan on the moon! There is neither reverence of God nor spiritual understanding of Him involved in these. Why people believe these?
God is within and we should strive to see Him there. It is not possible for all. A Perceptor is needed for us. But this should not degenerate into ignorant supplication.
The solution lies in every individual imitating the virtues of God whom they fear. And treat every fellow human being as God.
...ponder
Sunday, September 28, 2008
WHY CONVERSIONS
There can be no two opinions about the fact that human life is more important than any religious belief. Also there can be no doubt about the freedom of choice for an individual to profess a faith of his/her choice.
In the context of present religious strife being witnessed in Orissa, Karnataka and on a minor scale in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, I would like to pose a few questions.
1) Why conversion?
2) Why foreign missionaries? What is their Mission?
3) Why have whole civilizations vanished? What happened to Red Indians? What happened to the Aborgines of Australia? What happened to Africa? Not only civilizations, whole populations vanished and the little left are forced live on reserves like animals. Why?
4) Why do we hear the names of only Malayalees as Missionaries in place after place in Orissa, MP, Rajastan and other northern states? Are indigenous christians not christian enough?
5) What is meant by the "Harvest of Souls" as prescribed by Pope Benedict?
6) From the earliest Inquisitions and Crusades to later Holocaust which religion wiped out populations on grounds of faith alone?
7) Why are there no Missionaries in Saudi Arabia? Are American soldiers enough to emancipate Saudis?
8) Our Constitution guarantees Right to propogation of one's religion. Is this licence to abuse other religions from the pulpit?
9) One question to Secularists - Bibile states that a mother who delivers a female child is ten times dirtier than a mother delivering a male child? Can they elaborate on this and explain the reasons?
10) Years ago I read a report in American press that a mother pinned down her 3 year daughter to faciliatate sex by a grown up man in return for money to buy drugs for which she was craving. This may be an aberration. And the western society doesn't lack any aberrations. But, why don't Indian Missionaries go there and emancipate Americans? In many European countries women are exhibited in glass show cases for prospective customers to choose and have sex. This is perfectly legal there. Do Missionaries consider this not worthy of their attention? Is emancipation of simple tribal folk of Orissa more important.
11) Seculiarists would like us to believe that conversions are voluntary and due to oppression in the name of Caste. Then why have whole religions and civilizations vanished in the Americas, Africa, Australia? Did Varna ashrama dharma exist there too?
12) Just by conversion if the oppressed break their shackles, why demand SC/ST status after conversion?
13) Please see the matrimonial columns in any Newspaper. Christians invariably mention their caste and seek alliance from same caste. Why? How has conversion helped them?
14) Why do the egalitarian christians fight amongst themselves on caste/denomination lines in matters of running church affairs, preaching, language of church, control over finances and even for burial of the dead? Why is the cemetry too a bone of contention? What happened to equality before their God? Even in death?
15) Christians jealously guard control of the educational institutions managed by them and brook no state interference. However, the students are predominently non-christian and they charge disproportionately huge fees on them. Why not reserve all seats for Christians and give education to all poor Christians? Why not make 100% admissions into Loyala College from amongst Christians only.
16) Is the present turmoil due to advent of elite corporate schools and colleges imparting quality education thus depriving the monopoly enjoyed by Christian educational institutions and divesting them of huge revenue?
Is it not the duty of every Indian to think that all religions are equal and every road leads to same destination. Is it not the duty of Atheists and Secularists to take a lead and propogate this.
...ponder
In the context of present religious strife being witnessed in Orissa, Karnataka and on a minor scale in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, I would like to pose a few questions.
1) Why conversion?
2) Why foreign missionaries? What is their Mission?
3) Why have whole civilizations vanished? What happened to Red Indians? What happened to the Aborgines of Australia? What happened to Africa? Not only civilizations, whole populations vanished and the little left are forced live on reserves like animals. Why?
4) Why do we hear the names of only Malayalees as Missionaries in place after place in Orissa, MP, Rajastan and other northern states? Are indigenous christians not christian enough?
5) What is meant by the "Harvest of Souls" as prescribed by Pope Benedict?
6) From the earliest Inquisitions and Crusades to later Holocaust which religion wiped out populations on grounds of faith alone?
7) Why are there no Missionaries in Saudi Arabia? Are American soldiers enough to emancipate Saudis?
8) Our Constitution guarantees Right to propogation of one's religion. Is this licence to abuse other religions from the pulpit?
9) One question to Secularists - Bibile states that a mother who delivers a female child is ten times dirtier than a mother delivering a male child? Can they elaborate on this and explain the reasons?
10) Years ago I read a report in American press that a mother pinned down her 3 year daughter to faciliatate sex by a grown up man in return for money to buy drugs for which she was craving. This may be an aberration. And the western society doesn't lack any aberrations. But, why don't Indian Missionaries go there and emancipate Americans? In many European countries women are exhibited in glass show cases for prospective customers to choose and have sex. This is perfectly legal there. Do Missionaries consider this not worthy of their attention? Is emancipation of simple tribal folk of Orissa more important.
11) Seculiarists would like us to believe that conversions are voluntary and due to oppression in the name of Caste. Then why have whole religions and civilizations vanished in the Americas, Africa, Australia? Did Varna ashrama dharma exist there too?
12) Just by conversion if the oppressed break their shackles, why demand SC/ST status after conversion?
13) Please see the matrimonial columns in any Newspaper. Christians invariably mention their caste and seek alliance from same caste. Why? How has conversion helped them?
14) Why do the egalitarian christians fight amongst themselves on caste/denomination lines in matters of running church affairs, preaching, language of church, control over finances and even for burial of the dead? Why is the cemetry too a bone of contention? What happened to equality before their God? Even in death?
15) Christians jealously guard control of the educational institutions managed by them and brook no state interference. However, the students are predominently non-christian and they charge disproportionately huge fees on them. Why not reserve all seats for Christians and give education to all poor Christians? Why not make 100% admissions into Loyala College from amongst Christians only.
16) Is the present turmoil due to advent of elite corporate schools and colleges imparting quality education thus depriving the monopoly enjoyed by Christian educational institutions and divesting them of huge revenue?
Is it not the duty of every Indian to think that all religions are equal and every road leads to same destination. Is it not the duty of Atheists and Secularists to take a lead and propogate this.
...ponder
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Minorities
It is pointed out at the outset that our constitution, being consecreted by the ideals of equality and justice both in the social and political fields, abolishes any discrimination either against or in favour of any classes of persons on the grounds of religion, race or place of birth.
In respect of those sections of community who were socially and economically backward at the time of enactment of constitution, in order to aid them at the start, certain temporary measures to help the backward sections to come up to same level with the rest of the nation, as well as certain permanent safeguards for the protection of the cultural, linguistic and similar rights of any section of the community said to constitute a 'minority' from numerical and not communal point of view have been provided.
It may be interesting to note that the provision guaranteeing religious freedom to every individual covers all citizens uniformly and no specific safeguards are provided in favour of any denomination whether numerically high or low.
The permenent safeguards for minorities are:=
1) guarantee of linguistic and cultural rights.
2) facilities for instruction in mother tongue.
3) Special officr for linquistic minorities.
4) No discrimination in state educational institutions.
5) Right to establish educational insiitutions of their choice.
6) No discrination in state aid to educational institutions.
7) No discrimination in public employment.
8) Upliftment of SC/ST/BC.
9) Special provisions for SC/ST.
Temporary provisions for minorities:-
1) Reservation of seats in Lok Sabha for SC/ST
2) reservation of seats in Legislative assemblies.
3) Reservation in state employment for SC/ST/BC.
From the above it is apparent that the term 'minority' does not have any religious connotation at all and is an all embracing description of all those who are disadvantaged due to their geographical location or social/economic backwrdness or victims of centuries-old discminination.
It is indeed sad that even after more than half a century since enactment of our constitution, the need for continuation of these provisions remains.
The present political lexicon interpreting 'minority' as non-Hindus alone in general and muslims/christians in particular is inappropriate.
...ponder
In respect of those sections of community who were socially and economically backward at the time of enactment of constitution, in order to aid them at the start, certain temporary measures to help the backward sections to come up to same level with the rest of the nation, as well as certain permanent safeguards for the protection of the cultural, linguistic and similar rights of any section of the community said to constitute a 'minority' from numerical and not communal point of view have been provided.
It may be interesting to note that the provision guaranteeing religious freedom to every individual covers all citizens uniformly and no specific safeguards are provided in favour of any denomination whether numerically high or low.
The permenent safeguards for minorities are:=
1) guarantee of linguistic and cultural rights.
2) facilities for instruction in mother tongue.
3) Special officr for linquistic minorities.
4) No discrimination in state educational institutions.
5) Right to establish educational insiitutions of their choice.
6) No discrination in state aid to educational institutions.
7) No discrimination in public employment.
8) Upliftment of SC/ST/BC.
9) Special provisions for SC/ST.
Temporary provisions for minorities:-
1) Reservation of seats in Lok Sabha for SC/ST
2) reservation of seats in Legislative assemblies.
3) Reservation in state employment for SC/ST/BC.
From the above it is apparent that the term 'minority' does not have any religious connotation at all and is an all embracing description of all those who are disadvantaged due to their geographical location or social/economic backwrdness or victims of centuries-old discminination.
It is indeed sad that even after more than half a century since enactment of our constitution, the need for continuation of these provisions remains.
The present political lexicon interpreting 'minority' as non-Hindus alone in general and muslims/christians in particular is inappropriate.
...ponder
Friday, August 29, 2008
Inspiration for Chiranjeevi and his party
The backdrop on the dias where Chiranjivi clumsily launched his party had the portraits of Ambedkar,Gandhi,Theresa and Phule. He claimed these august personalities inspired him into public service and eventually launching his political outfit. Good. But this backdrop, his oratarial abilities and the glitches bordering on amateurism gives us an insight into his and his family concern's abilities and intentions.
For a person and a party who/which is destined to be confined to only the Telugu people (may be not all, may be only Kapus and may be only East/West Godacari Districts) he could not find a single Telugu icon giving him inspiration all these years. No Kandukuri Veeresalingam no Durga Bai Deshmukh no Prakasam no Alluri Seeta Rama Raju no Potti Sreeramulu.
Sonia Gandh's reading of Hindi speeches written in English script is better than Chiranjeevi's reading of Telugu speech written in Telugu.
Though he took months to come out with his party to the chargin of his eager fans, he oould not take categorical stand on prime issues like Telengana, Reservations, etc. He left these issues to committees a typical Parkinson solution.
Days after his so-called mega event, he is yet to come out with a manifesto or a list of office bearers or a road map.
His or his spin doctors' penchant for filmy suspense landed them in trouble over his paty name. So much for organisational skill and home work. Visuals in tjhe media show audience madly gesturing . dancing jostling, stampeding - anything but listening.
One of his principal think tank mambers on whom he is publicly seen dependent is one Dr.Mitra whose own performance in his interaction with Techies was a super flop.
One question worth pondering is, whether maintaining a live list of prospective blood donors area-wise, is not a better alternative to blood donation camps where a lot of precious blood is wasted through poor storage facilities and absence of quick uasage. Ofcourse, these camps generate more publicity compared to the quiet utility of individual donations on demand in an emergency.
One assertion is that in these days of quickies, these actors depend so much on dubbing that they can neither remember nor deliver their dialogues convincingly what to talk of ex tempore speeches.
Except that one more caste/sub-regional party has taken birth what else is achieved, only coming times will tell.
There was no harking to Telugu pride, no mention of the sacrifices made by Telugu people for the Telugu land.
Even the inclusion of green colour in the party flag gives indication to the eagerness to pamper muslim votes whatever may be the claims otherwise.
The list can go on. I wish him well. I am not in a hurry to judge him but pointing out only some indicators. His claims of a party with difference are doubtful what with defectors gaining entry. If service through a political party is his aim he could have as well become a foot soldier of Lok Satta Party with its impeccable credentials with a leadership of totally different kind.
People are a patient and intelligent lot. They will wait watch assess and decide. They cannot be taken for a ride all the time. It is time for Chiranjeevi to ponder...
For a person and a party who/which is destined to be confined to only the Telugu people (may be not all, may be only Kapus and may be only East/West Godacari Districts) he could not find a single Telugu icon giving him inspiration all these years. No Kandukuri Veeresalingam no Durga Bai Deshmukh no Prakasam no Alluri Seeta Rama Raju no Potti Sreeramulu.
Sonia Gandh's reading of Hindi speeches written in English script is better than Chiranjeevi's reading of Telugu speech written in Telugu.
Though he took months to come out with his party to the chargin of his eager fans, he oould not take categorical stand on prime issues like Telengana, Reservations, etc. He left these issues to committees a typical Parkinson solution.
Days after his so-called mega event, he is yet to come out with a manifesto or a list of office bearers or a road map.
His or his spin doctors' penchant for filmy suspense landed them in trouble over his paty name. So much for organisational skill and home work. Visuals in tjhe media show audience madly gesturing . dancing jostling, stampeding - anything but listening.
One of his principal think tank mambers on whom he is publicly seen dependent is one Dr.Mitra whose own performance in his interaction with Techies was a super flop.
One question worth pondering is, whether maintaining a live list of prospective blood donors area-wise, is not a better alternative to blood donation camps where a lot of precious blood is wasted through poor storage facilities and absence of quick uasage. Ofcourse, these camps generate more publicity compared to the quiet utility of individual donations on demand in an emergency.
One assertion is that in these days of quickies, these actors depend so much on dubbing that they can neither remember nor deliver their dialogues convincingly what to talk of ex tempore speeches.
Except that one more caste/sub-regional party has taken birth what else is achieved, only coming times will tell.
There was no harking to Telugu pride, no mention of the sacrifices made by Telugu people for the Telugu land.
Even the inclusion of green colour in the party flag gives indication to the eagerness to pamper muslim votes whatever may be the claims otherwise.
The list can go on. I wish him well. I am not in a hurry to judge him but pointing out only some indicators. His claims of a party with difference are doubtful what with defectors gaining entry. If service through a political party is his aim he could have as well become a foot soldier of Lok Satta Party with its impeccable credentials with a leadership of totally different kind.
People are a patient and intelligent lot. They will wait watch assess and decide. They cannot be taken for a ride all the time. It is time for Chiranjeevi to ponder...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Divided Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir is divided in many dimensions:
a) Between India and Pakistan. This is a tangible and physical divide. So-called Line of Control is treated as International border despite claims and counter claims.
b) Between Muslims, Hindus and Budhists viz. Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Leh respectively. After ethnic cleansing in the Valley, the polarisation is complete.
c) Between those who want merger with India, those who want merger with Pakistan and those who want an Independent Kashmir. Today we see agitationists in the valley carry Green/Pakistani flag and those in Jammu carry Indian flag.
d) Between indigenous population and Foreign mercenaries. It is stated that mercenaries from various Asian/African countries are indoctrinated and trained in gurella warfare and thrust into Kashmir.
e) The indigenous population is divided into those who abet foreign mercenaries and those who get crushed between the mercenaries and the Security forces.
f) Hindus are divided between indigenous population of Jammu and the displaced population from valley living in ghettos. They carry different agendas.
g) One more division about which everyone feigns amnesia is the people living in areas ceded by Pakistan to China from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
h) Between those Muslims who still believe in preserving their ancient culture and tradition and those who believe in the establishment of Islamic rule which does not brook anything not originated in arab lands.
There could be many more Divisions. How can we overcome them? What about the fate of the people, men of the central forces, petty government officials, who are placed in the most explosive tinder box on this globe.
...ponder
a) Between India and Pakistan. This is a tangible and physical divide. So-called Line of Control is treated as International border despite claims and counter claims.
b) Between Muslims, Hindus and Budhists viz. Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Leh respectively. After ethnic cleansing in the Valley, the polarisation is complete.
c) Between those who want merger with India, those who want merger with Pakistan and those who want an Independent Kashmir. Today we see agitationists in the valley carry Green/Pakistani flag and those in Jammu carry Indian flag.
d) Between indigenous population and Foreign mercenaries. It is stated that mercenaries from various Asian/African countries are indoctrinated and trained in gurella warfare and thrust into Kashmir.
e) The indigenous population is divided into those who abet foreign mercenaries and those who get crushed between the mercenaries and the Security forces.
f) Hindus are divided between indigenous population of Jammu and the displaced population from valley living in ghettos. They carry different agendas.
g) One more division about which everyone feigns amnesia is the people living in areas ceded by Pakistan to China from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
h) Between those Muslims who still believe in preserving their ancient culture and tradition and those who believe in the establishment of Islamic rule which does not brook anything not originated in arab lands.
There could be many more Divisions. How can we overcome them? What about the fate of the people, men of the central forces, petty government officials, who are placed in the most explosive tinder box on this globe.
...ponder
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Confidence Vote
The two day session of the Parliament was a water-shed in the annals of Indian Parliamentary History.
There were certain stark and startling home truths on display.
1. A churlish BJP opposing the deal which they earlier claimed as their own brain child - only did not want Congress to do it. Party above Nation.
2. A confident Man Mohan Singh throwing an adaucious gauntlet to the Communists and calling their bluff.
3. Advani, a reluctant opposer whose heart was not there in his speech.
4. The deal brought into a Hindu-Muslim question by Communists(Communalists).
5. Mayavati pushing her Agenda of conquering the Delhi throne and has-beens like the 8 ex Chief Ministers (Chandra Babu,Chautala, etc) having no Delhi ambitions kowtowing to her.
9. BJP flaunting note bundles in the Parliament reminding the public about the Bangaru laxman episode who was rewarded with Rajya Sabha seat for that. High moral ground and Party with a Difference.
10. The astute political skills of businessman Amar Singh who delivered the goods.
11. The subdued roles played by Sonia Gandhi and Mulayam Singh in allowing the right persons to handle the right jobs and in the process giving them the opportunity to hog the limelight.
12. Whatever the inducements or lure, the goal has been achieved i.e severing the tail that was wagging the dog and putting the 'Patriots" on backfoot - 2 birds in one shot.
13. We missed Vajpayee's speech. Probably he was for the deal and hence kept mum.
14. Since BJP is now a second-rate Congress (with its opportunistic talk of secularism, reservations), it is good that the original bested the aper.
15. Though Man Mohan Singh has not emerged squeeky clean, he has graduated into a consummate politician. Sonia and he used SP's paws to pull the chestnuts out of fire. That is finisse.
16. Man Mohan should now renege on all promises that he might have made like inducting Soren into Cabinet, Sethu Project, etc and call the bluff of his allies and motley gwroups who must now have realised the killer instinct of the PM in his new avatar. Should force elections now.
12 Communists have been shown the door. Not only by the Parliament but by its Presiding Authority - the Speaker.
13. Somnath Chatterjee upheld the dignity of the Chair - three cheers to him.
There were certain stark and startling home truths on display.
1. A churlish BJP opposing the deal which they earlier claimed as their own brain child - only did not want Congress to do it. Party above Nation.
2. A confident Man Mohan Singh throwing an adaucious gauntlet to the Communists and calling their bluff.
3. Advani, a reluctant opposer whose heart was not there in his speech.
4. The deal brought into a Hindu-Muslim question by Communists(Communalists).
5. Mayavati pushing her Agenda of conquering the Delhi throne and has-beens like the 8 ex Chief Ministers (Chandra Babu,Chautala, etc) having no Delhi ambitions kowtowing to her.
9. BJP flaunting note bundles in the Parliament reminding the public about the Bangaru laxman episode who was rewarded with Rajya Sabha seat for that. High moral ground and Party with a Difference.
10. The astute political skills of businessman Amar Singh who delivered the goods.
11. The subdued roles played by Sonia Gandhi and Mulayam Singh in allowing the right persons to handle the right jobs and in the process giving them the opportunity to hog the limelight.
12. Whatever the inducements or lure, the goal has been achieved i.e severing the tail that was wagging the dog and putting the 'Patriots" on backfoot - 2 birds in one shot.
13. We missed Vajpayee's speech. Probably he was for the deal and hence kept mum.
14. Since BJP is now a second-rate Congress (with its opportunistic talk of secularism, reservations), it is good that the original bested the aper.
15. Though Man Mohan Singh has not emerged squeeky clean, he has graduated into a consummate politician. Sonia and he used SP's paws to pull the chestnuts out of fire. That is finisse.
16. Man Mohan should now renege on all promises that he might have made like inducting Soren into Cabinet, Sethu Project, etc and call the bluff of his allies and motley gwroups who must now have realised the killer instinct of the PM in his new avatar. Should force elections now.
12 Communists have been shown the door. Not only by the Parliament but by its Presiding Authority - the Speaker.
13. Somnath Chatterjee upheld the dignity of the Chair - three cheers to him.
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