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
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
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
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
Thursday, February 18, 2010
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
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
Thursday, January 28, 2010
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
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
Sunday, January 17, 2010
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
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
Monday, January 4, 2010
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
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
Sunday, January 3, 2010
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
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
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