Right from 1947, infiltration of Bengalis from East Pakistan into the various states of India has been going on. This despite the fact that the State is duty bound to protect its borders. This infiltration is not confined to Hindus facing the wrath after partition but also by Muslims, actively abetted by influential individuals like Fakruddin Ali Ahmed and states like West Bengal indulging in vote bank politics.
Even after the unwise action of formation of Bangladesh with the might of the Indian army, this inundation of the border states by aliens continues. They manage ration cards, enrolment in electoral rolls and various other documents and facilities in a systematic way.
The demogragraphic profile of North East has changed enormously and this coupled with lack of employment opportunities there and fierce tribal loyalties has made this region a tinder box of escalating violance. In the last round of ethnic conflict there, Pakistani flags sprouted in many villages.
Now these illegal migrants have spread to almost every nook and corner of India and form a potential pool of recruits for terrorist outfits.
Hon'ble Supreme Court has castigated the Government for its failure to protect the country in general and its borders in particular in the context of this dangerous trends in demographic changes. This makes no difference to our Government whatever be its hue. BJP makes a difference between Hindu illegal migrants and Muslim illegal migrants, This is unacceptable.
Recent serial blasts in Asom is a direct result of this ethnic strife.
Government and Opposition should rise above electoral politics and act immediately to uphold the territorial integrity and security of the Nation. An Indian from other parts of India has no right to settle and acquire property in Kashmir which we claim to be part of India. But lakhs and lakhs of Bangladeshis enjoy this everywhere in the country. What is this? Why should innocent Indians die in North East?
...ponder
Friday, October 31, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Matter of Shame & concern
Two recent reports caused distress no end.
First, rape of Nun in Orissa. Rape is the ultimate humiliation that can be heaped on a woman that too on a 20 year old who has renounced material life to serve her God. That this ghastly act is a part of larger religious frenzy makes it sadder.
Second, the reported Hindu Terrorism. This is the first time we are hearing about it. If true, it could portend a catastrophic change in the terror profile and could lead to a tit for tat situation, which is what the original perpetuators wanted. Also if true, nobody can blame the foreign hand. Pure indigenous effort which is an indicator of things to come.
In times of turmoils, anti-social and lumpen elements do take advantage. Remember anti-sikh riots, Godhra aftermath, etc. Even natural occurance like MGR's death sparked looting of shops in Chennai.
Apart from religious hatred in which committed elements cause mayhem, the main problem today is people losing faith in authority of the State and having no respect for Institutions. Partisan and parochial speeches and actions of so-called leaders, patronage being given to lumpen elements, dependence on muscle power, have wrecked havoc. Rajiv Gandhi famously said "When a tree falls, earth shakes". This while butchering of innocent sikhs was going on and he was already sworn in as PM. What can we expect?
Is India going to be another Lebonan?
How to stem this dangerous trend?
...Ponder
First, rape of Nun in Orissa. Rape is the ultimate humiliation that can be heaped on a woman that too on a 20 year old who has renounced material life to serve her God. That this ghastly act is a part of larger religious frenzy makes it sadder.
Second, the reported Hindu Terrorism. This is the first time we are hearing about it. If true, it could portend a catastrophic change in the terror profile and could lead to a tit for tat situation, which is what the original perpetuators wanted. Also if true, nobody can blame the foreign hand. Pure indigenous effort which is an indicator of things to come.
In times of turmoils, anti-social and lumpen elements do take advantage. Remember anti-sikh riots, Godhra aftermath, etc. Even natural occurance like MGR's death sparked looting of shops in Chennai.
Apart from religious hatred in which committed elements cause mayhem, the main problem today is people losing faith in authority of the State and having no respect for Institutions. Partisan and parochial speeches and actions of so-called leaders, patronage being given to lumpen elements, dependence on muscle power, have wrecked havoc. Rajiv Gandhi famously said "When a tree falls, earth shakes". This while butchering of innocent sikhs was going on and he was already sworn in as PM. What can we expect?
Is India going to be another Lebonan?
How to stem this dangerous trend?
...Ponder
Friday, October 24, 2008
Healthy Conventions
In the context of our Hon'ble Speaker leaving the house in agony, it is worthwhile to ponder whether we had, over the long period our Parliament is in existence, created healthy conventions for smooth functioning of our parliament.
When I say "We" I do not merely refer to Parliamentarians only but the whole country, political establishment, institutions, etc.,
There is a certain discernable deterioration in the quality of debates. We do not any more have such erudite, gentlemanly and titanic figures like Nehru, Patel, J.B. Kriplani, H.V. Kamath, Ram Manohar Lohia, V,B,Raju, etc nor serious non-politicians in the conventional sense like Minoo Masani or Piloo Modi getting elected. This is a failure of the political parties and the electors.
Basic courtesy and etiquette demanded of a public person in countering adversaries (not enemies) in debates is also on the wane. Rapt attention in listening is absent. This is a failure of the nation as a whole.
Taking partisan lines on issues of grave national issues is another regrettable phenomenan. We rarely see the entire house speaking with one voice on any matter any more. This reflects poorly on the prevailing acrimonious politics in the country.
Some of the nominations made to the Rajya Sabha (supposed to be the House of Elders) borders on frivolity.
Despite the Election Commission acting as a keen watch dog, people with dubious antecedents do get into the Parliament. This puts a shadow on the credibility of our most important democratic institution. This again is a failure of political parties and the electors.
It is also sad to see the house often divided on religious and caste lines. This was not the case earlier.
Fewer and fewer women entering the Parliament denies opportunity to a large talented pool.
Shrinking duration of sessions and whatever time available getting lost in disturbances takes away the opportunity to put the government to scrutiny and to focus on important issues facing the country.
Many of our Members do not represent the Constituency/state from where they get elected as they never reside there nor have any sort of affinity to that place. This deprives access to the local population the srevices and easy access to their so-called representatives.
Quite a big difference can be made by adopting healthy conventions. Wise and patriotic people especially in the Parliament should put their heads together to foster such conventions and traditions to be adhered to both inside and outside the parliament at all stages of formation and functioning of parliament for the good of the Nation.
...ponder
When I say "We" I do not merely refer to Parliamentarians only but the whole country, political establishment, institutions, etc.,
There is a certain discernable deterioration in the quality of debates. We do not any more have such erudite, gentlemanly and titanic figures like Nehru, Patel, J.B. Kriplani, H.V. Kamath, Ram Manohar Lohia, V,B,Raju, etc nor serious non-politicians in the conventional sense like Minoo Masani or Piloo Modi getting elected. This is a failure of the political parties and the electors.
Basic courtesy and etiquette demanded of a public person in countering adversaries (not enemies) in debates is also on the wane. Rapt attention in listening is absent. This is a failure of the nation as a whole.
Taking partisan lines on issues of grave national issues is another regrettable phenomenan. We rarely see the entire house speaking with one voice on any matter any more. This reflects poorly on the prevailing acrimonious politics in the country.
Some of the nominations made to the Rajya Sabha (supposed to be the House of Elders) borders on frivolity.
Despite the Election Commission acting as a keen watch dog, people with dubious antecedents do get into the Parliament. This puts a shadow on the credibility of our most important democratic institution. This again is a failure of political parties and the electors.
It is also sad to see the house often divided on religious and caste lines. This was not the case earlier.
Fewer and fewer women entering the Parliament denies opportunity to a large talented pool.
Shrinking duration of sessions and whatever time available getting lost in disturbances takes away the opportunity to put the government to scrutiny and to focus on important issues facing the country.
Many of our Members do not represent the Constituency/state from where they get elected as they never reside there nor have any sort of affinity to that place. This deprives access to the local population the srevices and easy access to their so-called representatives.
Quite a big difference can be made by adopting healthy conventions. Wise and patriotic people especially in the Parliament should put their heads together to foster such conventions and traditions to be adhered to both inside and outside the parliament at all stages of formation and functioning of parliament for the good of the Nation.
...ponder
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Need for Uniform Civil Code
There is an interesting news report in 'The Hindu" of 23.10.2008 which is reproduced below verbatim.
Quote
Court for body to regulate Muslim marriages
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Says no system to check ‘indiscreet divorce’
Appeals all concerned to study the problem
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KOCHI: A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Wednesday observed that legislation for setting up bodies at Central and regional levels to regulate, control and supervise Muslim marriages and divorces was the need of the hour.
The Bench of Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice Harun-Ul-Rashid, while passing a verdict in a matrimonial case involving a Muslim couple, said an effective system should be introduced for protecting the Muslim society and women from “indiscreet marriage and divorce.”
The court observed that though polygamy was allowed in the strict sense by Islam, there was no system in India to supervise or control such indiscreet marriage and divorce. Going by Koranic verses, permission to marry more than one woman, but not more than four, was given at a time when there were lots of orphans, widows and captives of war who were unable to maintain a dignified life. Polygamy was allowed then due to unavoidable circumstances. In fact, the practice was discouraged by imposing stringent conditions.
The court observed that even after 15th century, some people of the community seemed to be very particular in following the practice, unmindful of whether such circumstances existed or not. They entered into more than one marriage, mostly for their personal pleasure. The court said polygamy was unlawful in the country. It called for strong moral strength, if not religious factor, to eradicate polygamy from among the Muslims.
The court said there was no system in the country to ascertain and decide whether a person was eligible to contract more than one marriage during the subsistence of the first marriage. Men in the community enjoyed unrestricted freedom to marry women of their choice and pronounce talaq according to their whims and fancies. In fact, most of such marriages were illegal since they were against Koranic injunctions.
The court pointed out that in Pakistan, Muslim family law regulated polygamy and provided for an arbitration council. As per the laws in Muslim countries such as Iraq, the husband must satisfy the court the reasons for divorce. These provisions were intended to regulate marriage and supervise its sanctity.
The Bench appealed to all concerned within the community and the administrative authority and the government to study the problems faced by “helpless and destitute women and children” and bestow thoughts on the ways and means to alleviate their problems.
Unquote
Our Law Makers should be bold enough to rise above partisan ends to review and regulte all such archaic practices in all religions, sects, and denominations. Unless we move with times, things will come to such a pass that vulnerable sections like women,children, old citizens, etc will be exploited badly. The concept of Hindu Undivided Family in taxation laws is one such example. Animal sacrifices in the name of worship is another. If we can try to eradicate the scourge of Varna Ashrama Dharma in Hindu religion though it had religious sanction and was one of the pillars of Hindu way of life, we should tackle so many of other ill suited and retrograde practices in all denominations of our society,
Better such reforms originate from within that particular religion/sect for wider acceptance and smoother transition. But law makers should act.
...ponder
Quote
Court for body to regulate Muslim marriages
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Says no system to check ‘indiscreet divorce’
Appeals all concerned to study the problem
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KOCHI: A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Wednesday observed that legislation for setting up bodies at Central and regional levels to regulate, control and supervise Muslim marriages and divorces was the need of the hour.
The Bench of Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice Harun-Ul-Rashid, while passing a verdict in a matrimonial case involving a Muslim couple, said an effective system should be introduced for protecting the Muslim society and women from “indiscreet marriage and divorce.”
The court observed that though polygamy was allowed in the strict sense by Islam, there was no system in India to supervise or control such indiscreet marriage and divorce. Going by Koranic verses, permission to marry more than one woman, but not more than four, was given at a time when there were lots of orphans, widows and captives of war who were unable to maintain a dignified life. Polygamy was allowed then due to unavoidable circumstances. In fact, the practice was discouraged by imposing stringent conditions.
The court observed that even after 15th century, some people of the community seemed to be very particular in following the practice, unmindful of whether such circumstances existed or not. They entered into more than one marriage, mostly for their personal pleasure. The court said polygamy was unlawful in the country. It called for strong moral strength, if not religious factor, to eradicate polygamy from among the Muslims.
The court said there was no system in the country to ascertain and decide whether a person was eligible to contract more than one marriage during the subsistence of the first marriage. Men in the community enjoyed unrestricted freedom to marry women of their choice and pronounce talaq according to their whims and fancies. In fact, most of such marriages were illegal since they were against Koranic injunctions.
The court pointed out that in Pakistan, Muslim family law regulated polygamy and provided for an arbitration council. As per the laws in Muslim countries such as Iraq, the husband must satisfy the court the reasons for divorce. These provisions were intended to regulate marriage and supervise its sanctity.
The Bench appealed to all concerned within the community and the administrative authority and the government to study the problems faced by “helpless and destitute women and children” and bestow thoughts on the ways and means to alleviate their problems.
Unquote
Our Law Makers should be bold enough to rise above partisan ends to review and regulte all such archaic practices in all religions, sects, and denominations. Unless we move with times, things will come to such a pass that vulnerable sections like women,children, old citizens, etc will be exploited badly. The concept of Hindu Undivided Family in taxation laws is one such example. Animal sacrifices in the name of worship is another. If we can try to eradicate the scourge of Varna Ashrama Dharma in Hindu religion though it had religious sanction and was one of the pillars of Hindu way of life, we should tackle so many of other ill suited and retrograde practices in all denominations of our society,
Better such reforms originate from within that particular religion/sect for wider acceptance and smoother transition. But law makers should act.
...ponder
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Slug-Fest
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
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
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
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