Mr.Obama has taken over as American President, the most-powerful, responsible and lonely position in this world. Welcome Sir. All the best to you, your great country and this world of ours. Your thoughts, words and deeds will have profound effect on almost every facet of world affairs for the next four years and may be beyond.
As far as India is concerned, we have some apprehensions (outsourching, kashmir, military aid to Pakistan, etc.) and a lot of expectations. I am sure that the new President will be inspired to think, speak and act, not merely in American's interests but towards ensuring justice and peace to Indian too.
India can draw a few lessons from the election of Mr.Obama, especially our intellectuals and political class provided. they are willing to jettison some pet baggage.
Obama won the Democratic nomination against a powerful opponent and eventually won the election against a candidate who, on the surface, represented the majority (whites) and entrenched elite. He won handsomely and his victory, throughout the campaign, was never in serious doubt. This despite the fact, he was perceived to be handicapped by the colour of his skin, his being just a second generation American, his origins spread over vast geography wirg almost no roots within America.
His victory was not due to any positive discrimination or condenscending affirmative action. In Indian lingua not due to reservation. Cutting across various barriers, he won the popularity contest merely on his credentials and the hope he generated in the minds of Americans.
In India, there is a lot of talk and dependency on factors like Region, Language, Minority, Downtroddenness, etc. and till today no worthwhile leader in any party could emerge as leader without these crutches or cards except in the initial days of Independence euphoria. Even such stalwart like Indira Gandhi had to contest from Chikabalapur or Medak not sure of her own win from traditional constituency.
Especially the whining we hear from Secularists, Minorities, persons belonging to certain communities, on their percievred discrimination should introspect why no one could emerge from their ranks with a pan-Indian appeal. Jagjivan Ram contested election after election from Sasaram, a reserved constituency, and left it a more impoverished area than when he first represented it, thought he was Prime Ministerial Material.
There is none from these ranks who has even an iota of ambition of leading this country let alone be a serious contender on their own. One or two like Sonia Gandhi or Mayavati bank on not thier worth or popularity but on the wily political culture of our country.
For the sake of our country, for the sake of cleaner politics, for the sake of empowerment of vast masses, this mindset should change. But the present form of Government may not be conducive. Presidential form may be more suitable. I dont think Obama would have made it in an indirect election.
...Ponder
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
People's Representatives
Amar Singh announced that Sanjay Dutt will be SP's candidate from Lucknow constituency for the forthcoming general elections. As Sanjay Dutt is a convicted person in a terror case and whose appeal is pending in Hon'ble Supreme Court, doubts have been raised whether his nomination will be accepted as per the electoral code. Promptly, Amar Singh comes out with the name of Manyata, the wife of Sanjay Dutt, as the alternative choise. I wish her all the best.
Choosing a contestant by a political party is its own business and one cannot dispute that.
But some questions still linger.
1. We merely talk of eligibility but what about suitability?
2. Are they capable of really representing the citizens residing in that constituency? Do they reside there? Are they accecible easily to the voters? Do they experience the problems peculiar and particular to that state,district,constituency?
3. What is their contribution to the Nation, Country and Civil society, as a public person, to make them an MP ?
4. What is their experience/qualification which will enable them to function as an MP doing full justice to the onerous responsibilities that go with that position. Are they equipped to participate in any debate, appreciate the contents of plethora of papers they will receive from Lok Sabha Secretariat? Do they possess the potential to become a sub-committee member on any important issue or a member of Standing Committees like PAC, BAC, etc.
5. Why should capable,experienced, qualified, hard-working card carrying party members be ignored? What is the incentive for working up from grass roots?
6. All MPs of ruling party do not become ministers. Likewise all MPs of opposition also do not become prominent spokespersons of Opposition. Definitely, back benchers are needed to beef up numbers. But are they expected to perform only barraging, walkouts, raising hands, etc and otherwise remain silent?
There should be a system of democratically electing a party candidate before he/she attempts to get democratically elected as a People's Representative. This will also end the evil of a widow/widower or offspring of a deceased MP getting nominated automatically reducing the democratic process to dynastic succession.
In this context the talk of making Rahul Gandhi being made PM by no less than our incumbant PM and our unsuccessful bidder for that post, Pranab Mukherjee, makes depressing reading. Rahul Gandhi's winning election from Amethi is itself doubtful and there is talk is in the air of giving him Medak seat in AP as a safety net
.
Congress is steeped in nomination culture (also papered over as 'consensus') from pre-independence days. Remember how Subhash Chandra Bose was hounded out after he dared to win against Pattabhi Sitaramayya despite Mahatma Gandhi. Nomination culture provides for the undeserving, less-talented, less-popular, less-experienced to jump over others. Unfortunately, other parties too follow in Congress' footsteps.
Result is people 'do not get the government they deserve' thanks to the way electoral laws have been made and are flouted.
...ponder
Choosing a contestant by a political party is its own business and one cannot dispute that.
But some questions still linger.
1. We merely talk of eligibility but what about suitability?
2. Are they capable of really representing the citizens residing in that constituency? Do they reside there? Are they accecible easily to the voters? Do they experience the problems peculiar and particular to that state,district,constituency?
3. What is their contribution to the Nation, Country and Civil society, as a public person, to make them an MP ?
4. What is their experience/qualification which will enable them to function as an MP doing full justice to the onerous responsibilities that go with that position. Are they equipped to participate in any debate, appreciate the contents of plethora of papers they will receive from Lok Sabha Secretariat? Do they possess the potential to become a sub-committee member on any important issue or a member of Standing Committees like PAC, BAC, etc.
5. Why should capable,experienced, qualified, hard-working card carrying party members be ignored? What is the incentive for working up from grass roots?
6. All MPs of ruling party do not become ministers. Likewise all MPs of opposition also do not become prominent spokespersons of Opposition. Definitely, back benchers are needed to beef up numbers. But are they expected to perform only barraging, walkouts, raising hands, etc and otherwise remain silent?
There should be a system of democratically electing a party candidate before he/she attempts to get democratically elected as a People's Representative. This will also end the evil of a widow/widower or offspring of a deceased MP getting nominated automatically reducing the democratic process to dynastic succession.
In this context the talk of making Rahul Gandhi being made PM by no less than our incumbant PM and our unsuccessful bidder for that post, Pranab Mukherjee, makes depressing reading. Rahul Gandhi's winning election from Amethi is itself doubtful and there is talk is in the air of giving him Medak seat in AP as a safety net
.
Congress is steeped in nomination culture (also papered over as 'consensus') from pre-independence days. Remember how Subhash Chandra Bose was hounded out after he dared to win against Pattabhi Sitaramayya despite Mahatma Gandhi. Nomination culture provides for the undeserving, less-talented, less-popular, less-experienced to jump over others. Unfortunately, other parties too follow in Congress' footsteps.
Result is people 'do not get the government they deserve' thanks to the way electoral laws have been made and are flouted.
...ponder
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Divine Miracles
St.Bernadette is said to have died 122 years ago in Lourdes, France and was buried; her body was only discovered 30 years ago. After church officials decided to examine it they thay are supposed to have discovered Her body is still fresh until today and if one goes to Lourdes , France one can see in the church in Lourdes. Her body isn't decomposing because during her lifetime, the mother of Jesus is said to appear to her and give messages and advice to all mankind on the right way to live on this earth. Many miracles are said to have taken place in this place of Lourdes and belif is, still do until today.
For the believers, this establishes the presence of divine force, even if it eludes the grasp of scientists as of now. Modern scientists have open mind to investigate such phenomenan if allowed. A similar such (of Xavier , I believe,) church displaying the demised saint's body, from which blood still oozes on certain auspicious days, exists in Goa, India.
Scientists are baffled (did they have access to the body?) because this defies the laws of nature. Instead of a foul smell of a dead body, a fragrance of flowers is said to be experienced when the coffin is opened. Some say they have experienced this by just being near to the coffin. One can visit the Church of Lourdes, France to verify the authenticity of this and to see a living(?) miracle of our times provided the body is available for scientific scrutiny and not shrouded in mumbo jumbo.
We dont know whether it is power of divinity or power of technology. There is one more body,that of Lenin preserved in Kermlin, Moscow. Nothing divinity about it atleast. In Srirangam Temple, India, the body of Saint Ramanujacharya is on display hundreds of years after his death. In Mangalagiri temple near Guntur, AP, India, exactly half the panakam (jaggery water) poured into the mouth of the idol is gurgled out. Tears flow from the statue of Mary at Lourdes, France. Sunrays fall exactly on the idol's feet on Radhasaptami Day at Suyanarayanaswamy temple, Arasavilli, Srikakulam, AP, India. There are thousands of such miracles attributed to various places/persons in all religions.
I, personally, am sceptical. Laws of nature can be overcome, like defying gravity, only through science/technology. From times immemorial certain wisemen harnessed superior knowledge to impress lay people in matters of religion which is nothing but subjugation into belief. May be with the good intention of ushering in discipline and social order. However, I dont pass judgement. True spirituality needs no proof other than one's own adherance to truth and righteousness.
There are ther minor miracles attributed to human beings like producings watches, gold coins, ashes, etc from thin air. Rationalists routinely demonstrate that these can be performed by anyone with some practice. But it is a fact that nobody produces an object that cannot be held in a palm e.g. a football or a pumpkin.
One thing is there for all to see. These miracles have no tangible value whatsoever. They dont quench thirst nor sate hunger. I am yet to hear about a miracle where rice or wheat or any edible stuff is miraculously generated freeing the needy from hunger. A dead body throwing fragrence has no meaning to a hungry mouth. Does it stop wars? Does it prevent frauds, murders, crimes?
But yes it is a miracle. It sustains local economy. It encourages tourism and generates economic activity.
The bigger miracle is people believe in miracles.
...ponder
For the believers, this establishes the presence of divine force, even if it eludes the grasp of scientists as of now. Modern scientists have open mind to investigate such phenomenan if allowed. A similar such (of Xavier , I believe,) church displaying the demised saint's body, from which blood still oozes on certain auspicious days, exists in Goa, India.
Scientists are baffled (did they have access to the body?) because this defies the laws of nature. Instead of a foul smell of a dead body, a fragrance of flowers is said to be experienced when the coffin is opened. Some say they have experienced this by just being near to the coffin. One can visit the Church of Lourdes, France to verify the authenticity of this and to see a living(?) miracle of our times provided the body is available for scientific scrutiny and not shrouded in mumbo jumbo.
We dont know whether it is power of divinity or power of technology. There is one more body,that of Lenin preserved in Kermlin, Moscow. Nothing divinity about it atleast. In Srirangam Temple, India, the body of Saint Ramanujacharya is on display hundreds of years after his death. In Mangalagiri temple near Guntur, AP, India, exactly half the panakam (jaggery water) poured into the mouth of the idol is gurgled out. Tears flow from the statue of Mary at Lourdes, France. Sunrays fall exactly on the idol's feet on Radhasaptami Day at Suyanarayanaswamy temple, Arasavilli, Srikakulam, AP, India. There are thousands of such miracles attributed to various places/persons in all religions.
I, personally, am sceptical. Laws of nature can be overcome, like defying gravity, only through science/technology. From times immemorial certain wisemen harnessed superior knowledge to impress lay people in matters of religion which is nothing but subjugation into belief. May be with the good intention of ushering in discipline and social order. However, I dont pass judgement. True spirituality needs no proof other than one's own adherance to truth and righteousness.
There are ther minor miracles attributed to human beings like producings watches, gold coins, ashes, etc from thin air. Rationalists routinely demonstrate that these can be performed by anyone with some practice. But it is a fact that nobody produces an object that cannot be held in a palm e.g. a football or a pumpkin.
One thing is there for all to see. These miracles have no tangible value whatsoever. They dont quench thirst nor sate hunger. I am yet to hear about a miracle where rice or wheat or any edible stuff is miraculously generated freeing the needy from hunger. A dead body throwing fragrence has no meaning to a hungry mouth. Does it stop wars? Does it prevent frauds, murders, crimes?
But yes it is a miracle. It sustains local economy. It encourages tourism and generates economic activity.
The bigger miracle is people believe in miracles.
...ponder
Thursday, December 25, 2008
India - its importance
In the context of 26/11, observe the following:
All options are on the table - Pranab Mukherjee
War is not the issue. Do no raise war hysteria - Man Mohan Singh
Karkare's killing is linked to Malegaon. Probe it - A.R.Antulay
To err is human. This issue is closed - Man Mohan Singh.
Kasab is from Faridkot, Pakistan - nawaz sherief
Kasab's identity is yet to be proved - Nawaz sherief
Pakistan's complicity in Mumbai carnage beyond doubt - FBI
Arms package worth billions afresh for Pakistan - American Administration
JuD banned, its leaders under house arrest - Pak Govt.
No ban on JuD. No house arrests - Media reports
Terrorist groups lying low in Pakistan - reports
We will fight alongside Pakistan against India - Taliban.
Zardari is in saddle.
Kiyani says his Army will respond in minutes.
Mullen visits Pakistan.
The tone and tenor of Pakistan changes from apolegetic to belligerence.
Hand over 40 terrorists - Indian demarche.
Dawood is not important, Azhar is - Pranab Mukherjee.
...ponder
All options are on the table - Pranab Mukherjee
War is not the issue. Do no raise war hysteria - Man Mohan Singh
Karkare's killing is linked to Malegaon. Probe it - A.R.Antulay
To err is human. This issue is closed - Man Mohan Singh.
Kasab is from Faridkot, Pakistan - nawaz sherief
Kasab's identity is yet to be proved - Nawaz sherief
Pakistan's complicity in Mumbai carnage beyond doubt - FBI
Arms package worth billions afresh for Pakistan - American Administration
JuD banned, its leaders under house arrest - Pak Govt.
No ban on JuD. No house arrests - Media reports
Terrorist groups lying low in Pakistan - reports
We will fight alongside Pakistan against India - Taliban.
Zardari is in saddle.
Kiyani says his Army will respond in minutes.
Mullen visits Pakistan.
The tone and tenor of Pakistan changes from apolegetic to belligerence.
Hand over 40 terrorists - Indian demarche.
Dawood is not important, Azhar is - Pranab Mukherjee.
...ponder
Saturday, December 20, 2008
VOTE BANK POLITICS
Now it is official. Antulay's thesis is a part of larger canvas. After Lalu Prasad's laboured explanation, yesterday Digvijay Singh has gone on record justifying Antulay. After the results of the 5 assembly elections were out, elections that were conducted during/after Mumbai carnage, Congress is sensing blood. What if top Police brass is killed, what if an attack takes place on our soil, what if a few hundred lives are lost, what if heritage buildings are ruined, what if our economy is seriously affected, convert this into an opportunity and rake in votes.
If Advani laid the foundations for terrorism in India, who opened the locks of the temple in Ayodhya and who had a huge platform built in its front for Ram Katha? Who opened election campaign from Ayodhya and who promised Ram Rajya?
Some may attribute the whole episode to our propensity for shooting our own leg. But it is not so. This is a deliberate attempt to woo or even provoke muslims. These actions/statements may, well, be foundations for future terrorism.
People with moderate views are silent. May be a few honourable exceptions like 'Nachwali' Shabana Azmi. There is no all-round condemnation by 'secular intellectuals'. No joint statements. Communists - deafening silence.
what is happening? Wither this great country? Is this freedom for all or licence for a few.
Training camps will flourish, terrorist groups will quietly sneak in and cause mayhem. People will be lost. Men in uniform will be lost. Economy will be in shambles. We will not retaliate. No preventive defence. US & UK will effectively ensure that. We will bow to their dictates. Pakistan will continue to get billions. We will grab this opportunity. Advani will get more opportunities to 'study the situation'. Antulay will theorize. Digvijay Singh will justify. Lalu Prasad will explain. Secularists will gloat in silence.
We dont need enemies. We have enough friends.
...ponder
If Advani laid the foundations for terrorism in India, who opened the locks of the temple in Ayodhya and who had a huge platform built in its front for Ram Katha? Who opened election campaign from Ayodhya and who promised Ram Rajya?
Some may attribute the whole episode to our propensity for shooting our own leg. But it is not so. This is a deliberate attempt to woo or even provoke muslims. These actions/statements may, well, be foundations for future terrorism.
People with moderate views are silent. May be a few honourable exceptions like 'Nachwali' Shabana Azmi. There is no all-round condemnation by 'secular intellectuals'. No joint statements. Communists - deafening silence.
what is happening? Wither this great country? Is this freedom for all or licence for a few.
Training camps will flourish, terrorist groups will quietly sneak in and cause mayhem. People will be lost. Men in uniform will be lost. Economy will be in shambles. We will not retaliate. No preventive defence. US & UK will effectively ensure that. We will bow to their dictates. Pakistan will continue to get billions. We will grab this opportunity. Advani will get more opportunities to 'study the situation'. Antulay will theorize. Digvijay Singh will justify. Lalu Prasad will explain. Secularists will gloat in silence.
We dont need enemies. We have enough friends.
...ponder
Friday, December 19, 2008
Silence is Golden - sometimes
The moment our Hon'ble Minister for External Affairs publicly ruled out attacking militant bases in Pakistan as an option, Pakistan changed its stance from defensive and apologetic to that of belligerence and complaining. Its President on one day denies intrusion into air-space but after this statement protests intrusion. Diplomacy has never been the forte of our External Affairs Ministers, except probably Vajpayee.
Jaswant Singh, another ex-FM, shoots off his mouth saying that he will again do what he did in handing over the militant leader. No doubt these are hard decisions taken collectively, but there is no need to again and again exhibit our trembling knees at the slightest smell of trouble.
Contrast this with Condoleezza Rice and Gordon Brown. Whatever they might have said for public consumption, their visits were essentially and successfully to ward off any adventure by India which the did quietly.
What Antulay said was not in this league but a calibrated testing of waters and probably with the blessings of Congress higher-ups to flock together its lost muslim votes. See the kid glove treatment given to him by the party and the government even though his resignation may be finally and reluctantly accepted.
Lalu Prasad's laboured analysis of Antulay's theory is also meant to offset his support to anti-terror bill. Votes are more important than Mumbai or India
The clamour for fugitives from Pakistan should also not exceed certain decibels as we will not know what to do with them if they are indeed handed over by Pakistan. See the case of the one convicted in Parliament attack case. Pakistan is really doing us a favour.
The cake for maintaining golden silence goes to the BJP which kept mum on what it would have done if it were to be in power. No precise roadmap nor suggestion of alternate action plan in mumbai carnage aftermath.
Making tougher laws is easy. But action in field conditions is difficult.
...ponder
Jaswant Singh, another ex-FM, shoots off his mouth saying that he will again do what he did in handing over the militant leader. No doubt these are hard decisions taken collectively, but there is no need to again and again exhibit our trembling knees at the slightest smell of trouble.
Contrast this with Condoleezza Rice and Gordon Brown. Whatever they might have said for public consumption, their visits were essentially and successfully to ward off any adventure by India which the did quietly.
What Antulay said was not in this league but a calibrated testing of waters and probably with the blessings of Congress higher-ups to flock together its lost muslim votes. See the kid glove treatment given to him by the party and the government even though his resignation may be finally and reluctantly accepted.
Lalu Prasad's laboured analysis of Antulay's theory is also meant to offset his support to anti-terror bill. Votes are more important than Mumbai or India
The clamour for fugitives from Pakistan should also not exceed certain decibels as we will not know what to do with them if they are indeed handed over by Pakistan. See the case of the one convicted in Parliament attack case. Pakistan is really doing us a favour.
The cake for maintaining golden silence goes to the BJP which kept mum on what it would have done if it were to be in power. No precise roadmap nor suggestion of alternate action plan in mumbai carnage aftermath.
Making tougher laws is easy. But action in field conditions is difficult.
...ponder
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
CONFOUNDING
Mr. Antulay's speech is on the records of Lok Sabha. Its video footage is also there. His comments to media outside parliament has been aired. What is said on the floor of the house cannot be critisized outside. He also has certain privileges as an MP most important of which is to freely articulate his views. Even if he is attempting to exonorate Pakistan.
But the question is, whether it is tenable for the PM to keep him in the cabinet after his public statement that he stands by what he said. He is entitled to his views and parliament is the right forum for him to speak out. But after Cong Spokesman publicly distanced the Party, he should resign, not only from the cabinet but from the Party too.
A rare consensus was building up. There was a united show of resolve. Politicians were wilting under public rage. Now this had to happen. Doubts about the integrity of police brass is attempted to be sown. Pakistan is given a handle. A national disaster is tuned into a petty squabble.
Probably only Indians are capable of this. But are we Indians? Or we are Hindus, Muslims, north Indians, South Indians, Biharis and Tamils. We may be one country. Are we one Nation? Sounds familiar. we are going back to pre-independence days.
Not only Mr.Antulay's continuance in the Cabinet is untenable, but the continuance of the Ministry for minority Affairs, itself is repugnant to the unity of minds and the nation.
UPA Chairperson and the PM should seriously ponder over the implications, fallout and repurcussions to India's case on Mumbai Carnage and act in the best interests of the country.
Opposition will do well to preserve the facade of Unity by cooperating with the ruling coalition as they did in supporting the legislations introduced today. God save our country.
...ponder
But the question is, whether it is tenable for the PM to keep him in the cabinet after his public statement that he stands by what he said. He is entitled to his views and parliament is the right forum for him to speak out. But after Cong Spokesman publicly distanced the Party, he should resign, not only from the cabinet but from the Party too.
A rare consensus was building up. There was a united show of resolve. Politicians were wilting under public rage. Now this had to happen. Doubts about the integrity of police brass is attempted to be sown. Pakistan is given a handle. A national disaster is tuned into a petty squabble.
Probably only Indians are capable of this. But are we Indians? Or we are Hindus, Muslims, north Indians, South Indians, Biharis and Tamils. We may be one country. Are we one Nation? Sounds familiar. we are going back to pre-independence days.
Not only Mr.Antulay's continuance in the Cabinet is untenable, but the continuance of the Ministry for minority Affairs, itself is repugnant to the unity of minds and the nation.
UPA Chairperson and the PM should seriously ponder over the implications, fallout and repurcussions to India's case on Mumbai Carnage and act in the best interests of the country.
Opposition will do well to preserve the facade of Unity by cooperating with the ruling coalition as they did in supporting the legislations introduced today. God save our country.
...ponder
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