Jago bharat waseeyon
The elections bugle has been blown. General elections will be the focus in almost all walks of life…from the politician to the common man in a dhaba…all will be airing their expert opinions as what shall be the post elections scenario!! That, my dear, is typically India.
It is time that the voter gives a serious thought to the elections. It should not be considered just an exercise of a right to vote. We should go well beyond that and look at it as a responsibility to elect our representatives who will not behave like ruffians in the parliament, but like those who will be gifted with some integrity and honesty with and dash of competence.
What we must be fully aware of is that each political party is there to scavenge any advantage that they can. Ruthless are they-All. They are with a single agenda and that is self fulfillment. Today we are loaded with the stark reality that politicians and their parties are very fickle minded and are prepared to select partners as selectively as a sex worker-usher in one who pays…..
Be it the big political parties or the smaller regional parties, they are all devoid of principles and values. They have no compunctions in dropping or picking alliances. All the while, the interest of the nation is placed on the back burner. You and me, the voters, have to wake up. We have to become mature and discerning. We should convert the whole game into a game where the voter actually decides. Get me? We must stop behaving like puppets who go and vote for whomsoever we are told. And we should also not be sold. Petty amounts have bought our right of responsibility.
And yes, do look at the role at the centre played by the regional parties in the past. Have they been an asset or a hurdle? Each demanding their own pound of flesh at just the wrong time. Would it be better to have a single large party in the center or a coalition of just two or three…a badly fractured mandate normally ushers instability. Let us avoid this at all costs. We all know if multiple parties are involved in government formation, then decision making is hampered and is of poor quality. We should have distinct benchmarks for legislative and parliament elections. We should not be averse to vote for one party at the centre and another in the state.
Jago bharat waseeyon. Do not waste your franchise. Be judicious. Spend time with your friends, family and deliberate. Le there be a calculated decision when you vote. Judge the party, judge the candidate, judge his past and project his future. Refuse to be carried away by emotions and airy fairy promises. When one goes to marry his daughter, he looks at so many aspects before a decision is made. Afterall, the daughter’s future is at stake. Our nation demands the same attitude when we vote.
Remember, the Parliament is a sacred institution. Send only those who deserve. They will build our India of tomorrow.
You, will be responsible for a what befalls upon us in the days to come.
Let us follow the following:
• Study the candidate
• Study the Party
• Evaluate
• Decide
• Vote
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Indian Business Colleges dig deep
Indian Business Colleges dig deep
Recently I had the experience of running from college to college. Literally, yes, in the big bad world of the humongous Delhi! The alluring Business colleges. And this because my daughter worked hard and secured a rather handsome score in her CAT exam. Believe me, after the harrowing experience that I went through, I asked my daughter as to why did she score so high!!
Let me zero in to the basic issue. Most Management Colleges require the latest CAT score for admission. So, one has to appear in the exam. So far so good. But, the issue that burns though the pockets of the students is the filling of the forms. Again, two issue here. One is the high fee( Rs 1000-1500) of the forms and second is that each college has a last date for form collection and a last date for submission. If one does not collect or submit before their stated deadline, then kaput, finish. The student is not eligible. Even till here things are acceptable. And who can object to ones rights of last dates?
Well, the problem stems when you notice that almost ALL the colleges have last date for submission well before the CAT results are announced!! Why, pray, should this be?
Would it not be reasonable to presume that the last dates should be AFTER the CAT results? What do you think? Before or after?
I say AFTER. It stands to logic that the last dates should be only after the results. But then, there is the commercial angle. The colleges capitalize on the element of uncertainty. Yes. Uncertainty. The student is not sure of what score he/she will get. So, the child goes and fills as many forms!! Much more than he would do if the choice was to fill forms after the CAT results!
Wherever I called enquiring about forms, I was greeted with a combo of arrogance and a cold attitude. Probably suggesting that this fellow has the audacity to ask about forms at this of the year! The time when they are counting the moolah raked off the poor students!
Let us look at this whole issue from a macro angle. Each good college, I am told, gets around 10,000 forms. Each form costs around 1500. Each college thereby generates Rs 15000000!!!! Mind boggling??!! Now you understand the reason why this racket of forms to be filled in advance!!! Preposterous! And the Govt. of Man Mohan Singh stands and twiddles its fat thumbs! The old worn our thumbs of Arjun Singh do not creak and groan for they may be well oiled!! Let us go further. There were around 2.74 lac students who appeared in the CAT. Let us say that half of them applied in 10 colleges. This generates Rs 206250000. Look at the way the government is allowing the colleges to suck crores of money from the UNEMPLOYED YOUTH!!
In a nutshell, each student forks out over Rs 15,000 ONLY for forms( other expenses like coaching etc are already a drain on the poor parents). The student community is milked of Rs 206250000. And all this even before he has paid the college fee which runs in lacs!!!
And finally, the SAT/GMAT scored that ones achieves in the US are valid for admissions for a substantial period. No forms dates…not hassles…no money sucking. You get a good score, then you apply to whichever university suits you.
Hope the grand old men of the government can hear this. The AICTE and the AIMA should stop cuddling up with the businessmen and address the issue honestly and immediately. The student, armed with his CAT score, should be allowed to approach the college he/she desires. The forms collection and submission dates should be well after the CAT results are declared. Please spare the students of frustration,agony and a financial drain.
But perhaps, I am asking for too much?
Recently I had the experience of running from college to college. Literally, yes, in the big bad world of the humongous Delhi! The alluring Business colleges. And this because my daughter worked hard and secured a rather handsome score in her CAT exam. Believe me, after the harrowing experience that I went through, I asked my daughter as to why did she score so high!!
Let me zero in to the basic issue. Most Management Colleges require the latest CAT score for admission. So, one has to appear in the exam. So far so good. But, the issue that burns though the pockets of the students is the filling of the forms. Again, two issue here. One is the high fee( Rs 1000-1500) of the forms and second is that each college has a last date for form collection and a last date for submission. If one does not collect or submit before their stated deadline, then kaput, finish. The student is not eligible. Even till here things are acceptable. And who can object to ones rights of last dates?
Well, the problem stems when you notice that almost ALL the colleges have last date for submission well before the CAT results are announced!! Why, pray, should this be?
Would it not be reasonable to presume that the last dates should be AFTER the CAT results? What do you think? Before or after?
I say AFTER. It stands to logic that the last dates should be only after the results. But then, there is the commercial angle. The colleges capitalize on the element of uncertainty. Yes. Uncertainty. The student is not sure of what score he/she will get. So, the child goes and fills as many forms!! Much more than he would do if the choice was to fill forms after the CAT results!
Wherever I called enquiring about forms, I was greeted with a combo of arrogance and a cold attitude. Probably suggesting that this fellow has the audacity to ask about forms at this of the year! The time when they are counting the moolah raked off the poor students!
Let us look at this whole issue from a macro angle. Each good college, I am told, gets around 10,000 forms. Each form costs around 1500. Each college thereby generates Rs 15000000!!!! Mind boggling??!! Now you understand the reason why this racket of forms to be filled in advance!!! Preposterous! And the Govt. of Man Mohan Singh stands and twiddles its fat thumbs! The old worn our thumbs of Arjun Singh do not creak and groan for they may be well oiled!! Let us go further. There were around 2.74 lac students who appeared in the CAT. Let us say that half of them applied in 10 colleges. This generates Rs 206250000. Look at the way the government is allowing the colleges to suck crores of money from the UNEMPLOYED YOUTH!!
In a nutshell, each student forks out over Rs 15,000 ONLY for forms( other expenses like coaching etc are already a drain on the poor parents). The student community is milked of Rs 206250000. And all this even before he has paid the college fee which runs in lacs!!!
And finally, the SAT/GMAT scored that ones achieves in the US are valid for admissions for a substantial period. No forms dates…not hassles…no money sucking. You get a good score, then you apply to whichever university suits you.
Hope the grand old men of the government can hear this. The AICTE and the AIMA should stop cuddling up with the businessmen and address the issue honestly and immediately. The student, armed with his CAT score, should be allowed to approach the college he/she desires. The forms collection and submission dates should be well after the CAT results are declared. Please spare the students of frustration,agony and a financial drain.
But perhaps, I am asking for too much?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
What’s in a name ?
Well, Shakespeare had no inkling about Raju’s Satyam. Or for that matter about our B Ramalinga Raju. But, if he had known Raju and his very rather scheming grey matter, he would have thought twice before coming out with, “What’s in a name”!!
Satyam means the truth. And indeed, behind the façade of Satyam, the most heinous “asatya” has been in operation! That kind of Asatya that has left thousands of investors wondering what has hit them. The bolt from the blue has taken the wind out their sails..both literally and figuratively. Investors were sailing high on the Satyam waves when all of a sudden a tsunami sucked them in and left them in deep despair. This scam has caught us with our “pants down”!! How? Not so long ago we had Chidambaram shouting from the roof top that our “fundamentals are strong” and here we see how “strong” they actually are!! The timing of the scam has added to the misery of both the ordinary man and the man known as Dr.Man Mohan Singh. I am reminded of a saying in Hindi,” Ghareebi mein anta geela”!! As if we did not have enough turbulence!!
Scams have happened before and shall happen again. That is the beauty of the human mind. It is fertile and easily corruptible. It is malleable and bends more easily than a fresh young sapling. And Ramalinga Raju was one more who succumbed to the glittering world of wealth. The head which once rode high knows not where to hide today. The man whose company(pun intended) was sought by one and all has to live by himself in a cell for convicts and criminals. Such is the twist of fate.
What bothers me is not the scam or its scale. But what really bothers me is that there was a systemic failure- fooling the Auditors, the Banks, the SEBI, the other watchdogs of the Stock exchange. And this is serious because in my opinion there will be many more Rajus lurking in the dark world of corporate corruption. Some will never be brought to book. Some will never be known to the world, having breached the systemic lines with such ease and dexterity. It is obvious that this scam is similar to the Mumbai massacre in terms of systemic failure. And like the sudden awakening after Mumbai, we need heads to roll and a new enthusiasm injected to ensure that Rajus of the future are either buried even before they are born or castrated to ensure impotency in corruption.
So many so called safe guards, so many procedures, so many checks and balances..where were they when Raju swung into action? How they collapsed at his feet as if they never existed!!! Let me not sound like Laloo, but allow me to borrow his style and language,’ Raju ka narco karaeeye”! Indeed, let us not sweep the matter under the carpet. It would be prudent to get to those who connived, in any manner. Dig out the other unscrupulous brains who are hand in glove in this scam. As some one wrote, “The father of all scams” should not be left to those who parrot, Law will take its course”. We have learnt by now, Law has no flow and takes no course. Law is as capable of taking the course of those who implement it.
So, let us not be idyllic in perspective but be proactive and aggressive and fish out the big and small fishes that swam along with Raju. Let us give “life” to the otherwise dead “andha qanoon”. A small question before I sign off, “ In your opinion, how many such scams are already gnawing our economy and we are blissfully unaware of them??
Satyam means the truth. And indeed, behind the façade of Satyam, the most heinous “asatya” has been in operation! That kind of Asatya that has left thousands of investors wondering what has hit them. The bolt from the blue has taken the wind out their sails..both literally and figuratively. Investors were sailing high on the Satyam waves when all of a sudden a tsunami sucked them in and left them in deep despair. This scam has caught us with our “pants down”!! How? Not so long ago we had Chidambaram shouting from the roof top that our “fundamentals are strong” and here we see how “strong” they actually are!! The timing of the scam has added to the misery of both the ordinary man and the man known as Dr.Man Mohan Singh. I am reminded of a saying in Hindi,” Ghareebi mein anta geela”!! As if we did not have enough turbulence!!
Scams have happened before and shall happen again. That is the beauty of the human mind. It is fertile and easily corruptible. It is malleable and bends more easily than a fresh young sapling. And Ramalinga Raju was one more who succumbed to the glittering world of wealth. The head which once rode high knows not where to hide today. The man whose company(pun intended) was sought by one and all has to live by himself in a cell for convicts and criminals. Such is the twist of fate.
What bothers me is not the scam or its scale. But what really bothers me is that there was a systemic failure- fooling the Auditors, the Banks, the SEBI, the other watchdogs of the Stock exchange. And this is serious because in my opinion there will be many more Rajus lurking in the dark world of corporate corruption. Some will never be brought to book. Some will never be known to the world, having breached the systemic lines with such ease and dexterity. It is obvious that this scam is similar to the Mumbai massacre in terms of systemic failure. And like the sudden awakening after Mumbai, we need heads to roll and a new enthusiasm injected to ensure that Rajus of the future are either buried even before they are born or castrated to ensure impotency in corruption.
So many so called safe guards, so many procedures, so many checks and balances..where were they when Raju swung into action? How they collapsed at his feet as if they never existed!!! Let me not sound like Laloo, but allow me to borrow his style and language,’ Raju ka narco karaeeye”! Indeed, let us not sweep the matter under the carpet. It would be prudent to get to those who connived, in any manner. Dig out the other unscrupulous brains who are hand in glove in this scam. As some one wrote, “The father of all scams” should not be left to those who parrot, Law will take its course”. We have learnt by now, Law has no flow and takes no course. Law is as capable of taking the course of those who implement it.
So, let us not be idyllic in perspective but be proactive and aggressive and fish out the big and small fishes that swam along with Raju. Let us give “life” to the otherwise dead “andha qanoon”. A small question before I sign off, “ In your opinion, how many such scams are already gnawing our economy and we are blissfully unaware of them??
Sunday, January 4, 2009
The Arabs need to approach the Trio –Sino Indo Soviet.
The Arabs need to approach the Trio –Sino Indo Soviet.
Palestinians in Gaza are being Bombed, Blasted, Battered and then Buried. But, Barrack Obama is silent. The shrieks of the dying Palestinian children elicit no response. No cognizance of the bloody blood bath. In his silence is a story of what would unfold in the future. He carries the baton passed on by Bush. Expect nothing from the man who famously said, ‘Yes, we can”. For the Middle East, it should be read as, “ Yes, we can. But we will not”. The writing was always there. Now the global impotent community can also see that. But their impotence prevents any action. Hungry, malnutritioned, weakened moving skeletons are battered with powerful bombs! Even the US made bombs and bullets would be shamed when confronting the falling and fragile Palestinian ! But not the world leaders as they twiddle with their thumbs while the blood bath ravages, battering humanity as never before in the annals of modern history. Though Obama is tight lipped, I do remember that the US official spokesman said something like Hamas needs to stop shelling the Israel territories. The spokesman looked ill at ease as he faced the camera. He knew he was talking utter rubbish or should we say, the Mother of all Lies!?. For those who may not know, Israel violated the truce on 5th of November when it fired inside Gaza. The Hamas returned the fire. Period. Let me quote Sara Roy who teaches at Harvard's Center for Middle Eastern Studies, “ Israel's siege of Gaza began on 5 November, the day after an Israeli attack inside the strip, no doubt designed finally to undermine the truce between Israel and Hamas established last June. Although both sides had violated the agreement before, this incursion was on a different scale. Hamas responded by firing rockets into Israel and the violence has not abated since then.”. The idea that Hamas has broken the truce is total hogwash aimed at only fooling the already fooled world. Israel’s offensive, the most brutal since 60 years, is designed as a preemptive kill. Having learnt the lesson from the battering they got at the hands of Hezbollah, the Israelis are taking no chances and this massacre is aimed at breaking the back of Hamas lest they develop into any threat. They instigated Hamas as they never wanted the truce to be extended. And it should not be forgotten that Hamas is a legally and democratically elected government in Palestine.
Gaza is a small tract of land, just about 42 Kms length and the width not exceeding 7-8 Kms at any place. And within this small land, there are 1.5 million people making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world. And then one remembers the US spokesman once again saying, “ We urge Israel to be precise and restrict civilian killings”! It’s like when spraying insecticide you wish the fruits are unaffected! The people in Gaza are trapped and Israel uses this to their advantage. One side there is the Sea, the other two sides is the border with the traditional Palestine and the last side has Egypt , who has conveniently closed the border. The battered Palestinian cannot escape the wrath of Israeli fire. He is in a huge Ghetto, cordoned off from all sides.
The New Year dawns…wonder what kind of a message the poor battered Palestinian would want to give to the world-“You danced all night to usher the New Year whilst we sat up all night in a corner waiting for the next bomb? Or for that matter, what New Year wishes would Obama/ Bush want to send to the dying? Happy Dying? We wish you quick and painless death? New Year awaits only those who fall at the feet of Pharon Ehud Barrack!
The Arabs need to review and sift the facts from dreams. For the last half a century the Arabs waited for the Americans to deliver. Let’s be fair, they tried, but could not. Some tried honestly but ran headlong into the “wailing wall” sympathizers and then seeing the risks involved, gave up. Today, the Arabs are at the crossroads. They know not where to go. Their own have also deserted them. Or rather “sold out” on them.
But there is hope. And I see the rising sun from the East bring the possibilities of a fair and just solution. But for this, the Arabs need to tighten the waist and be a little more pragmatic. America failed to provide succor. Europe had it’s own interest in ensuring that the Jews do not spill back to them, Hence half hearted efforts in providing just about some lip service and financial aid to the hungry battered Palestinian so that he continues to fight their war…and the poor Palestinian never knew that!!
America is on the wane. Gradually but surely, the internal problems will suffocate this once great nation- a pity that a nation of great people will be choked by the myopic and inefficient policy makers. The recent financial meltdown has shown their own vulnerability. India and China are the new emerging superpowers. Perhaps Russia may also rediscover some of its past glory and clout. And India has good and meaningful relations with Israel. The Arabs need to approach the Trio –Sino Indo Soviet. This has the most realistic chances of reaching to a solution which would be fair and just.
The Arabs should thank the Americans and the Europeans and then move over to the new Trio. And yes, since now the Green Buck is loosing it’s sheen and colour, oil should be sold in the currencies of those who are willing to play an honest and efficient peace broker. Again, why not look east for all the needs? I suppose it is fair to believe in, You scratch my back, I scratch yours”. If the Trio is going to be the honest big brother, then why not shift your purchase paradigms towards them? Look for all the needs from them. This ways, even they will be suitably motivated and reciprocate accordingly. Imagine Indian cars all over the Arab World? As a matter of fact, they already are, though in small numbers. Chinese and Russians can take a bigger share of the construction and other development segments. We can have all the consumer products from the Trio. And once in the region, then nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan can also pitch in with their expertise. And all this will be great from the point of view of the Balance of Trade also. Greater self sufficiency in trade within the region. This requires steps at the Macro and the Micro levels. Micro means, you and me. Does it give you ideas? A step taken today is a step closer to destination.
The Arabs need to regroup and stop speaking in individual voices. They need to be one single roar..the great Arabian Roar…the roar of Salahuddin Ayuibi. The world order is fast changing. New paradigms are being forged and new visions are in the process of being made. Age adds maturity. Time ushers new equations. New equations bring new friends. Some old ones fall by the wayside. Some continue. Arabs should be more open to the East. The GCC and the others need to pick up the gauntlet. Take the first stride forward. Rest will follow. But the great question looming is “ Who will bell the cat”? Which enlightened nation will put up its hand and deliver? Which leader stiffens his sinews and gives the call? In my opinion, a win- win situation emerges as soon as the first step is taken.
For those who are keen to celebrate the New Year, the picture of Ahmed should make you think otherwise. Ahmed, once a man full two metres, was blown up in innumerable pieces in Gaza, and it took a long time to put him together before being put into the grave. Ahmed’s mother sits still. She has had the courage to be one of those who gathered her son together. She has stopped crying. Her eyes neither close not weep. But she has courage writ large on her face. She has not wailed or battered herself. She has vowed not to be cowed down as she looks as Ahmed’s younger brother- Mohammad, who is still to see puberty. She still nurtures a dream for Mohammad.
One Palestinian confided to me, “ We will never give up our land” and like the Martyred Rayyan, there is a great desire for martyrdom amongst the locals. It is rumoured that Rayyan was advised to leave his house and hide as the enemy was sure to target him, but he declined. He prayed for martyrdom for himself and his family. He got it.
I wonder when the Israelis and the Americans will realize-How do you fight a nation that loves martyrdom?
Palestinians in Gaza are being Bombed, Blasted, Battered and then Buried. But, Barrack Obama is silent. The shrieks of the dying Palestinian children elicit no response. No cognizance of the bloody blood bath. In his silence is a story of what would unfold in the future. He carries the baton passed on by Bush. Expect nothing from the man who famously said, ‘Yes, we can”. For the Middle East, it should be read as, “ Yes, we can. But we will not”. The writing was always there. Now the global impotent community can also see that. But their impotence prevents any action. Hungry, malnutritioned, weakened moving skeletons are battered with powerful bombs! Even the US made bombs and bullets would be shamed when confronting the falling and fragile Palestinian ! But not the world leaders as they twiddle with their thumbs while the blood bath ravages, battering humanity as never before in the annals of modern history. Though Obama is tight lipped, I do remember that the US official spokesman said something like Hamas needs to stop shelling the Israel territories. The spokesman looked ill at ease as he faced the camera. He knew he was talking utter rubbish or should we say, the Mother of all Lies!?. For those who may not know, Israel violated the truce on 5th of November when it fired inside Gaza. The Hamas returned the fire. Period. Let me quote Sara Roy who teaches at Harvard's Center for Middle Eastern Studies, “ Israel's siege of Gaza began on 5 November, the day after an Israeli attack inside the strip, no doubt designed finally to undermine the truce between Israel and Hamas established last June. Although both sides had violated the agreement before, this incursion was on a different scale. Hamas responded by firing rockets into Israel and the violence has not abated since then.”. The idea that Hamas has broken the truce is total hogwash aimed at only fooling the already fooled world. Israel’s offensive, the most brutal since 60 years, is designed as a preemptive kill. Having learnt the lesson from the battering they got at the hands of Hezbollah, the Israelis are taking no chances and this massacre is aimed at breaking the back of Hamas lest they develop into any threat. They instigated Hamas as they never wanted the truce to be extended. And it should not be forgotten that Hamas is a legally and democratically elected government in Palestine.
Gaza is a small tract of land, just about 42 Kms length and the width not exceeding 7-8 Kms at any place. And within this small land, there are 1.5 million people making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world. And then one remembers the US spokesman once again saying, “ We urge Israel to be precise and restrict civilian killings”! It’s like when spraying insecticide you wish the fruits are unaffected! The people in Gaza are trapped and Israel uses this to their advantage. One side there is the Sea, the other two sides is the border with the traditional Palestine and the last side has Egypt , who has conveniently closed the border. The battered Palestinian cannot escape the wrath of Israeli fire. He is in a huge Ghetto, cordoned off from all sides.
The New Year dawns…wonder what kind of a message the poor battered Palestinian would want to give to the world-“You danced all night to usher the New Year whilst we sat up all night in a corner waiting for the next bomb? Or for that matter, what New Year wishes would Obama/ Bush want to send to the dying? Happy Dying? We wish you quick and painless death? New Year awaits only those who fall at the feet of Pharon Ehud Barrack!
The Arabs need to review and sift the facts from dreams. For the last half a century the Arabs waited for the Americans to deliver. Let’s be fair, they tried, but could not. Some tried honestly but ran headlong into the “wailing wall” sympathizers and then seeing the risks involved, gave up. Today, the Arabs are at the crossroads. They know not where to go. Their own have also deserted them. Or rather “sold out” on them.
But there is hope. And I see the rising sun from the East bring the possibilities of a fair and just solution. But for this, the Arabs need to tighten the waist and be a little more pragmatic. America failed to provide succor. Europe had it’s own interest in ensuring that the Jews do not spill back to them, Hence half hearted efforts in providing just about some lip service and financial aid to the hungry battered Palestinian so that he continues to fight their war…and the poor Palestinian never knew that!!
America is on the wane. Gradually but surely, the internal problems will suffocate this once great nation- a pity that a nation of great people will be choked by the myopic and inefficient policy makers. The recent financial meltdown has shown their own vulnerability. India and China are the new emerging superpowers. Perhaps Russia may also rediscover some of its past glory and clout. And India has good and meaningful relations with Israel. The Arabs need to approach the Trio –Sino Indo Soviet. This has the most realistic chances of reaching to a solution which would be fair and just.
The Arabs should thank the Americans and the Europeans and then move over to the new Trio. And yes, since now the Green Buck is loosing it’s sheen and colour, oil should be sold in the currencies of those who are willing to play an honest and efficient peace broker. Again, why not look east for all the needs? I suppose it is fair to believe in, You scratch my back, I scratch yours”. If the Trio is going to be the honest big brother, then why not shift your purchase paradigms towards them? Look for all the needs from them. This ways, even they will be suitably motivated and reciprocate accordingly. Imagine Indian cars all over the Arab World? As a matter of fact, they already are, though in small numbers. Chinese and Russians can take a bigger share of the construction and other development segments. We can have all the consumer products from the Trio. And once in the region, then nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan can also pitch in with their expertise. And all this will be great from the point of view of the Balance of Trade also. Greater self sufficiency in trade within the region. This requires steps at the Macro and the Micro levels. Micro means, you and me. Does it give you ideas? A step taken today is a step closer to destination.
The Arabs need to regroup and stop speaking in individual voices. They need to be one single roar..the great Arabian Roar…the roar of Salahuddin Ayuibi. The world order is fast changing. New paradigms are being forged and new visions are in the process of being made. Age adds maturity. Time ushers new equations. New equations bring new friends. Some old ones fall by the wayside. Some continue. Arabs should be more open to the East. The GCC and the others need to pick up the gauntlet. Take the first stride forward. Rest will follow. But the great question looming is “ Who will bell the cat”? Which enlightened nation will put up its hand and deliver? Which leader stiffens his sinews and gives the call? In my opinion, a win- win situation emerges as soon as the first step is taken.
For those who are keen to celebrate the New Year, the picture of Ahmed should make you think otherwise. Ahmed, once a man full two metres, was blown up in innumerable pieces in Gaza, and it took a long time to put him together before being put into the grave. Ahmed’s mother sits still. She has had the courage to be one of those who gathered her son together. She has stopped crying. Her eyes neither close not weep. But she has courage writ large on her face. She has not wailed or battered herself. She has vowed not to be cowed down as she looks as Ahmed’s younger brother- Mohammad, who is still to see puberty. She still nurtures a dream for Mohammad.
One Palestinian confided to me, “ We will never give up our land” and like the Martyred Rayyan, there is a great desire for martyrdom amongst the locals. It is rumoured that Rayyan was advised to leave his house and hide as the enemy was sure to target him, but he declined. He prayed for martyrdom for himself and his family. He got it.
I wonder when the Israelis and the Americans will realize-How do you fight a nation that loves martyrdom?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
2008--A year which left many deep scars
2008- What did we learn?
Indeed, one of the most trying periods in the history of modern times. I call this as trying since the world was subjected to events that called for extreme patience and caution. In a way, perceived as a great leveler by many. Rich and developed societies were dealt with in exactly the same was as the not so rich and the not so developed ones. In fact, if one delves deeper, one is tempted to believe that there was greater testing time for the more privileged one. As a student I did study some one and his theories of nature having its own unique way of settling the scores. Then I was skeptical. But today, something seems to be touching me somewhere which makes me feel that perhaps, he was correct? Nature cradles existence. And nature , perhaps, is aware of those whom it cradles. And when these people test Nature, it reacts. Disasters surface. What we see across the globe today is a consequence of our very own doing. If reports are to be believed, then close to 250,000 people would have been killed in some kind of a disaster or the other before we close the year. Cyclone Nargis which swept through Myanmar accounting for more than half the deaths, and the earthquake in Sichuan, China was the second most serious, killing 87,449 people. Looking across the world, we saw hundreds killed in Kenya due to violent rioting, Tornadoes in various parts of the US, the severe snowstorms in Southern China, earthquakes in Congo, dengue and Cholera in Brazil and Zimbabwe. I suppose almost every region was hit,be it Philippines, Japan, South Eastern Europe, India, Pakistan, Spain, Canada , France. Just name the country and you will find a disaster. However, the worst year of natural and man-made catastrophes was 2005, with 374,042 people killed.
However, one disaster which never gets reported and known to the people in the world is the man made catastrophe on the Palestinians. What happens in the Gaza strip is nothing short of what happened in Mumbai, India. The world was outraged and shocked to see how man can kill a fellow human being without even batting an eyelid. How his eyes would light up in glee when he knocks yet another innocent fellow human being. Palestine faces brutality of another kind but of similar dimension. Perhaps more sadistic and gruesome for it is planned and executed over a long period of time. Here, no terrorist are behind the killing. And that makes this even more unpardonable. Imagine over 1.5 million people living on subsistence level? It is said that around 70% of the people of Gaza live on the UN relief! There are virtually no hospitals to care for the weak and the sick. Children have long lost dreams of going to school, as no such thing exists for them. And children have no idea what a playfield is all about. They see none and they see no games except war games. They are growing up with gunshots as part of their daily lives. No innocent laughter or even the small curving of these small lips. They know not what is happiness. Perhaps happiness to them is when there are no burials on a day. No industries, No commerce. No electricity. One lives for another day not in hope but in despair. Yes, only hoping, that tomorrow is not worse than today. But the ruthless blowing up of living beings on the 27th of December shatters whatever dreams might have existed for this battered community. Even their modern day "ghettos" are targeted with vengeance by the marauding soldiers. This is a part of a nation? Is it? And yet, the world waits. For what?
The world is talking about the great economic meltdown, the horrendous, cold blooded, inhuman terrorist attacks in India, Pakistan, Palestine. Let us add the shrieks of the small maimed Iraqi kids and the desperate howls of the weak in Afghanistan. This is our world of 2008. Natural disasters coupled with man made destruction. And the world looks on-in despair, in disgust, in shame. Perhaps, in frustration as man realizes how the Frankenstein devours the world and he can just look on. We can do nothing? Are we ourselves responsible, by our own deeds, for the natural punishments which we are incurring? Maybe it is time to remember the fate of the people of Luth, Aad and Samud. Allah reminds us in Sura Raad,chapter 13, verse 11, that .." Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves".
Come the 1st of January 2009. And probably history will repeat itself. But is there nothing that a normal, sane, citizen of the world do? Are we impotent to a degree of no return?
Let me assure you that no Obama or Sarkozy or Putin or Brown can really address the situation if we, the world citizens, do not seize the initiative. India has shown the way. The people woke up and addressed their problems themselves. They dropped the politicians aside. They understood that no one fights for a cause better than he himself. He is now ready. This attitude needs to spread worldwide. Let us hear the howls of the weak and the sick. Let us, as world citizens give a ear to the poor beleaguered Palestinian, the skin and bones only hungry African, the terrorized Iraqi, the shocked and awed Afghani and the rest of the weak world.
Ducking is an art that comes in handy when confronted with flying size 10 leather missiles, but the Arabs need to get out of their "ostrich mode" and be more upfront when taking on to their real problems-head on.
Join all voices and make it be heard. This world of today is callous to the core. It cares not for the weak. But it fears the strong. And then, does it hear.
Indeed, one of the most trying periods in the history of modern times. I call this as trying since the world was subjected to events that called for extreme patience and caution. In a way, perceived as a great leveler by many. Rich and developed societies were dealt with in exactly the same was as the not so rich and the not so developed ones. In fact, if one delves deeper, one is tempted to believe that there was greater testing time for the more privileged one. As a student I did study some one and his theories of nature having its own unique way of settling the scores. Then I was skeptical. But today, something seems to be touching me somewhere which makes me feel that perhaps, he was correct? Nature cradles existence. And nature , perhaps, is aware of those whom it cradles. And when these people test Nature, it reacts. Disasters surface. What we see across the globe today is a consequence of our very own doing. If reports are to be believed, then close to 250,000 people would have been killed in some kind of a disaster or the other before we close the year. Cyclone Nargis which swept through Myanmar accounting for more than half the deaths, and the earthquake in Sichuan, China was the second most serious, killing 87,449 people. Looking across the world, we saw hundreds killed in Kenya due to violent rioting, Tornadoes in various parts of the US, the severe snowstorms in Southern China, earthquakes in Congo, dengue and Cholera in Brazil and Zimbabwe. I suppose almost every region was hit,be it Philippines, Japan, South Eastern Europe, India, Pakistan, Spain, Canada , France. Just name the country and you will find a disaster. However, the worst year of natural and man-made catastrophes was 2005, with 374,042 people killed.
However, one disaster which never gets reported and known to the people in the world is the man made catastrophe on the Palestinians. What happens in the Gaza strip is nothing short of what happened in Mumbai, India. The world was outraged and shocked to see how man can kill a fellow human being without even batting an eyelid. How his eyes would light up in glee when he knocks yet another innocent fellow human being. Palestine faces brutality of another kind but of similar dimension. Perhaps more sadistic and gruesome for it is planned and executed over a long period of time. Here, no terrorist are behind the killing. And that makes this even more unpardonable. Imagine over 1.5 million people living on subsistence level? It is said that around 70% of the people of Gaza live on the UN relief! There are virtually no hospitals to care for the weak and the sick. Children have long lost dreams of going to school, as no such thing exists for them. And children have no idea what a playfield is all about. They see none and they see no games except war games. They are growing up with gunshots as part of their daily lives. No innocent laughter or even the small curving of these small lips. They know not what is happiness. Perhaps happiness to them is when there are no burials on a day. No industries, No commerce. No electricity. One lives for another day not in hope but in despair. Yes, only hoping, that tomorrow is not worse than today. But the ruthless blowing up of living beings on the 27th of December shatters whatever dreams might have existed for this battered community. Even their modern day "ghettos" are targeted with vengeance by the marauding soldiers. This is a part of a nation? Is it? And yet, the world waits. For what?
The world is talking about the great economic meltdown, the horrendous, cold blooded, inhuman terrorist attacks in India, Pakistan, Palestine. Let us add the shrieks of the small maimed Iraqi kids and the desperate howls of the weak in Afghanistan. This is our world of 2008. Natural disasters coupled with man made destruction. And the world looks on-in despair, in disgust, in shame. Perhaps, in frustration as man realizes how the Frankenstein devours the world and he can just look on. We can do nothing? Are we ourselves responsible, by our own deeds, for the natural punishments which we are incurring? Maybe it is time to remember the fate of the people of Luth, Aad and Samud. Allah reminds us in Sura Raad,chapter 13, verse 11, that .." Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves".
Come the 1st of January 2009. And probably history will repeat itself. But is there nothing that a normal, sane, citizen of the world do? Are we impotent to a degree of no return?
Let me assure you that no Obama or Sarkozy or Putin or Brown can really address the situation if we, the world citizens, do not seize the initiative. India has shown the way. The people woke up and addressed their problems themselves. They dropped the politicians aside. They understood that no one fights for a cause better than he himself. He is now ready. This attitude needs to spread worldwide. Let us hear the howls of the weak and the sick. Let us, as world citizens give a ear to the poor beleaguered Palestinian, the skin and bones only hungry African, the terrorized Iraqi, the shocked and awed Afghani and the rest of the weak world.
Ducking is an art that comes in handy when confronted with flying size 10 leather missiles, but the Arabs need to get out of their "ostrich mode" and be more upfront when taking on to their real problems-head on.
Join all voices and make it be heard. This world of today is callous to the core. It cares not for the weak. But it fears the strong. And then, does it hear.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Haj 2008: A new dimension
Haj 2008: A new dimension
Many would think why am I wanting to take this year’s hajj out of the pack. And I would not blame them for such a thought. After all, by the grace of Allah, hajj has been going on for centuries. Well, what makes this year’s hajj different?
The governor of Makkah region, Prince Khalid Al Faisal set a new tone when the rolled out the slogan,” No permit, No hajj”. And it is from here that the entire hajj took a new turn. By the way, the concept that he has promoted is not new. It has been going on for a long time now. But the difference was in the spirit of his attitude. And this rubbed on to his colleagues. He led by example and was seen on the TV showing his own hajj permit. Such an example set the trend. And this is why I see this hajj as adding a new dimension, the touch of personal attention coupled with a professional management attitude.
For long we have been hearing cynical comments from different quarters. It seems that everyone else knows how to handle the Hajj except the authorities!! And since in the past we have had mishaps, the cynics got emboldened. Hajj 2008 was different because it has silenced the critics in many ways. Prince Khalid and his team went about the whole issue very meticulously and methodically. They reviewed each and every aspect of Hajj especially the stoning. And they came out with some excellent solutions to ensure that crowd controlling and management was handled with due diligence. Movement of the hajjis was streamlined to ensure that there were no bottlenecks and each hajji was comfortable and at ease. Each hajji who went for stoning was free of tension and performed his act devoid of any stress or panic. I especially single out the Governor because he has shown what determination and good planning can do. He had a plan and he did not allow any deviation from that. Perhaps this is what was lacking in the previous years? Controlling crowd movement is always a tough task. And this becomes even more when the movement has to be done within a time frame. Imagine 3.5 million (unofficially) people moving at the same time!! Indeed, there must have been some problems and this is but natural. But the Governor and his team was up to the task in ensuring that people moved to their destinations within the stipulated time. And with NO ACCIDENTS. Perhaps this is the only of its kind in the world when 3.5 million people have collected and disbursed in one day! And then to have NO mishaps...NO shortage of food and drinks… NO black marketing of essential commodities…Almost a miracle! Let’s be fair and offer heartfelt kudos to those who made this a reality. We salute you all!!
The check points were strict and sent back many who came without their permits. Sure, many also managed to slip in unnoticed. But the success, I felt , lay not in sending back those who were sans the permit but in the fact that a huge population realized that the Government was serious and hence they just did not start at all. This is where the true success lay and I feel that in the coming year, this will be felt more. One of the many reasons why people were dissuaded from even trying was the highly publicized penalty and punishment for the violators. The policy of deterrence worked. The government spent a lot of money on publicity. And this paid rich dividends.
“ There were young boy scouts and other volunteers who ensured that anyone lost was restored to his camp. I believe that there was some kind of an incentive schemes for these volunteers which resulted in them going out of the way to help the lost ones”, said Dr.Rasheed, a hajji from Dammam.
“Over 17,000 hospital beds were available for attending the sick. Best of medical facilities were rolled out for the needy. And what more would one expect when serving a huge sea of humanity”? asked Abdul Majeed, a young hajji from India.
Indeed, this hajj was different. But I am sure that the authorities would be looking at this as just the beginning…not the end. Indeed, many vociferous critics have been silenced. But the magnitude of the task at hand cannot allow complacency. With the right attitude and planning, much more awaits to be achieved. Well, a Six Sigma attitude is all that we need….rest falls in place!! I remember Robert Frost who said, “ Miles to go before I sleep…Miles to go before I sleep”
Many would think why am I wanting to take this year’s hajj out of the pack. And I would not blame them for such a thought. After all, by the grace of Allah, hajj has been going on for centuries. Well, what makes this year’s hajj different?
The governor of Makkah region, Prince Khalid Al Faisal set a new tone when the rolled out the slogan,” No permit, No hajj”. And it is from here that the entire hajj took a new turn. By the way, the concept that he has promoted is not new. It has been going on for a long time now. But the difference was in the spirit of his attitude. And this rubbed on to his colleagues. He led by example and was seen on the TV showing his own hajj permit. Such an example set the trend. And this is why I see this hajj as adding a new dimension, the touch of personal attention coupled with a professional management attitude.
For long we have been hearing cynical comments from different quarters. It seems that everyone else knows how to handle the Hajj except the authorities!! And since in the past we have had mishaps, the cynics got emboldened. Hajj 2008 was different because it has silenced the critics in many ways. Prince Khalid and his team went about the whole issue very meticulously and methodically. They reviewed each and every aspect of Hajj especially the stoning. And they came out with some excellent solutions to ensure that crowd controlling and management was handled with due diligence. Movement of the hajjis was streamlined to ensure that there were no bottlenecks and each hajji was comfortable and at ease. Each hajji who went for stoning was free of tension and performed his act devoid of any stress or panic. I especially single out the Governor because he has shown what determination and good planning can do. He had a plan and he did not allow any deviation from that. Perhaps this is what was lacking in the previous years? Controlling crowd movement is always a tough task. And this becomes even more when the movement has to be done within a time frame. Imagine 3.5 million (unofficially) people moving at the same time!! Indeed, there must have been some problems and this is but natural. But the Governor and his team was up to the task in ensuring that people moved to their destinations within the stipulated time. And with NO ACCIDENTS. Perhaps this is the only of its kind in the world when 3.5 million people have collected and disbursed in one day! And then to have NO mishaps...NO shortage of food and drinks… NO black marketing of essential commodities…Almost a miracle! Let’s be fair and offer heartfelt kudos to those who made this a reality. We salute you all!!
The check points were strict and sent back many who came without their permits. Sure, many also managed to slip in unnoticed. But the success, I felt , lay not in sending back those who were sans the permit but in the fact that a huge population realized that the Government was serious and hence they just did not start at all. This is where the true success lay and I feel that in the coming year, this will be felt more. One of the many reasons why people were dissuaded from even trying was the highly publicized penalty and punishment for the violators. The policy of deterrence worked. The government spent a lot of money on publicity. And this paid rich dividends.
“ There were young boy scouts and other volunteers who ensured that anyone lost was restored to his camp. I believe that there was some kind of an incentive schemes for these volunteers which resulted in them going out of the way to help the lost ones”, said Dr.Rasheed, a hajji from Dammam.
“Over 17,000 hospital beds were available for attending the sick. Best of medical facilities were rolled out for the needy. And what more would one expect when serving a huge sea of humanity”? asked Abdul Majeed, a young hajji from India.
Indeed, this hajj was different. But I am sure that the authorities would be looking at this as just the beginning…not the end. Indeed, many vociferous critics have been silenced. But the magnitude of the task at hand cannot allow complacency. With the right attitude and planning, much more awaits to be achieved. Well, a Six Sigma attitude is all that we need….rest falls in place!! I remember Robert Frost who said, “ Miles to go before I sleep…Miles to go before I sleep”
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Mera Sheeshay ka Ghar
Mera Sheeshay ka Ghar
I have had the urge to put pen to paper. Every time I cajoled myself into procrastinating it. I knew that whatever would have flowed would have been less objective and more emotional. Hence off target. Letting the dust settle was my mantra to ensure objectivity and avoid the path of almost all, most notably the TV channels. Even seasoned campaigners like Barkha Dutt fell prey to emotional mudslinging. Rather sad and unfortunate. Why the rush?? Things have happened. No way we can rewind and relive. Can we? Then why the sudden haste in all matters? And that brings me to the one in maximum hurry. The otherwise reticent and cool, MM Singh-the PM, wasted no time in pointing a finger in the most obvious direction. Why?? We were still amidst the drama being unfolded. We were still fighting the enemy. We were still capable of apprehending the callous terrorists. Why, even before we could really say we have hard core evidence, did MMS go to the nation and cried foul against the obvious nation? Indeed, we believe that this time we will certainly nail the scrip writers to their coffin-Lock stock and barrel. But somehow I get the feeling that the haste by MMS was perhaps more out of political frustration? The prospect of loosing out on the assembly elections??
Anyways, what hurts me most is that we have been blasted as a nation. Not just Mumbai. I feel distressed to see that almost all the voices seem to be talking about Mumbai being jolted. Indeed yes. But I see as my nation being taken to ransom. My nation cried. My nation bled. Not just one city. Indians cried, not just Mumbaikars. Let’s mourn for India.
Now the other moot issue. How did it happen? And this is where the public anger and disgust is most visible. And rightly so. How come such a huge operation is unknown to our intelligence agencies? "Alex Neill, head of the Royal United Services Institute's Asia security programme, . . . reckons up to 100 terrorists would have been involved in the planning and execution of the attack and said it was surprising they had managed to keep it a secret." Strange but true. Incompetence or corruption leads to ears and eyes being closed? Regrettably, we wait for an event to occur and then we galvanize into action. We cry over spilt milk.
Emotions are running high. The “aam aadmi” is shell shocked yet he realizes that something is bizarre, totally wrong. Indeed, violence is a part of the world today-Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq all have learnt to live with violence. But we Indians have always been the “seedha saadha innocent aadmi” types. Each very happy in his own small world. And suddenly BANG BANG and the dream is shattered! Who does this to us? Realization has dawned that some one is taking us for a ride…Someone has not his duty for which we have elected him. Someone has a rather casual attitude since he is safe and protected. And then the ‘Aam Aadmi” responds….and this anger will be felt across the nation. Believe me, what one is seeing just now is just in the Metro cities. This will engulf the entire India. Where will you run away, Mr. Politician? The Goliath has finally woken, albeit after a huge price.
But let me briefly touch some very sensitive issues. I am reminded of a lovely and beautiful house which has many neighbours. Some good, some unsure, some jealous, some envious. The we have a Joint Family living inside this wonderful house. Unfortunately, this family has difference of opinion between the family members. Sometime, these differences get accentuated and the internal affairs become public. This goes on over a period of time. Most of the neighbours pay no heed and go on with their own chores. But some envious ones start relishing the discord. And one day, one of them throws a small stone in the house. This does not do too much of a damage just breaking some small items. No family member really takes exception. The neighbour realizes that there is no unity in the house. After some time, he throws a huge stone. This not only shatters the external glass but also the exquisite historic chandelier that adorned the living room. Still none of the family members approach the neighbour as a family. The family is badly split and infighting resulted in them not realizing the loss that they have incurred-the exquisite historic chandelier has breathed it’s last. Gradually, the beautiful house is battered from all sides. The only sound one hears now is the shouting and hurling of abuses between the family members. This house is doomed. Will WE allow this?
Anger managed is resources harnessed. Let me become “Angry Young Indian”. Each should feel this way. Let the movement permeate into the rural India. We need to save our house, our own very beautiful house- from within and from the neighbours-near and far.
I narrated this story as I felt we as Indians need to relook at our huge joint family. Tom Alter and many more sensitive Indians have expressed similar anguish. Our family seems broken….Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs need to be reassured that the family cares for each other, feels for each other and hides or cradles no animosity towards the other.
I wish to end with a note for Hemant Karkare. Reading the way he was shot, all does not seem ok. Seems that some one was actually waiting for him and the other top shots of the ATS. Moles in the ATS? People had threatened to blow up his house. They actually blew him up. Heavy price for honesty indeed.
By the way, any idea what happens to the Malegaon enquiry after Karkare?
Long Live our Bharat….the land of Unity in Diversity….the land of warm and affectionate people, the land of honesty .
I have had the urge to put pen to paper. Every time I cajoled myself into procrastinating it. I knew that whatever would have flowed would have been less objective and more emotional. Hence off target. Letting the dust settle was my mantra to ensure objectivity and avoid the path of almost all, most notably the TV channels. Even seasoned campaigners like Barkha Dutt fell prey to emotional mudslinging. Rather sad and unfortunate. Why the rush?? Things have happened. No way we can rewind and relive. Can we? Then why the sudden haste in all matters? And that brings me to the one in maximum hurry. The otherwise reticent and cool, MM Singh-the PM, wasted no time in pointing a finger in the most obvious direction. Why?? We were still amidst the drama being unfolded. We were still fighting the enemy. We were still capable of apprehending the callous terrorists. Why, even before we could really say we have hard core evidence, did MMS go to the nation and cried foul against the obvious nation? Indeed, we believe that this time we will certainly nail the scrip writers to their coffin-Lock stock and barrel. But somehow I get the feeling that the haste by MMS was perhaps more out of political frustration? The prospect of loosing out on the assembly elections??
Anyways, what hurts me most is that we have been blasted as a nation. Not just Mumbai. I feel distressed to see that almost all the voices seem to be talking about Mumbai being jolted. Indeed yes. But I see as my nation being taken to ransom. My nation cried. My nation bled. Not just one city. Indians cried, not just Mumbaikars. Let’s mourn for India.
Now the other moot issue. How did it happen? And this is where the public anger and disgust is most visible. And rightly so. How come such a huge operation is unknown to our intelligence agencies? "Alex Neill, head of the Royal United Services Institute's Asia security programme, . . . reckons up to 100 terrorists would have been involved in the planning and execution of the attack and said it was surprising they had managed to keep it a secret." Strange but true. Incompetence or corruption leads to ears and eyes being closed? Regrettably, we wait for an event to occur and then we galvanize into action. We cry over spilt milk.
Emotions are running high. The “aam aadmi” is shell shocked yet he realizes that something is bizarre, totally wrong. Indeed, violence is a part of the world today-Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq all have learnt to live with violence. But we Indians have always been the “seedha saadha innocent aadmi” types. Each very happy in his own small world. And suddenly BANG BANG and the dream is shattered! Who does this to us? Realization has dawned that some one is taking us for a ride…Someone has not his duty for which we have elected him. Someone has a rather casual attitude since he is safe and protected. And then the ‘Aam Aadmi” responds….and this anger will be felt across the nation. Believe me, what one is seeing just now is just in the Metro cities. This will engulf the entire India. Where will you run away, Mr. Politician? The Goliath has finally woken, albeit after a huge price.
But let me briefly touch some very sensitive issues. I am reminded of a lovely and beautiful house which has many neighbours. Some good, some unsure, some jealous, some envious. The we have a Joint Family living inside this wonderful house. Unfortunately, this family has difference of opinion between the family members. Sometime, these differences get accentuated and the internal affairs become public. This goes on over a period of time. Most of the neighbours pay no heed and go on with their own chores. But some envious ones start relishing the discord. And one day, one of them throws a small stone in the house. This does not do too much of a damage just breaking some small items. No family member really takes exception. The neighbour realizes that there is no unity in the house. After some time, he throws a huge stone. This not only shatters the external glass but also the exquisite historic chandelier that adorned the living room. Still none of the family members approach the neighbour as a family. The family is badly split and infighting resulted in them not realizing the loss that they have incurred-the exquisite historic chandelier has breathed it’s last. Gradually, the beautiful house is battered from all sides. The only sound one hears now is the shouting and hurling of abuses between the family members. This house is doomed. Will WE allow this?
Anger managed is resources harnessed. Let me become “Angry Young Indian”. Each should feel this way. Let the movement permeate into the rural India. We need to save our house, our own very beautiful house- from within and from the neighbours-near and far.
I narrated this story as I felt we as Indians need to relook at our huge joint family. Tom Alter and many more sensitive Indians have expressed similar anguish. Our family seems broken….Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs need to be reassured that the family cares for each other, feels for each other and hides or cradles no animosity towards the other.
I wish to end with a note for Hemant Karkare. Reading the way he was shot, all does not seem ok. Seems that some one was actually waiting for him and the other top shots of the ATS. Moles in the ATS? People had threatened to blow up his house. They actually blew him up. Heavy price for honesty indeed.
By the way, any idea what happens to the Malegaon enquiry after Karkare?
Long Live our Bharat….the land of Unity in Diversity….the land of warm and affectionate people, the land of honesty .
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