Eleven days ago, activist Anna Hazare, in the heart of India’s capital, started a fast unto death until the Government agreed to an anti-corruption bill that had been lying around for 42 years. Governments had come and gone without giving it a serious thought. The Jan Lokpal bill was what one could call the second automatic step a democracy like India was supposed to take after the Right to Information Act (RTI). That a 72 year old man had to stay empty stomach for 90 hours, in Delhi’s harsh sun to make it happen was a shame. The legislation should have been serious about it. The opposition should have taken note of it. As expected, the moment Hazare went on strike, Advani and the likes came out in support. Question: Why was this not taken up by the opposition in the parliament earlier? If BJP was serious about a bill of this stature and believed in the merits of it, why was this not taken up when NDA was in power? After all, a draft, open for discussion, existed then, too. But then it is a party based on an ideology that can be explained in a single, four letter word frowned upon by C Programmers: Null.
Now about Hazare but a bit of history first. Ambedkar, after India’s independence, had called upon the nation to reject Gandhian methods like Civil Disobedience and non-cooperation, simply because those methods do not have a place in a land ruled by a constitution. But here we had a bill that the politicians, combined across those in opposition and those in power, had a, sort of, silent consensus on not bringing it up even in a draft-form. And it is that unsaid pact that made Anna Hazare do what he did. Maybe Ambedkar would have approved of that? Now that Hazare’s 90 hour fast has accomplished what 42 years could not, let us allow the Constitution to take it from here.
The day when the agitation was at it’s peak, I had the good fortune of sitting at office and working for Chetan Bhagat's 'Mera Neta Chor Hai' campaign. I saw “Anna Hazare” climb up and become a “Trend” in twitter. At it’s peak, there were about 60 tweets about Anna in 20 seconds. That is phenomenal. Then there was this email circulated with a phone number where you could give a missed call to, if you supported Anna Hazare’s fasting. I do not know what happened next. How and where did that call, a missed call at that, made a difference, I have absolutely no idea. But is this all what we ever wanted to do against corruption?
It is true that the citizens of this country have been subjected to corruption of the highest magnitude. In the long list of scams, the scandals can only be differentiated by the sheer amount of money involved. In that, let us not stay oblivious to the sins we have ourselves committed: Paying that little extra money for the electricity connection, that bribe for getting a gas connection, the monies we end up paying, at various traffic signals to various traffic cops, the thinking that a crime is not a crime until we are caught — Those lines only look good on T-Shirts. The moment we pay a bribe of Rs.200 to a traffic cop for a crime that attracts a fine of Rs.500, we lose the right to complain and be dismayed about the system and the corruption rampant in our Government. In that light, I ask you this — How many of those tweeters that day who made up for the “Anna Hazare” trend would not pay a bribe to the traffic cop? How many of those who swore by Anna Hazare that day would actually make a conscious attempt to follow the law of the Indian Union? I had to bribe lot of govt officials when i was planning to start a construction company in Bangalore. But that was 2 years back. Here’s the thing: Unless those who constitute what Nandan Nilekani calls the Demographic Dividend, those who are educated and literate, those who are driving the GDP of the nation to new heights, do their bit by educating themselves of their duty as citizens, I am afraid, posting status messages at Facebook, holding hands at Jantar Mantar and lighting candles at India Gate would be of no avail.
And accomplishing that, after being used to the petty crimes we all audaciously commit or have committed in the past, would not be an easy task or a stroll in the park. It would drive us way out of our comfort zone (as it rightly should) but until we do that, very less can be accomplished and guess what, we may be left out of this all, expecting people like Anna Hazare to fight for us.
Hidden inside a 72-year old man’s revolt is an attempt to wake up our conscience. Please don’t expect him to fight our battles, really. Start with yourself.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Any Orphanage looking for support in Kerala?
It's been a hard task for us to manage the children at our places. Right now, Since we have more social commitment these days, we are thinking in a different channel so that inmates of other orphanages also get our support. we are looking for an orphanage that can be supported financially and operationally. The relevant part of the request below
We set up and run volunteer programs in partnership with and support of local organisations and are currently seeking a partner organization that operates a well run and organized orphanage in India (Kochi) whom we can support to help expand and improve their operation. We have a funding package available to support an orphanage that would benefit from the supply of additional skilled personnel, trained volunteers, and funding. We would supply experienced long term staff, funds to cover each volunteer and additional funding to supply project equipment and materials for the projects the volunteers were assisting with. There may also be additional fundraising opportunities though our charitable trust. We are only interested in organization or institutions that have long term aims, have already achieved successes in their aims, are looking to expand their work and are looking for a partnership of 5 years minimum. Volunteer projects may include childcare, basic education, construction, sports and others.
Kindly mail me at tony@tune4.com or you can also mail at contact@malayalamplantations.com if anyone knows about any well run orphanage in Kerala that deserves operational and financial support.
We set up and run volunteer programs in partnership with and support of local organisations and are currently seeking a partner organization that operates a well run and organized orphanage in India (Kochi) whom we can support to help expand and improve their operation. We have a funding package available to support an orphanage that would benefit from the supply of additional skilled personnel, trained volunteers, and funding. We would supply experienced long term staff, funds to cover each volunteer and additional funding to supply project equipment and materials for the projects the volunteers were assisting with. There may also be additional fundraising opportunities though our charitable trust. We are only interested in organization or institutions that have long term aims, have already achieved successes in their aims, are looking to expand their work and are looking for a partnership of 5 years minimum. Volunteer projects may include childcare, basic education, construction, sports and others.
Kindly mail me at tony@tune4.com or you can also mail at contact@malayalamplantations.com if anyone knows about any well run orphanage in Kerala that deserves operational and financial support.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Lessons from cricket world cup
It’s great to be a world beater in cricket. Now let’s make that happen in the more important sphere of nation building. If a bunch of a few dozen Indians can bring so much success, victory and joy to the entire nation, why can’t the millions of other hard working people involved in nation building do the same? They can, but we have a few lessons to learn from our success in cricket.
Cricket in India has followed a capitalist design. Its run by a private company called BCCI and in spite of all the many allegations of poor corporate governance, on balance, you have to give it to them that they have delivered for India. Admittedly, BCCI has been lucky.....in that cricket has always been a loved sport in India. But they have also played a role in making cricket successful. They’ve invested in building cricket infrastructure.....today Indian stadia are amongst the best in the world. Now let’s come to the players. They are paid handsomely! Not like in the past when a Sunil Gavaskar had to work for the Indian Railways or SBI and earn his living even while he played for India for glory. Today, BCCI makes it worthwhile for crickets to stay focused on their cricket; it pays an annual “salary” to the players which is between Rs 25 lacs and Rs 1 crore per annum depending on the category of player. The training budgets are handsome too.....a foreign coach and his entourage cost a fair amount of money.
Very importantly, the team gets the adulation of the country. The captain is put to a grind, but when he emerges victorious, is treated like God. The ace batsman is in fact called God! Of course, the cricketers slog their butt off. But they’re more than adequately compensated for it. It’s a capitalist model.....the winner takes it all. If you’re not good enough, you are dumped. It’s no different in the film &music business. Those who give hits are held sky high; those who deliver flops are dumped into the deep oceans. It’s ruthless and though this builds stress in the system, it propels us faster than any other model. In contrast, look at our Olympics and Commonwealth Games infrastructure. It’s totally Government run and it rots.
Here are just three things to focus on:
1) Let’s empower the babus: Firstly, let’s pay them market salaries. The Cabinet Secretary is the senior-most babu in the country.....the CEO of the country or the captain of the team in a way (we’ll come to the political masters later). Let’s agree to treat him as one. Given his qualifications, his experience and the importance of his job, lets pay him a salary of Rs 5 crores per annum.....with an add-on bonus of another Rs 5 crores if he were to achieve certain pre-set goals. Let’s give him a free hand in choosing his team. Let’s empower him with decision making powers......Let’s set goals for him; let’s demand results. The Cabinet Secretary will report to the Cabinet....which will work as the Board of Directors providing strategic direction and approving the strategy of the CEO, but not interfering on a day to day basis. Remember the Constitution wants it this way too.....it provides for a separate executive and a separate legislature (at present however, the politicans are both law makers as well as executives). Running the country will be the CEO’s job. Making laws will be the job of the Cabinet and Parliament. So deciding whether 2G spectrum should be governed by the principle of “revenue maximization” or not will be decided by the cabinet. But executing that decision flawlessly will be handled by the CEO. All parts of the Executive (CBI, Election Commission, RBI, Enforcement Directorate, I.Tax dept etc) will report to the CEO.....not to the politicians.
2) Let’s make changes in our politics: There are two major things to clean up. First is the corruption and second, the poor governance standards (time taken for decision making, execution of decisions etc). To clean up the first, let’s make provisions for funding the election process. Lets provide a special cess (I know people will groan at this!) to fund elections. But I am not saying we add to the tax burden. Instead, the present education cess should be removed and replaced with the election cess.....after all, if we take care of the elections, we would have taken care of education and other priority areas as well. Also, let’s pay the law makers well. The PM must be paid a salary of Rs 5 crores per annum as well with an annual bonus structure as decided by the Parliament. All cabinet ministers must be paid suitably....so that they don’t get the impression that they are doing the nation a favor. This will encourage good people to make a living out of politics. The job of politicians as mentioned earlier is to make laws for the country; not to run the executive function. To clean up the second, let’s make changes in the election rules. Coalition politics is here to stay; so let’s recognize this reality. Coalitions must largely be pre-poll ones. If a pre-poll alliance wins, that’s how it should stay for 5 years. If it does not win a majority, post-poll coalitions can be allowed; but all coalition partners are duty bound to stick together for 5 years (except in truly unique circumstances). This needs more debate but let’s have that debate.
3) Lets provide the right environment: As citizens, lets cheer the high performers and let’s boo out the poor ones. But let’s not get negative. Let’s not stone the houses of our leaders when they lose a match once in a while. No once can ever be successful 100% of the time. Even Dhoni has only won 62% of the matches as captain. Most importantly, let’s not be cynical. Let’s not mock our politicians and babus. If anyone feels he is better suited, let him join the process; rather than stay out and crib.
But for all this to work, we also need a responsible media. I differ from many in what role media should play. In my mind, the role of media is to transform a society. To encourage progressive thinking in the country; not merely reflect the mood of the people; Media has to lead the nation. If the society is orthodox, media must force it to become modern. Media has to be in the vanguard of progress. It must be a catalyst to build the mood. It must help separate the chaff from the grain. It just cannot be venal; nor can it become a power broker. It has a very important role to play in a democracy. And let it not misuse it.
The real truth is that we can repeat in nation building what we have achieved in cricket. Provided.....we show the same zeal and hunger for a win. Can we do it???
Comeon India.
Cricket in India has followed a capitalist design. Its run by a private company called BCCI and in spite of all the many allegations of poor corporate governance, on balance, you have to give it to them that they have delivered for India. Admittedly, BCCI has been lucky.....in that cricket has always been a loved sport in India. But they have also played a role in making cricket successful. They’ve invested in building cricket infrastructure.....today Indian stadia are amongst the best in the world. Now let’s come to the players. They are paid handsomely! Not like in the past when a Sunil Gavaskar had to work for the Indian Railways or SBI and earn his living even while he played for India for glory. Today, BCCI makes it worthwhile for crickets to stay focused on their cricket; it pays an annual “salary” to the players which is between Rs 25 lacs and Rs 1 crore per annum depending on the category of player. The training budgets are handsome too.....a foreign coach and his entourage cost a fair amount of money.
Very importantly, the team gets the adulation of the country. The captain is put to a grind, but when he emerges victorious, is treated like God. The ace batsman is in fact called God! Of course, the cricketers slog their butt off. But they’re more than adequately compensated for it. It’s a capitalist model.....the winner takes it all. If you’re not good enough, you are dumped. It’s no different in the film &music business. Those who give hits are held sky high; those who deliver flops are dumped into the deep oceans. It’s ruthless and though this builds stress in the system, it propels us faster than any other model. In contrast, look at our Olympics and Commonwealth Games infrastructure. It’s totally Government run and it rots.
Here are just three things to focus on:
1) Let’s empower the babus: Firstly, let’s pay them market salaries. The Cabinet Secretary is the senior-most babu in the country.....the CEO of the country or the captain of the team in a way (we’ll come to the political masters later). Let’s agree to treat him as one. Given his qualifications, his experience and the importance of his job, lets pay him a salary of Rs 5 crores per annum.....with an add-on bonus of another Rs 5 crores if he were to achieve certain pre-set goals. Let’s give him a free hand in choosing his team. Let’s empower him with decision making powers......Let’s set goals for him; let’s demand results. The Cabinet Secretary will report to the Cabinet....which will work as the Board of Directors providing strategic direction and approving the strategy of the CEO, but not interfering on a day to day basis. Remember the Constitution wants it this way too.....it provides for a separate executive and a separate legislature (at present however, the politicans are both law makers as well as executives). Running the country will be the CEO’s job. Making laws will be the job of the Cabinet and Parliament. So deciding whether 2G spectrum should be governed by the principle of “revenue maximization” or not will be decided by the cabinet. But executing that decision flawlessly will be handled by the CEO. All parts of the Executive (CBI, Election Commission, RBI, Enforcement Directorate, I.Tax dept etc) will report to the CEO.....not to the politicians.
2) Let’s make changes in our politics: There are two major things to clean up. First is the corruption and second, the poor governance standards (time taken for decision making, execution of decisions etc). To clean up the first, let’s make provisions for funding the election process. Lets provide a special cess (I know people will groan at this!) to fund elections. But I am not saying we add to the tax burden. Instead, the present education cess should be removed and replaced with the election cess.....after all, if we take care of the elections, we would have taken care of education and other priority areas as well. Also, let’s pay the law makers well. The PM must be paid a salary of Rs 5 crores per annum as well with an annual bonus structure as decided by the Parliament. All cabinet ministers must be paid suitably....so that they don’t get the impression that they are doing the nation a favor. This will encourage good people to make a living out of politics. The job of politicians as mentioned earlier is to make laws for the country; not to run the executive function. To clean up the second, let’s make changes in the election rules. Coalition politics is here to stay; so let’s recognize this reality. Coalitions must largely be pre-poll ones. If a pre-poll alliance wins, that’s how it should stay for 5 years. If it does not win a majority, post-poll coalitions can be allowed; but all coalition partners are duty bound to stick together for 5 years (except in truly unique circumstances). This needs more debate but let’s have that debate.
3) Lets provide the right environment: As citizens, lets cheer the high performers and let’s boo out the poor ones. But let’s not get negative. Let’s not stone the houses of our leaders when they lose a match once in a while. No once can ever be successful 100% of the time. Even Dhoni has only won 62% of the matches as captain. Most importantly, let’s not be cynical. Let’s not mock our politicians and babus. If anyone feels he is better suited, let him join the process; rather than stay out and crib.
But for all this to work, we also need a responsible media. I differ from many in what role media should play. In my mind, the role of media is to transform a society. To encourage progressive thinking in the country; not merely reflect the mood of the people; Media has to lead the nation. If the society is orthodox, media must force it to become modern. Media has to be in the vanguard of progress. It must be a catalyst to build the mood. It must help separate the chaff from the grain. It just cannot be venal; nor can it become a power broker. It has a very important role to play in a democracy. And let it not misuse it.
The real truth is that we can repeat in nation building what we have achieved in cricket. Provided.....we show the same zeal and hunger for a win. Can we do it???
Comeon India.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Party channels coming
What does not happen in any other democracy in the world is about to happen in India: the Indian National Congress is ready to launch a national television channel in Hindi. Two regional channels in Maharashtra and Rajasthan are also in the works under the general umbrella of Jai Hind TV.
This is equivalent to the Labour Party or the Conservative Party in Britain starting a channel of its own. Or imagine the Republican Party of the US having a channel in feisty opposition to the Democratic Party channel. Brits will puke at the idea; Americans will revolt.
Italy is the only democracy in the world where the Prime Minister is also an active television owner. But Silvio Berlusconi was an owner of channels first and then political leader; it isn't that his or any other party in Italy has a news channel.
India will be unique. The Congress Party will own the channels and directly run them. They will of course be in addition to Doordarshan which is patriotically inclined to carry the messages of the ruling party to the masses. But a party channel can afford to be more strident than a government channel.
Stridency is going to be an important part of the Congress channel. Oscar Fernandes who is spearheading talks over the new channel said bluntly: “Party-owned channels will help to spread information in a proper manner”.
Not that party-owned channels are anything new in India. The southern states have been under their thumb for a long time. Channels owned by the Karunanidhi family and by Jayalalitha have a virtual monopoly in Tamil Nadu. Jagan Reddy's Sakshi came out of the blue and established itself with investments no one else could match. In Karnataka H. D. Kumaraswamy started his own channel. Very recently the widely disliked mining king, Janardhan Reddy, followed suit.
Perhaps the most successful party-owned channel is the CPM's Kairali. Actually Kerala is a case by itself with 20 channels already filling the air and 14 others about to enter the fray. Kairali, one of many entrepreneurial initiatives launched by the capitalist leaders of the communist party, is now a high-asset entity with its own very valuable real estate in the centre of the state capital.
No doubt to counter Kairali, the Congress leadership in Kerala started the Jai Hind channel in 2007. It has put Rs 60 crore into it already and has lined up another Rs 50 crore to add to it. Oscar Fernandes said “the Kerala experiment was a huge success”. By what yardstick, he didn't say. While Kairali disguises its partisanship with a touch of professionalism, Jai Hind lays it on thick. Probably it is a success because it gives an uninterrupted platform to Congress leaders to hold forth.
When Congress rushes in, will others fear to tread? The BJP may now launch three channels at once, to suit the three ideologies it is simultaneously pursuing – one for the country, another for Gujarat and the third for Karnataka. The Thackerays must follow. The channel worth waiting for will be Maya TV from Uttar Pradesh. And Mamta TV? What a free country is India!
But the ultimate question remains: What is the effectiveness – even relevance – of propaganda that looks like propaganda? Are voters swayed by what party mouthpieces dish out? Not all the propaganda of the emergency years could save Indira Gandhi in 1977. Not all the grand claims of the Janata Government could stop Indira Gandhi's return in 1980. And not all the propaganda of the Rajiv Gandhi years could prevent his rout in the post-Bofors election. Jai Hind TV will do no better.
The Indian voter has a surprisingly well-developed political instinct. Propagandists have failed to subvert this instinct. The voter will watch TV humbug, even collect his free TV set and 2-rupee rice – and vote as a responsible citizen should. Jai Hind!
This is equivalent to the Labour Party or the Conservative Party in Britain starting a channel of its own. Or imagine the Republican Party of the US having a channel in feisty opposition to the Democratic Party channel. Brits will puke at the idea; Americans will revolt.
Italy is the only democracy in the world where the Prime Minister is also an active television owner. But Silvio Berlusconi was an owner of channels first and then political leader; it isn't that his or any other party in Italy has a news channel.
India will be unique. The Congress Party will own the channels and directly run them. They will of course be in addition to Doordarshan which is patriotically inclined to carry the messages of the ruling party to the masses. But a party channel can afford to be more strident than a government channel.
Stridency is going to be an important part of the Congress channel. Oscar Fernandes who is spearheading talks over the new channel said bluntly: “Party-owned channels will help to spread information in a proper manner”.
Not that party-owned channels are anything new in India. The southern states have been under their thumb for a long time. Channels owned by the Karunanidhi family and by Jayalalitha have a virtual monopoly in Tamil Nadu. Jagan Reddy's Sakshi came out of the blue and established itself with investments no one else could match. In Karnataka H. D. Kumaraswamy started his own channel. Very recently the widely disliked mining king, Janardhan Reddy, followed suit.
Perhaps the most successful party-owned channel is the CPM's Kairali. Actually Kerala is a case by itself with 20 channels already filling the air and 14 others about to enter the fray. Kairali, one of many entrepreneurial initiatives launched by the capitalist leaders of the communist party, is now a high-asset entity with its own very valuable real estate in the centre of the state capital.
No doubt to counter Kairali, the Congress leadership in Kerala started the Jai Hind channel in 2007. It has put Rs 60 crore into it already and has lined up another Rs 50 crore to add to it. Oscar Fernandes said “the Kerala experiment was a huge success”. By what yardstick, he didn't say. While Kairali disguises its partisanship with a touch of professionalism, Jai Hind lays it on thick. Probably it is a success because it gives an uninterrupted platform to Congress leaders to hold forth.
When Congress rushes in, will others fear to tread? The BJP may now launch three channels at once, to suit the three ideologies it is simultaneously pursuing – one for the country, another for Gujarat and the third for Karnataka. The Thackerays must follow. The channel worth waiting for will be Maya TV from Uttar Pradesh. And Mamta TV? What a free country is India!
But the ultimate question remains: What is the effectiveness – even relevance – of propaganda that looks like propaganda? Are voters swayed by what party mouthpieces dish out? Not all the propaganda of the emergency years could save Indira Gandhi in 1977. Not all the grand claims of the Janata Government could stop Indira Gandhi's return in 1980. And not all the propaganda of the Rajiv Gandhi years could prevent his rout in the post-Bofors election. Jai Hind TV will do no better.
The Indian voter has a surprisingly well-developed political instinct. Propagandists have failed to subvert this instinct. The voter will watch TV humbug, even collect his free TV set and 2-rupee rice – and vote as a responsible citizen should. Jai Hind!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
What's after Kasab? Another strike?
There are things you can do with Pakistan and things you cannot. Among the “cannot” is reasoning over the 26/11 attack on Mumbai. Pakistan's stonewalling on this issue has been so relentlessly self-serving that we should now expect a worsening of the situation. In answer to the death sentence confirmed on Ajmal Kasab, Pakistan may now show its defiance by (a) releasing Kasab's handler and the operational leader of the Mumbai attack, Zakiur Rahman Lakhvi, and (b) attempting a new 26/11 as quickly as possible.
They have three advantages while India has none. First, the Pakistani military's visceral hostility to India gives it a motivation that matches only Israel's unstoppable motivation to destroy Palestine; even if they get Kashmir on a silver platter, the war against India will continue because the need to justify Pakistan's communal birth will continue. Second, China's unconditional support enables an otherwise emasculated Pakistan to match the economic giant that is India, bomb for bomb.
The third and surprising factor is America's support to Pakistan which is as decisive as China's. America's problem is that it recognises only terror against America as terror. To fight America's war against terror, it needs Pakistan's logistical cooperation. Pakistan cleverly takes the Americans for a ride, extending cooperation one day, denying it another day. In the process, India's war against terror makes no blip on American radar. American military supplies come pouring into Pakistan with user's manuals stipulating that they fire/fly only westward, never eastward.
That's dumb. But what we should note here is that Pakistan, client state though it is, has the guts to stand up against its provider. It did so when unmanned US drones wreaked havoc in its tribal areas. It is doing so right now over a US embassy man (CIA ?), killing two Pakistanis (ISI ?). America has threatened the worst, and eventually Pakistan may yield, but not until it gets its pound of flesh.
Does India ever stand up when it is bullied, challenged, insulted? When Australian racists took it out on Indian students, when American security guards body-checked India's ambassadors because one wore a saree and another a turban, when America put radio-tags on Indian students who had valid visas, when Sri Lankans killed our fishermen, we said gravely each time that it was unacceptable. Then we went on to accept it lying down. Never once did we take action that was acceptable.
The result is : Not one country in the world respects us, to say nothing of fearing us. And fear – of military might, trade retaliation, diplomatic offensive, covert countermoves – is one of the more effective planks of international relations in today's cynical world. Our weight in this world is far below what our size, economy and potential warrant.
Pakistan knows this all too well. Pakistani leadership not only has no fear of India; it has contempt for India. This came out most tellingly when the recently ousted former Foreign Minister, Mehmood Qureshi, brought his full arrogance to bear on S.M.Krishna – with Krishna taking it in stoic silence. Civilised behaviour is wasted on the uncivilised.
Pakistan uses big words like “non-state players” to justify its inaction over 26/11. And why not? India, meak and eminently bulliable as always, is suddenly saying that it is ready for a resumption of dialogue, no conditions attached. So what happened to the earlier publicly stated policy that dialogue was meaningless when terror went unchecked ?
The answer in all likelihood lies in Washington. It does not require inside intelligence to guess that America must be pressurising India to resume normalcy with Pakistan. It doesn't take much pressurising either because Manmohan Singh's India loves nothing more than being in the good books of America.
So Pakistan is free to do what it loves more than anything else – appearing to assist America's war on terror while carrying on its own war on India. Unless India learns how to stand up, we have reasons to worry.
They have three advantages while India has none. First, the Pakistani military's visceral hostility to India gives it a motivation that matches only Israel's unstoppable motivation to destroy Palestine; even if they get Kashmir on a silver platter, the war against India will continue because the need to justify Pakistan's communal birth will continue. Second, China's unconditional support enables an otherwise emasculated Pakistan to match the economic giant that is India, bomb for bomb.
The third and surprising factor is America's support to Pakistan which is as decisive as China's. America's problem is that it recognises only terror against America as terror. To fight America's war against terror, it needs Pakistan's logistical cooperation. Pakistan cleverly takes the Americans for a ride, extending cooperation one day, denying it another day. In the process, India's war against terror makes no blip on American radar. American military supplies come pouring into Pakistan with user's manuals stipulating that they fire/fly only westward, never eastward.
That's dumb. But what we should note here is that Pakistan, client state though it is, has the guts to stand up against its provider. It did so when unmanned US drones wreaked havoc in its tribal areas. It is doing so right now over a US embassy man (CIA ?), killing two Pakistanis (ISI ?). America has threatened the worst, and eventually Pakistan may yield, but not until it gets its pound of flesh.
Does India ever stand up when it is bullied, challenged, insulted? When Australian racists took it out on Indian students, when American security guards body-checked India's ambassadors because one wore a saree and another a turban, when America put radio-tags on Indian students who had valid visas, when Sri Lankans killed our fishermen, we said gravely each time that it was unacceptable. Then we went on to accept it lying down. Never once did we take action that was acceptable.
The result is : Not one country in the world respects us, to say nothing of fearing us. And fear – of military might, trade retaliation, diplomatic offensive, covert countermoves – is one of the more effective planks of international relations in today's cynical world. Our weight in this world is far below what our size, economy and potential warrant.
Pakistan knows this all too well. Pakistani leadership not only has no fear of India; it has contempt for India. This came out most tellingly when the recently ousted former Foreign Minister, Mehmood Qureshi, brought his full arrogance to bear on S.M.Krishna – with Krishna taking it in stoic silence. Civilised behaviour is wasted on the uncivilised.
Pakistan uses big words like “non-state players” to justify its inaction over 26/11. And why not? India, meak and eminently bulliable as always, is suddenly saying that it is ready for a resumption of dialogue, no conditions attached. So what happened to the earlier publicly stated policy that dialogue was meaningless when terror went unchecked ?
The answer in all likelihood lies in Washington. It does not require inside intelligence to guess that America must be pressurising India to resume normalcy with Pakistan. It doesn't take much pressurising either because Manmohan Singh's India loves nothing more than being in the good books of America.
So Pakistan is free to do what it loves more than anything else – appearing to assist America's war on terror while carrying on its own war on India. Unless India learns how to stand up, we have reasons to worry.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
A wake up call
News like these always make we think whether my state is really a 'Gods own country' or are we really literate?
"The woman was attacked between Vallathol Nagar and Kalamandalam stations just as the train was nearing its destination Shoranur. It was Charlie’s physical handicap — his left palm was severed — that helped some passengers sitting in the next compartment to take note of his sudden entry and exit."
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/134437/kerala-train-rape-womans-condition.html
Security in Indian Railways sucks. Let it be passenger safety or coach safety. They generate a profit Rs 10K crore and god knows what does they do with that.
Ever since this incident happened the usual blame game has started. Cant these guys stop blaming n start acting?? I wonder for what are they spending the crores earned in income ?
The current railway incident is yet another issue for all the news channels to boost their TRP. All this nataks will fall down in 2 - 3 days, till they get a new news scope. Continue all the blame games... Is this the best u guys can do ? Pity these news channels n the irresponsible policy makers in Indian railways.
Some people might say, it's practically not possible to monitor all the coaches. WTF!
What practically difficulty ? Nothings that difficult, there shud be some political will and fore sight... Vote for merit , not blind following n family ruling... A total Policy change is the need of the hour... N stopping of these idiotic blame games...
At present Railway security is zero. There is no security in ladies compartments and in most of the trains ladies compartment is the last one..ie in so many stations this compartment will not come on the platforms. Recruiting more people to RPF should be the first thing to do. Its a very small force comparing the user density for a start. The number of RPF people working under Trivandrum division for a reality check , its less than 20 women cops n less than 200 male cops . Is tht enuff ?
Even if they have enough people, the thing is they just have to be more alert, ignorance is the reason for the incident what has hpnd recently.
I have some suggestion... Railway can provide emergency alarm switches on all compartments. Finance is not a problem... One need the will to execute a series of measures and plans.A change is needed for sure...
There should be a lady cop posted permanently in the ladies comp, not for few weeks.
The new report mentioned that the people sitting in the adjacent compartments heard her scream. Yet they didn't bother to go and check, there was a funny cartoon in Mathrubhumi on that. When it comes to responsibilities it has to be collective and we cannot wash our hands off by putting all the blame on Govt.
Media is playing around with this news because it is a rare and never-heard-before incident in recent times as compared to the other rape and sex-racket news that is frequently appearing in the news.
Ladies should be careful. Never entertain strangers while travelling.
"The woman was attacked between Vallathol Nagar and Kalamandalam stations just as the train was nearing its destination Shoranur. It was Charlie’s physical handicap — his left palm was severed — that helped some passengers sitting in the next compartment to take note of his sudden entry and exit."
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/134437/kerala-train-rape-womans-condition.html
Security in Indian Railways sucks. Let it be passenger safety or coach safety. They generate a profit Rs 10K crore and god knows what does they do with that.
Ever since this incident happened the usual blame game has started. Cant these guys stop blaming n start acting?? I wonder for what are they spending the crores earned in income ?
The current railway incident is yet another issue for all the news channels to boost their TRP. All this nataks will fall down in 2 - 3 days, till they get a new news scope. Continue all the blame games... Is this the best u guys can do ? Pity these news channels n the irresponsible policy makers in Indian railways.
Some people might say, it's practically not possible to monitor all the coaches. WTF!
What practically difficulty ? Nothings that difficult, there shud be some political will and fore sight... Vote for merit , not blind following n family ruling... A total Policy change is the need of the hour... N stopping of these idiotic blame games...
At present Railway security is zero. There is no security in ladies compartments and in most of the trains ladies compartment is the last one..ie in so many stations this compartment will not come on the platforms. Recruiting more people to RPF should be the first thing to do. Its a very small force comparing the user density for a start. The number of RPF people working under Trivandrum division for a reality check , its less than 20 women cops n less than 200 male cops . Is tht enuff ?
Even if they have enough people, the thing is they just have to be more alert, ignorance is the reason for the incident what has hpnd recently.
I have some suggestion... Railway can provide emergency alarm switches on all compartments. Finance is not a problem... One need the will to execute a series of measures and plans.A change is needed for sure...
There should be a lady cop posted permanently in the ladies comp, not for few weeks.
The new report mentioned that the people sitting in the adjacent compartments heard her scream. Yet they didn't bother to go and check, there was a funny cartoon in Mathrubhumi on that. When it comes to responsibilities it has to be collective and we cannot wash our hands off by putting all the blame on Govt.
Media is playing around with this news because it is a rare and never-heard-before incident in recent times as compared to the other rape and sex-racket news that is frequently appearing in the news.
Ladies should be careful. Never entertain strangers while travelling.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Best Moments
Some of those moments...
Sometimes its not a big thing that leaves a mark, its little little things in our day to day life that makes an impression...
when a baby, looks at you and smiles
without realising,you hold hands when crossing the road
unexpected thank you note
smell of freshly washed dried clothes
unexpected and FAST downloading speed.
the time when you know that, things between you and her is more den friendship.
hot water bath after a tiring day.
hearing your fav song after hearing some crap songs
single red rose.
unexpected kiss on cheeks by my kids
hand written letter
warm wet sand in the beach.
last hug,when u know u wont see each other for a long time.
when someone keeps checking your temperature when ill.
looking at your baby photos.
fighting for hot chocolate cake.
giggling with your guys,checking out some hot girls.
going through old stuffs, and finding something you thought was lost.
when you see a sign board after a longtime.
when people call to wish you on your birthday, and you cant pick it up cause you are attending some stupid boring meeting.
soft pillow and warm blanket on a cold night
you are waiting,counting every min she is on phone with some other gu,comes back smiles and says "jealous?" and you say "why should I be jealous?"
proud look in your parents eyes.
These things make my day, my life
Sometimes its not a big thing that leaves a mark, its little little things in our day to day life that makes an impression...
when a baby, looks at you and smiles
without realising,you hold hands when crossing the road
unexpected thank you note
smell of freshly washed dried clothes
unexpected and FAST downloading speed.
the time when you know that, things between you and her is more den friendship.
hot water bath after a tiring day.
hearing your fav song after hearing some crap songs
single red rose.
unexpected kiss on cheeks by my kids
hand written letter
warm wet sand in the beach.
last hug,when u know u wont see each other for a long time.
when someone keeps checking your temperature when ill.
looking at your baby photos.
fighting for hot chocolate cake.
giggling with your guys,checking out some hot girls.
going through old stuffs, and finding something you thought was lost.
when you see a sign board after a longtime.
when people call to wish you on your birthday, and you cant pick it up cause you are attending some stupid boring meeting.
soft pillow and warm blanket on a cold night
you are waiting,counting every min she is on phone with some other gu,comes back smiles and says "jealous?" and you say "why should I be jealous?"
proud look in your parents eyes.
These things make my day, my life
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