deconstruction is evolution

So the quota is to be implemented. The arithmetic is getting its chance in Indian politics. I am writing this from the perspective of the striking students. It’s admirable the camaraderie and passion exhibited by the students for a just society. I also strongly condemn brutal police action against the protesting students. Such small movements are important part of student’s life, a learning which no text can teach. This has nothing to do with high moral grounds the Media is taking. We know what they are all about. More than rural urban divide or caste divide I reckon this is generational divide.

The so called elders have failed us whether in media or politics, or whatever, they have been disappointing. We have a very selfish and incompetent elder generation -who just happen to be born few decades earlier and basking on platform provided by primitive society. They just want to fill their pocket and yes that stomach (Ofcourse they do have younger faces in media and politics but we know who is pulling the strings). Then there are some “traditionally concerned” who moonwalk as secularists and gandhians into big time charity show. Only criteria is that the applecart shouldn’t be disturbed. Push them a bit and you know what is under that sophistication veneer. Social concern is such a great fun with high ROI. One need to study why most 'SC' have such dislike for gandhians and refused to be referred to as harijans (children of god -depraved attempt that one).

How am I, as a protesting student, responsible for the inactions in providing affirmative actions other than Reservations? Like, for instance, not giving importance to quality of primary education in rural India or community schools in urban India. How am I responsible as a kid trying to get into better colleges for career if these people (elder generation -depraved bunch marinated in deviant society) are not able to create an effective selection process? What do I do if rich people get into medical colleges wherein I can't get in? Is it my fault? Why should I suffer if they believe in degraded systems like caste and try to pass on to me wherein I find it disgusting? Whether through matrimonial columns or election analysis or through reservations, just to take oft repeated examples. Let’s be very clear these guys in the media are no different and the sham of free media limited in most cases to making easy money is not gone unnoticed. The media is just playing to its client as are the politicians. They should not be given any extra rights under the guise of democracy and must face the law as ordinary citizens. The same is case for the marketers -trying to ensnare people under the garb of liberal values and choices. My target group, my vote bank, my money, my car! In fabricated society people are insecure and so cling to mymy. In this mymy world what I can use, gain…is the defining factor of behavior. So people, nature, earth-environment, become secondary.

We live in a closed system wherein each actions do influence the entire fragility. So utmost care is needed in decisions that influence many, has significant impact. The other day I was watching Satyajit Ray movie Seemabadha (I picked this up from kolkata few months back….i do have a good collection now, but I am biased to animation film. It’s awesome…..bugz, antz, dinosaurs, fishes…) there is an interesting character (Ramalingam) who quotes Joseph Conrad “all ambitions are lawful except those which climb upward on the miseries and tribulations of mankind”.

If I put myself in the shoes of protesting students I do feel victimized for no fault of mine. The same, one will if one put oneself in the place of rural underprivileged kid. Being insecure that is, reduced chance of gainful employment or livelihood, at young age can really be devastating that too in a society that is essentially materialistic despite other wooly claims. It does put lots of negative pressure too early, leaving some permanent scars and can easily turn a person pessimist. And if things slip further can be destructive to society, just a recipe needed for people who recruit them for their own gain like fundamentalist group or underworld or marketeers for dehumanizing jobs. It is quite a sensitive period in life wherein things can seriously go wrong. Add to this Reservation and a reduced chance of better employment this really is frustrating. Similarly, the frustration from essentially biased system of entry (where merit is more of a lifestyle…things that need be confined to some finishing school or wonders of ‘beauty contest’ or grammar) can be demotivating.

We are dividing young people and forcing them on each other wherein they face the same predicament and aspiration. It is the incompetence of the older generation - essentially an appalling statement on these wastrels who are cannibalizing on young, that we are in this impasse. They are too insecure a people and passing it onto the next generation. Some 6-7 years back I recollect attending a talk by MN Srinivas at IIC Delhi wherein he did delve upon the issue of Reservation in Corporate sector briefly, speaking against. During those days I was mostly a passive listener just absorbing things and nodding-like some intellectuals! But I had decided to listen to top guys in their field and delhi was the right place, undeservingly so. It was after the talk that I was startled out of my stupor when three youngsters rush to Mr. Srinivas and spat some abuse words. I was so stunned that I do recollect trying to look into the issue of Reservation after that in JNU library (excellent library that one).

On the issue of 'OBC' quota it need be noted that they may not be as needy as 'SC' or in particular 'ST'. Infact the “historical atrocities” committed on 'SC' and lower castes can also be traced to 'OBCs' ((one need to read some sociology-MN Srinivas or Yoginder Singh (he is brilliant) or Desai for this….albeit I have a strict dislike for sociologists)). In recent times the examples of TN state is a pointer to how 'SC' atrocities are also done by 'OBCs' and that 'OBCs' may not be always be deserving for reservation. Bottom line is 'OBCs' are herded as big vote bank. There is also a race going on to be included as 'OBCs' by many “upper caste”. It really does get murkier, a hallmark of cannibalistic society which is perpetuated by few at the expense of common people. Thanks elders thanks for the legacy. And thanks for spreading it through matrimonial columns. We are so grateful to you. If only these elderly morons spent their life on something productive, life would been comfortable for younger generation. It is they who teach about caste and religion to us and encourage retrograde mindset, fuel divisive forces in society. It is they who promote crass materialism at the expense of sustainability. It is they who corrupt us…..telling us what is “practical”. A boy once stole a pencil from school. His father chastise him “you fool why you have to steal pencil from school I could have brought it from office!”. They are old enough to realize their mistakes but are more concerned in gaining vote bank or TRP ratings or copy circulation, everything adding on to counting profit. A manageable identity to divide society and entitled role is what these people crave to hide their depravities. This makes things easily classifiable. Thus helps in number game. This is the tragic times we live in and poor kids whether in cities or rural areas have to face this unfortunate backlashes. I empathize with them. 

Post Script: Talking of oppression and atrocities I cannot stop wondering why there are no considerations for women candidates, like 'SCs', 'STs', particularly from rural India?. There is also a need to reserve the seats within 'SC', 'ST' to female candidates. Let’s not assume oppressed class to be gender sensitive. This may not occur to anyone in an overwhelmingly patriarchal primitive society that despite girls doing exceedingly well in school and college exams, their number is not commiserating to this reality in professional colleges or higher management- decision making areas. So why no reservations for girls in professional colleges?

When I mentioned about “translating to local language”…local languages here are major languages spoken by millions, more than many of these international languages. Languages that have strong socio-cultural foundations…..Hindi (spoken by 490 million people), Bengali(215m), Punjabi(103m), Tamil(78m), Telugu(74m), Marathi(71m), Gujarati(47m), Kannada(44m) ….to name few languages spoken exclusively in India, some in Indian sub continent. Compare this with “international languages” like French (130m). Even English is in minority and in India spoken by a very miniscule percentage of people. Competence incidentally is also about relating to people and their surrounding. The language, tradition and culture seem to be dictated and dependent “on political power in the world” ( taking words from VS Naipaul's recent interview http://www.literaryreview.co.uk/naipaul_04_06.html). Things are changing in the globalized world.

“I am beginning to feel vaguely guilty about having fallen so deeply in love with Coorg. I set out, after all, to tour South India, and my lingering here seems suspiciously like escapism. Undeniably Coorg is a place apart- clean, quiet, uncrowded, unmodernised, not impoverished at any level of society, never too hot or too cold at any time of the day or night and populated by exceptionally congenial people. Add a truly magnificent landscape to all of this and you have a paradise. No wonder the Coorgs are so proud of their country, with something more than the normal regional pride of Indians” Dervla Murphy wrote this almost three decades back when she famously hiked through Coorg with her five year old daughter. Agreeing to her experience of the place, unmodernised is the word I don’t associate with Coorg (or kodugu) . If we understand modern with broad outlook- innovative and sensibilities associated with western, now global, then Coorgs are as much as Parsis in early twentieth century india. Their alliance with the British to defeat Tipu Sultan and later their own local Rajah worked in favour of Coorgs. Recognizing their proficiency with guns the britishers gave them rights to own guns without license. After independence of India the Coorgs were exempted from Arms Act so that they can carry light rifles without license within the Coorg district limits. A feat equated in recent times by certain parts of Bihar where no rule ever worked! Coorg's affection to guns has added an element of primitive bravado in celebrations, where gunfire is essential part- I read that childbirth is greeted with gun shots!. My experience though was amicable. I happen to witness (glimpse) a marriage ceremony and guns were not out, clamorous nevertheless. There is an interesting piece I read from a book I picked up on my way to coorg: Tale of a Tiger’s Tail & other yarns from coorg by C.P.Belliappa regarding guns “….coorgs believe- believe it or not!-that their souls reside in the guns they leave behind!. During the most important Kodava festival-kailpodu- which is celebrated on third September every year, all the guns are cleaned, oiled and decorated with flowers, especially with beautiful seasonal flower aptly known as the ‘gun flower’. The guns are then worshipped, and offerings of special food prepared is placed in front of them. The guns represent our ancestors…….One of precocious nephews from Mumbai was with us during Kailpodu last year. He was full of questions about the guns I was cleaning prior to the pooja. He was absolutely thrilled with the thought of being a gun in the next life!....The kid , in true tradition of the community, has already made up his mind to join the Army. For his tender age he is quite knowledgeable about powerful modern guns. He avidly watches and identifies all the weapons displayed during republic day parade. After a while he became quiet and pensive. I quizzed him…he said in all seriousness ‘uncle in my next life I would like to be a bofors gun and defend our countries borders!!!’. I gave him a mock punch and said ‘bravo, you Son of a Gun!’… .” Coorgs contribution to Armed Forces of the country is substantial includes one Field Marshal and an Army Chief (Gen. Thimaiah’s statue finds a proud presence in Medikeri). Two things if it defines Coorgs are pride in kinsmenship and active involvement in sports. And if one may add a taste for refined. The filial pride is strengthened through annual hockey match. This is a must see event. It’s a kind of a huge family get together. Each team consists of members of single family, so we can see 15 year old girl and a fifty year old man in the same team. That is what is unique about this event and a feast to watch. Many of the players were part of National team. The saying goes; Indian hockey team is not complete without a Coorg. Many from this tiny place have captained Indian hockey team in national and international events. Despite the bonhomie of families the matches are fiercely fought.

In the audience women dressed in traditional attire -the sari takes a different route here, and elderly men catch the latest in family gossip (I wouldn’t be surprised if this event also double up as meeting ground for “girl boy family”). The youngsters definitely have a ball, being summer vacation of schools and colleges. They come in full strength. It is delightful to watch 4 year old kids in full sports gear having their own little games on the sidelines. The food for lunch includes pork in tangy spicy sauce and steamed rice balls, and off course liquor. Back in the hotel at Gonicoppal the owner, a tall man with a content-in-life smile and characteristic long nose, was more concerned about the deteriorating surroundings of Coorg. “This place shouldn’t be tourist a spot”. The way he said spot was almost a spat. Clearly this was an emotional issue for him; rightly so having traveled to “tourist spots” and seen the degradations I shared his sentiments. Though it was a surprise coming from a hotel owner, who always stand to gain from tourist rush. More than a hotel or inn this was a cottage with small self-sustaining rooms, apportioned from his house and few away from the main building. For 100 Rs a day it was a steal, definitely within my budget. The rooms however were cramped with no windows. I asked the reason for this appalling design- a building not able to include the beautiful nature and cozy climate of the place is off course appalling if not vulgar. He didn’t give an impression of a person in dire need of money, to make such cramped rooms like they do in lower end hotels in “famous tourist spots”. “I have plantations to take care and this was not meant to be a Hotel” he explained. By plantation I gathered of tea, hundreds of acres I saw on the way. “My cousin wanted to start a hospital here. She is a doctor. She had designed it as hospital….but later changed the plan” he explained. Even for a hospital it was strange setting, for wards. A room without ventilation is never healthy. It was while explaining about his doctor cousin that he mentioned her having written some books. My antennas were up. Kavery Nambisan is a quite well known writer. Her recent book The Hills of Angheri I gather is about a village girl who studies medicine in city and want to return to village to set up a hospital. Touché. Albeit Vijay Nambisan is better known. I recollect reading the collection of poems (also including Jeet Thayil) almost a decade back at Sahithya Akademi library. He has also written a book on Bihar. But our genteel man in the Hotel had the lines drawn clearly in his life “I am allergic to books” and as an afterthought, an apologetic “my wife and mother do read but I never could….and if you would excuse I want to go somewhere”. Next half an hour or so I played cricket with kids in the courtyard, convinced that I am not getting young!!. This was my second visit to coorg, from kerala some years back. I had come with a kalari ashan (a man in early 30s insisted that I call him Gurukal not ashan “even a carpenter can be an ashan but never a gurukal” was his argument. I told him I will think about it!!). We had come to collect medicinal plants. He also wanted to show me the ayurvedic “modern massage” centre he wanted to start in the “prime spot” he had purchased. This time though I carried a book Feathered Jewel of Coorg, on birds (by Dr. S.V.Narasimhan) a book dedicated to late Brig. Cariappa founder of Coorg Wildlife Society. I do keep an eye open for birds while traveling and was not disappointed this time too. I located multicolor barbet doing kuntroo kuntroo (just as mentioned in the book), minivets, shrikes, quails, ….it is matter of extreme pleasure to let know that early this year I happen to see Paradise Flycatcher in Periyar (thekkadi, I was here before the tourist season….well I aint a tourist season guy). This really is an exotic bird, absolutely enchanting to watch. It’s a kind of once in a life time chance. Just awesome. Coorg is also paradise for birds. That remind: hey what happened to birds in metros? No pigeons not even in that tiny winy sparrow whirring around. You think it’s a bird and turns out to be calls of squirrels or most disappointingly lizard!!. This aint development dude.

sunset point or Rajah's seat at Medikari

There is a cartoon on banning of cokepepsi in US campus (by Drew Sheneman of New jersey. Visit http://www.cagle.com/news/SodaBanned/4.asp). A move that needs appreciation and support. The school (and college authorities) in India too need to be concerned and be more responsible to its students. The State should pass laws on making campus healthier. Also concern need be raised on the socio-environmental cost of these exploitative products and youngsters need be made aware of the huge cost involved. Many campuses in US like Michigan have already banned these products. There is growing awareness on this issue (please visit http://www.indiaresource.org/news/2005/1028.html for more). The youth of India needs a movement for chasing these products from campuses, particularly from schools. There is also an ethical concern too, as to why these exploitative and harmful products are being projected as associated with health and energy by using sportspeople or scenes suggesting youthful energy. Wherein we all know it has nothing to with any of these. The lawn tennis sensation says in an ad “bas pyas bujaye yaar”. This kid need be told that people prefer water and that too is taken away from them. It is turning out to be some kind of a harsh joke. Despite the fact that these people are sucking up water for this exploitative product and causing untold misery the Government does nothing and a bottled carbonated drink still cost a pittance. Ideally this product should be classified as luxury product and heavily taxed. Socio-environmental cost is too high for a product which is mainly a style statement for some irresponsible.

As far as I know an ad. is meant to make us aware about the product they want to sell. Agreeing that it would be a “boring” way to “attract” the customers they need some innovative means to influence the viewers. But that doesn’t mean they fabricate a lie. There is a matter of ethics here. What they are suggesting is not what the product affects. CokePepsi is no health drink, on the contrary it causes disease. But the lifestyle these ads suggest is that of “action”- directing it to youth. Its no wonder that “action heroes” and sports people are preferred. There is fabrication of lie happening here. Affirming things not true. This culture of fabrication is what gave them incentive to invade Iraq for non existent WMDs. This culture of fabricating lies is the reason why thousands of people died and millions are suffering. This culture blinded the “audience” in US to see the wrong. What we see everyday in our TV in the name of selling products (and entertainment) is seeping in a dangerous space for accepting and tolerating lies. We know it is untrue- the images they show, suggesting the product represents, but we tolerate it. This is where the senses are assaulted and subsequently blunted into accepting unreal, the fake. Next it is replaced by blatant lies regarding the "other". And when you are in richer societies it is about changing channels or more importantly “what can I gain out of this” (also seen as “competence”). There seems to be race going on for maximum lick.

This culture of fabrication is not confined to CokePepsi sellers; they share these with fundamentalists who are into making people’s life miserable in the name of religion. Take the recent case of Hindu bigots in US and their attempt to present a sanitized view of India’s (hindu) past. Wherein the truth is that some heinous crime were committed in the name of religion. Sometime back I was reading an essay by V.S.Naipaul (Our Universal Civilization) these lines I thought were very significant (in context to Islamic fundamentalism)…the faith abolished the past. And when past was abolished more than idea of history suffered. Human behavior and ideals of good behavior could suffer. He further writes…..to posses the faith was to posses the only truth; and possession of this truth set many things on its head. The time before coming of the faith was to be judged in one way; what came after the faith was to be judged in another. The faith altered values, ideas of good behavior, human judgments….