Bushing the way to Armageddon

Rationality is integral part of Humanism. Humanism devoid of Rationality is expediency. It reduces to clever ploy for deceit. Religion may not be rational to atheists (who seem to have usurped rationality) but it is really not irrational, atleast, in its core intent. Religion caters to emotions and tribulations. A positive involvement leads to spiritualism that as a functionalist understanding: gives clarity on choices which is ethics. Irrationality is given to human exigencies and instability. Moral codes are an attempt to control, it’s a byproduct of power. Therefore moral framework necessarily changes with time and context unlike ethics. Morality is an agreement within the society on correctness. It is possible that it will militate with individuality. At an extreme, moral fiber within the religion may eulogize to kill or even martyr a follower, in horrendous perversity even an infant. Wherein the soul of religion, human- ethics is violated, proscribed. An example not distinct from religion is the construct of Nationhood and patriotism. People are ready to kill even innocent wherein it is ethically untenable. Rationality therefore needs to be seen as enlightened choices- ethics.

It is in this context and backdrop that we need to understand the issue of Evolution Vs Intelligent Design. Evolution is a scientifically documented fact, necessarily rational. Unless a contrary theory or examples is convincingly presented within the framework of rationality till then Darwinism remains the sole truth on these matters. Darwin was understanding enough to refer this as “provisional truth”. As of now it is a convincing theory on evolution of life, very highly probable. More than truth it is about attitude- a mindset defined by inquisitiveness, inquiry, search, learning, knowing…..if this space is not encouraged then it gives way to prejudices, biases, superstitions and narrow mindedness (with vote bank obsessed politicians and people as consumers we have a catastrophe waiting to happen or is it happening?). Intelligent Design advocates represent this regression. Some in US even suggest this as alternate theory. The ‘alternate’ of rationality is always irrationality. Teaching children that it is normal being irrational is where the problems start (the same danger in children being taught in exclusive religious institutions). Media mischief in this context is through ‘balanced’ reporting, ignoring ethical perspective.

Bush voted against Stem Cell Enhancement Act since “The bill” according to him “would support the taking of innocent life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others. It crosses a moral boundary that our decent society needs to respect”. This is the same ‘decent society’ which has no qualm in taking lives of thousands of innocent people in Baghdad or Beirut, to quote recent examples. Bush’s ‘moral boundary’ seems to confined to US neo cons. This is the same fellow who couldn’t protect (wasn’t bothered would be better way to describe it) his own marginalized people during hurricanes despite clear early warnings and all the equipments at disposal. It’s baffling how people in US elected him as the President not once but twice!!!. Irrationality seems to be institutionalized here- so naturally prejudices.

Writes,KarenArmstrong(inGuardianNewspaper..http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1833794,00.html) “…..the first chapter of Genesis was never intended as a liberal account of origin of life, it is a myth, a timeless story about the sanctity of world and everything in it…”. This is very much true and may be applied in case of Ayodhya issue or the way Islam is being misused by fundamentalists. He writes further “…the prophets did preach a stern message of social justice, however, and like all the major world faiths, Christianity sees charity and loving-kindness as the cardinal virtues. Fundamentalism nearly always distorts the tradition it is trying to defend”.

The photo of models of Evolution of Homo sapiens from primates was taken at Thirunelveli, District Science Centre (Tamil Nadu). Every districts like mandatory District Magistrate, District Health Centre…and so on need to also have District Information Centre (includes library, internet….also functioning as facilitating agency for RTI). It is also very important to have District Science Centre in each district, acting as nodal point for all schools in science related activities like projects, seminars, exhibition of innovations in the district as also dissemination on latest science inventions happening around the world. When I was visiting the Science Centre it was teeming with school children. A kind of sight one loves to see. It is not to say that science will give all answers. Scientific temper creates a mindset that encourages rational. Rationality is what makes us human.

Thande ka thadka for comrades in Bengal...

Before we get into comrades in Bengal let us understand the comrades in Kerala and their predicament. That will give a better perspective on happenings in Bengal.

Kerala as we know is an incredible success story in social development. Despite the low per capita income and other serious problems, there has been sustained emphasis on health and education. There are many historical culture reasons prominent among them is the contributions of communists. How much of that commitment is shared by contemporary communists in Kerala is questionable. The historical vibrancy of kerala society is now stagnant in the fleapits of mass media, moving from mediocre to crass. Despite all this Kerala was able to capitalize on early Movements towards equitable society (the education bill by Left government regarding private colleges particularly controlled by religion-for-profit is welcomed. It is a brave step. Ordinary people fully support the move). Social mobility in this society has been quite high due to increased capabilities (and choices) of people from different strata of society. The erstwhile rulers and elites have been shown their place, the education helped people to create opportunities particularly in gulf (now Europe). The life expectancy, health facilities and other social indices are comparable to any advanced country. Although Malabar when joined Kerala was a backward place, because of enlighten policies have caught up with the rest of kerala.

Like other mainstream media anywhere people here too are overwhelmed by nonsense (like the obnoxious ‘serials’) despite these the problems faced by common people is given due significance. Each event is analyzed with equitable understanding and participation, wherein the man in the street is found articulating his views in an effective manner (here I am not referring to trash programs like nammal thammil). Unlike some “national” channel there is no bias towards the Marketeers or gloss. The best thing is, like what we see in BBC, most of the discussions are not really hurried. The discussions are not meant for high decibel acts between ads but intend to understand the issue in its entirety, including people who really matter. Not some small time celebrity- marketeers get together. Each channel do have slot for discussing important books, analyzing newspapers, meet the people who make difference and so on. Some of the programs are of very high caliber. It has more to do with the appreciative audience

The Coca Cola –Pepsi issue in Plachimada in this context is path breaking. It is the people in their entirety are involved. The reason why the real issue cannot be sidelined. There is no place for glamour statements. You cannot escape facts here. And since people are aware of the problems, the money sniffing celebrities have to fall in place. No popular kerala actor will dare to come in Coca Cola Pepsi ads. Most ‘celebrities’ in here are quite sane and susceptible to logic and empathy unlike from cow belt where the gap is too big and so the loot has all the impunity. Knowledge, esteem, empathy…. has a making of deadly cocktail which mere literacy, aping the west and so on cannot fathom. Media manufacturing and event managing of issues will not have space here, if ever on the periphery as amusement. Not mainstream occupations.

The banning of Coca Cola- Pepsi and the systematic sidelining of the problems of the people, which they so vociferously supported before the elections is not gone unnoticed by majority of people in here. This is in sync with the new image the comrades are trying to create. The image of Market friendly. Neek pok Vijayan!!. But unlike other part of the country they cannot escape the needs for sustainability and livelihood threat. People in here are very active and can articulate their views quite well, mind you even the poorest of poor. Further the material and intellectual gap between strata’s of society is not very big, majority of people have same socio-cultural context (you could know about Kafka from a bus conductor, carry an intelligent conversation with commonest of people, atleast a decade back….don’t know how much people have become professional in recent times!!)

It is in this milieu that we need to understand the constraints, predicaments and hypocrisies of comrades in Bengal. The comrades find it difficult to question the Coca Cola –Pepsi onslaught, they have got their own goverment which goes against CocaCola-Pepsi. Surely investment. It need to be reminded that there are many cases when indian products have been rejected by Americans asit didn't conform to their standards. There are cases i am aware where the businessmen have suicided because of losses. Offcourse we arent really bothered about standards or no standards in case of Coca Cola Pepsi. We are very concerned about ground water exploitation and livelihood threat by exploitative products for indulgent few. The cola factories I am told has 2 or so bottling plants running spic and span. No problemo!!!!.

Understanding comrades in Bengal…..

The comrades in Bengal have been ruling for almost three decades. Many countries where comrades have ruled for longer period have known to have higher social indices, despite sluggish economical development or lack of sufficient freedom, like erstwhile east Europe or Soviet Union. But Bengal is different, there has been complete lack of social mobility and it seems that they are stuck in some time warp. Whereas neighboring states like Bihar- poor and feudal, have seen cataclysmic changes in last few decades at least in social mobility sense, the lower strata asserting themselves through elections, the comrades are in some quaint world. The world of English poems and cricket. This society is still being dominated by a section which has been traditional elite. I have done some study in last few days and found that it is very much a feudal society much worse than most States in India. The ‘leaders’ mostly belong to a particularly section. Like for instance if you take the example of Lok Sabha members it is dominated by Chatterjees, Banerjees, Mukherjees…..the threaded types. Infact of the 41 members (Malda seat is vacant it seems) elected in the last Lok Sabha there were 6 Chatterjees+Banerjees+Mukherjees+Chakrabortys, 4 chowdharys+ basus or boses. Others who are from elite section include Acharya, Pradhan, Munshi and so on…they could easily be more than 15. I gather from surname…I really don’t know much about caste structure here nor am I concerned. The surnames I gathered from figures in History, who were necessarily from elite section. You see they had the burden of ‘freeing’ us!!. The intention is to find out the elite section, socio-historically elite, the feudal class comrades- representing have-nots!!. The reason why am I pointing to these is to bring out the entrenched bias in representation. The inequity in social development in a State that is being ruled by Communists for almost three decades. They have become quite an embarrassment (read further at http://depalan.blogspot.com/2005_09_01_depalan_archive.html). It is conceivable that the reason why far Right (mostly elites in Hindus) find it difficult to dent Communist fort in Bengal is to do with the fact that most of the elite are having a great time as comrades. Also the porous border from Bangladesh is about their masquerading as secular, the increase in vote bank. This doesn’t extend to Taslima Nasreen, who is being hounded by Mullahs back home. Comrades surely see red!!!.

One can say with much surety that 60-70% of the Lok sabha seats are represented by elite section of the society. This must be true for state assembly or other spheres of the society too. The Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee is a threaded type anglicized comrade, so was the previous one who held a record of sort as the longest (ok second longest) chief minister in the country!. So rule the comrades for us people only. Even the ‘opposition leader’ in the State is a Bannerjee. The Union minister from Congress is a Mukherjee. The Lok Sabha speaker is our very own comrade Chatterjee. All threaded types- the traditionally licking class. Not that i am into checking surnames of people but this overlap of class-caste is no coincidence. This could be true of any State(or in Centre) during 50s to 80s but this is 2006 and Comrades ruling the State for three decades!!. The ambivalence of comrades regarding exploitative products is not at all surprising. Unlike comrades in Kerala they have the luxury of going for blatant denial. Not shocking. I have traveled in Bengal many a times and the abject poverty is heartbreaking. Mostly people associate poverty in Bengal with slums in Kolkata (City of Joy!!). But it is countryside where things have gone seriously wrong. Few statistics and some ground reality will reveal some truth. The sham of Communists and their image building posturing at Centre.

India ranks a dismal 127 in HDI ranking and among the States in India the position of West Bengal is ‘less than satisfactory’. West Bengal ranked 22^nd HDI in 1981 and equally dismal 20^th in 1991. West Bengal in the year 1999-2000 had below poverty line 27.02 per cent of its population; higher than the national figure of 26.10 per cent. Whereas the NSS puts the figure at whooping 55%, and 60% belong to SC/STs- the National figure for the same was 19% and 55% (NSS 50^th rounds of data on household consumer expenditure). At the national level the very poor in SC population were concentrated in three states UP, Bihar and West Bengal- they together accounted for 63% of very poor SCs in 1999-2000. Also the percentage of chronically poor is above national average in rural areas of West Bengal. Further, it may be noted that these three categories, namely SC, ST and Minorities, together account for more than half the population, and these are also the three poorest groups in rural Bengal. 84 per cent of the absolutely poor population of West Bengal lived in rural areas, compared to 74 per cent in India as a whole. West Bengal has attracted the highest capital; next only to Gujrat, ahead of Maharashtra, UP and Andhra Pradesh. But reveals badly 2.52 per cent jobs against 3.75 in Andhra, 3.92 in UP, 4.05 in Gujrat and 5.60 in Maharashtra respectively. When they are opening for the ultimate investment it need to be kept in mind that in West Bengal only 36.7 per 100 household have electricity connection which is much below the National average of 60.1 (1998-99 figure). Per capita food grain consumption declined from 476 grams per day in 1990 to only 418 grams per day in 2001. The National Sample Survey data also suggest that even aggregate calorific consumption per capita declined from just over 2200 calories per day in 1987-88 to around 2150 in 1999-2000. Meanwhile, declining capital expenditure by the government has been associated with more infrastructural bottlenecks and worsening provision of basic public services.

Data for the year 2000-1 show that 49.6% of children under 5 are under nourished while 56.8% under 5 children are malnourished in this State, much lower than low income States. The U5M (Under 5 Mortality rate) is as high as 67.6 (Kerala has a low of 18.8), 73.4 of which is in rural areas- about 72 per cent of the people live in rural areas. MMR has dropped significantly in last decade but it still remains on the higher side (50% of PHCs surveyed didn’t have labour room equipments). Whereas studies reveal that 57% children belonging to poor household in rural India were stunted (that is chronic under nutrition), in West Bengal the figure was as high as 63% (kerala had a lowest of 32%). The IMR is at a high of 60 in rural Bengal. The difference in life expectancy in rural and urban Bengal is a high of 7 years, a statement on inequitable development. The state has lower ratios of health care centres per population as well as higher ratios of population per hospital bed, than the All-India average. Nutrition indicators are rather poor, with higher incidence of anaemia and iron deficiency especially among women and young children, than for India as a whole. Although the life expectancy marginally above the national rate, there are some district where it is much lower. Districts like Malda have a low life expectancy of as low as 54 years!!!.

Also Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) among adult population is above 50% in this state. The aggregate literacy rate (at 69 per cent in 2001) was only marginally above the national average of 65 per cent. Only 63 per cent of children in West Bengal in the age group 7-14 years were literate in 1991, compared to the All-India proportion of 64 per cent. In the chart of per capita expenditure on health (after correcting the lower base) by the states, West Bengal stands at a dismal 12 in the list of 14 states. The per capita expenditure in social service and rural development by West Bengal government is so low that they stand at 11^th place among 15 States, wherein states like Tamil Nadu which has a history of successful struggle for equitable society spend much higher than the comrades. The ‘imminent revolution’ for three decades is waiting. Sure kidding. The UNDP had proposed emphasis on four ratios- the public expenditure ratio, the social allocation ratio, the social priority ratio, the human expenditure ratio. Clearly the priorities of comrades in Bengal are nowhere on these lines. The search for ‘mass opium’ is on!!!. A case for dialectical materialism. Talk of social underdevelopment Marx suckers. Piyo sar utha ke comrades….

A very happy Independence Day

India despite all its shortcomings and problems remains an endearing and enchanting place to be in. There is always more to know about this place and its people. I guess this could be said about any country by its people or any place where a person is born or spends his life. I guess it’s about Earth. Its about Universe…

Sabse bada rupaiya.....The inside story of Corruption

Before we get into the issue of corruption lets invoke the praise for Rokda, the Rupaiya. The one and only one which makes the world go round and round. Sabse bada rupaiya....bole tho ekdam jakkas.

The inside story of Coke Cola Pepsi issue:
a) Government doesn’t give damn about people
b) Corporate like Coca Cola Pepsi don’t give a damn about Consumers.

If the government of India was concerned about its citizen then they should have by now created rules for standards to be followed in Food products and strictly implemented it, like they do in developed countries. It’s been more than a decade since they opened up the economy. Creating favorable environment for investment is the mantra all the Governments in the centre and state have been following, whether Congress or BJP or cricket loving Commies. They never gave thought on safety of its citizen, on measures to safeguard people from harm. It’s only after a scam or a scandal that they think on prevention. Thousands of people lost their money in Stock Exchange Scam a decade back before they thought on how to plug, to quote an example. Other issues like exploitation of natural resources of the nation particularly the scarce groundwater don’t have proper guidelines. Why is that an NGO (admittedly ill-equipped) has to tell us about Coca Cola Pepsi’s pesticide content. The Government should have conducted these in its own labs. It seems they don’t even have a policy framework on such issues. They don’t give a damn about health and safety of billion people. The move by many state governments to ban Coca Cola Pepsi is a charade to hide their incompetence. These governments owe an explanation to people. They should be ashamed of themselves.

So why is that the subsequent government failed to raise the concerns of its people and strictly insure safeguards?.

The answer is simple: it’s about money. It’s about corruption. The leaders whether in power or opposition are nincompoops. They will wag their tail in front of money bag. And Coca Cola- Pepsi has the capacity to buy them many times over. Just think if they give 3 to 4 crores (yes crores!!!) to actors to say a line like thande ka thadka or Piyo sar uthake imagine the amount they can give to our salivating politicians. So a Union Minster will parrot that even the mother’s milk is contaminated, on Master’s command. Actually it is nothing really unexpected in this country; the system leaves them no option. Political parties and politicians need money. How will you expect them to fight elections otherwise??

This seems a very valid reason for corruption. These serious charges against the Political parties are nothing new, the question which should interest us is : how will the Political Party fund money to fight elections??. There is no provision in the constitution for state sponsoring the election expenses of political parties. They have to make money, this to my knowledge needs to be identified as the main reason for widespread corruption and kickback scams. There seems to be desperation among the political parties to find resources for funding their election expense. Also a politician who has more money can easily influence the party decisions. There are many “leaders” who have become prominent and influential because of the money power- many have not even won a single election. Money power has got many into Rajya Sabha. The reason why money bags like ex zamindars (that is land holding class), lawyers and so on in politics in more numbers is not a mystery. One example comes to mind is Arun Jaitly fellow who is now a main “leader”. He is a new breed of “suave”- meaning ‘good in front of camera’; politician who has earned enough money by representing Coke-Pepsi in court. It is quite obvious he will serve his Masters interest in the cabinet. How much damage he did as Commerce Minister we will never know since nobody in any government would want the golden goose to vanish. He also has his hands in cricket pie, so more money. How can Sharad Pawar an Agriculture Minister also be BCCI president???. Most importantly what is the interest of politicians and small time businessmen like Dalmiya in cricket, obviously it’s not about cricket.

Why and how are more corporate people getting into Rajya Sabha?. It is very likely that economic policies are dictated by the interest of Corporate. Taking a very small example: Somebody enlighten my on what basis or criteria the prices of Coca Cola –Pepsi was reduced in the last budget. What is the rationale of such decisions??. Since we are discussing Coke –Pepsi, the reason why I am taking this example. I suspect that any Government in the Centre or State would be looking for earning some money or influence through their policies and other actions by helping Money bags. And it is very likely that they will go to any extend. So the people’s protests and their basic livelihood needs are minor irritant. The same government which is elected by these very people by standing in long queues are ignored as any Government of the day, Congress, BJP or Commies will be into the business of making as much money, as long as they are in power. Off course there are exceptions but they too have to work under the compulsions of collecting money for Party Fund. In this understanding of the way the system functions it is difficult to blame a Bangaru Laxman or others accepting money as corrupt. They are just doing what most politicians are supposed to do for their Party but were unfortunate or shall we say clumsy to be caught on camera. Everyone may not be as talented as Jaitly boy in the art of legally licking. What should they do??. As long as election expenses are to be met by the political parties and politicians will have no options but use devious methods to meet the demand.

This system has already damaged Indian democracy significantly. I as a common man and a concerned citizen feel that it is high time something is done. Otherwise these politicians will even sell this country, if they haven’t done it yet. And there will be enough scoundrels who will have no qualm comparing mother’s milk with Coca Cola or Pepsi and wag his tail to his grateful Masters. The shame or irony of a Union Minister of huge country will not even register. Can we trust these people??.

It is quite clear that Elections expenses are quite high there is a need for some mechanism of funding. This will make corrupt politicians more accountable and less incentive for shady deals unless for greed, which is where the laws need to be stricter. How many politicians have been punished in independent India??. Also it will give honest politicians some badly needed sense of security and instead of hobnobbing with money bags and other means of earning, he/she can focus on the needs of the people. They will not have to worry about election funding and so be more transparent and responsible. There is an immediate need for solving this problem. And people in this country have nobody but the Judiciary to help them. Anyone listening…….

Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki

The most heinous massacre ever in human history was committed on this day 64 years back. The world came to know how destructive nuclear bombs are but still they manufacture it. They stock it. They sign agreements. Such absoluteness of infallibility, such insecurity, such ignorance. As a part of ‘manufactured consent’ the American establishment have, with much degree of success, spread this canard that killing millions of innocent people, was meant for peace- more precisely victory of peace. The American view of History is surely not the world history. Truman should have gone down the history with likes of Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin…..what scoundrels, what savages. Yasuka Mikami a survivor had this to say of the fateful day
"..We tried to open the eyes of the injured and we found out they were still alive. We tried to carry them by their arms and legs and to place them onto the fire truck. But this was difficult because their skin was peeled off as we tried to move them. They were all heavily burned..."
The full account of children can read at http://www.csi.ad.jp/ABOMB/children.html.

Akira Kurosawa is a Director I am always very fascinated with, I happen to see the movie Rhapsody in August sometime back. It is a poignant statement on the massacre. The memories of people, who survived, permanently scared. The eye keeps staring, the eye of the flash. The eye of death juxtaposing with beautiful moon. An evocative poem from the movie.

And the boy a rose did see
a rose standing in the field
blossoming in innocence
awed by the color it did yield
a never ending fascination
for the crimson color
of the rose standing in the field.

The elderly lady who survived the holocaust says in a scene (in the movie Rhapsody in August):

“They did drop the atom bomb, and they resent being reminded of it?. If they don’t like it, they don’t have to remember it. But I can’t have them pretending ignorance. They claim they dropped the flash (meaning bomb) to stop war. It’s already been 45 years now. But the flash has not stopped the war they are still killing people.
But you know…war is to blame. People can do anything …just to win a war. Sooner or later it will be the ruin of all of us” .

Although the elderly woman says in the movie as 45 years, it is so true even now. And will be true as long as we have irresponsible, insensitive and insecure people at the helm of affairs. President Bush has done more damage to the world than anyone for a long time. Americans are responsible for this. And they are also as guilty of killing innocent people in Lebanon as the Israeli Army is. In the UN meanwhile USA and France are fighting over the draft, France insists on using ‘cessation’ while dudes from USA want it to be ‘suspension’. Surely not sense of humour. Most Americans may find this shocking but the fact is: value of life is same everywhere. American life is as precious as the life of a boy in Beirut, a Sunni or a Shia or whatever. As the elderly woman says “I can’t have them pretending ignorance”. Ever heard of Boomerang?......it comes back if not now, it will someday. On that day when you give long speeches please don’t blame the world. Spare us.

'Muslim' celebrities and 'modernity'

Modernity is defined in the dictionary as “relating to the history or period that you live in” “often showing approval”. In the contemporary world the understanding of modernity among the masses is dictated by mainstream media- by definition mediocre, by compulsion gross. In the Indian context because of colonial history and lack of egalitarianism- state policy on land reforms and education as also a tradition of filial oriented tradition, it is seen that the elite particularly from North India carry feudal mindset. A byproduct of the system based on exploitation they crave for space that pushes them further away from this tragic reality. This is where definition of modernity crystallizes. Something that makes them superior to others is necessarily where the scheme of things goes. Superior here is associated with western or American. Their lifestyle-what they speak (and how), what they do, is what epitomizes modernity in these circles. Aping these is what Modernity. In the globalised world with a population of more than a billion India is identified as a huge market. There is a stampede going on- if for genuine development one would have appreciated, but in most cases (with very rare exception like in IT) the rush is for open loot. But the loot is more sophisticated this time; they take the route of investments (the favorite word of Coke-Pepsi thugs). To sell their product is why they create lifestyle demands. And modernity gets reiterated by associating with lifestyle of western. Anyway Indian elite have been quite susceptible to western as a part of sycophancy, historically, as is well documented -what is referred to ‘westernisation’. Associating ‘westernisation’ to rational- logical approach that is scientific, to problems analysis is what is admirable. But that hardly in the mind of people when they refer ‘western’. And acute need for upper mobility in an inequitable society ensures that this is pursued in all its viciousness.

In contemporary mainstream media the ‘hang out’ and ‘chill out’ zone is where fledglings of modernity take it shape. Chaddi dancers are icons and anything spoken by movie actors (and ofcourse actress) the moment of truth. They will enlighten us on all burning issues like Mumbai blasts, Kashmir, charity, food, cricket, books….which they generally do if they have a movie to be released !!. The ‘modernity’ of media management- a very serious occupation (It doesn’t mean I am against popular figures for charity. In case of popular and successful actors this comes out as very genuine and has amazing effect like for instance polio campaign and the contribution of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan….In the international level I can think of very genuine people like Bono, Richard gere…..These international figures need to be careful when dealing with poorer nations particularly India where many are squatting for big money international aid lick….spurious NGOs are there in every street corner).
Coming back, the so defined ‘Modernity’ in recent times is also the definitive feature of most movies- with characters more into defining ‘modernity’, eating out Piza or guzzling coke-pepsi, also help in these product placement and association with ‘modernity’. Till recently this space of modernity in movies was reserved for cigarettes. Few decades back a woman smoking cigarettes was defined as ‘ultra modern’ 'liberated' something we ‘backward’ people need to follow. Cancer and Modernity was quite a mismatch, they soon realized. So now it is Colas, Pizas, and all junk. The ads very often project product along these lines of modernity. The magazine and newspaper run by the very same people, and also in the ever acute reason of revenue, will propagate this image of ‘modernity’. Coca Cola –Pepsi drinking (even the way you carry it) becomes symbol of modernity so is eating fastfood, sipping Barista-only coffee, ….and god knows what. The ads necessarily need a society which is not knowledge run. After all why would anyone with right mind buy a product just because an actor or sportsmen or anyone says it so?. It needs people to be specifically demented or unintelligent. The construct of ‘modernity’ is a shrewd tactic to catch on the emotion. To feel ‘broadminded’ having associated with the product. Rest of the work is done by the peer pressure of the group.

So where does the ‘Muslim’ celebrities come in the issue of modernity?

In the recent times we have been facing serious identity crisis with profusion of so many things-ideas, culture,… as never before. The Muslims around the world have been troubled by the terrorism in the name of religion. Muslims around the world are being called to prove their alliance. There is also in recent time rise of fundamentalism in religion. More people are now identifying with medieval practices, chauvinism as tradition or culture. The religious fundamentalism is increasingly taking away the space for sane discourse. People are trapped in these vortexes. Against the religious chauvinism and feudal practice the market has constructed an understanding of ‘modernity’. More than anyone else it is easy for the Market to lure ‘Muslim’ celebrities into these, as they are desperate to show their ‘modernity’, so in the process want to move away from bigots. This also somewhere helps them to show their alliance to sane, interestingly or shall we say ironically, as Western. Not associating with these products of ‘modernity’ makes them susceptible to being non ‘modern’ which in turn may position them as fundamentalists or values we associate with bigots- a serious trap, in this increasingly polarized world -a hint of which can get into serious problems.

Coca Cola Pepsi (and other fast food chains) have somehow successfully managed to project themselves as intrinsic to Modernity. With a pliable media most of whom run by people who have done their education\training in West, have no qualm in propagating these balderdash. Since these products are also money bag-ads, there is a compulsion also. In this elaborate net of Modernity are trapped ‘Muslim’ celebrities (mostly willingly since there is huge money too with Modernity). Mirza kid after being chased by mullah sought rescue in this wonder world of modernity. Her performance on the field is nothing to write home about (with few exceptional games) though she is laughing into the bank with least of all effort….a feat you will never see in any other country. I guess making India proud is a huge job! Bas pyas bujaye or pesticide bhi dhe yaar.

Same story in Islamic Pakistan: General Musharaff is the most eager candidate for Modernity. It is a win-win situation for him. It is no surprising that his enthusiasm is shared by the sponsors of Pakistan Cricket team. Pepsi sponsoring Pakistan team does make the country look modern! I suggest Gen. Musharaff to remove his military stars from his shoulders and replace it with logo of Coca Cola-Pepsi or Piza Hut (modernity within half an hour. Mehtaji will vouch for it) that will surely make Bush bhai and others in West ecstatic.
I would definitely like to visit the sites in Pakistan where Coca Cola Pepsi suck and vandalize natural resources. Being under dictator and mostly feudal society….people protest in these places should be unheard of. Well people in Pakistan should pay the cost of Modernity, I guess. And every time Pakistani cricket team takes a wicket –as you see in the picture, it is a victory of Modernity.

Sensationalizing a minor issue….the CSE style

The issue of pesticide and other carcinogen in Coca Cola- Pepsi is important finding, but the way it is being sensationalized at the expense of the real issue of depletion of natural resource for the indulgent few is what makes it ridiculous. The need of paradigm shift in dealing with such exploitative products and livelihood needs of impoverished people is what the real issue here is. Sensationalisation of these minor (minor compared to the real and immediate problem) is where the NGO breed elite squatting next to power centers, position themselves. For her previous effort the CSE head found herself taking on the responsibility of Tiger project!!!. Again and again just confining to and avoiding the real issue mainstream media and NGOs like CSE is colluding to divert the problem. At one level this can be seen as a mischief. A cheap publicity stunt- cheap since the media, the government and God damn NGOs based in metros have studiously avoided the reality of the problem threatening millions of people and their livelihood means. Cheap since they themselves are suggesting to use these products that is if the pesticide is within BSI limit. Within BSI limit Coca Cola –Pepsi will be acceptable it seems. Next agenda probably is to convince the dudes at plachimada and other places about how safe Coca Cola-Pepsi is!!!!.Wow. In the mainstream media such sensationalising works. However it makes joke of the effort of people who are fighting for the livelihood. It is like eating pure muck to cure diarrhea. And then they say the muck aint pure!!. Contaminant within BSI limit in Coca Cola Pepsi doesn’t mean anything for the people who are protesting and whose basic needs are being threatened. CSE probably has some tricks on high decibel media managing act which goes very well with script the Mcmedia is given- the concerns are within the prescribed limit. How 'people like us' are threatened by Coca Cola Pepsi or for that matter anything else resonates well in the mainstream media. CSE is adept in the game.

Offcourse to be fair these finding do throw light on how crass and crude Coca cola –Pepsi are with health and life of consumers, a fact people at grass root level are very well aware. In the stampede for making more profit they cannot even purify the water. Cheap and easy money must have made them lazy!!. The show is about packaging and marketing- some glossy ads and deal is done. And what NGOs (very dubious people have got into the business of running NGOs. It seems to be the place for maximum lick in metros) like CSE is telling them is steal it but properly !!!. It’s about not rocking the applecart- meaning bad PR. Licking has become an art…with NGOs it has become a high ROI deal.