There is much to Imagining India

Chinua Achebe the well known African writer (this blogger wonders why he is not a Nobel laureate) in his selected essays book titled Hopes and Impediment gives an insight from a story Ambiguous Adventure that I quote here “in the first part of the story the proud rulers of the Diallobe people-bearers of the crescent of Islam in the west African savannah for upon a thousand years- are suffering traumatic anguish of defeat from French imperial arms, and pondering what the future course of their life should be. Should they be send their children to the new French school or not? After a long and anguished debate they finally opt for the school but not on the admission that their own institution are inferior to those of the French nor on the aspiration that they should become like the French in due course, but rather on the tactical grounds only they must learn from their new masters ‘the art of conquering without being right’.

The trouble with their decision, however, is that the children, these ‘wanderers on delicate feet’ as poet Senghor might have called them, these infant magi launched into an ambiguous journey with an ambivalent mandate to experience, are doomed from the start to distress and failure”.

The ‘art of conquering without being right’ is where English language need to be placed in Indian context too. Chinua Achebe brilliant observations over the decades have much significance in understanding post colonial societies. Nandan Nilekani (one of the guy who runs successful IT Company Infosys) recently wrote a book Imagining India (the earlier part of the discussion on the Net was the money he got for the book!!. It is quite a decent book with some insights and lots sincere of efforts. But some part he shifts from Imagining India to Imagined India!!. His views are essentially that of a businessman, the tunnel view is rather apparent. I though find the book quite interesting and therefore a good buy. Bargained from pavement for 120Rs. The book is definitely not worth 700Rs…seriously I don’t know why books are so costly these days?). Nilekani spends a chapter on English language (referring it as ‘Phoenix tongue’ yes the historical contexts are well researched and written quite lucidly); however it is obvious that his concerns are that of a pragmatic businessman. In the process though the insights are valuable and helps understand “art of conquering without being right”. Clearly English in this part of the world enhances career opportunity but the examples he gives are quite a give away of the prevailing mentality. An English trainer says in the book which Nilekani quotes “they know that if they learn English before they move to the city, they will land much better paying jobs. It’s the difference between working as construction worker or being the manager of the construction team”. Nilekani goes on ecstatically on different examples on ‘phoenix language’. This blogger has nothing against English but the idea that English defines merit is a hogwash that has started to define incredible mediocre India. But then Nilekani is running a BPO too so his tunnel view is not awkward at all. Anyway we should be thankful that he didn’t give example like “the difference between construction worker and engineer is English” which might seem funny but many in India do think it is serious!!. And in many cases that precisely is the difference. Why do you think such atrocious building are being made?. Maybe he is right these jobs don’t really require any competence the reason why they are high on English based merit. It is about how ‘we’ are comfortable with ‘them’ rather than how competent they are.

The difference between a manager and a construction worker is English works well with “art of conquering without being right”. The phoenix language is harbinger of mediocrity in Indian context is quite uncomfortable reality for Indian elite. Since that would be looking on to oneself, the constructed merit falls short of competence required for the job.

This blogger as stated has nothing against English, realizes that people are economically and socially insecure and that associating oneself with English (as also western sensibilities) has substantial benefits in the contemporary world. I am appalled that English is not taught in some government primary schools. Every child should have access to English language otherwise it need to be considered as denying basic right, it is as much handicapping the child. English should be essential part of primary education. Studies by linguists (in particular Chomsky) have shown beyond doubt that a child can grasp atleast three languages before he/she reaches age of 8 or 9. Indeed most Indians are multilingual so English could be an easy addition. But yes a child should be taught in mother tongue otherwise it will crush children “the wanderers on delicate feet”. “Saraswat Brahmins” like Nilekani “can see the opportunity” where ordinary mortals like us may not is gloating of the mediocre market driven society we live in (again it is well researched book and a written with lots of sincerity, and I strongly suggest it. Nelikani is a great guy).

If every one becomes comfortable in English then “art of conquering without being right” will not work. Incidentally there is nothing to conquer but yes it will make us understand, it will help to bring out the truth. The truth that those who blabber English are not necessarily competent. And that competence is much bigger term that has to do with life and society we live in. Surely this probably will create a system wherein merit will start reflecting competence. And society becomes empathetic to surrounding.

God has better things to do than bless America!!

When you watch American politicians speak you are kind of surprised the number of times they invoke God. They generally end their speech with lines like “god bless America. God bless Americans”. That is putting too much on god. Don’t know if god is into atlas, if not then Mexico could be blessed!!. You know you can mistake few miles here and there…when you are watching from up there!!. “Well I am supposed to bless Americans not Mexicans. There I go I make mistake again!!”. That is tough one for god. Maybe the Americans could put a huge signal pointing to the sky saying “this is where you are to bless god”. Jokes apart if any politician in India were to invoke god like this it would be funny if not scandalous. I guess it is American thing since I haven’t heard it from most European leaders (like say Britishers). It is quite intriguing. This blogger has nothing against faith but find Americans quite difficult to comprehend. My hunch is that it is the majority population (middle class-that politician generally tend to address/represent) reaction to blatant form of anti faith or crassness against religion in public space in these societies (I could be wrong). The kind of regressive religious expression like against Darwin, stem cell research, abortion...you don't find anywhere else. Or is it the hyperbole about greatness of America that god has to acknowledge every now and then, an inverse jingoism?.

PS. Congratulation to Mr. Gulzar (I have attended his poetry reading. His poems are quite soulful, somewhat lost in translations though. I have read most of his poems. His simpleness is charming) and Resul Pookutty for winning Oscars. This blogger hopes that Oscars becomes truly international, and a voice to international cinema. By the way i have seen more of Anil Kapoor like for instance Mr. India (it was hugely popular), Taal...and so on. He is one of my favourite. Wonder when will indian film makers have a common platform for appreciating movies like Oscars.

Slumdog a millionaire

I happen to watch the English movie Slumdog millionaire almost two weeks back. I got to congratulate them for atleast making me go to the theatre!!(I am not much into going to theater to watch movie), tickets are quite costly in the malls, it is unbelievable but popcorn cost 50Rs!! (just couldn’t believe it when I first saw!!). While traveling I do watch movies but prefer smaller, older theatres. Malls are the same everywhere, they lack character or the local flavor. They are as if cloned or implanted, it is a shame. Most importantly it confuses me I have to tell myself I am in Bengaluru and not in Gurgoan or Pune!!. I am sure it must be same in London or Los Angeles. They call this development!!. The flip side of older theatres is that they are not maintained properly and sometimes infested with rats, cockroaches and yes prostitutes (want to get a quick job there?. This line I know atleast in five languages). I recall there was a theatre in Chennai decade back, now closed, next to the flyover opposite to American consulate that showed English movies and the rule was once you bought the ticket you could be in as long as you want to and they kept on showing the same movie again and again!!. It is anybody’s guess what happens inside!!.

Enough digression this blog is supposed to be about Slumdog millionaire!!. Well it is not an Indian movie but a movie made on India. That distinction is very important as also the fact that it is made by a foreigner. I absolutely loved the first part of the movie, the kids where fun to watch and they carried lots of energy and rawness. It is refreshing that they were chosen from real life situations and not from disgusting ads as is the case in incredible India. There is a scene wherein the kid jumps into pool of shit, quite funny that one. The slums and actions-the cacophony, the chaos were captured quite brilliantly. But soon the movie slips into bit of a caricature on Indians for western audience. The scenes that got me cringing was when the kids start to speak in English (you see we have to reach the drawing room of the West, the onus is on us-also referred to as enterprising), in India if you can speak such flawless English you have actually made it, ask any chatteriti in the subcontinent. It is easy to get a job or influence people if you know that much English (what do you think I am doing!). Suddenly the movie became more of babalogs fancy dress party, the reason probably it caught the imagination of some section in the mall. It is about falling into western narration. Wherein the reality has been so much mutilated that it no longer the reality. Atleast they could have worked on the script to give a context on how the kids caught the English, rather than springing it as something quite normal (further friends don’t start speaking in different language as they grow up in slums. They might with foreigners they meet in tourist spots!!). Frankly I was expecting a scene on Taj Mahal, it doesn’t strain the western audience, the clichés.

Western culture is more confession oriented (much to do with Christianity). Church’s place is now taken by media. The reason they have so much enthusiasm in making private public. If not you are hypocrite, the reason why certain western narration driven section (incidentally there is huge benefits here, getting the nod of richer powerful people) have stacked all modern values within this premise. Thus most Indians since they don’t express their private feeling in public are already hypocrites. You might call someone a dog (quite derogatory in this part of the world) but making a title of a movie is unthinkable. Thousands of movies are made here but you will not have such titles, since there is something called propriety, atleast some cultural context (of course now the babalogs got a clue on how to be more controversial and be more provocative in public. I strongly believe true artists are rarely crude and are mostly compassionate). The Hindi title of the movie was “Slumdog crorepati”. What kind of title is that?!!. It should be “Jopad patti ka kutha crorepati”. It also caricatured the popular Indian movie for western audience adding some song sequence that looked more for effect, the way western movies does it. Understandably the movie didn’t do well in Hindi, it cannot. It is not about Indians, it is about Indians for West. So it might even win Oscars!!. O yah am I spoiling the party (I don’t expect anyone to read these not that I care much), not at all. I liked the movie.

Overall the movie left quite positive impact and I liked the story, it is triumph of goodness that has universality. Danny Boyle has done a good job. I loved the quiz master (Anil Kapoor, I recall seeing Tezab). Now here is a character who is devious and doesn’t want the boy to win (even fed him wrong answer, and goes to extend of getting him arrested) and when he wins he starts to dance with all enthusiasm. That was brilliant characterization, it amazingly fits into Indian context. The Indian elite have that amazing quality. Push them down as much as you can if you can’t then try to gain from their gain is the mantra that rules. Being shamelessly selfish as also stamping on others for personal gain is now giving new meaning for being professional. East has finally met West. This typically Indian story has found resonance around the world is rather amazing.

Frankly I came to know about Oscars when I was studying in college. Never knew it was such a big deal (some in Indian media are quite horny about it. Some even getting fits of orgasms as they talk about Oscars!!). But the idea that West is discovering India is rather appalling (I guess it is more about Indian elite desperately wanting to be discovered. There is a stampede going on). I have nothing against Oscars. Oscar winning movies do maintain high standards. Last year I watched two movies Crash and Mystic River, both were brilliant. Clint Eastwood, after watching his cowboy movies I never thought would come out with Mystic River…that movie affected me a lot, such subtleties. It was amazing.

Rahman phenomenon: A.R.Rahman is such a brilliant guy that he is unbelievable. I absolutely loved the songs in Roja (when I heard decades back, I was amazed). He produced some amazing stuff over the years. If the West has “discovered” him recently that is their fault (shall we say incompetence), frankly I (as audience) am not bothered about this discovery. The song that I heard recently that was remarkable (I would say divine) was from Jodha-Akbar “kwaja mere kwaja…”. Not only that it was also picturised so well (Ashutosh Gawlaikar…I hope I got that one right. As an audience I feel that was the best song sequence I have seen for a very long time. There was something timeless, ethereal about it. Hope to see more from him. He is brilliant). AR Rahman also has impeccable behaviour.

As I am posting this blog I gather Rahman has won Oscars. Hey that’s great.

The terrible happenings in Pakistan

This blogger watches with trepidation the events unfolding in Pakistan. Taliban is a terrorist organization, its rising influence in Pakistan is of grave concern. Al Queda incubated in Taliban. The idea of having working relation with Taliban although looks practical and pragmatic is a dangerous step. Taliban is a negative force and a threat to humanity. They can only create hate and violence, at the core is bunch of male chauvinist pigs. They have created untold misery to common people. This blogger though hopes splinter groups are able to mend their ways but remains a skeptic, since power has emboldened their regressive attitude and intolerant world view as was witnessed in Afghanistan. Secondly does peace means lack of violence?. Afghanistan under Taliban was quite peaceful place as compared to now.

Ogden Nash’s poem “A Plea for Less Malice Towards None” has these lines:
Any kiddie in school can love like a fool,
But hating my boy is an art.
This is the premise Amartya Sen’s book “Identity and Violence” tries to explore. He asks this question in one of the chapters. “How does this ‘art’ work?”.

“The illusion of singular identity, which serves the violent purpose of those orchestrating such confrontation, is skillfully cultivated and fomented by the commanders of prosecution and carnage. It is not remarkable that generating the illusion of unique identity, exploitable for the purpose of confrontation, would appeal to those who are in the business of fomenting violence, and there is no mystery in the fact that such reductionism is sought…”. He writes further “the martial art of fostering violence draws on some basic instincts and uses them to crowd out the freedom to think and the possibility of composing reasoning. But it also draws, we have to recognize, on a kind of logic-fragmentary logic”. In one of the earlier chapters he writes “the intensely anti-western nature of some of the non Christian fundamentalist movements in the world may make it implausible to suggest that they are, in fact, deeply dependent on the West”. He goes on to elaborate (it is a great book to read and strongly suggested).

This blogger believes that dependency on West for hate got a boost with policies of Bush administration (the world is paying a terrible prize for this man’s follies. Shouldn’t he be tried for crimes against humanity?). Instead of focusing on Afghanistan and trying to neutralize Taliban he has only helped Taliban by giving it wider acceptability and making hero out of Osama by his superior West posturing, attacking a nation that had nothing to do with Al Quaeda and killing innocent people (if one recalls during those heady days even small timers like Berlusconi had suggestions on Western superiority. Our man is back now. His agenda is defining that hateful West. It is amazing but I never thought Italians are such dumb people!!). The reason why Taliban grew stronger has more to do with these anti West ideologies that have got lot of acceptance in recent times. The confrontationist approach it seems has been abandoned for peace as one gathers from the dealin Pakistan. John Nash, the mathematician and game theorists (the ‘beautiful mind’ guy) discussed more than a century ago, the central issue is not whether a particular arrangement is better for all than no cooperation at all, which would be true of many alternative arrangements. Rather, the principle question is whether the particular divisions to emerge, among the various alternatives available, are fair divisions, given what could be chosen instead (from ‘Identity and Violence’).

Taliban is a threat to international peace. The acceptance of Taliban by Pakistan is an indication on how much this hate filled ideology has infiltrated into that society. It is a dangerous situation, it will lead to further radicalization. Destruction of schools and the killing of journalist in Swat the other day is only an indication of things to come it seems.

Recalling Darwin on his 200th birth anniversary

PS. Please also visit http://www.indiatogether.org/2009/feb/psa-crisis.htm to read an amazing article on "economic crisis".

When the Gods come dancing !!

Theyyam is a ritual dance that has origin in north Malabar region (kannur to be specific), traced to indigenous people that could be thousands of years old, subsequently influenced by Brahaminical Hinduism (one need add though that Theyyam has nothing to do with brahminical traditions except few influences in narrations. It remains more Dravidian than Aryan unlike Kathakali- that is dance form story telling). There are many traditions in this region that has elements from Neolithic period, Theyyam has such traits. There are mentions of Theyyam even in ancient Tamil Sangam literature. Theyyam though cannot be seen only as a ritual dance it is a direct link to god for people. That an ordinary man after certain physical and spiritual rituals (that takes few hours) can don the costume of a deity can be transformed into the same is nothing short of spectacular. The reason why the costumes and demeanor are fierce, to create awe, fear. The make-up is fiery red with amazing designs that has symbolic significance, while the costumes are meant to create a bigger and larger presence. The attire is meticulously crafted and change with different Gods. Sometimes even local heroes are elevated to godly status in collective memory through Theyyam.

The human becomes a god. In this state he attains supernatural and divine power. Speaking and moving like god with accompanying drums (chenda) heightening the movements subsequently frenzy taking over as he circulates temple ground. In the meantime it goes gruesome with hens being sacrificed and blood spilling around burning lamps. It is visually overwhelming. Thousands of years back even humans were known to be sacrificed. The fearsome God is here!!. After an hour or so the ‘god’ settles down to bless (even heal). People crowd around to get blessings of god, who is also generous with advice. This ritual could stretch to few more hours. It was an amazing experience for this blogger (more snaps in photo blog).

Congrats NDTV

The other day I was flipping through TV channels and found myself watching effort of a Channel on Environment awareness. It was quite a brave considering the compulsion under which they work. NDTV (Pronnoy is a great guy) with TERI and Toyota has done a remarkable job. I also happen to catch up BBC on Environment. I came to know that Reva- the battery driven Indian car (manufactured in Bangalore), sells more in Europe than in India!!. This is because of policies by the European governments favoring environment friendly technology. Countries like China even have green building section within the policy making; impetus is on environment friendly buildings. Wonder when will Indian policy makers wake up to the catastrophe unfolding in the name of development?.

At Mangalore Pub

This pub at Mangalore (Mangalapuram) has been in the news recently. When this blogger visited this place the other day there were not many people around nor was anyone found beating up people. That brings into question why is that when Media visit a place events happen?. Or is that events are planned with market media’s connivance?. Or most likely I could be unlucky that events don’t happen in the places I go with my camera. The only event is some peaceful people that is no event. What baffles me though is how fringe group’s acts happen in front of camera like the one in Mangalore or beating of taxi drivers in Mumbai. Got to do with premonition I guess.

More photos at Photo blog…also about Che chettan (big bro Che)!!

Clash of uncultured

In wildlife reporting there is an ethical code that is followed that is one would not interfere. Antelope will be killed and eaten by pack of lions is law of nature. But are the events happening in human societies also part of law of nature. If helpless people are attacked by thugs and lumpen common people get scared and try to save themselves but there will be some among these common people who will have go with their conscience and try save people. That is what society is all about and that is culture. That brings into sharp focus on people who hold camera (and mike, dude we also want sound byte) referred to as Media. What is their responsibility?.

Can common people be as irresponsible and cunning as market media?. So next time you see atrocity being committed no never think about the victim they are only pawns in bigger plans we have (infact planning has already started!!). If possible coax the perpetrators to be more violent and try for some spectacular angle (exclusive the better). Indeed lumpens are only too happy, they too have plans. Even thugs also like to exaggerate in front of camera. In the end it is win-win situation for both sides. It is an event now that is celebrated in studios with Delhi based experts (and so called feminists) trying to work out their share. It is clash of uncultured unfolding for coach potatoes. Incredibly both claiming a pie of culture!!. This is the symptom of mediocre market driven media that lack rigor. Clearly they resort to manipulations to cover up lack of depth or competence to cover the reality of billion people nation. Most people don’t have much trust on media, it lack credibility (some rare exceptions are there). How much liquor lobby could be behind this is also anybody’s guess. This blogger strongly feels that there should be blanket ban on liquor ads, even surrogate ads through soda and water. To consume liquor or not is a choice but promoting it is unacceptable. There is aggressive marketing of liquor and cigarette products in poorer societies. Talking about tradition (I seriously don’t understand culture and don’t mind being cultureless) even in Vedas drinking is mentioned. There are temples that have liquor as offering. Liquor has nothing to do with culture or no culture. But yes drinking at public space does put one at risk of exploitation and abuse.

First thing first if thugs call up media isn’t it the responsibility of media to inform police first (as any common people would do). The top cop of Karnataka was right to call it a small incident. The reason being there are millions of cases of inhuman acts committed on people (in particular women), just because this was caught in camera for the viewer (about people like us) doesn’t make it big or less big. Further cops don’t work for TRP they have much pressing issues (the incident in Mangalore being just one of them).

Clearly the events happening around us only show the hold of patriarchy, and this blogger believe it is going to get worst. Mangalore is one of the great place to be in, I love that place. I have spent lots of time in here (roamed around a lot in my cycle). It is quite common to have women in public spaces (cycle to kasargod and down, women particularly younger ones start missing before you reach kannur. Clearly the hold of organized religions-patriarchy). Infact I was regular to a decent joint in Udupi on Saturdays that used to serve liquor there were lots of women mostly from Manipal, nobody had any problems. Enter market media and also enter patriarchy torch bearers. You have recipe for an event.

It is funny that culture has much to do with how woman behave or do?. It is no secret that India is primitive in most parts. Gender and caste disparities are quite common. It is audacious that young men had the audacity to hit woman and have got away with it. What right these scoundrels have talk of culture?. Case of misguided youth (elders will have to take the blame. Also one need to focus on portrayal of woman in movies and ads. I believe human beings at the basic level are nice and caring it is surrounding that can create problems). Unfortunately these elements are going to get belligerent; with polarizing political–religion climate and rising unemployment (some is seriously going wrong in Mangalore region). There should be zero tolerance for these elements. Is India a soft state?.

One need add that representation of woman in panchayats has been nothing short of revolutionary. Change can go only take shape at grass root level. Frankly people mostly want to have peaceful and happy life. It is only when power seeking system and greed starts working when things start to wither. Power mongers come in the form of divisive politicians as also city based scoundrels playing victims and usurping position for common people sake (they even want to have woman’s reservation in parliament!!). Both equally dangerous. Of course one is not suggesting that ingrained gender insensitivity should be tolerated in peaceful and happy family, the focus should be children and education as also empowering women from weaker sections. Grameen bank and micro credit at the grass root level was a stupendous success for these very reasons. When Mohd Yunus was awarded Nobel Prize there were marketers who cringed and questioned the "unproductive steps". Scene now is Marketers are out with begging bowls. They don’t want micro credit but big and bigger credit- also referred to as bail out package !!.

PS. Please visit photo blog on "woman at work"