Defining moment all right, does it augur well?

We are grateful to Anna Hazare for what he has done. He and others with their tremendous effort have put issues related to corruption at the centre stage. It is expected that an effective Lokpal (rather than strong lokpal) is created through the process of negotiation and consensus. Hopefully these don’t become Frankenstein monsters and threaten the democratic institutions itself. Indeed Lokpal is only one aspect of the issue; it isn’t an end in itself. I am glad that Anna and followers have decided to focus on electoral reforms. It is something that 'superior' parliament should have focused long time back. Do they realise how much misery their inaction has caused? Political parties seem to have got trapped in a self sustaining morass. It was necessary for an outside agency to stir things. Anna Hazare movement has done it. What is gladdening is that they have kept it at a simple level for the common people to relate to and understand, thus able to galvanize people. Which is refreshing considering these were accrued by Delhi based activist brigade, mostly fed by interest groups, that end up in get-together and seminars (I always found the menu sumptuous!!).

That the country got into this impasse is reflections of growing disconnect that elected representative have with common people. Those who are not having criminal background seem to suffer from such arrogance that they manipulate with impunity. They are chiding common sense of people. The inflated egos seem least concern to our problems, they value everything in terms of spin. The problem is small timers are masquerading as leaders, expertising in devious means. Unfortunately, in a way, they are by product of competitive democracy. Their concern seems to only score debating points with opposition. Another reason why two party system is so very dangerous, it reduces all issue into binary X vs Y- that market media loves to amplify to suit its narration. What is lost in these competing cacophonies and simplification is nuances of the issue that affect the people. What is lost in the clarion call of victory and defeat is varying views and multitude nature of society.

Corruption is a serious issue and the surging support is a reflection of common people’s angst, no less consolidated by anger at obvious attempt to manipulate by the Government. This anguish was channelized by media and Anna group. It is a rare occasion that there is a surging unanimity therefore overwhelming response. I am shocked to see how Congress Party can stoop to such cheapness, this moral bankruptcy was exploited and so Anna gained such credibility (and rightly so, the man is honest) despite elements of insular or that most people may not know what a Lokpal really include. It is sad that a Government that started with so much promise has been reduce to this. NAC is a brilliant conception and RTI is no mean achievement. This blogger believes that RTI was a watershed Act. But somewhere the manipulating elements seem to have taken the initiative. It is very likely the growing influence of the market- the PR fixers (i met Crude woman the other day, she insisted that she could have done better fixing!). They seem to have crept into higher level of policy making. It is a grievous concern.

This blogger sincerely hopes -despite my high regards for Anna, that these kinds of agitation don’t repeat. I am concerned since attempts to diminish the stature of parliament/politicians has been quite vocal among elites, in last two decades a significant section of people from lower strata are exerting their presence through ballot. The role of money in ballot has been apparent in the last elections. But the politicians will still have to go to common people for vote. They have to listen to people who are not necessarily watching TV debates. This representation however skewed cannot be undermined. It’s a collective faith of common people. If any attempts are made then we have only government to blame. The government should show genuine concern on the issues raised, and be seen as a positive presence. That is what people’s representation means. The Government should realise that art of governing is not manipulation. It is not fixer’s job. And yes it is not about creating perceptions. The market media might use terms like ‘fight for perception’ -it is a self justifying argument, but the fact is world doesn’t go round on perceptions. People’s lives are not matter of perception. If you are truthful, if your intents are clear and is meant for betterment then people will support you. The problem here is some of these ‘leaders’ are amazingly corrupt. They do manipulations and double talk to scuttle the issues that concern people. The exaggerated concern for perception arises from these. Secondly how can you work on perception? By coming in few TV channels? What a ridiculous understanding. Truly India shining. They seem to think if they engage few debating clubs they can solve problems of a billion people. It never happened that way and it never will.

Only market –as seen by ads, works through manipulations and by creating perception. India is not thankfully America, this not how things should work. Market (indeed market media) should have very limited role. Their exaggerated presence is a serious concern. There is a nexus that is detrimental to common people. I strongly suggest that there should be a core groups that handle mass media, that has focus and strategy (apart from the spokesperson) it is not the job of Cabinet minister to give exclusives. It is a travesty and waste of valuable time and money. It is a form of corruption.

It need also be understood that common people (indeed people like Anna) come from a space that carry idioms and context that is existent for thousands of years. In the debating club and media groups based in cities (particularly Delhi where the stampede is acute) they have carved out turfs for daily wages. The ideas and linchpins they create for defining secularism, freedom...etc vary quite significantly from common people. To take an example you go down to any small town in North India it is very likely you will be greeted with a “ram ram”, back in activist stampede of Delhi you could be classified as fundamentalist (RSS, mind it!) and condemned forever. In the meantime fabindia crowd score brownie points against each other. The so called human right activists based in Delhi (who i am sure are fed by powerful people, and also carrot for position and foreign tours) seem vicious set of the lot. It is understandable when you have so much to lick with so little effort (it boils down to shouting). It is so easy to speak for a billion people sitting in Delhi-Mumbai studio and accrue as much. Amazing, the fight against corruption. Since debating is now almost a game may i suggest the need for dope test, some of these speakers surely seem to be on steroids.

Anna Hazare is an excellent outcome but sooner or later the market media will find the going difficult. Already the discussions are interceded by glimpses of Formula One car race (that i am told is going to be ‘India is proud’ moment). How is that not corruption, forget corruption these are unethical. Market media has its own reason to create synergy against political class, in this case they have done a great job and Anna is a believable mask. But the way Indian media deals with issues in itself matter of scrutiny. You will have to see debates in foreign channels like say BBC to know how mediocre and frivolous Indian media is. Their penchant for small timers from movies and adworld (there are exception, like say Prasoon Joshi) in serious discussions reduce it to farce. There is rarely any much insight; “rebuttal” is a popular word. It’s disgusting.

The problem here is Anna is too real and a committed person (there though is a streak of avuncular patriarchy – not a major problem), he in a way epitomizes understandings of substantial section of society. Anna is made of studier material and is unlikely to compromise on his values. His outlook towards consumerism and worldview arising out of it –the one that market thrives on, will definitely clash with quaint world media has created. Anna is a mask that market media is trying to get their moral halo. For the time being it seems to be working.

You have made your point Mr Hazare

Anna Hazare has made his point well and clear, and yes we are grateful to him for bringing the issue of corruption into forefront of the policy conscious. The way things are moving is grave cause of concern. This kind of unilateral posturing is dangerous, Anna cannot dictate terms however well intentioned. His methods are now definitely in the realm of undemocratic. He must look for inclusive –conciliatory, stance from here on. These statements against political class and democratic institutions are crossing the line. An effective Lokpal (rather than a strong lokpal) is the need of the hour apart from other institutional checks and balances.

In the meantime the Union government’s performance on the issue of corruption has been regrettable to say the least. There is an increasing trust deficit. Manmohan Singh will have to go. The writing is there on the wall for some time now. This blogger hopes fresh/honest new faces are elevated into policy making at the earliest. And yes Rahul Gandhi cannot shirk responsibility any longer; he is being irresponsible if he does. The support for Anna Hazare is much more than lokpal, its the general anger/frustration among significant section of population on various issues. Further those who may not support these agitations too are not satisfied by the competence of the present government. It’s time for some significant changes otherwise this government is going down murky road of history.

Cartoon time!!

criminality, pure and simple

The Anna saga: Indian government seems to be working with a manipulator’s (fixer would right word) mindset. In the meantime is it arrogance or stupidity or combination of both? Some leaders are blaming the media, indeed they themselves are the one who gave ‘exclusive interviews’ and nurtured these “few thousand people in front of the camera”, at the expense of billion people. Well as they say the chickens have come home to roost.
The issue of corruption is firmly on the center stage, and hopefully some stringent steps/ laws are created for systemic changes, are gladdening outcome. Of course Parliament is important, but elections in last few decades or so have amply proved the hold of money. Many MPs/MLAs have criminal background is also a well known fact, many other serve for Corporate interest. The reason why non political figures are given so much trust by people, refreshing though it is but matter of concern. But not as much grave as the extraneous influence in policy making.
Why the Government is not serious about electoral reforms, or for that matter all these archaic laws that has been existing for centuries? Despite recommendations by Commission after Commission why the government doesn't seem to be interested in rectifying? Clearly it is helping certain section of society. And very clearly political parties (particularly at the national level) have entrenched elements that thrive on status quo. They have been sucking on common people. Anna-whatever reservation one may have on the modus- is no doubt a good start.

There were actors and then there was Shammi Kapoor !!

The hunger strike

What Anna Hazare is doing is his right, a right of every citizen in this country to protest peacefully. Hunger strike is the most peaceful way to protest, indeed an effective weapon. Pressure groups have the right to initiate, sustain and demand actions in a democratic way. As much as the union cabinet has the right to recommend what it deems necessary to the Parliament for discussion and further framing of law. It cannot prevent peaceful protests by citizens. That is how democracy functions. Any attempts otherwise is unconstitutional. It is in this space of contesting opinions compromises are reached. If Anna Hazare’s protest is popular then it is a reflection of the sentiments of a significant section of society. Of course government can choose to ignore. Whatever the case next few days is going to be quite interesting. Good for Indian democracy, let’s hope so.



The hunger artist

Kafka has always been my favorite writer, he is just incredible –indeed an inspiration. I have read all of his short stories many many times. It has nothing to do with Anna Hazare protest but i am reminded of the amazing short story The Hunger Artist -a dark comical story that is a must read. I post here part of it… enjoy reading enchanting Kafka. And yes this should be enough motivation for the readers of this blog to grab all the stories of Kafka at the earliest !!

…For he was also so skeletal out of dissatisfaction with himself, because he alone knew something that even initiates didn’t know—how easy it was to fast. It was the easiest thing in the world. About this he did not remain silent, but people did not believe him. At best they thought he was being modest. Most of them, however, believed he was a publicity seeker or a total swindler, for whom, at all events, fasting was easy, because he understood how to make it easy, and then still had the nerve to half admit it. He had to accept all that. Over the years he had become accustomed to it. But this dissatisfaction kept gnawing at his insides all the time and never yet—and this one had to say to his credit—had he left the cage of his own free will after any period of fasting. The impresario had set the maximum length of time for the fast at forty days—he would never allow the fasting go on beyond that point, not even in the cosmopolitan cities. And, in fact, he had a good reason. Experience had shown that for about forty days one could increasingly whip up a city’s interest by gradually increasing advertising, but that then the public turned away—one could demonstrate a significant decline in popularity. In this respect, there were, of course, small differences among different towns and among different countries, but as a rule it was true that forty days was the maximum length of time. So then on the fortieth day the door of the cage—which was covered with flowers—was opened, an enthusiastic audience filled the amphitheatre, a military band played, two doctors entered the cage, in order to take the necessary measurements of the hunger artist, the results were announced to the auditorium through a megaphone, and finally two young ladies arrived, happy about the fact that they were the ones who had just been selected by lot, and sought to lead the hunger artist down a couple of steps out of the cage, where on a small table a carefully chosen hospital meal was laid out. And at this moment the hunger artist always fought back. Of course, he still freely laid his bony arms in the helpful outstretched hands of the ladies bending over him, but he did not want to stand up. Why stop right now after forty days? He could have kept going for even longer, for an unlimited length of time. Why stop right now, when he was in his best form, indeed, not yet even in his best fasting form? Why did people want to rob him of the fame of fasting longer, not just so that he could become the greatest hunger artist of all time, which, in fact, he probably was already, but also so that he could surpass himself in some unimaginable way, for he felt there were no limits to his capacity for fasting. Why did this crowd, which pretended to admire him so much, have so little patience with him? If he kept going and kept fasting even longer, why would they not tolerate it? Then, too, he was tired and felt good sitting in the straw. Now he was supposed to stand up straight and tall and go to eat, something which, when he merely imagined it, made him feel nauseous right away…

Market’s orphans

When one sees the rioting, the impunity with which the youngsters loot around the streets of a rich country, you know there is a problem. And the problem is not about social disparity and the alienation therein that is common to all the societies across the world, the case here is definitely not about abject disparity. The reason very likely is relative disparity (need to add here that compared to societies like India they are significantly rich and enjoy better living conditions despite notions of disparities) therefore it is psychological in nature than societal, things like greed, jealousy...that market thrives on. It also breeds exaggeration, a mirage created that the youngsters in all likelihood want to grab. It’s about seizing the opportunity, context though keeps changing as the situation. Ethics are expendables. So it is not surprising that law becomes an ass to fool around. In the free market society laws are indeed looked down upon since it asks for discipline –hints of responsible behaviour. Somewhere there is an understanding that market comes closer to freedom than democracy -in some circles democracy is even seen as a hindrance as much as compassion is an unprofessional conduct. Market we are told replicate/cater to deeper human sentiments, therefore true nature.

We all want to live in a free world. Flying around like birds, flitting, chirping and doing whatever one feels like. O whatever a wonderful world that is. But one realises even in this world with all seeming of freedom lies some laws. It is called law of nature –hinged on as it is on sustenance, at a more elemental level referred to as principals of nature/physics that great scientists have spent their lifetime decoding, in the meanwhile inventions percolates into our physical comfort. The problem begins when you start to define values from utilitarian context and try to find greater truth within this parameter. Then you justify irresponsible behaviour (like for instance wanton waste...i would like to give an example from mainstream market here: car racing, for instance. It is not only insulting common sense, but this juvenile affliction is a serious threat to Nature and responsible behaviour that is sought to be inculcated). The distinction between need and greed is blurred hence what is appropriate. In the market context it is an invitation to loot. In a ‘normal’ market driven world this is confined to the richer class. The system sustains the rich (in India some even have the audacity to initiate “whether crackdown on corruption harming economy”!!). Sometimes crack start to show in this economic system they call it by different names “recession” “downturn” “meltdown” so on. Herein they want us to increase our consumption, so that there is a demand, so that they can produce more and sell, therefore the system is back to normal. It depends on how much we consume, the more the merrier. They have borrowed so much that unless gargantuan consumption they will collapse. Could you believe this? More ridiculous, it seems, is that world economy is very much dependent on consumption by Americans, otherwise it sends “jitters” around the "world stock". So what I have gathered is: more the Americans consume safer the world. As Mr. Bush put it so very eloquently a decade back “go out and shop!”.

And then there are occasions wherein there is complete break down and lumpen get justification, and the loot becomes less sophisticated and rather apparent. It makes a compelling viewing...hooded ruffians, burning shops -unlike the usual board meetings of Dow Chemicals. The kids brought up in market mirage that pumps one line exaggerations -a different world all the while all the time, are now abandoned on the street. Its like "you got to take care for yourself we aren't bothered". Thus market's orphans. It is a terrifying reality that creates violence as a viable option.
I am wondering, since we live in moral vacuum, do riots and looting fuel demand? Replenishment means increased demand. Does the despicable events in London actually helping the economy in the long run? The way the system works, it is very likely. Therein lies the problem.

On why Ela Bhatt is an important person of our time

"SEWA organizes women who work in their homes, in the streets of cities, in the fields and villages of rural India, with no fixed employer, carving their small niche in the economy, day by day, with only their wits to guide them against incredible odds of vulnerability, invisibility, and poverty." Where Women are Leaders (Kalima Rose)

I came across this book We Are Poor but So Many, the other day and happen to read some excerpts. Ela Bhatt is one incredible person. She arguably is one of the most important people of our time (I don’t want it to reduced to woman, though there is no doubt she is significant). Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) has enabled its members to build and own assets, withstand competition, and access health care, child care, shelter, insurance, and credit. SEWA's membership of rural and urban women working in the informal economy has burgeoned from 320 women in 1973, to about 12.5 lakh women across the country as of 2009. Bhatt's vision extended the conventional idea of a trade union to an entirely unconventional terrain. Whereas most trade unions in the world are constituted of workers in medium or large-scale enterprises which are part of the organised industry, SEWA was the first union of its kind whose members were poor, self-employed women from different communities scattered across a variety of trades.

There is a talk on who should be awarded Bharat Ratna, market media will have its self serving choices. My choice (if I have one!) will no doubt be Ela Bhatt. On this year that is being celebrated as International Year of Cooperatives by United Nation it is time to celebrate and cherish contribution of Ela Bhatt. And yes i believe contribution is more important than achievements.

Celebrating Tagore