witnessing Egyptian history !!

this blogger hopes that the euphoria of common people in Egypt doesn't turn sour as they face realities that follows rising expectations...

On expected lines...

The response of despots in Egypt is on expected lines. Egypt is not entirely dictatorial regime, there is a space provided for protest and so on (though one wonders if Army wasn’t neutral how things would be). It is almost a pseudo democracy so in a way a good study since the so called democracies of poorer societies are of same nature. The ruling elite of such societies show certain classic symptoms Mubarak is only an extension of that. First and foremost we have to understand that they will go to any extent to maintain their power, this is consolidated by extending favour to few people (in most cases family and friends) thus a coterie of power is created which owe their existence and therefore their allegiance on the survivability of the system. Thus we have a powerful set of people who will do anything to scuttle any attempt to dilute their power, and therefore vested interest in status quo. Since they cannot be brutal (as it goes against posturing of liberalism- that get them acceptance in western world or shall we say the west prompts them into these characterisation for its own selfish reason. Also referred to as geopolitical compulsions in diplomatic circles, nexus is a better word), they construct premise that show them in positive light. This they take to a level of indispensability “we are the saviours or else you are condemned”. For this to work they have to create a credible adversary (it also helps to take attention from their own sordid dealings) and religious fundamentalists has become an easy alibi in recent times. Indeed it is the elite (the liberal elite, i need stress) who fuel fundamentalist forces these then leads to polarisation of societies and helps consolidation of power. Therefore they divert the attention from issues of common people, as also their own corruption, and make it a fight against extremists, which of course they are happy to lead. The problem is when genie refuse to go back to the bottle once the use is over (i am reminded of Binderanwale here).

Mubarak regime is attempting the same, they have propped up Islamists, wherein the presence of extreme element in the uprising was rather negligible. Mubarak regime for its selfish reason is giving credibility to these elements, in affect the aspirations of common people that have united them against this despot is sought to be hijacked. It fits into the pattern quite easily. Now this is where the West will get uncomfortable (and so will many Egyptian) and will end up supporting Mubarak-who has already declared that without him the country will collapse. It is clear he is preparing for that eventuality. It is in the nature of elite scoundrels in pseudo democracies to be least bothered about people, and wouldn’t hesitate to take the society to dangerous precipice if that is what serves their purpose.

It is very sad the way things are spiralling, I think the Army will have to move in. It is no longer about Mubarak moving out. He will have to stand trial. This blogger requests international agencies UN or ICJ or whoever to get the banks declare Mubarak and families ill-gotten wealth. Actions should be initiated against banks for helping hoard these wealth. The countries (read Switzerland) that have policies that support these despots to loot money and deposit in their banks should be isolated from international community. People of Switzerland should be ashamed of themselves for living on the profit of ill-gotten money.

Meanwhile in some other part of the world
The worst never goes…are Italians such dumb fools. Amazing

its Moonlight Romance

its Indian Derby Day Dude!!!
if u aint at derby u aint nowhere!!!

Egypt cannot fail

This blogger, like most people around the world, is quite concerned by the deteriorating situation in Egypt. Egypt is an important nation and shouldn’t be pushed into anarchy. It’s in the nature of self serving leaders to cling on to power at the expense of people, Mubarak is no different. The fellow is playing his dirty tricks, too much power can give illusion of invincibility. It makes one see people as pawns and their aspirations space for manipulations for power. Thanks to modern technology people have been empowered and are in a position to understand and respond in a way not thought before. Information is power and people have access to it. Despots and dictators are going to have tough time.

Hosni Mubarak should immediately resign; that the stability depends on his presence is an insult on Egyptian people. There is a system in place and interim government could take power and initiate changes. If the transition is not peaceful then there is a very likelihood of polarizing society-a situation that favors the vested interests. People want freedom and dignity it is as simple as that. Mubarak should get the message and clear out at the earliest. Instead of unleashing his cronies and killing innocent people, he will have to come in terms with realities of situation.

Jasmine revolution spreads...so shall it be...so shall it will be!!

...though the term 'Jasmine' revolution is disputed by some, but a revolution to throw away despots across the world need no name. A revolution is a revolution whatever name you choose. Ben Ali in dustbin, time up for Mubarak, is Gaddaffi next?

Is hedonism liberalism?

“It seems to me that the word 'liberalism' is the most banal and vulgar word in the entire political vocabulary. It excuses any laissez-faire, economic as well as moral. It has become a device to blur the difference between concepts. Our foremost task is the rebuilding of the concept of moral authority and of the belief in values. A lack of values is mortally dangerous to a nation. But since our liberals so hate the notion of authority, our task will not be easy” (Zbigniew Herbert)

Frankly this blogger doesn’t know much about liberalism but realise it as part of American narration that hedonist elites in poorer societies have embraced with much gusto not seen in recent times. That it coincides with advent of free market and that this process is referred to as liberalisation is not a matter of coincidence. It is clear that market and liberalism goes hand in hand. Liberalism clearly follows the pattern of market, it is a kind of intellectualisation of market-a deification that the elite in developing countries encourage and thrive. It is loaded with terms like freedom and choices. In reality it is an alibi for richer section to splurge in their hedonistic lifestyle, a justification of greed and waste. In pseudo democracies of poor societies it masks feudalism as governance. In the surroundings of limited resources this criminal waste and irresponsible behaviour is celebrated as choices. That these accentuate class divisions and depletes limited resources isn’t anybody's concern. Tolerating these choices is eulogised as liberalism, and it is constructed as values on which democracy is hinged. What can be more vulgar and insulting?

Western societies in particular USA have had a polarising social reality; Believer – Nonbeliever became Church-State construct with State being replaced by Market-therefore force of secularism, Religion seen irrational. These acquired Market-Communal mask places Market/ wanton consumption as harbinger of good and religion/thrift as irrational evil force that need be ridiculed and chastised. Market is therefore a liberalising force; fountain of liberal thought is what emerges. Since Market is constructed around primal human nature also referred to as competition, so it needs adversary to survive and so more you celebrate vulgar more you could classified as liberal, more you ridicule faith more it seems you acquire hallo of secularism.

That innovation needs competition is fallacious and primitive thought. In very rare circumstances it creates positive space, it generally degrades into insidious and reactive behaviour, in lax surroundings manipulations. Therefore to succeed in market one clearly will have to enter primitive premise or perish. The reason why things get crass, and cruder people have more say in public space. Values and ideals get redefined from market utilitarian perspective.

Recently with rational and sane voices asserting itself from the grip of market in an ironical twist market is seeking refuge under Religion. This could be observed in America. But my concerns are the affect of these on poorer societies. Hedonism and feudalism are a heady mix, then you judiciously work it up with democracy it becomes liberalism. With disparities increasing protests by common people too increases but these angst fall short of rebellion. Class struggles have failed and so the new rather narrower forces consolidate, that is precisely what is happening in Islamic countries. This also the reason why fundamentalists are increasingly getting acceptance among common people in many societies, these are signs of desperations. Pakistan is good case study, the slained Punjab Governor (quite unfortunate that one but these will increase in polarising world, Competition driven value system, individuals pitted against each other, in such societies polarising forces pupate this reality has to be recognised. Pakistan also has the issue of volatile neighbour spilling over as also rather non egalitarian foundation that base on religion) is a clear example of hedonism met feudalism met democracy therefore liberalism. Since nothing could be expected from these self serving class people are gravitating towards communal forces, it is not at all ironical that most support for slain Governor came from expatriate ‘westerners’. The divide is all there to see. Another issue is that Islam in larger sense is in the same position as medieval period Christianity, it seemed to have skipped the phase of questioning and scrutiny that led to renaissance, the reason why narrow interpretations go unchallenged. Same is the case of Hindus too but since there is no rallying point or single reference threat is rather low (unless of course seculars and fundamentalists go in for aggressive tussle), the reason India has not gone the Pakistan way. After all what is the difference between India and Pakistan except the dominating religions?

The threat to Indian society, indeed societies world over, seems to be coming from the Market that is increasingly becoming the arbitrator of values. The values carefully constructed according to the needs of market which in turn justifies the hedonist lifestyle of elite, these when celebrated as choices and freedom becomes beacons of liberalism. I am told the assassin (a fundamentalist) pumped twenty seven bullets onto Salman Taseer. Twenty seven bullets. Not condoning killing but this much anger have to have an explanation.

It is in this context one has to see the happenings in the North African countries like Tunisia, Egypt and so on. This blogger sincerely hopes it spreads and despots like Mubarak goes the Ben Ali way. These rulers were supported by the west for their selfish ends and they too reciprocated with western hedonist indicators therefore liberal, the present danger therefore is that of these vacuums being occupied by Islamic forces, precisely what happened in Iran. Shah of Iran is a classic case of feudal-hedonism-liberal who was over thrown rather viciously by religious fundamentalism with overwhelming support from common people. This is what polarising forces can unleash, this is the danger that market driven competition can bring, it encourages reactionaries. Religious extremists have great use of reactionaries and public anger. The picture herein is from streets of Cairo

PS: you can read more about polish poet Zbigniew Herbert at www.iseeebirds.blogspot.com or go to birds blog link

condolences...

An Open Letter to our Leaders

We are a small group of like-minded citizens who are concerned with the general deterioration in the overall value system of the nation, but have abiding belief and commitment in India's potential and prospects as a successful democracy. We are a fraction of a very large number of Indians who, we believe, share our hopes and aspirations but have no means to channel their views and opinions in India's public domain.

In the last few months, the country has witnessed eruption of a number of egregious events, thanks to an active media eagerly tracking malfeasance. There are, at present, several loud and outraged voices, in the public domain, clamouring on these issues which have deeply hurt the nation. We do not wish to add to the confusion by joining that debate. What we are deeply worried about is not to allow India's huge growth potential and poverty alleviation challenges to be diluted or digressed from, and which would be a great loss, especially to the poor and the dispossessed.

Our aim is to try and rise above the present clamour and seek a more confident and purposeful national environment.

As concerned citizens, who have full confidence in the country's ability to reach its social and economic development potential, and who have a deep and abiding faith in India's prospects for a vibrant, pluralist and successful democracy, we have put down a few thoughts. This letter is the beginning of our aim to develop specific actions and recommendations which shall be placed in the public domain, from time to time.

1. We are alarmed at the widespread GOVERNANCE DEFICIT almost in every sphere of national activity covering government, business and institutions. Widespread discretionary decision making have been routinely subjected to extraneous influences. The topmost responsibility of those at the helm of the nation's affairs must be to urgently restore the self-confidence and self-belief of Indians in themselves and in the State as well as in Indian business and public institutions which touch the lives of every Indian. The judiciary is a source of some reassurance but creation of genuinely independent and constitutionally constituted regulatory bodies, manned by persons who are judicially trained in the concerned field, would be one of the first and important steps to restore public confidence.

2. Possibly, the biggest issue corroding the fabric of our nation is 'CORRUPTION'. This malaise needs to be tackled with a sense of urgency, determination and on a war footing. The institution of Lok Ayuktas, vested with adequate powers, would go a long way in effecting the needed correction, as is evident from the example of Karnataka. There is a need for every State to have effective and fully empowered Lok Ayuktas and indeed for early introduction of the Lok Pal Bill at the national level, for the purpose of highlighting, pursuing and dealing with corruption issues and corrupt individuals. Apart from speedily installing independent Lok Ayuktas, it is essential that their investigative agencies and law enforcing bodies should be made independent of the Executive. Amongst several urgent steps needed, this is possibly the most critical one that the nation can immediately initiate in order to reassure its citizens that corruption will be most severely dealt with, both at the branch and at the root level.

3. Time is overdue for India's elected representatives to DISTINGUISH BETWEEN DISSENT AND DISRUPTION, while in the era of coalitions, tolerance of compromise still remains a challenge. Elected legislators and leaders must acknowledge and demonstrate their collective role and responsibility in restoring a sense of purpose and confidence in national institutions.

4. It is widely acknowledged that the benefits of growth are not reaching the poor and marginalised sections adequately due to impediments to economic development. This is because of some critical issues like ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS and differences in perspectives between central and state governments.

5. It is imperative to establish ways and means, for every Indian, to feel that they have genuine equal opportunities, access to decision makers and a stake in India's progress. Dealing determinedly with GOVERNANCE and aggressively against CORRUPTION, while openly debating these issues by elected legislators is the only means left to reassure our citizens.

We believe that through urgent, concerted action in which we are ready to lend a hand, positive change can be achieved.

Sd/-
Mr N Vaghul Mr Deepak Parekh Dr Ashok Ganguly
Mr Jamshyd Godrej Justice Sam Variava Prof M Narasimham
Mr Yezdi Malegam Ms Anu Aga Dr A Vaidyanathan
Dr Bimal Jalan Mr keshub Mahindra Mr Azim Premji
Mr Nachiket Mor Justice B N Srikrishna

January 17, 2011

Swiss account leak… now we are talking!

This blogger extends his heartiest congratulations to Julian Assange for empowering conscientious whistleblowers (like Rudolf Elmer) across the world. This is amazing. Though I have a critical view on diplomatic ‘leaks’ that is about small talks with no much policy implication; that needn’t be basis of any value judgment it seem more of a nuisance (the market media might celebrate it as it works to their need of personalising issues and small talks, intruding privacy as freedom). There are some interesting details though, some quite devastating and the implication on recent happenings in Tunisia is no minor matter. It is also a grave matter that Assange has been implicated in some criminal case; there clearly is an attempt to malign him.

Corruption is scourge to societies around the world particularly the poorer. In a civilized world havens to park ill gotten money shouldn’t exist. This blogger has written earlier pointing to how these Swiss Banks (and other tax havens) are as much a threat as Al Qaeda if not more. Behind the veneer of sophistication they are greedy scoundrels. These revelations are fortuitous happenings and I hope the Indians who have parked illicit money anywhere in the world are accounted for. We want all the details. This blogger will be keenly following this one, in the meantime how about boycotting or some sanctions against rogue countries like Switzerland?

Serious breach

That a Union Cabinet minister casts aspersion on a Constitutional Body - a sort of watch dog-that has come out with damning allegations, instead of helping the investigation (advocating transparency and full cooperation), is a serious breach. That this Minister who is heading the ministry in question may interfere in the investigation is a grievous matter. On what basis Kapil Sibal makes these allegations should be made clear to the people, we are not interested in his theories. He needs to understand he is holding a Cabinet position of a country of billion people as also one of the corrupt country, this is not a debating club. As a lawyer he is good at juggling words, most likely the reason why he is handed the portfolio, talking is not going to help in this case and these arrogant people need to understand that it is going horribly wrong. Semantics cannot change the facts or the gravity of the issue. Lack of sincerity is quite evident; creating controversy to scuttle the matter is an old game that people are sick of. That they have recruited the Cabinet Minister to make the allegation is a serious matter and doesn’t augur well for the Indian democracy.

Attacking a constitutional authority and casting aspersion by a Cabinet minister is unheard of. There seems to be an attempt to tarnish CAG. Surely either CAG is wrong or the Minister, the case so far suggests that the minister is playing his little political game, its about fixers. Kapil Sibal’s position has become untenable. Instead of strengthening institutions and creating mechanisms for transparency the Government seems to be playing for immediate political gains. It may have worked for many decades and surely have filled up the Swiss account of many politicians (including opposition parties who ruled before, bureaucrats, media and so on) but not now. Union Cabinet, I read, is headed by the Prime Minister, so at the end of the day he is responsible. Manmohan Singh is turning out to be not only incompetent but grossly insensitive.

Transparency in Judicial appointments
It was suggested by Venkatachaliah Commission way back in 2002 that Judicial Appointment need be transparent and correspondence on these matters should be made public. It recommends setting up of National Judicial Commission that looks into appointment of senior judges (the removal procedure of judges and definition of contempt that is used are all matter of grievous implications). There need to be a system wherein procedures are in place and is able to select judges with impeccable credential to higher court. Why the subsequent Governments didn’t heed to the recommendations of this Commission all these years this blogger as a citizen of this country want to ask? It is sickening these lackadaisical approaches. There are serious allegations being made against none other than the former Chief Justice. It is amazing that a matter of such grievous nature doesn’t seem to be moving the power that be. It goes without saying that the credential of Judiciary particularly at the level of Supreme Court should be above even any hint of misdemeanor.

The Law Minister recently expressed concern over outbursts by former judges in the case of Binayak Sen, wherein there is a clear miscarriage of justice not only at the level of allegation but also the misuse of term ‘sedition’. Will there be any compensation for his suffering? Or for that matter all the detainees waiting for trial across the country? What measure will be taken to the incompetence of the judges at lower court, in case this is overturned by higher court (which is quite likely)? Will the judge be arrested for blatant misuse of power?

Welcoming International Year of Forests

Metamorphosis !!

Ye kya laga rakha hai JPC PAC?

This blogger thinks that the political parties are conspiring to delay the investigation on technicalities and trying to scuttle the issue. I think all these people are involved in some way or other. It is deeply disappointing that the Government is complicit in this hogwash. They quote ‘procedural delays’ in investigation without ever making any attempt on rectification. If you are policy makers then the onus is on you otherwise quit. There is an attempt to maintain status quo and veteran ‘leaders’ are adept in the matters of diversion. The problem here is we live in multimedia age and these attempts are falling short to hide the truth. The truth we understand and know is at sniffing distance. More than short term actions this blogger was expecting some major reformation in system. Unfortunately it is too entrenched and the present government under Manmohan Singh singularly lacks the will or courage. This also true to the opposition parties, they too looking for political mileage instead of asking for systemic changes. Wonder why we haven’t heard of Lok Pal or Electoral reforms or Administration reforms from opposition. Take the issue of Onion price rise, it was quite artificial-something that couldn’t have been not anticipated (if they can take swift action on cartelization by airlines), and some people did make some huge money and it’s never the farmers. In the meantime they snarl like dogs. There is also a sinister attempt to polarize issues, like in US, it helps major political parties as also the media. Cabinet ministers could be seen giving ‘exclusives’ with impunity, it is a shame.

very strange

...quite saddening, hopefully the Supreme Court overturns this miscarriage of justice at the earliest. The definition of 'sedition' is rather archaic and colonial, and has become an instrument of misuse by State

Tentative but noteworthy

The Climate agreement in Cancum is an important development, this blogger like all people around the world appreciate the effort and sees it as step forward. Narrow national interests of countries seems to be spoiler, the leaders are not really expected to confine their representation to human societies but the habitat-ecosystem- they represent, human societies don’t live in isolation indeed they are expected to rise above national interests. Economy will have to factor in environment loss.

This blogger strongly believes that individual freedom is most important aspect that defines any society. Democracy is not a western concept, as much as science is not. Any idea that emerges from any part of world and if it has truth in it no longer belongs to that region or even time, it belong to humanity and is eternal. There is no two understanding of freedom. The idea that certain society is not mature for democracy is rather primitive. And that idea of governance change with society is patronising. There are some who take this line trying to extend the idea of choice-the post modern hypocrites. They also play intellectual and nonsense media needs them ‘to hear the other side’ it seems!. Ask any human (or for that matter any living thing if they can communicate) anywhere in the world, they will prefer freedom and democracy as a form of government is the closest understanding that helps express freedom. Denying freedom to individuals- to value themselves, is violation of basic right. There aren’t any two definitions for this. Implicit in this is also responsible behaviour as also rules if there is a threat. I will have to add here it also means curtailing exploitative and feudal, even if it comes in the form of religion and tradition (so we have another example from cesspool. The guy had to do his ‘education’ in Britain to blast himself in Stockholm. Not surprising for multiunculturalist society!).

Though the idea of democracy is nearest to the idea of freedom that everyone cherishes but this blogger sees a serious lacuna that has come into focus rather significantly in last few years. Democracy works by people electing their representative for the purpose of lawmaking, the voice of people is reflected in policy making. Fair enough but society doesn’t consist only of human beings, as much as society is only a part of ecosystem. There is a need for the voice of Nature (plants and animals) be heard and represented. It is clear that these muffled voices speak for ecosystem, for Nature that sustains it. Human societies can only ignore it at its own peril. There are some concerned people across the world who do a commendable job in trying to bring the environmental concerns. But mostly these are ignored and considered hindrance to ‘growth’.

People are votes in democracy and a leader will go to any length to get votes, therefore take populist steps that serves immediate purpose of satiating people. Very few leaders will recognise that growing population is a major concern, the environmental degradation is significant. Increasing populations is a debilitating factor in climate change. Add to the understanding of Economic growth, the capitalism model works on consumption. More the people more the consumers therefore more will be selling and so profit, this i am told is the path to prosperous societies. Many leaders want the people to multiply fast (recently Russian President Medvedev even urged people), rise of India is significantly because of population than anything else. This is downward spiral the incentive on population growth. This is unsustainable, and we are starting to see the affect. There is a severe constrain on natural resources, wild habitats are depleting at much faster rate due to human expansion, species are vanishing.

Incentives on population growth must stop. Democracy will have to factor in this at the earliest. This blogger thinks that the population based demarcation of constituency for the purpose of election will have to go. Areas will have to be cut equally irrespective of population and need be maintained as a constant. Further, and this is controversial but something need be done, voting rights of individuals having more than two children should be curtailed as also further disincentives need be introduced (separate tax structure is not a bad idea). It really cannot go on the ways things are going. I guess Habitat Development Report or (Biodiversity Report) should be as important as Human Development Report. There is an immediate need to move from human centric democracy to Biodiversity centric democracy.

Rather than leaving it to individual states UN should initiate something on this line, and may i also suggest countries having richer biodiversity be given priority than maybe a certain country with ‘more than a billion voices’!. Any country’s prominence or stature in the world community shouldn’t be decided on population or economic clout but by biodiversity. India’s claim is its rich biodiversity, as much as Brazil and Indonesia. Having more human population shouldn’t be treated as an asset indeed in the contemporary context it is nothing short of crime.

Why Confucius matters

Confucius was a thinker whose concern was humanity, intensely human one may add. He was not propagating a religion, far from it he express no concern on matters of belief. He accepts them as existing as long it served the society and creates code of conduct. He wasn’t going to waste his time on something that one may not definitely know “while you don’t know about life, how can know about death?”. His concerns were practical and existential. For a just society harmony between people is important. Individuals have duty towards society and human beings purpose was to cooperate with others in performing these. He emphasised on rules that needn’t be enforced but followed as matter of etiquette. But the rules need to be specific; following these would show desire for harmony. Only when a person developed his capacity for harmony with his fellow human beings, then can he understand universal harmony.
He believed rulers ought to be teachers and be ‘Superior Man’. Anyone can be a Superior Man by cultivating Five Constant Virtues.
Right Attitude-attitude is revealed through conduct, being cooperating and accommodating, an inner law of self control.
Right Procedure-includes applying the code of conduct, emphasising on ceremonies as it institutionalised these conducts
Right Knowledge- education is important to respond in exact way. Social order depends on fundamental morality, the morality of words and action. He emphasised rulers to be an example of conduct.
Right Moral courage-necessary to remain loyal to himself and people around.
Right Persistence- this was needed to achieve constancy in the above. This makes man kind and helpful. He is in harmony with universe. Because he has harmony within himself, he is part of cosmic harmony.

Confucius has been a significant influence on Chinese society for centuries, he is referred to as great teacher. His teaching was an attempt in getting man in line with reality. How much this blogger wish he had spent some time in India. This has been the greatest tragedy the reduced contact between ancient India and China. The problems of Indian society can be traced to amazing incompetent and self serving elite section that can be traced to ancient times (this is not to deny that there have been some exceptional people and civilisation contribution has been significant), the Brahmin class has been quite self serving with almost absent concern for society, love for humanity is different from loving the person next to you. Indeed they created the most inhuman system to deny common people even the basic human rights. As Confucius so rightly says “while you are not able to serve men, how can you serve their spirits”. Brahminical Hinduism has had a significant and vice like hold on Indian society for more than 5000 years so to expect for it to vanish in few decades is wishful. Look around you will see these presences. Lack of civic sense is contribution of elite which has percolated over centuries to Indian psyche (privileges over public property as birthright is what defines, a brahminical understanding that is root of all corruption). It is in the same line rules affecting all members of society are either not enforced or kept subjective. It is a warped sense of individualism and self importance. So there can be no dearth of people adept in the art of discussion but cunningness underlines their action and pursuit. It is Brahminical that you profess presence of god everywhere but charge exorbitant money to skip queue in temple (it is easy money for scoundrels...extend it to all aspect of society-the idea of easy money, the short cuts). While there is emphasis on cleanliness to obsessive level but surrounding is filthy. The list of hypocrisy replacing values, nepotism replacing humanness, fairness replacing acquisitive...is rather long. It is in this context this blogger feels free market is going to have some catastrophic influence on Indian society. Basis of free market is equal access and equal opportunity...that is an ideal. The scams and scandals dealing with huge money is reflection of symptoms that can be traced to values percolated from elite section over the centuries. It is in here what Confucius referred to as “rules” comes in, a system that strives for just society. Democracy in India seems to be at the election level, wherein poor queue up expecting something to happen, and then it is loot by few- whichever government comes to power. Few years back they referred to the then PM Atal Behari Vajpaye as mask (mukhota) for fundamentalism, one wonders what PM Manmohan Singh is mask for?. Both are arguably honest and sincere leaders but did it help the matter?. Confucius suggests ‘moral courage’.

Confucius was an amazing man and his ideas are just and egalitarian. Though he wasn’t bothered about religion his thoughts were religious. He strived for egalitarian society. But the danger of Confucianism cannot be undermined, these ideas could work even in robotic or insipid society. If not self consuming individuals it could lead to self consuming society. Modern China seems quite close to that. This blogger strongly feels a country as ancient as China and as significant in present times doesn’t deserve the kind of negative situation it presently is in.

Chinese rulers could go back to Confucius for more understanding in harmony. Confucius like Tao looked for meanings in Nature. The harmony that exists in nature is what he sought to replicate. Like in nature harmony in human society cannot be really be imposed these are paths shown. So an authoritative society in effect goes against harmony. Harmony in nature is about freedom of self expression

Unlike animals though humans are expected to have self awareness (spirit), this space is lacking in Confucianism. Without an awareness of self these could lead to blind following defeating its purpose. That really was the emphasis of Buddha. So the idea of freedom is understood in the context of awareness(right understanding), this draws the lines of limitations. It is not imposed. That is why societies that though are high on freedom and liberty (read USA) are blatantly consumerist, belligerence defines their approach to issues that plague humanity. The spirit is lacking. Indian PM might say strong American economy is good for the world but this blogger thinks contrary, it undermines humanity. Since human rights are not limited to individual freedom but how the freedom is used, indeed Americans consume many times what is for rest of the world. What at immediate level is lack of basic manners is celebrated as economy model. A strong America undermines Nature.

It is in this context the significance of Confucius increases. There is a need for harmony to solve the problems like Global warming. In the meantime Chinese authority should explain what has Liu Xiaobo done that can be construed as anti society. Indeed like Confucius he only sought for betterment of society. Chinese leaders should also explain why are they turning out such a negative force in world affairs right from Burma to North Korea to Africa, why world community looks at rising China with much trepidation?. Hopefully Chinese government realises it is difficult to keep people under authority when they truly aspire for Confucius harmony.