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.

Followings the trails of pani chors….

Sometime back I was in Tamil Nadu on the trail of water thieves- pani chors as they known in North India. The visit to Kaladera, Rajasthan and Plachimada, Kerala (in here they are referred to as kolayali cola) few years back was send across to Crude Woman who dutifully communicated it to others- small pat for her. The copy of which is posted in Link: My blog ( www.sdepalan.blogspot.com). On my recent tour to Tamil Nadu I visited two sites of crime:

At Padathur in Shivganga District, Tamil Nadu :
Padathur is small village around 10Kms from the Shivganga district HQs, it is also an hour and half’s drive in Bus from the famous temple town Madurai. Padathur is a quiet little hamlet with some very poor people; there are bricked as well as thatched houses. The place is known for a sugar factory- Sakthi Sugar Mills. The village has a small temple at its entrance with a penchant for bells….it is possible that Gods here favor the offerings of bells or is it that people have decided among themselves that Gods are pleased with offering of bells?. There sure must be an interesting story here. As it was mid noon, quite hot and sultry I didn’t really find any one around (except one who was sleeping under the tree, there were also some shops near by) to ask these, further I had got this infection -conjunctivitis and my eyes were burning so I didn’t want to spend too much time here. Puduthur is a very unlikely place for any action. Sakthi Sugar Mill is 3kms interior and decided to walk the distance- as public transport are once in an hour, every few minute sugarcane laden truck headed towards the Mill. Later I happen to interact with a farmer who had come to sell his truck load of sugarcane- he treated me to a tea and dry peas ‘because I was the guest he the host’ he said. He refused to be photographed. He mentioned that sugar was sold to mill at the rate of 1050Rs per ton. That’s like one Rupee a Kg!!. Which I thought was less. But he was quite satisfied with the price “a good quality cane will weigh a Kg…one rupee is not much but ok” he clarified. I also congratulated myself for managing a conversation in Tamil, a language I was speaking after quite a long time. The road to the mill was well tarred for an impoverished village, clearly it was meant for the mill. The main occupation of the people seems to be collecting water -the activity people engaged in, even in the hot sun. People had to walk a distance to collect water as you can see from the snaps. Although the land is basically arid and dry, one spot on the way was green and cultivating sugarcane- a crop one knows is a water intensive. This was peculiar and I saw hose supplying enough water and some villagers crowding to collect water. This inequity is not surprising since Tamil Nadu despite its Dravidian upheaval, Justice movements in early last century has remained quite a feudal society and sometimes violently casteist. Tamilians as I see are one of the most hardworking people but mostly exploited. These are the kinds of place where Cocacola-Pepsi can easily tighten their strangle. In recent times there has been attempt by Cocacola-Pepsi to not be seen as exploiter the reason why they outsourced the sucking of ground water to Sakthi mills. There was a huge offer to Sakthi mills. I spend sometime interacting with the lady who runs a tea shop opposite the mill. She has been running it for last 19 years (or was it 29 years?) from the time the mill had started. The property around her has been bought by the mill, they offered her some money to vacate but she refused. One of her conditions was that her son should be given permanent job at the mill. She earns around 1000Rs per month from the shop which she is better than what casual labours are paid in the mill -around 65Rs for men and 55Rs for women, for a day of backbreaking work.
The Cocacola-Pepsi outsourced water sucking for a month or so (as a trial run) at the rate of 75,000litres a day, but by then people became aware of the mischief. The villagers went on dharna and peace marches, most of the people of village participated, in particular the school children. Unlike at Plachimada in Kerala where the simmering resentment among the local people manifested itself as an angry protest only three years after the bottling plant began operations, the agitation here was a in a way pre-emptive one. It was alleged that the unit had plans to dig borewells up to a depth of 3,000 feet (900 metres) on the Vaigai riverbed, besides using the unutilised part of the quantum of water permitted (49 lakh litres a day) specifically for industrial use by the sugar mill. The plans would have affected the water supply to Sivaganga, Manamadurai and Thiruppuvanam towns and about 80 villages covered by the Comprehensive Drinking Water Supply Scheme, the requirements of which are now met by water from the Vaigai riverbed. The scheme covers more than 3.5 lakh people. Exposed to acute drought conditions for several years, the people of the district, particularly in the villages, have had little access to water. Finally the Cocacola-Pepsi had to pack their bag and run. A case of successful campaign by the villagers.

At Gangaikondan in Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu:
Thirunelveli is a district located in south of Tamil Nadu state not far from western ghat mountain range. Tamiraparani is the river which flows through the region. Gangaikondan is around half an hour from Thirunelveli District HQ. As I got down from the bus at Gangaikondan the first thing which struck me was the place had a very plane surface with shrubs- very few trees or plants, found only in patches. This is Mars!!. I was told that Coca cola plant was located 4km inside. It is interesting since the Cocacola-Pepsi had made sure that their name is nowhere in the scene and have outsourced the sucking business to very tame sounding South India Bottling Company Ltd (SIBCL, almost a Public sector !! So cute). This funny statement of J. Ramamoorthy, SIBCL's executive director, I came across "We're not Coca-Cola. We're a franchisee. It is totally South Indian owned, and we're bringing in the money. Coca-Cola will merely provide the technology,". Wow. But the people when I asked about where this Company-SIBCL, was located showed ignorance only when I referred coca cola did they recognize!!. Since Cocacola-Pepsi was located in uninhabited surrounding (see in the photos the white spot as you approach that is Coke Pepsi factory!!!) I decided to take an Auto. As you approach the plant you cannot but think it as some alien spaceship!!. I read in a website about how people in this region stumble upon Coke factory, it is quite funny. "I literally stumbled upon the construction when I went looking for my cows," says S. Elosius, a resident of Thuraiyoor. "Here's a company set a kilometer off the road. Even when it's fully constructed, people can't see it," he says. "How can it be that it is the area's largest investment, and I come to know of it only by accident two months after construction has begun?". Local residents and public interest organizations say there is undue secrecy surrounding the project. Dr. R. Murugesan, a professor and district vice president of the Tamil Nadu Science Forum, has strong words about government agencies. "It is not possible to find out anything relevant about the project beyond what little information the company has made available. The Pollution Control Board and the District Collector are against public interest. The Collector claims he knows nothing. But we hear that heavyweights in the ruling party are backing the project," he says (statements taken from the Net). The little information I could gather was that the unit covers an area of around 32 acres inside the SIPCOT complex, spread over an area of 2,500 acres in Gangaikondan. The lease period for companies coming up in the complex is 99 years. SIPCOT can draw upto 45 lakh litres per day . The coke unit alone willget 5 lakh litres everyday (there is however confusion regarding this with contradictory claims). The water will be drawn from theTamiraparani river in Seevalaperi, some 14 km from the site. There is something more to it, as I was going through the web sites a pattern I was quite familiar with emerged. The plant is in a depression in an area fed by the Semboothu springs. Groundwater quality in the area is excellent. Parameters such as chloride and hardness are well within permissible levels. If groundwater is used for bottling, purification costs would be very low. Further there only two other industries located on this industrial estate all 2,000 acres of it are empty otherwise!!!.

The reason why the industrial estate is empty is in the socio-historical nature of the place. These information I found in the Net: Residents of the Manur Panchayat Union, within which Gangaikondan village falls, are predominantly Pallars, a Dalit (former untouchable) caste. The Dalit uprising of the 1990s saw scores settled for centuries-old oppression - primarily with the upper caste Thevars. P. Kirupairaj, a member of Puthiya Thamizhagam - a Dalit political party led by Dr. K. Krishnaswamy - explains the dilemma that Pallar residents face. "The reason why some people support the project is probably because it's been 15 years since SIPCOT started and there have been no takers. Some people feel that this area is being neglected because we're Pallars, and that it is unwise to oppose the first company that comes here. People feel that resistance is futile; that all this is fated and that we don't really have a choice." Kirupairaj however is quick to point out the fallacy in the belief that locals really don't have a choice. "We have won significant victories in our struggle against discrimination. It is known that when we (Pallars) set our minds on something, we persist till we win. We have to make our people aware of the potential benefits and the dangers. Even now, we're not opposing all projects. Only projects like Coca-Cola that pose a threat to our water resources," he says. Quite remarkable these statements considering the socio-economical conditions in which they live.
Lets now look at the events folded since the Cocacola-Pepsi landed here. When Coke first approached Gangaikondan Panchayat President Kamsan for approval, he granted it (don’t be shocked by the name, anti-brahmanical names are very popular in Tamil nadu). He said he had granted permission as the company had all the necessary government approvals. He had not seen the allotted plot or read any of the material that the South India Bottling Company Limited had given him. When the local resistance to the company gathered momentum, Kamsan cancelled the permission given to the South India Bottling Company Limited and also passed a resolution in the panchayat to that effect. Later that day, he passed another resolution giving the South India Bottling Company Limited permission again!!!!. When local reporters grilled him, he alleged thathad powerful people had threatened him over the telephone. Within few days of this incidence Kamsan died in suspicious circumstances. Most of the people whom I interacted are very clear on who killed Kamsan: ‘’it’s the people at the Coca cola’’. Offcourse this will never be proved, they have enough money and clout.
On Republic Day this year, gram sabha meetings -- which all villagers attend, as opposed to panchayat meetings, in which just the ward members and the panchayat president are present -- were held all over Tamil Nadu. At the Gangaikondan Gram Sabha meeting, a resolution was passed to cancel the license given to the South India Bottling Company Limited plant. The Manur Block Union -- which includes the Gangaikondan Panchayat -- was convened under heavy police cover. It approved the license given to the plant. Thus, the gram sabha verdict stood nullified. So although majority of people were against coke the Block Union which involves fewer people passed the resolution, quite democratically one must add. The apprehensions of the people did find echo in here too. "We don't know the full details of the project. This is the first big investment in our region. We can't reject the first investment that comes our way. We need the jobs," says A. Rajesh Babu, an elected councilor in Manur Panchayat union (from the Net). A section of local residents, particularly elected members of local governments have extended their support to the company. They argue that the company will bring much-needed jobs and boost the local economy. Company spokespersons go one step further to say that if the company runs into trouble here, other investors will refuse to set up in Gangaikondan. Ironically, the veiled threat of economic "untouchability" or a flight of capitalists comes less than a decade after Gangaikondan and nearby villages witnessed a three-year spate of bloody caste violence in the mid-1990s to end the practice of untouchability. Gangaikondan's fear of becoming "economically untouchable" seems to be one of several issues clouding what may be genuine concerns about the impact of a project that extensively uses local water resources (from the Net).
However in last year or so protests by locals have gathered momentum. Many local residents, political parties and environmentalists have raised concerns that the water-intensive plant will deplete and contaminate groundwater, and draw from Tamiraparani river that cannot fully meet even drinking water and agricultural needs of local communities. Local farmers are angry at even that amount of water being taken away from them. Various political parties as well as a broad range of groups, such as the South Tamilnadu Merchants Association and the Tamilnadu Government Employees Association participated in a rally, indicative of the growing discontent over Coca-Cola's operations in India. Interestingly a delegation from Gangaikondan visited Plachimada in early August 2005.
The argument of those opposing the project, like other places I visited, has to do with the fact that drinking water and agricultural requirements are not currently being met by the water allocations from Tamiraparani River. "Charity begins at home," says S. Sunderaraja Perumal, president of the District Congress Committee Tirunelveli (Urban). "Within the Tirunelveli corporation limit, there are four to five places where people take to the streets because they get no water or insufficient water. They are all Scheduled Caste (Dalit) people, some of whom live within 30 meters of the river. How can you take water for Coca-Cola when you haven't even provided drinking water to your population?" the Congress leader questions (taken from the Net). Perumal says he is not opposed to drawing Tamiraparani water for drinking purposes. "They're taking water for drinking water needs in Kovilpatti, Sankaran Koil. We're not opposed to that. But water cannot be put on sale to a company that uses water as the raw material and sells water as a product. 500,000 liters of water can comfortably take care of the water needs of 5000 people within Tirunelveli town," he says. R. Krishnan, a member of the Communist Party (Marxist) and former member of the state legislature, echoes Perumal's sentiment: "The difference is that this company is treating water as a raw material and selling it. That is wrong. SIPCOT's 4.5 million liter requirement is for the basic needs of industries that will come up in the industrial estate. Earmarking 10 percent of the total water intake for one company that occupies just 31 acres of a 2000-acre industrial estate is ridiculous." (taken from the Net).
While returning I had a cup of tea at a shop opposite the industrial estate. He was busy as a group of people had just ordered tea. What he manage to say was “people are against Coca Cola”. On the bus an elderly man smiled from the crowd. He was around 55 to 60 years and not wearing much cloth, a torn blue banyan, chek mundu and a plastic bag. He had a sturdy short body and a great smile. “ oongalle standill patha chu……(translate) I saw you at the auto rickshaw stand. You wanted to go to coca cola?.....did you go?” he asked. I nodded.
“I used to work at coca cola….”.
“Why you left the job” I asked.
“They gave only 70Rs per day now I work at a place where I get 100Rs and much less work” was his reply.
This is surely a statement on claims of employment generation by Cocacola-Pepsi (we know how bogus it is…meant to divide people). Further what is the cost of natural resources they steal??. While getting down the man informed with an endearing smile that his name was Kasumuthu (money boy literally!!) and I could call him for any job I needed him for. I wanted to take his photograph but it was too crowded and secondly I rarely take photos of the people on their face. I am very uncomfortable about it….it feels like objectifying people. While they speak I surreptitiously take out camera and click, almost an apology!!. They see it and laugh. I guess mobile phone cams are least intrusive, I am thinking of saving some money and buying one!!. Coming back to Kasumuthu he reminded me of Nanook of North!! (the legendary Robert Flaherty’s classic silent movie of 1922). The only difference being that he lives in surroundings where technological benefits are available unlike Nanook . But his life is still as tough as Nanook of North. Kasumuthu is Nanook of South!! At 60 odd age that is a real wrenching life. Thande ka thadka.

Remembering Stanley Kunitz on his birth anniversary….

I haven’t read Stanley Kunitz before, only few months back after he expired. And I have become huge admirer of his poems I happen to read from the Net and downloaded to my computer. I liked these lines he said in an interview:

"Poetry is ultimately mythology, the telling of stories of the soul. The old myths, the old gods, the old heroes have never died. They are only sleeping at the bottom of our minds, waiting for our call. We have need of them, for in their sum they epitomize the wisdom and experience of the race."

These lines from his poem “The Long Boat” as a remembrance….

Peace! Peace!
To be rocked by the Infinite!
As if it didn't matter
which way was home;
as if he didn't know
he loved the earth so much
he wanted to stay forever.

Sea is Watching....

Sea is watching

When the powerful of the world
for a penny more
do more harm than good.
When learned words concocts lies
and wrong of their few undone by fabrications
of their few.
The cacophony of development
swallow the last gasps of trees,
the rivers, and sky.
The wary sun sets in the west
with a sigh
not heard by many.

Till a day
when sun catches fire
and all countings done by the sea.


Post Script: Sea is watching is also the name of the Japanese movie, the last by Akira Kurosawa as a writer. The DVD of which is in my collection- also includes Godard, Bergman, Fellini, Kubrick, Makhmalbaf, Kieslowski, Bresson, Truffaut…….it is difficult to get these and have spend hours wading crowded and sweaty shops, it's worth it though. Either it should be these great Directors (these not part of Hollywood except Kubrick, who is rare. I do like Speilberg and Lucas movies) or I am very much into Animation. Other genre I prefer is Detective like Pierot (Monsieur!!) series, Bond (The name is Bond…James Bond!), also have almost all of Hitchcock- even his b&w TV series!. The great thing about having a DVD is you decide what to watch and when.

Mischievous media..

If there are no conclusive evidences on Mumbai blasts then people (meaning police and investigating government officials) should keep shut. We common people in this country are not here to listen to nonsense in the name of speculations and allegations. We want to see how much competent you are. Tell me why CCTV never installed in railway stations or for that matter in public places wherein people gather??. They recently inaugurated Metro trains in capital city Delhi with big fanfare, does security concern not part of the constructions, these cameras cost one millionth of the cost involved but since it is common people who die they are not bothered. Even though they had clear intelligence input on terrorist attack they didn’t take much precaution. In London blasts CCTV played a major role. I am sure the security agencies were aware of these but they found no reason to strengthen safety measure here. Very competent indeed. Mumbai local train and commuters were sitting duck. Now they are busy conducting raids…..no comments. But if they find nothing I will surely comment. Giving sleepless night to people for one’s own incompetence is not investigation nor delaying flights and trains as a reason for heightened security. One TV channel showed how easy it is to get into metro trains without any checks. Who is responsible for these lapses??. And now they are leaking through media about investigating phone calls to Pakistan made minutes before the blasts- it seems they have narrowed some 35 calls, one even made 30secs after the blasts. Wow. Then they say it is SIMI (where is the evidence?. If no evidence then it is a cheap act, a mischief). Then a politician with an eye on forthcoming election and his ‘Muslim vote bank’ comes out and says it is not true (how does he know it is not true??. The investigation is not complete yet!!). It has become a game for political elite. How great!!. Action need be taken on the officials who ‘leak’ such information. By revealing procedure used on investigation you cannot blame a set of people or a country. They are attempting to orient what they ‘feel’ is the truth or lets say what some people want to be true. Unfortunately ‘feeling’ have no significance here we need facts and evidences. That comes through meticulous investigations. One TV channel even has ‘exclusive revelations’ by ‘high government official’ on involvement of Pakistan!!. Such mischief. I think they have this mindset that people will take any nonsense….well some people may but the Courts don’t nor do international community. Come out say it in public with evidences if you dare.

Some fun from serious stuff (not undermining the tragedy though): Actually we should be grateful to these terrorists that they are not causing more devastation which they can easily do. When there was attack on USA in 9/11 the joke doing the round in India was that this can never happen in here since such meticulous planning doesn’t work as nothing runs on time here!!!. The terrorists will get so worked up waiting for the Train to come or flight to take off that they will suicide in frustration with appalling transportation system!!. But Mumbai locals are extremely efficient, the reason why such a dastardly act worked. I guess we can handle sometimes appalling transportation system (most trains do run on time these days) but what we cannot tolerate is incompetence, apathy of security agencies and their lackadaisical understanding of measures to be taken in crowded and vulnerable places. I am told Union Home Ministry is also into deciding who to be given Padma awards!!!. So dude who is to get Padma bhushan this year!!. There are too many people squatting around the power centers. How about our Joker??!!. It takes lots of courage running from one TV studio to another!!!!. Geeeeeez. Give us a break some one

Learn to keep your mouth shut Mister Kasuri

The Foreign Minister of Pakistan should learn when and where to open his mouth. He and his goddamn ‘core issue’ daal can be fried later. By making such statements the Pakistan Government it seems has condoned the despicable acts. As far as most people in the world are concerned the ‘core issue’ is: When will Democracy return in Pakistan?. The military captured the power in this country almost 5 years back. The people don’t even have the right to decide who should rule them. And this fellow has the audacity to speak about other people. I want to know who gave him the power to be the Foreign Minister of Pakistan. Forget people in Kashmir he doesn’t even have the right to speak about (or represent) the people of Pakistan. The common people in Pakistan have not decided him to be their representative. Power thief Gen. Mushraff is still clinging to President’s office mainly because of the looming terrorist threat in western countries. And since Pakistan is a ‘frontier state’ West (in particular USA) needs him and so keep him in a good humour (quite difficult that one considering denizens in Army have very limited sense of humour!!). He is been seen as ‘modern’, I guess it has more to do with the western attire he wears making him less scary than any Mullah. Mushraff is the kind of guy West can deal, or so he has successfully projected himself. At the end of the day he is just a military dictator whatever cosmetic effort done. Offcourse one need add in case of free elections the chances of far right winning is a distinct possibility. So his is a ‘lesser devil’ card. The West (and even India) has indulged him for long for these reasons. It doesn’t mean they cross the line. These views of ‘Foreign Minister’ Kasuri are very provocative. How about someone responsible in India saying after, say a bomb blast in Lahore (god forbid) wherein hundreds die that this has to do with military dictator rule and since we in India are democratic we want them to be a democratic??. Off course such irresponsible things may not be expected from India due to effective checks and balances. There is an open media here; there are political parties to question and so on. Recent gagging and killing of media persons in Pakistan is not unknown to world. The ‘core issue’ at this point in front of the world is the early return of democracy in Pakistan. The ‘core issue’ is allowing dissident political leaders of Pakistan (like Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Shariff) back in the country without threat of prosecution or physical harm from the authority of the presiding Dictator. The ‘core issue’ is also insuring free and fair Media for the people of Pakistan.

The India Government’s foreign policies has been to a large extend dictated by North Indian centric people (they say at one point Indian foreign service suffered from MENONgites!!. But the fact is Delhi is in North India and is very much influenced by overwhelming Punjabi type crowd, many have seen partition ….and they have their counterpart in Pakistan….its quite a get together. Same culture, same food habits and so on). India however is too big a country. Pakistan is an important neighbor no doubt but just because Delhi is located in North (therefore the ‘national media’) is not the reason why Pakistan to be taken as most important. In South particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala States are more concerned with happenings in Sri lanka and south- east Asia like Malaysia and Indonesia (as for keralites they are more concerned about even small events in gulf countries like Kuwait or Saudi or UAE). Uttar Pradesh and Bihar State are more concerned about happenings in Nepal. West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura States are very much concerned about happenings in Bangladesh. Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh are inclined towards happenings in China (if you read ‘Argumentative Indian’-Amartya Sen, there are chapters on India-China historical and cultural contacts). Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram States are into Myanmar. Such a huge country and because of some people in Delhi the whole country it seems to seeing only Pakistan. There is a need to bring back the perspective to match wholeness of this country and its varied people. Evidently the leaders of major political parties and the honchos in media are not equipped for such responsibilities.

.

Terrible acts..

It’s extremely painful to see bodies strewn around the tracks. It could be any one of us. We strongly condemn these acts of terrorism. Mumbaites are resilient people and one is sure they will come out of these wanton acts stronger. We salute them for their bravery. It is important not be carried away by jingoism or any other attempts on communalism. Terrorism has no religion or State (it need be pointed very strongly that common people in other countries, say Pakistan are as much insecure and susceptible to acts of terrorism as we are here). Also before pointing finger to any country it’s important to have full details. It is cowardice to blame others for our own security lapses. It is also equally an act of cowardice and crime against humanity for any other country to abet such acts. It need be also kept in mind that few people in a society creating problem shouldn’t be the reason for entire society, community or country to be blamed. That will be most tragic. The acts of terrorism shouldn’t be allowed to be deviated into vendetta against a community or country. We should all pledge not allow any devisive force to capitalise the tragedy and cause more mayhem. The situation is very fragile indeed.

One also has serious apprehension on security (investigative) agencies. One is reminded of the bomb blasts in Delhi at paharganj recently, wherein a foreigner expressed his surprise and shock that the area has not been cordoned off. There seem to be no crack group to handle such disasters. Also even after half an hour after the blast (as I write these) no ambulances nor any sort of medical help has arrived. It is common people who are again coming to help. The security force has not taken over the area and cordon it from people, despite the fact that TV have reached there within few minutes. This is precisely the problem, then they start allegations that cannot be sustained in the court of law or the international community. In many cases those who are arrested are let off by the court for want of evidence. Every such acts points not only to intelligence lapse but also to the failure of the disaster management group. As a common person on the street I strongly feel that modernization is needed. A crack team should reach the spot within few minutes; indeed like many other countries we need helicopter and other modern services. The way these situations are now dealt is very primitive to say the least.
My heart goes out to the people who lost their life in these senseless acts as also people who are injured. We are with them. This act is strongly condemned and we want guilty to be punished immediately. That is not asking for too much, considering the track record of investigating agencies maybe it is.

Gods very own country

A tradition or custom which degrades humans and undermines nature is not worth it and should be shunned. The recent controversy on Sabarimala is no different. The claim that women of certain age are impure and therefore not allowed definitely goes against the values of humanity as also anti-constitutional, against the law. The women who do go to these temples should be congratulated. Having gone to sabarimala you very well know it is quite impossible to reach the statue, it’s too far and too in. The kannada actress concerned is not bound to answer anyone. The kerala government should answer why public money is being wasted on setting up ‘enquiries’. The ‘enquiry’ needs to be set up to find who are the people who become priests and what gives them right to be one? Also why ‘non Hindus’ not allowed in Kerala temples? How do you define Hindus? How a ‘Hindu’ is different from ‘non Hindu’?….well Nazis atleast had reason like shape of the nose, length of cheek and other path breaking criteria. Where in Vedas, Upanishads or Bhagavad Gita it is mentioned ‘who is a Hindu and who is non Hindu’? I also want to know from these ‘wise men’ at what stage an ‘Atman a Hindu and non Hindu’?
In the contemporary world ‘Brahman’ means thugs and some slimy creatures who make living out of temples. But in the puranas it says when you know atman, your inner self you also know the heart of universe, that is Brahman, the ‘inner self’ of all creature. One of the scripture mentions it thus:

The spirit within me is smaller than a mustard seed.
The spirit within me is greater than this earth and
Sky and the heaven and all this united is Brahman.

The knowledge of these makes him or her a Brahmin. Not that when my grandfather used to fart or belch with his threaded potbelly, it used to heave and so I too a Brahmin and so I can lick inside the temple (plz don’t pardon me for the language used…it’s my pleasure!!). The ordinary temple going Hindus don’t give a damn about these ‘rules’ and many a times are pained by these rules of exclusion. Apart from famous examples of Yesudas, Indira Gandhi and so on there are many examples at personal level for most of us. Like some years back I was in north kerala-Malabar, and there was this fellow who had married a foreigner in USA and wanted to solemnize it through Hindu tradition in his favorite temple but was stopped at the entrance since she was ‘not Hindu’. Ofcourse her ‘non Hindu’ status was more to do with her colour of her skin. That in civilized societies is referred to as racism. Quite peculiarly in some temples in say Cochin they had no problem-long back I had gone with some foreigners and I told them to put chandana puttu (sandalwood paste)…that made them Hindu. I was apprehensive but it did work!!.( incidentally these foreigners ask too many questions on Hinduism they generally have an exotic view and yes I catered to that exceedingly well…its about free food-not asking but making them give, and generally having nice time talking to foreigners on beaches. For last few years I lost interest in such occupations). So the rules of temples are generally decided by these thugs on their fancy. I don’t think we need to tolerate their idiosyncrasies nor is there any need to indulge them. It is time up for these scoundrels. It is these Brahmanical thugs who have wriggled into temples, who create problems to common people for sake of maintaining their self importance. The reason of removing shirt in temples is not about being equal in front of God as is being circulated; it’s about seeing who is threaded. Why not remove that dirty grimy thread also from that potbelly body? Any takers? First they didn’t want "untouchables" to be in since they are impure, having lost they have extended it to other things. It’s a shame. These thugs who are running the temples should be kicked out. Further public need to know where their money-they give it as offering to god, is going. As people give money to the temple for spiritual-egalitarian reasons it need be spend as such like on orphanage, education of poor and so on. The money is not for ‘maintenance’ of thugs inside the temples….we are not responsible for them and they shouldn’t make a living on the faith of ordinary people. On the contrary these scoundrels owe apology to the society….what apology they should be arrested. Talking of Ayyappan temple in sabarimala and it’s need for godforsaken ‘purity’; what about many Ayyappan temple all over the country? Further the argument that there are also women’s only temples in kerala is quite out of context in this discussion on ‘how religious elite perceive gender’ since the reason why men are not allowed is not about men being impure, in some case it is about safeguarding the family.

Ah, vain are words, and weak all mortal thoughts!
Who is there truly knows, and who can say,
Whence this unfathomed world, and from what causes?
Nay, even the gods were not! Who, then, can know?

The source from which this universe hath sprung,
That source, and that alone, can bear it up-
None else: THAT, THAT alone, lord of the worlds,
In its own self contained, immaculate
As are the heaves, above, THAT alone knows
The truth of what itself hath made-none else!
(Hymn of creation: Rig Veda)

One thing I really like about Hinduism is respect accorded to trees and other living creature (the condition of cows and animals are appalling in many cities. People do feel bad about these. But they really are not in a position to do anything except maybe to feel pity). The cows in metros are like portable temple. In my neighborhood where I used to stay sometime back this cow used to come everyday morning to this house on its on and say mow mow and the lady inside would shout aayee and give her rotis and then pray….so no need to go to temple!!. But sadly cows are turning out to be portable automatic garbage disposal unit. I have also seen many elderly people during morning walk feeding ants! Many trees in crowded cities were saved because of the sacred value attached to it. And most temples all over India have trees, particularly true where snakes are worshipped; in places like kerala temples give space for a complete ecosystem to thrive. Temples here are few unobtrusive stony structures, where you can do your own small conversation with the god unhindered by rituals. This is religion at its best. Some intellectual morons do refer to these as ‘animistic’ traditions in a tone that is demeaning. Fools when read more books don’t become wise, clever maybe.

These snaps of trees taken from many part the country ranging from Shantiniketan to Trivandrum. Guess why they were saved from the axe of ‘development’?

So beautiful these lines from ‘Hymn of creation’ (Rig Veda)….its incredible that these were written more than 5000 years back (some would say 10,000 years). Just brilliant. It gives feel of milky way.

Existence was not, nor its opposite,
Nor earth, nor heaven’s blue vault, nor aught beyond.
Death was not yet, nor deathlessness; the day
Was night, night day, for neither day nor night
Had come to birth.
Then THAT, the primal fount
Of light—immobile--rest and action joined--
Brooded in silent bliss. Itself beside,
In the wide universe there nothing was.

So according to ancient holy scriptures GOD was not HE or SHE. GOD was THAT.

Wow what a game !!

Italy deservedly won against Germany. The last two goals were spectacular. Just when you thought this was going to end in another penalty shoot out….bang comes the surprise not one but two. Wow.
France also played well but Portugal was tough to beat. One is skeptical of the way the penalties are awarded. It spoils the game. Agreeing that ‘human element’ in umpiring is to be maintained but one feels that penalty foul could be brought under technology. It becomes unfair otherwise.

So it is going to be Italy Vs France …..when it comes to European teams I am neutral…choosing favorites as the game proceeds. I am a big fan of Latin American football. No goal could beat the Argentinean one. It was well planned and brilliantly executed.

Remember the truth

Recently LTTE asked Indian government to forget the past. Forgetting the past is the most dangerous malaise we face in the contemporary world. The memories of atrocities shouldn’t be allowed to be forgotten. That will be most tragic. Remembering the past is the most crucial thing for healthy development of society. When we forget History, it tends to repeat itself. And when it repeats it is more vicious. It takes revenge on our memories, mocking our future. Forgetting is crueler than cruelty itself. This is what these people want; to forget the past. Forgetting makes cruelty thrive. Memories are needed for constant reminder and vigilance. It is also important to pass on these memories to the next generation so as to make them understand the threats we face. Also understanding the past in present context is equally important.
There is always an attempt to obfuscate the truth by introducing an element of ambiguity. Like ‘how do we know what is true?’ or ‘we cannot be sure’. These questions make sense when directed as metaphysical queries but not otherwise (in science the truth is included as what Darwin referred as ‘providential truth’. This helps people to be grounded). It is a dangerous attempt to deny truth for narrow gains of elite. And many in print media columns and TV studios do bring these as alternative world view and hence the attempt for ‘balanced’ approach (and wriggling space for some Jokers). Future is very much dependent on fragility of the past. You miss it you will break it.

Remember the Truth

We remember them
colonizing people, dividing places, bartering faith.
Killing Jews, and Muslims, and Hindus
and Christians, and Buddhists, and children, and infirm.
Yes we remember.

We remember them
gassing people in Auschwitz,
vaporizing them in Hiroshima.
Chasing with machetes and sickle
in Kigali, in Darfur, in Ahmedabad
and in lanes of other places.
Yes we remember.

We remember them
cluster bombing people with F-16s and missiles
in Baghdad, in Kabul, in Bosnia
blasting them with RDX, with land mines
in Colombo, in Jerusalem, in Palestine
and in lanes of other places.
Yes we remember.

We remember them
imprisoning Suu ki and Mandela
shooting down Gandhi, and King
and leaders who threaten
the devil which poison peoples mind with hatred
and make merry their misery.
Yes we remember.
O yah we very well remember the Truth.

Post Script: negotiations are important. And if talks with LTTE can bring peace in Sri Lanka, so be it. But forgetting is dangerous.
I have been extremely pained by the killings in Srilanka. It is so much like Kerala that it feels as if happening here, very near by. And it is nearby; Srilanka is not far from kerala. It has close historical and cultural links with kerala. Infact in mid 1940s the diwan of kerala did toy with the idea of Travancore joining Srilanka!!. I have seen many srilankan movies; sinhala has some similarity (very very sketchy though but the people and their nuances are quite similar) with Malayalam. So the bomb blasts and killings do disturb. I was pushed into happenings in srilanka quite early as many Army men (posted in pune) whom I know had gone to srilanka as part of that disastrous and ill-conceived IPKF mission (under Gen. Kalkath, if I recall correctly. Many were killed. And their children got into good professional colleges under killed-in-action quota). And after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, kerala was on high alert. And everyone was asking “so where is shivrasan?”. Almost a decade back I was so much into srilanka that I read every literature available. Essays, Novels, short stories, poems….and even got to know few artists and journalists, who had come to India (they say I do look like a srilankan!!!. Wherever I go I do like to look like the inhabitants except in North east where I am bengali, here I sometimes also morph into malayalee Christian-quite easy that one). Off course I didn’t do these for any specific purpose; it is just that I was too upset by the happening in this beautiful island that I had to know everything concerning it. There is an immediate need for genuine effort for peace in here. This is being going on for long time. Time to stop. We need new and young negotiators with open minds on both the sides. The old people tend to be stuck in their ego trap and past experience.

Now that we are in the quarter finals of FIFA it’s gone real exciting. But I do strongly feel that some countries have got into quarters wherein they didn’t deserve like Italy. Italy’s performance with Australia was unsatisfactory. While we all know what happened in Portugal Vs Netherlands, hopefully such games are not repeated. When these kinds of fouls occur one feels sorry for the players, such desperations. A game need be played within the rule that is when it is fun to watch. Spain and Czech started their matches very well. They have themselves to blame for appalling performance particularly Spain in the later half with France (anyway Zidane was spectacular. But I tell you Spain has real potential). The teams which should have been in the last 8 according to me as an audience are Australia and Ghana. Ghana gave tough time to Brazil but unfortunately their Offside trap didn’t work for them. My favorite player so far has been Cafu. He is remarkable. The best thing is that he takes the game to enjoy. He even shook the hands of referee when shown a yellow card!!!. So who it is going to be Argentina???. Brazil???. Germany??.....or do we have a surprise??.

Keep your eyes and ears open. It’s a goooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal!!!.