Imprisoned voices of Tibet

Tibetans are probably one of the most peaceful communities. Tibet culture is refined and subtle that was sought to be brutally suppressed. Chinese government will have to realize that there are civilized norms to be followed. Freedom of religion and faith is basic right of every individual.

This blogger doesn’t have anything against Chinese people (Incidentally I am a big fan of Jet Li, he is no nonsense). Governments particularly the one’s that are not representatives of the population may not always reflect the aspirations of the citizens. Chinese government cannot repress and brutalize people and still claim to be civilized. Millions of peaceful people are refugees and displaced for decades, their refined understandings threatened to extinction. It is very painful something has to be done by the international community. Chinese government will have to take steps towards process of dialogue with Tibetans.

This blogger quite coincidently is at McLeodganj (in Dharamshala, Kangra valley) where Dalai Lama has taken refuge. Yesterday’s incidents in Lhasa was felt in this part of the world, interacting with youngsters one gets the feeling that they are increasingly advocating violence, though they are still the fringe. The elderly monks-they don’t interact much, are very saddened (Dalai Lama has called for stopping of violence). One gets a creepy feeling of cynicisms and this is dangerous. If violence wins the battle here then only the international community will have to take blame. The protestors who did candle light walk are asking for the UN to intervene and stop the blatant human right violations. If the world community fails then they are giving legitimaticy to violence as option.

Most shops in McLeodganj do carry the message of Dalai Lama of ‘never give up”. It’s been a long and arduous journey for these people. This blogger has seen documentaries of their struggle, and the journey they took across dangerous mountains (I found many of the Tibetan audience crying…this was in IIC delhi, probably in 1998-99). I have also spent hours watching sand mandala being made, it is brilliant. So are thangka painting (I do keep some pasted on my wall), they are very sophisticated people but simple in their mannerism. Surely the world cannot fail them. These lines of Dalai Lama….ultimately, humanity is one and this small planet is our only home, If we are to protect this home of ours, each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism.

Below snap of elderly monk walking back home after the evening prayer

Njan Madras pakaran poren !!

These are the lines from a popular Tamil movie song, almost a decade back. This blogger has strong liking for tamilians, when you travel around Tamil Nadu you see so much hope so much potential. Tamil nadu is a place where anything is possible!!. Amazing people, mostly loud but very passionate about things, they have that sturdy primal energy. It is the cradle of the Dravidian culture. India’s future is very much through Tamil Nadu. Despite the fact that politicians of Tamil Nadu are viciously divided sometimes even taking things at personal level it need be noted that whether it is DMK or AIADMK they have taken care of the infrastructure particularly roads. Having traveled on the road all around the country this blogger want to congratulate the Government of Tamil nadu- those who have ruled the state for last decade or so, they have done an excellent job. You can see the difference as you enter from Karnataka or Kerala. There is so much of space, labor and infrastructure in the State that one wonders why these big buildings are constructed only in cities?. Of course Tamil Nadu particularly northern part has some extremely poor population, some of the sights are quite painful. The reason probably that cuisine of southern Tamil Nadu are richer and varied, also immigrants to east Asia are mostly from this region, the prominent being the chettis of chetinadu (karaikudi is a ghost town with huge empty palatial houses, it is one of the kind place). Despite pockets of poverty Tamil Nadu is a colorful place (probably after Rajasthan) the kind of kitsch art you will not find anywhere despite profusion of vinyl posters (even these are oversized!!). It is a place of exaggeration, take it or leave it. Period!!.

After the college when most guys were moving out to different cities I probably was the only person to move towards Madras (now thankfully Chennai). Impulsiveness was predominant character trait those days, so the reason for choosing Madras was equally incredible: Madras had long beaches and I loved to hang along the sea!!. That probably was my first step towards career building!!! (Great start dude!!). Expectedly Madras was very tough on me, it was quite a struggle and I shuffled jobs almost every month and quite incredibly each job was entirely different from other!!. It still beats me, things I did. Few days back I was in Chennai and dropped in for sunset at Marina beach. I couldn’t help smile, the same place I sat so many years back as a pensive, seriously stressed youngster. It is a full circle and been quite an experience (the kind of things one comes across while traveling is amazing). It is great to be me!!.

Chennai too has changed there are more buildings like the Raheja towers at mount road, it seems to be implanted from some Hollywood movie set!! (Spencer’s was hang out place, so was Sathyam theatre). The roads are still able to handle traffic unlike the pathetic scenes in “silicon valley” Bangalore. At one point I knew so many people at Chennai, one job I distinctly remember was working in some Channel related group, making programs and so on. Most guys were youngsters and from very affluent background they were doing the job for fun. It was mostly partying around. I recall very vaguely one fellow I met, he got a small role in Mani Ratnam movie “Bombay”, his was if-you-don’t-look-carefully-you-might-miss-it role. He was supposed to be with the main lead actress (don’t recall her name) while they searched the body of children in the mortuary, he was part of young friends of main protagonist. The fellow when I met him at music academy insisted I should see the movie.

Music academy I used to visit quite regularly since the stretch from Stella Maris to US consulate was the place we generally used to be. The place has become quite congested with a fly over (I must say most aesthetically done by MRF, this fly over is an example that could be emulated) and huge hoardings- this blogger is very much against these hoardings it is unaesthetic and a sore sight, there should be a law against these. There used to be kactheris on regular basis in Music academy. Incidentally I have almost one year of Carnatic music training, so I do have a fine ear for this form. I also met Kamal hassan here with his two daughters, he is an amazing guy and an excellent actor. He interacted with us since he knew one of the guys at personal level. Madras taught me the influence of visual medium and the power it holds on people, it is astounding. Madras also taught the need to be consistent in what one does. It was only much later that I thought of taking writing and reading seriously, and also taking up full time traveling (there is so much to see in India that every time it is new!!).

I recall there used to be an automatic dosa maker (it was kind of a robot) at central railway station, although it tasted quite awful I used to drop in to see how it is made atleast once in a week, and there always was a small crowd!!. While walking on the Mount road I came across TVS showroom&garage, and boy boy boy I suddenly recalled haven’t I worked here briefly!!. I almost forgot about it….well it was forgettable!!. There was some written test later the top guy of Dept told me to join as a trainee Engineer for few days before he can consider, I went for 4 or 5 days (it was quite a physical job from 9-5, and absolutely hate grease) around this time there was science fiction movie festival at US consulate (which was half a Km away, they had theatre at the basement) for a week, so managed to sneak in and forgot about the job!!. Since I had got free accommodation, a small room on top of Government building, I didn’t have to worry about rent and so was quite footloose. Being at Fort St George I used to see the then CM Jayalalitha quite regularly, quite enigmatic that lady (was called Amma or Purachi Thalaivai), people just prostrated before her, it was quite a sight, for a guy fresh from Kerala (where people don’t gave undue importance to politicians or filmstars) it was unbelievable.

Marina beach we used to come most Sunday mornings to play cricket/football (shockingly the same time the Tsunami struck few years back, few hundred people died here. I very vaguely recall some faces…hope they escaped). There also used to be bunch of ‘dupe artists’ who used to practice stunts as preparation for movies, it was amazing. Henceforth I cultivated an interest for watching technicality of stunts, now it has gone hitech. The beach though has become cluttered with unplanned shops. I came across this interesting elderly man who had a contraption that could read your hand and predict future for 10Rs!!. I really got inquisitive on this one. He dusted my hand with black sand and deftly took the imprint of my palm on a white paper. The paper was then fed into a computer and presto the hand print came on the screen and he pressed a key, the print out of my future came out!!. It was an amazing idea and he was doing brisk business. There are so many innovative ways to make money, and yes he deserved that 10 Rs!! (though I have no liking for ‘future reading’….present is interesting enough!!). I ended my day by taking a photo with Thalaivar Rajnikanth!!. Even posing with his cut out is an honor for most people here. He is having a magical hold over people for last three decades, it is a miracle.

Why it is important for Americans to remove the ‘hate Americans’ tag….

America that is USA is a brilliant nation, there shouldn’t be any doubt on that. But unfortunately the political elite have created one big mess, I guess it is the Wild West thing- the cowboys aint do no wrong syndrome. Alpha male juvenility may work in some jungle but not in civilized surroundings and surely not as linchpin for foreign policy of a powerful nation, they have to be more responsible. The American attempt to unipolarise world to its material advantage is ill-conceived.

America's contribution to human civilization is stupendous. It is nothing short of incredible. The idea of America is tremendous. This blogger has read much about Americans, as also interacted with American tourists (some were snobbish though….but that is ok since it is not necessary to be mannered to people whom you bump in at tourist spots, particularly to inquisitive locals like say me who was just hanging around. But I do like the way they speak English, that nasal twang. It took lot of time for me understand that one!!). Unfortunately recently the Market has taken over almost all forms of interactions, and American based MNCs are one of the most vicious particularly the consumer goods category. It is bringing in a blatant form of consumerism and wasteful culture, indulgence as a mantra will only backfire. In countries with acute disparities like India the backlash is severe, with depleting natural resources the struggle will turn more violent.

America is so important to the world that each policy decision taken at Washington has global impact. Because of Technological innovations and inventions, because the Entertainment industry based in America- that has impact on billions of people around the world, because it has Armaments-nuclear stockpile that could decimate the planet, because they consume more than anyone on earth….all these put together makes America a nation to reckon with, a nation who’s future is very much the future of the world. But unfortunately American leaders have failed in most cases, not able to live up to the expectations; some even like Bush were disaster.

American presidential election therefore is a very significant event for the world. What candidates utter is scrutinized by the world- in the mainstream media, in blogs, in chat rooms and so on. This blogger is very much concerned about the process of election funding since this could influence policy decisions in future. Further this blogger is a skeptic of TV room or stage managed debates, a good debater may not be a good communicator, and good communicator may not always be a good decision taker, furthermore humanism may not be possible to be show cased. America needs a Humanist to be its next President, infact the world expects it from America.

The whole exercise of "I am better than others" dilutes humanism and other egalitarian understanding, the reason it does get ugly. It is sad and hopeless situation. The candidates need be responsible, this probably the last chance for Americans to get it right. The world is spiraling at an exponential rate contributed by fast depleting resources, dissemination of destructive potential and ideology. World needs Americans to have a President who takes a humanist approach to international issues and treaties. In a Market driven world this looks very bleak, market dynamics doesn’t allow, realpolitik compulsions prevents, collective selfishness seems to define policies….….still we can hope.

There are only 1411 tigers….

Tiger is our national animal with sixty percent of world’s tiger population inhabiting India we are truly blessed. Not for long. India has lost more than 50 per cent of its tiger population in the past five years ( 60% dip over the last 10 years) with the numbers dwindling to 1,411 from 3,642 in 2001-02 (3,508 in 1997, a century ago, there were an estimated 100,000 tigers worldwide), but now tigers have dwindled to less than a few thousand, according to the latest tiger census report. Only 1,411 !!!!, that is as many people inhabiting a housing complex dude!! (the photo above is of Siberian tiger)

The study This time, the census used a new method that combines field surveys and statistical estimation instead of the pugmark method followed earlier. This system uses remote sensing, GIS, in combination with high resolution spatial data based on sign surveys and camera trapping. In the process, the final census monitors tiger population as well as its prey population. The “State of tiger, co-predators and prey in India” report (The counting could not be carried out in the Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh and Palamau Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand due to inaccessibility because of naxalite problem while estimation is on in the massive Sunderbans area in West Bengal. However, based on available data in Palamau Tiger Reserve, the report indicates a low density of tiger in the area ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 per 100 sq.km) The State-wise analysis has shown that Andhra Pradesh has 95 tigers (as against 192 in 2001-02), Chhattisgarh 26 (227), Madhya Pradesh 300 (from 710, the maximum decline for a State. Note), Maharashtra 103 (238), Orissa 45 (173), Rajasthan 32 (58). Sariska has no tigers left. In the Western Ghats, Karnataka has 290 (401), Kerala 46 (71) and Tamil Nadu 76 (60). In the North East Hills and Brahmaputra Plains, Assam has only 70 tigers against 354 in the previous census. Arunachal Pradesh has 14 tigers against 61, Mizoram only 6 (28) and North West Bengal 10 against 349 earlier, though figures from the Sunderbans regions are yet to be compiled. The north-eastern region is a heavy rainfall area and does not support high tiger populations. The report clearly shows that occupancy of a forestpatch by tigers was negatively correlated with human disturbances indices and positively correlated with prey availability.

There are some areas where individual tiger populations have high probability of long term survival by themselves: Nagarhole-Madumalai-Bandipur-Waynad population, Corbett population, Kanha population, and possibly Sunderban and Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong populations. Tiger populations that exist and can persist in a meta population (part human interference) framework are Rajaji-Corbett, Dudhwa-Katarniaghat-Kishenpur (along with Bardia and Shuklaphanta in Nepal), Satpura-Melghat, Pench-Kanha, Bhadra-Kudremukh, Parambikulum-Indira Gandhi, and KMTR-Periyar.

The landscapes that have potential but are currently in need of conservation inputs are Sirsailam Nagarjun Sagar, Simlipal, Ranthambore-Kuno Palpur, Indravati-Northern Andhra Pradesh, and Bandhavgarh-Sanjay-Palamau. The report clearly shows that occupancy of a forest patch by tigers was negatively correlated with human disturbances indices and positively correlated with prey availability.

In three other regions, the long-term future of the endangered cat looks good, the study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India notes. The north-east, including Kaziranga and other habitats in the Brahmaputra valley, is one. The central Indian belt around the Kanha tiger reserve and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh is the second. The third belt is the one encompassing Bandipur, Nagarhole, Madumulai and Wayanad tiger reserves, the last safe haven for the tiger population in the south.

The reason Until recently, habitat loss was thought to be the largest single threat to the future of wild tigers in India. It has now been established that the trade in tiger bones, destined for use in Oriental medicine outside India's borders, is posing an even larger threat. Having decimated their own source Far Eastern traditional medicine manufacturers are now targeting India for their supply of tiger bones. Poaching of tigers for the traditional Chinese medicine industry started in northern India in the mid-1980's. Regardless of the tigers' classification as a "Critically Endangered" species, the demand for its parts has drastically increased at an alarming rate since the end of the 20th Century. The tiger is primarily killed to supply underground black markets with its organs, pelts and bones. These items are highly regarded in eastern medicine, claiming to posse's capabilities to heal all sorts of human illnesses and dysfunctions. In Asia, parts other then the bones are used in mythological medicine. This includes the tiger's eyes, hair, internal organs and even tiger penis (which is used in a soup as an aphrodisiac). In Hong Kong black markets, venders sell a pound of powdered tiger humorous bone sells for over $1700. Keep in mind that all of these so-called treatments are completely unproven by science and have absolutely no real medical value. In the '90s, the demand for tiger parts for Oriental medicines resulted in increased poaching. Indian tiger parts were much desired because China's dwindling tiger population threatened the manufacture of such medicines. More so because in the last 25 years China suffered a greater loss in its tiger population than any other country.

Poachers use one of the following methods to kill a wild tiger:
Poison - which is usually placed in the carcasses of domestic buffaloes and cows. During the dry, hot summer months small forest pools are also poisoned by poachers, or depressions dug and filled with water for this purpose. There is a sophisticated and well organised supply route operated by the major traders, to distribute poison and collect tiger bones from the remotest villages.
Steel Traps - which are made by nomadic blacksmiths. These traps are immensely strong. In a tiger poaching case near Raipur in 1994, it took six adult men to open a trap. In one area in central India, investigators found that so many steel traps had been set that the villagers were fearful of going into the forest. People have received dreadful injuries from these traps.
Firearms - are used where hunting can be carried out with little hindrance.
Electrocution - by tapping 230 volts -11KV overhead electrical wires and laying a live wire on animal tracts.
Tiger poaching occurs in all areas where large number of tigers have been recorded. Poaching is particularly prevalent in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Assam.

The efforts The Centre-sponsored Project Tiger -- a massive conservation programme launched by Indira Gandhi on April 1, 1973 conservationist Billy Arjan Singh says "Project Tiger was initially a success while it was a species-oriented project, but progressively registered failure when academics of preserving the ecosystem replaced the symbolic value of the tiger." Singh believes that even the temporary increases in tiger population were caused by immigration due to destruction and degradation of its habitat in Nepal, and not to the widely acclaimed success of wildlife policy in India. The Project has not evolved in accordance with the changing habitat of the tiger..

The law machinery Investigations carried out in 1993-94, during which a total of 36 tiger skins and

667 kilos (1470 pounds) of tiger bones were seized in northern India, brought to light the severity of the problem. If an offence is committed against the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, there is a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment or a fine which may extend to Rs. 25,000 or both. For an offence committed inside the core area of a Tiger Reserve, there is a mandatory prison term of three years, extendable to seven years and a fine of Rs. 50,000 extendable to Rs. 2 lakhs. In case of a subsequent conviction, there is an imprisonment of at least seven years and a fine of Rs. 5 lakhs which may extend to Rs. 50 lakhs. Despite these penalties, the laws are difficult to enforce and to date, in spite of hundreds of cases, only 16 people have ever been convicted of killing a tiger.

Pitted against the poacher's sophisticated weapons, the forest department is handicapped by infrastructure problems. To expect a forest guard to protect 15 square kilometres under his jurisdiction armed with just a danda is ridiculous forest guards work under difficult conditions. They often remain on duty for all of 24 hours, through the month. Since there are no medical, educational or social facilities in his spot in the forest, he is compelled to live away from his family. Helpless against the might of the poachers, incidents have been reported where forest guards have had their toes chopped, even their bodies hacked in the line of duty. At times forest officers get entangled in legal wrangles with poachers and timber merchants.

Custom authorities in India multiply poaching offences by ten to estimate the actual figure of illegal trade. On this premise, the Wildlife Protection Society of India indicates credibly that at least one tiger is killed by poachers every day. "Though Indian wildlife protection laws are considered amongst the most stringent in the world, the lack of a trained enforcement staff force has rendered these laws weak, almost non existent,"

The resources Fifty per cent of India's tiger population falls outside the protected area network. Inflicted with problems like schemes that go implemented, vehicles that cannot be repaired, and a severe resource crunch, the 23 tiger reserves have lost their sheen. However, the five year plan allocation for tiger conservation has been more than doubled to Rs 750 million. In 1998-1999, the central government has increased its funding for Project Tiger from Rs 80 million to Rs 170 million. Yet, unless administrative measures are not rectified, no real change will take place at the ground level.

Sane voice "This is the worst ever crisis. Our forests and wildlife, especially tigers, are facing their most serious threat now," said an impassioned Valmik Thapar, perhaps India's best known wildlife conservationist and an expert on tigers and their habitat, an author who also presents the acclaimed BBC television series -- Land of the Tiger: A Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent. He maintains that the ministry of environment and forests is not equipped to handle the pressures and demands of forests and wildlife. "The government should create a new ministry for natural treasury". At present wildlife falls under the ministry of environment and forests. Thapar reiterates it is time environment and subjects like pollution were separated from forests.

India claims two-thirds of the tiger population of the world. Of the eight subspecies of the tiger, three -- the Caspian, Bali and Javan tigers -- are already extinct. The position of the South China subspecies is perilious; the Siberian, Sumatran tiger population is very low; and the Indo-Chinese and Bengal tiger habitat is so little in some areas that they face the threat of inbreeding and subsequent genetic disorders.

The tiger is a symbol of our biodiversity. If it is allowed to become extinct, it will spell disaster for a host of other fauna and flora, vital water catchments will be lost, affecting the lives of millions who depend on natural resources for their very survival. This blogger-being an avid wildlife enthusiast, has been to most wild life sanctuaries in India, right from Corbett to Manas to Madumalai but has witnessed tiger only once, that too for split second, at Corbett. It is an elusive but brilliant animal (tyger tyger burning bright!!). Unfortunately the place to watch tigers are zoos or in TV. Or the dummies, the snap taken by the blogger in bannerghatta zoo. Bengaluru is probably the only metro city that has wild life sanctuary, 40 minutes drive (there is also an artificially created butterfly park. Mysore has a natural one).

Yes Tiger No Tiger!! Two years back I was in Bandipur sanctuary we were taken around in a mini van (wonder why they can’t have noiseless vehicles, the battery one probably. Is it that difficult to provide these vehicles?). A 7 or 8 year old kid who was with his extended family was absolutely excited he shouted ‘tiger’. We all poked our eyes but found nothing then he said ‘no tiger!!’. After few minutes he again shouted ‘tiger’, again the group wandered out, he laughed ‘no tiger’. Then his father glared at him, he tried again he got a good pinch. That kept him quiet. So no tigers!!.

The angst of outsiders

What is happening in Maharashtra -isolating the outsiders (now North Indians) is nothing new, the danger is audacity of few individuals and later media mileage. This blogger wonders how cameramen reached the spot during the violence. Thankfully though it is contained to a large extend but they have been repeating images even now to stoke passion. Exemplary punishment should be given to the perpetrators of such crimes. Money should be charged from individuals for damaging public and individual property, these actions should be given publicity as a deterrent. The mob generally commits heinous acts since they get anonymity, identifying individuals from video footage and punishing them should be shown to people. The feeling now among common people is that anyone can commit anything and get away with it.

At a certain level every individual in a city at one point does feel to be an outsider. But the alienation is acute among migrants particularly at the lower strata. There is lots of space for people at higher strata since money cushions the impact and the contribution is mainly at idea level, leading to more vibrancy in most cases. Further they have choices and migration is not for survival. At lower level of society it is survival and that puts immigrants directly in competition with inhabitants to fight over depleting resources and opportunities. This tragic situation is what is exploited by vested interests in the name of religion and parochialism. These fault lines are consolidating in most metros cities, the danger is very real. Comparing Mumbai with New York is ridiculous, for one Mumbai has lots of poor people living in abject condition as is the case in most big Indian cities.

Inhabitant’s angst of loosing the hold over their home city is also very real. With native culture- tradition and language being made subservient to increasing aggressive alien culture can be unsettling. This also observed in other parts of the world (even richer societies) mutating sometimes into xenophobia. Sentimental association with the home city is emotive and therefore can be easily be directed against immigrants who could be seen as cause of all problems.

But the tragedy of immigrants particularly from poorer sections (also people who may be underemployed, as also those who don’t have skills for Market oriented jobs like farmers, artisans and so on) to cities is wrenching. It is uprootedness of colossal proportional, it is dislocation of an individual. Then there are humiliations, prejudices, biases and cheatings -it is always easy to take an outsider for big ball before he/she learns the trick of the trade, sometimes the mistakes are so grievous that they may never come out of it (inhabitants have maneuverability space). One of the first thing people learn is to compromise, it is a process of dehumanization, alienation, marginalization, pitfalls are many they end up living in most inhuman and degrading surroundings. Limited resources add to other problems like lack of sufficient nutrition and proper medical attention and so on. They have to face the brunt of all problems.

This blogger knew lots of youngsters at personal level who came from Bihar/UP to study or find some job after graduation in Delhi (in early part of my stay here sometimes we used to pool money for monthly get together). It is quite an uphill task and odds are really stacked against them. It also put question mark on the employment and educational facilities provided by UP/Bihar government (it is not really about these two states there are youngsters from Uttranchal, HP…and within States who go to big cities for better prospects).

As an individual this blogger feels the public space has reduced significantly in recent times. Animosity towards migrants, suspiciousness of cheating (as in trains), afraid of terrorism (therefore intrusion into privacy of outsiders), wariness towards strangers….has lead to increasingly siege mentality among people in public space. So for an outsider it becomes much more difficult.

Raj Thackerey though has successfully exploited the situation. One shouldn’t be complaining since that is what any human in Market driven globalized world is supposed to do. People particularly poor immigrants will face miseries some may even get maimed or killed that also is normal, when there is power struggle people will have to pay the price (ditto, for somebody’s Coke-Pepsi many will have to give up their drinking water. The nature and intention is same the context is different). To be fair to Raj he is a political outsiders so he has to do some stunts to break in (quite interestingly in recent times as they talk of competence and merit….parents are quite viciously promoting their children whether in politics, art, business…there is a huge stampede to promote children). He though has the all important surname (if he was Raj Dongre instead of Raj Thackerey he would have been bundled out at the first instance). Few decades from now he would have positioned himself as a matured leader. The metamorphosis is complete!!.

The exploitative nature of human relations is as old as human history. It is only that evolution of societies has created new fault lines. The insider-outsider based on geography is the most vicious variety.

The place where dreams of a nation took a pause

Sriperambathur is a small town desperately trying to catch up with the world. It has many big companies setting up shops and is bustling with people. I have never been here before and so dropped in for few hours on my way from Chennai to Kanchipuram (a city I had read about so much in the History).Sriperambathur burst into the world scene on the night of May 21 1991. The tragic assassination of Rajiv Gandhi shocked the world. He was on an election rally and was very much on the way to be the PM (eerily similar to Benazir Bhutto). Terrorist organization of Sri Lanka -LTTE was responsible for the heinous act. It was quite a sad event, I recall being grief stricken for few days. It was a horrible sight.

I recall Rajiv Gandhi as quite a charismatic leader (I saw him once in Pune...we were 5 guys going for tuitions and he waved to us). Because of him we had to face the question in school as to where do you see India in 21^st century?!!. “hamme bharath ko ikisvi sadhi meh le jana hai”. The Samadhi does have sculpt of him leading the country to technology and development. It is a peaceful place with pillars denoting rivers and a stone marking the spot of assassination on a tapering path signifying the last path he took, aesthetically done (I did got carried away by the surrounding since I almost got hit by a speeding vehicle as I came out and was crossing the road. This one was real close, the guy must have been in some hurry!!. He shouted some abuse in Tamil, despite being in Delhi for more than a decade-a place that really tests your survival instincts in cities, shouting back never got into my system. Anyway I should consider myself very lucky to have survived with few scratches). What really shocked me was Rajiv Gandhi was only 47, I was thinking he was older. When you are young all older people are old, in school and college one year difference is significant. It is only when you cross certain age you think age in relative terms. Surely Einstein will agree!!.

Condolences

Baba Amte was a great man. He was from a generation that came out inspired from ideals of freedom struggle, probably one of the very few true Gandhians. This blogger had the opportunity to touch his feet when we visited his ashram in the interiors of MP. Last few years he was mostly bedridden but the spirit was same. He was an awe inspiring presence.

Dedicating a short story as a tribute to big daddies of Media….we owe it to them!!

This blogger feels that it is time that we express our gratitude to media. When I say media I mean visual media that is TV Channels. Print media that is newspaper is almost obsolete- they might be selling but the impact is negligible, no one is regretting. Most people spend lot of time watching TV. Thankfully there are hundreds of Channels to choose from, and each not much different from other atleast in the Indian context. English Channels go with the pretension of ‘National’, the reality though is non English channels are more popular. The English channels are watched by very miniscule percentage of population. Most entertainment programs though are getting into standardized form (this blogger is a great fan of reality shows, I find it very funny. The desperation to find national superstar from each channel is touching. How about winners from each channel competing in a mega contest…probably that is the next big thing!!. I find the reality show where they evaluate the small inventions from participants quite interesting, I guess it comes in some Australian channel…geez there are too many to even to remember. This blogger is a random watcher of TV so doesn’t look at name of channel). English entertainment channels generally clones the Americans so mostly superficial with rare exception. Non English channels though are quite innovative (one of my favorite programs is “veritta kazchagal” which comes in one of the Malayalam channel. It is a brilliant program. Other channel could learn from these).

Many of the programs though are an embarrassment. It should upset us- the misuse of opportunities for crass commercial gain. Understand the context, the brilliant conception - from water to electricity to live video…it took hundreds of years. The Media has a responsibility; it is more than a business venture. The government needs to step in as some are becoming extremely irresponsible. An irresponsible media is as dangerous as censored media. I have nothing much against politicians there are some excellent people around (as also some corrupt and criminals) but corruption in Media is something this blogger is bothered about. An extra constitutional body with significant power and clout within an undemocratic framework is dangerous. Considering the deviation from the responsibility the Indian media probably is one of the most corrupt (of course exceptions are there)

Here is a short story “If you don’t have a view you are dead!!” I have posted (visit the Link my short stories or www.depalans.blogspot.com) I dedicate this to big daddies of media the guys who have set the trend namely Murdoch (Fox News is an enlightenment. It is a crusade!!. I love him for the amazing videos of macho white cops chasing black drug peddlers. Absolutely essential for international entertainment, the life of audience is now meaningful. Great work sirji (my regards also to slaves and foot soldiers. Good to know that Junior has taken over the family tradition!!). This is also for guys who control CNN, BBC, our very own NDTV(english), STAR, AAj tak (my hug for them), ZEE News..and other trendsetters, finally to all people who take part in discussion programs particularly on cricket (speaking about nothing is an art) . Hopefully my dedications (and suggestions within) will be inspiring!!! I am not against discussion programs it is good for young people as also great entertainment. Entertainment though has become a joke now, in the stampede they have become jokers!!

Small cars are wonderful

Small cars are the best thing to happen in recent times. This blogger though is not really fascinated about Cars or Bikes, the only thing I was passionate about were Aircrafts (at one point I could identify most of them, even the early fighter planes…flying is amazing). The recent launches of small cars by TATA (Rs one lakh car), Maruthi, Bajaj…has riveted me. Further these days I have been using my two-wheeler quite often, so when stuck in traffic jam I do get ample time to observe models of vehicles. They are getting bigger and intimidating!!. I am all for occupying less of public space. Further cheaper cars are step towards not only social equitability but a step towards public space sharing the benefits were till now accrued by one section of society. The aspirational gap is reducing at a tremendous speed thanks to technology. Small cars are wonderful it will inspire and empower lots of people. Most Lower middle class to Middle class people like to move as family unit cheaper cars are therefore welcomed ( I recall when I was around ten we bought a “Lambretta” scooter, I would be sitting on the “stepny”, in between someone would look back to check whether he is still there, it was gr8 fun!!).

With launch of smaller cars people are pointing to the issue of safety (the same were raised when Maruthi was introduced), also people might prefer second hand cars that are quite cheap, since the fuel efficiency of smaller cars is comparable. However the move is innovative and quite brave, and is definitely good for the consumers particularly those families who travel precariously on two-wheelers. This blogger though would have preferred if there was a competition in non fuel cars, battery replication of Carnot looks difficult (also it would be gr8 to have a Formula One kind of race of Non fuel cars. Formula One as it happens now is juvenile indulgence, these events need to be severely taxed. It is a luxury that demands minimum of competence). In last two years atleast 100 trees have been cut in the 5 Kms radius I stay for widening the road, think of what is happening around the country and world. This is not a statement against small cars but questioning the policy on transportation (single person traveling in a SUV or bigger cars during rush hour is a crime).

Then there is the issue of traffic etiquettes. It is a disaster, people could even kill each other!!. When I was in Delhi I thought of buying a two-wheeler, did some recce on friends bike bap re bap!!….you need two eyes on the back to keep track on Blue lines, invectives are as common. Driving two-wheelers in cities like Delhi is the most dangerous thing to do, it should come in the category of ‘danger sport’!!. Despite the risks involved two-wheelers are efficient way to commute in cities like Bangalore. You can slide through the traffic jams, quite effortlessly. The blogger is looking for more efficient and comfortable two-wheeler, maybe a lock key for 180 wheel rotation. Also some innovations (like pollution screen) in helmets are needed, it is the most neglected Market.

Today is the Greatest day …..

I would put today as one of the top 5 days of my life till date, and hopefully one of the most memorable till my last day.

The day began as any other day, crowded traffic, problems in breathing…..and so on. After a relatively hectic engagement (geez I hate to be busy) around 4:30pm I was on my way back home. On the Trinity Circle I took a wrong turn and instead of going to MG Road, found myself moving towards Airport Road, cursing and extremely irritated I finally could take a cut in front of Leela Palace Hotel. On the way to make sure I thought of asking someone. It was then that I saw this man who was trying to cross the road, so I stopped and enquired. He was an elderly man and took extreme care to guide (frankly it was quite refreshing) he explained the route I should take, systematically without any hurry (I love such people), and I too was looking at the road ahead and trying to comprehend (too many direction gets short circuited in my CPU!!). As I was thanking him he smiled. That’s when something clicked. “Now….now haven’t I seen your face somewhere before….i know you….yes I know you” as I blurted these my memory went almost three decades back, the year was 1984. The brilliant face of a young man talking to then PM Indira Gandhi from the Space came flashing. Mrs. Gandhi I recall quite distinctly, asked “apko vahan se Bharat kaisa nazar atha hai?” The young man replied in his characteristic exuberance-that we had so got used to those days “saare jahan se acha hindustan hamara !!”. He was the person most kids wanted to become those days. He was an icon. He defined asignificant moment in the country's history. Today when I extended my hands and tried to stand up from my two-wheeler, as an act of respect, the smile is just the same. “Yes I am Rakesh Sharma”, as if I needed confirmation. In the cacophony of horns and speeding vehicles it took me sometime to seep in the significance of having met a great man, the idol of a generation. He crossed the road and I too moved on. The unlikeliest of place to meet an amazing man.

So here I was enquring the direction from an astronaut!!. That is life for you!!!!

Monkey business in Sydney

‘Monkey’ as a racist term is something new to me, probably to most Indians who don’t know much about racism as is dealt in the international level. Frankly I have lost the count of being called a ‘monkey’ as a kid. It was never meant to be taken seriously, it was partly in jest ‘oye bandhar’ (in Hindi), ‘eda korenga’(in Malayalam)

is more common than probably ‘why you monkey?’. Also consider that monkeys are considered sacred. At one point I used to think monkeys are strongest and wisest animals!!. In my early teens just before exams I used to miss my lunch on Tuesdays (the day reserved for Hanuman-the monkey God, the way things are seen nowadays it does sound quite irreverent). I still can recite hanuman chalisa ‘jay hanuman gyan gunn sagar, jay kapis teeno log ujagar….!!. to recite these was real fun. In English these lines roughly translated mean…praise the lord of monkeys- the ocean of knowledge and character, praise the monkey the enlightener of three worlds!!. Beautiful lines these.

The globalised world of 21^st century is quite a different place. As cultures of different societies meet we need to acquaint the biases and prejudices prevalent in other parts of the world. Any transgression that brings out these fault lines should be dealt seriously. If the Indian player is found guilty of referring an Australian player as ‘monkey’ should be severely punished, I am sure the players are aware of the context and repercussions. That is of course if there is sufficient proof. The so called gentlemen’s game (endearment by colonial left over, a case of self justification) is nothing to do with any gentlemen, it is game of monkeys (I refer this in Indian context and not to be mistaken for Australian). The guy who is closest to monkey is an embarrassment going by the name Sreesanth (he is a living proof of Darwin's theory), our kid is market smart though. More exposure, better for you- a mediocre player’s day out, his histrionics is disgusting. Another budding gentleman in the block!!.

Frankly any kind of bad behavior (referred to as aggression by media) shouldn’t be tolerated, it is an excuse for incompetence. Uncivilized posturing cannot be packaged as ‘part of sport’. It might give armchair imbeciles some cud to chew or potency to dreary lives of commentators (Why dreary??...well what else when half your life you are talking about “condition of the ball”. Take a break dude!!).

Another rule in game of Gentlemen is that you don’t question the wrong- as part of conduct. The Britishers were quite strict on that, the minions have taken it to the heart. It is now part of the culture, there is also nostalgia of servility. I am told it also makes the game ‘interesting’. Don’t know about that but one thing is sure a bad decision is good for TRP. The nothing-much-to-do media is ecstatic, the boy with leaf growing out of his ears can wait. Just what the spin doctor prescribed. The same reason they are so euphoric about ‘aggression’, it meets all that they cherish- it is low brow, gives images that rivets and can be played again and again, most importantly there is a scope for some talk. Small talks are now referred to as discussion. Howzzat !!

Nightmare in Rawalpindi

Assassination of Benazir Bhutto is tragedy of collosal proportion in more than many ways. Undoubtedly she was very brave and quite an inspiration to common people around. She could have contributed to stability in the region, it is a sad loss. It is a reprehensible act of depraved minds. It is also a pointer to increasingly shrinking space for tolerating differences. Fundamentalism of any kind is a serious threat to humanity.

Dictators are always bad for people, for the nation, for the neighbors. A totalitarian regime anywhere around the world almost always goes against its people. Army anywhere around the world has been source of misery. To say that some dictators are good and some are bad is missing the point. The unfortunate events of Pakistan wouldn’t have happened if international community had taken a stringent approach to the dictators. The problem is nations are reflecting the collective psyche of increasingly selfish society. The excuse nowadays is ‘it is their internal problem’ or ‘there are different versions of democracy’ (I just cannot get this one, how can there be different understanding of democracy. The basic tenant is absolute freedom to people-with responsibility of course, if citizens are denied basic rights how can that be democracy. Maybe I sound naïve (which probably I am) and I am ready to learn but I seriously haven’t come across any other convincing view). These recent understandings of variability of democracy probably are reaction to Bush’s attempt to spread democracy.

Dictator Musharaff will do anything to be in power that is the only way he can survive. He has done untold damage to the institutions of democracy in Pakistan as no leader (even Zia) has ever done. He in most probability will take the country with him. It is very unfortunate. Assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a heinous step in all likelihood taken at the highest level. Involvement of establishment is a distinct possibility. They are trained to kill enemies is it not?. They also have provided the space for militants to grow.

The assassination also serves the dictator’s purpose. Now Musharaff can have another period of emergency and rule like a benevolent dictator, also put a façade of fighting terrorists for the West (in reality it is in his interest if fundamentalists grow). He is a disaster, he is dangerous, he is the prime source of deshadgardi. He is scripting the nightmare unfolding in Pakistan. If this Dictator is not brought down immediately we have a serious problem. The heartbreaking events of Afghanistan could be repeated in streets of Karachi.

This blogger is extremely upset with events in Pakistan, the sights shown in TV are gruesome and terrifying. Hopefully sanity finds a space in the mayhem. Dictators of any kind have no space in civilized world Musharaff has to go immediately and face the rule of law. His hands are covered in blood. He is the worst that could have happened to Pakistan.

Aha so aren’t we safe now (a cynic speaks)!!

This is precisely what the secular fundamentalist suckers around the power centers and media holes are thinking. They will push common people further and further into Rightist lap for their own selfish reasons. And yes it is always the common people who will have to suffer and not these instigators.

We live in a world that is overtaken by values decided by Market, media is just an extension of this. However one may try to package, this is an ideology that doesn’t really work on egalitarianism. The basics are part of an alien culture (Compare this with Islamic understanding of monetary transaction), charity of any kind therefore is seen in an isolated context, since it is evicted from space of individual being it has to come in Market jargon of ‘choice’. Every relation gets defined on market norms, individuals are consumers. One may say Mr. Modi has satisfied his consumers. As is another dictum of Market you need a competitor and it is here we acquaint secular fundamentalists. This vicious variety is a new entrant to Indian society, a post globalization phenomenon, very much working on the western model where it is entrenched. These are kind of people who have absolutely no public backing but have somehow put on the mask of intellectuals who it seems are bothered about society- more at the superstructure level, it is a theoretical construct. It also help them to be a notch above the common people (a state of mind in Indian context has traditional connotations) as also maintain that distance. Since their reference point is West they have disdain or more appropriately a patronizing view for ethos and religious icons/symbols of common people. They have somehow managed to tutor themselves something referred to as ‘freedom of expression’ that an excuse for blatant selfishness sometime extended to narcissist level (look at how the West is trying to protect its so called of “way of life”). This world view is no outcome of reflective thinking (don’t ever mistaken that, they absolutely lack any forms of sensitivity), it is a part of extravagant worldview; the material version of it is the most obvious reason for global warming.

Using MF Hussein:
MF Hussein is the most well known painter, as also controversial (quite unfortunate that one). The other day it was reported that his exhibition was stalled. This is how they manipulate event, MF Hussein has become a pawn in the large game of secular fundamentalists. How much it is instigated by comrades needs to be examined. Since Left’s hypocrisy is out in open through Taslima Nasreen incident, it is a diversion tactics (incidentally Taslima was a diversion from Nandigram….the way things are moving I do see revolution happening in commie land!!). Archaic IIC is the most unlikely of place for Hussein exhibition, the very reason to suspect this was meant to be manipulated, since the setting is chosen next to corridors of power meant to have a huge impact. They say there was a phone call, yah some dude called from booth. Total cost: Rs 1. The Result: Main News for one billion people. Such ease with which they do things, that it even makes me yawn!!. The intention was to instigate Right but unfortunately the cue was not taken, secular fundamentalists are stranded lot, atleast they could have got some goons to ransack the premise, generous media will make it a mega event. Mr. Hussein has been quoted as saying in recent times that ‘he could return to India when he wants to’ but the secular fundamentalists want to give the impression that he is being driven out …that is a lie, few threats by some lumpen is not the reason to be ‘driven out’. Try hard one may it is difficult to convert India into a jehadi country. They want to inflate these small events as some major threat, precisely the way West handles it. The narration though is different the reason why it is so stupid.

Narendra Modi’s victory is as much a victory for secular fundamentalists, they should be celebrating after all this is about positioning, they can now feed on him to be in the media and maybe get some appreciation from West (the ultimate recognition). No questions on who are the people who will suffer. Secular fundamentalists are actually quite insignificant people it is only the market led media that is trying to project them. The repercussion of these vandals can be severe and I personally am really concerned about the affect of these will have around the country in the years to come. The feeding of these groups will push common people further and further to Rightist groups. I myself, a person with extreme distaste for religious fundamentalism have found the reaction of Right to assault of secular fundamentalists credible, issues concerning common people are background material in this power struggle.

Of course there is threat of fundamentalism particularly from the religious groups. But Congress party if it has to gain some credibility has to avoid being identified with secular fundamentalists. Also it has to learn dissociating growth from Market gimmick. People are not fools, we have seen that in ‘India shining’. Voters are not consumers.Also the perceptions of common people regarding the line separating minority appeasement and minority safeguard need to be clarified. Further they should take long tours of the country, it shocking the number of sycophants and incompetent people they have in the decision making level. They may look good in TV channels but lack realistic understanding.

Media in India thankfully don’t decide outcome of elections, that surely is a question mark on their credibility, the verdict is clear. It is also not shocking that most Delhi based lawyers are contemplating political career. Sibal, Jaitley, Singhvi and so on are working for their clients. Tomorrow if need be they can speak just the opposite!!.

It is all a tamasha. People are not amused. Arun Jaitley is one of the most dangerous politicians around (i have an instinctive understanding of people in Delhi and yes slick slimy Tytler can surely be a murderer, though they will never have the evidence- the fellow could easily be the Marketing Head of CoCa Cola and get away with ‘what you are saying we don’t even use water’!!!! ). He has positioned himself as some kind of strategician, an excuse for lack of public base, a remarkable position for sucking. So even if Narendra Modi has ‘toiled hard’, just keep an eye on how suckers based in Delhi are going to manipulate this into their advantage. Take Jaitley out of delhi he will die a natural death!!. Congress also has such set of people, they use the situation to work on their clout and mime as people with power, further working on clout and end up being Union Ministers of a huge country like India. Somewhere perspective is lost by this coterie in the competing sycophancy.

Narendra Modi’s culpability is as much as any powerful leader around the world whether it is Bush or Saudi king (the head of most repressive regime. They even have provisions to punish rape victims!!). If you are powerful then you are right is the rule today (it is true for exploitative products and policies also). Mr. Modi by any standards is a powerful and strong leader. He has been elected by million of people of Gujarat (I have always been great admirer of Gujaratis, and mostly had extremely pleasant experience) for an unprecedented third time, clearly he has done more to people what the vested interest groups like to admit. If brands like Coca Cola is one of the most trusted brands the world over for god knows what reason, despite the exploitation and misery it spreads. If vandalism is a choice under freedom of expression. If Market decide the policy framing despite the government change. If Saudi king can be the chief guest for Republic day parade. If millions of dalits and tribals are humiliated on daily basis wherein the babalog in media are grief stricken about Indian woman wearing nose stud is discriminated in job in West and other inanities and hilarious incidences of racism then Mr. Modi is a huge and remarkable success story in the times we live in. There shouldn’t be any contradiction.

This blogger strongly protest against US government for not granting Visa to an elected leader. In a democracy nobody is guilty unless proven by the court as much as democracy also provides freedom for expression, it is a subjective matter if one refers it as vandalism. Denying Visa to Mr. Modi is an insult on Gujaratis, as also Indians. A country that blatantly occupies another country against all international rules and norms cannot take high moral grounds.