chennai

By noon i was at Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram. A temple town famous for rock temples that were created by Pallava Dynasty who ruled this region around 7th century. Pallavas were mighty rulers and this region used to be an important port. Incidentally Bodhidharma the founder of Chan Buddhism which later became Zen Buddhism in Japan was most likely a Pallava prince.

I was looking for cheaper accommodation; the fellow quoted a higher price. I told him “that price is meant for people who carry dollar, you tell me the Indian price. I am not a rich man”. Well when it comes to money i am very straight in dealing, never be ambiguous on these matters is my policy. The man who was showing some respect shifted his attitude towards me, he turned condescending even mocking “ayo cyclil thaan vandriku”. I kept a straight face, he realised it’s not working. Instead of showing me the top floor rooms which were mostly occupied by foreigners, he took me to ground floor rooms that were dark and damp. Most rooms seemed to be occupied by couples looking for “quickie”, it is likely the fellow charged the room on hourly basis (atleast that’s what i eavesdropped). I absolutely have no problems with these but for godsake why put used condoms under the bedding (it sickens me). I generally carry my bedsheets and pillow cover-and a bottle of dettol, so i am quite equipped to handle these. Also carry mosquito mats, must say mosquitoes of Tamil Nadu are persistent lot that have even worked out the secret of repellents-it seems to have no effect. They were happily buzzing around my ears all through night, adeptly avoiding my attempts to smash them. The more I missed more I ended up slapping myself, once i was even startled out of sleep, for a moment i thought i was at school getting another tight one from the woman who called herself teacher and i staring at her navel all through the ordeal. Mosquitoes have made a nut of atleast one more man; it was reported in the news that a burglar was caught. Now you might think what is new about this? Well our man apart from stealing money and jewellery from the houses had a penchant for mosquito repellent. The fellow stole mosquito mats along with valuables from whichever house he burgled!! That was his undoing it made the job of cops relatively easy as he was linked to all the crimes where repellents went missing, he confessed. I am reminded of a scene from Rajnikant movie ‘Endhiran’ where mosquitoes were asked to apologise, it is no laughing matter.

Since it was happy mix of festive and foreign tourist season there were cultural programs organised, dancers from all over the country performed on the stage that was aesthetically done with rock carving of Arjuna’s penance as back ground. Saw this blond woman who i thought was enjoying the dance and song that she hit her thighs often, soon realised she was trying to keep the mosquitoes away. Geez it’s the mosquitoes again. Went for fish curry rice dinner, the restaurant turned out to be run by malayalee. Few foreigners turned up and explained that they want to see real Indian food, the one that was not served at posh hotel they were staying (it is called “experience”). The malayalee added many yah yahs while he spoke, the foreigners looked at the menu keenly and left without eating. The malayalee fellow was understandably furious and told another of his countryman “evidunna vanada evirekke. Chettagallu”. The other fellow said mockingly maybe they eat pig. When malayalees speak i find it difficult to keep quiet. I informed them that pig is referred to as ham. “Haammo” he laughed loudly, i found him still smiling as i was leaving.

Early next morning much before the sunrise i was at the rock temple, i wanted to take the picture of the temple with rising sun as background, after initial threat of clouds the pictures came out quite well. These temples were redone after it was damaged in cyclone decades back. Later cycled around the place and went to other temples. Many of the carvings are exquisite. The pair of antelopes at Arjuna’s penance impressed Mrs Indira Gandhi so much that it was put on currency notes, they are incredibly beautiful. What makes it charming is the way the creature is rubbing its nose, it is almost alive. The artisans were not only talented but had their sense of humour intact. On the bottom corner a replica of the way Arjuna was doing his penance was recreated except that this time instead of Arjuna it was full bellied cat surrounded by gullible rats. Beware of false saints being the message. The baby elephants are so very delicate. At one corner a saint was giving sermons to headless students, a woman asked the guide what happened to the heads. The fellow said it was ‘destroyed by Muslims’. I was shocked to hear this, the man was giving wrong information, that is not how it is. Atleast from what i know the saint cursed the students for their ignorance and wayward ways which as the story goes exploded their heads. There should be strict training for guides, unauthorised ones shouldn’t be allowed.

All these created on a rock was most amazing, what made it remarkable was the delicate and deft handling needed since if you give one wrong chisel everything could go wrong. Surely these artists spend their lifetime creating these beauties. These sculptors and temples are considered as early form of Dravidian art that was to blossom to its peak during the later Cholas. By noon i was observing Mahishasura mardana. A boy in late teens saw the bull headed human and said it is a matador, his elder brother said in an American accent “no man it’s a greek god”. Their parent laughed and his mother clarified in what sounded like alien Tamil “what da what you are talking these are Hindu gods. This is narasimha avatar da”. Their father was seen hugging and clutching the boys. It seemed like small happy family out for quality time. Happy family all right but their dimwit conversation got hold of me. I said rather loudly staring at the sculpt that it is mahishasura, “Narasimha means nara that is man, simha that is lion and i don’t see any lion here”. I couldn’t control my sarcasm, it came out of irritation, the family went silent and observed me keenly. I looked away and saw a Coucal sneaking across the bush and decided to pursue it.

Next day i was at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, there is no direct bus so you have to go to Chengalpetu (takes about an hour) and from there it is another hour, buses are not very frequent. Vedanthangal is the oldest bird sanctuary in the country, steps were taken as early as 1798- with much insistence from local community- and by 1858 it was fully established. Variety of water birds and storks could be seen on trees and bushes dotting the lake, visitors can walk about half a Km stretch, there is a watch tower with a binocular. It is difficult to take photographs though i did see lots of people carrying fancy cameras. It is a popular tourist spot for people from Chennai. Had to wait for the bus for an hour so, the boy at the shop was keen on my camera, and asked me how it works. I thought he was a precocious kid, observant and inquisitive but rarely smiled, he got me concerned that one.

Phase III : Towards Matrimandir

I started from Mamallapuram much before the sunrise, my destination was Marakkanam located at about 70Kms. intention being to cover the distance by noon and anchor for the night. Some search in the Net as also talking to people suggested possibilities of lodges at Marakkanam. Thought of going parallel to ECR along the backwaters but again ended up at a dead end, this time vowed to firmly stick to ECR from now on. Sadras had some colonial Dutch forts that I was keen to visit but somehow missed it and by the time realised it i was at Kalpakkam. Kalpakkam of course is the town that has Nuclear power plant, the fast breeder Nuclear reactor-the one that uses Thorium. Thorium is obtained from Monazite sand something that is found in abundance along the beaches of Kerala, specifically Kollam. A place i have spent some time when i was kid, I recall many decades back while i was walking along the coast of Kollam i had this black coloured sand sticking to my leg, i was told it is monazite sand from which thorium is extracted. This sand is also rich in ilmenite that contains Titanium. Much later while i was doing a project at Titanium Factory i saw these black sand being converted into talcum powder! It was an amazing experience. Incidentally studies along these coastal regions have not been able to establish any definite link between cancer and Monazite.

Track from Mamallapuram to Puducherry is quite popular among bikers and cyclists. A British couple overtook me (could make out from the accent as they wished me), they were in full cycle gear and customary helmet. The cycle must have cost a fortune, they had bags carefully balanced on back carrier. Their pedalling synchronised as if floating like a pair of cranes within moment they were out of my sight. As pleasing the sight maybe i wonder why couldn’t they use treadmill at home! I came across a shallow lake along the sea and saw some fishermen wade the knee deep water spreading their net, stopped to watch their catch. These lines from the poem The Coromandel Fishers by Sarojini Naidu (more about Sarojini Naidu at iseeebirds.blogspot.com)

Rise, brothers, rise! The wakening sky
pray to the morning light.
The wind lies asleep in the arms of the dawn
like a child that has cried all night.
Come, let us gather our nets from the shore
and set our catamarans free,
To capture leaping wealth of the tide
for we are the kings of the sea!

Watching the catch by the fishermen returning from deep sea early morning is something i always do whenever i am around the coast, to see the variety of fishes and trying to identify, indeed i used to spend hours walking around the Chinese fishing nets in Fortkochi, every time they pulled the net i would be the first few to check out the fishes. Must say the catch have dwindled quite significantly in recent times. Since Chinese fishing nets are also a tourist attraction this blogger thinks that the government should extend help to these fishermen to maintain these nets. Indeed Kochi is known for Chinese nets, a gargantuan conception that was introduced by Chinese traveller ZhengHe in fifteenth century. ZhengHe is an interesting character, he was captured by Ming invaders when he was just eleven and made into eunuch, he rose to become the trusted aid of the emperor and was appointed to lead voyages. He is believed to have died along the Malabar Coast.

Along the way i saw atleast five snakes crushed under speeding vehicles, even an owl-that really was a surprise: how did that happen? It got me thinking. My conclusion was that the unfortunate bird might have broken its wing or got immobilised in some way and landed straight on the road most likely at night. Another theory was the bird was already dead while it landed on the road since even with broken wing it would have struggled away. Sight of crows pecking the crushed mass was gruesome. The route was mostly isolated with occasional vehicles, the morning after a major festival is generally rather quieter this has been my experience all these years. And yesterday was Pongal festival, one of the most auspicious day for tamilians. Forgot to mention that just outside Mamallapuram i came across a village that proclaimed itself as “Sweety and Lovely village” in English, must be expressing their disappointment and showing that they aren’t behind compared to a nearby village that was declared as ‘tourist village’ and so foreign tourists were herded to experience the countryside. During pongal there were big celebrations specifically meant for foreigners. Some years back i happen to attend one near Madurai.

Few children waved one boy asked “what is your name?” in English, i found that question puzzling. Why would a kid like to know my name? Then tried to put myself in the kid’s shoes and presto the revelation: he was trying to work out his English (most likely he mistook me as some elite guy who generally converse in english). I would do the same at that age!! Much further I realised i had a puncture, fortunately for me a village was nearby. The repair shop also sold framed pictures of god. There were too many of them in varying size hanging the shack. The old man took his job seriously and with his thin dextrous fingers repaired it in few minutes. It seemed he was affected by hundreds of eyes staring from the frames. I accosted a man “which village was this?” though i was at an audible distance he preferred to shout back “Kuvathur”, ironic since kuv means shout!! Soon i was back on the main road, a gang of bikers sped at a very high speed later followed by thundering of dozen bullet bikes. Quite a sight that one, bullet bikes always remind me of my childhood when during army celebration a must show was acrobats on these bikes by ‘uncles from signals’, I recall a boy whose father was a member of this team, he used to be very proud and boast about his father being more powerful than hanuman! It is only when you are travelling in cycle you realise how fast these vehicles are and how marvellous these inventions. How much convenient they have made our life. The IC engines, the Carnot cycle-the PV and TS diagrams, the adiabatic compressions and isothermal expansions, i had mugged up these so many times before exams without realising their significance. It is now I realise how beautiful these theories are. What amazing conceptions, it is humbling.

I stopped to have many tender coconuts along the way and skipped the breakfast. Kanchipuram district is demarcated from Villipuram by a lake that extend to the ocean, as soon as you cross this lake the terrain changes to shrubby and hotter. It’s a region marked by sparse vegetations and isolated stretches, that it was mid noon added to the discomfort. Soon i realised i am not enjoying the ride and was getting annoyed. People do put themselves in discomforting situation voluntarily, i was thinking of stampede deaths at Shabrimala the day before. But people do it for gratification from god or later gains mine didn’t seem to be falling into any category, that got me concerned. Actions need to have justification is it not? But i guess these never occurred to me, and sometimes create uniquely difficult situations for myself. I have been in such situation many times before! As i was thinking these i saw acres and acres of land stretched on one side of the road that were filled with shallow water, it shimmered in noon sun and could make out few men at work, about half an hour later i was in their vicinity. I approached them on foot. They were making salt, there are few ways to manufacture salt this one was by drying sea water. The man (forgot his name) said that their work was similar to farmers “farmer produce vegetable we produce salt. But there is a difference farmer need rain, for us rain is catastrophe” (translated from Tamil). This one cultivation that needs harsh sun and no rain! Even now what is supposed to be winter the temperature was more than 35*C, in summer i am told it reaches about 50. My god what a tough job. Incidentally India is the third largest producer of salt, bulk of which is from Gujarat. This process of salt production is also referred to as ‘solar salt’ and is being practised from ancient times.

Marakkanam was about five Kms away, unfortunately for me there weren’t any place to stay. There is a government guest house that wasn’t open to public. I decided to cool myself and sat next to a shop and had ‘colour’-sweet carbonated drink that cost 5R. Found myself conversing with a man, as i talked to him i came to know that he too worked in salt pit. His name was Pakri and seemed to have come in terms with his harsh realities. He said he gets 180R per day. For a gruelling days work under the harsh sun this was too paltry. He said he doesn’t have any choices furthermore his expense are also less so manages it quite well. He was fascinated by my camera, and was excited about pictures of birds and could identify most of them in Tamil. That i thought was remarkable. I spent about an hour talking about odd things mostly he was keen to know what i do, he seemed to have an open mind about things. He thought keralaites are adventurous lot-well i have reservation on that. As i was leaving he told me to “travel a lot that is best thing to do”. Suddenly i realised how immensely lucky i was. There weren’t too many eateries around and those present were all closed except a small one next to the highway, hygiene was a concern but what the heck i was famished and could eat a truck. Food was really bad, couldn’t manage and decided to give up. But since people were found enjoying the food and i had already become an oddity i decided to pretend i am eating all the while dropped it to a rather excited dog under the table.

Puducherry was still about 30Kms away. I must mention that much before Marakkanam there is a small town that has moghul fort, i guess it is till here that Moghul rule extended, most likely led by Malik Kafur- a hindu convert. Someone mentioned that next to the fort there was a place to stay, so took a diversion for about three Km and found that it was a well furnished house and they only rent to actors and ‘famous people’ who come for shooting. Since i wasn’t both i cannot have it, anyway there wasn’t any need for them to mention all these the lodging was beyond my budget. But the best part was i found a small rather cozy alley surrounded by trees and shrubs. I sat under a tree for some time, and tried to take pictures of a very shy brown barbet. Further down some children were playing cricket under hot sun and it seems were short of a player, they insisted i should join. Found that extremely amusing, any other day i would have joined but this was getting bit sultry and i had to reach Puducherry or will be stranded on the highway that i realised didn’t have street lights. All through the route saw umpteen number of one room churches, being Sunday the mass was in full swing-louder the better being the motto.

Two mosques stood facing each other and the road went through it, followed by rows of double storey houses that were painted in bright colours. The toll roads exempt cycles, there was a mention of need for creating eco friendly surroundings. But must say highways aren’t traveller friendly at all, they seem meant only for fast moving vehicles. There isn’t any space for stopping; many accidents are reported as people park their vehicle on sideways or if there is a breakdown. I was watching this TV programs on car chase videos the other day (the one where cops chase over speeding or stolen vehicles and then pass it as entertainment for TV audience...it’s a cottage industry in US) and found that there is something called ‘service lane’. If not service lane atleast some space for people to park and stretch themselves. Few centuries back roads were sensitive to the needs of travellers there were trees to provide shade, sheds to relax. With increasing speeds of vehicles- that reduces surroundings as objects, highways have become impersonal. I happen to see many families stop their car to spread out for lunch and so on, wherever they could find space. Car manufactures are smarter lot but don’t know whether they have thought of introducing some design innovation to include converting the rear part into table and so on! It isn’t a funny matter many families use car (the lower end smaller ones) for travelling and picnic. Saw few middle aged men drinking liquor inside the car. I don’t believe these people, why would anyone drink and drive knowing fully well that their chance of survivalability is rather low. I do drink once in a while maybe on Saturdays that too very occasionally- a peg or two, but not very keen on these matter. I think most people don’t like these things in the first instance it’s the company you keep. I have tried all that could be tried...even drugs and found absolutely no fun, it’s quite dumb these things. Though i strongly suggest brandy with pepper in hot water for any ailment. It works miracles, don’t waste your money on doctors. Red wine and kerala Kallu (with kappa meen) top my list.

On the way i saw posters of politicians, i guess Tamil Nadu is warming up to forthcoming elections much earnestly. Mr. Chidambaram’s face in many of the posters made me smile, he looked a cross between amul baby and hema malini with ominously coloured blood red lips and an extra dose of mascara, the effect was hilarious. Don’t know how much will these influence voters!

By about five i was at Puducherry and had cycled almost 100Kms, something didn’t intend to. Auroville is like a home to me, this being tourist season i didn’t go to the ashram cottages expecting it to be full. After a quick bath went out for fish and rice curry. I need to mention here a thing or two about fish curry. For last many years i have been not exactly ‘Following Fish’ but yes Fish curry!! I have become quite an expert. Fried fish in potato gravy of Bengal, a rather pungent tasty mustard paste based fish curry of Orissa, tamarind flavoured succulent fish along Telangana, a simple coconut milk laced Mangalorean fare, spicy Kudumpulli fish curry of Travancore as also Raw mango flavoured ones of Kochi, fish moilees along kottayam, peppery Chettinadu fish curry, tomato fenugreek seeds filled kuzhambu fish curries of Chennai-a kind of thickened rasam, Goan style fish floating in thick tomato gravy.... have tasted all. Only area left is coastal Maharashtra-the Ratnagiri side. Don’t know whether coastal Gujarat is known for fish delicacies. Though i avoid fishes when i am in the interior part of the country nor prefer river fish neither fish fries but yes i do recommend Amritsari fish fry-it’s quite chatpata, as also fish fingers from carts of Pondicherry streets! And yes I also strongly recommend parsi Patra fish-steamed in green chutney, i do try to work it out in my kitchen once in a while. Fish is a serious part of my diet, and do spend a fortune. Though i prefer Pearl spot (karimeen) and Salmon, Sardine and Tuna are cheap and best. When housewives in small towns of Kerala meet they don’t ask how are you they ask what was the fish today!!

Despite strong presence of French for centuries fish curry around Puducherry has not even the trace of the much famous French culinary influence. Clearly people don’t like their food bland there are limits of accepting things and when it comes to food the lines are clear. I was reading “Following Fish” there is a mention on these lines about fish curries around the town of Tuticudi (Tuticorin) that once was a Portuguese colony “Puzzlingly, throughout the Portuguese presence on this stretch of Tamil nadu, its cuisine remained as untouched as its religion stood transformed. I came across no Portuguese influences in my meals in Tuticorin and its neighbouring villages, but, thinking, I’d missed something or simply eaten in all the wrong places, i later sought the wisdom of Jacob Aruni, a food consultant and researcher in Chennai. ‘its true, and it’s a mystery,’ Aruni said. ‘In Goa, for instance, the use of cinnamon, garlic and wine in food caught on from Portuguese. But in the coastal area around Tuticorin, they still use salt, tamarind and coconut more dominantly-the ingredients they were using even before the Portuguese arrived.’”. I think there cannot be two views on this: curry should be spicy, and is meant to blast in your mouth and open up senses. That is food and it better be that way. Europeans can take a break.

Samanth Subramanian-the author of the book, must say hardly a name i would associate with someone writing about fishes! But yes it is a well written book and I strongly suggest. Though lines like “we were not in Kansas anymore” seemed to be meant deliberately for international audience, obviously I cannot be against these but just couldn’t get the joke. I have seen enough western movies to understand “last chance saloon”, thought it was quite hilarious and apt description of toddy shops around Kumrakum, some are in middle of paddy field. There though is a correction needed: Kokum is not same Kudampuli, there is a mistake here. Even reputed recipe books tend to make this mistake, i think it is time to clear this once forever. Kudampuli or Malabar Tamarind also called Gambooge in English (Garcinia cambogia) is a small round orange like fruit that when dried becomes dark. These are used in ayurveda quite extensively. For culinary purpose except for keralites these find favor with Coorgis (where it is referred to as Kachampuli), and nowhere else as of my knowledge. While Kokum (Garcinia Indica) is obtained from a fruit tree endemic to Western Ghats, the outer cover of the fruit when dried is referred to as Kokum. They too have wide medicinal and cosmetic use. They are popular as drinks-a darkish red colored sweetened in water, also used as substitute for tamarind in Konkan –Maharashtra even Gujarat region. I guess it is also used in Rogan Josh from Kashmiri wazwan. Kokum and Kudampuli therefore are NOT same and cannot even substitute each other (ask me i made that mistake once while in delhi where getting Kudampuli was a task). They don’t look similar, the texture smell are world apart. Kokum gives a sour taste and exudes red color when put in water, while Kudampuli is acidic and much bitter gives faint brown color.

Puducherry beach is a pleasing place to be in, towards the south part of the beach the French influence is apparent and posh while the other part buzzing with life. I recommend fish curry rice at Aristos, though the service is bit tardy and chaotic the food-fish curry rice- is tasty and filling. Better would be to get it parceled since the place does get crowded, eating in relaxed ambience is what i prefer but rarely get the opportunity. It is sad to note that Indian Coffee House has closed down and moved to much smaller basement.

Next day i was up and cycling Auroville, the auroville bakery is my favourite, had raisin croissant and mug of hot coffee. Auroville is an agreeable place, started in 1968 as a settlement- a universal town, where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, politics and nationalities. Founded by Mirra Alfassa (since referred to as The Mother) as a project of Aurobindo society, the ideals endorsed by Government of India as also UNESCO. Mother gave Auroville its 4-point charter setting forth her vision of Integral living:

1. Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole. But to live in Auroville, one must be the willing servitor of the Divine Consciousness.
2. Auroville will be the place of an unending education, of constant progress, and a youth that never ages.
3. Auroville wants to be the bridge between the past and the future. Taking advantage of all discoveries from without and from within, Auroville will boldly spring towards future realisations.
4. Auroville will be a site of material and spiritual researches for a living embodiment of an actual Human Unity.

Miira Alfassa or Mother (1878-1973) was born in Paris. She came to Puducherry and founded Aurobindo ashram (Aurobindo was an interesting man, a revolutionary who turned into spiritualism...more about him in iseeebirds.blogspot.com), she was immensely respected by people around. I went to Matrimandir (Mother’s Temple), soil from 124 countries are placed in lotus shaped urn here. It is a place meant for mediation. Sat for few minutes. That officially ended my journey. Though it was meant to be from Chennai to Puducherry but somehow became Banyan tree at Theosophical society to Matrimandir at Auroville. It connected Annie Besant and Miira Alfassa, two remarkable European women who chose to settle in India. If I had cycled further towards Tutikudi i wonder what else i would have discovered...maybe some other time.
I leave with these words from The Mother that i read at the reception

A dream
There should be
somewhere on earth
a place which no nation
could claim as its own,
where all human beings
of good will who have
a sincere aspiration,
could live freely as
citizens of the world and
obey one single authority,
that of supreme truth;
a place of peace
concord and harmony...

witnessing Egyptian history !!

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

On expected lines...

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

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

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

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

its Moonlight Romance

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

Egypt cannot fail

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

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

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

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

Is hedonism liberalism?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

condolences...

An Open Letter to our Leaders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 17, 2011

Swiss account leak… now we are talking!

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

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

Serious breach

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

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

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

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

Welcoming International Year of Forests

Metamorphosis !!

Ye kya laga rakha hai JPC PAC?

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

very strange

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

Tentative but noteworthy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Confucius matters

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

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

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

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

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

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

Insensitive and objectionable

This blogger happen to read on the Net that French President Nicholas Sarkozy and his wife visited the famous Chisti Dargah at Fatehpur Sikri, it was reported that Carla Bruni had asked for son in blessing. Articles quoted the religious head of the Dargah as saying this. It is shocking in a country that is fighting prejudices against girl child; feticide and infanticide are common. Plummeting sex ratio is a testimony to it, and there are lots of efforts being made to rectify these. Carla Bruni has all the right to ask for blessing but to reveal the gender is puzzling- may not be quite a deal in France, she could have been more circumspect. And it is a different matter that god is in the business of granting gender based request, maybe that is what they call faith!!. Shocking is the fact that the religious head found it necessary to mention it to media. Further appalling is the matter of media reporting it, they could have shown some sensibility while reporting and may have avoided the gender reference, keeping in mind the socio-cultural context. I think it is too much to expect from Indian media.

Don’t be surprised if there is an increase in demand for blessing for boy child in here. Some may think this is trivial, it is not and these are significant ways in which disparities gets consolidated. Indeed the governments are taking the help of religious leaders to convince the society against feticide. About 500,000 girl child are killed annually, this despite strict laws against sex based tests and abortion. It is an uphill task. Least we expect is that visiting dignitaries are sensitive to local issues that they could knowingly or unknowingly accentuate. …

Enter the Leaf

The much awaited Nissan Leaf is coming into the market on December 20, it though will take some time to enter Indian market (wonder why?). This car has been named the 2011 European Car of the Year becoming the first electric car to take the award.

Har naari ki yahi pukar baap ke naam pe train ya car!

Some say this account is truly fiction. It so happened once Crude woman and Rodent went to chabis January ka parade. Since both had high level upbringing they chose to sit in the first row of VIP enclosure. The parade started and true to nature of pride of any republic military might was showcased. Rolled in armed forces in tight discipline, followed by arms and armoury. Then came the missiles, the biggest of them all: The Brahmos. Crude woman looked at Rodent, Rodent looked backed at Crude woman they both nodded. Next day they were at Madam’s door.
“Kya hai?” asked Madam
“Madamji isko apne baap ke naam par missile chahiye” said Rodent shuffling his leg “badi missile se bada naam aur hamara yahan par kya kaam” he tried to rhyme.
The Bureaucrat who accompanied Madam spoke “The naming of missiles is a religious matter. As along as Buddha smiles nuclear bombs will explode and missiles will be named after gods. And mind you we have thirty two thousand crores of them. Hum kissi ke baap ke naam par missile nahi rakhte. We have no shortage of gods. Understand”
It was serious setback for Rodent and Crude woman they had expected a favourable response “dukaan tho apni hai” they had thought. Rodent changed his tactic “hum logon ka kya hai kahi par bhi jee lenge” and tried to sneak under the bed.
The Bureaucrat sought to stop him and there was few minutes of jostling, the moment Rodent felt it was enough to make him look like a victim he gave up the effort the very instant and stood there looking at the ceiling and whistling, gave the impression that nothing had happened though he was humiliated. It was kind of a situation that made the onlooker hug the victim in empathy. All this while Crude woman’s eyes were fixed at Madam and it was turning misty.
“Look we cannot name on missile. You can think of something else” said Madam
“Aeroplane. Baap ke naam par hawai jahaj. Oonchi upbringing ooncha naam” crawled Crude woman.
“No that will not be possible Air India and Indian Airlines cannot be tampered with, all other airlines are private you will have to talk to them. We cannot help you. Baap ke naam par airline mushkil hai” informed the Bureaucrat.
“Ulfath meh Kaifiyath, zamzamahat me Kaifiyath, Gufthaguf meh Kaifiyath, Kaifiyath he Kaifiyath, Ulfath meh Kaifiyath, Kaifiyath he Ulfath” sang Rodent
“Gante meh Kaifiyath!” interrupted the Bureaucrat who couldn’t take it anymore.
Crude woman behaved as if she didn’t hear anything, this was something she had handled with dexterity in past and today was no different.
“Chalo phir baap ke naam par train he de do secularism ke khatir” conceded Crude woman but kept her demand “par fully AC train chahiye. Hum logon ka upbringing ekdam AC class hai”
“Shatabdi and Rajadhani cannot be renamed” asserted the Bureaucrat.
Crude woman was now on the verge of breaking down, tears welled her eyes. Not getting an AC train was taken as an insult. “Log kya kahenge baap ke naam par general compartment wali train?” "Call back hone ke bawjud yehi kuch kar pai muee?"
Rodent belonged to a school of thought that believed in half glass is full theory and so decided to give a woman’s emancipation twist to the achievement “har naari ki yahi pukaar baap ke naam par train ya car”.
Now that is when Crude woman decided to hug the Rodent, they patted each other. While they walked out Rodent emphasised the victory “har naari ki yahi pukaar baap ke naam par train ya car” and added “theorya anek par bache char”
“Why so?” asked Crude woman
“Apne Sen babu ke liye. International connections!”

Post Script: Also visit http://www.santabanta.com/cinema.asp?pid=41964 to understand journalism. These people are like gang of pickpockets. They pick the wallet and pass it on, and then regroup. You won’t find them anywhere near money, it is about power, influence, nepotism and so on.

What a sight!!

There really cannot be anything more enchanting than flying, even the sight of it is mesmerising. For thousands of years many enterprising people tried find ways to fly but without success, it is quite unbelievable that art of flying was achieved only about a century back. Unbelievable, since the way the aviation industry has advanced in recent years it gives the impression that we knew it all along. This blogger had recurring dreams of flying or rather floating in air in childhood, many times found it difficult to distinguish real from dream. For sometime i carried this grand notion that i could indeed fly and thought it as secret worth keeping! When i was six or seven there was this boy in the neighbourhood who was about seven or eight years older to me who tried ways to fly things i used be always be around him. We used to take the incense cover (cylindrical shaped agarbathi cover) as the body of the aircraft and slit it partly for cardboard wings, and work out the whole structure-sometimes it took many days. Then drop it from terrace, we did innovation by creating rudders. After much effort it did work fantastically. Goes without saying that it was my job to run down and fetch it for another attempt. That boy was my hero for a long time, incredibly a decade or so back i met him on a train near Bhopal and instantly recognised him, he worked in a Bank.

Later i did take up Aerospace and was really excited about it, a book by Kermode was my favourite. With an aim of getting a break in Aviation industry i was in Chennai, and visited offices of airlines, i recall East West Airlines office in Kodambakam. The HR fellow there always said come next week, he did that to few other fellows. And we landed regularly every week, wondering why he behaves that way. He didn’t even take a test and kept us waiting for hours. Giving hope to people with an intention of never fulfilling i realised is the worst thing to do. It was hugely satisfying to know that the Airline collapsed few years later. At that time i used to read quite a lot about aircraft and so on. Also took up a part time assignment at a flying club. Sometimes even took a local train to Meenambakam airport just to see aircrafts fly, it really was quite an exhilarating sight. It still is. Few months back i almost had a major accident while driving on my two-wheeler as i was momentarily distracted by the sight of an aircraft. Such a magnificent sight that one. Don’t know whether travelling inside can be that exciting, once i travelled from Chennai to Port Blair and inside the aircraft was worst than a city bus. Quite a letdown that one. Chennai also had a club that met on Sundays wherein they flew remote controlled aircraft, there was this rich youngster whom i knew and went with him quite often, he never let anyone handle the gadget, nevertheless it was fun to watch. There are some excellent programs in Television channel that does show lots about aircraft, i liked the one on accidents, they traced the cause in meticulous detail and explain how the learning changed the aviation industry. One of the best programs i have come across.

on low expectations...

...hopeful of some understanding

The runner

You will not see so pure a thing as this:
Movement alone, with its own emphasis.

Those were lines from the poem “The Runner” by Australian poet Francis Webb (you can read the complete poem at www.iseeebirds.blogspot.com). This blogger is an ardent follower of athletic events happening anywhere around the world, a very special interest in running-track events. Keenly follow the world records created and so on. The above picture is that of Chinese athlete Liu Xiang the world record holder in 110m hurdles. It was wonderful to watch him fly over the hurdles at just concluded Asian Games in Guangzhuo China. Indians too have done well in athletics taking few gold medals (need to mention the girl from Udupi: Ashwini who won two Gold medals, a natural athlete she has lots of potential). It is also satisfying to see lots of Keralites in field events; athletics has a strong traditional presence in Kerala. This blog will not be complete without mention of Preeja Sreedharan- winning a Gold and a Silver, she has come a long way.

Must say that the Chinese have done stupendously well in sports.

Bihar does it

This blogger is an ardent admirer of Biharis, i knew many youngsters in Delhi. Most of them are quite smart and hardworking but they suffer from prejudices (Delhiites do have prejudices against most outsiders especially against Biharis, taken to extend of abuse). Undoubtedly future of India pass through Bihar, and if the election results are any indications then we are in for a very bright future. There is a saying in Chinese ‘may you live in interesting times’; Bihar is in for a very exciting time. It is a high time that Biharis realise where they belong and their proud place in history as the land of Buddha and seat of ancient learning. This blogger is also excited by the idea of distributing free cycles by Nitish Kumar Government to girl students in villages. This is a brilliant idea; cycle is not mere mode of transportation it has potential to revolutionise, it’s about freedom. In its intent it is as much Gandhiji’s take on breaking salt tax.

Congress tho ab apni dukaan hai!! (a quote from tapped telephonic conversation in connection to spectrum scam)

I was reading Hans Magnus Enzensberger, an amazing contemporary German poet, the other day and I came across these lines from the poem “the wolves defended against the lambs” which i thought was quite interesting and apt to the times we live in

You lambs, why crows would be
nuns stacked up against you:
all of you hoodwink each other.
fraternity’s the rule
among wolves:
they travel in packs

Whether the Government in Centre change or not some people always have a hold in the power circle, frankly this blogger didn’t think on these lines or was even aware of these but having observed some crude people over the years i can vouch for it. It’s not been an experience i cherish, since crude can only give nonsense, would call it a waste of time, never be influenced by these trash people. It is a tragedy of this society with so many disparities that democracy- that sometimes is the only mean of redress or sense of empowerment of millions people- is held at ransom. Few thousand people around the power centres have consistently interfered and scuttled democracy for immediate gains.

Even though allegations of corruption runs into billions of rupees, nobody ever gets prosecuted clearly “wolves travel in packs” they share the loot (i am here reminded of a fellow named Sukh Ram, just a small example that punctuates illustrious post independence India’s history). Sonia Gandhi says that integrity of PM shouldn’t be questioned. In the meantime the Attorney General representing the union government told the Supreme Court that integrity not a criteria when questioned on CVC appointment, of course with much sophistication. Why do you think there are too many Delhi based lawyers in ‘national’ politics?!

Where are the institutional mechanism to tackle the menace the society faces like say corruption?. May this blogger ask why the recommendation on creation of Ombudsman that is pending for decades not implemented? Who is afraid of prosecuting the corrupt at the high places? Millions of rupees are spend on Commissions whose recommendations languish the cupboards of Union Ministry. Some years back i went through the ARC reports (Administration Reform Commission Report), there are some brilliant suggestions. This blogger would like to ask what has been done to these (and others too), if nothing is done what is the reason?. If this PM was so keen on economic reforms in early 90s and could take revolutionary steps as FM what prevents him from taking revolutionary steps to strengthen Indian democracy and prevent it being misused by coterie of people. This government has failed quite miserably, they seemed to have succumbed to powerful entrenched interest groups.

Ironically most Indians are not manipulative nor are corrupt people, indeed quite decent and go out of the way to help. It is a minuscule percentage of people that spoil it and lack of stricter laws makes it ambiguous and inviting. It is small time ambitious people around the power centres who corrupt, they are in politics, in media, bureaucracy, business and so on. Then there are fixers who work as gel, with market taking over they move around with dexterity with bundles of cash influencing decision makers at the expense of common people. They can ‘manage your image’ by creating perception and manipulation in media (it is a different matter that these exaggerations don’t work in long run). They have spread across the spectrum (no pun intended) with so much ease that it is shocking. The sleaze encourages anti-social elements and undermines the authority of the state.

This is to be expected, that is how National Political parties function. It gets confined to few people in Delhi, and further few in media who voice them, then there are fixers and small timers waiting for falling crumbs. Like MPs representing different part of the country we have experts for everything right across the street, indeed they can do without India. Why do you think Union ministers feed few selected in media, wherein as Union Ministers they are representing whole country. Isn’t this favouritism? Is that not corruption?. They are expected to address the whole nation that can only be done through press conference and not exclusive interviews (American model doesn’t work in country as diverse as India). An ombudsman would have definitely pointed out these corrupt practises. Recently Union Minister Kapil Sibal was seen running from one channel to another expressing his exclusive opinion against corruption. Does he realise that this nation spends millions of rupees on him as union minister and his moving around and spending time like this is costing nation huge amount. Has he gone to, let’s say, Tripura and sat down with the state Education minister and found out how things are functioning there and visited schools at the interiors of the state and interacted with youngsters?. I think not, nor do i expect him to, sitting in Delhi and fixing with few journalists may give the illusion of India but the reality is much starker..

These powerful people feed few in the media for favour and in return make the few in media powerful, and so it seems this is where India’s problems and solutions are to be found. With market and fixers we have a self perpetuating system that feed and thrive on each other, throw in money and sleaze, we now know what’s happening in Delhi.

When National Political parties rules (like Congress, BJP, CPM) you will find most ministers are Delhi based. If regional parties are more powerful and have a strong say in the Centre things would be difficult for this small section of people who are really a threat to Indian democracy and aspirations of people, indeed they have reduced it to a joke. A diverse country like India should have coalition government; national political parties suffer from strong elitism and self serving entrenched groups. They are in clutch of coterie of Delhi based ‘leaders’ who in turn are in the directory of fixers, it’s a farce. Wonder how a millionaire Delhi based lawyer Arun Jaitly ended up as leader of opposition without even ever wining an election, he may be critical of ‘dynasty’ but there is no doubt that he is a product of media fixing, he is an outcome of corrupt system and money power. Are there no elected leaders in BJP?. The answer to this is in the nature of National Parties.

Sonia Gandhi recently said “graft and bribery is on the increase”. I had to look into the dictionary to find out the meaning of graft (the only ‘graft’ i am aware of was stem grafting in biology!). Incredibly the word has opposing meaning it means “hard work” as also “obtaining money by dishonest means or position of power”. I am quite sure Ms. Gandhi meant the latter. There is a misconception that monetary transaction is the only indicator of corruption. Nepotism and favouritism is also how corruption is defined, it denies the deserving. I don’t have much of access nor have the time to apply for RTI but i will give a simple example of how people with influence misuse their position for favour.

I didn’t see the closing ceremony of Commonwealth Games, but did watch the opening ceremony there was lots of pressure to excel and they did it quite well (the one on yoga was spectacular). After a relatively successful conducting of games the closing ceremony was more ‘relaxed’ and this is where you can expect incompetent scoundrels to sneak in. I found out that ‘bollywood songs’ was an important item. Not discussing the propriety of including only Hindi (and English) or ‘bollywood’ to represent Indian song (they could have included songs from different part of the country as they did so brilliantly with dances in the Opening). My concern is: how they arrived at these singers to represent the country at an international event?. What was the criteria and who decided?. Shockingly a choreographer not known for singing was given the opportunity. It clearly showed the influence of Rodents (and fixers), why do you think he got into Rajya Sabha (crude woman would say: kya lagtha hai dilli meh kanche kelne aye hai?. One of the first thing she did was to get baap ke naam par train!. Small achievements in her little life). They even got the fellow who won song competition from the TVchannel they were associated with to sing at this mega event. This is how they work on the clout ‘you associate with us we will get you more’. It doesn’t really matter to them whether it makes us cringe watching this substandard fair or whether it denied the showcasing of singing talent of people from different part of the country. A government representing more than billion people will be having lots of money and perks in context to art and culture, there is huge loot going on, some people are using this to work out their influence. Must say asking a choreographer to sing was quite blatant, maybe it was symbolism to show their reach and contacts (crude woman even mentioned few years back that ‘Soniaji does return her call’. Wonder why would anyone reveal such personal detail?...well it is about showing the clout). If we can get a choreographer to bray at an international event think what else we can do?. In small timers world this is how stature is judged. I think it also means grafting.

When there was stampede in the Delhi based media as to who will get what portfolio in Union Cabinet i was wondering how does that matter to us. Been quite naive must say i wasn’t aware of lobbying, it is shocking if it influences policy makers. Generally sycophants as Ministers are quite susceptible to lobbying, it helps fixers to work out. National Political Parties generally have ‘leaders’ who are product of networking, it makes it very dangerous and is even threat to security of this nation.

Post Script: does privacy meant for rich and powerful?. I am quite certain that these small timers for their immediate gains have intruded into my privacy (believe me given a chance i would definitely pursue it to its end, so i expect rodents to wipe their track clean), latest technology is being misused. For last few years I am finding it increasingly difficult to use my phone or Email. Any attempts to widen my employment opportunity seem to be thwarted, in many cases quite rudely. It has left me quite stressed. Juhu b*tch seem to have the impression that she has Kozhakatta for me (Kozhakatta puzhngi vechatondo?...its Malayalam.), frankly it did shock me to learn that she is another crap working out her miserable career. And instigation also make them play victim!!. Only brits could see a Gandhi in this one, fact is even common people don’t want her anywhere near, she though is prompt with her muslim-victim card. Disgusting these manipulators. I recall many years back i sent across photos with Kolatkars Jejuri....it takes lots of effort these things, any other person would have responded but for crude woman this was another occasion to work out her clout...she was firmly at Mrs Gandhi’s doorstep!!. At personal level I was quite devastated, decided to quit Delhi.

I don’t mind these trash people doing nonsense-surely entertaining- but intrusion of privacy is a different matter. It has put me in severe stress in last few years and ruined all my social relations. It is likely that crude people and fixers have not come across likes of me. Frankly i am not interested in these trash people i consider it a waste of time, i guess i know what they are all about and don’t want to be in their vicinity even for a million dollar!.
I also have to spend more time to post my blog every time it seems to be corrupted.

Classic

Did the readers of this blog heard that Japanese Justice Minister Minoru Yanagida stepped down yesterday? He admitted that "Being justice minister is easy because I only ever have to remember two phrases, which I can use whenever I am stuck for an answer to a question in parliament: 'I refrain from making comments on a specific issue' and 'We are dealing with the matter based on laws and evidence'. This blogger thinks that he shouldn't been asked to resign for being candid. Indian politicians and bureaucrats will never admit but do it all the time, there is a memorable scene in Peepli (live) regarding this.

Do not know whether it is a copyright violation but i had to post this clip from Dilbert, a site i visit regularly and want every reader of this blog to (http://www.dilbert.com/), it makes my day these little funny things. Scot Adams is an amazing guy to come out with these consistently brilliant stuff.

Freedom...

A picture can speak a million words!!

This a photo i took sometime back happens to be my favourite, there are others too i like but this one stands out. I took this at a temple (shani mandir) on an island about an hour on boat in Chilka Lake. It’s a child and her grandmother, they were travelling in the same boat as i was with thier family, i caught them in this rare moment of intimacy just before we were about to leave (it is likely they had recent bereavemant or something has gone wrong in thier life...they were profuse in their praying). I had to be quick and surreptitious, furthermore i was in pain from a recent fall (slipped flat on the mossy concrete, goodness me how i escaped from sure fracture or something serious, it really was quite a bad fall, my concern though was costly camera. Geez i hope i don’t run out of luck...i have stretched it for 15 years now, in all big cities, small cities and nooks and corners!!. One day god might say ok boy time up for you!!). What i like about this picture is not only the warmth (it’s so alive) but the fading colours of the wall, though i desperately wanted the bright green toy in the child’s hand to be visible. Colour of the basket, delicate patterns of white flower on the saree, pink hair band...o how i would have loved if the child was wearing a bright red or yellow frock, that could have made the picture brilliant. I am getting greedy now, next i might want the sky mauve maroon!!