You have made your point Mr Hazare

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

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

Cartoon time!!

criminality, pure and simple

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

There were actors and then there was Shammi Kapoor !!

The hunger strike

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



The hunger artist

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

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

Market’s orphans

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

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

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

On why Ela Bhatt is an important person of our time

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

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

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

Celebrating Tagore

Why a paradise turned to hell?

….more you think about it, more it becomes surreal….or is there something the world doesn’t know? What this blogger knows about Norway (from the Net) is that it is a quaint little country with not much disparities among its population who enjoy a high standard of living. What created so much anger in this pristine and comfortable surrounding is difficult to fathom. It is shocking that a single man with enough ammunition could go around shooting 100 odd people-mostly youngsters, never even heard a thing like this before, it’s unbelievable.

In the meantime I take strong exception to the “experts” who tend to come in 24x7 TV channels. One man even reminded us, as the tragedy was unfolding in Oslo, that Islamists were targeting Norway, firstly because of involvement in Afghanistan (this stand gets the veneer of condoning in certain circle) and secondly he quite obnoxiously pointed the presence of newspaper office that published Mohamed cartoons in the vicinity of blast. Why do we need these views? Why can’t the TV channels (BBC in this case) behave more maturely?

Two questions, dho sawal, randu chodiyam, eradu prashna !!!

This an earlier blog i posted some years back...was reading it other day and so thought of republishing!!

It was in my mid twenties that I came across this remarkable book (most probably from the pavement of Chennai, not sure though) The Great Religions –by which men live (Floyd Ross and Tynette Hills). Published in 1956 Beacon Press USA it is quite an old book, the pages are so fragile that I keep it in a plastic cover. I had a fractious relation with religion in my teens, later though I did try to explore this concept and I have traveled to most sacred spots of all the religions that exist in the country. Also read about other religions and animist traditions not found in this region. I recall interacting and asking questions with people on religion and their perspective. It was an amazing experience.

This book tries to bring in the best of all religion and therefore a good reference point. The forward to the book says “it is unfair to measure any religion by its lowest expressions. All religions have their heights as well as their lowlands, and the heights are to be seen clearly in their creators, their founders and their great literature. The measure of religion is its best ideals”. This precisely the point of exploration in this blog- the followers take on religion with reference to two very simple but relevant questions. I started this a year back and could have finished it in few weeks but then earning is important- so had to break into months (geez if only I had won the jackpot at race, anyway i won enough to sponsor my tour!!), also I wasn’t only into these when traveling there are many more interesting thing to work on and observe. Years back I used to do things for my personal understanding now that I have a blog and a camera I am attempting to document these. I am always curios about what common people thought about their surroundings and events centuries ago, unfortunately there were no blogs. Few centuries from now if someone bumps into my blog and gets some understanding I will be honored. In that sense history has just began: The history of common people. Also this ‘inquiry’ is very much influenced by tradition of Greek philosophers- they started with simple questions, and Indian mystics. The intention of religion has always been for common good by enlightened people. It provides solace to people in day to day hardships and unpredictability. It is a reference point that connects individual to the infinite. It provides private space for communion with the almighty. Religion is a force that has guided millions of people throughout the centuries to goodness.

Care was taken to choose people who were ardent follower and practitioner of the religion and not those who were part of power structure or heads-that would be skewed opinion. Although I am putting their snap but I gave them anonymity by not revealing their name. Also, the locations were chosen that had a symbolic reference to the concerned religion in this country. Covering the relegions in india is like covering the world!!. Its amazing. Probably what is left is Shintoism, Taoism, Confucianism...

The two questions asked were:

What does religion mean to you?.....the answers generally had the elements of the religion the person followed. His/her perspective on best of the religion that has percolated into their understanding, and therefore attitude.

What does happiness mean to you?....in the increasingly consumerist world we live in the question is very pertinent. Surprisingly none of the response had any reference to money or material. One wonders whether market is really in sync with human nature, are we creating a schizophrenic society?. Nothing explains complete disregard to people, environment and surrounding. Also note that the western understanding of secularism is anti-religion as a reaction to atrocities and irrationality of faith. But this distancing from religion has put them in the lap of consumerism. It is therefore not a coincidence that in western context secularism goes quite easily with greed and indulgence. Also note no religion ever encourages profligacy bringing it in direct contradiction to consumerism. The attack on religion in the name of secularism needs to be seen in this context also.

Sikh at Harmandir sahib (Golden temple, Amritsar, Punjab)

What does religion mean to you?

The one that helps everyone (jisse sabka bhalla hoe). Guru Gobind Singh ji is our path. This amrith pani (the one that surrounds the Harmandir Sahib where the holy Guru Granth is kept) will spread pureness. It will help everyone. Nam japo or kirat karo (take lords name and do righteous acts)

What does happiness mean to you?

The action that helps everyone brings happiness. Sharing is happiness.

About Sikhism and golden temple: Sikhism was founded by Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, (1469-1538). At Sultanpur, he received a vision to preach the way to enlightenment and God. The word Sikh means learner. Golden temple is the most revered place of worship for Sikhs and one of the oldest Gurdwaras. Guru Granth Sahib is the holy text. The Sikhs are to have five K’s, one includes uncut Kesh-hair, making them easily recognizable with turban. Sikhs are spread throughout the world, there are some 30million followers of Sikhism.

Buddhist monk at Dharamshala (McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is compassion. If you are compassionate then you become enlightened.

What does happiness mean to you?

Well at this point I am not very happy, I cannot speak. I am getting nightmares about Tibet. I am not getting sleep.

Since most monks are not very communicative, mostly smiling at the question. Not entirely satisfied with above answers I decided to ask the questions to someone who is comfortable with probing. I found this young man, he had come from Tibet in 1997.

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is one that creates holiness that brings spiritualism in one oneself.

What does happiness mean to you?

Right thinking creates right action that produces happiness. You have to think right. (since he had left his family, friends, home, at Tibet and was uncertain about future I asked him isn’t it difficult to have that state of mind)…context of the mind changes, you have to create.

About Buddhism and Dharamshala: Buddhism is based on the teaching of Gautama Buddha (560 to 480 BC). Buddha gave the middle path- a path of moderation, separating from extremes of self indulgence and self mortification. He gave insight into the nature and cause of human suffering which was ignorance, along with steps necessary to eliminate it. These truths were then categorized into the Four Nobel Truth- the state of supreme liberation, a state of Nirvana.

Dharamshala is where there is huge presence of practicing Buddhists. Dalai Lama is most revered around the world.

Muslim at Jama Masjid (old Delhi)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion speaks truth, follow Allah follow truth. That is all I know and I do my prayers.

What does happiness mean to you?

Making other’s happy and giving alms to poor, respecting others. Create your talent (hunar) use it for betterment. Talent (hunar) is created by following usul (I guess the English translation would be rule or way or discipline). Ek usul hotha hai. Hunar usul se atha hai.

(Our man happens to be from surat Gujarat. He claims to be the best pehlwan in the town, he was also bit uneasy about being illiterate. He told me to create hunar through my pen since I was scribbling down what he was saying. Kalam se hunar paidha karo!!.....well don’t know much about that but yes I love blogging).

About Islam and Jama Masjid: Islam originated from the teaching of Prophet Mohammad in the 7th century. The word Islam means submission to God. Muslims believe that God revealed Koran to Mohammad. Jama Masjid is one the biggest and well known mosque in India build by Shah Jahan. There is much material on the Net about Islam, the bloggers may go through that.

Christian Sister at Palayur, Thrissur (Kerala)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion for me is love, doing good for society. Religion gives me contentment and strength.

What does happiness mean to you?

Happiness is about accepting oneself as we are. No comparison with other, envy creates unhappiness. Also happiness is not harming others, making others unhappy, by words and action.

About Christianity and Palayur: Christianity is based on the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians call the message of Jesus as gospel -good news. Bible is the revealed text. Christianity basically put the foundation of western civilization. Palayur Church is probably one of the oldest church in Asia, established by St. Thomas in 52AD. Christianity is one of the largest religion there are ample material in the Net.

Jew at Jew Market Ernakulam (Kerala)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is meant for humanity’s goodness. I say my prayers regularly and concentrate on my job.

What does happiness mean to you?

As Freud said (he reminds me that Freud was a Jew!!) enmity to others is cause of all unhappiness. Palestine problem is due to enmity and so are all the problems in the world.

About Judaism and Jews in Kerala: Judaism is one of the oldest religions tracing its history to more than 1000 BC. According ot jews judasim began with covenant (bond) between God and Abraham. Judaism is a religion based on principle and ethics. There is no single body or person but sacred texts (tanakh), traditions and learned rabbis. They faced lots of prosecution in the name of crusades and inquisitions. In Kerala it is believed that Jews came around 700BC some even date it to the period of King Solomon (1000BC) referred to as “black jews”, mostly found in Ernakulum market. The Pardesi Jew or “white Jew” came later during trade links of 17th and 18th century, found in Kochi. It need be noted that most have migrated to Israel.

Baha’i at Lotus Temple (Delhi)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is a way of living. It provides spiritual guidance. There are two sides of religion: Spiritual and Social. The spiritual remains eternal wherein the social changes with time. Religion is like a book and God sends messengers to add the chapters.

What does happiness mean to you?

There is a song I learned in my school (run by the Bahai faith) Time to be happy is now Place to be happy is here Way to be happy is to make someone happy To bring little heaven on earth.

About Baha’i and lotus temple: Baha’i is a very young religion founded by Bahaullah in nineteenth century. Baha’i means splendor. The Baha’i faith emphasis on spiritual unity of all humankind, they underline the unity in all religion and shun prejudices. Humanity is seen as collective evolution. Inspired by Indian tradition of reverence to Lotus the Baha’i temple was designed as a lotus in marble the nine entrance symbolizing nine major religions of the world. It is an architectural wonder.

Hindu at Haridwar (har ki pauri. Uttranchal)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is serving God. Bhagwan sarv vyapi hai (god is infinite, all knowing). Bhakti meh hi puja hai (don’t know how to translate that!!). this world moves with the devotion of pilgrims.

What does happiness mean to you?

There are two types of happiness. One is worldly- like if you pass an exam or happiness in grihasth (loosely meaning family life). Next is in serving God. The inner contentment that comes with devotion to God. Happiness is always with you.

(typical to sadhus in here he defined himself as bogi!!!. And said “ann ka datha sadha sukhi. Vastra ka datha kaml pathi. Meva misht anant sripathi”. He forced me to buy condiments-sugar, flour, butter… for him from a shop!!!).

About Hinduism and haridwar: well…well what to write about Hinduism??!!!. I am a Hindu…whatever that means!!. I do adore many things about Hinduism, most importantly the freedom, the non exclusive nature. It is a way of life. Please read more about it in the Net. Haridwar is a very sacred palace for Hindus, it means ‘gateway to God’. According to Hindus haridwar-har ki pauri to be specific, is the one of the four spots where the nectar from the cosmic churning fell. It is a sacred sight for kumbh mela. Ganges river is like a mother to Hindus.

Jain at Palitana (Bhavnagar, Gujurat)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is a mean to control negative emotion like anger and greed. A healthy person is a person with healthy mind. A healthy body is useless if the mind is not healthy. Atma is eternal, it is more precious than body.

What does happiness mean to you? Happiness from devotion, most happiness is momentary. Long lasting Happiness is a process that takes time for the mind to understand. Agla bhav (future state of mind) is very much determined by purv bhav (early state of mind).

About Jains and Palitana: Jainism is one of the ancient religions. True Perception, True/Right Knowledge and True/Right Conduct is the path to attain Moksha. Jains strongly believe in non violence and are strict vegetarians. Non-violence to minimizing new Karmas to get attached to the soul, every soul is considered worthy of respect as it has potential to become pure soul. Since Jains emphasized on non violence, Jains took jobs in business. They are one of the most literate communities in the country, generously contributing to educational institutions and libraries. I read in the Net that although they constitute less than a percent of Indian population they contribute 24% of the tax collected!!!.

Palitana is considered one of the most sacred pilgrim centers of Jains. There are some thousand odd temples constructed on the hill and is dedicated to the first tirthankar (guru) Adinath (rishabdeva).

Zoroastrian (or Parsi) at Udvada (Gujarat)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion gives stability and preserves virtues. Humata, Huktha and Huwarsta- good words, thoughts and deeds.

What does happiness mean to you? Following religion gives peace of mind that is happiness. Religion gives strength in hardship and difficulty.

About Zoroastrians and Udvada: a religion that traces back to 9-10th century BC. Zoroastrian is based on the philosophy and teachings ascribed to the prophet Zarathustra. There is one universal and transcendental God, Ahura Mazda- the one Uncreated Creator to whom all worship is ultimately directed. The energy of the creator is represented in Zoroastrianism by Fire and the Sun, which are enduring, radiant, pure and life sustaining. Zoroastrians usually pray in front of some form of fire.

Udvada is the place where the oldest fire temple is located in India, it is also considered most sacred since it has highest grade “ritual fire” and is the oldest continuous burning fire in the world.