Ye snooping kya hotha hai?

Last few days people have been talking about snooping. Gujarat again (must be a coincidence) is in the news for wrong reason. Suddenly so many things are being revealed. Then I realize this is election season. We will have to endure these for six more months, I am sure after the elections these will be non issues. So issues are contextual and surfaces as and when it is appropriate. They mob from one issue to another. Last week was about Tendulkar, I was so sickened that I shifted to foreign news channels for respite. 

I am wondering what is snooping. I am quite certain people with power and money can easily snoop on common people, and they do it all the time. People who are taking high moral grounds are just a sham. Indeed our Foreign minister was extremely cozy about Americans snooping on Indians. The government was found to be lacking in moral certitude. Learn it from Brazil. Dilma Rousseff stood her ground; Obama had to call up Merkel. And here they have supplicated even before the whistle. These people have severely degraded India. 

In the meanwhile some have been quite successful in pushing my blog www.iseeebirds.blogspot.com   into porn profile. These are just few embellishments in series of nonsense in last many years (earlier this year someone hijacked and took away my Facebook account!!). Any other person would be psychologically traumatized and collapsed. I guess these scoundrels got a wrong person, probably they see some gain from the venture. Hopefully they don’t leave any footprints, because if they do and I am in any position to strike I will definitely get the details to the minutest level. I guess that may not happen as the odds against me are quite insurmountable and is stacking up all the while. Being in the oblivion can be draining but has its charm. Anyway it definitely gives an insight into how Indian elites work. For common people these kinds of awareness are rare, and I intend to document it. We come from very ordinary surrounding and suddenly pushed into this can be overwhelming. It is not difficult to make money but cunningness takes a while. Over the years I know how despite public differences, they are all ek hi thali ke choohe. They masquerade as saviors or defenders of common people but these are clever ploy. Digvijay Singh, the blabbermouth, has now got his son a ticket!! As ZK says, genes aage tho desh aage.  

Common people are essential props in the compelling narration of Indian democracy. They queue up for elections in hope and expectations, while people who accrue place themselves strategically for the spoils. Elections are essentially about corporate fights, in effect which ad/pr agency is able to manage. India is too large and diverse and not decided by manipulators but yes since they are very close to policy making it grievously undermines people’s aspirations. 

 

Harassment ki duniya aur papaji ke dost

Tehelka harassment case brings in very important question which the media mob will definitely not catch. How children of family friends easily get the job? How are senior editors like father? Don’t they demarcate professional relations from family relations? Aren’t these so called journalists trying to take undue advantage of family connection?  Or is it the great Indian family tradition? Is this how journalists are selected? While youngsters from humble background struggle to get a foothold and mostly settle for something much menial. A senior journalist even said that the alleged victim ‘played on his lap as a kid’, such gehra rishta. Not surprising our sprightly young thing ‘chose’ journalism as a career. Few years in the trade they learn the tricks and as average people they are now ready for bigger manipulations.  

Is it not surprising that Indian media is biased in dealing with issues, opinions are mostly gross generalizations. The most marginalized people, the dalits and tribes, find rare mention. While the temple squatter’s family and friends (that includes elite Muslims, Sikhs and what not) run the show. I am not talking about the case in question, it seems Mr. Tejpal has attempted gross despite protest, but these ‘young female (and male) journalists’ are not doodh ke dhule. I personally knew many who were ready to go to any extent and yes quite sexually active with senior colleagues for professional reasons. They were rarely keen on projects outside cities and considered it disgusting. Indeed many were plain snobs and looked for short cuts. I am sure now elevated as senior snobs who can talk about India and Indians for hours, some foreign media even refer to them as experts! It is not surprising that despite being an Indian they are not even able to converse in any language other than English. It shows how they have kept themselves isolated from common people. I find that astounding.

Post script: I recall meeting an Editor in a social gathering for a book launch (it is difficult otherwise, you will not get pass the reception!), this was almost 15 years back; I ventured into possibilities of working in his organization. I had thrown away my certificates and had no contacts, I told him I can travel to remote places for him and write about the issues. The guy sipped his wine and said very calmly “you are seriously crazy fellow”. Later as I evaluated my options I thought if I can work on fiction and create some standing then I get to travel places …well it didn’t work. I guess, with a punter’s insight: I put the money on the wrong horse!! I realize writing is quite a tough act.  Blogs are really such a break from shackles. I am so grateful. Without blogs and other technological innovations Indian society would have easily swallowed me. I am because of blog. These technologists have created something incredible.        

The horrible accidents

Last few days there is spate of accidents quite coincidentally, these long distance buses, commencing from Bangalore. It gets shocking as you read details and see the pictures. I have travelled on these routes many times. As far as possible one must choose State buses they are safer, since they don’t have much concern for travelling time nor number of passengers, it works in the advantage of travelers. They generally don’t overspeed nor would they stack up passengers along the aisle. The private buses are horrible experience. As a rule never ever travel in private ac buses, they are dirty, stink and claustrophobic hell.  The ordinary private buses are another sort of hell, they delay the start as they haggle for more passengers, then to cover up the time lost they ply fast. Some of these private operators drive so horrendously fast that reaching the destination is nothing short of miracle. If there are horrible accidents there are many horrible near accidents that doesn’t make news. If the authorities follow and impose the rules strictly these wouldn’t happen. But then it is part of our tradition to create rules and make it optional to follow while those responsible queue up at religious sites to thank their luck and seek redemption. I am told they are also generous in their monetary contributions to the lord.

Making rules and keeping it ambiguous is a strategy of the elite section to make people take rules lightly, i.e. breaking rules is no big deal. This give them the leverage in breaking rules for bigger stakes, in the meanwhile the people are expected to take it as ordinary happening. As you don’t follow traffic rules and smoke in public places, we cut and mine away mountains and coal fields. There is a tacit understanding: You would do the same thing if you are in our place.  Indeed most Indians would!! The morass is deeper and grievous; rules are a joke meant to add to general gaiety of Indian life. Creating a lawless society or individuals who don’t give a damn about rules help in creating a society that is tolerant to corruption, it helps to create the ground for elite in its nefarious acts. It also emboldens the compelling idea of India that these are pre ordained and part of fate. Those who are able to loot are lucky people.     

  

I recall on the same route, Bangalore to Hyderabad, where the accidents happened, a fellow who probably was the cleaner took over the driving very late into the night, the driver gave him few instructions and then went to sleep. To the fellow’s credit he did handle it fairly well and drove slowly, (maybe he will try his tricks as he gets into comfort zone) all the while I had my heart in my mouth. Maybe I should have put up a complaint, then you have to worry about the procedure so on…so thank god for small mercies and carry on with your chore. In another instance the driver stopped the bus on the side of dark alley and went to sleep, while everyone was asleep I got up few times and found the bus at the same spot!! Then I ambled my way to the driver and saw him snoring. I shouted, awaking others too, some even suggested let him sleep you wouldn’t know he might take out his anger by driving rashly!! I have been in near fatal accidents, jumped out in nick of time. The closest one being on Goa-Pune highway, it was touch and go scene. It wouldn’t be right to criticize and brush all private operators with the same brush. SRS travels are run relatively efficiently.

Since I rarely travel on assignments (nobody’s slave nor contributing for GDP any of my immediate concerns) and mostly travel for fun, sometimes if I find the bus uncomfortable I drop out in middle somewhere and chalk out a new plan. Traveling in short distance buses through the day is an amazing experience, it’s always great fun through Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu during winter.    

   

The morons at Doordarshan (DD)

Originally I had titled this piece as “Donkeys at Doordarshan”, it does rhyme, but I realize I have nothing against donkeys and comparing with subhumans at DD is an injustice to donkeys. The way the officials and technicians have handled the telecast of prestigious chess championship is appalling to say the least. I am sickened by the sheer lack of even basic skills, competence is matter that comes much later. I am told that India is some kind of IT power and then you look at DD at such crucial juncture they fail so miserably.

I couldn’t watch the first day, I gather it was seriously messed up but even on the second day quarter of chess board was missing, importantly the chess board was on the corner as if it is not important as the players. I guess DD official have been bred with daily feed of importance to VIP than the event, you cannot change them in short notice. Such gross incompetence is amazing. Nobody watches DD, maybe that is the problem it is been controlled by manipulators who have no connection with competence or responsibility, the officials are generally chosen for the sycophantic abilities. When powerful manipulators get into the system it grievously compromises the competence. When I&B Minister also moonwalks as spokesperson of the party then you know how degraded this government is. It is also not surprising that these spokespersons (as also TV presenters) are adept in art of tongue twisting and brings out words that form amazing sentences. When you give a closer look they turn out to be Mishras, Sitaramans, Natrajans, Chaturvedis, Shuklas, Sharmas, Aiyers, Swamys, Sardesais...it’s like we are back to sanctum sanctorum vaadhvivaadh parampara at the expense of common sense or reality. Inbreeding ka kamaal!! The tongue has got connected to eye, ear and stomach while the brain shrank to grain size.  These are unique homo sapiens. It is in the cauldron of Aiyers and Aiyengars unique arguments and counter arguments that Kasthuri & sons (daughters maybe included) found the firmament for higher and higher moral grounds for the family values in business.    

  

Talking of manipulators I would like to know who recommended Crude woman for Padma awards, as also on what basis mediocre ZK chosen to RS. It seems pseudo secularism has more than its share of returns. I was watching some program on Sholay movie, it is amazing that even after 40 years the movie has such a charm in popular imagination. Salim Khan did some magic with the script, ZK was only an assistant which is a euphemism for arranging chai-pani as also massage when told. Now it is this kind heartedness that is taken advantage by ZK, not only he claims that he wrote everything on his own, you will also think ZK played the role of Gabbar. Script is only one aspect, the movie was a grand success because of so many other critical factors. ZK is only a minor speck, whatever positioning he may do. They are good at pulling the fast one and adept in using much talented/popular people to promote themselves (his gene too is catching up on this talent).  ZK calls it Zuhu Zyndrome. Whenever this fellow start screaming in TV, one need to be cautious, something ominous is underway, some nomination is pending (apart from of course gene’s movie release). These people have the capacity to severely undermine and degrade the system for their immediate gains. The degradation of DD or even the police force falls into the same pattern. I will not be surprised that mediocre ZK was recruited to work on Mister Gandhi’s nonsense speech. I guess Congress need to understand this fellow is only a small time manipulator and talented Salim Khans of the world don’t promote themselves too much. Needless to say the emotional nonsense of a speech was ripped apart, and we are so happy for it.      

Art is a huge term and encompasses much nuanced and subtle expressions, movies are only minor part. In this hindi movies are only one part. An explanation is needed as to on what basis a mediocre lyricist gets nominated to RS. 

Modi gains and looses credibility at an alarming rate

Mr. Modi is because of the amazing lacunae in Manmohan Singh and irresponsible Mr.Gandhi. Without them Modi is at loss, indeed he shines when he attacks them, he comes out as credible and decisive. The more he works from this framework more he stands to gain. He shreds them so precisely that it is a sort of catharsis for people. It is suggested though that he avoid Ms Sonia Gandhi, she probably the only Congress leader around who can command some respect. It is amazing that despite lack of communication in Hindi she has achieved so much and remains a genuine and respected leader. Glib talkers can learn a lesson or two. Precisely the problem when Mr. Modi tries to play statesman, he fails miserably and comes lacking. It is shocking that he has not much awareness on basic facts about India and gives an impression of insincere speaker, lacks credibility (but much credible and effective than Rahul Gandhi on any platform). Further he comes out as a man who seems to be lacking in qualities of introspection, with these he maybe able to connect to the generation next but more thought into speaking is expected. He seems to be the product of visceral reactions of people against an ineffective blundering government that he is very effectively able to tap. Bad times are good for manipulators and with jugglery of words it sometimes throws insincere but effective leaders. By Indian standards that is quite an achievement. 

Lastly why is the highest sporting award in India named after Rajiv Gandhi?? It should be Dhyan Chand award. By usurping names for political gains it undermines the talents of people and recognition they deserve, also it degrades the sanctity of these awards and allows manipulators to work in. It stands on flawed foundation. Hopefully these will be re named. Crude woman has a different take on these matters, she says, “baap ka branding bache nahi karenge tho kya padosi karenge …ye eda hai kya?” . She should know she has baap ke naam pe train. ZK Bazz calls it “reverze brandingz” “bohuth kamaal ki cheez hai mere bhai”.   

Let the game begin!!

There are sports that are followed across the world from Europe to Asia to America to Africa, the one that tops the list is undoubtedly football. Athletic events, in particular, the 100m and marathon too have massive following across the world. Lawn tennis is also catching up as an international sport.  Chess is another game that is followed with much enthusiasm across the world, what is exciting about the game of minds is that it needs concentration and involvement with the heightened nuances. Like any evolved art the audience is expected to have elevated themselves before entering the framework of this subtle game, and that makes it compelling. Next few weeks the world over, from a small town in Spain to the café in New York, the connoisseurs and ordinary people are going to have their eyes riveted on every move at Chennai. 

 

The painting herein is by Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch on Goethe´s Faust. Those who have seen The Seventh Seal (written and directed by Ingmar Bergman the Swedish director), where the protagonist plays with Death, will recall the haunting effect it had. A movie I have seen many times, it is Bergman at his best (indeed i have seen all his movies!)

Regrettable act of ISRO Chairperson

The Mars mission is about to be launched, huge amount of public money is being spent. Well, I guess, probably it will make sense one day. But when ISRO chairperson behaves in buffoonish manner then eyebrows are raised, it falls into a pattern that we are so very familiar. ISRO Chairperson is behaving like a high priest of ISRO temple. His unconcern for scientific temper and values associated with these falls very much into the pattern of temple squatters (therefore elite mindset that defines this society), diminishing egalitarian values. Everything is uniquely tied to matters of fate. With this act he has undermined the scientific work that needs precise meticulous, rational enquiry and open mindedness. He has put premium on temple rituals and therefore staked the credibility of ISRO and work of hundreds of scientists.  

ISRO is a premier scientific organization and Mr. Radhakrishnan is a scientist, though his inbred credential may prove otherwise. He has no business to be at Tirupati, this is voodooist. Most importantly the miniature model is the property of ISRO that he cannot take it out for personal reasons. He is being highly irresponsible. In an increasingly blind faith superstition driven society these kinds of acts by a person who is supposed to be having a scientific mind is deplorable. A scientific mind is a critical mind and not bound by rituals which is very much part of superstition, not to forget the regressive hold on this beleaguered society. God is not sitting somewhere to see that Mars mission is a success (God has better things to do that include blessing Americans every other minute!!). What utter nonsense. Clearly Radhakrishnan is not an evolved man, just another blessed fellow who happened to get lucky and so ended up as ISRO Chairperson. Such is the grace of god, they also have readymade story to substantiate each of these miracles. 

It also brings a very important question as to who are these people who become senior scientist in India or is it being at the right time in the right place emulating pointers for deep state manipulators, which is so important decider, the reason for fate.  With these acts he has done a disservice to scientific temper. It also falls into increasingly revivalist vision of Hinduism. It is likely that he has political ambition and is accordingly positioning himself. I gather this august tradition was initiated by another dimwit Keralite and former ISRO Chairperson Madhavan Nair. During his tenure this medieval man found time to attend caste organization. Our man was eventually found to be corrupt and used his position for monetary gains, so is languishing in the sidelines (wonder why he was not arrested). We are also aware of neat post retirement works of Mr. Kasturirangan. 

It is clear that Indian scientists are part of some rituals which includes calculations and knowledge of science. They seem to be giving impression of some mystifying involvement in the realm of uncertain rather than precise study. These people cannot really be pioneers or innovators (even if that would be piecemeal juggad work), they are therefore good at copying or replicating with minor changes. These kinds of people and their worldview must not be allowed in premier scientific organization. It is not only setting a deviant precedence but also demotivating for next generation scientists and scientific temper that this country so acutely lacks. Faith is a personal matter; personal tribulations should be dealt accordingly, particularly by a person who heads premier scientific organization. The expression of faith and conduct herewith in public differentiate evolved people and their outlook. These are serious matters and such misdemeanors shouldn’t be patronized as personal choices. Ideally this man should be removed at the earliest. In recent times mullah driven victimhood spectra has consistently degraded egalitarian values and exacting expectations. So maybe Mr. Radhakrishnan’s acts will fall into the space of freedom of expression and so he can even play victim with help of media manipulators.         

Crude society in egalitarian framework

 Though India has a modern political structure –that aspires for individual liberty and freedom, and gives the impression of a functioning democracy the truth is far from it. Indian society, except for some very rare instances, is a coalescence of amazingly primitive people. The social system is blatantly hierarchical, choices patrimonial, values genealogy driven. Individuals are brought up with aim of upholding family tradition, which in turn gets credence from caste/clan construction enmeshed in patriarchal norms and extremely cruel ideas about others. Centuries of inbreeding, which is where moral lessons are exchanged, has produced an amazing set of insular individuals. Lack of empathy within the family, to the fellow humans and surroundings has become a general nature of the society. This is how culture is understood, a culture that has family at its centre –a system that is deviant in its foundation, and sprouts mindset of self-preservation through caste clans. This extremely sectarian identity is where religio-moral basis of character of individual gets defined, the reason for deeply inegalitarian mindset. This primal decider thrives despite modern surrounding and egalitarian framework that democracy provides. In extreme forms it gets classified as feudality, in western framed pointers of modernity it gets easily enmeshed as choices and outlooks, the outcome with rare exception is appalling. The reason why Indian society rarely valued competence nor had any framework that encouraged individual innovations. 

Self was positioned as subservient to clan, the respect accorded herein is how humility is defined which essentially was used to acquire benefits from the traditional wealth pot. Individuals seem to be bred for acquisition and further family/clan name and grandeur, also suggested, for eons to come. The false modesty under the tutelage of patriarchy therefore becomes an important ingredient of character. Thus we have a sedate, fate driven, consumerist society that keeps putrefying as it grows. It is not ironical that individuals couldn’t really blossom despite family support and egalitarian framework that modernity presents. Indians have remained an amazingly mediocre set of people who are ready for subservient role, and compensate it by wallowing in their praise for self created pristine ancient culture. Eulogizing one’s culture as greatest in the world hides the sickening grandeur that stands on foul foundation. 

I don’t have disease of optimism nor pessimism but yes I have very less expectation from the new generation. Of course remarkable exceptions are always there but these freaks will have to fight it out, if the freakiness falls into market defined gradient then maybe they have a chance. The market has reasons to celebrate on the burgeoning young population but unfortunately these are nothing but lineages wrapped in modern pointers, it is unfortunate but young come with genealogical muck which can only be undermined, put in perspective, by years of knowing, reading, understanding and travelling. It is much complex, and takes years to remove this burden that has seeped into subconscious elements of society, the underlining factors emerge much slowly, to shed the hereditary nonsense and get refreshing perspectives will take time. It is an arduous task to get out of this centuries old insidious subtlety and sophistication, that has become our tradition and culture. Even a great man like Gandhiji found it difficult to come out. What is masqueraded is not what it is, the culture enwrapped in traditional muck comes in layers and layers, sometimes it takes a lifetime to unravel. The market quick-fix through youth power is superficial and in many cases accentuates the inequality, without any of the protagonists even realizing. At this point it is as shallow and potentially dangerous venture not as sinister as US Tea Party but definitely has the potential to be. The reason why redemption has to come from deep involvement in education, critical thinking, encouraging enquiry (it is not only about science but particularly on what is classified as culture and tradition, indeed heretical isn’t subaltern it is very much mainstream) and rejecting any privileges (or under privileges) due to birth. The prerogative associated with birth cuts at the root of ethics, it undermines all cherished values that has basis on equality, and is patently undemocratic. Family and tradition therefore tend to encourage undemocratic norms (it is instructive to note the anachronisms of royalty, another feudal pointer that has absolutely no space in civilized society. In poorer societies these are cruel jokes).  

    

There are some egalitarian traditions that have been subjugated in the mainstream feudal norms and needs credence. I was reading Mother Earth –The Unfinished Story of CK Janu (CK Janu belongs to oppressed tribes that have been wronged at every turn by the so called civilized world). It is instructive to note that she refers the outsiders (that is mainstream Indians, in this case Kerala –another bunch of amazingly primitive cultured people) as ‘civil society’. Read these compelling lines “…we created a system of life for ourselves through centuries of direct observation of the earth and Nature. We never had a problem creating a place for cultivation for ourselves, the implements, the vessels, a hut to live in and such. Though it did not conform to the needs of civil society, it was a system of life that was complete in itself. We could predict when winds would blow, when it would rain and when it would grow cold. We had the tradition of preserving food and drink for long time consumption, by watching when the leaves began to fall and when there were changes happening to Nature. All these were closely related to the forest, the earth and Nature. But civil society and parties looking for power had to cook up projects apparently for our people, but actually to fulfill the needs of civil society, siphoning off all the money and transforming our people into good-for-nothings. So they transplant us to where there is no space even to stand up straight. Without drinking water or a place to relieve themselves, the image of a group of unclean people was slowly created...” It is interesting that she prefers to refer her tribe as non civil society and there is no irony in her tone. 

Since market doesn’t put any premium on knowledge or rational the reason why in this so called ancient civilization society the young can be but market zombies with seemingly good intention (eventually at the moment of reckoning easily manipulated), that is farthest they can stretch. Since they are programmed to be recipient and carrier of great Indian culture, they are effectively reduced to mediocre who wait for hereditary legacy of property and business to transfer (this blogger has argued many times that hereditary transfers should be heavily taxed). 

Many a times when I see some smart children, which most children are, I cannot but pray that their parents die early. That is the redemption from the bequeathed muck that awaits them. Loosing parents may sound cruel for a child, but animals have sense to free after nurturing. Indeed in Indian context a child has a much improved chance of being better human being if they don’t have any cultural influence and learn to make their own discoveries and learning. That is why animals have evolutionary possibilities, Indians (as also zombie producing organized religions) are at a civilizational dead end. I was reading that Gandhi wouldn’t have been the great man that he was if his father was alive. Thankfully for us the old man died just in time otherwise he would have prevented Gandhi from travelling abroad, and Gandhi like a fine Indian cultured family man would have accepted what his dumb father had to offer in legacy and ended up as another bania carrying the burden of Indian culture, rather than the greatest soul of the century. That is the power of Indian family culture, making bania out of great people! 

Post script: there are of course some really good aspects of culture and truly nice people, but that is rare to find. One may argue that Indians could do introspection, learn and apply their rationality, be empathetic, generally be nice people….they have the entire egalitarian framework at their disposal, but still they haven’t, they will not.  That in short is generalization of contemporary India that I am accused of!!

Article 370 and ghettoization of Kashmir

Article 370 of Indian constitution has severely undermined the Idea of India as a secular and inclusive society, where every culture and faith is given space to prosper.  Even after so many years if I cannot exercise my rights as an Indian citizen in J&K then it is an injustice on me. It is an injustice on more than a billion people. Kashmiris are victims, when you create such boundaries wherein amalgamation/exchange of cultures and people are prevented then it becomes easier for fundamentalist forces to easily capitalize and create spaces to propagate their limited worldview. The State has helped in creating these insular spaces for fundamentalists to play their game. It is playing into the hands of purity driven creeps across the border, who regularly try to cross and instigate, very much supported by opportunistic agencies across the border. Also in the game is response by Army. Violence and counter violence, it has become a macabre absurdity. This has emboldened the hands of communal force within the region –who are ironically playing victims, indeed they have systematically eliminated kashmiri hindus (don’t know why they are referred to as pundits!) and are detrimentally trying to dogmatize the people and radicalize their worldview. Bigger victims are ordinary Indian people, they have been denied their basic rights as Indian citizens, as also so much taxpayers money is being spent to maintain this anachronism. In the hierarchy of victimhood much bigger victim is the idea of India. With this enforced isolation there definitely is no chance for peace, this will go on forever. Further these chronic violence leads to sickening of minds and gross human rights violation.      

As an Indian if my rights are not respected in other part of the country then it is a serious violation. We rightly criticize Shivsena goons on the streets of Mumbai for attacking the outsiders since it violates the idea of India. We rightly criticize when someone is not allowed to buy property in the locality. It is prejudice, it is a bias. If I am denied the same in J&K then it is bias against me, it is prejudice on my nationality. Idea of India, without sounding too pretentious, is the idea of a vibrant world. If we have this kind of system in every state then each state will be violent pockets like Kashmir. Then having created antagonistic sections if plebiscite is conducted then obviously people will choose to move out of the misery, indeed this is valid in any part of India. If people are not allowed to settle and conduct their life normally then it leads to animosity against the people who are not from the region. These legal guarantees for people of the region against the outsiders within the country is a serious violation of human right and is certainly fuelling division and chauvinism. Article 370 is deviant and must be removed at the earliest, it is indeed indecent to begin with. This is leftover of the colonial legacy. These are the outcome of purity seeking scoundrels, the elite of the society who also metamorphosed into freedom fighters. So according to their purity concerns they divided the country, ably supported by the Queen’s army (British are really proud of their ‘royals’, there must be something terribly wrong here).  

  

In the last many years Kashmir has suffered, more so have people of India, what we got is a  colonial legacy pupating on the blood of Indian soldiers and Kashmiri people. Realistically speaking LOC is the border and it is quite unlikely this will change. The idea of nations have permeated into jingoism and pride. Under no circumstance any political party in India or Pakistan will agree to creation of a separate Kashmir, indeed it shouldn’t be allowed as it will be based on religion, and this fragile society will very likely morph into theocratic hell, the affect of these on internal social dynamics of India will be detrimental (further no nation will like to be in geopolitical disadvantage). These are medieval ways of defining state (Pakistan foundation is an invitation for religious totalitarian state, the reason why institutions are fragile as it lacks credibility). So is defining society or human being in terms of religions. Religion as an identity is the narrowest expression, and any society or individual claiming as such is primitive. It is negating wholesomeness of life and living. It also is a threat to institutions.  

The violence that Kashmir is enveloped in is in and for the framework of an insular and artificial world; I guess much better option would be struggle (violence) for an inclusive world. Article 370 is an affront to modern values and an alibi for obscurantist elements. Bomb and bullets have not solved anything. Kashmir should be open to an idea of inclusive and assimilative world. Indeed if we believe in true values of democracy then we must fight in favour of removal of Article 370 at the earliest, it is expected that Kashmiris too join rather than being ghettoized for eternity. This will be a step towards an inclusive vibrant world. Inclusive world is the beginning where human rights are respected.    

The making of a stampede

Another stampede and scores die, this is something we hear so very often. Then the aftermath, this time around there is vicious politicization. When scores of people are undergoing immense hardship how can these people use this as platform for political bickering. The sickness of mind is entering the system. There are some loud mouthed lawyers turned politicians who have taken over Indian politics who should be told to keep their vagrant mouth firmly shut, they dwell in the illusion of cleverness. Secondly this is not This Vs That, significantly it is more of an administrative failure than political. 

I was at Mysore deshara procession the other day. Rarely do I go to places that are crowded, it is a different matter that I don’t have choice on these matters, so mostly end up in crowded places. In India every nook gets crowded whether street, trains or buses. God has been gracious!  We stood for about two hours in the scorching sun, I was told some were squatting the prime location since morning. What was supposed to start at 12.30 to 1.00 pm (in this part of the world nothing can be sure. The elite likes it that way, it hides their incompetence. It has firmly percolated into the mindset of common people. So you can say it is way of life) started at about 3.00pm, in the meanwhile the swarm had swelled. Sensing something ‘not very right’ I moved towards the edge of the crowd along the elevated sidewalk and squeezed in for a good view. There were kids in their best dress crumpled by travelling crowded transport (though Mysore is relatively quaint place, I haven’t experienced any traffic jams!! But today everything was packed and chaotic) and having spent inordinately long period sitting in the sun had dampened their spirit. 

So began the procession after much hooting, and some dancing to tawdry songs, that the authorities so graciously decided to play, by youth who had climbed the top of nearby buildings and trees. Invariably festive occasion, mostly religious, have some loud vulgar songs being played as part of entertainment (which of course is part of freedom of expression, in this case religious expression). The temple squatters who have views and shlokas for every goddamn thing don’t really have much control over these critical matters, indeed they actively support these. To attract crowd I believe, that is more earning and brand building for the local god. Subtlety is not something that has percolated over centuries of manipulation. As the procession started with finely decked resplendent elephants, they looked amazing but I was thinking is this really the place for elephants? They should be the jungle nibbling the grub in abandon rather than walking on a tarred road on a hot day… But my thoughts were interrupted by the mass that was getting excited and wanted to get a better view, slowly this multiplied and very soon there was stampede. Children were getting crushed, and people were screaming “police help”. There were many police posted but none where it was needed, they had taken position what was comfortable for them and not what is critical for crowd control (you look at the picture herein, you could see atleast eleven cops enjoying the show, some are sitting in the bus nearby). In the meanwhile as people were getting crushed the cops weren’t much concerned, they saw it but looked the other way, indeed some were not sure what to do? After ten odd minutes as the things were getting grievously out of control, an SI arrived he surveyed the scene with such calmness in his face that it was nothing short of astounding. I was thinking this is what happens after centuries of inbreeding, the calmness to look at misery with equanimity wherein you’re the responsible person. Finally an old lady who was on the verge of exhaustion abused him and shouted “doesn’t he has family, cannot he see the problem” (I am not terribly good at Kannada language but can get the drift). The SI managed a meek smile having had his pride recently trampled in public, and asked few constables –who were watching the procession with great ease rather than any concern for people shouting, to sought out, meanwhile his demeanor suggesting he hasn’t given much significance to the unfolding tragedy. And so entered some very annoyed cops and they started to swing lathis to the very people who were shouting for help, thankfully children were spared, or maybe they missed it. This is crowd control as taught to Indian police force, I am sure as part of colonial legacy. Why blame, politicians are more interested in using the police than any meaningful reforms. Incidentally the SI reminded me of Manmohan Singh, such wise visage, it takes centuries of inbreeding and heredity of manipulative nuances from the sanctum sanctorum precinct that everything becomes preordained, precisely what was playing in the mind of the SI. Such features are sometimes mistaken for humbleness, but then they are really quite humble, it comes with effortless ease and correctness of words. Just that from a stringent observation these are gross and in the context criminal. Like many I left the place at the earliest, so waited for two hours and left in fifteen minutes. So much so for famed Mysore dashera atleast in Dantewada dashera (I did enjoy that one) there is a tradition of swinging lathis, and you are forewarned.  

In MP were more than 100 people died in temple stampede, eyewitness mention that cops threw away injured children into the river as they wanted to reduce the death toll figure. I am sure the temple squatters are waiting for compelling miracle stories. It is the failure of administration, guilty cops shouldn’t be transferred (wow, such subtleties) or suspended but arrested. People who are responsible should be held responsible. It seems people who are responsible take their job as an act of service, which of course is voluntary, indeed it is we who are indebted. Interestingly the police commissioner of Mysore was at turf club the other day distributing prizes, such a humble man taking time out from his busy schedule. It was humble moment for everyone concerned. It is a different matter that his attention might not have gone to wanton manipulation/fixing that happens in turf club itself or that this space is a public health hazard with people spitting, smoking all the while and food served in unhygienic surrounding, that it should be served a notice and shut down immediately. Indeed I have seen cops in uniform indulging in wagering wherein they are supposed to enforce rules, it is a serious dereliction of duty. The tradition of temple squatters prescribes that you need very little space to fatten yourself concurrently it’s all in the mind.         

Myrmecomorphy on a morning walk

Don’t worry about the word, “Myrmecomorphy” means any organism mimicking ants. They mimic for protection –as ants are abundant so predators avoid, or for feeding on ants. The spiders do it in abundance, bugs, phasmid insects (popularly Stick insect), mantis, beetles…all have species among them that do Myrmecomorphy. Most mimicking spiders do it to escape the predators. This one here is female Myrmarchne plataleoides (a jumping spider) that imitates weaver ants. Look at the fantastic deception of first pair of legs as fake antennae. The below picture is of  weaver ant, it is so difficult to distinguish!! The most charming is the spider that mimics as if a weaver ant is carrying another one, it is a masterpiece imitation.