At Indian Science Congress, matter of forward looking imaginations

This blogger had the opportunity to attend Indian Science Congress, for layman like me it was quite an interesting experience. Visited stalls exhibiting the latest achievements of premier institutes of the country like DRDO, CSIR, ISRO so on as also attended few talks. The number of talks and the topics dealt were mindboggling. The children’s innovation section was quite interesting. Unlike last year in Mumbai this year care was taken to see that the squatter inspired pseudo-science is not given space. These nonsenses should be dealt severely. But unfortunately it cannot be avoided as it is part of the psyche of this mediocre society that has high estimate about itself, while adeptly playing high moral liberal game cleverly reminding our jagath guru status. The playact of couching arrogance in humility is spell binding performance. With rare exception the calibre is quite low, they just replicate things and dedicate themselves as part of ritual, mostly emerging from entitled worldview they also see themselves as scientists, without even basic aptitude of inquisitiveness or the context. When the ISRO head is busy with voodoo act at Tirupathi before an important space mission, instead of being responsible to the situation, we know the extent of appalling degradation. It needs to be pointed out that since independence, with transfer of power, the squatter hold over Hinduism has been incrementally overwhelming. Till recently it was nod and wink with western sophistication now it is open and on your face squatter. The former therefore accuse the later of betrayal, of intolerance. The authority ordained and through hold over democratic process, money and the feudal nature of society had played to consolidate this power structure, cementing hold over democratic institutions, extending through market and entertainment. The egalitarian ways, quaint culture, have been consistently side lined. The degradation of democracy and consolidation of mediocrity has been the constant narration in the last many decades. Meanwhile the narration of progress is mostly hinged on replicating modernity through acquisitions and copying west facilitated by entitled ways, patronages, hereditary transactions and nepotism. These largely remains the framework for upper mobility, hence entrenched uncouthness and manipulations. The reason why Indian attempts mostly lack the depth, authenticity or requisite competence. The sheen is shallow and no amount of self-congratulation and patting oneself can improve these. Fortunately this society’s pit is not the reference there are some extremely smart and excellence driven frames that values rigour and is stridently scrutinised. The squatter nonsense cannot pass the crap test. It cannot even hide behind the garb of religion as it isn’t one nor can they mullah feed their way to enlightened values. Indian elite stands exposed as they cling on to their primitive identities simultaneously defending turfs of modernity. It’s a predicament that deserves no sympathy and indeed should be dealt with all righteous ferocity. No amount of intellectual posturing nor defecating arguments or felicity with words is going to help. Mishras and Chaudharis needs to pause and give a long look into the mirror, the blighted home truth that they seek to intellectualise, before they venture into another well-meaning moral hike.       

    

The squatter’s uncouthness spread through feudal leaders, elitist bureaucracy, confirmed by medieval judiciary.  Meanwhile these crude ways were mainstreamed by market instigated media hence becomes the mainstay of entertainment (this blogger suggests FTII should be privatised).  Deviant squatter culture and traditions were consolidated and mainstreamed as Hinduism and even ways of life. Since these were patently primitive the egalitarian nature and compassion driven values that resisted squatter’s deviance were appropriated to give a narration of moral consonance. The reason why even while they discuss science and rational ways, they just cannot stop showing signs of entitlement, the superior selves as carrier of grander tradition that no science can possibly even attempt to evaluate, indeed understand. Some kind of enigmatic access to mystical ways that the world will understand only in some later date. It is so pristine and pure, hence by extension themselves -an indication of self as possessor of superior knowledge that no science can reach or logic can pursue, it is ordained as special gift. Primitive squatter sometimes try Zen master ways, the obvious contemplative lack and practical deficiency makes it a hilarious effort. This blessed haughtiness is what defines this putrid pit. It predates and concludes all the worldviews in its condescending sweep, that includes science. Here a talk at Indian Science Congress on renewable energy, specifically gobar gas, ends with holy cow and a shloka, hence by implication a claim of greatness of prescient tradition that the speaker represents. Reality check here being gobar could be even be from buffaloes or organic waste, as also there is no shloka on gobar gas or that it is methane. A scientist should strictly avoid these references but then that is asking for bit too much. That in short are existential challenges faced by Indian scientist.

I was reading this brilliant book The Ascent of Man (by Jacob Bronowski), there is an interesting take on Art and Science, the cave paintings as 'power of anticipation', 'forward looking imagination', the ability to visualize future. I reckon this is beginning of great art of science fiction, that many a times preceded the actual invention. The reason why I am referring this book is the critical cultural foundation of giving primacy to ‘grasping the world by action’, hands being more important than eyes. These are not fickle foundation that ‘believed that the world has only to be seen and thought about –and who practiced no science’. This blogger thinks this is quite strongly linked to egalitarian ways and practices that becomes basis for ethical ways in society. “We are more than a symbolic accident in the evolution of man, that it is the hand that drives the subsequent evolution of brain. We find tools today made by man before he became man. Benjamin Franklin in 1771 called man ‘a tool making animal’, and that is right”. Interestingly steel was first invented in Indian subcontinent 10,000years back. It is a remarkable achievement, but as the squatter spread their tentacles these were reduced to degradation, shockingly blacksmith is seen as 'lowest' hence humiliated and exploited. While Japanese were able to take steel to high caliber weapon in an amazing amalgamation of art form and science: The samurai swords. The same was done by Chinese on bronze metal. Meanwhile Indian degradation was compelling, there were sparks of brilliance here and there, but these were despite squatters. The suffering and torment of mathematicians like Ramanjum is a clear reference that if he was born in some other society he would have contributed much more significantly and systematically. And yes there have been many like him in societies across the world the reason why Homo sapiens are able to land probe onto comet. So it is nothing unique to this part of the world as is being spread by squatter enthused as some kind of divine happening that only some have access to. Also one need to point out the brilliant loses over the centuries as primitive world spread. As Ramakrishna Venkataraman (scientist, Nobel laureate in Medicine, on his work on ribosomes) said in a talk, that I attended a month back, ‘observation has to go with speculation’. Unfortunately lacking observation skills speculation became basis of understanding in this part of the world. It gives an all-encompassing feeling of jagath guru to what is essentially a mediocre bunch of people enmeshed in primitive ways. It is a desperate attempt to bridge the entitled, the ordained selves, and the realities. In the last many centuries there were egalitarian spaces that resisted degradation of squatters, providing ethical context for common people. These have been significantly reduced in the last many decades as power structure gets consolidated and squatter worldview acquires primacy. It is a putrefying society that has achieved unique unity in diversity despite ‘different castes’. It is an amazing achievement; it should keep the world amused. 
                    

Post script: this blogger has nothing against cows, indeed loves them as much as I love dogs, cats or aquarium fishes, all animals, but squatters will not be allowed to weave their cunning little world of compassion.

Bull and Dog story: giving humanly attributes to animals would be anthropomorphizing them, but I really don’t know how to define these two. I have been observing them for about two years. They are mostly seen together. First I thought it was a coincidence but realised that there is something more to it. The bull may look intimidating but is gentle, sometimes even snooping into the house to get some grub. The dog meanwhile waits, acts as an escort, keep an eye on the bull, while the bull too sometimes looks out for the dog. The dog is different from other dogs around he has a distinct wolfish face and rarely interacts with other dogs. It’s an unlikely friendship that seems to be made out of choice as they both live on the streets, quite rare to see these two species get along like this.      

Major security lapse and lackadaisical ways

It is such a shock. They had all the intelligence (indeed it didn’t need much intelligence) and the all the time in the world, and still we have a case of few people crossing the border with all the ammunition of their choice and enter into, what is supposed to be high security zone –military base for god sake, as comfortably. So much money is going into defence, at the expense of other basic and pressing needs of the country, and this is what we get. Some unfortunate soldiers were caught off-guard in the mess, the Defence minister was quoted as saying ‘unlucky’. When will these politicians know to keep shut? And then we have a senior army officer getting killed trying to defuse a bomb, it is clear from the reports that procedures were not followed. Nobody should die like this, that too a senior officer wherein the country has invested so much. Meanwhile we also have stories wherein soldiers held their position despite being grievously injured, includes a soldier who won gold medal in Commonwealth games. A major tragedy was averted because of bravery of these soldiers. They were ‘unlucky’ because of amazing incompetence of policy makers. Hopefully the nation honours them with highest awards. In the meanwhile Defence Minister’s (more significantly NSA) position is untenable, it is a job that needs high level of responsibility, clarity of action and collaborative ways. What is shocking is that they haven’t evolved a mechanism to deal with these crucial situations.   

This blogger is amazed by the shoddiness exhibited in Pathankot terrorist attack, it is a typical concoction of pettiness of protecting the turf, ego, general incompetence and sycophancy to superior forces. That people’s lives come low on priority is a known matter but this level of ineptitude is beyond words. This blogger is not an admirer of Army, and considers it as only a regrettable need and feel sorry for the people who have to join these. Exaggeration in popular media for army or uniformed forces is understandable reflection of jingoism that feeds patriarchy and feudal values, quite common in primitive societies. Incidentally this is true for most part of the world, the reason why the world is the way it is. There are some people who are ready to give away life for fictional realities and society consolidates this deviance as heroism, it is important for survival of nation state. So while they divide land into nations and fiercely protect, the wily corporate dig the land and sell it wholesale, meanwhile property sharks deal the people into dreams while family members kill each other for inherited piece of land. So much so for human being, and the way they keep themselves busy! This blogger was always skeptical of values of valour emanating from this framework that the West tends to fall back to romanticize, the jingoism of force of good. There really aren’t any good guys in the war; it is a matter of geography. But yes people who put their life at risk should be adequately compensated; the state is duty-bound. Hence this blogger asserts that this nonsense of one rank one pension makes a joke of this reality. There really cannot be One Rank One Pension. No soldier of the same rank can be compensated equally. It has to be dependent on the risk they have faced and critical responsibilities held while the serving the nation. It is not the rank or position you hold that is important but what you do. For preordained primitive Indians these surely are not easy to comprehend. We have had ridiculous demand of retired generals’ cribbing that someone from lower rank shouldn’t get more!! They have quite clearly taken concept of rank into squatter’s framework hence this arrogance and sacrosanct nature of demands. This society has lots of problems and needs but despite these defence forces have been looked after fairly well. The other day CNR Rao was saying that the money for higher research in fundamental sciences is going to nuclear and defence. The amount of money spent is staggering, even here the indigenous efforts have always been constantly undermined by vested forces and manipulators. HAL is minor example, of what could be produced is imported while projects are scuttled, delayed…so much resources are lost while friends and relatives of powerful people turn arms dealers and facilitators, jobs that mediocre manipulative Indian elites are so much suited to. Though recently things are changing, but it’s a long way to go….

                     

Crusader for the oil

Why International Court of Justice is still silent on Tony Blair?

SC pitches in with 'age old' verbal chicanery

   Recently the SC added to the deviant narration, though it was hailed by clever media as “Appointment as priests can’t be denied on basis of caste, birth: SC” to showcase themselves as civilised people, but when you read through the fine line it is clear that this is a regressive verdict cloaked as it is in egalitarian intent while aggressively diluting the revolutionary zeal and fervour of social change by TN government in 1970s. Dravidian movement was probably one the very few genuine movement whose enlightened thoughts has been over the years appropriated and blunted by mediocrity justifying squatter’s way into complacency hence into another convenience to grab power in the template of feudal ways. The verdict states that “Appointment of 'Archakas' (temple priests) in Tamil Nadu as per the 'Agamas', treaties relating to its functioning, on Wednesday got the nod of Supreme Court which reiterated that any deviation from the age-old custom and usage would be an infringement of the freedom of religion”. Now we all know what age-old customs of this amazingly uncouth and primitive world is. Upholding these has quite clearly showcased the intent of Judges (whose credential can itself be questioned, given how tardy the legal system is, incompetence is self-evident. Oh yes contempt!!) Giving authenticity to some garbage (also referred to as “agama treatise”, the usage of word treatise is an attempt on giving this crap some civility I reckon) is where the SC has made fatal error of exhibiting itself enmeshed in squatter’s primitive world, indeed it is not surprising as we know their incompetence, acquiescing to elitist framework is how you work out the camaraderie and enhance career. There is ofcourse a world after retirement, and yes progenies have to be settled. Meanwhile verbal dexterity is evident as they try cover up their primitive ways, afterall we are supposed to be envy exuding democracy and this is 21st century!!. They add “...such appointment is not violative of the fundamental right to equality but the appointment of 'Archakas' should be in conformity with the Constitutional mandates and principles”. “…the exclusion of some and inclusion of a particular segment or denomination for appointment as 'Archakas' would not violate Article 14 (right to equality) so long such inclusion/ exclusion is not based on the criteria of caste, birth or any other Constitutionally unacceptable parameter”.  

Brilliant. You could always trust Judges with verbal jugglery and related chicanery. In simple terms it means that in the game of cannibals there is a rule, also treatise, that excludes section B, now SC agrees to this framework as it is ‘age old custom’, the context or intent of age old customs is none of SC business (clever people posit it as tolerance. Hence to meddle with this will be intolerance, the site of angst for liberal sickular elite). Meanwhile they assert that section B cannot be excluded if the age old custom doesn’t say so(?!!). Hence when you deviously put contradictory parameters to create confusion, you cleverly legitimate and illegitimate on the same go so that some egalitarianism percolates into primitiveness. It is a valiant effort by squatter enmeshed mylords. Meanwhile this confusion is used by the powerful devious people to control and perpetuate their worldview. This is an old game that gives semblance of democratic ways but in reality is degrading people. Very recently they handed over key, lock and barrel of Chidambaram temple to squatters, as part of “age old customs”. Ideally the age old customs should have been scrutinised on its human rights record, it will be clear that the custodians should not only be kept away but should be tried for perpetuation of gross violations and if they seek to make hereditary primitiveness and uncouth claims then they should be put behind bars. They can celebrate these vulgarities as culture and tradition in their little pits. The frogs can have their moments of exultation but outside the well it is going to be a different ball game, it is where the civilization begins. They will be scrutinised threadbare. I again call upon the international community to declare India as gross violator of human rights and casteism as worst form of violation, much worse than racism. The sickular primitive elite can con act the distraction of saving the mullah, the reality though is this is a diversion to hide the scrutiny on themselves. Meanwhile legitimatising mullah’s degradation also attempts at legitimising their own primitiveness. The more they seek to protect primitive ways of others (read feudal muslims) more they attempt at hallowed heights of tolerance, hence kindred souls for the world community, meanwhile very cleverly pass in their own degrading home truths as they usurp benefits.  You will notice that elite muslims (include feudal mullahs and hedonist liberals) are extremely sensitive to caste identities of elite hindus, hence assuage the egos of primitive Indian elite. This also fits into the narration of sickular elite keeping the hindus divided hence helping the mullah, hence sickularism, it’s a neat solidarity. It is the beginning of syncretic culture of a region that has appalling HDI index and disparities, and whose elites are known to be amazingly insular and insensitive brutes, devoid of basic decency or attributes of compassion and lacking any competence. Such nonviolence that it kills. Such harmonious peace that it scythe the soul out of any normal human being.

This blogger has enough evidence to prove that there is a very strong extra constitutional authority that functions quite viciously in the grapevine of camaraderie, in the sanctums of cash rich temples (very specifically the debauch’s at Tirupathi) that have overwhelming control over mainstream narration, and is indeed the site of nefarious understanding of powerful squatter ensconced elite. They may posit as political leaders of different parties, indeed loggerheads with each other (recently debauchery of Tirupathi was replicated in Delhi, juvenile and wasteful rituals that mocks at common people, ofcourse with a claim of ‘age old tradition’. All arranged in a sport stadium, in a country that has no use for sports and other exhibitions of competence. It is firmly on the narration of providence and miraculous happening. Kejriwal was seen stampeding with BJP and Congress leaders to get immediate blessings), market gurus, journalists, bureaucrats, corporate bosses, entertainers, judges, sickular intellectuals, feudal lords…so on but they all supplicate to this superior force. I am quite sure higher appointments and stimulus are very much influenced and encouraged by more than benign blessings from sanctum sanctorum. They may have differences but they patch it up for higher goals. It improves the chance of being President or Judges or could even smoothen relation soured by adverse public posturing (the devotion of Kasturi&Sons towards these debauchery has some compelling age old reasons and contemporary strategic alliance). It has the making of hand of destiny that blesses with untold good fortune as also severs brutally if erred. It is no surprise that Indian elite of all shades queue up to these ritual debaucheries in the garb of age old customs, they supplicate till it hurts. Meanwhile sickular liberal elite tug the tether occasionally as a matter of affection.

PS: …and yes to scrutinise these people who work on manipulation and deceits of camaraderie I had to keep myself unoccupied. The reason why common people are kept occupied in the daily drudgery and are also entertained. To add it needs sustained enquiry, being alert to happenings and nuances herein as also wide readings and understanding to get into the depth of Indian debauchery. There are personal tribulations but yes I am very much up for it. This is a long haul, and yes no mercy please.    

Making a spectacle of tragedy

‘Nirbhaya’ was a gruesome tragedy, that it took place in Delhi is what changed things. The complacent policy makers were awakened by startled self-obsessed media. These things are unfortunately ‘normal’ happenings in most part of the country over ages. It is also reflection on mediocre Congress leaders, ruling for last six decades, who eked on sycophancy and manipulations, that these feudal lords were out of touch with people’s concern is exhibited from ineffective law&order machinery and archaic laws that were essentially cut and paste job of colonial rules without any context or relevance. Meanwhile we have to watch legal luminaries of all shades pirouetting the power centers with faintest of bearings and slickest touch to reality.

In this high profile case of ‘Nirbhaya’ (revealed by parents as Ms Jyothi Singh. Sardesaiji’s**t channel was playing on caste reference in the name with gusto, wherein the mother didn’t carry this demeaning reference. They have been milking this in every possible way, asking sickeningly personal question as the camera close focus the face of the victim's family, in gleeful anticipation of tears. Sadnezz Sellz. Sardesai with his appalling anglicized hindi, as if nobody else is suitable for this job, using his personal reference to try to get his branding going -an art you learn from self-obsessed mediocre protagonists of Bollywood and cricket -calling them artists/sportsperson is a stretch) the parents are easy low hanging fruits for manipulators. The family involved in the tragedy should be now be concerned on how they are being used. It is amazing reality of this uncouth society. 

Jyothi Singh’s family should be very careful, they are unfortunate novice in the murky world of power brokers and brand positioners who swarm like vultures on any hint of tragedy. Yesterday CrudeWoman was seen positioning herself for better camera angle next to victim’s mother. She has been languishing in the sidelines for sometime now, I guess now the itch is unbearable, with power and clout evaporating she is zeroing on this one. Victims are generally unaware of these higher stakes games, indeed you could almost see CrudeWoman salivating. Beware, very soon she will push the victims out to grab the center stage, then it is furious brand packaging to stratosphere of celebrity activism and gourmet spread. Her PR (fed lusciously for last decade of unbridled power and nepotism) is working overtime on this. CrudeWoman is fighting her own grim battle, as they snarl and claw in the stampede of staying relevant. All for our sake, saviours of people. Meanwhile fixers later meet to check the performance and plan further action as camera is readied. CrudeWoman&fixers have cleverly worked out their rojiroti except that for people around it's going to be just roti while wily CrudeWoman is already aiming for bhatoore.

Generally victims of any tragedy have best of intention that this misfortune (in Indian context it is never about tardy system or irresponsible policy makers but misfortune/fate of people. Guess which section has this tilted against? It is emulation of squatter template) doesn’t happen to anyone, and they genuinely expect changes, sometimes as redemption, as restoring dignity to departed souls in an amazingly crude society. The mother/father have best of intentions and we admire them for their courage that they use their immense personal tribulations to set the tardy system right. The system with amazing legal luminaries sidestepping to grab every type of gain possible as sycophantic politicians wait for signals from unknowable above. Meanwhile Ms. Jyothi Singh’s parents should be careful that they are not used by vested interests. To start with, no sharing of dais, keep an eye on creeping small time celebrities from the sidelines. These creeps will tomorrow emerge from some gala events with enhanced brand value.

It’s unfortunate that the parents have to undergo this nonsense, ideally the system should have been compassionate, if not, realized the mistake/lacuna and rectified on its own. A juvenile cannot be considered a juvenile if the crime is of adult nature as also carries the awareness of consequence. Is that difficult to comprehend?

PS: **Henceforth scoundrels with regressive casteist references will be encapsulated (choicest invective added) with their degraded identity and added "ji". That is Gandhian way of dealing things, i guess (Visit me at www.depalans.blogspot.com to get the context on this). It is amazing that Indian elite is so disgustingly depraved. I am understanding their existential angst and consternation as the rug is pulled, all nakedness and depravity out in the open. The liberal high moral ground has hole bigger than all clan can fill in. No verbal dexterity is going to be of much help here. Now only the monarchy references of the West can save their entitled souls, the parity in unethical ways is an opening for Indian elite.       

PSZ: ZK says ‘budiya ka brandingz ab Vibhushan levelz ka ho gaya hai. Bohuth aage nikal gayi hai ye. Koi nahi rok sakta isko”. When asked about climate change ZK scowls "Carbonz footprintz ki ma ki ankh"...more on these hedonist's conspicuous consumption as they try save us. Some other time, believe me the degradation is breath taking. 

The ‘savage Arab’ narration

Comics are not quite innocent as it seems to be. There are racist references seen in Tintin, Herge was even accused of being a Nazi sympathiser. Indian mythology is full of regressiveness that is illustrated without much care as comics, unlike endearing Jatakas, these are much sinister. Even exquisite mangas are accused of being too sexualised. In short comics are hotbed of ideologies. Now ofcourse illustrations have become much serious and tackle grievous issues. But comics are primarily targeting children hence these blatant ethical transgression needs to be dealt severely. This blogger was seriously into comics, and didn’t think much while reading, enjoying the story and remarkable illustrations so on. I recall when I was in Chennai, after my college, I was quite hooked to Commondo comics. I got into understanding with a street book seller, who earnestly pursued these for me and lend it. Many times I used to finish it in the nearby tea shop so on, meanwhile I was in some sales job and these were during what was supposed to be ‘office time’, the manager used to give wtf look!! Never was much bothered. Anyway the point here is since I wasn’t much into thinking, or maybe not much aware, I used to consume these without much thought, as most people do. Recently I was reading Commondo comics, and amazingly I was appalled.     

These are really quite racist, and this random one I was reading had ‘savage arab’ narration, ironically the brutal colonial soldiers from Europe where seen as civilising force, so much so that the British soldier even sided with Nazi soldier to teach arab brutes lessons on civility. White men as superior with ‘inbred’ qualities while Arabs uncouth is the underlining theme (note the picture of the illustration herein and underlined sentences, indeed there is a blatant reference to “forces of Islam”, “unholy triumph” so on, hence European soldiers are crusaders. Grievously this only an example of single page taken randomly!!). Shouldn’t these be dealt severely? Wonder how these racist (in this case communal/degrading clichés) materials exist? You will find similar theme in many Hollywood movies, of course much subtler, white men with bigger guns saving the world for us, these cultural hegemony though cannot hide the realities. American soldiers are literally foot soldiers of arms dealers and oil barons. As someone was mentioning they wouldn't have attacked Iraq if it was about asparagus!!

It is in this context that another of my areas of interest, the science fiction stories, is increasingly being occupied by far right groups. I find that disturbing. Science fictions are amazing speculative brilliance, and who can forget Arthur Clarke, Asimov (despite his stupid joke books), Wells or Vernes. The recent trend towards white supremacist in science fiction is too pre modern frame to be taken seriously I guess. It falls in the general trend of postmodern identity angst, hence the revivalism. The grand conception of self as extension of faith/group/race is constant anchor for insecure souls in tachyon speed altering nano space in quantum craziness!!           

Inability to see humans

This fictional reality of religion has really gone too far and is quite clearly assuming a debilitating context. It is bringing in muck that is claimed as human rights almost always undermining humanity. India is a society that is increasingly hinged on regressiveness, immune to egalitarian ways or thoughts. It is a coalition of degeneration, the worst of religious ways are tolerated and this primitiveness is elevated as tolerance, as some kind of wonders of multicultural society. The cringe worthy acceptance of deviant ways is cleverly orchestrated by feudal patriarchy, the power brokers who are amazingly insular and intolerant to compassionate ways meanwhile firm grip on narration. The liberal is assorted by wanton hedonistic culture that craves for western pointers. Amazing degradation is testament to the mediocrity of Indian elite.

Few minutes back I was reading about ‘Gandhi and cow slaughter’, and how it is seen as divergent from Hindu fundamentalists (our historian was ecstatic about this and provided the link in his twitter, an article in Economic Times). There is a divergence alright but it is not on egalitarian framework nor is it enlightened thoughts that are expected from a ‘mahatma’. It is hinged on religious power structure and patriarchy as basis, most significantly it doesn’t see human being as humans but followers of some religion hence a sacrosanct reference. That surely is gandhian path which egalitarian tradition of this society have always resisted and have problems with. Gandhi was politician, hence assumes himself to represent hindus as such the assumption that cows are sacred to hindus hence not eaten. Firstly, Gandhi’s, or for that matter any elitist hindu's, feudal and sinister caste hinged claim on common people was never accepted, this biased narration was spread by powerful interest, a fallacy that hinduism was monolithic. Secondly, journey of cows as domestic animal to its status as sacred is rather torturous. This is an imposition on Hindus by squatter inspired clever ways, that expectantly Gandhi acquiescence to, indeed the sorry state of affairs could be traced to these paradoxes. The article states that “while Gandhi denied vehemently that he was trying to trade Hindu support for the Muslim’s Khilafat movement with Muslim support for Hindu cow-protection, he did admit that this would be an ideal example of both communities respecting each other’s interests”. The reality however was Khilafat did not represent common people (read muslims, if it works for you) nor was cow an issue with common people (read hindus, if it works for you). This “both communities respecting each other’s interests” is a clever feudal patriarchy consolidation, the egotism and arrogance herein and within this elitist coterie led to worst massacre of common people, to the horrendous reality of partition. Incidentally they commemorate and celebrate British Indian soldier’s sacrifices in “world wars” but no such luck for million who were sacrificed in partition not even a day of commemoration nor any memorial (I went to a shoddy room in Amritsar at jallianwala bagh). The complicity of mediocre Indian elite is evident; it’s the high moral ground that really baffles me.   

“Just as Shariat could not be imposed on non-Muslims, Hindu law could not be imposed on non-Hindus” says Gandhi, quite practical and spoken like a politician. The egalitarian context that he missed is that no unjust law can be applied to any human being anywhere, that includes shariat or indeed hindu laws (I wonder from where did he get the ideas on hindu laws? It isn’t surprising from the pits of unethical traditions and colonial laws expert lawyers emerged as freedom fighters, and so they rule the roost even now. The society with amazingly tardy legal system and uncouth social framework has astounding legal luminaries. This is indeed an incredible society!). In civilized world these kind of medieval practices will be questioned. Everything is open for scrutiny and religion is not at all sacrosanct, nor anyone born into a religion. This kind of classification of human beings is the worst violation of individual freedom and liberty.

It is in this context that this blogger is seriously concerned on learning that separate food is provided for school children belonging to a religion in Germany or the choices herein (this was quite proudly claimed by one Indian Muslim located in Germany, in Ravish kumar show). This is shocking. Schools must deem everyone as equal, and shouldn’t encourage prejudices and segregating food habits. Human beings are not born into any religion hence an egalitarian conception must insist on secular ways, therefore children shouldn’t be exposed to any discriminating or segregating ways. They should learn to live with others and eat all kinds of food that other eat and learn to share. There are millions of people (includes children) who don’t have much to eat, malnourishment is rampant across the world. Religious sensitivity is a fictional reality that shouldn’t be imposed on children.  

Most significantly, in context to Germany, the openness should not be misused by immigrants. Least that is expected from immigrants is to be accommodating and not to impose their worldviews. Unfortunately these are leading to increasing xenophobia in Europe. And I am concerned about Europe, indeed Germany, since these are the society that are vibrant and open, critical thinking and scientific temper thrive in these places. They value human liberty and equality. They are the one who holds the key for technological breakthrough that can save us from increasingly inclement conditions. These cannot come from fictional realities, therefore the overwhelming presence and increasing concerns for these is alarming. 

Hopefully this time around they better work it out!!

When constructed reality takes precedence over objective reality

Climate change is an objective reality. It is happening and based on increasing and substantial scientific evidence, it is therefore a fact. This reality affects the planet directly hence to the species, biodiversity and ecosystem that sustains. It has debilitating effect on human being. It is acutely felt by the marginalised and vulnerable, hence they are the one who will feel the urgency. Ironically these deteriorations are mainly due to profligate lifestyle and irresponsible ways of the affluent section as is evident from the huge gaps in carbon footprint. India has low per capita carbon footprint but one can be quite sure that the affluent class has carbon footprint that could be one of the largest in the world considering that a large section of Indians live in abject conditions and lack access to even basic needs. On a personal note this blogger is using Rajdhani ac trains more than frequently and that has left me rather guilty, to travel in ac in October when the weather outside is comfortable, knowing that eighty percentage of power goes to maintain these. As also consuming food that comes in plastic sachets that too things like milk whitener that could easily be avoided as most Indians are not used to/prefer these (why not serve simple tea?).

Constructed reality is something that is developed by human beings as part of evolution as societies, that which help us develop sophistication and abstraction, hence benefit us in our dealings and has demarcated us as remarkable species. Ideas, concepts, theories, myths, faiths, constructs so on has evolved societies into intricate evolutionary achievements that is nothing short of incredible. The foundation and connection with objective reality is essential, sometimes in the labyrinth of complexity and dextrous ways humans tend to lose touch with the surroundings, that which sustains and nurtures is lost/discounted in the abstract nature of dealing. We therefore lose connection with the objective reality. Therefore climate change as anthropogenic reason finds difficulty meanwhile constructed realities, in particular religion, gain prominence and sensitivities related to this given predominance. Therefore again we have the irony of religious myths/fictions that fails the objective reality or logic that search the basis. It is not that religion lacks objective, indeed many aspects of faith has direct connection to the materiel surrounding/nature but it is when the system consolidates and power structure asserts that the primal connection loses and fiction sets in. Therefore becomes manipulative instrument in the hands of powerful, it is not at all surprising that in India the elite section is immune to these challenges of climate change that will have (and has) debilitating effect on millions of vulnerable Indians while they engross in freedom of fictional realities of religion and economy. It is also not surprise that fictional reality of Islamist sought to overshadow the objective reality of climate change in Paris. It is the success of humanity that fiction was pushed out and reality was brought in. The reality on which the future of humanity is hinged on. 

      

 When economy takes precedence over nature in clear objective reality terms it means money becomes priority over dwelling, meaning this home called earth that is fragile and very likely the only place in the whole universe. Objective reality is that the human beings are too small part in the scheme of things called universe but fictional reality places humans as grand. Houston we have a problem.

(very much influenced by the brilliant guy: Yuval Noah Harari)

                                 

   

Strongly condemn state machinery using regressive references

Nehru’s birth anniversary was celebrated by Union Culture Ministry with an advertisement that had ‘Pundit’ as a reference. This is shocking, and that this casteist reference is used with impunity and is accepted without anyone squirm is what makes it compelling about this deviant society and its ways. This is also something the regurgitators, self-appointed conscience keepers, sniffers of intolerance, who seems to be taking ever higher moral grounds, have missed. It is a common habit in a society that developed in ethical vacuum and doesn’t seem to have much civilised references. They constantly try to fill this vacuum by creating occasions that keeps their dubious values and unethical contexts herein out of the way meanwhile conjure narrations that showcases them as kindred souls. Enter Mullahs as harbinger for minority rights.  The stampede to be saviour is fought with all the viciousness. They scratch, they gnarl and create impressions of compassion driven souls fighting for righteous world. Indeed from this putrid pit some even see themselves as jagath guru, the masters of universe, compassionate guides to the beleaguered world that the world will have to bow down one day. It has to come out of the squatter’s pits, the conception of universal being is ordained by forces of nature, entitled, blessed and sent across through vaginal superways (especially helped by likes of Kasturi&Sons…they now have new conception for caste: social groups!!). In these competing world issues concerning common people are shuttled around.   

         

Jawaharlal Nehru, in the context of things, was quite a towering leader. He was ofcourse man of circumstances and who didn’t quite live upto the expectations of the people. He succumbed to the overwhelming mediocre uncouth ‘leaders’ who formed the ruling class, mostly (indeed almost all) blatant casteist patriarchs. These brutes assumed themselves to be masters of India’s destiny and assigned themselves greater roles. These shoddy leaders jostled as the primitive society was pushed into tryst with modern and egalitarian ways. “When the world sleeps India awakens” is a poetic line and quite appropriate way of describing the nation that celebrates its independence. Undoubtedly Nehru was an orator. But as the nation awakens the primitive society was and is in slumber, enmeshed in cruder ways. The glitter of modern technology and ways (Indian’s contributions to these are amazingly limited) cannot hide the putrid pits that this society exists in. Indian democracy is much of a joke, though celebrated as a miracle, it has only consolidated primitive ways and pushed the society into further crudeness while giving the semblance of freedom as market ransack with choices. It has become a systematic means of exploitation. The clever ways of feudal patriarchs are polished to the exigencies of the time as they come in the garb of saviours and leaders of pride filled  democracy.  Meanwhile feudal patriarchs of other faiths, most significantly the mullahs and his ways, are taken as the minority, hence feeding them is preened as presentation on secularism and a tenuous connection to egalitarian values is built. Squatter liberals find these quite exciting opening to present themselves to modern liberal ways. Meanwhile corruption, nepotism and all kind of crudeness is burdened on common people as competing forces save the world for us. Encouraging primitiveness of other religions/societies as culture and viciously seeking to protect these help cement the narration of amazingly tolerant humble souls. The vigilant bleeding hearts who cares and will fight for democratic rights of the oppressed (it is a different matter that feudal lords are rarely oppressed). Indeed they also position themselves as role model to west. See how peacefully we live. If Indians were to decide the course of human race we will be still in caves tolerating “social groups” and other primitive practises. It’s a mediocre society that is craving for its god ordained entitlements and as spokesperson of these deceits many pirouette across the world with claims of some exotic clairvoyance, squatter’s as liberal seculars, as spiritual humbugs. Reality is much humbling.     

      

Ever wondered why despite the kind of freedom enjoyed by the people (that ofcourse is because  of egalitarian humanistic traditions -constantly threatened and diminished by squatters), Indians never really rise to the expectations? They almost always fall short; the best is never good enough and good is stamped out in all earnestness. It is a self-defeating society that puts premium on entitlements and dispensing patronage, while individuals grope in fatalism and opportunism.  Rare exceptions are despite this vice like grip of this crude society. Ways of modernity are shoddy replications while democracy is a means to consolidate deviant values. It is a dead society that is putrefying, latest gadgets cannot change the ways, glitter cannot hide the stink. The world must bypass Indians they are not really worth it, nothing much can be expected from this burgeoning pit. Non-violently dangerous and sanctimoniously pedantic there is nothing exciting here. Even the promise of ‘demographic dividend’ (increasing population by grace of gods) are youths who come out of these pits all tagged and entitled for world to accept. The Indian family unit is a mediocrity sustaining selfish unit, that create individuals slavishly dependent on it, fed on pathologically deviant traditions and cultures. Hence we have success as money and population multipliers. With ego, status, constant urges that keeps them bonded, meanwhile enjoying amazingly mediocre fares as entertainment, sports included. There isn’t any standard or propriety, everything is made negotiable. Hence negotiators (pimps the right word here), emerging from the traditions of otherworldly arbitrations, equipped for the deal as the society spirals down. People suffer as values of equality and fraternity is reduced to legal jargons and lawyer luminaries.  The worst of the world have space in India while they ransack Indians with ideas of market choices, mediocre elite showcase these as vibrant ways. The society with rich tradition of art/music gawks on stupid American fares, a region with amazing biodiversity ogles at godforsaken crocodile catchers. It is as if this society is made completely incapable. It lacks talent, passion or calibre. Something quite natural, and expected in a society, that is on deviant foundation and labours forward with nepotism, corruption and sleight. Providence becomes the landmark, myth making explanations for inconvenient disruption. They now pupate in democratic institutions seeking redemptions. This maybe true for other societies too, but the difference here is in other societies (like US, Europe, Japan, Korea) have excellence thriving. There is sheer brilliance. Here the squatter initiated world has sinisterly ransacked everything and anything into amazing level of mediocrity and crudeness. Now they shed for ‘rising intolerance’. Get off. 

Lament of Gandhi’s grandson: Dadajis favourite is out to protect family legacy. It also helps that protecting family fortunes/legacies also takes oneself into rarefied space, that ofcourse is beyond the reach of common people. Forget common people even Netaji’s or Babasaheb’s grandchildren cannot match this rub, this moral authority that seem to be intact through generations (Kasturi&Sons even point to afterlife vaginal super highway route!! Vagina being marg for penis to move, genes to find ordained life, you may take it literally but Kasturi&Sons or for that matter Gandhi&Sons are known to position themselves in the realm of metaphors and otherworldly attributes as they negotiate liberal ways and mullah feeding realities to atone their moral gaps). So much so he doesn’t even refer the name Gandhi it seems Mahatma will suffice, indeed the trust on brand recall is amazing while Ambedkar and sundry don’t even deserve Mr. or Shri (later he ofcourse condescend to use Dr. for Ambedkar probably as an afterthought, no such luck for others. Common decency demands that if you use term of respect for one then it should be extended to others too or don’t use it). It’s an amazing lack but his bhakti to Gandhi –essentially clan arrogance, gets easily suffused in supposedly Gandhian ideals that he claims to represent. You can quite effortlessly place this arrogance in squatter’s frame, the narcissism of it, the ungraciousness of it, the crassness of it. It is the ethical blind spot of Indian elite that they constantly stare but are incapable to see, as they negotiate crude selves in the garb of humble ways  and semantic dexterity.    

    

Gopalkrishna Gandhi has a charmed life, the kind you will rarely see in the career of an IAS officer (that even questions his selection process to the civil service. Did his family name help the matter? Most likely. Afterall mahatmas are no small matter, though it maybe a small world), from high commissioner to governor to chairpersons of reputed institutions. God has been graceful, humbleness therefore is a natural attribute (as ZK says humblenezz tho hona hi tha!!). Our man has been positioning himself as wise man, and yes this blogger had taken him seriously few years back (even made effort to listen to his speech, I recall at IISC), now the situation has shifted drastically. With shrinking of Gandhi, his grandson’s grandness doesn’t really help the matter. 

If Ben Kingsley can have a space in front of British parliament then what prevents Mamootty? Oh how I forget, when it comes to statue building and naming roads gandhians always had an upperhand. Respect doesn’t come by imposing nor does wisdom by patronising. It is shocking to gandhians that no one wants to be referred to as harijans. This disconnect is symptomatic and is no doubt representation of high patronising intent of elite and response from the people. Without jans where is the hari, I say!! 

Our man has been writing, sometimes audacious open letters to nobody less than the prime minister. In his recent contribution he starts by including us too “We are nation of pantheons…we have, rather uniquely, pantheons of caste heroes…” Really ‘caste heroes’ is this fellow for real, celebrating this oxymoron obnoxiousness as ‘unique’ can only be conjured by someone who understands Gandhi, indeed I am told studied deeply. Like any cheapskate sociologist with limited intellect they only see the reality that serves their purpose, not to understand or to be aware of the context or ethical consideration. They sinisterly give authenticity to discrimination as some form of esoteric tradition, which is then humbly explained to West who in turn unthinkingly lap it on as some eastern mysticism. Since they had complete control of narration these nonsense are part of mainstream.  It is easy to infer that from the context of things Gandhi could well be only a ‘caste hero’.  Chota gandhis and mota gandhis should learn to live with it.

Again, Gandhi was a great man, and admirable in many ways, but this insistence of mahatma is unacceptable nor appropriation by family/clan is tolerated. This blogger has read enough, hence understands the import and significance of mahatma. Mahatmas come from traditions that stridently oppose squatter, and were compassionate souls with egalitarian intent. It is a tradition that traces itself to Buddhas and Nanaks. It is the machiavellian gandhians and conniving congressmen who have brought much disrepute.

I was reading VS Naipaul, Literary Occasions Essays, bought on discount rate at Rishikesh, it is an autographical writings and here it is a reference to Naipaul’s aunt i.e. his father’s sister, a lady on her death bed. It is a telling paragraph that I think needs to be quoted to put things in context. Her father was a pundit, she said. And he was fussy; he didn’t like having too much to do with the low. And here –since her face was too old to be moulded into any expression save one of great wariness–   the old lady used her shrivelled little hand to make gesture of disdain. The disdain was for low Hindus. My father’s sister had spent all her life in Trinidad; but in her caste vision no other community mattered or properly existed. She took the story back to her father’s mother. This was as far as her memory went. And for me it was far enough… She wanted me to know now, before the knowledge vanished with her, what she –and my father– had come from. She wanted me to know that the blood was good.                              

Being human is enough

Support France.

Progress of humans into civilised being is hinged on certain societies. France undoubtedly is one of them. There is history of atrocities through colonialism, machiavellian elitist leaders supporting despots so on but the best of France is the best of human civilisation. It truly defines human liberty, not bound by religion or any faith or any identity. Being human is enough, and a good starting point for better ways. Religion, whatever the counter claims, if seen as identity is divisive, if seeks to divide is dangerous. That precisely is happening in the garb of secularism. France has been quite clear in not allowing any expression of discriminatory/degrading religious identity in public space, they have clearly recognised religion as a private matter. Religion as an expression in public space is discriminatory on our identity as human being. It seeks to subjugate values of human identity, and initiates primitive ways of dealing in society. Most importantly the pernicious wahabi/salafi sect –that has been degrading societies across world, they use amazingly cruder ways to express themselves severely putting stress on others and surrounding. They create situations that provoke negative reactions. They can only spread misery, and are indeed threat to Islam itself and chief instigator of islamophobia. Local population cannot be held entirely at fault nor ‘it is not about religion’ going to solve the matter. If these are not addressed then silent sane majority will go against and innocent people will be harmed. Political correctness is a way to be accommodative but if it is increasingly seen as attempts at hiding the elephant in the room, pandering to insensitive section then the balance tips. What goes against humanity cannot be included as multiculture. Anti social ways, includes full cover dresses which apart from being brutally patriarchal is meant to discourage social exchange (even basic courtesy), creates dissonance. Wahabis are not known for subtle ways nor graciousness their strong point as they showcase themselves to be superior –specially blessed by a god that is greater than everything or any other god, this asserted in every aspect of dealing hence others are seen as wanting, compassion  mostly patronising. It is the beginning of domination, of violence. By giving them space society is degrading itself, and is taking leap backward in trying to accommodate these primitive ways. It is a poison that spreads, there is nothing good or compassionate in its presence. This conception will produce deviant individuals who will always find themselves discriminated, and worse in their grossly patriarchal chauvinist ways, that is veiled in the nonsense of modesty, finds difficulty in dealing with outside world, ill-equipped as they are they choose the easiest, indeed narrow religious sanctioned, path of violence and brutalities. They will always be victims.  

Attack on Paris is a dangerous phase of horror that was initiated by mischief of Bush-Blair (initiating action against them will assuage in small way it though will be a good belated beginning) but it will be a terrible mistake not to recognise pernicious nature of Islam, the wahabi/salafi cult, that seeks to subjugate every other ways. They have brutally destroyed quaint Islamic traditions, variant culture and faith across the world. Their contribution to humanity is nothing but misery. This is definitely about primitive ways that is being allowed to be spread in the name of religious rights. France is one of the very few sane places in the world. Attack on Paris is an attack on sanity. It is an attack on equality and liberty, human being as one fraternity.      

PM must ask Britain to be intolerant towards monarchy

British monarchy has created clones in India; it is used to cement privileges of the elite not only as a way of life but as entitlements by pushing them into the realm of democracy hence easily classified as civilised ways. President is carefully miming the trapping of the british monarchy, so does the Governors… the amount of money and resources spent on these nonsenses are astounding. I am told they are safeguarding some revered traditions. Really whose tradition, which tradition?  And as it seeps down into echelons of democracy you encounter minor monarchies all the way down. Everyone fawning to the powerful while subjugating the lower, no wonder democracy has seeped so well into Indian reality without being effectual or enlightening, it has only consolidated primitiveness. Meanwhile every sort of entitled barbarity is sought to be pushed into modernity as choices. Scoundrels with casteist references, and entitlements herein, roam around as liberal arbitrators, mullah feeding seem to give them sense of atonement as they subjugate and demean. This blogger calls upon people who are awarded by the President (who has casteist reference) to return awards as a protest against these primitive ways. Meanwhile Britain needs to answer why it is carrying the burden of monarchy? The ‘monarchy’ meanwhile needs to explain why it is carrying on with these kinds of entitlements, why cannot they abdicate gracefully and open to egalitarian ways? Monarchy anywhere is bad example to the world.   

Market initiated intolerance and irresponsible ways

Ban works when applied judiciously, unlike what ban happy insecure conservative elites and ban abstinence happy market liberal arbitrators may propose.  A car ad in Europe was banned for the following reason “We considered that the handling capability of the vehicle had not been communicated in a clear context of safety, which was a requirement of the code. Because the ad implicitly challenged the viewer to drive at speed… we considered that it had also encouraged irresponsible and potentially dangerous driving…It ruled that the ad must not appear in its current form again…to ensure that future ads must not demonstrate the handling characteristic of a vehicle except in a clear context of safety, and that reference to this must not suggest excitement, aggression or competitiveness.” It is inconceivable in primitive society increasingly attuned to market to even understand such nuanced ways, they will immediately cry foul and position for maximum lick. These are the habitual ways of clever that holds the society at its nefarious will. Changing the frame as it suits.       

    

It is becoming quite clear that market driven hedonism has unleashed amazing level of social (and environmental) degradation in last two decades, couched in pointers of modernity and choices, they sought to drivel in libertine angst through laissez-faire market. Hence market acquires the role of local guardians, as they set out to create manipulateable icons from trivialities of cricket and bollywood who cement these cravings as choices. It’s an amazing travesty as they further degrade with these demeaning benchmarks. These self-serving cheapskates and obnoxious icons are now hoisted as our ethical barometer, it helps that most of these are semiliterate with simplistic take on life. It also makes the job of market media easy as some workout their way as journalists.  It is no wonder that in these exigencies of greed, the manipulations and exaggerations pushes the society into ethical vacuum, it severely impinges on value frameworks of young, who already are enmeshed in primitive ways as tradition and now groomed on market created liberals. It is no surprise that, with rare exceptions, majority of youngsters come out us deviant beings with disgust as traditions and an urge to grab. The best of this society is seen in IIT-IIM stupidity!!. What a degraded society.  

The ridiculous nonsense of “intolerance” is another one hoisted by these machiavellian masquerading higher values and intent. They work with their hold on political power and from easy money through market manipulations hence create the base for their debauched ways. With political power gone they are now encashing their clout and entitlements, regurgitating  what they sucked in for over decades with unbridled political power, nepotism and corruption. They severely degraded institutions as they dispensed privileges and established clout.  It is no surprise that when it comes to environmental issues, in particular the issue of carbon footprint, these market deviants are major culprits.

In the meanwhile I was reading something amazing.  In Mexico Vicente Fox became the country’s first democratically elected president in 2000, he had earlier been president of Coca-Cola Mexico and then head of the company’s Latin American operations. Clearly coca cola pepsi is not confined to india in creating icons!! That Mexico is a poor corruption ridden country immensely help the matter. Not very coincidentally Mexico has by far the world’s highest death rate from chronic diseases caused by consumption of sugary drinks. National Survey of Health and Nutrition revealed that diabetes – the country’s leading cause of death – had doubled since 2000. Between 1999 and 2006, the average waist size among women of childbearing age increased by nearly 11cm. And during the same period, obesity among children aged five to 11 rose by 40%.The soda industry’s contention that activity can protect us from obesity and diabetes is not borne out by research, which has shown again and again that diet is a far more important factor in obesity than exercise. And over the last two decades, the Mexican diet has been transformed. Consumption of beans dropped by half. In the last 14 years, consumption of fruit and vegetables dropped by 30% – largely replaced by processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages. So the new President in 2013 decided to put soda tax. Will such initiatives ever happen in India which faces the same kind of exploitators? Not a chance as the amazingly compromised elite comes out with new nautanki every week to be in brand reckoning. These attempts at benevolent guardians are rather trite, we should be beware of these people.  

Post script: a study on Crude Woman & ZK will be worthwhile in these matters. This con couple cannot live without political clout and market traction, the latter being slinky slime very much dependent on former since they lack popularity hence compensated these with their political clout. They were the first one to change colour and play puppy as the government changed in the centre. They made valiant efforts to land some children oriented low profile space very much intending to drivel way up, but to their chagrin even these were denied. All the purring amounted to nothing. As the decades of assiduously feeding market was also slipping, the perception creation being a very significant part of their crude ways, they are now clawing high moral ground act and positioning as saviours. As Crude woman has gone on offense (very much gained from resurgent congress sickularism after 1984 and Shah Bano, ideally these awards should be taken back from this mediocre manipulative woman. These people have degraded these awards) ZK has detached to play wise. You never know where the lick is! 

Deal with him strongly

This blogger is ready to give everyone a chance and keeps an open mind about things, hence will not be prejudiced by narration and counter narration, being fully aware these are same kind of people in different outfits. Every person will have to be dealt on his or her merit and not on perception or views of obnoxious self-serving conscience keepers. Amit Shah has crossed the line, and he will have to be dealt severely. He is holding an extremely responsible position (as the head of largest political party as also heading the alliance that forms the government), and arguably he has tarnished these. The political party concerned, or its moral torchbearer RSS, should severely curtail these kind of utterings. This is not only blatantly communal but also brings shame to the nation for being compared to a country that cannot even be called a proper democracy with non-existent minority rights. In his depraved utterings he has also given credibility to sickular liberal elitist narration that seeks to see Pakistan as linchpin of its subtle ‘minority values’. This counter narration is a trap that seeks to polarise as also severely ridicules common people’s sensibilities and trivialises their aspirations. Amit Shah will have to be dealt severely by Election Commission, if they don’t show spine then SC will have to intervene. This cannot be the new normal.

     

Patwardhan kriya

It goes without saying that Anant Patwardhan is one of the most competent documentary maker around. Over the decades he has made some incisive and path breaking documentaries; in the overwhelming mediocrity that India is he clearly stands out as an exception. And I must admit he has been quite an influence in many ways. His recent attics though reeks of self-indulgence and righteousness that is quite beyond what is the need, it is very likely that he has surrounded himself in exaggerations hence being crudely alarmist the way of dealing. Most significantly if he is so concerned about the society then why has he even accepted these awards from a society that symbolises discrimination in its every acts and being? Why does he hobnobs with media that actively promotes primitive ways? (thankfully many international columnists have stopped contributing to these putrid pits. International community should severely scrutinise Indian conscience keepers and their clever ways). Last but not the least what will it take from him to spent 100R to get his casteist reference dropped and be civilised? Clearly he cannot be part of the primitive and claim high moral grounds. It is not allowed in civilised society. No dear not allowed.

This society seems to be built on myths and perceptions. Common people have been treated as juvenile who could go delinquent if not fed with bed time stories and kept under control, meanwhile the elite section claw for the spoils. With the technological innovations society is opening up and people are able to assert themselves (including this blogger, few decades back I would be easily stamped out and thrown into the nearest dustbin), things will have to be opened up. Mahatmas and pundits will be open to scrutiny, as also the degraded nature of this society that seems to be taken as way of life. Angst is natural, so is feeling of loss for the good old days when honey dropped from the sky. That the elite section is amazingly mediocre is given but their extent of imposition on the society is what is frightening. That they are able to dictate terms and manipulate narration makes it sinister. They have severely degraded the society and created misery by their incompetence. You can disagree without being disagreeable is a nice try. The pertinent question here is how are these primitive people at the helm of affair? It is indeed difficult not to be disagreeable with debauched ways, ideally this blogger will have nothing to do with these people and will steer clear of these disgraceful presences but when they are at the helm then they will have to be dealt. Returning awards is therefore not only opportune and an attempt at mischief but also trying to place thyself in higher conscience that really cannot go unscrutinised. This normal is unacceptable. 

Prosecute him

Attack on Iraq by Bush-Blair alliance in 2003 was a mischievous act that created lots of misery. It is a common knowledge that deterioration of the region started with this mischief. ISIS can be, to a large extend, traced to invasion of Iraq. Not denying that the dangerously deteriorating situation has also to do with patriarchal and patronising nature of religion/society manipulated by powerful, that seem to be not in consonance with democratic values nor humanitarian concerns hence the egalitarian intent of Arab spring, that was supported by common people, couldn’t spread its roots and institutionalised. It fettered away into something sinister in the vacuum. It is the cruder nature of the religion, that seeks to destroy quaint traditions and culture, has found expression in this brutal power struggle.  

This blogger recalls being appalled by the preparation to attack Iraq with their self-serving logic and spurious intentions. We (I don’t recall the people who helped) did collect voices of people within our reach against this madness (passing on to Kasturi&sons makes me cringe, unfortunately there were no blogs during those days. We are so grateful to the inventors of these platforms; there is no need for pretentious arbitrators and adipose layered arrogant middlemen).  It was quite clear that this will lead to dangerous outcome, wherein the target and focus should have been on Taliban Afghanistan. Saddam Hussein, though obnoxious, could have been a stable ally and later eased off with democratic alternative. Easier said than done but one thing is sure: invasion of Iraq messed up the situation and caused deaths and misery. Bush had an agenda and Blair provided the 'sexed up' alibi. There is definitely a case against Blair, International Court of Justice must show some spine and initiate action. It must exhibit the same enthusiasm that it shows against despots in Africa. 

On consumption…

These few lines I read the other day, something I always believed in…less buying, less wasting, less spending, less time on working to earn money, more time …(However now the problem is even the basic needs are becoming quite costly, right from staple food, house rent so on, some of the latest gadgets have become essential, but i guess it is a one time investment, the upgraded versions don't add much value, mostly superficial). 

The second you open your wallet to buy something, it costs you – and in more ways than you might think. Yes, of course there’s the price tag and the corresponding amount of time it took you to earn that amount of money, but possessions also cost you space in your home and time spent cleaning and maintaining them. And as the token environmentalist in the room, I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you that when you buy something, you’re also taking on the task of disposing of it (responsibly or not) when you’re done with it. Our addiction to consumption is a vicious one, and it’s stressing us out.

This is why some normal adult human beings can live in houses just 426 square feet and others find that not even their 2,500-square-foot McMansion feels big enough. It’s almost never the amount of space that’s the problem, but the amount of stuff.

So if bigger homes aren’t the solution, what is? I suggest heading in the exact opposite direction: deliberately choose a life with less. Buy less and instantly you have less to store; you use less space. Eventually you can work less to pay for all of this stuff. Soon you will stress less too and, above all, your life will involve less waste.

(from an article titled Buying begets buying: how stuff has consumed the average American's life by Madeleine Somerville)