Another big mistake

Executing Saddam Hussein is undoubtedly another big mistake in series of wrong. Not that this blogger has any liking for Saddam Hussein- a dictator who was responsible for many deaths and misery. He exacerbated the division between the shias and sunnis, the Kurds and Arabs. The mistake in executing Saddam Hussein being it was done under occupation army, by what is described as Kangaroo court. It also brings into context the efficacy of Death penalty, brutal and uncivilised way of punishment. This murder will definitely give incentive for extreme elements among muslims, although this may not have much to do with Islam or threat to that religion. This is where the role of mischievous media and communal politicians who will try to stoke hatred for personal gain, at national level and international level, need be questioned. Even in a by-election in small town in kerala recently they made Saddam a poll issue (??!!!!), the extent to which scoundrels can go. It is a different matter that people rejected this nonsense. Some very clever section will definitely try using this opportunity to instigate common people (muslims in this context) to ‘fight’, wherein they like most people have immediate problem of price rise or corruption, unemployment and so on. There is an attempt to ghettoize people and usurp their angst for gain in certain elite section. ‘Muslims’ are easy target in this context. It’s an old ploy.

The brutal events unfolding in Iraq for last few years is about American global interests and in this case it has to do with oil and other ‘strategic gain’ in this region- the reason why Saddam was targeted although there never was any dearth of dictators or ‘leaders’ who have committed mass murder in past or present. These unilateral actions by USA undermining all international laws and opinion in past and present are definitely leading to a more unstable world. It also needs to be reiterated that Americans particularly Bush is very much responsible for killing many innocent people, much more than Saddam. How is that going to be accounted?. Bush administration has to take the responsibility of these killings. Bush is a war criminal. There never was any doubt about this. He and his cronies attacked a country for their personal gain in the name of ‘war on terror’ and WMDs, it is very much documented. He cannot escape acting as a savior by executing a dictator. Bush is responsible for this mess. Americans for electing this foolish fellow to head them are also responsible. Marketers who have created a system and completely sedated this society to look for selfish reason- gain, profit, and celebrate morons and their attics in the name of freedom of expression and sidelining significant matters are very much responsible. This ‘american way of life’ is where the threat is, the hedonistic and blatant consumerism is root of all this. At certain level we can say Bush was just trying to satiate the ‘demands’ of a very greedy society.

How about protesting by boycotting coca cola-pepsi and also stop them exploiting our water resource?. If people want to protest this is very tangible American target and very much beneficial to society where the government are sold out. Any takers???. If ‘muslims’ want to protest they need to target these products which is very much based on misery of people. This will also be symbolic gesture against greed based ‘american way of life’. Something needs to be done about this they cannot go on like this.

Love for land.

Let me make one thing clear at the onset I am a huge admirer of JRD Tata. He was one great man and inspired millions of people. TATAs do have a great tradition and to a large extend played instrumental role in industrial development of the country. My contention is with the policy issues vis-à-vis land use. The problems in Singur start with the use of Agriculture land (discussed in www.sdepalan.blogspot.com) but that is not the discussion point in here. I am taking here the larger issue of land use, development and marginalization in context to forest land.

The forest cover of India is 63.73 M ha contributing 19.30 per cent of the total geographical area reducing at very fast rate, infact this figure may not be reliable due to encroachments,more than 25 million hectares of this forest land is degraded resulting in barely 10% of the land under forests. Per capita forest cover is only 0.06ha.Most forest covered region is inhabited by adivasis (or tribals)who are in most cases totally dependent on forests. The regions of Western Ghats as also north east have been classified as biodiversity hot spots. Thousands of acres of land in these areas were cleared a century back by the colonizers to grow tea and other cash crops. It also was converted into settlements, since the climate suited them. When they left during 1940s they gave the land to their faithful. If you travel around nilgiris (or Darjeeling) you will find vast land of tea and rubber plantations. In recent times they are converting these to holiday resorts which is a lucrative business-there is huge loot going on here. It is shocking that the land which is essentially part of biodiversity be so blatantly misused. Tea or rubber (spices and coffee plantations though do provide a certain diversity) are important cash crop but the question here is why the profit going to select few wherein the biological and ecological loss is substantial. Infact there is a law which was passed few years back it is referred to as: The Biological Diversity Act 2002, which provides for conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources, knowledge and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. I reckon plantations located in these zones come under Biodiversity act.

The recent enthusiasm in certain circles on Forest Rights Act giving more rights to tribal community at the expense of wildlife is misplaced. This Act not only patronizes the tribal people by assuming that they have no desire for modern way of living but it also is shortsighted in its intent on wildlife protection and conservation. The interesting issue here is that although the interests of wildlife habitations are compromised the interest of plantation owners are very much protected. The lands on which these people are making huge profit are part of biodiversity disaster zone. These lands belong to wildlife and endangered species. These lands also belonged to indigenous community. Instead of compromising wildlife land the indigenous people should be given share of profits from plantation. This is a very desirable alternative. Tigers may not have vote but they are significant part of our ecosystem and common heritage. I dare the politicians and intellectual who were very vocal in their support of Forest Act to initiate laws for distributing shares of profits to tribal communities from Plantations. If you can take the share of tigers and wildlife why not plantation owners??. Tribal communities need to compensated for "historic injustice" not by encroaching into wildlife but encroaching into comfortable world of 'people like us'. Dare anyone???.

A theory on Mediocrity

A society develops when every member is able to realize their potential. For each member to realize thier potential they should be able to have self esteem and sense of worthiness which is very much linked to rootedness of culture. It is only when this rootedness is seen as that which will bring him/her a secure and desired future that the link is strengthened, in the process paves the way for realization of self and hence once potential in the area-profession, one chooses. The key therefore is aspiration rooted in surrounding -culture (which is in a sense extension of egalitarian values over the ages, also necessarily means open to new ideas). This rootedness is broken when there is a mismatch between the aspiration context of elite section and the common people. This is accentuated in cases wherein the elite look outside, that is alien culture, for their progress or salvation also have degrading attitude for local. Since the common people have a tendency to search their reference point in elite this leads to sense of uprootedness with ‘progress’, hence they are not able to contribute to their potential, as extraneous factors gain significance, and hence mediocrity.

Language is a significant aspect of connecting with surrounding, culture and tradition. If we look around the world wherever there is common language between the elite of society and common people they have progressed faster, meaning, people were able to tap their potential and hence a dynamic society. The case of Japan, China, France, USA, Britain, Germany, Korea… to take few examples. Since the aspiration is not tagged on to superficialities of language, people focus more on the content and ideas (ofcourse this not to negate other lifestyle superficialities associated with elite in all societies!). Take also the example of societies where there is a divide between the language of elite and common people like the countries in South Asia, Africa or South America….there is a clear demarcation in these societies, and almost all outcome of colonialism or other invasions. To make the case clear let me give the examples of native people like Indians in American continent or aborigines in Australasia, although English speakers have achieved much in last few decades the common people of the region lag behind, studies show more people suicide or take drug among them. There clearly is a loss of rootedness and hence less valued. This is precisely the reason for overwhelming mediocrity in India in almost all fields most glaring being that of Media.  Thus majority of people spend more time to better themselves or aspire to be like the substandard elite- whose claims are very much hinged on the aspirations associated with language (that is English previously Sanskrit).

This is one of the major reasons for mediocrity of most societies around the world where such distinctions exists. India is a case study for the world but India’s case is worsened due to overpopulation, poverty and traditional systemic biases, add to this nepotism and corruption, so although we come across some incredible people in our daily life in commonest of places but they will never make it to the top since the system (necessarily a creation of insecure elite) prevents or appropriately asks for competence in superficialities. The superficialities in most case is lifestyle expectation of elite from common people which is also meant to degrade or demean their surrounding and connections, hence esteem or worth, so the core is lost thus we celebrate mediocrity. The mediocrity of India has to do with very substandard elite, a necessary outcome of the system which this blogger attempts to explain.

Post Script: This theory may not work with first generation immigrants to any country particularly developed countries, since their aspiration context is entirely different.

Off to hell you go

One of the worst dictators in South America is dead. He toppled the Allende government with the active cooperation of American establishment, and ruled the country for almost two decades. The fact that his cronies committed most heinous form of human rights violations is well documented but he was never put on trial and enjoyed quite a comfortable life with West very much indebted to him (Thatcher being one example). In this context it is pertinent to mention the intense amusement this blogger feels wherein Bush and his pets are after Saddam Hussein, there are many dictators- contemporary and erstwhile, who are (and were) treated as state guests!!. India too has few dudes in its neighborhood, the loudmouth feudal Mushraff ( A chief beneficiary of ‘global terrorism’- he even made money from his book. I am told the publishers had no need for Marketing!!. Crooked faced master’s accented Jaswant Singh- he is one fellow who sincerely makes me cringe, could get some tips for his next book. They I am told are leaders!!. Pathetic) and also in Myanmar.

Although every continent in the world had its own share of dictators (even Australia…well Fiji does come under this continent if I have got it right) it is Africa which has suffered the most, I guess. This blogger opines that there can still be a trial of Pinochet further the American complexities on this and every other like matters should be brought into mainstream knowledge. People around the world need to know more about American Army than the Hollywood candy stories of American saviors. This means everything from Hiroshima to Baghdad. When it comes to Army somewhere it has been implanted in the popular psyche that we have chance with goody goody Americans in contrast to uncouth Chinese, Japanese or recently Arabs (well no points for guessing I was one time buff of those pocket size war comics and very much on literature of war, later even war movies…well I had access to Army libraries in school. Good old charming world!!. Offcourse soon it switched me off as I realized what war means in reality, I thought 'Platoon' was an excellent movie). Gen MacArthur is considered a quintessential American hero and was even in line for the job of President. There is enough Hollywood floss on his ‘exploits’ and ‘leadership’ spread with zeal by American channels around the world. But the little known fact which is very reflective of his intentions and character were never revealed and that is he was nuclear hawk, very much into using nuclear bomb for ‘tactical advantage’. He nearly used it in china and rued that nuclear weapon is under civilian authority for whom he had only contempt (as is the wont of most army men around the world). There is a charming scene in a movie (Kubrick movie if I recollect rightly) where a look alike of MacArthur is shown as a maniac wanting to destroy the world with nuclear bombs. With military in possession of nuclear bomb Gen. Mushraff is one of the most dangerous man on Earth.

Gender reservation in Parliament

Parliament is the highest decision making body in the country, elected by more than a billion people (30-40% rarely participate though!!). When a step is taken to reserve a seat it means the people of the constituent are ‘forced’ to elect from this lot of candidates. So steps on reservations can be unconstitutional if not done with restrain. The move was hugely successful in case of SC and STs since the purpose was social inclusiveness of the community than individual representation. The class and caste handicap was overcome with institutional support. Being a communitarian step it also helps participation in mainstream development and so prevents alienation of the section.

This arguments on Reservations is however not entirely valid in case of Women. It is true that gender issues are beyond religion or caste to a substantial extend but there is no denying that it is very much hinged on Class. It is difficult to accept the argument that gender issues transcend class, atleast in Indian context these are different worlds. Economical and Social empowerment (through education) equips women from privileged class to handle bias, prejudices, harassments with certain certitude (Domestic violence act is needed support), further the privileges of this section also provides choices. This is not true for disempowered women of ‘lower classes’. Lack of economic means and societal discriminations only accentuate their problem (they have physical mobility in terms of going out but that is conditional and shouldn’t be mistaken for freedom). Here it is a case of dwindling choices. Providing gender reservation to this section, which constitute more than 70% of women population, will give unique opportunity in strengthening their voice.

It is not that such a provision doesn’t exist. The 73rd and 74th amendment of the constitution creating Panchayati Raj and Municipalities provides for reservation of women. It has been an unprecedented success in many places. A step which definitely need to be emulated at national level. Reservation of women in Panchayats and urban bodies has brought the unique problems encounter by gender vis-à-vis water, sanitation and other social ills at the local level into focus. The issues women in these areas are deeply entrenched and affected; also they are the ones to take care of these issues as part of traditional biases. Not coincidently these are now defining global problems. With Corporatisation the weaker section are increasingly getting sidelined and women are the first to get affected. With depleting Natural resources women of weaker section are the one who get the first knock. Small informal groups do get created but it is important that women from this section get representation at the highest body.

Women’s bill if ever becomes a law need to include this section of women only. If the bill allows privileged women (balkatti is just an expression but it does carry the apprehensions and insecurities of the weaker section) then it will be unconstitutional since there is no provision based on gender in the constitution. Further it is very much possible for a male to voice the issues of gender. The problems of socially and economically weaker women particularly in villages are unique. Though gender is defining factor their problems are very much enmeshed and determined by local socio-environmental factors too. Further due to socio-cultural reasons their voices are very much suppressed. In participative democracy these are the voices which need representation at the highest level.

The women’s reservation bill in present form is dangerously biased and unconstitutional. It needs modification to keep out the privileged section that is using gender as means to consolidate themselves. There are many who are squatting around the power centers in all the capital cities, some very media savvy are found in all photo ops and TV studios, looking for short cuts and women’s bill is just the antidote. There is nothing wrong in their behavior off course it is entertaining but they shouldn’t be allowed to use gender angst for lateral entry. Women of privilege section may not be aware of the problems faced by millions of women in socio-economically weaker sections in small towns and villages (offcourse there are exceptions but believe me these are not the kind who will use the benefits of women’s bill). The bill in the modified form will have stop women dalals from power consolidation; at the most they can play the role of pressure groups.

The suggestion by this Blogger on modification of Women’s bill: Yes women’s reservation in the parliament is a step whose time has come. The above mentioned apprehensions will be satisfied if the reservation of women into Lok Sabha is restricted to those who have proven their competence and credibility in local bodies that is, Panchayats and Municipalities for atleast a term. A period of five years at local body with a minimum attendance of seventy percent (as a safeguard) in their meetings should be the criteria for claim to lok sabha under women’s reservation. Here I give two examples of women who have excelled through local bodies. One is PK Sreemathy Teacher who was a panchayat president, now a minister and another is Mumtaz Begum the Bangalore Mayor. These are the kind of people who should benefit from Women Reservation bill and need be in the parliament.

Let’s go Dutch

The recent step by Dutch to ban disgusting veil (that is face covering 'modesty' for mullah's sake) is very much appreciated. It is heartening to know that there is overwhelming support from all quarters of society. It is also gladdening to know that unemployment benefits are not extended to these people. They shouldn’t be fed with taxpayer’s money. Further there is no use feeding worst, will produce only fatter worms. You cannot expect any contribution from this section (that is fully veiled and not to confuse with scarf and other Muslims-'community'). In a nauseating turn of event they even like to compare themselves with nuns! We all know what has been the contribution of nuns in providing education, hospitals….all across the world, with best of humanity represented by people like Mother Theresa …ofcourse we do have some difference with certain ideology but comparing them with worst of humanity is bit too much. Don’t think should waste my time on this argument.

Some people did ask why is that I am concerned about what happens in Britain? Very true, why should I be bothered with this failing state? But the undeniable fact is many of regrettable elite (particularly in judiciary and some old timers in media) tend to get influenced by what happens with their erstwhile masters, they share an embryonic connection and very much given to fallacy of colonial contribution to Indian democracy (with apology to ‘sir’ Naipaul). Their only contribution seems to be the breed of very mediocre anglicized salivating elite, the reason why India’s contributions have been very ordinary in early decades.

Britain is into mollycoddling mullahs- mistaken to be representing ordinary muslims, in that typical British idiocy (I can’t believe David Attenborough is British!) for the mistake of one man who goes by the name of Blair. So there we have veiled monsters in the name of multiculturism representing freedom of expression! Britain has become an embarrassment to the civilized world. They should quit the permanent membership of UN. The step by Dutch to tackle this menace through security concern is brilliant, apart from being anti human veil is a security threat. Hopefully the civilized world will be sanitized of these people like other barbarians in the past. Barbarians are not fragile minority needing state protection. Yes one can look for political gain (depending on numbers and those who cleverly want to ghettoize it as attack on a ‘community’ and so on) but the result of feeding the worst people will never yield good. Further it is important to weed out these people before there is inevitable majority backlash (you cannot expect people to tolerate anything, and be fodder) and so the ‘community’ will be targeted because of few barbarians and their ‘practices’. Other needy immigrants as also the need of labor migration in globalised world will be affected with increased xenophobia. It is unfortunate that ‘muslims’ all over the world are held to ransom by either jehadi terrorist or monster mullahs with active support from few who look for short term gain.

Britain will see chickens coming to roost in very near future. Future is happening…home grown multiculture bombs! Any criminals from any religion can now hope to get salvation by converting and exploding some bombs. 

Welcome to Mysuru

I am completely for returning names of cities and town to its original form. Anglicized names should have been changed decades back. But the ruling elite during these periods were themselves byproduct, in most cases direct beneficiaries, of colonial past and so didn’t bother. They do come with egalitarian crap on this issue to hide their discomfort (like for instance R K Narayan’s essays). I recall there was same outcry in certain sections when Trivandrum was brought back to Thiruvanathapuram- a name which almost all the people use. Someone even said that these will make it difficult for outsiders. My answer is when they can ‘teach’ us nuances on English language, how to pronounce lingerie (of all the things!!) then they should take an effort to know what majority of people in this region speak.

Mysuru is what most people refer to this city except few anglicized as also the new settlers. Some might say that the government should focus on development issues and not ‘changing names’ (there is no ‘changing names’ here it is going back to the original) of towns and cities. It is strange but bringing back original names has nothing to do with non development on the contrary it is bringing back to the people what is theirs, part of their lexicon, their linguistic heritage a step that should have been taken much early. It is therefore in a way reflection of representation, more importantly assertion, of an aspect of identity of people of the region, long suppressed. There is more to people and place than ‘exploitable investmentopportunity’. Offcourse social and economic development remains the main priority otherwise these steps are cosmetic and essentially diversionary.

Mysuru palace sparkles in the festivities of Dushera

feeding the worst...

Fundamentalists are there in every religion and so are criminals but none have better chance of making it big except among Muslims. And when it comes to fundamentalism in “islam” the world goes so quaint. It is about mutual patting and hugging session. Oppressive traditions are debatable. It also comes out wonderful idea on choice and happiness. Is it about appeasement? Nah it is about money.

The media doesn’t want to loose its audience (poor people are just running some business), the politicians want vote. So springs up worms in all forms. Media and ‘secular politicians’ like to tickle muslim-fundamentalists-only. It is about numbers. Till recently I didn’t think on these lines but with mullah's worldview getting credence the rules are changing. This brings us to the issue of why are, lets say, Hindu fundamentalists treated so badly? Sometimes even mocked. World is changing for worse. So now it is very important to understand why communal riots happen in an entirely different perspective. If empathy and concern should be seen from ‘Muslim’ fundamentalist angle then it is also very important to understand ‘Hindu’ fundamentalist’s angle. What is beautiful about Hinduism is turning out to be its weakness. It is about fundamentalism and crudeness that matters.

It is now important to understand something about ‘Hindu’ fundamentalism. How much of minority deviance tolerance is responsible for communal riots in India particularly in Gujarat need be studied?. Further Narender Modi’s cause and effect theory is quite a valid argument in this context. When they cannot have a temple in Saudi (lets say Mecca) or Rome then why would Hindus allow a mosque in what many in Hindus consider as holy city whether Ayodhya or Benaras. Add to this the historical perspective of temple destructions. They are within their right to take actions and rather than criticizing we need to understand them. If Muslim fundamentalists needs understanding so should Hindu fundamentalists. When ‘Hindu’ girls can walk in complete freedom and are seduced by some mullah’s son (because obviously she is an object-open meat or sweet is the word doing the round in mullah’s worldview) while vice versa is impossible since they are packed in veil (for the very same reason) then it is understandable why Bajrang dal gets angry (my suggestion is they need to be more organized and vicious). Further a comprehensive study need to undertaken as to who are the people who mostly indulge in eve teasing and rape. When women are considered ‘open meat’ and ‘sweet’ waiting to be grabbed, when ‘Hindu’ women have no particular restrictions (even there is none there is a space of change) mullah’s breed must be in tremendous testosterone pressure. Rape mindset is part of God’s will. Hindu zealots’ lynching a mullah’s breed for marrying a ‘Hindu’ and converting is ‘cause and effect’. And yes it does sound credible.

How many ‘Muslim’ women have married ‘Hindu’ men and changed their religion?. I say that sounds unsecular!!!. While Hindu women marrying Muslim men and converting religion is not uncommon. It is also seen as beacon of secularism in some circle. Infact in the contemporary world they have a better chance of making it. Even after they are divorced they carry the surname, there is huge spin off here (take the example of a woman who goes by the Suhasini Ali, she also positions herself as some kind of feminist. No it is not a joke!!). A slave columnist writes that Munnabhai should focus on the issue of dowry in his next movie. Wow. Till recently I thought there was something humanist about these argument but with their not so subtle nod to mullah breed it is clear that they working on their audience. Slave can follow only the master’s orders. What we now need to focus is why is Dowry banned??. Dowry or Kanyadan is part of Hindu way of life. Murder is law and order problem. If veil is acceptable so should dowry as also casteism. This majority bashing has become a career move for many. You cannot say Muslim stink is acceptable and Hindu stink not. That is a very strange notion. Mullahs are not minority infact in globalised world they are the biggest threat after bush and nuclear bombs.

So the psyche of Hindu fundamentalist needs to be understood and yes appreciated. Why they attack inter religious marriage and particularly conversion need to be studied and debated….and finally empathized. Some say India is a beacon of secularism. Some crude joke this one. Whatever tolerance exist in this society has more to do with most Hindus mindset of adjusting with things and surrounding, as also poverty has kept them occupied. If India had majority of Muslims then we can very well guess how much damage mullahs would have done. Further the anger which is exhibited in the form of pogroms and other forms of hatred need be understood. If international community can spend more time and empathize with mullah’s breed who blow up people and places Then it should be extended to fundamentals of other communities like say intelligent designer experts. Further if it is about freedom of expression then why was Muhammad cartoons not published in India or London (is it about fear, loosing business…taking an easy way out). Some one mentioned Muhammad cartoons were indecent, if that is so then the same people need to say what is decent about veil. Crudeness is not better than decent. Also why are the ‘Muslim community’ not seen protesting against lack of freedom and oppression in Saudi or other heinous crime committed in the name of religion in Arab world. Clearly Mullahs are only trying to spread themselves, and democracy is the best alibi where they are minority. They do talk of freedom of choice and make correct noises to suit the media. Spend some time with them you will know that they are the crudest people in almost all the cases (with very rare exceptions …which is a surprise). It is extremely heartening to know that mainstream in West is awakening to this danger. Veil issue being brought out by Jack Straw need be appreciated (yes we can criticize their foreign policy). Britain is a free country and nobody can dictate terms on what its politicians should say, particularly not the mullahs. Loony left is now focusing on minority vote having been dumped by ‘workers’ (vice versa truer). Comrade Mullah is a distinct possibility!!. Even though Saudi has so much money we don’t see any informative programs or activities from that side. The other day I happen to know about pistol shrimps- did you they make the loudest noise in the world!! About a travelogue to Buenos Aires and also about Nanotechnology….For mullahs these world don’t exist. They live in medieval insulated world, a kind of dark ages of Christians. Their contribution is only in the form of nuisance (true in other religion but we can discuss with them). The issue of global warming, biodiversity loss and so on is our problem which Mullah (as also white supremacist in Midwest) has nothing to do with. In their world it is god’s wish. These people are drag on human race. Main aim being creating more insular and intolerant world (the only tolerance being we need accept their depraved world view!!).

I guess it is important that Hindu fundamentalists get cruder and aggressive and organize more then only they have a chance. In this context Shiv sena splitting is a bad news. Hopefully we will see more regressive section of Hindu fundamentalist coming into power in future. This is important for level playing field. I personally find some dongi sadhu raj much more appealing than some mullah raj or some carefully disheveled loony left. With media and politicians more interested in numbers the harassed common people in ‘Hindu community’ have zealots to look forward to. And believe me if this society don’t have more vicious and organized ‘Hindu’ Right the mullahs will continue to have free run under the garb of democracy and yes secularism. When law against Domestic violence has come into effect Mullahs are allowed more than one wife, isn’t that the worst form of violence??. Obviously Mullahs in India are quite ecstatic group…all gods graces no doubt. India probably is the only country in the world where mullah polygamy is part of heritage!!!. Peace be on his name!!. Yep let’s feed the scoundrels without any distinctions.

A disclaimer: not that this really matters but when I say mullahs it is intolerant breed which has nothing to do with common Muslims who themselves are victim of these people. Further this disclaimer is not an attempt to be a secular and score brownie points. First I am not into politics; second I am not trying to please my audience like the slave masters in media for small profit.

We need SEZ…

It is very important that we focus on creating more and more SEZs. Future investment is very much in SEZs. Aha but the difference is SEZ here stands for Special Environment Zone. In an environment increasingly being polluted as also depletion of diversity of plant species, places of green belts like garden, Biodiversity Park is needed particularly in cities. Everyday new buildings are coming up, which offcourse is needed (we don’t have much options do we??) but unplanned development can leave the place horrendous. It is becoming the case of most Indian cities. Two immediate steps need be taken:

1) Government need to necessarily allocate some space for parks with more trees and wildlife zones in places marked for ‘development’ or construction activities. This should be made a rule.
2) Corporate need to be given tax incentives for maintaining gardens and parks.

This are the steps which can be taken where there is already some space existing but what about cities wherein there are no space left??. The pollution level is increasing at an alarming rate in most metros and space for ecosystem is dwindling all around the world. I have seen certain programs in TV wherein they encourage people to maintain gardens, and in high rises terrace garden is encouraged. That doesn’t solve the problem though. Steps need to be taken to stop misuse of land particularly in cities. Some time back I heard that a politician in Mumbai suggesting that Mahalaxmi Race Course be handed over to developers. An appalling thing in all right sense but there is something in what he said that made me think. Race courses whether in Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata or Bangalore are located in ‘prime property’ that is these are located right in the middle of the city. They are kept as flat surface with few decorative plants or shrubs in acres of land. So also is the case of Golf courses. This is criminal. Steps should be taken to relocate Golf course and Race course to outskirts of cities. The land be then converted to bio diversity park (on the model one finds in Ooty). Maintaining acres of land in cities with few shrubs and grass is an insult on people. It is a kind of colonial affliction for indulgence of few. This has to stop.

It is not to say that I don’t enjoy horse derby. I am quite an enthusiast. Even in school days I have been to horse race not for betting but to see the race. I too was an avid horse rider. For betting one doesn’t need a race course a betting centre is enough. One wonders why horse racing not deemed as proper sport?!!. It is rarely in the mainstream news whereas dumbest game like golf makes it. Also what I don’t get is why betting is not allowed in cricket?. The police are being misused for adherence to club rules. This is ridiculous. If Marketers can cash in on the game why not common people what is the difference? Sometimes people tend to take high moral grounds on cricket. Chill it folks after all it is just a game where people want to just hit the ball.

Britain’s gangrene

The problem with Britain is clumsy handling of a very sensitive issue and in the process giving legitimacy to some really nasty people. The mistake is the attempt on classifying certain set of people as ‘Muslim community’. It is a reflection of not ignorance but complete lack of involvement as to who consist Muslims. One wonders if it is lack of understanding or is it complacency. It is a general happening in the elite sections when they patronize what they consider ‘less fortunate’ people. It is an affliction of those wallowing in laziness, lacking any understanding on reality.

‘Muslim community’ for ever- ready- to- patronize dubious elite in Britain means to encourage a set of people who are actually the original degradation of the Muslim world (if ever we can classify the world that way). The Wahabi Sunnis seems to have fashioned themselves as championing for ‘Muslims’ in general. They have usurped this position with utmost ease. Any attempts to curtail their regressive practices seem to be seen as attempt against ‘Muslims’. The ‘beleaguered Muslim community’ image after the 9/11 adds to the advantage. One might say Taliban or even Osama is not a Wahabi or Deobandi but that is not the point. Wahabi I am using as loose description of those who want a stricter and more intolerant version of Islam to be imposed. It is this breed of Islam who has and is destroying gentler cultures around the world among some very beautiful followers of Islam. Whether in Indonesia or Kashmir or in Kabul (through Taliban) or some quaint community with rich cultural heritage, the wahabis have always attempted to destroy it and introduce regressive and demeaning practices. Many Muslim communities and sane people are fighting these degrading influence around the world. Defining Wahabian worldview and practice as matter of choice is grievous mistake. One, there is no democracy within the practice it is imposition infact these people are using democracy to their advantage for narrow reason and agenda. They are mostly byproduct of feudal mindset, religion and tradition is just an alibi. Second, is the idea of choice- someone happily want to do anything, need not be accepted as valid argument there are many things which an individual or group want to do happily but may not be acceptable to civilized society. So women happily exercising ‘their’ choice are an old ploy we have seen throughout the history. Woman stitch vagina happily as a matter of choice in North Africa, woman walked on toes happily as matter of choice in china, woman burned daughter in law as matter of choice in north India, and so now woman cover their face happily as matter of choice in London. It is shocking since it is happening (more appropriately allowed) in places like Britain since the beautiful idea of democracy, liberty and other values were codified and exalted in west (it may not have originated here). It provided immense possibility for reason, logic….the harbinger for all scientific and technological development. It also provided space for civilized interactions and freedom of expression. Thus people experimented with themselves and the surrounding, able to tap their potential unlike anywhere in the world. Creating wide range of creative divergence and variance contributing to the beauty of human experience. The Wahabis stand for all that is against this. Most of the cultural contributions of Islamic communities around the world are despite these people. Cultural contributions like folk music, dance or theatre and other forms of expressions have been brutally suppressed. To take an example, in the Indian subcontinent the wonderful tradition of Sufis was brutally dealt few centuries back. Even Ustad Bismillah Khan was asked to not use Shehnai by some Mullah just think how many more talented people could never make it because of these nasty people and their world view. What we now know as beautiful poems, songs (quawwalis) and so on were to large extend contribution of some beautiful people despite these prosecutions and threat for centuries. For fundamentalist grouping under Wahabis this was blasphemy. I read sometime back about a young Pakistani writer (not able to recall name) who was so traumatized by his childhood memory of his uncle who destroyed his toys and delicate paper works he created calling it blasphemy. This the kind of psyche they can inflict on children. Now one might say that such occurrings are common in other cultures or religion. Maybe but in other cultures and religion there is always a possibility to question, protest and change but when it comes to Wahabis and their brethrens this is the finality. They want to freeze everything into history. They now want civilized people to tolerate it as ‘choice’ and be more 'understanding'!!. Basically it is ploy to gain power and control. And post 9/11 is apt occasion to sneak in the stink.

In the name of Islam these people have done heinous crimes over many centuries. Now it is petro dollar which is playing havoc over the lives of ordinary Muslim people. It is this brand of Islam which is the threat to Islam around the world. It is this dangerous people we need to beware of. The veil (that is covering the whole face) is the extension of this regressive world view. They have been very aggressively spreading this onto very unsuspecting and ordinary Muslims around the world in the name of religion. Even in the places like Kabul these fundamentalists whose world view are so narrow, are considered ‘nuisance and uncultured’. I happen to see a program in National Geography Channel sometime back wherein the man on the street who used to make living through music and photography made this comment about Taliban. If this is the case in ‘conservative’ places like Kabul one can very well imagine what the situation is around the world. There is struggle in most Islamic societies against this Wahabis brand of Islam by the natives of the region. The culture of settlers is being threatened whether in London or in Dacca. If these scoundrels had their way we will not have any freedom or forms of creative expressions. Think of the millions of lives made miserable by these people particularly women, in some places they even carry stick to check any transgression. Where these people are not any majority they use democracy to spread their stink, this they do by ghettoizing people and creating vote bank. The reason why they are very upbeat about any tradition or belief which can alienate.

The veil represents this threat. Apart from objectifying women it curtails woman’s activity in public space. It strives to make women dependent on male therefore severely restricting their potential except may be to produce children and look after them. There is no music, no dance, no sports…it represents that world. Even in comparatively open societies like Pakistan women have no chance in sports while the male sportsperson are considered national prestige. The stance is mostly patronizing which is what makes it most disgusting. Even in India Muslim women’s contributions (in middle class) are quite limited and if ever despite heavy odds, contrasts this with other communities particularly Protestants. Infact the Muslim communities are one the poorest in India but instead of providing opportunities of modern education and health benefits the mullahs are working on huge money building bigger and bigger(and in some cases very ugly) mosques and madrasas, as also nuances on ‘religious life’. This is the case all the around the world. And then they say we are alienated!!. I am told that no community feels so alienated as Muslims around the world. Well when it is always the case then it is time to look inside than blaming others. The mullahs are taking the ‘Muslim community’ for big ball ride. For that first they need to construct a concept of ‘muslim community’ to usurp the angst, in patronising Britain they have been immensely successful. They are beacons of democracy here and exotic pets of multicultural masters. Infact Britain is a case study on Mullah’s success story.

When elite in Britain say this is freedom of expression and should be tolerated what they forget is that veil is a symbol against expression. Sensuality is integral part of humanness and any attempt to curtail that comes under violation of basic rights of any human. Veil represents that heinous form of human right violation. Tolerating human right violation is not the way to define democracy this is a grievous mistake. You encourage these barbarians you are sowing seeds of violence. Remember peace is not absence of crime. Violence is the state of mind which gives space to tolerate violation of another human being. When we allow such practices it is not about tolerance it is about we loosing our space for not tolerating injustice. The society looses that space and then these injustices we tolerate breeds its own new world which can be nothing but violent. A byproduct of careless and indulgent society living in suspicion with itself.

The bikini angle which is being brought into this issue is a way to divert the attention. How far sensuality be expressed in public space that it crosses the line of decency or vulgarism is a different issue. It is about our right to express. Further when woman are seen as object of sex and male potential rapist and so be protected under veil, this represent a crude form of understanding of human sensibilities. This is the psyche that mutilates human relations. This can only create negative feeling around and so mistrust, Britain need to understand this. Also the child brought in such environment is a potential victim of such world view and will definitely find difficulty adjusting to egalitarian and equitable world view. Eventually will find himself alienated and so a potential recruit for hate. It is no surprise that the contribution of this breed of people to humanity have hardly been positive. How many art forms or scientific or folk lore or other form beauty is contributed from this part of the world?. When I say ‘this part of the world’ it means the space occupied by women in veil all around the world. Where as all around the world in Muslim and non Muslim communities’ women have contributed in all sphere, women under veil remain a dark spot, a shame on humanity. Wahabi Sunni’s contribution to the world is that they made the life of many ordinary people around the world miserable in the name of Islam. They are the crudest people. Future generation will not forgive west for their thoughtless and careless act which amounts to encouraging these people. In many countries around the world whether Turkey or Uzbekistan the ordinary Muslims are threatened by these regressive forces. Britain’s capitulation will weaken their stand and will lead to more insecure and intolerant world, a severe setback. It will give space to accepting injustice and legitimatize tyranny in the name of religion.

Postscript: the reference to defecation was in context to my surrounding, and a gag on Blair (he is the one who should be in jail). Since it is being taken out of context, as also i believe it was not needed here  i am removing it. Apologies for the mixup.   

Removing child labour

Removing children from labor in shops and giving them opportunities for normal growth and education is significant. The recent step by Government o0f India is welcomed. But one wonders why this move is limited to business establishments and households only. Entertainment is an Industry and on what basis a child working in movies or TV serials or ads. different from a child labouring in a dhaba???. This is not to undermine the heinous form a child labour/abuse that exists in many small hotels. But when children are used for profit how this is not child labor??. Children are used in appalling and regressive TV serials, ‘game’ shows-where they are counting gold coins of a particular brand!! (This is different from fun filled programs for children by children of some foreign channels. They make learning entertaining). Many ads use children (even babies) blatantly.

In entertainment industry if ever it is about creativeness then children shouldn’t be compensated with money. That is a business transaction and should be deemed as child labor. Bottom line is you cannot use children for profit and this should start from advertisements, greed programs and so called entertainment.
Patronizing poor is a nice occupation but first keep your drawing room clean. Stink could be in the posh neighborhood as in Dhabas.

Sitaram’s Akhand Bharat Jugaad

Some people have a dime for media suaveness. They excel in the art creating issues out from nowhere. The latest of the candidate is Comrade Yechury. Comrade has recently confessed to an idea of India-Pakistan-Bangladesh combine team against England (not Britain!!) to ‘celebrate’ the ‘first war of independence’ in 1857. This is the kind of an idea that should make any far Right immensely proud. Finally some credibility to Akhand Bharat. The media will toy it in all permutation and combination after all any utterance on Cricket (and ‘bollywood’) is matter of national security. They will now have debate forum. It’s a win-win for media and BCCI (a club that has come to represent India for huge profit. Vande Matram!!). I gather that even if the players come to the field and sit down and chat, the club would make few million profit!!!. That is money from merit and competence. No it is not about Indian population and that strange connection to patriotism. In the meantime my suggestion to Comrade Yechury as a humble citizen (offcourse!!) is that he need worry about the unrepresentative and unconnected ‘leaders’ in Left, mostly feudal leftovers. Geez what am I saying. Comrade Yechury could consider setting up Jane Austin Socialist club of India for Garibi Hatao. Communist Party (Jane Austin) Marxist. CP(JA)M. I guess to pacify Budhadeb babu (who I am told has terrible temper when it comes to matters of cricket) we may make it Communist Party (Jane Austin Ganguly Socialist Marxist Leninist party of India). Or I guess innovative Comrade Yechury will suggest Communist Party (Jane Austin Ganguly Socialist Marxist Leninist party of India Pakistan Bangladesh). CP (JAGSMLIPB). Amen to that.

On the birth anniversary of Gandhi: Understand Gandhi but beware of Gandhians

Non violence was Mahatma Buddha’s (as also Mahavira) contribution to the world which Gandhi used as a political strategy. Thoreau gave protest a meaning through Civil Disobedience. This was brilliantly used by Gandhi to do deal with Britishers. What is significant about Gandhi was his pursuit on truth –satyagraha. This was a brilliant idea since Satyagraha was considered personal but he made it societal, a mass movement. What sages for ages pursued in secluded mountains and later disseminated to people through teachings he made it an action -a new take on karma. An attempt on society that stands for fairness and justice. His contribution is in this ability to organize people on these lines, providing a foundation on building a just society.

What is however unmaking of Gandhi is his ‘followers’. Gandhians have done more damage than probably organized mafia particularly who masquerade Gandhism in public places. The policy makers had lots of opportunities in 50s and 60s but they turned Gandhi as a mascot to hide their incompetence (bias) so what was a brilliant idea got reduced into strategy in inaction and vacillation. Gandhi then and now is used to score brownie points than for actual action, it bred corruption and apathy. It created a class of people who made a career out Gandhism and fattened themselves at the expense of millions of poor people. Elite lapped to Gandhism since it was a safe bet, no land reforms, no laws on social mobility just keeping talking about non violence and ‘changing minds’. Wonder what ‘changing minds’ meant? People express ‘change of mind’ through elections is it not? Further laws are consolidation of these ‘changes of mind’ is it not? Gandhism has nothing to do with ‘changing the mind’ of corrupt or criminals; it has to be dealt firmly with law otherwise don't have laws! They maybe taught compassion once inside jail. Law machinery need to be strengthened. Gandhi's methodolgy is significant when the laws are unjust.

Understand Gandhi, understand his teachings, and understand the context in which he worked and the eternal value of his views. Understand the significance of non violence and the brilliance of Satyagraha. Understand his acumen for mass mobilisation and use of symbols. Understand the beauty of his effort, understand the simplicity which was so endearing, understand the greatness of the man. But be very beware of Gandhians. The kind of stagnation of society has to do with manipulations in the name of Gandhism in the earlier part of national development wherein the need was not of 'change of mind’ of elites but revolutionary laws to keep with aspiration of majority. The need was to take over the lands of ‘trustees of nation’ and redistribute it as democracy demanded. Now on the contrary they are taking away land for SEZs in most case meaning land mafia. So much for Father of the Nation. If some zeal was shown in lawmaking then maybe we could have had more equitable society. This nation has lost that chance.

Elite now have assumed that they can never be wrong, infact the McMedia is playing on the game that nobody can be wrong. It is about different opinion, different views. Off course they are right when it is about individuals but when it affects us it is no longer that simplistic there is line of right and wrong. The socio-economical decisions have the context of society. As Gandhiji said “whether it helps the poorest of poor” the “Daridranarayan” or shall we say the marginalized as also the Nature. This is where the line needs to be drawn. It is about defining ‘Development’. It is about understanding ‘sustainability’ (the need not greed). The policies of the Government, Corporate and Media need work on these lines. How about RTI in Corporate on issues which effect our environment, natural resources and labour? Gandhi’s relevance has only increased in recent times. He was one rarest of rarest human to have lived in recent times.

On a lighter note: For Gandhians to ‘experiment’ they need followers and they did ‘experiment’ happily for years after independence but in last two decades or so the people from lower strata of society have mobilized themselves (except the tribals who have turned to Naxalism) and have left most Gandhians stranded……not bad at all.

Condoling the last of Travancore Sisters

The passing away of Padmini brings to an end the last of what was popularly referred to as ‘Travancore sisters’. They were colossal figures in 50s and 60s, particularly the pair of Padmini-Ragini. I recollect in my childhood when the pair was ever mentioned it created lots of excitement around. Padmini was top actress in all the four major south Indian language as also in Hindi (at one point), enviable achievement not matched yet. Further she was a polyglot and could speak most langauge!!. Her Hindi movies were also watched with lots of interest by elders when it used to come in TV. More than an actor wherein she was stupendously popular she was known for her dancing skills in classical forms (she was an accomplished Bharthanatyam dancer). It wouldn’t be farfetched to say that Padmini apart from Yjenthimala (not able to get the spellings!!) was largely responsible for introducing classical dance form into Hindi movies, and with that to north Indian mainstream entertainment. I particularly enjoyed watching ‘Kalpana’, an extravagant experimental dance-movie by Uday Shankar troupe, few years back (with Pt. Ravi Shankar...in audience, offcourse!!). What a grand way to start a career!!. Just brilliant. Incidentally her cousin Sukumari (in malayalam) and niece Shobana are also very popular.

Since she was active much before my generation so my favourite performance of her is from later part, as an old lady in Malayalam movie ‘Noka Dhoorathu’. Infact it is one of my favourite movie particularly the songs.

Understanding Darfur Crisis

The African continent is the poignant story of centuries of outside forces playing havoc with natives. It’s about the loot and control. Of slave traders and conversion to organized faith and subsequent annihilation of local cultural diversity. All the civil strife in the last century to now can be traced to this violent nature of history. This offcourse not to deny that local tribal differences were mostly active like for instance hutus or tutsis in central Africa. But the problems were accentuated by outside manipulations. Africa despite some extremely talented people and rich natural resources remains poorest place on earth for these very reasons. This was the case of most of Africa till recently. Things are changing many countries are now experimenting with democratic. The situation though remains very fragile with corruption and lack of institutionalized response to many crises. Unlike southern part of Africa which has colossal and sobering figures like Nelson Mandela rest of Africa is very much in open and vulnerable.

Sudan’s case is not so different. The country is divided socio-cultural and linguistic line into North and South. It has predominantly followers of Islam religion but mostly concentrated in the North. Further the division is on the line of Arab and non Arab ethnic African population (But as one article points out they are similar in appearance despite these differences). Sudan is largest country in Africa and is the line where the Arab world merges into Africa. The origin of the problem is in this divide, offcourse accentuated by colonial past of segregation. The non Arab African population concentrated mostly in south has always accused cultural domination and attempt to political marginalization by the government at Khartoum, ruled by Arabic Sudanese. They also say that the government in the North is oppressing black Africans in favor of Arabs. There have been many uprisings and warlords so on, but crushed by the government. The radicalization of the North and imposing of sharia laws only worsened the matter.

Darfur is a province in Sudan of the size of France wherein the uprisings against the north most vehement with groups like SPLA and JEM organizing tribal force against the government during 2003. After string of military victories, government responded to rebellion by arming Arab "Janjaweed (which translates as either "a man with a horse and a gun" or the more sinister "devil on horseback")militia to clear civilian population bases of African tribes thought to be supporting rebellion. The government, it is alleged, to have recruited, paid, and armed more than 20,000 Arab militiamen gave support and impunity to the Janjaweed who have wrecked Darfur. Over 200,000 have died in Darfur since 2004 and over 2 million people have been displaced (The battlefield now extends into eastern Chad, Chad and Sudan accuse one another of supporting each other's rebel groups. The escalating proxy war between Sudan and Chad threatens to produce a new humanitarian catastrophe on both sides of the border). The problem aggravated by famine and drought, the ideas that uncaring Arabs in Khartoum had let the famine happen and then Darfuri Arabs had attacked African farmers began to gain credence. Although the UN has not accepted it (except reffering to’genocide is frighteningly real in Darfur’) but the killing has reached the proportion of genocide. The scale of the Janjaweed campaign led to comparisons with the Rwandan Genocide, a parallel hotly denied by the Sudanese government. Independent observers noted that the tactics, which include dismemberment and killing of noncombatants and even young children and babies and mass rape, are more akin to the ethnic cleansing.

In the mean time African countries responded by setting up African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) to deal with Darfur crisis. It consisted of an inadequate force of 7000 troops with limited finance; predictably the killing in Darfur didn’t stop. The period of troop deployment comes to an end this month. The government of Sudan though continues to resist strong international diplomatic pressure for the UN to take control of the peacekeeping mission. With Sudanese President Bashir consistently expressing opinion against any UN force in the country despite the Security Council resolution.

In this context it is important to note that in 2005 United Nations summit adopted novel concept of a collective ‘Responsibility to Protect’ the worlds citizens even against their own government. After Rwanda, Kosovo and a host of other atrocities, and with the mass killings of Darfur staring them in the face, the leaders agreed at the U.N. Millenium Plus 5 Summit that state sovereignty could not be used to justify atrocities or to bar collective international action to protect those citizens. ‘Responsibility to Protect’ provides that diplomatic and other peaceful tools are tried first to bring the violations to an end, but where national authorities manifestly fail to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity the U.N. Security Council could put military force for use. And with this and the adoption of the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court to hold individual leaders responsible, the future is not very bleak. The happening in Darfur needs awareness around the world- the intention of carrying this in the blog. However it need be added here that Darfur crisis is much more complicated than what is mentioned here particularly with rebel forces dividing.

Also the need of the hour is to strengthen UN. This is the only platform for interaction and discussion of issues concerning humanity. A strong UN will definitely provide legitimacy among nation and its people. UN might have been sidelined in recent times, in Baghdad and so on or have failed in its attempts like in East Timor but a beleaguered UN is more damaging.

incredible Steve

a cartoon by Pat Bagley, Salt Lake Tribune, Utah

It is shocking to know that Steve Irwin died in a “freak accident”. Since I was traveling and not into much news I didn’t know about this tragic event. Came to know three days back from Auto driver!!!. (Well I like interacting with auto wallahs while traveling in their autos -certain places where I don’t know the language it can be frustrating). We were passing through a fish market somewhere in kerala. When he started talking about therandi fish (ray fish), actually he was bit surprise that it could kill a human being. Probably it has to do with dangerous evolution of species in and around Australia. Coming back, Steve was my favorite anchor in wild life related program (another Steve is Steve Austin who too is incredible). His enthusiasm was infectious, it mostly had this bewilderment which was riveting. He was absolutely into it whether with deadly snakes, vipers (once he realized one is behind his leg!) or in Sri lanka where he almost slip into a cobra!!. His most action was with Crocodiles, the one I didn’t watch much- no liking for crocs. With monster lizard or sea lions…..or inane happenings in Australian zoo was reported in very passionate manner. Amazing guy he was. Also I liked the Australian accent, I found it very funny. I am still not able to believe that he is dead….it is rather baffling. Very significant lose.

There are few more people who have died recently whom I admired. Offcourse the greatness of Ustad Bismillah khan needn’t be reiterated we all know it. Why am I writing this is to pay a personal tribute. I decided years back that I will make it a point to see all the great masters in action, live. And so had esteem pleasure of listening to Bismillah khan. My regret being missing MS, although I was in Madras for almost a year. She didn’t have any concert, I was a regular at madras music academy (nearby Stella Maris main attraction though, at that time. My early job was with a TV channel!!!...more on that sometime later). Another person whom I missed was Kelucharan Mahapatra. Just few months before he died he had a performance in Kamani (in Delhi) but it was too crowded and I was not in my best of health, so dropped the idea. Although I did watch ten minutes of his performance, I recall it was during the time when he was given Padma Vibushan.

Ayyapan Panicker was a well known figure in Kerala (it is amazing that you will find even the commonest people will have some idea about writers and poets). Common people’s access to great works like Dostovesky or Chekov is through translations. And most well known international writers have been translated to Malayalam (even the latest popular genre - DaVince Code!!). Ayyapan Panicker apart from being an established poet and writer was also known for his translation, particularly of Shakespeare and also Eliot’s Wasteland. I had the fortune to listen to him a year back at Trivandrum where he was a guest for Vallathol Sammanam to MT.

I have absolutely no knowledge of Hrishikesh Mukherjee except that some of his movies were great like Anand, Golmaal, Namak Haram (these too I came to know after he expired….my knowledge of hindi film industry is actually very poor) and not to forget some incredible songs in these movies.

Bushing the way to Armageddon

Rationality is integral part of Humanism. Humanism devoid of Rationality is expediency. It reduces to clever ploy for deceit. Religion may not be rational to atheists (who seem to have usurped rationality) but it is really not irrational, atleast, in its core intent. Religion caters to emotions and tribulations. A positive involvement leads to spiritualism that as a functionalist understanding: gives clarity on choices which is ethics. Irrationality is given to human exigencies and instability. Moral codes are an attempt to control, it’s a byproduct of power. Therefore moral framework necessarily changes with time and context unlike ethics. Morality is an agreement within the society on correctness. It is possible that it will militate with individuality. At an extreme, moral fiber within the religion may eulogize to kill or even martyr a follower, in horrendous perversity even an infant. Wherein the soul of religion, human- ethics is violated, proscribed. An example not distinct from religion is the construct of Nationhood and patriotism. People are ready to kill even innocent wherein it is ethically untenable. Rationality therefore needs to be seen as enlightened choices- ethics.

It is in this context and backdrop that we need to understand the issue of Evolution Vs Intelligent Design. Evolution is a scientifically documented fact, necessarily rational. Unless a contrary theory or examples is convincingly presented within the framework of rationality till then Darwinism remains the sole truth on these matters. Darwin was understanding enough to refer this as “provisional truth”. As of now it is a convincing theory on evolution of life, very highly probable. More than truth it is about attitude- a mindset defined by inquisitiveness, inquiry, search, learning, knowing…..if this space is not encouraged then it gives way to prejudices, biases, superstitions and narrow mindedness (with vote bank obsessed politicians and people as consumers we have a catastrophe waiting to happen or is it happening?). Intelligent Design advocates represent this regression. Some in US even suggest this as alternate theory. The ‘alternate’ of rationality is always irrationality. Teaching children that it is normal being irrational is where the problems start (the same danger in children being taught in exclusive religious institutions). Media mischief in this context is through ‘balanced’ reporting, ignoring ethical perspective.

Bush voted against Stem Cell Enhancement Act since “The bill” according to him “would support the taking of innocent life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others. It crosses a moral boundary that our decent society needs to respect”. This is the same ‘decent society’ which has no qualm in taking lives of thousands of innocent people in Baghdad or Beirut, to quote recent examples. Bush’s ‘moral boundary’ seems to confined to US neo cons. This is the same fellow who couldn’t protect (wasn’t bothered would be better way to describe it) his own marginalized people during hurricanes despite clear early warnings and all the equipments at disposal. It’s baffling how people in US elected him as the President not once but twice!!!. Irrationality seems to be institutionalized here- so naturally prejudices.

Writes,KarenArmstrong(inGuardianNewspaper..http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1833794,00.html) “…..the first chapter of Genesis was never intended as a liberal account of origin of life, it is a myth, a timeless story about the sanctity of world and everything in it…”. This is very much true and may be applied in case of Ayodhya issue or the way Islam is being misused by fundamentalists. He writes further “…the prophets did preach a stern message of social justice, however, and like all the major world faiths, Christianity sees charity and loving-kindness as the cardinal virtues. Fundamentalism nearly always distorts the tradition it is trying to defend”.

The photo of models of Evolution of Homo sapiens from primates was taken at Thirunelveli, District Science Centre (Tamil Nadu). Every districts like mandatory District Magistrate, District Health Centre…and so on need to also have District Information Centre (includes library, internet….also functioning as facilitating agency for RTI). It is also very important to have District Science Centre in each district, acting as nodal point for all schools in science related activities like projects, seminars, exhibition of innovations in the district as also dissemination on latest science inventions happening around the world. When I was visiting the Science Centre it was teeming with school children. A kind of sight one loves to see. It is not to say that science will give all answers. Scientific temper creates a mindset that encourages rational. Rationality is what makes us human.

Thande ka thadka for comrades in Bengal...

Before we get into comrades in Bengal let us understand the comrades in Kerala and their predicament. That will give a better perspective on happenings in Bengal.

Kerala as we know is an incredible success story in social development. Despite the low per capita income and other serious problems, there has been sustained emphasis on health and education. There are many historical culture reasons prominent among them is the contributions of communists. How much of that commitment is shared by contemporary communists in Kerala is questionable. The historical vibrancy of kerala society is now stagnant in the fleapits of mass media, moving from mediocre to crass. Despite all this Kerala was able to capitalize on early Movements towards equitable society (the education bill by Left government regarding private colleges particularly controlled by religion-for-profit is welcomed. It is a brave step. Ordinary people fully support the move). Social mobility in this society has been quite high due to increased capabilities (and choices) of people from different strata of society. The erstwhile rulers and elites have been shown their place, the education helped people to create opportunities particularly in gulf (now Europe). The life expectancy, health facilities and other social indices are comparable to any advanced country. Although Malabar when joined Kerala was a backward place, because of enlighten policies have caught up with the rest of kerala.

Like other mainstream media anywhere people here too are overwhelmed by nonsense (like the obnoxious ‘serials’) despite these the problems faced by common people is given due significance. Each event is analyzed with equitable understanding and participation, wherein the man in the street is found articulating his views in an effective manner (here I am not referring to trash programs like nammal thammil). Unlike some “national” channel there is no bias towards the Marketeers or gloss. The best thing is, like what we see in BBC, most of the discussions are not really hurried. The discussions are not meant for high decibel acts between ads but intend to understand the issue in its entirety, including people who really matter. Not some small time celebrity- marketeers get together. Each channel do have slot for discussing important books, analyzing newspapers, meet the people who make difference and so on. Some of the programs are of very high caliber. It has more to do with the appreciative audience

The Coca Cola –Pepsi issue in Plachimada in this context is path breaking. It is the people in their entirety are involved. The reason why the real issue cannot be sidelined. There is no place for glamour statements. You cannot escape facts here. And since people are aware of the problems, the money sniffing celebrities have to fall in place. No popular kerala actor will dare to come in Coca Cola Pepsi ads. Most ‘celebrities’ in here are quite sane and susceptible to logic and empathy unlike from cow belt where the gap is too big and so the loot has all the impunity. Knowledge, esteem, empathy…. has a making of deadly cocktail which mere literacy, aping the west and so on cannot fathom. Media manufacturing and event managing of issues will not have space here, if ever on the periphery as amusement. Not mainstream occupations.

The banning of Coca Cola- Pepsi and the systematic sidelining of the problems of the people, which they so vociferously supported before the elections is not gone unnoticed by majority of people in here. This is in sync with the new image the comrades are trying to create. The image of Market friendly. Neek pok Vijayan!!. But unlike other part of the country they cannot escape the needs for sustainability and livelihood threat. People in here are very active and can articulate their views quite well, mind you even the poorest of poor. Further the material and intellectual gap between strata’s of society is not very big, majority of people have same socio-cultural context (you could know about Kafka from a bus conductor, carry an intelligent conversation with commonest of people, atleast a decade back….don’t know how much people have become professional in recent times!!)

It is in this milieu that we need to understand the constraints, predicaments and hypocrisies of comrades in Bengal. The comrades find it difficult to question the Coca Cola –Pepsi onslaught, they have got their own goverment which goes against CocaCola-Pepsi. Surely investment. It need to be reminded that there are many cases when indian products have been rejected by Americans asit didn't conform to their standards. There are cases i am aware where the businessmen have suicided because of losses. Offcourse we arent really bothered about standards or no standards in case of Coca Cola Pepsi. We are very concerned about ground water exploitation and livelihood threat by exploitative products for indulgent few. The cola factories I am told has 2 or so bottling plants running spic and span. No problemo!!!!.

Understanding comrades in Bengal…..

The comrades in Bengal have been ruling for almost three decades. Many countries where comrades have ruled for longer period have known to have higher social indices, despite sluggish economical development or lack of sufficient freedom, like erstwhile east Europe or Soviet Union. But Bengal is different, there has been complete lack of social mobility and it seems that they are stuck in some time warp. Whereas neighboring states like Bihar- poor and feudal, have seen cataclysmic changes in last few decades at least in social mobility sense, the lower strata asserting themselves through elections, the comrades are in some quaint world. The world of English poems and cricket. This society is still being dominated by a section which has been traditional elite. I have done some study in last few days and found that it is very much a feudal society much worse than most States in India. The ‘leaders’ mostly belong to a particularly section. Like for instance if you take the example of Lok Sabha members it is dominated by Chatterjees, Banerjees, Mukherjees…..the threaded types. Infact of the 41 members (Malda seat is vacant it seems) elected in the last Lok Sabha there were 6 Chatterjees+Banerjees+Mukherjees+Chakrabortys, 4 chowdharys+ basus or boses. Others who are from elite section include Acharya, Pradhan, Munshi and so on…they could easily be more than 15. I gather from surname…I really don’t know much about caste structure here nor am I concerned. The surnames I gathered from figures in History, who were necessarily from elite section. You see they had the burden of ‘freeing’ us!!. The intention is to find out the elite section, socio-historically elite, the feudal class comrades- representing have-nots!!. The reason why am I pointing to these is to bring out the entrenched bias in representation. The inequity in social development in a State that is being ruled by Communists for almost three decades. They have become quite an embarrassment (read further at http://depalan.blogspot.com/2005_09_01_depalan_archive.html). It is conceivable that the reason why far Right (mostly elites in Hindus) find it difficult to dent Communist fort in Bengal is to do with the fact that most of the elite are having a great time as comrades. Also the porous border from Bangladesh is about their masquerading as secular, the increase in vote bank. This doesn’t extend to Taslima Nasreen, who is being hounded by Mullahs back home. Comrades surely see red!!!.

One can say with much surety that 60-70% of the Lok sabha seats are represented by elite section of the society. This must be true for state assembly or other spheres of the society too. The Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee is a threaded type anglicized comrade, so was the previous one who held a record of sort as the longest (ok second longest) chief minister in the country!. So rule the comrades for us people only. Even the ‘opposition leader’ in the State is a Bannerjee. The Union minister from Congress is a Mukherjee. The Lok Sabha speaker is our very own comrade Chatterjee. All threaded types- the traditionally licking class. Not that i am into checking surnames of people but this overlap of class-caste is no coincidence. This could be true of any State(or in Centre) during 50s to 80s but this is 2006 and Comrades ruling the State for three decades!!. The ambivalence of comrades regarding exploitative products is not at all surprising. Unlike comrades in Kerala they have the luxury of going for blatant denial. Not shocking. I have traveled in Bengal many a times and the abject poverty is heartbreaking. Mostly people associate poverty in Bengal with slums in Kolkata (City of Joy!!). But it is countryside where things have gone seriously wrong. Few statistics and some ground reality will reveal some truth. The sham of Communists and their image building posturing at Centre.

India ranks a dismal 127 in HDI ranking and among the States in India the position of West Bengal is ‘less than satisfactory’. West Bengal ranked 22^nd HDI in 1981 and equally dismal 20^th in 1991. West Bengal in the year 1999-2000 had below poverty line 27.02 per cent of its population; higher than the national figure of 26.10 per cent. Whereas the NSS puts the figure at whooping 55%, and 60% belong to SC/STs- the National figure for the same was 19% and 55% (NSS 50^th rounds of data on household consumer expenditure). At the national level the very poor in SC population were concentrated in three states UP, Bihar and West Bengal- they together accounted for 63% of very poor SCs in 1999-2000. Also the percentage of chronically poor is above national average in rural areas of West Bengal. Further, it may be noted that these three categories, namely SC, ST and Minorities, together account for more than half the population, and these are also the three poorest groups in rural Bengal. 84 per cent of the absolutely poor population of West Bengal lived in rural areas, compared to 74 per cent in India as a whole. West Bengal has attracted the highest capital; next only to Gujrat, ahead of Maharashtra, UP and Andhra Pradesh. But reveals badly 2.52 per cent jobs against 3.75 in Andhra, 3.92 in UP, 4.05 in Gujrat and 5.60 in Maharashtra respectively. When they are opening for the ultimate investment it need to be kept in mind that in West Bengal only 36.7 per 100 household have electricity connection which is much below the National average of 60.1 (1998-99 figure). Per capita food grain consumption declined from 476 grams per day in 1990 to only 418 grams per day in 2001. The National Sample Survey data also suggest that even aggregate calorific consumption per capita declined from just over 2200 calories per day in 1987-88 to around 2150 in 1999-2000. Meanwhile, declining capital expenditure by the government has been associated with more infrastructural bottlenecks and worsening provision of basic public services.

Data for the year 2000-1 show that 49.6% of children under 5 are under nourished while 56.8% under 5 children are malnourished in this State, much lower than low income States. The U5M (Under 5 Mortality rate) is as high as 67.6 (Kerala has a low of 18.8), 73.4 of which is in rural areas- about 72 per cent of the people live in rural areas. MMR has dropped significantly in last decade but it still remains on the higher side (50% of PHCs surveyed didn’t have labour room equipments). Whereas studies reveal that 57% children belonging to poor household in rural India were stunted (that is chronic under nutrition), in West Bengal the figure was as high as 63% (kerala had a lowest of 32%). The IMR is at a high of 60 in rural Bengal. The difference in life expectancy in rural and urban Bengal is a high of 7 years, a statement on inequitable development. The state has lower ratios of health care centres per population as well as higher ratios of population per hospital bed, than the All-India average. Nutrition indicators are rather poor, with higher incidence of anaemia and iron deficiency especially among women and young children, than for India as a whole. Although the life expectancy marginally above the national rate, there are some district where it is much lower. Districts like Malda have a low life expectancy of as low as 54 years!!!.

Also Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) among adult population is above 50% in this state. The aggregate literacy rate (at 69 per cent in 2001) was only marginally above the national average of 65 per cent. Only 63 per cent of children in West Bengal in the age group 7-14 years were literate in 1991, compared to the All-India proportion of 64 per cent. In the chart of per capita expenditure on health (after correcting the lower base) by the states, West Bengal stands at a dismal 12 in the list of 14 states. The per capita expenditure in social service and rural development by West Bengal government is so low that they stand at 11^th place among 15 States, wherein states like Tamil Nadu which has a history of successful struggle for equitable society spend much higher than the comrades. The ‘imminent revolution’ for three decades is waiting. Sure kidding. The UNDP had proposed emphasis on four ratios- the public expenditure ratio, the social allocation ratio, the social priority ratio, the human expenditure ratio. Clearly the priorities of comrades in Bengal are nowhere on these lines. The search for ‘mass opium’ is on!!!. A case for dialectical materialism. Talk of social underdevelopment Marx suckers. Piyo sar utha ke comrades….