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

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

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

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

The two questions asked were:

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

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

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

What does religion mean to you?

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

What does happiness mean to you?

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

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

Buddhist monk at Dharamshala (McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh)

What does religion mean to you?

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

What does happiness mean to you?

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

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

What does religion mean to you?

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

What does happiness mean to you?

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

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

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

Muslim at Jama Masjid (old Delhi)

What does religion mean to you?

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

What does happiness mean to you?

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

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

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

Christian Sister at Palayur, Thrissur (Kerala)

What does religion mean to you?

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

What does happiness mean to you?

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

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

Jew at Jew Market Ernakulam (Kerala)

What does religion mean to you?

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

What does happiness mean to you?

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

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

Baha’i at Lotus Temple (Delhi)

What does religion mean to you?

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

What does happiness mean to you?

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

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

Hindu at Haridwar (har ki pauri. Uttranchal)

What does religion mean to you?

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

What does happiness mean to you?

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

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

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

Jain at Palitana (Bhavnagar, Gujurat)

What does religion mean to you?

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

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

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

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

Zoroastrian (or Parsi) at Udvada (Gujarat)

What does religion mean to you?

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

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

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

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

Bill Gate’s Creative Capitalism

This blogger stumbled upon back issue of TIME Magazine last week at a pavement in marine drive (Ernakulam). The cover story was about Bill Gates and “new creative capitalism”, the deal was good for me since it cost 10 Rupees. This blogger has not much understanding on Capitalism except few books/articles here and there like any other common people anywhere in the world. It is an interesting article by Gates although he says “it isn’t some big new economic theory. And isn’t a knock on capitalism itself”. He is smart man (a genius of computers….he started playing with computers and doing complicated things at an age when most us were into marbels or climbing trees, well atleast me!!. Clearly he is a brilliant man. Arguably the most well known businessperson in the world). As Michael Kinsley writes in an essay in the same magazine “it is perfect moment for the biggest corporate titan of all time to turn his attention to problems that software can’t solve”.

Gates starts with the statement that “mainly corporations that have the skills to make technological innovation work for poor”. I really couldn’t understand that one I thought technological innovation works because it is technological innovation, innovation is about applicability. Even the example of Kenya wherein innovative uses of cell phone helped low income people to save money is more due to technology and less due to corporate. These kinds of innovations keep happening at the grassroot level, recall an excellent example wherein villagers in Punjab used washing machine to make lassi (the popular word in north India is jugaad). The difference now is that technology has become bit too specialized for day to day innovations by common people. The reason why it is important for big Corporate to tap these markets since small players are not in a position to break even, “business find opportunities that have been missed”. Business here obviously has to be big corporate, small players are not in a position to pick up that $10. That is creative capitalism alright (he quotes CK Prahalad’s ‘The fortune at the bottom of the Pyramid’. It is a brilliant stuff). And rightly so Mr Gates suggest that “government can help create such opportunities where they presently don’t”. Government as facilitator of economic growth is important for development of society.

Bill Gate’s perspective is from the point of view of Corporate he writes “they can benefit from public recognition and enhanced reputation” by associating with cause. He adds “that might be the tipping point that leads people to pick one product over another”. Now this is where we consumers have to be cautious. I buy the product because I have the need, and so I expect the product to fulfill those needs. If the bottom line of corporate is profit my bottom-line as a consumer is quality- value for money. I am absolutely not interested in anything more than that. These extraneous factors shouldn’t influence my decision making. These “enhanced reputation” has nothing to do with the product. This might work in America where they consume/stock more than what they need and so have probably some kind of guilty conscious. It works with people who are blatantly consumerist.

Bill Gates correctly says “governments in developing countries have a lot to do to foster capitalism themselves. They must pass laws and make regulations that let markets flourish, bringing the benefits of economic growth to more people”. Although his perspective is again from the Corporate point of few this blogger would like to see it from consumer perspective and so very strongly feels stringent steps should be taken towards consumer protection. There should be strict laws for protecting natural resources and environment sustainability. Following these laws is Corporate Social Responsibility, it is important that CSR is not voluntary or part of charity (It may work in developed countries). Further the products coming in the market should have all the contents, ingredients, specification mentioned properly. This blogger is not into brands but quality. Brand building is an image exercise which may have nothing to do with the product (what has Pepsi to do with youth!!). This blogger wants the government to provide quality stamps/marks, which is what I believe rather than brand building by money bags. In capitalism government is not only a facilitator to Corporate but safeguard to people. In societies with acute disparities the later fact is often forgotten.

Most importantly the Indian context of giving money for charity falls in the religious-cultural context. If not this then it is a personal-voluntary act not done for gain but for self contentment. Bringing it under the context of consumerism is a dangerous move however well intentioned. The foundation of this society is on prudent use of means and respecting the surrounding. If most people around the world were indulgent like Americans this earth would be dead by now. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the world is carrying the burden of American dream.

This blogger though strongly supports the second part of Gate’s article wherein he extends concept of creative capitalism to government giving incentives for innovativeness in drugs and vaccines to reach the poorest. There are thousands of higher end hospitals in this country wherein millions die of lack of basic treatments and medicines being costly.

Bill Gates is a genuine man with good intentions but the problems is that societies are not same everywhere. It is hard-earned money for most people in here and gimmick doesn’t and shouldn’t work. As a consumer I am more concerned about value for money. Period. The business of business is business, they provide goods and services. They generate jobs and provide social security and mobility for millions that is a stupendous achievement of capitalism. The government will have to make laws and not abdicate its responsibility as is demanded by market fundamentalists.

Post script: So why is that Corporate are being bailed out by US government in the latest crisis?. What kind of Capitalism is that?!!!. Clearly debt money was offloaded to keep the balance sheet straight. Is this mismanagement responsibility of taxpayers?.

Passing scribbles….

Double click life

I saw her
when I took a wrong turn
in the lane parallel to Jew street
of good old kochi.
That was 1995.
This is 2008.
Her skin had sagged and taken some fat,
gait slower than what I was used to in her,
like an actor playing a part much older than her.
“What’s wrong with you?
Wearing such a bad make up.
Take it off” I said quite angry.
“It will take
many more years to bring me back” she said.
And turned older
and older
and stooped
then she closed her eyes gently
and flapped her wings.

Intend to kill

In February this year WHO came out with the report that a billion people will die of tobacco related causes by the end of this century. Contribution of smoking in this is very significant. Smoking killed 100 million people in the 20th century, and the yearly death toll could pass 8 million as soon as 2030 — 80% of those deaths will be in the developing world, where tobacco use is growing most rapidly. According to a study by New England Journal of Medicine “Smoking kills 900,000 people every year in India, and unless corrective action is taken soon that number will increase to 1 million smoking-related deaths annually by 2010. Smoking accounts for nearly one in 10 of all deaths in India”.

WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2008 called on governments to adhere to six tobacco control policies it calls MPOWER: monitor tobacco use; protect people from secondhand smoke; offer help to people who want to quit; warn about the risks of smoking; enforce bans on cigarette advertising; and raise tobacco taxes. According to the report, nearly two thirds of the world's smokers live in 10 countries — China, India, Japan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the U.S., Brazil, Germany, Russia, and Turkey. This blogger read in the Net that combined destruction of AIDS, World War II, and outright homicide accounted for less death than cigarette smoke over a 75 year period.

It is in this context that Union health minister Anbumani Ramadoss role comes into significance. We Indians need to be grateful to this man, despite the consistent onslaught from Market driven media (clearly they are fed by cigarette companies, no rocket science there!!) even attempting to brand him as some sort of a maniac (a case of sense of humor from media gone far!!). Mr. Ramdoss according to this blogger -which most will agree, is one the best Union Health minister so far (he is definitely is a role model for policy makers in developing countries) he had the option of playing with the Market but he was brave enough to side with the people and has done what is expected from a health minister of more than a billion people- at mercy of money bags trying to peddle their product despite grave health risk. Lobbies functioning for cigarette companies are quite vicious people and they can go to any extend. Poor and corrupt society like India is an easy game. BBC sometime back did an investigation on how they work in Africa, trying to create addiction as early as possible and other blatant unethical practices. One thing about these lobbies is that they absolutely adore democracy and their each and every argument reiterates commitment to freedom !!

Further a smoker is attempted to be portrayed in Indian media (and most importantly in American media, from where these people get their reference) as a regular guy like you and me!. On the contrary Smoking like any other addiction needs psychological help. A person who destroys his/her health with each breath he/she takes is by no stretch of imagination normal. This epidemic has another dimension and that is passive smoking that affects people around the smoker. Studies have shown serious consequences of this. Clearly they are putting others life on risk too because of their addiction. Everybody has a right so long as they aren't harming others, in this case it is not mere harming it is threat on life. Now this is where the line has to be drawn and a policy of zero tolerance needed. Thankfully Health Minister has taken the responsibility despite usual hoarse from media. From October 2^nd we people can breath easy and don’t have to tolerate some maniac who has to smoke because of democratic reasons !!. They can do it inside their house (provided children’s right to access clean air is not threatened or else it is an abuse) or toilet the onus is on them and not us to give them space for smoking. This is what health minister had to say recently “Demographically, India, home to 60 crore young people below the age of 30, is the youngest nation in the world. They are our national assets and they must be protected against tobacco. We are strengthening our Tobacco Regulatory Authority to enforce strict anti-tobacco laws.” Very right. His jab on Shah Rukh Khan or Budhadeb (incidentally Bengal State has one of the highest smokers) is well intentioned, this blogger like most people in this country welcomes these, he is counterpointing the image the cigarette companies create: “it is not cool”. As also his attempt to rein in surrogate smoking ads in movies is welcomed, don’t know about efficacy part, but it generated lots of awareness about tricks morons play in the name of creative freedom.

Further passive smoking is “intend to kill” (like drinking and driving) and there should be protection from passive smoking and make smokers who puts anyone at risk considered a serious offence (protecting people from secondhand smoke is a policy initiative proposed by WHO). Also the onus is on the owner of private places (like Offices, clubs) to implement these strictly. For the very same reason chairperson of BTC (Bangalore Turf Club) stands accused of “intend to kill”, they are not implementing the no smoking rules strictly jeopardizing the health of its patrons. Hopefully such negligence will be considered a serious offense after October 2^nd. Long live people like Anbumani Ramadoss. He is a very rare politician. This blogger rates him as the best Health Minister ever, probably one of the most responsible Health Minister in the world today. We common people are grateful to him.

Post script: He does it again !!

The Union Home Minister was quoted as saying that there was specific knowledge about threat of bombing in Delhi (don’t whether the intention was to upstage Modi. Never can trust the games politicians play). Obviously terrorists are not going to drop in the address and time. Understanding that it is an uphill task when there are millions of people and so much of lack of information about people and so on, making security agencies job very difficult. What this blogger fails to understand is why basic precautionary standards not taken?. Video footage was a great help in London bombing so that should have been the priority area. The CCTVs in Karol bagh was found to be malfunctioning (also consider crowded places like Karol bagh are always on miscreants radar. This is second one in Gaffar market) therefore valuable inputs lost. This is shocking. Who is responsible for these?. Delhi’s law and order comes under Union Home Ministry, this blogger wants to know whether orders were passed. Otherwise Union Home Ministry is accused of nothing less than criminal negligence.

...in the meantime

What is the responsibility of this man???.

To come in TV after each blast and talk crap (he probably is the most detested politician in India right now), some people don’t know when to keep shut. After Ahmedabad blast this man was found giving “exclusive interviews”, where again he spoke nonsense. Absolute lack of sensitivity, shear lack of comprehending the gravity of the situation. Pity the people on the street. Bad luck I guess. So be brave, tolerate and show your grit…there is no other option is just a coincidence.

Tribals are not Hindus

It is difficult to classify who is a Hindu, broadly it can be referred to as those who follow rituals under Brahminical traditions or wherein the local God has some story that links to mainstream Hindu Gods (the trimurthis). Theoretically those who deny these can also be Hindus !!.

The tribes in India follow animistic traditions and in most cases have nothing to do with rituals associated with Brahmins, they also don’t come under dreaded caste folds. Tribals have fiercely maintained their independence (Birsa munda is a well known name, probably one of the first Indians to take up arms against colonial British). This though has gone against them as they could not garner the benefits of development. It is also true that Macaulay designed education system that was followed enthusiastically till recently alienated most Indians from their surroundings- creating a mindset that is servile to Western. For the tribals the contradiction was so acute that they dropped at the very first instance from an education system that they didn’t see any practical applications nor had anything to do with their surroundings.

Eventually tribals became one of the poorest and most exploited sections quite ironical since Adivasi means the earliest settlers. The mainstream India and the state machinery had nothing to gain from them hence their miseries were ignored for decades (although in paper lots of money was spend). The beauty of Christianity is that this religion produced some committed people who could travel to even difficult terrains to spread the message of Christ (there shouldn’t be any doubt that message of Christ was for goodness but the attempt of ‘civilizing’ which some took it with zest was ridiculous. In mid twentieth century though Catholics made attempts to adopt and assimilate the local traditions, sometimes even regressive like caste or say the recently acquired sindoor obsession in kerala. Organized religion understands rules of market!!).

Christianity provided an alternative for social mobility for tribals, missionaries filled the gap that was ignored by the state. If I place myself in the place of a tribal I would definitely see the benefits of following Christianity (note here there is no conversion since tribes don’t follow any religion that is conventionally understood). Also the following is basically part of economics (the idea that one religion has superiority over other in understanding spiritual is an exaggerated nonsense). Christian missionaries have done a remarkable job in last many decades to raise the self esteem of tribals crushed by the exploitative nature of surroundings. The widely spread education institutions under missionaries has given them the opportunity to learn and progress. Though elitism exists in these institutions and sometime they are reduced to commercial establishment. This blogger strongly feels that Christian community need to immediately put into perspective what is purpose of education institutions they run. There is an urgent need to increase reservations in these institutions to Christians from economically backward communities, next priority need be given to poorer section from not Christian background. Compassion shouldn’t have any space for elite or market defined merit, compassion is about competence. Christianity’s competence is in spreading the massage of goodness to all. (Colleges like St. Stephen should give preference to competence, I give this example since this college has been decided by and among elite section as torchbearer of merit, alumni include mostly of nuisance value and big time chatteratis).

The State and people of India should be grateful to missionaries since they prevented the alienation of huge section of population. The reason why Naxalism is not rampant in many poorer parts of India has to do a large extend with missionaries. Brahminical ideology instigated violence is nothing but consolidating power. Tribals will loose whatever they have if they enter ‘Hindu’ fold, they are numbers in the larger mission of power brokers. The heinous violence against tribals need be understood from the context of superiority of caste hindus over ‘lowly’ tribals and their audacity to challenge this authority. They also tend to patronize them as gullible people!

Attack on tribals need also seen in the context of racism. Tribals have same reference point with ‘Indians’ of American continent or aborigines. The tribal leaders should also try to forge ties with these groups and try create a pan international protection. It is high time UN sponsor such an initiative. These racist attacks should be condemned at the international level, so far only Pope and Italians have reacted for what they think is an attack on Christianity. Unfortunately these attacks are much heinous and are part of systemic act of racism. There is a case for UNHRC against India, in particular the Orissa state. The Indian State stands accused of not protecting victims of racism.

Unprecedented catastrophe

River changing its course is unheard of, it’s unbelievable. Kosi River in Bihar has created unprecedented havoc, it has stranded some 25 million people (that is population of many countries). It is probably the worst natural disaster to hit India after Tsunami. The death toll is rising and there is a threat of disease. Amazingly the situation is not given the gravity it demands. This is not a national crisis, it is international crisis. As the situation unfolds it is matching the catastrophe of witnessed during hurricane Nargis or Katherina. This lackadaisical approach of policy makers and aid agencies (as also international NGOs) probably has to do with the fact that these are poorest people in one of the most impoverished states of India. This is a catastrophe at international level, it is unprecedented (snap taken from National Geography site).

What to do in life ??

This is one question that troubled me a lot when I was in my early twenties. At that time you have so many career options and non options in front of you, and the social system is such that you have to take these decisions as early as possible. Further one was made to feel that whatever one does will somehow affect the future, so continuously scrutinized and heckled. I recall being in a continuous state of confusion with absolutely no reference point. Reaching a stage that one day I sat down with a paper to chart down what exactly was a human supposed to do?. Extending later to ‘what is purpose of life?’. Marina beach Chennai in the midst of crowded people was where I pondered on these metaphysical queries!!.

What does Police do?
They take care of law and order. So that we can concentrate on doing what ??

What does Army do?
They protect us from external threat. So that we can concentrate on doing what ??

What does Engineers do?
They use/enhance technology to make our life easy and comfortable. So that we can concentrate on doing what ??.

What does Doctors do?
They cure the disease and help us keep our body fit. So that we can concentrate on doing what ??

What does singers/ actors so on do?
They entertain us. So that we can concentrate on doing what ??

…..and so on. I would ask people whom I meet as to what they did and then try to analyze the career. Like I recall meeting a man regular at Music Academy (Chennai) who worked in a Bank, querying him at length as to what he ‘really’ did !!. I guess since he was elderly man he tolerated me. But then anyone working in Bank is concerned with monetary transaction which is about taking care of money. So if he is taking care of my money what am I supposed to be doing??

It took me some time to zero down to the fact that the purpose of life is “to know”. The next question was “to know what?”. That which leads to awareness. To know therefore is life. I recall being quite ecstatic about this understanding. (Here I am not working on para and apara vidya, the sacred and mundane, which though is a significant understanding but was sucked in by wily Brahminical nonsense. Environment, nature, diseases…is very much part of the awareness). I recall writing a poem on this, probably one of my first few poems.

My Ambition
Some want to be Pilot
and ride the world.

Some want to be in the Army
to save the nation.

Some want to be Engineers
to correct the world.

Some want to be Doctors
to correct the people.

Some want to be models
to show it to the world.

Some want to be actors
to let the world see.

As for me
I want to sit on the seashore
And count the waves.
Waves are water
So is sea.

Bit juvenile but I still like the last few lines. It was during this time (I was around 24) that I started taking up reading bit seriously and made it a point to visit Connemara library once a week, and later Ernakulam Public library where I decided to finish atleast two books a week !!. Though I really had some tough time and did revert back to confusion since “knowing” is not a career. And career was understood as capacity to make money. I recall being severely stressed and very nearly gave up.

Since last few years I have got involved in Career training for young people I could not help recollect these thinking I dwelled upon. As for me this understanding has stood the test of time except that I have added “to know and contribute to collective conscience” as purpose of life. Means used for contributing may vary. Basic money is important that is the reason why constant source of earning must be there.

One realizes that Market (I have read has its origin in Protestant ethics) emphasizes on means of earning, the better the skills more competent the person (‘chosen’-the means to reach God). It means to constantly refine oneself, since earning comes with basic Christian tenet of compassion (snap taken from www.flickr.com).

But the way crassness has crept in with “competitive environment”, necessarily at the cost of what doesn’t have Market value. I dare say this contradicts the basic nature of humanity, the alien context (like for instance Patenting wherein the local understanding is sharing) is leading to alienation- from society and surrounding. For the very reason Capitalism may not be a not flawed system, though it looks best possible option. When all that can be used is used competition is cannibalism.

Separatism in Kashmir

The problem in Kashmir is a colonial legacy, the legacy of communalising the society to rule. Kashmir is a Muslim majority region the main reason for demand for separate state. In ancient India this region was known as centre of Buddhism. This blogger believes that Article 370 was a blunder it prevented assimilation of the region from the benefit of growth and isolated the people from pluralist influence, this was exploited by extremist elements. Hindus in kashmir were systematically eliminated (consider the appalling condition/rights of minorities in many Islamic countries starting with the Saudis). Although this blogger is in favor of self determination by people anywhere in the world in here there is a cause of worry. Muslim extremists have a juvenile world view of superiority and god given right to rule themselves through religion, clearly it is not self determination for common people but a clever ploy of fundamentalist to create a muslim ‘holy land’, the loss is of kashmiriyath, the loss is of inclusive tradition. Secondly this kind of move will have serious repercussion on Muslims in India since this is not about people but religion, so definitely Hindu power brokers will exploit this emotive issue. Why are Ladakis or people from Jammu not inclined for separatism?.

Religion is known many a times to poison its follower against the other when the other becomes minority the job is easy. They generally don’t tolerate pluralistic traditions even going against the local norms and values. Most religious fundamentalists whether Muslim, Christian or Hindu come from these surroundings. So even though the Kashmiris have nothing against hindus they were cleansed, so who is doing this?. Who are training the young Kashmiris on using weapons? Muslims or for that matter Hindus, in Bangalore or Delhi when don’t get water or electricity or other basic needs don’t shout for separate country. Kashmiris are not the only one who find themselves in the wrong end of security forces infact most people in India don’t have very positive view of police force. So what is so special about Kashmiris this blogger fails to understand other than the fact that it is Muslim dominated and has been kept isolated from other communities for 60 years.

This blogger is tired of “muslims as a victim” on the contrary the victims of Islam instigated invasions through out the history as also terrorism through bombs in the contemporary world are quite significant as compared to other religions, albeit local happenings add the fuel. However one may say that terrorism has no religion the fact is there are people who are ready to kill and religion has provided them the alibi. Also if followers of one religion are found to be involved in many violent activities it is but natural for man on the street to be suspicious of all people belonging to this religion. Prejudices are sometimes reaction to event around the person it may not be possible for people to take egalitarian worldview all the time particularly when they feel threatened. Further if I belong to a community whose members are committing heinous crimes then I should understand the context of prejudice towards me rather than react in belligerence, the onus is on me. The West may have space for such belligerence and they do have better law and order system but in poorer societies these suspicions can produce deep fractures. India today faces most from religion instigated acts of violence next probably to Iraq. In the meantime politicians worry about their vote bank (which is expected ditto Corporate worry about profit. CSR is basically brand building exercise. Is Market making the world more selfish and crude??. A study is needed on this. The man in suit maybe providing a suave alternative but beware). So some politicians blatantly support SIMI while others support Hindu fundamentalists.

The Muslim as victim has been quite hyped after the 9/11 because of misguided policies of Bush, this is what is being exploited by extremists for power. Common people following Islam do suffer and many suffer terribly first due to poverty second through prejudices. Many therefore get further marginalized and so exploited. Another irony is that this predicament of poor Muslims is exploited by pretenders in elite Muslims generally found next to power centers who fill in the gap as representing these Muslim masses. The truth though is that they have absolutely nothing to do with the reality of common people (if you study Indian history you will see that elite Muslims like Brahminical variety never really had to face any significant problem. They wallowed in extravagance and self inflicted degradation).

Kashmir just happens to be on the fault line. This is not about common people or their voice; it is about peddlers of religion. Peddlers have quite successfully sold the vision of paradise to Kashmiris. The fact is it is going to get difficult for common people. The power brokers on both sides are in for a terrific time. In the meantime more soldiers will die more kashmiris will die.

Post Script: Kashmir where it all began: A personal account

This blogger is into traveling and visiting new places. Sometime back used to spent almost four months in a year on traveling for months at a stretch now though I have reduced to specific periods of the year. I have traveled to almost all part of the country. Although my traveling started quite early (few months after I was born I was moving from Cochin to Assam!!) the place I first visited alone was Kashmir!!. Now that is what we can say incredible. Kashmir was in a way coming of age for me, the fun of travelling alone.

I probably was around 17, when I took this journey in the longest train route- Kanyakumari to Jammu, I got in from Trivandrum. The train stopped for hours at what was then Madras and although I was strongly instructed not to venture from the bogie, I went out and took a walk through Moore market (this market, bloggers will recall got destroyed in a major fire). It took me three to four days to reach Jammu (i recall early morning in the Pathankot railway station the news was about assasination of Zia and there was animated discussion in the bogies on who could have killed him). We were staying in Udhampur, a week later few guys known to us were going to Kashmir in a van so I joined them. It was a scenic journey we had a breakdown so ended up pushing the vehicle for few Kilometers. In the meantime there was a light snow, I recall stopping at a hotel on the outskirts of srinagar where we ate from the big tava itself!!. I met some fierce looking soldiers at Jawahar tunnel. I stayed for the night at probably the biggest house ever (just like the one we get to see in the movies), the fellow was a military contractor (that’s where the money is dear!! For details Dick Cheney would be much help. Soldiers die, people die but some people will always make money. Ever wonder why defence contractors and arm dealers are mostly related to senior officials. Nanda BMW car hit case is well known basically because it happened in delhi the important thing for me here was his father was a arms dealer and that his grand father Admiral. Not at all a coincidence. They know where the lick is, it is anybody’s guess whether national security was compromised). The family I stayed with, I recall was extremely courteous; the guest room was a like a five Star hotel- the servants serving hot milk before going to sleep and waking with bed coffee. Next day though I shifted to Army mess that was a familiar surrounding to me.

For two days I roamed around Srinagar going for long walks and boating at Dal Lake, even going for a late night movie. Although I was told not to eat from outside I did venture out (I am a big fan of Kashmiri wazwan. There is a small shop in Nizamuddin delhi I drop in for Rogan josh and pounded spicy meat balls in curd-goshtaba. There is also one at dili haat that rarely opens. Then of course at the Kashmiri stall at annual trade fare, Pragathi maidan). It was a great experience and I guess I got hooked to it and have been traveling since. Kashmiri people are quite friendly it is the outsiders who fill them with poison not to mention apathy of government.

The day Grandmother stopped telling stories

Grandmother's legs were like

branches of dead tree.

Sometimes

I thought she sprout out of mud

and that her fingers

grew from the corners.

Then one day she did a trick

and dug herself

into the mud.

Kumars are King !!!

Vijendar Kumar, Sushil Kumar, Akhil Kumar, Jitendar Kumar….certainly Kumar is King!!. This blogger had realist expectations from Akhil and Jitendar, and boy they were brilliant. I guess it was not their day. It is always easy to pass judgment on what they could have done and not done but the fact is they came so far with heavy odds stacked against them. My favorite remains Akhil, the boy is talented, I guess the defense was weak. But he really has a great attitude towards the game, in the end that matters. And he was a motivator to others. Vijendar handled the pressure better therefore won. Bravo to that.

Bhiwani a non descript district of Haryana (till recently known as small kashi of India because of numerous temples) is now the boxing capital of India !!.

Sushil Kumar matches also this blogger had the fortune to watch, he played two matches in the morning with a gap of an hour or so (not much into wrestling so don’t know the technicalities). And still manage to win a medal, now that is incredible!!.

Absurd scribbling

Switching the bulb in the dark

Hands faltering
in the darkness of the night
for a support
the doorknob
the wall
the switch
then falters again
and stumbles.

The matrix of memory
shifting
reshifting
floating with no reference.
Weary mind plays the trick,
imagine there is a wall
imagine there is a switch
imagine a new world.

It's Raining !!!

I have always been excited about rain and rain and rain!!!. And rain on beach is one incredibly beautiful happening.

Exultation is the going
Of inland soul to sea,-
Past the houses, past the headlands,
Into the deep eternity!.

Few years back during the southwest monsoons I stayed on a beach with a small glimpse of the ocean for nearly two months. It was a costly place, by my standards, but I got an off season discount (incidentally "off season" is the best time to travel). I carried a trunk of books…poetry, fiction.

The soul selects her own society,
Then shuts the door;
On her divine majority
Obtrude no more.

That was the first time I read Emily Dickinson!!!.

I also became friendly with guys who were into deep sea fishing. After the rains they invited me for a night of fishing in the sea. One look at their boats and I refused. Believe me their life is in as much danger as any soldier at the border.

When in chennai a decade back northwest monsoon was spectacular. Once I was the only one (except few fisherman who had just landed from the sea) on the entire stretch of marina beach during one heavy rain lastly for few hours. I also was lucky to have an access to coast guard beach. So you can say I had a beachy stay!!. Sometimes I went to play cricket too with local youngsters on Sundays. It was very shocking to know that hundreds of people were swept away by the tsunami from the very spot. Today I read that another major earthquake is expected. Something terrible is churning in the earth.

Mangrove trees are an effective defense against the fury of nature. That is the reason for concern about Andhra Coast (kakinada) where the second largest mangrove forest in India is located and how it is been destroyed by the ship breaking industry. The toxic pollutant (particularly ballast water) creating an havoc in the region. There has also been enough documentation on threat to workers from pollutants and appalling working conditions. It is time that this industry is contained. There are series of extensive articles by Mr. Dilip D'sousa on the world's largest scrapping site of ships: Alang. It is a suggested read to know about workers conditions in such places.

Golden boy Bindra !!

So finally India has won a gold medal at Olympics. It feels great !!!. This blogger was quite coincidently following the event. It was very keenly competed event, although Bindra started fourth in the finals. He kept his grit with consist performance 10.5-10.6, he was in the second spot then he became first, next he scored 10.1 so got tied for first spot. Then came the clincher, probably his best shot of the day- a 10.8 near perfect. Following this event was tense for me wonder how that boy handled it!!. It is amazing strength of mind. Truly remarkable. We can learn lot from him. It is very true of most sportspersons irrespective of any country. It is great fun watching them.

Indians tend to do exceptionally well when it comes to games needing concentration. But not many people get the opportunity. After all how many of us have handled a gun or for that matter even seen an event like this!!!. This blogger has maintained that Indian sports should be brought under Indian Army. The sports ministry should be held by retd defense chiefs (retired senior Defence personnel need be involved in much more active role, they are exceptional people. Country needs their service and most are very ready take up this challenge). People who excel in international sports need be given honorary defence title. This gives respectability and boosts the morale. Army could start something on the line of military school- the sports school, so that talent is identified at the earliest and nurtured. Army has all the international facility and infrastructure. Sports needs disciplined and scientific approach, the diet requirement has to be taken serious care. Army personnel are exceptional in handling these, they also have a very challenging and competitive environment (this would also be inspiration for Army personnel and their children also). If one looks at the people who have done well in sports they mostly seems to have some connection with Defense (like Dhyan chand, Milkha Singh, Rathore, the boxers, rovers, hockey players and so on. Not only that most Coach do have Army background). That clearly means they had the opportunity but think of some millions of people who never could get that opportunity despite being talented. If they had the opportunity and given all the facility, probably the country might have had twenty Bindras now at Beijing. Think of PT Ushas who could not make it.

This blogger had seen some exceptional sport people in Kerala. In kerala even the school district sport meet is given such an importance that most Malayalam media give significance, it is main news (when was the last time the so called ‘national channel’ given any importance to these events). Kerala has a culture of sports unlike most other States. But since people are not very rich the facilities are primitive, further many young people take sports as means for gaining employment. It is about surviving and its quite tough out there. This blogger also suggests that earnings of cricketers/actors from ads be severely taxed-and given to other Sports, since they earn so much money in few seconds because of the population and nothing to do with talent. It is quite disproportionate.

Sports in Delhi like everything else is about big lick by uncouth manipulative people. It is a business of officials to promote themselves at the expense of sports and sportsperson. Kalmadi it seems will continue for ever!! Sports should be freed from the clutch of politicians and small timers who have absolutely nothing to do with the sports.

Trivia: This blogger is a keen follower of sport events, I recall during delhi Asian games we had bought TV and I fell ill for the entire period of the games. Didn’t go to school for three odd weeks watching all the games. People thought he was having some serious disease and all kinds of tests were conducted, nothing came out but the boy looked very ill. Then the games got over and presto he is normal and back to school!!!.