Meet the man from Manhattan project who thought differently...

Joseph Rotblat was an amazing man who quit the Manhattan project on moral grounds. For the initiates Manhattan project was an American project to create atomic bomb. Rotblat on realizing that the Germans were not in position to make atomic bomb found it difficult to sustain the argument that Allies needed atomic bomb or for that matter world need this destructive power. Since he couldn’t reconcile these he quit, probably the only scientist to take such an action on moral grounds. What makes him amazing was that he could foresee the danger of nuclear bombs. Rotblat was a scientist who valued life, unlike other professional scientists he thought about the implications on humankind.

Einstein was an ardent supporter of nuclear free world, simultaneously in 1955 Bertrand Russell highlighted the dangers of nuclear weapons creating what is referred to as Russell-Einstein manifesto. Few days later Einstein died but a conference reiterating their intent was held in Pugwash (Canada). Russell in his Autobiography tells the wonderful story of how he had (in 1955) written up a statement calling for joint action among scientists "of both capitalist and communist ideologies" and left it with Einstein for his approval. He was "shattered" when on his flight from Rome to Paris the pilot announced the news of Einstein's death. But at his hotel in Paris he found a letter from Einstein with his agreement!!. The Manifesto is also printed in Russell's book, Has Man a Future?, It speaks passionately of the grave threat posed by the existence of nuclear weapons and the danger that scientific knowledge will be put to harmful uses. The signers speak "not as members of this or that nation, continent, or creed, but as human beings, members of the species Man, whose continued existence is in doubt.... All, equally, are in peril. We have to learn to think in a new way.... Shall we put an end to the human race; or shall mankind renounce war?"

Rotblat was the last living signer of the 1955 Russell-Einstein Manifesto, one of the great documents of the 20th century, and he often quoted its final passage: “We appeal, as human beings, to human beings: Remember your humanity and forget the rest. If you can do so, the way lies open for a new paradise; if you cannot, there lies before you the risk of universal death.” Rotblat was for many years the General Secretary of the Pugwash Conferences, He was convinced that countries needed to abolish nuclear weapons and he devoted his life to achieving this goal, as well as the goal of ending war as a human institution. Just prior to his 90th birthday, he said that he still had two great goals in life. “My short-term goal,” he said, “is the abolition of nuclear weapons, and my long-term goal is the abolition of war.” In 1995, Joseph and the Pugwash Conferences were joint recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. He began his Nobel acceptance speech by saying, “At this momentous event in my life…I want to speak as a scientist, but also as a human being. From my earliest days I had a passion for science. But science, the exercise of the supreme power of the human intellect, was always linked in my mind with benefit to people. I saw science as being in harmony with humanity. I did not imagine that the second half of my life would be spent on efforts to avert a mortal danger to humanity created by science.”

When asked “What gives you hope for the future?”

He responded, “My hope is based on logic. Namely, there is no alternative. If we don’t do this [eliminate nuclear weapons and engender more responsibility by scientists as well as citizens in general], then we are doomed. The whole existence of humankind is endangered. We are an endangered species now and we have to take steps to prevent the extinguishing of the human species. We owe an allegiance to humanity. Since there is no other way, then we must proceed in this way. Therefore, if we must do it, then there is hope that it will be done.”

“Morality,” he wrote once, “is at the core of the nuclear issue: are we going to base our world on a culture of peace or on a culture of war? Nuclear weapons are fundamentally immoral: their action is indiscriminate, affecting civilians as well as military, innocents and aggressors alike, killing people alive now and generations as yet unborn. And the consequence of their use could bring the human race to an end.” He ended his appeal with his oft-repeated plea, “Remember your humanity.”

Joseph Rotblat died in 2005.

Shops will close at 9:30 pm if you don’t vote!!!

What you think about this ad?!!. It is one of the ways they have found to get market driven dimwits (read urban youth, not all but yes most) to vote. Don’t know whether these amusements are meant more to make statements to influential quarters and so get some favor or is there something genuine?. The latter can be ruled out since I saw this in an on-line British newspaper!!(beats me that one, Indian ads in British newspaper!!).

Clearly dimwits in their stampede to change the world have forgotten (not aware would be a better word) that shops timing are not part of the policy decisions made in the parliament nor by the union government. Knowledge dear Watson is a prerequisite, small time fixers and manipulators have very short shelf life, they live in the world of exaggeration and short term gain, in this melee facts are the first causality. Market has got its target group right but by its very nature cannot be guidance or any reference.

In Bangalore they have started a crusade for longer nights. Nothing wrong in that. Infact this blogger thinks all shops should have the right to be kept open 24hours. I guess shop owners can decide what is right for them. But there are certain problems that need be addressed. Since the state machinery is stretched there could be separate charging (referred to as tax) from the shops that open after 11pm.

Most importantly what makes these dimwits think that facilities should exist only be for them. What about common people?. Why the bus services stop at around 10pm?. This blogger when he used to be out late night few years back was very concerned about reaching back. Had to drop out or exit before the program was over or miss the last bus. Also autos charge a ransom, streets are quite unsafe. So if ever there is any move to extend time, facilities should be made available to common people also. Or are they suggesting everybody should own their own vehicle?!!.

Few months back I came across some “creative people” blocking the roads demanding shops to be kept open late into night, alleging moral policing. Now this is where things get funny. The problem is about arrogance of certain section, and when you are market driven it works better for the career. They also go abroad (read West) quite often and so have visions of New York in Bangalore. What creativity has to do with shops opening beyond certain hours is beyond me, it smacks of classiest nonsense. It also is asserting that only certain sections (that is people who go out late night-meaning mostly moneyed) are creative. And therefore state is duty bound to protect. Quite a spin there. Utter nonsense.

These construct of open society, a society where people gather to exchange ideas, thoughts and so on late into the night in street cafes is charming. But that happens when everyone has equal opportunity and access. Secondly one need not fall into higher ideal crap since it is as crass as ruse for more profit. We live in quite a crude world, it is easy to package ideals and egalitarian values for immediate gains and selfish ends. It is important to be cautious and governments are expected to take decisions keeping in mind overall context. Policy decisions at the centre or State shouldn’t be influenced or dictated by certain sections who exaggerate their influence/significance. That is not how democracy functions, and thankfully Indian democracy is quite vibrant. By its very nature politicians should be concerned about maximum majority and business in profit. The balance and check in what is needed, and therefore longer term common good should have an upperhand.

The serious problem with “national political parties” is that they are reduced to coterie (Communists) or sycophants (nothing explains Ambika Soni-there is a thin line between loyal leader and sycophant. By their very nature sycophants are immensely market friendly, it is also a short cut to modernity/open mind. This blogger personally know people who suffered immensely because of Emergency, understanding history is a pointer to safer future) or exaggerations (BJP). Thus with more power they start to loose touch with reality, and so tend to associate with constructed references of themselves, defined by market and exigencies. The reason why this blogger thinks regional parties have a very significant role. This may not help macro construction of Indian reality for Western consumption (many have made a career out of this. Amazingly enterprising. Surely incredible India!!) nor help build “India’s image” for sensitive investors. UPA got the mandate not from TV channels or market driven dimwits I guess that is the easiest part to understand. Their exaggerated presence shouldn’t fool anyone.

Naxalism is one of the major problems this country is facing, if you study this issue, you will trace it to insensitivity of government machinery in dealing with poorest section. This blogger is completely against the violence by Naxals but to arrest Binayak Sen is a serious blunder. That this man is not part of problem but solution the government machinery is incapable to understand. This is precisely the problem. The detention of this man is not only a blot on Indian democracy but also on its conscience.

War crimes in Burma (Myanmar)

This blogger doesn’t expect UN to investigate war crimes in Iraq or Palestine, but the gross neglect of serious human rights violations in Burma is shocking. I read recently that a study conducted by Harvard Law school (not that I give a damn about Harvard-sharvard, but the report has serious implication, is authentic as it based its study on UN Security Council proceeding) stated that “UN Security Council has failed to deal with Myanmar's human rights violations, which it said have been 'widespread, systematic and part of state policy'. The study said the 15-nation council, whose main responsibility is to keep the peace and security around the world, has taken action against war crime and crimes against humanity in the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Sudan, but has neglected the situation in Myanmar”.

The study was commissioned by five well known jurists, who have each dealt with cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity. They are Judges Richard Goldstone of South Africa, Patricia Wald of the US, Pedro Nikken of Venezuela, Ganzorig Gombosuren of Mongolia and Geoffrey Nice of Britain. The five have called on the UN council in New York to launch an investigation on Myanmar's human rights abuses.

The jurists wrote in the Harvard study that findings by the various investigations are 'disturbing and compelling”. The UN Security Council “has not moved the process forward as it should and has in similar situations such as those in the former Yugoslavia and Darfur” they observed, reiterating their demand for an inquiry.

'The world cannot wait while the military regime continues its atrocities against the people of Burma,' they said, using the country's former name and calling on the International Criminal Court or the establishment of a special tribunal to deal with Myanmar. Human rights abuses in Myanmar are 'widespread, systematic and part of state policy - legal terms that justify further investigation and strongly that Burma's military regime may be committing crimes against humanity and war crimes prosecutable under international law.'

The jurists called on the UN council to declare that Myanmar's situation is a threat to international peace and security and initiate a formal investigation through a commission of inquiry to investigate crimes committed in that country.

The UN council should be prepared to refer crimes committed by the military junta to the ICC, which has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

Tragic deaths on highways…

Indian roads are supposed to be one of the dangerous place in the world (not that this blogger has traveled in any other roads to pass judgment!!. There is statistical support to the above).

WHO report says “Each year road traffic injuries take the lives of 1.2 million men, women and children around the world, and seriously injure millions more. The death toll is highest and still growing in low and middle-income countries, where pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and passengers are especially vulnerable. In addition to human suffering, estimated costs of road traffic injuries are between 1% and 2% of GNP per annum in these countries. This represents a loss of approximately US$ 65 billion every year; almost twice the total development assistance received worldwide by developing countries”.

World Road Statistics (WRS) 2007 data shows that India has the second highest number of fatalities in the world. Total number of people killed in road accidents was 94,985, next only to China where 98,738 people killed.

Clearly something has gone wrong. The tragic deaths of young IT professionals yesterday are another pointer to this. Sometimes it is terrifying traveling on national highways. There is an urgent need to rein in the bus operators (in particular the private operators) who are the major culprit. They are mostly reckless. This blogger has traveled on these buses hundreds of times and observed them at close range…they really have a stressful job. As an instinct I always choose middle seat in the bus, survival statistics is higher! Some of these night journeys can be so scary that you have to say a small prayer, close the eyes and leave it to fate. It works. Many years back I was in Goa-Pune bus, we were asked to jump out since the bus was about to tumble down the hill! It was miraculous escape, the passengers had good laugh later. This blogger considers himself very lucky since looking at the statistics of accidents and the number of times this blogger has hit the road on long route journeys, I should be dead. It is a lucky streak I am in, sometimes I do wonder whether I am stretching it bit too far, considering I had some very close calls. I have seen maximum number accidents on highways through Punjab.

Recently there have been tremendous improvements in national highways, but some of the routes are still quite treacherous. People die in huge numbers on roads, much more are injured and maimed for life. It is sickening.

How to deal with thugs in Burma?

Burma (Myanmar) has been a question mark on the conscience of international community for many years now. The dictators are behaving quite blatantly, oppressing and brutalizing its people in the last few decades. The international community couldn’t do anything about these thugs is a statement in itself. It is also in a way an indicator on how they would handle issues that threatens humanity whether terrorism, global warming or any other future crisis/threat. This blogger as a person who could be located anywhere in the world finds it frightening.

The doosra Gandhi

Varun Gandhi has won the elections and he is going to be the Member of Parliament-the highest law making body in the country. The CDs of his inflammatory speech was beamed across the nation in hundreds of TV channels. Wherein he claimed the CD was doctored, the media and political parties (against him) blamed him. Even the Election Commission had recommended withdrawing his candidature. And the way things happen in elite section Varun Gandhi was quick to play victim and capitalize from it hugely. If the CDs are true then he has seriously violated the election code of conduct, as also it is a criminal offence to incite people (though not amounting to NSA, nevertheless very serious). Varun Gandhi’s election should be cancelled, he doesn’t deserve to be an MP. This is a serious issue. Chalta hai attitude cannot be tolerated when you are playing with life of people.

This blogger is appalled by the way these events are handled. It is like they are showing us some movie and later divide the profit and tell us to get lost. Varun Gandhi gained, political parties gained from this polarization from both end of spectrum. If Varun Gandhi is being victimized and the CD indeed doctored then the culprit need be found and severely punished for the mischief. As also the media should be taken to task for telecasting something without verifying its authenticity, for being grievously irresponsible. If the CD is authentic then Varun Gandhi shouldn’t be in the Lok Sabha, it is indeed an assault on democracy and ideals enshrined in Indian constitution. It is a rabid form of communalism that is attempted to be mainstreamed. People like him are threat to fabric of society, they don’t deserve to be in policy making.

This event if it is allowed to pass is setting a bad precedence. It talks volume about Election Commission and the prosecution machinery-who it seems cannot even verify simple facts. This ambivalence is a serious dereliction of duty. What prevents Judiciary from taking suo moto on this issue? It is about sanctity of Parliament. And yes there is no point coming out with a judgment after few years (as happened in the case of MP from Kerala few years back). These kinds of sensitive matters should be dealt on fast track. It is very much about integrity of nation and lives of common people.

Impressive, no doubts whatsoever…

2009 elections undoubtedly is about emergence of Rahul Gandhi. It is reiteration on values of competence and decency in political life extolled by none other than Manmohan Singh. However there shouldn’t be any doubt on role played by young Gandhi. He must take responsibility. 

This blogger is happy that NDA has not done that badly and remains an effective opposition. Clearly extreme views and actions make people uncomfortable and insecure. They are looking for secure and peaceful life. Fundamentalists of any kind have no space, whether it is religion or market. How congress negotiates minority fundamentalism will be keenly watched as also in the name of development how exploitative system is unleashed for the benefit of few. Equally true how BJP negotiates majority fundamentalism in the next few days, a party cornered can give more voice to vicious elements. Clearly five years from now NDA, or the extreme right Hindu groups, could come back with renewed vigor if mistakes of past are repeated. BJP’s spectacular growth in last few decades need be noted, and how it was able to attract vote has been studied by many scholars. So when Sonia Gandhi says that “people make right choice” the choices of last few decades needn’t be forgotten and shouldn't be taken for granted. Indian voters as also common people in common situation don’t make choices which are disruptive -that is basic nature of Indian society. Hardships of daily life are more than enough. It is some vested interest who generally creates problems.

This blogger expresses grave concern over extreme forms of secularism that is being attempted in recent times. This reactionary approach is dangerous and divisive. Since it works on emboldening the fundamentalists, and remains a threat in future. This is a western construct, an understanding that is alien to us. Also to posit that the election verdict is above religion and caste is quite illusionary as you will gather from the factors that decide the choice of candidates in most (not all but most) seats. Azharuddin wouldn’t have contested from Moradabad if he was Govind Sharma!! Winnability of the candidate has religion and caste as major criteria. Democracy has not percolated, nor democratic values cherished. Primitive society will take time for humanistic values and civic sense and responsibilities to percolate. People are trapped, and are deviously kept trapped. Even those who say they are against caste and communal come from certain strata of society and influence, so it is easy to take egalitarian position for gain and do nothing else to dismantle regressive values. 

Of course Manmohan Singh is an established and scholarly economist with incredible qualifications. But this blogger remains a skeptic of GDP driven macro economic growth as also market pleasing short term measures. I say this as a man on the street- also referred to as common man- with not much understanding on economics nor has any qualifications to show. But seems to have an intuitional understanding that GDP driven growth is not suitable indicator of growth (more than a decade back I was so frustrated hearing GDP every time that I wrote a poem “GDP and bhelpuri”!!. I have started a “poems blog”-go to link. You can read this poem there).

This blogger is grievously concerned about the Left parties. They are effective opposition, and a weakened left is bad for the country. Clearly the Left have themselves to blame. The writings were on the wall for anyone to read. Left parties have a very significant role to play. The elite in left seem to be keen on changing with time. But this changing with time shouldn’t be for convenience or connivance. Market driven growth definitely has some serious shortcomings and this is where Left has to play its role. Left cannot take China as a model since there is no democracy in China. It is a vicious form of coterie driven capitalism that is happening in China, serious repercussions of these socio-cultural unchecked growth will be felt in future.

The Singur lessons: this blogger doesn’t expect Budhadeb Bhattacharya to resign. Threaded types are sturdier breed and when you are a commie the shame is on bourgeoisie. The spin is admirable comrade. Jai ho!! (Incidentally the ad blitz jai ho was regrettable, I gather they discontinued it. It is trivializing common people by using movie song. It is a shame, it was like India shining, but then BJP was worst by decisive crap as ad. These things make mockery of issues. They might influence few thousands in cities but majority only cringe)

The National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) sometime back found that 40% of farmers expressed their desire to opt out agriculture if there is another option open to them. Also note younger generations are hardly keen on farming in rural India. Many years back this blogger interacted with this section and found unpredictability in agriculture is one major factor, government jobs are preferred for this very reason. I wrote a short story many years back on this theme (not a great one but you can try it at my short story blog). But fertile land shouldn’t be allowed to be used for industrial purpose that will threaten food security nor can the land be forcefully acquired by the government. There is a need for rules on allocating industrial land in non agricultural belt only. Also modernization of agriculture and innovations in farming is need of the hour. There is an urgent need for policy framework and technological and infrastructure support to increase productivity in small and marginal farmers. Further steps need be taken to generate employment in non farm that is integrated to post harvest technology. A symbiotic relation between industry and agriculture is needed. The National Commission on Farmers (chaired by MS Swaminathan 2004-06) framed National Policy for Farmers (tabled in parliament 2007) calls for a paradigm shift from purely tonnage based approach to agriculture development to an approach that takes into account the socio-economic well being of the farm families.

its UPA all the way!!!

Never seen a free tiger…

This blogger has been to most of the wild life sanctuaries in this country but has never seen tigers in wild. Recently there have been reports of further dwindling of tiger population making it difficult to see this elusive animal. Seeing these majestic animals in zoo is saddening, they look so defeated (at least Bannerghatta Park provides enough space from them to roam. I recommend this to anyone visiting Bangalore. They have done fairly good job. At least in this safari you are assured to see some tigers unlike tiger reserves- in particular Corbett). About a decade back I suddenly start making lots of money so was adamant about seeing a tiger in wild. Spend a fortune but hard luck (this pic of blogger taken a decade back at one of the w

ildlife sanctuary. Clearly it is not recommended to get out of vehicle in wild. But then when you are younger you tend to be easily stupid, not to mention equally enlightening company!!. In retrospect I think this blogger should have been punished. Any violation of rules in wildlife sanctuary should be dealt seriously. It is dangerous and shouldn’t be encouraged. Most wild life sanctuaries now have safer vehicles). Recently the standards of zoo keeping have also improved a lot.

TV Channels that show wildlife programs are spectacular to say the least. They bring out such spectacular footage that you cannot see in your lifetime in real life. Some of these programs needs months of hard work. Wildlife filming is quite under rated; it needs lots of deft handling. This blogger also had the opportunity to attend documentary festivals on wildlife.

What a show !!

This blogger is ecstatic about performance of girls in Civil service exams. I always thought bureaucracy needs more representation of women, and yes I strongly support reservation for women in bureaucracy (definitely not in parliament it is dangerous and some manipulative people can easily usurp the benefits. Exams are about merit/competence and not manipulations and squatting the power centers). I recall there were some very motivated girls at Maharajas College study circle, some even came to Delhi but dropped out as they found food, weather and other problems related to staying tough to handle.

Bureaucracy is an agency that interacts directly with public and women in authority can be significant in patriarchal society. I recall being very concerned about gender insensitivity in Police force (immediate reason was some of the cases of rape victims and the way they were handled). I thought their should be a member in the interview panel in the selection process to check the gender issues (as also corruption) to the higher level of bureaucracy. Infact one of the first things I did on reaching Delhi was to go to NCW. I recall Mohini Giri was the chairperson, didn’t knew she would be having IAS officer as secretary. He listened to whatever I had to say, wasn’t enthusiastic. That’s about it. I liked those dabhas at ITO. Rajma-Chawal for 10Rs was value for money. It can go wrong one in five that is a good strike rate!!

Needed professional audience …

Every now and then we come across famous (and wannabes) playing professional. They tell us that they are being professional and so on. Professional in its positive connotation is a very significant understanding but what we see in popular medium is selfish and crude behavior to make money. Professionalism is a term that is being used to hoodwink common people. Another interesting fact here is the edifice of professionalism is based on naivety of people. It is time that audiences also turn professional.

Audience should resist buying any product that is promoted by celebrities since they have nothing to do with the product except some fast money. Frankly no ads ever tell anything about any product. So never get influenced by nor take any decision on how to spend your hard earned money while watching these nonsense. It is shocking that edifice of capitalism seems to be standing to a large extend on these superficialities. They spend billions of rupees on these. It is amazing. Funny part here is the moment audience turn professional, the so called professional will find it difficult to survive. They are working on the gullibility of people. India with huge population is an easy target.

This blogger thinks it is the younger audience who get easily influenced, one reason why market is upbeat about youth. Consumerist culture is as much a threat, than probably communalism. Why so much money is paid to players in IPL (or European football leagues and so on) has more to do with these factors. Why Indian premier league is worth billions of rupees than srilankan cricket league could ever be (this tiny war torn nations performance in world cup is substantial)?. It is because India has more population. So it is a mean to attract companies, who pay huge amount of money for ads spot. Now this huge amount of money with profits they intend to get back as people will buy their product as they see ads during the matches!. It is astounding the confidence on naivety of people. Clearly it seems to be working (or it is about converting black money!!. Quite likely that one) otherwise they wouldn’t be investing so much money. This blogger is quite a professional when it comes to buying and yes I always go for value for money, even if the brand is not well known. This “well known” or brand building is another ruse. What has “well known” to do with performance or value for money?. It is a created construct. Audience should look at the price and what it offers and so on before taking any decisions, brands should be coincidence if ever. If they can be professional so can you be. After all it is your money.

Kolkata Knight Riders are incompetent bunch (pisaddi team) but their brand value is highest and are making more money!!. You study this very case and you know what this blogger is talking about. No substance just hype.

Talking about IPL, this blogger did catch up with few matches. It is quite fun to watch, where else can you watch Tendulkar and Jayasuria face Bret Lee while Sangakara keeps and Yuvraj captains!!. They award the guy who hits maximum sixes. Great. But what about the bowler with maximum dot balls?. That too is great achievement considering the format of the game. On a funnier note how about awarding some money to the commentator who says “that is an important wicket” maximum number of times!!

Post script: yesterday I was catching up news (between the matches) in BBC and they were reporting on Tamil Nadu as part of election scene. They got it wrong on Tamils and gold jewelry. Tamilians (except probably the elite sections) are not obsessive about gold like Keralites. Kerala is a sick society in many ways, market has only accentuated it. Gold as investment for bad times is an ancient practice. Since gold doesn’t loose its value and can be pawned easily (I too had a gold ring. I left it, was insistent on no inheritance). But valuing woman through gold and implication of dowry is not insignificant, it is definitely sexiest and regressive however one may try to add gloss. It is a social deviance and a problem that the younger generations are being co opted. Market media by its very nature is incapable to handle such subtleties, nor are they expected to. And yes it is billion rupee business so better join them!!.

Hey Ram: I saw dear Ram in the same very news clip. Yes the same Ram who runs a small family shop down south. Why BBC or for that matter any Britisher will get views from Ram is more historical than contemporary. I leave it there.
Mr.Ram incidentally was in another news channel recently enlightening us on Rahul Gandhi (his verdict is: not impressed). And yes he has few things to say on dynasty politics too. He says the issue “is nuanced” and that “they shouldn’t block others”. Mr. Ram running a family business owes more to his papa, so clearly it is quite “nuanced”. It is easy to understand/predict these people when you put the selfish perspective (I need to thank turd here, even at sixty she can be a lesson). Yes he is concerned being blocked. Some time back he gave elaborate report on his daughter clearing some god damn exam in US!!. Baap ka pyaar. No I didn’t read (I stopped his nonsense few years back. Not worth the three rupees. My verdict: Not impressed dear Ram. I got it from Sebastian Paul’s program on weekly analysis of news paper. Paul incidentally is also a MP, he sometimes is biased -towards Commies- but mostly makes lots of sense, haven’t watched for a long time is he still there?). Dear Ram ever came across this word: HYPOCRITE. I don’t blame him he is doing what is expected in the contemporary world we live in. Poor fellow is running his small shop (increasingly dwindling…nobody is complaining. His downfall is more about increasing insignificance of machiavellian brahminical class in power structure, aren’t we grateful). It has to be nuanced since in a city where thousands of people live in slums and unhygienic conditions he has inherited acres of property in prime location. It has to be nuanced dear me.

Manners are important but unnecessary, undue and repeated stress on that is classiest. Ever noticed some who keep repeating ‘sorry’ ‘excuse me’ more than usual, it is an affliction.

Talking about news analysis program on TV, I have a funny incident to relate. Many years back there used to be patra vishleshnam program (I guess in DD) by one Pillai (not able to recall his name he was quite respected figure). He quoted one Malayalam newspaper that copied the news from Indian express, in the process changed it into juicy stuff. Indian express ran a story titled “Soldier ran amok. Kills colleagues”. The Malayalam version was “Ram amokan chased and killed six soldier”!!!!!!. It is easy to create news!!.

The great Tamil civilization…

This blogger expresses serious concern on the plight of Srilankan tamils caught in the crossfire. It is sad that terrorist group LTTE has become rallying point for some tamilians, as also selfish leaders. It is trivializing Tamils. It is an insult on Tamil culture. It is important to put things in perspective. Tamil is the cradle of Dravidian culture. It is what defines the entire south part of Indian subcontinent. The word Dravida is considered to be distortion of Tamizha. Tamilians are mentioned from 350BC but their roots can be traced much before. There is language in Baluchistan (now Pakistan) that is Dravidian (Brahui) indicating the probability of Indus Valley civilization being Dravidian who were pushed into peninsula by invading Aryans. The highly advanced Indus people are considered as proto-Dravidians or ancestors of Tamils. Tamil is one of the oldest living languages in the world (Malayalam was born out of Tamil during 13^th century). Some time back I saw in TV (I guess it was Discovery) wherein they tried to trace the path of early humans from Africa. The blood sample they tested to get the “x factor” that linked to early human migrations was found in a Tamilian.

Tamil literature has a rich and long literary tradition spanning more than two thousand years. The oldest works found show signs of maturity indicating an even longer period of evolution. Tamil history is split into three periods; prehistoric, classical (Sangam period) and medieval It is the Sangam era that is considered golden period because of its profusion of culture activities. Another significant aspect was that the contribution was from all walks of life, the society was relatively egalitarian. Most works from sangam era is lost (Tolkappiyam is earliest and significant work on grammar that survived). It need also be noted that the tamilians of sangam era were very much influenced by early Buddhism (Kalabhras) and Jainism.

The best known and respected poet from this period is saint Thiruvalluvar (the statue at Kanyakumari), his book Thirukkural is very popular, and is quoted quite often. The book is a comprehensive manual on ethics, polity and love. Cilappatikaram (by Ilango Adigal) is an outstanding work of literature from this period.

By the medieval period, the Tamilians (Chola kingdom) had established a powerful empire that stretched from the Maldives through much of South East Asia, encompassing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Thailand and Myanmar. This was also the period of prosperity and spectacular temples were build, the unique Dravidian temple structure and sculpture, art evolved during this period. This blog is not enough and will definitely not be able to encompass the achievements of tamilians during this period, it was height of Tamil creative genius (as also earlier contributions of Pallavas and Pandyas).

One of the great Tamil poets of freedom struggle was Subramanya Bharathi, his works are still very popular for their progressive themes (I recall being taught songs from different languages in school during singing classes that was meant for national integration and Bharathi’s odi vilayadu papaa was quite popular).

These lines from Thirrukural (Thiruvalluvar) “What pleasure it is to human beings everywhere when their children possess knowledge surpassing their own!”. So what has LTTE done to the Tamil children in Sri Lanka in last many decades except teaching hate and training them to kill? There is a lost generation growing up…

Post script: I found these lines by Subramanya Bharathi that I thought was incredible."He who writes poetry is not a poet. He whose poetry has become his life, and who has made his life his poetry - it is he who is a poet.".

A request for declaring May 7th as Poetry day…

Today that is May 7^th is the birthday of great man Rabindranath Tagore (May 7 1861 - August 7 1941). Tagore was an institution in himself. This blogger has read almost all work of Tagore and consider him a tremendous influence. His essays have been particularly elemental on me (his writings on kabir is must read, another person who understood kabir was Osho). Terrific guy. Many countries around the world select poet laureate for the year, it is an amazing idea. This blogger believes that May 7^th should be declared as poetry day and events related to poetry and poets held across schools and colleges.

I think very few who have not read these inspiring lines
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action--
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

Is there anything called Dynasty politics?

One gets to hear a lot about dynasty politics these days, being election season I guess. I find these discussions amusing to say the least. If the person gets elected in the elections, then where is dynasty or family? It is the people who are deciding. If you look around there are many politicians who are because of their family. What is wrong in that? The politician should be competent and responsible, and if the people think that way they elect them to represent them. Period.

Taking the specific case of Gandhi family, I guess it is more of legacy. And yes a person like Rahul Gandhi faces tremendous pressure that most of us cannot even imagine. Don’t know whether children of high profile politicians like Gandhis or Kennedys or Bhuttos ever had any normal life. In a sense it is tragic. If they are able to negotiate these pressures and are able to take responsibilities then it is admirable.

If media or others have criticism on dynasty politics then its time they do introspection. Agreed that political background gives them upper hand in this career but then who among here is not because of family background or influence?. Competitive jobs are meant for middle and lower middle class. Subjective jobs for suckers and manipulators. Live and let live!!

Why nobody talks about dynasty business (including business of entertainment)?. The whole mumbo jumbo about merit is hollow…since family and influence plays a very significant role. Anything to do with inheritance should be corruption if you look at it in a stricter sense. The reason why caste politics exist has also to do with consolidation through filial/ social bonding what they lack through inheritance. Any guesses why land reforms was never a priority in 1950s (while they were high on Bhoodhan…kind of voluntary patronizing) that should have been the first step towards equitable society.

Why is inheritance not taxed?. That should be the first step towards meritorious society. They put 10% tax on my earning then what I inherit should be taxed 90%. That is merit. If my parents are rich people then where is merit when I inherit the property?. Extending the same logic I can easily conclude that top 5% (also referred to as elite) have nothing to do with merit or competence. Millions of youngsters from elite section in this country have nothing to do with merit, they just inherit the comfort and influence, even if they take risk they have fall back options and rarely face much difficulties. It is the story of every city and every village in this country. The competition is on degree of comfort and greed. It also about mean gene, progenies will be promoted. This blogger has nothing against it but where is merit?

Some very smart IT people have been successful in recent times on their own merit, but what about people who may not have market friendly skills?. So before anyone start to take high moral ground on dynastic politicians, try shut up and do introspection. People staying in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones is an old saying in English. A Kalam, a Narayanamurthy, a Rajnikanth, a Rehman (taking examples from popular contexts) are very few examples from highly successful people who rose on pure merit. In a nation of billion these are very few people whom we admire is a statement on the society. But these examples also hide some seriously incompetent system of positioning and incidental gaining. Incidentally did you note most of these examples are from south India, clearly north part of the country is still feudal. It is the same bunch that is high on merit. Aha…

What was UN satellite doing when this was happening?…

What was UN satellite doing when Israel attack Palestine?. Why wasn’t UN satellite active when US/ Britain launched massive aggression and pounded sovereign state of Iraq ?. Very strange. Very strange indeed.

This blogger appreciates the role taken by UN in Sri Lanka in providing details of atrocities in war zones, in particular on civilians. Any attack on hapless civilians need be condemned.

It need be noted that what is happening in Sri Lanka is culmination of long battle against terrorist group that claims to represent Tamil minority wherein in reality they have been a extremely violent and have even eliminated moderate Tamil leaders over the decades. While what happened in Iraq and Palestine is attack on a country. Sri Lanka is trying to bring peace in its country while US/Britain and Israel have encouraged violence by attacking and bombarding cities. So why is UN so keen on Sri Lanka and not on what happened in Baghdad or Palestine?.

To understand this we might have to think in terms of who stands to gain from what. If Sri Lanka is peaceful then what happens to arms dealers, where is the billion dollar profit? Whereas attacks on Iraq and Palestine will initiate more attacks, this will help arms dealers. Aha.

Clearly in last few years arms dealers in war zones of Iraq has made huge profit. When UN plays into the hands of powerful nations it is actually playing into the hands of interest groups. It is win-win for billion dollar arms industry if civil war is prolonged. Surely Sri Lanka is a golden goose.

The shame is on UN

Here is a nation that has been fighting a vicious form of terrorism for last many decades. Here is a nation whose hundreds of political leaders have been assassinated. Here is nation that is taken on ransom. So finally when they are able to have a control over the situation albeit with no other option but violent actions the UN plays foul. Yes it is important for the world to know what is happening on the ground. But understand when you are fighting terrorists who blow themselves up who even forcefully recruit children, who use civilians as shield it is not easy. This blogger commends and supports the actions of Sri Lankan government and expects urgent humanitarian measures taken as also integration of tamilians into mainstream.

The satellite pictures released by UN are questioned more on the intent than on matter. One would be more concerned about US/British actions in Iraq in recent past and correct me if I am wrong this blogger didn’t see much proactiveness from UN. When it comes to powerful western countries the UN tends to play second fiddle. So what we got from Iraq was some smart US/Britain friendly embedded journalism, bootlickers.

UN seems to be suffering from colonial mindset. This blogger expects UN to be more balanced in its intent in future, and avoid playing patronizing role on the behalf of western powers. To start with how about satellite pictures of western arms dealers who gain enormously from these wars. A peaceful Sri Lanka is clearly a non profitable venture.

Post script: incidentally this blogger has not seen any actions (or even comments) by UN or its agencies regarding tax havens or black money in western banks-in particular banks in Switzerland.

So there is a new disease that is doing the round around the world called swine flue. It seems to have originated in Mexico. It has spread to Asia the latest being Korea. India is safe at this point. But then does it really matters to Indians?!!. We are having so many communicable diseases at our midst. And this blogger has been staying in the most congested (and nosiest) places. And moving around unhygienic surroundings, yesterday only this fellow coughed and sneezed on me, don’t know whether to blame him since he may not be aware about basic hygiene measure like covering mouth and so on (but yes consider myself fortunate to have sturdier immune system). Everyday I see atleast one funeral procession around where I stay (and they have one more reason to make noise!!). People keep dying of all kind diseases swine flue is not entirely unwelcomed!!!.

Swiss bank UBS refuses US on stolen money...

This i took from the BBC news, few hours back. If Switzerland doesn't rein in its banks then there is no reason why it shouldn't be declared a rogue nation. Here i copy the news as reported in BBC :

Switzerland's largest bank, UBS, has asked a US court not to go ahead with a tax case involving more than 50,000 US customers with Swiss accounts.

UBS told a federal court in Florida it would violate Swiss laws on banking secrecy if it provided the information on its clients. The US suspects 52,000 Americans of using UBS accounts to hide almost $15bn of assets and unpaid taxes. Switzerland only recently signed up to global rules on bank data sharing. It decided in March to ease banking secrecy and fully adopt accepted tax standards. The government agreed to begin negotiations with the US and Japan on tax co-operation.

Standing firm

Correspondents say the US case involving UBS is a sign it is stepping up its campaign against tax evasion - and directly challenging the tradition of Swiss banking secrecy.The Internal Revenue Service, which administers tax in the US, has taken out a civil suit to force UBS to reveal the identities of 52,000 American customers suspected of holding accounts totalling $14.8bn. However, the bank has now told the court that it cannot hand over the information without violating Swiss law. UBS says no specific evidence has been presented against its clients, meaning it is unable to waive bank secrecy rules.

"Switzerland's laws prohibit the release of confidential information to foreign governments when the request has not been made through authorised inter-governmental channels," the country's government said.

"If the court were to order UBS to produce evidence from Switzerland, and backed that order with coercive powers, the court would be substituting its own authority for that of the competent Swiss authorities, and therefore would violate Swiss sovereignty and international law," it added.

Earlier this year, UBS did cave in to US demands in a separate case involving about 300 customers. The bank agreed to pay more than $700m in an out of court settlement. US and Swiss officials have begun negotiations on a new tax treaty that Washington hopes will help it track tax evaders.

Swiss officials, who are also under pressure from the European Union, say it could take until the end of the year to reach an agreement.