The making of a stampede

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

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

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

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

Myrmecomorphy on a morning walk

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

If you slow down you can stretch time!!

You must have read Einstein on this, these thoughts are riveting. I am reading Ruth Ozeki’s A Tale For The Time Being, a difficult to put down book. Having spent time in big cities, worked in different places and seen people rushing around to fill up their time, I always chose the ‘more time slow down’ route, must say with some determination. Of course when you commit to a system or task involving others then it has to be time bound otherwise it is being irresponsible.  Most people tend to be in this setup as they cannot handle uncertainties that slowing down bring hence acts of being busy. Further, despite taking up responsibilities most people are rarely responsible, it’s as if a burden and so miserable mechanized life. Thank god it’s Friday! It is funny these ironies, the drudgery of lives that one tend to see all the time, get this thoughts of wanting to sometime hold and shake them up. I guess people chose the life they want to live; even the people who seem to be in miserable of situation has to sit back and take a relook, maybe slow down. This also holds true to people in best of situations, indeed they are product of the vicious system hence they themselves become so miserable despite all the comfort. 

Time itself is being, wrote Dogen the Zen master, and all being is time…in essence, everything in the entire universe is intimately linked with each other as moments in time, continuous and separate.  So now that the Americans have virtually shut down, thanks to two party system that polarize the issues to ridiculous level, maybe they can take time out to contemplate on things. I realize semantic religion driven civilization have restricted space for introspection and individual experience as way of living, if you do then you are seen as dropping out. The reason why values of liberalism gets expression in crass individualism, that is sought to be replicated as modern values.  The reference is always systemic, so with more time in hand, people in the system have to be kept motivated or else they turn destructive. 

Frankly this blogger has reached a stage where human beings are passé, I am quite unexcited about them. Of course there are some, must say getting very rare, that make it interesting, they are startling presence, like for instance Ruth Ozeki. I had read about this book in passing somewhere, and was instantly hitched. People seem to be proud that India has more young people in the world (to put it mildly India has more of everything!!). Population increase nobody seem bothered, people are votes for politicians hence democracy, consumers for market hence capitalism, audience for media hence freedom, for religions it is gift of god hence the supreme man that controls…the fact though is that the root of all problem is increasing human population. It is putting severe pressure on natural resources as also on other species. But look at the irony: all systems seem to be at odds with this reality, clearly it is designed for self destruction. Ultimately Nature will do the balancing act, and yes keep a keen eye on climate and geological factors, if for nothing atleast for self preservation. Hinduism at its worst is about fatalism, indeed for most irresponsible busy people the worst is what percolates into their life, this is culture. So let it be, it is pre ordained, it is the fate.  God has everything designed; the grand finale will be at the judgment day/Qayamat. Never miss the word and take it each literally, without context, empathy or care. Never apply your mind, that is fate. 

For time being, any Tom, Dick or Harry

For time being, the entire earth and the boundless sky 

Idea of a nation

There has been some strident talk on the idea of India in recent times, and then the usual mishaps in Kashmir –where again the innocent soldiers are killed. I need to stress the word innocent here. In the clamour of claims and counter claims, it is sometimes forgotten that a soldier is as innocent and only performing the task for which he/she is recruited for. Idea of a nation is very much hinged on territory and Army is meant to protect its integrity. Any intrusion in its border is an attack on its sovereignty –the idea of nation, and therefore will be severely dealt. Though this blogger will like to see a borderless world but I guess Homo sapiens have come a long way and be divided in every conceivable way and create misery, we call it civilization!! Jammu&Kashmir is a state that is in turmoil for last many decades very much abetted by fundamentalists as also terrorist from across the border. The convenient claim by Pakistan that it in itself is a victim doesn’t cut much ice since it has to answer why terrorist find it easy to operate from that country, as also why that society is getting radicalized at an alarming rate, indeed an epicenter of world misery? It is a concern that the policy makers of that country will have to address. 

The whole idea of “Islamic nation” itself is so narrow, and is biased against other communities. To declare one’s land as ‘pure land’ (most likely taking inspiration from pure-vegetarian-didn’t-fight-for-anything but-got-everything status quo peace loving fighters across the border) is itself against the idea of inclusion!!  In such a set up is it surprising that massacre of marginalised communities happens so frequently, afterall they have to make it pure (the recent horrific massacre of Christians add to the tally, without any soul searching. This society has become so deviant that these colossal events are but series of incidents). It is a country that stands on wrong foundation and is paying its price. Right from, what is taught in school to the respect for other faiths, the idea of tolerance is trampled with impunity furthermore not finding any legal redressal, add to it continuous subjugation of democracy by the Army. The institutions of checks and balances are weak, and the framework that favours the voice of people has a minor space. It is a matter of time when radicalized elements seize power, already they have been tolerated on the streets, and gaining acceptance. Look at how LeT murderers are roaming around and spewing venom (I cannot conceive such a thing happening in India or any other civilized society. Britain, thankfully for us lesser people, has learned some valuable lessons. I gather the recent attack in Nairobi has British connection). Though common people have fought valiantly and came for elections to elect their representatives but the odds are heavily stacked against them. The fundamentalist elements in organized religions, specifically Islam (which hasn’t had much modernising period like Christianity, where it is opened to scrutiny/ debate and acceptance of counter views), come with a very narrow and potent readymade theocratic framework that reduces human beings to fanatic robots and  women to child producing machine. It creates a system that smothers freedom, and is death knell to smaller traditions, counter views and myriad ways of living. It systematically takes away vibrancy of life. Religious fundamentalism of every religion creates such deviant spaces but organized religion makes it easier. This makes it extremely dangerous and the world is facing the consequences for some time now. Across the world where Islamic insurgence is active we need to ask: Why is that the presence of this religion make some followers to behave in such extreme manner? Right from Philippines to Russia to Somalia… why is that some of the followers of this religion get radicalized so easily, and become threat to the society? Faced with this onslaught the State will have to respond, grievous the incursions severe will be the State's response. In the melee innocent people get caught up and so further radicalization as victims of unjust State and thus religion as saviour. In this framework the criminals, who should ideally be languishing in jail, becomes role models. That is the destructive power unbridled religious systems can unleash. I realize core of all religion has greater goodness but the system can be manipulated by worst of it kinds, as matter of faith tend to be accepted unscrutinised in the name of tolerance and secularism and so become instrument of exploitation. In this scenario murderers, goons and other regrettable creatures roam the street to hero’s welcome. Taliban is such a set up, acceptance of these by society shows how much it has putrefied. If the pus spills over then Nawaz Sharif cannot claim that the wound is our, we are in pain. He will have to take action, before it gets gangrene. Don’t expect the neighbours to empathize if they are in danger of being infected. Instead of looking at the situation as victims, therefore victimhood and so reasons for creating miserable world which favours the nasty elements, the society concerned will have to introspect.

The onus is on the religion concerned (read Islam, in USA its Christianity of White Republicans and other supremacists) and much less on society at large. If we are seeing these symptoms of violence manifested across the world, then the problem seem to be with the religious system. The reaction that “our religion doesn’t teach violence” so on has become rather trite. We need better explanation and rather unbiased stringent introspection. Further it need be introspected whether adherence to one’s faith or idea of life is impinging on others and creating problems.  It needs to start with an evaluation of what kind of system is in place like Saudi, if it doesn’t respect other faiths and different worldview then the rot is somewhere inside. It also needs to start with USA (in particular) and the lifestyle of wanton profligacy they spread through market driven framework that has started to affect not only the world but earth. If one’s faith or way of life is causing genuine problems to others or society as a whole then rather than insisting on other to tolerate, it is important to change a bit or give some space be rational. You cannot insist on medieval practices and expect people to respect. Yes they may tolerate but will not respect, and that is where the seeds of prejudices and biases take shape and finally leads to hate and violence.       

               

I need to add here that the West, in particular the USA, in the garb of modernising is pushing in an insular neo-colonial worldview that very much has radical Christianity at its core. It is being projected as a choice, masquerading values of freedom, but when we have a dominant choice spread across then it is not much of a choice. Take for instance the Gun culture in USA and how it is being spread across the world in the name of Hollywood/TV serials. The responses to such blatant incursions also help consolidation of reactionaries as happens in India.  English is being projected as harbinger of modernity but the popular culture space is being evicted to American sitcoms, which spread a worldview that seems egalitarian in its pointers but deeply insidious. It’s amazing that Indians cannot produce programs, even in a country that has such diversity not only as a society but as also biodiversity. Still the english channels churn western nonsense (some good for instance David Attenborough so on, but mostly the channels are full of crap), that is focusing on projecting lifestyle, ably supported by product sellers. In this increasingly consolidating worldview common Indians are seen as suckers –the consumers; while the Indian elites are the pimps –service providers. All the innovation, creation and manufacturing are done abroad, it is no wonder that Indian elite so zealously guard English as merit. It is a society thriving on mediocrity and manipulation, it’s all an exaggeration. Whatever Raghuram Rajan may do, Rupee will remain weak and will be susceptible to the American sneeze. Clever ones may call it globalization but if the masters aren’t doing well it is quite unlikely that the servants will prosper.

      

 Tail piece: I have a huge respect for UR Ananthmurthy, one of the foremost Indian writers. The response by the goons to his views is highly regrettable.  It is unfortunate but this Modi ‘debate’ is pushing into the Bush ‘either you with us or with them’, in cyber world it gets really nasty. I steer clear of these talks, futile since it is very highly unlikely Modi could be the next PM. I will not put my money on him, despite all the posturing he remains at longer odds though in a much better position than Mister Gandhi. So much so for This Vs That. These are TRP driven talks that usually sedate TV anchors indulge in to spice up their miserable life. Mr. Modi can take few lessons from Mushraff: exaggeration by social media may not translate into reality, indeed quite literally for Mushraff –bali ka bakra!!. My money is on an outsider, not from BJP nor from Congress, that is why I am so much disappointed with Akhilesh Yadav, indeed they could have easily called the general election and be in a better position. I am wagering on Ms. Mayawathi or someone like her from the regional parties. Not that PMs or governments make much difference, they don’t have much difference in policies, indeed they cannot, its being decided by the market stupid! But I guess I have got into the habit of wagering. Though immensely stupid and waste of time, the game cricket, I guess, is tailormade for betting, even BCCI chief’s moves are worth wagering on, it is a shame it is illegal. 

Enter the Kolatkaresque!!

The Butterfly

There is no story behind it.

It is split like a second.

It hinges around itself.

It has no future.

It is pinned down to no past.

It’s a pun on the present.

It’s a little yellow butterfly.

It has taken these wretched hills

under its wings.

Just a pinch of yellow,

it opens before it closes

and closes before it o

where is it

What a charming poem. Taken from Arun Kolatkar’s much appreciated collection Jejuri. I am in awe of this book, unfortunately I don’t have a copy and so had to go all the way to Pune, of course on the way to Jejuri. Last time I went to Jejuri with a rather primitive camera and that was more than a decade back, this time around I was much equipped.  I recall sending it across to Crude woman, it was quite an effort, but our disgust was having egomassage and used it to work on her branding. It did really affect me, I guess I lost my cool for some time. The miserable woman, universally disliked, was working on her little life and gaining on influence. Living on the fringe of Bollywood and ignored, she worked through manipulating awards (they degrade institutions) and latch on to cause as compensation and play victims oops survivors. So it was Rajiv Gandhi coming fresh from Shah Bano fiasco looking for wonderful Indian muslim pseudo secularism symbol that Crude woman entered the scene and has since never looked back on manipulations, she got a hattrick of bonus and RS seat (mediocre lyricist ZK Bozz is the most undeserving to be in RS, our man even manipulates to be compared with widely respected and talented Gulzar. Audacious indeed), next Britain was trying to look good after Iraq invasion and so lands Crude woman spick and clean as Gandhian. Try digesting that one -Crude woman as Gandhian!  They are such manipulative people that this is now a tradition and passed on to ZK’s genes. The little scoundrel is an unmitigated mediocre in whatever he does. At one point he tried to be face of Delhi Police (as if there are no delhites left to take it up) and simultaneously, must add blatantly, tried to promote liquor. ZK says its liberalz muslim brandingz. This is the talent that sycophant politicians based in Delhi admire, as they don’t have any mass base and work on manipulation, the reason why Crude woman and Co. gain such easy entry.   Incidentally Milkha’s story is quite compelling but such a shoddy acting. It’s a shame. I am sure Mehra was promised a National award. Asking rate these days is panch peti, says Crude woman, for dho peti she promises to arrange a standing ovation at international film festivals with add on benefits like ‘critical’ ‘superb’ by her domestic journalist pets. But must add ZK’s genes have not accepted Crude woman as alpha female of the family despite the fact she has done things akin to pig rolling on its back. She is person non-granta; I guess they know what she is all about. That’s another tragedy for Crude woman brand. With ‘high profile’ rapes coming and going, Crude woman not capitalizing on these sitters, old timers say she has lost her touch. She was one of the first to be off the block (even Usain Bolt will envy) to the TV camera/studio, in case of tragedies like rapes, expressing condolence so on. The reality seems to be that she is being evicted by ZK’s genes in these games of social concerned brands.

Meanwhile Crude woman looks out of window of her posh Juhu flat as people struggle to work out  day’s earning, she shrugs “sab ke sab saale langar ke murge”. She had her eyes trained on biriyaniwala murga. Of course international level “murgas” like Amir Khan or AR Rehman never allowed her to flutter near, these have been failures. But she is wonderful Indian muslim survivor brand. As ZK Bozz says “jahan pe bhi dange ho victims tho wonderful Indian muslim he hai, hum log hamesha se hi survivor hai”. Now that is the problem with Mr. Modi he doesn’t play the game of symbolism, atleast till now. Pseudo secularism survives on symbolism. In turn wonderful Indian muslim branding survives on symbolism. With no pseudo secularism wonderful Indian muslim brand collapses.  It is the end of world as Crude woman knows it.   

  

…too much crap that’s what happens when you deal with trash people, forget these nonsense the readers are invited to my birds blog www.iseeebirds.blogspot.com for Russet Sparrow and my visit to Jejuri.