Castetva forces and Hindutva forces, on a death spiral

          Almost every issue nowadays seems to be aspiring for high moral grounds, and this is something too common when unhinging with reality has a tradition to it. And when it is matter of wrangling for the narration to advantage so as to creep into power and licks these becomes vicious. Meanwhile as they go for jugular these doesn’t seem to interest common people –busy as they are in their own drudgery, an exploitative system that is nurtured by the same warring forces. People are trapped in lackadaisical ways and apathy that thrive on nepotism, corruption and all the moral disgrace that is transferred from sanctum as entitlement and attitude. Castetva forces are clearly the subset of Hindutva forces, this embarrassing reality they are acutely aware, that common link to sanctum moral vacuum. Some even claim to be atheist, like for instance this fellow Guha –who ticks all the boxes of degradation from Gandhi to cricket to amazing turn of sentence in English that tickles the right spot to grab our history, hence deviously claim an authority of our narration. For the same reason he is nurtured, taken care, fed and fattened. Atheist is a laughable irony, if a fellow with Nazi symbol on his head claim to be pacifist it will be scandalous as much as kukluxklan is not the benign “other side”(Trump). But somehow shockingly castetva forces are posited as benign, and this image is judiciously constructed for western gaze. Atheist Guha (an anachronism that will give “mahatma gandhi” run for money) is brave (‘sincere’ is a better word...to understand the context you need to double back two decades!!) to drive down the countryside, quite obviously noting the grandness of temples on the way and finally concluding that plastics are problem. I am told the fellow is an erudite enchanting raconteur among castetva posturing liberals, it adds the flavour in market attuned weekend get together.

Castetva forces in the last many decades, with ample boost from state might, infrastructure and money, have usurped the narration and have severely undermined all the progressive ideas coalesced over centuries that formed the soul of this society despite serious and persistent moral incursions from sanctum, they cleverly cleaved themselves into high moral grounds by working out English skills and miming western pointers as liberals, and significantly, to showcase their kindred side started patronising fundamentalist muslims (this dogmatic elite with extreme religious take is well fed and domesticated as a reference to bleeding heart), characteristically and as inhuman, the intense appeasement to the select furthered misery on common people. Vicious regressive muslim leaders were fed to keep the flock together and brutalize into patriarchy and segregation, so that it makes it easier to negotiate. Communalisation of society was not their concern, occasional praise from West (like for instance Bush) on domestication skills was seen as pat on the back while people suffered and the society spiralled down. As is the case with a section that traditionally lacked qualities of empathy and are incapacitated on compassion actions were always calculated to keep the power and narration under control. This degradation is taken to such an extreme extend so as to serve their purpose of keeping the divisiveness crude and boiling.

Divisiveness, and keeping people segregated, is where they truly thrive, whether Casteism –in all its sanctum crudeness replicating that into modern frames, or through selectively promoting and nurturing sickening patriarchy and higher claims in religion, particularly Islam. This is attitudinal trait of people who are incapable to see humans as humans, and are severely incapacitated to see humanity. They nurture divisiveness to hold on to power and use the state machinery to exploit. If science had not progressed this far and societies not scrutinised critically these scoundrels would have even classified “dalits” as some different species, and shown liberal attributes of awe inspiring keenness to adopt and feed. Divisiveness is a consistent attempt towards degradation, and degraded world is what castetva forces look forward to as it hides their incompetence, in the melee of high moral positioning for suffering masses all kind of dubious people with minimum skills, insulated from stakes in the fate, stampede in. Amazingly crude patriarchal ways were nurtured as minority (this narration of religious identity as minority has severely degraded the society), cruder forms of personal laws at the expense of common people were supported by the state that was run over by castetva brutes looking for credibility. Predominantly muslim region of Kashmir was patronised by giving special status, at the expense of Indian people as also beleaguered innocent people in Kashmir as they suffer the consequences of ghettoization and radicalisation, as also making it extremely risky for the security personnel –who mostly come from poorer sections.  While the state could use its might to capture Goa, why were such measures not initiated even when Indian defence force had upper hand? The leaders of nation are duty bound to protect the strategic interests of the nation. That they weren’t able to and the future generation are facing the consequences speaks of keenness of positioning over national interests. That they could play around with security and strategic needs of the nation so as to appear kindred is scandalous. What is a deeper malaise is the characteristic desultory mindset of taking common people for granted. The audacity is such that the ‘islamic’ nation (that has horrendous blasphemy law, and a tenuous connection with democracy where non-state actors –fanatic mongrels, are fed and nurtured) in the neighbourhood instead of dealing with extreme caution are seen as scoring point for secularism among these hideous positioners (brutes like Aiyer takes it to next level). Having cultural and sporting link is a different matter but this kind of positioning by political leaders as was also seen during dictator Mushraf's visit is sickening. One wonders if terrorist attacks in Mumbai had occurred in Lahore or New York how people would have reacted? It is matter of serious concern that the mastermind is not brought to justice yet.

As is the case these apathy to the plight happens on daily basis in this society, the system is nurtured in such a manner that it puts least premium on Indian life, it is cheapest and negotiable.The entitled arrogance is such that they expect common people to take all kinds of nonsense. While people suffer atrocities, violence and an apathetic state (that is reflected in skewed social indices, as lackadaisical system thrives) the elite section settles into higher and unreachable moral grounds. Meanwhile as they dwell in higher and higher moral grounds constantly awe striking the West their vicinity is kept purified and insulated from reality, as has been the case inside the sanctum. Though common people face violence and violations on daily basis any incursions into their space is seen as a threat to the nation. The pursuit for purity is such that it leaves one flabbergasted, and wondering, whether this is emerging from this society. It surely is a mirage, if not anything else. Take the recent case of privacy issue by SC, it is hailed internationally as highest moral grounds possible by humans to achieve. Evidently everyone is wonderstruck. While Indian media seeks the eye watering nuances of son’s redemption, the hereditary legacy is, we are told, in safe hands. These are the sentimental craps where Indians sparkle, indeed another of degradation that elite sections constantly peruse to keep common people trapped in the pit. It subdues appropriate emotions and sedates rational thoughts, therefore good hunting ground for manipulations. The glaring fact is that the Indian judiciary is one of the least competent and suffers from horrendous apathy which is legendry. Justice delayed is justice denied, but this one even tries to redefine ‘delayed’. Judges enjoy exaggerated status and opulent facilities at the expense of a society that is essentially poor with amazing level of disparities. That they are ensconced in castetva primitiveness is given sometimes shifting from liberal mask to hindutva as the situation demands, while some even moving to ridiculous and appalling worldview. System nurtures and promotes these while competence as always is an exception.  Meanwhile lawyers grow richer and richer, disgustingly a nonagenarian lawyer charges lakhs of rupees as services counted on hourly basis, put that in context to amazing level of poverty and disparity in this country as also what is the real value of “service” that he is providing? It is as if gems falls from his mouth, reality being he is a loud mouthed buffoon with high placed contacts, that he can, with his nepotistic skills, influence is the obvious reason (thankfully the fellow recently decided to retire!). Same is the case for almost all Delhi based high profile manipulative lawyers who drop in as union ministers cunningly using their powerful people privy as an advantage and negotiation lever. What kind of world is this? Why no action taken on this obvious clash of interest, as also no ceiling on earning by these legal luminaries in what is amazingly incompetent and tardy system? Coming to the issue of privacy these exists for elite section to score points and use to their advantage while for common people these are interesting theories that they have no time for.      

     

Meanwhile castetva forces, in a case of liberal atonement, have been allowing barbarians to pump in petrodollars and vicious form of religion from Saudi, in the last many decades the coastal region, specifically around Mangalore and Kerala, as also many parts of country has seen intense radicalisation that has left local population within and outside the religion terribly concerned. Number of religious structures sprouts everywhere, while people lack basic infrastructure.  Patronising by castetva forces has provided an easy opening for hindutva forces who are able to tap on people’s fear and insecurities. Apart from keeping people tied up in their misery they are divided through brutal conceptions that constantly suck away humanity from otherwise decent people. Even as egalitarian as a measure ‘reservation’, suggested to ameliorate the status of marginalised, has been cleverly used to keep people trapped in primitive conception that can be milked rather than an elevating humanistic measure that democracy occasioned. Casteist feudals masquerading as freedom fighters, essentially negotiating power at the expense of common people (who paid a very terrible price through partition), controlled the government machinery for so many decades but judiciously maintained the same exploitative structure but with added apathy. Crucial issues like land reforms (that would have surely revolutionised into equitable and empowered society) and other egalitarian measures, that sought to reduce disparities or negate brutal encroachments by casteist forces, were actively resisted. Last many decades castetva forces had a free rein as they controlled every aspect of life from birth to death, the degradation was complete. Casteist leapfrogging from sanctum replicated the same crudeness, sanctum deity was replaced with powerful family, this mindset mimed down with hierarchy as each powerful person posturing as incarnate hence expecting ego pampering. While for those masquerading liberal secularism mata became the presiding deity, all the rituals were followed with characteristic rigour, people were incidental in the scheme. Sycophancy became defining character as it trickled down to the lowest level under strict hierarchy, and in absence of any decipherable competence matters of seniority was sternly adhered to. Meanwhile, as an indication of being blessed, and as divine messengers, they also ‘chose’ people for favour; dispensing patronage was turned into a fine art wherein democratic institutions were used with flourish. Casteist plugs were checked and cross checked as the infection spread through the society as feudal Indians measured and appropriated egalitarian institutions –essentially an alien idea for a primitive society, into their deceit.                  

These also kept common people in constant anguish and desperation, as also latent animosity towards created others that sprouted all across as euphemised “communities” thrived. Barbaric islamic fundamentalists were fed with impunity or fear of consequence while divisiveness was channelized and sold as diversity; it was about time that hindutva forces were able to capitalise on this anguish and anger, further fuelled by rampant corruption and nepotism under the guise of liberal secular posturing. Casteist icons like Gandhi was appropriated into hindutva fold with such desultory ease to the chagrin and intense embarrassment of castetva forces as they scrap into emptying reservoir of manipulation space. It is a home run, and there is a perfect DNA match. 
                        

Moral degradation emanating from sanctum creates a frame that works at two levels, firstly, supplication and sycophancy to power. Secondly, subjugation and barbaric treatment of weak or those below the pecking scale, it becomes sinister when fate as ingredient is added as blessing. This feudal way is ingrained as apathy and lack of compassion. Insidiously trapped desperate people emulate this in whatever scale or circumstance they find themselves in, this desperation becomes the moral heuristic, as they fervently aspire to climb by whatever means. Meanwhile squatter sanctums are open for business, money comes pouring in as miserable people in moral vacuum bribe and penance for blessing. Capitalism with its own line of degradation and opportunist exploitation standards finds a natural ally. And through this prism all the latest technology and innovation instead of becoming opportunities for better understanding of world becomes instrument of manipulation and further consolidation of degraded worldview.    

    

Acquiescing to power, position and riches, that maybe acquired through any dubious means, (considering how exceptional ideas nurturing talents is) through entitlements or exploitation of people or natural resources, irrespective of any ethical context, is ingrained as fate. So hereditary entitlements are blessing rather than something that should be curtailed, discouraged, feel embarrassed about even as one posture for higher egalitarian claims. Dynastic politics is minor matter, when you have dynastic judiciary, business, media….wherein all the nepotistic contacts and nuances (in the absence of any professional standards these becomes crucial in negotiations) are passed on as legacy and blessing. An attempt at egalitarian would consider measures like inheritance tax or other innovative methods to suit the society but in this devious world these fortunes have sanctum sanction that is meant to perpetuate a worldview. Far from any concerns, which seriously points to lacunae, with characteristic deviousness these were factored into democracy as diversity and awe striking uniqueness. As people adore more money and power as indication of blessing, good fortune, the moral vacuum keeps widening encompassing all institutions. In this vacuum corruption, nepotism and devious means is seen as natural extension of opportunity that god has granted, and with market the synergy of degradation acquires the veneer of professionalism. Multiplying money through exploitation of people and nature is therefore common with limited competence nurtured in overwhelming mediocre ways. You can experience this all around you.

PS: They will charge exponential fees, and take education as money spinning entrepreneurial venture but don’t you even expect basic standards, forget education not even basic standards of safety. While zombie parents, authorities, stake holders who are well aware of these glaring lacunas are sedated in the stories of fate and redemptions, the messy vein clogging red threads on the wrist and amulets around wherever is an immediate solution that is suggested, ofcourse that too is charged! Afterall where else in this universe a little piece of red thread can fetch you hundreds of rupees if bought in from sanctum deviousness, and has the capacity to divert fate to any desired direction. With such blessing school authorities can do whatever. We are safe. Life goes on. 

You can replicate this case into any frame across this country, apathy will repeat     

Flooding: The Dutch solution

As Bengaluru is battered and flooded again a pattern you can see all around, with increased intensity of rain (that ofcourse is not Chinese hoax), water gets clogged and makes it extremely dangerous for commuters, as lackadaisical municipalities don’t check the slabs and people get drowned. In Delhi a neighbour kid drowned in the open drainage right next to our building, they searched her whole night. This blogger too was almost sucked in about two years back because of missing slabs in the footpath, was at shoulder level in gushing water, thankfully reflexes saved the day but the knee was severely impacted, and still get the pain, also the recurring nightmare. Interestingly this was located outside a five star hotel, and a year later as I was walking past, and the slab still missing, I found the manager outside and I told him about the incident and the need to cover these dangerous pits. He said he will inform the concerned people. Well after two years, the work is partially done. So cannot blame and not blame! It comes in the same frame as “infinite truth” BS and Guhaji's "Schrodinger’s Gandhi".     

The concrete structures prevents water seepage into ground as also encroachment of catchment areas and lakebeds in the name of development (which ofcourse is connected to GDP) has created a unique situation of excessive rains, and water shortages during summer. There is geological and environmental costs to big projects like river linking, the existing water bodies and catchment areas must be protected and nurtured. Traditional knowledge in this matter, for instance from water deficit states like Rajasthan, Tarun Bhagat Sangh (I happen to visit few years back in Alwar) have consolidated these experiences with remarkable success, even rejuvenating dead river. Unlike the lack of concern by market media, and the consumerism promoting entitled section with huge carbon footprint, the government of India has put in place special initiatives and has taken the threats regarding climate change quite seriously. This is in sharp contrast to many rich and industrialized societies

Latest civil engineering solutions can also be searched. Netherlands have been in the forefront on these matters as majority of region is in below sea level as also there is sea level rising, further excessive downpour had worsened the matter, but they have solved these by creating green roofs and flood controlling water plazas, building sustainable urban water systems. In a proactive approach to achieving sustainability, the Rotterdam Climate Proof (RCP) programme aims to achieve fully climate proof status for the city by 2025. This is the kind of proactive measures that extremely climate vulnerable societies like India needs to look into. 

Water storage in Rotterdam is integrated in the urban environment wherever possible; collectively encouraging the installation of green roofs. The large-scale application of green roofs contributes to a more sustainable, healthy city. During heavy rainfall, these green roofs provide a valuable solution for temporary water storage. It absorbs precipitation, reducing the speed of rainwater runoff and delaying the peak in discharge. As a result, the pressure on the sewerage system is reduced in times of heavy rainfall.

Water plazas, known as the watersquare because of its shape, the design is presented in two main parts: a sports field and a hilly playfield. The sports field is sunken into the ground by one meter and is surrounded by steps which also functions as a grandstand where spectators can sit and watch a game. The playfield compromises of several spaces that are set at different levels where people can sit and have a relaxing picnic or where children can play. Both parts are enclosed within a green frame of grass and trees which borders the square.

During drier months of the year, the watersquare will be used as recreational space. It is only during times of heavy rainfall will the watersquare change its appearance and function. Design ensures that the spaces flood in a gradual manner and collected rainwater flows into the watersquare and fill different parts of the hilly playfields.

Rainwater remains in the watersquare until it can be discharged into the nearest water body. Short cloudbursts create streams, brooklets and small ponds that allow children to play in and around the water. During prolonged downpours, the watersquare will gradually fill up until the sports fields are flooded and the square becomes purely a water storage basin. It is expected to hold a maximum of 1000 cubic metres of rainwater.It is worth noting that the watersquare is not a sewage treatment facility - it will only require a clean sewerage system of rainwater. It can also be used in combination with the green roofs whereby rainwater is collected and filtered in a separate clean water system, which then takes it from roofs to the watersquare.

Other storage applications involve multifunctional car parks. The new car park near the Museumpark, for instance, will be equipped with an underground water storage facility touted to become the largest water storage facilities in the Netherlands. Under the entrance to the Museumpark, an underground water storage is being constructed for sewage, with an extra capacity of 10,000 m³.

Whenever heavy rains threaten to cause the sewerage system in the centre to overflow, within thirty minutes, 10 million litres of rainwater will flow into the water storage. When the downpour is over, the rainwater will be pumped into the sewers and discharged in the usual manner.

The construction of additional water storage facilities and water plazas, and green roof, all help to preserve the optimal quality of life in the city despite the drastic climate change. These initiatives involve innovative alternatives for water storage, solutions for water collection during heavy downpours (emergency storage), and options to delay the discharge of rainwater. The aim is that even during dry periods the city will have water of a sufficient quality.

(sourced from waterworld.com)

PS: the increasing intensity, and numbers, of hurricanes in peninsular coasts of Atlantic seems like a portent warning of impending NW monsoon related cyclones in Bay of Bengal and the serious impact on eastern part of peninsular India. There are few months left, hope they do adequate preparations.              

The other side, creating binary default

So finally the West is realising the mistake, while the poorer societies and marginalised have to endure the cost, as always.  Fluffs nurtured in bubbles of theory filled countenance and virtues of virtual presences –the human bots that seeks to argue despite clear evidences, as approvals and disapprovals keep inflating both. Wallowing in the comfort meanwhile carrying colonial angst and exaggerated evaluation as kindred souls, as saviour, they take these as rituals. With market exigencies and mob as audience critical thinking and nuanced understanding don’t have a chance. This binary form of discussion that is being posited as discourse to understand the issue for the audience in all its basest and crudest thoughts is seen as an achievement, leaving the muddle where plausible get imprinted in the seeking minds, and with regressive traditions and through on line consolidations these get emboldened.   

Being placed in a society where inane arguments and priceless stupidity as discourse occupied the limited minds, while wasted lives with tenuous connection to reality speculated nature of truth, and with ease even encompassed the universe in their entitled folds, henceforth all human endeavours and achievements could be easily appropriated. For caste cannibals Hinduism became a fertile entitlement ground for heuristic appropriation of any latest scientific achievements. It is as if we knew about these much before! The arrogance in mythical prowess is amazing. Speculation and predictive skills were being nurtured as special connections with other worldly, ofcourse at the cost of humanity and any sane basis. Indians therefore have upperhand on deceit while keeping pious bearing and seemingly open mind for different views, indeed any degradations –clearly that is what these were open to, attracting all kinds of nonsense. This society wallows in self-created muck. Therefore discussions are set, previously in degraded traditional frames, now shifted to market grab. A society that has long history of obfuscation of truth and manipulations shifts from crude to nuanced. The crude is being classified as Right wing (who haven’t yet learned the tricks of playing along the western narration) while nuanced, purring to the power, ticking all the boxes that excite the fluffs in west are liberals!

So we have truth as infinite massive dump that is open to speculation, ofcourse the same argument that holds lie is not given credence in grander scheme. Caste has to be accepted as reality (indeed one can easily see that these grand narrations and speculation as a deceit to hide sh*t filled hometruths and moral vacuum -which needs subjectifying the reality to sustain). With this background one can quite easily decipher the nonsense that is posited as discussions. Racism or Nazism (as much as Casteism) is not reality, it is being proven with all evidence to be wrong, and a dangerous degradation of the humanity. It cannot be posited as counter “argument” hence given credence through neutral platform. You cannot be neutral or ambivalent about something that has been proven to be wrong. The same holds for issues regarding climate change or religion (common people feel extremely threatened, while elite clamour to position as liberal without caring for concerns. Indeed religion in itself is increasingly an anachronism that should be severely questioned and scrutinised. Religion is not an identity, it is a violation on humanity if it accepted as such). To be neutral when facing overwhelming evidence on the contrary is being irresponsible, this neglect increase in magnitude when placed in crucial position as arbitrators. It needed a nutcase like Trump to open to the incursions of white supremacist, and the deep fallacy of maintaining the symbols associated with these as history. These are not history; these represent a heinous distortion of humanity that has been long since corrected with sacrifices and bravery. Racist symbols in public spaces are not reminders but encroachment. Public spaces are for people and symbol one respect. There are racist symbols and statues existing all across the world that we told to tolerate (caste encroachment will be dealt, racist casteist figures like Gandhi has absolutely no place in African continent. He must be removed from public space and sent back to primitive society that he emerged from, they can sing lullaby of mahatma. Indian government shouldn’t be spending public money imposing these. How will you look into the eyes of a child in Africa who seeks to understand the world? Ofcourse not through Gandhi. We in India have to tolerate people like him because of entrenched powerful interest whose credibility, indeed locus standi, is dependent on this farce). What has been understood as wrong, with all evidence and scrutiny, must be held so, ofcourse one can continuously and rigorously question these in private for clarifications. 

Critical and rigorous analysis is rooted to human evolution, to where we are now as a specie, enhancing senses and protecting from elements. This understanding cannot be allowed to be fizzled away. Ofcourse there is a danger here too, as is becoming clear that supremacist tend to use science fiction, into deviant thought frame. Everything is not subjective, what has been understood with evidence must be taken as objective unless with better evidence (unlike the manipulative indian mind that tries to even question the objective reality as is understood. There has been spate of views channeled by “bania media” on science after the ‘March for Science’ indicating a higher moral view of world, an exaggerated self worth that is ready to awe strike the world at short notice. Something that the entitled Indian mind is habituated to. Entitled itch is difficult to control when the blessing is urgent!). Science is an outcome of inquisitive enquiring mind that seeks evidence, streamlines thoughts in a logical way, and opens to rational analysis and to speculate. And most significantly negate what doesn’t fulfil these, because if you are not able to despite overwhelming evidence then it isn’t logical. One can tackle it if new evidence arises. Negation is one aspect that some find difficult, hence they search for divine and let in religious crap. Few centuries back with too much unknown these had space, but now in the contemporary reality of things religion or structured divine or deviant traditions herein has no place, at the most it can be personal spiritual space –the enlightened humility of “I don’t know”(as Ms. Syzmborska so succinctly put it two decades back). The reason why most Indian scientists, as also science teachers (who are supposed to inspire), tend to be shoddy with quite limited possibility as they seem incapable to comprehend the gravity of what they are dealing with, they are too enmeshed in degraded religious frame and deviant ritual driven traditions, they seem too fatalistic for any good, too entitled to admit. Such a waste. Beware of Indians who have exacted the art of obfuscation and muddy the reality to emerge at high moral ground as pure all-knowing souls. It is an infection. 

Technology is an application that works on fulfilling subjective needs. It is rather spacious to criticize science for technological incursions.  Indeed science is only a product of inquiring inquisitive mind. It is a crucial hinge to human survival as an individual and as society. Fluffs posing as liberals or religion driven miracle seeking nutcases will not be allowed to dilute these. It is too precious. 

The dubious 2% control over narration

The English media in india caters to about 2% of indian population, and that is a very generous estimate. In the last decade or so handful of English TV channels have taken control over mainstream narration, and indeed are having unsettling influence on policy makers as it caters to powerful elite with unsymmetrical access and unethical base. This was particularly true when nepotism was the norm while sycophancy and patronage was touchstone of any dealing. Democratic institutions become an end in itself as they are eaten and cleaned out from inside as blatant corruption, incompetence and characteristic apathy take root while the structures are diligently kept spruced and polished so as to give the semblance of normality, as they say ‘working’ democracy. Casteist feudal primitives know all the tricks in the book. As long as this section is happily fed the world is a beautiful place and India is no doubt incredible. 

 But in the last few years things have changed, the sequestered world assigning themselves as saviour has been severely undermined. The liberal masquerading Castetva forces have been replaced by nationalist masquerading Hindutva forces. This blogger doesn’t have any problem whatsoever if castetva icons like mahatmas and pundits are replaced by hindutva icons, indeed they should. It doesn’t change anything in common people’s life trapped as they are in feudal primitive putrefying world. Many in English media, and the exaggerated species that dwells herein, see the threat to their monopoly in narration. The business of awe striking the world is being sullied is their argument. So far the NDA government has shown best of intentions and has indeed created positive impression among most people. As the world gets automated, as also with impacts of climate change, and people in the increasing grip of insular ways and threats things are going to get difficult. The government despite sufficient problems has shown a relative sense of purpose and resolve. Unless they go arrogant and start buffoonish market driven ‘shining india’ (I recall I even wrote some prose/poem critical and sarcastic on these exaggerations while these were being tried in 2003!!) nonsense this blogger doesn’t see any reason why the popular leaders like the PM Modi isn’t at the helm even after 2020. The lutyen’s Delhi coterie, that spreads to pretentious casteist feudal in all major cities across the country, who have arrogated themselves the destiny of billion people is none too happy as deceit slacken their grip on reality. Immune as they were to tragedies of social conflicts and desperations, they never factored in outsiders usurping their narrations of wonderful world. They kept the moral high ground so high they sometime get lost in the subtleties. It is amazing that in one of the most primitive and exploitation driven social context they created a purified narration. So there are indication and intents of ever soaring ethical and humanist ways while drivelling in the most inhuman ways and home truths. They talk of higher and higher planes of human rights, even going to the extent of claiming futility of punishment (take for instance the fellow involved in heinous rape case was let out free because it seems he was few months young hence juvenile). Such compassion and extravagant promises is in context of purifying to higher plains of moral bearing that not only has contempt for common people but are insular to their lives and tragedies. It is as if we are being taught the higher levels of conscience by the bunch who are themselves dwelling in inhuman contexts, and that too by a judiciary that is known for incompetence, lackadaisical ways and an apathy for plight of common people. 

 Lutyen’s denizens, who have amassed unaccountable influence over the decades have also encroached into western influence as well, and have in many cases placed their litters and caretakers in critical position to work out narrations of benignity. The region with bleakest social context, as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh dangerously spiral into violence and extremism, while Srilanka, Myanmar, Nepal too are trapped in varying degree of miseries india it seems is being projected as an oasis. This narration of spiritual heaven of wonderful people is being drivelled into since independence as regressive castetva forces consolidated their control. As people live in absolute misery while institutions tardy and incompetent, and as mediocrity and apathy grip the system there are narrations created by coterie of diversity and tolerance, of entitled role as benign guardian. Common people are kept in cages for display, as they get fatalistic and are trapped in their drudgery the clever coterie take up the entitled role of  custodian, caretaker and spokespersons of india’s greatness on their own right and leisure. The soothsayers of soul’s role in fantastic universe and infinite truth of sanctum pit is how these hilarious ideas of self took root. 

 I will have to point out few people here, those who have been living on unbridled extravagance and exaggerated self-worth.  News channels have not only degraded the institution through nepotism and casteist feudal norms but also the news itself by reducing it as entertainment, about celebrities, of promoting movies and cricket and con artists herein who later multiply their money through selling products. It’s a nice setup. Though they play the mahatma pundit narration of feudal charm and morals but scratch it and you see desperate power hungry people eking out their cleverness. The recent instance of TVnews anchor asking a Party spokesperson to get out is clear indication of not only incompetence but arrogance. They have been used to dealing with union ministers spokesperson therefore is a small fry. There are many indications of media using their clout to get close to power putting the media independence into question. Indeed, I came to know that another TV anchor (not coincidently of the same channel)  is actually married to Congress ex-union minister!! (now whether she benefited from him or vice versa is open to scrutiny). And she is the one who takes high moral grounds of whispering and not shouting, it is more of purring I say. There is a clear case of clash of interest, and it is her duty (and channels too) to have disclosed this to the audience. This is cheating, there is a clear bias that benefits her. As for anchor, who asked the party spokesperson to get out, she is being extremely unprofessional as also clear sign of incompetency. When push comes to shove, that is when reality strikes, it is habitual to pose their entitlement (“this is my show”, no it isn’t). A competent journalist would have allowed the discussion but would have meanwhile clarified his/her, or for that matter that TV channel’s position, for audience to decide. Indeed, a spokesperson of any party has every right to accuse TV channel of ‘agenda’ or whatever. 

 Atleast in the putrefying pits of Indian TV channels, where there is no hope or redemption, as everyone outdo each on degradation, the worst being the regional (some TV news channels in Andhra are even available to telecast marriages), there are some journalists one can respect but these are getting rare. I must add here that some of the discussions in Malayalam news channel are much nuanced but unfortunately these too have gone down in standard as many a times the topic, as also quality of panel, is restricted by market parameters. There is an overwhelming degradation with market consolidation in the last few decades or so. Of the 2% viewers of English news channel majority watch Goswami, people prefer him because he positions as vociferous voice of people against apathy and deviousness. Not allowing panel to speak and shouting them down is undoubtedly a winning usp, terrific marketing strategy, since that is precisely people too want instead of purring and cosing upto self-serving people and dubious market decided panel members with limited understanding. When there are competing views without insight or understanding then these entitled mediocre figures can pack their views and keep it at home. What to discuss, who should be in the panel, what insight is expected from them, their competence, what to ask, how to respond and probe…all these are basics in any nuanced responsible discussion. These are basics of visual media ethics. Entitled nepotistic elite with gift for gab and with some basics cannot be competent however earnestly they may try. It’s a replication of overwhelming nature of mediocrity thriving insular society.   Either you be truthful and honest, bring out the fact with clarity with expert panel and take the news and viewers seriously, show respect to the viewers and their tribulations (take the case where I was channel surfing the other day and witnessed anchor angel going into orgasm while having discussion on serious issue, now I thought there must be someone under table and me being me was looking forward to the seedy video!! She clarified that “india has reached final”. Not into wastefulness of cricket it took me some time to get the context. What kind of credibility these people have if they cannot be responsible and take everything as extension of some ongoing entertainment?). Be authentic or be competent on market parameters, or just get out of here. Don’t try to play games and expect respect. English TV channels points to what is wrong with media, indeed to larger extend they are marker of patronising effete elite, their unexamined assumptions of ground reality and very clear characteristic contempt for common people. If you understand what news is, the utterly skewed nature of this society, emerging problems and vulnerabilities then you will not even have time to sit, forget entertainment garbage as news. If you take responsibility then be responsible. There is no joke going on, nor are people in some weekend get together. Media cannot claim to be special without being competent, responsible and understanding. They are not sacrosanct and will have to follow the rule of law.  We very well know it is a shift from sanctum pit to media high end bypassing any rigour or awareness, it’s a tradition of defecating words. 

 There is no sudden deterioration in India as is being posited by nefarious coterie, it is also being cleverly and relentlessly arrogated as result of UPA coming to power by the entrenched who enjoyed the benefits, not only through nepotism, but also through feudal casteist structure, in the last many decades. They rarely raised any critical voice nor nurtured any marginalised (except some market attuned) in their narration or amongst them. To start with the degradation has not started now or in last few years, the society is degraded from its foundation and this is being consolidated with power structure since independence, and for which the clever elite is very much complicit. I find no difference between castetva forces and hindutva forces. Who put cow protection in fundamental duties? Surely not Ambedkar. Who brought religion into politics, and consolidated funny views on cow? Well then you will have to protect it. Further, the effete elite positioning in higher echelons of media as saviours can easily chose and neglect news as they desire. Though positioning as flag bearers of freedom of expression they actively censor news, not only in its negation but in its content and the way it presented. There is an adherence to casteist feudal narration with a clear agenda to normalise primitive ways. If there is no deterioration of situation in India it is because situation in India was always deteriorated. They kept miseries of common people under the rug with characteristic ease, as also with distractions and inanities. So laws where kept colonial (a case of amazing contempt for common people) only when heinous rape happens right in Delhi they think of changing archaic laws after seven decades of so called independence. Previously there was an attempted narration on attacks on Christians, and many more such attempts, clearly some are working overtime to payback their dues. Now lynching seems to be defining more than billion people. Unfortunate though it is the reporting is mischievous with clear agenda. For the reason that lynching is quite common here, issues differ, even this blogger was witness to brutal beating up of a fellow in UP almost two decades back, the fellow was drunk or maybe mad or something, he started hitting the cow quite badly hence people reacted, and rather viciously for the degree of crime I thought (I recall including this incidence in one my early short story, about a mentally deranged fellow getting caught in communal riot…between not many know that I do write short stories. Difficult to even convince myself that I am a writer, atleast a small time one! I guess you should write when there is something to write). People die of lynching all the time, it is nothing new. If you want to prove rape is increasing (as was the case in the aftermath of delhi crime) then keep reporting about rape, if you want to prove deaths by doctor’s negligence then keep reporting that, if you want to report that children are dying of malnutrition then keep reporting it, road accident, disease, crime….whatever you want to prove you can prove because in india these things keep happening all the time. It’s about what you want to highlight. It becomes the story when effete elite find some reason, or most likely advantageous, to report and channelize it accordingly for an agenda or market needs, otherwise these are footnotes. Let me point to some reality, and try understand the context of angst of lutyen’s coterie and their high moral ground… 

 According to National Human Rights (NHRC) report on Prevention on atrocities on Scheduled Caste, a crime is reported on ‘Dalit’ every 18 minutes, every day on an average, 3 ‘dalit’ women are raped, 2 ‘dalits’ are murdered, and 2 ‘dalit’ home burnt. 37% of ‘dalits’ live below poverty line, 2 in 10 child die before 5years of age and those who survive 54% are undernourished, while 45% remain illiterate. And those who manage to go to school 39% of ‘dalit’ children are made to sit separately while eating food, and that is millions of government schools all over India. And if eating food is the parameter just think what all other ways of discriminations are happening, and these are schools –educational institutions, and these are children, and these data are only tip of iceberg. If every day 2 ‘dalits’ are being killed and 3 ‘dalit’ women are raped then factor in that these are most marginalised and traumatised section facing a notorious law and order machinery, so there is a huge under reporting. You could easily multiply it by factor of ten to get somewhere near the reality. That is like 20 ‘dalits’ killed every day across the country, its scandalous. You will not see these published in western media nor you will find anyone questioning liberal masquerading unethical elite section posturing as kindred souls ready to speak for Indians. Also add that killing cannot be only data. What about serious debilitating injuries, as also psychological as also social tolls of these discriminations? No wonder ethical depravity is so deep of this putrid pit of a society. Also consider that discriminations have actually gone down over the years because of relative level of political empowerment and technology driven transparency, so you can very well imagine what this godforsaken society was decades back when mahatmas and pandits roam the earth and awestruck the world. Finally, as of today 48% of villages in India deny access to water source to ‘dalits’. There are millions and millions of villages in india that makes it more than a billion people. What kind of cesspool is this? Even water the basic necessity is being denied, the idea is more than denying it is establishing the degraded framework and showcase oneself as blessed in whichever pecking order one is placed. Imagine, the kind of value system that is percolating and getting hold over people’s mind. 

This society is too degraded to be even called a society. This is something else and ironically the effete elite is quite aware of these, and are quite blissful and self-assured in this realisation! The rot is so deep. I am using the ‘dalit’ reference with utmost care, this is not to fall into casteist feudal elite’s well set trap. I strongly think that like the word ‘nigger’ this reference can only be used by the most marginalised and trauma victims of casteist social structure. The perpetrators have no business to patronise. There was a fellow who went about as mahatma who sought redemption through ‘harijan’, such arrogance, meanwhile helped in nurturing and thriving casteism of which ‘dalit’ is the necessary result. There is a wicked attempt to see ‘dalit’ in isolation as god gifted ‘community’ we have to care. The feudal casteist will be sorted and exposed. Also understand that it is from this horrendous reality that likes of Ramnath Kovint –the Presidential candidate, has emerged. He has every right to be violent and support violence, be angry, had all the reason to fail and has very likely faced all attempts to put him down mentally, physically and emotionally. That he survived one of the most brutal inhuman society –traumatic reality of most heinous structural violence that humanity has known that would even put racism as sideshow, to be where he is now is commendable, that too without any malice speaks highly of him (something even "chatur bania's" non violence falls woefully inadequate, the context is also enough to understand where to place Ambedkar). Those who ask for his credential should learn to keep shut, and that is something the louts of lutyen’s delhi haven’t been programmed for as they viciously jostle for next opportunity. These are entrenched entitled mediocrities to be displaced by their own failures and too arrogant to learn from them.You could atleast claim moral breakdown but what about a society where there are no morals?

What about feral videos?

We have heard and seen viral videos but what feral videos, the one that incites violence or harm, or is about child or animal abuse? I call them feral because like the dogs, some of whom were once even domesticated, now abandoned, have taken over scavenging in the absence of vultures. They have become feral i.e. not completely wild but has potential to, and create havoc for people and other animals. Many instances of dog attacks, and deaths, have been reported in the country. Dogs have become vicious, similar is the case of some videos. They are feral videos, and difficult to weed out. Atleast, from what we learn even FaceBook finds it difficult. The data overload is too much. So I guess feral videos are here to stay.         

Don’t forget the Avocado toast !!

Alright millennials enjoy your avocado toast, and don’t give a damn about greedy moneybags hovering to trap into wage slaves, meaningless jobs, and multiply their godforsaken money.

Meanwhile this is the first I am trying avocado sandwich quite easy to make and seriously delicious, and with those mangoes…     

PS: Its high time that avocados realized that giant sloths are not around!! Those enormous seeds make these fruit less on value for money.

Nurturing nutcases, primitive pangs of ancient wisdom

Judiciary is essential part of democracy, and is indeed the lynchpin of justice for people. In a degraded primitive society like India with horrendous inequity nurtured and sustained by despicable traditions that pupated in moral vacuums these ideas of justice becomes critical. It is well known how inequity pervades indian society, and a complete lack of sensitivity and empathy on these matters baffles. All statistics and study clearly shows these amazing levels of disparities, as fattened side showcase cruder ways usurping benefits without any shade of any known competence. Indians therefore remains an overwhelmingly mediocre society that cannibalises itself meanwhile carries exaggerated estimates of its prowess.

There is always an attempt to showcase its blessedness, sometimes with surfeit claims of spiritual pout, mahatmas and pundits to awestruck the world, in mundane realities it is about breaking records, guinness or whatever is nearest possible to firmly establish the blessedness. Like domesticated species they are adept to follow, the fatalistic worldview is a constant guide, meanwhile they pit their limited mental calibre into esoterical matters to showcase their higher bearings and blessing. Over the centuries the muck accumulated as Indian philosophy, an embarrassment, a clever set of word play with utmost ease, confidence that surely couldn’t hide any competence. They strode the earth with light footed gaiety of self-assuredness with ever higher reaches of humility. Without any known competence and basic intelligence humbleness became a marker of higher bearings which easily camouflaged sycophancy to power and other ethical degradations. Fatalist outlooks for the blind followers and with heightened sense of dispenser of justice –god’s representations, judiciary became a favoured shift from putrefying sanctum. It is amazing that even in the bleakest of tragedies like colonialism (which ofcourse is much benign compared to casteism) some were able to choose career and pursue it with much vigour without even a thought of its relevance or context. It is the same reason that ethical bound and compassionate souls like Bhagat Singh or Azad were not enamored by these clever options and went ahead with their souls in right place. They paid the ultimate prize and have pride of place in the hearts of common people while lawyers turned clever manipulators therefore became negotiators for power, this deceitful tradition carries on even now. The worst of judicial system, that is so lackadaisical and tardy, has produced most of luminaires, ministers, and millionaires for this godforsaken society. Furthermore it has nurtured the unethical traditions and debauched ways, and has been the source of regressive consolidation, despite yeoman’s efforts by considerate souls over centuries.

Feudal caste debauchery were mostly in the periphery of Indian tradition, gaining significance only through squatting in sanctum and acquiescing to power, prescribing reasons for fatalism, ensnaring people in their frailties, all emanating from mediocre minds furiously working in its own limitations. These regressive cannibalistic traditions were thoroughly rejected by enlightened souls over the centuries -the best Indian traditions and philosophy find expression in these. Meanwhile squatters sought power and credence by comforting and guiding effete kings into pits of fatalisms, primitive ways and incompetence. With Indian elite wallowing in their own muck nothing remarkable was expected as they were overwhelmed in their deceitful ways. It is only after so called independence that these caste feudals finally had absolute control. Since then there has been regressive consolidation and usurping of egalitarian traditions into caste folds and attempts to normalize heinous regressive ways and traditions. Gandhi was a major instrument in this degradation.   

If a high court judge has demented and ridiculous views on cows and peacocks like for instance “cow is the only living being which intakes oxygen and emits oxygen and the animal is hospital in itself”, and this is only one of the gems there are paragraphs of ‘scientific’ and ‘logical’ explanation from this buffoon. There should be ideally an enquiry set up, all his verdicts and observations must be scrutinized and expunged. The fellow is mentally unfit to hold any responsible position whatsoever, so how did he end up as a Judge in a HC? Pity this society. And don’t be surprised there are many like him wearing different garbs and profiles with fantastic views about themselves and world around them. They have been nurtured and sustained all these decades by the degraded system that has severely eviscerated the society and dehumanized people. The reason why it is showing some signs of movement and hints of modernity is due to technological innovation emerging from outside world otherwise this is a primitive society constantly scrapping the bottom.

The vehemence with which some are classified as right wing (hindutva) is to somehow cleave a life simulating egalitarian narration. Positing as centralist liberal is a ploy to bulldoze into western narration and squeeze benefits. There are no liberal forces in Indian context, atleast not in mainstream, they have been pushed into subaltern narration after independence. Caste feudal fed and nurtured under the tutelage of mahatmas and pundits have high estimate as kindred souls. Castetva forces cannot claim, and will not be allowed, to be classified as liberal. The mask doesn’t fit. Caste references that they carry as identity is good way to start this scrutiny, these shouldn’t allowed in any civilised society and must be seen with contempt as confederate signs or nazi symbols.  It is quite startling that these primitives have quite cleverly sneaked into civilized frame and are now posing as liberals, some even as spiritual masters of the world. Buffoons like Sharma (the HC Judge) are nurtured by the same framework; the self-assured arrogance is part of the narration. It’s the degree of revelation in public that distinguish; while hindutva forces go all the way out, indeed as a reaction to decades of neglect, castetva forces (essentially a subset to hindutva forces but have cleverly cleaved for themselves with support from state machinery) masquerading as liberals keep the degradation hidden in private space, but nurture it viciously meanwhile manipulated and successfully occupied the center space in designer cloths, emulating western sophistication and high intentions. So, caste discrimination is to be shunned while caste can be celebrated is how it is being desperately worked out while the high moral ground slips under the feet. Race is objective reality, people look different, hence prejudices are unfortunately likely and not to be racist is an effort, and is an evolution towards better world. But caste is not an objective reality hence to remove caste discrimination without ‘annihilating’ caste is how hypocrisy gets defined. Dalit is not a reality but created construct, an offshoot of caste, that is nurtured by effete Indian elite to patronize and showcase to the world as kindred souls, and match it with ‘blacks’ hence position themselves as liberals. Amazing chicanery. The bluff is called. These people must be dealt sternly, with all revulsion one can muster. Like racism caste is an assault on humanity.        

The caste cannibal feudal blissful in entitled life and blessings, dispensing patronages and networking camaraderie, curdled in insular world have fantastic view of world and their special place. Unfortunately the world doesn’t see it that way. Nevertheless they gallantly propose all solutions to all the problems of the world. A “spiritual” guru, laughable as they are trying to emulate Zen entrenched in primitive worldview, even claims that he could change the world if world leaders listen to him! And the journalist slaves lap it up as another sign of miracle that India is!! There is another blessed one who has been desperately chasing Nobel, while in his arrogance and crassness forgets basic matters of environment. Market too promotes their own nominees to showcase enlightened bearings, the result is always hilarious. Take this example of fellow named Devadutt Patnaik, who is promoted by caste feudal moneybags -multiplying with state support over the decades, treading liberal and showcasing higher intents (like honourable Sharma, but much nuanced in public). This fellow as predicted carries the halo and pout of problem solver of the world, that god has blessed and anointed with ancient Indian wisdom, hence has a special secured place. He writes “Hindu ideas challenge all conventional dominant notions of justice and equality, confounding the Western scholar, who takes refuge in reducing Hinduism to casteism, feudalism and brahminism. The thought that distinguishes Indian philosophy is the idea of infinity. The world is infinite. So the truth is infinite”. So now you can tick all the boxes here of elevated selves, unique, that baffles “confounds” the world, then with a clever sleight negate scrutiny by accusing of “refuge in reducing”(?!!) and lastly usual massive morning dump of “infinite” philosophy. Truth therefore ladies and gentleman is infinite. I guess, the same logic could be applied to lie. Lie is also infinite!! Now read him further as he carefully works his degradation meanwhile patronizing other religions, hinting at amazing tolerance that scraps the bottom of the pit “The same Quran can be read differently in different part of the world, and Wahhabism is just one form of Islam that seeks to dominate. And simply because it seeks to dominate does not make it valid or invalid. It needs to exist in relationship with other views of Islam. Just as casteist Hinduism will always exist but will be contained by other forms of Hinduism that are agnostic about caste”. Yes the usual semantics and word jugglery that trickster use to startle, and many in West do get mesmerized by these. The charming world between “valid or invalid” is where these primitives lynch in their degraded mind. Careful scrutiny will show that this is an attempt at obfuscation, to muddy the water, justification of feeble and lazy, nevertheless coat it in high sounding philosophy and a benign satisfaction as overseer of world, the blessedness. Wahhabism is not “just one form of Islam” if one is aware of contemporary reality and the havoc it has created. Casteism “will always exist but will be contained” Really? How clever, and is it being contained? The degraded fellow himself is living example of caste, the audacity is amazing. The worst is to come, the fellow elaborates with characteristic confidence, that surely has no hint of basic awareness, a common symptom of entitled world “It is not about either/or in the new world order. It is about and. If we want to believe in diverse world, we have to make room for diversity, and diverse views. Keeping alternate views out of universities, or gagging them in press, is certainly not the way forward”. We do understand ‘and’ and we do know about ‘diversity’ but not the degradation in the name of diversity that seeks to dehumanise and debase reality. Diversity is a beautiful world that primitives like these are incapacitated to even comprehend, coming as he is from cannibalism driven worldview. He even has the audacity to suggest that “keeping alternate views out of universities, or gagging them is certainly not the way forward”…so by ‘alternate views’ he means “wahhabism” “casteism” or even racism, extending the logic . The fellow needs to understand that these are not views, and that it will not be taken without challenging, otherwise it means acquiescing to discriminatory ways. Yes it will be taught in universities not as an ‘alternative’ as the primitive is suggesting but with awareness of its historical context and humanitarian values. The fellow is a clear case of exaggerated soul negotiating his entitlement with mediocre outcome, they have the habit of lackadaisical superficial ways to obfuscate their lack of competence or understanding. The more they spread, more degradation they create.

Another one, this an economist, and like lawyers these are another species of bullshitters that effete Indian elite are besotted to. Arvind Subramanian is sophistication personified the kind that lutyens Delhi has much use of. On Universal Basic Income he had to tag it to Gandhi, clearly showing his intention for higher ambition, supplicating to Gandhi is short cut elevators for many around power centers. A careful look will make it clear that Gandhi would have never agreed on UBI, it’s not in his basic character to be appreciative of tribulation of common people trapped in inhuman frames; he may have had grand views to awe struck the world but the Janus face hides the hometruth. The fellow was a sucker to physical work (physical work is next to godliness it seems, and this nonsense is actively spread by religion/market to create unthinking slaves of humans), charkha –spinning wheel, being symbolic to his worldview, ah the charm of rotating and repeating for hours and hours. Only someone who doesn’t value what is to be alive, not connected to life and living, will appreciate these (I recall about late polish president Lech Walesa who went back to tightening screws, the job he initially held. I sure recall reading the quote section in Time magazine at American consulate). Clearly he was useful for caste cannibals positioning to capture power from British. Fellow like Gandhi would not have agreed on giving money without physical effort, however demeaning and degrading the job is as the charkha symbolized. Mr.Subramanian is being quoted here not to understand nuances or grander worldview from spinning charkha but for the reason that he says “Gandhiji the moralist would not say you shouldn’t give uncompensated rewards, Gandhiji the baniya would say you should be fiscally conservative..” The baniya? Isn’t that a caste slur? And yes if our man is a casteist then what would “chamar’s” worldview be like? What would be “pariah’s” views be like? Clearly our caste cannibal fellow in the effort to charm the power structure didn’t think about the consequence of his debased uttering. It’s a common happening among Indian economists and lawyers, they can bullshit whatever without any thoughts on consequences, because it doesn’t matter when “truth is infinite”!

Meanwhile after French elections the effete here are fashioning for centrist liberal, Pawan Verma (who apart from other stellar sycophantic attributes also expertise in the pronunciation of lingerie) is first out of block. Previously our man was piously pitching for indianisation through Sanskrit and even wonders why there aren’t roads named on Krishnadevaraya. One very well knows the degraded context of Sanskrit in Indian history, as also amazingly mediocre works in this language. As for Krishnadevaraya, the temple building Hindu king, he is just a footnote in Indian history, indeed all kings are, except for some with grand hindu revivalist agenda. A newspaper column had this to relate “The brainwave of the land’s Prime Minister and his advisors to withdraw a major amount of currency from circulation as legal tender, ostensibly to change black money into white prompts one to recollect an episode being retold about witty jester Tenali Rama in the court of Krishnadevaraya. Briefly the storyline is: ‘The king’s personal barber having come to king’s private chamber to give him a shave found him asleep. However, being duty conscious, he braved and shaved the royalty successfully without waking him up. The king, who was surprised and happy on learning about barber’s professional excellence sent for him and granted him a wish which was granted namely, the barber’s elevation into an upper caste. Having come to know about outrageous act of the king, Tenali Rama took his pet dog, black one at that, to the riverside and started soaking it in water and repeatedly scrubbing it hard. The king was curious and sought to know Rama’s act, only to get the rebuff, ‘if a barber can be changed to an upper caste, why not change a black dog to white?’ making the king realise his folly”. These buffoons are what Indian media consist of and these shocking mindsets find easy acceptance, indeed it’s how camaraderie and blessings work. Compared to these judge Sharma’s ‘scientific’ elaboration on peacock is far too benign. The ossifying society with limited intellect creates deviant harmony that curdles new forms of disgust everytime everywhere it spreads. Crude traditions and values takes away the understanding of freedom hence human dignity, despite all the possibilities that democracy and technology provides. Incapacitated to experience awe and wonder, debilitated to value the vitalities and precariousness of life, and to discover, to empathise, to imagine a better world. What a putrefying pit. I feel sorry for the PM, who seems to have best of intentions; this demographic dividend is demographic uselessness. Again I call upon international community to deny visa and positively discriminate people with caste references, they are degradation on humanity and as such have no place in civilized setting.        

A missed opportunity for refined narration

The other day India’s longest bridge was inaugurated, connecting Assam and remote Arunachal Pradesh which will reduce the travel time and inconvenience caused tremendously. Ofcourse these infrastructural developments are welcomed. The bridge was appropriately christened after the cultural icon of the region Mr. Bhupen Hazarika, but herein this blogger has a problem. Name is an ego centric expression therefore it would have been wonderful if this was named by taking references from his creative expression. A cursory glance online points to enchanting names like Darmiyaan or say Indramalati. Scholars of Hazarika’s work could have suggested something that is appropriate and meaningful as also reflected the great man’s thoughts; indeed it would have been wonderful if a competition was held on what name should be taken from works of Hazarika, from his writings and thoughts. This would have initiated deeper interest into his works in public space as also a suitable tribute. This naming ritual, apart from being egocentric (the name is what matters for feudal minded Indians, name does carry social regressive contexts), is too crass and lazy. These are what are being promoted by crude gross people trying to inflate themselves and spread for last many decades. A new refined narration, breaking away from the noxious grips of sycophants and name droppers, was expected. But I guess we have long way to go.  It is undoubtedly a missed opportunity.

Gandhi is an example of how naming was furiously imposed on collective psyche of common people by casteist feudals to not only normalise their degraded world but also, with characteristic depravity, to showcase as spiritual torchbearers of the world. These depraved narrations have been established while any hint on challenge was fiercely dealt. Tch Tch feel so sorry when the charlatan constructed world of spurious mahatmas come crashing down, the farce is out in the open, try saving the unethical narrations. This blogger will be keenly watching.               

Wonderful initiative by Railway Ministry

I follow Indian railways on Twitter (@depalan) since I mostly use trains as means to travel so would like to keep myself abreast on happening in this area. So it was such a pleasant surprise to know that two trains have been recently named after works of venerable literary figures. The first one is Tutari Express, Tutari is poem written by revolutionary Marathi poet Keshavsut, this poem is iconic for its call against injustice. Enchantingly during the inauguration of this train service poems of Keshavsut were recited. What a wonderful precedence this is setting. The Railway Minister need to be lauded for this unique and subtle effort. Mr. Suresh Prabhu, who is known to be quite competent, has this to say ‘trains are not just a medium of transport but the heart and soul of India’.
 The other train is a new one connecting Hubbali to Mysuru, and is named Vishwa Manava Express, in reverence to concept of Vishwa manava ie ‘universal man’ elucidated by Kannada poet laureate Kuvempu, who was based in Mysuru most his life. Apart from literary aspect this train was long due, particularly from Bangalore to Mysore as most were dependent on Chamundi Express for the evening, after office hour, at 6.15pm. It always runs on full capacity, and many a times I had to stand atleast for 2hours (till it reached Mandya) to get some space to sit. So this train that leaves Bangalore at 5.40pm is something that was awaited for a long time.

Incidentally I have visited the birthplace of Keshvasut (Krishnaji Keshav Damle) in Ratnagari (visit me http://iseeebirds.blogspot.in/2014/03/pretty-bird-is-crested-bunting.html) as also there is a writeup on Kuvempu (Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa) when I visited his residence in Mysore many years back (visit me at http://iseeebirds.blogspot.in/2010/03/?m=0 )

I have been going through the names of trains in india, and there are few literary references in naming that I found interesting. There is a train named ‘Godan Express’ after Munshi Premchand’s acclaimed novel by the same name. Kavi Guru Express in reference to venerable poet and humanist Rabindranath Tagore (initiated by Ms MamtaBanerjee in 2011), there are also trains named Vishwabarati that has connection to Tagore’s education institutions. Another one is ‘Padadik Express’ named after renowned Bengali poet Subhash Mukhopadhyay's book Padatik (Guerrilla fighter), Silambu (anklet), also has classical tamil literary reference. There is also Chemmozhi Express (classical language).

Rarely are trains named after any literary figure but subtly appreciating their creative works and significance (though I must add the number are quite less of all the 4244 express trains only handful), it shows subtlety as also relevance. Except ofcourse Kaifiyat Express, the grossness has more to do with narcissistic nature of crude people who intensely lobbied for it (in the name of art and culture these philistines have severely degraded institutions in the last few decades for personal gains and influence), as also these scoundrels being enmeshed in market hedonism (which ofcourse gets liberal points) are worshippers of branding. This blogger strongly protest against this small time peripheral poet being given so much importance, it has to do with nepotism as also sycophancy nurturing leadership. If corrupt nepotistic feudal sycophants come back to power (highly unlikely, and aren't we grateful) then probably we may even have to endure ZK Express!!
  

There is a train named Mahamana Express (in honour of educationist Madan Mohan Malviya), mythical figure ‘Maveli’, historical figures like Tippu, erstwhile kingdoms like Chalukya, names with religious connotation but good to hear like Upasana, Vibhuti, Tapovan, Kumbha, as also Ziyarat. Names with historic significance like Chaurichaura (as expected Gandhian reference takes precedence in many names), Deekshabhoomi express (Buddhism site marking the conversion to Buddhism by Ambedkar) so on. Trains that have enchanting names like Black diamond express (for coal mines from where the train originates), Pearl city Express (for Tutukudi).  Then there are names on mountains –Kanchanjunga, rivers –Kaveri and many more, even tree – Mahuva. Other interesting names include Prerna, Toofan, Varuna, Udyan (Garden for Bangalore). There is a train intriguingly named ‘Teachers special’ while the one that really besotted me was ‘Uzhavan’ (tiller for Tamil).

Disease of the heart, and mind

In 1519 Herman Cortes and his conquistadors invaded Mexico, hitherto an isolated human world. The Aztecs, as the people who lived there called themselves, quickly noticed that the aliens showed an extraordinary interest in a certain yellow metal. In fact, they never seemed to stop talking about it. The natives were not unfamiliar with gold –it was pretty and easy to work, so they used it to make jewellery and statues, and they occasionally used gold dust as a medium of exchange. But when an Aztec wanted to buy something, he generally paid in cocoa beans or bolts of cloth. The Spanish obsession with gold thus seemed inexplicable. What was so important about metal that could not be eaten, drunk or woven, and was too soft to use for tools or weapons? When the natives questioned Cortes as to why the Spaniards had such passion for gold, the conquistador answered, ‘Because I and my companion suffer from a disease of the heart which can be cured only with gold.’

These are some interesting lines that I came across the other day while reading Sapiens –A Brief History of Humankind (by Yuval Noah Hariri). These lines help to get insight into the systems that thrive in societies and how its captures common people in its tentacles, severely degrading their world. The obsession with useless yellow metal is a construct of greed that is based on hallucination of its value by influential few this then spread across the zombie populace over time. The astronomically spiked value of useless metal gold and the obsession around it is another instance of how much degraded human societies have become. If a mutually agreed subjective context has any value and is a source of some positives then it is acceptable, even then it must be kept on probation forever and evaluated with changing realities and understandings. Religion is such a construct that has been exaggerated as an insight into some kind of objective reality, some even venture it as unquestionable ultimate truth. Critical scrutiny over the ages has called the bluff even then the frailties of people and vested interests holding power has spread it as sacred that cannot be questioned. Books with amazing level of nonsense are elevated as holy and posited as lynchpin of faith hence religion, and we are told to be sensitive while the followers play havoc through regressive ways and attitudes. Some even take this context of buffoonery by killing people who have purported to have hurt their sentiments. Blasphemy has become a serious human right threat. Indeed killing and immense atrocities in the name of religion has a fertile tradition, that it finds traction in modern world is amazing and must be dealt stringently. Inanimate objects like books and constructions like holy sites, as also animate (like cows and pigs), verses etc. get precedence over human life under this extrapolated sensitivity. Sites become sacred while lives become negotiable. The pernicious form of religion, with increasingly rare strands of enlightened thoughts or introspective consideration, is hitchhiking ego driven inconsiderate section into many part of the world. While the fluffs sequestered in luxury, untouched by much of realities of life, and with axe to grind on the mainstream (which maybe good or bad depending on the context) take these religious nonsenses as definitive references for human rights and go for crusade without as much an understanding on what is in store. It is proposed that religion is sacrosanct hence religious people’s stake on sensitivities are much higher as compared to normal people.  And we are to tolerate since they can go rabid, and with increased numbers the threat is much real, nothing really explain Saudis in human right commission. As ethics, indeed basic human values, gets threatened and redefined in the assault of intrusive religion the loss is of humanity and enlightened ways gained through immense struggle and sacrifices over the centuries. This will be resisted. Tolerance to increasingly intolerant context is not the way diversity is understood. Human rights therefore get bludgeoned into narrowed frame squeezing out the humanity. Misanthropist (effortlessly misogynist) and regressive ways are being resuscitated as faith.

We are told that “faith is impossible for an outsider to enter into” really? And what is not being into any structure or miracle driven nonsenses (read religion) has anything to do with not being into faith? It seems semantics have been usurped in favour to maintain religion as sacred. Everyone has faith, and everyone also has beliefs. It is basic human nature. What one seeks to belief and put faith in differs from people to people and changes with contexts. If it is individualised then it is alright as it part of personal growth or understanding that has consequences that individual will face and is responsible for. The problem is when these contexts of faith is communitarian, reduces humans into followers and further down as numbers, this then starts to have impact on society hence severely degrading democratic institutions.  This therefore need to be scrutinised, and surely cannot be taken on face value. Religions have rarely been benign, history is testimony to it. Its anachronistic presence will have to be severely checked. That it is sacred traditions or that is part and parcel of holy books directly presented from above (or below!!) means nothing. Clearly, in the last two decades with immense level of technological developments and insights through globalization world is very much local and local has become global. Primitiveness and unenlightened ways emerging from different corners of the world cannot be benchmark for further progress, as it seems that we are hitting the wall every time in the garb of faith driven sensitivities, that vehemently and viscously seek to restrict the world. We cannot be trapped by faith and believes that is stuck in the sacredness of words frozen in time. This will not do, and any attempt to resuscitate these in the name of religion will be resisted. Religion is not, and cannot, be seen as human identity. It is a construct that doesn’t even pass basic critical scrutiny. Indeed it is a juvenile premise that is laughable if not the immense damage it is doing.

Few years back I held the view that religion based symbols need be kept in its sacred context while ideas or traditions should be severely questioned. Now though I understand these are quite intertwined and creating space for intolerance as also ferociously trapping young into its primitive fold. The breaking point came when few cartoonists were brutally killed in Paris, and significantly some section, that vouch for liberty and freedom, were seen justifying the killers. Patronising is something that comes quite easy for West, particularly when one is cushioned in colonial angst filled luxuries, now though they are crossing the lines and entering into horrendous. It is having serious ramification as common people are shedding egalitarian ways, acquired through centuries of history and struggle, as they perceive significant threat hence reverting to atavistic references. The centre is significantly shifting to right. As beautiful an endeavour as EU is losing out. If crude unaesthetic insensitive presences are about faith and therefore common people are to tolerate these then careers of this primitiveness will also have to show some tolerance (decency is a big thing in arrogant driven faiths that always evaluated itself as superior hence the followers as entitled). Since religion is brought into public space and is having significant impact on mainstream narrations there must be therefore be complete freedom to tarnish religion and sacred symbols in public space. Because that what shrinks our world we have all the right to retaliate to that world.  There can be nothing blasphemous. If tolerance and decency has to find a place then blasphemy must be done in every nook and corner. Indeed blasphemy is sane response to increase intensity of pernicious religions in public space.  And religion, as also followers, will have to learn to tolerate. More pernicious the religion, that has no respect for rational and reasoning, the bitter must be the most response. When the reasoning is negated with unverified claims of higher truth that is severely degrading human being then the response has to be urgent and harsh. Future of humanity is very much dependent on defending these spaces that has evolved with immense struggles, it really cannot be, and will not be allowed, to be diluted for ludicrous fictions. Tolerance is not one way street. What you find as religion I find nonsensical and increasingly despicable idea, indeed all scrutiny proves it beyond doubts to be too infantile that is living well past its expiry date. It’s become a burden to human society. All the nutcases from white supremacist to terrorists to casteist scoundrels find inspiration and justification. Not only that, people are increasingly loosing the critical ability to judge and reason what is true and what is not, what is reliable, what is not reliable. Ramifications are dire.     

Kejriwal of France

Something terrible is happening across much part of the world specifically in the region that very much holds (and has given space) the possibilities and promise for future of Homo sapiens. The transparency created by technology and consolidation of common people through social media has created backlash against insular and amazingly self-serving elites who seem to be comfortably ensconced in the luxury of idealist sounding ideas and thoughts, increasingly insulated from realities. What is tragic is that the institutions have been so sullied and degraded by these vested interests that the alternatives tends to be capitalising on primal rather than empathising with the insecurities or compassion driven innovative understanding. It very soon spiral down to the lowest possible denominator. Meanwhile, market machinery working on greed and dubious frameworks of professionalism, positions as rational alternative. It also hints at modernity that seems to be automatically coalesced in idealist notions and egalitarian values. Some even argue it as natural as Darwinian. The reality of this nepotism driven crony capitalism is much starker, and has colonial as also feudal backdrop. Humans as consumers, and elevated as harbinger of choices, hence liberal standpoint is a well-orchestrated fiction that fills the coffers of few while giving the semblance of progress. Theoretically these may sound fine and impeccable but the inequitable sustaining realities, egoistic greed driven elites and constant degradation through irrationalities of religion into human soul has taken a serious toll.

Kejriwal was furiously presented as alternative by the fluffs positioning as trustees (apology for casteist feudal inheritance fattened effete indian elite by none other than Gandhi, who is hence mahatma). The fellow turned out to be an opportunist very much enmeshed in caste and feudal ways was not at all a surprise, it is in the nature of the society, it can work out only in its limitations. Ego driven exaggerated evaluation of himself was consolidated by his parents with blessing from squatter scums –who with all alacrity, that money and power could buy, confirmed these direct blessing. Since these confirmation it’s been free ride for him towards authoritarianism, and it can get only sickening and hopeless. The newly elected leader in France, who also happened to be investment banker, can be seen in the same context of opportunism and choices hapless people end up confronting as they face the onslaught of dire insecurities that is threatening their very existence. It is becoming quite cruel as people face immense uncertainties and desperately search for way out. It is also telling that almost one-third of French voters refused to even participate in this crucial election, reduced as they were with two choices that represent far right and market decadence. You combine these two and you get Trump.  

Democracy is not about individuals or family nor blessings but a consolidated societal contract driven initiative to represent the voice of common people and empathy driven consideration for surrounding. This is an amazing idea that evolved through much struggle and understanding. Primitiveness of society is not the reason why there shouldn’t be any hope. Liberty of individual is non-negotiable and is basic hinge of human right (which incidentally is severely undermined by religion). But unfortunately these are capitalised by vested interests. That is what happened in the aftermath of arab spring, the regressive framework of religion incapacitated democratic institutions to consolidate or thrive hence opened the way for dictators and fundamentalists. Democratic institutions are fragile social contract that if strengthened gives possibilities of wider understanding like internationalism and equitable values that initiated institutions like EU. 

400,000 regrettable reasons