Los Angeles
Dec, 2008
With the Election results in 5 states out, Raj Thackeray is my hero of the moment. And not only Raj Thackeray, the whole Maharashtrian politicians are my heroes. What they are saying from last couple of months is different then what we have listened in this country in last 60 years. Maharashtrian lobby and Maharastrian brand of politics is some thing a great lesson for whole of the country. Raj Thackeray has full support from Shiv senas, Maharashtra BJPs, NCPs and Maharashtra Congress. The people who have closely watched the politics in Mumbai know that by core Deshmukh and Thackeray are comrades in arms more then Vajpayee and Advani.
The key issue, which Raj Thackeray bringing in, is migration of North Indian laborers to Mumbai. For that matter, North Indian laborers are moving everywhere not only to Mumbai, you will find them in every big city, nook and corner of the country. And in Mumbai specially, as Sharad Yadv wrote in his one of article, "Labor will follow the capital" So wherever we have more capital investment, laborers will travel. There is nothing wrong in migration, and people must be free from migrating or choosing a place to live in our country. But the key question arises, is it a force migration or by choice?
The kind of influx of people, we have seen in Mumbai and Delhi really gives nightmare to any administrator. For example, Mumbai witnesses more then 300 to 500 migrants families (people who wish to settle in Mumbai) on a daily basis and it is the similar situation in Delhi too. So when last time Sheela Dixit brought this issue, that migrants are creating problems in Delhi. She was forced to take her statement back by central leadership of Congress. The problems of Mumbai are more then problems of entire North India, which still lives in third world. Collapsing infrastructure, increasing slums, reducing forest cover (exceptions few last years), increasing traffic, pollution and reduction in per capita resources are enough to describe the pain of Mumbai. On a recent statistics, 17% of Mumbai live in upscale flats and houses, 28% of Mumbai live in Chawls and low middle class houses and 55% live in Slums. With this statistics, Raj Thackeray has all valid reasons to raise this issue, I may not agree with his actions and the way he is terrorizing whole north Indian community. But this issue needs to be addressed in a different manner.
Yes Mumbai belongs to India not only Maharashtra, but also all Indians cannot live in Mumbai. No administrator can plan the resources and facilities with these many people wish to settle in Mumbai that too with limited resources. Lets accept the fact that, we have our own limitation in planning and executions. Can we plan and execute Mumbai like Shanghai or Singapore; I can say we need to wait for time for that. Mumbai gave almost one third of revenue to the Government of India to its exchequer. And how much we give it back to Mumbai for its planning and development, I guess less than 5%.
This problem is not only with Mumbai and Delhi but almost all cosmopolitan cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and metropolitan cities like Jaipur, Indore, Nagpur and Chandigarh are facing. Manmohan Singh and all the people who are in favor of development must be thankful to Raj Thackeray, because none in this country has created so much uproar in regional development as Raj Thackeray's recent actions/comments. West Bengal’s Jyoti Babu’s government was only government in the country, which has really dealt this effectively by reducing the migration rate with significant percentages in Kolkata, in 90’. However they failed to stop the Bangladeshi infiltrators, which I bring in, in some of my other blogs.
Education, health, roads, power and water in villages are major challenges. Why are we failing in providing the developments and basic infrastructure in villages? Who is responsible for year on year basis, people deserted their own states and moving to big cities. Why we are not holding responsible to North Indian States governments, Central governments and people of these states for not creating enough opportunity, or employment in their own states. Big cities have just become big, because of uncontrolled migrations. Most of the migrants live in pathetic conditions. Mumbai has more then half of its population living slums. And the kind of development we are witnessing at this moment, and the feeling of regionalism or for that matter, feeling of ‘my city only” will continue to grow. The growing aspiration and frustration, region wise is the one and only one reason why regional parties are getting so much support in the Indian Politics.
We have seen governments after government, performing badly in our country. I still remember, when Vajpayee governments score card for ministers published in 2002 by India today, less than 10 ministers were in good performance status. And it is the similar case of Manmohan Singh's government also; you will find hardly few ministers who really understand ministry and its scope of work. Rest all are 'headless chicken" rolling between Ministry to Parliament without much of the purpose. Unfortunately, the most important job, to run the country lies in the hand of unprofessional “Jan sevak” in our country.
Remember, whenever any government loses the election, it is not that chief minister loses the power or party loses the base. Yes those are truths, but more importantly the people of the state cheated for five years, revolted for that particular government. Do we accountability of those lost five years? At the end, it is the people who voted for that government loses the most. But are we rewarding to the governments, which are doing good? Vajpayee (2004), Naidu (2004 AP), Gehlot (2003 Rajasthan) and Jaylalithaa (2005 TN) lost the elections, despite showing positive development cards.
What as “the people”, important for us? Are we really caring about the development of our own. Are Education, road, power, agriculture, infrastructure, water and sewerage management more important then cast, creed, religion or personalities to us. Narendra Modi has showed in 2007 Gujarat election, Sheela Dixit, Shivaraj singh Chauhan and Raman Singh have proved in 2008. There is no other priority at this moment then development. I hope, North Indian states chief ministers listening, the vibes of nation.
“Has Developmental politics arrived to India?”
Epilogue:
If we can’t create a single Shanghai or Singapore in our country, can we create 10 Mumbais in different part of India? After all 55% slum is what, we are habitual of.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Corruption is in our blood
Los Angeles
Last week, was condolence week. People were out in streets, and in numbers to light candles and pay their homage to martyrs and victims of 11/26. It was a perfect week in terms of catharsis, the process to clean your mind and body, Since Mumbai 11/26 shook the nation, it filled every one to heighten emotions, anger and frustration. Catharsis was necessary. I must thank all my media friends to give us a platform to cry and shout loud enough to deaf the ears of neighbors. Media in general all print and visuals scored a lot, no one talks about the money they made at this time. We needed a platform, no matter how costly it was, we would not ask how much media houses made by reaping the emotions against Political class of the nation. In the time of economic recession, they are the only one, who show the accession in their Profit and margin numbers.
One of my close friend Vasudha, kept a message on her messenger to shoot the politicians. People in Mumbai kept the slogans, “ We have killed all the terrorists, but we still have some left in our political system”. One of the country’s best communication guru, Suhail Seth appeared on Times now channel and gave an scarily impressive account of what he went through during 11/26 wee hours and he told, I quote, “Wimps are running this Country”. It seems to me that people are shouting from rooftop that, political class is the reason for the failure of our country, security, economy, poverty, education and all lapses. Media challenged the so called ‘Common men” and they were out in response of the challenge and in this rhetoric every one cursed the Godsons (Politicians) of our country. Since catharsis was necessary and it was successfully organized and articulated so that people go back to their respective comfort zones and sleep well.
Politicians are corrupt, useless and not fit for their jobs. Yes that’s true, but lets look at the system. Lets talk about common man. First and foremost, common men in this country are the most selfish and selfish then politicians. Lets accept this fact. We pay to schools for admission of our kids, we pay to teachers to pass the kids, we pay the police, not to do their duty, we pay beurocrats to move our files, we pay doctors to change reports, we pay lawyers and judges for favored decisions, we pay law makers for favored laws, we pay Parliamentarians for raising questions in parliament, filmmaker pays for U certificates and we pay to get awards, we pay to TC for berth in trains. We pay to every one who requires money legally or illegally to get our work done. Look at the way we cross the street, if you observe the pattern of people walking on the street, you can make simplest analogy with that, we know how to get our work done. In this way of paying, we get our work done, but forget the most important thing, that we are corrupting our own system.
If these common men know how to work in the system and businesses are flourishing, believe me they are paying at all levels from fourth class to elite class of this society. Selfish common man is doing all corruption and paying to politicians also and making them corrupt. If politicians are corrupt, who is paying them; it is “WE’ the common men of this country. Now if you and me can pay to our Godsons, why not Pakistanis and Bangladeshis can pay. I can say at least that, politicians are not corrupt in doing their business, and they don’t believe in untouchability. They treat equally to every one when it comes to do real business, of taking money. Have you ever heard any corrupt politician (after charged and confessed, though this class hardly exists), who said, I have taken money from Indians only and not from Pakistanis or Bangladeshis. Corruption is in our blood and we corrupted every one from Saddam Hussein (Natwar singh’s oil scam) to Quotrachi (Italian Broker) and we are continuously doing this. On Corruption index we are lying so low, that even foreign investor fear to invest in our country.
The late Prime Minister, then Mr. clean Rajiv Gandhi said, we send RS. 1 from Delhi, and at lowest level only 15 paisa reaches. And after 5 years of service of prime minister office, he became the synonym of corruption in the country. Seems like corruption took its biggest revenge, talking against it. After that almost all politicians decided not to speak about this.
We are so corrupt, that we corrupted our Gods also. Look at the way we go in Temples, Mosques and Churches. We bribe god also, please do this for me; I will do that for you. We offer fast rituals, sacrifices, money and what not. Businessmen go with their ledgers to Tirupati balaji and offer percentage to god. For just successful marriages only, even eminent people, who lost their sleeps during 11/26 offer diamond necklace, bracelets and cash offers. So when God can be pleased with these offerings why cant Godsons also. The basic philosophy of our country is based upon offering and makes one happy (God and Godsons). Corruption starts from here, and it goes at highest level, and one form of corruption is favoring our own community and religion. So-called common people vote for the name of cast and religion, and expect politician to save the nation. Dynastic ruled prevailed till this date in country. Nehru favored Indira, Indira favored Sanjay and later Rajiv, Soniya favored Rahul, and other political patrons favored their own sons, daughters and wife. People like Shahabuddin and Phoolan Devi got elected as Member of Parliament in this country. Have we ever understood the meaning of Representative? Representative is one amongst us and who represent us, if we are choosing corrupts, criminals and useless politicians, what are we? People claim that we don’t have choices, if we don’t have choices why not we become a choice and voice by ourselves. And politicians are happy to reap the votes of common men, because it is vicious circle. Selfish common man has no choice, because they don’t want and ineffective politicians will continue to be in power, because we don’t give them alternatives.
System requires a ‘Samudra manthan” to treat thoroughly. As one of my teachers, CP Jhawar Sir (Principal, Vaishnav School, Indore), told me recently, “Can you believe, a country like us who is teaching and preaching Geeta since last 5000 years remain so corrupt till this date.” And mind it, this corruption is not 60 year old, this corruptions is with us since centuries, Let me take you to the history, Prathviraj Chauhan lost to Gauri because of corrupt Jaichand. In year 1757 during Palashi war, Sirajuddaula lost to East Indian army because of corrupt Generals. Do you want to know, why we were slave for thousand years, it is because of corruption from highest to lowest level. Corruption is in our blood, when we teach to our kids, that to win over enemy use all weapons (Sam, Dam, Dand and Bhed, meaning Friendship, Buying (Bribes/offerings), Force and Division respectively (this is coming from Panchatantra). Most of the common people do not deal with enemy outside country. They apply these teachings within, so what best we can expect from our society.
Fight with the corruption and not with the politicians. Basic rule of thumb is, attack the root cause not to the flowerings(thorns). Politicians are our own people, pity on them; to get a ticket of any legislative assembly they themselves pay the money. Why to blame them only. Security lapses and other problems, which require ‘people interface’ for corrections, will continue to survive in our country, until and unless we change “the People”.
Epilogue
JP* once told, I guarantee that I wont take money but I cant guarantee that I will not give money. If I have to come Delhi to attend a session, and I don’t have berth in train, I will prefer to pay money to Ticket conductor to get a berth.
And when I was studying bachelor of civil engineering, most of my classmates wanted to join government jobs, and many commented, to survive in the system one has to accept bribe. I said immediately, I prefer to give money rather then taking. My logic was simple, the one, who gives, obviously has more money. I don’t think that day I knew how system or for that matter big corporate houses and power corridors work in this country so tightly knitted.
* Lok Nayak Jay Prakash Narayan
Last week, was condolence week. People were out in streets, and in numbers to light candles and pay their homage to martyrs and victims of 11/26. It was a perfect week in terms of catharsis, the process to clean your mind and body, Since Mumbai 11/26 shook the nation, it filled every one to heighten emotions, anger and frustration. Catharsis was necessary. I must thank all my media friends to give us a platform to cry and shout loud enough to deaf the ears of neighbors. Media in general all print and visuals scored a lot, no one talks about the money they made at this time. We needed a platform, no matter how costly it was, we would not ask how much media houses made by reaping the emotions against Political class of the nation. In the time of economic recession, they are the only one, who show the accession in their Profit and margin numbers.
One of my close friend Vasudha, kept a message on her messenger to shoot the politicians. People in Mumbai kept the slogans, “ We have killed all the terrorists, but we still have some left in our political system”. One of the country’s best communication guru, Suhail Seth appeared on Times now channel and gave an scarily impressive account of what he went through during 11/26 wee hours and he told, I quote, “Wimps are running this Country”. It seems to me that people are shouting from rooftop that, political class is the reason for the failure of our country, security, economy, poverty, education and all lapses. Media challenged the so called ‘Common men” and they were out in response of the challenge and in this rhetoric every one cursed the Godsons (Politicians) of our country. Since catharsis was necessary and it was successfully organized and articulated so that people go back to their respective comfort zones and sleep well.
Politicians are corrupt, useless and not fit for their jobs. Yes that’s true, but lets look at the system. Lets talk about common man. First and foremost, common men in this country are the most selfish and selfish then politicians. Lets accept this fact. We pay to schools for admission of our kids, we pay to teachers to pass the kids, we pay the police, not to do their duty, we pay beurocrats to move our files, we pay doctors to change reports, we pay lawyers and judges for favored decisions, we pay law makers for favored laws, we pay Parliamentarians for raising questions in parliament, filmmaker pays for U certificates and we pay to get awards, we pay to TC for berth in trains. We pay to every one who requires money legally or illegally to get our work done. Look at the way we cross the street, if you observe the pattern of people walking on the street, you can make simplest analogy with that, we know how to get our work done. In this way of paying, we get our work done, but forget the most important thing, that we are corrupting our own system.
If these common men know how to work in the system and businesses are flourishing, believe me they are paying at all levels from fourth class to elite class of this society. Selfish common man is doing all corruption and paying to politicians also and making them corrupt. If politicians are corrupt, who is paying them; it is “WE’ the common men of this country. Now if you and me can pay to our Godsons, why not Pakistanis and Bangladeshis can pay. I can say at least that, politicians are not corrupt in doing their business, and they don’t believe in untouchability. They treat equally to every one when it comes to do real business, of taking money. Have you ever heard any corrupt politician (after charged and confessed, though this class hardly exists), who said, I have taken money from Indians only and not from Pakistanis or Bangladeshis. Corruption is in our blood and we corrupted every one from Saddam Hussein (Natwar singh’s oil scam) to Quotrachi (Italian Broker) and we are continuously doing this. On Corruption index we are lying so low, that even foreign investor fear to invest in our country.
The late Prime Minister, then Mr. clean Rajiv Gandhi said, we send RS. 1 from Delhi, and at lowest level only 15 paisa reaches. And after 5 years of service of prime minister office, he became the synonym of corruption in the country. Seems like corruption took its biggest revenge, talking against it. After that almost all politicians decided not to speak about this.
We are so corrupt, that we corrupted our Gods also. Look at the way we go in Temples, Mosques and Churches. We bribe god also, please do this for me; I will do that for you. We offer fast rituals, sacrifices, money and what not. Businessmen go with their ledgers to Tirupati balaji and offer percentage to god. For just successful marriages only, even eminent people, who lost their sleeps during 11/26 offer diamond necklace, bracelets and cash offers. So when God can be pleased with these offerings why cant Godsons also. The basic philosophy of our country is based upon offering and makes one happy (God and Godsons). Corruption starts from here, and it goes at highest level, and one form of corruption is favoring our own community and religion. So-called common people vote for the name of cast and religion, and expect politician to save the nation. Dynastic ruled prevailed till this date in country. Nehru favored Indira, Indira favored Sanjay and later Rajiv, Soniya favored Rahul, and other political patrons favored their own sons, daughters and wife. People like Shahabuddin and Phoolan Devi got elected as Member of Parliament in this country. Have we ever understood the meaning of Representative? Representative is one amongst us and who represent us, if we are choosing corrupts, criminals and useless politicians, what are we? People claim that we don’t have choices, if we don’t have choices why not we become a choice and voice by ourselves. And politicians are happy to reap the votes of common men, because it is vicious circle. Selfish common man has no choice, because they don’t want and ineffective politicians will continue to be in power, because we don’t give them alternatives.
System requires a ‘Samudra manthan” to treat thoroughly. As one of my teachers, CP Jhawar Sir (Principal, Vaishnav School, Indore), told me recently, “Can you believe, a country like us who is teaching and preaching Geeta since last 5000 years remain so corrupt till this date.” And mind it, this corruption is not 60 year old, this corruptions is with us since centuries, Let me take you to the history, Prathviraj Chauhan lost to Gauri because of corrupt Jaichand. In year 1757 during Palashi war, Sirajuddaula lost to East Indian army because of corrupt Generals. Do you want to know, why we were slave for thousand years, it is because of corruption from highest to lowest level. Corruption is in our blood, when we teach to our kids, that to win over enemy use all weapons (Sam, Dam, Dand and Bhed, meaning Friendship, Buying (Bribes/offerings), Force and Division respectively (this is coming from Panchatantra). Most of the common people do not deal with enemy outside country. They apply these teachings within, so what best we can expect from our society.
Fight with the corruption and not with the politicians. Basic rule of thumb is, attack the root cause not to the flowerings(thorns). Politicians are our own people, pity on them; to get a ticket of any legislative assembly they themselves pay the money. Why to blame them only. Security lapses and other problems, which require ‘people interface’ for corrections, will continue to survive in our country, until and unless we change “the People”.
Epilogue
JP* once told, I guarantee that I wont take money but I cant guarantee that I will not give money. If I have to come Delhi to attend a session, and I don’t have berth in train, I will prefer to pay money to Ticket conductor to get a berth.
And when I was studying bachelor of civil engineering, most of my classmates wanted to join government jobs, and many commented, to survive in the system one has to accept bribe. I said immediately, I prefer to give money rather then taking. My logic was simple, the one, who gives, obviously has more money. I don’t think that day I knew how system or for that matter big corporate houses and power corridors work in this country so tightly knitted.
* Lok Nayak Jay Prakash Narayan
Sunday, November 30, 2008
India: A Nation requires Rebuilding
Los Angels
I was staying in Marriott, Rome, when chilling news of bombing of JW Marriott, Islamabad first aired on the news channel. I was quite shocked as Marriott was a second home to me this year. And this week, when 11/26 happened in Mumbai, I was more shattered, as Mumbai is like my own city. I studied in Mumbai (NITIE, Vihar Lake), worked near Hotel Oberoi (Ferguson and Co). The marine drive and Gateway of India were two most happening places in Mumbai. I could visualize the sea and sea of people on the seashore on Marine drive where Hotel Oberoi exists.
From last four days, nothing is moving as I simply move website-to-website to get some reassuring news about happenings. My heart and brain was continuous telling me, everything will be fine. Continuous fire, gun battle, blood and dead bodies visuals made me nervous but not out of thought. I was constantly thinking about commoners, brave policemen and respected politicians. ATS chief Karkare, Saluskar and Kamate apart from Unnikrishanan and Gajendra Singh were never so close to my heart and every loss of life for me was looking as personal loss. Brave MARCOS (Marine commandos), NSG, RAF, ATS and Mumbai Police won my heart many times. I read that Foreign minister had tough talks with Pakistani officials and Prime Minister was talking tough enough to ensure the nation. LK Advani and Narendra Modi were out in public and raise their grievances.
We lost quite a lot, Business magnets, foreigners and spiritual leaders and most importantly the confidence of international community, India as safe nation. The economic impact of this whole affair has not been assessed yet. But it is clear that coming time would be tough for Hotel and travel agencies and investors. Economic meltdown would obviously more fluid with this incident. However on sidelines, my brain is saying something, it was slow and creeper thought as my mind was in no mood to listen any advice at this moment, but I realized it is more important then any of the incident which is happening. I realized it was same thought, which came during chilling winter of 1999, when IC 814 was hijacked. The thought was coming round and round. ‘We failed again’, as a nation, we failed again. It is the same thought I know it, I can’t deny and I can’t run away with this, It is same thing, whenever I fail or I see as a country we performed badly, I take the responsibility and now time has come to take the responsibility of each and everything happening in my life, which affect me, that’s why I decide to pen this down and tell my fellow Indians, that we need to take responsibility. We can’t run from this, this happened to us many times. And if we wont learn from history, we will be part of history one day.
We are quite young nation, 60 years of independence and mammoth challenges of population, unemployment, poverty and long standing conflicts with neighbors and within remained unresolved. With global dynamics changes faster the seconds clock, we remained a poor and sidelined nation in global arena. Recent success in economy boosts the confidence of investor, foreign national and most importantly in our own masses. However the incident like 11/26, in Mumbai would put as back 10-15 years in our own growth story. This kind of disturbing news shakes confidence of people within and outside the country. We can always go in one direction and choose to live in fear and feel constant threat and danger. The word ‘Danger’ in Mandarin (Language spoken by Chinese) is made up of two symbols (Mandarin has only pictorial alphabets), one is fear and other is opportunity.
Our response to these coward actions of some extremist determines future of this and next generations. There are chances that we will fail again as happened in past. However we as nation need to take responsibility. However we need to ascertain, what responsibilities, we need to take at various level. We have many layers, which include government, oppositions, bureaucrats, army, police, state governments, responsible media, business houses and then people. On top of that, we need to restore the confidence in the all the layers. We need to start believing that people at every level are doing their best to shoulder the responsibility of building nation.
We have trust in our policy makers. We have trust in the Prime minister and his entire team, though they were primarily responsible for this attack and fall out of the delay and loss of lives. However they have their own stories and we believe in them also. They need to take the actions and build more detailed policy for counter terrorism and ensure day and night the incidents like this should not happen. Opposition has every right to expose the shortcomings of government and when second day Mr. Advani and Mr. Modi started ripping apart the government’ actions, they were also correct. And we trust them also. However instead of just criticizing government they need to go one step further and place a full proof plan and strategy to counter terrorism. Responsible media has to ask this question to them, what is their plan apart from making tougher laws, how they are planning on police reforms or why NSG is just based out of Delhi. The same questions, which need to be answered by government, should pose to the opposition also. The most disturbing news came from Israeli media and Pakistani media, when they said, India has a weak government. This means that Indian government; irrespective from the political parties perceived as the weak in the international media and this perception is continuously growing in the mind of international community. This requires a remedial action at every level.
Our Armed forces remained our strengths from so many decades and it is one amongst the colored feathers in our crown. However army top brasses are answerable of why and how terrorist enters in our country. When accusation like Bangladeshi infiltrators cross the border paying money to BSF personals or drug and explosives smuggling happen across the border with the help of ground officers, leveled against armed forces this needs to be dealt with iron hand. Why NSG reached at 5:00 AM at Mumbai and why only BEST buses were provided to them to reach south Mumbai. Why National Disaster management button was not pressed on time. These are again some questions, which need to be taken more seriously.
Beurocrats and State government should be answerable for statewide security and state cabinet has to take responsibility of any fall out of the law and order situation in the states. However we need to praise RR Patil instead of criticizing him for putting a brave face that the “small incidents like this happens”. And yes this was a very small incident in the date of history. In my view RR Patil is the first politician who came out of the grip of nervousness and said, let we begin the day again, these kind of incidents are not going to bother us or stop us. We are Indians and we will build ourselves faster then expected. However home minister RR Patil cannot shed the responsibility of why intelligence report, which could be utilized to, neutralized extremists in the seawater was not analyzed properly.I hope NSA chief M.K. Narayan is listening that it’s a personal failure, which turned in to national havoc. Other states chief ministers should learn from these mistakes. Poverty, population, health and unemployment are priorities but above all security is the vital for any successful government. US, Israel and other countries have shown this by examples. We should learn from others mistake, so that price remains low. Even after this we wont learn, not only price will be high but we will lose moral to live as a nation
On the other hand, Business and people have to come to the normalcy faster then terrorists expected. We have to send this signal worldwide, that we are back to work and normalcy. We are feeling safe and you will be safe if you visit India and Mumbai, especially south Mumbai. To show a positive fall out of this incident, people should work extra hour, keep shop open for some more time and do business more. As a business traveler, I would keep traveling more and make sure to give the right signals to the people who want to stop us.
Responsible media should engage in the ensuring that every layer is working as per the expectation. Media is horribly wrong in engaging common people in terror talks and asking them for their opinions and forming their opinion against national establishment and politicians. These kinds of talks would make people either criminals or cowards. Incidental bravery would not help nation to reign to her glory. Also responsible media should stop giving same news, same bloody footages, and stories around same plots and sermons what politicians should do. If a journalist thinks that some policy is wrong or some layer is not acting as per the requisite expectation, they can raise their voice in right forums. Igniting masses by mere talking and asking them to take responsibility to play a different role would be very disturbing. Let media restrained by just giving the objective news rather then directing people and if some journalists still have urge to lay down policies or form mass opinion, they should join other social or political organization.
On personal note, Prime minister has to take personal responsibility to rebuild Taj, Oberoi and Nariman House with Ratan Tata and other owners. Just like in 2001, during Gujarat earthquake, then Home Minister LK Advani visited Gujarat as many as 5-6 times and personally supervised the rebuilding activities.
Epilogue:
David Taylor, one of my close colleague from New Zealand was quite shocked, and told me, it has been quite devastating and horrifying incident in Mumbai. As he was planning to visit India, he asked, Is India safe place to go? I told him, oh yes, we are quite ok, we will be able rebuild this in few months, if not days. Mumbai has spirit of running faster then expected after any debacle. India still is a safer place to go and enjoy the world-class luxury. Taj in Mumbai is definitely one of them and it’s my dream hotel to stay.
Ignorance is bliss
Before reading this, Please read
http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/sagarikaghose/223/52813/trouble-at-om.html
Hello Sagarika,
Thank you for giving food for my thoughts. I was never so troubled reading your blogs after reading ‘Troubled OM’. Being a journalist and associated with IBN/CNN, I can understand your qualification for writing and speaking your mind and zeal to be listened across the globe. However the ‘Trouble OM” article lacks to emphasize the core issue and it fails to deliver your arguments in the right perspective.
Being read much of your work, I also try to understand your thought process and my observations are following,
1. You lack the very fundamental concept of religion and life. When you comment like Hindu religion under threat of fundamentalist after repeated attacks on churches and bomb blasts, seems to me that you don’t read history well. Since beginning, these kinds of outfits and passionate people exist in the society. In 60’ we have Bal Thakare, in 20’ we have Bal Gangadhar Tilak and most successful personality of 17 century was Shivaji. Hindu religion was always remained in threat because of extremists within. And which is obvious that in 1 billion people, we have many peace loving and tolerant people and equally intolerant also. This
has nothing to do with religion. Any ways India as country only remain tolerant to its tyrants. It was never so tolerant to weaker strata of its own society or any other religion which was not capable of defending it self. Buddhism could’t flourish in India. Jainism has only 1-2% followings even after dating the date since beginning of history of this country. And when you talk about society, which never exists anywhere, I could not believe your passion to give sermons without
knowing that there is no one at receiving end. We were united only few times in history, such as before independence (Less then 5 million participated in Independence struggle), ‘62, ’65, ’71, ’99 and few dates on which cricket matches flood our veins with national ethos.
2. Religion in this country is so personal that you will find almost per person thousands of way to follow. Your comment on Sadhus, which says that frustrated people take sanyas in this country, shows your deep apathy towards the poorest rich-culture of India. Gandhi took sanyas, and constantly fought the enemy within till his death. As I say and repeat, there is no enemy except within. I can take you from Adi Shankaracharya to Vivekanad and many more lately, who are still constant source of light for generations to come. And yes they would be few, because one Buddha, one Mahavir and one Krishna are enough to create this much passion and chaos. Simplest relationship can be established between your professionals and Sadhus. Many of your “Jhola chhap” (no offence to any Journalist) and “air conditioned” colleagues are struggling and getting frustrated because of constant struggle with enemy within. And these frustrated journalists are constant threat to so called Indian society more than fundamentalist of any
religion. Do you know, one of the reasons of banning exit polls by Indian establishment is the nexus between, political parties and journalists. These parties conduct exit polls after paying to your colleagues across the board. Every one knows it, even Prof Yogendra Yadav and Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai can’t deny.
3. I believe that you are a very political person, because you are always against politicians and always ready to comment on negativity. It is better if you can shape your thoughts in more neutral ways. Constant bashing of unabashed politicians of our country is creating a big problem, which all your professional family members do not understand. Politics also requires young and fresh blood, like Barak Obama. Manipulated father produces corrupt sons. All these days
because of your constant bashing on politics and politicians, only people join politics are the sons and relatives of your opposition (please read politicians). The youth and the more commoner, the critical for the success and development of our country, constantly feel that politics is not a place to go. People do not come to vote. Your channels are constantly propagating negative aspects of politics.
4. I can establish another relationship with you and so-called fundamentalist, pro or against secularism and communist. Your business flourish on the comments, actions and thought of these people. Mr. Advani and his ideologues will keep defending their positions, with same or new theories, words and new books. You will keep attacking them with counter arguments and theories and try to prove them wrong. And help them in selling their theories and books. Manmohan and Sonia’s secularism catches unnecessary news every time they speak M word. You will keep speaking and writing without much of the analysis and thoughts. Because you need to take a position and it should be taken very quickly otherwise your potential rivals would grab eyeballs on other channels and websites. So the business keep flourish on both sides, politicians get publicity and you will also get publicity by opposing them. This business is same as God and Devil’ business. Both exist together. So you and your professional family, the so called fourth
pillar of democracy think that you are protecting democracy and civil rights and you will keep adding theories to prove the point, which at first place neither exists nor required for the country. On top of that, journalists like you behave like saint and giving directions to the so called invisible society to make and form opinions, on the issues, which can be dealt more effectively by simply ignoring.
I hope, some day we will talk about commoners. The history is completely filled up with Tyrants, aggressors and people who looted innocent people. I chose not to be part of this and I welcome you on my walk of life. Believe me “Ignorance is bliss”
PS: I can ignore your thoughts but it is difficult to ignore the perspective you bring in.
http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/sagarikaghose/223/52813/trouble-at-om.html
Hello Sagarika,
Thank you for giving food for my thoughts. I was never so troubled reading your blogs after reading ‘Troubled OM’. Being a journalist and associated with IBN/CNN, I can understand your qualification for writing and speaking your mind and zeal to be listened across the globe. However the ‘Trouble OM” article lacks to emphasize the core issue and it fails to deliver your arguments in the right perspective.
Being read much of your work, I also try to understand your thought process and my observations are following,
1. You lack the very fundamental concept of religion and life. When you comment like Hindu religion under threat of fundamentalist after repeated attacks on churches and bomb blasts, seems to me that you don’t read history well. Since beginning, these kinds of outfits and passionate people exist in the society. In 60’ we have Bal Thakare, in 20’ we have Bal Gangadhar Tilak and most successful personality of 17 century was Shivaji. Hindu religion was always remained in threat because of extremists within. And which is obvious that in 1 billion people, we have many peace loving and tolerant people and equally intolerant also. This
has nothing to do with religion. Any ways India as country only remain tolerant to its tyrants. It was never so tolerant to weaker strata of its own society or any other religion which was not capable of defending it self. Buddhism could’t flourish in India. Jainism has only 1-2% followings even after dating the date since beginning of history of this country. And when you talk about society, which never exists anywhere, I could not believe your passion to give sermons without
knowing that there is no one at receiving end. We were united only few times in history, such as before independence (Less then 5 million participated in Independence struggle), ‘62, ’65, ’71, ’99 and few dates on which cricket matches flood our veins with national ethos.
2. Religion in this country is so personal that you will find almost per person thousands of way to follow. Your comment on Sadhus, which says that frustrated people take sanyas in this country, shows your deep apathy towards the poorest rich-culture of India. Gandhi took sanyas, and constantly fought the enemy within till his death. As I say and repeat, there is no enemy except within. I can take you from Adi Shankaracharya to Vivekanad and many more lately, who are still constant source of light for generations to come. And yes they would be few, because one Buddha, one Mahavir and one Krishna are enough to create this much passion and chaos. Simplest relationship can be established between your professionals and Sadhus. Many of your “Jhola chhap” (no offence to any Journalist) and “air conditioned” colleagues are struggling and getting frustrated because of constant struggle with enemy within. And these frustrated journalists are constant threat to so called Indian society more than fundamentalist of any
religion. Do you know, one of the reasons of banning exit polls by Indian establishment is the nexus between, political parties and journalists. These parties conduct exit polls after paying to your colleagues across the board. Every one knows it, even Prof Yogendra Yadav and Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai can’t deny.
3. I believe that you are a very political person, because you are always against politicians and always ready to comment on negativity. It is better if you can shape your thoughts in more neutral ways. Constant bashing of unabashed politicians of our country is creating a big problem, which all your professional family members do not understand. Politics also requires young and fresh blood, like Barak Obama. Manipulated father produces corrupt sons. All these days
because of your constant bashing on politics and politicians, only people join politics are the sons and relatives of your opposition (please read politicians). The youth and the more commoner, the critical for the success and development of our country, constantly feel that politics is not a place to go. People do not come to vote. Your channels are constantly propagating negative aspects of politics.
4. I can establish another relationship with you and so-called fundamentalist, pro or against secularism and communist. Your business flourish on the comments, actions and thought of these people. Mr. Advani and his ideologues will keep defending their positions, with same or new theories, words and new books. You will keep attacking them with counter arguments and theories and try to prove them wrong. And help them in selling their theories and books. Manmohan and Sonia’s secularism catches unnecessary news every time they speak M word. You will keep speaking and writing without much of the analysis and thoughts. Because you need to take a position and it should be taken very quickly otherwise your potential rivals would grab eyeballs on other channels and websites. So the business keep flourish on both sides, politicians get publicity and you will also get publicity by opposing them. This business is same as God and Devil’ business. Both exist together. So you and your professional family, the so called fourth
pillar of democracy think that you are protecting democracy and civil rights and you will keep adding theories to prove the point, which at first place neither exists nor required for the country. On top of that, journalists like you behave like saint and giving directions to the so called invisible society to make and form opinions, on the issues, which can be dealt more effectively by simply ignoring.
I hope, some day we will talk about commoners. The history is completely filled up with Tyrants, aggressors and people who looted innocent people. I chose not to be part of this and I welcome you on my walk of life. Believe me “Ignorance is bliss”
PS: I can ignore your thoughts but it is difficult to ignore the perspective you bring in.
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