In recent times, I have started seeing newspapers and electronic media use the term civil society. And it got me thinking what else is there in India. We do not have a military society. So, only other society might be un-civil society. It got me thinking who are a part of un-civil society. Here are some options
1. Is it the folks who are criminals? If yes, then those folks are mostly in prison. The population outside is mostly civil.
2. Is it the illiterate folks who sell their votes? If yes, then they are thousand times better than civil society babus who sell their soul for a few rupees and other civil society members who are ready to bribe anyone on the drop of a hat.
3. Is it the non-corrupt folks? Then only people who will be in there .. will be farmers. They cannot bribe god to get rains and there is no substitute for hard labour.
In my view, this civil society is another term for middle class. And this is a blatant attempt by middle class to garner extra constitutional power. The middle class is threatened with erosion of elitism since the time India became a Republic. This decline of elitism caused some of these middle class folks to yearn for Raj days. Some of these guys even liked the Emergency of 1975-77.
And just as I oppose any extra constitutional method like Naxalism etc, I feel its my constitutional duty to oppose civil society. I am happy being a proletariat.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sania and Shoaib
Sania marrying Shoaib should not be anybody’s business. They are two adult individuals who have all the right in the world to choose their own path. However a look at the environment around them brings up lots of questions.
Sania is considered a role model for lots of girls growing up in India. As India moves towards gender equality in real sense, the role models will play a huge role. The girls need to be assured that “Yes, they can”. For every Vijayendra, Yuvraj, Dhoni, we need to have a Sania, Saina, Shikha. In a country obsessed with boy child, these are the heroines who make parents believe that even their girl child can do something.
So, I am not particularly thrilled that Sania is marrying a Pakistani and settling in Dubai. Pakistan is a sworn enemy of India and does everything possible to harm us. And Dubai, an arab emirate is not a place wherein women rights are respected.
So Sania, you have broken hearts of many a parents like me who want to quote you as a role model. Anyway, the last word is that its your life. Go ahead and screw it.
Sania is considered a role model for lots of girls growing up in India. As India moves towards gender equality in real sense, the role models will play a huge role. The girls need to be assured that “Yes, they can”. For every Vijayendra, Yuvraj, Dhoni, we need to have a Sania, Saina, Shikha. In a country obsessed with boy child, these are the heroines who make parents believe that even their girl child can do something.
So, I am not particularly thrilled that Sania is marrying a Pakistani and settling in Dubai. Pakistan is a sworn enemy of India and does everything possible to harm us. And Dubai, an arab emirate is not a place wherein women rights are respected.
So Sania, you have broken hearts of many a parents like me who want to quote you as a role model. Anyway, the last word is that its your life. Go ahead and screw it.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Old Fox
Last few months saw the master manipulator in action. In this big game, most of the media outlets were arm-twisted to toe one party’s line. Police and CBI are anyways state instruments. The aim is to defame and defang opposition. Strike where it hurts most. Destroy the credibility.
Lets start with Malegaon blasts. Maharastra ATS rounded up few folks and claimed that it was done by some extreme right Hindu activists to avenge killing of Hindus. To me that looks a very possible scenario given the communal situation in our country. Then began the charade. It was claimed that these folks are a part of bigger Hindu terror network. ATS even claimed that Samjhota express blasts were carried out by these folks and one of the accused a armyman stole 60kg RDX from army depots. It was also claimed that lots of other armymen were involved. Media followed the lead. It was claimed that Hindu terror is on the rise and its as bad as Osama & Taliban. ATS regularly leaked stories to media (which carried them without any scrutiny), those reports suggests that BJP was hand in glove with these folks. The same government whose heart bleeds for Kashmiri terrorists, tortured and humiliated a Sadhvi (femine for Saint). All of sudden the human rights organizations vanished. Remember these are the liberals who want Afzal Guru treated as a state guest.
Now, moving to terror attacks on Mumbai. In here, both state and central govt (both Congress) showed that they are incapable of handling this situation and taking decisions. The public anger brewed against the government. Aha, then came the googly. Media outlets started talking about Political class and how they have failed the public. The failure was pinned on all political parties. I found that to be really absurd. The blame on ruling party was suddenly deflected to blame on all parties. No media outlet talked about Congress soft-pedaling the anti-terrorism measures.
The state election which followed showed how the public got manipulated by Media. Instead of being thrashed by public for being soft on terror, Congress made it a non-issue. The Congress victory in state assembly of Delhi signifies the reach of media.
The latest.. Mangalore incident. A little known outfit called Sri Ram Sene attacked pub-goers including girls and bashed them up. The liberals are up in arms. How come religious zealots dictate terms to them? However this incident raised some interesting points. The whole episode was captured by Media. Who called them in? And why didn’t media inform police. Don’t they have a social responsibility? And top of it all, the same media started questioning on why state government did not arrest the hooligans. Media tried to project that Sri Ram Sene and BJP are linked and thus started a hate campaign against BJP. I will not be surprised if these fringe outfits were getting covert support from the grand old party.
Now, one may ask what these three un-related incidents show. In my view, it shows that Congress is playing its games. The urban middle class has become a staunch supporter of BJP in recent years. The total Lok Sabha seats these class can influence is about 40. And in these times of coalition politics, that’s a big number. Thus Congress wants to win back this constituency by hook or crook. Around the time, CPM pulled out of government and Congress had to bribe opposition MPs to stay in power, Congress started this grand plan. The friendlier media outlets such as Times Of India and NDTV were roped in first. The independent media outlets were targeted next. The makeover of CNN-IBN is a point in the case. This media outlet used to carry both views and used to be some what balanced. After the vote, it became pro-Congress and even refused to air tapes which showed Congress and UPA leaders giving bribes.
The current situation in which independent English media is almost absent is very dangerous. If situation continues, we will land up in 80s situation when Congress was the final word. And that my friend will be put back our country by couple of decades.
Lets start with Malegaon blasts. Maharastra ATS rounded up few folks and claimed that it was done by some extreme right Hindu activists to avenge killing of Hindus. To me that looks a very possible scenario given the communal situation in our country. Then began the charade. It was claimed that these folks are a part of bigger Hindu terror network. ATS even claimed that Samjhota express blasts were carried out by these folks and one of the accused a armyman stole 60kg RDX from army depots. It was also claimed that lots of other armymen were involved. Media followed the lead. It was claimed that Hindu terror is on the rise and its as bad as Osama & Taliban. ATS regularly leaked stories to media (which carried them without any scrutiny), those reports suggests that BJP was hand in glove with these folks. The same government whose heart bleeds for Kashmiri terrorists, tortured and humiliated a Sadhvi (femine for Saint). All of sudden the human rights organizations vanished. Remember these are the liberals who want Afzal Guru treated as a state guest.
Now, moving to terror attacks on Mumbai. In here, both state and central govt (both Congress) showed that they are incapable of handling this situation and taking decisions. The public anger brewed against the government. Aha, then came the googly. Media outlets started talking about Political class and how they have failed the public. The failure was pinned on all political parties. I found that to be really absurd. The blame on ruling party was suddenly deflected to blame on all parties. No media outlet talked about Congress soft-pedaling the anti-terrorism measures.
The state election which followed showed how the public got manipulated by Media. Instead of being thrashed by public for being soft on terror, Congress made it a non-issue. The Congress victory in state assembly of Delhi signifies the reach of media.
The latest.. Mangalore incident. A little known outfit called Sri Ram Sene attacked pub-goers including girls and bashed them up. The liberals are up in arms. How come religious zealots dictate terms to them? However this incident raised some interesting points. The whole episode was captured by Media. Who called them in? And why didn’t media inform police. Don’t they have a social responsibility? And top of it all, the same media started questioning on why state government did not arrest the hooligans. Media tried to project that Sri Ram Sene and BJP are linked and thus started a hate campaign against BJP. I will not be surprised if these fringe outfits were getting covert support from the grand old party.
Now, one may ask what these three un-related incidents show. In my view, it shows that Congress is playing its games. The urban middle class has become a staunch supporter of BJP in recent years. The total Lok Sabha seats these class can influence is about 40. And in these times of coalition politics, that’s a big number. Thus Congress wants to win back this constituency by hook or crook. Around the time, CPM pulled out of government and Congress had to bribe opposition MPs to stay in power, Congress started this grand plan. The friendlier media outlets such as Times Of India and NDTV were roped in first. The independent media outlets were targeted next. The makeover of CNN-IBN is a point in the case. This media outlet used to carry both views and used to be some what balanced. After the vote, it became pro-Congress and even refused to air tapes which showed Congress and UPA leaders giving bribes.
The current situation in which independent English media is almost absent is very dangerous. If situation continues, we will land up in 80s situation when Congress was the final word. And that my friend will be put back our country by couple of decades.
Monday, December 8, 2008
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS AND INDIA (old post 15th May 1998)
There is a lot of noise after the nuclear explosions by India. Some thought that its the dawn of a new era and some considered it to be a step towards doomsday. World was shocked, delighted and angry.
In short we have seen every kind of reactions from various people and nations.
We all know that nuclear arms are bad regardless of the fact that they belong to India or Pakistan or US. And for that matter all the arms are bad, or is it? Arms cannot do anything unless there is a man using it. Once discovered its very difficult to ban a lethal weapon. Even if countries sign treaties and all, you will always find somebody, some terrorist group using it.
Nuclear arms are no different. You need somebody to push the trigger. And if USA has the option of pushing the trigger, why not other nations. Bill Clinton mentioned our country as a fifty year old democracy. He need to be told that we are one of the oldest civilizations. If its the years
that count we are way ahead of a 200 yr old country.
There should not be any emotional outbursts in a rational discussion, but then, had man been rational, world would have been a better place to live in. There would not be any poverty, illiteracy, religion etc They all come because we are not rational beings. I am not trying to defend
BJP but don't we all want India to be peace-loving & prosperous country?
Peace comes with a price tag. Our neighbours occupied our territories in exchange for peace. Also we need to maintain so much vigilance on Borders to maintain peace. If the World is so peaceful, why waste so much money on Army. Why don't we close down Army and use the gun factories for making utensils. (Nehru did the same before Chinese invasion)
Is Nuclear option so much costly? I read one of the scientists saying that it will cost one crore a piece. Dirty Cheap considering their devastating power. Now we do not need to fear Ghauris and Ghaznis. Somnath temple is safe.
There are reports of some demonstrations in the Capital and noises around the world that the South Asia need to be free of Arms race, free of nuclear arms. But why only south Asia. The people from other parts may decide to use them in this part of World. What about that? I know you are getting a heavy dose of opinions from various newspapers and magazines. Truely speaking this is not a military policy but the countries' policy as a whole.
Commies do not understand Capitalism, they think its something bad. But India has to live with it. And we need to get the best of that. You see its all market driven. A country's military strength is also one of the factors which investors see before they thir money in. Had we remained a non-player in international arena, we could have faced some real problems.
China is our friend. That's what I was told by commies. They attacked us because we could not have managed that particular strip of land that they captured. And that they stopped when they felt, they have help helped us.
Come out of your dream, China stopped the aggression because USSR told them that they had enough. Its only our goodwill with USSR that saved us. No other country came to our rescue. That's when China did not have the Nuclear Bomb.
Now, with China having their bases on both sides of our border, I mean in Pakistan as well as China; what do you want our defence experts to do, the same thing as Hindus did when Abdali attacked India. They went to temple to pray so that God shall stop Abdali. "Sorry God helps those, who help themselves"
Dated 15th May 1998
In short we have seen every kind of reactions from various people and nations.
We all know that nuclear arms are bad regardless of the fact that they belong to India or Pakistan or US. And for that matter all the arms are bad, or is it? Arms cannot do anything unless there is a man using it. Once discovered its very difficult to ban a lethal weapon. Even if countries sign treaties and all, you will always find somebody, some terrorist group using it.
Nuclear arms are no different. You need somebody to push the trigger. And if USA has the option of pushing the trigger, why not other nations. Bill Clinton mentioned our country as a fifty year old democracy. He need to be told that we are one of the oldest civilizations. If its the years
that count we are way ahead of a 200 yr old country.
There should not be any emotional outbursts in a rational discussion, but then, had man been rational, world would have been a better place to live in. There would not be any poverty, illiteracy, religion etc They all come because we are not rational beings. I am not trying to defend
BJP but don't we all want India to be peace-loving & prosperous country?
Peace comes with a price tag. Our neighbours occupied our territories in exchange for peace. Also we need to maintain so much vigilance on Borders to maintain peace. If the World is so peaceful, why waste so much money on Army. Why don't we close down Army and use the gun factories for making utensils. (Nehru did the same before Chinese invasion)
Is Nuclear option so much costly? I read one of the scientists saying that it will cost one crore a piece. Dirty Cheap considering their devastating power. Now we do not need to fear Ghauris and Ghaznis. Somnath temple is safe.
There are reports of some demonstrations in the Capital and noises around the world that the South Asia need to be free of Arms race, free of nuclear arms. But why only south Asia. The people from other parts may decide to use them in this part of World. What about that? I know you are getting a heavy dose of opinions from various newspapers and magazines. Truely speaking this is not a military policy but the countries' policy as a whole.
Commies do not understand Capitalism, they think its something bad. But India has to live with it. And we need to get the best of that. You see its all market driven. A country's military strength is also one of the factors which investors see before they thir money in. Had we remained a non-player in international arena, we could have faced some real problems.
China is our friend. That's what I was told by commies. They attacked us because we could not have managed that particular strip of land that they captured. And that they stopped when they felt, they have help helped us.
Come out of your dream, China stopped the aggression because USSR told them that they had enough. Its only our goodwill with USSR that saved us. No other country came to our rescue. That's when China did not have the Nuclear Bomb.
Now, with China having their bases on both sides of our border, I mean in Pakistan as well as China; what do you want our defence experts to do, the same thing as Hindus did when Abdali attacked India. They went to temple to pray so that God shall stop Abdali. "Sorry God helps those, who help themselves"
Dated 15th May 1998
State Election Roundup
Congress retained Delhi, won Mizoram & Rajasthan
BJP retained MP and Chattisgarh and Lost Rajasthan
Here is my analysis of the elections.
Rajasthan: The big factor was Maharaniji and growing corruption. Ashok Gehlot will be a welcome relief to the folks.
MP & Chattisgarh: Development was the main plank. BJP was able to score over Congress in the same.
Delhi: Shielaji's personal magic is still at work. No wonder, family-croons are hesitant to touch her. She made lots of mistakes this time. However, electorate forgave due to the development which she brought in.
Now, lets analyse other factors.
Development: Seems to be a big factor in here. People have voted for the same.
Media: Congress seem to be controlling all major media outlets. It created the myth of Hindu terrorists and ran a smear campaign through the active collaboration of Media. Media also played a bad game of suppressing anti-Congress news and high-lighting anti-BJP stuff. How else can you explain that MP vote scandal was totally suppressed even when they had irrefutable proof.
Terrorism: A big agenda which was turned into Congress favour by media. Instead of blaming the ruling party, the media started bashing up "Political Class". And grouped Congress and BJP together. Thus, this was utilized by Congress in actually covering its own mess.
Congress: Its 1980s again when Congress controlled everything. They successfully managed media and utilized Police to put BJP on back foot. ATS through systematic leaks tried to malign BJP as much as possible.
So, what. Still the voters have delivered a correct verdict. And shown that they are mature enough to sift right from wrong. In my view, the verdicts cannot be any better.
BJP retained MP and Chattisgarh and Lost Rajasthan
Here is my analysis of the elections.
Rajasthan: The big factor was Maharaniji and growing corruption. Ashok Gehlot will be a welcome relief to the folks.
MP & Chattisgarh: Development was the main plank. BJP was able to score over Congress in the same.
Delhi: Shielaji's personal magic is still at work. No wonder, family-croons are hesitant to touch her. She made lots of mistakes this time. However, electorate forgave due to the development which she brought in.
Now, lets analyse other factors.
Development: Seems to be a big factor in here. People have voted for the same.
Media: Congress seem to be controlling all major media outlets. It created the myth of Hindu terrorists and ran a smear campaign through the active collaboration of Media. Media also played a bad game of suppressing anti-Congress news and high-lighting anti-BJP stuff. How else can you explain that MP vote scandal was totally suppressed even when they had irrefutable proof.
Terrorism: A big agenda which was turned into Congress favour by media. Instead of blaming the ruling party, the media started bashing up "Political Class". And grouped Congress and BJP together. Thus, this was utilized by Congress in actually covering its own mess.
Congress: Its 1980s again when Congress controlled everything. They successfully managed media and utilized Police to put BJP on back foot. ATS through systematic leaks tried to malign BJP as much as possible.
So, what. Still the voters have delivered a correct verdict. And shown that they are mature enough to sift right from wrong. In my view, the verdicts cannot be any better.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Peace Marches.. Huh!
I was split between whether to write on our security forces or write about state of the country. I decided that criticism of security forces can wait. So, here is my take on varied reactions by citizens of India.
Today is another Wednesday. A week back on this day, the terrorists stuck big time in Mumbai. Some called in India's 9/11. I am still debating what to call it.. another "day of infamy".. let me wait for couple of more days.
In the meantime, weird things are happening. Here is a list
Here is the deal folks. Some of us are angry at our current regime on not doing enough. Some of us are angry that inspite of so many terror incidents, we are still unprepared. My take is vent that anger. Vote for the party which you think is best suited to handle terrorism. Write to PMO, News Media etc about need for a comprehensive policy on terrorism. Ask them to be tough. If needed, ask them to go for surgical strikes within enemy territory. Currently Media is manipulating Public Opinion. If they see such big response, they will be forced to chance their stance.
So, think hard before you react. This is the time to think with your head and act with your heart.
(Do you know that the media which is ridiculing Maha CM Deshmukh for getting RGV along with him during post-op Taj visit, had scores of Page 3 folks in studios as a part of Live broadcast during Mumbai stand-off.)
Today is another Wednesday. A week back on this day, the terrorists stuck big time in Mumbai. Some called in India's 9/11. I am still debating what to call it.. another "day of infamy".. let me wait for couple of more days.
In the meantime, weird things are happening. Here is a list
- SMSs and Emails going around asking people not to vote
- Anger against Politicians
- Peace Marches
Here is the deal folks. Some of us are angry at our current regime on not doing enough. Some of us are angry that inspite of so many terror incidents, we are still unprepared. My take is vent that anger. Vote for the party which you think is best suited to handle terrorism. Write to PMO, News Media etc about need for a comprehensive policy on terrorism. Ask them to be tough. If needed, ask them to go for surgical strikes within enemy territory. Currently Media is manipulating Public Opinion. If they see such big response, they will be forced to chance their stance.
So, think hard before you react. This is the time to think with your head and act with your heart.
(Do you know that the media which is ridiculing Maha CM Deshmukh for getting RGV along with him during post-op Taj visit, had scores of Page 3 folks in studios as a part of Live broadcast during Mumbai stand-off.)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
'You are either with us or against us'
Yes, this is a quote by President Bush after 2001 attack on Twin Towers. It summarizes the anger and determination in americans. Though the quote was later ridiculed, it set the stage for "0" attacks on american soil for next seven years.
So, can Indian govt make this quote now? Can we ask each country in the world to make a choice? Can we ask all our citizens (including Kashmiris) to make this choice? Its either us or Bay of Bengal. What do you prefer?
In my previous post, I talked about international situation which helps terrorism. And I talked about an international solution. In this post, I am suggesting a local solution. For this we need to force every one to take sides, just as folks were forced to do in Mahabharat.
You may hate Mr S.S.Ray to killing innocents in Calcutta 1971 or Mr K.P.S.Gill for creating a police raj in Punjab to control secessionists. However, you have to agree that they succeeded in their aim. They forced people to take sides. You are either with State or you are with Naxals or Terrorists. Yes, lots of innocent lives were lost, but the point is the problem was totally weeded out.
So, we need to force all the fence sitters to make a choice. Are you with us in building a secular and strong India Or you are in hurry to go to hell. Once you do this. The so-called "local support" to terrorists will disappear. Suddenly your intelligence inputs will increase thousand fold. And terrorists will think hundred times before doing a reconnaissance in our cities.
Let all Indians make a united stand against terrorism and provide a route to hell to these god-loving terrorists.
So, can Indian govt make this quote now? Can we ask each country in the world to make a choice? Can we ask all our citizens (including Kashmiris) to make this choice? Its either us or Bay of Bengal. What do you prefer?
In my previous post, I talked about international situation which helps terrorism. And I talked about an international solution. In this post, I am suggesting a local solution. For this we need to force every one to take sides, just as folks were forced to do in Mahabharat.
You may hate Mr S.S.Ray to killing innocents in Calcutta 1971 or Mr K.P.S.Gill for creating a police raj in Punjab to control secessionists. However, you have to agree that they succeeded in their aim. They forced people to take sides. You are either with State or you are with Naxals or Terrorists. Yes, lots of innocent lives were lost, but the point is the problem was totally weeded out.
So, we need to force all the fence sitters to make a choice. Are you with us in building a secular and strong India Or you are in hurry to go to hell. Once you do this. The so-called "local support" to terrorists will disappear. Suddenly your intelligence inputs will increase thousand fold. And terrorists will think hundred times before doing a reconnaissance in our cities.
Let all Indians make a united stand against terrorism and provide a route to hell to these god-loving terrorists.
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