General Elections 2019 India – Reality of West, North, North-East, East and South

Rider: Don’t read if you think you-know-it-all.

Now, another rather lengthy disclaimer: I completely understand that I as an individual, am nothing or at maximum, like a small particle on this planet. Just one out of 633 crores of total population of Great Earth and one of 130+ crore ever growing Indians. Actually this is part of my blogger profile and I say this in my introduction, sometimes. Nobody needs to remind me. SO, this is not about me, as an individual. In my life, I, almost as an unwritten rule, do not react to what others think of me. And that irritates and infuriates the people who try to abuse, insult, or to hand out clever indignities/ embarrassment toward me, personally. Just for example, you earn X amount of money and I, earn Rs. 100 less than your X amount and you remind me that in so many ways. My default reaction (or lack of it) is what I call ‘royal ignore’ or ‘is it worth my time and attention? Mostly not’.      

Now, on the current topic: See India is a fascinating country and something or the other interesting, weird, subliminally exciting keeps happening. General election 2019 is, certainly one of them.

And the outcome of the mammoth election this time was equally thought-provoking. Mr. Modi led NDA won handsomely.

I am seeing/ reading a lot of reactions and analysis. Some are operative obituaries of Congress. Some reactions are well thought out and intellectually explained. Some people discount this as heralding a change of India for worse, communal, bigoted and intolerant aberration. Second time in a row after 2014! (Well, more on this in a separate article.)    

And then there are some people condescendingly declaring election result as a manifestation of opinion of the uncouth and crude masses. Because some in the lutyens media and a select few brainy people in Delhi, think so.

Particularly offending are some of the feedback that I come to know.

And hence this written piece! (Irrespective of the number of people referring / reading this bog website of mine.)

For a change, I am reacting and responding! In my capacity of an Indian citizen. In my small way. (Negligible and trivial, some will say)

One of the Congress spokespersons tried to intellectualize. She claimed that the BJP + NDA is winner because it gets the votes of the people, specifically in the Western parts of India and in the North, North East and majority in the East. And these people who vote for NDA, are not educated, not refined enough. She effectively meant that these people lack understanding, manners, and grace and can easily get swayed by surgical strikes/ Balakot air strike, because they do not have polished brains!  Just imagine! We all are given a certificate by a Congress spokesperson.  She went on to pontificate that in the South of India, BJP + NDA do not/ will not be successful because people there, are more mature and educated.     

If that’s true I don’t understand what the logic of 25 BJP wins in Karnataka is (51.38% votes)? 4 wins in Telangana (19.45% votes)? 0 wins but 12.93% votes in Kerala, 3.66% votes in Tamilnadu? These figures are from official Election Commission website. Congress got 8 wins in Tamilnadu, 15 wins in Kerala and 8 Loksabha seats in Punjab.

Other offensive proclamations, I came across, are again so flabbergasting and audacious that they border on the obnoxiously hilarious!

One of the senior writer-directors of films and plays, stated smugly that people, at large, did not understand basically what Rahul Gandhi tried to say, convey, project against Modi and BJP. People do ignore because of a lack of understanding! Another senior actress proclaimed in a high-level/ very intelligently written article that there is a state of dim-wit dullness in the people because NDA voters believed in the technology-driven campaign, show-off/hollowness of Modi and Company! Development work done or perceived Hindutva, notwithstanding.

I mean, I understand the frustration and helplessness of the self-certified elites. They think this is an uprising of the down-trodden/ outsiders/ semi-literate masses against the well-heeled, ‘I-know-it-all’ liberals. In favor of NDA.  So be it. At the last count NDA won 354 out of 543 (practically 50 % votes at India level). And Congress, 52 (8 plus to 44 of 2014!). UPA is 92.

It is open to interpretation.

Congress and others need to introspect, at the least. Rahul Gandhi had famously and forcefully specified that “he has dismantled Modi”. Many times, as latest as 19-20 May, before the actual results!  

Old order, self-serving eco-system, and carefully contrasted but now shabby edifice is crumbling. That hallmark arrogance and haughtiness and ‘we-are-born-to-rule’ attitude is being crushed by the people. Plain and simple!

These parties and the pro Left/ Cong lobby are facing somewhat existential crises. But, then deal with it. Maturely. Gracefully!       

Postscript: Modi accepted the verdict with humility and talked of inclusive India, let’s hope that position remains so.

        

Newspapers Are The First Rough Draft Of History

OK, first of all, a confession (no crime, but…) – I do read at least 7-8 (English & Marathi) newspapers in a day. There was a challenge to tell something that supposedly nobody knows about you and I told this fact to the participating group of friends.

The reactions were hilarious. One friend commented with a tinge of sarcasm, “why so many? Don’t you understand in a single newspaper/ single reading?” Some others expressed their dismay on my ‘extravagance, money squandering ways’.

I mean - let’s leave these learned folks to their devices. I will not change, here. The reading habit too old to be changed now!       

The fact is I like reading newspapers and I like to have different points of view, understand various opinions and read about current affairs, international politics & relations, and other news such as business news.

You might wonder why am I writing this? What is the need to assert my liking for reading? Why now? And other such queries.

OK – nothing earth-shattering reason, as such.

I just watched a piece of cinematic excellence called ‘The Post’. Essential details – three of the best movie creators/ collaborators – Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep – not in any particular order. Not to forget the entire team.   

The Post shows a true story of The Washington Post journalists and their serious efforts to publish the Pentagon Papers and stark reality of Vietnam war.

The result is simply awesome.

I don’t really get enthused/ bothered by any movies be it English or the rich content Marathi movies. But this one ‘The Post’ is exceptional – my personal opinion.

The newspapers are mentioned in derogatory terms by many – like they will be ‘raddi’ (trash) next day, they are full of unnecessary stuff, and other such indignation.

However, I believe they are much more than a source of inspiration. I, on an individual level, still have confidence in print medium/ newspapers – the usual rant that ‘print is on a terminal decline’ – notwithstanding.

Fact check: The Audit Bureau of Circulations claims that the average number of copies of print media publications in India went up by 2.37 crore between 2006 and 2016.

Lastly, I think I tend to agree with that famous line in the movie ‘newspapers are the first rough draft of history’!  or some such to that effect.

Postscript: Apologies, in advance! If someone was hoping for a movie review & a star rating, here. I am not a film critic, celebrated or otherwise.😊  

#Demonetisation - 500, 1000 Rs. Notes Ban – Political Masterstroke or Surgery Without Anaesthesia?

So, amazing things keep happening in our country – there is never a dull moment.

The demonetization or the ban on 500, 1000 Rs. notes, is one such unusual and unfamiliar turn of events.

The other day, I was standing in a queue to withdraw money and there were fantastic people in that line. Fruits and vegetable vendor, rickshaw driver, elderly person, and others were at that ATM. 

Obviously, the enormity of this situation was such that people started talking, without previously knowing one another.

And the bottom-line was “there is hardship, awkwardness and inconvenience – sure, but we support the historic decision taken by our PM.” Some even thought that "nothing comes from nothing" meaning “no pain - no gain.” We can manage and pass through this and things will be settled soon. Being positive is good and reflective.

To be fair, there are practical concerns and problems especially in the rural areas. Unlike urban folks, people there may not have multiple debit/credit cards.

The branches of various banks are scattered geographically. In many states, there is one branch for 5-6 villages. Therefore, rural people face much more obstacles in such circumstances. Even in cities, the exchange of old notes and use of ATM has turned out to be tiresome and annoying.  

The intention to ban the 500, 1000 Rs. notes, is very good. The concept is nice, it is the execution or implementation that, possibly, needed a little more finesse.

On the brighter side, this move could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. This can simply be a golden chance to go for digital money, net-banking, and cashless transactions, wherever possible.

If we think about the actual impact on black money and overall economy, the big picture is – possibility of inflation climbing down and cascading effects on all commodities. Now things can get better because of GST and ‘other plans and projects after 31 December’ that the PM hinted in a dramatic speech in Goa.

More importantly, there are reports of terror funding problems and fake currency prevention. Ironically, major part of fake currency comes from the India – Bangla border. This move is certainly a destructive blow to the anti-India forces.

On the political front, there is longstanding practise of nasty oneupmanship and empty bickering. Responses of Rahul Gandhi, Kejariwal, and Mamta Banerjee are so peculiar that nobody is even taking them seriously.

Actually, there could be regrouping of the opposition. And ruling dispensation has the tasks cut out for the winter session of Parliament.

Some claim that this exercise is to divert attention from burning-but-now-forgotten issues like OROP suicide and the encounter in the state of MP. However, it is not really possible because common sense dictates that this decision requires huge preparation of at least 8-9 months.

All in all, the PM still seems to enjoy the popular support. This could, very well, be the turning point for 2019 General Elections.

Now having said all above, I feel – some strong action was overdue, but this measure at one go, for 50 days – maybe, it is a surgical action without proper anaesthesia.

#Brexit – The UK breaks the European Union – And the aftermath

There are very few events that are historic and once-in-a-life-time spectacle. They do have extra-ordinary and very profound effect on the world politics and economy.

The recent event of the UK voting out of the European Union is one such landmark occasion. It is undoubtedly the biggest setback to the European integration project necessitated after the second world war.

Approximately 52 % of the people (17,410,742) in the UK voted out, compared to 48% (16,141,241) who wanted good-old association with Europe. The gap is narrow & minor; however, the democratic decision has to be respected.

Although UK always had this supremacy notion about itself, all along. It had different currency Pound Sterling than rest of Europe that had unified Euro. Not to forget, it ruled over almost 60 countries.

David Cameron had declared that Conservative government would carry out a referendum on the EU membership, if re-elected in the 2015 general elections. So last week that referendum took place, result shocked the entire world. Ultimately he has to announce he will step down as PM, by October this year.

Strangely the entire Remain-Vs.-Leave campaign turned in to an exercise of fear-inducing, anti-immigrant, nationalistic jingoism. Emotion of a huge section of people took over the rationality and inclusive nature. The world’s oldest democracy stunned everyone, including itself.

Some commentators also saw this as uprising of the common people or working class against the London-elites. Some claimed this is an assertion of struggling lots against the well-to-do, university-educated superior folks.  

One thing, very definitely, can be deduced – the exit of UK from EU is irreversible and has long-lasting after-effect. 

Now there is time-slot of two years for the actual procedures. The new UK government will have a lot on their plate to finish:

• Negotiate new deal with the EU. Terms of exit have to be negotiated with 27 EU nations, each of which, will have a veto over the conditions!
• Commence new changes for major bilateral trade deals around the world.
• Revise its own governance and management because the EU laws and regulations withdraw.
• Tackle the heightened separatist tendencies within the UK. Scotland already contemplating a proactive departure with demand to have another plebiscite! Northern Ireland, could very well be the next.     

As for India, there are following apparent implications in the near-term:

1. There are 800 Indian companies that have set up operation in the huge Europe market via the UK. Now they have to deal with the uncertainty and find out fresher ways to do job in the continent. The decline in the value of the Pound could impact the decision making.
2. The UK and Europe constitute 30 percent of the India IT industry's revenues. There is no clarity as to what may be in store. There might be very significant changes of IT priorities and business opportunities across EU & UK, impacting Indian IT companies directly.  
3. There are thousands of Goan people on a Portugal passport in the UK, ostensibly procured to chase ‘good UK life’ dreams leaving India. So when there is no free movement now, and UK tells these to leave, they need to go to Portugal or back home. There are question marks on their prospects.      

Most certainly the world politics and economy will not be the same again, as we identified till now. France, Italy, The Netherlands, among others might want to leave the EU.

P. S. – When I had serious discussions on #Brexit with my friends and colleagues they had varying opinions. Some said it is too big, let it unfold and then we will see. Others pointed out the momentous turn of events has far-reaching consequences and the repercussions may not be that pleasant, overall.  

One more knowledgeable friend had an interesting take – this is the last call to get rid of the British colonial hangover.  And this is the virtual end of the British hegemony of last 300 years.

Now, that is a different topic to ponder on and write an entirely separate article for this site, some other time.  

         

PM Modi’s Lahore Stopover – Masterstroke or a Pragmatic Meeting

We Indians are very knowledgeable in three spheres: Cricket, Movies, and Politics. And everyone voices his/her skillful opinion on these three topics very freely. (That’s nice, we are a democratic country!).

For International Relations, though, there are no 1 billion Indian experts. Only exception is India-Pakistan relations. More often than not this particular chapter of International Politics evokes passionate, emotional, and sometimes jingoistic reactions.

So when recently PM Modi stopped over at Lahore while coming back to India from the Russia-Afghanistan tour, there was complete chaos. The opposition was so taken aback; their reactions were of confused and surprised people. Manish Tewari of Congress went to the extent of declaring bizarrely that ‘Nawaz-Modi are bitten by the elusive Nobel Peace Prize bug, damning national Interest’!   

Some called this historic, unprecedented visit as a masterstroke by PM.

Some people gave it a certification of being a game-changer in Indo-Pak, and indeed, in international politics.           

(Now my two cents! I, also, have freedom of speech, you see)

However to my mind, this visit, although, looked impromptu, was very eruditely prepared and delicately handled. Common sense tells us - it takes a lot of groundwork for two heads of nations to meet.

And the most important factors playing role here, are economic and geopolitical considerations.  

    

A few pointers are:

1.    There is increasing Chinese influence in Asia and in Pakistan in particular, which, if unchecked, will be extremely difficult for both India and USA. There is growing China-Pak cooperation, military, or otherwise. So there has to be a counter. PM, underscoring Indo-Pak relations, in a speech at Afghanistan’s parliament (built by Indians) said “I hope that Pakistan will become a bridge between South Asia and Afghanistan and beyond”.

2.    Majority of India-Pakistan trade is routed through Dubai. And estimated potential of Indo-Pak trade is $16 billion. Currently it is around $ 2 billion. So there are more opportunities for direct Indo-Pak trade across the border, notwithstanding the perennial skirmishes.

3.    Perhaps more significant aspect is the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India Pipeline (TAPI), also known as Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline. Although this pipeline is expected to be operational by 2019, it will transport Caspian Sea natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan into Pakistan and then to India. The total cost is $10 billion, and it is 1735 km long. So this will have huge positive impact on perpetually energy requiring nation like India. TAPI may earn $400 million a year for Afghanistan in transit fees, also meeting enormous energy needs in Pakistan and India. This visit by PM plays positive role in this regard.   

There are various things at play. International relations are like a marathon. One dramatic turn may not yield instantaneous results. But such a gesture by a strong, democratically elected leader like PM Modi had its own importance and meaning. It may go a long way in our peace talks and security/terrorism threats handling.  

So let’s not jump the gun and arrive at conclusions so early.

2014 - BJP’s Year of Outstanding Comeback & Congress' Decline

Sometimes you face so much of a downturn that all the negative events seem like subliminally inevitable. The recent results of J&K and Jharkhand State elections are like that for the Indian National Congress. Current situation of the 125 years old political party of India is something like staring at the depths of despair.

Congress (and allies) ruled states are very few now. In most of the states it is at 3^rd or 4^th position. The biggest blow could well be Maharashtra, where it lost power after 15 years. Not to forget the near-fatal setback of 44 seats win in Loksabha Elections.

Now they are trying every trick in the book to stop the ‘onslaught’ of ‘communal BJP’ in J&K!! According to Election Commission’s website the BJP's vote share stood at 23 per cent (the biggest) with 25 seats win in J&K. The BJP has every legitimate right to explore the government formation possibilities.

I believe the Congress has not been able to come to terms with the Loksabha results as yet. If they continue to try to exploit ‘the communal BJP’ card perpetually, it will strengthen the prospects for the BJP permanently.

The year 2014 would always be remembered for emergence of the BJP and converting into the central pole for Indian polity. And 2014 would also be known for the man of the moment – one and only Narendra Modi.

In 2013 BJP was in power in very few states like MP and Chhattisgarh. Now as the year 2014 is coming to an end, the tables have turned. And how! The BJP has won almost every Assembly election after it lost power in Karnataka in May 2013. The biggest of them all – Loksabha Elections – 2014 – catapulting BJP+NDA Government at the Center. Recent results of J&K and Jharkhand are like an icing on the cake.

However with the win & subsequent government, come the responsibility to perform and liability. On that account there are many opinions in the public at large. Some feel the Modi wave is waning and soon will be tapered off completely. Other pro-market and pro-BJP people think the good run will continue. India is truly on the path of all-inclusive development.

And there are other contentious issues like – renewed assertion of the Right-wing fringe elements. There are issues like conversions which has potential to jeopardize any positive work by the BJP on pan-India basis and positive sentiment within all the communities.

How that is tackled by Modi & company is worth the watch.

PostScript: Bharat-Ratn bestowed upon Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji is such good news. May be his style of governance & management would be of help to the present-day BJP.          

The Weight Loss Tamasha…

So how do you react to completely unsolicited advice? That too from a stranger and on a topic such as ‘weight loss’ ??!!

I mean there are instances where you cannot fully respond or counter. And the situation is totally hilarious.

OK – the details. Living in Pune, we have a few places you can take your kid just for fun – like in a big garden. I go to Sarasbag with family. I avoid the weekends when there are more crowds and dirt & dust.

There are two motives – you get to see & worship – Ganapati and second is you can roam in the garden.  You can also enjoy snacks nearby. I also use the weighing machines there, attended by some rural elderly folks. Generally I check my weight on two-three such machines. (I also check weight at my family doctor’s clinic, otherwise.)     

You pay a coin of two rupees – you know – to glance at your woes! – I mean ‘the weight’ in kg.  

So when I went there recently, I did not expect that visit would turn out to be remarkable.  

After Ganapati darshan & walk in the garden, I habitually went to check my weight on a weighing machine. There was a very old guy attending that machine. I checked it and saw my weight.

And!! Out of the blue – suddenly that guy said – ‘You don’t look like a typical fatty guy – but the weight is on the higher side. Better, you take care. You should walk around the garden like the other folks in the mornings to reduce your weight. You generation works hard to earn money and then spend it on medical purposes – health completely ignored.’ 

He was so genuine & thoughtful. He stopped after a couple of minutes.

I was so stunned and surprised. My wife and daughter started laughing. I didn’t know how to react. I mean, this talk was not really expected.  

Almost as a rule, I don’t pay much attention to advice by others, leave alone counsel by a stranger. Conversely I don’t try to preach and give lecture to others. I don’t get angry or agitated easily, either.   

But I just smiled at this one! 

Resurgent BJP & ‘Secular’ Congress

So finally the curtains are down. And the campaigning, elections and subsequent results – everything is done. It went on & on.

There were ten phases – from 07 April to 12 May, results came on 16 May. Overall average of the voter turnout was 66.5%. In some states like AP, Goa, West Bengal the voting percentage was in the range of 70 – 80 %!  (On a personal level, I voted – I do vote for all the elections.)

And so many things changed with those outstanding results. The myth that BJP will never be able to go beyond 272 is busted – once and for all!

Congress on its own could achieve only 44 – this is the first time that the ‘secular’ party was annihilated in such a fashion.

Agreed – there were so many factors at play to have such a mandate. If we keep aside all the statistics, and focus on the big picture – there is one conclusion – this nation is on the path of growth & development.

Old style politics of castes would not yield desired results. The results for Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Yadav is an indication – even in UP and Bihar (180 Constituencies), people yearn for peaceful development. And possibly BJP could utilize that feeling.

However the Congress and some sections of ‘intellectuals’ in India (they claim they know all the things under the sun), declared grandly that the win by BJP and rule be Modi government – is a catastrophe!!  And India will disintegrate shortly!!!

One of them – the great leader – Mr. Mani Shankar Iyer went to the extent of proclaiming that this win by BJP is the most dangerous thing for our beloved nation after the ‘two nation theory’ (Partition of 1947) by Mr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah.  (This subject is so hugely debatable – may be for another article on this site!)

I believe Congress is, either not yet recovered from the thrashing results or they are still under illusion of ‘we are born to rule India, forever’. But this nation is changing in every way.  

I think the most basic reason of this outcome in favor of BJP could be – Congress tried its best to paint this as ‘communal vs. secular’ fight and Mr. Modi, BJP and NDA, by and large, kept the focus on the ‘progress & development dream’. 

Another natural calamity – same sad story

So when you hear news of political leaders decamping from one party to another and there are many allegation and counter allegations, elections are just around the corner. And when it comes to the general elections in India, the mammoth proportions are so dominating; it outshines all other things of consequence.

May be that’s the reason why we don’t see and know of what is happening to overcome possibly the biggest agricultural disaster in recent times.

The hail-storm that devastated the farmers across the regions of Maharashtra, M P, and Karnataka is one of a kind. It is reported that the elders in the farming communities are terming this as the biggest disaster in last 100 years!

It started on Feb. 28 and till now there are reports of snowfall and hail-storm. The ice balls were as big size as apples. The conservative estimates of the material losses are to the tunes of Rs. 12000 crores, in Maharashtra alone.

Rabi crops of wheat, sorghum, and fruits – all are destroyed. Approximately 1000 parrots were killed, countless cows & buffaloes wounded in this natural fury. For farmers, this is sort of double blow – last year it was drought and now this thunderstorm.

On the relief & rescue front, god knows when will we have some real, fast, and tangible improvement?

The state bureaucracy is so ‘efficient’ – now the media found out and reported that the drought relief package of last year, has not reached to the actual beneficiary – the farmer, till now!

And now there is model code of conduct in place for the elections. So the ‘panchnama’ and survey of the loss cannot be carried out, because the ‘officers’ are busy on election duty. There is shortage of manpower. Unless that is done, the ‘magnitude’ cannot be assessed and ‘ascertained’!

And the relief and rescue operations will languish further.

Why can’t we make an exception to the model code of conduct? Why can’t we declare this as a national calamity? There is provision of IAS officers distributing the monetary help in the time-span of model code of conduct. Will the politicians ‘let go’ of this opportunity of ‘helping’ the farmers? 

Why can’t we have some mechanism based on scientific climatic studies to give warnings?  (This hail-storm started from Feb.28 and went on & on till 15-17 March covering different geographical regions. If there was some mechanism, it would have helped farmers in the later parts.) Why can’t all the powerful religious trusts open their money bags a little? (There are a few so rich, that they give ‘loan’ to governments.) Why there was not outpouring of real help like in the case of earthquakes, tsunami, and other such disasters?  

Has our society become so insensitive & ignorant, because it is related to farmers?  

So many questions. No real answers. And almost all the attention & efforts are on who is secular and who is communal. And who will be PM? I mean that is obviously important but what happened deserves more attention and actions!

Postscript: 37 farmers have committed suicide in last two weeks in Maharashtra. 

Referendum & governance may not be the sides of same coin

See, I don’t want to sound like a spoilsport, you know!

People of our great nation are thinking that there is something really revolutionary thing happening, now. And we are fortunate to witness it!

I am talking about the promise & the potential of the prospect of Aam Adami Party (AAP) winning many constituencies in elections 2013 and possibly be kingmaker (if not the king). Along with many regional players, you never know, they may well be in position to form the central government.

This might sound farfetched with a tinge of wishful thinking to some. But if you go by what popular media say; this could be the reality.

Now if we go to the most important issue of – governance – things are not up-to the mark. (My individual and humble opinion, I know, nobody cares.)

Look I also think positively about AAP, but when you get to know what they think about the national & most significant issues – it is slightly disgusting and worrisome.

The most important thing for a nation is – ‘internal & external security’. Sovereignty – territorial and otherwise – is the most basic thing to survive.

And if we hear clearly what certain founding member of AAP & lawyer Mr. Bhushan thinks, we need to think a little more seriously. His instant solution to almost anything is – referendum! So what is the solution to the most dangerous threat – the naxalists? Simple, take referendums – if the government wants to act on it – ask the tribals.

If there is any untoward incident escalating to war in J & K area – take referendum and study the mass opinion. Just think for a moment – if this eminent person does become defense minister, and there is war like situation (Pak & their most loyal friend China are doing so many things at the borders, already from last few years), will there be a referendum as to should we go to war? And who will send the vote – yes, no, may be (SMS!) – Our soldiers or the army, navy of air force?

AAP came to power in Delhi, with the help from referendum. I am not sure if all 100 % people of Delhi sent them a ‘yes’ SMS. However the fact remains, the very people they fought on the issue of corruption – the congress – AAP govt. is surviving on their support!!

Moreover what is the position and detailed vision of AAP on various issues – rural problems, the agriculture, transport, the atomic power, FDI, and the economy? That list is endless. We are not sure. (I understand – the AAP sympathizers will say they are so new, give them time. However it is still worrisome. They are giving ‘free’ things, ordered no FDI in Delhi. Their law minister has credibility issues. They have stopped Janata durbar.)   

Referendum, in itself is noble idea, but the judicious use is warranted. Real governance is far more complex.

And that too, governance of a continent size democracy, with the rural-urban divide, and the kind of diversities we have – it would require that kind of vision & stability. 

We, the people! And the susceptibility…

Do you encounter the feeling of vulnerability? Most common example being – loudest music during Ganeshostav. There is nothing you can do to stop it.

And there are many such instances where a powerful organization is involved. You cannot even say anything – leave alone any meaningful protest or any such thought, even!!

So how would you react if at around 12:45 – 1 AM in the night, somebody opts to set off firecrackers with loudest possible bang, for half an hour continuously – almost for a week in stretch?

That happened in our locality, recently. Reason – still unknown.

To the best of my knowledge – there was neither Diwali season nor any India cricket-win against Pakistan. I guess – it was just like that!! May be to have some fun!!! And disturb (in real sense) the others, the small kids sleeping peacefully, and disturb any nearby hospitals.

It was so pathetic and deeply distressing.

And nobody knows exactly who these guys are – who are so brazen to the point of being shameless and cruel.

One of my friends had mentioned something in one of the thought-provoking discussions – that is still fresh in my mind – he said there is steady increase in – ‘I-me-myself’ thing, and ‘who can stop me?’ culture – and lack of tolerance and broad-mindedness these days. In almost all spheres of life!

So we have books being banned, movies being stopped from release. There is this – relatively new phenomenon of ‘it hurts our feelings – we will do anything to stop it’. And there are organized efforts to behave as per their own thinking. So what happens when feelings of large common people are hurt?  

Many people just think of themselves and nothing else matters to them. Being compassionate is downgrade for them. Almost a sign of weakness!

This is sad reality of our society – that too, in one of the most progressive states – Maharashtra. 

I – common man and a ‘Puneri’ rickshawala…

I am no stranger to Pune, now living here for years together. This is nice place, for sure. Every city has special characteristics. The people, places, habits, climate, the food all add up to give a unique flavor.

One of the enduring surprises is the behavior of the auto-rickshaw drivers. Particularly in Pune! It never fails to catch you off the guard. And I have heard many stories of auto-rickshaw drivers, experienced a few quirks as well. I have heard some of them are highly educated. They are equally infamous & notorious, in few cases. They charge extra money and so on.

So the other day, I did some shopping on the famous Lakshmi Road, in central Pune. Then got on an auto-rickshaw to go back home.

And! The driver all of a sudden, out of the blue, started talking to me. It is quite normal, although I did not anticipate a lecture on spirituality!! It was a longish conversation – he went on & on. As it turned out it was more of a ‘pravachan’ – according to him – for me – a lowly common man.

He seemed a good chap. Like an elderly sadhu – all grown up hair & beard, and those clothes. I recalled he was reading a spiritual book, when idle, waiting for a passenger.

He began by saying that – we all are running. I wondered we were in auto-rickshaw – why would we run?!

Then he explained we are running towards our materialistic goals, to earn money, to earn all the luxuries. And this all is futile – we all will die one day. (Sure I agree to last sentence.) On the second thought I wondered if he was drunk & driving. But he looked sober.

He continued – we human beings, have ignored the presence of god in our lives. We ignored our duty to be spiritual and humble. He was talking endlessly.

I wasn't in the mood of talking – as it is I talk very less, by nature. Specifically at that point, I wasn't listening to him, was least bothered, and started ignoring. At least in the beginning!

However he kept going on his sermon. And he claimed that ‘I’ am not at a highly spiritual level, you know, to counter him or to interject even. It is still a mystery – how he concluded that I am very common man, with only money-oriented aspirations. (I remember – one of my best friends – who know me from last 20 years, had said famously that – I am like a fakir/sage – the monies, the extravagances, and the gold etc. are immaterial and irrelevant to me!)  

Even if I wanted to say anything, in this case, there was simply no way I would talk in between! He was speaking loud and clear – with a speed like that of Aranb Goswami.  

I was so flabbergasted.

I mean I know the word ‘Puneri’ has a unique meaning. You have to have opinion on almost everything under the sun and you have to put your point across, forcefully. Irrespective of your standing, your knowledge, education, manners, or income, you should opine & preach!   

It took almost 25 minutes to reach my home – got out of the auto-rickshaw & gave him the fare.

I don’t ever take things seriously – mainly what people think of me.

This was memorable, nonetheless!  

Redefining the ‘Juvenile’!

Sometimes the conditions are such that the very meaning of the labels & terms need a scrutiny. One such term doing the rounds currently is ‘juvenile’. 

The dictionary meaning of this word is ‘physiologically immature or undeveloped’. In legal parlance juvenile laws are – “An area of the law that deals with the actions and well-being of persons who are not yet adults.” 

However what happened in Dec. last year 2012 in the Delhi rape case was extremely horrific. Now the punishment of three years is awarded to one of accused, apparently a juvenile.

Now the question remains if that guy who brutally raped and tried to kill – is he a juvenile just because he is a few months short to complete – the legally adult age?

And there are so many rape cases in which the so called juveniles are actively involved. The latest incidence of gang rape in Mumbai and participation of another juvenile in the crime, throws light on the need to re-asses the meaning of the word if you consider the horrific crimes by these young ones.

And mind you it is not only the rape cases. The data from Maharashtra Government released recently tells a stark reality.

There are as many as 893 rape cases in last ten years in the state. In last one year, there are 90 rape cases, 117 filed cases of murders and 128 attempts to murder by young children!

If the prosecution & punishment is considered the facts tell a deplorable story. Depending on the nature of crime 14 % are let off after warnings. 15% of the offenders are sent to remand home for improvement. And a high number of 32% are let off if their parents take surety of good behavior.

However taking in to account the kind of criminal offences like a ruthless rape warrants a re-look at what is really the meaning of ‘juvenile’. The existing laws or the laws that are eternally in the making should be made ‘faster to execute and extremely stringent’. 

Then only there would be some deterrent.

P. S. Going by the current definition of juvenile – aren't the recent cases of the young boys getting injured in the Janmashtami/ Dahihandi in Maharashtra – the cases of child labor?

      

Natural calamity & shameless politicians

I think India is one of the very few countries, where there are several authorities and machinery for disaster management but on the ground when it comes to actual relief work – they tend to result so ineffective – almost in a big zero!

This is never exemplified well than what is currently going on in Uttarakhand.

Agreed – you cannot preempt the natural calamity; honorable finance minister even went on to intellectualize the debate with this ‘we can’t prevent’ line. Never mind it sounded more like an excuse.    

However what is of critical importance is the rescue and relief.

And in this we falter and then there is always the saving grace in form of our relentless army and military jawans. Salute these guys!

What is so poor in taste and extremely misplaced is the politics over rescue operations and the dead bodies of thousands of visitors to the Char Dham.

Almost all the parties are behaving in worst and inhuman manner. First there was inordinate delay to even start the relief work. And then there was show of partisan policies on who is in rescue operations and who should stay away from that state. It is so very disgusting. 

I guess there is no value of human life for these politicians. I haven’t seen such a poor show outside India in other countries when there is a natural disaster. 

In other countries, there is always a sense of unity to fight the situation with the high level gadgets, use of technology and most prominently – quick response time.   

Let’s not even get into the reasons of why this happened. There is such a mismatch and imbalance between the eco-sensitivity versus notions of so called development in the hill state or indeed all over the country. 

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has sheepishly admitted that much of the massive destruction was man-made.

According to the media reports India will initiate the inundation mapping of the flood-prone areas but the exercise will be complete by 2022! The existence of such a convention could have alleviated the degree of the Uttarakhand disaster.

Mind you this is one of the worst ever floods. And there were almost 100000 people on the pilgrimage. Thousands are dead. There are thousands still stranded. And there are again instances of heavy rainfall and landslide.        

We and Jan gan man…

So how do you show-off your patriotism? Do you think that you have to express that openly all the time, especially when you are at a public place?

I want and look forward to watch movies (English, Marathi, and Hindi – in that order) and I go to the theaters and the multiplexes. (Almost every week!)

And somehow I am biased to like the single screens more than the small halls in the multiplexes. Actually, I go to the convenient and closer-located place irrespective of the price of ticket.

Some of my friends think it is waste of money if the same movie going experience, you can avail at rs. 180-160 rather than rs. 300. But I feel this is very subjective. This is individual choice, for a person like me; I always prefer the movies on the big screen in cinema halls.  

OK, the piece goes something like the following.  

So I went to this famous multiplex, got the tickets and went inside to watch a movie. And there is this unwritten rule, in this part of India (may be everywhere) – there is Jan gan man… our national anthem before the reels of the movie start rolling.

That went fine and there was this scream of Bharat mata ki….jay! - you know that well known enthusiasm.

Now in the process, I did not really sing the anthem, although my friends and others were quite on the mark and they obediently followed the chorus.

And suddenly then there were some heated discussions, the movie credits and names still progressing.

My friends alleged I am not loyal enough to my nation – Hindustan. And I need lessons in expressing my patriotism!

Reason? I did not sing with them!! I just could not fathom for a minute. How am I less ‘Indian’? Just because I did not sing Jan gan man, in a cinema hall, am I traitor?!!?

After that the movie started and the topic was put on hold. And then we saw the movie and enjoyed.

But as usual my mind started piecing together the thoughts on the discussion that we had.   

Conclusion is - I feel that it is OK, if you don’t express love for your nation clearly, only for few minutes on one fine day, in a movie hall.

Doing your job good and behaving like a true educated and rational citizen is enough.

It is what you are 24*7 and 365 days a year!

And honestly, I don’t need a certificate on my being a ‘Hindustani’. 

I – the citizen & they – Govt. Offices

So you think government offices are efficiently run, now,in 2013? And they are financially viable? Think again.

I mean I always expected that the interactions would almost always be annoying and irritable. And certainly this was no imagination at its weirdest best.

But when it happened, I was flabbergasted, nonetheless.    

I had a first-hand experience.

Story goes like this. I, being a lazy chap that am, suddenly realized that after marriage of almost seven years, I don’t have a marriage certificate! (Let me be very clear, here, I admit this is my blunder. I should have gone for the certification earlier.)  

And there I go to local municipal office for procuring one.

First and foremost, I am told that ‘the file needs to be complete with the application’.

And to do so, you need almost 20 different documents certifying your very existence and the veracity of your marriage.            

They also wanted ID and address proofs of pundit, who read the mantras for the wedding!

Now all this was unexpected to say the least.

Somehow I compiled all the documents! I still enjoy that feeling of almost an achievement in itself!

I went back, only to find that particular lady officer was not there in the municipal office. Then I went again, went four times.

So I inquired if she was on leave, of some kind. I was told that, no leave – she along with her colleagues were on ‘mission recovery’ of the different taxes – usual stuff like – municipal taxes of your house, drinking water and other utilities.

It was because there were many defaulters, great Indian citizen who did not pay. And these taxes were an important source of income for municipal offices.         

So it was left to all the employees to go and barge the houses of non-payers.  

Why were they keen to recover all the monies? Because the recovery formed a substantial part of their own, incomes – the salaries! And the income of the municipal office.

Finally I could ‘submit’ the ‘completed’ file and will shortly receive the certificate.

However, going by the way these offices function, I just felt – it is amazing, how our institutions survive!