WOMEN OF MUMBAI AND DELHI – A STUDY IN CONTRAST

“Delhi-1981”- a short-story penned by a Delhi-based Malayalee writer M.Mukundan was a mirror to the moral bankruptcy and cynicism pervading the city of Delhi in the 1980s.

The story revolves around a lady chased and brutally raped by two anti-social youth in broad daylight while she along with her husband and kid was crossing a stadium. The narrative in the form of an eye-witness account of two friends who while looking through the window of their flat coming across the young lady, her husband with their kid, walking along under scorching Sun being spotted by two thugs notorious in the locality watching the pretty young woman with hungry beastly eyes and their movements to trap her and rape her without an iota of moral prick.

The youth who along with his friend giving the eye-witness account of the whole incident with much sense of humour and excitement like a cricket fan watching the same or like a soccer fan watching the game with bated breath, were true representatives of the youth of the entire society of Delhi. The callous indifference and cynicism they displayed were unpardonable.

The story brought Mukundan widespread acclaim and it was a turning point in his literary career. Till then he was caught in the labyrinth of existential agony, identity crisis, meaninglessness and absurdity of life typical of most writers of 1970s. The decision to choose a different path by holding a mirror to the decaying society with a sense of black humour was equally lauded and criticized by readers and critics.

One of the reasons why he trod the path of existential agony and identity crisis must have been the result of his prolonged stay in Delhi and also his job at French Embassy in Delhi. Gradually he became part of Delhi and if Jean Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Simon De Bouviour and Kafka came to be his favourites, nobody can’t blame him.

This is not about Mukundan and his literary career.

I began the ‘story’ from “Delhi-1981” solely on account of its relevance to contemporary Delhi.

Mumbai and Delhi, two metropolitan cities. One the commercial capital of India and the other the “power” capital of India where our responsible rulers are well-entrenched.

I have been to both Mumbai and Delhi. I was in Mumbai for nearly five years but fortunately or unfortunately couldn’t continue there for that much period. Delhi being our Capital I am always a keen observer of the day to day goings on there.

While I was there I was staying in a flat at Mayur Vihar where my friend and family- his wife and kid were staying. While talking about Delhi naturally we touched upon many aspects of Delhi and being aware of the notoriety of Delhi on the aspect of the sense of insecurity among the women of Delhi.

“Women’s security is still a problem in Delhi, no?”
“Certainly. It was the situation for years. What I can’t understand is it all happens under the very nose of our ruling elite. I don’t know whether such a pathetic state is prevailing in any other capital in the world. In the largest democracy in the world it is something appalling... that there is no well-oiled law and order machinery to tackle this menace haunting us for the past three or four decades. Shame!”- rage was welling within him. And it was infectious also as I was also raging with anger and frustration, though I had not intended to be in Delhi for a long period.

Why is it so? Why can’t the rulers find a remedy? Without adhering to range of the moment decisions why can’t they prepare a long-term remedy?

During my five years of stay in Mumbai I couldn’t notice or read about a single story of molestation, rape or something such untoward happen in Mumbai. Mumbai is renowned for its respect and generosity towards women. I could witness several instances of men waking up from their seats even in a crowded local train making way for a woman to sit and the former in the process suffering inconvenience while commuting long distances.

It doesn’t mean everything is hunky-dory in Mumbai. Unregulated free-market and neo-liberal economic policies ‘did’ much harm than good to the masses as a whole especially women folks. The penchant to see woman as ‘goods to be traded in market’ grew up menacingly. One of the glaring defects of unregulated capitalism is erosion of values and moral bankruptcy leading to subservience of human beings especially women. If globalization has merits one will have to accept the fact it has its demerits also.

The aforesaid reasons must have been the reasons for attempted cases of molestation- a foreign woman tourist had to undergo at the hands of a mob of unruly elements on the eve of a Newyear day two-three years ago. At Marine Drive, in South Mumbai, a police-man – the law enforcer turning law-breaker - also made a vain attempt to molest and rape a teenager and for the beastly crime, he had to face the music. The women of entire Mumbai rose in revolt demanding nothing short of hanging to be awarded to the police-man. That much power they had and equal support in equal measure they got from the opposite gender for their cause in Mumbai. Now compare the powerful women of Mumbai and the hapless women of Delhi.

Let us pay tributes to the budding journalist Soumya Viswanathan of Headlines Today and a number of faceless, hapless women residing at various corners of NewDelhi falling victims on a daily basis to the lust of faceless thugs.

Twenty eight years have passed by since Mukundan penned the harrowing story “Delhi-1981” and it is frightening to note here that the number of women falling preys to the lustful creatures are increasing on a rampant scale. The recent incidences of suspected rapes in Mumbai cannot be tagged with horrendous rapes carried on by the thugs in the National Capital.

HUMAN BEING – A BUNDLE OF CONTRADICTION

Most of us, human beings, are bundles of contradictions. The so-called God-men/God-women are no exceptions. Only ‘innocent’ kids can be excluded from the afore-said category but I am afraid even kids sometimes play mischiefs by creating a fuzz if they feel like getting little attention from those closest to them. But I don’t dare to include them under those coming under the list of ‘contradictions’.

It is often said: Human beings seldom change.

Now let us once again discuss the case of the so-called God-men/God-women – the ‘enlightened’ lot. They claim to have or are supposed to have undergone prolonged and ardous years of meditation for obtaining direct communication with God Almighty. A man or woman is supposed to have shed all egos before attaining celestial blessings. Now let us study our contemporary God-men/God-women and the king-size egos they still carry with them. A person as per the ancient teaching- must come out of all worldly desires- renunciation is the apt word – to reach the path of enlightenment. How many such blessed ones are there in our society? (Here I don’t want to keep a studied silence about a handful who after renouncing all their worldly possessions and keeping away from all the hustle and bustle of a world outside fully immersed in their meditation for years in caves along the foot-hills of Himalayas. Here also I have my own reservations.) The blessed ones who are getting along with us enjoying all the worldly pleasures and simultaneously preaching selflessness and altruism by all are innumerable. Their unending thirst for more and more wealth and more and more recognition and reputation by all and sundry are notorious. And the number of those who go to the extent of exploiting the gullible in our society materially and physically are also numerous. Instances of swindling and sexual abuse on a large scale abound in our society.These kinds of exploitation know no boundaries and are prevalent in the society irrespective of religion, be it Hindu, Islam, Christianity or for that matter any religion the case is the same.

While pondering over these blessed beings if I am forced to think about ourselves it is not much of a surprise because we do not have any hallucinations and we don’t claim to have come out attaining that ‘supreme state’. Thank God. And hence I don’t find it proper to cast aspersions on our local money lender Achamma.

It was in 1988 that we came to this part of Palkulam after purchasing a ready-built building along with 10 cents of land. We- my wife, two children and I – a nuclear family found it quite unbearable to get acquainted with the kind of ‘grave-yard’ silence which infact bored us to death as we were part of a city for a prolonged period. Achamma, whom I fondly called Achammal occasionally, was our nearest neighbour. She was in her forty’s then, her husband Varkey whom we affectionately called Varkey Chettan and their one and only daughter Gracy who was in her 20’s were the inmates of their abode- a medium-sized, tile-roofed house. Varkey Chettan was a bulky figure , medium height, a baldie and also with a bushy moustache, was rarely seen in their house and its premises. He was literally a hen-pecked husband and naturally was always hesitant and afraid to cross swords with his wife. Achamma reigned supreme in the house like an over bearing Queen bringing the father and daughter to their toes. Whenever Varkey Chettan played truant to get a day off from duty, Achammal would appear before him in her true colours and would order him to get ready and report for duty without wasting time. Varkey Chettan was left with no other option except to obey his better-half fearing the consequences. Achamma would occasionally rang up the company whether Varkey Chettan was present.

“He is such a lazy man. You know these days how much difficult to get a job even for those who are well educated. He with his Seventh Class failed certificate has got the job of a driver all because of the blessings of Jesus Christ”- Achamma looking up above as if she was seeing Jesus there would tell my wife about her husband’s proverbial laziness and apathy. My wife might have been enjoying Achammal’s words. She might have had an itch to tell Achammal about her own plight and the hullaballo she created on certain occasions she faced with on account of her husband(myself).

Varkey Chettan would wake up or Achamma would wake him up from his slumber early in the morning. After finishing his daily routine and all remaining activities he would step out of his house to the village slowly, the village gradually unveiling the blanket of darkness, would walk down the tarred street without paying heed to the music of the chirping crickets, gritting teeth, angry with himself and all around him to the bus-stop about two furlongs from the house.

At about 10AM, Gracy Kutty- their one and only daughter- would proceed to her tailoring class and Achammal would be free.

She in her usual dress- a bulky, short-statured brown figure in her cheap saree and tight blouse would move out of the house after locking the door, occasionally come to our house or to some other distant houses she had contacts - almost all of them- connected with her a she was their local-money lender. All of them must have been nursing bitter feelings towards her as she had no compunction in charging cut-throat interests from each of them, quite similar to our feelings. Though our nearest neighbour there was no leniency towards us also in extracting maximum amount slapping exorbitant rates. But all paid her respect and gratitude while nursing curses and hatred hidden in their inner hearts, on meeting her typical of human nature.

No amount of flattery or accolades were sufficient to get a mercy approach from her. She meant business.

Like most of the Christian families in Palkulam, she was also God-fearing and with all deserving dedication (?) and piety attended Holy Communion on every Sunday in the nearest Church along with Varkey Chettan and Gracy Kutty.

During bed time we could overhear her prayers with her family before Jesus Christ every day.
“Our father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven,
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil;
For thine is the kingdom and the power,
And the glory forever, Aamen.”

On hearing her prayers I would shiver with anger and would think about the hollow, empty words she was mouthing before the crucified Christ by rote.

“Bitch, extracting this much from all in the locality, she prays for blessings and salvation by Jesus. What an irony” – whenever I overheard her I used to get angry and would utter choice epithets certainly with utmost caution.

Then as usual, feeling satisfied I would slump into my bed and it was my turn for the day’s communication with God Almighty.
“Krishna, Guruvayoorappa……”

15th Loksabha Elections And After – Churning Process In Full Swing

The churning process had already begun. Now it is in full swing. It is expected to go on atleast for three to six months.

The process began soon after the election results were completed. The Grand Old Party (GoP), Indian National Congress is sitting pretty in the saddle and hence is in a jubilant mood. Whether this jubilant mood turns out to be a complacent one- we have to wait and see.

It is quite natural. The parties which emerge with flying colours do not have the need to worry about where the whole strategy went wrong and why? As a party which has been chosen by the electorate with a mandate to deliver needs to ponder over its responsibilities to the masses who voted them to power and also chalk out a future course of action. Any party which goes against its promises to the masses after tasting victory will have to pay dearly in the next round. As somebody put it, electorate have long memories.

We were talking about- churning taking place among the badly mauled or defeated lot- here the parties mainly the so-called national parties and also a few regional entities- still licking their wounds. The edifice of tall claims seen crushing down before the very eyes of its tall leaders was witnessed by all and it naturally resulted in throwing dirt among themselves has come out into the open. The last one or two weeks the murky state of affairs, going on in the BJP (Bharathiya Janata Party)- the party with a difference- happened before the full glare of the media and even the common man. The shocking defeat at the hands of the electorate, upsetting all calculations of its leaders from the top rung down to the lowest rung- witnessed the violent shaking of the party. The party’s newly elected deputy leader in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj admitted before the media the pathetic state of the party saying it was like a volcano about to be erupted anytime. First came the bombshell of Yashwant Sinha, Party’s Vice-President, in the form of a resignation letter from all the responsible positions in the party owning up responsibility for the shocking defeat of the party at the hustings while retaining the primary membership. He didn’t even forget to request his colleagues in the party to follow suit owning up the responsibility, paving the way for a total overhaul. While writing this a resignation spree- one after another- is going on.

The one sitting at the top- a totally desperate man, who in his eighties with all his dreams of occupying the Prime Ministership getting shattered is groping in the dark to rescue the party from infighting and also to restore its old glory. But if his body language is an indication, I don’t think he is that confident now, unlike his glorious days, then fondly addressed by his followers as the ‘Loh Purush’ (Iron Man).

Power is a great cementing force. If the result that came out was different the whole story would also have been different. With Advani still remaining the ‘Loh Purush’ (Iron Man), the second rung leaders who have now risen in revolt against him with each with his/her own agenda would have toed his line even without a whisper. Same is the case with all the parties whether national or regional.

Now let us discuss about the most prominent Leftist party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the drubbing it suffered in the 15th Lok Sabha elections. In the case of CPI (M) also- which suffered shocking defeats in its citadels –West Bengal and Kerala- the search for villain is in full swing with one faction turning against another, eager to put blame on each other, the party’s Polit bureau has intervened to bring the feuding cadres toe its line. As is the characteristic of a cadre party particularly a communist party introspection and self-criticism ‘may’ help it to oversome its ‘inertia’. The forcible evacuation of farmers from Singur without even consulting among its constituent parties and the decision to allot the land to Tatas’ for the manufacturing of ‘Nano’ cars and similar incident in Nandigram, there to allot land for a multinational to erect its chemical hub. The ruling CPI(M) of West Bengal under Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee by adopting an inhuman pro-capitalist attitude was infact caring two hoots for the voices of protest and agony of the poor farmers who were instrumental in catapulting the CPI(M) to power from the very early days. Mamata Banerji, leader of Trinamool Congress cleverly cashed in on their hapless state converted their grievances into votes and cornered as many seats as possible along with the Congress. The intelligentsia of West Bengal, writers, artists, film-celebrities, who were steadfast in their allegiance to communists once, on witnessing the arrogant approach of the Leftist Govt. turned against them and sided with Mamata.

The intellectuals were not against the communist ideals. It was their ire against the inhuman pro-capitalist approach of the communists. The Leftists’ 32 years of monopoly suffered a near crushing blow in the 15th Lok Sabha Elections and if this trend is to be reversed- introspection and self-criticism are the way out. Then only a possibility of another consecutive term in the saddle be expected. This pro-capitalist approach is in some way responsible for the unprecedented clashes raging in the entire Lalgarh area which is virtually under the occupation of Maosits and the fight to regain Lalgarh is now going on with much bloodshed.

In the Southern State of Kerala also – Marxists solely due to its State leadership’s irresponsible policies suffered a mortal blow at the hustings. The infighting raging within the party for the last one decade and more, opportunistic alliances with communal parties and the leadership’s big brother approach to its smaller constituents and a host of other factors like SNC Lavlin contributed a lot to the defeat at the hustings. The Polit bureau is grappling with this matter also and one is at a loss to know whether any lasting solution is possible except for a patch-up. If the latter turns out to be a solution, Party’s prospects will be bleak in future also.

Here I recall my early days in my native village when Communist party and its popular base was at its peak. Atleast once in a month, long processions of red volunteers and the followers, majority of them poor and illiterate shouting slogans to the peak of their voices, raising their fists in the air marching all the way to the nearby town, about 3 to 4 miles away from the village to see and hear their beloved leaders, Comrades P Krishna Pillai, AKG, EMS, Rajeshwar Rao and such prominent comrades of the party. They would patiently occupy places in the sprawling stadium and listen to their leaders’ speeches till late in the night with bated breath, full of excitement and would return to their abodes in their villages.

Today there are no such processions. Only a handful to undertake processions or marches, that also once in a year. Such sincere and dedicated leaders also very rare. I don’t know whether any introspection or retrospection is taking place among its new generation leaders. I am afraid, new generation leaders have lost touch with the poor at grass-roots level unlike the old generation comrades. Only one truth still haunts us, the poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy and exploitation still reign supreme in our Incredible Nation.

NB: In the smaller parties also the churning process is going on. So is infighting. Such news have no such ‘nuisance’ value or ‘news-value’. Hence they rarely reach our ears, occasionally one or two. Like the one in Telangana Rashtra Samiti. A rebel faction has split the party and has formed Telangana Vimochana Samiti. Owning up the responsibility for the defeat Chandrashekara Rao has quit the leadership as per the direction of the rebel faction. A perfect ‘gentle man’! A leader of principles, really!

FOUR NATIONS : FOUR PROBLEMS

Iran – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedi Nejad has flashed the ‘V’ (Victory) sign once again. His immediate rival Mir Hossein Mousavi has not conceded defeat. He had once held the PrimeMinistership of Iran, was widely acclaimed as one of the best Prime Ministers and is renowned for his pro-reform agenda. Predictions from almost all quarters especially the Western media had pointed to the near probability of his victory at the hustings this time. All calculations have gone, Ahmedi Nejad, known for his conservative policies and aversion to Western nations and their policies has won the elections with an overwhelming majority. An unprecedented 85% of the electorate chose to exercise its franchise and the incumbent President has come home with 63% in his favour. His rival Mir Hossein Mousavi has alleged foul play and has vowed to fight it out. He had already taken for granted as the incoming President of Iran. Millions who flooded during his election campaign chanted slogans in his favour. Even the media reported with guarded optimism, his possible victory at the hustings. There were reports about the growing unpopularity of Ahmedi Nejad on account of some of his policies especially on the economic front. Inflation is running at 30% and it was attributed to his wrong policies. He was popular among the poor for his pro-poor policies like micro-credit, “justice shares” and for widening the health-care project to poor sections in the society. They must have overwhelmingly voted for him and must have been a plausible reason for his victory.

Be that as it may, sporadic riots have broken out in the streets of Iran against the alleged massive rigging of the polls. Going by the precedence, Iranian authorities known for their zero tolerance towards uprising against the regime fill are likely to crush the violent protests with all their might.

Whether rigging and foul-play took place as alleged by the defeated rival a possible recount is unlikely to ensue that also going by the precedence.
Contrary to all calculations Iran’s Supreme Leader Aytollah Ali Khamenei has asked the Guardian Council to look into the complaint lodged by Mir Hossein Mousavi, on the alleged foul play by the incumbent government of President Ahmedi Nejad on a massive scale. News of riots emanating on the streets of Iran resulting in seven deaths by Mousavi’s supporters is reported from Iran. Whether the government is going to crush the riots with a heavy hand is going to be seen.

North Korea – Communists were revered or denounced for their revolutionary ideas by different nations across the World. Now more than reverence, denouncement reigns supreme. A country once known for its pro-poor, pro-labour policies which always strove for an egalitarian society North Korea has gone down in the eyes of the World as a threat due to its nuclear ambitions. While its neighbour South Korea which nurtures no nuclear ambitions and always aspires for the overall development and prosperity of its citizens has gone far beyond the poor state of affairs prevailing in its neighbouring country. With reports of large-scale poverty and undernourishment from North Korea, comes the painful reports of building nuclear weapons defying the appeals of many nations. Even its big-brother and well-wisher, People’s Republic of China’s advices are not taken into account by North Korean leaders. Its decision to go on with its nuclear ambitions while the country is in the grip of poverty and impoverishment smacks audacity and belligerence. A conclusion to the effect that North Korean leaders are caught in a time warp is something painful to the peace-loving nations. Actually what its leaders are driving home is anybody’s guess. I recall the face of a journalist who angrily termed it a Jurrasic Park.

Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka after long years of turmoil is practically calmful now. LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam) virtually held Sri Lanka to ransom demanding a separate homeland for Tamils in the island country. The hardcore LLTE leaders under Velupillai Prabhakaran never went for peaceful negotiations across the table with the government in the presence of mediators. After incessant persuasions by the Norwegian mediators they agreed for talks with the government and a CFA (Cease Fire Agreement) was reached in 2002 during the regime of Ranil Vikramsinghe. But it was short-lived. Behind the facade of CFA, Tamil Militants were preparing for violent show-down mobilizing cadres and lethal weapons against the government.

Behind every CFA with the government there was always an element of treachery on the part of LTTE. If its leaders were agreeable to a settlement for a peaceful solution – devolution of powers under a federal set-up – large-scale violence leading to the deaths of thousands of innocent victims and leaders could have been avoided. Velupillai Prabhakaran’s machinations boomeranged on him in the end and the LTTE ended in shambles.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has an ardous task to fulfill such as providing innocent civilians with land, livelihood, peace and all kinds of infrastructure development. The innocent civilians might be expecting peace of mind atleast after years of terror threats,displacement and turbulence.

Pakistan – With the active support of USA, Pakistan is locked in pitch battles against the militant Taliban elements in Swat and neighbouring districts. The horrible and shocking scenes of brothers fighting brothers with all the inherent cruelties happening in the neighbouring country is not at all a happy news to India. India always wants Pakistan to be a strong and peaceful nation and going by the events always on a daily basis it looks improbable in the near future. While the fighting rages with large-scale casualties on each side along the North-West Frontier Province, Talibani militants holed up in the provinces inside the nation go on wreaking their vengeance by readying suicide bombers to strike as they please.

Once, to settle scores with Afghanistan, its neighbouring country it was Pakistanis who went on striking spree against the former. Now with the active connivance of Al-Quaida, these elements under the garb of Pakistani Taliban have turned against its own creators to capture power and to let loose a reign of terror by adopting Shariat laws. A peace-loving Pakistani is always averse to such a cruel set up fearing the most inhuman kind of justice and its application.

Will Pakistan continue to be an epicentre of terror? If so, the consequences are unimaginable. All factors depend on the mindset of its democratic rulers.

MADHAVIKUTTY,KAMALADAS,KAMALA SURAIYYA – QUEEN OF LETTERS

She was a star beyond my reach,
So near, she seemed to me
I raised my hand to touch her,
She always remained elusive
But I know,
I know,
in the vast expanse of time a moment will come,
my dream will come true.
The uncertainty,
both tormenting and exciting,
like the game of glorious uncertainties…
Sometimes I hate it;
And at times I love it.
After all, what is life without this uncertainty.

Recently an internationally acclaimed literary figure bid farewell to us. She is a Keralite and our immense pride. A fountain of immense creativity, affection and also eccentricities.

Her seventy five years of existence was quite fabulous. She was a bundle of contradictions. Through her writings- short stories, poems, autobiography and novels, she could invite many admirers, critics and enemies. Her eccentricities often landed her in the midst of controversies. Her way of sending shockwaves down the spines of elite was unparalleled. The so-called champions of a bygone era, the archaic traditions, values, ethics and morals shivered with impotent rage, took up cudgels against her on behalf of the society against her. But she was not to be taken aback, crossed swords with them single-handedly, thus razed to the ground centuries of hitherto unquestioned beliefs held sacred by the male-chauvinists of a hated generation. The last remnants are still here but her single-handed fight paved the way for many in her line to take up the thread left behind by her.

This is not at all intended to make a critical study of her invaluable writings, I am aware, I am not at all fit to be a critic of her writings and I also know there are umpteen critics of calibre in Malayalam and other languages to evaluate her writings.

I was only an admirer of her writings and at times a critic.

I preferred to be an observer and still continue to be a observer.

I know while she was in Mumbai, she was there with her family. And I knew she had a wide friends’ circle. A few of them I knew in person but most of them I had not even heard of, didn’t cherish even a spark of hope in my heart to meet her because I was aware such desire would prove to be immaterial. But I knew her through her stories and poems and autobiography which created uproar in the society as a whole. To have an emotional rapport with a loved one you need not meet her/him in person. A colleague, who at that time, lived in her vicinity, once spoke to me about the then queen of Malayalam short story and English poems, and the way she led the life of a Queen on the banks of the occasionally calm but often turbulent sea with her beloved ones. But my colleague was not at all aware of the turbulent sea raging in the inner chambers of the Queen’s heart. Her neighbour - my colleague- mistook her as leading a life of grandeur with all pomp and pageantry in an ambience of serenity and inner calm. My colleague was and still is leading a life away from the men/women of letters, memories, imagination- the abode of a restless world. “A blessed one” in a sense.

After a few years in Mumbai, Queen of letters shifted residence to the capital of her native State, Kerala, with her life-partner. Writing was something inseparable to her, quite natural, continued to pen down her emotions both in Malayalam and English and alongwith it made admirers, detractors and a whole lot of controversies. Inviting controversies was something of a mania to her, thus inflaming the passions of a vast lot. A girl, a lady, an old woman- in all her incarnations she craved for love and affection from the society and was depressed whenever it was not forthcoming and complained to all her friends about the wretched society. The same person could not sit idle fearing the wrath of the establishment. So, no dearth of brick-bats from outside either.

While she was at Trivandrum, I was in Kerala after a brief stint in Mumbai. I had been to Trivandrum several times- by God, I couldn’t even dream about meeting her- for me she was a star beyond my reach. Though a writer in my own way I have no hesitation in disclosing before the world of men of letters, still I stand as an alien. I am not much personally acquainted with the established writers of our times, with no complaint I will continue to write in my own right, not to be taken in by the callous indifference of a senseless society. That indifference has not at all diminished my appreciation towards the writers whom I love and respect, once worshipped.

When I came to know of her decision to contest the electoral battle from Trivandrum to Loksabha, it was a news story something amusing to me. But the amount of appreciation I felt towards her still lingers in my mind. The determination and courage to tread a hitherto untrodden path facing the hostilities of a vast majority in the society with the support of only a minority.

Still she continued with her writings- it was the only elixir , safety-valve for her to escape from madness.

As the enmity towards her mounted from all directions she searched for an escape route, and found refuge at Ernakulam, my home district. As her acquaintance with the life in the district grew day by day, her new found friend-circle also got wider and wider. The controversies so characteristic of her writings and deeds opened a can of worms and adding fuel to fire she might have thought atleast for a moment besides various reasons, to send shockwaves through the society by embracing Islam religion and the declaration to get married again in the twilight of her life. Infact she was celebrating her right to exercise her freedom in the face of all hostilities

I couldn’t summon courage to meet her in person even while she was very much in my home-district. The only satisfaction being a complimentary copy of my first collection of short stories addressing Amy having sent to her, with prayers in my heart. No reply, no appreciation, no admonitions. And on my part no complaint also. After all what is the meaning of Amy in Bengali?

Still the place she occupied in my heart will be there unmoved and unhurt always. My kind of young and old writers must also have some satisfaction. So we go on with our mission.

PS : Within no time after her leaving this world I was amused and appalled at the shedding of tears by some of the established writers who were so attached to her till she breathed her last, writing with astonishing craftsmanship, aesthetic sense and clarity the moments each of them shared with her. Is this possible for everybody to scribble beautifully and with poise nearing perfection. Wonderful!

ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS: WE NEED ACTION, NOT PLATITUDES

World Environment Day was celebrated with much fanfare across the Globe on June 5. Though the awareness of reducing carbon emissions and pollutions of all sorts is spreading among the elite as well as the poor, the grim need for collective action is still to gain momentum among each of us. Ecological plunder, pumping of poisonous effluents into rivers by factories regardless of the dire consequences to the humanity in the long run in the form of diseases such as Cholera, diahorrea, skin diseases, water scarcity, shortage of potable drinking water, rising sea-levels as a result of global warming are staring at our faces like monsters.

Much has been written about this curse for which we are to blame ourselves only and the remedy has to be taken by ourselves, otherwise the worst sufferers will be the present generation and coming generation. Nations, among developed as well as developing nations who were very reluctant or averse to listening to the valuable and timely alarming signals conveyed by the wise a few years ago have shown the willingness and enthusiasm to come round to the point of views, the most important being USA, one of the most developed nations, incidentally the worst emitter of carbon emissions didn’t care to sign the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 signed at Tokyo, Japan by refusing to be a non-signatory. Anyhow, belated enlightenment dawned upon it later and now under the regime of a new President has decided to co-operate with the next summit to be held at Copenhagen, the Danish capital, a few months from now. So far so good.

True, the environment protection is the responsibility of each of us. Each has to contribute his/her own might to the same. But how many of us care much for this? The answer is a cold “only a miniscule”.

On June 5, the day we are celebrating as World Environment Day, we could read about and watch the enthusiasm displayed by our citizens- men, women and students- throughout Kerala, throughout India, throughout our world. The planting of saplings with beaming smiles by students, environment activists, seminars organized by NGOs, government agencies and a whole lot of prominent agencies and political leaders across the spectrum vying with each other for grabbing attention of the media were watched by all of us in the visual media. What we couldn’t and didn’t notice were the simultaneous felling of trees and its stealth transportation by lorries to unknown places by forest brigands and such reckless anti-social elements. Same was the case with carbon emissions. There were no dearth of vehicles plying along the pot-holed streets of our cities emitting poisonous carbon-monoxide emissions adding to the number of patients with respiratory disorders. The pumping of poisonous effluents by factories down the rivers continued as usual.

Due to the pathetic infrastructure development our roads and transport and subsequently the travel facilities, life in cities and rural areas reminds us of a bygone era. Narrow pot-holed roads, a booming population, similarly a booming real-estate and the number of vehicles plying through our roads emitting effusions most often resulting in traffic-jams – our journey through a city is something of a nightmare (Imagine the plight of vehicles and travellers caught in the traffic-jam under scorching sun for long duration in a city!). Even lack of parking spaces create much of a hell to travellers.

Though the blame for the pathetic state of our streets and lack of parking spaces are attributed to the apathy of the authorities, the latter always make it sure to charge parking-fee, sometimes even penalties for not parking at the specified space (Where?) from the travellers. If these charges are extracted after taking care of the minimum necessities of the citizens it is worth charging the required fee. It may atleast sound plausible. As long as such facilities are non-existent or namesake what is the logic behind charging those who sweat it out through the dilapidated streets.

June 5s will come and go. So will come World Environment Day celebrations. Planting of saplings under the glaring eyes of TV cameras amid much fanfare will continue as usual. So will the wanton felling of trees. Seminars and some measures to reduce carbon emissions will be organized. So will the number of vehicles emitting poisonous emissions multiply. The streets will remain to be pot-holed and dilapidated.

Platitudes abound. But no positive action. One hand which gives doesn’t know, what the other hand takes.
However, waiting to see light at the end of the tunnel is human nature- HOPE.

THE FRANKENSTEIN’S MONSTER AND THE STORY OF A TRAVEL ADVISORY

USA’s travel advisory to its citizens to be most vigilant while travelling to/across India as a terrorist strike is imminent at any place across the nation is laughable, to say the least. We are at a loss to know from where this ‘sudden enlightenment’ came from.

It seems the self-proclaimed Super Power nurses paranoid delusions since 9/11. Even after passage of more than seven years, these delusions persist in the American psyche. While other nations fell victims to occasional terrorist threats and attacks, USA remained pretty comfortable caring two hoots to the painful state of other nations after falling victims to terror attacks. Its complacency was so strong that it was impervious or immune from such horrendous crimes committed by religious fanatics across the world.

And USA’s role in nurturing the lunatics was condemned by many nations and those condemnations were never attended to by the successive governments of America.

USA is now engaged in an hot pursuit of Taliban and Al-Quaida elements engaged in fierce battle against the Army of Hamid Karzai regime who is presently the head of Afghanistan, ruling ofcourse with the whole-hearted support of USA. It is somewhat amusing to note here that the Taliban elements and also the Al-Quaida militants led by World’s most wanted terrorist Osama Bin Laden were provided with money power and logistical support to fight against the erstwhile Soviet Union to drive them away from Afghanistan. The Frankenstein’s monster later turned against its own god-father is a cruel joke of history. This creature even went to the extent of striking at the very nerve-centre of its creator on 9/11, thus giving an unexpected and unforgettable jolt and in the process snuffing out the lives of 3000 innocents.

The hunt for the perpetrators still continues. A massive hunt followed, Guantanamo Bay, Abu Graib, extra-ordinary rendition and hitherto unheard of cruelties like water-boarding were committed with the overt support of George Walker Bush, the former President. His hawkish approach could only inflame the religious passions of a community thus making a lot of Muslim nations its enemy. Barack Obama, his successor is now busy engaged in a damage-control exercise and in hot pursuit of befriending the Muslim nations across the globe and his historic speech at Cairo University is a pointer in that direction. How far he will be able to succeed in his venture is another thing. But such a positive approach itself is something to be applauded. While President Obama was addressing a large gathering at Cairo University it is sort of ‘tamasha’ (comedy) that an advisory to its citizens to be vigilant while travelling to and across India, World’s largest democracy by the US government.

True, India occasionally falls victim to terrorist attacks. But an advisory at the present juncture to its citizens is somewhat baffling. It is worthwhile to note that a terrorist attack can affect anywhere across the World. USA is not an exception.

Citizens across the Globe sometimes are subjected to humiliations by the American Intelligence authorities in the name of security checks. Even VIPs fall victims to their paranoid delusions. Recall the humiliation our former Defence Minister, George Fernandez had to undergo years ago. He was strip-searched by the intelligence authorities after a prolonged grilling on suspicion of being a terrorist. No amount of explanation could satisfy the security officials. Recently an Indian super-star had to undergo similar grilling at the hands of those officials. The Indian super-star was not that ‘super’ to US security officials. These types of absurd and meaningless steps are nothing but the after-shocks of 9/11.

The reason behind USA’s not-so-friendly-attitude is not at all a mystery. The greatest democracy from ‘time immemorial’ wanted to keep a check on India. India’s development in various fields are not to the liking of Uncle Sam. And to have a check on it USA found a convenient way by providing money and logistical power to the ‘traditional enemy’ Pakistan. As if by reading the mind of US authorities, Pakistan turns its guns in the direction of India (now nuclear weapons also), provides assistance and training to all sorts of terrorist elements who try to intrude across the border to create massive law and order problems, destruction of life and property, thus trying to deflect the attention of the authorities away from the developmental agenda of the nation as a whole. Pakistan has already been classified as the epicentre of terrorism. Whether they take pride in this categorization is something to be watched. Otherwise the release of Hafeez Muhammed Saeed, the founder of LeT and also JuD by the Lahore High Court and USA’s ‘vow of silence’ on this serious matter is deplorable.

As one strategic analyst pointed out, it is time for India to stop holding on to the coat-tails of USA and evolve a foreign policy framework and engage in bringing international pressure on Pakistan to desist from indulging in nefarious activities to wreak havoc with the peaceful atmosphere in our nation. Whether the foreign policy mandarins will listen to his advice is something to be awaited and seen.

MATCH WORDS WITH DEEDS, MR. KEVIN RUDD

Dreaming big is everyone’s dream, particularly of youngsters. Climbing up the steps to reach the top of the ladder- nobody can find fault with it. To reach somewhere, if not at the top we have to have dreams. When one’s dream is materialized he/she will have a sublime feeling. Or ask Dr.A.P.J Abdul Kalam, our former President who goes on addressing the educated youngsters of the land to dream big and reach the top bringing glory to the nation as well as the whole World.

Some people dream about saving money to sustain themselves and also for the next generation. They dream about flying abroad, finding lucrative jobs and earning attractive salaries. By sheer grit, determination and perseverance they slug it out in oil-rich countries day-in and day-out to earn fabulous sums. Their hard-earned salaries, thanks to the phenomenal development in IT and Science, within no time reach their accounts maintained in their native land and thus the foreign exchange reserves of their lands go on piling up. Their children’s education are well looked after and the latter do not have the need to knock at somebody’s door to beg or to drop out of their studies without the course being completed.

Now come to the subject. The hot news of the day especially for us Indians.

Australia, our neighbour and one of the CommonWealth countries also have a hubris of sorts in declaring to the whole World its reputation for calmness, harmony and solidarity. This country always finds time to shower praises on themselves for being a peaceful country. This hubris has led to a mistaken notion on its part and also a sort of derision towards even its neighbouring countries which suffer terrorist attacks and sabotages at intermittent intervals. During cricket or tennis seasons in India, Pakistan or SriLanka, the Australian government while eulogizing itself for its peaceful atmosphere shows reluctance to send its team fearing for their lives citing inadequate security. It would be wise of them if it is bound to reach a conclusion that terrorism can hit anywhere and it has no boundaries, caste, creed or religion. Even the ‘Super Power’ USA had to shed its complacency after the 9/11 and the Americans still shudder to recall that day even after a hiatus of eight years. The nightmares they underwent that fateful day still linger in the inner recesses of their hearts refusing to fade out of their memory.

Our educated youth always keep higher aspirations to aim high and bring marvel to the country. Therefore it is quite natural on their part to further continue their higher studies abroad- be it USA, Europe, Germany, China or Australia- and the government of India spend millions for the higher education of its students. While going through an article recently soon after the racial outbreak against Indians by Australians, I came to know about the stark truth that government of India spends Rs. 20000 Crore for its students’ education in Australia. The columnist derisively concludes the article by stating that- Indians pay to get killed in Australia.

Being educated is not at all everything. Among the terrorists, there are/and were many educated young men/women- software engineers, chemical analysts, medical practitioners (like Dr Ayman Al Sawahiri), civil engineers, and MBAs (like Osama Bin Laden) a whole lot- a lot of them fell victims to their deeds, some incarcerated and are still languishing in prisons, some well embedded in their safe-havens along mountainous terrains.

Love of humanity, irrespective of caste, creed or religion is the foremost quality expected from each in this world. And for that a man must be a cultural citizen. In fact no religion in the world preaches hatred, intolerance or hostility.

An educated man/woman can very well be an anti-social element, a thug or a hooligan. And if those elements are let loose by the government, they will certainly play havoc with the lives of others or hold the innocents to ransom. Thus a country’s reputation before the world gets tarnished because of a minority. The only remedy being a confident resistance on the part of law-makers thus bringing those elements to justice.

I doubt whether a confident resistance on the part of government of Australia is being undertaken. Mere rhetoric won’t do. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister and Stephen Smith, Foreign affairs Minister, and all other at the higher echelons must ensure the safety of students, either Indians or any other nationality. Then only the whole turbulence will come to an end. While showering praises on oneself, one must make it sure to remain praise-worthy. Empty promises or platitudes won’t lead us anywhere.

Xenophobia, at times, rears its ugly head in certain countries across the globe. For example, France while Jacques Chirac was at the helm, xenophobia raised its ugly head, that time against the black-Africans. Nicholas Sarkozy, then the Interior Minister and now enthroned in the President’s chair was vocal in his support of the anti-social elements who went on the rampage against the Africans. The aftermaths of the electrocution of two black boys and the riots that followed lasted for weeks in the country are still haunting memories. Now the respected President has mellowed somewhat, most of us do not know why, is even playing a la Ban Ki Moon in the affairs of certain countries. The Russian-Georgian tussle over South Ossettia was defused with the help of President Sarkozy.

In Italy Silvio Berlusconi, Media baron and millionaire, xenophobic elements surface and play havoc with the lives of a minority community causing enormous damages in the form of destruction of life and property. All with the silent and tacit blessings of the Prime Minister himself.

On the one hand, man speaks about Globalisation and in the same breath he advocates for more and more protectionism.

Through which path we have to tread on…?

A PRO-ACTIVE JUDICIARY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND HUMANRIGHTS ACTIVISTS

It is quite heartening that all the four pillars of our democracy day by day are showing signs of concern to the happenings going on around us- be it right to freedom of speech and expression, environment protection, law and order obligations and infrastructure development. The complaint of certain quarters against the media crossing limits has some substance, on the whole our media, both print and visual, play cardinal roles in digging out and thereby exposing the festering sores still refusing to heal and thus helping all to take immediate remedial measures.

Similar is the case with our judiciary also. Years ago judiciary was seen by many in our society as the prisoner of elite and also holding a dogmatic approach which allegedly cared nothing for the uplift of the masses. Gradually Judiciary’s mindset underwent sea -change for the good of the society. Jurists of the calibre of Justice V.R.Krishna Iyer were there, he always cared for the social aspects while passing judgements. Justice Krishna Iyer, the nonagenarian, now in the twilight of his life is still active albeit his old age and poor health, pens a lot for drawing the attention of those at the helm of affairs towards the inequalities still prevailing in our society.

Once in a while a Krishna Iyer is incarnated over the past one decade or two but that couldn’t save much purpose.

On thinking about Judiciary and Judicial activism, writer and social activist Arundhati Roy came to my mind. In her book “Algebra of Infinite Justice” , she has mentioned about a Supreme Court verdict pronounced by a three member jury consisting of A.S.Anand, J.P.Kirpal and S.P.Barucha. The verdict was in response to a Public Interest Litigation filed by Narmada Bachao Aandolan appealing to the court to order a stay to the further construction of Sardar Sarovar Dam as the rehabilitation of the displaced poor had not reached anywhere.


Barring S.P.Barucha, who passed a dissenting judgement, Chief Justice Anand and Justice Kirpal passed a verdict allowing the authorities to proceed with the construction. The hapless poor felt themselves in the lurch by the highest court of the land. This verdict was passed on October 18, 2000.
Nine years have elapsed since then. Governments came. Governments went. Ministers came. Ministers went. Judges came. Judges went. Mindsets underwent enormous changes. And are still undergoing vast changes. Much water has flowed down Narmada since then.

Now the Chief Justice of India (CJI) is Justice K.G.Balakrishnan.

While taking part in a seminar on Law and Environment on May 21 at Chandigarh, he stressed the need for protecting our environment and he didn’t even forget to advise those responsible, to shelve a project whenever it is found to be detrimental to our ecology. Justice Mukundakam Sharma who participated along with Justice Balakrishnan in the seminar also dwelt on the importance of protecting our environment and to desist from deforestation and rapid industrialisation urged all to spread awareness about ecological protection.

The subject of climate change has turned out to be a hot issue haunting the environmentalists, Scientists and citizens across the globe. The Copenhagen summit is fast approaching where a vast number of nations are supposed to participate to deliberate upon and evolve new solutions to save the earth from a catastrophe. The growth of developed as well as developing nations ,both stakeholders alike, have to gird up their loins and fight to bring down the level of carbon emissions in the ensuing years. It is said that even if the developed nations bring their carbon emissions to zero degree level, it won’t prove to be a blessing to all if the developing nations are left untouched. Means, they have also to play prominent roles - and if debt-ridden appeal for aid from developed nations or the latter must generously extend their helping hands. We should ensure in the process that coming generation’s future shouldn’t be cooked at any cost, as one environmentalist put it.)

In comes another verdict passed by the highest court of our land, the Supreme Court. It is the case of a well-known human-rights activist Dr.Binayak Sen. He was incarcerated in a Chattisgarh Jail in May 14, 2007. Dr.Sen who is a reputed padeatrician who cared a lot for the down-trodden in the society was a regular visitor to a Chattisgarh jail to treat the inmates. He was imprisoned on the charges of acting as a courier of to a maoist inmate of the prison by the State government. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was slapped on him by the Government. The well-known human-rights activist had to languish in the prison for two years inspite of protests and processions staged by human-rights activists and intellectuals around the world.

Finally his case reached the Supreme Court and the jury consisting of Justice Markandeya Katju and Justice Deepak Verma freed him within no time, telling Dr.Sen’s eminent lawyer Shantibhushan that, “We know the facts of this case. He has been in jail for two years. We are granting him bail”.

Touching, to say the least. A pro-active Judiciary free from a

dogmatic approach and with a humanitarian attitude is always a

blessing for the society at large.

“BERTH PANGS” OF A NEW MINISTRY

Vinod Mehta, Editor-in-Chief of Outlook, during a talk-show in NDTV 24X7 was heard saying about the long memories of elephants one year ago. His comment was in the context of discussing about Kumari Mayawati, presently Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh whose party’s election-symbol is incidentally elephant.

I recalled the event while going through a weekly column ‘Reductio Ad Absurdum’ in The New Indian Express dated 23-05-09, by its Editor-in-Chief, Aditya Sinha who is based in Chennai. I enjoy his weekly column due to his inherent sense of humour especially when writing about the great Indian circus- Indian politics.

Last Saturday his column dwelt mainly on the ‘ditching’ of former allies of UPA by Indian National Congress. According to Mr.Sinha, the ruthless spurning of certain allies was most unbecoming of Indian National Congress and as per his observation the spurning really smacks of arrogance on the part of Indian National Congress, the Grand Old Party of India.

Mr. Sinha while casting aspersions on Congress for distancing itself from some regional parties with whose support Dr.ManMohanSingh governed the nation for the full five year term (2004-2009) warns of the consequences in the long run. According to him, spurned friends have long memories like pachyderms and hence it would have been better on the part of Dr.ManMohanSingh to have invited them to join the government.

I do not want to contest Mr.Sinha’s claim as he has every right to stick to his claim. Conveniently or not, Mr.Sinha forgets the history of the oldest National Party of India, yes it was to be squarely blamed for its reckless governance not giving much of its attention to the overall development of nation as a whole in the fields of infrastructure, poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy and a host of essential aspects especially on the social front for decades after independence. If the people got fed up with governance of the party and formed regional parties under local leaders to fight for their well-being and prosperity of the States they represented, they could not be blamed. The mushrooming of regional parties, in later years under different local leaders gradually lost their real goal of bringing prosperity to their States and instead by hook or crook, concentrated more in amassing crores and also for leading pompous lives shedding all ethics which any political party is bound to have always. Selfishness and greed became their motto. And in the process generosity and magnanimity turned to be the casualities. The common man and the poverty stricken became the ultimate losers.

With the mushrooming of regional parties on a daily basis, ego-clashes, the urge to draw national attention and piling up crores became the ulterior motives of the regional parties and it continues to be so, Indian National Congress and Communist Party of India (its splinter parties also abound now) were forced to “beat a retreat”. During election times the national parties which became marginal in due course had to seek support of the regional parties of each State and had to be satisfied with the crumbs the regional parties threw to them.

Indian citizens have also long memories, I think so. While the national party took care to uplift them, the latter felt no hesitation in voting for them. And when the GOP went off the track forgetting their obligations to the masses the latter derived solace in casting votes to the regional parties expecting a lot from their rulers.

In course off time, those regional outfits got power-drunk and arrogant caring not much of their subjects. The masses changed their tracks. They got fed up. What an average Indian citizen mostly expects is a square meal a day and he votes for the party which provides it.

And the Grand Old Party, Indian National Congress could fathom the depth of the despair of the masses and could feel the pulse of the common man by keeping aloof from certain squabbling regional outfits contested on their own and they reaped dividends. It proved to be a wise decision.

Now have a look at Indraprastha. Our Prime Minister, Dr.ManMohanSingh is literally sweating it out to pacify and placate a sulking DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) led by Sharad Pawar and Trinamool Congress of Mamata Banerji, by allotting berths in the Ministry to the satisfaction of all. These outfits are in a nasty race for capturing plum portfolios in the Ministry forgetting all their grand promises to the electorate during their whirlwind election campaign. DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and TC (Trinamool Congress) of Mamata Banerji, one confined to Tamil Nadu and the other to West Bengal are notorious for their regional chauvinism. How long the ‘berth pangs’ will continue to haunt Dr.Singh is anybody’s guess. And if Congress was forced to accommodate all the regional outfits in the Ministry, the unfolding of an absurd drama would have been the consequence.

Will the ruling party come to grip with Indian realities and proceed along the path of human welfare, especially the common man (Aam Admi) in the coming days? We have to wait for the euphoria to settle down.

ABOUT RUBINA ALI AND AZHARUDHEEN ISMAIL – THEIR PLIGHT

Azharudheen Ismail seems to beseech us- please don’t forget me!
Rubina Ali seems to weep loudly and implores us with folded palms- please don’t forget me!

Hundreds and hundreds, thousands and thousands of Azharudheen Ismails’ and Rubina Alis’ cries explode in our ears daily to extend a helping hand to wriggle out of a quagmire of poverty, malnutrition and homelessness.
We tend to ignore all their cries for help.

How many among us know who this Rubina Ali is. How many among us know who this Azharudheen Ismail is.
How many of us recall the Oscar Award Winner ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ which brought before the world the pathetic life of slum-dwellers?

Azharudheen Ismail and Rubina Ali were two main child actors of ‘SlumDog Millionaire’ which brought fame, glory and alongside the murkier side of an India about which many a people across the world is unaware of.

Bandra(E) is known to an average Mumbaikar. He/she is also aware of the shanties along the railway lines of Bandra. Last week Mumbai civic authorities demolished a part of about 30 shanties defying the protests and helpless cries of the slum-dwellers. One among the demolished slums was that of Azharudheen Ismail, the child hero of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. The news about the demolishing of Azharudheen’s- the little celebrity- couldn’t even create much of a flutter among us.

The case was similar when the news about the ramshackling of another part of shanties was flashed across the TV screens and through Print Media on 20-5-2009. In the second episode of the serial ‘demolishings’, Brihu Mumbai Municipal Authorities created history of sorts by demolishing among other slums, the slum of Rubina Ali, the main female actor of the film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. While the demolishing process was going on , the child was in the market to purchase something, her second mother was at the spot to make a hue and cry, the authorities cared two hoots for her protestations and the makeshift area disappeared within seconds.

Not much hullabaloo. Not much hue and cry. Business as usual in the city. Politicians are pretty hectic in their activities. Post-election scenario is turning out to be transparent day by day. The victorious ones upbeat. Those who remained with great expectations and lost in the race mulling their next course of action still licking their wounds simultaneously don’t much bother about Azharudheen Ismail and Rubina Ali. The elections are over for the time being. And hence the shedding of crocodile tears also have to take some leisure moments.

The producers of the Oscar winner have also not much to say about the little child actors of the film who were instrumental in piling up huge collection for them. The trend of things happening in our nation.

Dehumanization of the society is not common to India, but to the World as a whole and the reversal of the process is the dream of an average peace-loving world citizen.

CERTAIN SALUTARY ASPECTS OF 15th GENERAL ELECTIONS AND ITS VERDICT

The dust has been settled, a clear picture merged and the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) led by Indian National Congress is back with a renewed mandate, albeit within a short distance to reach the magical figure of 272. That doesn’t matter. The UPA led by the Party has more than enough supporters in queues to provide a stable government without expecting cabinet berths or anything of that sorts. No need to be embarrassed or surprised by the decisions taken by some power hungry politicians - not because they became the ardent devotees of Lord Krishna overnight, whose advice to Arjuna, the veteran Kshathriya warrior not to wait for the fruits of his action- but because quite unexpectedly their calculations and hopes went awry after the final results emerged. Shattered dreams like a broken glass castle are something painful and in politics also such painful things occur quite unexpectedly especially during election.

AmarSingh, SP leader was in an upbeat mood days before the elections and he was awaiting for an opportune moment to extract his pound of flesh from the UPA, as it was predicted to have a slight edge over the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) led by BJP and the Third Front led by Leftists with a hotchpotch of opportunist parties like AIADMK, TDP and PMK who were waiting keeping options open.

Soon after the clear picture became evident to all the Congress leaders like DigVijay Singh and Janardhan Dwivedi, they went euphoric within no time, such is the way of the world sir, openly declared Congress Party’s determination to keep SP (Samajwadi Party) out of the alliance once and for all. Their statements dealt heavy blows to the already humiliated Samajwadi Party with its 23 seats and INC contrary to their own expectations could improve its tally with 21 seats in UP, thus establishing their clout in the State with largest number of Parliament seats. Out of 80 seats in the State, BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) led by the Chief Minister Kumari Mayawati could garner only 19 seats much to her chagrin. Now she has also come out into the open with unconditional support to the coming UPA led government, ie with no strings attached.

Amar Singh was ‘heart-broken’ on hearing the statements of DigVijay Singh and Party spokesman Janardhan Dwivedi. They should not have spoken so rudely, after all it was Amar Singh’s Party which rushed to the rescue of ManMohanSingh government at a time the leftists withdrew support to UPA on the issue of Civil Nuclear Deal. “Too ruthless Too thankless and most unbecoming.”

Lalu Prasad Yadav bit by the sting find its very hard to swallow the pain after the unexpected drubbing his Party suffered at the hustings and the unexpected victory of Congress even to its leaders is in a pathetic state. His friend Ram Vilas Paswan is now nowhere in the picture after the leader himself drawing a blank at Hajipur constituency. He was quite magnanimous when he declared ( to quote his own words) ‘those who bring power to the centre should be worshipped. I couldn’t do it unfortunately.’

The Fourth front consisting of RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal), LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) and SP (Samajwadi Party) formed with the sole purpose of exerting maximum pressure on the UPA alliance which was supposed to have a slight edge over other fronts to extract the maximum from the coming government have nothing much to demand from it.

Unconditional support with no demands for the consummation of a stable government so as to enable it to deliver maximum prosperity and happiness to the ‘Aam Admi’ (common man) is only their motivation. Howzaat ? All in desperate rush to save the country from vested interests. Patriotic gentlemen always move ahead in tandem or on the same wavelength.

Even NDA (National Democratic Alliance) who were also dreaming power at the centre and most vocal in its criticism against the UPA alliance and the Third front have shed its belligerent mood and have decided to keep a low profile for the time being and at the same time have decided to extend constructive opposition to the government in the coming days.

Regional parties except a few were the worst sufferers in the 15th General Elections. The ruling alliance at the centre, if sincere in catering to the needs of dissatisfaction in certain parts of the country the mushrooming of regional parties can be avoided to a large extent. And that is a good omen. Those who associated with them to garner maximum number of seats, with glowing dreams of a prosperous dawn also fell in the quagmire of petty politics losing much of their fame, rigour, the revolutionary zeal and glory. The leftists swam with these regional players and in the process sunk with them. The one, INC which was ready for the gamble to regain the lost glory of the Party tasted victory albeit with a partial success. The frantic efforts of Lalus’, AmarSinghs’ and Mayawatis’ to rally behind the governing alliance are exercises in futility if they are always kept at a reasonable distance.

DREAMING OF SPRING TIME TO ARRIVE

I always call him Comrade. True, I know his real name with initials. Admit. Some friends call him by his initials. But I call him Comrade. It is my preference.

He is a revolutionary. Fire-brand ofcourse. Whenever he addresses his Comrades, the real revolutionary in him comes out into the open. He spits fire. He shivers with rage. His baritone voice goes up up and up to great heights. So, says his closest comrades. And on listening to his thunderous speeches their spirits rise up in tandem.

Sorry, I have not yet met him in person. That luck still remains elusive, since we got in touch with each other over phone ten years ago. One day, yes, one day I will meet him, exchange pleasantries with him and will engage in serious discussions connected with trade union, politics, art, literature and culture.

Once in a while, I see him in print media, visual media, leading processions chanting slogans with clenched fists and his voice reverberating all over the surroundings. Tall, sturdy, bushy growth of hair covering his head, thick moustached and clean shaven. Ofcourse a typical revolutionary.

Whenever I think about him I am reminded of former shining jewel of Mumbai journalism, Behram Contractor alias Busybee, who with his daily evening column, ‘Round and About’, first in Evening Times of Times of India (Behram Contractor was Times Of India’s Bombay bureau Chief), then Mid-day and after a short stint in Mid-day his own Afternoon Despatch Courier. The Mumbaikars were madly after him, his evening column with his illuminating style and substance, provided us food for thought and also a great deal to have hearty laughs while on commuting to our homes in the local trains or while waiting for buses at bus-stops, coffee houses, beer parlours, anywhere and everywhere in Mumbai. After a hectic day in offices immersed in tiresome and tedious jobs, Busybee was always there outside to rejuvenate our sagging spirits, to enable us to relax and rejoice with his ‘Round and About’.

But our Busybee in the city doesn’t have much in his kitty to provide us happiness and leisure. Even without it he is a Busybee. In his city he is always held in high esteem for his sincerity to the cause of people, especially employees, incidentally- he is also an employee - and also for his contribution to the development of art, literature and culture by being the owner, printer and publisher of a cultural magazine and to film world by being the head of a film society to display good and sensible films which have something for them to contribute to the growth and enlightenment of society as a whole.

The busy schedule stretching from early morning till late into the night actually deprives him from leading a successful family life. But he continues to be happy or pretends to be happy to everyone, his wife, who also continues to be happy or goes on pretending to be happy to her near and dear ones by not showing or displaying pain and sorrow - a sort of existential agony - for failing to have a flower bloom in their life even after twenty five years of marital bliss.

He comes late into the night. She calmly, patiently waits for him beside the telephone till his arrival under the table lamp reading something which is the only source of her solace, love and affection till the footsteps of her beloved approach infront of the door.. After a shower, he comes out afresh, combs the hair in front of a mirror and both of them sit opposite to each other and serve and share dinner, under the ceiling fan revolving at its peak. Not much to talk to each other. Even if there is something to talk about, not much time is left to spare because it is very late in the night and both of them have to get up early, for her to go to the kitchen and him to the office.

When, part of a story remains fully unveiled, the other part remains veiled and nobody cares to know about it. After all who is here to think and feel sorry for a barren existence or a barren island in the hustle and bustle of an urban existence? This is after all the whole gamut of the humdrum existence of all of us, humanbeings.

THIS TOO ABOUT 1984 ANTI-SIKH POGROM

Prime Minister ManMohanSingh wound up his election campaign in Ludhiana, Punjab, his home-State yesterday. Assam is also his home-State, so he claims, cast his vote there with his wife Gursharan Kaur a few days ago. After all he is our PM and he can rightfully claim the whole of India, his home-“State”.

I am prompted to write a few words about his press conference at Ludhiana after winding up his election tour in Punjab (The New Indian Express dated 11-05-2009).

He took exception to certain queries posed to him by some media persons relating to the anti-Sikh pogrom of 1984. Raking up an incident, though bizarre, was according to him something deplorable to cater to the ulterior motives of a few vested interests. As far as he is concerned past is past, or let by-gones be by-gones, and the whole problems solved after the enhancement of compensation to the victims especially the Sikh widows.

It was quite unbecoming of a PM to have uttered such merciless words, though to the media-persons. It was like rubbing salt to wounded Sikh psyche.

Holocaust is still not forgotten. Hiroshima and Nagasakhi are still festering wounds to the whole World especially Japanese. India’s partition and the blood-bath that followed still simmering even after decades. The Jalianwallabagh massacre and the hangings of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru still relived. The brutal assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by a hindu fanatic and Indira Gandhi by two of her Sikh body guards still remain painful to everyone across the nation. Dr.ManMohanSingh knows all about these more than this writer. The afore-said incidents are recalled, tributes and homages are profusely offered at appropriate times. Despite all these, his alleged insistence that the memories of Sikh pogrom of 1984 must be wiped out of the victims’ minds is something which is very difficult to be digested.

Would it be possible for Dr Singh to bring back those brutally murdered by the alleged thugs alive before their women and children? Are these womens’ husbands worth the amount offered to them as compensation? Whether Dr.Singh is unaware of the hapless widows and their children, most of them went astray after witnessing their beloved fathers repeatedly beaten up with iron-rods on their heads until they fell unconscious in pools of blood and then set alight. Will they be able to wipe out the trauma etched in their minds, when they are asked to?

Impossible, Dr.Singh.

What the victims of 1984 carnage are badly in need of is bringing all those masterminded it be brought to justice. Uptill then they will remain restless souls. Harjith Kaur, Kuldip Kaur, Jagrup Kaur and a host of others like them will continue to nurture the feelings of anger and hatred towards those at the higher echelons of power.

Providing tickets to the alleged culprits to contest the parliamentary elections is something detestable.
Before winding up this thoughts, let me quote the words of one of the victims of this carnage,
“We want no money. Our murderers need to be prosecuted and hanged. We will have everything when they are hanged, everything. I don’t want that ten lakh; ManMohanSingh need not give us any money because we don’t want it. ManMohanSingh needs to give us the pleasure of knowing they will be hanged; that is our greatest want and desire. Our Murderers must be punished now; they are roaming free. Their children have fathers, and our children have nothing.” ( ‘Betrayed By The State- The Anti-Sikh Pogrom of 1984’ – Jyoti Grewal)

Just imagine the anger and hatred these Sikh widows still keep in their minds against the alleged perpetrators and the ruling elite?

INDIRA GANDHI’S ASSASSINATION AND AFTER

The horrible memories of 1984 pogrom of Sikhs orchestrated by certain vested interests in the capital city of New Delhi in the wake of the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister by her two Sikh bodyguards surfaced again soon after the alleged master-minds, Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar jumped into the fray to contest the 15th general elections on Congress tickets. Another alleged master-mind, HKL Bhagat, on completion of his mission, vanished from the scene all together years before. Whether he is in hell or heaven is not much of a concern to anybody. There is no point in disbelieving the Sikhs’ allegation that the whole pogrom was orchestrated and systematically executed on 31 October 1984, November 1-3 allegedly at the behest of late H K L Bhagat, Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar. Almost 3000 Sikhs were ruthlessly butchered, their women repeatedly raped, even girl children were not exempted, Sikhs’ sacred Guru Granth Saheb desecrated by urinating on them or by tearing them apart and their dwellings set ablaze by organized mobs.

The male Sikhs who were the bread-winners of their families were dragged out of their houses or caught by chasing them and in the presence of their women beat them up mercilessly, struck them with iron rods, tyres put around their necks, doused them with kerosene and set them alight. The women and children were rendered homeless and they had to take refuge somewhere else, a large number of widows went insane and the children who were forced to witness their fathers being killed ruthlessly by the mobs and their mothers and sisters beined raped callously right infront of them, couldn’t escape from the trauma and in the course of time they fell prey to alcohol and drugs, thus turning to be a burden and pain for their hapless mothers.

“Kill them. They are the sons of venomous snakes. Don’t allow them to survive. Otherwise they will bite you and kill you”- H K L Bhagat, the Congress leader was reported to have exhorted the goons who were quite obedient and loyal to their masters. These goons were actually enjoying their duties they were entrusted with ,they were celebrating in fact, and had no sense of sorrow or pain over the assassination of Indira Gandhi.

Twenty five years have elapsed since 1984. Still the peace-loving minority community of Sikhs have not escaped from the trauma of that period.

Our Prime Minister, Sardar ManMohanSingh is a Sikh. Even then it took twenty one years for him to apologize for the pogrom committed against his community.

“To err is human. There were lapses in November 1984”- His duty to his community is fulfilled!- Is an apology by the PM sufficient to heal the wounds of the beleaguered Sikh community.

Till now, no action has been taken against the perpetrators of the pogrom. Till now the alleged master-minds have not been brought to justice. Instead, the Grand Old Party provided them with tickets to contest the 15th General elections from two Delhi constituencies. Upon coming to know of their plans to contest the election, the Sikh community joined hands in protest against it and as a result, both of them had to withdraw their nominations. The amount of hatred and anger the Sikhs have towards those Congress leaders is appalling.

Upon the assassination of Indira Gandhi, her son Rajiv Gandhi took over the reins of power. On being inquired about the massive rape and burning of the dwellings of Sikhs, his response was:
“When a big tree falls, the earth shakes”.

Those words were like adding salt to the wounds, and even today those words reverberate in their ears like deafening explosions. It helped to aggravate the anger and hatred towards the Gandhi dynasty and the Sikhs have dedicated themselves and are praying to Waheguru ( the Sikh God) to pay for it. Sikhs’ dedication to Waheguru is heartening and in the moments of despair and frustration, they turn to him and pray to him. Still many among them firmly believe and attribute the brutal assassination of Rajiv Gandhi to his words of contempt and indifference to their helplessness when they were badly in need of the help from the authorities. Some of the Sikh women’s words of curse directed against the Gandhi family and their sobs, doom and gloom, on describing the trauma, they had undergone during those fateful days, I shudder to repeat here.

Jyoti Grewal in her book, “Betrayed By The State- The Anti-Sikh Pogrom of 1984”- is a must read. She has taken enormous pain and days of research and interviews in the making of this book. I am sure, she has succeeded in her venture. She could bring out those faces who were waiting in the fringes of the society with nobody to go into their hardships since November 1984 and the trauma they are sure to take along with them even to their graveyards.

Ms. Grewal is certain that, if the culprits of 1984 pogrom were brought before the law and awarded deserving punishment, the 2002 pogrom enacted in Gujarat, would not have happened. In other words, 1984 pogrom and indifference and contempt by ruling authorities towards the Sikhs and the Government’s support to the culprits and master-minds became a catalyst to Narendra Modi and his followers to indulge in an orgy of violence throughout Gujarat- the land of Mahatma- leading to the near decimation and fleeing of Muslim community to safe sanctuaries across India.

Whether the embers will go on burning or will there be anybody to provide a soothing effect to those who fell victims to the pogrom of 1984 is anybody’s guess. Except some shedding of crocodile tears and apologies in abundance what ought to be done will not have much relevance is my personal opinion.

I hope this is an apt and opportune moment to extend kudos to Jyoti Grewal for penning this enlightening work.

A CAGED BIRD – THE PLIGHT OF A YOUNG EDUCATED BRIDE

She was meeting Dhanya after a lapse of three months. Dhanya was coming all the way from Bangalore with her husband to the college to appear for her viva. Snigdha’s viva was already over and luckily got herself employed in a government firm not far away from college. Before proceeding to Kerala, Dhanya had informed her about her coming to the college to appear for viva and on hearing the news of Dhanya’s arrival, she was deeply delighted. From the very day they got separated, both were badly missing each other.

Dhanya was very cute and pretty, calm and quiet and the girl always tried to keep aloof from other girls of the hostel and college. While in the hostel Dhanya always preferred to be alone in her room reading something or scribbling something or pondering over something about which only Dhanya herself was quite aware of.

Why Dhanya couldn’t consider Snigdha quite unfriendly, unlike others, was a puzzle, still a puzzle, about which Dhanya herself was at a loss to find out.

During leisure times, she would make it a point to visit Dhanya whiling away time alone in her room, would find Dhanya immersed in her thoughts, looking pensive.

“Hai Dhanya, how are you?”- she would go near her and pat her on her back. Dhanya, forgetting all the unnecessary thoughts, would give her a beaming smile and would point towards a chair and would request her to be seated.
“What about study and all”?- Snigdha would inquire her with a charming smile.
“Going on Snigdha”- Dhanya would return her smile.
Dhanya would sit in a padmasana (sitting in a cross-legged position) position on her bed.
“And what about you”?- Dhanya never forgot to grill her with a glint of mischief and curiosity in her eyes.

Spending time with Dhanya was a pleasure to her. On those occasions Dhanya would bare her thoughts to her, her unnecessary fears about her health, whether she was suffering from any kind of diseases which she dreaded, such unnecessary thoughts haunting her. Whenever Dhanya began to narrate her imaginary fears about her health, Snigdha would get angry and would admonish her.

“For heaven’s sake, Dhanya you are absolutely fit. This is a kind of hypochondriasis and nothing else. Whenever you happen to read about a disease, in a newspaper or a periodical, you get scared and worry whether you are also a victim to that disease. Dhanya, please try to mingle with everybody and make friends with them and don’t keep moody and aloof always in your cocoon. Mind you, if you go on harping on such and such diseases, I will stop coming to you.”- she would warn her with a smiling face.

She always wanted to see Dhanya in a happy mood and hence force her out of the room, walk down the path just in front of the college and in the mean time, she would inquire about Dhanya’s childhood days. On both sides of the path there were flower trees bearing various kinds of innumerable flowers giving the ambience a romantic look. Dhanya told her about her childhood days, separated from the parents in her early days and her study in a Navodaya School for years, a brief period with parents and younger brother, again returning to the hostel and later during higher studies also spending days away from parents, and it was quite natural that she felt a distance from her parents, a kind of suppressed anger towards them for not showering love and affection when she badly needed. Keeping away from even the class-mates and room-mates led her to live in a make-believe world of unnecessary fears about health and such other things.

On almost all days, she would persuade Dhanya to give her a company to her to the temple, just outside the campus premises and soon Dhanya also found very much delighted in going to the temple to have Darshan (glimpse) even in the absence of her friend.

As promised over phone, both of them met in the town, they locked in a warm hug oblivious of the happenings around them.

With tears welling-up in their eyes, they moved along without uttering anything for a few minutes.

She wiped out her tears.

“You look smarter and healthier Dhanya. What is the secret behind it”?- with disarming smile Snigdha looked askance.
Dhanya felt a bit shy.

“Nowadays I am not eating for myself only. A guest is…”

Dhanya burst out laughing. She couldn’t complete her words.
Snigdha was somewhat taken aback.

“Pretty soon! Really wonderful and my whole-hearted congratulations”- Snigdha couldn’t believe it first. Dhanya was still shy.

“I am not going to spare you today. I need a sumptuous lunch, that also at…”

On hearing her Dhanya couldn’t control her laughter.

“But Snigdha, I have not told one thing even to my parents. But now I am going to lay bare my sorrow and unhappiness to you. Because you know me best more than anybody. From the very outset , I was the top in all classes. Here also the things will not be different. I am sure. But to no avail. Almost one month after marriage and merry go-round in Garden city, yes the so-called honeymoon, he and his parents have begun to appear before me in their true colours. They don’t want me to be employed in any institution. They have no qualms in breaking the assurance they had given before fixing the marriage. They have found me a suitable place in the kitchen. Prepare rice, chappathis and curries about which I didn’t have much idea. Letters from my parents are censored before handing it over to me. Mother-in-law demands more gold and money. She even does not like me talking to my husband and he has not the guts to cross the line drawn by her. No outings. No purchases. But the life must go on.”
“Who is to blame for all these?”- Dhanya was asking.

“Yourself”- Snigdha didn’t take a split-second to respond. She was shivering with rage.

REGIONAL CHAUVINISM AND MUSHROOMING OF POLITICAL PARTIES

Are we going back to the days of princely states? Posing this question to myself most often, is similar to finding pleasure in fooling myself. Because this curse is a perennial one and its genesis dates back to decades.

Regional chauvinism has much to do with mushrooming of political parties across our nation. The intention of most of the leaders being to score over their opponents by snatching one-upmanship by grabbing ministerial power at the centre or by bargaining with the national alliance or party with the capacity to stake claim to form a government at the centre. Nowadays national parties, both Congress and BJP are more than willing to accommodate any splinter party by pandering to their interests in the event of forming a government at the centre. They are very well aware the days of one party rule is a thing of the past. And in politics, democratic principles, traditions and ethics- all prove to be of not much value or importance and they are kept in the black-burner needed only on the occasions of celebrating Independence days, Republic days or on such days of national importance. Erosion of values, thinking on caste lines while choosing candidates for each constituency, even by the left parties, only criteria being winnability, more than efficiency and the selection of candidates with criminal antecedents, play dirty and despicable roles in Indian politics.

Take for instance Tamil Nadu. Once Indian National Congress was ruling roost in that State. Those were the days of one party rule. Today’s two prominent regional parties, DMK and AIADMK where once nowhere near that National Party. Later parochialism reared its ugly head and with the rise of parochialism the birth of regional parties abound such as DMK, AIADMK, MDMK, PMK so on and on and on. The numbers are innumerable, on each alternate election, either DMK and its allies or AIADMK and its allies reach at the helm of affairs or the governance alternates between these two regional parties. Reason behind the rise of parochialism must have a lot to do with the policy of neglect adopted by the sole ruling party- the Indian National Congress- those were the glorious days of Indian National Congress while in power spanning decades. Fissiparous tendencies developed among the masses and their national outlook was at stake. Still claiming to be of national outlook though the fact of the matter is just contrary. The other day’s incident at Coimbatore was just one example. Army trucks coming from Hyderabad were vandalized by the followers of a regional party named PDK (Periyar Dravida Kazhagam) shouting slogans against the Government of India and Sri Lanka, thus expressing solidarity with hapless Tamilians stranded in Sri Lanka. More than half a dozen trucks were set ablaze.

Similarly, joining power at the centre with any party leading government at the centre, either one of the alliances will certainly be there, the ministers take extra care to arrange funds for the development of their State, in the process neglecting many others. The one heading the ministry has no other way out except remaining a mute spectator. Arm-twisting after all is a painful thing (Comrade A B Bardhan, leader of CPI (Communist Party of India) on the occasion of an interview with a correspondent of a prominent national daily was found justifying the growth of regional parties across the nation with the argument that regional parties can contribute much to the growth of their respective states. Comrade Bardhan seems to forget a sad truth that with the mushrooming of regional parties in every state, it was always the national parties which were the ultimate losers and as a good example I would like to point out the state of Bihar where once the CPI (Communist Party of India) could maintain a formidable clout in Bihar politics. Then Lalu or Paswan were only fringe elements, both of them even unheard of among the masses and in the present situation CPI has become a fringe element.)

In Andhra Pradesh, TDP’s (Telugu Desom Party) rise is attributed to the cavalier manner the State was treated by the centre. N.T.Rama Rao, film-star turned politician took up cudgels against the centre, formed a party for the Telugus named TDP and attained power soonafter. Though Congress is ruling the State now, TDP is a vulnerable one to reckon with. The demand for Telangana State to be carved out of Andhra Pradesh is also gaining momentum and TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti) under the leadership of K.Chandra Shekhar Rao is actively campaigning for a separate home-land with the support and blessings of other parties. If that part of the State was properly cared and protected by those responsible, the demand for separate Telangana would not have arisen. Andhra Pradesh’s movie idol and dancing hero, Chiranjeevee has also jumped into the political arena with the formation of Praja Raajyam Party.

The Andhra developments are a definite pointer to the gaining strength of regional parties and the tendency is not to the good of national ethos.

Bihar, has already joined the bandwagon of regional politics. Lalus and Paswans though claiming to be national have already ensured their places in the land of Buddha, reducing the once- dominant Party- Indian National Congress in to a virtual non-entity. The election scenario this time amply shows the place of the Grand Old Party in Bihar politics. Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist), once held some sway in the political heartland of Bihar. They are also out of the picture today. Party leaders think along caste lines and they be it Lalu, Paswan or Nititsh spare no efforts in wooing the communities like Muslims, Kurmis and Yadavs with promises and assurances in abundance. This State has also fallen a prey to regional chauvinism.

Orissa, once a strong-hold of Congress , is now in the hands a regional Party BJD (Biju Janata Dal) led by Naveen Patnaik, the son of Biju Patnaik, erstwhile Congress leader.

UP (Uttar Pradesh), with 80 Loksabha seats, under Mayawati of BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party), formed in the interests of Dalits, targeting Dalit vote banks by late Kanshi Ram and now led by ambitious leader Mayawati, aspiring to be a national party by joining hands with Brahmins and extending benefits to them along with poor dalits by propounding a new theory called social engineering is also not free from regional chauvinism. SP (Samajwadi Party) led by Mulayam Singh Yadav- he was once our defence minister- is engaged in a bitter fight with Mayawati. Former UP Chief Minister and expelled BJP leader Kalyan Singh is now very much with Mulayam Singh. “Maulana Mulayam”, once affectionately called by the Muslims of UP found himself in the ditch with the deserting of a big chunk of Muslims to Mayawati. By keeping away from all his engagements in other States Mulayam has confined himself to UP to garner maximum number of seats thus proving his mettle to principal opponent Kumari Mayawati. On scrutinizing the trends in UP, it is very easy to note here the State which provides maximum number of seats has also gone the way of caste politics. Congress which ruled over the State for decades and BJP (Bharathiya Janata Party) play only peripheral roles in the key State of UP.

On going through any State, it is not that much difficult to come to the sad truth that regional chauvinism and castes play crucial roles in 15th Loksabha elections of India.

Be it Bengal, Kerala, Maharashtra casteism and ‘sons of the soil policy holders’ gain much clout among the masses.

We have no dearth of parties. What we are urgently in need of is somebody who could play positive roles in the overall development of nation as a whole. Better infrastructure facilities like roads, electricity, irrigation facilities, elementary education, health-care to all providing nutritious food to the children, women and those below poverty line, women empowerment, employment and most of such facilities.

Parties multiplying on a daily basis. Even on ideological lines. But the lot of the masses remain same. At least those who split on ideological lines and form new ones are bound to ponder over it and arrive at a solution.

Parochialism and mushrooming parties never help in contributing to the development and prosperity of the nation- for that matter any nation.

Those who had monopoly on power for decades must make amends for it.

Challenges ahead for Barack Obama

Barack Obama completes 100 days in office on 30 April 2009. It is a good precedent adopted by many to look back and take stock of the positive as well as the negative aspects and if in need of formulating better policy initiatives, both internal and external in the days to come. The youthful President took charge of affairs at a time when US was (and is) facing uphill tasks on the economic front which is still in doldrums or in a shambles. The financial melt-down is still a looming threat to all nations across the world which had its genesis in US, thanks to the unregulated free market economy adopted by the Republican Party (GoP) and its leaders.
Mr.George W Bush, the former President, a Republican who “carved a niche for himself” in formulating a policy affecting both internal and external affairs (thus he became the beloved of all) handed over power on a platter to Obama. Obama was by then kept abreast of all the developments which were not to his liking and hence was not alarmed or embarrassed.

While on his whirlwind tour of US to campaign for his Presidential candidature, he reminded the electorate of gigantic tasks ahead and appealed for their co-operation to surmount the obstacles one by one.

“We must throw ourselves up from the deep pit we have fallen in” – was his message to his supporters.

“While the Wall Street thrives, we should not allow the main street to suffer”- were also his famous words to the American citizen. Those words indicated his determination to rescue the economy from the deep ditch which found itself in as a result of eight years of misrule by the GoP.

With good intentions he proceeded to build up the economy, pumped $787 billion and later pumped more into the economy to bail-out banks, other institutions and for health-care across America. Obama is an advocate of Keynesian theory of economics is not on good terms with free-market economy which is unregulated and it always argues “markets always correct themselves” and there is no need of interference by the government. But that was not to be. The experience proved it with the crumbling down of the economic policies adopted by the former government and its economists like Alan Greenspan.

A man reputed for his coolness, diplomacy and cordiality- Obama is known for these qualities- lost his cool after assuming power, when he came to learn about the huge sums of bonuses sanctioned by the executives of AIG (American International Group)-the World’s largest insurance company which was bailed out with pumping in of tax payers’ money-to themselves. The bureaucrats had no regard for the failing economy and its after-effects like recession and retrenchment were notorious for their selfishness and greed which are characteristics of a capitalist economy. After his scathing attack and with the Government’s decision to impose 90 percent tax on the bonuses they had sanctioned to themselves-some of them returned the amounts in full-not all of them. The bureaucrats of the Citi group also followed suit and they were also forced to remit the bonus back.
Still the damage control exercise is going on but the formidable tasks are still staring in the face of President Obama. Not cowed down by the threats ahead, Obama moves with brimming confidence is a good sign. After the first round of G20 Summit hosted by George Bush to bail-out the global economy in Washington, the then President on 15 November, the second round of the Summit was in London, hosted by Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of Britain on April 2-3. Indian Prime Minister ManMohanSingh was also a participant in the Summit. The deliberations adopted there, if implemented in letter and spirit could be of helpful to a certain extent to the nations across the World - all are tasting the bitter fruits of economic down-turn - such as increasing the fund of IMF from $250 billion to $750 billion with the intention of extending help to needy nations to bail-out their economies and to help the member countries to get back huge amounts of unaccounted money stashed in safe havens like Liechenstein Bank in Germany and UBS in Switzerland by the political leaders and industrial tycoons.

Something is better than nothing- it is said. Differences there were, like France and Germany joining hands against encouraging bail-outs, instead they advocated for strict regulations and Britain and US on the other side giving more importance to bail-outs.

With more and more countries turning to the Left- last week Iceland, which was one of the safe havens for black money also turned to the left- after a colossal financial turmoil, still the apostles of Capitalism are busy deliberating on their next steps to bring back the free-market economy through the backdoor.

Obama, after the Summit flew into Germany first, then to France, Czech Republic and his last stop was Turkey. It was a historic tour, he got a chance to display his diplomatic potentials at everywhere he went befriending all without sowing the seeds of animosity, hatred and one-upmanship. The election of Anders Fogh Rasmussen , the former Prime Minister of Denmark as the new Chairman of NATO was a fine example of winning the hearts of everybody in the selection of Rasmussen . As far as Turkey is concerned Rasmussen was a hated figure from the very day a derogatory cartoon of Allah was published in a Danish Newspaper by its cartoonist. But Obama could prevail upon Turkish leaders cajoling them into agreeing for the appointment of Mr. Rasmussen as the NATO Chairman. A defining example of Obama’s statesmanship.

Similarly holding out an olive branch to Iran, which was on collision terms with US during the Bush era and the simultaneous reciprocating gesture by the Iranian authorities is also a step forward, though it is not a great leap, in establishing peace after a long gap. Both countries have a lot of ground to cover to establish durable peace in the trouble prone-area.

One remarkable step forward anyhow is the fifth historic meeting of the Organisation of American States held at Trinidad-Tobago last week. It was an ideal occasion for Obama and the Latin American countries to forget the past and pave the way for camaraderie. Obama’s moment with Hugo Chavez, the Venezeulan Head must have been an unforgettable experience. Chavez’s presentation of the renowned book by Edwardo Galeano titled- “Open Veins of Latin America”- to Obama was reported with much prominence by the International media. But Cuba is still elusive and it is for Obama to take initiative to bridge gaps with the Latin American Communist nation, which is still undergoing sanctions slapped by US in 1948. Sixty years of mutual rivalry has to be put an end to, a new era of friendship and co-operation established. Cuba had to endure many a hardship on account of the frequent and indirect efforts by US to undermine the leadership, especially of the greatest revolutionary of our times Comrade Fidel Castro. CIA, US Intelligence agency in the past vainfully tried several times to physically eliminate him from the whole scene.

Anyhow past is past, now it is an opportune moment to lift the embargo and pave the way for lasting friendship

Keeping in mind all these positive aspects in mind propensity or could we say aspiration for remaining always at the top of the ladder is somewhat puzzling. The dream of a Uni-polar World still remains at the top of any US head’s agenda. A multi-polar World- that is not to any President’s liking. A mystery.

The ongoing crisis in Iraq, an exploding situation confronting Afghanistan and Pakistan and Obama’s undesirable interest and pumping of huge sums to Pakistan to tackle terrorism actually belie our expectations of this young leader.

He has ample time to learn. It is pertinent here to note, he has taken only a few steps ahead. Let us wish him all success in his endeavour to bring peace and prosperity on the occasion of his completion of hundred days in office.