Ghar Kab Aaoge

"Its a fan." "Its a Wall." "Looks like a rope to me.""Are you on opium?"

The Muslim slum dwellers in Agra, fighting poverty and despicable conditions, gave in to the incentives of BPL and Aadhar cards. The furore it created, halted the planned event in Aligarh. But they didn't stop.  The mother of two girls who reconverted to Hinduism in Kerala, admitted that they opted for it to gain back their SC status which was denied to them as Christians. Orisssa. Valsad, Gujarat. Surprisingly, in Punjab, the reconversions  are not only happening to bring the 'misled' converts back to Hinduism, but also into the Sikhism fold. The Dharma Jagaran Samiti, delgated the task of VHP, after the latter got involved more in the Ram Mandir issue, has been mostly carrying out these ceremonies along with its sister organisations since quite some time.


http://s1.firstpost.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/mohan-bhagwat-rss-pti.jpg

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's controversial 'theif' comments , daring the opposition to bring out an anti-conversion law, later mirrored by Arun Jaitley, giving the choice between 'anti-conversion law' and a law against 'forceful conversions' is a 'Catch 22' situation. The RSS claims that they are not converting anyone, they call it  'ghar wapasi'  (a term coined by Mahatma Gandhi, according to BJP spokesperson Dr.Sambit Patra). So the anti-conversion law should not apply to them, forced or voluntary

The PM reprimanded his troupe in private by drawing the 'Laxman Rekha', but refused to come out publicly and talk against it in the parliament. Over which the opposition stalled the proceedings, affecting the passing of important bills like the insurance bill and coal bill

Article 25 (1) of the Indian Constitution says "all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion". However in Rev. Stainislaus vs. State of Madhya Pradesh , the Supreme Court interpreted the article as a right to propogate, not proselytise, giving the states the power to monitor and regulate conversions. An anti-conversion bill is not relevant in such a situation, nor does it depict our democracy in a good light.

http://s2.firstpost.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/ghar-wapsi-PTI.jpg

Besides, there is the case of the caste. If one comes back to Hinduism, the right wing fundamentalists claim that they can choose the caste of their choice. This seldom happens, and acceptability is not easy. The Supreme Court states that the person who wishes to come back, can come into the same caste they left in the first place, Vellar in the case of the woman from Kerala (tribals font seem to have such issues when they convert as they don't lose their ST status). Again, many wouldn't know their original caste if their forefathers converted generations back. In 1956 Sikhs were included in reservations followed by Buddhists in 1990. This legal provision makes it easier to convert to Sikhism or Buddhism rather than non-Indic Christianity or Islam. Even the Dharma Jagran Samiti does not have a problem, hence the reconversions to Sikhism in Punjab, started only a year back.


Why is conversion or reconversion such a sensitive subject? It should be a personal matter. How did it turn into a social and political matter. History has evidence that conversions have happened in the past with coercion, allurement, deception and manipulation. But why not let bygones be bygones. True there are cases of 'rice Christians' who are converted for material gains given as allurement by the missionaries, (similar to the Agra Muslims reconversions) but its being criticsed by World Council of Churches. And for that matter, is there a concept of conversion in Hinduism (not Hindutva). What it reflects is an insecurity in the minds of the right wing outfits. It is definitely disturbing the secular fabric of out country, or should one call it 'sickular'? 'Pseudo-secular'? For the word from our 'Preamble' has got a bad name in the present scheme of things.

Should the Hindus start mass conversions to other religions, to revolt against this? But it would be difficult to choose a religion, as all of them are beautiful, when not distorted by their respective fundamentalists. Religion is only a vehicle that is meant to take you to 'truth'.  An eye for an eye could make everyone blind. Neither would it stop the Grinch from stealing Christmas from the kids under the garb of  'Good Governance Day'.

No society can survive without a broad, all encompassing outlook. The beauty of our country is its diversity, its plurality, lest we forget it. When the 'I' thinks to the point that there is no thought, the elephant suddenly becomes visible.

'2014: The Election That Changed India' : A Bug's Read

http://www.penguin.com.au/covers/catalog/9780670087907.jpg

Amazon gives you a peek into the book '2014: The Election That Changed India' by Rajdeep Sardesai. In the introduction, the author makes an honest attempt to reach out to the Pehelwan Chachas, the fisher woman of the Sasson Docks and such, on his pre-election journey. There is a brief history of Indian elections and a backdrop to the elections of 2014. The language of the book is surprisingly simple by the standards of Rajdeep (which he credits to R K Laxman's advice). Once you start reading the first chapter though, a part of which is available to read in the peek, you don't want to stop.Next thing you know, you have bought the book.

If you are a bug, you wouldn't keep the book down until you have finished it. Rajdeep Sardesai narrates the story leading up to the historic Lok Sabha elections of 2014. The main characters are Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, and the rest of the cast consists of Arvind Kejriwal, Nitish Kumar, Lalu Yadav, the Maya, Mamata and Jaya trio and dotted by others like Navin Patnaik, Akhilesh Yadav, and Sharad Pawar.


http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/2014/11/b4e95751-d2b5-44db-9898-58d5bf39836aWallpaper2.JPG

Sardesai's destiny seems quite entwined with that of Modi's. It revolves around the three main cities of Goa, Ahmedabad and Delhi. Modi's journey from Vadnagar to Delhi, his political milestones from being a mere volunteer and then a pracharak, to being a CM and a PM are well depicted by the author. The Rath Yatra (when he met the author for the first time as volunteer and the author a budding journalist), the Gaurav Yatra, the Sadbhavana Yatra, and the Vivekananda Yuva Vikas Yatra, (where he made the author sit on the footboard of the bus, the Supreme Leader himself sitting next to the driver) are the important milestones of the journey, with many to follow. His style of functioning, centralizing power in his own hands, trusting bureaucrats more than politicians, plotting against his own,  is just a continuation of his governance style in Gujarat, as is evident from the book (oh yes, and changing clothes four times a day!).

The author doesn't seem to have had the opportunity to meet Rahul in person as much as he would have appreciated. Skeptical of Rahul's 'Toyota Way', the author finds him arrogant and condescending, who lacked direct contact with the ground reality. He minces no words when he says ' The Rahul factor, if there ever was one, had failed' after the Congress defeat in the UP assembly elections, 2012. He writes that Rahul failed to identify political symbolism during events like India Against Corruption and the aftermath of Delhi gang rape incident, by being absent. "Where is Rahul?' echoes the question on various occasions in the book. His continued absence from the the Parliament, his scarce participation in debates, his two India theory of which he himself was a victim, all added up as factors towards the defeat of Congress. Though he also acknowledges the positives of Rahul, like his contribution in taking MGNREGA nationwide, or his involvement in the  women's self help group initiative.

There is ample coverage of India Against Corruption , and the 'toothbrush moustached' Arvind Kejriwal of AAP, but surprisingly he is missing from the front cover. As if, he was there and then removed in afterthought.There seems to be a disproportionate blank space on the top of Modi's left shoulder on the book cover. Sometimes enthusiastic ( while speaking their language at Jantar Mantar) sometimes cynical (calling them a Delhi phenomenon), sometimes prophetic (the author gave an advice of bringing Anna to Delhi and instead of  Mumbai for Jan Lokpal to Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal which was a major factor in its visibility and success) and sometimes taking it on horns for him  ( when the principled stand he took for doing a Hangout with Kejriwal against advice by a banker networked with Ambanis, which allegedly resulted in his resignation from CNN-IBN), the author's journey with Arvind Kejriwal has not been any less eventful. The Anna-Khurshid meeting too is documented in this book, much before Salman Khurshid's own book is published!

He contemplates deeply about media, both conventional and social. "But even if it was legal, was it morally right? Sadly none of us wanted to even consider raising the troubling ethical questions" is the author's comment on  media's live coverage of Modi's Varanasi roadshow, while polling was on in other constituencies. He is diplomatic in his comments on fellow journalists like Rajat Sharma despite the "Aap Ki Adalat' with Modi controversy and the famed "Nation wants to know' Arnab Goswami about whom he quotes ' slightly troubled professional equation revolving around constant one-upmanship'. He candidly admits on how he could have erred on the side of caution on 'cash for vote' issue, and how twitter let loose on him after his namo nemo analogy.

Some questions remain unanswered. For example, the book says Modi was packed off to north India by his detractors for his divisive politics, but doesn't point out the details of the divisiveness. He is judiciously cautious when he says 'Whether the ruthlessness extended to ordering extra-judicial killings, is a matter for the courts to decide' with reference to Amit Shah, or when he writes 'I shall not quarrel with the judicial system' on whether the Modi government was complicit in the 2002 riots. There are tongue in cheek moments, like when he tried to lighten the mood by jokingly asking Kirit Somaiya aboutg his plans of  CAG audit in Gujarat, only to receive a glare from Modi. He sounds a bit harsh when he calls Sharad Pawar 'un-telegenic', and ruthless when he avoided an 'out-of-office' Chandrababu Naidu as he did not make news.


The book also is a culinary journey with dosas at A Raja's, burra kebabs at Arun Jaitley's, macher jhol at Mamata Banerjee's, and kadhi chawal at Modi's.  It seems you cannot keep a Goan and food separate from each other. Cricket is another thread running parallel to various poltical events and personalities.He compares Manmohan Singh and Modi duo to Pujara-Gayle battle in a T20 match, admits that media covers Ranchi when Dhoni visits and buys cricket kits for the riot-hit kids of Muzaffarnagar. His memory of events too is ingrained in cricket. He remembers 'Snoopgate' in association with Tendulkar's reitrement and IAC with India's World Cup victory of 2011.

Of the two mentions he makes of Sagarika, one is"Our deputy editor at CNN-IBN" and the second is in connection to Jashodaben issue where Modi says 'Arre tum aur tumhari biwi aajkal bahut Twitter pe ho!' where she is mentioned implicitly. He  dedicates the book to her though.  In acknowledgments at the end of the book he calls her the 'original author in the family' , which sounds  tad romantic. However he shows no inhibitions in his emotions when it comes to his kids.'As a father of a lanky teenage son myself, I couldn't hold back my tears', he says when Rupa Mody, mother of Azhar from, Gulberg Society asks him why Modi would not meet her. He accepts sweet surrender in front of his daughter Tarini's computer skills.

The book definitely is a treat for readers. Hopefully in the upcoming editions he adds an appendix on the Madison Square Garden incident, about which he has already written on his blog. But including it in the book would be welcome too.

MGNREGA: 'Let them eat cake'

http://images.indianexpress.com/2014/10/gadkari.jpg

What would you do if someone offered to open a bank account for you, and then said you are fired from your job? BJP's decision to dilute  MGNREGA is in a similar vein.

The scheme enacted in 2006, the largest such programme in the world, guarantees 100 days of work a year as an employment of the last resort . It has employed over five crore households for the past six years., the major beneficiaries being women, Dalits  and tribals.



http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/employer-of-the-last-resort/article5815810.ece?ref=relatedNews

Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Rural Development, has proposed to limit MGNREGA to 200 districts, to put a cap on government spending and to increase expenditure on material. Further, the clause for compensation due to delay in payment will also be removed..

Restricting the scheme to 200 districts from the current 643 would cut the government cost, but will definitely mar its soul. The main intention of the scheme is to provide a safety net to the needy. Making an assumption that the needy only reside in these limited districts would be far from truth.

Besides, cutting the cost on a programme which approximately costs 0.3% of the GDP  through a cap on spending, is uncalled for. It is among the cheapest social welfare schemes around the world.
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/learning-from-nrega/article6342811.ece?ref=relatedNews

Changing the labour material ratio from from the current 60:40 to 51:49,could eat into the share of the financing of the wage component and increase contractor involvement thus furthering corruption. One argument given is that the programme is not generating durable assets.Well as a matter of fact, under the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyaan last year 28% of the funds were spent on building toilets,which could be continued under the much publicised Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan . 

There have been many limitations and flaws in this scheme. The guarantee of 100 days of employment has not been fulfilled yet. In most states  it has not crossed 50 to 60 days a year. Corruption has permeated the process. Despite all this, it has had the largest reach. 

One of the criticisms to this programme has been its impact on the agricultural labour. There have been allegations that the availability of the agricultural labour has reduced due to MGNREGA, as people already find other work through the programme. But most work happens during agricultural off season, and not peak season, so this argument does not stand.

Another example cited is that of the Varanasi weavers, by Maneka Gandhi. She said that many weavers of Varanasi have taken up MGNREGA work, affecting the handloom industry. Truth is that the weavers are out of work, starving and have resorted to this as a compulsion.

Thirty eminent economists recently wrote a letter to PM Narendra Modi raising concern about the proposed changes and the consequences therein. Brinda Karat of CPI(M) has written "Of what use is the ‘Make in India’ slogan when the Indian mazdoor, whose hands labour to produce, lives in destitution and distress?" Mr Jairam Ramesh, who oversaw MGNREGA’s implementation as a UPA minister  claimed that rural development minister Nitin Gadkari “is a man in a hurry to dismantle the edifice of the flagship scheme”.

People have benefited from the programme, lifting them out of below $1 a day poverty,which has been lauded by the ILO and the World Bank. Distress migrations from many rural areas across the country have reduced and it has given some spending power to the rural workers as the rural wages have increased, thus pushing up the rural economy.

This, coupled with the much applauded Pradhanmantri Jan Dhan Yojana, wherein bank accounts were opened for the rural poor, would have further moblilsed and strengthened the rural economy. People would have started saving their earnings, however small, in their newly opened bank accounts. But with only 200 districts benefitting, many will be left out.

The MGNREGA scheme, which is essentially a law, is representative of India as a welfare state. Saying that we cannot afford it, is undermining its significance. The poorest of the poor have been given labour and dignity, instead of just doling out free money. It has ensured them at least one square meal a day. Do they have any space in the 'development' envisaged by our PM? Or is he going to look the other way and be a Marie Antoinette?

Knock Knock

Knock knock.

Just a minute.

Who is it.

Nobody.

Had a meeting today. They are considering me for a promotion.

That's great. How soon?

Immediate effect. Involves some travelling. Few weeks at a time.

That's OK. We can manage.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Knock Knock.

Can you wait.

Who is it?

You were saying something.

Amma called. She wants to visit.

Hmm.

You always have a problem.

Did I say anything.

That's the problem.

You know how it turns out. Same old same old.

But what's the problem? Its been four years.

You know everything.

We will manage.

You always say that.

I mean it. And Amma can help.

Please don't start.

OK. We will call your mom. Happy?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Knock knock.

No answer.

What's the worry? We have our papers.

Even so.

And I can still work. Makes no difference.

But these things are complicated. And we may have to leave the country anytime.

Don't worry. We will manage.

Look who's talking this time.

Seriously.

You don't know these immigration guys. Let's wait.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Knock knock.

It costs a lot of money.

Which we have.

Not to squander though.

What do you mean? Is it not important?

You confuse me.

I mean I am not growing any younger.

Precisely. Why wait then?

I cannot afford to give up at this time. I am at a very important point at work. And they are covering the costs. We may have to pay some.

What is the success rate.

Good, they say.

I don't have a lot of understanding about this. It's your take.

Knock knock. Knock....are you even listening? Do I have a say at all?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This was the third round.

How many more are left in the freezer? What does the doctor say?

What will he say? He is always hopeful.

What's the age limit for adoption?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Knock knock. Knock knock. You there sweetheart. Sorry we didn't have the time to answer your call. We need you more than ever. You there. We will give up everything for you. Promise.....knock knock...

Dam(n) it Dibang!

Development is not possible without keeping a balance with the environment. The central government's decision to build a 3000 MW Dibang Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh without any public consultation comes as a surprise, in wake of Narendra Modi's assurance to voters that he will not support mega-dams in  the region, during his election campaign rally on 22nd Feb 2014, in Pasighat  here, before Lok Sabha elections.

The foundation stone for the dam was laid by Manmohan Singh in 2008. Six years on and two denials later, the project has been cleared by the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC). On 28th August 2014 the FAC had concluded the “ecological and social costs of destroying a vast tract of forest land which is a major source of livelihood for the state’s tribal population would far outweigh the benefit likely to accrue from the project.”This was followed by a letter from Nripendra Mishra, Principal Secretary to the PM to  “clear the project expeditiously” on 3rd September. Less than a month later, the project has been approved.

It will be India's largest dam and the world's tallest concrete gravity dam (previously 288 metres, now to be reduced by 20 ft). The electricity generated by the Rs 1,600 crore National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) project will be mostly transmitted to other parts of India. A proper study of its potential impacts in downstream Assam, seismic parameters, and on climate change has not been done.   

The Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Biosphere Reserve downstream would be affected by the fluctuations in the flow of the river. It is a potential Ramsar site, for wetlands.The  Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has said that it should be declared a Bengal Florican National Park because it supports the population of the endangered bustard species.

Besides, it is also home to other endangered birds like Black Parrot Bill, March Babbler, Manipur Bush Quail, white Winged Duck, Large Whistling, Griffin Vulture and Grey Heron.

The constitutionally protected indigenous communities like Idu Mishmis, Adis and others would be demographically and socio-culturally impacted by project construction as there would be a large influx of migrant workers who would outnumber the indigenous communities.

During its completion, around 3.24 lakh trees will be cut and more than 45 Sq Km of land will be submerged. The amount of boulder required for the construction of this project is 193 lakh cubic meter as stated in the project document. Mining on such scale on the river bed and nearby areas will be cataclysmic, considering the fragility of the Himalayan mountain range.

In other parts of the world, mostly US and Europe, a reverse process of dam removal has started. Old dams which have damaged riverine ecosystems, outlived their usefulness, are expensive to maintain, or have become a safety hazard are being gradually removed through various processes. The World Commission on Dams has said that big dams have only marginal economic value.

We need to diversify power generation away from large dams, more so because of the change in rainfall patterns due to climate change. Solar power, wind power and other alternative sources of energy could be tapped increasingly. Smaller dams to generate hydroelectricity is an option with lesser damage.

The brazen indifference shown by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), to the environmental issues under the pretext of 'development' is unprecedented. Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has cleared a backlog of most the 298 projects by June 2014  without much analysis. These include salt manufacturing plants in Gujarat close to a marine national park, a road running near the Pakistan border through "Flamingo City", Asia's biggest breeding ground for flamingos, and a cement plant close to the Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary (HP), home of the endangered cheer pheasant. Several environmental rules have also been relaxed.

Groups like the North East Dialogue Forum, People’s Platform Secretariat, Village Women Coordinating Committee, People’s Action for Development, Social Action Committee are protesting against Dibang dam. Their voices need to be joined by citizens all over the country. Nature is priceless, no money can buy it once it's lost.

http://indiaopines.com/dibang-dam-arunachal-pradesh/

Border Talks: Time to Act 'Now'

The border violations not only at the LOC, but also at the IB (International Border), which Pakistan has not apparently fully accepted and prefers to call a “working boundary”,  have started more than a week back from Pakistan, amid denials of the same.  In as much as we can call it a violation of ceasefire agreement, the escalation has been the highest, probably after the days before the truce came into effect in 2003.

Narendra Modi , in response to a question regarding the situation along the border, has answered "everything will be fine soon", and ruled out any possibilities of talks. While our PM is busy campaigning for the assembly elections in the states of Maharashtra and Haryana, the part time defence minister Arun Jaitley, is monitoring the situation along the border and held separate meetings with defence secretary Radha Krishna Mathur and three service chiefs to assess the situation. The NSA Ajit Doval, is seeking hourly report from the ground.

MHA has called a fresh meeting to discuss the issue. "It has been conveyed in no uncertain terms to Pakistan that ground realities in India have changed. If the violations continue, the army and every youth of this country are ready to give a befitting reply to Pakistan," Rajnath Singh said in a TOI report. BSF officers too have said that they would not hold any flag meetings with Pakistan to lower tensions. This is an unusual move because India has held flag meetings with Pakistan every time the ceasefire was violated in the past. Well is this the right approach. Are enough consultations being done when it comes to talks.

Meanwhile Pakistan has registered a protest with the UN monitoring mission, saying that India has been resorting to 'unprovoked' attacks. UN had reportedly told Pakistan that the issue needed to be resolved diplomatically. While the senior Indian official at the Indian Mission to the UN, Devesh Uttam said that everyone must be "assured" that India's armed forces and paramilitary forces are "fully ready and they will respond to provocation".

The mechanisms to deal with ceasefire violations include provisions for meeting between field commanders and hotline between the two Directors-General of Military Operations. But they seem to have fallen short of easing the tensions. Fresh dialogue needs to be started from both sides. Under the composite dialogue format, the Defence Secretaries met every year. But it has currently been suspended after the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The talks need to be called back as this is the only way to stress on their 'bilateral' nature.

India unleashed “massive retaliation” on Tuesday all along the 200-kilometre long International Border. The Indian attack targeted 37 Pakistani border posts, resulting in around 15 deaths, more than 30 injured and serious damage to outposts manned by the Pakistani Rangers, according to intelligence sources.

While this is the need of the hour, more needs to be done in dealing with the problem, through a democratic process. Showing off the nation's strength at the cost of lives of our troops, as well as innocent civilians, is not the only solution. It is time to act. Now.

http://indiaopines.com/india-and-pakistan-border-talks/

RSS on DD: Sign of Times?

The Prasar Bharati Broadcasting Corporation was founded in 1997, during the then Janata Dal government, wherein both AIR and Doordarshan were separated from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, towards giving it greater autonomy. The Shunu Sen Committee and the Sam Pitroda Committee furthered these efforts. However the fact remains that to this day the Prasar Bharati is being managed by the I & B ministry through the back door.

Information and Broadcast Minister Prakash Javadekar, in his interview with Karan thapar on Headlines today, had recently said that he is ‘philosophically’ and ‘ideologically’ in favour of doing away with the I & B Ministry as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘less Government, more governance.’  to bring about greater autonomy to Prasar Bharati.

How is it then, that the same I & B Minister holds meetings with the Director General (News) of  Doordarshan, on a daily basis at 9.30 am , which was reported by a senior DD official?

Is it a sign of autonomy or interference, as this has never been the norm before. Not even during the time of Indira Gandhi's government.

And if such meetings are indeed held daily, how can he say that he was not aware that DD was planning to telecast live, the speech of Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief on Vijayadashmi, the founding day of the organization. This happened to be shortly before PM Modi's 'Man Ki Baat' on AIR. Modi later tweeted  praising Mohan Bhagwat and his speech.

"https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/517939746698305536"

The argument given is that the speech was telecast live for its newsworthiness. Agreed, for all the newsworthiness it has, it should have been covered in a section of one of the news bulletins, in the right context and for the right duration.

In fact Javadekar has counter questioned on why it has not been done before. Why had the Congress put a blanket ban on the organization in the past, and not allowed any of its programmes being telecast. Well then it did not happen during the time of Atal Behari Vajpayee either.

The twice banned organization, RSS, it seems, is not a politico-religious organization, but caters to people from all sections, and is involved in social reform. It claims to reach and help during natural calamities and conduct various social work programmes. But it has been infamous for its role in the Gandhi assassination, Babri Masjid demolition, Godhra riots, to the more recent 'love jihad' doctrine. Does it bear any solidarity to the high principles of nation building it claims. Its role in the struggle for Indian independence is conspicuous by its absence, neither does it believe in the symbols of Indian nationalism, e.g, the tricolor or the national anthem

The speech itself was interesting, which was attended by many BJP leaders,like Nitin Gadkari and Devendra Fadnavis. In between the window dressing of saving the environment, consumerism, the so called RSS version of unity in diversity, inclusive development, and the call for not buying Chinese goods, there were also mentions of the jihadi activities going on in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and their threat in Bihar, Bengal and Assam, showing the real face of the organization. In between slight mentions of Gandhi and Ambedkar, there were adulations to "Guruji" Golwalkar".

Though DD allowing the telecast may not be a threat in itself, as there are other points of views expressed on  DD as and different private channels too, there is definitely a chance of brainwashing the already spongy minds of the general public, and adding fire to the growing fundamentalist, right wing mindset.  Well the difference here between the private news channels and DD is that the latter is funded by the taxpayer's money.  For all the justifications that are being given, it is obvious that this telecast is plain propaganda.

The Modi government is doing what its predecessors have done in the past. Using its powers to benefit themselves as well as all the factors that helped them win elections. Is it payback time? Or is it well timed for the assembly elections to be held in the states of Haryana and Maharashtra, where the cadre has vouched to send 60000 pracharaks for volunteering in the campaign.

Congress has been no saint when it comes to misuse of the public broadcaster, for its own agenda, the epitome of which was reached during the unfortunate emergency.  Besides the BJP spokespersons are also reminding the critics of how Jawaharlal Nehru invited the RSS to participate in the 1963 Republic Day parade, and how Lal Bahadur Shastri invited them to work as traffic police, as there was a shortage of personnel during invasion by Pakistan in 1965. But there is no doubt whatsoever about the divisive nature of RSS, as the statement of Mohan Bhagwat himself that “The cultural identity of all Indians is Hindutva", indicates.

The news of the plans of the program being telecast came a day in advance (when the I& B Minister was probably in deep pretend slumber), and many protested through social media but to no avail. Prominent among them being historian Ramachandra Guha and journalist Siddharth Varadarajan.

"https://twitter.com/Ram_Guha/status/517863985761091584"

"https://twitter.com/svaradarajan/status/517879966315204609"

The dust seems to have settled in on this issue. Either that, or the media has implicitly avoided any more controversy, just as it did after the infamous 'one small incident' reference by Arun Jaitley. Narendra Modi and his newly formed government is slowly moving from its honeymoon phase to a learning phase, or rather, learning from its mistakes phase. Hopefully they won't repeat such feats in the future by perhaps not allowing the broadcast of the speeches by VHP and Bajrang Dal, and draw a line in the right earnest. Or is it a sign of times to come.

http://www.smarttechtoday.com/rss-on-dd-sign-of-times/

Swachh Bharat: The 'Clean India' Movement.

There are more than a couple of  firms who conduct tours of Dharavi slums in Mumbai, mostly for international tourists, which came into prominence after the much acclaimed movie  "Slumdog Millionaire". Rave reviews of these can be found online, which talk  at length about the culture, cuisine, industry and hospitality of Dharavi, trying not to mention the unhygienic conditions people live in. Definitely not something to be proud of. Concrete and humongous steps in cleaning our country are long due.

The 'Clean India Mission', better known as 'Swachh Bharat' campaign has reverberated from the Red Fort to the White House. It finds mention in the Independence Day Speech of PM Narendra Modi to his joint editorial in the Washington Post with US President Barack Obama. The likes of Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are also joining hands with India in this mission, in terms of sharing their expertise. While the rest of the editorial talks about cooperation between Indian and US in various fields from business to space, US seems to have gone out of its way in the cleaning India endeavour. There definitely is no "Chalein Saath Saath" here for US and India, as the two countries are not even near to equal standing in this field. Is it a repetition of the 'Slumdog' showcase? Could we have handled this issue on our own?

The bane of filth has chased us a long time down the history lane. Mahatma Gandhi said “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.” He devoted his whole life to this endeavor.  It is only apt then that 2nd October was chosen for the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign, which will continue for five years, culminating into a 'Clean India' on  his 150 birth anniversary in 2019. 

Besides the symbolism attached to it, and the tokenism in the form of ministers holding brooms for photo-ops, it is a welcome step by the present government. A recycled version of 'Nirmal Bharat' mission started by the UPA governemt, "Swach Bharat' will go the extra mile and aim to make India open defecation free. Government employees, students, actors and common people participated in this event. What is important to see to it that it extends to more than one day, and becomes a part of our everyday lives.

Sanitation has always been a game of 'ping pong' between people and the authorities blaming each other. Taxpayers complain that not enough is being done in cleaning the streets and sewers by the local authorities, while the latter conveniently blame it on the 'habits' of the people who throw trash out in the open.  A solution of working together could be found to this problem as a collective effort. In the west, a community or a neighborhood adopts a street or an area and work together on cleaning it regularly, taking joint responsibility.

A change in mindset is more important than anything else. Cleanliness begins at home.We should first start cleaning up our home as a family, not just the female members, working alongside the helpers and maids wherever necessary. It is not somebody else's responsibility but our own. Government needs to chip in by providing waste bins, drainage systems, toilets etc.Recycling, separating dry and wet waste, rehabilitating our dumping grounds could be the things we could look forward to. Industrial waste needs to be treated in an environment friendly manner. Standardized measures and practices can be brought in by the administration.

Swach Bharat is set to be an andolan, a movement, rather than just a government program. Our PM has rightly asked the masses to participate, by contributing two hours a week to this endeavor. He has also asked his ministers to join. To bring home the point,he has himself taken the broom in his hand. This is the right approach. Leading by example. Mahatma Gandhi did it, and the masses followed. Lal Bahadur Shastri did it, and to this day, his followers sing his praises. It is his birth anniversary too on 2nd October. It remains to be observed if our present PM too is planning to set such a precedent, by himself contributing two hours a week to cleaning, outside his busy schedule. 

A social media campaign was launched by our PM, through his speech from Rajpath, where he nominated nine celebrities, which include Sachin Tendulkar, Priyanka Chopra, Kamal Hasan and others, to join in this campaign and asked others to do the same. He also administered a pledge of cleanliness to everyone attending, along with special guest Aamir Khan, amid a charged atmosphere. This is an issue beyond politics, and everybody needs to join in, despite different affiliations.

Let us also not lose this opportunity to not only clean the 'outside' but also our 'inside'. Starting from ourselves, let us clean our country of the vices of corruption, communalism, gender inequality and casteism in thought and in act. Hope our ministers follow too.


http://indiaopines.com/swachh-bharat-clean-india-movement/

Over a Cup of Tea

Dear Modiji,

It is with great pleasure we welcome you to USA. Madison Square Garden is currently being transformed to 'Modison Square Garden', with Indian Americans from all over USA attending your live address, an event already sold out . Rest of your itinerary is packed too, UNGA, summit with President Obama et al. People are curious to know how a "tea seller's son", as you often describe yourself, went on to become the PM of India, the largest democracy of the world. During elections, many debates were held over a cup of tea, "chai pe charcha" (chat, over a cup of tea) , as you called  it, resulting in your party's thundering victory. 'Tea' dominated your election campaign.

It is in the same vein that I would like to bring to your kind notice, the plight of the tea workers in the state of West Bengal. There has been a rise in the death toll of the workers between the ages 20-40. Malnutrition has resulted in low BMIs, lower than the critical value of 18.5 given by WHO. Many have a BMI below 16, a life threatening status. There is also a problem with access to clean drinking water and sanitation. People are living among cesspools. 

They are being paid around Rs. 95 per day, which is  much less than the stipulated rate of wage.According to The Plantations Labor Act of 1951, they should be provided housing, medical, educational and other facilities, which are currently lacking in many instances. These workers were uprooted from their villages from Central India, during the British rule, to work on the tea plantations, and have nowhere to go now. The plantation owners are giving the excuse of declining sales, and are hence not able to provide them adequate wages and facilities.Many plantaitons are closed, e.g.,Dooars Tea Estate, Surendranagar, Dharanipur , Dheklapara and Bandapani Tea Estates. The situation in these places is even more dire. Rice distributed under PDS scheme is not fit for consumption. With no income and no food to eat, some families have resorted to eating shrubs collected from the gardens. More than 1000 people have died due to malnutrition. The State Government has declined to acknowledge that these deaths occurred due to starvation. It has even declined to recognize that there was any malnutrition death.

A delegation of the joint forum of tea garden labor unions, met Minister for Commerce and Industries Nirmala Sitharaman (from your government) and updated her on the above facts. The National Human Rights Commission has asked the State government to send a report about the deaths. Has there been any progress in this direction?

The plucking season of tea leaves ends in  October, after which more tea gardens would be closed by owners making the situation worse. It is no more a labor issue or a state issue. It is  a serious violation of human rights.  Your slogan 'Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas' (Development for all), should extend here. Nobody deserves this, it is a very sad situation All that the the tea workers need is a life of dignity, rather a right to live. Please look into the matter urgently, and take immediate steps, before it escalates even further.

Yours sincerely,
A simple human.

http://indiaopines.com/tea-workers-west-bengal-open-letter-narendra-modi/
http://blogs.rediff.com/anvaya/

Garba Mana Hain

"One swallow doesn't make a summer" is the response given by BJP spokesperson Jay Narayan Vyas to the statement made by Madhya Pradesh BJP vice president and MLA, Usha Thakur, seeking a ban on entry of Muslim youths in 'garba' in MP, during the festive navratri. She has come out with 11 point guidelines, which consist of checking the voter ids of the youth trying to enter the garba pandal . There are also guidelines on the 'dress code' for girls, decent to be precise, to defend themselves from the so called 'love jihad'.
  
Festivals in India seldom have been restricted to religion. They have always been a celebration of life, a reason to smile, enjoy, dance. Navratri is one such festival, where people gather around Goddess Durga, and dance to the beats of  'garba' over nine nights. Nobody in the history of this festival has restricted entry to people on the basis of religion. Nobody has paused and questioned  who is the music director of the song "Dholi taro.." (Ismail Durbar, film 'Hum Dil De Cuke Sanam') before dancing to its tunes. 

Recently there have been limitations on the timings of the garba for security reasons. But nobody has sent out diktats on the clothes women should be wearing on this occasion, which in essence is a celebration of femininity, expressed in the form and spirit of Maa Durga. 

What has changed? Article 15 of the Indian Constitution gives the right to equality, irrespective of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. How can a sitting MLA then come out with such hokum?. Why is the BJP looking the other way? Is it deliberate attempt, though not official, to divide people for vote dividends in the upcoming by-elections to be held in various parts of India. 

Where did this term 'love jihad' come from? It is said that it originated in the state of Karnataka somewhere around 2009, coined by Kerala Catholic Bishops Council, furthered by the  Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and others. They made allegations of large scale conversions of girls to Islam, through wrongful means, which were later found baseless. Recently the term is being polished and shined mainly in the state of  UP, by various Hindutva fringe elements as well as some office bearers of BJP.

Is it not an insult to the intellect of the woman, that she will fall prey to intentional overtures by men of a 'certain community'. And even if one assumes that women are vulnerable(beware, they are not), how is it the propriety of only women of a certain 'other' community. Besides, how does one check the authenticity of these claims in the current context. Definitely not on the basis of Tara Shahadeo case or the Meerut incident, which themselves are in question. Crimes against women happen in every community. One specific community cannot be singled out. 

When one thinks only 'love' was overrated, on which scale can 'love jihad' be rated. Well they will invent a scale too, in no time, let us be assured.

Surprisingly a poll taken on one of the TV channels showed that 87% people agreed  with Usha Thakur in restricting Muslim youth from entering garba pandals. This is a dangerous trend, which has been evolving recently. Where are we going as a society with such mindsets.

Even if one brushes aside this scaremongering as a one off, something new crops up everyday. There have been one too many swallows, with the likes of Yogi Adityanath, Laxmikant Bajpai, Sangeet Singh Som and others. They are making clowns of themselves. Let us make an humble request to our PM to stand by  the ten year moratorium on communalism he announced in his robust speech  from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, and take action. And let us not lose our sense of humor!

http://indiaopines.com/garba-mana-hain/

Pin Drop Silence

Tony Blair was the Prime Minister of UK then. I vividly remember watching the news that day. Nothing out of the ordinary. He was visiting a school in one of the London Boroughs. He walked alongside a bunch of children, tweeny teeny kids. They were chatting as if he was just another guy from the neighborhood. It was a certainly a culture shock for me, who had just moved to this new country from India. What is it about schools that suddenly makes your spine go straight, to the point of being stiff.

Things have definitely changed. It is heartwarming that the next generation kids in India are more confident, questioning and sans inhibitions. Learning blossoms where there is no fear.

It is precisely why the news of our PM addressing the kids in schools on Teacher's Day triggers mixed feelings. It is a welcome sign that the Prime Minister of our nation wants to interact with the future generation. It will be a vocational training session. So many from the audience would want to be PMs in future. It will also be inspiring and educational.

What is disturbing is the atmosphere created around the whole episode, the language used in the directorate of education circular, the strict instructions given to the teachers and administrators to make the necessary arrangements. For example, schools with no electricity,  have been told to hire generators and  screens to telecast the PM speech live, just for that duration. The least it brings out is a laugh, a wry laugh that is.

Much has been politicized about this event. The HRD minister calling it 'voluntary' for schools to participate, the tone of the circular notwithstanding. The DMK chief Karunanidhi's objection on "Guru Utsav" term being used as being hegemonic. TMC ignoring the directive, and planning to go ahead with its own program in West Bengal. Media too has debated the issue in detail.

One thing nobody seems to have noticed is the precedent we are setting for the children of our country. Day in and day out, they face a lot of compulsions at school. Freedom of expression, freedom to talk, walk, run around, is thwarted by a single expression 'pin drop silence'. So much so that it echoes in their subconscious mind through their grown up years. The silence that exists in the present government, its cabinet and ministers could be a reflection of the same.

Children are individuals, and we as a country have a long to way to go to realize that. Wait in school for extended hours, follow discipline, listen to the live telecast, ignore those rumblings in the tummy for which no arrangements have been mentioned in the circular.One school has gone a step ahead and decided to evaluate and grade students on the content of the speech in upcoming tests. Why not give them a space to breathe. They can choose to watch the speech in their own time.

When Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was leaving to join as a professor in Calcutta he was taken all the way from Mysore University to the Railway Station in a flower decked carriage pulled by his students. Later he became the President of India. Teacher's Day is celebrated on his birthday. Which direction are we pulling our children, is a question we could ask ourselves.