Does the apology stand?

The story of the German professor who denied internship to an Indian student went viral yesterday.

According to the question posted by his friend on Quora the student was given the pretext of 'rape problem' in India by the professor.


In further interactions, Professor Annette G. Beck-Sickinger, Leipzig University reiterated her stand, citing reports of 'multi-rape crimes'.



Kindly enough German Ambassador to India, Micahel Steiner shot a letter to her in the right earnest, expressing his difference of opinion, and clearing the misconceptions, where he describes Indians as open-minded,  law-abiding, tolerant, open-minded and hard working.




This was followed by a post on the website of German Embassy to India saying that the Professor had apologised. " I have made a mistake. I sincerely apologise to everyone whose feelings I have hurt ", announced  Prof. Beck-Sickinger.





It looked like the matter had closed with the apology. The Professor realised her mistake and apologised, and we should move on.  However the press release by the Leipzig University tells a different story. It says

The professor recently turned down the student’s email application for an internship because no openings were available. The student did not accept her reasoning and involved her in a discussion about the social conditions in Germany and India. In her response, she mentioned the problem of women in India being raped.

It also says

Professor Beck-Sickinger stated: "I never wrote the mail in this way, it has been put together from individual segments taken from different mails."

The President of University of Leipzig stated

"From the point of view of the University she has followed the correct and suitable path to avoid misunderstandings and to express her apologies."


Is this the whole truth or there is more to the story? Why was the whole apology not made public, and only parts out of context? Is this a one-off example of her conduct, or there could be a pattern?

According to a story published in The News Minute, by Dhanya Rajendran, one more student came forward citing a similar email sent to him by the same Professor in reply to his PhD application. He chose to remain anonymous but gave a screenshot as proof.


Dear Mr….., 
Thanks a lot for your application. 
Unfortunately, I do no longer accept any male Indian guests, trainees, doctoral students, or post docs due to the severe rape problem in India. 
I cannot support a society which is not able to respect females in any aspect. I think cultured people cannot close their eyes.



According to him, this was the only email transaction he had with the Professor, unlike the current one in question, where the University claims that there were many emails exchanged after denial of internship, the student engaged her in a conversation and implies that Prof. Beck-Sickinger was compelled to make such arguments.

The above example though falsifies such claims.

The matter should be taken up by our MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) as well as the HRD (Human Resource Development) Ministry. Every year thousands of students apply for admission in variious educational programmes in Germany.


In response to a question by a student regarding the money to be shown in one's account, DAAD (http://www.daaddelhi.org/ ) answered "A student’s blocked account ("Sperrkonto") in Germany in the name of the applicant showing a minimum balance of Euro 8.040, and the remark that the account holder can dispose of a monthly amount of EURO 670, is necessary, the alternatives being a scholarship or a formal letter of sponsorship from a sponsor living in Germany. "

The interest rate on a student loan in India is apparently higher than that on a car loan. There is a lot of investment involved when a student decides to study abroad, monetary as well as psychological and emotional. A student has to adjust in the new environment, learn the norms and fit in. 

As a nation, India brings a considerable revenue to many countries around the world in terms of educational spending. While it cannot be denied that most countries, including Germany, provide a friendly and hospitable atmosphere for the students, there could be issues specific to countries which need to be addressed.

It is the duty of the Indian Government to look into the matter and follow it up. The response from the University, as well as Prof. Beck-Sickinger has been less than satisfying, especially in light of new reports. It is unlikely that the students would take any strong steps, considering their vulnerable position. However the Government needs to step up its act, even if means taking stern action against such incidents ,and make an official statement. This could give reassurance to the aspiring students applying overseas, as well as their families.

The Frankenstein's Monsters

They are everywhere these days. You meet them on Facebook, Twitter, on the phone, around the street corner.

Sometimes they are seen holding placards, at other times, starting hashtags, surveys, signature campaigns, RTI applications, writing blogs and so on.

They are a different species, unlike others of similar tribes. They have hailed but don't say 'Hail Hitler". They follow but not blindly. They have adored and revered, but are not 'bhakts'.

They question when they have one. They challenge when subjugated. They disagree when they don't concur. They express their opinions.

Where did they learn these tools of the trade? Who guided them in their processes? Were they the same before? Who are they?

They are the Frankenstein's monsters created by the AAP. They are the 'aam aadmi, aam aurat, and the aam insaan' of our society. They could be volunteers, office bearers, supporters, donors or voters of the AAP.

They had given up their hope in the system. Then came the AAP. They saw a flicker, a dream, that things can change. And to their surprise, things started changing during the 49-day Government of the AAP.  Then came the resignation.

They were disappointed but had not lost hope. They made their anger known. Arvind Kejriwal heeded to them and gave his apology. And to everyone's surprise, not only did they forgive, but also rewarded the AAP with a thumping victory of 67 out of 70 seats in Delhi.

This time though, it did not even last for 49 days.Back then, the Frankensteins monsters were disappointed, but still they justified the resignation, supported the AAP in every debate that flared up in the virtual social world, as well as the real one. Though the AAP only got four seats in the Lok Sabha elections, their vote share in Delhi increased, and they got two percent vote share around the country despite the fact that they were not seen as major national players. It is different now. The hopes are dwindling, the dreams are blurred.

It started with the allegations on Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, followed by their removal from the Political Affairs Committee of the AAP. They say that there are two groups of supporters now, those of Arvind and those of Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan. But this could be misleading. If you look closer, you will see that there are the usual followers, 'bhakts', of whoever and then there are the Frankenstein's monsters, the AAP's creations, who are not only disheartened about the whole series of events but are also working on it to keep it together.

This is a species, never seen before in the history of Indian politics. Supporters have been unhappy with their parties before, but they either choose to stay put and not argue or change their loyalties. This species has continued to stay with the AAP and question. The AAP they continue to stay with, is the idea of the AAP, which began on the 2nd October 2012 in the Constitution Club, following the India Against Corruption movement, when the party was not even named.

They have spent the sweat of their brow, some blood even, at times emptied their pockets, left jobs, skipped exams, argued with their closest people for this idea of the AAP. The idea which seems to be at the breaking point is held tightly, close to their hearts by these adorable Monsters, in their placards, hashtags, surveys, signature campaigns, RTI applications, blogs.......hoping somebody will listen.

No 'Daughters' Please

'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'! 'Vande Mataram'! Goosebumps.

Do we ever pause and think why a nation is called 'motherland' ( barring Germany, which is called 'fatherland')? Probably not. We raise our slogans and feel proud.

When a girl is born, we say 'Laxmi ayi hain'! Are we happy, or are we trying to overcompensate our guilt of not feeling happy? The 'Honesty Award' in this regard should go to the state of Haryana, where according to a survey carried out by the NGO Breakthough, 90 per cent of parents prefer boys over girls (the remaining could just be diplomatic).

Going by the symbolics, is it an honor to be called Laxmi? The lady is mostly seen at the feet of Vishnu, tending to him, as he reclines horizontally on the coils of his serpent. Now we know where our men draw their inspirations from.

Talking of honor, is it a good thing? This honor. The pedestals being given to us. They sound good. And who wouldn't love a dose of appreciation. But then our country is known more for 'honor killing' than the so called 'honor'. Well if they don't manage the sonograms in the first place that is, and a 'girl child' is born.

How often do we use the condescending term 'girl child' without even realizing it. Why 'girl child'? Why not just 'girl' or 'child'? The government liberally uses the term when drafting the various programmes. And what names, 'Ladli Laxmi' (Laxmi..again), Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana (Kanyadan..well this one requires a separate article) and so on.

'Nirbahaya', the fearless, the courageous. Sorry sweetheart, up in heaven, couldn't gather the courage to watch the BBC documentary, after watching its clip where your mother narrates your last moments with her. 'India's Daugher'. Is that what you were? Are remembered? "Jyoti Singh deserves the dignity of her name. So much was snatched from her, show her parents and her memory respect please" tweeted writer Sonia Chopra.

On this women's day, just for a day, can we (including men and women...one cannot put all the blame of atrocities against women on men alone) treat her as a human being, not a daughter, mother, sister or wife.

For a change, instead of between putting her or on pedestal or on rags, find a middle ground. Maybe listen to her, and not look through her as if she is a wall, when she offers her opinions. Shake that inertia and co-cook with her in the kitchen ( your kids will thank you for setting that example when they grow up). How about letting (not permitting, ok) her choose, if she wants to take up a career, or give up one. Or just notice her presence and not take her for granted.

Grow Up AAP

It's simple.

Which path is right?

Arvind Kejriwal's, Prashant Bhushan's, or Yogendra Yadav's?

There is only one right path, the path of integrity.

Every time AAP refused the donations after their 20 crore mark was met during Delhi Assembly Elections 2013, AAP won.

When AAP refused the support of Shahi Imam AAP won.

Every time AAP canceled tickets of questionable candidates, AAP won.

Keep it simple.

AAP has won because of its integrity, make no mistake.

Tireless volunteers shed their sweat only for this reason, else there is many a political party out there.

AAP cannot afford to lose.

It's not about AK, PB or YY.

It's about people. The people who put trust in AAP. People who have brought AAP to this juncture. Voters, volunteers, supporters..questioners too.

Questions are good, sycophancy..... not good, for anybody.

It has taken 67 odd years after independence to see this ray of hope. Amongst corruption, communalism and cronyism people had grown tolerant. 'Chalta hain' had become an everyday phrase.

AAP shook the foundations of it all. A new discourse is trying to take shape. Common people are asking questions (More power to AAP!).

The same questions should be welcome in AAP too. Why are they taboo?

Questions are good. Baseless allegations....not good.

AAP was an unplanned baby. It was the likes of Gadkaris and Khurshids who helped push AAP into birth. The baby AAP has been growing up fast, now a toddler.

AAP cannot have the luxury of waitng any longer. Time has come. Grow up.

Growth pangs are good. Mistakes too. They are a sign of "Work in Progress". But repeating mistakes...not good.

AAP needs to gather up all the goodwill. Forget differences. Stop arguing on social media. For the greater cause.

People are looking up. To you.

"Sabko sanmati de".

Women MLA's Of AAP

" I am from Mumbai. I left my job and am living in Jarnail Singh's (AAP MLA, Tilak Nagar) home for the past three months volunteering for AAP. My husband is the earning member from our family and is in Mumbai" said a lady on the famed Ravish Kumar's show. There were many more. The contributors to the landslide victory of AAP.

The euphoria is settling in. Did it really happen? A toddler party? Humongous mandate? Enough has been said and written. It's the D-day.

"Inquilab Zindabad"! He is roaring again. Why am I not feeling the same happiness I felt when he took his oath the last time around. Something's missing.

It's the same old wardrobe of the minister's, same simplicity, to the point that might make you think its de ja vu.

People shouting slogans. Common people clad in white caps. People in costumes..peacocks and what not.

'If someone asks you for a bribe...don't deny. Give it. Do a recording. And report it on the anti-corruption line number.' Not the same joy as last time. Am I depressed?

Inclusive governance. Constructive cooperation. Positive competition. All good. But no overwhelming feeling. Am I being a snob?

Ok. Got it. Bang on. So there are no women in the cabinet. That's what is causing it. My lack of joy.

Six women AAP candidates were elected in the assembly elections. None in the cabinet.

Few raised a voice on the social media against this. Were trolled.Called names. Were given justifications like competence, tokenism, merit, symbolism. None of the AAP leaders seemed to be answering.

I had thought, let's wait and watch. Not overplay the gender card. AAP should do a fine work. Should select a good cabinet. Everything will fall in place. It didn't. According to me at least.

It's not about reservation. It's about representation. Power of 49, they call it when elections come up (though it's not a happy number. It should be ideally Power of 51, if nature was allowed to work and not the infamous sonograms).

Questioning competence of women is plain silly and needed to be thought out before ticket distribution. Besides it smells of distrust.

Symbolism too is unwelcome, in the new brand of alternative politics that AAP stands for. But then there already is a Dalit and a Muslim in the cabinet. Is it not symbolism?

Giving the portfolio of women and children to a male (Sandeep Kumar) too is revolutionary. Probably giving education or public works to a woman could have worked as well.

I support AAP. Will continue to support it for all the right reasons. But will also continue to ask questions, when in doubt.

There were elaborate women's dialogues organised during AAP's campaign phase. Lot was discussed and promised on women's safety, women empowerment. What changed?

Stalwarts like Atishi Marlena, Meera Sanyal, Gul Panag carried the torch of women power. It was very inspiring. The women MLAs of AAP too are wonderful. It is likely that Bandana Kumari, AAP's MLA from Shalimar Bagh, could be deputy speaker. That's a consolation.

Will there be a cabinet reshuffle in the near future? What were the reasons for not including women in the cabinet? Will AAP come transparent on this? Arvind says we should shun 'ahankaar' or else we will be punished like Congress and BJP. Is this not an example of male ego? If not, please clarify.

Until them, using all the power at my disposal (49/51), will pursue this question.

Of Groceries an Gandhi

                             

When we were planning to move to US from UK, the first thing I looked up, were the Indian grocery stores in US. As I Googled, a list shot up, in alphabetical order.  First one on the list was Alaska. I wondered if there were Indian stores in Alaska, should I even worry about North Carolina (where we were planning to move).

From being taken as slaves to island nations like Trinidad and Tobago, to seeking asylum in UK and other European nations, post partition and in pursuit of higher education in universities spanning from Oceania to Americas, to most recently in search of better job opportunities after the Y2K bubble, the Indian diaspora has had many hues.

Wherever we go, we carry a little bit of "India", celebrating our festivals, cooking authentic Indian recipes and preserving our culture. Indianness has spilled out of the geographical borders into the hearts of people, dotted all over the world.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Gandhiji's return to India from South Africa. The Government of India had organized a three day event in Gujarat, inviting the NRIs and PIO's from all over the globe. A coin and a stamp to commemorate Gandhiji’s return to the country were released by PM Narendra Modi, symbolising his transition from Pravasi (migrant) to the 'Father of the Nation'.

Gandhiji is embedded in Indians. Inseparable. His presence exists in books, memorials and statues across boundaries. I worked for Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London for some time, which was a minute's walk from Gandhiji's residence, where he lived as a law student. His statue stands outside Marbles Kids Museum, North Carolina in US, nearby our present home. It is where I introduced him to my kids.

He is like a family member to us, away from home. It is probably the reason why, when I go shopping and the lady at the cash register asks me if I am related to him, looking at my last name on the credit card, I get a warm gushy feeling, though I don't share any ancestry or even an iota of his qualities. Who wouldn't love to be related to an icon?

Mahatma Gandhi set examples of non-violence, non-discrimination and satyagraha (passive resistance), inspiring many like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. He is also known for his internationalism, rather his broader view of nationalism, which is especially relevant in Indian context today, when nationalism is being equated with religious dominance. His last fast was against the Indian State, to give the rightful remuneration of 55 crores to Pakistan. It was also to reiterate communal harmony between Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. He wanted better relations between India and Pakistan. He took nationalism to a different level, when he gave humanity a preference over anything else.

It was difficult to understand his stance, when in India. However, differences across borders melt in a new country. In UK, my Pakistani colleague would drop me to the railway station in her car even though it was out of her way, every time she saw me at the bus stop, waiting for the bus. The Bangladeshi staffer at a local Burger King always greeted us with a smile and would give us a free upgrade on our order, every time me and my husband visited.We happened to be among the few Asian faces in the neighborhood. It reminded us of the ideals for which Gandhiji strove so hard. It all started sinking in.

Instead of emulating him, presently the tide is turning in a different direction. Hindu Mahasabha in India wants a temple built in the name of Nathuram Godse, his assassin. A movie 'Deshbhakt Nathuram Godse' has been slated for release on January 30, Gandhiji's death anniversary, and is currently being petitioned for a ban. It allegedly paints Godse in a patriotic light and elevates him to a pedestal.

Asim Sarode, a Gandhian activist, has asked the film be released on the grounds of freedom of expression. According to him, the film is 'incapable of denting the stature of someone like Mahatma Gandhi'. What could be a better example of following Gandhiji's footsteps.

Such instances keep our hopes alive, for a better world. I look outside my kitchen window and ponder...can I manage without my Indian spices? I probably can. I will find substitutes, just like I use pancake mix to make gulab jamuns. Can I find a substitute for Mahatma Gandhi's principles to look up to in today's world?

AAP : Delhi and Beyond

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With the Delhi elections announced on 7th Feb 2015, the atmosphere is getting charged up. Like a diligent student, AAP has been preparing for this since quite some time now, holding rallies, Delhi Dialogues, beefing up their organisation polling booth upwards. Their candidates in all the 70 constituencies have been announced too, well in advance of BJP and the newly awakened Congress. It is a make or break situation for AAP, or is it?

Does AAP have a chance of gaining a majority in Delhi this time around? With BJP leading the race in all the television surveys, it seems like an uphill task. Congress seems to have admitted defeat even before the battle began, with Sheila Dixit calling AAP a 'natural ally' and vouching to support it, in case there is a hung assembly (God forbid).


One could argue that the ground reality reflects the beginning of the ebb of 'Modi wave', with around 35,000 people attending his rally on Ramlila grounds on 10th Jan, when the expected numbers were around a lakh or more With the BJP unit of Delhi lacking lustre, and a formidable leadership figure missing, its prospects in the upcoming elections could further weaken. AAP, on the other hand, claims that its CM candidate Arvind Kejriwal, has a mass appeal. They have a blueprint ready for Delhi, with free WiFi, CCTV cameras, student loans guaranteed by the government, new schools and colleges and so on, while not deviating from its main plank of anti-corruption.


Endless obituaries have been written on AAP by many. Even before it won 28 seats in the historic Delhi Assembly elections of 2013, leaders across parties wrote them off, only to bite their tongues later. The Lok Sabha elections of 2014 gave them another chance to brush away AAP, after it managed to win only 4 seats in the state of Punjab. But Arvind Kejriwal resurrected himself and the party, despite the bickering and people leaving. Now AAP is back in the battle, with newfound freshness, rising above all the criticism, genuine as well as 'manufactured'.

In their private realms, many experts secretly want AAP to win, even though they may not explicitly support it. Eminent historian Ramchandra Guha, in his interview to Karan Thapar, quoted that AAP will be a formidable force in the next decade or so, with Congress making its way out. Karan Thapar, for those who know him for his combative style, chose not to argue, a feat rare of  him.


Shiv Visvanathan, a self-professed social nomad, and a well-known columnist, in his various articles over time, has highlighted the significance of AAP, while never ceasing to reprimand its errors. " There is also a deeper reason to bet on AAP. The Bharatiya Janata Party won, but its only achievement was to defeat the Congress. It was AAP that acted like a true startup with fresh ideas of what is the political. " , he says in one of his recent articles.


Om Thanvi, editor Jansatta, on a debate on Rajya Sabha TV, admitted that only AAP is a party with strong ethical foundation, and with the guts to file an FIR against the might of the Ambanis, while also admitting that he had no allegiance to the party.

AAP has arrived. In an atmosphere of disquiet, communal undertones and crony capitalism, AAP is a ray of hope. That something is possible. In the hush hush of the aftermath of the Modi victory, where let alone the freedom of expression, even an attempt to express is thwarted at the first notice, and any dissent is looked down upon. In an environment where cheerleading equates journalism, selfies are replacing tough questions, the trend is tilting towards authoritarianism. One may or may not agree with the prediction by former Supreme Court judge,  Markandeya Katju of a second Emergency in the near future, the need for AAP in the current scenario cannot be denied. It is probably for this reason that he also predicts a victory for AAP in the Delhi elections.



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Yogendra Yadav, in one of his interviews after Lok Sabha elections , had said that he was not worried about booth rigging or losing, but was more anxious about the whole climate in which some white collared experts, under the garb of independent opinion, shaped the mindset of the electorate, to the advantage of a particular leader and party.


There is hardly any difference between such experts and the paid trolls on the social network, who make their living pouncing on any statements made against their leader, with vile. What starts on twitter spills on the streets as it did outside Madison Square Gardens, where the so called NRI professionals clashed with Rajdeep Sardesai, (known for his questions post Godhra riots) during Modi's visit to US.


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As opposed to these paid experts, trolls and volunteers of BJP, the AAP engine is fueled by the selfless leaders, volunteers and members, who are ever eager to contribute to its cause in any way possible, be it money, groundwork or holding up AAP banners, rain or shine.


Well one cannot say that these volunteers are without intent. The video of an AAP volunteer went viral, where he says he joined AAP for his children to have a better future. He narrates his tale of how he lost his mom because the nurse wouldn't connect the oxygen cylinder unless he paid the next installment of bribe, and he couldn't pay any more as he ran out of money.


AAP also taught people to question. It is difficult to forget how an AAP volunteer argued and questioned Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on  a television debate, despite the BJP leader calling him names. It is all these volunteers, who want AAP to win, and rightly so.


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While the matter at hand is the Delhi elections, and the whole focus is riveted on it, AAP needs to look beyond. What if AAP does not get a majority, or form the government in Delhi? Even so, it is definitely going be the major opposition party, considering the present status of Congress and its inability to win more seats. Its promise of alternative politics will still be valid. Narendra Modi would still get sleepless nights, with an opponent, right in his backyard, questioning his 'Ordinance Raj'


If AAP wins, it will be a beginning of a new chapter. It will get an opportunity to prove its mettle, set Delhi as an example, serve the people as it claims on every given occasion. Fortune favours the brave they say. But those who put in efforts, write their own fortune. Its AAP's turn this time around.