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“Hey Ram, Garlands are not ready and it’s time for Netaji to come. Bring them fast!”
The head of Madhavpur village in the district of Kalahandi district in Indian state of Odissa said in hurry. He was serving the village for more than 10 years, tall, healthy body, muscular arms and a serious face with a calm nature. Everybody in the village revered him for his acumen.
The village is a typical example of an Indian village with lack of basic infrastructure. There was a primary school in a small building of two rooms with children like cattle packed in a cow shed. Two wells -one for the upper caste and other for the lower caste people, are the main source of drinking water; people depend on the rain God for irrigation completely. This time the rain God seems unhappy with this village; the only road to the nearby city was looking like excavation of an ancient civilization. People know how to read and write just to increase the literacy rate of the state. Educated youth did not find the farming work up to their standard, and they used to go to cities like Surat (Gujarat) to get some work in textile mills and coals fields of Chhattisgarh or Jharkhand.
“Yes Sarpanchji, they are ready with me. I will be back within a minute.”
After the elections, the village was to be fortunate enough to have Netaji on its soil at least after three years. The whole village was waiting eagerly to have a look of him from morning. The school was closed, as it was before some days on Polio Day then panchayat elections followed by legislative elections. Today people were asked not to go to work; men, women and children were in colorful dresses, women had finished their work. The school was well decorated up to the school road; sitting arrangement is also so nicely arranged.
Just in front of the stage there are children standing in rows, then chairs for women followed by men. Everything was nicely planned and the credit goes to a group of people who came to the village yesterday morning with everything with them, from decorative things to chairs. Everybody was eagerly waiting for Netaji.
The dreams, which Netaji showed before the elections when he came to this village last time on an election campaign, were still fresh in the minds of the people. It was the month of May, the temperature was 44 degree, and there were hot winds all over the area. No one could dare to go outside in the Sun, so the life used to be started long before sunshine and then when it was 8-9 am, the life ceased until 4 pm. There was no one you could find except a group of youth was playing cards under a tree near the school as school was closed in the summer.
“Hey, a group is heading towards us.” someone of the group said looking towards the road. “They must be going to the fair in the nearby village, see they are wearing all white.”
With in some time, a group of people in white and white was in front of them. They were puzzled to the number of people in the group. None of the group had any idea about anybody of the group coming. “Hey Suresh, how are you! You don’t remember me?”, someone in white and white said.
“He…..llo uncle, sorry I could not see you.” Suresh stuttered.
He continued, “We just got frightened seeing such a huge group with you, what is the matter?” “We are here for the election campaign, we are campaigning in all the villages in the district on foot for one month, and it is our last village as I am from this village, we will take rest after in our home. Please go and call Sarpanchji.” Netaji said wiping his sweating.
Within sometime many people were gathered on the school ground. All were happy to see Netaji after so long and to know that Netaji and his group were on foot understanding their problems, going village to village for so many days. After a brief speech, all were convinced to cast their vote in favor of Netaji.
Netaji, before entering into this profession, was a part of this village. When he got failed in higher secondary for the third time, he went above the worldly attractions of working in the field and studying. He had only one work of sitting on the village Chaupal with his friends all day long and talking about some serious topics. Only these things had sent him to the state capital from the village Chaupal. Today even the electricity was there from early morning to welcome Netaji. However, it used to be there for sometimes in a day to offer tribute to Edison.
“Sir, it’s time for you to go to Madhavpur village. Car is ready,” Netaji’s personal assistant said. “Hey, what is the need of hurry? Can you not see I am watching ‘Tour to Switzerland’ on Discovery? You want to go there in this summer or not?” Netaji blasted without losing his concentration from the TV.
The garlands lost their fragrance and the children got exhausted standing on their ground for so long without playing. The movie songs, which the people were enjoying, now were irritating them because they had enjoyed them for more than five times, they could even sing the whole song by themselves.
Suddenly, there was a sound of motor in everyone’s ears; suddenly there were many cars before them. The front car’s door opened and two men come out to go to the next car and open the door. This was probably Netaji’s car as it was a bit different from others to have a red light. All this happened like work of Djinn.
Netaji came out of the car with a man with arms and he was following him like his shadow. Netaji was leading his friends to the school ground. The whole picture was similar to what happened in campaign time but the behavior of Netaji and the men coming with him. Children, youth and the old with open hearts welcomed Netaji and his caravan.
Children’s hands were now free. After formal introduction and welcoming program, Sarpanchji invited Netaji to the dais. Netaji with his shadow guard went to the dais and before starting his speech, he said something in the ears of his assistant Mr Mohan.
Netaji started his speech- “Dear brothers, sisters and mothers; I thank you from the core of my hearts for your valuable support and trust on me….” There was a big round of applause from people side. He smiled as the acknowledge, then continued, “…I beg your pardon for coming late today. However, since you people have entrusted me for serving you, I was busy in your work until now. Even before coming to the village, I talked to the electricity department that this is my area and everyone should get electricity. I can understand the importance of electricity in your lives….”
He stopped to have a sip of water. Then continued, “….That is why, I am late, please pardon me. I am in politics just to serve the people and serving you people is my karma and everything for me…. Now there are so many employment opportunities for you because of the industries around our village…. It was my responsibility to get the employment for our youth, I insisted the government to have new industries here…..”
This made the youth somewhat disappointed, as it was true that after the elections there were many new industries came up around the village. It seems the local people were not eligible for the job, as they did not have the security money and the so-called extra money for other services. Therefore, there were outside people who came for the job.
Netaji stopped for a while and there was thunderous sound of clapping and it went on without stopping for a second, even the children were giving a great response though they were not getting the base of the matter. However, it seems everyone was enjoying the speech.
There was a sudden music, which came altogether from nowhere. It gave a pause to the enthusiasm of the audience. All were looking surprised. Netaji took out a small box like instrument from his pocket and went back from the mike. The audience could hear only the whispering sound of Netaji. Netaji talked about some two minutes and after having finished the talking, he talked to his assistant in ears and he again came to the
“Dear brothers and sisters, there is an important meeting with the chief minister today about the rural development programme and the drought case. I regret; I have to leave for the meeting now. I promise, if you have any problem; you are always welcome to come up with your problems. The doors of my house in the capital are always open for the common people especially for you whose blessings are always with me…..”
The assistant interrupted, “Sir, vehicle is ready.” Netaji with his friends marched towards the car. Everyone was watching the group and the car entered into the pool of dust and was out of their sight within no time. Some people were looking sad but there was a wave of happiness in the children, who had not to wait for long now for getting the sweets.
“Yes, Mr. Ramesh the timing was good. I was not getting anything new to speak when the by heart speech was over.” said Netaji while talking in his mobile when they stopped in the nearby city near a bar. The whole troop had some food; they bought some colorful bottles from there, got some chicken, and again started their journey.
After the meeting, the village came back to its original life. The problems were not stopping even for a while. Because of the drought, everybody was in trouble including cattle. All the water resources were thirsty themselves, without power it was not possible for the people to use the irrigation facilities they installed after spending so much money and time. Finally, it was decided to report all these to Netaji and Sarpanchji set off for the capital.
It was early in the morning; some women were sweeping their courtyards, some were fetching water from the well. He was on foot to the nearby village. Walking on the rough road was not so easy and the pain he was feeling, was the proof of it. The mist was all over the trees like a white blanket. He was thinking about the problems all the way and you could see the Sun at the horizon when he reached the village.
He had to wait for an hour to get the bus to nearby city. The bus was all full; some people including women were hanging like the branches of a tree, it was as everybody was preparing for the bus from night itself. Sarpanchji, anyhow manage to get some space on the roof of the bus where some people were already there with their stuffs.
The bus took two hours to travel hardly 10km from the village to the city. All the way, it was moving like a ship on the ocean. People on the top had to bend themselves many times when there were electric poles crossing the road, branches of trees hanging to the road and the subways. There could be a danger to people’s lives but they are quite accustomed with all these things. They were enjoying the ride with their talking listening to the songs on the local radio station.
On reaching the city, he had some breakfast and then waited for another bus to the state capital.
Soon there was a call.
”Bhubaneshwar….Bhubaneshwar,”
He went inside the bus and took the window seat in front row. As soon as the bus started, Sarpanchji had a deep sleep. The ride was so smooth that it did not bother anybody’s sleep. The road was no more the village or state highway, it was now on the national highway. You could easily guess the development of the country by seeing the quality of the roads, which were a part of the golden quadrilateral project connecting all the four important metros.
It was like a nap for Sarpanchji, when someone awoke him.
“Sir, we have come to Bhubaneshwar,”
He collected his small bag and left the bus to take a rickshaw to the Netaji’s house.
He was on the gate when the guard asked impolitely, “Who are you?”
“I am the Sarpanch of Madhavpur Village, I want to see Netaji.” Sarpanchji replied calmly. “Do you have an appointment to see him?” Guard inquired.
“No, I do not have. I am from his village, he surely will meet me” He replied.
“He is busy for the entire week, come next week” Guard said.
“I came from a distant place; you please go and inform Netaji, if he says he cannot see me, I will go” He said in somewhat angry mood. “Sir, I am saying He is busy with some meeting, he cannot see you now.” Guard said with respect this time. Netaji was seeing all these from his window where he was busy with watching some programs on the TV. He called his assistant and said,” Go and ask Sarpanchji to come and wait in the guest room. Tell him I am busy in an important work.” Sarpanchji was now allowed to enter the house.
There was greenery everywhere; he was influenced by the automatic sprinkler system, which was watering the grass continuously in all directions. There were beautiful flowers of different colors, which were enhancing the natural beauty of the place. On the side of the house, there were some cars with different models; all were kept in a very nice manner.
One could get the feeling of being in a car show room while looking into them. Out of all those, one, which he had seen when Netaji came to his village, was also there. Near the main door, there was a big black dog; it was looking like a leopard without stripes. It was the first time he was seeing such a dog.
The assistant accompanied him to the guest room, and asked to wait there, where some people were already waiting. On seeing the crowd, one could understand easily, how important Netaji was. People were waiting there watching TV and commenting on the program, talking, etc. There were two big TVs for the public, who could see it in either ways. All were enjoying watching TV; it was as if they have come to watch their favorite programs there.
Sarpanchji saw Mr. Mohan coming into the house. He recognized him as he was also there in the troop when Netaji came to his village.
“Namaste,Mr. Mohan!” He greeted. “Namaste… Sarpanchji, how are you and your village?” Mr. Mohan replied politely. “Our village is on the verge of destruction that is why I am here to see Netaji.” Sarpanchji replied disappointedly.
“Do not worry; everything will be all right soon” Mr. Mohan said and went to Netaji.
“Sir, Sarpanchji from Madhavpur village has come to see you,” Mr. Mohan said to Netaji.
Netaji’s concentration was on something else. He repeated, “Sir, Sarpanchji from Madhavpur village has come to see you.”
“Can’t you see I am busy, oh, one more shock for England! These days our boys are really doing well in cricket…” Netaji said in jolly mood.
Mr. Mohan was standing without saying anything.
“Ok, ask him to wait for some time, let me finish the match.” Netaji said without turning his eye from the television.
Sarpanchji waited for about 5 hours. Netaji was preparing for rest after heavy lunch.
“Listen Mr. Mohan, go and ask him to come after a week as I have to go to Delhi for an important meeting.” Netaji said at last, so that he could have a nap without anything in mind.
Sarpanchji was dying of hunger and it was unfortunate of him that even after waiting for a long time he could not meet Netaji. He was thinking about the problems of the village all the way to the village.
“How can our problems be solved?” He whispered. When he reached the village, it was the time of cattle returning to home, some people were also returning with wood and some were coming from the city with their items.
As usual, there was no power. He could see the dim light of lamps from the road. He disappointedly entered his home. His wife got the water for him, without a word he sat on the chair. There was some light in the kitchen room, because of the wood fire and in another room; his younger son was struggling to study under the earthen lamp.
We lost our chance to say, ‘Buddies, we are Indians of a new India!’ to the world.
THE LARGEST multi-sport event conducted in India so far, the 2010 Commonwealth Games being held satisfactorily now for 71 nations has showed that ‘Indians will be Indians’ and nothing can change us.
 After winning the bid in the year 2003 over Canada which has four times organizing experience, it was the first time any developing bigger economy got the opportunity to showcase its technology, infrastructure, skill and so called ’Indian Mind’ to the world. Though, we have an experience of organizing Asian and Afro-Asian Games successfully. However, how can we go against our age old Indian tradition, we started the preparation on the eleventh hour after some pressure from Common Wealth Games Federation in 2008.
Our so called ‘savior of society’, the media noticed the slow progress not before July 2010 when Maoists were taking a power nap, there was no bomb blast and for their surprise even our Indian Trains were not colliding. Our forefathers had understood our nerve to give us an adage ‘Subah ka bhula agar sham ko ghar aa jata hai to use bhula nahi kahte’ (If lost in the morning returns home in the evening, he is not lost actually).
The whole world turned their eyes on the Indian media after exposing a large scale corruption and unpreparedness, calling the venues as ‘filthy and unlivable’. This time, they must have done excellently in TRP. There was a rat race for sting operations; even an Australian TV reporter from Seven Network could not resist his temptation to show the security breaches to the world. It was the first time when Indian Media were ‘eye opener’ for the whole world. The Australian reported: C'wealth Games India's Shame’ headlined the Times of India, the national Hindi-language newspaper Navbharat Times headlined “Double trouble for the Games”.
 I also learnt that the budget estimation was 1620 Cr (2003) which escalated to 11,490 Cr in 2010 (excluding non-sports development). Supreme Court has to intervene into out of interest area as the actual expenditure is expected to be a whopping 70,000 Cr (US$ 15.45 billion), 43 times more than the original estimation and 14 times more than 2006 Melbourne CWG 2006 expenditure (US$ 1144.4 million). The media’s allegations on the Organizing Committee must be true and Central Vigilance Committee (CVC) has found a large scale discrepancy in handling the money and resources. Equipments were bought and contracts were awarded at much higher prices with poor quality and management assurance, etc. However, it can be expected out of some Indian Minds as nothing happens here without the C-word.
"These rooms are clean to both you and us; foreign standards of hygiene differ from our perception." a second front officer of Organizing Committee was true to his heart. We consider ourselves 2-tier and accept the superiority of others over us. A temporary ‘beautification’ is resulted in 160,000 displaced people as CNN reports and bamboo screens have been erected around the slums hide from 1-tier visitors as The Daily Telegraph (London) reports. When ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ depicted our poverty to the world, there was also so much of home grown criticism. Should we follow the Ostrich’s way to solve a problem?
All these resulted in a tug-of-war in the Indian parliament, some resignations, some hot prime time bulletins and non-participation of some eminent athletes in this version of CWG. We lost our chance to say, ‘Buddies, we are Indians of a new India!’ to the world. When China and South Africa had established precedents of standard and success recently, we should have come out of our Indian mindset. I wish everything would go in proper direction to save us at least from humiliation in future.
‘As developing nations we must stand together. We cannot allow developed countries to go out there and take the last seat in the hall’, said the president of South Africa’s Olympic committee who was assertive enough to say that he is willing to clean any toilets to help ensure it goes ahead. Can’ we emulate him? I hope our media will not bother about their TRPs to discuss things to put the responsible into the ambit of law when everything is over. Good Luck ‘CWG 2010’!
During these days when I was a bit busy in adjusting myself for the new atmosphere, there occurred so many incidents that rock the whole country.
THE COMMON MAN has adapted themselves for the unfavorable circumstances due to persistent price rise, but the actual common men are about to be extinct. People are dying of hunger and children suffer nutrition related problems. We spend a lot without a planned and determined approach in agriculture. Our poor farmers work hard to get us more than sufficient to be used as election bait in the elections. Our leaders are not ready to distribute the food to the poorest of the poor instead they want it to be rot in the open. It’s really disgraceful that the Supreme Court has to intervene in activities, our representatives are elected for.
 The common men’s problems do not end with this. Unwillingly they have to support some people who are called the unsatisfied, enemies of the state. They fight for the poor (might pretend, I am confused) with the police, with the government officials to get food, shelter, wages, sometimes even jobs. Because of the confusion between the government and the de facto government, the poor people are deprived of their human rights. Lack of proper strategy and contingency planning cost us some innocent lives- people as security personal and youngsters who are unaware of the rightful ways of getting their rights.
While these problems lie basically in central or eastern India, in the north the situation is graver. It was a very tough time for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Young minds including children and women are protesting against the government, seen as ‘struggle for freedom’ by some of the so called liberals in India and abroad. I am again confused here what the people of Kashmir actually want. The poll results say something whereas their protests and their anger by a significant group of youth on India as I witness in social networking sites depict something else.
On the other hand, China is trying to show its hegemony over the Asian countries. Deliberately they are refuting Indian concerns over so many areas. The staple visa issue, Chinese troupes in PoK, assisting Pakistan in defence against us, all suggests us to envisage properly before trusting them to avoid any humiliating situations like in 1962. They are too conceited to ignore us and our potential. Obviously is not a solution, it always remains uncertain who will it benefit to but, it is certain that it will cost both sides heavily.
Pakistan even in these six decades has not understood their neighbors. Perhaps it is the feeling of humiliation of losing (for the army) and jealousy of our progress (for the extremists) that they always try to find solace in others’ arms but not in India. Even at the time of great calamity of flood, their refusal to accept the Indian aid offered against a significant protest shows our concern for our neighbor. Their quest ends only at New Delhi and they have to understand the situation before it is too late to re-write the history.
Lastly, there were so many hue and cries for our long-neglected environment. I am not sure about concerns of the government in denying some of the projects which might prove crucial for our transition from no-respected developing country to high-respected. It’s may be for taking political advantage of the situation, position and power. But one thing is clear that we are still in developing stage and until our people have some more serious issues like malnutrition, unemployment, poverty, discrimination, etc, environment may not be their concern at all. We have to compromise the environment with the development up to a certain extent as we cannot have the environment norms what the developed countries have.
At the time of political, social, economical turmoil all over the country, our respected self-proclaimed leaders were trying to secure their future. They forgot the legacy of our great leaders who would join politics for serving others rather than themselves. Now when politics is also a place of gigantic money with power, at least it will create some competition in politics and there will be no place for graduate illiterates and social illiterates. If this happens really, that will be the greatest satire to our so called leaders of the masses.
We are proud of being the largest democracy in the world. It is universally accepted fact that democracy is a long-term asset and we are ahead of China at least in this regard. However, sometimes it can have serious implications too which are not in favor of the nation’s long-term goal.
 The judiciary system is the savior and the police system is the guardian of democracy. In the past six decades, their performance has not been satisfactory. We take more than 25 years to decide (even undecided) whether someone can be held accountable for a serious crime or not. Sometimes the nation has to bear the cost of the “rule of law”. The committees formed submit their report after a long time that the accused are they are on their last breathing (sometimes dead) and the victims have forgotten or are trying to forget the trauma of the incident. However, they are not allowed to forget the memory either.
The recent verdict on SPS Rathore and the latest case of police officers harassing two sisters in Chhattarpur (M.P)- are just the tip of the iceberg. Over 70% of the population in India still lives in rural areas and we can think of the number of these kinds of incidents, which remain unreported. History teaches us how our police system could have been important to tackle with the unfavorable situations and the shape of the nation would have been far better than now.
We can manage to be the super power as well as super poor. We have a large number ofbillionaires and on the other hand, more than 40% of the population (a third of global poor) falls below the International Poverty Line. The Income Inequality (Gini Coefficient) of India is increasing. Our performance is very poor in terms of Human Development Index (HDI). Here, we can massacre the people who follow the religion we hate without any much difficulty. Though, we are a Socialist, Democratic and Secular nation, but all these can happen only in India.
 In a democracy, there are so many tools for our rights though their uses are not and cannot be properly defined. Here, we can go on strike even when we have the responsibility of running the nation. Here, even lawyers, doctors, road-railway and airline employees; everyone has the right to go on strike without considering the consequences neither in their favor nor in the country’s. Only in India, a handful of unsatisfied extremists can challenge central and state security agencies. They kill security personnel, they destroy our infrastructure (though primitive), they kill people and above all, they make law for the people in a sovereign country. No better example can be given to show that we are a democratic country.
Our politicians can leave everything on some committees to find out the cause of all incidents, the committees ultimately come with some crap, but repeatedly same type of incidents can occur only in India. Instead of securing the future, they try to take advantage politically out of every situation. Every accountable-minister always blames others for the incident. They declare the compensation amount in such a lordly manner that every paisa of the amount comes from their wealth and the kin of the deceased are eagerly waiting for that. There is serious lack of co-ordination among center and the states and even various departments of the state. However, it is our heritage and we will carry it proudly to the generations.
Even after so many complications, we can be the potential next super power. We have laws to tackle with almost all kind of situations; they are just decorating the nation on papers and we never bother to follow them because we know that there is another way. We need a foolproof system with zero tolerance for the break in laws. Our elected leaders should be given more power with more accountability. Until then, we have to go with someone, who said, “I have to believe that God exists because only God can run India for such a long period.”
This will represent lesser than 3% of the women masses. The participation of a mere group of elite women in the polity does not promise the success of democracy.
It is “The International Women’s Day” today to celebrate economic, political, and social achievements of women around the world. India too seems to be seriously concerned for something epochal this time. However, the government is struggling to have an all-party consensus to go further with the long awaited “Women’s Reservation Bill”.
Looking at the male dominated history, one of our great scriptures starts with the verse, which can be translated as
The primary duty of women is enjoined to be service one’s husband. This view for the women has changed around the world, significantly in India over the ages. The status of women has been improving unprecedentedly. However, it is still dismal which is manifested by surveys’ statistics.
The success of 33% women reservation in Panchayat Raj Institutions and then in all local elected bodies, paved the way for the same in the Parliament and State Assemblies too. Though, this has been in demand since independence and for more than a decade as a bill. But, because of lack of political integrity, consensus and co-ordination it was stuck under files. Now when it seems to clear all the hurdles this time, there are so many problems, which should be taken care with the reservation.
In a democratic country like India, where women comprise of 48% (2001 consensus)-the development of the nation hinges on the women. Statistics say still 72% population lives in rural area, of which 49% are women. The authorities who are supposed to discourage the dowry system are involved in the de facto “Gift from Bride”. Girl child is considered a great responsibility (precisely ‘load’) to the family. In rural areas, people want to be load-free as soon as possible whereas the intellectual urban area people do not even bother to take the load at all.
“State of the World’s Children 2009” of UNICEF reports that 47% of Indian girls aged 20-24 were married before the legal age of 18, with 56% in rural areas. “World economic forum 2009 Report” puts India in the Global Gender Disparity at 114 out of 134 countries. It also alarms with the worsening sex ratio in 0-6 age group.
The urban women are advancing at par with the men because of the facilities available and the evolved mindset of the people. However, the status of rural women seems to have no significant improvement. They do not get the basic facilities for education. Even the so called “literacy rate” of women in rural areas is much disappointing. A woman is not socially independent to use the present 33% reservation in the local bodies, which is enjoyed by her husband on her name.
It is only the iceberg of the problems, Indian women have. In these circumstances, if reservation without working for the their upliftment is given, this will represent lesser than 3% of the women masses. The participation of a mere group of elite women in the polity does not promise the success of democracy. Proper planning in infrastructure, education, health and security are some of the most needed elements, which can improve the status of women in India and can bring happiness to them to participate in the nation development.
We cannot approach the vision to be a developed nation until people from every corner, society and status are able to share the progress of the nation.
India is celebrating its 60 years of being republic from the British dominion. Our ancestors’ struggle, sacrifice and prudence paved the path to the modern India. One may have so many questions, which are mostly unanswered. Are we successful to achieve the nation of their dreams?
Is this kind of celebration provides opportunity to ponder the prevailing problems and analyze our achievements or just an occasion to have a feeling of being in a democratic country where we are free spirits to do whatever we like? For people like us isn’t it another holiday to play a match with friends or to go for a movie with your girlfriend?
For a country like India, with so much diversity-languages, religion, caste, sub-caste, ethnicity, color, economic status; our constitution was the biggest achievement so far for us. It is the supreme law of the nation setting a benchmark for the fundamental political principle, powers and duties of the government and fundamental rights, directive principles and duties of the citizens. Everything is so prudently framed and eclectically compiled that it guaranteed the future of India. Timely amendments made the constitution more suitable and stronger for the new age.
During these 60 years, our progress is unprecedented. We are no more a country of Max Muller of snacks and jungles; Indian mind is now accepted and respected everywhere. We can be proud of being with every kind of people in our country. One side we have world famous Businessmen, scientists, technocrats, engineers, doctors, and on the other side hungry people, slum dwellers, child labors, exploited people, are there (diversity??). The nation’s progress can be seen in the urban lives only and the rural life is still untouched. We have corruption at each and every level, sometimes I wonder is the nation being run or sab kuch bhagwan bharose chal raha hai?
We cannot approach the developed nation vision until people from every corner, society and status are able to share the progress of the nation. Still we have miles to go; our progress should not be on others’ but with the aspirations of all the people together. This Republic Day provides the opportunity to have a thought to make a difference. So what did you do today other than playing a game or watching a movie?
Certainly our education system requires serious thoughts by our great educationists and policy makers. Until then, we are compelled to be proud of being 'Idiots'.
"Don't worry, just say Aal izz Well," everybody is saying the language of '3 Idiots'. I was trying to figure out, why we are happy to call ourselves 'Idiot'? What's there in the movie that deserves a record-breaking response specially from the youth.
I found myself revolving around some factors: Is it because it has enjoyment-friendship-love, everything we want to see in a movie? Is it because it is based on a novel written by an IITian? or Is it because we see ourselves in the characters of the movie, struggling with the education system?
Certainly our education system requires improvement. Being from the same engineering background; I can say most of us are like 'Raju', who are studying to get a job. There are many 'Farhans', who are stuck in different worlds because of their parents. A mechanical or civil engineer doing a job in IT or BPO with the guys from non-technical, non-science background, is surely an indication of 'Under Employment' which is quite similar to unemployment. You can easily say on what factor our progress depends- 'well trained' or 'well educated'?
We all are trying to become 'Silencer' to compete and survive in the draconian world. The 'Rancho' inside us is unexplored, may be because it is not necessary or may be because we think so. It's not only engineering but every level of education in India lacks inclusiveness.
Obviously, It is not possible for everyone of us to become 'Rancho', who was extra brilliant to top the batch despite of all the enjoyment with his friends and loving his girlfriend in director's home. But, certainly our education system requires serious thoughts by our great educationists and policy makers. Until then, we are compelled to be proud of being 'Idiots'.
We “expend” so much; they “expand”, teasing and challenging the “mature government”.
 It’s no longer than 40 years when “the revolutionary opposition” against the system took the form of “Naxalism”, they are a greatest threat to internal security of India. It’s not because they don’t follow the corrupt government or don’t fear the security makers, but because of them the common man is petrified and is feeling insecure even in a democratic, free country; also the money we spent after them and the property destroyed in the confusion can be used in a far better way.
The Naxals have a strong presence in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal known as “The Red Corridor” and also in many states. We “expend” so much; they “expand”, teasing and challenging the “mature government”. The recent reports reveal that the number of deaths because of Naxals is far greater than that because of terrorism. That is Naxalism is a greater threat than terrorism. The recent incidents also show their strategy and power on a par with our experienced security system. Though there may not be many Lalgarhs, but there are many “de facto” Largarhs, where they make the rules to be followed.
They may be born because of undevelopment, and corrupt system. The booking of a doon school alumnus, foreign educated recently is the clear indication of the differences. We may wonder when the government has the full control on the boundaries and the industries; how they can get weapons which are newer than what our security personnel have. Their presence in areas which require even the basic infrastructure teaches the government that without development work their presence cannot be destroyed.
In the battle between the Naxals and the government, the innocent people who even don’t mind to get their rights fulfilled lose their life, relatives and ambitions. Even the lack of proper war strategy and the latest weapons provided to our security makers, brings death and leave their families in shock and despair. The government should act responsibly with perfect system with improving its performance in the areas of making the people of those areas feel a sense of belonging to the nation and responsibility.
Incredible India and its unpredictable people have been showing that no one can speculate about them. The UPA and the Congress party has been given clear mandate this time against all the forecasts of political analysts.
This clearly indicates that the people of India have understood the disadvantage of coalition government and the reality of regional parties specially at national politics. They have taught a lesson that criticizing others, provoking people, threatening the; instead of talking about own development programmes will cost them now.
Except BJD, all the regional parties are rejected by the people. Their over ambitions, outdated ideology, cheap and blackmailing politics; made them understood their status in Indian politics.
The defeat of BJP in many states and loss of many seats in their saffron belt clearly shows that the people do not want the politics of hatred in the name of culture and religion. Defeat of PMK in Tamilnadu also reveals that Tamils are not at all interested in their views. On the other hand few seats to TRS also indicates that the people of Telangana region understand the dire need of an alternate solution rather than a separate state ruled by TRS.
It is really comic as well as shameful to see some leaders, earlier ready with their blackmailing terms and conditions; are now waiting to get the mercy of the government by showing sudden loyalty.
So, this elections will always be remembered for teaching a lesson to everyone so that next time they can mend their ways, otherwise they will be eliminated from Indian politics!
Now the decisive time has come which will decide the future of India not only for the next five years but beyond that. "The General Elections", the only but powerful weapon of the common men, but the evolution of 'Coalition Theorem' has made them less powerful!
Because of our diversity there are so many representative parties in India. I don't think there are so many differences in the political manifestos of different parties. But since we vote the people for their culture, language, religion; and not for their ideas, worthiness, sincerity. This ultimately leads to Coalition Government. Though coalition can be the best representation of people but the coalition theorem which always changes is not justified.
 The coalition of those parties who are rivals and who get vote because the people don't want others. In some places where because of the seat-sharing politics, the able candidates are not given opportunity to get the fruit of their work and they have to ask people for voting others who may separate themselves just after few months. Now how this can be the proper representation of the people?
Since we have proper rules and regulations for almost everything, we should have strict rules for the Coalition Case also. Because coalition in its present form is not promising for a better future of India and it can't represent Democracy.
e are proud of India for its growing economy, its global impact in business; which has the foreign reserves greater than the required, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF). But the other side of the story is often unspoken!
One side, we have many kharabpaties (billionaires), some of the best companies in the world, hi-Tech cities, shopping malls, international brands etc. Our economy, science and technology, IT; is discussed all over the world and this is something we can proud of. As we have much diversity, there are many kangalpaties (penniless), biggest slums and child beggars greeting you at every signal, telling the unspoken story.
 The recent FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) report ‘The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2008’ reveals that India stands 66th of 88 countries in Global Hunger Index (GHI). The situation in India is worse than many African countries. Even in South Asian countries it is better than only Bangladesh. According India State Hunger Index (ISHI), the worst affected Madhya Pradesh can be compared with Ethiopia and Chad. Jharkhand and Bihar follow MP in hunger and malnutrition.
 ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ critically acclaimed all over the world, to be released on 23 Jan, 2009 in India; portrays the life of in a slum. Though, all slum dwellers are not fortunate like Jamaal to have two million rupees and a girl friend too. The movie may be criticized for showing the poor, undeveloped India to the world. But, becoming an ostrich, can we conceal the ground realities? Should we not reveal the dark side to the world?
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 The terrorists should be appreciated for taking the advantage of the present situations and for the outfits in Mumbai. They have done something which could not be created so far in recent years. Yes, unknowingly they have united all Indians. During those ill-hours we all were united forgetting about whether we are Marathi or not; Christian, Muslim or Hindu.
Our security forces have showed again that the common people’s belief will be saved at any cost. We lost some of our brave soldiers whose sacrifice will inspire the young generation to work for the country. It also asks one question; is it made to protect some elite class people or to organize the rallies successfully???
After the operation is over the usual vote bank policy started; people resigned, meetings were held but as usual no solid conclusion will be found out to solve these problems in future. Now who is responsible for the current situations; the politicians, the security system, the intelligence, media or the common people? After any incident politicians are the usual escape-goats, but the fault is ours. Without considering the ability of the candidate we vote them to work in those areas they don’t have proper skills.
 We are the future politicians, police, media and the intelligence personnel; until we have a feeling of being an Indian, Blaming others the situations cannot be solved. It’s not the time to keep learning always. The time has come to show them, they cannot harm us or our country until we allow them to do so. Our media should be really appreciated for creating the present scenario, it seems this incident has inspired the whole country but real judge- the time will show, are we inspired enough to maintain this unity forever???
MANY TIMES WHAT WE ARE PROUD of “the diversity” in a country sometimes may be a problem, like what happens here in India as well as the other parts of the world.
 The Srilankan army is accused of killing innocent minority people specially Tamils whereas Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), called itself ‘the sole representation of the Tamils of Srilanka’ is accused of conducting terrorist activities. As the ethnicity is same it is not only the problem of Srilanka, here in India we are attached with them. It is obvious to see many people especially some political parties taking favor of LTTE in this regard. I also support them for not providing arms to the Srilankan army without proper assessment of the situation.
 LTTE, formed because of the resentment towards the majority Singhalese’s monopoly on political and economic power and killing of Tamils. It is not very easy to make your mind in favor or against either. After Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in India, India was the first country to ban the organization followed by other countries including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Malaysia, European Union, Canada and Australia as a terrorist organization. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) describes it as a dreaded terrorist organization, amongst the most dangerous and deadly extremist outfits in the world.
The government of India is in close talk with the Srilankan government for the security of our brethren there. But we should understand that we can’t directly interfere with their domestic problems as demanded by the leaders here in India. But what is the dire need of the time is to ask some international organizations like UNO to assess the current situation to avoid the violation of human rights because of the abyss prevailed and to help the Tamils affected by contributing food, shelter, medicines etc through some international organizations and NGOs. All countries should work together to solve the problem and to make Srilanka a safe and secure place for any community to live in.
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AFTER MORE THAN 6 DECADES OF PARANOIAC RELATIONSHIP, finally it seems that we have found a friend next door.
 Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari said something which stunned the whole world. Describing the militants operating in J & K as “terrorist” and calling India not a threat to Pakistan, in an interview to Wall Street Journal received much acclamation from the whole world including India whereas from Pakistani point of view they chose to ignore the matter. The media in Pakistan did have his interview but the J & K part was knowingly skipped.
This is the first time in the history that someone from Pakistani government dared to vindicate the Indian stand on J & K who came to be the president of the country. He also emphasized on the free trade agreement with India. Earlier the president said that the Kashmir issue should be left to the future generation to decide created hackles at home.
Both the nations have lost and are losing much in the form of money, resources and time which could have been used in a constructive way for the development of their countries. Indians want to be friendly with their neighbor but their earlier experiences are not allowing them to take this twist in a positive way. It is the time which will show the scene behind the paradigm shift. But we wish the long enmity ends which will be a new era for the future generations of both the nations.
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"A patriot is someone who loves his country. A nationalist is someone who hates other countries.” - German Thinker
WE ARE PROUD of India for its Unity in Diversity. But it is again the time to watch the effect of illness of regionalism. The unleashed violence against north Indians by Maharashtra Mavnirman Sena (MNS) in Maharashtra is an unfortunate event in the history of India and to find the Modus Vivendi is the dire requirement of the country.
 MNS which can be seen as an emulation of Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena was born out of a feeling of resentment about the relative marginalization favoring increase influence of Marathis in Maharashtra. Though, it may not be fully constitutional, I support what they demanded. The local people should not be neglected whether it is job opportunity or anything as far as the state is concerned. It is the primary duty of any state to work for the betterment of its people which in turn is the betterment of the country. Later it turned towards Hindutva ideology to turn the table in other states as well. They took some of the controversial moves against the Muslims and Pakistan to prove their stand.
 "The Marathi sentiment was weakening so MNS went to experiment with something new. Raj Thackray, the estranged nephew of Bal Thackray with inflammatory remarks, is provoking the local people against the north Indians particularly Bihar and UP people. They were not allowed to celebrate their festivals and businessmen were asked to use Marathi in hoardings etc, people were forced to leave Maharashtra out of the abyss. It’s not a matter related to common people but celebrities like the legend Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan were not excused. Should we be limited to our state? This is against the constitutional right to equality and right to freedom. But ironically, no effective steps were taken by the state as well as central government.
It’s not a matter of favoring UP and Bihar, criticizing MNS. It’s a matter of nationality. Now who will define nationality??? Is the use of forces to keep the situation under control enough? We can’t change the hatred in the minds of the people in that way. It’s our time for the introspection and to go with the right track. We should not encourage this kind of emulation or emergence of Hitlers otherwise this may be a preface for tomorrows many MNSs in other states too creating many Indias.
"Hum Pakistani hain, Pakistan hamara hai", you can hear these words enchanted in few streets of Jammu and Kashmir. It is really unfortunate that some people Mind-washed by some separatist Organizations having close links with Pakistan think so, living in India from more than 6 decades. Only few people with their narrow mindedness cripple the communal harmony of the country. Further some say in public, "We are Pakistanis and Pakistan is ours because we are tied with the country through Islam." Is religion is the only thing to be connected with a country?
 Started with the government decision to hand over 100acres of land to a panel that administers Amarnath. The government dared not to consider this issue if it was not able to foresee the repercussions of their step. It proved a spark for those who were in search of their chance to make their presence felt. The small issue was communalized as before because they know our weakest nerve. They did not miss the opportunity to dig the burials. Some Muslim organizations demand their independence and merger to Pakistan only because that is a Muslim country. Some Hindu organizations pretended to provide shoulders to cry on for the Hindus for their political gain before the general elections. The situation became worse and the minor dispute between some groups resulted in some protests in the Shrinagar- Jammu highway. But this was dealt soon and police and the army ensured that no problem occurs in the highway.
 The separatists again got the chance and they named it “economic blockade” nicely and started provoking the fruit growers to march towards Muzzafarabad, the capital of PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir). Some people think they should have been allowed to sale their products there. But I think this is a matter of the pride for a country to take care of its people especially when it is a democratic one. What message would have been sent to the world?
 In Jammu & Kashmir, the situation needs serious attention of the whole country and the problems should be solved pragmatically to not let Pakistan to take advantage of the situation. Young minds are being exploited on the name of God; their brains are being white-washed by our people for their personal advantages. In this atmosphere, if some communal incidents occur then they got examples for their theory. Some people also find the solution of the problem in the separation of the state. But will it be a solution really as all the states here are independent up to a certain level but inter-dependent for their prospects. All knows J&K is an integral part of India and we are proud of it. But for keeping peace and harmony there, how long we have to pay in installments???
 India, the country about whom it was predicted that it could not able to sustain its independence and would disintegrate, is celebrating its 62nd Independence Day. It is no more submissive, vivacious and able to maintain the largest democracy of the world. Our confidence make us felt everywhere in the world. In the words of present railway minister Laloo Prasad Yadav,
“From a buffalo back, I have landed into the gut of a helicopter. This is democracy.”
India, the ancient, eternal, the cradle of many civilizations, religions and innovation has been able to absorb the shocks of ruins of history and to receive the new ideas. The unification of implacable 565 residencies under sovereignty of one constitution was the most important event took place. This is the time to revere not only those who managed the freedom but also to those who vanguard the freedom struggle.
 ‘We the people of India’, as called by the preamble of the worlds’ largest written constitution, have made ourselves proud showing over superiority at every walk of like, in every part of the world. Our scientists, entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, teachers and the common man who is not common now are worth appreciation for what they have done and our future depends upon how they will do. People all over the world are astonished of our ‘unity in diversity’. Despite of so many cultures, languages, religions and beliefs we are bind with the spirit of India. And only this spirit of oneness is the secret of our excellence.
 But, miles have to go. Some of the incorrigible incidents that took place in the Indian history are the blasphemy to our democracy. Consequently, an eye for an eye is making the men blind. The present political scenario, the atrocious incidents which become issues to be on the front page of a daily, corruption and exploitation of the poor are pulling the leg of our prosperity which is the cause of acrimony among the youth and some so called nationalists groups are taking advantage out of their resentment.
Today we are celebrating our 62nd Independence Day, but I want to ask you, what is the relevance of this occasion in your life??? It was used to be a blissful experience, a sense of patriotism during our schooling. Now it is just a holiday to go for a picnic with the family or a leisure time for a movie not at all related to the nationalism or another Sunday to fulfill our sleeplessness. Is it not????
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