What is the CPM leadership doing? Are they going to sit and watch as the VS Achutanandan government is steadily frittering away the goodwill of the people through its inability to rule the state? With the issue of the 123 nuclear agreement with the United States coming to a head, it is understandable for the party's leadership to wish not to have two crises in hand at once.
The problem is this attitude is not going to solve the problem. If the party needs the same number of MPs in the next Parliament in case of a mid-term poll, it needs to act quickly. At the current rate the party will end up with a tally of a handful of MPs if elections are held now.
The unrepaired roads, the health machinery that has ground to a halt, the unending scandals involving the ministers, the problems the CPI is creating for the ministry with its hard headedness, and above all, the effete chief minister himself - all these are going to finish off the government in the state.
The only two ministers who are really governing in all this mess are the Home and Industries ministers, and unfortunately, the gains they have made are being sought to be nullified by Achumama's supporters in the party and media. Because they happen to be Pinarayi faction members.
But fact is fact, and Achu has proved to be the most hopeless chief minister a state can have. And if the CPM leadership wishes for the party's and people's well being they should immediately elevate Kodiyeri Balakrishnan to the chief minister's post and send Achu into a forced sabbatical from politics.
That is the least they can do now, at this late hour, if they feel they have any responsibility to the people of the state who brought them to power!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
ISRO Embroiled In Land Scam; How Deep Does The Rot Run?
A lot of people had asked me why I wasn't commenting on the current biggest crisis gripping the LDF government in Kerala. The fact is I was thinking it is no help commenting when a blind and deaf CPM leadership is allowing VS Achutanandan and his faction to fritter away the goodwill of the people. Things have come so far that IAS officers in the state have become bold enough to question the policy decision of an elected government, and more seriously, have their way.
Yes, I am talking about the issue of the new chief secretary. I feel ashamed to think that I belong to the only state in India where IAS officers still think they are the ones who rule. They succeeded in making the chief minister revoke his earlier decision on appointing someone junior as chief secretary.
Now compare this with how IAS officers get slapped around by political thugs in some other states. I don't for once say what is happening in Bihar is wrong, because this service of suckers specialized in enriching themselves at the cost of tax payer money, without helping to make the administration efficient. I am not saying there aren't good officers but most of them are inept and corrupt. The sad thing is such a cadre of opportunists has been able to arm twist an elected Leftist government!
Okay, but that is not the main issue why I decided to write this post. That is about the land scam involving the CPI ministers, the CM, and the ISRO.
The CPI ministers I don't care two hoots for; the party was hand in glove with Indira Gandhi during Emergency and poor Karunakaran got thrashed for the atrocities committed during the time. CPI has always specialized in running with the hares and hunting with the dogs.
But what is making me, and many others angry, is the involvement of ISRO, India's premier space research agency, in this deal. News reports have indicated that someone from the organization was keen to get the land sale approved faster than usual and followed the proceeds personally.
The question then is who is this person and what has the ISRO done about finding his culpability or innocence. Also, is this a one off affair or a deeper malice in the organization? Whatever it is, there is something rotten here, something that is not expected of a premier organization like ISRO.
I am wondering how the ISRO chief and others can go on making noises about getting land for their money is enough. Why can't these technocrats see the role of that villain officer in the whole scam, order an enquiry, and if necessary, boot the guy out. Come on, don't tell me guys who know rocket science cannot fix this problem. To all my instincts they are just trying very hard not to see this issue.
Or is it that even the ISRO higher ups have a hand in this deal? In that case, this needs some serious investigation - maybe by the Central Bureau of Investigation. In an organization where a sex spy scandal once exploded I won't rule out this possibility.
Or why are the ISRO higher ups trying to brush the issue under the carpet? This country with its millions of poor is paying you guys in the hope that you will make our name in the annals of space science. And, speaking for those poor people, let me tell you that if you don't come clean of this the day won't be far off when you will be held answerable.
To me, dear friends, this is the major issue here: Achu may go as CM, CPI ministers may have to quit, but the real issue is - if there is a rot in ISRO and, if there is, how deep has it gone? When you are trying to launch satellites for the global market, you need to keep your backyard clean. I am wondering if ISRO and its chiefs are up to the task. If you are, the whole of India will bow in gratitude to you, otherwise time won't be far off when your photos will be trampled on in the streets.
Yes, I am talking about the issue of the new chief secretary. I feel ashamed to think that I belong to the only state in India where IAS officers still think they are the ones who rule. They succeeded in making the chief minister revoke his earlier decision on appointing someone junior as chief secretary.
Now compare this with how IAS officers get slapped around by political thugs in some other states. I don't for once say what is happening in Bihar is wrong, because this service of suckers specialized in enriching themselves at the cost of tax payer money, without helping to make the administration efficient. I am not saying there aren't good officers but most of them are inept and corrupt. The sad thing is such a cadre of opportunists has been able to arm twist an elected Leftist government!
Okay, but that is not the main issue why I decided to write this post. That is about the land scam involving the CPI ministers, the CM, and the ISRO.
The CPI ministers I don't care two hoots for; the party was hand in glove with Indira Gandhi during Emergency and poor Karunakaran got thrashed for the atrocities committed during the time. CPI has always specialized in running with the hares and hunting with the dogs.
But what is making me, and many others angry, is the involvement of ISRO, India's premier space research agency, in this deal. News reports have indicated that someone from the organization was keen to get the land sale approved faster than usual and followed the proceeds personally.
The question then is who is this person and what has the ISRO done about finding his culpability or innocence. Also, is this a one off affair or a deeper malice in the organization? Whatever it is, there is something rotten here, something that is not expected of a premier organization like ISRO.
I am wondering how the ISRO chief and others can go on making noises about getting land for their money is enough. Why can't these technocrats see the role of that villain officer in the whole scam, order an enquiry, and if necessary, boot the guy out. Come on, don't tell me guys who know rocket science cannot fix this problem. To all my instincts they are just trying very hard not to see this issue.
Or is it that even the ISRO higher ups have a hand in this deal? In that case, this needs some serious investigation - maybe by the Central Bureau of Investigation. In an organization where a sex spy scandal once exploded I won't rule out this possibility.
Or why are the ISRO higher ups trying to brush the issue under the carpet? This country with its millions of poor is paying you guys in the hope that you will make our name in the annals of space science. And, speaking for those poor people, let me tell you that if you don't come clean of this the day won't be far off when you will be held answerable.
To me, dear friends, this is the major issue here: Achu may go as CM, CPI ministers may have to quit, but the real issue is - if there is a rot in ISRO and, if there is, how deep has it gone? When you are trying to launch satellites for the global market, you need to keep your backyard clean. I am wondering if ISRO and its chiefs are up to the task. If you are, the whole of India will bow in gratitude to you, otherwise time won't be far off when your photos will be trampled on in the streets.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
India's Tech Success: Powered By Sweatshops And Slave Labor
I am departing from my usual topics for this post but I think this topic is more important than any of the political games being played in New Delhi right now. Yes, it is about how some unscrupulous IT companies are exploiting India's IT professionals.
I have heard over the last few weeks several stories of how companies are forcing rookie programmers to work under the threat of legal action. Many of my readers may not be unfamiliar with the problem, but what has astounded me is the depth and scope of it.
It goes like this: a young chap just off college is recruited by an IT company. He is mostly from a small town or a village and not very familiar with the tactics being employed in the job market. Nor are his parents much aware of it - they are just too happy their son/daughter landed a job even before getting his/her degree.
Okay, now the guy finds himself in an office where he is not learning anything of value - he is being used as a simple coder (no major addition to his skills). Soon he get disenchanted and is looking for a way out. And given the scarcity of good workers in the Indian IT market, he sure enough gets an offer from another company. He wants to leave.
Now starts the game. His employer says he can't. They talk about a bond he has signed when he joined. They threaten legal action. They demand money for training expenses (!!!) incurred. They call up his parents and threaten them of legal action and criminal cases against their son. (Mostly such companies leave off the girls, fearing it could lead to harassment complaints being filed against them). They bring all sorts of pressure to bear - it is mental torture. And if the guy still insists on leaving they deny him any certificate to show his experience, and may even go to the extent of serving legal notices on him.
An advocate friend tells me 90 per cent of the time such companies win. The guy stays back - he resents it but he has no choice. If the bosses were sane guys they would have realized that having such people in the workforce is counterproductive. But then, they are sadists - they just want to ruin his life, just don't want him to make it in life!
Why do they do it? No easy explanation. It probably is just a mixture of some of these: bruised egos of the bosses, the difficulty in finding talent, resentment at your junior getting a higher paid and better job...
It sounds terrible and so improbable. But it does happen.
Why? Mostly because the young guys who face this problem aren't aware of their legal rights in this country. And because their parents are cowed down by the threats of legal action the company bosses make.
I recently helped a few such guys to get out of such a company. And I know those guys still have friends there who don't want to continue but are afraid to jump.
I am not saying all IT companies are like this, but there are many out there. A quick scan through some of the discussion boards will tell you what I mean.
We are talking of becoming an IT power. If we cannot guarantee basic rights to our IT talent how are we going to do that? Makes me wonder. And before you get me wrong, let me tell you this is not about cutting costs. These companies have the money but just treat their employees like shit. Maybe it is about mindsets not changing with the times.
We aren't talking about illiterate workers in some rural brick kiln being made to do bonded labor, but about our cutting edge workforce - our IT professionals - being treated like slaves. Are we out to build an IT superpower or an IT slave empire?
I have heard over the last few weeks several stories of how companies are forcing rookie programmers to work under the threat of legal action. Many of my readers may not be unfamiliar with the problem, but what has astounded me is the depth and scope of it.
It goes like this: a young chap just off college is recruited by an IT company. He is mostly from a small town or a village and not very familiar with the tactics being employed in the job market. Nor are his parents much aware of it - they are just too happy their son/daughter landed a job even before getting his/her degree.
Okay, now the guy finds himself in an office where he is not learning anything of value - he is being used as a simple coder (no major addition to his skills). Soon he get disenchanted and is looking for a way out. And given the scarcity of good workers in the Indian IT market, he sure enough gets an offer from another company. He wants to leave.
Now starts the game. His employer says he can't. They talk about a bond he has signed when he joined. They threaten legal action. They demand money for training expenses (!!!) incurred. They call up his parents and threaten them of legal action and criminal cases against their son. (Mostly such companies leave off the girls, fearing it could lead to harassment complaints being filed against them). They bring all sorts of pressure to bear - it is mental torture. And if the guy still insists on leaving they deny him any certificate to show his experience, and may even go to the extent of serving legal notices on him.
An advocate friend tells me 90 per cent of the time such companies win. The guy stays back - he resents it but he has no choice. If the bosses were sane guys they would have realized that having such people in the workforce is counterproductive. But then, they are sadists - they just want to ruin his life, just don't want him to make it in life!
Why do they do it? No easy explanation. It probably is just a mixture of some of these: bruised egos of the bosses, the difficulty in finding talent, resentment at your junior getting a higher paid and better job...
It sounds terrible and so improbable. But it does happen.
Why? Mostly because the young guys who face this problem aren't aware of their legal rights in this country. And because their parents are cowed down by the threats of legal action the company bosses make.
I recently helped a few such guys to get out of such a company. And I know those guys still have friends there who don't want to continue but are afraid to jump.
I am not saying all IT companies are like this, but there are many out there. A quick scan through some of the discussion boards will tell you what I mean.
We are talking of becoming an IT power. If we cannot guarantee basic rights to our IT talent how are we going to do that? Makes me wonder. And before you get me wrong, let me tell you this is not about cutting costs. These companies have the money but just treat their employees like shit. Maybe it is about mindsets not changing with the times.
We aren't talking about illiterate workers in some rural brick kiln being made to do bonded labor, but about our cutting edge workforce - our IT professionals - being treated like slaves. Are we out to build an IT superpower or an IT slave empire?
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Brits Tested Mustard Gas On Indians, So What Is Our Government Doing?
The Guardian report on imperialist Britain testing poison gas on Indian soldiers has shocked me, as it would any self-respecting Indian. I now want to spit on Manmohan Singh for his utterances glorifying the British occupation of India. Does the Indian prime minister think testing mustard gas on Indian soldiers is something that we Indians can be proud of? Of course, Singh would undoubtedly be proud of such an event if he were one of the unfortunate guinea pigs. He likes to flaunt his servility to the West and act as the White Man's agent while adorning India's highest elected office. How sad.
It is 60 years after we got rid of the White Man and his rule and it pains me no end to see our rulers falling over each other to please their pale skinned masters in the United States and Europe. When can we get rid of these blood-sucking double agents from Delhi? They are the greatest blemish on modern India's face, sucking the blood of Indian poor millions and imposing the neo-imperialists' wishes on a people who cannot raise their voices.
I am waiting to see when our rulers will ask Britain to explain its conduct, and at the very least, cut off diplomatic relations with that country. However, I am not hopeful that anything worthwhile on this front will come from our current crop of political leaders. They have too much invested in the West to fight to redeem the honor of those fellow countrymen who were treated as animals by the imperialist British. If India ever needed a revolution, we need it now - to get rid of these political bastards in Delhi.
It is 60 years after we got rid of the White Man and his rule and it pains me no end to see our rulers falling over each other to please their pale skinned masters in the United States and Europe. When can we get rid of these blood-sucking double agents from Delhi? They are the greatest blemish on modern India's face, sucking the blood of Indian poor millions and imposing the neo-imperialists' wishes on a people who cannot raise their voices.
I am waiting to see when our rulers will ask Britain to explain its conduct, and at the very least, cut off diplomatic relations with that country. However, I am not hopeful that anything worthwhile on this front will come from our current crop of political leaders. They have too much invested in the West to fight to redeem the honor of those fellow countrymen who were treated as animals by the imperialist British. If India ever needed a revolution, we need it now - to get rid of these political bastards in Delhi.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Joseph, Kuruvilla... It's Time For The LDF To Jettison KC (Joseph)!
It is clear Minister Kuruvilla from the Kerala Congress (Joseph) is going to lose his seat in the government. Many media guys see Achumama's victory in the LDF decision to keep Kuruvilla out, pointing to the Pinarayi faction's initial refusal to oppose the tainted minister.
However, to my mind, there is a broader issue at stake here - concerning the LDF. The Kerala Congresses, irrespective of which front they have aligned with, have always been headaches. Filled with leaders who are corrupt to the core, the only difference between the various Kerala Congress parties are that of the difference between tweedledom and tweedledee.
That is no surprise considering these parties have their own sectarian political agendas, trying to keep their Christian vote banks to cling on to power, and in turn, distribute the spoils of power among their vote banks.
The Congress, the main constituent of the UDF, has no no but to cling to such communalist outfits to try to gain power. But it is time for the LDF to think if it needs the support of such corrupt outfits.
Despite all the media efforts to whitewash Kerala Congress (Joseph), it is clear as hell that the party and its leaders are corruption incarnate. Plus, party leader Joseph's weakness for women is well known, leading to his humiliating exit from the LDF ministry.
Now Kuruvilla who replaced Joseph is on the way out. Question is, will the next entrant to the ministry from the party add to LDF's headaches? I have little doubt that will be the case.
I just cannot understand why LDF needs to carry around such dirty baggage. Why can't LDF just jettison Joseph and co and say enough is enough? That will definitely add to the CPM's and LDF's image.
Let me hope that better sense prevails in the LDF leadership!
However, to my mind, there is a broader issue at stake here - concerning the LDF. The Kerala Congresses, irrespective of which front they have aligned with, have always been headaches. Filled with leaders who are corrupt to the core, the only difference between the various Kerala Congress parties are that of the difference between tweedledom and tweedledee.
That is no surprise considering these parties have their own sectarian political agendas, trying to keep their Christian vote banks to cling on to power, and in turn, distribute the spoils of power among their vote banks.
The Congress, the main constituent of the UDF, has no no but to cling to such communalist outfits to try to gain power. But it is time for the LDF to think if it needs the support of such corrupt outfits.
Despite all the media efforts to whitewash Kerala Congress (Joseph), it is clear as hell that the party and its leaders are corruption incarnate. Plus, party leader Joseph's weakness for women is well known, leading to his humiliating exit from the LDF ministry.
Now Kuruvilla who replaced Joseph is on the way out. Question is, will the next entrant to the ministry from the party add to LDF's headaches? I have little doubt that will be the case.
I just cannot understand why LDF needs to carry around such dirty baggage. Why can't LDF just jettison Joseph and co and say enough is enough? That will definitely add to the CPM's and LDF's image.
Let me hope that better sense prevails in the LDF leadership!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Another Onam. Phew! While working in Delhi I never even used to notice Onam days. Back here in Kerala, now I see people trying to shirk work every day in the name of Onam. Where else in the world will you see a government giving offs to people in the name of a festival, pampering them with cash advances, and then spending a fortune on festivities - in addition to burning up electricity in a electricity-deficient state?!
If Kerala is nowhere on the industry production charts, you don't have to look elsewhere. Onam is a good concept, but in the modern, globalized economy you cannot shut shop for four or five days in a row and expect to get business.
Not only is the Kerala government not realizing this truth, it is also encouraging this laziness in the people!
If Kerala is nowhere on the industry production charts, you don't have to look elsewhere. Onam is a good concept, but in the modern, globalized economy you cannot shut shop for four or five days in a row and expect to get business.
Not only is the Kerala government not realizing this truth, it is also encouraging this laziness in the people!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Mayawati Doest It, The Left Still Balks!
Wow, I can't believe this. But here is another regional party showing what it can do on exactly the same issue that the Left has held protests over for months. Yes, I am talking of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati asking big retailers, read Ambanis et al, to shut shop and go home. And here in Kerala and in New Delhi the Left has been holding protests and disrupting public life when it could have just done what Mayawati has done!
It is like how Karunanidhi showed the Left how to make the Center tow his line without putting to trouble all the people who voted for him.
I am not die-hard Leftist. But from what I have seen the Congress and the BJP do in the name of administering a state or a country, I earnestly hope that the Left remains in power in Kerala. I know many people who voted for the Left last elections aren't Leftists either, but simply those who chose them as they were fed up by the Congress or the BJP.
However, it seems the only people who don't want this goodwill to continue are the Left leaders. Why block traffic and call for shop shut-downs in Kerala when you can just ask Ambani to pack up and go home? Why let one of your leaders inaugurate Reliance Fresh's shops and then hold protests against the company? Search me!
But that is how the Left has always been. When people bring them back to power they will do everything possible to lose that power. And then they will go for another round of violent protests as the Opposition. The only losers, in both cases, are the people of the state.
Dear Karat, please learn from what Karunanidhi and Mayawati have done. If you thought that what they did was impossible, at least now don't stick to that line. It is possible and has been done.
If you want to protest against something do what you can about it first before putting people's livelihoods at stake.
It is like how Karunanidhi showed the Left how to make the Center tow his line without putting to trouble all the people who voted for him.
I am not die-hard Leftist. But from what I have seen the Congress and the BJP do in the name of administering a state or a country, I earnestly hope that the Left remains in power in Kerala. I know many people who voted for the Left last elections aren't Leftists either, but simply those who chose them as they were fed up by the Congress or the BJP.
However, it seems the only people who don't want this goodwill to continue are the Left leaders. Why block traffic and call for shop shut-downs in Kerala when you can just ask Ambani to pack up and go home? Why let one of your leaders inaugurate Reliance Fresh's shops and then hold protests against the company? Search me!
But that is how the Left has always been. When people bring them back to power they will do everything possible to lose that power. And then they will go for another round of violent protests as the Opposition. The only losers, in both cases, are the people of the state.
Dear Karat, please learn from what Karunanidhi and Mayawati have done. If you thought that what they did was impossible, at least now don't stick to that line. It is possible and has been done.
If you want to protest against something do what you can about it first before putting people's livelihoods at stake.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Callous Officials Spoil Onam, But Kodiyeri Stars
The Onam fever is gripping Kerala, but rather than help the people enjoy this festival the government and the bureaucrats are trying to spoil it for them. The wave of fever infections sweeping the state is showing no sign of abating, and the health minister is still not in sight!
And the roads are still looking like canals. The roads minister went on a tour of the roads and elicited promises from officials that those potholes will be filled in "2 days." But let us wait and watch! If they couldn't repair it all these days, I doubt if they can do it in 2 days.
The only silver lining is the home minister's order to the police to stop harassing the public over not wearing helmets and seat belts. This home minister has time and again come out with orders that have helped the people - a welcome departure from the UDF days when the politicians in power let the police make as much money as possible from the public. Keep up the good work, Kodiyeri!
Lest I be painted a Pinarayi supporter for praising the home minister, let me say that the state health minister is a total failure. It is not enough to keep telling the people no one has died from chikunguniya in the state. At least show your face to the public. Mr Pinarayi, please take this woman out of this government. She is destroying the entire good image of the LDF. I pity this woman's ineptitude - even after an MP is down with fever she has done precious nothing about the health care machinery.
One heartening thing that happened yesterday was the tribal people marching to MP Veerendrakumar's son Shreyamskumar's (not sure if I have spelled it right) illegal land. The police shooed them away but I have a feeling Veeran cannot brush this issue under the carpet anymore. He may use his rag Mathrubhumi to settle political scores or divert attention but he will have to give up the land he has held on to illegally.
And the roads are still looking like canals. The roads minister went on a tour of the roads and elicited promises from officials that those potholes will be filled in "2 days." But let us wait and watch! If they couldn't repair it all these days, I doubt if they can do it in 2 days.
The only silver lining is the home minister's order to the police to stop harassing the public over not wearing helmets and seat belts. This home minister has time and again come out with orders that have helped the people - a welcome departure from the UDF days when the politicians in power let the police make as much money as possible from the public. Keep up the good work, Kodiyeri!
Lest I be painted a Pinarayi supporter for praising the home minister, let me say that the state health minister is a total failure. It is not enough to keep telling the people no one has died from chikunguniya in the state. At least show your face to the public. Mr Pinarayi, please take this woman out of this government. She is destroying the entire good image of the LDF. I pity this woman's ineptitude - even after an MP is down with fever she has done precious nothing about the health care machinery.
One heartening thing that happened yesterday was the tribal people marching to MP Veerendrakumar's son Shreyamskumar's (not sure if I have spelled it right) illegal land. The police shooed them away but I have a feeling Veeran cannot brush this issue under the carpet anymore. He may use his rag Mathrubhumi to settle political scores or divert attention but he will have to give up the land he has held on to illegally.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Ahcumama, A Hero? My Foot!
So the Left has pulled back from the brink and Manmohan Singh can sigh in relief. But then, there is nothing new in the Left's decision to keep supporting the UPA government. Power is too sweet to let go!
My question is did we gain anything by all this tough talk, or did the Left gain anything? The Indo-US nuclear deal remains as it was.
From a personal viewpoint, though, I am happy the Left did not resort to its ancient tactic of calling strikes in Kerala and West Bengal against a central government that it supports. From Keralites and Bengalis: a huge "Thank You", Mr. Karat!
One reader tells me in his comment that I am full of Hindutva garbage. Wrong and right. Because I favor the Hindutva ideology, though it is not any of the particular flavors now afloat in India. My Hindutva leanings (though I don't think it would fit the connotations of that word) are a logical culmination of my thought that in a country with a 80 per cent Hindu population, you cannot avoid Hindu politics. Beyond that I don't think I am a Hindutva supporter.
The same reader tells me Pinarayi and Achumama are the true heroes of Kerala. I doubt if we can apply the word 'heroes' to either of the leaders, and I think definitely not to Achumama.
Achumama knows only wanton destruction, as I mentioned in an earlier post. And if his faction is being ousted (or cut down) from CPM committees in Kerala, he is just reaping what he sowed. I would like to repeat: this man single-handedly has sown the seeds of destruction in Kerala CPM and watched over those plants. He, along with cronies such as MM Lawerence, kicked out and ruined the political future of many earnest party workers. If he is getting paid back for some of those deeds, why cry about it now?
And in this new world I think it is Pinarayi's brand of Communism that will find more takers. Anyone who thinks Achu can be their savior is just living in a fool's paradise. The man is just living for fame, something that is never rightfully his, but which a media syndicate comprising of Veeran and others is trying to hand over to him.
But as I said, stay tuned for my post on Pinarayi and Achu. And, yes, more such stinging comments are welcome!
On Taslima And The Left
I am waiting to know how the Left Front government in West Bengal will react to the proclamation of an Imam from the state that he will reward anyone killing Bengladeshi woman writer Tasleema Nasrin. Well, I doubt the fundamentalist Imam will be jailed - the Left likes to cultivate the radical Islamists against Hindu vote politics. But how can you allow a weirdo to take the law of the land into his hands and issue death threats? As always, the Left would have two rules in this case too, I guess!
My question is did we gain anything by all this tough talk, or did the Left gain anything? The Indo-US nuclear deal remains as it was.
From a personal viewpoint, though, I am happy the Left did not resort to its ancient tactic of calling strikes in Kerala and West Bengal against a central government that it supports. From Keralites and Bengalis: a huge "Thank You", Mr. Karat!
One reader tells me in his comment that I am full of Hindutva garbage. Wrong and right. Because I favor the Hindutva ideology, though it is not any of the particular flavors now afloat in India. My Hindutva leanings (though I don't think it would fit the connotations of that word) are a logical culmination of my thought that in a country with a 80 per cent Hindu population, you cannot avoid Hindu politics. Beyond that I don't think I am a Hindutva supporter.
The same reader tells me Pinarayi and Achumama are the true heroes of Kerala. I doubt if we can apply the word 'heroes' to either of the leaders, and I think definitely not to Achumama.
Achumama knows only wanton destruction, as I mentioned in an earlier post. And if his faction is being ousted (or cut down) from CPM committees in Kerala, he is just reaping what he sowed. I would like to repeat: this man single-handedly has sown the seeds of destruction in Kerala CPM and watched over those plants. He, along with cronies such as MM Lawerence, kicked out and ruined the political future of many earnest party workers. If he is getting paid back for some of those deeds, why cry about it now?
And in this new world I think it is Pinarayi's brand of Communism that will find more takers. Anyone who thinks Achu can be their savior is just living in a fool's paradise. The man is just living for fame, something that is never rightfully his, but which a media syndicate comprising of Veeran and others is trying to hand over to him.
But as I said, stay tuned for my post on Pinarayi and Achu. And, yes, more such stinging comments are welcome!
On Taslima And The Left
I am waiting to know how the Left Front government in West Bengal will react to the proclamation of an Imam from the state that he will reward anyone killing Bengladeshi woman writer Tasleema Nasrin. Well, I doubt the fundamentalist Imam will be jailed - the Left likes to cultivate the radical Islamists against Hindu vote politics. But how can you allow a weirdo to take the law of the land into his hands and issue death threats? As always, the Left would have two rules in this case too, I guess!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Kerala MPs Deserve A Clap On Salem Division Issue!
Could not update this blog as much as I wanted as I got busy, but the last few days have been interesting.
For one, I think for the first time in my memory, the MPs from Kerala flexed their collective muscle. Yeah, guys it wasn't the MPs from Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh, for a change. I remember the Narasimha Rao government, packed with MPs from Kerala and K Karunakaran in the kingmaker role. Yet, Kerala continued to get the step-motherly treatment that it always got. Frankly, when the Left supported the UPA at the Center, despite all the headlines, I did not believe Kerala would benefit in any way. History was heavily loaded against our poor state. And the CPM is more concerned with West Bengal, at least the Commissars at the top of the party are.
But this time Kerala MPs showed we can expect pleasant surprises from them. And their combined show of force on the creation of the Salem Division by the Railways came after Oommen Chandy going to press saying Sonia Gandhi attending that function is not wrong. I guess Chandy has swallowed his words.
That one Kerala MP was sent out of the House by the Speaker shows how strong the protest was. Till now the state's only voice at the Center was a bureaucrat - TKA Nair in the PMO. It is good to know our MPs are finally taking their job seriously instead of playing a game of duplicity with the people who have sent them to Delhi. Hope we can see this camaraderie in more issues concerning the state, such as Mullaperiyar.
Dear MPs, we the people of Kerala, are extending you a heartfelt clap. Keep up the good work!
Okay, but the show of force notwithstanding, the political scene is a bit roiled. Will the UPA express derail over the Indo-US nuclear deal? From the Left's record, I can easily say it won't. But maybe, yes there is a very slim maybe here, Manmohan's throne is a bit shaky this time.
I have got angry responses from Achumama's supporters among my friends to this blog, accusing me of supporting the Pinarayi faction. Let me tell you that is far from the truth, even though I don't like Achumama one bit. But I will soon be making a post comparing Pinarayi with Achumama. Keep tuned for that!
For one, I think for the first time in my memory, the MPs from Kerala flexed their collective muscle. Yeah, guys it wasn't the MPs from Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh, for a change. I remember the Narasimha Rao government, packed with MPs from Kerala and K Karunakaran in the kingmaker role. Yet, Kerala continued to get the step-motherly treatment that it always got. Frankly, when the Left supported the UPA at the Center, despite all the headlines, I did not believe Kerala would benefit in any way. History was heavily loaded against our poor state. And the CPM is more concerned with West Bengal, at least the Commissars at the top of the party are.
But this time Kerala MPs showed we can expect pleasant surprises from them. And their combined show of force on the creation of the Salem Division by the Railways came after Oommen Chandy going to press saying Sonia Gandhi attending that function is not wrong. I guess Chandy has swallowed his words.
That one Kerala MP was sent out of the House by the Speaker shows how strong the protest was. Till now the state's only voice at the Center was a bureaucrat - TKA Nair in the PMO. It is good to know our MPs are finally taking their job seriously instead of playing a game of duplicity with the people who have sent them to Delhi. Hope we can see this camaraderie in more issues concerning the state, such as Mullaperiyar.
Dear MPs, we the people of Kerala, are extending you a heartfelt clap. Keep up the good work!
Okay, but the show of force notwithstanding, the political scene is a bit roiled. Will the UPA express derail over the Indo-US nuclear deal? From the Left's record, I can easily say it won't. But maybe, yes there is a very slim maybe here, Manmohan's throne is a bit shaky this time.
I have got angry responses from Achumama's supporters among my friends to this blog, accusing me of supporting the Pinarayi faction. Let me tell you that is far from the truth, even though I don't like Achumama one bit. But I will soon be making a post comparing Pinarayi with Achumama. Keep tuned for that!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Mr Karat, Stop Biting The Hand That Feeds You!
CPM general secretary Prakash Karat's warning to the UPA government about the Indo-US nuclear deal is a step in the right direction. But I doubt if the CPM or the Left will go the whole way to stick to their stand, and let the government fall if they try to push through the deal in Parliament.
For long the Left has been acting like a toothless tiger, pushing the government on various issues and meekly giving way when the Congress pushed back. They did that in the name of not allowing the BJP to come to power. And then they resort to organizing strikes in Kerala and West Bengal against the central government that they support! The only ones who have suffered from this political joke have been the very people who elected the Left to power. The people in Delhi or elsewhere in the country have gone through their day's work without even knowing life had been brought to a standstill in Kerala and West Bengal. What a farce!
I hoped the Left will stop this game when Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu showed how to get what he wanted without any of the theatrics. I don't specifically remember the issue (it was about the trade unions in Neyveli Lignite Corporation, I think) but when the central government moved against his political interests Karunanidhi just sent word to the Prime Minister through one of his ministers that he is going to withdraw support. No noise, no nonsense. And no strikes in your state against a central government that depends on you for survival! It did the trick - the Center caved in! And the people of Tamil Nadu did not have to suffer any loss of business from a strike.
Newspapers across the country carried cartoons calling the Left's bluff the next day - comparing Karunanidhi with the Left. I really hoped the Left had learned its lesson then. I mean, when the central government is dependent on you for survival why put the very people who voted you to power through difficulties. The Tamil strongman showed what you can do if you did not know already that you could do it!
Still - this is the most unbelievable part of this tragedy - the Left has continued with the farce. They have continued their bluff, calling nationwide strikes against the Center that affect only Kerala and West Bengal. Plus regular statewide, disctrict-wide and even panchayat-level protests in the Kerala and West Bengal! If this isn't punishing the very people who gave you a voice at the national level, what is it?!
Okay, coming back to the point we started with, will the Left finally be able to show that it can bite and not just bark? I hope it will, but I don't think the old goats in the Politburo will go the whole hog. I strongly suspect it will be the same old story again. Power is too sweet to let go once you taste it, even if you are a Leftist! And it will be the unfortunate people in Kerala and West Bengal who will lose business - for the crime of voting for the Left. The Left's history shows it can bite only the hand that feeds it!
For long the Left has been acting like a toothless tiger, pushing the government on various issues and meekly giving way when the Congress pushed back. They did that in the name of not allowing the BJP to come to power. And then they resort to organizing strikes in Kerala and West Bengal against the central government that they support! The only ones who have suffered from this political joke have been the very people who elected the Left to power. The people in Delhi or elsewhere in the country have gone through their day's work without even knowing life had been brought to a standstill in Kerala and West Bengal. What a farce!
I hoped the Left will stop this game when Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu showed how to get what he wanted without any of the theatrics. I don't specifically remember the issue (it was about the trade unions in Neyveli Lignite Corporation, I think) but when the central government moved against his political interests Karunanidhi just sent word to the Prime Minister through one of his ministers that he is going to withdraw support. No noise, no nonsense. And no strikes in your state against a central government that depends on you for survival! It did the trick - the Center caved in! And the people of Tamil Nadu did not have to suffer any loss of business from a strike.
Newspapers across the country carried cartoons calling the Left's bluff the next day - comparing Karunanidhi with the Left. I really hoped the Left had learned its lesson then. I mean, when the central government is dependent on you for survival why put the very people who voted you to power through difficulties. The Tamil strongman showed what you can do if you did not know already that you could do it!
Still - this is the most unbelievable part of this tragedy - the Left has continued with the farce. They have continued their bluff, calling nationwide strikes against the Center that affect only Kerala and West Bengal. Plus regular statewide, disctrict-wide and even panchayat-level protests in the Kerala and West Bengal! If this isn't punishing the very people who gave you a voice at the national level, what is it?!
Okay, coming back to the point we started with, will the Left finally be able to show that it can bite and not just bark? I hope it will, but I don't think the old goats in the Politburo will go the whole hog. I strongly suspect it will be the same old story again. Power is too sweet to let go once you taste it, even if you are a Leftist! And it will be the unfortunate people in Kerala and West Bengal who will lose business - for the crime of voting for the Left. The Left's history shows it can bite only the hand that feeds it!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Left Is Right, And So Is BJP!
Is the Left's, and the BJP's, stand on the Indo-US nuclear deal good for the country? Well, it is too early to say. But going by past actions of the US, it is safe to be cautious and not to put too much hope on that deal.
We have seen on several occasions how the United States has left India hanging when it came to national security, while supporting Pakistan to the hilt. One could argue it is a whole new global strategic scenario now. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that the United States, and the West in general, will not repeat what they have done earlier with respect to India's legitimate security concerns.
The West now needs India's help to tame the monster of Islamic terrorism. And yes, it is also something in India's strategic interest. But what I hate about various Congress -led governments that have come to power in Delhi is that they try to see India's geo-political interests through the prism held out by the West. They have forgotten that the Indian have had strong relationships with various other nations and people, relationships spanning various planes. These governments have tried to follow a foreign policy that is largely a remnant of the Raj's policies.
The Vajpayee government, to its credit, made an attempt to go back to our roots and relationships by initiating the 'Look East' policy. But I think the Sahibs in the Congress have shelved that again.
We need to understand that our foreign and strategic interests are not exactly the same as those being preached to us by the West, mainly the United States and Britain. We have an existence of our own, something that predates the era of these two western powers. And our governments need to look at the various equations in that relationship before trying to lick the boots of the West.
In that respect - and not on the merits or demerits of the Indo-US nuclear deal - I would say the Left and the BJP are right. If they can force this government of western lackey Manmohan Sigh, driven by a westerner like Sonia Gandhi, to strike new paths in foreign policy then it is good for the long-term interests of this country.
We have seen on several occasions how the United States has left India hanging when it came to national security, while supporting Pakistan to the hilt. One could argue it is a whole new global strategic scenario now. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that the United States, and the West in general, will not repeat what they have done earlier with respect to India's legitimate security concerns.
The West now needs India's help to tame the monster of Islamic terrorism. And yes, it is also something in India's strategic interest. But what I hate about various Congress -led governments that have come to power in Delhi is that they try to see India's geo-political interests through the prism held out by the West. They have forgotten that the Indian have had strong relationships with various other nations and people, relationships spanning various planes. These governments have tried to follow a foreign policy that is largely a remnant of the Raj's policies.
The Vajpayee government, to its credit, made an attempt to go back to our roots and relationships by initiating the 'Look East' policy. But I think the Sahibs in the Congress have shelved that again.
We need to understand that our foreign and strategic interests are not exactly the same as those being preached to us by the West, mainly the United States and Britain. We have an existence of our own, something that predates the era of these two western powers. And our governments need to look at the various equations in that relationship before trying to lick the boots of the West.
In that respect - and not on the merits or demerits of the Indo-US nuclear deal - I would say the Left and the BJP are right. If they can force this government of western lackey Manmohan Sigh, driven by a westerner like Sonia Gandhi, to strike new paths in foreign policy then it is good for the long-term interests of this country.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Crossing The Rs 12 Red Line
I started this blog to express my views about happenings in India but have been concentrating lately on Kerala and the theatrics happening in the state's political scene. But something has jolted me back to focus on my original goal.
There is this government-commissioned report that says 836 million Indians live on less than Rs 20 a day, or about 50 cents in US dollars. That figure comes to around 75 per cent of the Indian population. And some of them are not even considered poor by our government or planners because our own poverty threshold is around Rs 12 a day! Now, which one of us can survive on Rs 20 a day, let alone Rs 12? Still millions in this country lead such a terrible life.
The silver lining in their lives is that living standards and income levels are increasing and, if not they, their children can hope to be out of this terrible burden on their lives.
But it is not an easy road to that destination. Because, for one, the current rise in incomes is due to a strong global economy and outsourcing boom. The first one is already under threat with hedge funds and speculators trying to spoil the party. The second one, too, is not going to be there always. Because of job pressures from the West, and because our own politicians are trying to make life difficult for companies that are tapping into outsourcing in India.
I run such a company, and I cannot explain how much I am perturbed by the frequent stop-works and strikes our political parties indulge in. I am answerable to my clients and I cannot tell them every day that "oh, we got a bandh here".
There is a vested interest for the political parties here to see the poor remain poor - as permanent vote banks. So they don't care about raising them above the Rs 12 red line of poverty.
Just think of this: which of our politicians, including the Communists, would be able to survive on Rs 12 a day? But then, the poor have no voice!
There is this government-commissioned report that says 836 million Indians live on less than Rs 20 a day, or about 50 cents in US dollars. That figure comes to around 75 per cent of the Indian population. And some of them are not even considered poor by our government or planners because our own poverty threshold is around Rs 12 a day! Now, which one of us can survive on Rs 20 a day, let alone Rs 12? Still millions in this country lead such a terrible life.
The silver lining in their lives is that living standards and income levels are increasing and, if not they, their children can hope to be out of this terrible burden on their lives.
But it is not an easy road to that destination. Because, for one, the current rise in incomes is due to a strong global economy and outsourcing boom. The first one is already under threat with hedge funds and speculators trying to spoil the party. The second one, too, is not going to be there always. Because of job pressures from the West, and because our own politicians are trying to make life difficult for companies that are tapping into outsourcing in India.
I run such a company, and I cannot explain how much I am perturbed by the frequent stop-works and strikes our political parties indulge in. I am answerable to my clients and I cannot tell them every day that "oh, we got a bandh here".
There is a vested interest for the political parties here to see the poor remain poor - as permanent vote banks. So they don't care about raising them above the Rs 12 red line of poverty.
Just think of this: which of our politicians, including the Communists, would be able to survive on Rs 12 a day? But then, the poor have no voice!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Pharis: The Model For The New Malayali!
Everyone who tries to paint himself a supporter of Achumama is these days gunning for Pharis. Maybe it is just because it has become fashionable to do so. Well, there are also some vested interests taking on Pharis. Like MP Veerendrakumar of Mathrubhumi. Veeran is angry that his illegal possession of acres of land is being highlighted in the media even as he and his paper have been egging on Achumama's backhoe loaders in Munnar.
Then there are those established vested interests - like PC George, MLA - who don't like an upstart like Pharis. They moan about Pharis' sudden rise to wealth - and fame. Discerning readers can easily recognize those cries as the fear of the established elite over being pushed out of the decision-making and opinion-leading roles in Kerala society.
Yes, far from being a danger I would say Pharis is the model for the younger generation Malayali to follow. And I would stick by that opinion even if tomorrow some solid evidence surfaces about some wrongdoing on his part (not the kind of stuff Veeran publishes daily in his rag. I wonder how his editor manages to keep working under such a moron!). He shows that if you break out of the limiting political and social molds currently in force in this state, you can make it big. Only problem then is that the established elite who profit from the current political, financial and social structures, such as Veeran and George, will gun for you. But that is because they fear they will be swept away by the currents of change sweeping the state; and they want to keep the status quo. The most enduring face of this obscurantist order that they want to preserve and protect is Achumama - the man who has never built anything, and who knows only to destroy wantonly. No wonder Veeran, George, and numerous other vested interests are supporting Achu.
But Kerala is changing. And the currents of time are sweeping away the old structures. Pharis can be maligned and tarnished. But tomorrow many more will follow his path, and the new generation Malayali will accept that to make a few crores in a few years is, in itself, not a sin.
Veeran and George and Achumama fear that day. But let us not!
Then there are those established vested interests - like PC George, MLA - who don't like an upstart like Pharis. They moan about Pharis' sudden rise to wealth - and fame. Discerning readers can easily recognize those cries as the fear of the established elite over being pushed out of the decision-making and opinion-leading roles in Kerala society.
Yes, far from being a danger I would say Pharis is the model for the younger generation Malayali to follow. And I would stick by that opinion even if tomorrow some solid evidence surfaces about some wrongdoing on his part (not the kind of stuff Veeran publishes daily in his rag. I wonder how his editor manages to keep working under such a moron!). He shows that if you break out of the limiting political and social molds currently in force in this state, you can make it big. Only problem then is that the established elite who profit from the current political, financial and social structures, such as Veeran and George, will gun for you. But that is because they fear they will be swept away by the currents of change sweeping the state; and they want to keep the status quo. The most enduring face of this obscurantist order that they want to preserve and protect is Achumama - the man who has never built anything, and who knows only to destroy wantonly. No wonder Veeran, George, and numerous other vested interests are supporting Achu.
But Kerala is changing. And the currents of time are sweeping away the old structures. Pharis can be maligned and tarnished. But tomorrow many more will follow his path, and the new generation Malayali will accept that to make a few crores in a few years is, in itself, not a sin.
Veeran and George and Achumama fear that day. But let us not!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Whither Achu? Whither Kerala? Whither CPM?
It is indeed interesting to watch the Achumama-Pinarayi road show, what with everyone trying to paint every imaginable conflict in the Achu-Pinarayi colors, like the Catholic Church's fight with Pharis Aboobacker over Deepika. What prompted me to write this piece is the support Achu seems to enjoy amongst at least a section of today's youth. I really find it disconcerting that Achu, who is one of the most inefficient and inept chief minister that Kerala has ever had, enjoys at least some support among the youth. Even more disconcerting is the fact that they have falling for Achu's verbal gimmicks.
I know I stand the danger of being painted a Pinarayi supporter, but let us face it: Achu's administration has done precious little in the way of governance. Of course, if we believe Achu's media managers that tearing down illegal constructions in Munnar is a great achievement for the state, then Achu is the best chief minister Kerala has had. Sadly, bulldozing illegal constructions is not among the criteria on which I, and most pople, would like to rate an administration. Without taking away from Achu the credit for doing it in all his haste, let us remember that even if those buildings stood a fw more days it wouldn't have mattered for the average Malayali.
And there are a lot of things that matter for the Keralite and those for which Achu's administration has scored zero marks. Let us look at the health scene. I think a zillion types of viruses are wreaking havoc in the state, and the health care system has all but broken down. Still we are yet to see a concerted effort from the part of the government to lick the issue. Yes, you can say the health minister is a Pinarayi supporter and is to blame. But Achu as chief minister is not above blame. Why cannot he act - like in the case of the Munnar demolitions - and get the health machinery moving? Because that is not going to bring him cheap publicity. The picture I get is that of an old man hungry for cheap publicity, but completely inept when it comes to ruling the state.
Or look at the state of the roads in the state. Except for the showpiece stretch of tarmac in front of the Raj Bhavan there is not a single road in Thiruvananthapuram without potholes. I would not even classify some of these as roads! And this did not happen overnight. The roads were pretty bad even before the monsoons started. The sad thing is neither the CM or the ministers or the officials are worried about this rickety state of affairs.
These are just two things that come to mind when trying to evaluate Achumama's government. I highlighted them here because they affect the common man more directly than any other issue now. Yet it is sad that some think Achu is a fantastic chief minister. The people are clapping now, and they are being egged on by people like Veerendrakumar and other media guys. But the day is not far when open questions will arise about the Achu government. By then the damage would have been done to the LDF. The CPM Politburo should act fast and decide if they need a wily, power-crazy, and incompetent old man who is trying to build himself a larger-than-party image as chief minister and lose its credibility in the bargain or would rather have a more competent, disciplined and practical chief minister and save the future of the party and the state. The faster the Politburo addresses the question, the better.
I know I stand the danger of being painted a Pinarayi supporter, but let us face it: Achu's administration has done precious little in the way of governance. Of course, if we believe Achu's media managers that tearing down illegal constructions in Munnar is a great achievement for the state, then Achu is the best chief minister Kerala has had. Sadly, bulldozing illegal constructions is not among the criteria on which I, and most pople, would like to rate an administration. Without taking away from Achu the credit for doing it in all his haste, let us remember that even if those buildings stood a fw more days it wouldn't have mattered for the average Malayali.
And there are a lot of things that matter for the Keralite and those for which Achu's administration has scored zero marks. Let us look at the health scene. I think a zillion types of viruses are wreaking havoc in the state, and the health care system has all but broken down. Still we are yet to see a concerted effort from the part of the government to lick the issue. Yes, you can say the health minister is a Pinarayi supporter and is to blame. But Achu as chief minister is not above blame. Why cannot he act - like in the case of the Munnar demolitions - and get the health machinery moving? Because that is not going to bring him cheap publicity. The picture I get is that of an old man hungry for cheap publicity, but completely inept when it comes to ruling the state.
Or look at the state of the roads in the state. Except for the showpiece stretch of tarmac in front of the Raj Bhavan there is not a single road in Thiruvananthapuram without potholes. I would not even classify some of these as roads! And this did not happen overnight. The roads were pretty bad even before the monsoons started. The sad thing is neither the CM or the ministers or the officials are worried about this rickety state of affairs.
These are just two things that come to mind when trying to evaluate Achumama's government. I highlighted them here because they affect the common man more directly than any other issue now. Yet it is sad that some think Achu is a fantastic chief minister. The people are clapping now, and they are being egged on by people like Veerendrakumar and other media guys. But the day is not far when open questions will arise about the Achu government. By then the damage would have been done to the LDF. The CPM Politburo should act fast and decide if they need a wily, power-crazy, and incompetent old man who is trying to build himself a larger-than-party image as chief minister and lose its credibility in the bargain or would rather have a more competent, disciplined and practical chief minister and save the future of the party and the state. The faster the Politburo addresses the question, the better.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Media Wars: Veeran Gets A Black Eye!
One of the best things I love about the current roil in the media scene with respect to the Pharis-Achumama controversy is that Veerendrakumar, and Mathrubhumi, have been cut to size.
Ever since he defeated the entry of Times of India to the Malayalam media scene through his political connections, Veeran has been punching far above his weight. And now, Deepika, a featherweight in the Malayalam print media scene has screwed Veeran and his paper, and showed up their brand of journalism.
Everyone knows that Veeran took on the Pinarayi faction of the CPM and Deepika in trying to cover up the issue of his illegal possession of hectares of land. While clapping from the sidelines while Achumama's backhoe loaders were tearing down buildings in Munnar, Veeran forgot that he himself was sitting in a glass tower and throwing stones. Veeran stepped up attacks against the Pinarayi faction to distract readers from his land issue. And in doing that he bit off more than he could chew. If Veeran was accustomed to punching above his weight, now he has had to accustom himself to an adversary who punches far above his weight! Yes, I am talking about Pharis Aboobacker, the chairman of Deepika.
Whatever the controversy about Pharis' chairmanship of Deepika, he has managed to expose Veeran's double standards and his brand of tabloid journalism to the Malayali readers. Veeran's paper, the once-venerable Mathrubhumi, did the unthinkable in printing totally unsubstantiated allegations about Pharis and claiming that not even a photo of his is available. Pharis then appeared on TV and said Mathrubhumi could have got his photo from the income-tax office, or even worse, from PV Nideesh, one of the directors of Mathrubhumi and Pharis' close friend. In trying to obfuscate his mistake Veeran went on to dig up all remotely related trash about Pharis and publicize them under huge headlines, while conveniently censoring Nidheesh's denial from Mathrubhumi's readers.
Veeran has forgotten that we are now living in an information age and he cannot suppress the truth for long. If Veeran won't print his director's denial of a Mathrubhumi news story, it will still reach the readers. And discerning Malayali readers are beginning to lose faith in Veeran and his rag. Yes, I am pained to say that but Mathrubhumi is fast turning a rag in Malayalam journalism.
As Pharis said, there is no need to get overly proud over the fact that Mathrubhumi was started by nationalist fighters; those running the paper currently [Veeran and co] have no connection with those great men. Yes, what we are currently witnessing is the slow burial of a venerable newspaper, all to serve the personal agenda of a wily land grabber.
If those who say that Malayalis have a right to know the source of Pharis' wealth are correct, then Malayalis also have a right to question Veeran's agenda and the source of his wealth. He cannot obfuscate facts and keep a veil on reality as easily as he could have done a few years ago. Sooner or later the world will find out about Veeran. My only prayer is Mathrubhumi won't be dead by then.
Ever since he defeated the entry of Times of India to the Malayalam media scene through his political connections, Veeran has been punching far above his weight. And now, Deepika, a featherweight in the Malayalam print media scene has screwed Veeran and his paper, and showed up their brand of journalism.
Everyone knows that Veeran took on the Pinarayi faction of the CPM and Deepika in trying to cover up the issue of his illegal possession of hectares of land. While clapping from the sidelines while Achumama's backhoe loaders were tearing down buildings in Munnar, Veeran forgot that he himself was sitting in a glass tower and throwing stones. Veeran stepped up attacks against the Pinarayi faction to distract readers from his land issue. And in doing that he bit off more than he could chew. If Veeran was accustomed to punching above his weight, now he has had to accustom himself to an adversary who punches far above his weight! Yes, I am talking about Pharis Aboobacker, the chairman of Deepika.
Whatever the controversy about Pharis' chairmanship of Deepika, he has managed to expose Veeran's double standards and his brand of tabloid journalism to the Malayali readers. Veeran's paper, the once-venerable Mathrubhumi, did the unthinkable in printing totally unsubstantiated allegations about Pharis and claiming that not even a photo of his is available. Pharis then appeared on TV and said Mathrubhumi could have got his photo from the income-tax office, or even worse, from PV Nideesh, one of the directors of Mathrubhumi and Pharis' close friend. In trying to obfuscate his mistake Veeran went on to dig up all remotely related trash about Pharis and publicize them under huge headlines, while conveniently censoring Nidheesh's denial from Mathrubhumi's readers.
Veeran has forgotten that we are now living in an information age and he cannot suppress the truth for long. If Veeran won't print his director's denial of a Mathrubhumi news story, it will still reach the readers. And discerning Malayali readers are beginning to lose faith in Veeran and his rag. Yes, I am pained to say that but Mathrubhumi is fast turning a rag in Malayalam journalism.
As Pharis said, there is no need to get overly proud over the fact that Mathrubhumi was started by nationalist fighters; those running the paper currently [Veeran and co] have no connection with those great men. Yes, what we are currently witnessing is the slow burial of a venerable newspaper, all to serve the personal agenda of a wily land grabber.
If those who say that Malayalis have a right to know the source of Pharis' wealth are correct, then Malayalis also have a right to question Veeran's agenda and the source of his wealth. He cannot obfuscate facts and keep a veil on reality as easily as he could have done a few years ago. Sooner or later the world will find out about Veeran. My only prayer is Mathrubhumi won't be dead by then.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Needed: Temple Entry For All
I have been thinking about the controversy surrounding the issue of temple entry to those born non-Hindus but are believers. A lot of arguments and counter arguments have been raised, with the ever obscurantist and casteist Nair Service Society throwing its weight (?!) behind those who want to maintain the skewed system of caste-based privileges.
But there are some larger questions to be asked before we approach this issue. For one, who decides someone is a believer or a non-believer? Can the temple priests vouch for someone's belief just because s/he has declared that s/he is a believer in the Hindu religion? For all you know that person could still be a non-Hindu in the core of his being!
Second question: if Hindus pride themselves to be the most inclusive religion with the loftiest of philosophies, why look into the question of someone's belief at all? If you really believe all creation is one, does it matter if some worm or homo sapien believes that s/he does not belong to the Hindu faith!
The argument has been raised by some that restricted access is needed in temples to maintain their purity. From what I have seen in various temples, there is no specious argument than this. Do you think all Hindu temples are clean and pure because only Hindus are allowed? I would disagree.
Also, this leads to another question: is spirituality connected to outer cleanliness. There were many men of god who were regarded highly for their spiritual achievements but who scarcely washed their bodies. And from my own experiences, I have felt the temples in Tamil Nadu and North India had better spiritual vibrations than those in Kerala with their haughty priests and Tantric rituals and restrictions.
In my humble opinion, Hindu temples should be open to everyone but with reasonable restrictions put in place to maintain harmony and cleanliness. Let us remember that even now many curious non-Hindus visit some of these temples without the guardians of Tantric rules even knowing it. Yesudas, who expressed his interest openly in visiting Guruvayoor cannot visit the temple (despite him being a great devotee and his records being played at every temple!) while many non-Hindus visit the temple daily without anyone knowing it! At the very least, it would be a farce to maintain this restriction when you can never really enforce it.
Also, we need to realize that this new world in which we live has little need for these retrograde traditions. We need to do away with them without a second thought and we need to do that fast. And for that to happen, each one of us need to approach the issue without the baggage of traditions that we have, a baggage the likes of NSS leaders and the Namboodiri priests are using to keep us from seeing Light!
But there are some larger questions to be asked before we approach this issue. For one, who decides someone is a believer or a non-believer? Can the temple priests vouch for someone's belief just because s/he has declared that s/he is a believer in the Hindu religion? For all you know that person could still be a non-Hindu in the core of his being!
Second question: if Hindus pride themselves to be the most inclusive religion with the loftiest of philosophies, why look into the question of someone's belief at all? If you really believe all creation is one, does it matter if some worm or homo sapien believes that s/he does not belong to the Hindu faith!
The argument has been raised by some that restricted access is needed in temples to maintain their purity. From what I have seen in various temples, there is no specious argument than this. Do you think all Hindu temples are clean and pure because only Hindus are allowed? I would disagree.
Also, this leads to another question: is spirituality connected to outer cleanliness. There were many men of god who were regarded highly for their spiritual achievements but who scarcely washed their bodies. And from my own experiences, I have felt the temples in Tamil Nadu and North India had better spiritual vibrations than those in Kerala with their haughty priests and Tantric rituals and restrictions.
In my humble opinion, Hindu temples should be open to everyone but with reasonable restrictions put in place to maintain harmony and cleanliness. Let us remember that even now many curious non-Hindus visit some of these temples without the guardians of Tantric rules even knowing it. Yesudas, who expressed his interest openly in visiting Guruvayoor cannot visit the temple (despite him being a great devotee and his records being played at every temple!) while many non-Hindus visit the temple daily without anyone knowing it! At the very least, it would be a farce to maintain this restriction when you can never really enforce it.
Also, we need to realize that this new world in which we live has little need for these retrograde traditions. We need to do away with them without a second thought and we need to do that fast. And for that to happen, each one of us need to approach the issue without the baggage of traditions that we have, a baggage the likes of NSS leaders and the Namboodiri priests are using to keep us from seeing Light!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Pharis, Not Faris - And Not Paris!
I got his name wrong in my last post. It is Pharis, and not Faris.
The second episode of the interview was even better. Our man went on to cut to size VS's bloated media image, something that was highly necessary. The points he raised were valid, questions that should have been asked about the Demolition CM's activities long back. But our media with its vested interests were busy "clapping" from the sidewalks - enjoying its lamp-post reporting role while forgetting its lighthouse reporting role. Thanks Pharis, you spoke for a lot of us Malayalis who have lost voice in this media frenzy - created by media barons with vested interests - over Achu's rule. And he went of to equate Achu's age old trick of resorting to trivia to tarnish opponents to what jealous school kids do - in reference to Pharis being referred to as Paris, our man said that is what my friends used to sometimes call me in school. He went on to paint Achu's conduct as puerile, despite Brittas trying hard to change tack!
And Mathrubhumi is still at its deception game with its readers - no news about its director being a friend of Pharis and more reportage about the former official of Singapore Kidney Foundation - connected with Pharis previously - being jailed.
Big photo, big headline on frontpage, but no serious reason for it to be there.
But then, what do you expect of a paper with Veerendrakumar as editor, eh?!
For the Malayali, tired of Achu's political circuses and oneupmanship the only hope now is the CPM Politbureau will do something to kick the government out of its inaction. Hope while they are reviewing Pharis' tapes they will have the sense to understand the message he gave - about delivery and performance mattering more now. Or will the ivory tower leaders - most of who can't even win a Panchayat election - still engage in endless debates about if the channel did the right thing?!
Maybe Keralites should give Pharis a chance to become their chief minister. At least that will show the politicians that they don't really matter!
The second episode of the interview was even better. Our man went on to cut to size VS's bloated media image, something that was highly necessary. The points he raised were valid, questions that should have been asked about the Demolition CM's activities long back. But our media with its vested interests were busy "clapping" from the sidewalks - enjoying its lamp-post reporting role while forgetting its lighthouse reporting role. Thanks Pharis, you spoke for a lot of us Malayalis who have lost voice in this media frenzy - created by media barons with vested interests - over Achu's rule. And he went of to equate Achu's age old trick of resorting to trivia to tarnish opponents to what jealous school kids do - in reference to Pharis being referred to as Paris, our man said that is what my friends used to sometimes call me in school. He went on to paint Achu's conduct as puerile, despite Brittas trying hard to change tack!
And Mathrubhumi is still at its deception game with its readers - no news about its director being a friend of Pharis and more reportage about the former official of Singapore Kidney Foundation - connected with Pharis previously - being jailed.
Big photo, big headline on frontpage, but no serious reason for it to be there.
But then, what do you expect of a paper with Veerendrakumar as editor, eh?!
For the Malayali, tired of Achu's political circuses and oneupmanship the only hope now is the CPM Politbureau will do something to kick the government out of its inaction. Hope while they are reviewing Pharis' tapes they will have the sense to understand the message he gave - about delivery and performance mattering more now. Or will the ivory tower leaders - most of who can't even win a Panchayat election - still engage in endless debates about if the channel did the right thing?!
Maybe Keralites should give Pharis a chance to become their chief minister. At least that will show the politicians that they don't really matter!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Faris Shows Up Malayalam Journalism!
I watched the interview Faris Aboobacker gave to John Brittas in People Channel of Kairali TV with joy. For once the interviewee was in charge, completely dominating the proceedings and leaving the interviewer struggling to catch up and trying to make some feeble interjections! Also, Faris showed what Malayalam journalists are really worth - blasting them for not doing enough homework and for practicing armchair journalism. And in a not so subtle way Faris leveled the same charge against Brittas, who could not even parry Faris's pointed questions.
The interviewee was clearly calling the shots, and by far a better journalist than the interviewer!
Another piece I loved about it was Faris tearing up Mathrubhumi's self-professed right to take the moral high ground citing its history as a paper founded by nationalists against British colonial rule. Faris said what every impartial Malayali reader had on his mind while reading such lofty claims by Mathrubhumi's nameless journalists: Mathrubhumi cannot pride itself on that count because it is not the descendants of those nationalists who are running the paper now but people who were opposed to the Congress till before the emergency - that one should strike Veerendrakumar in the eye. Kudos!
And Mathrubhumi fumbled repeatedly in its attempt to bat for Chief Minister Achutanandan: claiming there is no photo of Faris in existence and that he is a mystery to people even in his home village, while the truth was one of the directors of Mathrubhumi was a close friend of Faris. The director went on to blast the paper for publishing such reports but the venerable editor thought it prudent to hide that!
Whatever be the merits or demerits of this case, I like this spat for two reasons: one Faris showed up Malayalam journalim; two, Veerendrakumar has ended up with egg on his face!
The interviewee was clearly calling the shots, and by far a better journalist than the interviewer!
Another piece I loved about it was Faris tearing up Mathrubhumi's self-professed right to take the moral high ground citing its history as a paper founded by nationalists against British colonial rule. Faris said what every impartial Malayali reader had on his mind while reading such lofty claims by Mathrubhumi's nameless journalists: Mathrubhumi cannot pride itself on that count because it is not the descendants of those nationalists who are running the paper now but people who were opposed to the Congress till before the emergency - that one should strike Veerendrakumar in the eye. Kudos!
And Mathrubhumi fumbled repeatedly in its attempt to bat for Chief Minister Achutanandan: claiming there is no photo of Faris in existence and that he is a mystery to people even in his home village, while the truth was one of the directors of Mathrubhumi was a close friend of Faris. The director went on to blast the paper for publishing such reports but the venerable editor thought it prudent to hide that!
Whatever be the merits or demerits of this case, I like this spat for two reasons: one Faris showed up Malayalam journalim; two, Veerendrakumar has ended up with egg on his face!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Achtung! LDF Going The UDF Way In Kerala
The infighting in the Left Democratic Front is actually causing a lot of pain to people who voted them to power. Let us first face the fact that a lot of people who voted for the LDF aren't members of any of the parties. They voted for the LDF because they were tired by the corruption and lack of accountability and complete breakdown of the administrative machinery during the United Democratic Front't rule.
I remember the last days of the UDF government. I had just returned from Delhi, and what I saw was something unimaginable in a state like Kerala which prides itself on its awareness and liberal outlook. Just one example: the police were out in the streets flagging down and checking any vehicle and fining them, trying to extort money from motorists. And if you wanted to complain about it to someone higher up, the officer you approached would ask you to grease his palms! The general feeling was the ruling leaders had let the policemen out on the streets to make money even as they themselves were lining their pockets.
Okay, now the funny thing was while the police were so active on the roads the thieves were having a field day! There were gangs of robbers roaming the streets, even in Thiruvananthapuram, and going about their 'profession' with immunity!
Now, this was one instance of UDF misrule. And the people were tired of it. So the LDF came to power - not because of the charisma of VS Achutanandan or the cadre folloewing of the CPM!
Look at the state of affairs now! The faction war has hobbled the administration. Even as various kinds of fevers ravage the populace the state health minister is not to be seen. The treatment and cleaning drives are non-existent. All that the chief minister and his cronies are worried about is image building, while leaving the day-to-day functioning of the government in the hands of an inept bureaucracy! Even the party machinery which usually steps in to correct such mistakes is split along factional lines and engaged in a game of trying to run down each other.
Little wonder even die-hard Communists are now saying they made a mistake in voting this government to power.
They may be exaggerating: the LDF is still better than the corrupt and divisive UDF; but their feelings can only be ignored to the peril of the current government. That is the most insidious part of the current state of affairs. Public memory is short; the UDF can come back to power if the LDF continues on this track. Will we go back to those days of rampant corruption and extortion? I fear to think of it.
I remember the last days of the UDF government. I had just returned from Delhi, and what I saw was something unimaginable in a state like Kerala which prides itself on its awareness and liberal outlook. Just one example: the police were out in the streets flagging down and checking any vehicle and fining them, trying to extort money from motorists. And if you wanted to complain about it to someone higher up, the officer you approached would ask you to grease his palms! The general feeling was the ruling leaders had let the policemen out on the streets to make money even as they themselves were lining their pockets.
Okay, now the funny thing was while the police were so active on the roads the thieves were having a field day! There were gangs of robbers roaming the streets, even in Thiruvananthapuram, and going about their 'profession' with immunity!
Now, this was one instance of UDF misrule. And the people were tired of it. So the LDF came to power - not because of the charisma of VS Achutanandan or the cadre folloewing of the CPM!
Look at the state of affairs now! The faction war has hobbled the administration. Even as various kinds of fevers ravage the populace the state health minister is not to be seen. The treatment and cleaning drives are non-existent. All that the chief minister and his cronies are worried about is image building, while leaving the day-to-day functioning of the government in the hands of an inept bureaucracy! Even the party machinery which usually steps in to correct such mistakes is split along factional lines and engaged in a game of trying to run down each other.
Little wonder even die-hard Communists are now saying they made a mistake in voting this government to power.
They may be exaggerating: the LDF is still better than the corrupt and divisive UDF; but their feelings can only be ignored to the peril of the current government. That is the most insidious part of the current state of affairs. Public memory is short; the UDF can come back to power if the LDF continues on this track. Will we go back to those days of rampant corruption and extortion? I fear to think of it.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Why All This Noise About Sanjay Dutt?
Why is there so much noise over Sanjay Dutt being put behind bars? I just don't understand it. The man may not have directly planned the Mumbai blasts, but he definitely was pally with the terrorists who did it. And he possessed automatic weapons banned by law.
Now, let us forget all the issues about whether Dutt deserves this or not. Let us just look at how a common citizen would have been punished if he was in Dutt's boots - a common man who would not have the money or the celebrity status to gain media attention or to get an army of illustrious lawyers. None of us would have even given a second thought about the quantum of punishment such a person gets. Therein lies the crux of the issue - celebrities or common people, everyone has to be same before the law. Our justice system has flouted this principle umpteen times, but this time it has not. So instead of throwing stones let us for one celebrate the unbiased justice system and the characters in it who delivered this judgment.
Also, there have been some comments from Dutt's fellow actor community that a celebrity should not be given such a punishment. Come on, look at what happened to Paris Hilton. If the people giving such comments were in Europe or America they would have been behind bars for at least 3 days for the offence!
Now, let us forget all the issues about whether Dutt deserves this or not. Let us just look at how a common citizen would have been punished if he was in Dutt's boots - a common man who would not have the money or the celebrity status to gain media attention or to get an army of illustrious lawyers. None of us would have even given a second thought about the quantum of punishment such a person gets. Therein lies the crux of the issue - celebrities or common people, everyone has to be same before the law. Our justice system has flouted this principle umpteen times, but this time it has not. So instead of throwing stones let us for one celebrate the unbiased justice system and the characters in it who delivered this judgment.
Also, there have been some comments from Dutt's fellow actor community that a celebrity should not be given such a punishment. Come on, look at what happened to Paris Hilton. If the people giving such comments were in Europe or America they would have been behind bars for at least 3 days for the offence!
Thursday, February 8, 2007
How We Measure Ourselves
For the last few days I have refrained from commenting upon Shilpa Shetty on the Big Brother Show in the UK. After all, I thought, it is a Bollywood actress doing it for money, and the racism is part of the occupational hazard.
But seems like the media thinks I was wrong. They have been falling over each other trying to get mileage from the event.
But let us stand back for a moment and think: is the greatness of this nation to be measured by how Shilpa Shetty or any other actress behaves or is behaved to? I firmly think 'No.'
That would be like measuring America's greatness with the number of pubic hairs you can count on Britney's love cheeks, which she exposes very happily to eager paparazzi.
But we measure America by its economic and miliatary power, the prowess of its statemen, scienteists, and workers, the culture of its people, and a host of other factors.
In the hype over Shilpa Shetty we seem to have forgotten that is how India's greatness should be measured too. When Shilpa Shetty shouts Chicken Curry, that is in no way going to increase India's image before the world. For that we need to show we can do a lot of things that our license-permit Raj governments prevented us from doing for five decades.
Let us not get our priorities wrong, or we risk being pushed to the fringes of a world community which is racing to create a new world order.
But seems like the media thinks I was wrong. They have been falling over each other trying to get mileage from the event.
But let us stand back for a moment and think: is the greatness of this nation to be measured by how Shilpa Shetty or any other actress behaves or is behaved to? I firmly think 'No.'
That would be like measuring America's greatness with the number of pubic hairs you can count on Britney's love cheeks, which she exposes very happily to eager paparazzi.
But we measure America by its economic and miliatary power, the prowess of its statemen, scienteists, and workers, the culture of its people, and a host of other factors.
In the hype over Shilpa Shetty we seem to have forgotten that is how India's greatness should be measured too. When Shilpa Shetty shouts Chicken Curry, that is in no way going to increase India's image before the world. For that we need to show we can do a lot of things that our license-permit Raj governments prevented us from doing for five decades.
Let us not get our priorities wrong, or we risk being pushed to the fringes of a world community which is racing to create a new world order.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
SBI Computerization Fiasco
There is no better example to public sector mismanagement than the story of State Bank of India' s (SBI) computerization. SBI staff have already held strikes against this 'Core Banking' solution. At that point many have criticized them over being not adaptive to technology or worried about serving customers better. But more interactions with the software and staff at the bank makes me think the decision to use this software (Bancslink) for SBI's computerization was either foolish or, more likely, driven by palm-greasing middlemen.
While Indian companies have world-class banking software like Finnacle or Flexcube, our biggest bank has decided to go with a software, the search of whose name hardly elicits a page of results in Google! Added to that the implementation has been tardy, and staff training inadequate. Probably someone is eating taxpayer money by giving SBI customers and staff a raw deal.
If this is how India' s largest bank treats its customers, and taxpayers, then where are we heading? Can the bank's management explain its decision to use this software and its implementation strategy publicly? I think there should be some such mechanism to hold public sector babus and corrupt politicians accountable.
However, the bank's current ills are not completely due to the software alone. Even if it had been some better software product, the staff would have been extremely unresponsive to adapting it. Now, bank unions (some of the strongest in the country) can give you any number of reasons for this.
But we should not forget that such computerization is nothing new. Many other countries have tread this path before India. If they, notably Europe and the USA, could do this why cannot we?
The answer lies in the pampered position our public sector employees have enjoyed for decades.
The will to learn and adapt was there in Europe and elsewhere as the employees knew if they did not master this monster called computer, they would be rendered jobless. That fear, sadly, is missing among Indian public sector employees. The result: a lot of taxpayer money is being wasted on people who care two hoots about the general public or customers.
In a country where there are millions of able and competent youngsters who can do the job better, cheaper, and more importantly, bring in a better work ethic to government offices, banks, and other such places, this attitude is criminal.
Isn't SBI and its staff answerable to the people?
While Indian companies have world-class banking software like Finnacle or Flexcube, our biggest bank has decided to go with a software, the search of whose name hardly elicits a page of results in Google! Added to that the implementation has been tardy, and staff training inadequate. Probably someone is eating taxpayer money by giving SBI customers and staff a raw deal.
If this is how India' s largest bank treats its customers, and taxpayers, then where are we heading? Can the bank's management explain its decision to use this software and its implementation strategy publicly? I think there should be some such mechanism to hold public sector babus and corrupt politicians accountable.
However, the bank's current ills are not completely due to the software alone. Even if it had been some better software product, the staff would have been extremely unresponsive to adapting it. Now, bank unions (some of the strongest in the country) can give you any number of reasons for this.
But we should not forget that such computerization is nothing new. Many other countries have tread this path before India. If they, notably Europe and the USA, could do this why cannot we?
The answer lies in the pampered position our public sector employees have enjoyed for decades.
The will to learn and adapt was there in Europe and elsewhere as the employees knew if they did not master this monster called computer, they would be rendered jobless. That fear, sadly, is missing among Indian public sector employees. The result: a lot of taxpayer money is being wasted on people who care two hoots about the general public or customers.
In a country where there are millions of able and competent youngsters who can do the job better, cheaper, and more importantly, bring in a better work ethic to government offices, banks, and other such places, this attitude is criminal.
Isn't SBI and its staff answerable to the people?
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Junk Parliamentary Democracy For A New India
Another Republic Day. Remembering the day we threw off the foreign yoke decisively. Like every other Indian I too feel patriotic feelings rushing through my veins. But there is a tinge of sadness that mixes with this patriotism. How can I not feel sad when I see the slimy politicians taking salutes from ordinary men and women who are defending our borders for a living, with hardly a thanks or enough pecuniary benefits? The injustice of it angers me: the demagogue who is out to make a profit by selling off the country's wealth and security is taking, yes taking, salute from the real guardians of the country.
Today's Times of India Online has a report on a Goldman Sachs study that India will overtake the United States as an economic powerhouse by 2050, to become the second largest economy after China. Media survives by playing up such stories. When there is a boom you can sell such stories. But beyond the feel-good factor, we ignore the one class of people who can derail this dream - the politicians. Everyone else, except the politicians, and Islamic and Christian fundamentalists, have a stake in seeing India become a global economic powerhouse. Now, equating our politicians with terrorists may seem taking it too far, but the truth is the politician is more insidious than the terrorist.
If India did not have a licence-raj, a quota system, a separate set of privileges for the minorities, and umpteen other injustices, imagine where this country would have been today. Yes, the system is changing but the politician is not. They are trying to work the new evolving system to their advantage. And it is in their interest to build into the new India the same flaws that characterize the current Indian society and polity. Will the India of the 2050 be different from today's India, other than for its economic power? Nay, will India ever reach that 2050 milestone if these wily politicians and their crony bureaucrats are allowed to engineer the genes of the new India with the very flaws that have held us back for around 60 years?
Yes, it is time to think of a new India - a new India with a new political system. Junk parliamentary democracy. Junk the Westministerial system. They have been foisted on us by the West to prevent us from growing and achieving greatness. And the West has its handymen here in our midst in the form of our politicians. We need a better tomorrow - for India, for Me and for You. Let us think out of the box; let us get these parasites out of our midst.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
The Way To A Great India
A Great India - That which seemed an impossibility even 10 years ago is finally beginning to take shape. The silhouette is just about visible through the fog of the future. Sadly, our politicians and our media, with their divisive and self-serving agenda are trying to mold the new India in the image of the old. This blog will be my humble attempt to look at events, persons, institutions, etc., in a new perspective - to highlight their faults and to laud their virtues. I believe such a slap-on-the face discourse is highly needed if this country is to regain its glory, and not become just an extension of its current self - a sick and poverty ridden society full of social, political, and moral ills.
Our politicians and our media, it seems, are quite happy in letting this historic opportunity to pass by for their own selfish concerns. In the days to come you will see my on reading of events and persons relating to India - anything and everything will be held under a high powered microscope and mercilessly analyzed. Yes, you can expect a refreshing view of India, and a guide lamp to the glorious future, here. Read and let the world know about us.
Our politicians and our media, it seems, are quite happy in letting this historic opportunity to pass by for their own selfish concerns. In the days to come you will see my on reading of events and persons relating to India - anything and everything will be held under a high powered microscope and mercilessly analyzed. Yes, you can expect a refreshing view of India, and a guide lamp to the glorious future, here. Read and let the world know about us.
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