Harshal's Blog on India My Nation

Everything for sale !!!

2010-02-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

This is an issue I was thinking to write on for a very long time. Something that is bothering me for past many months and at times I feel like having no solution. I wish to talk about the market based mentality that is seeping through our minds.

Since 1990s when Indian markets became open, there is a big trend of free market and free economy that is growing in India. Consumerism is continuously on rise. And this is making some alarming effects on our social system. I wish to make clear that I'm not an economics expert to comment on any such aspects. I am here just to record my observations and feeling about changing social psyche. Immediate effect, as I see because of this economic transform is creation numerous jobs in service industry. In software, in B.P.O. and in many similar fields. All these people started getting salary which was way above the standard salaries people used to get before then. This created a group of neowealthy people who simply had no idea what good can be done with this money. Immediate effect was consumerism and we entered the era of mall-culture where people buy things to maintain their 'standard of living' and 'social prestige'. Shopping was no more need based but was considered as 'Hobby'.

Unfortunately this unethical and immoral expression of wealth created a chain reaction and money earning assumed the central position in life. 'More wealthier is more respectable' became the norm. On the contrary great sages of India have said, "गौरवं प्राप्यते दानात्‌ न तु वित्तस्य संचयात्‌ "

Wealthy person was not considered socially respectable if he does not spend good amount of his money for poor. And those who had given up all material benefits for uplifting of the entire society, the saadhus, sanyasis, gurus and aacharyas where having highest level of respect in the society. It was an unwritten rule that if you wish to climb the ladders of social respect, you should give up the personal benefits. There was a subtle balance achieved in this social structure. The different power centres like knowledge, wealth and military were not allowed to be held at any one institution.

Unfortunately today your income is the sole criterion to determine your social status. This means a highly paid call centre employee who is sometimes not even a graduate is at higher level than a junior college lecturer and far above a primary school teacher or a doctor in some remote village. A groom with corporate job is rated higher in spite having a lot of bad habits like drinking and smoking. A software engineer is more intelligent than an history graduate because he is earning a lot more. His opinion in totally uncorrelated fields is considered very valuable. A city dwelling consultant can give advice to a farmer about cash crops. Media also shows very 'interesting' news about parties of these so called 'celebrities' and other 'innovative' ways they find for extravagant display of their wealth. People are not rated as per the type and quality of the work but simply by money they get, which means how better they can 'sell' themselves.

A very bad social trend that has been establishing due to this. People are turning away from fields which give them joy towards the fields that give them money. Every school child wishes to become an engineer or a doctor or a C.A. Although his real interest may be literature or painting. We can see this by number Ph.D.s we produce in engineering. Its alarmingly low because students don't join this out of passion for the field. People keep hopping jobs not for job satisfaction but simply for more money. This has created a lot of unrest in the society. Obviously among those who are far away from this world of wealth, but unfortunately also in those who are part of it.

The answer, although not very clear, lies in understanding the fact that human beings are not content only material satisfaction. Not all the human activities are money oriented. Imagine a world with great engineers and doctors with uneducated kids because no one in their generation wanted to be a schoolteacher. All facets of human life cannot be valued monetarily. We should seek joy and not just means of joy!

Copenhagen conference and story of a bowlful of milk

2009-11-28T01:03:00.000-08:00

Copenhagen conference on climate change is just a week away. We expect all the leaders of developed and developing countries will gather there to decide some action plan to fight the climate change that has taken place in last century. But people have already started doubting whether any consensus can be achieved in this meeting. No doubt the data that is presented in various scientific articles is alarming. It is giving a call for immediate action. But all the wise men around the globe fail to understand. Why ? What is the reason for this negligence ? Let me tell a story.

Once upon a time in some part of India there was a king. He ruled his people nicely and people were happy with him. Rain used to be quite regular and the crop was plenty. No one was hungry and no one lived with any fear.

And a year came when there was no rain. Farming was impossible and people went to the king crying about the helpless situation they were in. Generous king decided to open all the granaries and distribute the grain for nominal cost and provide them other occupations for the year. The situation unfortunately continued for three consecutive years and the king was extremely worried. So the priest suggested 'Mahabhisheka' for the Shiva. So they decided to completely fill Shiva's pindi with milk and immerse him completely till he bestowed rain. Orders were given that on an auspicious monday, everyone will bring whatever milk produced at his home to the temple.

That day it was like a big festival. Everyone clad in nice clothes came to the temple. The king himself was the first to pour his share of milk. The priests were chanting shlokas and mantras to please the god of rain Varuna and the lord Shiva. The rituals started very early in the morning at sunrise and a big queue was formed to offer the milk. Everyone had brought the maximum he could and they themselves had not even drunk a drop of it. As the day progressed the temple began to fill with the milk and at noon it was almost full. Remaining was a part which appeared just a bowlful. But the milk was finished. People were extremely sad that they fell short by a very small amount. But the king immediately ordered some more from neighbouring places. And more and more cans of milk were brought and emptied only to find that a bowlful was still required.

The king got angry and sent his men to find out if there is anyone who has not brought milk to the temple. Who was the one who betrayed the entire village ? And they found an old lady who was feeding here grandchildren. They went to her place and demanded the milk. And she said she will come. Only a bowlful of milk was left in her house. She brought the milk and emptied. For everyone's surprise the Pindi was fully immersed. And the black clouds of rain began to fill the sky. People were happy once again and they went home praising the lord and the king.

The wise king was astonished by seeing this. What I could not do with hundred cans of milk, this lady achieved with just a bowlful ? What is the reason ? Next day he asked for the lady. And she spoke with very simple and calm words. "I have a regular routine of milking my cows. In the morning I let the calves free first and let them drink the milk. Then I go to milk cows and do it in a way to hurt them minimum. Then I thank them for milk and clean them. My cows give me a lot of milk. I feed my grandchildren first and also give share to Brahmacharis who come for Bhikshaa. If anything left, is then given to elder people of the house. You did completely reverse. On that day, by your order, calves were kept hungry and so were kids of the kingdom. Their mothers were unhappy and quarrels could be heard from every house. How could the God be pleased ?"

The failure of the Copenhagen conference will be due to this humancentric, selfcentred policy. What is the reason that we are worried for the climate change ? What are our motives and fundamental concerns in this issue ? As I see it western world is worried about a RESOURCE that will be finished very soon if we don't act now. The world will not be a habitable place for HUMAN RACE. There will be large economic changes that will be forced on us.

India gives a simple answer. We need to shift our focus form WE to the entire creation. I remember beautiful concept 'Goumata' in this context. Cow is considered mother and treated as holy in India. The reason typically given is because it provides us milk as food, cow dung is used as fuel, the bull used for ploughing and many others. But the underlying reason is different. God did not create cow so that humans will get milk. So that we can make fire and do cooking. Still we enjoy the benefits. So its Hindu way of thanksgiving by calling her mother. Similarly mother earth and nature was not created for us. It is not for us that environment contains exact amount of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide. It is not for us that rivers flow and the monsoon cycles continues years after years.

So we don't have any right to forcefully snatch things from nature leaving permanent scars. We need to realise that we are just a part of this creation and living in harmony and experiencing this oneness is the solution for all this problem. This paradigm shift is what is required to make this world habitable. For us and for everyone.

Homosexuality! Do we accept it ?

2009-07-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

Delhi high court's recent judgement legalising homosexual relations has created a stir in many spheres of Indian social life, especially religious one. And it has also shown a very rare unity amongst all religions. (DNA printed a nice cartoon on this a couple of days back). The gay community in India has uproariously accepted this judgement.

I am actually very confused. I can't understand biological reasons for someone to be gay. I firmly believe that the natural function of sex is reproduction which cannot be achieved in this. Neither have I ever seen a homosexual dog or leopard. So I believe this is a tendency developed by human beings because of the attachment of feelings and emotions with the act. As human beings are animals with intellect they do not conceive these bodily pleasures as mere acts for fulfilling some hunger or bodily needs. A tiger will be as happy with a sheep as with a deer. There is no sense of deliciousness for him. Similarly one can argue that human beings don't get satisfied by mere act of having sex but we tend to make it 'Delicious'. In my opinion the idea of gay sex has arisen from this tendency.

The next question is why would someone develop such an orientation. As psychologists say, this has not been answered conclusively. Homosexual behaviour is not considered as psychological disorder or disease. Researchers try to find the roots of this behaviour in the structure of brain and there are some hints obtained from this work which may hold the clue to the answer of this nightmarish question.

Given this should I consider it as a abnormality ? Do I think its improper and not good for society and hence should be banned ? I am again confused. If such a tendency is developed in some person due to whatever reasons, won't it be injustice to him if we force him to be straight ? This question has to be answered with socio-cultural perspective. In India we always say that Artha and Kaama has to be bound by Dharma. (I will not go into details of meaning of Dharma. Just note I don't mean religion). According to Dharma sexual pleasures, or in fact any bodily pleasures are to be enjoyed, keeping in mind their original role.

In spite of all this I sometimes tend to feel that homosexuality is okay as many times its not the choice made by the person to be so. Just like a blind or a deaf, a homosexual person is just another kind of impaired whom we need not treat differently and should be given all the rights that a straight person has. But this argument has a limit. As with blinds we give them all the rights except having a driving license, we cannot allow gays to get married. I feel very uneasy with the idea of gay marriage. This is the most disturbing part for me in this judgement. I can accept homosexuality as a personal freedom especially because this tendency is typically due to reasons not in the hand of that person. But marriage is a sacred institution in India. Bride and groom marry not just to fulfil each others sexual needs in a socially acceptable way, but there is a greater cause to it. Once married they are liable to perform some duties towards each other, other family members and also rest of the society. As this is not possible in gay marriages, it should certainly be banned.

And so is the case of adoption. Which child will like a female father or male mother? Isn't it injustice to that small kid if he/she has been adopted by a gay couple ? Won't he be ashamed to bring his friends home ?

No way! On personal level homosexual relations can be accepted to some extent but legalising them and giving them family rights is definitely not acceptable in this part of the world.

Shivaji, Dadoji and Rationality of Indian Society

2009-06-22T02:03:00.000-07:00

When I was in my fourth standard our entire history book was about Shivaji. Almost every child in Maharashtra and possibly in other states have heard stories of this great Hindu ruler. Everyone in childhood was fascinated about Shivaji, Tanaji and Bajiprabhu Deshpande and other members of his army. But the year when I was in fourth standard was different. It was Shivaji for the entire year. We all read stories of his early childhood and then how he migrated to Pune, about his training. Then various battles he won and strategies he developed. And ultimately his coronation, an event celebrated as 'HinduSamrajyaDina'. Every word of that book was read ardently and we used to discuss and wonder about various heroic deeds this great man performed. It was always a dream of every child to become a 'Maavla' or a soldier like the one in Shivaji's army.

Dadoji Konddev, in this story entered when Shivaji came to Pune from Bangalore with his mother. Shivaji was roughly twelve years old then. Dadoji taught him many things which included administration and law, commerce, various languages (including SamskRt) and military training. Some of these skills were taught personally and for some expert teachers were appointed which was managed by Dadoji.

This is a history which I learnt in my school and has been taught to every other child till a year ago. Recently a person Sachin Godambe filed an RTI asking the references for this information. The information that the government made public after appointing a committee on this issue is "Dadoji was appointed as an administrator and overall mentor for Shivaji by Shahaji. There is no proof that says that he was his teacher." And now there is all political game started around.

The first question is why is teaching history important and which history should be taught to whom ? History teaches us about our glorious past from which we receive inspiration and also about our mistakes which warns us about possible future disasters. To achieve this history is unveiled at different levels for different people. Many simple looking events are magnified out of proportion just to have a moral impact on reader. A great care needs to be taken (and generally is taken) about what message is this information giving because of the style of presentation chosen. And yet it should always be remembered that the although we may give more or less importance to some event, we can not delete an event or add something new in the history which never actually happened. This is not just unlawful and untrue but also unethical and a sin.

But many things seep into history books just because details are not known. With new evidences available, these stories are sometimes falsified. Unfortunately they are now attached with the sentiments of the people and there is a resistance for change. Also the elements which aim to divide the society to gain some petty benefits exploit these findings. Sachin Godambe case I feel is one such case. It is not his academic interest to know about these details about Dadoji, but rather he (and the group behind him) wants to give a casteist colour to this entire affair. Their motives are not clean which can be seen from their websites and blogs. Rather this group wants to eliminate any references to Brahmins in history, denying even the just importance. There is no doubt that Shivaji himself never tolerated this petty quarrels amongst our own kins and wanted to unite everyone under the saffron flag, which does not belong to any particular caste but rather is the flag for entire Hindu society. Many brahmins were at important posts in his kingdom as were many mahars (dalits). And the reason that this could happen was they were not brahmins or mahars but were just Hindus.

Unfortunately people are playing dirty games on the name of the great Shivaji and scholars like Jayasingh Pawar are supporting this nonsense. People like him need to understand that the information can be used for wrong motives as well. Knowledge although in itself is not right or wrong, it can prove to be either way depending who is having it. And this Viveka needs to be done by the knowledge giver or Guru.

Another important thing I feel Indians need to learn is the rationality. We need to accept the truths in history as they are. Knowledge about a mistake committed by a person I revere, does not reduce my faith towards him. Neither does my faith hinder me to hear some uneasy truths. I accept the great man as a human being who can falter sometimes although is definitely venerable. This rational outlook towards history is very much needed. It not just makes one proud of one's history but makes him so educatedly. People should be made aware of their correct history which can never let them fall in traps made by people like Sachin Godambe.

Who is minority ?

2009-04-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Election fever is everywhere in India and all the parties are throwing up promises like anything. This is is typical scenario in India and this has been happening for last 50 years. So now we are used to it. The main difference this time is a clear dichotomy of the choice voters have. Either you go for Congress led alliance or B.J.P. led one. And one of the main issues that differentiates these two camps is the policy over minorities. Unfortunately the issue comes many a times only for election and is discussed only from a political viewpoint. Never has it been discussed apolitically in the light of Indian ethos.

The word minority means a section of society which has a somewhat different identity than the major section. Typically this word is used in case of two different groups having been come together for some mutual benefit on the basis of some mutual understanding, this nexus may be political or apolitical in nature. The two groups may have different aspirations on the issues other than the binding issue (The issue on the basis of which they have come together). These different aspirations lead to differences and eventually division in most of the cases.

In case of India, the word 'minority' is typically used in terms of religious minority. In particular, Christians and Muslims are typically addressed by this term. It is interesting to note here that in India also live people of Parsi religion and a few Jews. Also there are people of innumerable religions which come under the umbrella of Hinduism, but are different than the mainstream. Hardly any of these groups are referred as minorities in common terminology.

The question I wish to ask is, why these two communities think that they are minority. As the minority is supposed to have issue that differentiates them from majority and which is indispenseble or can not be compromised. But in India, it has been observed through history that different religions are not really treated differently in any social affair. We can look for Maurya period when Buddhism was on high. India as been the land of great philosophical and spiritual debates. But never have been the wars fought on this issue. Indian people are truly tolerant in this issue.

Secondly we always keep saying that India is a nation with "unity in diversity". Unfortunately we just remember the diversity and forget to recognize the underlying thread of unity. We may have different faiths, different languages, food or costumes. But essentially we are one people. We all are the children of this great nation, standing tall as the guiding pole for many aspects of social life, through a long history. And we need to be proud of our great heritage which forms this interlink between apparently different parts of this society.

Hence the correct policy towards minorities, if any, should be in a direction to integrate them in the mainstream society, without forcing them to give up their individuality. This really can not be achieved by appeasement policy of political parties. This rather increases the drift by creating insecurity amongst majority section of society, and therefore hostility. Through education, it should be imbibed that we are one society, brothers and sisters of each other, not some different groups just come together for some mundane benefits.

And if still there is no way of intermingling different sections, then the conflict is unavoidable. And majority section cannot only be held responsible for this conflict. In fact rather minorities are more responsible in most of the cases, as they behave rather intolerantly in these situation.

Thus I would say, the key of eliminating the minority issue is in the hands of minority. They must try to be in unison with the majority section. Although its the responsibility of entire society, it is more on the shoulders of minority section. In my dream, I see India with no minority and Indians as hundred percent majority.

New face of RSS

2009-04-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

Last month we witnessed the change in the supreme leadership of RSS. Shri Mohan Bhagwat took over as Sarasanghachalak from Shri K. S. Sudarshan. According to the constitution of RSS, the selection of Sarasanghachalak is not by majority vote but rather the existing Sarasanghachalak appoints the new one in his place. This is quite contrary to the other posts in RSS. E.g. Sarakaryavah or general secretary is elected by the Pratinidhi Sabha, and his tenure is three years.

Shri. Bhagwat is sixth Sarasanghachalak of RSS. History tells us that whenever RSS gets a new Sarasanghachalak, we see the organisation taking a new turn. It can be considered as 'progressive unfoldment' of the organisation towards its final goal. In 1925 when RSS was founded it actually worked on single point program and that was Shakha. Although Dr. Hedgewar, the founder of RSS himself was very much active in national politics, he just quit that, and all the fame and glory that comes through, and decided that strengthening nationalistic mindset among the people is the top priority job now. He took the organisation from Nagpur based small group to a national level organisation.

In the era of newly independent India, RSS had become a national level organisation, which started to branch out in various field of social life and the entity called Sangh Parivar these days came into existence. ShriGuruji led RSS in this period to make it a national level power which could not now be neglected on any issue. This was very aptly proved in the time of emergency, when RSS was the main force behind the movement. Balasaheb, the third chief and Rajjubhaiya, the fourth one, gave two new facets to the organisation, viz. social amalgamation (removing barriers of jaati) and service. It is not that these issues were not addressed by RSS previously. But as the organisation acquired more strength, it started to assert on various issues more emphatically. E.g. by making a monthly sevaa din mandatory for all shakhas. In Sudershan ji's era, RSS saw even further branching with focus on issues like Integral Humanism and Dharmajaagaran.

In this period, RSS not just expanded in terms Shakha, but also branched in almost all fields that touch the social life of a common Indian man. Today one can easily say that organisation of sangha parivar are at forefront on any issue in India. RSS even as videsh vibhag or foreign branch which works within Hindus settled abroad. It also emerged as the most trusted organisation when comes any calamity, be it natural like tsunami or man made.

The new chief is relatively of young age when we compare him last two chiefs viz. Rajjubhaiyya and Sudershanji. Hence it is expected that he may remain in the place for a longer tenure. Former two sarasanghachalaks held the post for only 6 and 9 years respectively. But Shri Mohan Bhagwat is expected to have longer timescale at hand and hence make more clearer impression on Indian history.

But in this process, RSS has also acquired some permanent foes. The main reason for this enmity is the philosophy of hindutva. The unification scheme of the Indian society is hindutva, according to RSS. It believes that it is the way of life for people in India, not a religion practised by a fraction. (It is interesting to note that the word India actually comes from Hindusthan, which means land of hindus). Unfortunately the word hindu is wrongly associated with issues like casteism, inferior treatment to women, hatred towards religions of non-Indian origin etc. And this has been purposely done by forces who do not wish India to rise and stand tall and strong at world scenario. Hinduism is not some stagnant philosophy but it by its very nature is ever changing flow of life. It keeps on adapting and assimilating new currents and sometimes leaves behind ashes of some old, inconsequential traditions. RSS has been on forefront in last 75 years in bringing the new currents in hindu society, like the removal of untouchability. If one reviews various movements run in this country towards eradication of untouchability, we find RSS to be most successful amongst all. And this was even acknowledged by Mahatma Gandhi when he had visited a RSS camp. It is probably the only organisation in India, political or non-political, where no decisions are based on caste of its members, which is unfortunately not seen even in some sectarian groups which declare themselves caste free single society.

RSS has never cared much about the criticism on it. It rather believes in drawing a bigger line and lets the people of this nation make decision. And people have trusted RSS on numerous occasions. People have rather started to look towards RSS as THE organisation which can bring some positive changes in the country. This makes RSS even more responsible. With its ever growing and far reaching power, people have started to believe that RSS is the solution to many problem currently Indian society is facing. And with a new chief in chair, much younger than earlier one people expect change with RSS in pivotal role.

It is expected that the history will take a new turn in next decade the signs of which have started to appear as ripples in world economy and ever growing terrorism. The new leadership has a tough period ahead and the Indian hopes may get pointed towards it. As Savarkar had once said there is no blue print of hindu nation. But definitely it is now the time to assert the fundamentals and form a firm, strong society which can endure all kinds of attacks. And I hope under the new leadership RSS will emerge as the backbone of this nation and India will prove Manu's Ship for the world.

Supreme Court vs. Loksabha

2007-04-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

It's the reservation issue this time over which the Supreme court of India and Loksabha have decided to have a fight. This is not the first time when these two pillars of democracy have had differences and tensions among them. Previously also there had been occasions like Shahbano case etc.

The reason we have two institutions is to keep watch on one another. Not to allow the power to go in the hands of few people which will eventually lead to dictatorship. (Remember what happened during emergency.) When the power will be divided and there is no supremo, probability is much higher that all the systems will perform in a better way.

But MP's feel like they are the kings of this country and they can do whatever they want. They can pass any bills and it becomes a law. No degree or qualities are required to become a MP. Now one can say that its the people who elect candidates like these as MPs. So it's their fault. But everyone knows that the argument is not entirely correct as we always have to choose one from a given pack and can't have something out of the way.

Any way I don't want to comment about the people in the system. I'm talking about the system itself. One should bear in mind that no person is perfect. A person will invariably fall morally, if he is endowed by infinite power. So the system should be developed in such a way that there will be checks within the system and they will automatically stop accumulation of power.

It is for this reason courts should be allowed to function independently without any political pressure. The supreme belief of democracy that government elected by people is paramount and hence must be almost omnipotent, is I believe, somewhat wrong. One must always seek guidance of sages in all the important issues and not just go by what majority thinks correct.

And it is the duty of people to remind this to our beloved politicians. Remember your true place. You are not been given any right to decide the fate of the entire community. And if they don't understand, a lesson should go through ballots. This is the time when every person should stand for the welfare of the society and not let ourselves to die in their hands.

Cricket !!!

2007-03-24T00:18:00.000-07:00

Cricket world cup is going on and we had our last match yesterday. I felt very much relieved. I know it takes lot of time and mind gets occupied with the only thing, cricket. The game is sort of addictive.

So I'm happy about India going out of it in the league round itself. I know there is still a faint chance of qualifying for Super 8. But for that Bermuda should defeat Bangladesh and that is highly unlikely.

I don't know why but this game is sort of war in this country. People spend hours sitting in front of TV set and then few more hours discussing. And I'm no exception to it. And yesterday's one was a very crucial. Its result has decided our fate in world cup. Had we won, we were in. But now that's past. So many people must have stopped all their work early evening just to watch the yesterday's match. Every ball of it. Live. So many man hours wasted to see India loosing.

But thanks team India ! So many man hours are saved. There won't be any excitement in world cup now. People will just see the score and go to their work. Whatever may happen now. India is not playing. I thank you Mr. Dravid and others. I thank you very much !!!

I am back !!!

2007-03-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hi,

This is most probably to myself but I've started to write once again on my blog. I had feeling for long that nobody is reading it. But recently many people told me that my blog was good and asked why did I stop.

I also thought, it is MY need to write and it gives pleasure to ME. So I should continue irrespective of the existance of any readers.

So here I am and I'll try to be as regular as possible. I thank all my friends for boosting my morale and bringing me back to the world of blogging.

Reservations once again !!!

2006-08-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

Few months back there was a great agitation about the proposed reservations for OBS's in elite institutes like IIT's and IIM's. Because of opposition from almost all sections of society government had to take it back. That time PM had assured the students group that a committee will be formed and decision will be made after the judgement comes.

Now suddenly news comes that the bill is passed in cabinet meeting. It will be braught to Loksabha on the last day of the session so as to avoid long discussion. And finally there will be reserved seats although majority of population is opposing it. Is this we call a democracy ?

I shoud make myself clear here that I'm not against reservations. But I don't agree with the kind of policy that is proposed. We cannot simply go on continuing this if there are no results. Dr. Ambedkar had asked to review it every 10 years and remove totally after at max 20. Now we've completed 60 and we are increasing the percentage and including more and more castes in the list.

Also the reservations in premier institutes of india are totally unacceptable. These are the people we are looking forward to guide our nation. Are we going to give our future in the hands of some people just by looking at their caste ?

I sincerely feel we should all unite and support the protests by AIIMS. It's not just a matter for some doctors and engineers. Its for each and every person of this society. Let us not fall victim to the politicians and their selfish deeds. Let's all protest it our place and show the strength of a united and awakened society.

Mr. Editor TOI, You are casteist

2006-07-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

Few days back all saw the news covering of a little kid, 'Prince', who had fallen to a 55 ft. deep abyss. All news channels covered the story very lucidly. The whole nation was praying for the farewell of the kid. He was finally rescued after spending some fifty hours in that pit.

Next day Times of India had written a story on the issue. It mentioned that the boy belongs to OBC caste in that report. I simply don't understand why they need to mention it. Do they mean he was rescued because he was OBC ? Or do they mean since he was OBC it took so much of time for it ? Was it because OBC that Mumbai fire brigade had gone all the way to Kurukshetra ? And finally was it because he was OBC that the whole nation was praying for him ?

Mr Editor, please don't employ such tactics to divide the society. We are one society. From Kanyakumari to Kashmir, "AA SETU HIMAACHAL", we are one. Please don't try to divide us amongst castes, languages and other barriers. These are mere supreficial differences. This incidence in fact has shown the same. It seems you don't like this picture of united indian society.

But whether you like it or not, this is the truth. And don't forget you belong to the same land. So please don't indulge in any such affairs henceforth and don't try to break the unity of the nation.

Service with anonymity

2006-07-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Tsunami in tamilnadu and other parts of east cost of India, was a very large scale calamity. Many hands came forward to help the victims. We hardly know the names of all. But one name was prominent amongst all. 'Sevabharati'. Everyone was impressed by the selfless service by these volunteers in khaki shorts.

Now they have completed rehabilitation project of 248 houses in keechankuppam village, Nagapattinam. These houses were handed over on 6th july in presence of Gouthamanandha Maharaj, President Ramakrishna Mutt. Many officers of TN government and RSS high rank leaders including Shri Mohanrao Bhagwat were present for the event.

Read the full story :

Seva Bharathi Handed Over Permanent Houses to Government Constructed for Tsunami

Seva Bharathi Tamilnadu, constructed 248 permanent houses in keechankuppam village, Nagapattinam, which was very wostly affected by Tsunami. The colony is named as "Vyasa Nagar".

Handing over function was held at Keechankuppan on 6th July 06. shri Rajendran, R.S.S. Secretary, southern Tamilnadu was welcomed the guests and participants.

Poojyashri. Gouthamanandha Maharaj, President Ramakrishna Mutt has unveiled the name board. In his speech he quoted the Vivekanada's Sayings" main objective of my life is to make my country awared". Number of people were given a helping hand for Tsunami Victims, there was no difference of opinion and racisism. All were involved as a team and as a family in reconstruction and rehabilitation work. It shows that our nation going towards peace & prosperity.

Shri. Shankar Thathuvathi, President, Vishva Vibhag, R.S.S - Helping and giving hands in the time of disaster or emergency in the national tendering and attitude of Hindus. During cathrina in U.S so many Hindus voluntarily helped lot of people. Our nation gives us lot. So, we have to dedicate our life to our nation and society.

Project officer Radha Appreciated well the works of Seva Bharathi Tamilnadu during Tsunami time. He highlighted the Seva Bharathi's rescue and rehabilitation work. He adviced the fisherman Seva Bharathi Tamilnadu planned to construct more than 1000 permanent houses. So, fisherman's should utilize and co-operate the service of Seva Bharathi Tamilnadu.

Shri Mohanji Bagavath, all India general Secretary, RSS handed over the permanent houses key to Shri Raman, additional collector and project officer Shri Radha. He said that "I feel very proud and lucky to attend this function.

Shri R.V.S. Marimuthu, state president, RSS, Shri Shyam Prande, Secretary, Sewa International, Shri Chakrapani, commissioner Town Panchayath, Shri Rajendran, president fisherman association, Dr.Sengottaiyan, President, Seva Bharathi Tamilnadu, Shri Kesava Vinayagam, General Secretary, Seva Bharathi Tamilnadu, Shri Shankaran, Project officer and Shri Narayana Swamy has also participated.

Shri Namasivayam given the vote of thanks

Mumbai Blasts : Two Men

2006-07-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry for being invisible for long. Had really nothing to write and engrossed into some other matters so deeply that could not even express it here.

Bomb blasts in mumbai railways was really a heinous act. We all know what groups are behind this and what is their motive. We should raise voice against such atrocities.

Great amount of relief work was done in Mumbai after this. The relatives of those who have suffered will gratefully accept this. I wish to describe two such cases here. (One of my close friend was eyewitness). Some people in Dadar region were helping victims at K.E.M., a hospital in Mumbai where a large number of victims were taken. They were providing them clothings, food and required medicine as the hospital stock was limited. One of these volunteers came out at about 12:30 in the night and saw Shrim. Shabana ji and Javed Akhtar sahb giving speech in front of a big mob. They were saying how the doctors are rude and the facilities are insufficient and relatives and victims themselves are ill treated. Then they said its complete failure of government. All media was present to cover this. My friend asked him, "have you gone in and seen the situation ?" He said no. Then he described true situation to the crowd. And pleaded these leaders not to give false statements in front of media. Then this fellow asked Shabanaji about the help she was taking for quake victims of Pakistan and was refused a visa. He appealed her to give that sum to these people. Shabanaji didnt say a word and ran inside the hospital. Crowd was really furious and then she had to go out in Police protection.

Second man is a school kid of Dadar. I even dont know his name. He's monitor of nineth class in some school of Dadar. He decided, on the second day of blasts, that it's our duty to help the suffered. He decided his class won't have tiffin that day. The news spread in the school and nobody from class one to class ten had their tiffin. All the food was taken to K.E.M. to serve for the patients. What a great example of service this little boy has laid! "Shat Pranam" to this anonymous hero.

A memorable year for India (part II)

2006-05-12T04:27:00.000-07:00

This is the second part of this blog. And I will write today about another great son of this divine land. His name is Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, popularly known as 'ShriGuruji'. He was born on 19 February 1906. This is his birth centenary year.

The name could be little unfamiliar to many. He was the second sarsanghachalaka of RSS. One of the largest voluntary organisations in world. And he has played a key role in taking RSS to its present heights.

Born in Nagpur, sriguruji was a very bright student. After schooling and preliminary college education, he went to BHU, where he completed his M.Sc. in zoology and then became a lecturer there. During these days he came in contact with Ramkrishna Math in Nagpur and soon went to swami Akhandananda for Deeksha. He came back to nagpur after swamiji passed away. Soon he came in close contact with Dr. Hedgewar.

He then became the closest kin of doctorji, and he guided him through various responsibilities in organisation. After doctorji, he became the chief of RSS. He was authority in indian scriptures and was in some sense succesor of Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo. He proposed in neat and clear way 'Hindu Rashtra Hypothsis' and provided a very strong philosophical foundation to the organisation.

But he was also a true karmayogee and contributed a lot in spread and proliferation of RSS to every part of India. He inspired many other organisation like VHP, ABVP and BJP. But he always engrossed himself in root level work of character building. During his period nation saw the assasination of Mahatma Gandhijee and ban on RSS followed after. He guided his volunteers through this tough period. He had also fortold the danger of China and that of Bangladesh which we are realising now. During his tenure many movements were started like ban on cow slaughter and foundation of vivekananda rock memorial.

He has also contributed through his books, many articles and interviews. The most famous being compilation of his writings 'Bunch of Thoughts'.

This is his birth centenary year and we can atleast decide to read and know about this sanyasee leader of modern time.

A memorable year for India (part I)

2006-05-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

India has been, since last many thousand years, the motherland of many great sages and philosophers, kings and warriors, scientists and artists. This is the year we witness 150th, 100th and 50th birth year of three such sons of this land.

The first among them is 'Lokamanya' Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Nobody in India needs any introduction for this great warrior of indian freedom struggle. He was one of the frontline leaders in indian national congress. He was the first person who vividly said 'Political freedom is my birthright'. He started many movements against british rule, most famous being 'VangBhang Andolan' or movement against unfair division of Bengal. Contrary to popular belief, he was the first person who gave the idea of 'Swadeshi', not Mahatma Gandhiji. He also emphasized on 'Rashtriya Shikha' or education in harmony with our national culture. The idea of total boycott (Bahishkar) also originated from his mind.

Apart from politics he was renowned mathematician, astronomer and philosopher. In fact these words seem quite short to me and not really capturing his true intellect. The books he has written are the quite vivid proof of it. 'Geeta Rahasya' and 'Arctic orgin of Vedas' are the most famous ones. These were written when he was in jail for 6 years. Apart from these there are many editorials he has written.

Although a person in congress he supported other groups fighting for freedom. V.D.Savarkar and many other revolutionaries had taken their inspiration from him. Also he contributed actively in education, social reforms and newspaper which was a new medium those days.

He was born on 23rd July 1956. This year we will be selebrating his 150th birth anniversary. Let us have him as a role model in front of us.

India in UN's Human Rights Council

2006-05-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

India is elected as a member of Human Rights Council today. She got maximum number votes amongst asian group of countries tallying 173 out of 191. We had large margin over China and Japan. Indonesia which is closest to us got 165 votes.

This shows the confidence world still has on India. And it also reminds us that we, as a nation, the oldest nation on earth, have a duty to fulfil. The whole world is looking towards us. We are not permanent member of security council. One may say that it is harbinger of permanent membership in security council. But we should notice that when it comes to human rights world is looking to us. It wants us to show a path where everybody can live happily. This stems from our philosophy of 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah'. Now we also need to show a way by which this can be realized in practice.

A great task which stands at first is to give equal human rights to people in our society. Still we have depressed classes. Upper classes sucking their blood. Malpractices of dowry, child marriage and female infanticide. We should make society free of casteism. We should start from ourselves and build a new society free from all differences and hierarchy.

World is looking ...

Nepal and maoists

2006-05-04T04:07:00.000-07:00

I refrained for so many days from writing about current situation in Nepal. Till this moment the picture was that the struggle in Nepal is of common people for the freedom and democracy, against monarchy or this king, king Gyanendra in particular.

Indeed this was true in some sense. But we should not forget maoist hands behind it. There is no doubt that poeple's rule should have been restored much before. The days are over when king was considered as the the 'Avtar of Vishnu' (Naavishnuh Pruthivipati). So it was a right move by India to interfere, and also by King Gyanendra to revive the democracy.

But maoists are not happy with it. The reason seems that they don't themselves believe in democracy. They just wanted change of rule from the king to maoist party. That's why they have refused to accept the solution which is accepted by all other party. And they have now forced PM Koirala to cease all activities against them.

These groups can be having some international support. The reason is obvious. To create checkpost on Indian border. Nepal has been the part of Brihat-Bharat since this country existed. And it is having a very important role of border security. Also the remaining Bharat has a role to play when Nepal is in turmoil. We have taken steps to restore democracy. Now its our duty to support this new government on all fronts to restore the peace. This is a duty of a big brother which India has to fulfil !

Our national heroes changed !!!

2006-04-26T02:37:00.000-07:00

Do we know that there is beach in Kerala named after Saddam Hussain ? Amd our minoritist politicians are happily quiet about this :

Former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein may be a tired prisoner these days, but unknown to him, he is a political hero for a group of villagers in Kerala.

Most of the voters in the village known as Saddam Beach in Kerala's Muslim majority Malappuram district say the jailed Hussein -- who turns 69 on Friday -- is their hero and they will vote for the candidate who speaks against America and in support of Saddam.

"Naturally, this means that most of us will vote for the Left parties this time because they have always stood against American policies," explains Mohammed Bashir, who owns a tea-shop at Saddam Beach.

Last week, Bashir and his friends -- Arif, Sujanapal and Rajendran -- went around the village collecting funds to create election posters in Saddam's name. One such poster on a coconut tree read: 'Vote for the candidate who supports Saddam Hussein.' ...

...The village has some 600 voters. Left Democratic Front candidate T P Muhammad Kutty, whose Kondotty constituency covers Saddam Beach, says he is happy that many Saddam supporters will vote for him.

"This is a unique village, which is the finest example of how even ordinary people are against the anti-imperialistic policies of the US administration, and how the Indian government has been blindly supporting it," says Kutty.

The beachside village gained international popularity in 1991, when local Muslim leaders named it Saddam Beach during the first Gulf War to affirm their solidarity with the Iraqi leader....

...Mohammed Bashir heads the Saddam Hussein Voluntary Trust at Saddam Beach. "We formed such a trust to help the victims of atrocities in Malappuram. We named the trust after Saddam Hussein because he is our role model. He is our anti-American hero," says Bashir.

But how does this affection for Saddam gets reflected in the assembly election? "The villagers have decided that we will vote only for those who speak against America and in support of Saddam Hussein," points out Bashir.

"I agree with the feelings of these villagers for Saddam Hussein. Most of their kith and kin work in the Gulf, and many of them who were in Iraq had to return because of the US invasion. So it is natural that they have been supporting Saddam," says Congress leader Shoukath Ali....

FAST-UNTO-DEATH: FROM THE MAHATMA TO MEDHA

2006-04-26T02:30:00.000-07:00

A time to compare mahatmaji and his so called followers. Do these people really understand the power of this weapon and do's and dont's for the use of it ? Read these excerpts ...

People like Medha Patkar must realize that their fasts have been hypocritical and not Gandhian. The Mahatma was pitted against constitutionally irresponsible and unrepresentative alien rule. The situation today is very different.

Mahatma Gandhi experimented with truth. Human life was his laboratory, love his instrument and appeal of the heart his language. He knew well the distinction between a devout religionist who spread the fragrance of love and amity and a religious fanatic who fuelled enmity. He fought the tyrannical system, but with no enmity to those who built it. He preached and practised non-violence of the brave, not the coward.

The hunger of his fasts stirred the conscience of the nation and extinguished the fires of hate. As he perfected the technique of satyagraha, the prison gained the glory of a palace; the scars of suffering became the badge of honour. The Mahatma was pitted against constitutionally irresponsible and unrepresentative alien rule.

Mahatma Gandhi viewed “fasting unto death is the last and the most potent weapon in the armoury of Satyagraha. It is a sacred thing. But it must be accepted with all its implication. It is not the fast itself, but what it implies that matters. A Satyagrahi should fast only as a last resort when all other avenues of redress have been explored and have failed.

“Ridiculous fasts spread like plague and are harmful… It is common knowledge that the best of good things are often abused. We see this happening every day. If a man, however popular and great he may be, takes up an improper cause and fasts in defence of the impropriety, it is the duty of his friends and fellow-workers and relatives to let him die rather than that an improper cause should triumph so that he may live. Fairest means cease to be fair when the end sought is unfair.

“Fasting quickens the spirit of prayer, that is to say, the fasting is a spiritual act, and therefore, addressed to God. . Such a fast is undertaken in obedience to the dictates of the inner voice and, therefore, prevents haste. Fasting cannot be undertaken mechanically. It is a powerful thing but a dangerous thing, if handled amateurishly. It requires complete self-purification, much more than what is required in facing death with retaliation even in mind. One such act of perfect sacrifice would suffice for the whole world. Such is held to be Jesus' example.”

Medha’s insistence on immediate stoppage of work on the dam was perverse. Work on the SSP dam has been suspended off and on for approximately six or more years at the instance of the NBA. This itself has complicated issues by weakening the oustee’s resolve to move, swelling numbers and preventing rehabilitation, which entails steady emotional adjustment to the new dispensation after the initial phases of relocation and resettlement. ....

Sonia's Sacrifice !!!

2006-03-24T06:11:00.000-08:00

We all have must have read the news that Ms. Sonia Gandhi has resigned from the Loksabha. This is the second act of her doing sacrifice. Two years back she had given up the post of prime minister in the same fashion. I'm sure the congress supporters must have rushed to the 10, janpath.

Sonia Gandhi has said she is not in the politics for some personal gains but she wants to serve the nation. She is not interested in being PM or holding any such post. So great is Soniaji !!

This reminds me a story of thief who once had stolen something and fled away to some other village. Now the villagers of other village started asking from where he got so much of money. He didn't want to disclose obviously. So what he did was he gave a big donation to a local temple. Now he was no more thief but a great donor who had done a great favour to the society. Now he was a great fellow ! Just like our Soniaji !!

Dear Soniaji, what you have done, should have been done long before. And it is no sacrifice since you have given back which was never yours. You were holding it illegaly. So don't try to get martyrdom or saintdom. Instead ask all your fellow members who are holding the posts of benefit to resign quickly. This will prove how much do you respect our constitution and law.

Let's condemn the varanasi blasts !!!

2006-03-18T00:24:00.000-08:00

The varansi bomb blasts in last week is really a ferocious act showing the wicked mentality of these terrorists. This is the time to realize that this chain of blasts is a planned event to defame india and demoralize the hindu community. Akshardham blast and attack on our Samsad were the previous ones.

Now all hindus, the sons of this land must come togather to condemn this act. We must stand togather and show the strength. What more do we need to rise from the great Tamas of the centuries ?

Let all people of the world know that hindus will no longer tolerate any such events. Hindus are not in favour of violence. It is the land which gave world the message of Ahimsa. But Ahimsa does not mean the cowardice. All our enemies must bear this in our mind. It's the time to act now. Let's all join our hands in this act of making our society strong !!!

Protest against M.F. Hussain mentality

2006-02-27T06:11:00.000-08:00

Mr. M.F.Hussain has recently drawn some naked pictures of hindu gods and goddeses. And all of us are ready to accept it in the name of artist freedom. I would really like to ask mr. hussain why hindu gods after all ?

This is a big scheme I feel which is run to defame and demoralise hindus. I remember here the incidence a few years back when Ganapati picture was put on toilet seats. I sincerely feel that hindus now should unite togather and show some strength. Whatever great values our culture may have; without strength everything will get nullified.

We should see how the protest was made against Danish magazines printing prophet cartoons. I also condemn this act here. But I need not actually. There community is sensitive and organised enough to respond properly to it. The question is only for Hindus. When are we going to learn our lessons ?

Its time now to act. I feel all government rewards to Hussain should be taken back and we need to develope a mass movement for it than writing a blog.

(Those who wish to see Hussains pictures they can visit to sanathan sanstha website)

Honest Indians

2006-02-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

This is a real story happened in kerala. Some days back there was a conference in Kochi on laser physics. Around fifty scintists from all over the world had come to attend it of which some were Russians.

On the last day, one Russian scientist left out a little early from his hotel. Later the cleaner found 525 dollars and some 500 rubals in the room. It was very easy for him to keep the money and noone would have known about it. But this man returned it to the hotel manager and manager arranged it to give the money to an another Russian scientist who had stayed back for a few more days.

I heard this story from people who were involved in this affair.

I bow down to this anonymous sweeper of kerala and also in front of our motherland who gave birth to such a person.

U.S. based company taking advantage of Indian tribal knowledge

2006-01-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

In India it's a long tradition of ayurvedik medicines. We knew the medical uses of many plants and never patented it. But now alarmingly more and more foreign based companies are making commercial use of it without giving due share to the natives. They are taking advantage in the flaw of patent laws and its nonconformity in various countries. What's worse is they can easily make some life saving drugs vanish from market with such strategy.

For one such story, read this article :

Since ancient times, Kani tribals knew that arogyapacha (Trichopus zeylanicus) was a stress-buster. After nearly a decade of research, the Thiruvananthapuram-based Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI) made a herbal product, Jeevani, from the herb and transferred the technology to Coimbatore-based Arya Vaidya Pharmacy to produce and market the drug.

The profit from the licence fee was routed to Kerala Kani Samudaya Kshema Trust, set up for the welfare of the Kani tribe. The move was hailed worldwide as a sterling example of successful commercialisation of traditional knowledge and the benefits were reaped by the tribal community for sharing their knowledge with the world.

That was the story until Great Earth, a US nutrition store, discovered the benefits of Jeevani. The American company is selling the drug under its own brand name - Jeevani Jolt 1000 - without having the permission to do so.

National Science popularization award given to Swadeshi Science Movement Kerala

2006-01-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

Swadeshi Science Movement (SSM), Kerala Chapter of Vijnana Bharati is honoured with the prestigious "Jawaharlal Nehru Prize" for the year 2005-2006, instituted by Indian Science Congress for popularisation of science. This is for the first time a Kerala based NGO being honoured by the Indian Science Congress. The award includes a cash amount of Rs.one lakh and a plaque.Swadeshi Science Movement is a voluntary organisation started on November 7(Birthday of Dr. C.V.Raman), 1991,by a group of scientists and technocrats .SSM conducts innumerable programs to propagate and popularise science among students as well as common public.SSM's activities give thrust to popularise Indian contributions to science and also to globalise swadeshi sciences like ayurveda, yoga, vedic mathematics, environmental sciences etc.

Two world congresses on ayurveda and ecology conducted by this organisation have attracted scientists and technocrats from more than 40 countries and have made a global impact. Science talent search examination among students to generate affinity among younger generation towards pure science is the biggest student activity in Kerala. SSM also publishing the National Science Magazine “Science India” for students.Swadeshi Science Movement’s womens wing SHAKTI is working for the empowerment of rural women in Social, economic, Intellectual and Cultural fields.

The Self Reliance Day celebration on 15th October which happens to be the birthday of H.E. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, involving thousands of students is one of the most inspiring program, having the total participation of teachers and parents.The selection board of Indian Science Congress was pleased about the efforts taken by Swadeshi Science Movement to blend the modern sciences with the age old socio-cultural and scientific value based system. The award wasreceived by PN Subramanian, State President of SSM from the Prime Minister in the inaugural session of 93rd Indian Science Congress held at Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad.

Hi

2006-01-26T03:04:00.000-08:00

Hi !!!

Posting my first blog here.