India Shining?

Harsh Mander has a column in the magazine section of Sunday's 'Hindu' His last week's column upset me.
Just like any other Indian, I gloat over the frequent statements of our politicians and businessmen and also by the greedy foreign tycoons about the opportunities offered by the emerging India and its surging economy.I'm, one of those several thousands of Indians who dream about being one of the citizens of an economic super power.Every timeI thought about it I loved it, till I read that article.

I can't say I was totally blind at the lurking poverty of this country;but having been in Kerala the most literate state flush with Gulf money, I haven't seen much of agonising poverty except while visiting other states. I haven't seen many Malayalees begging for alms as much as the beggars from other states on the streets of our cities and towns.But in the remote villages of Orissa, Rajastan, Jharkund,UP,Bihar and Andhra Pradesh the anguish of the parents for not procuring enough food for their childdren let alone schooling them is palpable.One Sahariya tribal in Rajastan says most of the time when the children cry for food, he feels so desperate that he wishes to take out his own liver and offer them.His wife begs for rice water left over after cooking rice from her neighbours and feed them. More often than not, the parents go hungry to feed their kids. Harsh narrates how Sheik Gaffar confided about his granddaughter takeing a fancy to something and demands it. Shamim, her mother, gives her a slap painfully raising her paralysed hand and the child sobs to sleep.Manee a young widow forcefully breast feeds her daughter and leaves her for the whole day in the care of her older daughter barely one year older.They wait desperately for their mother to return with some food. On many occasions, Manee goes to bed without any food.Those who go to the forest in search of food gather green edible leaves, 'kardi' (tender shoots of bamboo)grind them to a paste and drink with some water and some rice floating in it.

I've reproduced a few cases from the article. They were sufficient for me to feel ashamed of my indulgence be it food or life style.We bury our heads in every new Forbes list of billionaires to check how many Indian names have been added.We scan daily newspapers to see newer models of Bentleys, Mercedes, Audi and all other expensive cars introduced in this country.We go in raptures when we read about Ambanis building a 27 storied house just for 4 or 5 people to live in.

Where is our conscience? Are we to keep these wretched souls always illiterate and keep them away from such outrageous display of wealth? Are we to condemn these hapless children to their dismal future? In the hot pursuit of material comforts are we careening to a catastrophe? The article had a telling effect on me and forced me to think the disaster is just around the corner. When it strikes it will be merciless as we saw in great revolutions.We can still prevent it. Only if we consider these poor people as human beings; only if the politicians become less corrupt and engage in nation building; only if education is for all and compulsory; only if the government provide them jobs to improve their standard of life; only ifinexpensive medical help is made available for all and.Yes, the best technocrats can put their heads together to find a solution to this disgraceful problem-the extreme poverty.

Give it a thought, my friends; perhaps I may not live to see the end of poverty in our country. But you can. And you can be proud of it.

God bless you.

Anger &Desire

Recently I happened to pass by the family court of Olavakot, a small suburb of Palakkad and a Railway divisional HQ. There was a huge crowd of young couple waiting to be heard of their marriage woes. Some of them had small babies on their shoulders. I wondered; if this is what a tiny place like Olavakot has in store, what'd be the case with large Metros? One of the several arguments put forth by the young couples is that, well, it happened in your period also, but you chose to suffer; we aren't going to do that. Why should we?

Yes, my young friends, we too had or still have, tiffs & quarrels and difference of opinions on almost everything. Who wouldn't have? Two people from two different families with two entirely different back grounds chose to live together, there is bound to be friction. Especially when their temperaments are quite unlike. But we opted for peaceful methods to adjust the life between us- that's the word, ADJUSTMENT,that's totally missing from your lexicon. We thought about our future; we thought about you-our children. That's when we wanted to be more discreet and more matured.We didn't want you, our children, to grow in a vituperative and volatile atmosphere.What? Did you say we were wrong? Should we have exposed you to every single petty tussle? No, my young friend, the result would've been catastrophic. Today, you have a huge salary and a bright career which was a direct result of our self control and maturity. No, I'm not being boastful. It's a fact. We didn't want you to tread the same path we had to walk along- the path of difficulties, poverty and agonising days when someone else educated us. That's why we gave you good education- to chalk out a fine career ahead of you. This career gave you all material gains which we, for ourselves never dreamt about. But then, what happened? Why did yours and your spouse's lives fell apart like a pack of cards?

Too much of anything may harm you. With too much comfort, you wanted more.When you didn't get it, floodgates of resentment and protests opened. Life at home became hell.Your pretty young wife was equally indignant.Won't she be? She belongs to same genre and she is least tolerant of you and your habits. Apparently her talks & deeds provoke you which over a period resulted in body violence. All set for a formal separation!

Bhagavat Githa describes in the chapter Dhyanayoga 4th sloka, how your own soul is both your friend and foe at the same time.Only if you really want you can uplift yourself or push you deeper into the abyss. You observe yourself, identify your strengths and weaknesses, forget your ego which is your greatest enemy and be prepared to forget and forgive. This will give you an opportunity to be mutually tolerant and adjustable which will help you to reshape your life. With reduced or practically non existent ego, anger will find no place in your response. Your family life will bloom again and the story will have a happy ending!

It appears very easy. But may I warn you, it's a very difficult process. Unless you really want to put your life back on the rails the problem will remain insurmountable.Since our ego is blown out of proportion we will be aghast to distinguish our real 'us' from the false one. If you're ready to accept it, that's the end of all your problems.

ALL THE BEST TO YOU!!

Murali

Without a title!

Hello!
It has been a long time! I'm afraid I'm a bit out of touch. My darling niece {Paru too has temporarily quit blogging. Too bad.

My eyesight is not really good. I find it difficult to type. I underwent a surgery for retinal detachment a month ago. It may take some more time-maybe 4to6 months before I get back a fairly better vision.

I have, in fact, so many topics to write about but I'll dwell in length my favourite topic- Bhagavat Gita,which Unfortunately may not go well with youngsters. It doesn't matter.

I'll get back to you soon!

Bye till then

Murali

Which religion?

Our country is passing through a very difficult phase in its history. Apparently, we're making a lot of progress in the technology sphere, infrastructure, science and in the field of commerce and trade. It has resulted in the making of a new generation with a lot of money to spend, will to travel, adventurous, ready to take risks. But despite all these, are we happy? Religious fundamentalism, and the consequent intolerance, 'honour killings' murder with least provocation, arson, looting, vandalism all these threaten to tear the thin fabric of our society.With the active connivance of politicians most of the culprits go scot free.Politicians themselves aid and abet violence as we see the umpteen number of bandhs and hartals we're subjected to and their frenzy to make each one a 'great success'! Recently, we were shocked when a professor's hand was chopped by some miscreants. His crime? He prepared a question paper in which one question was derogatory of a religious head. A raid of the houses of some of the goons involved in the incident allegedly revealed conspiracy to target various places of worship.
Evidently, all these show the malaise that has set in our society. Religious leaders sow seeds of discontent and hatred. They exploit the gullibility of the poor and the middle class. We cannot tolerate fellow human beings.It is in this background, we should read the following conversation between DalaiLama and Leornado Boff, a Brazilian thinker and author of Theology of Freedom. Leonardo asked Dalai Lama:" Your Holiness, what's the best religion?"
He thought Dalai Lama would reply-Tibetan Budhism or some other oriental religion much older than Christianity. He looked Leo in his eyes, smiled and said "The best religion is the one that gets you closer to the God; it's the one that makes you a better person."
Leornado: "What's that makes me better?"
He responded: "Whatever makes you more compassionate, more sensible, more detached, more loving, more humanitarian, more responsible, more ethical.The religion that will do that for you is the best one"
Lama continued:" I'm not interested, my friend, about your religion or if you're religious or not.What is really important to me is your behaviour in front of your peers, family, work, community and in front of the world. Remember, the universe is the echo of our actions and our thought.The law of action and reaction is not exclusively for physics alone. It's true of human relations. If I act with goodness, I'll receive goodness. If I act with evil intention I will get evil.What our grandparents taught us is the pure truth. You'll get what you desire for others. Being happy is not a matter of destiny; it's a matter of option."
Finally he said:" Take care of your thoughts because they become words. Take care of your words because they'll become actions.Take care of your actions because they'll become habits.Take care of your habits because they'll form your character. Take care of your character because that'll make your destiny and destiny will be your life. There's no relilgion higher than this truth."
How relevent this interview today is something I leave to you to ponder about. One of my friends had send me this gem of a conversation by e-mail.I thought I should share it with someone who reads this.

The Nation in a limbo

Let's imagine we are a couple of foreigners having wide experience with Indians in business matters. How'll we assess an average Indian between us? " A typical Indian encompasses qualities of falsification, telling lies, dishonest,being fraudulent, arrogant,boastful, speaking loudly, bothering others in public places or while travelling, swindling at the slightest opportunity and spreading rumours about others in office and outside...." the list is never ending!
I went through an article that appeared in today's Business Line by the former CII director for Europe Mr.Mohan Murty who lives now in Cologne about the corruption in India. What I read deeply disturbed me. I never knew the magnitude of this pestilence till Mr.Murty enlightened me through his article. I knew we are corrupt to the core but I didn't realize that people thought so poorly about us.
Mr.Murty was one of the panel members of a discussion that took place recently with an audience of 100 well-known European CEOs. Other panel members were senior officials of two of the largest car makers of Europe and two top insurance cos all German multinationals operating in India. The discussion was moderated by a professsor of a reputed European Business school. Mr.Murty was the only Indian.
After the panel discussion came the question hour. The questions were fired at him. "Is your nation in a coma?" They were obviously referring to the corruption at high places even in the judiciary, impeachment of a judge on the brink, telecom scam-again it is a long list. When I read it I wished I could go and hide myself. I was so ashamed that I'm an Indian. Mr.Murty mentions here what a prime time German TV discussion had to disclose. One of the panellists a German Parliament member quoting a blog says: If all the scams of the last 5 years add up, it'll rival and even exceed the British colonial loot of India of about a trillion dollars!
Mr.Murty goes on to quote a German business daily editorial on India: " India is becoming a banana republic instead of being an economic super power. To get the cut motion designated out, assurances are made to political allays. Special treatmentis promised at the expense of the people. So,Ms.Mayavati who is the chiefminister of the most densely inhabited state is calmed when an intelligence probe isscrapped. The multimillion dollar fodder scam of another chief minister wielding enormous power is put in cold storage. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chairs over this kind of unparalled loot."
According to Mr.Mohan murty, French newspapers also don't leave us alone. He says: An article in a French newspaper titled " Playing game the Indian style" says: " Investigations into the shadowy financial deals of the Indian cricket league have revealed a web of transactions across tax havens...."Another story mentioned in the same paper is about the former chiefminister of Jharkhand Madhu Koda and his riches. " Unfortunately, the Indian public do not know the status of that enquiry. (not only that enquiry-we don't know the fate of several such enquiries!)
Mr.Murty invites our attention to an Austrian newspaper." In the nastiest business scam in Indian records -Satyam- the government adroitly covered upthe political aspects of the swindle-predominantly involving real estate.....If the Indian Prime Minister knows nothing about these scandals, he is ignorant of ground realities. If he does, IS HE A COLLOBORATOR IN CRIME?" (emphasis is mine)
Mr.Murty signs off with a prediction which has very ominous undertones. He says: Europeans believe that Indian leaders in politics and business are so blissfully blinded by the new, sometimes ill-gotten wealth and deceit that they are living in defiance, insolence and denial to comprehendthat the day will come, sooner or later, when the have-nots would hit the streets. In a way it has already started with the monstrous acts of the Maoists. And when that rot occurs not one political tuncoats will escape being lynched. He blames our laidback attitude of "chalta hai" that has helped these unscrupulous men to continue without any hindrance.

It'll be greatest understatement of the year if I say I'm not scared. I had to face a barrage of questions of my conscience when I sat thinking about the whole story. Am I not a part of it? Haven't I descretely encouraged corruption in the haste of getting my driving licence renewed or passport updated? How much I paid to get the marriage of my son registered with the local municipality? Yes, Aiding and abetting are also criminal. I'm inextricably linked to this squalid social and poitical evil and there seems to be no escape.

May God bless us!!!

IPL imbroglio & Sasi Tharoor.

One columnist of the popular daily The Hindu brands IPL as India Paisa Loot! The columnist is well known for his leftist sympathy especially when he laments over the indulgence of the corporates sponsoring IPL, the huge amount paid to the players and the gargantuan scale of wastage of electricity because the matches are conducted at night.

I sent a letter to the 'letters to the editor' column and it was published minus my criticism of the columnist's views. What I don't understand is why these leftists want this thrilling and exciting sports event should be banned. If it is the money involved bothering them, then it can be looked into and curtail the chances of black money pouring into the event. Only moneyed class can sponsor the tournament and they'd certainly try to get the money they've invested back. Won't anyone do it? But think about the enjoyment of millions of people. This is a cricket crazy country and any form of cricket will thrive here.Any impoverished Latin American or African country would spend millions of dollars for their favourite soccer, then why can't we? Cricket became the household word because of the successful marketing of the game. The columnist made a suggestion to save the precious electricity 'wasted' as the matches are held at night. I suggested another alternative albeit sarcastically.We shift the season from April-May to a more player friendly December-January when you can enjoy a daytime match or change the venue to some hillstation where the climate may not be so oppressive. We saw how players like Sachin struggled in the sweltering heat of Chennai and even had to retire. Another suggestion I made to save electricity is to do away with all the illumination for any function attended by dignitaries like the ministers, MPs,MLAs. Why can't the chronically power starved states opt for renewable energy in a big way? I'm sure we will have enough and more power at our disposal if the Government decides to spend for it.



It is not by way of banning 20- over cricket or changing the format or making it a day event you can save this country. You try to stop the corrupt politicians plundering us. You target the visionless planning and gutless response of the ministries. You don't deprive the millions and millions of cricket lovers of their joy of watching their favourite game at least thro' the channels.



Talking about the politics. Sasi Tharoor, that brilliant erudite statesman became a non-entity yesterday when he was forced to resign for his alleged involvement in IPL. After his election from Thiruvananthapuram every step he made was a mis-step or at least his opponents made them seem so. It was quite unfortunate that having decided to take a plunge in the Indian politics, Sasi didn't try to recognize how murky and deep it was. It is a well known fact that many ministers have made crores and crores and possess lands in binami names. The antecedents of some of our ministers are much more suspecious. But Sasi Tharoor was an expendable commodity and a powerless pawn in the game of political chess! But no one can point an accusing finger at him. His love of cricket brought all the trouble for him. One can never accuse him that he was trying to make a quick buck allowing the big money to corner a big share in Kochi team. It wasn't his intention at all, but he was too naive to show his sincerity. But the hounds baying for his blood smelt their chance and pounced on him. There was no one to support him. It was good for you, Sasi. The ministership was a crown of thorns. by getting rid of it you can absolve yourself now. Why should you keep that M.P position ? Throw that at them and get back to U.S.A. Private or public enterprise will vie with each other to keep you in.



When Sasi joined Manmohan's team, all expected the new genre well educated politicians will have a good say in running the show. But all were relegated to the back ground, and the 'old guards' took charge once again. Hopes were belied, and it was business as usual for the cabinet!



Prying into the personal matters of Sasi, though unpardonable, was a favorite 'sport' of our paparazi. The channels also joined in the frenzy and it was , the more the merrier! One can only feel utter remorse at the shameless quest to dive deeper into the private life of celebrities which is the 'national past time' of our countrymen! God Save this country!

We Indians are too good at it!

Sania Mirza wanted to choose a life partner. She selected her childhood friend first but he had grown up and changed too much and so she rejected him even before the wedding! The next lucky guy was the handsome, young Pakistani cricket player Shaoib. Pakistani cricket is going through a very bad patch. No one knows if Shoaib will get a chance to represent the country once again! I may be exaggerating but at the same time I'm not trivialising either.Poor Sania, she's not doing well in her tennis most often plagued with injuries than by her opponents. She doesn't go beyond the second round of most of the ATP tournaments let alone grandslams. But still as Indians we applaud her and cry with her in her moments of agony (which are more frequent) and curse the opponent for pulverising our 'star player'!

Sania's second choice Shoaib incidentally, it is alleged, had promised another Indian Muslimgirl Ayesha that he'd marry her. The trouble started there. That was the hot discussion in the channels and the headlines screamed how Sania was caught unawares in this battle of wits. We had to do a lot of channel surfing for the last few days to keep off from Sania news!

Even some of my friends were indignant why Sania fell for a Pakistani. Love has no barriers-one should remember that. I feel there is nothing wrong in it. If you dig into the family histories of those who feel aggrieved over Sania's love for this dashing Pakistani there may be many skeletons in their cupboards. The least said about it the better!

What I hate to say about my countrymen is their penchant for gossips. They indulge in it! If it is a celeberity, the 'fun' is greater!Both Sania and Shoaib are grownups and they know how to handle their problems. Their family members are there to support them. Why should a third person be bothered about it?It's a crying shame that we have so many without any work to name who have time only to think and talk about others especially if they are having a torrid time. They can make their lives real hell.

It's time these upholders of virtue and righteousness make an introspection and assess themselves how virtuous and righteous they themselves are. I'm sure not even half of them can claim they have any moral standing to enable them to pick on others. Leave poor Sania and Shoaib. Let them marry and live happily wherever they want. Bless them if you can.