Is Indian Politics Getting A Shade Fairer?

The 61 female members in the 15th Lok Sabha were high on hope… And here we are..! With the highest majority of women MP’s since independence. A majority of these MPs - 23 – belong to Congress. The BJP has contributed 13 women to the House. Uttar Pradesh has sent more women to parliament – 13 – than any Indian state and West Bengal is in second place with seven women MPs.

With one-tenth of our Lok Sabha members now women, India is closely in the bracket of developed nations such as the UK (19.3%), US (16.3%), Italy (16.1%), Ireland (14.2%) and France (13.9%) but still the position of women in Indian society is drastically different from that in the West.

The number of women MPs may having reached the high mark for the first time it is high time and high expectations whether the pending women’s reservation bill will be passed..? what fruits will the overall change yield? Unlike their male counterparts taking their place in parliament, will they really do anything for women.

It shows a change in the mindset of the parties who are now giving more tickets to women MPs. Along with power, comes responsibility . There are high hopes of the new women parliamentarians. 

As was reported in a national daily paper,
Why? Are women MPs any different from men? Do they have a different agenda ? Of course, says 27-yearold Agatha Sangma, an MP from Tura in Meghalaya and one of the youngest members of the 15th Lok Sabha. She says that financial independence is the most important issue for Indian women and women MPs should get together to help enact gender-sensitive legislation.

The lowest percentage of women representations was in the sixth Lok Sabha (1977-80) when there were only 3.8 percent women MPs. The first Lok Sabha (1952-57) had 4.4 percent women MPs. In the 13th Lok Sabha (1999-2004), the figure was 9.2 percent, the research group said. But this time, women over 60 make a 13.80 percent, while it was a mere 9.8 percent in the 14th Lok Sabha.

The reservation bill, which seeks to reserve 33% of all legislature seats for women, was first introduced in parliament 13 years ago. With the continuous struggle to get through the desired wishes of the bill to be fulfilled, we the people await for the new women parliamentarians to focus on each and every issues that directly related to enhancing the lives of less privileged women in our country. Not only that there are many more tasks in general to be seen through. Hope for the best from the best…!

Indian Premier League (IPL) is Back On Track with Crazy Actions...!!

A family fight over what to watch on TV ended in a bout of violence after a father stabbed his 24-year-old son when the latter insisted on watching a match in the ongoing IPL cricket tournament while his father wanted to sleep. A craze to an extent that nothing can stop the country to sway in with the ongoing IPL…! The short format, Twenty20 version of Cricket has grabbed so much prominence. There are two things that Indians are passionate for, Bollywood and Cricket. The game is on its heights…! This tournament is the latest mania that has hit the country, and has left people bedazzled with illusion of what will be experienced over weeks of dance, music, and sport and sheer excitement.

IPL league is the new milestone in the field of sports. After the grand success of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2008 last year, all in a new set of actions IPL 2009 is here again sprinkling new thrill and excitement.. Cricket, Cricket and only Cricket has dynamically changed the whole of sports arena and is the only factor that is driving the nation. It is not only a sport anymore, it is beyond that. People go crazy with it, it is entertainment, it is business and the most discussed topic..! A whole lot of marketing takes place around cricket.

It is a game of much dazzle and shine where the ownership is taken over by the infrastructure and private equity firms to film stars. The eight teams are sold in an amount beyond one’s imagination. In fact this game carries our country’s pride. The success itself is remarkable for the players. Of course there are players from all the countries who are brought in by our Corporate Giants.

Especially when we talk about our Indian players a whole package of perks and glamour is showered on the players considering them as national heroes. Someone is receiving Rs.1 Crore and a Porsche car, the other is getting a Mercedes Benz & Rs.50 lakhs. Players are gifted with apartments in the city of their choices. Various endorsements pour in like rain, free travel for all the players for the next 5 years and what not as their prizes and gifts !

With such craze the whole media economy booms up. With 90% television revenue the profits reaches its heights within a period of time. Initiatives are taken for television rights and franchise ownership because of the majority viewership during the matches. Big money is being spent to buy IPL players. At the time when the economy is under pressure there is still the zeal for the Cricket obsessed fans.

But the strange thing that can be noticed is that why in sports only Cricket is the King. There are other sports and sports players who have equally contributed to the glory of the ‘Country India’. Unlike Cricket fame they go unnoticed. Each game has its own stand and should be encouraged..! That is a different issue altogether and has its own depth and dearth to focus upon…

No matter what…! Along with the entertaining series, runs parallel news like the extreme ones in craze. Where the father while he was drunk happened to get furious over the issue of his son watching IPL despite his wishes which led to the attack and alas he lost his son may be in an unconscious mind but that turned out to be a sad doom. Every time such news comes as ‘breaking news’ flashing on our TV screens. The fact that these unpleasant incidents happening are the sheer enthusiastic mood along with other perspective occurrences that leads to the incidents like this. None can be blamed for or even should be blamed to. But yes conscious mind needs to be always in alert because after accidents take place its no point of blaming and repenting. Some say IPL is new form of slavery. Players are the slaves of owners, they are put to auctions but the craze towards this is really and equally astonishing and amazing..!!

ASSAM the land of appreciation..!!

India is one of the oldest civilisations in the world with a kaleidoscopic variety and rich cultural heritage. And in it is a part ASSAM, located at the central part of the North-East India, with all the major religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Animism, Buddhism with other countless communities and tribes, Assam is a land of blending cultural ethnicity. Wonderful people and their exquisite and commendable traditions especially the style of welcoming with a pair of areca nuts, betel leaves and a "Gamosa" in a Xorai shows so much of respect enduring the guests…! 

Extremely interesting with its geologic origin, geomorphic characteristics, climate, and rich biodiversity. Assam is endowed with petroleum, natural gas, coal, limestone and other minor minerals such as magnetic quartzite, kaolin, sillimanites, clay and feldspar along with being the 3rd largest producer of petroleum (crude) and natural gas in the country. And yes..!! How can we forget the discovery of ‘Camellia sinensis’ (the tea plant)? Sipping a cup of tea gives such refreshing feel! Assam is one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world. With number of tropical rainforests, greenery all around, the reserve forests is incredible. The Kaziranga and Manas are the two World Heritage Sites. Including river Brahmaputra, Manas, Dihing, Jia bharali etc..There are endless praises for the beautiful Assam…. 

How can anyone who has visited northeast forget about the cultural festivals held the year round? The merry making, the lovely and vibrant faces with so much of innocence, adore the beauty and take much pride to be born in Assam…! And this is how all the young aspirants who after completion of their studies have gone to outside world for higher studies, still have a thirst for their native land. I myself am staying far from my land of beauty and to tell u the fact I just long to go back when it is festival time like Bihu and such. It is a real enjoyment time with so much fun and frolic. But infact this too is true as goes a saying, “kuch pane ke liye kuch khona padta hai”…! 

But today technology has brought drastic changes in our lives. We all belonging from Assam stay connected through internet modules of communication. We create social networking sites dedicated to our own land and ask our friends to join if we belong to that particular land. How nice it is to communicate with people from the same place we ourselves belong to, same language, love for our place and moreover our thoughts which fly each time we meet someone from own native place…!

And yes to mention the fact the talent in these young bloods from Assam is amazing. They have set a niche in the mainstream media. The directors, producers and actors from Assam cinema Industry, all have made and contributed much to the fact. It is nice and a pride for us that Assam is entitled with such recognition…

Not to be forgotten there are also major encounters with communal clashes, attacks, blasts by certain group of disputed hands but in preponderance People are indeed exceptionally warmhearted and cultured. Assam is a peace loving state and needs to be maintaining so…

One can find communities, clubs and societies with the name ‘Assam Members Association’ or so in many places and cities. Various such organisations are formed and this is only to keep in contact with the people who are far away and miss their homes. They organise functions and parties in every occasion as celebrated in Assam…! Oh.. there such endless feelings in me which I just want to speak out… but that will be only a repetition of my introspective mind…I love and miss Assam…Soon after my exams I will definitely arrange my way back to my lovely land…

What change are we waiting for?

Here is the time we cast our votes for the better good. In hope that in times to come there will be some changes and we the people will be in affluence by our desired wishes… this 2009 Elections, I feel is the most complicated and dirtiest one. Did we hear accuses so nasty against candidates before? Every now and then while campaigning, a candidate throws tantrums on the other. Is that done to gain name and fame…where does respect for the people lie? Is this why politics is termed as the dirtiest or the dirty politics…! 

The ongoing fight against terrorism around the world, rising gas prices, the effects of global warming, access to quality and affordable healthcare, are just some of the real life problems we all face in this world and in our nation today. Every sector in India needs equal and immediate attention. Economically, socially, politically, governance, corruption, along with mentioning of poverty, sanitation, water, electricity and what not. There is a long list of unsolved miseries that still has to be attended for India’s well being. Yes we are among the fast developing nations but, why even then we can see black clouds hovering above us up in the sky..! 

But our leaders are more interested in personal benefits. There are records and facts about many politicians including personal assets and accuses against them. But still they rule with the power of syndicates behind them in hosting of high-tech campaigns for the so called deserved candidates but may not be…!

Yes ‘Change we can believe in’ was the message of Barack Obama’s US Presidential election campaign. And we are too are waiting for the type of change that President Obama meant can be seen and felt in India also…

What could our chosen leaders do will be known very soon. With the true leadership, and a change of attitude and focus on the Country’s intended policies. We, the people await the much hoped and expected changes that will lead to prosperity..!!! 

SURAJKUND MELA, Celebrating the bond of traditional flavour

The transformation of local or regional trend into global ones is reaching to far more exquisite trends. The steady advancements in communication is making the world a smaller place to live in there is greater opportunities now-a-days communicate socially, economically and politically. The famous Suraj Kund Handicrafts Fair acts as a platform for displaying folk arts and crafts from all over the nation. It provides a unique opportunity for the talented artists, weavers, painters, sculptors and craftsmen from different regions of India, to display their skill. The whole preparation of the fair is done, keeping a particular state in mind. 

Every year a new state is chosen as the theme and the entire decoration is changed accordingly. Madhya Pradesh popularly known as “The Heart of Incredible India” was chosen as the Theme State for this year’s 23rd Surajkund Craft Fair. The commemorative structure for the Mela was a replica of Bhimbetka, an important landmark of the State. The Theme is expressed in the look of the entrance, the fair grounds, the setting and the characteristic colours, materials, architecture, furniture and decorations etc. to create a specific ambience of the particular state.

The Crafts Mela celebrates the finest handlooms and handicrafts traditions of country. This year over 400 award-winning craftsmen from different states of the country participated in this Mela displaying their rich crafts tradition of India in the typical setting of a rural Indian marketplace. Crafts like woodwork, metalwork, papier-mache, weaving, embroidery, sculpture, and bamboo and cane craft are exhibited.

While my special interest lies in Textiles and Garments, It was enchanting to see the variety of brilliancy. In embroidery, the Phulkari of Punjab, the 'Banjara' and 'Bunni' embroidery of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the 'Kantha' traditions from West Bengal and Tripura, lace and crochet from Goa, the 'Suzni' of Kashmir encasing embroidery, delicate lace work, shimmer of iridescent silks etc were striking. 

There were participants from Thailand displaying their finest designs on silk; Bhutan exhibiting Galpane, silk and cotton fabric; Kabul Neelam Silk, products ranging from 15000-17000. Ambala Embroidery and Kashmir Panshmina Shawls and fabrics were truly beautiful. Jammu & Kashmir’s woollen and cotton work Rafal was drawing customers to their profit. Rajasthani Baadshah Miya’s Tie & Die Laharia was especially colourful. Assam’s Apila Rabha’s deisgner textile like Kamblet, Khambang, Mufflers ranging from Rs.500 – Rs.700 were hand woven beautifully. 

Chattisgarh speciality Kosa dupatta made from Cocoon Silk ranging from Rs.100-Rs.13000 were really pretty. Beautiful Banarasi Sarees from Pilikoti were on display. The Sarees ranging from Rs.800-Rs.8000 and Salwars ranging Rs.10000-Rs.45000 were exquisite. The traditional Chikan work of Lucknow delight, Andhra Pradesh’s Cotton and Handloom, Himachal Pradesh’s Woollen Shawls had a high purchasing demand. The Mela was really fascinating. The Surajkund Crafts perfectly highlights the most superior handloom and handicraft ethnicity of the country.

A fair of this magnitude would naturally have supplementary interests. Therefore traditional variety of rural Indian cuisines along with several fast food stalls selling burgers pizza’s and chowmein were set up to cater people’s interests. Apart from that, there is the usual gamut of entertainment-rides and shows for kids, and daylong cultural events, including folk dance and music recitals, with stress on the state theme. 

This kind of exhibitions expose the richness of the traditional artwork of our country. Cultural programmes were also a part of this colourful fair. Participants from various parts of the country were invited to showcase their performance. The whole surrounding turned colourful with shiny and decorative lamps. For art-lovers, there can never be an end in this particular Mela where he can enjoy his most. I am looking forward for a second trip next year to enjoy the beauty of colourful India…!

Stop thinking morally start acting logically

India’s unique beauty is the culture itself but now when we talk about the cultural diversity, there always arises a question in our minds where are we heading. Has our cultural pride lost its nobility? India is a mixture of various cultural ethnicities. Culture has its own complex entities while holding together mores, traditions, sensibilities, sympathies, taboos, anxieties, aesthetic sense etc which are counteractive to the following up of the cultural ideologies. But today society is rapidly changing. The pub-culture debate arises questions about how our sense of self and society is constituted. Beating up of women in the name of tradition is not culture. And what culture are we following actually? 

The developments all around reaching the heights of international fame is the very fact that India is no longer confined to the past village traditions. We the Indians are now able to compete with countries like China and US. India is strengthening its ties overseas. But unfortunately some sections of people still are living in the past with their narrow mindsets. They are the ones who create fuss regarding the cultural ethics but unconsciously they are causing harm. Our democracy can function judiciously only if there is a bedrock of moral consensus on which society rests. And only if the so called moral policing do not continue to trouble in the name of preserving the tradition. They are actually misusing the power of cultural ethics through which society can shine. Motives are different so are the philosophy, beliefs and principles of every individual.
 
Individuals responsible for the clashes caused should be hold responsible and it should be set clear that the state will not tolerate vandalism and violence. It is not important that we respect every individual for what they think and act since thoughts differ. 
 
The continuous attack by group of activists on the dress codes, from wearing of burkhas to stop wearing jeans which is termed as a western attire etc. have always been a news. It is tough to denote the preferences. Society consists of age groups youths, adults etc. they have their own choices and want to live accordingly. The individual liberty is the main rights of every citizen. No one can snatch it. At the same time we as social beings are also accountable to objections and like behaviour like drinking and so on.
 
The recent controversies like ban in showcasing smoking in the movies, putting out hoardings against holding hands, kissing in public places, pointing out terms like zina and haraam etc.are totally absurd. Groups like those with saffron outfits or the other religious ideologies inflicting debatable type of thoughts and beliefs are strange. Is there any common sense in the minds of the people? Ironically, the self-styled moral brigade is all that is formulated in to act as per their wishes regardless what the constitutional laws actually state. 

Society has changed a lot. The advancements in economic, technological, socio-cultural and political force have made a great impact on people’s cultural status but to some extent has created collisions as well. They are swayed by high living standards and hi-tech enticements. India is on its way to reach the heights of development. Now there are lot of innovations and market expansions to cope up the global trend. 

But why only attacks are made against the liquors, there are certain other concerned issues like corruptions in every field socially, economically and politically. Why not deal the corrupted first and then take actions on those petty issues. There are challenging subjects in this country. Major concerns should be towards the people who are still facing acute poverty, hunger, unemployment etc. which is still worst affected than to raise an issue of moral policing.

Problems are not small. They are to be handled with strict actions and strict laws should to be followed. Else such nuisances will carry on in future as well. The prime concern of the nation is to eradicate the drawbacks in the sectors of health, sanitation, unemployment and many more hazardous issues that is making the nation weak should be taken as an alarm to strive for the betterment of the country. 

Education a means to money making

There is an unhealthy practice regarding administration of some educational institutions. And it happens to be a fact that the teachers do not have required qualification which adds to the drawbacks. They are rather supported by the political bureaucrats in getting their jobs fixed thereby posing a serious question to their credibility for sincere and truthful educational standards.

The commercialisation trends of modern times have had a tremendous impact on the field of education as well. Looking at our past, there was the traditional style of imparting education where there were self-governing scholars engaged in the disinterested pursuit of knowledge without any individual motives and interests. But now the scenario has changed drastically. Money matters and this particular evil is dragging this pure institution into a commercial practice transforming it into a market commodity. 

Now it is the basic tendency that the institution survives and grows with the funds collected in the name of security at the time of admissions. Educational institutions should be available to all irrespective of one's ability to pay. Some educational institutions hold unethical manners to work upon. For example, a number of private universities and schools, around the world, operate without any form of government assistance, they are funded by fees and remain free from any suggestion that they are acting unethically. Now getting admission to colleges is much easier as compared to nursery schools. And the root cause is money. 

Teaching should not be considered as a vocational or temporary profession. Because at times it is noticed that the teachers just choose the profession for utilizing the time temporarily till they find other jobs. Teachers are said to be the sole medium through which education flows thus guiding the children and making them capable for the challenges of human life. But now it is often noticed that the teachers just join an institute for a certain period of time for utilising their time on the other hand searching for other jobs side ways. The commitment is not found by the so called teachers. Moreover they point out differences adding to discrimination on attending to a particular child, also failing to hear their problems and queries. As said by James Baldwin, “A child cannot be taught by anyone who despises him. 

One of the drawbacks of the educational administrative system is that there is seen a very low level of pay scale in some institutions. This is creating troubles for the teachers concerned in ignorance to the amount of work pressures resulting to frustrations within oneself and punishing the students. Also this cannot be denied that students too have become very restless in terms of attentiveness and respect towards teachers. 

There are growing incidents of atrocities on students like, the news on a ten-year-old school student was sexually assaulted by his teacher. Another such case where a class 6 student was asked to stay back by the head master who then sodomised the student when all the students had left the school. Such immoral and ghastly acts terrify the parents to send their dear children to schools. Who is to be blamed for all these happenings? 

Viewing the overall management of the institution it can be understood that the educational standard is gradually deteriorating. There is a need for healthy plans to set up a clean form of teaching methodology free from the economic crunches. There has to be grievance cells to help in equitable coordination among the teachers and the students. Seminars should be held on psychological talks to help in understand the students’ mind. And also there should be a better mechanism to recruit teachers with periodic appraisals on their teaching methods to stop any negligence happening in future and thus striving for establishing befit and better education. And also the administrative authorities too cannot be left aside. The overall strong functioning will lead to a strong institution finally.

Is Freedom of speech a mere prescribed constitutional ethics or ought to be acted upon as well?

Journalists in Pakistan have faced the twin challenges of military dictatorships and religious fundamentalism. A few days ago news, the Taliban blew up a press club in the Swat valley and killed a TV journalist as a warning to the media. At least 10 journalists have been killed in Sri Lanka since 2006. Media is a powerful medium in communication theory. There are dual pressures for the journalists. They have to abide by the rules of their work holdings and also by the expression of their professional ethics. Either of them cannot be ignored else his life is in danger. And that leads to his choice to reporting the safe report than making a challenging effort or playing with risk factors.

Freedom of the Press was one of the constitutional guarantees persistently demanded by India's freedom fighters during British colonial rule. But recently a reporter of a leading newspaper was recently threatened for publication of some facts. The right to free speech is an integral norm in democracy. But the reporter was threatened by a lawyer in the Punjab and Haryana high court for putting out a series of reports about the indiscriminate mining in the Aravalis. Press is for the people and publishing something factual is an eye opener to safeguard and protect the concerned. 

Today media is looked upon as a medium to generate money. Money power drives them therefore they go after what is profitable rather than the truth as such. Media and press are for the people. They should work in favour of truth and justice. But the fact is that in a country like India where democracy has flourished, democratic values, which include freedom of speech and expression, are not shared uniformly. Media is supposed to be the voice that seeks to protect the democratic rights of citizens. Through this medium there can be brought great changes to the rule and system of functioning of the constitution. It is the voice of the voiceless. 

A lawyer stands for in the constitutional judiciary in favour of the truth. He is sworn by oath to protect the rule of law. But he allegedly chose to attack the media when he should have been concerned about the charges that mining firms were flouting directives of the Supreme Court. The water bodies like Delhi Badkhal Lake, Surajkund and Damdama Lake, around the place Aravali have become stone dry. This is destroying of the nature and building up of farmhouses on its dry bed. This kind of sheer nuisance of violation of the laws. And instead of standing for the truth, it is acting against the truth, which is a crime. 

It is the right of the media to keep the people informed. It is the tool to disseminate news then why is it suppressed in the hands of the few in power? If the only means to showcase the truth is concealed, how can one think of fair and acute reporting! 

But who is bothered…? Unfortunately, public institutions expected to safeguard the freedom of expression have preferred to bow to the dictates of liberal groups, rather than stand by the media. Corruption has reached such an extent that with money everything that one desires can be bought. And thus can be said that for the accused everything goes on well. But what if the accused is not guilty but does not even have any help to claim his sincerity. Here lies the weakness and ultimately money wins. 

The primary reason for attacks on the media is that, it is an institution that has consistently upheld democratic values in the trying times. It even substitutes for the official political opposition in some countries and also has resisted authoritarian tendencies in politics and society. But to a certain extent it is facing a great danger in modern times where there is a big control by the corrupted ideologies and huge market force driving it out to unexpected track.

Today Media is in danger. It is misused. The fact is that media is driven by the market forces eventually leading the credible reporting and dissemination of news to an absurd i.e. mainly concerning to definite category of people’s choices instead of standing by the right and truthful broadcasting media houses who don't toe to the line of unbiased behaviour.

There should be an earnest effort by the media channels to be aware of the menace they are causing by such kind of political bent and ideologically devoted news dissemination. And moreover to bring out the truth and fair report the channels have to be independent to stand by their objectives in fair reporting. Then only the media can establish themselves with the standard of a successful industry.

Valentine’s Day Special - Pink chaddis and the moral policing

Valentine’s Day is celebrated as the day for the lovers. But in recent years this beautiful day has been turned to a commercial practice and now it has turned to celebration of hooliganism and moral policing in the name of "culture”. Every year it is becoming awkward to let arise the adverse policies of the cultural guardians whose main purpose in life and politics is to impose their peculiarly narrow mindedness on people. This is actually what was seen after the recent attacks in Mangalore. 

The self-appointed guardians of Indian culture and of the morality of women claim themselves to be the particulars of moral policing. But the truth is that without these so called guardians the Indian culture and Indian Women will have opportunity to progress. Along with the narrow mindedness, lack of proper education, conservative mindsets and moreover the indulgence of political motives make these certain abstract intellects create all fuss. Who will make them realise their mistakes?  

This Valentine’s Day celebrators are on high spirits and it is meant to leave Pramod Mutalik the chief of the Shri Ram Sena and his ilk red-faced, a campaign is being led to gift him cartons loaded with pink chaddis, revenge of the urban woman, ‘pink undergarment’ as her symbol of annoyance. The Pub attack has led to a great controversy. Women were assaulted saying their mere presence was against the women culture and should not have happened. 

Nobody has the right to interfere in one’s liberty. It is ones own wish what they want to do. And on the Valentine’s Day itself, Muthalik said that if dating couples are seen they would be forced to tie the knot. This statement highly enraged the people. With much anger and thrust the ‘Pink Chaddi Campaign’ was kicked off on February 5 to protest the Sena’s warning against celebrating Valentine’s Day and the attacks on women in Mangalore. Though it started off in the e-world among members of a social networking group Facebook, it took a life of its own and is out on the streets. People have signed up to drop chaddis at collection points in their cities, which will be sent to Bangalore. Those who have signed up also plan to go to pubs with their partners or friends on V-Day. Most of the members don’t drink and some haven’t ever visited a pub, but the spirit is to band together against moral policing and curbs on women’s freedom.

Attack on freedom is a height of extremism. This cannot be termed as to safeguarding and guarding of people’s culture and traditions by snatching away their rights and freedom. Every human being is free to live his life according to their wish regardless they do not violate the constitutional laws. 

A question arises…Who decides what is Indian culture? Culture does not only mean the rights and duties towards a particular religion. Culture also means day-to-day activities. Attacks in the name of culture have become very disturbing. Very often we find remarks being made on holding hands in public or showing any such affection in public places. This should bother none. People are free, they can do anything they like. Why go after unnecessary things. There are lot more other things like poverty, cleanliness, unemployment etc. in this country that needs foremost attention. Therefore these unruly exploitations should be barred and instead initiatives should be taken to look for the matters which require attention to really make this country culturally beautiful.

Protectors or exploiters of law? Is it truly to protect the culture of country’s women

The pub attack in Mangalore by the Shri Ram Sena activists who assaulted and molested the girls attending the party saying that they were having drinks and also taking drugs is truly unjust approach. In the name of God they are carrying out stupid acts so as to protect the culture of this country’s women as they claim it to be. It was a violation of freedom when the Shri Ram Sena men forcibly entered the pub claiming unethical activities were going on inside where nothing of such was going on.

In Hindu religion women are respected and worshiped as goddesses but in today’s world the value of women has deteriorated. They are considered as mere commodities. Even though women have made their mark in almost all the areas like men, they are still looked down upon as weak and merely as commodities. This is only for some sections of people who think they are absolutely powerful being born as men. They are unaware of the fact that world has changed and now no longer differentiation could be made in terms of gender.

People have turned into fanaticism and act as if they are unaware of the changes happening in the society. If the problem is truly that of protecting the culture, why don’t they stop western market and western ideologies to stop flowing in. The mall culture, consumption of soft drinks, clothing styles, fast foods, viewing of western movies and music etc. everything is so attached to human life that it’s tough to distinguish in terms of certain aspects. Neither can the blitz of malls be washed off nor can the people accept the orders to give up such fascinating hang out places. Else why do these people have to create such chaos? May be unconsciously they too are influenced by the western culture. 

Incidents of barbarism and violence are being carried out with various such parties in the name of their own ideologies and its directly hitting the cultural ethics and morality. Can we term partying in a pub to be an indecent way of enjoying life? It is present among us from the very past and it has become a trend. Are these activities carried out for the sake of bringing changes or there are particular motives behind such unexpected attacks is still indefinite.  

This Hindutva ideology itself is questionable. They have claimed themselves as the saviours but instead they are trying out to be the rulers. It is even more astonishing that the leaders themselves have commented upon the activity as a perfect way of stopping illegal happenings. But instead of indulging in these egotistical activities they should rather take up other serious issues and intolerable activities, than indulging themselves on unnecessary tactics. 

There are laws to protect human culture. But until and unless the laws are strictly made mandatory, such disturbing incidents will continue to tarnish the society. People will take up laws into their own hands. We have the freedom to live and lead our own lives. Now the people are more broad-minded. They are free thinkers not conservatives. People should accept modernity as far as that does not harm the sentiments and go beyond limits of exploitation but instead are free to act under the law. People should in the true sense understand the law prior to taking an action. 

Dynastic rule - a hope to establish trusty ruler ship

It is now the high time for the election of new blood in serving the general public. New faces like Rahul Gandhi, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jatin Prasad, Sachin Pilot, Priya Dutt are the young leaders who in future can change to running the state machinery effectively with corrupt free ideologies and keep away the evils and safeguard the democracy should be the ideal motto. The basics of politics lies on tackling the crucial political considerations. This only will lead India to really a strong nation. 

The political scenario of the country has taken into force with the trend of dynastic rule ahead. It is time to take up initiatives in transforming the old sluggish system of corrupt governance into a new dimension. Young candidates can take the system that needs a complete overhaul to see a changed India.

India is shining… but how... When there are so many endless problems. Along with some few to be noted improvements no doubt the rest is purely fake. Everyone is busy in what can be called as dirty politics. Unless we have sudden terror attacks and such calamities the leaders move on as happy-go-lucky. And to show that they are concerned to garb the attention declare certain remunerations which at times doesn’t actually reach the deserved, are all part of the political catastrophe. 

Recently Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi without directly naming the Gandhi-Nehru family said that (Conspiracy to promote one family’s past is posing danger for the future of the country) is quite obvious. He allegedly mentioned that a conspiracy has been hatched to promote the family posing a danger to the future of the country. 

But the Congress’s new icon Rahul Gandhi has created hopes for the Congress, not only because of his dynastic credentials but also because of his ambition to become a new visionary for the progress of the country. There should be no such doubtful questions put forth on the sincerity of their authorised power and that the leadership qualities lie unto the dynastic lineage. Instead they are ought to be encouraged to do what others could not.

There has to be a change in the political field and that can be the only priority to strengthen our functional demands. The change led to in US by the Obama presidency from Bush’s and Clinton’s family presidential authority will definitely yield to changes. The same awareness in the masses should be created which might help in strengthing the so called corrupted politburo. 

Vote politics is all that attracts the concerned politicians rather than power on merit basis. Everything is done with regards to the compromising attitudes. Every minister appoints their own loyal ministers into their own ministry. How can anyone say we can strive for something better if there is so much of corruption? There always needs a revival but whenever a ‘Good Samaritan’ comes up for a betterment he is either put to numb, penalized or transferred. How can anyone expect to come up to do something really good? Today, the politician in India is not known by the number of promises he fulfils, but by the number of criminal cases filed against him.

Our country deserves young politicians. The strong hope is that these young politicians are full of desire to work which the present day politicians truly lack. People expect them to have that very feeling of nationalism and make the country a better place. 

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once said, “If India is to become developed by 2020, it will do so only by riding on the shoulders of the young”. The youth are the future of India. They can divide India or place India at a position which even USA may envy.

Those political parties successful in connecting with the youth will reap the electoral rewards. Merely showcasing tired voices of the past again will not be enough to win their votes. The young power should tend to serve the wider national interest. Hope of a change, seeking in the young blood has made them accept the challenges in pursuit of maintaining them effectively and lead India to a shining position.

Was Slumdog Millionaire…a Pride or a Shame..!!

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE generated big debate for being a movie that romanticises poverty. The movie is primarily Indian. It has an Indian setting, Indian characters and Indian music. The story is based on an Indian novel movie Q & A written by an Indian Vikas Swarup, but directed by a foreigner Danny Boyle. The movie depicts rags-to-riches saga and ultimately achieving the dream honour in total “8 Oscars”. Shot in Dharavi, Asia’s biggest slum. The film is all about the ordinary people in ordinary settings and their day to day life struggles. Indians who survive to live in a so called developing country.  

But the film generated a controversy. Some state that it had shown too much of filth and squalor depicting stereotyped Mumbai which in any case is true. Since people always have objections regarding a thing or the other in this world. The film caught up into a problem as such where on one side it is highly appreciated to bagging up the Oscars and on the other hand, as it is directed by a foreigner, it is said, India should not take pride in the run.

When we generalise the views and attitudes of the Indian folks, majority have to say on the negative aspect of the film. How can a film showing out all kinds of poverty ridden activities going on in India, be nominated for an Oscars. What is the criteria…What are the tastes… and What people actually want…?? Hardly one can make out. All the so called great movies like Lagaan (2001), Mother India (1957), Salaam Mumbai (1988) have been made on the weakness and meekness. Achieving international recognition does not make any sense when it is a derogatory remark put to action. The name of the film “Slumdog Millionaire” itself expresses a callous ideology. A person living in a slum will never like to be called as a dog. Everyone has one’s own identity. 

And when it comes to winning, none will like the idea of bagging awards with others help. Indians have their own potentials and calibre to build up an acclaimed project on its own. There is no point on should we rely on others for the credit and wait for a recognition as such. India is a rich country with much creativity. It has always been an attraction with regards to many subjects whether that be sports, culture and tradition, delicacies, cuisine, attire etc. Almost everything is much appreciated. Then why beg for certain identifications. Instead, as we have a look on the country’s left out tactics like strengthening the educational policies, poverty and such undeniable problems, there should be immediate actions to stand for the changes. 

The movie by a western director grabbed so much attention hope and reputation for the co-stars. The actors including nine-year-old Rubina Ali and 10-year-old Mohammed Azharuddin happen to be the real slum dwellers of Mumbai. Their sudden rise to such reputed award as “Oscars” was like a dream. They were the chief attraction in the award ceremony. But in reality is their fame going to remain constant..! After a while people will forget them, and will be back to their life in gutters, as it happens always.. 

The film story says about the magic of thinking big. The story of Jamal, a poor Muslim boy from Dharavi who thinks big and dreams big, can be anybody’s story. This is what makes Slumdog Millionaire so successful — cinematically and aesthetically. But another unpleasant turn in criticising the movie is the name ‘Slumdog’ itself. As to why there is the term usage of ‘dog’. The word ‘dog’ is one of the most offending words in Hindi. It is seen by many as an insult. But according to screenwriter Simon Beaufoy’s statement, he did not mean to offend anybody, he just liked the idea and made up the word. And that’s how the film got a name and along with that unbelievable win win news too. 

India has one of the oldest and largest film industries in the world. Cinema has a special place in the heart of the Indian audience. Forever will the industry flourish in the making of films which will sometimes bring great fame and sometimes hidden truth. But in reality the sincerity and tactfulness can always be appreciated when there are good films without any kind of discrimination and does not provoke insulting thoughts.

The Women in power will change the country’s scenario, don’t u think so!

Fighting against all odds and with audacity of hope women is changing the world. The views regarding the women thoughts are gradually changing. They are emerging as the powerful inception to all issues relating to change and renunciation. 

Indians have always bowed down before women power. The Goddesses Durga, Kali, Saraswati personifies strength and determination and devotion. They are worshipped and believed to conquer the evil forces, so the growth of women power can be felt in this modern day as well.

Centuries have passed by since then. And as the time moved on the participation by the womenfolk also came into the scene emerging from the age old tradition. The tradition that was prevalent of keeping them aside and binding them with only household chores. Sixty years after Independence women now are economically independent, their thoughts have been transformed, they are now more educated and have come forward accepting challenging careers. 

Compared to their male counterpart they can be even tougher and effective decision makers. We had great women leaders like Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Srimavo Bandernaike, Benazir Bhutto. Each of them has left her mark of authority in all her dealings. At present as well we have a large group of women leaders like Pratibha Patel, Sonia Gandhi, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, Mehbooba Mufti Sayeed, Jayalalithaa Jayaram, Mayawati who are the strong pillars in the matters of exerting the democratic power. 

Women are the icons of power and change. In the field of art and culture as well women have an extraordinary input. Lata Mangeshkar is lovingly called on as the nightingale of India for her contribution to Indian vocal. Astronauts Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams. Meera Nair, Aparna Sen, Shabana Azmi, Aishwairya Rai, Sushmita Sen and so many of them who succesfully have acclaimed international recognition in the field of cinema. Jhumpa Lahiri, Arundhati Roy grabbed awards for their excellency in English literature. Medha Patkar and Mahashweta Devi fought against BJP in Gujarat, against CPM in Nandigram issue. Women from the times immemorial have greatly devoted themselves to claim a niche for themselves. 

Both men and women are equal citizens in the eyes of the law. But this is far from the reality. India ranks 115th of 162 countries in terms of gender development. There exists discrimination in the parliamentary positions where only 45 members of the Lok Sabha's 542 seats are women and in the Rajya Sabha only 28 of 242 seats are held by women. Parliament has repeatedly witnessed ugly political exchanges and male power battles over the Women's Reservation Bill, proposing 33.3% reservation for women. If the bill is enacted the existing 545 seats in the Lok Sabha will increase to 900. Planning has been repeatedly done but never has the solution actually being put forth and has never arrived at a consensus. There are certain such major issues like inequality in wage structure in work places where gender injustice can be seen. Problems are many and have to be sorted out with determined motive of attaining equal justice about the concerned areas.  

As per human development indices countries like Sweden Norway Finland and Denmark have the highest representation of women in Parliament with 45%, 38%, 37%, 36% respectively. Whereas India is still reluctant to accept the fact that women when in power can be of great help. In the Parliamentary dealings it’s a new start like including the women candidates. Brinda Karat, became the first woman member of the CPI(M) Politburo. New faces like Priya Dutt, Supriya Sule, Priyanka Gandhi have emerged in new form of strength. 

This active participation and performance shows that woman have come out successfully conquering up the odds and presenting herself unto a new dawn. Women politicos are heading the states and raising issues in the opposition. They successfully have changed public agendas, reduced corruption and improved the governance turning it to an egalitarian state of ruling. The greater representation of women in Parliament could certainly make a world of difference. 

When women can head banks and corporations, why not let them give rights to run important ministries such as Defence, Home, Finance, and Commerce. Today the country needs a change. It needs a strong and faithful leader to emerge from the gloomy tactics of Indian politics, trample all those evil and tricky forces, and take the country to a path of glory… An approach where first priority lies on the policy of redefining the public requisites. And not the one who forgets his rights once the ballot has been cast…!! 

Indian Premier League (IPL) Back On Track

IPL league is the new milestone in the field of sports. After the grand success of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2008 last year, all in a new set of actions IPL 2009 is back again with new thrill and excitement.. Cricket, Cricket and only Cricket has dynamically changed the whole of sports arena and is the only factor that is driving the nation. It is not only a sport anymore, it is beyond that. People go crazy with it, it is entertainment, it is business and the most discussed topic..! A whole lot of marketing takes place around cricket.

It is a game of much dazzle and shine where the ownership is taken over by the infrastructure and private equity firms to film stars. The eight teams are sold in an amount beyond one’s imagination. In fact this game carries our country’s pride. The success itself is remarkable for the players. Of course there are players from all the countries who are brought in by our Corporate Giants.

Especially when we talk about our Indian players a whole package of perks and glamour is showered on the players considering them as national heroes. Someone is receiving Rs.1 Crore and a Porsche car, the other is getting a Mercedes Benz & Rs.50 lakhs. Players are gifted with apartments in the city of their choices. Various endorsements pour in like rain, free travel for all the players for the next 5 years and what not as their prizes and gifts !

With such craze the whole media economy booms up. With 90% television revenue the profits reaches its heights within a period of time. Initiatives are taken for television rights and franchise ownership because of the majority viewership during the matches. Big money is being spent to buy IPL players. Where on the on the other side, the same money have been the salaries of the hundreds and thousands of people who were fired because of recession. At the time when the economy is under pressure there is still the zeal for the Cricket obsessed fans.

The recent attack on Sri Lankan cricketers defies a hidden agenda if seen politically and logically. Nothing can be granted for an accident. So therefore because of the violent attack which left many of the cricketers injured the security budget has increased to up to ten times more that the usual. 

Sideways, the IPL is clashing with the Lok Sabha election that is approaching in haste. Both the big games is colliding with one another. Observing the current scenario of crash of economy the IPL craze people should think practically and act rationally. IPL is significant but more than this game of entertainment, to contest a free and fair general election is much more important and crucial. 

The immediate need is that we want able, honest and committed leaders. More than watching and enjoying hours of cricketing entertainment the election’s outcome will make us through this global recession and act against internal and external security threat. And in this case it is not wise to put much force on the cricket. The country will be a safe place to live in only if we are secured economically, politically and socially. The entertainment mood is temporary, remains for sometime and is forgotten after a while. 

But the strange thing that can be noticed is that why in sports only Cricket is the King. There are other sports and sports players who have equally contributed to the glory of the ‘Country India’. The Indian hockey team won the Asian Cup defeating Pakistan in 2008. Nobody seems to be bothered for the hockey team and unlike Cricket fame they go unnoticed. Each game has its own stand and should be encouraged. 

Nothing can stop the country to sway in with the coming IPL. The short format, Twenty20 version of Cricket has grabbed so much prominence that it is on the verge of making it’s way into the Olympics. There are two things that Indians are passionate for, Bollywood and Cricket. The game is on its heights. This tournament is the latest mania that has hit the country, and has left people bedazzled with illusion of what will be experienced over seven weeks of dance, music, and sport and sheer excitement.

Beggars and Begging complexities..!!

A report was published in a National Daily newspaper stating, whether or not Delhi is ready for the 2010 Commonwealth Games… the beggars in Delhi will be quite ready with professional training..!

[Indian beggars are being given English lessons to help them beg in foreign languages from foreign tourists during the Commonwealth Games. A newspaper report on said, classes had been set up in the slums of New Delhi, teaching phrases like “I have not eaten for days” and “Please help me, in the name of God.”

Vijay Babli, the leader of over 1,200 beggar families living in New Delhi’s Rohini’s Lal Quarter, says, “More than one lakh (100,000) foreigners will be in the city during the period.Even if one beggar earns 150-200 rupees per day ($3-4), just imagine the turnover..!

Bright children are being taught to say phrases like, ‘I am an orphan, I have not eaten for days, I am ill, have no money for medicine, please help me in the name of God’,” the makeshift schools are training them in languages, English, French and Spanish. Real foreign currency notes are shown to the children so they could recognise them.]

Like prostitution, begging is oldest profession on earth. Although varying by geography and the times, begging is universal. Now it is extremely difficult even for full time beggars (panhandlers) to make good of two meals. The way people feel about beggars seems to go broaden, the more they’ve been exposed to have seen begging..!

Now-a-days they play shrewd tricks to draw the attention of the people. They tell all sorts of lies possible to draw and grab the commuters’ attention. Some beg for their health treatment, sometimes they distribute flowers offered as puja and ask for money, sometimes they say that their step mother does not provide them with food. They try to bluff the people in every possible way.

Every streets and cities are filled with the beggars. Varieties and witnessed in different parts of the city. The question is rightly put up by the researchers doing the study on the begging complexities of life; Is Begging: A profession? A misfortune? A job? A scourge? A spiritual practice? An industry? A stain on society? Freedom of choice? At times I feel we should do something to improve their future but then at times I find them so annoying…

Having watched the recent Oscar winning movie where there is shown the racket of beggars going around the whole city and earning for the larger profit of the organisation. Each beggar is allotted a specified time and a specified place for their work. After the specified time slot the person is shifted to a new signal (place). The beggar members are well trained and are taught all the tricky enticement to reach to their level as professional beggars.

It is known to all that, children are trafficked to form unauthorized unity of association of the beggars. Where on the other hand child trafficking may be for other desired intentions like flesh trade..! For the begging business also child trafficking can be termed as a growing menace in cities. 

There are laws pertaining to have a halt and check for these kind of business happening. Like the child beggars should be considered under the Juvenile Justice Act as those who are in need for care and protection and not criminals under Bombay Preventing of Begging Act. A scheme has already been approved to provide shelters-cum-activity centres for child beggars to befit them from their pitiful condition. The rescued children will be provided institutional care for the rescued children. There are two groups under the Juvenile Justice Act: Juvenile in Conflict with Law and Child in Need of Care and Protection and several voluntary organisations will see into this rampant issue of begging. 

Everything will be quite set up and ready for the upcoming multinational, multi-sport event games. Hope both children and the adult beggars get rehabilitated. So here there is something good happening indeed…!!

Superstition and media! We are made to accept that we are ruled by divine forces...!

It is said Media is propagating the superstitious belief sideways attracting the viewers in the name of entertainment modules. It is rightly said, that over thousands of years of evolution, everything has changed except the way we think.

Society has changed a lot. The impact of Globalisation has affected people’s cultural status. They are swapped by high living standards and dazzling gizmos. The more we are moving on with the latest technologies the more we are becoming reserved and possessive regarding our thoughts and gratifications.

That makes us look for alternatives and methods by which we can hold on with and for the easy flow of destiny. Is it the “grahas and nakshatras” that help us in achieving our desired wishes? Why they are called by as the external forces which direct our happenings? 

As you sow so shall you reap. Whatever a person does, he will get back what he deserves accordingly. But these are mere beliefs and are kept aside in a corner and going on for divine power for a blessed life doesn’t matter what Karma (action, deeds) he/she does.

When there is so much of superstitious belief and irrational beliefs of this kind i.e. to believe in the unbelievable and bizarre things... In media this is not a new thing to be discussed at. Horror stories and chronicles based on superstition and supernatural beliefs have been telecasted since very long. 

The shows like Zee Horror show, Aahat, Shh Koi Hai, Shh Phir Koi Hai Nishaan, Koi Aane Ko Hai , Anhonee, Who, Mano Ya Na Mano, Kya Hadsa Kya Haqeeqat, Honi-Anhoni, X-Zone, Khaufnaak etc. have always been popular along with the other soap operas. Also in the mainstream Indian cinema movies like Raaz, 1920, Bhool Bhulaiya etc. have the pinched the notion of believing on the forces which are beyond our understanding. The picturisation of the mysterious part of the horror and thriller movies have good number of viewership.

Article 51-A(h) of the Indian Constitution states that “it shall be the duty of every citizen of India. to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.” But this is never taken into account by any organisation or individual as such.

No action is meted out nor does any one have a say when Indian cinema and television keeps harping on the triumph of superstition, ghosts, astrological predictions against the credibility and rationale that science offers. Rather this is a market force factor in relating to TRP’s and GRP’s.

There are scenes acted out in programmes with the prior gathering of information about the viewers beforehand and use it in their shows to create such delusions.There are large columns dedicated to astrological interpretations, numerology tarot card readings, fengshui, vaastu in newspapers and magazines. 

It is Science versus Superstition. At times the Scientists are also prone to having their untenable beliefs despite their eminence in their field of specialization. There are number of weird beliefs and customs that are maintained and being followed.

It is a “breaking news” for the news channels every time there is something weird happening. And it for sure that heavy weights of illusive myths, superstitions, magic are injected, transmitted in everyone creating fear and phobias in the minds of the people.

Some recent news like father having sexual relationship with her daughter when a Tantrik allegedly encouraged the father of the family to rape his elder daughter, saying that he could become prosperous by doing so. Another case, a Tantrik appearing in dreams made the couple end up the life of their younger son with the transfusion of blood from their younger and more talented son to their elder one, who was academically mediocre believing that it could make the latter more bright. The operation, however, went horribly wrong and the younger sibling died of excessive bleeding. People, literate or illiterate repeatedly commit great mistakes in the name of divine power and blessings. 

Forget about the fact, now it has been more to perpetuate belief in superstition, in ghosts, in astrological predictions, than to reinforce the value of science in everyday life. People are guided by astrology. It argues that there is no such thing as spirit possession, but rather that this is a manifestation of schizophrenia within the human psyche. 

Instigating fear and anxiety through weird shows is unfair. This is making matters much worse because crimes are ever-increasing, it is lending people into a state of dilemma to choose what is best. Yes its true that tantrik forces are always fake still doubts erupt whether rely on divine forces or ones own spirit. 

Who is to be blamed or can media be really accused for the blame game where superstition is the religion of feeble minds...!