I cannot be the Mahatma. As much as i try to be, i do not have the capability to come close to the Mahatma's shadow. But, if he was alive today, he might encounter a varied range of opinions about the plight of his country and of his fellow countrymen.
Many people blame the Mahatma for the partition of the coutry into India and Pakistan. It is from this subsequent point in history that all political, economic and social dynamic has evolved in the sub continent. The social and economic aspect is something which is considered in this post.
In the view of the terror attacks, a particular community comes into the spotlight. When politicians play their game of power with the sensitivities of communal tensions, the social fabric is strained. Now, with the increasing frequency of terror attacks and the political games that are played in the aftermath, the Mahatma would have been worried. When it comes to the aspect of self defence and freedom of movement, this generation chooses the extreme end of arming itself and taking the law into their own hands.
Mahatma Gandhi would have always wanted the people to be united in the time of strife. But, in this aspect, the Mahatma would have had to die a thousand times over. When people kill other people without the slightest hint of rationality, it then throws apart the Mahatma's humanistic values.
On the economic front, the Mahatma would have been perplexed with what has transpired in the age of globalization. The economic overturns that the country has gone through would have made Bapu happy, yet he would have not appreciated the fast pacedness of life. If looked at from the social perspective, Bapu would have been disoriented at the lack of family bonding and the emergence of a nuclear family.
He would have been shattered at the plight of the countryside of India. The farmer's suicide on a regular basis, the sheer neglect of modern India towards the countryside and the ever increasing gap between the haves and the have-nots would have hurt Bapu very badly. The economic scenario of the country would have been too much for Bapu to handle, because the social ramnifications have been a little grave on hindsight.
On 2nd October, it was 60 years ever since Bapu was assasinated. He is now reduced to a historical myth in textbooks. In the modern time, a phenomenon called Gandhigiri has been epitomized, which make his values and his outlook relevant. But, it still falls short of acknowledging the true message that Bapu had. Now, with an atmosphere of terror, he unfortunately fades away into obscurity. If ever a nation wanted to prove their appreciation to Bapu, they must fight terrorism with the saje way as how Bapu did. Only then will his soul rest in peace.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Terror implications and religion
Terror has always fed on the aspect of religion. When a terror attack takes place, the names are found out and then indirectly or directly, society attaches that person as the face of that particular religion. Whenever terrorist attacks have taken place the world over post 9/11, we witness the factor of Islamic terrorism and muslim terrorists highlighted many times over.
The bigotry of the middle ages continues in a new style in modern times. Islam is in the forefront this time. Many call these times as a battle between the west and Islam, as portrayed by Samuel Hunttington's 'Clash of Civilizations' theory. However, the problem goes deeper than that. The problem of terror in todays dynamics is rooted deeply in religion and the key factor of interpretation.
Religion has always made people wanting to go back to the fundamentals. In the due process, many people interpret the laws written in several books in their strictest form, thus resulting in a conservative and orthodox mindset in society. This phenomenon is present in all religions, but unfortunately, the religion most under scrutiny is Islam. The dynamics of religious interpretations results in some irrational thoughts of heaven and hell. If a bit of rationality can be applied, which now depends upon how people interpret rationality, the sense of heaven and hell is in our own minds.
The essence of going back to the fundamentals may be the application of mind over the matter. If a person interprets the laws of religion with the surrounding times, then fanaticism can be avoided. Swami Vivekanand, in one of his speeches in Chicago, had mentioned that Fanaticism was the major factor which can pollute religions and divide people. It must be noted that this is my interpretation of his speech.
Fanaticism comes about due to desperation. When economic and social factors always go against individuals, then they fall back to their religion and begin to interpret the path of God in the strictest form. The brainwashing apparently comes up in this possible process, but it could be even more. The unfairness prevailing in the socio-economic scenario can be interpreted as being solely attached to one community, thus resulting in terror activities as legitimate to make known the demands.
Many media outlets have spoken about the alienation of the muslim community in view of the terror attacks that have hit India for the past month or so. The brainwashing apparently becomes the perverted nature of the inequalities in the socio-economic system of the state.
Terror has always fed on religion. The solution to curb terror could be Egalitarianism, but it is a long and lengthy process. The lines of tolerance are growing thinner, while the walls of prejudice are becoming stronger. The world will go through another phase of bloodshed. It is indeed symbolic that the irrationality called Bloodshed is linked to the ultimate irrationality called Religion. The implications are indeed grave, because there is a solution, but it is curtailed by the lengthiness of time.
The bigotry of the middle ages continues in a new style in modern times. Islam is in the forefront this time. Many call these times as a battle between the west and Islam, as portrayed by Samuel Hunttington's 'Clash of Civilizations' theory. However, the problem goes deeper than that. The problem of terror in todays dynamics is rooted deeply in religion and the key factor of interpretation.
Religion has always made people wanting to go back to the fundamentals. In the due process, many people interpret the laws written in several books in their strictest form, thus resulting in a conservative and orthodox mindset in society. This phenomenon is present in all religions, but unfortunately, the religion most under scrutiny is Islam. The dynamics of religious interpretations results in some irrational thoughts of heaven and hell. If a bit of rationality can be applied, which now depends upon how people interpret rationality, the sense of heaven and hell is in our own minds.
The essence of going back to the fundamentals may be the application of mind over the matter. If a person interprets the laws of religion with the surrounding times, then fanaticism can be avoided. Swami Vivekanand, in one of his speeches in Chicago, had mentioned that Fanaticism was the major factor which can pollute religions and divide people. It must be noted that this is my interpretation of his speech.
Fanaticism comes about due to desperation. When economic and social factors always go against individuals, then they fall back to their religion and begin to interpret the path of God in the strictest form. The brainwashing apparently comes up in this possible process, but it could be even more. The unfairness prevailing in the socio-economic scenario can be interpreted as being solely attached to one community, thus resulting in terror activities as legitimate to make known the demands.
Many media outlets have spoken about the alienation of the muslim community in view of the terror attacks that have hit India for the past month or so. The brainwashing apparently becomes the perverted nature of the inequalities in the socio-economic system of the state.
Terror has always fed on religion. The solution to curb terror could be Egalitarianism, but it is a long and lengthy process. The lines of tolerance are growing thinner, while the walls of prejudice are becoming stronger. The world will go through another phase of bloodshed. It is indeed symbolic that the irrationality called Bloodshed is linked to the ultimate irrationality called Religion. The implications are indeed grave, because there is a solution, but it is curtailed by the lengthiness of time.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
More Attacks and A Wednesday
The past month has witnessed terror attacks at an alarmingly frequent rate in India. First it was Bangalore, Ahmedabad and then Delhi. Now, the past week has witnessed another spate of attacks in Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra. The demand for harsher laws to curb terror has been growing. Films have been produced wherein the terrorist menace is now being curbed by the actions of an armed common citizenry. The time that has been witnessed now is a mixture of necessity and irrationality, havoc and prejudice and more importantly, we are far from a solution.
Media can go indepth and report the situation. The analysis by several of their chosen sources and news consultants can give the common man an idea of the situation at hand, but not go into the roots of how the problem comes up. Lots of times whenver a particular terrorist attack comes up, one communuity is targetted and they have to be apologetic in front of millions. These recent terror attacks have exposed the angered psyche of ordinary citizens. 'A Wednesday' is abrilliant film, which showcases the anger that common citizens have over the inability of the police and the government to prevent terrorist attacks.
The dialogues spoken by the stupid common man in the film illustrate his frustrations about the troubled times and its several complications. It highlights the inability and questions the common man's 'return to normal policy'. The film blends perfectly with the scenario that is facing India and about the strength of the social fabric in the aftermath of an attack. Some news outlets were reporting the ignorance of certain instituitions and people regarding the source of the terror attacks.
The problem addressed in 'A Wednesday' is relevant but unfortunately superficial. If the citizenry is armed, as in the case of Selwa Judum in Chattisgarh against the Naxals, it could give rise to either of the three possibilities. Anarchy, more bloodshed or curbing of the menace. If the last one is achieved with responsible means, then an armed citizenry is worth having. But, terrorism feeds upon the inequalities of state policy and lack of communuity support.
Prejudice and misconceptions are two weapons with which terror thrives. The citizenry may have a duty like that of the nstupid common man in the film, but it is only as a last resort. The most prominent thing that a citizen can do, and I maintain it, is the elimination of prejudice and ensuring fair and balanced education to al stratas of society in order to eliminate misconception. Brainwashing is done when all other means in front of the common man have been extinguished. Thus, if ordinary people can help their fwllow citizens in eliminating misonceptions and prejudice, then terror can be defeated.
The next part explores the furthur implication of terror with regards to religion.
Media can go indepth and report the situation. The analysis by several of their chosen sources and news consultants can give the common man an idea of the situation at hand, but not go into the roots of how the problem comes up. Lots of times whenver a particular terrorist attack comes up, one communuity is targetted and they have to be apologetic in front of millions. These recent terror attacks have exposed the angered psyche of ordinary citizens. 'A Wednesday' is abrilliant film, which showcases the anger that common citizens have over the inability of the police and the government to prevent terrorist attacks.
The dialogues spoken by the stupid common man in the film illustrate his frustrations about the troubled times and its several complications. It highlights the inability and questions the common man's 'return to normal policy'. The film blends perfectly with the scenario that is facing India and about the strength of the social fabric in the aftermath of an attack. Some news outlets were reporting the ignorance of certain instituitions and people regarding the source of the terror attacks.
The problem addressed in 'A Wednesday' is relevant but unfortunately superficial. If the citizenry is armed, as in the case of Selwa Judum in Chattisgarh against the Naxals, it could give rise to either of the three possibilities. Anarchy, more bloodshed or curbing of the menace. If the last one is achieved with responsible means, then an armed citizenry is worth having. But, terrorism feeds upon the inequalities of state policy and lack of communuity support.
Prejudice and misconceptions are two weapons with which terror thrives. The citizenry may have a duty like that of the nstupid common man in the film, but it is only as a last resort. The most prominent thing that a citizen can do, and I maintain it, is the elimination of prejudice and ensuring fair and balanced education to al stratas of society in order to eliminate misconception. Brainwashing is done when all other means in front of the common man have been extinguished. Thus, if ordinary people can help their fwllow citizens in eliminating misonceptions and prejudice, then terror can be defeated.
The next part explores the furthur implication of terror with regards to religion.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
India's Katrina
We all thought that July 26 2005 was a watershed day in India. On that day, Mumbai witnessed flooding after 944 mm of rain. But, the floods in Bihar have overshadowed the disaster which struck on July 26 in Mumbai. Most of northern Bihar which borders Nepal, is virtually underwater. It takes us back to the flooding which occured in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina in the year 2005. Now, the floods in Bihar have similar overtones with the disaster that struck New Orleans.
Most parts of the state were underwater, due to the Leeves bursting and the water gushing through the Leeves during the initial storm surge. In Bihar, the Kosi river burst its banks, leading to the waters flooding the entire northern part. In one report on a news channel, the measured the Kosi river to be 32 kilometres in width after the flood. There was no wall to even protect the villages as the waters rose in the initial floods. Now, like New Orleans, the treath of disease and epidemics is raging. At the same time, we have also witnessed the criminal negligence by the Bihar government and the surrounding politics made by the opposition and other parties.
The ordinary villagers continue to live in conditions where ordinary people may not live. But, they have lost everything, and thus they hope that relief and normalcy of some kind awaits them. But, for most of them, they have lost everything, and it will take more than donations from the rest of the country to ensure that life returns back to normal in Northern Bihar.
Now, the future is far from reassuring. Many experts have now warned that due to the floods caused by the river Kosi, the lands which were engulfed in the floods would become barren and unproductive for growth. This would be a big disaster for agricultural production, thus ensuring that India's agriculture suffers in the long run. With high inflation and high food prices, the floods have only made the situation worse for ordinary people, not only in Bihar, but in other parts of the country. The tragedy is that this problem cannot be seen on the surface, but it is like a slow creeper that chokes the life out of the citizenry in the coming time.
Global warming is an issue, and safety along rivers that cause destruction in the rains is also a big issue. oSome experts have warned that a similar fate can strike Jhansi because of the Chambal river, in case of heavy rains as witnessed in Bihar. Will the government and citizen groups look up on this threat and take measures. If India needs a kickstart to their disaster management plans, then this is the starting point. No longer shall a country wait for a disaster to happen and then suggest remedies. It is time for India to ensure that disaster management and other safety precautions are taken so that situations like those in Bihar do not arise again.
The country has seen another effect of tampering with nature. It is now about time that we respect nature and ensure such kind of things are stopped, so that they dont arise again. For the moment, the author can only helplessly side with the victims, but cannot feel their pain, because i am in the comfort of a chair and trying to create awareness. Actions have to be take on these words, only then can people and their surroundings can be saved.
Most parts of the state were underwater, due to the Leeves bursting and the water gushing through the Leeves during the initial storm surge. In Bihar, the Kosi river burst its banks, leading to the waters flooding the entire northern part. In one report on a news channel, the measured the Kosi river to be 32 kilometres in width after the flood. There was no wall to even protect the villages as the waters rose in the initial floods. Now, like New Orleans, the treath of disease and epidemics is raging. At the same time, we have also witnessed the criminal negligence by the Bihar government and the surrounding politics made by the opposition and other parties.
The ordinary villagers continue to live in conditions where ordinary people may not live. But, they have lost everything, and thus they hope that relief and normalcy of some kind awaits them. But, for most of them, they have lost everything, and it will take more than donations from the rest of the country to ensure that life returns back to normal in Northern Bihar.
Now, the future is far from reassuring. Many experts have now warned that due to the floods caused by the river Kosi, the lands which were engulfed in the floods would become barren and unproductive for growth. This would be a big disaster for agricultural production, thus ensuring that India's agriculture suffers in the long run. With high inflation and high food prices, the floods have only made the situation worse for ordinary people, not only in Bihar, but in other parts of the country. The tragedy is that this problem cannot be seen on the surface, but it is like a slow creeper that chokes the life out of the citizenry in the coming time.
Global warming is an issue, and safety along rivers that cause destruction in the rains is also a big issue. oSome experts have warned that a similar fate can strike Jhansi because of the Chambal river, in case of heavy rains as witnessed in Bihar. Will the government and citizen groups look up on this threat and take measures. If India needs a kickstart to their disaster management plans, then this is the starting point. No longer shall a country wait for a disaster to happen and then suggest remedies. It is time for India to ensure that disaster management and other safety precautions are taken so that situations like those in Bihar do not arise again.
The country has seen another effect of tampering with nature. It is now about time that we respect nature and ensure such kind of things are stopped, so that they dont arise again. For the moment, the author can only helplessly side with the victims, but cannot feel their pain, because i am in the comfort of a chair and trying to create awareness. Actions have to be take on these words, only then can people and their surroundings can be saved.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Change, Change, Change
This concept is what runs the world. This concept is sought after by people to uplift them. This concept is the talking point of the politicians, and it is the tool by which generations aspire to achieve. Change for the good is something sought after, cause it leads to the opening and exploring of new avenues. Barack Obama has kick started it, by stressing upon change as the focus in his presidential aspirations. But, it is easy to talk about change, but to implement it and take the first step is very difficult.
Change comes about after a generation of prejudice over lot of things. Social, economic and political prejudice all sum up the need for change among society and its people. The prejudices of all the three factors combine to wreck havoc in society, and with the distrust created on the account of terrorism, change becomes essential. This period of 2000 till now has resulted in so many issues that a Barack Obama has to come up and talk about change.
It is another matter to begin the process of change. I guess for this, people have to change from within. If people demand change, then it is upto them to change their mindset. For all that is present, people will say that 'They want change'. But, as a nameless philosopher said, "The only thing that changes is change itself". I guess change is the factor by which people can have their basic necessities satisfied, only difference being that this satisfaction is prolonged.
Change comes about after a generation of prejudice over lot of things. Social, economic and political prejudice all sum up the need for change among society and its people. The prejudices of all the three factors combine to wreck havoc in society, and with the distrust created on the account of terrorism, change becomes essential. This period of 2000 till now has resulted in so many issues that a Barack Obama has to come up and talk about change.
It is another matter to begin the process of change. I guess for this, people have to change from within. If people demand change, then it is upto them to change their mindset. For all that is present, people will say that 'They want change'. But, as a nameless philosopher said, "The only thing that changes is change itself". I guess change is the factor by which people can have their basic necessities satisfied, only difference being that this satisfaction is prolonged.
Friday, August 1, 2008
July 26: 3 years on
This was the day Mumbai suburbs Sunk!!!! The common expression would be that Mumbai city drowned, but in fact, the city had witnessed only 57 mm of rain on that day. The suburbs of Mumbai meanwhile received a whopping 944 mm of rain in less than one hour. The deluge paralyzed the suburbs for close to 10-15 days. The outer suburbs were cut off for nearly a month before normalcy returned. This deluge left a scar for some time on the resilient Mumbai people. It came to such an extent that whenever a heavy shower came upon the place, the people recounted the frustrations they faced on that day.
The floods of July 26 showed the city the damage that it inflicted on itself when they tampered with the environment. The cutting of the mangrove trees, the choking of the Mithi river with sewage, garbage and chemicals all pointed out that this could have been a possibility if something happened. On July 26th 2005, something big did happen. The floods also showed the haphazard development policies on reclaimed land. Majority of Mumbai of today is reclaimed land.
The deluge showed the people that if development is not held accountable to nature, devastation is imminent. Unless and until we develop in methods which causes the environment no harm, the city will be a safer place. But, it is easy to say that typing on the computer. All along when i have finished the typing, a million tonnes of sewage and garbage will have been dumped. A building will have gotten erected for more people to stay, and immigrants in the millions will have already flocked to Mumbai in search of dreams.
There seems to be no control, which is why anything new to happen in Mumbai is very hard. With so many people looking to the city for their dreams and economic prosperity, such disasters will only be shaken off and forgotten. If something like this happens again, Mumbai will just shrug it off, which is unfortunately or fortunately the way the city functions. Maybe, the environment will have to undergo this silent ignorance and then die a death. A July 26 will keep on happening, but unfortunately, people just do not care
The floods of July 26 showed the city the damage that it inflicted on itself when they tampered with the environment. The cutting of the mangrove trees, the choking of the Mithi river with sewage, garbage and chemicals all pointed out that this could have been a possibility if something happened. On July 26th 2005, something big did happen. The floods also showed the haphazard development policies on reclaimed land. Majority of Mumbai of today is reclaimed land.
The deluge showed the people that if development is not held accountable to nature, devastation is imminent. Unless and until we develop in methods which causes the environment no harm, the city will be a safer place. But, it is easy to say that typing on the computer. All along when i have finished the typing, a million tonnes of sewage and garbage will have been dumped. A building will have gotten erected for more people to stay, and immigrants in the millions will have already flocked to Mumbai in search of dreams.
There seems to be no control, which is why anything new to happen in Mumbai is very hard. With so many people looking to the city for their dreams and economic prosperity, such disasters will only be shaken off and forgotten. If something like this happens again, Mumbai will just shrug it off, which is unfortunately or fortunately the way the city functions. Maybe, the environment will have to undergo this silent ignorance and then die a death. A July 26 will keep on happening, but unfortunately, people just do not care
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
More blasts, more strains, more polarization
26 blasts in the space of 2 days have rocked India. The country has witnessed several incidents over the last 2 years. The peak possibly has reached in the 17 blasts which shook Ahmadabad recently. The calls for strict anti-terrorism law is being called for, and in the case of India, the social fabric falls under severe strain. Society is now starting to get polarized, and the suspicion falls squarely on one community.
If one has observed terror incidents over the last 8 years, starting from 9/11, it has always followed a pattern. The aim of chaos, followed by panic and collapse, is the common aim of terrorists. But, what is worrying is that politicians and media alike have tried to concertize something which is vague. Since, terrorists do not have a label, it is hard to isolate and deal with them.
Any attempt to concertize terrorists and their activists has inevitably led to more destruction. The case of Afghanistan and to some extent Sri Lanka have demonstrated that terrorists come harder if the state cracks down heavily. In the case of Sri Lanka, the terrorists are in a group called the LTTE, so it is a war between a group and the state. In the case of India, it is a vague battle, with no clear battle lines drawn.
The battle line is history, where-in the state has created problems for which it is facing a backlash.Gujarat fell victim to the Godhra riots, a state sponsored program which resulted in the deaths of thousands. In the case of Bangalore, it is not known why it is the target except that it is the IT capital of India.
We only know one thing. In India, blasts are done to physically and mentally rupture the diverse social fabric of which the nation is build on. These blasts indeed chip away at the foundation, but in the case of India, the base is quiet strong because majority condemn the attacks on ordinary people. But, if this continues, then it wont be long before riots cause the fabric to break.
If one has observed terror incidents over the last 8 years, starting from 9/11, it has always followed a pattern. The aim of chaos, followed by panic and collapse, is the common aim of terrorists. But, what is worrying is that politicians and media alike have tried to concertize something which is vague. Since, terrorists do not have a label, it is hard to isolate and deal with them.
Any attempt to concertize terrorists and their activists has inevitably led to more destruction. The case of Afghanistan and to some extent Sri Lanka have demonstrated that terrorists come harder if the state cracks down heavily. In the case of Sri Lanka, the terrorists are in a group called the LTTE, so it is a war between a group and the state. In the case of India, it is a vague battle, with no clear battle lines drawn.
The battle line is history, where-in the state has created problems for which it is facing a backlash.Gujarat fell victim to the Godhra riots, a state sponsored program which resulted in the deaths of thousands. In the case of Bangalore, it is not known why it is the target except that it is the IT capital of India.
We only know one thing. In India, blasts are done to physically and mentally rupture the diverse social fabric of which the nation is build on. These blasts indeed chip away at the foundation, but in the case of India, the base is quiet strong because majority condemn the attacks on ordinary people. But, if this continues, then it wont be long before riots cause the fabric to break.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The two facedness of Democracy!
The government won the trust vote, and so early elections have been stalled. But, what was witnessed in parliament on that Tuesday sent disturbing and mixed signals. There were media reports that some MPs were allegedly bribed to sidetrack the ruling coalition in the confidence motion. The fact that bribes were alleged, and even the opposition went on an alleged smear campaign about this sends out dangerous signals for democracy.
However, the common word used in both is alleged. The fact is that the UPA, the ruling coalition won the trust vote and thus, the Indo-US Nuclear deal will possibly pass through in the coming months. It will be interesting as to how media covers this incident, because the print media may frame the issue in a different way, as have broadcasters.
The recent events in parliament have shown, that the term national and democracy have to be revisited. At one point, you have ordinary people who are pre-occupied with other pressing problems who dont know what is the fuss about. On the other, you have people who will allege a lot of things either to grab power or retain power. The fact is that politics, as of today, is disconnected from the ordinary citizen, and that may make the nation disconnected from Democracy.
However, the common word used in both is alleged. The fact is that the UPA, the ruling coalition won the trust vote and thus, the Indo-US Nuclear deal will possibly pass through in the coming months. It will be interesting as to how media covers this incident, because the print media may frame the issue in a different way, as have broadcasters.
The recent events in parliament have shown, that the term national and democracy have to be revisited. At one point, you have ordinary people who are pre-occupied with other pressing problems who dont know what is the fuss about. On the other, you have people who will allege a lot of things either to grab power or retain power. The fact is that politics, as of today, is disconnected from the ordinary citizen, and that may make the nation disconnected from Democracy.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
7/11: two years on
On this day, India suffered another terrorist attack. This was aimed at the heart of Mumbai city. Seven Bombs went of on trains, leading to the death of 183 people and injuring more than 700. Mumbai suffered the same fate as Madrid and New York. Terrorism even today continues to wreck havoc in nations. Some states are doing something about it, while others are hoping that terrorism stays away from their lands. However, there is an undercurrent sweeping across that terrorism is almost crumbling, because it aleniated people of various social fabrics. The terrorists are being blamed, but at the same time, power hungry and imperial governments have also been targetted, notably in the post 9/11 scenario.
But, in the case of India, there are only more unsolved questions. Who is behind the attack, and why have they done it? No one has any idea, only hypothesis of who can possibly do it. The old nemesis of Lashkar-e-Toiba and Harkat-ul-Jihad, a bangladeshi group have been reported to be behind the attacks of 7/11 in Mumbai. However, the authorities are far from solving the issue, let alone having a concrete determination.
At this time of opinionating, one must cast their eyes on the citizens who lost their loved ones and also whose lives changed for the worse. It is easy for bloggers like me to sit back and analyze this from a detached point of view. However, when human beings, who have lived in the same city or nation as us get killed, it is very difficult to outline their plight and the life they are living after this incident. It is from this point, i feel, that media must depart from tradition and take the sides of the citizens, because it is they whom the media ultimately must serve.
The media priorities, in 2008, is more of the power elite staying in power and getting a deal passed in the backdrop of "national interest". However, what constitutes the national has been totally forgotten. Even this blogger admits from the heart that this post should have been written 10 days ago. However, i can only extend a heartfelt sorry to the citizens for not highlighting their plight.
Two years on, the perception about terrorism is changing, in that it is now sidelined. But, for the victim who have suffered this atrocity, this blogger can only salute their spirit and ensure that the citizens of a country remain safe. It is easier said than done, but sometimes words which convey care and feeling might help.
But, in the case of India, there are only more unsolved questions. Who is behind the attack, and why have they done it? No one has any idea, only hypothesis of who can possibly do it. The old nemesis of Lashkar-e-Toiba and Harkat-ul-Jihad, a bangladeshi group have been reported to be behind the attacks of 7/11 in Mumbai. However, the authorities are far from solving the issue, let alone having a concrete determination.
At this time of opinionating, one must cast their eyes on the citizens who lost their loved ones and also whose lives changed for the worse. It is easy for bloggers like me to sit back and analyze this from a detached point of view. However, when human beings, who have lived in the same city or nation as us get killed, it is very difficult to outline their plight and the life they are living after this incident. It is from this point, i feel, that media must depart from tradition and take the sides of the citizens, because it is they whom the media ultimately must serve.
The media priorities, in 2008, is more of the power elite staying in power and getting a deal passed in the backdrop of "national interest". However, what constitutes the national has been totally forgotten. Even this blogger admits from the heart that this post should have been written 10 days ago. However, i can only extend a heartfelt sorry to the citizens for not highlighting their plight.
Two years on, the perception about terrorism is changing, in that it is now sidelined. But, for the victim who have suffered this atrocity, this blogger can only salute their spirit and ensure that the citizens of a country remain safe. It is easier said than done, but sometimes words which convey care and feeling might help.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The gutter economics of politics
What one would do to stay in power! That is the exclamation that citizens who are concerned with the political process in India will be asking. The withdrawal of the Left parties from the Congress coalition over the Indo-US Nuclear deal has led to the same situations that have made politics a gutter by majority of civilians.
Even if I agree for the sake of arguement that power should be held at all costs, it does not shun or hide the monetary costs to save power. A value of 25 crore rupees (approximately 9 million dollars) is being spent for each MP to vote against the ruling coaltion. The current drive to register MP's against the congress coalition is due to the floor test in the Lok Sabha, which has come about because of the loss of majority in the house.
A representation based on money power only. When its said that money is the root cause of most evil, this case stands right on top. The source for me in this blog for this post comes from a professional newsman blog on ibnlive.com. His tone was one of disgust, and I as a common citizen share the same feeling.
The whole thing, if looked at from a common man's perspective and through the media, looked like a circus. The jostling for positions in this chaos would inadvertently lead to this kind of situation. However, I wanna know what the Citizen is doing in this case.
On the one hand, I see hunger and images of lack of treatement for children in one part of Madhya Pradesh, while I see political parties dish out 25 crore rupees for just sticking on to power. One fraction of those 25 crore rupees can give healthcare to thousands in the remotest parts of the country. The fraction of those 25 crores can help improve infrastructure to bearable levels. These politicians are lucky, because the citizenry is again bearing them all and moving on with life.
The case of two Indias is being seen clearly here. On the one hand, politicians waste money in trying to remain on the seat, while some parts of India languish in hunger and darkness. The citizenry must awake, otherwise the anger, once spilt over on the streets, may usher in anarchy seen never before in the country. The gutter economics has gone on for a long time, and in this age, it is about time that India makes an identity for itself as one of enlightenment and egalitarianism, rather than a corrupt and fragmented country.
Even if I agree for the sake of arguement that power should be held at all costs, it does not shun or hide the monetary costs to save power. A value of 25 crore rupees (approximately 9 million dollars) is being spent for each MP to vote against the ruling coaltion. The current drive to register MP's against the congress coalition is due to the floor test in the Lok Sabha, which has come about because of the loss of majority in the house.
A representation based on money power only. When its said that money is the root cause of most evil, this case stands right on top. The source for me in this blog for this post comes from a professional newsman blog on ibnlive.com. His tone was one of disgust, and I as a common citizen share the same feeling.
The whole thing, if looked at from a common man's perspective and through the media, looked like a circus. The jostling for positions in this chaos would inadvertently lead to this kind of situation. However, I wanna know what the Citizen is doing in this case.
On the one hand, I see hunger and images of lack of treatement for children in one part of Madhya Pradesh, while I see political parties dish out 25 crore rupees for just sticking on to power. One fraction of those 25 crore rupees can give healthcare to thousands in the remotest parts of the country. The fraction of those 25 crores can help improve infrastructure to bearable levels. These politicians are lucky, because the citizenry is again bearing them all and moving on with life.
The case of two Indias is being seen clearly here. On the one hand, politicians waste money in trying to remain on the seat, while some parts of India languish in hunger and darkness. The citizenry must awake, otherwise the anger, once spilt over on the streets, may usher in anarchy seen never before in the country. The gutter economics has gone on for a long time, and in this age, it is about time that India makes an identity for itself as one of enlightenment and egalitarianism, rather than a corrupt and fragmented country.
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