tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29334688913368050692024-03-14T00:34:41.861+05:30Get Me RightAbhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-1213483538118957162022-01-17T00:34:00.008+05:302022-01-17T00:42:43.549+05:30In Kohli Move, The India Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcoyPAP0cEw-7hi2sObR5tC68nDX6ILBbI5BMurGf0Qq3Y47z77FenLuQagnIOgWqa00WcbzGXgVpZ0inHekfLv1ajyzneygGMDGoyHdQI1b1JnNUlcoK2IewhredCH54pxUFNqRtl6SwDLY4UIQ4hV-GlFBuxYuZ3no6EeMadRs3JytgTjdiExeMO=s770" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcoyPAP0cEw-7hi2sObR5tC68nDX6ILBbI5BMurGf0Qq3Y47z77FenLuQagnIOgWqa00WcbzGXgVpZ0inHekfLv1ajyzneygGMDGoyHdQI1b1JnNUlcoK2IewhredCH54pxUFNqRtl6SwDLY4UIQ4hV-GlFBuxYuZ3no6EeMadRs3JytgTjdiExeMO=s320"/></a></div>
FIRST a disclaimer. I know just enough about cricket to perhaps manage to impress my house help. Or maybe not. But you can’t be a journalist with an Indian passport and feign ignorance about a news event as important as Virat Kohli fading out. Honestly, it would be some time before we know the truth about his resignation. There was no phenomenal talent snapping at his heals for natural succession unlike with Ganguly (Dhoni, Dravid being nightwatchman) or Dhoni (Kohli). Not unnatural if Kohli allowed his recent form to get to his mind, and not the first time if the BCCI bosses wanted a captain eased out for whatever reasons. At various points in time, Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Azharuddin, Dravid - all have been eased out. One would say almost every captain! Stats show Kohli as India’s best captain in all forms of the game. But that’s for the cricket experts to dissect. Remember, I am not. So here’s a bit of pop sociology and the works, if you will.
It’s a cricketing legend that when Kapil’s Devils brought the world cup home in 1983, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to organize a Lata Mangeshkar concert to raise funds to decently felicitate the star cricketers. The then BCCI chief (and a union minister to boot!) NKP Salve was not deemed important enough to be sent a pass for the final at Lord’s. Last year, the BCCI had a turnover of about Rs 15,000 crores, or a little over USD 2 billion. Every international match India plays, pays the cricket board about Rs 40 crores. An IPL fixture even more at about Rs 55 crores. What a journey from 1983! Google richest cricketers in the world. Top three in all lists are Indian names, Kohli being in all of them at about Rs 1,000 crores of net worth. This presumably excludes his wife Anushka Sharma’s assets who is a successful individual in her own right.
Why is this important? Indian cricket’s journey from penury to riches can be seen as coterminous with that of India on the move. The wealth – both personal and public – getting reflected in individual and national attitude. Commenting on the visiting Indian team under Sachin Tendulkar’s captaincy sometime in 1998-99, former Australian captain Steve Waugh could not help but notice in his autobiography, the meek surrender the Indians would do every time they faced adversity on the ground. Same Waugh records, howsoever grudgingly, the transition that took place under Sourav Ganguly, mind games and all. “India was no more the soft underbelly squad under its feisty leader Sourav”, Waugh said after losing his farewell match to the ruthlessness of Ganguly in Sydney in 2003. Remember Ganguly’s famous late arrivals for the toss? Or the half Monty at Lord’s? Something was changing. If coming of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the mid-2000s was a sensation, in good measure it was due to the way the small-town upstart would conduct himself with no quarters given elan. Kohli only took it to the next level, with his tattoos and devil may care attitude. These years also saw the deepest bench strength perhaps for the Indian cricket team – and consistency of performance.
This was also the time India was liberalizing with the economic reforms push. Foreign exchange reserves were steadily increasing. Growth was bringing in corporate profits, and hence sponsorships. Governments, both at the centre and in the states, started having more revenues at their command to invest in infrastructure and public services. From the meekly stewardship of a Sachin Tendulkar to the in-your-face nouveau riche of Sourav Ganguly to the internalized aggression of a Dhoni to the institutionalized aggro of Kohli, it has been a progressive transition that reflects how India has changed last three decades. That Indian cricket and India have moved together was most tellingly underscored by another former Australian captain Michael Clarke last year. In a radio podcast, he said that he notices many of his compatriot cricketers desist from sledging Kohli or his team for the fear of losing out on IPL contracts! One could paraphrase the same for Prime Minister Modi in the world of global politics!
So how does Kohli’s leaving captaincy square up? Irrespective of whether he quit on the issue of form, or deeper disagreements with cricket bosses – BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal is on record saying Kohli still had 2-3 years of test captaincy ahead of him – at 33 years he has lived a full sporting life. Despite statistically the most successful captain, its likely the legacies of Ganguly and Dhoni would weigh more heavily on the shaping of Indian cricket in this century. The jury is still out.
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-15568673492381493362018-05-04T18:01:00.001+05:302018-05-04T18:04:08.114+05:30Modi Sees in China An Opportunity, With Challenges, Not An Enemy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hr-pMHPPhFk/WuxRwWUemtI/AAAAAAAAWE4/NafpS8xJxjgFaIu8qidblN7iBPht0QnFACLcBGAs/s1600/676560-p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hr-pMHPPhFk/WuxRwWUemtI/AAAAAAAAWE4/NafpS8xJxjgFaIu8qidblN7iBPht0QnFACLcBGAs/s320/676560-p2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">SCEPTICISM has been expressed in some quarters about the Narendra Modi government's China policy in the backdrop of the “informal” Wuhan summit with President Xi Jinping. Congress party has charged that the Wuhan summit happened in the shadow of reports that Chinese construction activities continue unabated on their side of Doklam. Doubts have ranged from lack of specifics to outright capitulation in Prime Minister flying down to China at a short notice. The reported MEA circular asking top government functionaries to stay away from Tibet Day celebrations had also played some role in fuelling the speculation.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Can one attempt to read Modi's mind? Apart from his four visits as PM, Modi has been to China four more times as Chief Minister of Gujarat, memories of one of which – to the Three Gorges Dam – he shared with Xi in Wuhan. The number of visits by themselves should be proof that Modi sees in China an opportunity, not an enemy. It could be safely said that as a leader, Modi is fascinated with some aspects of Chinese achievements which he thinks can provide solutions to many developmental issues facing India. One of the many acronyms he coined in those days – SSS for Speed, Scale, and Skill – has a clear Chinese ring to it. I remember every time he would return to Gandhinagar from his China visit, he would ask his bureaucrats to hold a press conference about the takeaways and what all could get replicated in Gujarat.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLAjSlKLjPw/WuxSLbAFUuI/AAAAAAAAWFA/bhlf9q-by88Ai7YFSmnUNiY0fLDoxCJTgCLcBGAs/s1600/676563-p5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLAjSlKLjPw/WuxSLbAFUuI/AAAAAAAAWFA/bhlf9q-by88Ai7YFSmnUNiY0fLDoxCJTgCLcBGAs/s320/676563-p5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Should it mean, as sceptics believe, that Modi might be overlooking the threat from China in focussing on the opportunity part of the relationship? Far from it. As India's actions in Doklam proved, when push comes to shove, the Modi administration is not found wanting. Or for that matter, the surgical strikes against Pakistan post the Uri terror attack underscored the need based muscularity that his government could show. On trade for example, after the United States, India has lodged highest number of complaints with the WTO against China.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">But conflicts, both of trade and military kinds, have opportunity costs that tap into national resources. There comes a time in the history of nations, as indeed in lives of individuals, when one digression can swing the destiny between success and defeat. Imagine if Abraham Lincoln had not moderated the radical Republicans to get the South into the Union kickstarting the Reconstruction. The four decades between Reconstruction and Progressive eras were of intense churn in the United States aimed at reforming and transforming the society on a solid bedrock of industrialization and development without getting involved with the outside world. It was due to this national consolidation that by the time of WW-I, a single private American financial institution – the House of Morgans – was bankrolling the war effort of British and French governments combined. Reconciliation was one of the three pillars of the Progressive thought.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Roughly the same time as that of Reconstruction Era in the United States, Japan hit the road to Meiji Restoration opening up to the world for learning, shutting out all conflict, and fully focus on uplift of the national mass under the Emperor. The trigger might have been Japanese awe of the advanced American warships under Commodore Matthew Perry in 1865, but the Meiji period over next four decades underscored a nation's collective will to dream of a progressive future, which Japan continues to live in some ways even a century later.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2_PZ3Vz2xs/WuxSkPdLA7I/AAAAAAAAWFI/wJDIWPtwy5UvS7PV8PkvqphmF9QPCHGhACLcBGAs/s1600/narenra-modi-in-china_650x400_51524892427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="650" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2_PZ3Vz2xs/WuxSkPdLA7I/AAAAAAAAWFI/wJDIWPtwy5UvS7PV8PkvqphmF9QPCHGhACLcBGAs/s320/narenra-modi-in-china_650x400_51524892427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">China took a similar route under Deng Xiaoping, his pragmatism encapsulated in his dictum “hide your ambitions and disguise your claws.” Chinese detente with the United States, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and its subsequent rise over last four decades is recent history. Behind the self-assured brazenness of today's China is that period of focussing all energies on developing economically and not concern itself much with the world. The rise of China is a reality with which the whole world from America to Africa to Europe is struggling to grapple in its own ways. In case of India there's the added burden of a shared and disputed border.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">At the development stage India is in, we need to keep our heads low and focus on the job of nation building brick by brick. Much like Japan, America, or China did in their restoration and reconstruction. Seen against this backdrop, contrary to a motivated perception about a perpetual 56-inch bravado, Modi has shown a streak of realism that should put him in line with a Deng. In readily agreeing to fly down to Wuhan, Modi might have only borrowed a leaf out of the Chinese book. It only helps that in an election year avoiding a stand-off with China might have electoral premium attached too.</span></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-90126222710258643682017-12-29T13:03:00.000+05:302017-12-29T13:04:06.803+05:30IS IT TIME TO GET THE UNIFORM CIVIL CODE DEBATE GOING?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="m_-3854143993664365435gmail-MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">IT would be denied. It would be contested. No one in government would admit it on record. But make no mistake. The debate engendered by the triple talaq law leads us only in one direction - a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The contradictions in the positions taken by the opponents of the bill cutting across the political divide explain the thesis. Let me show how.</span></div>
<div class="m_-3854143993664365435gmail-MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Congress that confidently weakened the Supreme Court verdict to deny maintenance to Shah Bano in 1986 is now agitated that the triple talaq bill denies maintenance to Muslim women! While the official position of Congress party as stated by Ranjit Surjewala supported the law, with some caveats, leaders like Salman Khurshid dumped it outright. Khurshid had incidentally drafted the 1986 law for Rajiv Gandhi.</span></div>
<div class="m_-3854143993664365435gmail-MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What explains the Congress ambivalence? For one, BJP ruling at the centre underscores that Hindu consolidation too can bring you to power. Congress’ Antony doctrine that was in full display recently in Gujarat made sure that the grand old party could not be seen to be taking a position against the majority narrative. At the same time, by remaining noncommittal to the minority sentiment it risks further alienating a traditional vote bank. The giveaway came at the time of voting on the bill when Congress refused to support amendments moved by Asaduddin Owaisi.</span></div>
<div class="m_-3854143993664365435gmail-MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The AIMIM chief, who fancies himself as the sole Muslim spokesperson in present day politics, strongly championed the cause of Muslim ulema. But imagine what he did: In his intervention to oppose introduction of the bill, Owaisi strongly batted for Section 125 of CrPC, exactly the provision that was opposed by Muslim orthodoxy in Shah Bano case! Clearly shows the distance the nation has travelled between Shah Bano and Shayra Bano.</span></div>
<div class="m_-3854143993664365435gmail-MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you read between the lines, Congress showing nerves over minority appeasement, and Owaisi’s taking refuge under secular provisions of law like the IPC, and seeking protection under articles 14 and 25 of the Constitution, and not the Shariat Act 1937, shows how fertile the ground has become to bring debate on UCC out of the cold storage. Such is the force of public perception this time that even the most conservative elements within the Muslim community have not dared take a pro-triple talaq stand, only objected to State meddling in the domain of religion.</span></div>
<div class="m_-3854143993664365435gmail-MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day of the SC verdict outlawing triple talaq we had broken a story from the studios that the government would bring in a law to give statutory protection to the ruling. The minority view in the SC had actually wanted it to be left to the parliament to decide on the issue. While, the two minority judges might have reflected uncomfortable memories of the summer of 1986 in their caution, a politician as sharp as Narendra Modi grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Going by the discomfiture of Congress party, Modi might have achieved more than a couple of targets. While keeping the agenda setting initiative in his hands, he would have added an incremental vote of Muslim women for 2019, and most significantly, fired up his core constituency with dangling a possibility of that RSS utopia – the UCC.</span></div>
<div class="m_-3854143993664365435gmail-MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m_-3854143993664365435gmail-MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PS: After our triple talaq law newsbreak, some editors called to question my understanding of law with the argument that SC verdicts become law of the land and do not need an enabling legislation. I responded by saying that while they could question my understanding of law (despite a law degree!), but not my grasp of the BJP led by Narendra Modi. What say?<span class="HOEnZb"><span style="color: #888888;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; cursor: pointer; margin: 2px 0px 0px; outline: none; padding: 10px 0px; width: 22px;">
<div aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":1xt" role="button" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); clear: both; line-height: 6px; outline: none; position: relative; width: 20px;" tabindex="0">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img class="ajT" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif" style="background: url("//ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/ellipsis.png") no-repeat; height: 8px; opacity: 0.3; width: 20px;" /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-4697103107185752702017-08-22T23:17:00.001+05:302017-08-22T23:28:04.105+05:30Of Triple Talaq Politics...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CvL0NoaDTVU/WZxwlCyvaBI/AAAAAAAAR6c/qqZMKkeS-zwqYjmAx9lxPtvAQBXT4Te-ACLcBGAs/s1600/2016_10%2524largeimg223_Oct_2016_220500430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="480" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CvL0NoaDTVU/WZxwlCyvaBI/AAAAAAAAR6c/qqZMKkeS-zwqYjmAx9lxPtvAQBXT4Te-ACLcBGAs/s320/2016_10%2524largeimg223_Oct_2016_220500430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">LETS
get provocative. BJP is the upholder of secularism. And judiciary
follows politics closely. Or what else would you make of the facts
connected with Tuesday's instant triple talaq verdict? Its yet
another instance of BJP reading the mood of the nation, as Congress
whirls in the vortex of its appeasement politics. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Its
chronicled history of how Rajiv Gandhi government gave in to the
ulema in overturning the Shah Bano verdict through a legislation.
Arif Mohamed Khan is still alive to tell the tale. While on the one
hand it left the judiciary confused on personal laws and the larger
secularism question, on the other it fueled a counter right wing
narrative of majority victimhood, scripting BJP's rise through
the decade of 90s. Post Shah Bano, the Supreme Court touched
questions of triple talaq and personal laws in case after case with a
barge pole under Congress, giving most progressive interpretations of constitution
on personal laws only during intervening periods of BJP rule.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Thus
it is no coincidence that in 1995 Sarla Mudgal case Supreme Court
rued lack of climate to even debate the uniform civil code. Two years
later in the Ahmedabad Women's Action Group petition, the apex court
still thought issues like talaq and polygamy remained the domain of
the legislature. Both verdicts quoted by AIMPLB lawyers were under Congress and United Front governments.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Though
the laissez faire on personal laws continued, SC demurred a bit in
the 2001 Daniel Latifi case, acknowledging some connect between
dignity of muslim women and fundamental right to life under Article 21. Lordships showed a little more courage in Javed vs. State of Haryana in 2003, terming
polygamy as bad as Sati. Guess what both during BJP led NDA
government!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">So
it comes as no surprise that instant triple talaq stands abolished in
the country under a regime headed by Narendra Modi. Since October
last, the Prime Minister has spoken with conviction on at least six
occasions, taking cudgels on behalf of embattled muslim women. The
BJP succeeded in tying the issue with the secularism debate. PM tweeted, and party chief Amit Shah addressed a press conference. The party would have no qualms admitting they see a constituency in half of the muslim population of the country. Congress
on the other hand looked adrift, wooden, and even dishonest. Having
so easily scripted arguably the most progressive Hindu reform after
the Code Bills by giving Hindu women succession rights in parental
property in 2005, Congress was again found playing footsie with ulema
what with two of its leaders, Kapil Sibal and Salman Khursheed,
representing the most regressive AIMPLB against Shaira Bano. No
wonder which party comes out as more in command, and in tune
with the mood of the nation.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-46272196773272286722017-08-13T20:54:00.000+05:302017-08-13T23:48:27.896+05:30Why Hafiz Saed Joining Politics Is A Good Bet...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uP7xIj2WMI/WZBuKxuHH3I/AAAAAAAAR0U/akpeLX89U0YkvlM0S_3LvrnItdh7WP7BwCLcBGAs/s1600/khar-hafiz_660_120112071538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="660" height="192" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uP7xIj2WMI/WZBuKxuHH3I/AAAAAAAAR0U/akpeLX89U0YkvlM0S_3LvrnItdh7WP7BwCLcBGAs/s320/khar-hafiz_660_120112071538.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">SOUTH
block mandarins have expressed concern at Mumbai terror attack mastermind, and UN designated terrorist Hafiz
Saed joining politics. A Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson termed it an
attempt by Saed to cover his blood stained hands with ballot ink.
“After killing with bullets, he is trying to hide behind ballot”
is how MEA saw it. But is it that detrimental or disturbing a
development? How has recent Pakistani experience been?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">A
decade and a half ago, another rabid maulana – Fazl-ur-Rahman –
burst onto Pakistani political scene. Leading the Muttahida
Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), a conglomeration of Islamic parties, Rahman gave
a real scare to mainstream parties and became the principal
opposition in the 2002 general elections. And then democracy took
over. In the last election in 2013, Rahman's party commanded a mere
3.2 per cent of popular vote, and has only 15 members in Pakistan's
National Assembly. In between he has aligned with a spectrum as broad
in its ideological sweep as left of centre PPP, and right of centre
PML(N). Similarly, General Musharraf of Kargil fame became amenable
to dialogue with India only after relinquishing uniform. Compulsions
of even a stagemanaged election impacted Chief Executive Musharraf to
a level that it was under him that we came close to resolving
Siachen.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Global
experience too suggests that exercise of democracy does wonders to
the creed of violence. The first time Hamas openly condemned
Holocaust was in 2008, a year after it came to power in Gaza strip.
Its ideological parent Muslim Brotherhood distanced itself from Al
Qaeda and ISIS only after coming to power through a democratic
election post Arab spring. Ulster Unionist David Trimble led Orange
marches through Catholic neighoburhoods in 1995. One election changed
him so much that he went in for talks with rival Sinn Fein, picked up
a Peace Nobel for the Good Friday Accord, and by 2005 was annoying
the orange order by participating in the funeral of a Catholic youth
killed in an IRA bombing.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Latest
ouster of Nawaz Sharif means that the Hydra-headed Pakistani state,
with its non-state actors thrown in, is not going to become a place
worth talking to anytime soon. Between the strenthened military and
the nutheads of Saed kinds, India has little leverage left with the
recalcitrant neighbour. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">So
here is the deal. Welcome Saed into politics and let democracy,
howsoever shallow in Pakistan, assimilate the terrorist. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The
elixir of democracy has its ways of making strange bedfellows. The
aphrodisiac of power softens, not harden, the ideological edges.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A child of Zia ul Haq like Sharif, Saed has openly batted for Punjabi as Pakistan's national language and not Urdu. His party – Milli Muslim League - has <span style="color: black;">pledged
to implement the ideology of Pakistan in accordance with the 1973
Constitution, and the vision of the Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Iqbal.
The Consitution was the product of an avowed socialist Zulfikar Ali
Bhutto. Jinnah in his August 11, 1947, speech wanted a Pakistan where
Hindus won't be Hindus, Muslims won't be Muslims. Iqbal wrote “<i>Hai
Ram Ke Naam Pe Hindostan Ko Naaz</i>,' and more famously “<i>Saare Jahan
Se Accha Hindostan Hamara</i>.” And you thought a terrorist can't be confused.
Well, strains of falling between two democratic stools are already
showing up.</span> <span style="color: black;">If
the Indian state is sharp, we should only wish him Allah-speed!</span></span></span></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-48067082426049552632016-10-21T00:51:00.001+05:302016-10-22T12:11:18.724+05:30Kashmir Diary-I <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5R8MQGrEF9A/WAkM9jNnsfI/AAAAAAAALHY/RKRX3OVvpDkEaA4E8TU6r9ZFYRIZKszdQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160717_052358404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5R8MQGrEF9A/WAkM9jNnsfI/AAAAAAAALHY/RKRX3OVvpDkEaA4E8TU6r9ZFYRIZKszdQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160717_052358404.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Writing On the Wall In Pampore...Ghazwa-e-Hind.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PAMPORE</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> is where south Kashmir begins - the nerve centre of Jamaat’s might that
has seen majority of encounters between security forces and terrorists in the
last two months. The Entrepreneurship Development Institute
(EDI) building is targeted for being a symbol of Kashmiri youth’s escape from
the clutches of trans-border Jihad. As Army engages the militants, and local
police provides back up support, a third ring is thrown around the operation by
the paramilitary forces. Over an arch of two kilometers, the commandoes stand guard with their backs towards the encounter site. I ask the commandant about the queer placement. The boys
from the villages pelt stones at forces to distract them from the operation.
The third ring is to merely prevent that, he explains. A bunch of students with public school appearance in blazers and ties stops a few meters away, shouts <i>Nara-e-taqbir Allah-hu-Akbar</i>, and leaves as if nothing else needs
done.</span></span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tI-hgH7wVEw/WAkOzrsGsmI/AAAAAAAALHc/n7ZT6-s94e42fbsHZB1dsOME-C1lTwHoQCLcB/s200/IMG_20160409_100430048_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ASHRAF</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> owns and drives a cab through the tourist circuit of Kashmir. He has a 9-yr old daughter with an ailment that needs a complex
procedure in her head every year or so if she has to keep living. Two summers
ago as she lay dying, a doctor couple came honeymooning from Delhi. A bond
emerged as Ashraf took them around the snow clad meadows of Gulmarg and Pahalgam made famous
by score and more of Bollywood flicks from Bobby to Haider. The doctors
realized they could help. Since then, Ashraf has driven twice to Delhi, and got
her treated for free. How does this affect his thinking? My unit engineer
is headed for a guest live in the evening on the outskirts of Srinagar. As the
car passes Batmaloo, he asks Ashraf wasn’t this the spot of an encounter a week
ago where two terrorists were gunned down? An agitated Ashraf corrects him that they were not terrorists but Mujahids. Over next four days he betrays emotions for Azadi, and speaks the language of
victimhood nevertheless.</span></span>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGofnta5Lw0/WAkPHcATZtI/AAAAAAAALHg/bkkW9ARRoGU8HxeJdbTmoVYTz9_Ylj23ACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160409_121738205_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGofnta5Lw0/WAkPHcATZtI/AAAAAAAALHg/bkkW9ARRoGU8HxeJdbTmoVYTz9_Ylj23ACLcB/s200/IMG_20160409_121738205_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">MILLENIA before the British were born, Pandavas left no mountain range from Himalayas in the north to Vindhyas in the south, where they did not spend some time of their exile, thus marking out lose boundaries of India that is Bharat. So while following a trail of signages for a Pandava hideout in Tangmarg, I bump into Ahmed Bhat, a small time contractor with the state forest department. He invites home for tea. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the scenic Drung valley famous among anglers for its trout, the wooden Bhat home is straight out of a picture postcard. Making us comfortable in the carpeted warmth of his guest room, he vanishes for a while. Just as I start wondering if something is amiss, apprehension melts as Ahmed reappears with tea and biscuits in a tray. His teenage son is studying computers in Ludhiana, and daughter goes to village school. “Have you seen a terrorist?” I ask a cub reporter question on first assignment to Kashmir. "So many of course. They come and stay in any home in the village they want. Who can stop them?" It's a melange of emotions ranging from fear of the gun to camaraderie of a cause, from motivation of Islam to memories of those dead that connects the terrorist and the Kashmiri. Often its the sheer triteness of a situation that hangs as a cloud over the valley most times of the year, year after year. “Who in right mind would want this uncertainty around life? But its beyond commoners like us now. Only thing I could do was to send my son out of this ecosystem and hope for the best,” Ahmed says, pouring more tea.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aE9mvUmS6G4/WAkQxk0H7-I/AAAAAAAALHk/npG7gaY_WWAF_UMDNCTICwPEz8LP9LQBQCLcB/s200/IMG_20160717_165551087.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">MUDASIR</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
is a quintessential Kashmiri: passionate, emotional, hewn of the Kashmiri
literary tradition. Once, in his youth, he might have been a stone-pelter,
shouting Azadi. Now he is a cop. As a sub-inspector heading the Janglatmandi
chowki in Anantnag – at the centre of the post-Burhan Wani unrest – Mudasir
stands at the other end of the stones, proof of which he carries all over his
bruised body.</span></span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
meet him the day a blog-post by a young Kashmiri IAS officer has gone viral.
The harangue is how alienated the officer feels in the valley because of
jingoistic national media in Delhi. While the articulate babu only has to
choose on which channels his profile should get aired, Mudasir is more of a
nuts-and-bolts man on the ground.</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> “What
the terrorist indulges in is visual spectacle,” he borrows from Aristotle. And
then adds: “We need a tough body controlled by a calm mind to handle the situation.”
Between Newton and Gandhi, the latter is the obvious choice for him. “India won
its freedom through Gandhi. We can’t fall in the trap of equal and opposite
reaction.” Would this end? He says it won’t. Aristotle concluded in Rhetoric
that spectacle was the least artistic form of tragedy. Kashmir’s present is a
tragedy wrapped in a spectacle indeed.</span></span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9qgivZ7Y6Q/WAkRfqFRWAI/AAAAAAAALHs/ekfjw7-sEE0XIcU-Cx3XBBsOYTNRowDtwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160409_100119498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9qgivZ7Y6Q/WAkRfqFRWAI/AAAAAAAALHs/ekfjw7-sEE0XIcU-Cx3XBBsOYTNRowDtwCLcB/s200/IMG_20160409_100119498.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">HIS</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> name needs to be protected. So let’s call him K. As the Kashmir crisis broke in
1989, K crossed over to Pakistan and spent a year training as a terrorist
across the region from Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistani Punjab to Khosht and
Jalalabad in Afghanistan. From 1991 to mid-1990s, he remained a militant in
the valley carrying jihad against India. That was the time when the foreign
elements free from Afghan theatre started gaining upper hand, leaving the local boys disillusioned. They
could not connect with the Kashmir that was being introduced to them from
across the border. Assisted by the establishment, some of them turned against
Pakistan and came to be identified as Ikhwans. K lives a quiet life somewhere in
south Kashmir now, and admitted to feeling both suffocated and threatened. His
suffocation has led him to social media activism against the Hurriyat
narrative, which in turn has brought him under the radar of separatist forces
that would want him “sorted-out” as he says, by which he means he might be eliminated. With their hands full post Burhan
Wani, security apparatus too can’t offer him anything beyond neglect, thus
making him wonder if he chose the right path. His facebook posts however show
he still has hopes from Delhi, which in turn should give Delhi some hope.</span></span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJAiX0DWPqQ/WAkR8tuj2CI/AAAAAAAALHw/gqtAFsuki5YkgzbV1ssZCw-HLtycNitSgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160409_192526203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">MY</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> guide for the Makhdoom Sahib dargah perched atop Hari Parbat in downtown
Srinagar is in his early-20s. He is clean shaven and wears denim. As I get in, he stops at the
entrance. Says he does not believe in dargah worship. Inside, the shrine has equal number of men and women partaking
spirituality without segregation. Haji Ali, take note. Makhdoom Sahib in many
ways represents the original instrument of accession of Kashmir with India. A
contemporary of Akbar, and a seventh generation convert from a Chandravanshi
Rajput family of landlords, the saint had invited the great Mughal to take
control of the valley and contain the spread of Shia influence of the waning
Safavids to the west. By the mere act of refusing to enter the shrine, the
young boy disowns the very Kashmiriyat for which the stone pelters are
ostensibly fighting. Till about a decade ago, Asiya Andrabi would orchestrate
acid attacks to intimidate young Kashmiri women into wearing hijab. Now,
sisters Atiya and Nafsia Rizwi have opened an Abaya shop in Hawal area, selling
designs they call a fusion of Arabic and Iranian cultures. Arabic? Iranian?
Kashmiriyat?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(</span></span><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Should there be part-II to this Paradise Lost?</span></span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">)</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></i>
</div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-50563536677604870472016-08-21T01:46:00.000+05:302016-08-22T12:37:28.367+05:30Whom Does Balochistan Hurt?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">CONCERNS have been raised in some quarters that Prime
Minister’s Balochistan outreach (as also sharp focus on Gilgit-Baltistan) with
emphasis on Pakistan’s human rights record in these territories might backfire.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The specific fear is that mirroring Pakistan’s stance is
a false equivalence which might bring unnecessary global attention to Kashmir. Also, it can potentially rile the extended neighbourhood, and bring down
India’s moral standing in the comity of nations.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s take these arguments one by one. In the
fluttering-twittering times that we live, should we fear internationalization
or losing the plot to the enemy? To be provocative, has Kashmir not had international resonance earlier? If yes, to what
consequences?</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">From the UNCIP/UNMOGIP days in the immediate aftermath
of partition, to JK Galbraith’s soft borders solution, to the Robin Raphel
nadir in mid-1990, Kashmir has shown atavistically on global radar through much
of its troubled history. While those might have been engaging, even tense periods
for diplomats, subsequent history proves that it did not waiver India’s resolve
to hold on to Kashmir in any manner. In fact as the post-Kargil United States’
pressure on Pakistan proves, it was in India’s favor as well.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There are a couple of reasons why international focus in
changed circumstances might even be to India’s advantage. First is connected
with the growth dynamics of India. When Kennedy sought to push his plans with
Nehru, India was also begging for PL480 wheat. Cut to George ‘Dubya’ Bush, when
his Af-Pak emissary Richard Armitage, bluntly told the Pakistanis that he
was no interlocutor on Kashmir. This was when India was close to becoming a trillion dollar
economy. Now we are close to 2.5 trillion with clear markers of it touching 10
trillion in a decade or so.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The second factor is connected with global currents. Ignoring
Islamist radicalization much through 1990’s, demarches would be issued to
Indian diplomats in Washington, Geneva, and Oslo on our human rights record in
Kashmir. Statements would ritually add that the problem should be solved “taking
into account the wishes of Kashmiri people.” But 9/11 made western capitals
realize that the Frankenstein could turn towards them too. The sermons got muted. And
post-ISIS world is going to be even more receptive to India’s viewpoint on
Kashmir. This year has seen nights spent by foreign tourists in France down by
8.5% due to terror risks. It has started hurting.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Now let’s come to the other two issues raised. That
Modi’s picking up Balochistan could alarm neighbours has partly come undone
with Afghanistan making noises of approval. Does it rile China? May be yes, but
why should it be a cause for worry? That the 40-billion US dollars China-Pakistan
Economic (CPEC) corridor creates security challenges for India is an accepted
fact. Iran opting to give Chabahar to India is indication enough that Gwadar is
a concern for them as well.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Lastly, the argument that India’s moral stature could
stand diminished sounds a little antediluvian. Is it not a redundant Nehruvian
argument, a relic which most of the times failed Nehru himself? Are China and Russia
members of the Security Council because of their moral standing? Has our moral posturing
all these years since 1947 restrained Pakistan in any manner?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no gainsaying that the Modi government’s
handling of its Pakistan policy has ranged from clueless to confused despite
Prime Minister’s restlessness to engage with the truculent neighbour. But that
should not stop from a calculated innovation to be brought in. It is up to the
MEA mandarins now to fine tune the initiative.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-17800112370956186312016-02-28T18:40:00.001+05:302016-02-28T18:50:30.823+05:30The Jantar Mantar Of Democrazy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">COVERING protests is elementary journalism. But when
the protests are made for the camera the reporter can take a back seat and
observe instead. This one is about the barricaded stretch between Ashoka Road
and Parliament Street that acts as the pulse of nation’s ailments. And fanciful
solutions too.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">any good</span> day Jantar Mantar provides a patchwork
quilt of subaltern sub-nationalisms. From tribals of Narmada valley to a rape
victim from Punjab; from veterans unhappy with pensions to left-liberals
questioning Army’s copyright on patriotism. Anger and accommodation go together.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a corner a man sits spinning Charkha in just the
padmasana pose Bapu would have, selling books on Gandhi thought, lamenting how
the Mahatma has gone from our lives. Bang opposite him a group of white robed
men carry out a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Havan</i> for a
contemporary Bapu – Asaram – praying for his acquittal in a rape case.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then there is the curious case of Professor Bhim Singh,
self styled supremo of J&K based Panthers Party. He wants complete
integration of the State with India, but protests here for a more mundane
stuff. He wants his MP’s flat at VP House – taken away by the Modi government
as he is no more an MP – back, so that he can continue his struggle against the
infiltrators in Kashmir from Rafi Marg!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But then things get more curious. There is a protest by
the All India Guard’s Council against injustice to them in the seventh pay
commission award. Yogi Adityanath is the chief guest. Pray, what on earth is
the connection of the firebrand BJP MP from Gorakhpur with those guarding rear
of trains in India? That too against his own government? To paraphrase Deng
Xiaoping, it does not matter what color the cat is so long as it catches votes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A group of students affiliated to Congress want
Parliament to enact a law in memory of Rohith Vemula. An association for
paramilitary forces wants a law removed that disfavors the<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">ir pensions</span>. A famished woman
in tatters comes to me and wants to know which channel I am from. In good English
with a southern accent. Am told she is a former nurse who lost the narrative of
her life under the crush of circumstances and can now be seen giving stump
speeches to whoever cares to listen on all ailments India has, and their
solutions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And just in case one thought that the protests confirm
to prevailing ideological cleavage, there comes a group of Hindu Sena complete
with saffron <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">scarves</span> shouting “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rajnath
Singh Hosh Mein Aayo.”</i> If for a day the wishes of all those <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">sloganeering</span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Halla-Bol</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goli-Maro</i> were granted, half the cabinet of the country would have
to be shot dead, as also scores of bureaucrats, cops, judges, politicians, industrialists,
and businessmen. Revolution would have arrived.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the Book of Genesis of the Old Testament there is the
story of Tower of Babel. In it, a united humanity, speaking the same language,
decides to build a tower that would touch the heaven. The act of defiance and
enterprise is clearly not liked by a concerned God, who confounds their speech,
confuses them, and scatters them around the world.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Perhaps an ingenuous Raisina God took reverse
inspiration from the story and created a Tower of Babel at the Jantar Mantar,
to act as a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";"> safety</span> valve for all angst that the nation generates daily. In
the bargain keeping the heat from reaching the Hill, where mandarins can keep
their cool while fixing India’s tryst with destiny. For better or worse can be
dealt separately.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Meanwhile, in the mêlée I spot a young capitalist boy hawking
tea. He has improvised by bringing in green tea in the bucket, spotting
business opportunity in the English<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">-</span>speaking health<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">-</span>conscious segment of the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">protesters</span>. I would wager that ten years down the line he would have more freedom
in his life than the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">Bolshie</span> boy<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";"><i> </i>shouting<i> Le Ke Rahenge Azadi</i></span>.</span></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-27663595696091693272016-02-15T01:02:00.000+05:302016-02-15T01:02:16.995+05:30The Nehru in JNU<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">CAN a Valentine’s Day get sadder? A beautiful girl
walks up to you, looks in your eyes, searchingly, and shoots, “Shame on you.” Taken
aback, I ask if I know her. She again hisses, “Does not matter, you low life,”
before stomping off with an equally well turned up possible date. This took
place while covering student protests at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus
Sunday. The girl’s centre of ire was the boom mike in my hand in fact. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">A traditional left bastion, JNU is in the eye of a
media storm following a chain of events that started with slogans in support of
convicted and hanged terrorist Afzal Guru, and slapping of sedition charges
against eight students, including the students union president.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">One would say protests, and the reason behind them, are
par for the course for JNU. The protestors, which included faculty, shouted <i>Lal-Salaam</i>, and behaved as if they owned
the campus to the exclusion of every other ideology. It has been long known
that JNU is a left bastion. Do we wonder why? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Story goes back to the freedom struggle and its
leadership. The Indian National Congress then was an amalgam of varied ideologies
of all hues from left to right. The troika of Nehru, Gandhi, and Patel itself
so beautifully represented left, centre, and right, respectively. It was the
kind of movement where a Lenin acolyte MN Roy could co-exist with a Hindu
chauvinist KM Munshi, as could socialist Jayaprakash Narayan, and a capitalist
GD Birla in between.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">But post the Meerut conspiracy case of 1935 and acceptance of the Dutt-Bradley thesis,
the communist element increasingly gained prominence within the Congress. This
got further strengthened with the success of Soviet experiment in Russia giving
hope to many freedom fighters that it could be a post-independence model to
follow in India as well. The fear of a left takeover of the Congress and the
possibility of a revolution must have been so real that even Gandhi calibrated
his views towards more radical positions on economic and class issues. Land
would be taken over by farmers, and compensation of landlords would not be
fiscally possible, he would tell journalist Louis Fischer.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Given the scenario, Nehru in one of his most
understudied masterstrokes, made an arrangement in which, while the political
power stayed with the Congress, the intellectual space through India’s universities
was tactically ceded to the left. By giving the campus to the left, Nehru shot
many birds with a single stone. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">For one, with all the intellectual steam-letting that a
campus allows, the probability of a revolution, or a left takeover of the
Congress party receded into oblivion. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Two, the left leaning campuses flooded all echelons of
government under Nehru, himself an admirer of the Soviet experiment. If the
Planning Commission gave commanding heights to the State, the left leaning foreign
policy establishment made sure India found itself in the Soviet bloc, and the
larger bureaucracy that formed the steel frame, whether from St. Stephens, or
JNU, or Delhi School of Economics, only represented various hues of Marxism. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">A purge followed that left all institutions across the
country bereft of any counter ideology. Ask economist Jagdish Bhagwati why he
could not flourish at D-school, and it would be clear what I mean by purge.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Third, and so far as politics go, the most crucial bargain
for the secular-romantic Nehru was that this made sure the Hindu right would
not get any toe hold among the universities of the country, thus depriving it
of young talent. It would not be before half century and the Ram temple
movement that the right would attract masses towards it. On hindsight, it seems
even the RSS saw into this. For, it might not just be a coincidence that the
student wing of the Sangh, ABVP was set up in 1948, years before the VHP in
1964, or the BJP in 1980!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">The first NDA government under BJP was headed by
Vajpayee, who for all his Sangh upbringing remained a politician of Nehruvian
fold. But NDA under Narendra Modi is a different animal. Remember what Guardian
wrote in May 2014? That with the victory of Modi, the British have finally left
India. Possibly this is the first time that the tap of benign indulgence from
the establishment has run dry for the JNU. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">So it seems what we are seeing on it’s campus is the
beginning of a keenly contested turf war between the left and the right that would be replicated over many
more campuses across the country. For now what I can say is that Nehru did
succeed in saving India the pains of a revolution. His screwing up my Valentine’s
Day is perhaps a small price to pay!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-33968173827648083702014-10-03T19:10:00.001+05:302014-10-03T19:10:46.507+05:30Whither Us?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a short one, limited to my profession, but
significant nevertheless.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three episodes this past week – a starlet’s tiff with The
Times of India; heckling of Rajdeep Sardesai in New York; and Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s radio address on the lines of Roosevelt’s fireside chats of
1933-44 – have underscored the crossroads media finds itself standing at.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first incident was symptomatic of what has gone wrong
with the media in general – of the impulse to cater to the lowest common
denominator. Lest the onus be thrust on the easy scapegoat of media ownership,
it was an editorial call and the locus of responsibility remains firmly with
the editorial community, flagged as much by an editor from within the
organization.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second reflected an increasing disconnect between media
and society. Without nitpicking into who was at greater fault, the episode
showed the mistrust of the profession, and the flippancy it attracts now. Just
as the crowd did not understand – much less appreciate – the concept of a
contrarian press, the editor too got carried away with the activist streak in
him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the third episode only draws attention to mainstream
media’s irrelevance, brutally rubbed in by a sharp politician. In reaching his
audience over the head of the self obsessed editor, Modi perhaps rang a loud
warning bell. Shape up or ship out. A cribbing note by a restless Editors’
Guild demanding greater access to the establishment is no answer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In response to a question asked to him by the author at an
IIM-Ahmedabad talk about a year ago, Sardesai had admitted that news
television’s path today had become a race to the bottom. It came from someone well placed to at least influence the momentum of that race.
Sadly, newsmen have become prisoners of their own celebrity. Anonymity – once a
weapon in the hands of the faceless editor is now an even more potent missile
of the netizen. Television’s basic need of a face to connect means the benefit
of distance too has gone. We are in the muck of our own making.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the Bond movie “Tomorrow never Dies” media mogul Elliot
Carver claims he is not interested in a war he did not start, after having
plotted the third world war by triggering a military exchange between China and
not so great Britain. Clearly, agenda setting has its glamour. It’s
pro-ambition. It attracts raw energy. It gives aura of wielding power. Also, like
Carver, it attracts self-destruct, a state our profession finds itself in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what can be done? A long answer would need a thesis. In a
short one, we need to discern the difference between being a watchdog and a
hound dog, and try to reinvent ourselves as the former; of being only a mirror
to the society rather than trying to be the celebrity in front of it; of giving
up the grandeur of power. Or the hubris would get back at us like a Greek
tragedy.</div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-68333699617746057712014-06-29T12:36:00.001+05:302014-06-30T15:25:30.949+05:30Thimphu diary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBISmCwNePM/U6-w6NeN9KI/AAAAAAAABTo/4cbzrA1DFfg/s1600/13062014049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBISmCwNePM/U6-w6NeN9KI/AAAAAAAABTo/4cbzrA1DFfg/s1600/13062014049.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
THE radio voice of captain crackles to inform that the snow
capped peak to the far left is Everest. Little right of it is <st1:place w:st="on">Kanchenjunga</st1:place>.
As you soak in the sight excitedly, begins the most jaw dropping descent of
one’s life. The plane goes into the clouds and then swings left and then right
and then left. Both sides are mountains and the plane approaches the Paro
valley through sharp turning ridges. The quaint mountain villages and perched
monasteries greet with their dragon architecture. If the plane does not swerve
the wing span might hit the hills. Or so it seems. The landing at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Paro</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">International</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Airport</st1:placetype></st1:place> makes one say wow
and aww in the same breath! Only eight pilots are trained to land here. Even
the craft carrying Indian Prime Minister’s entourage is given a Druk Air
co-pilot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xCFqEENxeM/U6-3qNRjIbI/AAAAAAAABUI/QVL38vOZQLA/s1600/pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xCFqEENxeM/U6-3qNRjIbI/AAAAAAAABUI/QVL38vOZQLA/s1600/pic.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mountains and myths go together, be it Alps or <st1:place w:st="on">Himalayas</st1:place>. If it is the dragon legend of <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mount</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Pilatus</st1:placename>
in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Switzerland</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:country-region> has its
demons that had to be cowed down. One of the oldest monasteries, the Semtokha
Dzong on the outskirts of Thimphu, was built in 1629 after a monk Zhabdrung
Namgyal subdued dragons atop the mountain and laid the foundations for <st1:place w:st="on">Thimphu</st1:place>. Then there is something about mountain
architecture which connects the regions – from square homes with inclined roofs
to the flower arrangements in the balconies. The dragon motifs are the only
differentiators. The landscape ranges from breathtaking to out-of-this-world to
spectacular. You can make your choice. With only cars on the roads, <st1:place w:st="on">Thimphu</st1:place> has a very European feel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2SSuTsTdM8/U6-4ePGBBCI/AAAAAAAABUQ/WKFf4LJHcq4/s1600/king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2SSuTsTdM8/U6-4ePGBBCI/AAAAAAAABUQ/WKFf4LJHcq4/s1600/king.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The mountain kingdom is a young democracy. And a reluctant
one at that. In a mock poll before actual elections in 2007, hundred per cent
of the populace voted for the monarchy. The king is still loved.
Sanctum-sanctorums of all temples have his picture along with the deities. The
present king, 34 year old, <st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place>
educated, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk has a commoner’s touch. People can
approach him directly once a week; he mingles with them often, lives in a small
house, and has married a commoner. His father the fourth king Jigme Singhe
Wangchuk abdicated in favour of his son in 2008. The occasion was marked by
both the transition to democracy and a special blend of coronation whisky,
aptly called K5. Wangchuk senior has four wives and commoners believe this
gives the king long life. Clearly kings are divine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UA3IQQnNLRw/U6-wX37GWrI/AAAAAAAABTg/JWLxPtLsKRo/s1600/monks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UA3IQQnNLRw/U6-wX37GWrI/AAAAAAAABTg/JWLxPtLsKRo/s1600/monks.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a nation engrossed in prayers. You breathe holiness
here – monasteries, monks, prayer flags, even a holy tap on the way to Dochsla
pass that does not dry up even in snowy winters. Like in Hinduism, figure 108
is sacred. So you have 108 stupas at a monastery, 108 beads in the rosaries for
the monks, 108 volumes of Buddha’s teachings, 108 prayer flags that dot the
landscape. Monks and nuns constitute over ten per cent of <st1:place w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:place>’s population. Frame your
camera anywhere and one can not miss the red robe. That's why perhaps a monks-only washroom as well! And though Buddhism is the
State religion, monks are not supposed to vote as a marker of separation of
politics and religion. <st1:country-region w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:country-region>
is perhaps the only country in the world where while the population of men (and
women) of religion is increasing, that of its defence forces is decreasing. At
its peak in 2003 when the mountain kingdom assisted <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region> in chasing out north-eastern
insurgents from its forests, it had 5,000 men in uniform including army and police.
It has now come down to four thousand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYSFvtAPh0U/U6-xhKUGrXI/AAAAAAAABTw/xNWYw8YxGNc/s1600/13062014053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYSFvtAPh0U/U6-xhKUGrXI/AAAAAAAABTw/xNWYw8YxGNc/s1600/13062014053.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like the Himalayas, <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>
looms large in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:country-region>.
It was an Indian Brahmin turned Buddhist monk Guru Padma Sambhava alias Guru
Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to <st1:place w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:place> in the 8<sup>th</sup>
century CE. He is revered next only to the Avalokiteshwara himself, and forms
the huge Thangka backdrop at the reception of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
inside Tashichho Dzong, the central government’s administrative headquarters.
In the present, from the roads built by Border Roads Organization to the Hema
Malini named bus riding on it – India can not be missed. Their new Supreme
Court is through an Indian grant. We bank roll up to 60 per cent of their
annual plan size, and yet somehow the results are better this side. May be the
execution is more honest. It is an all weather friendship as high as the <st1:place w:st="on">Himalayas</st1:place> (to borrow from the Pak-China cliché!) But it
is no favor. <st1:country-region w:st="on">China</st1:country-region> should be
ready to flush <st1:country-region w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:country-region> with
funds and more the moment <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>
tightens its purse strings, and that would be dangerous. So even if the
relationship is not exactly bought, the money flow does keep it greased.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTQudWcbjzc/U6-zcThd-zI/AAAAAAAABT8/u9p3j0c6m6c/s1600/20140614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTQudWcbjzc/U6-zcThd-zI/AAAAAAAABT8/u9p3j0c6m6c/s1600/20140614.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only one moment worth quoting from the official part of the
visit. Prime Minister Tsering Tobgay interacts with a delegation of Indian
journalists. I introduce myself as representative of Times Now. His eyes dilate
as he comments he would be scared of us like every politician should be. That’s
some complement to my Editor-in-Chief. Only question is why a Bhutanese Prime
Minister should worry about an Indian anti-establishment channel. Next is Doordarshan journalist who adds he should be safe as he is from the national broadcaster. Tobgay is in good mood so rebuts by saying not if its the Bhutanese television. Nevertheless. Now I can claim to have shaken hands with at least two Prime Ministers of the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Youth in their national dress – the <i>Gho</i> – play dart game <i>Khuru</i>
in the meadows. Every hit of the Bull’s eye is a cause for celebration with
singing and dancing. People walk a lot. They also laugh a lot. They even age slowly. They are really
happy. Just one marker of how they do it – no one is allowed to buy more than
3,500 shares in any incorporated company, so that wealth is equitably
distributed. <st1:country-region w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:country-region>
markets itself as a place called happiness. In reality it’s even subtler than
idyll. From the graceful innocence of monks to the joviality of its
people, the world can learn a lot from this little mountain kingdom. <st1:street w:st="on">Shangri-La after all is no fiction.</st1:street></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-68875064503427863692014-05-10T17:54:00.003+05:302014-05-10T19:05:02.650+05:30Me Modi, Not Hindutva<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OC__zSfEllM/U24aFQhwnII/AAAAAAAABPc/XlZfObA1pZQ/s1600/modi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OC__zSfEllM/U24aFQhwnII/AAAAAAAABPc/XlZfObA1pZQ/s1600/modi.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
WOULD it not make breaking news if Narendra Modi gave a
sound bite saying he felt like an outsider in the RSS? That he failed to connect
with them intellectually? That he had nothing to do with the Ram temple
movement? Well, he did that in this campaign, and we missed it! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As journalists and editors, many times our self-absorbed
opinion making is self-serving too. So the only point that made news out of
British author Andy Marino’s political biography of Modi was his sadness on
2002 riots. Political observers did not bother to look beyond that in the book.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Most of the time I found that they could not understand
me,” says Modi of his disconnect with the RSS on page sixty-two. During
brainstorming sessions, “I would always sit on the last bench, preferring to
listen than to participate,” is another quote.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marino builds a narrative – with Modi’s due sanction it
seems – where the BJP's Prime Ministerial nominee is at odds with the Sangh Parivar on both legs
of its ideological moorings: economic and religious.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this part of the book Marino is writing of a time when
Modi was yet to arrive in the BJP, so if he, with his economic thought, felt
like a misfit, clearly it must have been with the Sangh. Here’s what Marino
writes: “…the solution was to produce more wealth…that would entail an
alternative economic model…a free market economy…that this put him in opposition to Congress was obvious, but this placed him in
opposition to his own colleagues in the RSS whose outlook was equally
conventional...Modi’s economic thinking in this phase gave him a career full of
friction with his colleagues it seems, whom he attempted to persuade to accept
new ideas.” This is backed by a Modi quote: “Not a single proposal, not a single
initiative was appreciated…always there was resistance, always there were
questions.” The author adds Modi’s experience in the parivar, because of his
alternative views, his own way of looking at and approaching problems, was that
of an outsider.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the other leg of the ideological diad – Hindutva and the
Ayodhya movement, Modi’s distancing is even more dramatic. When the Advani led
BJP was busy in the Ram temple movement, Modi on a sabbatical was setting up
his co-ed model school – Sanskardham – on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Marino
pleads that an objective and balanced assessment of Modi’s life must take note
of this. As ironies go, the book underscores that while Modi remained a mere
spectator, his arch rival and now Congress’ top leader in Gujarat, Shankarsinh
Vaghela was present in Ayodhya and is one of the 68 people indicted by the
Liberhan Commission.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now why is this narrative important? Of whatever I know
about Marino’s book, it is by all accounts a sanitized biography. The kind of
access the author has been given is incomparable and decidedly deliberate. What
can be safely concluded is that contents of the book have clear sanction from
the Modi team. The narrative is what Modi wants to be known.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So this is the picture of his that Modi wants the world to
know: Yes, he is a product of the RSS, but he does not carry the
baggage of Sangh’s thinking on two of its most important moorings. On economics
he is going to be a free-marketeer, not a Swadeshi wonk. Comparison is drawn with Margaret Thatcher on page 235.
Page 193 mentions how Manmohanomics has impressed Modi, despite the jibes the
two have shared in the campaign. And on Ayodhya it’s an arms length. The lesson
Modi drew from Ayodhya was that <st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place>
could be governed from the centre…not the extremes. It is clear someone in Modi
team told the author this. On page 211, Marino says as much. Modi’s right wing
route was by now a reference not to chauvinistic Hindutva – distant, irrelevant
– but to the idea of the free market and innovative governance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If in a week’s time Narendra Modi is <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>’s next Prime Minister, this
is how he would want himself to be seen. India's Thatcher. Period.</div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-80205095079676588802014-04-13T16:55:00.000+05:302014-04-13T21:50:09.037+05:30Milky Way diary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLLkUKmOpi4/U0pyHTWUrHI/AAAAAAAABMI/0qXH5u2EC6g/s1600/night-sk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLLkUKmOpi4/U0pyHTWUrHI/AAAAAAAABMI/0qXH5u2EC6g/s1600/night-sk.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
FROM under the halogen cover of city, one can easily count
the stars in the sky. The scattering of light makes sure that much of the night
sky remains invisible. Away from urban lights the picture changes however. We
choose the Little Rann of Kutch – LRK. By early evening this wilderness reveals
the Milky Way in all its glory – star lit night sky that is so cold and clear
that one knows for sure there are billions of stars above and the world beyond.
The LRK sky makes even tiny man-made satellites crawling through their
trajectories visible dime a dozen. To the naked eye!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rann is featureless. And consequently leaves one
directionless. It is perhaps this feature of Rann that might have turned stars
– and the night sky – into a source of directions – and time. For anyone
crossing the Rann, Polestar is north; Jupiter at the horizon is east; which
also means the evening is young; the rise of constellations a give away of how
mature the night is. If the Saturn is already visible, it must be past midnight.
If Mars is past the zenith, it is probably couple of hours before day break.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcOi0e5fIww/U0py5KRyCJI/AAAAAAAABMU/XjpgfXod6TE/s1600/moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcOi0e5fIww/U0py5KRyCJI/AAAAAAAABMU/XjpgfXod6TE/s1600/moon.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Long before it became science that Moon’s luminosity is
reflected sun-light, our ancestors had called Chandra the son-in-law of Surya!
As it turns out a philandering one, for Moon eloped with the wife of <i>Brihaspati</i>
– Jupiter. Is it that smoldering anger that gives the Jupiter the red stripes?
I wonder. But Moon would not be the same again. At 250x magnification it
unravels warts and all. Any lady who has seen the moon through a scope would
cringe at being a muse akin to the Earth’s satellite. Everyone agrees.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the evening progresses post dinner, it is the turn of
chief priest of the gods to shine brightest in the sky. Jupiter – <i>Brihaspati</i> in
Hindu myth – little stocky, bulging in the middle, the harbinger of prosperity is
up above us. As Zeus from Greek fable, he has been the philandering one, raping
Europa, who twinkles by its side. Other three moons of Jupiter – Ganymede, Io,
Callisto – become visible with a little focus, though which one is which is not
possible to identify. Nevertheless, it makes for a great picture.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvpOnaktHx4/U0pzVZsQ8HI/AAAAAAAABMc/jzPYolpCs8k/s1600/saturn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvpOnaktHx4/U0pzVZsQ8HI/AAAAAAAABMc/jzPYolpCs8k/s1600/saturn.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturn loves physical activity and discipline. Astrology
says it is the planet of hard work, renunciation, and the rhythms of life.
Again, much before science calculated that Saturn takes 30 years to make one
round of Sun, our seers had termed it the slow one – <i>Shani</i> means the slow
moving! But our Saturn does not look like angry – the <i>Rudra</i> – destructive <i>Shani
deva</i> it is made out to be. In fact it even manages to look cool, prancing with
its rings, for the kids to go up in excitement and give a second life to the
evening.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Women are from Venus became a cliché recently, but the planet
was termed as having feminine energies ages ago. As we wait for Venus in the morning sky, men become excited
to watch Mars. For the same cliche! Is it the misogyny of scientists that all of them are after Mars
and not Venus? Again, long long ago and certainly much before science termed it
as twin planet of Earth with possibility of life, <i>Mangal</i> was termed the son of
<i>Prithvi</i>…<i>Bhumiputra</i>! The redness of Mars at its edges makes it look like a
distinctly red ball in the sky.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The night sky by this time is choc-a-block with stories. Of
the ever changing pole star – Polaris now, it was Theban 10,000 years ago, and
would be Vega similar years hence. Orion, the hunter, stands with Sirius the
dog in position, being watched by Castor and Pollox – the sons of Jupiter and
two faces of Gemini constellation. Sage Vashishta along with wife Arundhati –
Mizar and Alcor from Greek legend – twinkle as part of the Big Dipper. Even up
to the medieval times, only those were trained as archers in armies who could
identify a twin-star like Vashishta-Arundhati.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Along the way we see galaxies and nebulas…millions of stars
that are being born…millions that have crossed middle age by the time their
first light touches us…stars that are dying…and of course stars that break and
fall on earth, making everyone wish for something before the streak of light
disappears. Is there are star for each one of us in this world? Makes me
recall Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s <i>Jo Beet
Gayi, So Baat Gayi</i>. But that’s for another day.</div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-59466704068437134442014-04-08T17:56:00.003+05:302014-04-08T18:01:00.057+05:30Tulsidas' If<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the birthday of Rama, so I recall a bunch of Chaupais
from Tulsi’s Ramcharita Manas that I read in class X, and have stayed with me
since. The source is religious, but the message is secular. It is like the poem
‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling. Ever a contemporary weapon in the battle called Life. Have
attempted a translation below despite the handicap of limited Hindi vocabulary. Here it goes:</div>
<br />
रावनु रथि बिरथि रघुवीरा, देखि विभीषण भयहु अधीरा।<br />
अधिक प्रीति मन भा संदेहा, बंदि चरण कह सखा सनेहा।।<br />
<br />
Ravana has arrived at the battlefront, decked up in full glory atop his well endowed chariot. Rama is standing on the ground, barefoot, only his bow in hand. Vibhishan knows Ravana’s might. He gets disturbed at this unequal battle and cannot stop himself from asking Rama, which he does with folded hands.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
नाथ न रथ नहि तन पद त्राना, केहि बिधि जितब बीर बलवाना।<br />
सुनहु सखा कह कृपा निधाना, जेहि जई होई सो स्यंदन आना।।<br />
<br />
Lord, you have no chariot, no body armour. How then would you win this mighty hero? Understanding Vibhishan’s discomfiture, Rama responds: Dear friend, the chariot that leads to victory is quite another.<br />
<br />
सौरज धीरज तेहि रथ चाका, सत्य सील दृढ़ ध्वजा पताका।<br />
बल बिबेक दम परहित घोरे, क्षमा कृपा समता रजू जोरे।।<br />
<br />
Valour and fortitude are its two wheels; truthfulness and good conduct are its banner and standard. Strength, discretion, self-control, and benevolence are its four horses; harnessed with the ropes of forgiveness, compassion, and evenness of mind.<br />
<br />
ईस भजनु सारथी सुजाना, बिरति चर्म संतोष कृपाना।<br />
दान परसु बुधि सक्ति प्रचंडा, बर बिज्ञान कदिन को दंडा।।<br />
<br />
Prayer to Almighty is the charioteer of that chariot; while dispassion is the shield, contentment the sword. <span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;">Again, charity is the Axe, reason the fierce lance; and the highest wisdom, the relentless bow.</span><br />
<br />
अमल अचल मन त्रोन समाना, सम जम नियम सिलीमुख नाना।<br />
कवच अभेद विप्र गुरु पूजा, एहि सम विजय उपाय न दूजा।।<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;">A pure and steady mind is like a quiver; while quietude and various forms of abstinence (Yamas) and religious observances (Niyamas) are a sheaf of arrows. Homage to one's teacher</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;"> is an impenetrable coat of mail; there is no other equipment for victory as efficacious as this.</span><br />
<br />
सखा धर्ममय अस रथ जाके, जीतन कह न कतहु रिपु ताके।<br />
महा अजय संसार रिपु जीति सकइ सो बीर, जाके अस रथ होई दृढ़ सुनहु सखा मति धीर।।<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;">My friend, he who owns such a chariot of piety shall have no enemy to conquer anywhere. The hero who happens to be in possession of such a strong chariot can conquer even that mighty and invincible foe, attachment to the world.</span></div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-7517384214165431362014-02-14T17:51:00.000+05:302014-02-15T11:44:37.795+05:30Bending Over Wendy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPFJkcS5Bcw/Uv4Itu5OpTI/AAAAAAAABF0/bsCW4ZSEsbA/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPFJkcS5Bcw/Uv4Itu5OpTI/AAAAAAAABF0/bsCW4ZSEsbA/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AS the Pandavas ascend to heaven, a dog leads the way. Why of all
animals a dog? Before this scene in the Mahabharata there is no mention of
Pandavas’ love for dogs. My curiosity led me to some bookshops catering to
religious tastes, but I did not succeed. My interactions with elders and family
pundits too did not yield results. May be I should have searched more, but
before that a bureaucrat friend gifted me this book by Wendy Doniger – <b>The
Hindus, An Alternative History (THAAH)</b>. And my search ended. The dog was Dharma
incarnate, the father of Yudhishthir, leading his son to high heavens. I was
hooked. This was two years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">Wendy is now accused of demeaning Hinduism, of disparaging its
gods, of belittling the heritage of this great religion through the very same
book. May be she intended all of the above. In the book she is cheeky of the
kind to juxtapose Draupadi and Sita; comes out as sex-obsessed (Freudian would
be a mild description); and even BBC has called her crude, rude, and lewd. If
one believes her opponents, much like the Russians in Goa, Wendy has colonized
the <st1:placetype w:st="on">territory</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Hindu</st1:placename>
studies outside of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place>,
and is the reigning mafia queen of that terra firma.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or may be she did not. Breathtaking is
inadequate to explain the sweep of the Hindu <i>dharmashashtras</i> contained in the
book. THAAH is a tome spilling over 750 pages covering a span from pre-history
to Hindus in the present day <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
Each page contains mythological stories with a meticulous cross reference of
multiple Hindu texts. For example she traces Radha </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">from <i>Bhagvata
Purana</i> to <i>Gita Govinda</i> to the <i>Bhakti</i> era. While writing on <i>Ramayana</i>, she weaves
in details from the <i>Brahmavaivarta Purana</i> that it was an illusory Sita that was
abducted by Ravana and not the real Sita, something we do not get to read in
both Tulsi and Valmiki versions. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She locates
satire in Upanishads and finds it bolshie (revealing her left orientation?), obviously something the Brahmins won’t do. To that
extent she rescues the religion from the tyranny of the Brahmin clique. <span class="apple-converted-space">She seems to be on a mission to focus on the
Hinduism narrative minus the Brahmin Sanskritists. </span>Need we object? Has
it not been attempted many times earlier from within? After all Buddha and
Mahavir were not Jews.</span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far so
good.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wendy declares her beef is with the
privileged Hindu male who gets to construct, deconstruct, and guide the Hindu
narrative, and hence her agenda of focusing on alternative people whom she
defines as all those who are not high caste males. She believes and writes that
Hindus seldom drew a sharp line between secular and religious? Well, does the
Hebrew Bible not do the same? Was Moses not a king, a doctor, a judge, a
priest, all rolled into one? Is it not the Levite male that constructs,
deconstructs, and guides the narrative of her religion? Do not Paul and
Mohammed guide Christianity and Islam respectively?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In her search of the alternative she
meets adventurous, feisty, and intellectually sharp women in Draupadi, Gargi,
Kunti, and Maitreya. In contrast, the only adventurous woman that comes out of
Bible was an Egyptian queen from </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sheba</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.
Though Esther was Hebrew, she blossomed only as a Persian queen.</span><br />
<span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">She gets it awfully wrong at places like
when she claims that Hindus developed respect for the Gita only after the British
and the Americans found and praised it. She is even more perplexed that a book </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">written in the context
of war can be a weapon of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>non-violence
of equal measure in the hands of a Gandhi. So much for five decades of scholarship!</span><br />
<span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">So
the larger question is how we deal with her and her work. Is pulping the best
option? This kind of counter attack renders us susceptible to be labeled as bigots. It's a trap we can well avoid. <b>THAAH</b> is not a thesis. It’s an encyclopedia on Hinduism with an ethnocentric spin. But it does narrate a story one would not get to hear easily
from mainstream sources as a Hindu. I would wager we take it in stride. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The religion of the Hindus survived the <i>Charvakas</i> who called Vedas full of internal contradictions and
useless repetition. I am sure it would survive Wendy.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: white;">If anything we should see this as an
opportunity to make our religion’s intellectual heritage more accessible – a sort
of taking it away from the snooty Brahmins. We don’t need less Wendy; we need
more of her, but from within our own stables. I know it is easier said than done in the context of the contested domain of history studies in our country with the dominance of the Left. But that's the only way to go.</span></span></div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-12461559031384328342013-12-23T18:41:00.000+05:302014-05-24T16:42:23.960+05:30AAP Ka Kya Hoga?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDAT9NDVg0Y/Urg19EQUk9I/AAAAAAAABB8/lI8hB02Yid0/s1600/ERHF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDAT9NDVg0Y/Urg19EQUk9I/AAAAAAAABB8/lI8hB02Yid0/s1600/ERHF.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
AS coincidences go, the day AAP was trying to work out a “stalled
decision” on forming Delhi government, television was showing 1986 Hindi flick ‘<b><i>Ek
Ruka Hua Faisla</i></b> (ERHF)’ – a Bollywood remake of 1957 Hollywood classic ‘<b><i>12
Angry Men</i></b>’.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The echo of similarity between AAP’s exercise and the movie’s
title was not the end of the coincidence however. If one was about
crowdsourcing democracy, the other was about crowdsourcing justice. Now I have not
seen the <st1:place w:st="on">Hollywood</st1:place> original and am told that
the Bollywood copy was only a poor cousin. More significantly, <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region> does not
have a jury system so the idea itself is a little out of place. But this post
is not about a movie review.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sum and substance of ERHF was a caricature. Of what
happens when a crowd or a mob is made the decider of destinies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those who have not seen the movie, ERHF is centred on a verdict
that needs a unanimous approval of a jury. The court has found a young man
guilty of his father’s murder and slapped a death sentence. The jury – a dozen
men who are a hodgepodge of varying degrees of temperaments, motivations,
prejudices, and flippancy – has to iron out their differences and make a choice
which would mean life and death for the convict.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The film is a commentary on consensus building by a group
and proves the adage ‘too-many-cooks-spoil-the-broth’ rather apt. Most of the jury
conclusions are based on assumptions and speculation, not facts. The proceedings
amount to a mis-trial looked at from a legal eye.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I come to my point.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arvind Kejriwal swore on his children that he would not take
or give support to Congress or BJP. Now following a crowdsourced decision he is
set to be Delhi Chief Minister. Kejriwal and his party have made a decision –
or rather cooked one – for which they would pay through their nose as soon as
the summer of 2014.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like the jury in ERHF, AAP’s decision might be based on
assumptions and speculation that do not go well with hard politics. For one, Congress
has bared its fangs even before the oath taking. So for all practical purposes,
Kejriwal can forget about any honeymoon period. Two, post results analysis,
pollsters are clearly of the opinion that much of AAP’s vote was a snatch from
an ill-prepared BJP’s kitty. Come 2014 and a Modi BJP would not be the same
entity as a Harshvardhan BJP. Three, <st1:city w:st="on">Delhi</st1:city>
saw over two years of AAP activism, including its IAC avatar, prior to
elections, which is not the case in rest of the country. Four, after <st1:city w:st="on">Delhi</st1:city> government, effectively
there are no personalities left to fan out across the country to work the AAP
magic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Am still not writing AAP’s epitaph. But the party might
already have seen its best.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkE3dPrDqnI/Urg2Q7MaSLI/AAAAAAAABCE/yipOAywQNnM/s1600/images1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkE3dPrDqnI/Urg2Q7MaSLI/AAAAAAAABCE/yipOAywQNnM/s1600/images1.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-86235447323886197382013-12-18T18:17:00.000+05:302013-12-19T11:16:35.654+05:30Devyani And The Maid: Thousands Years Hence.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
IT so happens that not for the first time a woman named Devyani
has landed in trouble due to her maid servant. For those who have read Girish
Karnad’s play Yayati, it would immediately strike what I mean.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those who have not, here goes the myth of Devyani.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVcVxn745yc/UrGYa-6uXmI/AAAAAAAABBA/W6PBdYchN_g/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVcVxn745yc/UrGYa-6uXmI/AAAAAAAABBA/W6PBdYchN_g/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thousands of years ago there was a girl called Devyani,
daughter of chief priest of demons (Asuras) sage Sukracharya. She was friends with
princess Sharmishtha, daughter of demon king Vrishparva. One day while on a
forest trip an altercation between the two led to Devyani being thrown into a
well by the princess. The damsel in distress was rescued by a king named Yayati
who was passing by, and obviously had to fall in love. But she won’t go home
till justice was done to her which was short change for an angry guru Shukracharya
to wrest from minion Vrishparva. As her comeuppance Sharmishtha was made
Devyani’s maid!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The changed roles however did not affect Devyani’s fate. She
had to suffer at the hands of the maid, this time with Yayati falling in love with
Sharmishtha, and having three sons with her. Devyani had to again fall back on
the wrath-making powers of her sage father. Yayati was condemned to
turn old in his youth and rest as they say is mythological history.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiMlhhJtwIQ/UrGYvvb470I/AAAAAAAABBE/ims6tLos8tQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiMlhhJtwIQ/UrGYvvb470I/AAAAAAAABBE/ims6tLos8tQ/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thousands years hence, diplomat Devyani is in a soup because
her maid got ideas to attain American citizenship (Yayati's love?) and in the
process get her boss thrown in jail. Shukracharya’s (<st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>’s) ire is being tested again!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LoL</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-76085564436827996902013-12-03T18:48:00.003+05:302013-12-03T18:48:52.371+05:30Shame Of The Long Night<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsmsRfPNTL4/Up3ZMXxdQQI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/PXGgYvPgwco/s1600/bhopal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsmsRfPNTL4/Up3ZMXxdQQI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/PXGgYvPgwco/s320/bhopal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Today marks the 29<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of the Bhopal gas tragedy – right day perhaps to recall not only how
shamelessly the State failed its people before the might of a multi-national, how
a duly elected Chief Minister facilitated the escape of the Union Carbide boss Warren Anderson,
and how justice eludes the victims nearly three decades after the industrial
disaster, but also how it shamed its own judiciary before the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">It is a lesser known
fact from the tragic saga that the Indian government had not only preferred to
knock at the doors of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United
States</st1:place></st1:country-region> judiciary but condemned its own
judges as incompetent in the eyes of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The Indian petition
before the New York district court in 1985 submitted that “courts of India were
not up to the task of conducting Bhopal litigation…that Indian judiciary was
yet to reach full maturity due to the restraints placed upon it by the British
Colonial rulers who had shaped the Indian legal system to meet their own ends!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">It was left to the
<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>
judges to hold a mirror before the spineless Indian establishment asking it to
have a measure of self-respect. To quote the US Court of Appeal in the Union
Carbide vs. Union of India case: “…the Union of India is a world power in 1986,
and its courts have the proven capacity to meet out fair and equal justice. To deprive
the Indian judiciary of this opportunity to stand tall before the world and to
pass judgement on behalf of its own people would be to revive a history of subservience
and subjugation from which <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>
has emerged. <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>
and its people can and must vindicate their claims before the independent and
legitimate judiciary created there since independence of 1947."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The narrative of
Indian government’s farcical conduct did not end with this of course. As is well known now, the Rajiv Gandhi government rubbed in an out of court settlement on the victims, with
the Union Carbide having to pay only US dollars 470 million as full and
final payment, absolving the company of all criminal liabilities!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">It was left to
activists and the Supreme Court to get the criminal liability back in 1991.
Rest is history as they say. The fugitive Anderson
lives out his life in posh <st1:city w:st="on">Hampton</st1:city> enclave of
Long Island in <st1:state w:st="on">New York</st1:state>, and the Indian
government in its latest has maintained they have no documents to prove that <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Anderson</st1:place></st1:city> was ever
arrested, leave aside that he was bailed out!</span></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-15033835434159985702013-12-02T13:13:00.001+05:302013-12-02T13:13:54.685+05:30The other IM – Integrated Muslim.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDa62eo19u8/Upw3ZUSrJxI/AAAAAAAAA-o/UdoUB_I-r6E/s1600/fatima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDa62eo19u8/Upw3ZUSrJxI/AAAAAAAAA-o/UdoUB_I-r6E/s200/fatima.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Could
Sony Entertainment Television have choreographed it? The first and last winners
of the Rs 10 million booty this season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) both happen
to be Muslims. And like with most KBC winners, Taj Mohammed Rangrez and Fatima
Firoz do not seem to have any privileged background.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Do these winners represent a kind of Muslim? Did their achievement ride on the back of any patronage? Did KBC follow any system of reservations or scholarship to assist the duo to win? In the light of the ongoing political debate for Muslim reservations and
preferential allotment of national resources to the community, this development
comes loaded with a perspective. Let’s elaborate. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vldiDpi2z94/Upw48YyWaTI/AAAAAAAAA_A/AskSECaAFv4/s1600/taj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vldiDpi2z94/Upw48YyWaTI/AAAAAAAAA_A/AskSECaAFv4/s1600/taj.jpg" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Rangrez, 42, is a history teacher from </span><st1:place style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;" w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Udaipur</st1:city></st1:place><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">. His surname also suggests he might
be from the OBC community. Fatima, 22, is a science student from </span><st1:place style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;" w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Saharanpur</st1:city></st1:place><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> who had to
leave her studies midway due to financial constraints. She also lost her
father, the sole bread winner, couple of years ago, leaving behind an all women
family, an unpaid loan, and community ostracism.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">It is not clear whether either of them is a product of the madrassa
system, but what can be said with some certainty is that both must have gone
through a very secular preparation for appearing on the show and to have
performed to win. Rangrez in fact showcased his understanding of scriptures
from multiple religions to audience applause. In case of <st1:place w:st="on">Fatima</st1:place>,
symbolism went the whole hog: her Rs 10 million question was about which Indian
woman has scaled highest peaks of all continents across the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Do we get a sense then, of what these two Muslims represent? Does merit
ring a bell? If yes, then are Rangrez and <st1:place w:st="on">Fatima</st1:place>
representative of something that can be posited as an ideal? If Indian
Mujahideen is a certain kind of Muslim, do Rangrez and <st1:place w:st="on">Fatima</st1:place>
present an alternative? It can be abhorrently patronizing to point fingers, but
even if partly, Muslims have to find some answers to their ills on their own,
does the duo at least flag the direction?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">The Sachar panel underscored that not all problems facing Muslims are perception
issues; that there are definitely some real concerns that need attention and alleviation.
But to make a limited point here, can the prescription be tweaked so as to
instill a sense of self-respect among Muslims rather than promote a dependent
psyche? Something that has had serious repercussions already in another segment
of the Indian society. I shall come back to this issue soon with more.</span></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-29230731538183386882013-10-30T13:08:00.000+05:302013-10-30T13:08:54.059+05:30Debate over Sardar as PM and his health<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zz8ExiZa5hI/UnC2uZaBhNI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/uG_jrIGaa48/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zz8ExiZa5hI/UnC2uZaBhNI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/uG_jrIGaa48/s400/download.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
AS expected, Narendra Modi has raked up the ever latent
issue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s candidature for Prime Ministership at
independence again. The debate – essentially engendered by <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>’s right –
emphasizes the Patel-Nehru cleavage and Mahatma Gandhi’s role in choosing Nehru
as his successor. The argument is that Patel was the best Prime Minister <st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place>
never had.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this context some interesting material came my way
recently while reading archived communication – exchange of letters – between
Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi between 1932 and Mahatma’s death in 1948. It
comes out rather clearly that Sardar had bungled up his health and that though
not the sole factor, it might have been a contributing cause in Gandhi’s
decision to opt for Nehru over Patel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1934 Sardar was actually released from jail on grounds of
ill health…there was something to do with his nose. In fact 1930 onwards, a
pattern emerges where “improve your health” is a constant nag from Bapu to
Sardar. In a letter from Segaon on August 15, 1938, Gandhi chides sardar thus:
“…you may be the Sardar to others, but you do not seem to be any better than
your own slave. The true sardar is he who has control over his own self.” In
1945, from Sevagram, Bapu wrote that railway journeys causing strain were no
longer meant for Sardar. Even from <st1:city w:st="on">Bombay</st1:city> to <st1:city w:st="on">Poona</st1:city> he was advised to
fly. By 1946 Sardar Patel’s health was poor enough to warrant him to be excused
from election work. In a letter of July 2, 1946 Patel writes in his own words: My
health is deteriorating and there seems to be no way out. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nevertheless, the fact that Nehru outlived Patel by a good
14 years reduces the debate over what India’s destiny would have been had Patel
taken over as PM rather than Nehru to academic interest only. However, while
on this topic, an interesting digression would be to focus on the health of one
more important personality of that period. Mohammed Ali Jinnah too was
suffering from serious ailments, but it seems it was a closely guarded secret. There
is no contemporary record to establish when exactly his harmless tuberculosis
turned into life taking lung cancer and became public. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The question then is had Indian freedom leadership led by
Gandhi known of Jinnah’s health and impending end, would they have behaved
differently over partition? For example, could they have delayed their
acceptance of Mountbatten plan by some months? Opens up tantalizing
possibilities to be explored for academic purposes, and I shall come back to
this topic in near future.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-90174609302341306792013-07-13T16:07:00.000+05:302013-07-13T16:15:26.396+05:30Pakistan: Alice in Blunderland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">BEING Indian, calling <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region> a
failed state can get branded as motivated. But a cursory sifting through the leaked
Abbottabad report on Osama Bin Laden (OBL) would confirm the thesis in sharp
relief. Since other aspects from the report have been illuminated in some
measure by the mainstream media, I attempt here to focus on some humour instead. The
examples are randomly picked, quotes lifted from the report in its own language,
with comments added only to sharpen the pun. Troubles <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region> faces
qualify as gargantuan on any scale. In a situation like this, for anyone there
in position of authority to keep a straight face is to look at the lighter side
of life. Enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Whenever security is given exclusive priority,
the first thing that is undermined is security itself!" <b>How?</b> Then
again…currently, we have no national security policy, because we have no
national economic, educational, population, health, social, environmental,
or any nation building policies…<b>hello, what do you have then?</b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In the first flush of news reports the
Government of Pakistan actually congratulated the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>
in getting OBL! Only after realizing that…<b>errr</b>…the American raid might have just
consisted a violation of sovereignty and a slap on their face…a tight one
at that…that all talk shifted to betrayal and attack on Pakistan’s asmita.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>A gem from then Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani
Khar</b>: <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>
has been too preoccupied with what’s happening in the world to focus on
what’s happening at home. <b>As per Khar</b> if <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region> is in a mess it’s
owing to the myopic decisions taken by US in 1980s! What was Khar’s daddy
generation doing, one may ask?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Then <b>Interior Minister Rahman Malik deposed</b>
that the Patwaris and Constables need to be blamed for failing to pick up
signs of such a famous fugitive right under the nose of Pak Military
Academy in Abbottabad. <b>Really?</b> <b>Not ISI?</b> And what he himself thought of
OBL’s whereabouts? <b>Malik responds</b>: Well I thought he must have been
somewhere in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Yemen</st1:place></st1:country-region>!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In a
testimony termed as disarmingly candid by the Commission, the <b>Pakistani Minister
of Defence informs</b> that he came to know of the American raid from his
daughter in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state>.
No one from the generals or security establishment thought it fit to
inform their boss! When asked how he allowed himself to be bypassed he says
“Well, in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>
things were different. Information traveled from bottom to top and not
from top to bottom!!”</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Another politician questioned, the <b>Chief
Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa</b> province where Abbottabad lay, claims in
his deposition before the Commission that the federal and provincial
governments were too busy in counter-terrorism operations to bother about
finding OBL! Well, <b>finding OBL is not counter-terrorism?</b> Another gem from
him: the writ of the government can not be enforced by the government
alone. It needs cooperation from all stakeholders. <b>Meaning writ of the
government does not run even on its stakeholders? </b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Such is the power of the institution called
Army in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:country-region> that
the Commission could not even indirectly suggest that OBL living in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>
for nine years without detection had anything to do with it. A typical
para reads like this: OBL escaped detection because … of the negligence
shown by government departments like NADRA, the Revenue department, the
local police, special branch, the Abbottabad Cantonment Board, utility
service providers, traffic police, excise department et al…in short
<b>everyone but not the Army! </b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The <b>DG-Military Intelligence</b> under whose
jurisdiction OBL’s Abbottabad holiday home came blames non-responsive
behaviour of the society. He laments, people do not inform, the whole
system is dysfunctional, and in given circumstances the intelligence
agencies had not done a bad job. Dear Sir, you expect common man to fill
in where your trained sleuths failed? At least twice in the report two
Army generals suggest that the <b>OBL raid happened because the civilians
are fools</b>. Once even the Commission had to chide the general for his
arrogance. But nothing beyond that. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Again, the length to which one goes in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>
to indulge with the Army becomes clear from this. In a moment of sarcasm
perhaps, a rhetorical question is asked by the Commission: Is it official
or unofficial defence policy not to attempt to defend the country if
attacked by a military superpower like the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>? Before generals come clean
on this, the Commission itself clarifies, rather indulgently: <b>“Why be
despondent if the problem is superior flying and defence technology
available with US?”</b> For full three hours four US Air Force choppers were
deep inside Pak territory and Army can not be blamed!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana;">On why Barack Obama’s
warnings that US would take unilateral action if OBL was found in Pak, not
taken seriously, a general told the Commission, <b>“Well the US never gave it
in writing!!!”</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana;">Then again, if you believe the DG-ISI
<b>there is mad rush to get a Pak visa by Americans!</b> So much so that if the
ISI objected to visa application made in one <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region> mission abroad, the
applicant would get it from some other mission! The DG then laments that
no one, including the Defence Minister, has read the basic documents
concerning defence policy, that there was simply no culture of reading
among the political leadership. Could Defence Minister reading policy have
helped prevent OBL from hiding in Pak for nine years? Or stop Americans
from raiding Abbottabad? Shhh…its ISI, so the Commission does not counter
question. And see the dark humour in the DG when he says that many decent
people have been harmed by the ISI, but …errr…we have learnt from the
experience. OK, but what happened of those decent people? No answer.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Commission was tasked to pin down the
responsibility of the biggest-security-failure-since-1971 in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>
on somebody. And it does not disappoint. In concluding remarks it asks a
question to itself: Who was responsible? And responds: <b><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>
responsibility is clear…it acted like a criminal thug…!!!</b></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-67808323008999936412013-06-15T17:30:00.001+05:302013-06-15T17:33:06.366+05:30Goa Diary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6crGtaMalLc/UbxOXCD_gpI/AAAAAAAAAwY/0LgI8kL6bBs/s1600/06062013170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6crGtaMalLc/UbxOXCD_gpI/AAAAAAAAAwY/0LgI8kL6bBs/s200/06062013170.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">If one thought some profound business of politics happens at
a national party’s national executive, here are some gems from chats with top
leaders in the BJP. Mind you, very top so take it seriously: Ninety per cent
speeches are repetitive…yawn…so what if only top leaders speak. Ninety per cent
attendance is good…so what if those missing include L K Advani, Uma Bharti,
Yashwant Sinha, Jaswant Singh, Shatrughan Sinha. One leader is so bored inside
that he prefers to read on i-pad than focus on the proceedings. In his words he
is physically present, but mentally absent. Conclusion: video conferencing
would be better. Well, going by illnesses, it might become the norm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7UoQvJYpCo/UbxRFoUJlUI/AAAAAAAAAww/Z8O9XChcUd8/s1600/10062013183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7UoQvJYpCo/UbxRFoUJlUI/AAAAAAAAAww/Z8O9XChcUd8/s200/10062013183.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">You can not miss him. Not because he looms larger than life,
but for his contrariness. Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar presents a
refreshing change for a politician. No commandos, no hang ups. Have heard the
stories of his aam aadmi-ness. Like he flies cattle class, goes to buy fish on
his scooter even now. And then I get to see it with my own eyes. He has come to
the airport to receive his party's leaders. His motorcade is only of
two cars, but the one for other VIPs creates a commotion at the Airport.
Unassuming Parrikar gets down and helps the vehicles move back and forth. No
wonder even my Muslim driver Shabbir has a sense of ownership over his CM.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxxPF2WyI8Xhon-HUAuEjwqJP9uX98t3pxTu-XcpFkBp9mYJk2pWodGbPu6TTvjd7suXrOdg32uirM-XAg-cA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Goans, much like our Sorathias, love easy life. The day
starts not before 10 am, and then shuts down for an afternoon siesta. Except
for the tourism industry they call it a day early as well. In an idea of the
kind of weighty issues Goa Ministers must tackle, they are chief guests at
cooking contests. Here they make policy announcements like culinary skills need
to be improved, err further? Mushrooming casinos show the premium on good life.
There are big ads in papers saying </span><st1:place style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">Goa</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> against
Casinos, but unperturbed, government has brought in a new legislation for even bigger
ones! Above, video of a spice plantation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFMCWFAcNd8/UbxW2sS7y4I/AAAAAAAAAxY/BV9ntpe1zKU/s1600/10062013180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFMCWFAcNd8/UbxW2sS7y4I/AAAAAAAAAxY/BV9ntpe1zKU/s200/10062013180.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Shabbir tells of how a good numbers preferred to retain their
Portugese passports and have in fact migrated, leaving behind their costly real
estate, transfer of which is governed by State law. All of it is heritage now
lining the uptown </span><st1:street style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Miramar Road</st1:address></st1:street><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">.
In fact, citizenship is still an issue in </span><st1:place style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">Goa</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">.
There is a writ pending in the Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court against
hundreds of top government officials, including legislators, against their dual
citizenship Interestingly, though Indian law does not allow it, the present Goa
government is game for it. I ask Manohar Parrikar himself in the hotel lobby
while going through the newspaper and he laughs saying he too was born a
Portugese citizen! Left, Basilica of Bom Jesus, UN World Heritage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">Goa</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> had a culture of bull fights. Called </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">dhirios</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">
in Konkani, the traditional sport was banned in 1998, but can still be seen on
the sly, particularly in the south. A section of Goans wants it to be revived
and a campaign is building up in support. The bulls fight anyway during their
mating season, the argument goes. South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha is for it,
one of his supporters have filed a petition in court recently.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rISdIIYJRjw/UbxRkKRqkII/AAAAAAAAAw8/XQrzObcEvyk/s1600/10062013182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rISdIIYJRjw/UbxRkKRqkII/AAAAAAAAAw8/XQrzObcEvyk/s200/10062013182.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Much of Catholic understanding among Indians is Goan, thanks to Bollywood. On the ground the place is as syncretic as one can get. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Two examples of Hindu influence: use of Hindu temple style garlands to
adorn deities in churches, and roadside religiosity with crosses put up like
Hindu shrines. Extending the example of Goan syncretism is the mosque by Adil
Shah. Its architecture (right) would easily pass off as Hindu if one is specifically not told that
it’s a mosque. </span><st1:place style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">Goa</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> is the only State of India
that has successfully running common civil code. Shabbir does not mind. He
feels it to be more of an enabler in </span><st1:place style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">Goa</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">’s
good communal relations than a differentiator. May his tribe increase.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BViUCjnXQKM/UbxQiyoVgeI/AAAAAAAAAwo/lO7fwyv7uLk/s1600/08062013173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BViUCjnXQKM/UbxQiyoVgeI/AAAAAAAAAwo/lO7fwyv7uLk/s200/08062013173.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Beaches and football in many ways define <st1:place w:st="on">Goa</st1:place>.
So not unnatural to spot football on the beach. We might not hear a lot of the
Salgaokars and the Dempos in the post-Doordarshan era but football is alive,
and well, kicking in <st1:place w:st="on">Goa</st1:place>. Mercifully, cricket
can take a back seat. After a piece-to-camera at the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Miramar</st1:place></st1:city> beach I join in a bunch of
youngsters. I have my own football story, but shall keep it for a later post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-19050248112623294012013-05-28T12:43:00.000+05:302013-05-28T12:43:32.566+05:30The News Republic of Baroda <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFofSdKxOgc/UaRX1D4UARI/AAAAAAAAAu4/lgWqHPh3hAg/s1600/16022013122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFofSdKxOgc/UaRX1D4UARI/AAAAAAAAAu4/lgWqHPh3hAg/s320/16022013122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;">HOW many local news channels can a medium sized
city like </span><st1:city style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Baroda</st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;">
have? Or should have? Four? Five? Nine? The city boasts of 23 registered
television news organizations. To put it in perspective, </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">India</st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;"> has only 14 national Hindi news channels.
Add five of English, that’s still four short of Baroda’s tally!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;">That naturally takes one to the question: why is
the culture capital of </span><st1:place style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">Gujarat</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;"> that news
hungry? Is it a reflection of city’s intellectual urges? Or is it something
else. Its not intellect when the stellar list of owner-editors includes a
former Omelet selling hawker, a plastics trader, a former student leader, and a
bootlegger. My limited pursuit of this question unfortunately did not lead
to a cogent explanation, except for, may be that it is an accident of
circumstances.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;">If for a moment we assume everything to be
above board, the business model is quite simple. Keep a camera team on the
ground to cover events, mostly accidents and press conferences, turn the
contents collected through the day into a half hour bulletin, burn a CD, and
give it over to a cable operator to beam it into local homes. In reality, the
camera team is actually a half educated boy who is given a cheap CCD video
camera and a mike. This cheaply equipped reporter-cameraman is mostly cheaply
paid as well. Paying the cable operator for the air time is the only other cost
to be borne. Bingo, and you own a news organization!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;">Two are cheekily named – DNTV (a take on NDTV),
and Times News Network (copying TOI’s TNN) – while another is simply called
7.30 as it gets aired in that slot in the evening. In case you thought some of
it might be difficult, one is even named Easy. Except for three channels – VNM,
TNN, and Easy – seen across the city, rest are actually Gali-Mohalla wonders
seen in pockets where they have clout with the cable operator. Many actually are only on paper, giving
fake prestige to the person registering it with administration. A sort of
arrangement that helps them put PRESS in bold on their vehicles just to avoid a
traffic cop’s chit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;">My own experience during cub reporter days in </span><st1:city style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Baroda</st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;"> was that lot of
hanky-panky also goes on behind these organizations. Not to mention the embarrassment
such paparazzi crowd can be at a press conference, bringing down overall level
of journalistic discourse with their crassness and conduct. According to some
owners who are genuinely in the business to provide a local news platform the
scene turned bad when the cable networks decided to get into news for the
leverage the PRESS tag would bring. Add a few rotten eggs and the scene went
from bad to worse.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;">I am flagging the issue as it is connected with
larger media scene in the country as well. While multiplicity is seen as
guarantor of media’s independence – a countervailing force against domination
of few points of view – this kind of hydra headed explosion too is not in the
interest of both integrity and quality of the profession.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;">*<i>Baroda’s
channels</i></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.5pt;">: VNM, GVN, GNN, TNN, DNTV, KTV, GTV, B-TV, BRG
News, Katar Sayaji, Times News Network, Tahelka, Raj Kavi, News Plus, Crime
Point, Today News, 7.30 PM, Gujarat News, India Aaj, Katibandh, Easy TV, and
Vadodara Mitra.</span></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-3546572887145440842013-05-27T11:00:00.000+05:302013-05-27T11:00:46.703+05:30COINS-II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-y6wk8-noE/UYJbXqkko_I/AAAAAAAAArI/K7GdESZA6lM/s1600/Coin-Collection+001_00033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-y6wk8-noE/UYJbXqkko_I/AAAAAAAAArI/K7GdESZA6lM/s1600/Coin-Collection+001_00033.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Health</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0QCOBkEmil0/UYJbb-Z9HKI/AAAAAAAAArQ/BzhXxUs-XLk/s1600/Coin-Collection+001_00034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0QCOBkEmil0/UYJbb-Z9HKI/AAAAAAAAArQ/BzhXxUs-XLk/s1600/Coin-Collection+001_00034.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ONGC 50</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ez8SG4WN5rM/UYJbjR6I-2I/AAAAAAAAArg/8gYGvhh3jdo/s1600/Coin-Collection+001_00036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ez8SG4WN5rM/UYJbjR6I-2I/AAAAAAAAArg/8gYGvhh3jdo/s1600/Coin-Collection+001_00036.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ILO diamond jubilee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9eaWoEIzZs/UYJbnIRHWlI/AAAAAAAAAro/tDpIBr4Xx0k/s1600/Coin-Collection+001_00037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9eaWoEIzZs/UYJbnIRHWlI/AAAAAAAAAro/tDpIBr4Xx0k/s1600/Coin-Collection+001_00037.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UNO 50</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWQI02deXVg/UYJbqgOtaEI/AAAAAAAAArw/JxdtRqPpzl0/s1600/Coin-Collection+001_00038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWQI02deXVg/UYJbqgOtaEI/AAAAAAAAArw/JxdtRqPpzl0/s1600/Coin-Collection+001_00038.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dandi March 75</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YNw3WoGPXes/UYJbvPi6WAI/AAAAAAAAAr4/gy6VUG47Fnw/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YNw3WoGPXes/UYJbvPi6WAI/AAAAAAAAAr4/gy6VUG47Fnw/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_0003.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narayan Gurudev</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZRNL-GmC3k/UYJb0jwULcI/AAAAAAAAAsA/ACZvmbPR9GM/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZRNL-GmC3k/UYJb0jwULcI/AAAAAAAAAsA/ACZvmbPR9GM/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_0004.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dadabhai Naoroji</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KW_cG78Jwys/UYJcPwcc3kI/AAAAAAAAAsI/1ayzRGfhfEw/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KW_cG78Jwys/UYJcPwcc3kI/AAAAAAAAAsI/1ayzRGfhfEw/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_0005.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bhagwan Mahavira</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SE7wax3s2qg/UYJcVjcgOoI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/e80gZshGebM/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SE7wax3s2qg/UYJcVjcgOoI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/e80gZshGebM/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_0006.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Council of Medical Research</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs8lkwqM480/UYJcYWQBlGI/AAAAAAAAAsY/a9TtprFcV3Y/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs8lkwqM480/UYJcYWQBlGI/AAAAAAAAAsY/a9TtprFcV3Y/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_0008.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Babu Rajendra Prasad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJfoMKK_KBU/UYJcdxID1rI/AAAAAAAAAsg/1G1utybyV_g/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_00011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJfoMKK_KBU/UYJcdxID1rI/AAAAAAAAAsg/1G1utybyV_g/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_00011.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millenia of Brihadeeshwar Temple, Tanjavur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kjcGrSZaTU/UYJciVJUgxI/AAAAAAAAAso/_2Yb_QRU3pE/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_00012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kjcGrSZaTU/UYJciVJUgxI/AAAAAAAAAso/_2Yb_QRU3pE/s1600/Coin-Collection+002_00012.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kautilya</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTezPrd90vY/UYJcoKvGVaI/AAAAAAAAAsw/qolT1E9GZBs/s1600/Coin-Collection+003_00013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTezPrd90vY/UYJcoKvGVaI/AAAAAAAAAsw/qolT1E9GZBs/s1600/Coin-Collection+003_00013.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C Subramaiam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-en_YlZz-0LY/UYJcwKIEwPI/AAAAAAAAAs4/CTWcJg86QoI/s1600/Coin-Collection+004_00014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-en_YlZz-0LY/UYJcwKIEwPI/AAAAAAAAAs4/CTWcJg86QoI/s1600/Coin-Collection+004_00014.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaheed Bhagat Singh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHbn7Ei8CE0/UYJc1CFOBSI/AAAAAAAAAtA/LAeB0WYUCu8/s1600/Coin-Collection+005_00015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHbn7Ei8CE0/UYJc1CFOBSI/AAAAAAAAAtA/LAeB0WYUCu8/s1600/Coin-Collection+005_00015.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tagore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdCqYqkEd7o/UYJc6lMKROI/AAAAAAAAAtI/Fks0PAnsNnI/s1600/Coin-Collection+005_00017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdCqYqkEd7o/UYJc6lMKROI/AAAAAAAAAtI/Fks0PAnsNnI/s1600/Coin-Collection+005_00017.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shivaji</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0B4GvlUK_s/UYJdAVF2uhI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/ohp1HGG-xOw/s1600/Coin-Collection+005_00018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0B4GvlUK_s/UYJdAVF2uhI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/ohp1HGG-xOw/s1600/Coin-Collection+005_00018.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Netaji</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VELSaun6GlE/UYJdCb9jHdI/AAAAAAAAAtY/vL-FC_CoNSw/s1600/Coin-Collection+005_00019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VELSaun6GlE/UYJdCb9jHdI/AAAAAAAAAtY/vL-FC_CoNSw/s1600/Coin-Collection+005_00019.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sardar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2933468891336805069.post-57461289079226437072013-05-13T16:28:00.000+05:302013-05-27T10:58:54.686+05:30Relax, Let Miyan Nawaz Sort Himself Out First!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hi3zNTsDfhI/UZCTg46mjtI/AAAAAAAAAuo/P86z1S_hAL8/s1600/00001354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hi3zNTsDfhI/UZCTg46mjtI/AAAAAAAAAuo/P86z1S_hAL8/s320/00001354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">AS is its wont, Indian media – particularly the news
television – is going bonkers over victory of Miyan Nawaz Sharif in </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">, with
a commensurate starry eyed pitch for improved Indo-Pak relations. There is
already clamour that the low hanging fruit of MFN status to </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> be served
by Pakistan ASAP. The euphoria could be misplaced if we take all tenses – past,
present and future – into account.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Let’s take history first. I have not been able to
successfully google the famous half-hug that Sharif gave to Atal Bihari
Vajpayee at Wagah, but the baggage he brings has been tweeted by former
top IB hand and strategic analyst B Raman. It was under Sharif’s watch in 1993
that the Lashkar-e-Toiba infiltrated into </span><st1:state style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jammu and Kashmir</st1:place></st1:state><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">. Fugitive don Dawood
Ibrahim was given sanctuary in </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">
following March 1993 Mumbai serial blasts the same time. And, it was
Sharif government that became first in the world to recognize the Taliban
regime in </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">,
and start doing business with them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Now to the present: Sharif has come to power on the back of a
heavy doze of Islamist rhetoric. In a sense his victory is manufactured given
the fact that all secular parties by Pakistani standards – PPP, ANP, and MQM –
were hounded out by the Pakistani Taliban out of the campaign itself. Their
leaders in fact were forced to address rallies via mobile phones and video even
as the Sharifs went street-by-street, circus Lions in toe. Much as the Indian
establishment would hope that justice comes to Hafiz Saed and the likes of him,
Miyan Nawaz is in gratitude of the same men. So our expectations could be
misplaced.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">That brings me to the future. Sharif would need to
triangulate his dynamics with both the Mullahs and the Military afresh. With
the former he would need to evolve a relationship in which his policies are not
unduly influenced by the religious frenzy that presently engulfs </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">. It is
going to be a long road for the new Prime Minister to disengage from this
embrace which has strong foreign policy consequences in both </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> and </span><st1:place style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">, particularly post American
withdrawal in 2014.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">So far as the latter is concerned the relationship begins
with a level of mistrust given the Kargil backdrop. Thus it might be longer
still before a working relationship with </span><st1:city style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rawalpindi</st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">
develops, unhinged from recent history. His comment of inquiry into Kargil episode
might just prove to be good sound byte for Indian television. It would be easier said
than done given that there is no proof that Pak Army has become any less touchy, even in post-Musharraf era, over the issue of civilian control. Ayub protege Z A Bhutto had famously promoted Zia over four generals, as had Zia protege Sharif in case of Musharraf. Yet, we know the history.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:country-region style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Thus, India</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">
should wait to see durability of Pakistani transition. After all a change of
government is essentially an internal affair of a country and we should let
Sharif sort himself out over the next six months, or even a year. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Meanwhile, for our strategic and intelligence community, the
biggest take away from the just concluded democratic exercise in </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> should be </span><st1:place style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">Baluchistan</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">.
The overall turnout was less than 20 per cent against Pak average of sixty. Average
winners have bagged over 100,000 votes in Punjab, 50,000 in Sindh, and a measly
10,000 in </span><st1:place style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">Baluchistan</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">. So as they would say in Punjabi: </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Thaand Rakh Yaar</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> (take it easy), as also
a hawk’s eye on </span><st1:place style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">Baluchistan</st1:place><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Abhishekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08056921340762626519noreply@blogger.com1