SCAMS NOW

Lest I get sued by Times Now over the use of this “phonetically similar” – rhymes well! - title for my blog, I apologize at the beginning itself but use it nevertheless as nothing could describe 2010 better than “Scams Now”!

We are at the cusp: of an ending – of 2010 – and of a beginning – of 2011. The year nearing its end got defined by corruption and crusades: Corruption by politicians and Crusades by Media. If Indian politicians and bureaucrats hogged the limelight for indulging into corruption of unprecedented proportions then the Indian Media maintained its courageous posture of activism and exposes throughout, again, not seen before.

It all started with Times Now exposing the gory face behind that mocking smile of the molester DGP Rathore. India saw the power of relentless media activism and the criminal being booked thereafter, finally. Through movement against corruption mediated by the Media “investigative journalism” acquired a new dimension altogether. Arnab Goswami was dead direct in his questions - battling “jingoistic” tag all along from his detractors - which the unholy nexus of politicians-bureaucrats-police could not evade; judiciary had to act. (Though monster Rathore is yet to be given adequate punishment but with unrelenting media pressure the judges will find it extremely difficult to not punish him and will have to deliver justice to Ruchika.)

Before the dust could settle on Ruchika molestation case, there came the self-destructive tweet of Lalit Modi! IPLgate couldn’t have been opened for public if the Indian Media had not taken it up squarely. The dazzling world of IPL came crashing down and what emerged was deep rooted corruption in its formation and functioning. The government was forced to sack Shashi Tharoor who got embroiled because of his “close friend’s” – now wife - sweat equity in the newly formed Kochi franchise. But IPL’s major architect – Lalit Modi – also had to relinquish his power and position because of Media’s constant vigil and the BCCI thus getting serious about cleansing its systems. (The saga is yet to come to a conclusion, thanks to the former IPL czar’s absence from the investigative scene due to a dubious death threat excuse.)

In between, India also saw Media – though much belatedly – taking up the case of long forgotten Bhopal Gas Tragedy post courts verdict. Once again because of Media’s pressure – giving full support to the Opposition’s campaign - the Indian government was forced to revisit its “non-binding” clause in the civil nuclear energy treaty with the US. (The gas victims are still awaiting sufficient compensation.)

Hardly any time had lapsed after IPLgate controversy that India got yet another shocker by exposes of dubious dealings being indulged into by the Commonwealth Boss Suresh Kalmadi and his coteries, again thanks to Times Now. And with each passing day the scam got murkier. The extent of corruption was so extreme that the CWG became a Shame-Game for India. Lalit Bhanot’s ‘hygiene standards’ comment was the final blow to India’s prestige on the world stage. Somehow the Games could be hosted properly but what is appalling is that in spite of intense media interest, the Indian establishment has been very reluctant to act against Suresh Kalmadi. (The recent CBI raids are just eyewash. And I doubt if India will get back its billions of dollars gobbled up by the CWG Chief & Co.)

Soon the scene of corruption shifted to Bombay where the Adarsh Society scam - “Kargil-for-profit” scam – erupted and shook the entire nation with blatant abuse of political power to illegally allocate flats to ‘near-and-dear’ ones of the privileged & powerful which were otherwise meant for Kargil war widows. Army’s top echelons’ embarrassing involvement in the scam succeeded in tarnishing the so-far not-so-ugly image of the Indian Defense Services. If Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan had to quit, it was only due to Media’s enduring follow-up of the scam. (India is yet to see any real action being taken against the tainted army generals.)

India was yet to get over the previous big scandals that Media broke the story of the biggest scam ever of 2G spectrum allocation by bringing the CAG report in public domain. The sheer scale of scam involving Rs. 1.76 lakh crore sum was staggering by any standards! Corporate-politicians cozy equation kept oiled by unethical lobbying (the government’s logic on ‘legitimate/illegitimate lobbying’ is akin to ‘good/bad Taliban’!) - which unfortunately also brought into light the involvement of a couple of respected journalists causing a major setback to Media’s credibility and legitimacy of Media activism - could remain the “lead story” again due to Media’s persistence with the emerging story. (Again, CBI raids and A. Raja’s questionings are only a deflective strategy by the GOI to weather the current storm.)

Of all the cases of corruption uncovered in 2010, not a single case can be called as “closed” – as yet. But India wants timely verdicts and timely actions. Going by the past records the possibility of any such happening is remote. Because what is visible to public is only the ‘tip’; corruption tentacles run deep and wide, reaching the ‘top’ almost always. Nevertheless, I am sure that Indian Media will continue its campaigns against corruption till culprits are nailed.

Therefore, what India witnessed in 2010 was that before a case could be uncovered fully and taken to its logical conclusion there came another bigger and deeper scam. And knowing India’s ways of working, 2011 will again be a year of scams and scamsters. And knowing Indian Media, now, 2011 will again be a year of courageous coverage. Because, as is said: News never stops.

Year end thought: To tackle a ‘competitive’ scenario of scams related “breaking news”, my “free” advice to the Indian Media – with right-of-first-refusal to Times Now – is that they could “break” all such scam stories on a show titled “Scams Now”! … India, how do you like my idea? I hear you say: What an Idea, Anju-ji! … Thanks, India J

Another point to ponder: With the GOI so much obsessed with “Scam Management” as a survival strategy, how about instituting a special ministry dedicated to this noble purpose? And, the IIMs being asked to incorporate the subject in the curriculum?

In 2010, the one name which came into the forefront of forceful & impactful – and courageous - journalism was of Arnab Goswami of Times Now who emerged as a genuine Crusader and almost single handedly brought the “revolutionary” environment into news reporting in India. (Most Impactful Person of the Year 2010 should have fairly gone to him; GQ Men award was more to acknowledge the “glamour” factor associated with high adrenaline television news industry. Though he truly deserves a “Padma” award for his work in 2010 especially but honestly I wonder, now, if the GOI will really “recognize” his work after what it had to face repeatedly due to relentless reportage of his!) … Carry on your fantastic work, Arnab! You changed the News in 2010; now, change India in 2011. … India is with you and so is God.

…

Happy 2011 J

International Diplomacy in the Times of WikiLeaks

Julian Assange should be hailed, not jailed. He should be respected, not suspected. Because, in a hugely “manipulated” world – in more ways than one – he had the “audacity” (Great, keep it up!) to expose the real.

Human beings are essentially weak. We are also incapable of taking care of our life. And, we do not know how to live in our world. Thus, we have “forced” the “stronger” in the world to “take care” of us – our life – in more ways than one. The world history is full of such instances. Otherwise, the earth wouldn’t have had suffered footsteps of numerous monsters and dictators. Sadly, the torment continues even in contemporary times.

In today’s world, “diplomacy” is the buzz word which legitimizes all forms of manipulations by the self-appointed world powers and powerful. The lesser mortals – nations - are subjected to forceful adoption of their whims and fancies – foreign policies! - suited to their grand plans for self gratification. International diplomacy; diplomat; negotiations; back channel talks; track II diplomacy; foreign policy; bilateral discussions; demarche; dispatch; protocol; sanctions; rapprochment; interlocution; treaty; diplomatic illness; privileges and immunities; declaration; delegation; attaches; ambassadors; diplomatic bags; espionage; counter-intelligence; arbitrations and mediations; recognition; thinktanks; friendly nation; hostile nation; geopolitics; cultural diplomacy; multilateral diplomacy; state diplomacy; paradiplomacy; hard power; soft power; … - terms are numerous which are beyond comprehension of normal humans – citizens of a country – but are capable of trapping world population in a manipulative maze.

Interestingly, the world seems to be quite comfortable with all these wheeling and dealing which go unperturbed – intentionally - in the name of international diplomacy. What is apparent is not quite the case often. Friendly handshakes are merely photo-ops. The definition of “friend” spreads across a wide spectrum with dimensions aplenty. Underneath active are major calculations devoid of any principles or reasons. Equations in international relations are kept “balanced” with diplomatic maneuvers. A nation gets used – abused – by powerful to maintain the latter’s supremacy. In spite of full-proof cases – 26/11 – countries find difficult to garner international support to nail the culprits. “National interests” including “security” concerns always come as refuge in diplomatic negotiations and areas like economy, trade, arms purchases, defence deployments, environment protection, human rights, etc. get majorly influenced in order to advance strategic advantages of the mighty. In short: the real world diplomacy is quite dirty and ugly.

And Julian Assange’s WikiLeaks has simply put a mirror to the murky world of manipulative geopolitics exercised by international diplomats all across the globe. The exposes have left the world leaders enormously uncomfortable. The cloaks of fake friendliness exhibited by the so-called strategic allies have slipped off and what lies beneath is not palatable. The inaccessible world of diplomacy has suddenly entered parlance of a common citizen’s everyday’s existence. Governments have been left red faced. Therefore, we see all the “impacted” – exposed – diplomats and leaders scurrying for cover – diplomatic curtains - and busy issuing apologies and explanations. The otherwise drab world of diplomacy - for ordinary public only - has suddenly acquired an incredibly interesting hue. And it is going to remain so for times to come.

But what is NOT “interesting” is the arrest of Julian Assange. When the world powers could not “control” the leaking of “classified/secret” documents detailing dishonest dealings of diplomats on WikiLeaks, they “falsely” – I feel strongly – implicated Julian Assange in sexual molestation cases and got him arrested. By doing so, they have proved their culpability and guilt, therefore. If the powerful nations, including a democratic America advocating freedom of speech amongst various human rights, are feeling the diplomatic heat and are indulging into dirty diplomatic tactics to silence the founder of WikiLeaks then it is an immensely sad state of affairs. In fact it once again bursts the myth of a free world.

All those talks of escalating tensions in international relations and global security getting jeopardized due to WikiLeaks exposure is a sham. Everybody knows how cohesively non-state actors and states work and spread terror on the globe and how incapable the powerful nations find themselves in containing the rogue states like Pakistan – crucible of terror - and abandon terrorism. Instead, they opted for the easier option: forcing the shutdown of WikiLeaks. Gagging and wrongfully nabbing Julian Assange will not ensure a safe and secure world. Soon there would be many more Julian Assanges “leaking” the truths to the world.

The world always knew how diplomatic machinery worked. The only difference WikiLeaks has created is that the practice of duplicity-in-diplomacy has become a common knowledge now. Though the world of international affairs will continue to function as it has been since time immemorial, still the damage is done. Credibility - ??? – of international diplomats is the victim. Nobody is ever going to believe in rhetoric – great speeches?! - being indulged into by heads of states on their state visits, howsoever loved or respected they are - had been - in host nations.

Global leadership cannot be practiced without moral authority. And moral authority is not a legitimate right of mighty even in the arena of geopolitics; it has to be acquired through transparency and honesty. A global leader should be sincere with impeccable integrity and not a mere geo-politician. (Barack Obama, I have always put you in this category.)

Now, I do not have even an iota of doubt about the global geopolitics heading towards any kind of reforms to salvage its prestige post WikiLeaks. Rather, it would try to enhance opacity of its functioning even more. The mechanisms would be employed so as to prevent any further “leaks” and make the system absolutely “WikiLeaks-proof”. Diplomats will soon be back practicing masquerades. The diplomatic charade will continue in name of international diplomacy – WikiLeaks or no WikiLeaks.

Still, I throw a challenge – at the cost of sounding extremely naïve and juvenile – to all those global leaders – Barack Obama in particular – that they should show courage and release Julian Assange from detention and face the changed world of diplomacy – a world of diplomacy in the times of WikiLeaks.

My challenge is also to the people of the world to come out in full support for Julian Assange and continue his crusade forward for a transparent world, a world free of manipulation of lives and humans...

Julian Assange, soon hope to see you back updating WikiLeaks! :)

Don't drag Ratan Tata into 2G Scam; he defines Integrity.

Manu Joseph of Open Magazine and Vinod Mehta of Outlook know too well: Ratan Tata defines terms like Integrity, Trust, Respect and, of course, Courage besides all superlatives used to describe character of somebody as extraordinary as Ratan Tata! Therefore, dragging Ratan Tata into the ongoing 2G Scam by publishing his conversations with Niira Radia is a deliberate attempt to deflect the focus from the main culprits i.e. the hordes of politicians without forgetting A. Raja and a bunch of bureaucrats involved in looting country coffers of more than 176,000,000 crores.

Ratan Tata’s taped talks with Niira Radia, his colleague, suggest nothing which could be of any harm to the nation or its citizens or a plot to subvert laws and policies in his favour. The conversations are between two citizens and private – absolutely nobody else’s business to intrude upon it.

I solidly support Ratan Tata’s standpoint that if the government agencies wanted to record Niira Radia’s phone conversations for “a particular” purpose, then they should have ensured that they remained – and used – for “that particular” purpose only, and nothing else. Yet the government agencies failed to protect them against theft. By letting it get “leaked” – along with Niira’s talks with other personalities including some media heavyweights – and get published online and in a magazine is a clear intrusion of his privacy.

Ratan Tata is a man of incorruptible character and doubting him is like “pot & kettle calling Gold black”! If there is one – and only - Indian who commands respect and admiration beyond Indian borders like Mahatma Gandhi that is Ratan Tata. He has built his persona on fundamentals which an ideal human personality is made of. His stature in public minds and hearts is beyond reach. Ratan Tata is the only living Indian worthy of being a real Bharat Ratan. Maligning his reputation is a huge injustice to him - and the country as well.

I am sure the apex court will do justice to Ratan Tata and order punishment for all involved in purposefully planning and plotting to assassinate his character. Supreme Court will not disappoint him - and India as well.

I have a Question for Editors of both Open Magazine and Outlook: Have the guts to expose the “real” culprits. Do not try a deliberate diversionary tactic to divert nation’s attention from the core issue. Do not use Rata Tata to titillate public and get eyeballs and readership. Be a man; do not act like a comprehensively challenged human.

(I wonder if somebody taped both Manu Joseph’s and Vinod Mehta’stelephone conversations, will they come out squeaky clean and politically correct persons? It is anybody’s guess! … Now, will both of you publicly apologize to Rata Tata?)

Nitish Kumar is Bihar's Barack Obama

Never before in my living memory I have witnessed such transformations: of people, of a state and of a country, therefore. In India, I mean. A similar scenario had presented itself in America exactly a year ago when a predominantly white nation had elected a black man – an African-American – to the White House; United States of America had got bewitched by the charm of Barack Obama’s “Change We Can Believe In” theme!

I am sure you must have guessed that today I am talking about Bihar’s Barack Obama i.e. Nitish Kumar.

Like Barack Obama, Nitish Kumar is a God sent Blessing for the people and the state of Bihar. Bihar which had got labeled as a “failed” state is now progressing towards becoming a “developing” state. “Developed” is still not the appropriate word to describe the state-of-affairs there. And bringing Bihar to its current level of existence must have been extremely difficult for Nitish Kumar. Because the world knows the depth to which its erstwhile politicians – Lalu Prasad Yadav & family and many before him – had pulled Bihar to. Bihar, from being the center of the Indian civilization and power, had become a pariah state.

Bihar was the capital of India and had the renowned ancient Indian dynasties Mauryas and Guptas ruling the country from Patliputra – now Patna. How can we not remember Ashoka The Great – the greatest of the Indian emperors - and the great contributions he made to the Indian culture and the world as well from the soil of Bihar! The spread of Buddhism beyond the Indian borders is his credit solely.

The biggest irony is that Nalanda which was amongst the greatest centers of learning in the world was based in Bihar, the same state which today has the highest illiteracy rate in India. Nothing could be more contrasting!

Even in the contemporary India, Bihar has been an important center for politics and has greatly shaped the national polity. Its political trends have set precedents. (India gets its maximum entrants in the public service – IAS – from Bihar.)

How did this magnificent state manage this extraordinary downward spiral?

Bihar’s politicians and its people are to be blamed in equal proportions for its sorry-state-of-affairs. Because Bihar’s people went along with their rotten politicians and aided them in their loot with their continued votes and, in the process, became a partner in bringing the state to its shameful level of despair and dejection. Lalu Prasad Yadav’s 15 long years of tenure as its chief minister – in person and with “proxy” - robbed the state completely and Bihar hit its nadir.

Nitish Kumar’s chief ministership has enormously arrested the decline of Bihar. Not only has he demonstrated his abilities to govern an ungovernable state like Bihar but has also shown to his detractors that he in fact has the capabilities to make the turnaround which has started to show. The recent election has proved that Bihar has indeed moved on: from its caste based myopic politics to development based governance and Nitish Kumar has beautifully orchestrated this transformation.

Nitish Kumar has done very well in Bihar – for Bihar. But it is simply scratching the surface in that immensely potential state. He has the people’s mandate; now he has enormous responsibilities as well. He has to continue with his objectives for a “developed” Bihar. I am sure with Nitish Kumar at the helm of affairs the day is not far when Bihar will get back to its glorious days! And once again it will serve as the “Vihar” (abode) for “Brahma” (the God) – in line with the origin of its name J

Great work, Mr. Nitish Kumar! Keep it up! Bihar is with you and so is India! You can “metamorphose” Bihar.

Nevertheless, one point I would like to make here is that the first thing you must take up immediately is the “education” of your people; “empower” them with knowledge and skills to compete with the rest of the country, and the world. Then only “Bihari Pride” will make sense – as articulated by you eloquently during your election rally…Then only the “Change” will come to Bihar. Then only Bihar will eventually graduate from being a “failed” state to become a “flourishing” state.

………………

P.S.: Wonder what “tip” Barack Obama would have given to Nitish Kumar if they had met during his recent trip to India. Certainly something on “Change We Can Believe In” as both have to continue their remarkable endeavors in their respective “States”!

Mr. President Obama, Aung San Suu Kyi is a Hero of mine, too!

It is rare that you experience someone becoming a part of your consciousness. Mahatma Gandhi is one such idol. Then there are a few others from the contemporary times who have followed Gandhiji’s path and have attained the status of having a halo around them while being alive. They are (have been): Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi.

Watching Aung San Suu Kyi emerge out of her lake side dilapidated home in Rangoon (now Yangon) after suffering 15 long years (actually 21 years since her first arrest in 1989) of house arrest was liberating! She was herself: a picture of poise and dignity, and beauty! And when she accepted flowers from one of her thousands admirers gathered to greet her and put them in her hair – her trademark style – I felt a sense of Freedom and Joy! Finally, the Hero of Freedom Struggle in Burma (now Myanmar) was free!

Seeing Aung San Suu Kyi standing gracefully and addressing her ardent supporters and speaking about peace and unity and not of compromise was simply stimulating! She has the stuff what a world leader is made of!When President Barack Obama pulled India in his parliamentary address for failing to support Burma’s democratic quest, I felt he was echoing my sentiments.

India is not only the world’s largest democracy but has strong global aspirations too. Therefore, India has a moral responsibility towards supporting other nations in their pursuit for restoring democracy. Then only it can rightfully stake a claim to global leadership position. Being the strongest regional power in South Asia and an emerging economic giant, India cannot continue to hide behind diplomatic and “national interest”curtains. If India needs to seriously get counted amongst the powerful and mighty, it has to demonstrate its leadership skills. And no leadership can be devoid of moral responsibilities.

Yesterday, when the world leaders congratulated Ms. Suu Kyi on her long due independence, the Indian prime minister decided to keep quiet. Instead we saw the minister of external affairs issuing statements of support from India. Couldn’t our PM summon courage to freely exhibit India’s endorsement to Aung San Suu Kyi’s mission? Are we too afraid of Burma’s military Junta reactions? Do we feel that by showing solidarity to Ms. Suu Kyi the dictatorial regime in Burma would get provoked? Are the so called national interests so overwhelming that we fear the now so-called democratically elected military regime to retaliate and block oil supplies to India and also fuel insurgencies in the north-east? Are these geopolitical compulsions merely excuses?

For a moment even if I acquiesce to the possibilities of all the above mentioned likely scenarios, I still believe that there are ways – diplomatic essentially - to overcome them by working – smartly and tactfully - with other powerful countries including the dictatorial military regime in Burma.The assignment is tough but possible to achieve, nevertheless.

I may sound extremely naïve in international diplomacy while championing India’s enhanced engagements in global affairs and persisting with the idea of India’s active involvement in areas – countries - which come in direct conflict with the core of our country’s existence that is democracy. But I strongly believe in my ideals of a true leadership on the global stage. India has to show to the world that it is indeed capable of delivering on leadership promises. Frankly speaking, just by dreaming of a permanent seat at the UNSC will not suffice; India has to be seen to be worthy of it.

And, honestly, Aung San Suu Kyi is much beyond a permanent seat in theUnited Nations Security Council.

I sign off by saying: “Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, it is indeed great to see you back as a free citizen! The world is with you in your democratic pursuit! Your strength & sacrifices are an inspiration to the global population and will continue to guide the humanity for eons!”

And, yes, Mr. President Barack Obama, She is a Hero of mine, too :)

An Answer for Barack Obama

President Barack Obama asked students to ponder on his Three Questions during his interaction at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai on 7^th November 2010:

1. Where do you want to see India 20 years from now?
2. What kind of India-US partnership do you want to see 20 years from now?
3. How each do you want to make this world a better place?

If I had the privilege of being there and asking him a question, I would have taken his second question and redirected it to him: “Mr. President, what kind of India-US partnership do you want to see, not 20 but, say, 2 years from now?”

(In 2 years his first term would be near its end and he would have embarked on his campaign trail for ensuring his 2^nd term in the White House. And in his victory in 2012, a flourishing US relation with India could prove to be an important issue to stake his claim to the presidency.)

Ever since his confirmation as the president-in-waiting in November 2008, views started doing rounds in diplomatic circles in India that under Obama administration, India-US relationship may see a significant shift from the path charted by George W. Bush because he was never seen actively pursuing India during his presidential campaign. And this perception got confirmed when India was kept out of US’ crucial Af-Pak policy in spite of India been actively engaged in Afghanistan and is an important regional power in South Asia.

Also, in spite of accepting the fact that Pakistan is the center for export of terror to India and rest of the world including America, the US continues to pursue this subject pretty softly with our unruly neighbor. Huge military aids are being given to Pakistan with an excuse of making it stable economically and politically. Even if one has to believe that Pakistan government has no control over the so-called non-state actors working as perpetrators of terror from its soil, still America could hold the Pakistani government responsible and force them to act for eradicating extremism. It could be done by linking aid with results expected on proliferation of terror.

Moreover, even when the US realizes that India has indeed “risen” as an economic power and in a globalized world movement of jobs across borders is inevitable, still the US loses no opportunity to bash companies having bases outside America – especially in India. Barack Obama has been seen towing this “protectionist” line in order to suit his political purposes for appeasing people affected due to continuing economic recession.

In mutual benefits of the US and India, Barack Obama has to take India together in its economic and political endeavors. Barack Obama will not succeed in wooing Indian business establishments with his anti-outsourcing stance.

In addition, in spite of Barack Obama acknowledging that the global order has changed indeed, he doesn’t seem to be ready to support India’s eligibility for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council which would rightly reflect today’s geopolitical realities and would balance power equations in the colossal body.

Barack Obama has endorsed India’s importance as a strategic “partner” – graduating from oft stated ‘ally’ status for India – because of both being democracies – oldest and the largest – but somehow we are yet to see him come closer to India in real terms; the relationship feels to be cold in spite of President Obama sharing a warm personal rapport with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

To be honest I had great expectations from him for India when he became the 44^th President of the United States of America. Because, I always felt – and still do strongly – that he was not a mere politician; he was a genuine leader and had the potential to get into the league of great leaders and impact the world history like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. And, therefore, he had mental capabilities of taking tough and honest decisions and bringing about “the Change we can believe in”.

I am disappointed – that is not the case. I have hopes and that is not to term it as “audacity of hope”!

I completely understand President Barack Obama’s predicament. His country is not the strongest in the world anymore. There is a swift transition towards a ‘Post American World’. America is losing its might - mostly on economic front. On top of that, the US has to bear huge burdens of two unnecessary wars, Iraq and Afghanistan. And none of these critical states are of his making. He is the unfortunate inheritor of the unprecedented mess and a volatile economic environment left behind by his predecessor. And he has been at the helm of affairs for less than two years only. The time available with him so far has been grossly inadequate to bring about the desired turnaround. He has delivered on most of his presidential campaign promises except for being able to reverse huge jobs loss which in a capitalist and a free market is not under government’s control. He could arrest the slide and stabilize the economy but jobs creation will take some more time. His “shellacking” in the recent mid-term elections was primarily in response to his administration’s failure to stop continued job losses in US.

I also understand that India of today knows its place in the world and also knows too well that its fast emergence on economic front has made it vulnerable to escalating harm by external evil forces mostly motivated by religious fundamentalism. India of today could be immensely confident about its future but its concerns cannot – and should not – be ignored. A country like US has to support India in its fight against terror even if that means displeasing its so-called ally that is Pakistan which is proclaimed to be ‘strategically important’ partner for America. Then only India and the US can become ‘partners’ in real terms.

Today, President Barack Obama is on his maiden trip to India during which he primarily seeks to engage businessmen and entrepreneurs and Indian political establishment for opening trade barriers for increased economic cooperation between the two nations. The fact that he did not mention the “P” word while addressing the 26/11 victims at the Taj Hotel and then did not again bite the bait at St. Xavier’s College today, has put the Indian establishment including the Indian Media spewing venom against him. To be honest I too felt a bit disappointed but then I understood President Barack Obama’s geopolitical compulsions.

Talking about Pakistan, India has to tackle this errant neighbor itself. And we are capable of doing so. We only need a strong political will to execute this wish. We should stop taking shoulder of America to put our guns. India has to adopt a tough posture and secure its future against possible terror attacks. Why blame America for not spelling Pakistan in public on an Indian platform? Haven’t we often hidden behind diplomatic curtains? Haven’t we failed comprehensively in punishing Kasab in spite of having telling evidences against him in name of a democratic judiciary? Haven’t we too changed our track often and have returned to the talking tables repeatedly all for diplomacy and keeping the so-called enemy engaged? Haven’t we kept our diplomatic relations and support tacit even with dictatorial regimes like Iran just because it felt to be suiting our interests? Then why are we so critical of President Barack Obama’s diplomatic stance for Pakistan?

We all know America’s strategic relationship and its need for a stable Pakistan. (A stable Pakistan is in India’s interest too. Otherwise, we could see an ambitious China move in the vacated space. And we know who is a lesser evil.)

In fact an immensely important visit of the US’ President which could have been used for forging a much deeper mutually beneficial economic-political relationship between the two democracies of the world, it got completely hijacked by a myopic vision clouded by issue of Pakistan’s sponsorship of terror. We have been living with this menace for more than six decades now. And India has always been aware of America’s stance on this issue. Still in order to be a real economic and political power we need the United States of America. Howsoever big we might think about ourselves on the global stage, and howsoever beleaguered the US may seem currently, let us not forget the fact that India is still a miniscule economy in front of the giants like China, Germany, Japan and the US. India needs US’ markets perhaps more than they need ours. Whatever we can offer them in terms of market pie and jobs therefore, if the US pursued China a bit better they could easily garner that desired shares. All talks about India’s economic prowess needs to be taken in right perspective. Today’s atmosphere is more conducive than ever before to further strengthen our relationship with the US on equal terms. A strengthened America is in every body’s interest.

Nevertheless, I completely believe that in spite of all its so-called geopolitical-economic compulsions, the US can still hold Pakistan accountable for terror emanating from within its boundaries. Because, as we all know, Terrorism knows no boundaries – it is “problems without passports” (to use Kofi Annan’s / Shashi Tharoor’s words). And, to agree with Times Now’s point of view that America should link its aids to Pakistan to its action on containing terror in Pakistan if it wants to have a trustful long lasting relationship with India.

Frankly speaking, Indian Media’s pouncing on Barack Obama for avoiding naming Pakistan in his speeches on related subjects within hours of his landing in Bombay was uncalled for and it looked grossly unfair. Here was the President of the United States of America in India on his maiden visit but that just didn’t seem to have any positive effect on our Media. The mood was belligerent in television studios to say the least! (NDTV 24x7 sounded more balanced than CNN-IBN and Times Now though.)

But tossing the coin over and we could see that today’s India was not afraid of speaking its mind out even if it meant speaking tough – even to the US - to protect our interests. And certainly the Indian Media was at its confident – toughest - best! Not that they had not given due importance to Barack Obama’s visit. Otherwise we wouldn’t have seen them sitting throughout the day for 12 hours at a stretch – that was Arnab Goswami! – in their studios and covering the events in details and indulging into great deal of discussions on every conceivable point. I wonder from where they managed inexhaustible source of energy!

Tomorrow is President Obama’s third and the last day in India before he embarks on the second leg of his Asian tour to Indonesia. Wish I could listen to him speak to our Parliamentarians majority of whom are not even worthy of such an opportunity and privilege! But such are the fallacies of democracy …

Great to have you here in India, Mr. President! The First Lady too has made a fan base! Hope to see you both back with Malia, Sasha and Bo!

And, yes, do you feel I have been able to answer you satisfactorily? I know it is a pretty long answer but then certain questions cannot be answered in brief. Thanks for your patience, Mr. President J (Wish he reads these lines. Now, this is “audacity of hope”, for sure J)

Barack Obama and India-US relationship

Barack Obama shares an old connection with India which goes back to 1981 when he had come visiting families of his friends from India. (Not much is known though about ‘those’ friends or their families.) Those were young Obama’s Occidental College (Los Angeles) days before his shifting to Columbia University in New York.

And that is the reason why “dal” (pulses) remains one of his favorite dishes which he can cook as well!

Nevertheless, India’s influence on Barack Obama goes much beyond “dal”. India’s biggest ‘gift’ to him has been ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ who gained entry into his impressionable mind through his idol Martin Luther King Jr.; the latter had based his Civil Rights movement on MG’s philosophies of non-violence and truth. As the world knows, President Obama has Mahatma’s photograph in his office for his daily dose of motivation and guidance! Needless to say, Barack Obama has fashioned his politics on Gandhiji’s teachings.

The fact that his “inner core” of support staff comprises of many Indian-Americans is not a mere coincidence. Also, President Obama complimenting Manmohan Singh by saying “when he speaks, the world listens” reflects his genuine admiration for the prime minister of India.

Nevertheless, since the confirmation of him becoming the 44^th President of the United States of America, the view started doing rounds in the diplomatic circles that the US-India relationship will undergo major shift under Obama administration because he was never seen to be pursuing India in his presidential campaign, unlike his predecessor. We all know that George W. Bush has been the biggest American advocate of India in the global arena. If India today is on the verge of becoming a member of the elite nuclear club, the sole credit goes to the fruition of the Indo-US civil nuclear treaty in his tenure, for which he fought the other world powers. And it is no wonder that India’s prime minister Manmohan Singh calls him a “friend” ("India loves you," that's what our PM proclaimed!?)!

What is perplexing is that in spite of being influenced by India and Indians hugely both at personal and political fronts, President Obama has kept India at bay in geopolitical matters. Whether it was marginalizing India in the skewed Af-Pak strategy or pointing against “job-outsourcing” to India or sidelining India for a permanent UNSC seat or not giving adequate support to India against Pak-sponsored terrorism, Barack Obama has displayed a contradictory image as far as relations with India goes.

President Obama should have known that US’ win in Afghan War could be ascertained only by engaging the biggest regional power that is India which is enormously involved in economic and political developments in Afghanistan anyway as an ally. Then his constant rumbling against “job-outsourcing” - mainly to India - is also clouded as the ongoing economic crises in US have myriad factors to blame of which “out-sourcing” makes a miniscule fraction. Moreover, a democratic India’s inclusion in the select set of permanent members of the United Nations Security Council could have further boosted US’ position in that caucus. Also, America letting go its reluctance to take Pakistan head-on in its war on terror - including in India - would have ensured the US sustained its leadership position in South Asia’s politics, closing almost all doors for China in this immensely important space for political leadership.

For India, whether it is being left out of the Af-Pak policy or America’s unfounded concern on job-outsourcing or US being non-committal on the UNSC seat, these things though very important but they certainly do not threaten the country’s existence. The most disturbing – rather disappointing – aspect of the Indo-US relationship has been America’s unwillingness to contain Pakistan on terror fronts against India. In fact, many a times the US has seemed to be doing ‘double-talks’ with India.

For me, a self-proclaimed fan of Barack Obama, this “duality” is a bit difficult to digest. For me, Barack Obama is my hero, God’s blessing to the world! He is amongst those rare personalities in history who have “not been” politicians but have been “genuine” leaders. As an ardent admirer I have been following his dramatic ascent into the world of politics since 2004 when he made his remarkable keynote speech at the Democratic Convention in Los Angeles. His “Race in America” speech in March of 2008 in Philadelphia cemented my space in his universe of admirers. The never-seen-before gathering at Tiergarten, Berlin in July 2008 to hear him – a presidential candidate from a foreign state – proved his emergence as a global leader. The joy-with-tears exhibited by the world during his Grant Park, Chicago “Victory Speech” on November the 4^th in 2008 announced that indeed he had a universal appeal. His 20^th January 2009 Presidential Inauguration on the steps of the United States Capitol in Washington D.C. saw the entire world glued to television sets for witnessing the historic transition of Barack Obama into the 44^th President of the United States of America; a beautiful metamorphosis of an African-American into the President of America. Life indeed had come full circle!

I am sure President Obama will treat his historical and much awaited India visit as an important occasion – an opportunity - to forge a lasting bond with India (and he will not listen anymore to his misguiding advisers; instead he will listen to his inner voice). Because, it is in mutual benefits of both the nations that the oldest and the largest democracies come together and do “not compete” but “complement” each other. Together, India and America can reshape global geopolitics and economic scene and make world a much better place to live in!

Yes, Together We Can! ...

Welcome to India, Mr. President and the First Lady! I am sure you and Michelle will cherish your stay in Bombay and Delhi! I know for sure that soon you two would be back to my country with Malia and Sasha and Bo! I wish I could meet you in person whom I place only after Mahatma Gandhi in my list of select “favorites”! … Wish we Indians too had our own Barack Obama!

Happy Diwali J

Arundhati Roy: Goddess of Big Controversies!

Arundhati Roy has travelled a great distance since 1997, the year which saw her winning one of the most coveted awards in literature, the Booker Prize for her amazing ‘The God of Small Things’. She instantly shot to international fame and along with helped expanding the Indian literary sphere beyond the Indian borders. Today she is hardly a novelist; at best she is an occasional essayist; but she is certainly a big time activist.

And I have big problems with self-styled activists. These activists are almost always sympathizers of evil mongers, be it Maoists or Kashmiri separatists - an occupation in vogue nowadays. They stylishly call themselves as Human Rights Activists.

I agree that Arundhati Roy is an intellectual and is blessed with extraordinary talents but I do not approve of her indulgence into misguided sedition in guise of social activism. Many a times I feel she does what she does to attract attention. She could have got adequate notice by being an author too but why did she choose the path of controversies is beyond my comprehension. Otherwise, to think that she does not understand the meaning of humans or rights or sedition or freedom - azadi - would be absolutely naïve.

“Kashmir should get azadi from bhukhe-nange Hindustan!” advocated Arundhati Roy at the recently held seminar in Delhi on “Azadi – The only way”. Of course, she and other splitists got massively booed by the crowd as expected. Her misdemeanor would have got brushed away under the garb of oft repeated democracy-thus-freedom-of-speech theory but the Indian media took it up seriously and forced the government of India to react – at least issue a statement – against the seditionist brigade. However, the fact that she and her fellow secessionists are still freely roaming the surface of the Indian earth is enormously disappointing and might set a wrong precedent.

Arundhati Roy should get her facts right before articulating her skewed views on the subject of an Azaad Kashmir. I am sure she knows that Kashmir is an integral part of India by all standards of legitimacy. And I am also sure that she knows she too is an Indian. And, just by being a citizen of a democratic country – India – does not make her eligible for speaking in seditious language, howsoever strongly she may feel for her Kashmiri separatist brethren. Her conduct is unlawful. And it is punishable under the Constitution of India. (So what if the state of Jammu & Kashmir has its own constitution? Have you ever heard of a bizarre situation like this anywhere else in this world? ‘Double citizenship’ is a common occurrence but dual constitution? It happens only in India!)

What perplexes me the most is the logic proffered by these so-called activists is their definition of human rights because they are seldom right in their explanation of humans or their rights. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be seeing them fight for Separatists and Maoists rights! Can any person in his/her right senses describe people belonging to either or both of these sections as ‘humans’? For God’s sake, they are terrorists! And murderers cannot be granted the same rights as that of ‘normal’ humans whom they kill at will.

Kashmir became a “problem” – not a mere ‘dispute’ as defined by current interlocutors - because of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s idealistic posturing about the UNO – as it was called in those days – and its ability to bring about the necessary changes while dealing with global conflicts. If our first prime minister had shown political acumen and courage, the whole controversy would have got resolved in 1948 itself. Indian military was quite capable of defending its territory and securing its borders and not letting Pakistan forcefully annex Kashmir and create POK; the most absurd post war happening was Pakistan “gifting” a large swathe of illegally occupied land in Kashmir to China!

Kashmir is a flashpoint and will remain so for many more decades to come. Today, even if India demonstrates strong political will, Kashmir issue cannot be solved which is anyway a remote possibility. Because, today stakeholders are numerous in the beautiful land of Kashmir. A burning Kashmir keeps the South Asian geopolitical aspirations of many nations warm. Then there are the commercial compulsions of global arms trade. A peaceful world - region - is certainly not conducive for the desired growth of this dangerous business which is lobbied hard at the highest levels for its continued existence. Then, the never-ending Kashmir conflict also serves as a legitimate excuse for the government of Pakistan to use it as a deflective device to keep the focus away from its grave internal problems. And Indian establishment is also not far behind in using Kashmir as a tool to suit its political purposes.

Hopefully all those Indian Kashmiris - and I firmly believe they are in absolute minority – who want to be a part of Pakistan or want a ‘separate’ state for themselves, will soon realize Kashmir is an Indian state and no force on this earth can divide India further. Their King who happened to be a Hindu by religious practice had decided the inclusion of his kingdom in the Indian state in all his senses and within his legal rights to do so. And that included his citizens as well. Moreover, almost a failed state by any yardstick, Pakistan should also get over its ambition of acquiring Kashmir, remembering that British’s “divide-and-rule” policy is not applicable anymore in a democratic and secular Independent India. Therefore, even the thought of an “Azaad” Kashmir is insane! Same advice is for Arundhati Roy.

Arundhati Roy could call her Hindustan “bhookha-nanga” but she should thank her stars for being a born Hindustani; for speaking in seditious language in Pakistan, she could have been languishing in jail on a non-bailable warrant forever for “treason”. Because, it is only in a democratic India that she could take refuge in her enormously flawed ideologies and philosophies to justify her separatist tendencies and still be out as a free citizen.

India is tired of Arundhati Roy’s KBC: Kashmir Bachao Conundrum! Hopefully she will resume her writings and stop being the Goddess of Big Controversies!

CWG: Great show, India! But, do not forget to hang Kalmadi & Co.

Great show, India! 101, the magical figure which we reached with medals, make us so proud! Our athletes deserve a standing ovation! And, of course, not to forget the people behind staging of spectacular opening and closing ceremonies! It would be unfair if we do not salute the organizers for conducting the Games as it should have been done!

The preparedness came out to be superb ultimately! The facilities were world class! The Games Village was certainly best ever provided to sports fraternity for a CWG gathering! The stadia turned out to be spectacularly built! The turnout of all 71 countries (including the overseas territories of the UK) qualified Delhi 2010 to be the biggest ever Games! The viewership was equally massive – the biggest ever!

And, biggest was the money spent on the Commonwealth Games!

Rs. 77,000 crores! …

By any standards, this amount is quite huge! It still could have been justified - in a country with almost 70% people struggling to make two ends meet - if every penny was spent honestly – on sports and sportspersons and stadia and infrastructure. But we all know that this hasn’t been the case. The organizers and government officials – and politicians – involved in making Delhi ‘Games Ready’ indulged into unprecedented levels of corruption. Corruption so colossal and everybody so busy looting the country’s coffers that even when the nations in the Commonwealth Comity started to descend in Delhi, India looked in shambles.

Then the ‘Commonwealth Games Price Index’ was unbelievable! Money spent on purchase of materials and infrastructure was so exorbitant that it made one feel as if those were imported from Pluto! The entire scene was so embarrassing that at one point I felt ashamed of being an Indian. And it was in spite of the Indian Media – though quite belatedly – relentless in exposing the depth of corruption in hosting of the Games. Suresh Kalmadi, Sheila Dikshit, Jaipal Reddy, MS Gill, … were extraordinarily shameful in their conduct. There was simply no one around to take accountability for chaos and crises surrounding staging of biggest ever sporting extravaganza on Indian soil. The saddest part was that even our respected prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh – and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi – chose to keep quiet in spite of mounting criticisms. The result was that India from being ‘Incredible’ became ‘Unlivable’ in eyes of the world! … All was not well.

(Sheila Dikshit, don’t try to take entire credit for the success of the Games. You too are equally culpable for CWG mess and muck.)

Now that the Games are over; now that India has emerged as a strong sporting nation with second position in the medals tally: 38 gold haul and a total of 101 achievements; now that the world is convinced about India’s capabilities to stage a world class sporting event; now that all athletes have gone back happy; … we have to go back to the people who were responsible for holding the Games and take account of all the money spent. India should not spare the corrupt organizers, various governmental and sporting bodies and let them go scot free. As Suresh Kalmadi has said: “Hang me if found guilty!” I echo him: Hang Suresh Kalmadi & Co.! …

Though Suresh Kalmadi has emerged as the chief protagonist in the entire scam saga, it would be really naïve to think that he had the solo performance. As per official records, the Organizing Committee was given only Rs. 1600 crores towards expenditure from the allocated CWG funds of Rs. 77,000 crores. Majority of the money was so-called spent on building stadia, roads, flyovers, Games Village etc. which were under direct control of Delhi Government, Center (Lt. Governor of Delhi) and Urban Development ministry. Suresh Kalmadi had nothing to do with all of that. If India looked so pathetically inefficient and not at all ready even a few days before the start of the Games, main culprits were Sheila Dikshit, Jaipal Reddy and MS Gill, besides Suresh Kalmadi, who were directly overseeing functioning of the various bodies and agencies involved in preparing Delhi for the Games. For sure all these political figures are not saints walking the surface of India!

Therefore, my appeal is to the Prime minister to order a comprehensive probe and adequately punish all involved. Just by throwing Suresh Kalmadi out in the cold – now – will seem like shielding Sheila Dikshit, MS Gill, Jaipal Reddy and others.

PM’s belated action also makes one get a firm feeling that the plundered funds have indeed reached pockets of people at top of political pyramid of the Indian establishment and thus this “deflective directive” to nail Suresh Kalmadi alone is in fact to save those prominent players. Going by Indian standards, such a monumental scam couldn’t have been possible without political heavyweights getting their share in the loot. Moreover, the Indian Government knows too well that world famous Indian amnesia would take over soon and everybody – Media & Public - would conveniently forget about CWG and corruption and all corrupt people will continue to live happily ever after!

Here, I want to articulate one thing very clearly: the only person whom India believes to be absolutely above all kinds of corruption is the prime minister Manmohan Singh. And we are proud of him!

Hope, Mr. PM, you will be able to assert yourself and ensure proper action against all involved post probe – if it ever gets completed, unlike earlier times. Then only India will say: All is well! J

India is waiting and watching …

………………………………………………….

Post script: Let us not forget our athletes now that the Games are over. After giving the Doordarshan its highest ever TRP in recent times, let us not exhibit our contradictory behavior and ignore other sports for cricket, as always…

Shouldn’t more such sporting events be organized regularly as India is ready for it now? Of course, minus Suresh Kalmadi, Sheila Dikshit, MS Gill, Jaipal Reddy … (Kala-pani for Kala-madi! To give him company, send Sheila Dikshit, MS Gill, Jaipal Reddy along with!)