Bt Brinjal ka Bhartha !

Watching Jairam Ramesh go hyper over Bt Brinjal and then seeing him retract his stance later, I was forced to feel pity: for Bt Brinjal.

Why feel pity for Bt. Brinjal?

Well, Bt Brinjal almost lost a “purple” opportunity to get named as the “National Vegetable of India”!

Yeah, just come to think of it: Brinjal is native to India since pre-civilization times; India produces over 3500 varieties of this vegetable that is called Baingan in Hindi & Begun in Bangla. Also, India is the world’s second largest producer of this vegetable that is called Eggplant in the US. And by these statistics, Brinjal – Bt or no Bt! – deserves to enjoy the “national” status!

However, here, I am curious about our over eager MoS for Environment’s contemplation of granting regulatory approval for Bt Brinjal’s cultivation in India – all in solidarity with India’s “poor” farmers and the even more “poor” public – ever hungry for Brinjals!

Because, like Brinjals, people are in abundance in India! And, honestly, I can understand the Monsanto’s strategy of “testing” Bt Brinjal on Indians in India!

So, did we get saved by the minister’s “moratorium” on Bt Brinjal post severe protests? Well, the minister stated that the “moratorium” on Bt Brinjals would last for as long as it is needed to establish public trust and confidence.

Mr. Minister, how about indulging into “Brinjal diplomacy”? You can organize – in coordination with Monsanto, of course – free Bt Brinjal ka Bhartha camps for the “poor” and gain janta’s confidence for your Bt Brinjal agenda!

Or, if you want to go more professionally, appoint a PR agency to popularize Bt Brinjals through media campaigns besides camps and turn the “Brinjal Tide” in your favour!

Or, may be, you could take your campaign to the Net and have a facebook page dedicated or have a twitter account opened or a linkedin link established or a blog space created for Bt Brinjal! You could successfully kick start your crusade by urging a few twitter-happy colleagues in the Parliament to tweet a “controversial” 140-lettered opinion on Bt Brinjal and you could witness the whole world – India included – going “purple” in the debate: “Bt Brinjal - Bad or Not-so-Bad for humanity”!

Mr. Minister, do I make sense? ... Then say na, “what an Idea, madamji!”

P.S.: Picture of latest Amul Ad courtesy amul.com

The Mahatma and The Maoists

Every time I see the mindless massacres being unleashed upon innocents by the Maoists, I always wonder what Mahatma Gandhi would have said about the series of senseless slaughters? How would he have dealt with these dreaded criminals who, though shamelessly claim to be engaged into “People’s War”, are actually the biggest advertisement for the adage, “if one had such friends, one wouldn’t need an enemy!”

I think we know the answer to this question all too very well.

Gandhiji would have preached and practiced the philosophy of “Ahimsa” and “Satyagraha” with Maoists as well and would have effectively encouraged them to renounce violence completely. I am sure the Mahatma would have held the same degree of influence against the illusory ideologies of the Maoists as he had had over the English’s concept – rather the lack of it – of India’s independence.

Gandhiji would have made the Maoists look deeply into their dangerous practices of crime and country’s destabilization and would have told then bluntly: “Whatever may be your understanding of the Maoism, whatever may be your so-called reason for taking up armed struggle against the State – and its people – you can never “justify the means” to your “end” which is so-called “social structuring”.

I am sure Gandhiji would have simply marched in his trademark attire and with his trademark attitude into the bastion – heartland – of the Maoists and would have won their hearts and minds! And, saying NO to the Mahatma would have been a monumental task even for these heartless Maoists!

Of course, the Mahatma would have taken the tribals along with and would have first weaned them out of the influence of the Maoists. I am sure those underprivileged people would have understood being grossly manipulated by the militant Maoists and would have vehemently protested by wholeheartedly participating in an uprising against them – following the principles of Ahimsa and Satyagraha, of course.

Simultaneously, Gandhiji would have successfully made the Indian State to implement comprehensive developmental policies and plans in the troubled tribal areas and, thus, would have ensured that the so-called “People’s War” being waged by the militant Maoists was rendered irrelevant.

And, in his endeavor, the Mahatma would have resorted to hunger strikes if he deemed necessary!

Equally important, Gandhiji would have severely opposed the Pseudo Display of Affection (PDA) for the Maoists by their so-called “sympathizers”. Because, this brazen PDA is in effect highly skewed and nauseating and it once again reiterates the fact that these Maoists “sympathizers” are hugely myopic in their outlook.

Finally, the Mahatma would have said to the Maoists: follow the philosophy of Ahimsa and Satyagraha and join the mainstream. This way you will be able to serve the downtrodden people – your people – in reality. Work alongside the government. You have the power; use it – non-violently – to force the government to build basic infrastructure – roads, schools, hospitals, telephones, electricity etc. – in the tribal areas and let them have equal opportunities to develop their skills and lead a better life. This way you – the Maoists – will actually be respected as true leaders.

Therefore, what do you have to say, dear Maoists? Follow Gandhigiri or do Dadagiri? Dadagiri will ultimately lead to your anonymous and much-awaited death in the hands of the State’s para/military forces, whereas, Gandhigiri will ultimately lead to your celebrated status in the society as leaders – people’s people – and your death will see you being honoured by the State’s para/military guns!

Choice is yours.

Pune Terror Attack: Available Intelligence not Actionable Enough?

India was attacked again; this time – on 13th Feb’10 - the city on terrorists’ radar was Pune, almost a twin city of Bombay. And this happened in spite of the “actionable intelligence” available with the concerned authorities. In fact, the intelligence available was so glaring and clear that in order to have ignored it completely must have been a monumental task for the people concerned. Only last week Pune was mentioned – publicly – in LeT’s/JuD’s massive rally in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, held primarily to press their anti-India point, as a sure target for their attack. And the television footage/newspaper transcripts were available with all concerned in India, besides the other relevant and related intelligence reports provided by the indigenous agencies.

Still India kept sleeping. But, why? Nobody knows the answer for sure. Nor is anybody hopeful of getting a credible explanation from the ever-sleepy state government or even the now active Home Ministry.

Without towing the usual line – almost clichéd as far as terror attacks are concerned – of discussions or debates, I want to simply put this point across that when will India acquire a “zero-tolerance” attitude towards terrorism? Like every earlier time post Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks, this time too India is almost muted in voicing its protest. Our country once again is exhibiting its lack of courage in denying the “talking” opportunity – actually cementing our neighbour’s “denial” platform further - to Pakistan which is being paraded in the garb of the so-called resuming of the so-called peace-process-through-dialogues.

India for sure is acting under the US pressure in this regard. My question is: Can’t India hold its stand strongly enough so as not to succumb to any international diplomatic pressures, US’ included, till Pakistan actually “walked its talk” on its fight against terror emanating from within its boundaries? Do we really need to talk to Pakistan, so desperately?

But, then, talk for what?

Haven’t we already talked enough in the past sixty years? Or is it only a charade being put up by India in order to gag the geopolitical hawks – US included – and keep them off its shoulder and in fact keep going with the efforts and pressure on Pakistan for stopping cross-border terrorism?

Even if the answer to the last question is “yes”, my objection is in India getting re-positioned as a “soft” state – and a target for terror, therefore – when it is supposed to be “poised” for superpowerdom. Repeated terror strikes and India’s awfully “soft” and inconsistent responses make it seem hugely vulnerable and highly incompetent for the global leadership role.

Still, the diplomatic pundits in the government want to go ahead with the resumption of the so-called peace talks with Pakistan. Well, I can only say, All The Best. But just remember the GOI: All is not well in India.

On 14th Feb – Valentine’s Day - when the entire world was talking about spreading love, India was battling, once again, the aftermath of yet another terror attack. Unfortunately, India seems to be fast getting used to it. For India, Enough is still not Enough.

God save India.

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I had always wondered – actually wished! – why should The Newshour have only 60 minutes? Today, with its special edition, the Newshour did stretch to 120 minutes and it was a pleasant surprise to see it getting aired on a Sunday evening. But honestly, its millions of dedicated viewers will vouch that we had never wanted our wish to come true in this unfortunate manner, for an unfortunate incident. Nevertheless, the 2-hour debate was comprehensive and incisive, as always, in the true Timesnow tradition!

Black Face; Pink Chaddi next, Mr. Muthalik???

“What goes around comes around,” said Arnab Goswami in his trademark straightforward and sincere style. And watching the start of the Timesnow Thursday Newshour I wondered, “What could Arnab be talking about?” Soon I had the answer. He was mentioning the “much awaited” retort in Bangalore where Pramod Muthalik’s face was blackened by a couple of activists in public! Wow! What a sight! Seeing that infamous madman seethe with anger and writhe with non-physical pain, in public, was a pure delight! The master molester was getting paid back in his own coin; the notorious self-styled moral police was getting a fitting public rebuttal; the self proclaimed reformist was being forced to taste his own medicine!

And Muthalik’s public predicament and expected defiance made me think deeper, the devil’s workshop – my mind – at its efficient best! After a Black Face, may be a Pink Chaddi next for Mr. Muthalik?! He forced to wear the Pink Chaddi in the same manner Superman would have preferred! This janta’s gesture would have cemented his desire to be “macho” which he and his men had manifested so unabashedly in Mangalore last year!

Thank you, India, for waking up and standing up to a militant like Muthalik! … Muthalik, Murdabad!

Happy Valentine's Day to all :)

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“What goes around comes around,” hearing Arnab Goswami say the adage in his trademark straightforward and sincere style made me ponder that no other news anchor would have displayed this kind of deep and genuine feeling while reporting a news story – a horrific story of public abuse of young women by a bunch of hooligans a year ago. My admiration for him grew a few notches more.

Shahrukh, Your Name Is Khan!

Shahrukh, your name is Khan! And, I salute you! I salute you for standing up against Shiv Sena’s outrageously mad posturing against you, on an absolute non-issue. I salute you for holding your stand against the bullying of Shiv Sena, their usual but hugely outdated threatening tactic. I salute you for refusing to apologize for no fault of yours, a rarity seen amongst the high and mighty of Bombay – yes, Bombay! – and, by this I mean the filmwallas and the cricketers. I salute you for speaking your mind and not getting cowed down by the goondas of Shiv Sena. I salute you for not being scared by a bunch of senile Shiv Sainiks! I salute you for daring to be Shah Rukh Khan!

Shahrukh, I say, and my sentiments echo the expressions of billions – Indians and world citizens included – that My Name Is Khan is going to be a super-duper hit! MNIK will smash all previous records of viewership and earnings! Like you “Tere Nanina” is my favourite song too! Well, I also admit here that “Sajda” is an equally beautiful song!

Shahrukh, you have billions of blessings and wishes with you and your team for your My Name Is Khan!

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Bal Thackeray is one so-called “Tiger” the world will love to see become extinct soon. Honestly, I feel immensely sorry for this aging spineless-toothless so-called “Tiger”. May he rest-in-peace.

India is my country -- India for Indians!

India is my country and we Indians are Indians – first and foremost.

India is my country and all its states are my states.

India is my country and all its cities are my cities.

India is my country and its villages are my villages.

India is my country as much as it is for every other Indian.

I love my country and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage.

I love my country and I am proud of its pluralism and secularism.

I love my country and I am proud of its democracy and diversity.

I love my country and I am proud of its linguistic and cultural treasures.

To my country and my fellow Indians, I pledge my devotion.

In their well being and prosperity alone, lies my happiness.

I shall not let any person damage the integral fabric of my country – the Idea of India – in any way.

Jai Hind.

P.S.: Shiv Sena and MNS – rest-in-peace.

Fourteen-Eleven --- 14-11

Fourteen-Eleven --- 14-11.

Sounds hauntingly familiar? To 9-11?

That’s the creepy feeling I got while watching the very touching ad on “Save Our Tiger” initiative being sponsored by Aircel. The condition of the cub looked so traumatic that I had tears in my eyes. Coincidently, the first time I saw this ad I was having dinner; I felt guilty of being fortunate to have food in front of me while that poor little cub could even die hungry waiting for his mother who may not even return!

1411 is the number of Tigers left in our country, according to the latest Tiger census! Yes, only 1411 Tigers are surviving in a nation that claims to have Tiger as its national animal!

If we do not act fast for preserving the remaining Tiger population, the fading roar of all those millions massacred will keep haunting us, forever, like 9-11 does!

But who is responsible for this pathetic state of affairs?

Of course, the Indian government; the scores of ministries and departments and NGOs responsible for Tiger conservation in India. And there are plenty: Project Tiger, Tiger Protection Force, WWF India, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Wildlife Protection Society of India, Save the Tiger Fund, etc. etc. to name a few. Interestingly, India is a signatory to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora) and also a member of eight nations SAWTI (South Asia Wildlife Trade Initiatives). Still, the only aspect that got comprehensively neglected by all accountable was the proper and honest utilization of huge funds for the cause!

Tiger being one of the most beautiful and magnificent creations of God – though also awe-inspiring! - has always been a prized catch and fascinating for humans! Even today, Tiger is polled to be the most popular of all animals in the world! However, the fast dwindling number of this most charismatic megafauna forced the world to declare it as an endangered species and enforce a ban on its killing in 1973. But, that hasn’t worked as we see from Tigers remaining number today: 3500 worldwide and in India, 1411 only!

The massive decline in Tiger population has been because of a complex set of factors: from rampant poaching to escalating deforestation to increasing loss of natural habitat to minimizing wildlife resources to organized international criminal networks in illegal parts-trading to tiger trafficking to retaliatory killings by humans. Shockingly, in India, the Tiger Reserves, National Parks and Sanctuaries are the least safe of the places for a Tiger to survive!

Sloganeering and candle light vigils and protest marches will not work in India, anymore, as they haven’t so far. Nevertheless, I greatly admire the initiative undertaken by Aircel to re-focus on Tiger protection. The concerned authorities need to be made and held accountable for honest utilization of funds and deliver on the promises and objectives. There has to be sincere and serious efforts in Tiger preservation. Otherwise, the day is not far - in fact very near - when India will lose its 1411 surviving Tigers and the name Panthera tigris will remain only in books as an extinct species. The only ray of hope visible to me apparently is that, may be, a day will come when – in reality – someone will set up a “Tiger-rasic Park” to resurrect Tigers on our Planet Earth as God’s one of the most wonderful creations for the humans to see, and admire, again!

Let us do something concrete to increase 1411 to a safe number to start with, before 14-11 becomes a haunting number! Coincidently, 2010 is the “Year of Tiger” as per Chinese astrology. Let’s make 2010 the “Year of Tiger” for India as well!

Let us Save Our Tigers!

(For more info visit www.saveourtigers.com)