Will Desert Jasmine wilt away?

Just a couple of winters ago I was so thrilled to see the changes sweeping through the historically troubled and suppressed regions of the Middle East. Tunisia had just been unshackled from Ben Ali’s grip after a month-long largely peaceful protests; Egypt had erupted with large demonstrators congregating in Tahrir Square against the Hosni Mubarak’s iron grasp on governance; the scent of revolution had spread far and wide in the desert sub-continent- whether it was Bahrain or Syria or Libya or Yemen, people were out on streets protesting against their dictatorial regimes; they all wanted Tunisia like freedom – nothing less than regime change!

The mood overall was of fearlessness and cheerfulness. They had shattered the glass ceiling of suppression. And there was no stopping them.

Egyptians ensured that they got what they had wanted, even if the struggle had to be sustained somehow in the face of repression. But the sense of freedom was still faraway for public in other Middle Eastern nations. Bahraini Kingdom did not hesitate in brutal stamp-out of the demonstrations. Yemeni people couldn't hold long in front of the cruel control of their national administration. Yes, there were celebrations in Libya for ousting Muammar Qaddafi – actually capturing and killing him with the US help – after a long fight which had acquired a violent hue ultimately. The Syrian struggle is still on.

All along while the Desert Jasmine was witnessing changes in the surrounding landscapes, the hotbed of Middle East revolution Palestine-Israel borders were keeping relative cool, perhaps because of international attention being diverted to emerging revolting states. Both countries demand for control over their “claimed” territories had taken a back seat, sort of. Or maybe they too were busy watching the unprecedented level of changes taking place in their neighboring nations. However, it is not to discount Israel’s uneasiness over the calm in their disputed land as it was evident in their tries to instigate unrest.

And though I too understood that the lull was before a storm, but I was confident that this time the outcome could be different from all earlier attempts towards freedom in Palestine-Israel conflict. Jasmines will bloom in this holy land too, sometime soon! And I was happy :)

For me the meaning of life is in living, and living “where the mind is without fear and the head is held high”. For me the dignity of life is the most crucial dimension of one’s being. And that is the reason why I thank God for making me a citizen of a democratic country (though there are serious doubts emerging about the degree of real freedom in India as well). But the fact that I can write about it openly – hope no authority or party or person takes offence to any of my “personal” thoughts -  is testimony to the fact that India is an independent country now!

Thinking of and talking about the Middle East – and all such countries in other parts of the world – always left me perplexed. That why was the region perpetually in revolution mode and why no real freedom had been seen for ordinary people even in today’s modern age? This part of the world which was the crucible of civilizations and cultures should have continued to be role model for rest of the population globally. However, sadly and unfortunately, the significance and relevance of most of the things Middle-Eastern have got lost for a larger world. The oil of course remains the sole strongest magnet.

An honest reflection will tell the Middle Easterners that they themselves are primarily responsible for the deteriorating state of affairs in their land. They should have forged a stronger bond among themselves and could have shaped their own destiny much more beautifully. This, of course, does not imply that the life per se is not livable; in fact it is much better than many parts of the world. But, in all honesty, they deserve much better. Using their historic legacy and learning  the structure of governance and state of being could have been inspiration to the rest of the world. United they could have thwarted the attempts of the West – developed nations with insatiable hunger for oil – from venturing into dirty & dangerous oil diplomacy & politics and in the process propping and supporting dictators. More than the ordinary folks, it was the responsibility of various heads of nations to join together in their united pursuit towards geo-political dominance. However, as we know, that could not be a possibility.

Today Israel has provoked Palestine and has re-started almost a war in the Gaza strip. The devastation in the areas is depressing. On the strength of the “Iron Dome” pounding the “enemy’s” places with unrelenting bombing is quite distasteful. Killing hundreds of innocent Palestinians including women and children in name of God-knows-what is reprehensible. As expected, the West is unable to yet again contain the Israeli madness. But what is more unfortunate is the silence in the Middle Eastern states. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Iran and also Iraq besides the smaller ones could have stood up strongly in support of the Palestinians and could have put a brake in Israel’s insanity.

Israel should not forget that the stake on the 'occupied land' is historically with Palestine and only a "live and let live" attitude will result in permanent peace. 

Iran-Iraq, Iraq-Kuwait, Iraq-US, Jasmine revolution, continuing Arab Spring, and of course, the mother of all conflicts – the Palestine-Israel war. These are a few of the contemporary times warfare witnessed in the Middle East. Historically this largely desert land has been beset with battles – most of it among themselves. Elsewhere the world has progressed from a medieval mentality to a modern existence – well almost in certain terms – but this part of the world has remained warped in time. In spite of shared history and religion and culture, the divisions within states have remained glaring. And that is the reason why even in today’s times, the Middle East gets abused repeatedly by the West.

One of the fundamental existential flaws of the region has been its tendency to lean towards religious fundamentalism frequently. The progress which could have put the area on the world map as a dominating power has in fact been stalled consistently by the extremist tendencies of a certain dominant section of its conservative populace. Not to forget that even this situation could have been managed if the Middle East would have stood united. Now, standing united does not imply being governed as one nation state; a regional unity is what it lacks tremendously and to its own peril.

And that is the reason why we see the turmoil re-surging repeatedly in the region. If Tunisia, Egypt and Libya are all facing continuing unrest in spite of them now having democratically elected governments, they returning to crises once again don’t seem a remote possibility. Their first few steps towards democracy seem to be shaky at the moment.

The freshly erupted crisis in Egypt is testimony to trouble-ingrained nature of the Middle East politics. President Morsi’s plans to thwart democratic essence of governance and garner dictator-like powers for himself has to be put to an end by a combined diplomatic effort of rest of the Middle Eastern nations. Else, soon the great state of Egypt will slide into an irreversible downfall. Any negative change taking place in Egypt will augur very badly for the other democracy-aspiring countries of the region as it would set a bad precedent.

These newly minted democratic nations needed full support of the stable Middle Eastern states but we rather see these nations gradually treading the path of religious fundamentalism as was seen earlier in Iran. And if there would have been support, then that would have been ‘unprecedented’!

The contemporary world history is observer to the state of Palestine being abandoned by its powerful neighbors leading to decades of devastating consequences for proud Palestinians. I truly believe that if the Arab world had resisted, the illegally formed state of Israel would not have been able to garner legitimacy. And, even if they did not act then against the Israeli occupation, later with their honest approach they could have successfully implemented the peace accords and the two states solution in the disputed holy land. At the cost of sounding naive in matters of international politics and diplomacy, I simply state that with talks all conflicts can be resolved amicably to both parties satisfaction. Of course, in the process, they also needed to reign in the opposing factions.

The way the world has managed the Israeli-Palestine conflict so far, it seems to keep it going is in interest of many developed nation.

The recent UN upgrade of Palestine to a nonmember observer state is a major step. The resolution to the decades old Palestine-Israel conflict seems a possibility in near future now. Israel expectantly will oppose it tooth & nail and it has already started demonstrating its displeasure openly. However, a united rest of the world – minus the US – will be able to force Israel see the realities and relent.

As the world depends almost entirely for its fuel on the Middle East and for humanity’s sake, it is in the shared interest of the entire world to work towards stability and democracy in the region. The freshly bloomed Desert Jasmine should not be left to wilt away in the harsh desert sun. …  

                         

Anna, India is with you in your fast-unto-death-of-corruption! And we love your Annagiri!

Today I feel proud as an Indian. Because today I believe that we Indians can stand up, stand up for ourselves. It’s always frustrating and annoying to see India hugely comfortable with everything corroding the very foundations of our great nation – corruption being the most corrosive of all malaise. But today I am sensing an assurance about the scent of change having reached our shores, finally, and that we will see the Change we want.

And the credit is Anna Hazare’s! It is immensely satisfying to see Indians, young Indians especially, respond to Anna’s call of fight against corruption and be with him, in real space and time and in the virtual domain as well. From Jantar Mantar in Delhi to Facebook, Twitter and Blogs in the social media, Indian youth is pledging support to this modern day Mahatma. And whoever said Gandhigiri was dead and ineffective in today’s times should see Anna reinvent it for India once again as Annagiri!

Only a couple of months back, 27^th Jan’11 to be precise, I had expressed my views on “India Poised for Revolution??? It is High Time …”. It was upon seeing India’s and Indian Media’s shocking indifference to the then ongoing movement in Tunisia and Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle-East.

Without repeating my views, I simply put the link here in case you want to read my point of view.

http://anjuchandel.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/india-poised-for-revolution-its-high-time/

Nevertheless, I would like to enumerate a few important points.

First, the current activism against corruption in India is direct fallout of the success of Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions. I am happy that the unfolding events in the Middle East could succeed in inspiring us Indians - finally. And we are indebted to “India Against Corruption” campaign coupled with Anna Hazare’s peaceful protest in form of fast.

It was the success of people’s revolution in Egypt and Tunisia and the revolt in Libya besides in Bahrain, Yemen and elsewhere that ignited minds of a few credible social activists like Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi and the germination of the “idea of revolution” in form of a forum called “India Against Corruption”. The support to this initiative was huge and immediate – on Facebook especially, which, frankly, was a bit surprising to me as I had always believed that Indians lacked the spine to stand for themselves and their country.

Second, the role of Indian Media has to be given its due credit. The fact that Anna Hazare’s “fast-unto-death” protest has become such a hit and has created such a sensation and furor in the political and public arena is because the Indian media – television in particular – took it up wholeheartedly. Through their non-stop coverage, Media is once again reiterating its own campaign against cancerous corruption.

Do not forget that the real crusade against the chronic gangrene called corruption was in effect initiated by Time Now’s shocking exposes about monumental levels of wrongdoings in the Commonwealth Games preparations which had the maximum impact. The channel sustained its relentless and fearless coverage in spite of immense pressure from all “concerned” to stop it from doing the same. The actual credit at Times Now – rather in the Media – of course, is of Arnab Goswami’s who has been the real crusader who spearheaded the media movement against corruption with his sheer courage. His forceful ways led the other Media houses to adopt his ways of news reporting which started a viral in “nail the corrupt” campaigns on various news channels. I greatly admire his guts to take the all powerful systems head on and put enough pressure on the government to ACT through his relevant and strong debates.

And to all those courage-less cynics who are maliciously labeling the increasing uproar as "media created" drama, that I am proud of my Media as they are doing just what they are supposed to do: act as the 4th Estate of our functional Democracy!

Thus, to tell truthfully, I have full faith in the fact that Anna’s movement will continue to gain momentum and will become so big and inclusive and encompassing that the otherwise deliberately deaf-dumb government will feel its serious heat soon. In fact it has already started being felt. Sharad Pawar had to step down from the GoM on corruption. However, it is just an eyewash but not insignificant, to say the least. He should, as Anna said, resign from the ministry as well because only a few cabinet members can match him in managing corruption to suit his personal gains! And not only him; all politicians – ministers or not a minister yet – are utterly corrupt and, therefore, do not have the moral right to be on the panel. The forum has to have credible civil society members from all walks of life.

But what is perplexing is the foolish attitude of the government of India towards handling this issue. Their defiance is going to further and seriously erode whatever credibility they are left with. In stead of sounding and acting arrogant, the GOI should have immediately called a cabinet meeting and would have constituted a special committee inviting Anna Hazare – rather met him at the Jantar Mantar – and his fellow revolutionaries for sincere and honest discussions, leading to final drafting of the Lokpal Bill. Special session of the Parliament should have been called and the Bill should have been passed. Because, one thing is written on the wall: there is no going back now; Lokpal Bill has to be finalized in the required manner and passed ASAP.

Finally, to repeat myself, I feel proud of my India today because finally we have woken up against the gangrene of corruption. And we have Anna Hazare to thank for waking up a historically and perennially sleeping India from its comfort-cocoon as far as corruption is concerned. From being labeled as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, we have to demonstrate that we are capable of cleansing the systems including our physical system – remember, it is infamously said that corruption has got embedded in the DNA of Indians!

I am 100% sure that Anna's crusade will become watershed in rewriting India's destiny. And Jantar Mantar, as is being said, has already become India's Tahrir Square. We just have to sustain our steam and free India of all its ills. Its time ...

It’s time the GOI also woke up to the harsh political and social realities and listen to the growing chorus of India against corruption and forgo its inability coupled with unwillingness to handle this situation with integrity and honesty. Otherwise, they will repent soon because India is not going to take their corruption-tainted autocratic and arrogant ways anymore. We will take this crusade against corruption to its final conclusion. After all, we have the fundamental right to a corruption-free life!

It’s time for Change, Change towards a corruption-free India! … From being an “Invertebrate India” we have to reclaim being an “Incredible India”!

It’s Time …

Anna, carry on your fast-unto-death-of-corruption! India is with you, Anna J

India’s hypocritical obsession with Indianness

Often I wonder why we Indians feel so “Indian”! That is, why we Indians do not forget that we are only Indians at times. That is, why we Indians are so uncomfortable feeling not “Indian”. That is, why we Indians feel so awkward being a world citizen.

I wonder because I see Indians ‘trying’ to be Indians all the time.

If you refute my “charges” on us fellow Indians then just take a 360 degree view of our country and countrymen and you will understand what I mean.

For us the world is India. We simply refuse to accept that even though we hold Indian passport, we are essentially a part of the larger world. That is, we Indians are world citizens as well. And whatever little worldview we have, that is “limited edition” and laced with hypocritical Indianness. Just dissect an Indian’s life and style and you will see the all too evident dichotomy.

Because of “economical” reasons we are enormously comfortable embracing a foreign language i.e. English as it has become the working language by default and we cannot “work” without it, but beyond a certain point we are immensely uncomfortable with things “non-Indian”, be it wearing western dresses or eating continental food or listening to English songs or watching English movies. (English is the only non-Indian language we understand!) Interestingly, on the other side, we also pride ourselves on being indulgent in things “western” as that satisfies our narrow definition of being “modern”. But obviously this approach is full of “double standards”. Else, why do we see people dramatically change – going back to “Indian” ways - in their habits and lifestyle once they so-called settle down (marriage!) in life?

And perhaps that is the reason why we see Hindi and regional genres in all fields doing immensely well in comparison to the English format. The conflict is chronic but has become glaring in present times when compared to yesteryears.

We are happy living in our Indian cocoon and we refuse to look outward. Whatever may be happening elsewhere in the world, we continue to concentrate on our set of issues all the time.

India’s inward looking view is not a recently acquired attitude; we have been wrapped in our Indianness for as far as history can look back. And that’s the reason why we Indians could never become a part of the larger world in the true sense of the term.

Being one’s own country’s citizen is a desirable attribute; nevertheless, to wear one’s citizenship so overtly on sleeves is not such a welcome characteristic. Because manifesting our skewed Indianness amidst global atmosphere – and aspirations - could become a bit uncalled for at times.

Take the case of the spreading pro-democracy protests worldwide. While the rest of the world is focused on the events unfolding in the Arab and the African worlds, India is blissfully insulated. The best reflective parameter is of course the Indian media. Tunisian revolution happened and got over and Ben Ali got ousted but our media mentioned the historic movement only as a passing remark. If Hosni Mubarak had resigned by fourth day of the Egypt uprising, the Indian media would have missed out completely on the ‘history-in-making’ moments. Sadly, the media has again pressed its snooze button and has shut out the reports of protests in Libya, Bahrain, Algeria, Yemen, Morocco and elsewhere in its coverage. Actually, our media has become so obsessed with the entire idea of “breaking news” of so-called relevant news to India primarily for the TRP share that it seems to have worn a blindfold permanently as far as the international news go. We do not even hear a mention of important global occurrences anymore. India-centric scams and scamsters continue to hog the limelight and get the primetime.

In an increasingly integrating world, where India is poised to stake a claim – rightly so – to the global high table because of its envied status of an emerging economic giant, Indian media will have to play a hugely integrating role. The exhibition of this “don’t care” attitude towards the world will not take India far. Our markets are not going to make us remain relevant, politically at least, for the world for long; we need to become a part of the global mosaic.

Sadly, I don’t think anybody is even bothered about India and Indian media. Otherwise, when a large part of the world is moving towards adopting democratic methods of governance, the world’s biggest democracy i.e. India does not find a mention anywhere. Indian political leadership and the Indian media have ensured that we remain anonymous in world’s watershed! Under ‘normal’ circumstances, India’s democratic administration should be talked about besides US’ as an example for other nations to emulate. We should be watching and hearing our political and media fraternities engaged into debates in the global media. But alas, no one cares! Because, we do not care to look beyond our boundaries. I call it a fitting reciprocation!

If I were the head of a media house, I would have seized this opportunity to showcase to the world India and its Indianness – democracy included – and would have involved and engaged the world population – media included – and would have in turn got involved and engaged with the world and its historic happenings; I would have tried to break the ‘isolationist’ image of the Indian media, and India. I would have helped my India overcome its inability – and obsession with Indianness - to cross over beyond its borders.

(I have always wondered that when India is talked about as being “poised”, then why Indian media is not taken in the same stride. Frankly, we know the answer. Honestly, we have world class media personalities but alas, they seem to have missed out on the opportunities yet again! …)

………………….

It is good to nurse a belief like “Mera Bharat Mahan” but other nations are as much Mahan as India if not more! …

Egypt "Live" : March like an Egyptian ...

No astrologer could have “predicted” that 2011 was destined to be the Year of Revolution! Of Change! The uprising – “Jasmine Revolution” - which started in Tunisia in late Dec’10, has spread far and wide and is slated to be the watershed in world politics. After ousting Ben Ali from his 23 years of unopposed iron fisted rule over Tunisians, Egyptians Revolution is the most courageous manifestation of people’s power and desire for democracy: liberty and dignity in life!

2 weeks have passed since the protests erupted on the streets of Cairo and got congregated to the central part of the city that is Tahrir Square but the determination of the people of Egypt has remains undiminished. Their sustenance of energy and enthusiasm amidst strong government erected barriers – figuratively and actually – is a testimony to the burning desire of Egyptians to comprehensively reject autocratic form of governance practiced by a firmly established Hosni Mubarak. To watch Mubarak cling to his presidency in face of massive public outcry is almost pitiable. He has to realize fast that he will not be able to withstand the winds of change blowing in Egypt. He will have to go. It is only a matter of days. No amount of manipulations – his last straw - in the name of the so-called “orderly transition” will ‘fool’ Egyptians anymore. Hosni Mubarak will have to go. Period.

Egyptians’ “Million Man March” – March of Million - to Tahrir Square marked the reinforcement of Mahatma Gandhi’s universally applicable – and still relevant - peaceful principles towards pursuit of freedom. This also marked a new beginning in rewriting global politics especially in the Arab and African parts of the globe. All the ongoing revolts narrate the same story for and of Change. The challenge is to keep “marching”.

To the people of the world, I say: If you need a life of liberty and dignity, then, march like an Egyptian! …

And, to Hosni Mubarak and all the autocrats of the world, I say: Go, go, go …

………………….

The entire world is focused on the unfolding events in Egypt and elsewhere. The global media – BBC, CNN and ABC in particular – has played an incredible role in taking the boiling revolution to billions’ household! “History-in-making” is being watched “live” which is unprecedented! The “history-in-making” is also in making the whole world unite as world citizens! …

India Poised for Revolution??? It's High Time ...

I was flying back to Delhi on 25^th evening and was looking out of window as the aircraft was on its descent. The approaching land of Delhi looked beautiful. It was a great relief from the feeling of suffocation I was experiencing as a result of having to sit in a ‘window’ seat sandwiched between the aircraft body on one side and a human’s body on the other side (in the middle seat)!

(It was the second time in a row that I couldn’t manage an aisle seat on my way back to the city. I can’t even remember the last time I had flown sitting at a window. I have to remember to Net check-in from next time onwards…)

My mind was engrossed in numerous thoughts which were taking me far and wide: from earth to moon and back to earth! I imagined myself as an alien about to touch down on the planet earth! And also about Neil Armstrong’s landing on the Moon! Humanity at large also crossed my mind. And the feeling I got was similar to what I get whenever I see a cute little child: what kind of a human he/she will grow to be? (Why do people behave the way they do???) Simultaneously I was trying to make out the popular landmarks on Delhi’s beautifully lit landmass. Suddenly I remembered and wondered how spectacular the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium would have looked from up above the sky so high on the day of the inauguration and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games. And then all those unearthed scams and scamsters came flooding to my mind! The city which looked so tranquil from thousands of miles in the sky suddenly seemed ugly. And I became aware of the presence of corrupt and cruel people – politicians and bureaucrats and police and mafias and criminals – walking the earth below.

I thought about India and the Indians. And also about the Republic Day the next day and the Padma awards and if Arnab Goswami had made to the final list (I had no time to abreast myself with the News throughout the day in Bombay). I was also very keen to know if Dr. Binayak Sen had been granted bail. Then my thoughts took me thousands of miles away to Tunisia. From Arnab to Media to Tunisia and back to India, my mind was racing fast! India’s struggle for independence and its leaders and freedom fighters came flashing. And then a thought solidified – being there on my mind since a few days, since the Tunisian revolution – that why is India not witnessing any revolution anymore? Because the prevailing state of affairs in India is immensely ugly and brutal for majority and which can be corrected only by a revolution. How long can India act deaf and dumb?

A “slap” saw Tunisia get into a revolutionary mode, ousting its dictator with sheer show of public anger and power. Tunisia’s uprising inspired similar protests in neighboring African and Middle-Eastern states. It could turn out to be a watershed moment – movement – when the world looks at it a few years from now.

India has a lot to learn from Tunisia. In spite of the so-called story about India being “poised”, our country needs major reforms in all walks of life. Democracy is often the most confused position; democracy is abused by many to manipulate systems to suit personal gains. In India, ordinary citizens – famously called as aam-aadmi - are put under illusory state of being powerful and free whereas the reality is mostly opposite. The “ballot power” is the most exaggerated form of public power.

2010 saw the Indian Media emerge as a strong crusader with its relentless and impactful activism. The Indian establishment, which is otherwise immune to public pressure or public anger, was forced to act in many cases relentlessly pursued by the Indian Media. India saw its Media acting as the “fourth” pillar in the real sense of the term. A Media in its “Change Agent” avatar could have easily started a mutiny if same level of reportage had happened in any other country. But not in India.

India kept its “poise” even in an environment intense with exposes about utter levels of corruption and blatant use of office and power - and public money! We did not see even a single protest by Indian public against the exposed scams and scamsters. Indians seemed to be least affected by billions of country’s money being looted by corrupt politicians and bureaucrats and officials. Rather we found many advocating against the Media for bringing to light monumental corruption in many areas. This was especially witnessed just before the start of the Common Wealth Games. “Corruption is nothing new; let the Games carry on!” was how majority reacted initially. Instead of feeling let down by the sheer scale of scam, Indians targeted the Media. It was crazy!

CWG scam led to strings of bigger scams but India kept sleeping. How long are we going to behave like ostriches and believe that “all is well”? Till the sting of corruption hurts us directly and individually? When will we come together and protest against the gross and grotesque manipulations by the Indian establishment – government and everybody else in power? When are we Indians going to start a revolt and free India from the corrupt tentacles of its hugely tainted politicians and bureaucrats and police? We see people – public – coming out in streets protesting trivial issues – again politically motivated suiting narrow gains – but never ever do we witness Indians coming out together and demonstrating for the right to a manipulation & corruption free life.

India is an incredible country – no doubt. But it has an equally incredible legacy of remaining under “foreign” rule for several centuries. If Mahatma Gandhi hadn’t happened to India, we would probably have remained under British rule for many more decades.

Today, India is supposed to be “poised” - for bigger things on the global stage. It is an emerging economy and has created wealth for many. There is a sense of overall prosperity all around – but restricted to cities only. In addition, as more than 70% of Indians are under the age of 35, thus, India can claim to be a “young nation”. But where is exuberance and enthusiasm of a typical youth? Where is confidence and rebellion so characteristic of youth? Why our youths do not revolt against wrongs and injustices and discriminations witnessed so often in our country and which have the potential to wreck havoc with life? Why is our youth comfortable with corruption gnawing at the country’s foundation? Why do Indians – fortunate ones in cities – have this “I-don’t-care-as-long-as-it-doesn’t-affect-me-directly”??? … Or, is our youth busy enjoying bliss by playing with amazing “apps” available on a cell phone?

Tunisia started the fire which has spread to its neighbouring countries and where the mantle of revolution has been taken up by their youths. Indian youth needs to wake up to shake up the corrupt Indian establishment and bring about radical political and social upheaval and reclaim our India of yesteryears when it was hailed as “Sone ki Chidiya” and where Ram-Rajya prevailed! …

Are we too waiting to be “slapped” out of our slumber??? … It is high time India saw a revolution … Remember, we have a fundamental right to revolt!

……………………………….

The aircraft landed with a slight jerk and I landed in my real India. …

Happy Republic Day J , belatedly!