The Most Famous Universal Indian-American !

In this world every human being is born a human but his/her identity gets defined by his/her nationality. So, by that account, I am an Indian first for the world. However, for our ever migrating world, ever since we have crawled out of our caves many millennia ago, we have also tried to re-define our life’s boundaries by immigrating to foreign lands, seeking better chances at life – sometimes as an individual/a family person, and many a times as explorers, in quest of fortunes for our nations in faraway lands – Christopher Columbus and Vasco Da Gama being the foremost among them. In both the scenarios, our life adapts to our new land and our identity gets hyphenated with our newly adopted home. E.g., an Indian who has moved permanently to America becomes an Indian-American. There isn’t – and should not be – any undue pride or shame associated with this acquired identity; it is simply a new status of that being in a new nation. 

We Indians have never been explorers, may be because when the ancient Indian civilization was at its full flourish, the rest of the humanity was still learning the meaning of it. And then, when the latter caught up with India, they travelled large distances and came to our land drawn especially to our material riches. Even then Indians did not try to go anywhere else as ‘crossing over the seven dark seas’ was considered a sin in Hinduism – the founding religion, the guiding philosophy, of the cradle of civilization, which shaped our thoughts and actions. Therefore, we don’t have tales to tell about India’s explorations and conquests around the world. Rather we have the fables of embracing the various world religions and the people into our society, and thereby, laying the foundation of today’s modern India - a secular and sovereign democracy.

As in India of today the sin of sea-crossing is not relevant anymore, we see millions of Indians settled abroad, adopting and adapting to their new nation, and simultaneously, remaining an Indian at their core all their life – numerous as NRIs and many as PIOs (citizens of their new country). As America has always been the dream destination of freedom and opportunities for the humanity, Indians too have immigrated in huge numbers (3 million by current count) and have become one of the largest and the most influential diaspora in that land of liberty and equality as Indian-Americans.

The saga of a successful Indian-American perhaps started with Swami Vivekananda who though didn’t settle down there but did try to make America his home state post taking the country by storms with his famous ‘My Brothers and Sisters of America’ speech in 1893 at Chicago Parliament of the World’s Religions; his purpose was to introduce the concept of Hinduism and Yoga to Americans and to the world. His unfinished mission was taken up – independently - by Swami Yogananda who was Divinely ordained to make America his base and dedicate his life towards teaching Kriya Yoga to the West, and this is how came into being the most famous Indian-American of all times till date!

The year was 1920. Swami Yogananda at the age of 27 was already a renowned saint in India for having established the Yogoda Ashram in Ranchi in 1917 under the guidance of his Guru Sri Yukteswar-ji. The stories of his spiritual prowess had travelled from the shores of his hometown Calcutta to the territories of the USA, and he was invited to represent India at the International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston where he was to speak on Hinduism and Spirituality. At the break of the news to him, young Yogananda felt exhilarated but soon became doubtful about the outcome of his journey, as he had been asked by his Guru to stay back in America and work towards spreading Yoga. He was aware of Swami Vivekananda’s failed mission which had forced him to come back disappointed. But Sri Yukteswar-ji was confident, ‘When you will speak, thousands will come to listen to you and millions will follow you!’

Yogananda-ji agreed and started preparations for his departure. However, in his heart he was still not fully convinced. Thus he decided to seek Mother Divine’s reassurance. One day he locked himself into his room and sat down to meditate. After almost a full day of meditation he finally got the Divine Answer; the deathless Guru Babaji appeared to him in person and reminded him about his Divine Duty which was to take the age-old treasure of wisdom on Indian Spirituality and Yoga to the deserving souls in the West. Sri Yukteswar-ji’s Guru Lahiri Mahasaya – disciple of Babaji - had informed Yogananda-ji’s parents – his disciples - about the Divine purpose of their son’s reincarnation. And, thus, Swami Yogananda travelled to the US.

Sri Yukteswar-ji’s prophecy came true: Swami Yogananda was instantly embraced by the American society and soon he became the most sought after speaker in the country and thousands thronged to his spiritual discourses and Yoga-initiation ceremonies. He established his spiritual base at Los Angeles as SRF-YSS (Self-Realization Fellowship – Yogoda Satsang Society) and dedicated his life towards teaching spirituality and Kriya Yoga. His spiritual fame spread rapidly all across the world. In 1935 his Guru bestowed upon him the highest spiritual honour of ‘Paramahansa’ – the Supreme Swan/Soul. His ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ in 1946 took his divine teachings further and since then the book has remained on the top in the genres of autobiography and spirituality. After having fulfilled his Divine Duties, Paramahansa Yogananda entered into Mahasamadhi on the 7^th of March in 1952.

Today this Yogi has millions of disciples all over the world and is the most famous and hugely revered Indian-American of all times!

When we are excited about the strengthening relationship between India and the US through the strong personal bonding between their respective heads of state Mr Narendra Modi and Mr Barack Obama, and the world ready to converge on the concept of International Yoga Day – Mr PM’s brainchild – one name that can bring the entire global population ever closer and make them instantly connected with India’s Yoga Mission, it is Paramahansa Yogananda – the Universal Indian-American!

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P.S: May be, now Bobby Jindal will feel equally proud of his ‘Indian’ roots as he is of his acquired ‘American’ identity … sometimes duality gives full dimension to a personality …              

Congratulations, Mr. President Barack Obama!

Watching you deliver your victory speech tonight I got transported to Grant Park in Chicago where exactly four years ago on the 4^th of November in 2008 you had mesmerized the whole world with your maiden victory speech! You had just created history by becoming the first “black” president of the United States of America and had gained entry into the otherwise forbidden walls of the White House!  

Tonight also it felt exactly the same. Seeing you come on the stage gave me goose bumps. And as you started speaking, my tears started rolling down. My tears were testimony to pure joy! Just like 2008, this year too I was absolutely confident about your chances for the second term. And then I realized how fast the last four years had flown by! I went down my memory lane.

Your journey towards the White House which started with you making a hypnotizing keynote speech at the Democratic Convention in Los Angeles in 2004 brought me into your Universe as an ardent admirer! And I have been a selfless companion ever since, just like billions of your fans all across the globe! Interestingly, and a bit unbelievably, an average Indian was not even aware of your existence back then; they woke up to your presence only in 2008.

Your 2008 nomination as the presidential candidate seemed just a formality from the beginning itself as you were far ahead in terms of qualities and capabilities than all other competing candidates. Nevertheless, as the campaigning progressed, the world along with America got to discover you better. It was almost like witnessing an evolution of Barack Obama, the future president of the United States of America which was going to govern this incredible country of yours for at least next eight years!

“Change You Want” and “Change you can believe in” became synonymous with you! And after a long time people believed in political slogans. They got to greet a genuine leader who was not a politician. The circle of your charisma was not limited to the boundaries of America; your fame had travelled far and wide. The congregation of millions at the Tiergarten in Berlin in July of 2008, waiting patiently for hours to hear you speak live was the proof of you graduating as a world leader. Never before in the history of humanity did any “foreign” political leader have your kind of inclusive influence on people in a faraway land! People’s response all across the globe was simply mindboggling! I and my entire family had eagerly awaited your speech since evening; sleep was the last thing on our mind – and in our eyes – though it was already night in India.             

I fell in irreversible love with you in March of 2008 while listening to your “Race in America” speech in Philadelphia! What a speech it was! Unbelievable! The impact of your words could still be heard reverberating in my heart! That day our bond got cemented forever!

I followed your presidential campaign like a shadow. I joined your mailing list, I read about you extensively on the Net and in your books; you seemed a part of my being; your family members felt like belonging to my family; in my heart and mind, there was no distinction because of geographical & geopolitical barriers. I was no less than a walking encyclopaedia on you!

I distinctly remember the early morning of 4^th November of 2008. I was sleeping when my sister called from Shanghai, accusing me of “still sleeping while your Obama is winning!” And soon my parents and other family members called to congratulate me on your victory! Yes, for them, it was my victory as well! It was as if everybody in my circle had accepted the fact that I had a shared fate with you – just like the billions all across the globe!        

Today also the sequence of events was exactly the same. My sister called me in the early morning to “wake me up” to the election results! My parents and friends congratulated me on your victory! And, today again I cried listening to your victory speech in Chicago!

And I remembered your Toots – your grandmother – who too would have felt exactly the same as she had four years ago – blessing you from up above the sky so high! Wish God had kept her alive for just two more days in ’08 so that she could herself witness the beautiful metamorphosis of her “black” grandson into the 44^th – and 1^st black – president of the United States of America!

And how could I not remember your amazing mother Anne who transferred her extraordinary genes into you and made you what you are today!

Now I wait for your inauguration in January of next year. In fact everything from your earlier inauguration is so fresh in my memory that four years seem just like yesterday. I await you inauguration speech just like I did before.  

“Barack” means “blessed” and blessed indeed is America, and so is the world, with you being there as the president of the United States of America! May God be with you, as always! And, hope to see you soon in India – this time with Shasha, Malia and Bo, besides the First Lady Michelle :) 

Congratulations, again, Mr. President Barack Obama!

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! :)

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

Save Romas; they are Indians!

“I feel a kinship with the Roma people …,” Indira Gandhi had shown her trademark courage while inaugurating the International Romani Festival in Chandigarh in 1983. We haven’t seen any effort even remotely close to Mrs. Gandhi’s gesture in support of Romas since then. In fact, India has historically kept itself away from monumental mess that the Roma people have been in – repeatedly - since their migration in the 14^th century.

Today the world is debating the recent escalation in banishing of Romas by countries like France and Italy but India continues with its famed silence. International publications have taken up the subject seriously but India Media has conveniently ignored the topic. Wonder if our Press has any clue about inhuman deportation of Romas.

Someone might ask: “What is so incredible about Romas that India should intervene?”

Well, as we all know, Romas are our brothers and sisters; Romas are Indians! They have always been a part of our society and culture. The only difference from international scenario is that in India we have traditionally been calling them “Banjaras”.

“Banjaras”: this nomadic tribe has adorned social landscape of India since time immemorial – quite literally and especially in Rajasthan! Just try to imagine Rajasthan in all its glory and you would find Romas walking all over! Can Rajasthan ever be depicted without painting women in colourful dresses – ghaghra & choli – and ethnic jewelry in the scene? Or its men in traditional Rajasthani costume? If Rajasthan today is one of the most favourite destinations for foreigners, then Banjaras have to be thanked profusely for making sketch of this state so attractive to international tourists! They comprehensively complement Royals in Rajasthan! Their continued trust in “Indian” beliefs and practices continues to endorse their Indian legacy!

Romas are the same Banjaras who migrated out of India post Mahmoud Gori’s invasion to escape atrocities of the invader. This had happened many centuries back – 14^th to be precise. Since then they have been roaming the surface of the earth as rootless creatures. Absurdity of fate would have it that they got mistaken as “Egyptians” by the then Eastern Europeans and had to live with their imposed “mistaken identity” of being the people having sheltered Jesus Christ during his childhood years in Egypt. And, they acquired the name “Gypsy” for being “E-gyptians”!

Humanity has remained inhuman to Romas ever since their entry into newer parts of the world. Many a times their existence has been endangered, almost wiped off the face of the earth. Series of persecutions they have been subjected to is sufficient to move any sensitive person to tears. Even Adolf Hitler did not spare them. He ordered their mass extermination.

For me, this age old barbarism towards Romas is hugely baffling. Because, Romas have always been truly nomadic in their nature: no fixed address, no fixed life – always on move – leading a “free” life, in solidarity with nature! Sorrows and sufferings have not been able to shake their resilience. Similarly adversities and atrocities have also proved inadequate to force them into renouncing societies they have embraced and integrated into, making immense contributions towards development of various aspects of those communities. Sometime they have undergone forceful assimilation too. But that’s a different “cruel” saga altogether.

Romas’ impact has been the other way too. Influence of Romani culture on enrichment of the world music and dances cannot – should not - be underestimated. Similar is their sphere of effect in India.

“Banjara” lifestyle has ensured Romas lead predominantly an uneducated life. And lack of education has led to (so-called) uncultured behaviour amongst the population. Criminal tinge is also visible in a sizeable percentage. Pervasive dislike bestowed upon them has made their survival complicated. And in recent years the world has witnessed an unprecedented increase in racial abuse towards Romas. The hate-cycle targeted against them seems to have started all over again!

Now, as erstwhile Indians the least they (would) expect from India, their country of origin and having qualified for the status of PIO i.e. People of Indian Origin - perhaps amongst the first ones to go beyond the borders, when their ethnicity is in extreme danger – history repeating itself? – is that India will extend its full support; that India will use all its geopolitical-economic might on the global stage and ensure that repatriation being perpetrated upon them by paranoid nations like France and Italy gets reversed. Romas are themselves in miniscule numbers - hardly a few millions - and their immigration cannot in any way harm rest of the population, howsoever blind the latter remains with prejudice.

India, you listening? …

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Post-script: My earnest appeal is to the Indian establishment to also “Save Vijay Kumar” so that he comes back to India soon and starts filming his next movie: “My Name is Kumar and I am Not a Terrorist!”(for screening during the forthcoming visit of the American establishment’s stalwarts including President Barack Obama).

Goodbye, Americans!

Yes, Goodbye, Americans! That’s what Iraqis would be saying today. And to add to their relief, I say, good riddance! I wonder what a certain Mr. Bush would have to add to my comments.

The name I refer here is the name of a person whose middle name is War: George War Bush. He prefers to present himself as George W. Bush – lest people easily deciphered his pastime: War mongering!

It was seven years ago on 20^th March in 2003 that George W. Bush invaded Iraq – an act for which he had been preparing America, the American troops - and the world (“coalition of the willing”) - from the 10^th day of his re-election to the White House. This monster was so intensely intent on waging a war against the Saddam Hussein’s regime that he did pay any heed to the United Nations Resolution 1441 terming his “Bush Doctrine” propagating pre-emptive attack on Iraq completely illegal – not in conformity with the UN charter. The world opinion opposing his plans also fell on his self-imposed perennial deafness. What followed in Iraq is “history” – well etched into the bloodied pages of modern world history and into equally bloodied hearts and minds of humankind. The only “unkind” person in the unending sordid saga remained, and no points for guessing, George W. Bush!

With Barack Obama taking over the United States presidency in January 2009, “Change” came to America – and to Iraq as well! Ending the never-ending war in Iraq was one of his election promises and he has delivered on his promise – withdrawing the residual 50,000 American troops in “advise & assist” capacity from the illegally occupied soils of Iraq on 31^st August, four months in advance from the 18-month withdrawal window set for 31^st December 2010.

Today I am happy along with the rest of the world for the people of Iraq that finally – hopefully - they will get their due peace and prosperity, and dignity. Their pursuit of happiness has been quite painful, all thanks to a certain Mr. Bush in America.

Today I join the people of Iraq in saying “Thank You, Mr. President for honouring your words. With joy in heart we say goodbye to Americans. May they live in peace – in America!”

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Post-script: If George W. Bush were an Indian political leader, he would have “planted” the otherwise “elusive” WMDs in the “tyrant” Saddam Hussein’s courtyard and would have “legitimized” his “war on terror” in Iraq! …

IPL and Thali

"If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali – a collection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each may not mix with the next, but they combine on your palate to produce a satisfying repast.” – wrote Shashi Tharoor in his “Nehru: The Invention of India”.

I remember watching the first match of IPL-1 and getting reminded of Shashi Tharoor’s most appropriate and contemporary expression of the “Idea” of India! And since then, whenever IPL is on, these beautiful lines keep playing in my mind.

You wonder why?

Because, Shashi Tharoor’s “Thali” quote can comprehensively communicate the “Idea” of IPL as well: the ‘idea’ itself (‘thali!’); players of different nationalities together in a team (‘a collection of sumptuous ‘dishes’ in different bowls!’); inter-players relationships (‘each may not mix with the next!’); and the enjoyment it provides (‘they combine to produce a satisfying repast!’).

Therefore, I simply extrapolate(d) these wonderful words to put across my - borrowed - “idea” of IPL:

“If cricket match(es) between countries “is a melting pot”, then to me, IPL is a “thali” – a “collection” of talented players from different countries. Each may not “mix” (sometimes) with the “other”, but they “combine” on the field to produce a satisfying enjoyment!”

Do I make sense? May be my attempt could sound a bit childlike but my adaptation conveys the meaning, nevertheless. I think so :)

Disclaimer: I have re-produced the “Thali” quote here without seeking re-permission from its author. I pray I do not get prosecuted for this transgression.

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P.S.: I hear Navjot Singh Sidhu is back on television – Timesnow – and is making waves again with his special coverage of IPL-3! Alas, I cannot enjoy his Sidhuisms as the broadcast timing doesn’t suit me :(

Being Barack Obama: a year later

You don’t have to be born with an Einstein’s brain to know that being Barack Obama is the most stressful status to have in today’s world! Only a year after his grand-est inauguration, he finds himself at the lowest point of his presidential life – in terms of popularity, purely - so far. The public approval is sliding fast, confirming the huge erosion in his supporters’ faith in him. Democrats’ recent loss of the otherwise impregnable Massachusetts senate seat re-confirmed it.

Has Barack Obama failed? Or, is he being put on the altar of “Great Expectations”? Is it fair to judge him so soon?

The world knows that the America Barack Obama inherited was at its worst: economically and geopolitically. The fact that he was forced to drag on with the immoral Iraq war and a misplaced Afghanistan war in spite of his personal opposition to them, he could not abandon those war-ravaged nations to defend - and fend for – themselves. He simply had to carry on and wait for the “right” opportunity to pull out US’ army from there.

The result has been devastating: for Iraq and Afghanistan, and America, as well! These seemingly never-ending wars have left deep scars and big burdens on all countries involved: emotionally and financially.

But wars are not president’s major worries. The still struggling markets both on the Wall Street and the Main Street and therefore continuing monthly loss of more than half a million jobs are posing biggest challenges. He will have to take more stringent financial measures to arrest the ever-increasing percentage of unemployed Americans that stands at 10% today.

And it is not going to be easy for him.

But he hasn’t failed as yet. In fact, Obama Administration has succeeded in preventing America plunging into Depression 2.0.

There is a lot at stake for the world in America’s coming back to its earlier glory days as a ‘Post-American World” is going to be a dreaded situation for all. Imagine, China becoming the Superpower! With its closed communist ideologies in which there is no room for democracy and freedom, China’s domination in geopolitics will have immensely adverse impacts on countries and people blessed to be living in a “free-world”. Frankly speaking, China is a great country that has shown enormous success in economic spheres, but I am totally against its style of governance & politics. For me, personal liberty is of paramount importance. I am an individual and I want to be respected like one by all, as I do to others. I am not ready to compromise on my independence and my rights to live as a human being. And for this, the United States of America has to be one of the Super Powers at all the time!

And for this sole reason, I wish Barack Obama all the Success as the president of the United States of America! He is an extraordinary leader and he will successfully lead his country into sunshine again, I am 100% sure of that! Nevertheless, America, and the world, needs to give him time. And, he will bring about all those Changes we can believe in! And say with pride: Yes, we can; Yes, we did!

Best of Luck, Mr. President!

Post-Bush America: for India

The fact that we are still not living in a Post-American world is evident from the all around frenzy in our country over the not so well developing Indo-US relation since Obama administration took charge of affairs. The fact that the US foreign policy hawks did not deem India suitable enough to be a part of the stability plan in our troubled northern neighborhoods is also causing concern amongst the Indian politicians and the diplomats alike. The fact that the American President tried to involve China in the Indian scheme of things in Kashmir is giving severe ulcers to foreign policy pundits. The fact that President Obama played a marvelous host to our prime minister during his state visit but never for once publicly reprimanded – even as a passing remark – Pakistan for sponsoring terror activities on the Indian soil is solid enough a proof that for the United States of America – under Barack Obama – India still has to cover quite a distance before it can even think of being counted as its “natural ally”.

So, what should India do?

Without delay, India should remove all those ambiguous factors that have kept its foreign policy ailing, and inconsequential, since inception post independence.

India should immediately take stock of its foreign policy framework and rework on it, putting a few brilliant “expert” brains behind it. If India wants to sit on the global high table and get counted in matters pertaining to geopolitics, it will have to sell itself well. And, India has a lot to “sell” to the world: its hard power and its soft power as well!

India’s military prowess – in defending its territorial integrity in spite of repeated assaults by both Pakistan and China - is acknowledged by all. Though it should maintain its non-ambitious status in terms of border expansion, nevertheless, India should assert itself strongly in matters related to regional politics. India truly deserves a leadership position in its immediate neighborhoods, to start with, before embarking on an endeavor with global aspirations.

Talking about its soft power, though things “Indian” are becoming a rage abroad, still a lot needs to be achieved in this domain. India has to put in a lots of “intelligent” efforts in making people world over adopt the “Indian-way-of-life” as a matter of routine, like the “American-way-of-life” dominates the global psyche. India has to get into the consciousness of the world. Then only we can truly claim to have arrived on the world stage.

For India, selling its soft power is much easier today due to world’s willingness to accept and experiment things “Indian”. This change is apparent, and possible, because of India’s growing economic clout. After all, everybody wants to emulate a nation which is economically on a strong foundation. Remember, the “Mighty Dollar”? India’s “Reliable Rupee” could do the trick!

I feel, it is simple to comprehend.

India is an emerging economy and as the fourth largest economy of the world is expected to soon acquire the economic superpower status along side China. Therefore, it is high time India leveraged its economic strength and established itself as a real “emerging” global power. For this, India needs to put its foreign policy in place.

And, soon the world will see a strategic shift in Obama administration’s attitude towards India and will acknowledge our country as US’ “natural ally”. Its otherwise “failing and crumbling” neighborhoods will accept India as its regional leader and sustained peace and prosperity will be brought about in this part of the world and elsewhere as well! I truly believe that a lot can be accomplished globally with coming together of the oldest and the largest democracies of the world!

Sounds achievable? … I think so.

Thus, Indians need not worry about having to live in a Post-Bush America. With the requisite changes in India’s approach towards its international affairs, both India and the world will soon get to enjoy the Obama-Singh era!

(A sincere digression: God forbid, if the world will ever have to live in the Post-American world. ’Cause, all said and done, the democratic America is a much better world leader than the autocratic Russia or China!)

Disclaimer - The above views are the earnest expressions of a foreign policy non-pundit!