Ek Tha Tiger !

The one thing that fascinates me the most about a leader is his/her mass appeal! And today Balasaheb Thackeray emerged as the most popular political leader of India going by the throng of people – 2 million! – which converged at the Shivaji Park in Bombay for his funeral. The congruence of such a large gathering, walking alongside his carriage – hearse – in the procession was unprecedented! Watching his cortege move from his residence Matoshree to Sena Bhavan and then to the cremation site – Shivaji Park – alongwith a moving sea of mourners in an almost shutdown megapolis made this popular-powerful yet controversial politician seem larger than life, in his death!

Numerous mundane thoughts crossed my minds while watching his televised funeral. Firstly, that if Balasaheb was so loved by all in Bombay and Maharashtra, then why did the same public brought his party into power only once in its more than four decades of existence? Though Shiv Sena has been winning Mumbai Municipal elections consistently, why couldn’t Maharashtrians trust him with their fate when it came to state administration? And, how could he sustain his powers on Mumbai for so long? Also, if Bal Thackeray was such an immensely important political leader – which he was – then why was Media’s attention more on other mainstream national politicians than him, except for interviewing him once in a while whenever any controversy erupted due to his hard-line stance. The fact that he had receded into his den – where would a tiger live! – and secluded himself from active public life having handed over the party reins to his son Uddhav couldn’t be the case for Media’s limited interest in him. Recently, we had seen his nephew Raj hogging the Media limelight much more than both father and son combined.

Being blessed with a strongly fierce and proud personality, why did he restrict his patriotic pride primarily towards his own community – Marathi Manoos? I wonder if he realized that his brand of politics with a strong dose of nationalistic pride bordering on the verge of fundamentalism couldn’t succeed at the national level.   

This however doesn't say in least bit that Balasaheb’s influence over life and lives in Mumbai – for him Bombay was always Mumbai – had diminished, though it had dimmed lately no doubt. He remained as significant and relevant as ever. However, the junta of Bombay and Maharashtra appeared to have moved on from his divisive politics as they didn’t see it yielding anything for improving their livelihood. But perhaps he had stayed in their hearts and minds and souls too as it were reflected in the crying faces of millions across the city today.      

And also in the live coverage of his funeral procession by the Indian Media. Frankly, I was a bit surprised. To hear all participants including the television anchors wax eloquent about the great personality that Balasaheb was made me a bit uncomfortable. There was of course no doubt that for any political leader to have such a large followers base could only be a dream, still seeing journalists come together to eulogize him sounded deliberately biased – as if they had been given the duty to lionize him in his death! All of a sudden his fundamentalist politics and his controversial tenure as a strong regional politician became irrelevant. Everybody was singing praises of him; there were anecdotes and personal interactions and experiences being shared with the television viewers. Perhaps they wanted to stay connected with the current mood of the crowd and remain on the right side of the popular tide! Otherwise, except for mentioning it as a passing remark, not even a single person on various TV panels questioned Balasaheb’s admiration of Adolf Hitler. In no country on this Earth, certainly not in a functioning democracy, could a political leader – howsoever popular – could get away with his pro-Hitler remarks! And our esteemed Media chose to willfully ignore those oft repeated dangerously deep words of Bal Thackeray.

Watching Balasaheb’s body being consigned to flames and millions of his followers weeping inconsolably, I wished I had a chance to meet him in person – a desire which surfaced only today – and ask him: “Why do you admire Adolf Hitler? And what do you think of Hitler’s ethnic cleansing and killing of 6 million Jews?” … Now that he has left his earthly adobe and joined Hitler’s soul in God’s paradise, would he ask his Hero that “Why did he do what he did?”

There were many more thoughts clouding my mind: that witnessing millions converge and cry for him, how would he be feeling now? That would the other political leaders present at his funeral be feeling jealous of Balasaheb’s unmatched popularity? And, importantly, would they be learning a lesson of two from his life – and death - about mass politics? Most significantly, what would the people be feeling out there? Would they be able to sustain their feeling of loss for long? How long? Would the public support Uddhav in the same manner? Or will they prefer the firebrand Raj to the cooler cousin? Or will both the brothers join hands and make their political base stronger in absence of the towering presence of Balasaheb? Were all people in the crowd Marathis? Or were there South Indians and Muslims and Biharis who have been at the receiving end of Shiv Sena’s divisive politics at various stages of state’s politics? And if all twenty lakhs were Marathis – middle class Marathis – then how many were left at home to watch his last journey on TV? Could Biharis have come out in grief over Balasaheb’s death and with their great gesture won over the Shiv Sainiks forever? Will both the younger scions of Thackeray clan rethink their political philosophy and make it more inclusive and take all Mumbaikars along, irrespective of their state of birth and in turn start a new era for Shiv Sena in state politics? Would they be thinking of expanding their base to national level by cashing upon the massive support shown by the people of India towards Balasaheb in their hours of personal loss? Will the grieving youngest generation of Thackerays – Aditya included – take the lead in taking Shiv Sena beyond the boundaries of Maharashtra?

Well, my thoughts continued streaming in …     

Another aspect which fascinates me about a mass leader is his/her thought process: I wonder what could be going in his/her mind seeing the supporters surround in massive numbers? I am sure Balasaheb too would have felt overwhelmed seeing his followers follow him to his funeral pyre and cry for him. In fact, India as a whole felt the loss. Because it is not at all easy being a mass leader for long and Balasaheb seemed to thrash all possible theories about sustaining mass support today. May he rest in peace :)

Balasaheb Thackeray will live in stories of India as “Ek Tha Tiger”!         

When God speaks

When God speaks, you don’t hear anything! You only see – magic!

And when God of Cricket speaks, well, you still see magic :)

It was pure magic to hear Sachin speak with Arnab, frankly! Every word an “inspiration”; every sentence a “quote”! It was incredibly enchanting to watch two of my favourites chat with each other, and, frankly :)

Watching Sachin answer to Arnab’s probing – sometimes provoking – questions, yet reverential and friendly, took me more than two decades back. I was in Bombay – yes, it was called Bombay then; not that i call it by any other name now; Sachin Tendulkar had become a big name by then; and it was in the grapevine that he had met his love of life, his future wife Anjali Mehta.

It was a Sunday afternoon and we were at the Dadar Club, enjoying snacks while enjoying a club level tennis match between Ashok Mankad’s son Harsh and his opponent (I don’t remember his name).Befitting a cricket crazy country, our talks veered towards cricket and soon it got concentrated on Sachin. Imagine: we were watching a tennis match and talking about cricket! A friend of ours, a born-&-brought up Mumbaikar, who happened to personally know various sportsmen including Sachin, seeing the group’s enthusiasm extended his “generosity” and promised to take us to meet him at his home; he only needed a couple of hours to fix up our meeting for the coming weekend.

Wow! We spent the seemingly never-ending week counting days! And came the day when we were to go and meet Sachin Tendulkar. Yes, the same Sachin Tendulkar, who today is referred to as the God of Cricket!

We gathered at the Dadar Club, got into our friend’s car and started towards Sachin’s home. Excitement was at its peak! Unbelievable! And indescribable! And then the disaster struck! A dear friend of ours who had suffered from heartbreak recently went into sudden depression and refused to go anywhere. In sympathy, we friends dropped the “idea” till next weekend, which, of course, never came.

I too did not try to cheer up my friend or insist upon rest of us going ahead to meet Sachin as I too had recently suffered a personal loss – assassination of my most beloved personality, Rajiv Gandhi uncle, and I too was in not so cheerful mood. Then there was the hope that there would always be a ‘next time’ – next week – with our Mumbaikar friend being around. Today, I cannot believe it myself! Not even my family, who rightly think that I have been the biggest fool to have ever walked the planet Earth!    

Soon our days in Bombay came to an end and it was time to go back to our campus – without meeting Sachin, of course. And as the fate would have it, within months we got the tragic news of the death of our Mumbaikar friend and the link to Sachin Tendulkar was lost, forever. May his soul rest in peace. We miss you, Kamlesh :(

Since then I haven’t been able to understand God’s design in not letting that meeting happen with Sachin. I have regretted the lost opportunity every time I see Sachin; and will continue to mourn it even post my death. Once up there I am going to ask the God that why He not let us meet the then future God of Cricket! Was the God himself feeling threatened about this “imminent” competition?!

The regret regressed little bit when I got the God sent opportunity to watch Sachin play live.

The day was 7^th February and the year was 1999. The venue was Feroz Shah Kotla ground in Delhi. The occasion was the second test between India and Pakistan. It was the 5^th day of the test match. Pakistan was batting in their 2^nd innings. The advantage was that India was fielding and thus all players were visible on the field! And, yes, it was then that I first saw Sachin Tendulkar live! In flesh and blood, from so near that I could touch him! Yes, the God of Cricket was in front of me, playing, and I simply could not believe my luck! That day too I rushed back to Bombay of 1991. The memories of that day are so vivid that I can narrate in all details even after 13 years!

It was indeed a special day in my life! Not only for the fact that it was my first meeting with Sachin Tendulkar in person but also for the fact that Anil Kumble single-handedly demolished Pakistan with his historical 10 wickets haul in an inning! What a match it was! And what a meeting it was with the God of Cricket! And, that day too, I regretted deeply for having missed out, yet again, on seeing Sachin for four more days during the first four days of the test match; believe it or not, i did not go for the first four days of the test match as i was so-called busy with routine office work whereas actually I was wasting my cricket passes and the God’ sent lifetime opportunity!

I wonder if Sachin would remember this fan of his in red pullover and blue jeans :)

Many years have passed since then. Cricket has evolved further in India. We are the world Champions for the second time! T20 is the most popular format today. IPL is a big brand globally. India has become the super power nation as far as this sport is concerned. We may not have remained the No.1 in various formats of the game for long but India surely dominates – and dictates - the world of cricket!

In today’s times of too much cricket, I do not watch matches always. Not even when my country and my favourite players – Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni – are playing. Watching cricket matches live has also reduced drastically for me. But watching Sachin speak about his “imminent” retirement and his doubts about his availability for the next world cup gave me goose bumps! Indian cricket without Sachin? NO! The thought itself is frightening! Watching Frankly Speaking I prayed to the God for letting the God of Cricket be a part of cricket as long as possible – always, actually. I am sure even the “cricket atheists” will join me in my prayers …

And, thanks Arnab, for your wonderful chat with Sachin! You could bring out so far unseen dimensions of his personality with your superb interviewing. I especially liked your introductory comments and your concluding remarks. I am sure even Sachin is going to remember this interview for ever, when he spoke Frankly :)     

  

My brother Rahul,

My brother Rahul,

You may not know but my sister is a great fan of yours! To me, you are my brother by virtue of being Rajiv uncle’s son. And, therefore, both of us – like millions all across the country, and the world – wish a lot for you! And, expect a lot from you – and rightly so.

Thus, when my sister made a comment on my previous piece “Why is India incredibly helpless, always?” on the recent Bombay serial blasts and in reference to your reaction in same regard that “Rahul should know better what that 1% failure of the government means in tackling terrorism as he has himself suffered a lot because of this 1% lapse in security by losing his father”, I thought you must pay attention to her and amend the things required to be at your end at the earliest.

Rahul, you are destined to become the next prime minister of the country if the Congress / UPA manages to retain power at the Center, which it will in all likelihood. And prime ministership, as you too know well – is not a position; it is a responsibility – lots of that, in fact! Those monumental responsibilities – coupled with accountability – will be towards the country and its citizens and also towards your own party and coalition. As you know, Prime Minister is The Leader of a country, and the “buck stops with him/her”.

Now, Rahul, imagine that you have become the prime minister and are faced with a similar – may be worse – situation of terror attacks on India. (No one believes that 13/7 was the last in sequence of attempts of terrorists.) Even then will you try to defend intelligence failure by making such remarks? And will that not amount to admitting the failure of your government in utilizing the mammoth infrastructure built to deal with all such eventualities? Moreover, do you believe that only admittance will suffice and exonerate you of your accountability towards maintaining peace and security in the nation? And, will the world not wonder at you and your government’s credibility to govern?

On the contrary, Rahul, I am sure that you will beforehand itself ensure that an effective anti-terror mechanism is functional and India is safe and secure and peaceful. Because, you very well realize that tackling terror is a “zero-error” and zero-tolerance” business.

So, Rahul, would you now care to “clarify” your statement in the press and let people know that you did not mean to disrespect the victims and their families and certainly did not try to defend the indefensible intelligence and administrative failure of the government in preventing the always-anticipated terror attacks?... Do it; you will benefit immensely in the long run by regaining whatever respect you have lost in public eyes, and hearts.

Rahul, as I said, India has lot of expectations from you – and rightly so. You have the fortune of inheriting the political gene pool of Nehru-Gandhi families and are all set to become the next prime minister of the country, as important in the global arena as India. But for this almost certain dream to come true, you will have to demonstrate to the nation and the world that you truly deserve the top post. Not that you have not already done so; however, you need to do more – much more.

You should start, Rahul, by strengthening Congress’ foundation in the political field and regaining its national party identity. Congress’ national base has got eroded badly. Reclaiming it would be a huge challenge. To make it happen you have to have dedicated politicians with high degree of integrity and support at state headquarters who would in turn work at the grassroots level and organize the party and make it strong enough to stand – and win – on its own. Congress cannot claim to be a national party by walking on coalition crutches – and being in coalition clutches, therefore! “Coalition compulsions” will otherwise keep pulling down the Congress and it will never be able to reclaim its foothold in the national political landscape.

Rahul, for this huge task, you need credible and able people – politicians. Politicians who are young, educated, clean, and have a dream and ambition for India – and not for their own self. As you too know, India is at the cusp of great things in the world. Being touted as one of the major powers of the world is a great responsibility as well as we will be required to live upto that image. By being seen as an utterly corrupt and chaotic country, a country which lacks courage to defend itself is going to be hugely detrimental in the progress of our country, both economically and politically. India will never be regarded as a “developed” and powerful nation – forget about the global leadership role that it envisages for itself - in the foreseeable future and that would be a big setback to all our global aspirations.

At the micro-level, Rahul, i.e., at the public level, the single most important expectation from any government at the helm is good governance. A government which is capable of delivering on its promises and needs of the people and society. A government which is courageous enough to maintain country’s dignity and security amidst growing fundamentalism and extremism. A government which will reverse India’s impression of being a “soft target” and will showcase to the evil elements that India will not tolerate any breach in its safety, security and peace and will not suffer losing even a single life to terrorism. A government which will exhibit “zero-tolerance” towards sinister plans of terror forces and will ensure a “zero-error” anti-terror mechanism to prevent even that 1% attack chance.

Rahul, I don’t have to tell you the obvious things that you are in a position even without being the prime minister today to actualize all the necessary things – for the Congress and the country, and in the process, enhance you worthiness as the future prime ministerial candidate of the country.

India is a young country and a young prime minister like you, Rahul, will do wonders, about which I do not have even 1% doubt! But you need to prepare yourself, sincerely and seriously…Rajiv uncle, and Sonia aunty & Priyanka, of course, besides my sister and I would be very proud of you J

Why is India incredibly helpless, always?

Terror has struck India again, Bombay to be precise. (Bal Thackeray would want to impose his diktat even today that I say Mumbai instead of Bombay!) And the spectacle in India is absolutely on the expected lines: serial blasts, people killed, chaos all around, victims shifted to hospitals, media frenzy, 24x7 coverage, news headlines screaming “Resilient Mumbai” / “Life goes on in Mumbai” / “Mumbai back at work” / “Indomitable Spirit of Mumbai lives on” / etc. etc., condolences expressed by political leaders in the same words as used post every such previous terror attacks, candle light homage by people, anger and frustration of population – Bombayiites in the current case, again – aired on news channels non-stop, press briefing by security agencies, PM’s “stern” statement that “perpetrators of terror should (?!) be brought to justice”, international condemnation – especially by the US and the UN, visit to hospitals and blast sites by top political leaders, criticism of Pakistan and our own country’s Pak-policy by the Opposition, … and the life will go on, as always, till yet another terror attack strikes Bombay or any other part of India…

This is India. Incredible, isn’t it?

The sequence of events post a terror strike is almost same in any other nation on this earth. The difference, however, lies in the fact that elsewhere such attacks is followed by actions by the government - unlike in India.

In India, on the contrary, crores of taxpayers’ money is being spent to protect the biggest terrorist caught on the Indian soil so far. That is Ajmal Kasab for the world, the terrorist whose remorseless acts of massacres on the night of 26/11 in 2008 is still fresh in mind of public, but our esteem judiciary fails to get convinced that the evidence caught on close circuit cameras are adequate to fast track his verdict and his hanging. It is shocking to see that instead of punishing the perpetrator, our country is hell bent on showcasing its “top of the world” criminal justice system to the world by protecting a terrorist! So what if in the process India has managed to throw away its responsibilities towards protection of its citizens and delivering justice to victims’ families? So what if in the process India has succeeded in sending a strong signal to terrorists all across the world the it is okay to target the country at will because our nation lacks courage to safeguard itself?

This is India. Incredible, isn’t it?

What perplexes me the most is India’s utter helplessness in all such situations!

Why cannot we act tough? Why cannot we tell the terrorists that “enough is enough” and that they stay clear of India? Why cannot we crackdown on terror outfits, within our boundaries and beyond if need be? Why cannot we let our neighbors – Pakistan and other surrounding nations - know that they “behave”? Why cannot we bolster our intelligence systems further? Why cannot we use “actionable” intelligence to fend off any probable attack? Why cannot we work in a coordinated manner to safeguard India? Why cannot we put a functional anti-terror mechanism in place? Why cannot we put adequate pressure on the US to stop supporting – using - Pakistan to suit its narrow global aspirations and in turn turn almost a blind eye to its terror activities? Why cannot we tell the US to stop funding Pakistan till it aborts its terror exports? Why cannot we relook at our foreign policies and forge strong alliances with other important nations and take their support on issues concerning global terrorism, affecting India the most? Why cannot we use the UN platform to put our case strongly in front of the world? Why …???

The swiftness we exhibit in naming all such attack dates as 26/11, 13/7 now – obviously inspired by 9/11 – and then conveniently forgetting about it a few days later to everybody’s bliss is the most disgusting aspect of our dealing with terror attacks.

There are numerous “whys” but before we get answers to all these and more, we will have to demonstrate to the world – and terrorists in particular – that we value an Indian’s life! That we will not tolerate loss of even a single life in hands of a terrorist! That if any terrorist tries to act funny, we will crush the entire terror infrastructure! That we will not permit any breach of our security and safety and peace and that anybody indulging into it will face severe consequences!

But most importantly, we will have to show to the world – and the terrorists in particular – that we will not hide behind the “resilience” curtains anymore! That we will act and act tough!

Ok, all these sound pretty politically patriotic rhetoric; and that is precisely what we have to avoid. We have to act!

By the way, what are all these talks of “resilience” and “spirit of Mumbai”? What do we expect the Mumbaikars to do the day after? Sit at home and watch endless coverage on television? For how long? Is there any other option than going to work the next day? Wouldn’t all of us if caught in a similar situation do the same? Have we not witnessed a similar response in other Indian cities as well? Or, seen people reacting in similar fashion in terror-struck international cities for that matter?

Let us stop indulging into such mindless discussions and even thoughts of “resilience” and “spirit”.

Let us not act victim anymore; instead, let us show courage and act tough against terrorism.

Let us start by hanging Ajmal Kasab and Afzal Guru immediately. I am sure that if the government is trying to play minority appeasement political card here by putting both of these hardcore terrorists in death “row” - and that is what the GOI is doing exactly - then the Supreme Court should intervene. It is high time. India needs to see justice delivered; and, a closure to 26/11.

I hate seeing India act “helpless” …

Indian School for Study of World Religions, Ayodhya

I vividly remember the morning of 7^th of December in 1992. I had just got down from the train and had felt a bit uneasy seeing the unusual quietness around. It was very unlike Bombay VT! Soon the mystery was dispelled as I stepped out of the station. There were numerous Muslim families, their members sitting on large luggage with extreme fear written on face. And suddenly it struck me that it was the first day after 6^th December, the day on which the BJP et al had planned to demolish the disputed Babri Masjid. “So they have succeeded in their unholy mission!” I said almost loudly. As in those days there was no means to keep oneself updated on news while on move, I had missed the happenings of the previous day.

It was clear that riots had broken across the country expectedly post the madness at Ayodhya. But what was shocking was to see it happening in Bombay! Because, the city of Bombay had historically been miles ahead in cosmopolitism when compared to other metropolis of India. Bombay’s fabric had always been so well knit that to see it being tattered in this cruel manner was absolutely appalling.

Now the problem was to get a taxi and reach the destination fast which was the IIT Bombay’s hostels where I and a few fellow Institute mates were to stay for a day before proceeding to Pune for attending an academic seminar.

Our ride through the unusually hushed roads of Bombay was hassle-free but then we did not know how to coordinate with other members of the group reaching Bombay from other parts of the country. Telephone lines had been shut – cut? – and we were left high and dry. We could not even contact our family who could have been going through extreme mental agony with us trapped in a riotous Bombay!

A couple of us summoned our courage and decided to go to Bombay VT and meet the seniors as they could not be contacted otherwise. We boarded a Local at Kanjurmarg but couldn’t go beyond Kurla as the train was stopped by rioters. I distinctly remember the scene around me. We were in a ladies coupe and as soon as the firings started a male constable got into our compartment and shut the door. And then started the pandemonium! Ladies started wailing and suddenly the place resembled an assembly of mourners. The constable constantly pleaded with them to keep quiet. Standing in a corner taking support of the compartment wall, I calmly admired the cop’s dignified handling of the utter surrounding chaos. After about half an hour of being stationary, the train started to move backwards. And in a few minutes we were back in Kanjurmarg, having no other option but to retreat to our safe haven which was the IIT hostels.

With shops closed the hostels could hold on for two days in serving proper meals. But from day three, we had to survive on khichri 3 times a day! …

……………

1992 altered my view about Bombay. Though it still remains my most favourite Indian city, but the bond (seemed to have) snapped that day. The carnage engulfing the city fatally also seemed to swallow within itself rationale mind and heart of its dwellers. The damage was apparently irreversible. And it was sad.

I also lost a great deal of connection with my India. The era of Mandir-Masjid-Mandal was the major culprit. Suddenly the nation was scampering for restoring its God in its rightful abode! Secularism seemed to have vanished amongst lengthening shadows of religious fundamentalism. Bizarrely India’s 82% Hindus in majority had started to feel threatened by the so-called growing tentacles of Islam. And it was in retaliation to this insecurity that a handful of politically misguided citizens had decided to pull down the 4 centuries old mosque built by Babur, the first Mughal emperor, disrupting harmony and peace and harming India’s image globally. And Hinduism, the most advanced religion, looked so medieval and vulnerable! The demolition of the Babri Masjid remains one of the ugliest sights witnessed by our society.

What bothered me most was the madness exhibited by even the so-called educated class. Once a private matter, religion had become a topic of general discussion. Never before I had heard youth talk about religion in such damaging tones. As a child, in spite of occasionally attending church mass at school, I remember never having been taught anything about any God in particular (Jesus Christ could have been the preferred choice in a catholic set-up). The only teachings we received were on Moral Science. “Unity-in-Diversity” was a normal aspect of Life! At home, of course, it was a truly democratic and secular setting, reflecting the fundamentals of the Constitution of India!

This new disruptive trend was hugely discomforting and I was pretty vocal in making my displeasure clear against prejudiced religious talks. And it was precisely the reason that I was congratulated by family, friends and colleagues on BJP’s defeat in 2004 and again in 2009.

……………

After letting it languish in legal domain for 60 years, on 30^th September 2010 the Allahabad High Court delivered its landmark verdict in the Masjid-Mandir case. (And we thought the dispute had started in ’92?) In its balanced-yet-split ruling, the courts decided to divide the disputed land in three equal parts, one portion each for its three claimants. The country which was waiting with bated breath was enormously relieved to see the general public taking the judgement in its stride. India of today looked much more matured than 18 years ago.

In fact India’s ‘preparedness’ to deal with any (imminent?!) untoward incident post verdict was a bit absurd! Because if we believed the country had moved on then we should have known that citizens of today’s India would not react in the manic manner manifested previously (in ’92). The relevance of Mandir-Masjid apparently has got lost completely. (Will we respond in a similar manner to Mandal caste based rules getting revoked?)

Nevertheless, the ‘precautionary measure’ exercised by professional establishments and people alike to stay away from roads was quite amusing! (Actually I thanked each one of the absentees as I could reach home in time in spite of leaving office late!)

Here, however, I want to deliberate on one more point. In my opinion, the judgement could have been better if it had handed over the disputed landmass to the GOI with instructions to construct “Indian School for Study of World Religions” with a central common space dedicated for display of Gods(!), holy books, religious symbols, etc. representing all faiths. Because I firmly believe that in matters relating to religion, we – Indians and all fellow humans worldwide – are yet to graduate from prehistoric stage of beliefs.

Court’s ‘divisive’ decision could fail to ensure lasting reconciliation. With Mandir and Masjid built adjacent to each other having separate entry and exit will not serve the purpose of religious integration. Rather it could mean we live with Ayodhya becoming a flash point for ever.

Please think: Can we build a common shrine for both Ram and Rahim and both Hindus and Muslims (women included) coming to offer prayers together? …

Another thought to ponder: Can we incarcerate God in Mandir or Masjid? …

Humans have come far ahead from their cave-days but we are yet to get over our caveman’s mentality! In those pre-historic years we were not evolved enough to apply our brain to comprehend nuances of higher human behaviours. Seeing the world getting fragmented due to divisive thoughts in 21^st century is hugely disappointing.

We need proper understanding of religions and their importance in our life. We have to realize that ‘tolerance’ towards other religions is inadequate; we need to ‘respect’ each set of beliefs which in anyway mean the same. And we should appreciate that whatever may be the number of religions in this world, in actuality there is only One God!

“Gods” by term itself is beyond comprehension! How can there be more than one God? There is just one Super Power who is the chief architect and the administrator of the Universe!

Before signing off, I would like to mention the matured role of Media in Ayodhya Verdict coverage. The self-restraint and sensitivity shown by the Indian Media is appreciable. (Also commendable is the secular stance taken by communal political entities like the BJP.) The positivity espoused in their debates and reportage is especially remarkable! Times Now’s “India First” campaign needs a special referring. My compliments to Arnab Goswami!

……………

Gandhiji, I am sure you would have felt your mental peace being restored seeing social fabric of your nation remain intact post the Ayodhya Verdict! … Happy Birthday J

……………

By the way, Indian School for Study of World Religions could be abbreviated as ISSWR - phonetically similar to Ishwar which is God in Hindi!

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.

………………………………………

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!

Kasab's Crime - and Punishment

Watching news channels incessantly flash Kasab’s most dramatic u-turn reminded me of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s superb “Crime and Punishment”. Not only the words “crime” and “punishment” started playing out in my mind but also the protagonist (sorry, I do not remember the name) who had at first tried to justify his sinful action by believing that murder was permissible in pursuit of a “higher” purpose. However, I could see the clear delineation between the criminal in the novel and the murderer of 26/11 innocents: the former had the moral courage to accept his crime and choose the path to self-redemption, but, here in India, the murderer Ajmal Aamir Kasab had remained shamelessly remorseless. Infact, he had the audacity to proclaim, “I have never seen a AK-47!”

At first I felt acute agony but then I steadied my anguished mental state by deciding not to waste my emotions over a demon who was not human.

But I felt intense anger at the workings of the criminal justice system of our country. The farce of conducting a “fair” trial in the name of a democratic system and the “right” of even an established accused is immensely baffling. India has wasted vast amount of rupees and resources in the apparently never-ending process. And in the end, India gets to hear an unregretful Kasab say, “I had come to Bombay to try my luck in Hindi movies!”

This entire saga is being played out in a Bollywood style. We have a killer captured live on CCTV – and also on numerous television channels - killing scores of people with his AK-47 – yes, the same gun he claims to have never seen! – and watched live all across the globe. And then there are 610 “lucky-to-be-living” witnesses whose accounts the courts took extra pains to record officially. While the entire drama is being played out, the villain is being lodged in especially renovated jails with all possible comforts, enjoying highest possible security cover. The story is advancing well as planned with “expected” twists in the script sprinkled in between. Then comes the climax: the scene is of the courtroom. The prosecutor and the police are presenting their investigative reports; the judge asks the accused for his final words and then the world hears the most extraordinary narration of the times: Killer Kasab’s Krazy Konfessions! Recants actually, technically. (The details are imprinted on Indians psyche thanks to repeated “breaking news” on TV channels and extensive coverage by newspapers.) …

If we grant a fair and free trial rights to even a proven criminal like Kasab (until proven guilty?!) and prolong the process beyond comprehension - making it look more like a time-pass - then it is a sheer mockery of the criminal justice system; and a mockery of the memories of all those innocents murdered mercilessly on that fateful night of 26/11. Aren’t the closed-circuit cameras and the scores of witnesses not proof enough to convict Kasab? Does India fear that international courts may condemn it if it accorded deserved punishment to Kasab for unpardonable crimes? I mean, is there any justification for a “democratic” judiciary procedure in this case?

In my opinion, and I am sure I share it with my fellow Indians, Kasab should be hanged till death in public. Period. His heinous crime deserves nothing less. The message to terrorists of his ilk will be that they cannot – and should not – try to fool around any more. India – and the world – will hand over adequate punishment in proportion to their crime every time they try to disrupt peace and harmony. Terrorists are simply poisonous weeds: the world will uproot them forever. And peace and prosperity will prevail on our earth – come what may!

May Allah come to this nihilist’s rescue by sending him a Sonia, like the protagonist in Crime and Punishment, and set his soul free from all radical ideologies and sins. … Inshallah.

26/11/2009: Bombay, a year later

I along with my country folks and people from all over the world got somber yesterday for all the innocent victims of Bombay massacre last year. The mindless mayhem perpetrated upon the city and people of Bombay by a bunch of Pakistan-trained terrorists was so extraordinary that those 62 hours made India seem the most vulnerable. Bombay, of course, bounced back to life soon, showing its famed resilience once again in the face of its biggest adversity. The extraordinary courage shown by Taj Mahal hotel and Trident hotel staff, anti-terror squad's officers, CST's announcer, policemen, and most of all our elite NSG commandos was all the stuff of legends! Also encouraging was the solidarity shown by the citizens of India in severe condemnation of the most barbaric destabilizing act of the brainwashed extremists. We all heard India chanting: Enough is Enough!

The Indian government had to act. Under public pressure, it removed the utterly incompetent Home Minister. The Maharashtra chief minister and the home minister were forced to resign because of their absolute insensitiveness exhibited towards the most shocking of the carnage. India got a new Home Minister: a highly respected and perhaps the most competent so far. It felt India would finally be able to brace itself for any future fight to save its territorial integrity and maintain tranquility all around.

But nothing has changed apparently.

Except for the workings of the ministry of home affairs, of course. P. Chidambaram has successfully revamped the systems involved in maintaining homeland security to a large extent and we would soon be seeing him further minimizing the “accumulated neglect” and ensuring that India never ever gets under such hopeless circumstances.

But, beyond that? Has Bombay really learnt its lessons? Could Bombayites sustain their anger against the state government’s gross ineptness in handling the entire episode of terror? Did they decide to throw out the incompetent and corrupt government for bringing their beloved city to its knees in those horrific 62 hours a year earlier at the first opportunity thrown to them in terms of the state assembly elections recently? Sadly, the answer to all these disturbing questions is a big NO.

Bombay could never transcend beyond sloganeering. “Enough is Enough” remained only in the domain of a few people seeking short-term television appearance. They did not even come out to vote in enough numbers that could have upset the ruling party’s cartel. They did not even choose a few decent and capable professionals who had decided to take a plunge in the murky waters of politics, all for the sake of their fellow citizens. Worse, the same person got the Home portfolio whose utterly shocking sentiments that “such small things keep happening in big cities” had offended the entire nation post 26/11.

The fact that Bombay tries to disguise its indifference towards its narrow day-to-day routine grind of life by showcasing its so-called virtue of “resilience” is immensely disappointing. And this was at its best display yesterday – a year post 26/11.

The citiwallas had no time to come together even in remembrance, forget about showing solidarity and strength in demanding answers from the state and the central governments for their continuing apathy. Whatever we saw happening yesterday in Bombay and elsewhere as a mark of 26/11 first anniversary was all thanks to media’s initiatives, television channels in particular. Otherwise, the so-called Maximum City was happy with its minimum exhibition of its emotions.

(And, by the way, where were all those stalwarts, again, – by/for/of Marathi Manoos - ever eager to divide Bombay – err, Mumbai – in the name of the so-called Maratha Pride? Perhaps, they did not deem the issue of Mumbai’s safety strong enough a platform to garner a few more gullible votes! Honestly, I pity Shiv Sena and MNS alike.)

I pray for all those departed souls and their family members left behind. I pray for enough strength to our Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram who has the skill and the will to set things right. I pray for sustained security and prosperity of my country.

God save India.