Lokpal Bill and an Incorruptible India?!

I start with thanking Anna Hazare and all founding members of “India Against Corruption” for giving India its much awaited Lokpal Bill, finally! Well, now that the government of India has relented fearing further erosion in its public support base, and with a determined Anna and Co. there to ensure its formulation and subsequent passage in the Parliament, the Lokpal Bill will see the light of the day. (So what if it took more than 42 years? It is never too late for any thing, including the Lokpal Bill!)

Now that we have the Lokpal Bill, the moot question remains: Is Lokpal Bill the Panacea against Corruption?

NO. Let’s admit it honestly. Lokpal Bill is the first step in that direction, nevertheless. Its sincere and fair implementation will determine its effectiveness and purpose, and ultimate success; the chances of which are extremely grim, to say the least.

Well, we know the reasons.

We don’t have to do an autopsy of our systems – the monumentally corrupt systems are very much alive! – to discover that the chronic malaise is a multi-organ phenomenon and is indeed widespread and deep-seated. Also, we do not have to do gene-mapping of our country to realize that the etiology of the disease is a DNA mutation leading to the corrupt-chromosome getting embedded into the nucleus of the nation!

Let us also not forget the global positioning of India and here I am not talking about “Incredible India” which sounds as hollow as the “India Shining” slogan! Today I am simply reminding every one of us of the infamous tagline on India: 100 mein se 90 beyiman, phir bhi mera Bharat mahaan! (90 out of 100 are corrupt, still my India is great!) … Majority of the Indians behave like an opportunist microorganism: depending on the scope and scale of corruption, they derive their share!

Frankly speaking, to believe that because the Indians came out in full support to Anna Hazare’s fast-unto-death protest Indians have got re-mutated to their Non-Corrupt Avatar would be like living in an illusory India! (Sounds good; could replace “Incredible” in India’s slogan!)

Indian history is witness to a few such contemporary revolutions. In my living memory Mandal Commission was the first such incident which succeeded in mobilizing a large population base to protest which was followed by a repeat show at Ayodhya and resurfaced occasionally in form of support for quotas/reservations etc. Election Reforms Bill (not the actual terminology) also got huge support from the public of India. The recent radical change was witnessed in form of passing of the RTI Act. All these could have served as catalysts for elemental and permanent changes in fabric of India and its establishments i.e. overall polity and society, but none of these served the actual purpose for which it was meant. On the contrary, all such amendments and bills etc. accomplished dividing the society further. Worse, these also succeeded in keeping the downtrodden exactly at the bottom of the societal pyramid where they have belonged to since centuries! And not to forget the most dangerous of them all: in spite of a resurgent election commission we continue to elect criminals ‘by hook or by crook’! (i.e. by hooch or by cooker! Please refer to the forthcoming Tamil Nadu polls in case you are unable to get the drift!) And the corrupt have continued to amass unlimited wealth through malpractices and colossal corruption! (Kalmadi, Raja, Hasan Ali … every one seems to be in a competition to out win every body else!)

Thus to believe that all ills will be cured just by signing of the Jan Lokpal Bill is the height of naivety and extreme form of foolishness!

Therefore, first and foremost, we need to cleanse our systems – both politically and socially – to be able to bury the demon of corruption. Because, Lokpal or something else, it is the Indians who are going to be at the helm of affairs majority of who would come from the same corrupt gene-pool! Otherwise, to say that the Lokpal Bill too will remain rusting and corruption will continue to thrive will be an understatement. And, remember, Anna will not be around forever for us to fast-unto-death for every change we desire!

In fact we need to change our attitude fundamentally. Like charity, NO TO CORRUPTION has to start from self; the change has to come from within; in every day of our life. Let’s pledge not to give any bribe for any personal cause or gains. Let’s also make a resolve that no matter what the allure, we will not let the honest core of our being – and India’s foundations - get corroded with corruption. Let’s get over our comfort with corruption. We, as a society and a nation, will shun corruption completely and start celebrating honesty and integrity. We will banish all corrupt to margins of the society. The spectrum of India will have no iota of corruption in it.

Then only real change will come to India – Change we can believe in! Else, after every few years we will keep getting motivated to crowd near the India Gate and the Gateway of India and other landmarks of the country in front of numerous television cameras and non-stop coverage and may succeed in forcing the then government with hoarse sloganeering to enact some crucial bill and then we will go back to sleep dreaming of more money for ourselves by “whatever it takes/gives”!

If we do not change – ourselves and our country - India will keep struggling in the solid grip of corruption. Because in such a scenario/society where corruption is rampant, though an average corrupt citizen gets a little ‘extra’ amount to so-called stash away and enjoy life with in a ‘limited’ sense of the term, the real beneficiaries continue to be the ultimate looters – players in corridors of power and position – politicians, bureaucrats, police, businesses, and other high and mighty of the society, people who are masters in the game of manipulations – all done with the sole goal of self gratification. The rest of the average Indian citizenry – corrupt or non-corrupt – continue to suffer rigmarole of daily life immensely tainted with corrupt colors and stay squeezed in tentacles of corruption; there is no recourse for anybody in a corrupt country.

Living a corruption-free life is not difficult. It just a matter of practice and getting used to a better life – a life with dignity and free from manipulations; a life filled with honesty and integrity and sincerity and prosperity and peace and happiness – for all.

These are not sermons; these are what everybody in non-corrupt parts of the world experiences and enjoys! And we too can!

Because only an “Incorruptible India” can be an “Incredible India”!

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Anna, your Annagiri will prove to be a viable channel for fast-unto-death-of-corruption!

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Anna, I know now why you love to fast! Ann-na means “no ann” i.e no grains! ... And, "annshan" means "shun" the "ann"!

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Anna, I salute your strength; even after 97 hours of non-stop fasting, you looked and sounded absolutely strong! That’s the mettle of a true leader!

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To all those so-called leaders who boast of a popular base on twitter/facebook: just accept my challenge to gather so many people in support of a cause espoused by you in your tweet or on your facebook page - in a public place and away from the glare of television cameras – and force the GOI to act in favour; I will accept you as my leader!

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World’s revolutions have been fought primarily by youth but have almost always been led by matured leaders!

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And it was no twitter-facebook revolution; it was a pure people’s revolution; revolution of all those people who bothered to come to India Gate and Gateway of India and other designated places in solidarity with Anna’s cause. Because if the GOI relented, it was under the sheer pressure of losing its voters base – of whatever is left of.

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And it was Media’s movement also because if the Indian media had not highlighted Anna Hazare’s fast through non-stop coverage, this event would have also died down like previous many such protests.

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The success of Anna’s crusade proves two things: that if the people of India “will”, they “can”; secondly, the Indian media can play the role of a real crusader for all the desired changes in India!

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Finally, a slogan for the second round of Indian revolution, if need be (and chances would be many!): Kudos to Anna and Judo (kicks) to politicians! (My sister has the copyright to it!) J

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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

Captain Courageous' Mahi-Way!

Mahatma Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Ratan Tata, Barack Obama, Arnab Goswami, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, … One common thread running through all these names is that they all are (were) courageous! Besides, of course, being legends & leaders! And, as you must have guessed it by now, I am a great fan of them all! …

These are just a few names that I have mentioned here but there are many more – many many many more! - from India and rest of the world, contemporary and historical, spanning the entire spectrum of Life who have stood apart from the crowd - but always with the crowd; they all have been bold and brave and, thus, true leaders!

And I salute each of these leaders! And I also salute all those nameless and faceless people – commonly called ‘common man’ / ‘aam-aadmi’ – who have displayed courage in their life and have stood for their ideology and along the way have inspired themselves and others in their sphere to do just what they had always wanted to do – just like the way the world leaders from all walks of life, sports included, have motivated people since the time immemorial!

Watching Mahendra Singh Dhoni lead India to lift the most prized possession in the world of cricket, famously called The Cup That Counts and bring back the most coveted of the silverware in a trophies-chest after 28 long years with his masterstroke of an innings of 91n.o. when India looked shaky from the early exit of stalwarts like Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar said a lot about the man! In spite of so-called not being in his “true form” during the tournament with bat – I say, he was in full form with his captaincy! – he took that bold step of coming out at No.4 when the chips were down for India – and the stakes were pretty high. I cannot imagine any other captain being his ‘natural’ courageous self when India’s possible monumental loss could have got pinned on his shoulders for ever if his strategy had backfired! He looked his usual self i.e. calm and determined from the first go; he remained focused even under intense pressure; and he set out to play the much needed “Captain’s Knock” and steered India the Mahi-way to the victory! And when he hit that huge winning SIX, the nation cheered and cried simultaneously! And then like a true leader he slipped out of the glare and let his team savour the moment! (In no photograph taken on the ground with the cup you will see him clearly.) His ability to handle such momentous moments is supremely humble which is simply awesome!

It was an enormous emotional moment for the entire country. To see a super cool captain Dhoni trying to hide his tears from the cameras was indeed overwhelming! (I couldn’t control my tears.) And who can ever forget tears rolling freely out of legendary Sachin’s eyes (I can hear Sachin say: “I had a dream…!”) and Yuvraj’s, Bhajji’s and almost every member of the winning team adding to the collective pool. Those “Tears of Joy” made the entire country cry with happiness and relief and the satisfaction of getting to hold the Ultimate Cup, again, and being crowned as the Cricket Superpower! … Let the Celebrations continue! …

The most remarkable dimensions of his personality – character is the most apt word – are his trademark brutal honesty and straightforward streak! His beautiful smile on his handsome face (long hair/short hair/no hair: he looks as admirable as always!) radiates his core the best! His ability to stick to his principles and values and beliefs even under trying circumstances is almost unprecedented and infectious; and, his greatness to be able to remain rooted in spite of being a “super successful” and a “super rich” sporting icon in today’s times of glamour and glitz is incredible; remember, he is Indian cricket’s favourite poster boy! His leadership of guts and gutsy decisions – gut instincts! – are aspects of his being that are hugely inspirational! His unshakeable inner calmness with an equally strong confident exterior which he reflects is amazing! He commands respect from all, to say the least. Let us not forget that most of the members of the present team have played under erstwhile captain; it was Dhoni becoming the captain which made them perform at their best.

Let us not forget that he doesn’t come from any “cricketing nursery” – the so-called big towns – where cricket is considered a serious career option and have necessary cricketing ambiance and facilities. What is extraordinary about his constitution is that in spite of this he has been able to carry his team and its individual egos – comprising of seniors and juniors and contemporaries - forward as the most successful captain – and a formidable cricketer - of the most successful Indian cricket team ever! Mahi is a magical leader! 20-20; 50-50; ODI No.1; Tests No1; what next, Mahi?!

Today, if MSD is called Midas Singh Dhoni, then let’s accept the fact “fortune favours the brave”!

(Keep up your courage, Captain MSD! And, a huge THANKS, Mahi and your formidable team (especially Sachin, Sehwag, Yuvi, Bhajji, Zaheer, Kohli, Nehra, and …) along with Guru Gary and the entire support staff, for bringing the Cricket World Cup back to India!)

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a study in himself! …

May God be with MSD, as always J

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Honi ko anhoni karde, anhoni ko honi!...

Aur kaun, but our Captain Courageous Dhoni! J

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Besides cricket per se, another highlight of the just concluded – and conquered! – cricket world cup has been the transformation of Sonia Gandhi. After Uncle Rajiv’s death, she seemed to have gone into her cocoon in spite of being in the public life as a political leader. It was a pure delight to see her enjoy India’s win over Pakistan in Chandigarh! She looked living her life, finally! And, yesterday night, watching her come out in an open jeep to be amongst the celebrating crowd cemented her “coming of”! … Keep it up, Sonia Aunty :)

THANK YOU, Captain MSD! We LOVE YOU :)

THANK YOU, Captain MSD! For making India the Cricket Champion, again! And, we LOVE YOU! ...

Mahi, you led from the front, as always! Indian Team is indeed immensely fortunate to have you as their Captain! And you kept your team absolutely determined throughout! Yuvraj Singh’s peaking during the crucial time of the World Cup tournament was one of the most extraordinary blessings! And, not to forget, Sachin Tendulkar’s trophies-chest will now have this prized and the most coveted of all silver wares, The Cricket World Cup, and his thrill is understandable! …

28 years later, after Kapil Dev’s team’s 1983 victory at the Lords, India finally brought back The Cup That Counts! 2^nd April 2011 will be a date which India and the world will remember forever! … Your keeping your Cool even after achieving this historic feat was incredible! … Great; keep it up!

Mahi, my belief – like billions Indians’ – was unshakeable from the beginning itself that we will win! And, my belief was based on you, Dhoni! … You will always remain India’s most beloved & respected Captain! We love you J …

And, I Thank God for being there with you & your team throughout! May God be with you, always J …

Nature: a Friend or a Fiend?

I had penned down the below given thoughts in ’08 and surprisingly the same sound relevant even today when we witness the still continuing brutal dance of Nature in Japan… The scenes of monumental destruction make you wonder if The Creator is still existent! Otherwise, how could It let It’s own creations – aided by humans on Earth – get destroyed so comprehensively! Earthquake of the highest intensity followed by Tsunami of unprecedented proportions followed by Nuclear scare of extraordinary levels … the carnage continues …

I salute the fellow humans in Japan; their dignified attitude even in the face of massive adversity is simply incredible! May they continue to draw required amount of internal – mental and physical and social and economical and political – strengths to pass through their undoubtedly the darkest hours, which too shall pass … And, Japan will soon be back at being The Land of The Rising Sun J

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“If people thought Nature was their friend, then they sure don’t need an enemy,” said Kurt Vonnegut, the accomplished American novelist and satirist.

The recent flurry of Nature’s fury makes Vonnegut’s caustic comment sound almost like a gospel. Before the world could adjust to the magnitude of destruction caused by the cyclone Nargis, there was this earthquake of very high magnitude devastating buildings and bodies alike in China. And in both cases – like in all cases of Nature’s onslaught since the start of evolution – humans’ body as well as souls got battered badly. The culprit: Nature.

Now, can this kind of Nature be anybody’s friend? …

Well, till one is himself or herself not in such a godforsaken situation, one cannot say yes or no to it. And a simple yes or no will not suffice, anyway.

It is a deep debate which requires profound understanding of the nature of Nature!

Here, we need to recall what Lao Tzu, the great Chinese philosopher and the founder of Taoism said once, “Nature is not human hearted.”

“Human-Hearted” – an intriguing adjective! What does it mean in essence?

If Nature isn’t any human’s friend, then is a human a friend of another human? Aren’t the Burmese military generals “humans” too? Then why have they left the millions of survivors to suffer further with their unrelenting refusal to allow international aids? Moreover, another aspect which should not be neglected is that why did the brutal military regime neglect the cyclone alert forwarded to it by India at least 48 hours in advance? Wasn’t it a conspiracy to kill its own countrymen? Should Nature be blamed here solely?

In contrast, what was remarkable about China's handling of the crisis was the swift action of the Chinese government. The presence of the Chinese top leaderships at the sites of devastations was a great comfort to the unfortunates and a lesson in disaster management for many so-called political leaders across the world.

So, who is humans' best friend - a fellow human or Nature? ...

Perhaps, Albert Einstein could help: "What I see in Nature is a magnificent structure that we can understand only imperfectly, and that must fill a thinking person with a feeling of humility."

I pray that some wise man’s ‘once-upon-a-time’ said words come true for the affected Burmese and Chinese: “The Rainbows of life follows the storm.” …

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The world – India included – will have to let all its thoughts and ideas converge and debate hard about putting billions of lives – humans included – at enormous risk by pushing hard – diplomatic pressures are immense on countries like India – for the much celebrated nuclear energy options …

World Leaders' Lessons in Dictator Management

Libya is burning and the world leaders are watching. They look as weak as ever and their almost stoic silence is baffling and frustrating. Muammar Gaddafi is killing his own countrymen; his illusion that he has the birthright to stay in power in conflict with Libyans’ wish should be put to an end immediately.

The United Nations which claims to be the custodian of global peace is looking as disunited as always. Even the US, the all powerful nation, is not manifesting any capability to stop the Gaddafi-sponsored carnage. The so-called compulsions of internal politics and governance in the times of economic slowdown are simply excuses. To think that in 21^st century we could be witnessing utter mutilation of humans’ rights and dignity and liberty while the entire world watched helplessly is appalling and not acceptable, and unavoidable. If the so-called global leaders cannot do any thing against Muammar Gaddafi – and all the other dictators - then they should vacate their mantle and let the courageous of the world take over the responsibilities of ridding the humanity from the shackles of stubborn monsters.

The time is still not lost. A lot could be done to oust Muammar Gaddafi. Ban Ki Moon should convene an emergency meeting of all member states and chart a military intervention strategy to stop Gaddafi’s use of violence immediately. Only sanctions will not work; nor will any amount of rhetoric satisfy the world. If force needs to be used then be it. Under the aegis of the UN, an allied force should be urgently sent to Libya to forcefully evict Gaddafi. Barack Obama, besides being the president of the most powerful nation, has the personality and the support of the global populace as a world leader, and, therefore, he should lead the world and support its pro-democracy pursuits. He - along with other global leaders - has to act his role and ensure an “orderly transition” in many parts of the world. He cannot afford to be a mute spectator and abandon the people of the world. And, hollow condemnation is akin to condoning.

President Obama, are you listening? …

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Muammar Gaddafi’s desperate attempt to cling to power in face of fierce opposition to his iron fisted rule is comical in equal measures as it is cruel. Because, if he has read the world history then he should have known that dictators do not survive people’s revolt. It is only a matter of few days before Libyans’ uprising will consume him soon.

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Folklore: In gratitude to the US president for not clamoring for his ouster sincerely, the erstwhile Egyptian president had decided to spell himself as Hosni MuBarack! …

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But the story or the struggle does not end here. World leaders have to evolve as geopoliticians and equip themselves adequately and become strong enough to deal with the future dictators of the world, if any; narrow ‘national interests’ should not be used as a smokescreen to conduct international diplomacy anymore. The rules of global governance have to be re-written by credible global leaders; they have already tasted the limits of their power and influence when it comes to tackling the world tyrants. And, hope they learn their lessons in dictator management soon…

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! …)

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