MONTH-IN-PERSPECTIVE
Jammu & Kashmir: All of us have to die some day, so did Mufti Mohd. Sayeed, the Chief Minister of J & K. 79 years old PDP leader died on Thursday, the 7th Jan., at AIIMS, New Delhi, after a brief but serious illness.
A politician since 1950 with Democratic National Conference. Since then he changed his political affiliations 3 times, before launching his current political outfit Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the death of Mufti Mohd. Sayeed had called him a “Statesman”, may be because of his alliance with BJP, or else he is known as a crafty politician. As the Home Minister in the VP Singh government at the centre in 1989, he is the one who introduced as the Union Home Minister, the controversial AFSP Act in J & K for the first time. It was during this time that his daughter Rubaiya was kidnapped by JKLF militants and was released only after releasing the arrested militants. Since then J & K scenario did not remain same and worsened over a period to this day. For whatever political compulsion he joined hands with BJP to form the government in early 2015. It was an opportunistic alliance. It had alliance irritants from almost the start and continued. His death may not end the irritant but may even become worse, since his daughter Mehbooba Mufti, who is tipped to take over, is a bit of a hawk and assertive. One has to wait and see.
However, the late J & K Chief Minister will be remembered for the frank admission recently in Chennai that “Education is most critical to uplift Muslims”. Addressing the United Economic Forum, a trade body, he was reported to have stated “There is no doubt that educational backwardness is the main reason why we have not been able to progress economically”. While remarking that the “decline in the socio-economic and education status of the Muslims started as early as the 18th Century”. Unlike Vice President Hamid Ansari, he did not ask for the reservation for Muslims for the redistribution of national pie. May his soul Rest in Peace.
New Delhi: There was this proposal by Madhu Agrawal, an RTI activist, who proposed that Republic Day Tableaus should be left for public display for general public after the 26th January also.
Her proposal is sensible, in as much as, this tablous are prepared with lot of commitment and involvement of people from different parts of the country. These are readied at huge cost of both men, money and methods. They are also works of art displaying life and traditions of our diverse country from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and from Kohima in the east to Kutch in the west. It has its emotional and patriotic importance and make general public to view and feel nice and great about our country. Hence it makes immense sense to keep all these tableaus for extended public display at some centrally located place in Delhi, possibly, as close as possible to a Metro station. This way, it will be both nation friendly and people friendly. Hope the suggestion of Ms.Agrawal reaches the power that be, in the corridors of power in New Delhi.
Nation is privy to the knowledge that Pakistan has for the first time cracked on those, who were supposed to be behind the Pathankot airbase attack, where 7 of our defence men lost their lives. This is the first time ever that Pakistan government has acted with such speed and purpose. We only wish it is true and seriously pursuing the matter. But what really went into this heightened reaction from across the border? What is the new thing that has happened, which forced the hand of Pak leadership? You guessed it right. It is the personal bonhomie that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has developed suo moto. Those who do not agree must go back to all those pictures of past few months, where Narendra Modi was with Nawaz Sheriff. There is a personal chemistry between these two. See those- all ears, eyes and mind that Nawaz Sheriff has on what Modi is saying on these pictures. There is palpable seriousness, not only in what Modi is saying but also the body language of Nawaz Sheriff in listening as seriously to what Indian Prime Minister is saying. Hope these augers well for the civil society of both countries.
And those who dismissed the last visit of Modi to Lahore to meet Shariff as theatrics, please do think again. These overtures work. Didn’t we all belong to the same home and hearth 68 years ago! Weren’t we all Indians then!
There was this news sometime ago that Supreme Court ordered Uttar Pradesh Government of Akhilesh Yadav to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation to the victim for the wrongful detention of a retired forest officer by the police. Reportedly, apex court emphasised the need to protect honest officers who refuse to follow the unlawful diktats of their political superiors. Supreme Court Bench of Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice N V Ramana had on record stated “some upright officers resist corruptions, but they cannot alone change the system which victimizes them through frequent transfers, threat to their families and fabricating and foisting false cases”.
The victim, the Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) Dr Ramlakhan Singh was detained for 10 days on trumped up charges of disproportionate asset, alleged illegal mining and allegedly auctioning tendu patta leaves. The court order to pay Rs 10 lakhs, to be paid to Dr Singh although not big should have been made to be recovered from the person who falsely implicated the CCF, so that all those who take the law into their hands and play with the lives of people, as per their whims & fancies, are made to pay for it.
It is to the credit of BJP led NDA government to think loudly about the welfare of Muslims in deciding to develop Waqf Board properties for the benefit of the community. All news savvy Indians are privy to the information about the controversies surrounding Waqf properties. There have been accusations and counter accusations between different groups within Muslim denominations about the misuse of land and buildings belonging to Waqf Board all over India. But no government, whether state or central, in the past have taken the issue so very positively with a clear emphasis on the development of those properties for the benefit of the community. With the huge stretches of land available especially for grave yards, it has mind boggling possibilities of commercial and socio/economic exploitation of these properties. When properly put to use, according to Sachar Committee report, submitted many years ago to the UPA government, the commercial exploitation of these properties can generate some Rs: 12000/- crores annually. This amount, as and when realized, can be a huge boost to the marginalized sections of the community. Although UPA had the report in its hand for so many years, it is commendable that NDA took the initiative to realize the potential of this property to the welfare of Muslim community. Two cheers for NDA.
Maverick that he is, Subramanian Swami, the man of different hats, is currently in the electronic channels along with his cousins in RSS & VHP, on their regular tinkering with the issue of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Surely Lord Rama, who is held in great veneration as ‘Maryaada Purushottam’ by devout Hindus is not amused at this sabre rattling by this self appointed noise brigade.
When he began his innings in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken about the priority for toilets in every household in India than any temple issue. Hope he continues to think that way.
In the emerging Pan-Indian scenario, the latest talk about Ram Mandir can be divisive, which Sangh Parivaar must consciously avoid and delay. Or else, the accusation that the present dispensation at the centre is quietly playing its active role without being seen, in the alleged polarization of the Indian society. Of course, Indians, per se, do not get carried by these emotive issues. It is they, who are the guarantors of our secular polity, not any political party like Congress, Communists, Mulayams or Lalus. They are only opportunists muddying the socio-political space of the country.
Coming to Ram temple, it is very important that some wisdom should prevail on the people that matter across the Sangh Parivaar, not to insist on temple construction. All stake holders, as recognized by the Supreme Court must agree to utilize the place for some social projects, such as a large hospital, or a campus for higher learning. This will certainly bring the diverse section of Indians on a common platform of ‘Idea of India’. Hope it happens.
West Bengal: “Head Master beaten for asking pupils to sing National Anthem”, was print media report from Kolkatta. In the same page of the news paper adjacent to the above news was a diametrically different news, “Embrace people of different beliefs, ideologies” attributed to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. What can we call this dichotomy? Bizarre, outlandish or incredulous?!
Here is a head master, Kazi Masum Akhtar, clean shaven, in shirt and trouser was training his students in the government recognized school, Talpukar Aara High Madrasa to sing national anthem for the 26th Jan. Republic Day celebration. It was a normal Indian patriotic action. But those who are opposed to the idea of Indian pluralism, radical clerics and the likes have beaten the HM and dictated that he should change to kurta and short pyjama and grow beard and this national song should not be sung in Madrasas. Prima facie it is an anti national act. Reportedly he was badly beaten by maulvees and their henchmen and also been banished from his school. But Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and West Bengal Minority Commission are reportedly silent on the complaint of this HM. Neither protection was given to the HM, nor any action taken against the attackers. If the admission of the Kolkatta Police Commission (KPC) to the State Minorities Commission (SMC) as reported, is to be believed, than its bizarre. Reportedly KPC has written to the SMC, that “his (Kazi Masum Akhtar) presence in the area might lead to communal tension”. It is a clear case of playing politics in support of violent fundamentalists as against law abiding citizen. Apparently in her votebank politics Mamata Banerjee has no qualms, if her voters are anti-national, so be it! Ironically this national song was written by India’s first Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagor, also a Bengali. And where is the Amir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan and their ‘intolerant crying brigade’? What do they want to say to this clearly anti national act by their own co-religionists?
Maharashtra : Prime Minister aspirant, former Central Minister, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, former ICC chairman, former BCCI chairman and the current president of Mumbai Cricket Association, and of course the Nationalist Congress Party Supremo Sharad Pawar in his long life of 75 years, truly did a singularly good job the other day. It was indeed very touching to read the report datelined Mumbai that “On the recommendation of MCA president Sharad Pawar, Rs: 10,000/- per month scholarship will be paid for 5 years to Pranav Dhanawade, the world record holder of 1009 runs not out,”.
That this was done, suo moto enhances the beauty of the action. Two cheers to MCA and its president.
Pranav Dhanawade, a student of K.C. Gandhi High School of Kalyan in north Mumbai, had scored 1009, while facing 323 balls and had remained not out. His 1009 included 129 boundaries and 59 sixes at over 300% run rate. All of 15, Pranav is the son of a rickshaw owner driver. He is the first cricketer anywhere in the world to hold this record. Ajith Wadekar, a former Indian Cricket captain has given an autographed bat as a mark of his appreciation of the young lad. With this open and public recognition, the future of this youngstar is guaranteed. Indeed two cheers to all concerned.
First it was the content editor Sudhir Joshi of ‘Congress Darshan’ who was shown the door for the unsigned article that appeared in it on the 131st birth day of Indian National Congress. Now, there are indications of Sanjay Nirupam the Mumbai Congress Chief, getting the boot. We all claim and revel in the claim that India is the world’s largest democracy. But, like all else, we too suffer from restrictive mindset of intolerance. Earlier Congress Party was critical of the suspension of Kirti Azad by BJP for taking on the party senior Arun Jaitley. Now Congress has bitten the bullet doing just that. After all in both cases it was the death of internal democracy. There are elements of truth in both what Kirti Azad had said on Jaitley and what Sudhir Joshi had said on Nehru and Sonia. Thus both Congress and BJP are no better when it comes to the internal democracy, except that the BJP is a wee bit better than Congress, in as much as BJP is not a private property of any one family or individual, unlike the Congress, which even Congress men would admit privately that it indeed is the marketing organization of late Rajeev Gandhi’s family.
When sometime ago, the fugitive anti-national criminal, Dawood Ibrahim’s property was auctioned in Mumbai, it was a surprise that a journalist turned activist S. Balakrishnan’s bid was successful, and he paid the deposit of Rs. 30 Lakhs. The property ‘Delhi Zaika’, a roadside eatery in the central Mumbai area of Mohd- Ali Road, was auctioned for Rs. 4.28 crores. How would Balakrishnan, who runs an NGO, “Desh Seva Samiti’, organize such a sum, was a question that appeared after he paid the deposit.
Yes, he didn’t have the required money and his hopes of raising, from 70 businessmen he approached, came to a naught. Now there is a prospect of his losing the deposit. But, aren’t we, as a people, as a government of the people, not concerned about this? He had planned to start a computer education centre for poor children in the defunct property. Why no businessman, for whom Rs. 4 crores wouldn’t have been a big deal, backed out? Fear of the criminal? So how do you stand by a brave Indian? Why not the government, centre or state, takes it over or even fund his NGO to help him run the computer school? After all, every union government in the past, including the present, had a vision of getting this fugitive to stand trial in India for his crimes against humanity. May be somebody should have suggested him to go ‘online’ to raise this Rs: 4crores. Chances are he would have made it. Mr Balakrishnan deserves all help in his bold step and his altruistic mission.
Telangana: Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi not only needs to be congratulated but supported by every Indian, who is Indian at heart. His statements that his political outfit “MIM has taken a political stand that it is against all anti-national forces”, is praise worthy. MIM president was talking at Hyderabad that “he will not be afraid of the threat from ISIS and continue to speak out against ISIS, as it has nothing to do with Islam.”
Somebody had reportedly written on his wall asking him to shut his mouth and leave democracy. Report further informs that an alleged ISIS sympathizer had tweeted ‘It’s better for you to shut your mouth on Islamic state if you do not know the truth, Islamic state will invade India soon. You are disgrace for Muslims of India. Opposing Islamic State will lead you to hell only. Repent before end’.
Responding to this, Majlis-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) MP from Hyderabad had stated “You are a bloody Takfiri (a forbidden person). ISIS is evil. I am ready to counter your points. You can keep dreaming. Allah give you Taufeaq (blessing), so that you come out of ISIS darkness”.
Stating that he is not worried about his safety, that he moves around without security. He tells, ‘ISIS ideology is based on hatred, there is a need to finish this ideology. They are merciless. They massacred 1.5 lakh Muslims including scholars. He had to reply these tweets. Since they said about invading India and that’s rubbish, and that MIM is against all anti-national forces’.
This appears to be unequivocal affirmation of Asaduddin Owaisi’s patriotism. He is known to be a person making controversial statements. But this latest statements need to be widely circulated and he should be publicly commended for his unambiguous stand. So that message goes across that India is one against ISIS. Period.
Kerala: New Year began with the Supreme Court approving the controversial liquor policy of Kerala government. It appears to baffle common sense. The law enacted by the State legislature allows the sale and consumption of alcohol in Five Star Hotels only. As opposed to this, it has prohibited similar sale and consumption in lower starred hotels, as also in bars. This in itself is completely discriminatory. So, it only provides a privilege to the rich, or those who have enough money to go to 5 star hotels. It is strange that apex court in its wisdom did not think it is discriminatory and is against the fundamental principle of our Indian Republic. Equality before law is one of the founding principle of our Republic. The apex court has now negated this principle by this questionable judgment.
It is true that Kerala government’s intention was to save the youth of Kerala by making it more difficult for the average person to purchase this beverage and consume. It is also true that Kerala has the dubious distinction of being the highest per capita consumer of liquor. Reportedly, Keralites consume 14% of the entire national consumption, when its population is only 3%. But by making it available only in 5 star hotels, the government has only helped the hotel owners to enrich themselves, who, in all probability, would raise the prices of these liquors in their bars and supplies to residents. Instead the government had the opportunity of increasing the taxes and wholesale price, by which atleast the state can get greater revenue. Thus it was not only the flawed policy, it apparently is a flawed judgment. Will it ever review the decision due to some public interest litigation! We have to wait & see. Hope the Supreme Court has a relook at the issue.
Sunni Muslim leader Kanthapuram A.P.Aboobacker Musliyar reportedly stated some time ago that “moves for gender equality are aimed at destroying Islam. The obstinacy that boys and girls should study sitting on the same bench is an indirect attack aimed at destroying Islam and its culture. Gender equality is not Islamic, not wise, nor humane”, he had said adding that women are fit only to deliver children.
There have been plethora of reaction against this reported remarks of this Aboobacker Musliar. Dr P.A Faizal Gafoor, the President of Muslim Educational Society (MES) had vehemently disagreed saying “such statements were actually giving weapons to outside forces to attack the community”.
“His remarks amount to insulting even his own mother. It is anti women. He should withdraw it and tender an apology to women community” reacted Marxist veteran and Kerala opposition leader VS Achuthanandan.Naxal turned activist Ajitha said “What he said was not only anti-women, but utterly communal. He had insulted all women in the world”. Accusing this Musliar of making such derogatory remarks in the past, Ajitha asked “What right does he have to make such venomous comments again and again?”.
Cutting across the socio/political divide people had blasted anti constitutional remark on women in general. Such retrograde people should be boycotted by the community for the larger good. They have no place in the evolving society.
WORLD: The biggest joke of 2016 is the reported statement of Pakistani cricketer turned politician Imran Khan on the state of minorities ( meaning Muslims) in India. He had recently visited India and had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the reported statement datelined Lahore, he had raised with Indian PM, plight of minorities in India besides touching upon Kashmir and cricket.
It was like 'wolf reading the scripture.' What people like Imran Khan and his ilk in Pakistan should understand and remember that in Pakistan, an Islamic country, Muslims are killing Muslims, hence imagine the position of minorities in Pakistan? Minorities were 30% of the Pakistan population in 1947. To-day it is below 3%. What happened to these people? Converted, killed or they just ran away!
In India, Muslims were about 9% of the population in 1947 today they are close to 15%. All of them enjoy the same freedom like majority. It is true there are idiots in a country of 127 crore people, hence some stupid things do happen. But Indians are eminently qualified and are managing these aberrations. There is simply no scope for likes of Imran Khan to poke his nose. Please 'take a walk' Imran or as an American would say “…k off”.
A 68 year old Gurcharan Singh Gill, a Sikh, was reportedly stabbed to death in California on the New Year day. Such attacks were not unknown. It happened in the past, especially after the World Trade Centre (9/11) attack and Osama Bin Laden emerged as the villain. This is primarily because of the beard and turban that Sikhs are sporting. Like Malayalis, Sikhs can be found in all parts of the world. They chase good things of life but they want to keep their peculiar identity of turban and beard, which was edicted when Sikh faith was institutionalized centuries ago. It had relevance those hundreds of years ago like the burqua among Muslim women. It has lost its relevance in 21st century, more so in those distant lands as United States. Sikhism is a liberal cult, it does not insist on uncut beard and long head hair. Hence there are any numbers of males among Sikhs who are clean shaven and short haired. Chances are, this 68 year old gentleman or those attacked earlier, could have lived on, if these ostensible signs of faith were not there. Could the community take the lead to save itself, especially when they are away from India!
‘Charlie Hebdo’ is a case of ‘too much is too bad’. Suddenly the great champion of unrestricted freedom of expression started to 'feel lonely'. The report date lined Paris, ‘Charlie Hebdo feels alone in its fight to poke fun at world’ appeared in print. Report informs, even ordinary French, who are epitome of freedom, have, kind of, abandoned this messiah of ‘laugh at everything’.
Its latest cartoon on that Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi who fell into sea water from the boat his family was sailing, and swept ashore dead, has been rather in very bad taste.
The swept ashore body of child Aylan Kurdi had shocked the conscience of civil society the world ever on the suffering faced by imigrants. To some extent, European nations and even U.K and Canada had softened their stand on taking in imigrants after this heart rending sight of the dead child. Especially Germany, under Angela Merkel, had wide opened entry for Syrian imigrants. But the physical irritation suffered by German women at a New Year eve midnight revelry because of the migrants men has stiffened the German stand on migrants. Reportedly all accused are being departed.
Charlie Hebdo, as its wont, came up with the cartoon where Aylan Kurdi had grown, some 20 years down, is chasing a German women. It appeared to whole of the French population, as in extremely poor taste and sickening.
This and many other extreme types of cartoon have driven many French away from Charlie Hebdo, conveying in unmistakable terms, that lampooning beyond a dignified decent limit, will not take one too far and can be even counterproductive. That’s what is happening to master cartoonist Charlie Hebdo.
As if things were not already bad between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran, the latest execution of a prominent Shiite cleric and activist Sheikh Nimr-al-Nimr has exploded into a diplomatic nightmare. As was only expected Iranians reacted rather angrily, by torching the Saudi embassy building in Tehran and a consulate elsewhere. Such a reaction could have been anywhere in the entire Middle-East, where emotion takes a precedence over rationality.
It is true that Sheikh Nirm-al-Nimr was accused of harming Saudis national interest by secretly encouraging rebellion. There is no way, it can be proved. Whether execution of a respected cleric is right for the alleged wrong doing is another question. The matter of cleric’s alleged involvement and the decision of capital punishment, being a very sensitive issue, Saudi Arabia could have referred the matter to Arab League and Organizations of Islamic Countries. Whether, these organizations have a locus standy is a moot point. But surely, it could have been a measure to have been exploited, instead of summarily executing the alleged traitor. But then, Saudi Arabia is the mightiest of all Arab countries, and no country shall dare to question its action. That’s how, now Arab League is conveying the meeting of other members to condemn and discuss the violation by Iran against the sanctity of Saudi Embassy in Tehran and elsewhere and no questions asked about the execution of the Shiite cleric. The world over, it is sad spectacle, where the action is not called upon to be grilled but the reaction is more often subjected to all grilling, while it may be true that reactions could be disproportional to the original action in gravity and quantum. That is rather a sad dimension of our world of homosapiens. We rarely think, if the original action had not happened or taken place, in the first place, the reaction would not have followed. But the world of facts is sadly different. Hope the present impasse between Saudi Arabia and Iran is somehow resolved for the peace and stability of the Middle Eastern region.
A politician since 1950 with Democratic National Conference. Since then he changed his political affiliations 3 times, before launching his current political outfit Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the death of Mufti Mohd. Sayeed had called him a “Statesman”, may be because of his alliance with BJP, or else he is known as a crafty politician. As the Home Minister in the VP Singh government at the centre in 1989, he is the one who introduced as the Union Home Minister, the controversial AFSP Act in J & K for the first time. It was during this time that his daughter Rubaiya was kidnapped by JKLF militants and was released only after releasing the arrested militants. Since then J & K scenario did not remain same and worsened over a period to this day. For whatever political compulsion he joined hands with BJP to form the government in early 2015. It was an opportunistic alliance. It had alliance irritants from almost the start and continued. His death may not end the irritant but may even become worse, since his daughter Mehbooba Mufti, who is tipped to take over, is a bit of a hawk and assertive. One has to wait and see.
However, the late J & K Chief Minister will be remembered for the frank admission recently in Chennai that “Education is most critical to uplift Muslims”. Addressing the United Economic Forum, a trade body, he was reported to have stated “There is no doubt that educational backwardness is the main reason why we have not been able to progress economically”. While remarking that the “decline in the socio-economic and education status of the Muslims started as early as the 18th Century”. Unlike Vice President Hamid Ansari, he did not ask for the reservation for Muslims for the redistribution of national pie. May his soul Rest in Peace.
New Delhi: There was this proposal by Madhu Agrawal, an RTI activist, who proposed that Republic Day Tableaus should be left for public display for general public after the 26th January also.
Her proposal is sensible, in as much as, this tablous are prepared with lot of commitment and involvement of people from different parts of the country. These are readied at huge cost of both men, money and methods. They are also works of art displaying life and traditions of our diverse country from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and from Kohima in the east to Kutch in the west. It has its emotional and patriotic importance and make general public to view and feel nice and great about our country. Hence it makes immense sense to keep all these tableaus for extended public display at some centrally located place in Delhi, possibly, as close as possible to a Metro station. This way, it will be both nation friendly and people friendly. Hope the suggestion of Ms.Agrawal reaches the power that be, in the corridors of power in New Delhi.
Nation is privy to the knowledge that Pakistan has for the first time cracked on those, who were supposed to be behind the Pathankot airbase attack, where 7 of our defence men lost their lives. This is the first time ever that Pakistan government has acted with such speed and purpose. We only wish it is true and seriously pursuing the matter. But what really went into this heightened reaction from across the border? What is the new thing that has happened, which forced the hand of Pak leadership? You guessed it right. It is the personal bonhomie that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has developed suo moto. Those who do not agree must go back to all those pictures of past few months, where Narendra Modi was with Nawaz Sheriff. There is a personal chemistry between these two. See those- all ears, eyes and mind that Nawaz Sheriff has on what Modi is saying on these pictures. There is palpable seriousness, not only in what Modi is saying but also the body language of Nawaz Sheriff in listening as seriously to what Indian Prime Minister is saying. Hope these augers well for the civil society of both countries.
And those who dismissed the last visit of Modi to Lahore to meet Shariff as theatrics, please do think again. These overtures work. Didn’t we all belong to the same home and hearth 68 years ago! Weren’t we all Indians then!
There was this news sometime ago that Supreme Court ordered Uttar Pradesh Government of Akhilesh Yadav to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation to the victim for the wrongful detention of a retired forest officer by the police. Reportedly, apex court emphasised the need to protect honest officers who refuse to follow the unlawful diktats of their political superiors. Supreme Court Bench of Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice N V Ramana had on record stated “some upright officers resist corruptions, but they cannot alone change the system which victimizes them through frequent transfers, threat to their families and fabricating and foisting false cases”.
The victim, the Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) Dr Ramlakhan Singh was detained for 10 days on trumped up charges of disproportionate asset, alleged illegal mining and allegedly auctioning tendu patta leaves. The court order to pay Rs 10 lakhs, to be paid to Dr Singh although not big should have been made to be recovered from the person who falsely implicated the CCF, so that all those who take the law into their hands and play with the lives of people, as per their whims & fancies, are made to pay for it.
It is to the credit of BJP led NDA government to think loudly about the welfare of Muslims in deciding to develop Waqf Board properties for the benefit of the community. All news savvy Indians are privy to the information about the controversies surrounding Waqf properties. There have been accusations and counter accusations between different groups within Muslim denominations about the misuse of land and buildings belonging to Waqf Board all over India. But no government, whether state or central, in the past have taken the issue so very positively with a clear emphasis on the development of those properties for the benefit of the community. With the huge stretches of land available especially for grave yards, it has mind boggling possibilities of commercial and socio/economic exploitation of these properties. When properly put to use, according to Sachar Committee report, submitted many years ago to the UPA government, the commercial exploitation of these properties can generate some Rs: 12000/- crores annually. This amount, as and when realized, can be a huge boost to the marginalized sections of the community. Although UPA had the report in its hand for so many years, it is commendable that NDA took the initiative to realize the potential of this property to the welfare of Muslim community. Two cheers for NDA.
Maverick that he is, Subramanian Swami, the man of different hats, is currently in the electronic channels along with his cousins in RSS & VHP, on their regular tinkering with the issue of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Surely Lord Rama, who is held in great veneration as ‘Maryaada Purushottam’ by devout Hindus is not amused at this sabre rattling by this self appointed noise brigade.
When he began his innings in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken about the priority for toilets in every household in India than any temple issue. Hope he continues to think that way.
In the emerging Pan-Indian scenario, the latest talk about Ram Mandir can be divisive, which Sangh Parivaar must consciously avoid and delay. Or else, the accusation that the present dispensation at the centre is quietly playing its active role without being seen, in the alleged polarization of the Indian society. Of course, Indians, per se, do not get carried by these emotive issues. It is they, who are the guarantors of our secular polity, not any political party like Congress, Communists, Mulayams or Lalus. They are only opportunists muddying the socio-political space of the country.
Coming to Ram temple, it is very important that some wisdom should prevail on the people that matter across the Sangh Parivaar, not to insist on temple construction. All stake holders, as recognized by the Supreme Court must agree to utilize the place for some social projects, such as a large hospital, or a campus for higher learning. This will certainly bring the diverse section of Indians on a common platform of ‘Idea of India’. Hope it happens.
West Bengal: “Head Master beaten for asking pupils to sing National Anthem”, was print media report from Kolkatta. In the same page of the news paper adjacent to the above news was a diametrically different news, “Embrace people of different beliefs, ideologies” attributed to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. What can we call this dichotomy? Bizarre, outlandish or incredulous?!
Here is a head master, Kazi Masum Akhtar, clean shaven, in shirt and trouser was training his students in the government recognized school, Talpukar Aara High Madrasa to sing national anthem for the 26th Jan. Republic Day celebration. It was a normal Indian patriotic action. But those who are opposed to the idea of Indian pluralism, radical clerics and the likes have beaten the HM and dictated that he should change to kurta and short pyjama and grow beard and this national song should not be sung in Madrasas. Prima facie it is an anti national act. Reportedly he was badly beaten by maulvees and their henchmen and also been banished from his school. But Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and West Bengal Minority Commission are reportedly silent on the complaint of this HM. Neither protection was given to the HM, nor any action taken against the attackers. If the admission of the Kolkatta Police Commission (KPC) to the State Minorities Commission (SMC) as reported, is to be believed, than its bizarre. Reportedly KPC has written to the SMC, that “his (Kazi Masum Akhtar) presence in the area might lead to communal tension”. It is a clear case of playing politics in support of violent fundamentalists as against law abiding citizen. Apparently in her votebank politics Mamata Banerjee has no qualms, if her voters are anti-national, so be it! Ironically this national song was written by India’s first Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagor, also a Bengali. And where is the Amir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan and their ‘intolerant crying brigade’? What do they want to say to this clearly anti national act by their own co-religionists?
Maharashtra : Prime Minister aspirant, former Central Minister, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, former ICC chairman, former BCCI chairman and the current president of Mumbai Cricket Association, and of course the Nationalist Congress Party Supremo Sharad Pawar in his long life of 75 years, truly did a singularly good job the other day. It was indeed very touching to read the report datelined Mumbai that “On the recommendation of MCA president Sharad Pawar, Rs: 10,000/- per month scholarship will be paid for 5 years to Pranav Dhanawade, the world record holder of 1009 runs not out,”.
That this was done, suo moto enhances the beauty of the action. Two cheers to MCA and its president.
Pranav Dhanawade, a student of K.C. Gandhi High School of Kalyan in north Mumbai, had scored 1009, while facing 323 balls and had remained not out. His 1009 included 129 boundaries and 59 sixes at over 300% run rate. All of 15, Pranav is the son of a rickshaw owner driver. He is the first cricketer anywhere in the world to hold this record. Ajith Wadekar, a former Indian Cricket captain has given an autographed bat as a mark of his appreciation of the young lad. With this open and public recognition, the future of this youngstar is guaranteed. Indeed two cheers to all concerned.
First it was the content editor Sudhir Joshi of ‘Congress Darshan’ who was shown the door for the unsigned article that appeared in it on the 131st birth day of Indian National Congress. Now, there are indications of Sanjay Nirupam the Mumbai Congress Chief, getting the boot. We all claim and revel in the claim that India is the world’s largest democracy. But, like all else, we too suffer from restrictive mindset of intolerance. Earlier Congress Party was critical of the suspension of Kirti Azad by BJP for taking on the party senior Arun Jaitley. Now Congress has bitten the bullet doing just that. After all in both cases it was the death of internal democracy. There are elements of truth in both what Kirti Azad had said on Jaitley and what Sudhir Joshi had said on Nehru and Sonia. Thus both Congress and BJP are no better when it comes to the internal democracy, except that the BJP is a wee bit better than Congress, in as much as BJP is not a private property of any one family or individual, unlike the Congress, which even Congress men would admit privately that it indeed is the marketing organization of late Rajeev Gandhi’s family.
When sometime ago, the fugitive anti-national criminal, Dawood Ibrahim’s property was auctioned in Mumbai, it was a surprise that a journalist turned activist S. Balakrishnan’s bid was successful, and he paid the deposit of Rs. 30 Lakhs. The property ‘Delhi Zaika’, a roadside eatery in the central Mumbai area of Mohd- Ali Road, was auctioned for Rs. 4.28 crores. How would Balakrishnan, who runs an NGO, “Desh Seva Samiti’, organize such a sum, was a question that appeared after he paid the deposit.
Yes, he didn’t have the required money and his hopes of raising, from 70 businessmen he approached, came to a naught. Now there is a prospect of his losing the deposit. But, aren’t we, as a people, as a government of the people, not concerned about this? He had planned to start a computer education centre for poor children in the defunct property. Why no businessman, for whom Rs. 4 crores wouldn’t have been a big deal, backed out? Fear of the criminal? So how do you stand by a brave Indian? Why not the government, centre or state, takes it over or even fund his NGO to help him run the computer school? After all, every union government in the past, including the present, had a vision of getting this fugitive to stand trial in India for his crimes against humanity. May be somebody should have suggested him to go ‘online’ to raise this Rs: 4crores. Chances are he would have made it. Mr Balakrishnan deserves all help in his bold step and his altruistic mission.
Telangana: Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi not only needs to be congratulated but supported by every Indian, who is Indian at heart. His statements that his political outfit “MIM has taken a political stand that it is against all anti-national forces”, is praise worthy. MIM president was talking at Hyderabad that “he will not be afraid of the threat from ISIS and continue to speak out against ISIS, as it has nothing to do with Islam.”
Somebody had reportedly written on his wall asking him to shut his mouth and leave democracy. Report further informs that an alleged ISIS sympathizer had tweeted ‘It’s better for you to shut your mouth on Islamic state if you do not know the truth, Islamic state will invade India soon. You are disgrace for Muslims of India. Opposing Islamic State will lead you to hell only. Repent before end’.
Responding to this, Majlis-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) MP from Hyderabad had stated “You are a bloody Takfiri (a forbidden person). ISIS is evil. I am ready to counter your points. You can keep dreaming. Allah give you Taufeaq (blessing), so that you come out of ISIS darkness”.
Stating that he is not worried about his safety, that he moves around without security. He tells, ‘ISIS ideology is based on hatred, there is a need to finish this ideology. They are merciless. They massacred 1.5 lakh Muslims including scholars. He had to reply these tweets. Since they said about invading India and that’s rubbish, and that MIM is against all anti-national forces’.
This appears to be unequivocal affirmation of Asaduddin Owaisi’s patriotism. He is known to be a person making controversial statements. But this latest statements need to be widely circulated and he should be publicly commended for his unambiguous stand. So that message goes across that India is one against ISIS. Period.
Kerala: New Year began with the Supreme Court approving the controversial liquor policy of Kerala government. It appears to baffle common sense. The law enacted by the State legislature allows the sale and consumption of alcohol in Five Star Hotels only. As opposed to this, it has prohibited similar sale and consumption in lower starred hotels, as also in bars. This in itself is completely discriminatory. So, it only provides a privilege to the rich, or those who have enough money to go to 5 star hotels. It is strange that apex court in its wisdom did not think it is discriminatory and is against the fundamental principle of our Indian Republic. Equality before law is one of the founding principle of our Republic. The apex court has now negated this principle by this questionable judgment.
It is true that Kerala government’s intention was to save the youth of Kerala by making it more difficult for the average person to purchase this beverage and consume. It is also true that Kerala has the dubious distinction of being the highest per capita consumer of liquor. Reportedly, Keralites consume 14% of the entire national consumption, when its population is only 3%. But by making it available only in 5 star hotels, the government has only helped the hotel owners to enrich themselves, who, in all probability, would raise the prices of these liquors in their bars and supplies to residents. Instead the government had the opportunity of increasing the taxes and wholesale price, by which atleast the state can get greater revenue. Thus it was not only the flawed policy, it apparently is a flawed judgment. Will it ever review the decision due to some public interest litigation! We have to wait & see. Hope the Supreme Court has a relook at the issue.
Sunni Muslim leader Kanthapuram A.P.Aboobacker Musliyar reportedly stated some time ago that “moves for gender equality are aimed at destroying Islam. The obstinacy that boys and girls should study sitting on the same bench is an indirect attack aimed at destroying Islam and its culture. Gender equality is not Islamic, not wise, nor humane”, he had said adding that women are fit only to deliver children.
There have been plethora of reaction against this reported remarks of this Aboobacker Musliar. Dr P.A Faizal Gafoor, the President of Muslim Educational Society (MES) had vehemently disagreed saying “such statements were actually giving weapons to outside forces to attack the community”.
“His remarks amount to insulting even his own mother. It is anti women. He should withdraw it and tender an apology to women community” reacted Marxist veteran and Kerala opposition leader VS Achuthanandan.Naxal turned activist Ajitha said “What he said was not only anti-women, but utterly communal. He had insulted all women in the world”. Accusing this Musliar of making such derogatory remarks in the past, Ajitha asked “What right does he have to make such venomous comments again and again?”.
Cutting across the socio/political divide people had blasted anti constitutional remark on women in general. Such retrograde people should be boycotted by the community for the larger good. They have no place in the evolving society.
WORLD: The biggest joke of 2016 is the reported statement of Pakistani cricketer turned politician Imran Khan on the state of minorities ( meaning Muslims) in India. He had recently visited India and had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the reported statement datelined Lahore, he had raised with Indian PM, plight of minorities in India besides touching upon Kashmir and cricket.
It was like 'wolf reading the scripture.' What people like Imran Khan and his ilk in Pakistan should understand and remember that in Pakistan, an Islamic country, Muslims are killing Muslims, hence imagine the position of minorities in Pakistan? Minorities were 30% of the Pakistan population in 1947. To-day it is below 3%. What happened to these people? Converted, killed or they just ran away!
In India, Muslims were about 9% of the population in 1947 today they are close to 15%. All of them enjoy the same freedom like majority. It is true there are idiots in a country of 127 crore people, hence some stupid things do happen. But Indians are eminently qualified and are managing these aberrations. There is simply no scope for likes of Imran Khan to poke his nose. Please 'take a walk' Imran or as an American would say “…k off”.
A 68 year old Gurcharan Singh Gill, a Sikh, was reportedly stabbed to death in California on the New Year day. Such attacks were not unknown. It happened in the past, especially after the World Trade Centre (9/11) attack and Osama Bin Laden emerged as the villain. This is primarily because of the beard and turban that Sikhs are sporting. Like Malayalis, Sikhs can be found in all parts of the world. They chase good things of life but they want to keep their peculiar identity of turban and beard, which was edicted when Sikh faith was institutionalized centuries ago. It had relevance those hundreds of years ago like the burqua among Muslim women. It has lost its relevance in 21st century, more so in those distant lands as United States. Sikhism is a liberal cult, it does not insist on uncut beard and long head hair. Hence there are any numbers of males among Sikhs who are clean shaven and short haired. Chances are, this 68 year old gentleman or those attacked earlier, could have lived on, if these ostensible signs of faith were not there. Could the community take the lead to save itself, especially when they are away from India!
‘Charlie Hebdo’ is a case of ‘too much is too bad’. Suddenly the great champion of unrestricted freedom of expression started to 'feel lonely'. The report date lined Paris, ‘Charlie Hebdo feels alone in its fight to poke fun at world’ appeared in print. Report informs, even ordinary French, who are epitome of freedom, have, kind of, abandoned this messiah of ‘laugh at everything’.
Its latest cartoon on that Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi who fell into sea water from the boat his family was sailing, and swept ashore dead, has been rather in very bad taste.
The swept ashore body of child Aylan Kurdi had shocked the conscience of civil society the world ever on the suffering faced by imigrants. To some extent, European nations and even U.K and Canada had softened their stand on taking in imigrants after this heart rending sight of the dead child. Especially Germany, under Angela Merkel, had wide opened entry for Syrian imigrants. But the physical irritation suffered by German women at a New Year eve midnight revelry because of the migrants men has stiffened the German stand on migrants. Reportedly all accused are being departed.
Charlie Hebdo, as its wont, came up with the cartoon where Aylan Kurdi had grown, some 20 years down, is chasing a German women. It appeared to whole of the French population, as in extremely poor taste and sickening.
This and many other extreme types of cartoon have driven many French away from Charlie Hebdo, conveying in unmistakable terms, that lampooning beyond a dignified decent limit, will not take one too far and can be even counterproductive. That’s what is happening to master cartoonist Charlie Hebdo.
As if things were not already bad between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran, the latest execution of a prominent Shiite cleric and activist Sheikh Nimr-al-Nimr has exploded into a diplomatic nightmare. As was only expected Iranians reacted rather angrily, by torching the Saudi embassy building in Tehran and a consulate elsewhere. Such a reaction could have been anywhere in the entire Middle-East, where emotion takes a precedence over rationality.
It is true that Sheikh Nirm-al-Nimr was accused of harming Saudis national interest by secretly encouraging rebellion. There is no way, it can be proved. Whether execution of a respected cleric is right for the alleged wrong doing is another question. The matter of cleric’s alleged involvement and the decision of capital punishment, being a very sensitive issue, Saudi Arabia could have referred the matter to Arab League and Organizations of Islamic Countries. Whether, these organizations have a locus standy is a moot point. But surely, it could have been a measure to have been exploited, instead of summarily executing the alleged traitor. But then, Saudi Arabia is the mightiest of all Arab countries, and no country shall dare to question its action. That’s how, now Arab League is conveying the meeting of other members to condemn and discuss the violation by Iran against the sanctity of Saudi Embassy in Tehran and elsewhere and no questions asked about the execution of the Shiite cleric. The world over, it is sad spectacle, where the action is not called upon to be grilled but the reaction is more often subjected to all grilling, while it may be true that reactions could be disproportional to the original action in gravity and quantum. That is rather a sad dimension of our world of homosapiens. We rarely think, if the original action had not happened or taken place, in the first place, the reaction would not have followed. But the world of facts is sadly different. Hope the present impasse between Saudi Arabia and Iran is somehow resolved for the peace and stability of the Middle Eastern region.
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