EDITORIAL
Friends
The summer is already here. Mercury slowly inching up, with some signs of passing showers showing up here and there only to push the mercury further up rather than down.
Month of March ended with a high note for the Indian cricket defeating its traditional rival Pakistan fairly in the world cup Semi Final at Mohali. Of course it had all the drama as was usually seen with India-Pakistan cricket match. The VIP from Pakistan, who, although didn’t appear very unhappy with the outcome of the duel, made it a point to tell his counter-part that cricket diplomacy will have its positive developments. Pakistani Prime Minister Gilani was the invited guest of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Mohali, and had made some appropriate noises and expressed happiness at the invite. Although a concession to India was made to allow Indian investigators to visit Pakistan, tentatively, one singular development has been the agreeing by the Pakistani authorities, to release Gopal Das, who has been languishing in Pak jail for 27 years. For this alone it can be ‘Jai Ho Cricket Diplomacy’.
Euphoria of victory against Pakistan in Mohali had not died, on 2nd April, India beat Sri Lanka in the final of the cricket World Cup at Wankhade Stadium in Mumbai. For a cricket crazy country it was celebration of an unparalleled kind.
The latest data released by the Census 2011 has informed a pleasant and positive development that the population growth has, after all, started dipping. For the first time since independence 2001- 2011 is the first decade which has added lesser population compared to the previous decade. From 1951 to 2001, every decade had shown increase in number over the earlier decade. In 1961, it increased by 68.1 million, in 1971 it increased by 109 million. In 1981 it increased by 135 million, in 1991, it increased by 163.1 million. In 2001, it increased by 182.3 million. But in 2011 it increased by 181.5 million, which is less than the previous decade. In percentage terms it came down by a whopping 4%. That’s indeed a very good news. But the sad fact is sex ratio has come down rather badly. Female ratio is 914 to the 1000 of males, the lowest since independence. A sad commentary on the cruelty of the society in committing female foeticide, something that should make the emerging super power shameful.
The Shanglu Committee, on CWG scam, has faulted former boss and his deputies in CWG organising committee, Suresh Kalmadi & Co., for the ‘extreme concentration of power at the top’ and ‘conflict of interest’ among his aides. It was never a secret that Suresh Kalmadi, wielded power far disproportionate to his political standing. A person hardly in the know of sports, being the Olympic Association Chairman for long years without break, was lording it over, with the accumulated financial clout he had cornered over the years without accountability, for acts of commission and omission had to, one day, face the music. And the music was deafeningly loud and clear. The report informs that his decisions and those of his cronies have caused some Rs. 1600 crore loss to the exchequer, only in the award of contracts. For all you know, it could only be the tip of the ice berg. Just like suddenly CAG came like a sledge hammer on Raja, this Shanglu report, incidentally a former CAG, has exposed the rotten underbelly of Delhi’s corridors of power. Power corrupts and absolute power-corrupts absolutely. The latest on the subject informs that Suresh Kalmadi is, after all, arrested, accusing him of conspiracy in awarding contracts in CWG. Yes truth should prevail.
We have heard of women going to the court for alimony or maintenance allowance from their estranged husbands. But Delhi High Court has recently ordered a wife to pay monthly allowance of Rs: 20,000/- so also to give a car to her former husband. The report without naming the couple had observed that the business, claimed to have been, started by the former husband was doing very well, but presently being managed by wife and their two children. It informs that the mother and children trio allegedly threw out the man of the house and grabbed the business. Husband opting for divorce demanded maintenance and the lower court had accordingly awarded Rs: 20,000/- per month, which was challenged by the wife in Delhi High Court. Now the court has confirmed the award along with the car. We thought men were bad. It’s a competitive world, why should women lag behind? Doesn’t matter the negative.
The news that 2G scam accused Shahid Balwa is a friend of NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar need not surprise anybody. Pawar is everywhere, where there is big money and big power. Everybody, who should know, know it, that he has his finger everywhere where there is big money. Haven’t we heard just some months ago, his role in Lavasa development! He had claimed he is a friend of Kilchands of Hindustan Constructions, the Lavasa city developers. His son-in-law and daughter were the beneficiaries of his friendship. Lavasa is only one of his contacts. There are far too many, or else how can he ever become ICC Chairman. The news about Balwa friendship alleges that Pawar and Balwa travelled to Dubai few times in the private plane of the later and so were Shashank Manohar, the BCCI President, Praful Patel another high profile NCP minister at the centre. Also travelled, it is alleged, were, wives of Pawar and Manohar, so has I S Bindra of Punjab Cricket Association, besides Haroon Logart, the CEO of ICC. It was a bit of jamboree. More the merrier, but why at the cost of the nation?
And suddenly comes the news that one Mukund Bhawan Trust involving Pawar’s family and Balwa’s D B Realty caused a loss of Rs. 15000/- crores to the state exchequer. The trust which was given 3.36 acres of government land in early 90s has managed to remove the decimal point with the active connivance of the then Pune district collector. Thus to-day it has 336 acres instead of 3.36 acres. And reportedly Pawar had stated he is not a friend of Balwa! This is Pawar, the ‘powerful’, for you.
News from Kandahar-Afghanistan, informs that 10 people were killed, mostly UN workers working there, as a sequel to the burning of Quran by a pastor in Florida’s Dove Outreach Centre, is an extremely sad one. If the Quran burning was bad enough, the killing of 10 innocents was worst. Why does West always take things for granted and acts insensitively to the detriment of others is a question that is baffling. While those who react violently, to an idiotic action of a stupid person, are responsible for the tragedy of this death of innocents, they need to learn how to cope with the western idiocy. Killing of innocents surely should spur the authorities in Florida to take punitive action against the pastor who caused the incitement. He should be made accountable for this stupid act which led to the death of innocents, some of whom may be U.S. citizens.
These are the days of competitive electioneering. We have heard of Free T.V. sets, Rice at Re: 1 a kg, free laptops and umpteen other largesse, beside cash and liquor distribution, which are promised to the electorates in Tamil Nadu. However this latest one from AIADMK supremo Jayalalitha should take the cake. The headline from Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu was “Jaya Promises trip to Bethlehem for Christians”. Addressing one election rally in Kanyakumari she has reportedly promised, “If voted to power in Tamil Nadu, my government will help devout Christians travel to Israel just like Muslims go for the Haj Pilgrimage”. A very imaginative departure from the run of the mill promises! Good luck to Jayalalitha!
So, the first chargesheet was filed by CBI on the 2G spectrum scam. According to the investigating agency, the country was put to loss to the tune of Rs. 30, 984 crores, and indicted A Raja and eight others. As has been stated earlier, it could be, too little too late, but surely better late than never. How much of this loss could be recovered, as and when it happens, may be difficult to fathom at this stage. A message would surely go down, loud and clear. Yes, things can happen, if there is will. CAG needs to be really hailed for the report, where it claimed that country has lost around 1.76 lakh crores. Of course the difference between CBI figures and CAG figures may have to be looked into for the greater understanding of the fraud. And by the way, where is Mr Kapil Sibal, the minister who replaced A. Raja, who said there is “Zero loss” to the country? The special CBI judge O.P.Saini, has reportedly gone on records saying “there is enough incriminating material to proceed against the accused”. Hope the actions of the judge sends right signals to all.
The Mangalore datelined report “Women assaulted post India-Pakistan match” made a sad reading. Two BPO female employees who were being dropped by the employees vehicles at about 11.00pm, were not only enquired about their late-night movements, they were even reportedly asked to dance with them and hail “Bharath Mata Ki Jai”. It is indeed a sad spectacle that police are forced to handle such unsavoury situations from local youth. Such incidents will only give Mangalore and Mangloreans bad name. One pub-attack already had made Mangalore a suspect destination, courtesy the sensation hungry media. Hope, incidents of this nature does not recur, and police take stern and quick action to stem the rot in the bud.
India’s cricket victory at the World cup Final, early April, has again spurred the talk about giving ‘Bharat Ratna’ to the batting wizard Sachin Tendulkar. While there are no two opinions about his ability with the willow, whether he is a right candidate for the highest civilian award can be mostly an open and shut case. Firstly there is no provision in the constitution to award Bharat Ratna to a sports person. According to the criteria at present, award is given for exceptional contribution in the fields of art, literature, science and social service. So prima facie, there is no case. Of course the Maharastrian pride, justifiably so, has demanded that this award should be given to the batting maestro. There are also many among cricketers of the present Indian team who have expressed such a desire. But do you remember the last World Cup Final that India won and the last winning runs that were needed! Dhoni, the captain didn’t run when there was scope for singles. Many felt he was not ready for the player at the other end, Yuvaraj, to score the winning run. Dhoni wanted to hit the winning run himself. If that perception is true, then it is very unsportsmanlike, and Dhoni has been acclaimed as the worlds best captain! Lot of these cricketers play for their own promotion, rather than the game, or the country. Without naming any body in particular, look at these players, when they are close to 50, how careful they become, or say after 90, how extremely cautious they are, to reach the hundred! So in the record books, it’s the 50s and 100s, not the national honour at stake. Then there are players who display their principles differently at different occasions. To pick names may be taken as pettiness. But it is these pettiness of players that adds up to a whole. Thus any talk about Bharat Ratna must be on blemishless antecedents in service of the nation. And sports, especially cricket, do not necessarily lend itself for such an honour, with humongous amount of money involved.
The news that Tendulkar wants to keep playing as long as he can, is not a pleasant one, from whatever viewpoint one likes to take. He has played great innings for India in all forms of cricket. He is probably the highest scorer with highest number of centuries. But Sir, he has been playing for over 20 years. He made, name, fame and huge fortune. In India of 1210+ millions, there are innumerable players with talent. They need opportunity to make their mark in national uniforms. Saurav Ganguli has retired, Anil Kumble has retired. They have retired at the peak of their performance. Anil Kumble even refused to play IPL for being treated as a merchandise by Vijay Mallya. For Mallya, they are like race horses. ‘If you don’t win, I don’t need you’ is his dictum. Now there are senior players like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, they should retire to make room for other youngsters in the Indian team. That’s like sportsmanship. They should not be like politicians, who simply would not like to leave the seat for somebody else. Until their death they want to enjoy the political power, if not themselves, their progeny. But the state largesse should remain a family affair. None for outsiders. This culture of ‘me and mine’ has to go, for the country’s progress with equity. Cricket is no different.
Besides, since Tendulkar has the passion, and love for the cricket is still there, as he has reportedly claimed, he must spend his time, energy and may be even some money to promote cricket in the state of Maharashtra. And surely the state government shall be more than happy to be of assistance in this noble venture.
Assam was one of the earlier states to go for polls for state assembly. There were 485 candidates including less than 10% women candidates at 38, for 126 seats. Congress government in the state is looking to repeat for the third time in a row to come back to power. There is nothing unusual in this report, except the high profile Non-Resident Assamese Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament did not vote in the election that passed off. Yes, you got it right, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reportedly did not vote in the election to the Guwahati seat of power. Returning officer of the Assam’s Dispur constituency, J. Balaji said Prime Minister did not exercise his right to vote so also his wife Gursharan Kaur, where the couple are registered voters. Why didn’t the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife not vote in the election? What ever could be the reason, it is most unfortunate, especially as a Prime Minister, the non-performance of his constitutional duty to vote can send wrong signal. Besides, he never felt obliged to explain his absence at the polling booth on the day of voting. Should some school student happen ask why, the teacher may not have the answer. What kind of an example is he setting to the students of this country, expecially when Mr. Moili, the Union Minister has gone on record having spoken of compulsory voting?
‘Jo Jeetha Wohee Sikandar’, and our governmental systems reward only those who achieved. Look at the way our cricketers are showered with cash and freebies, starting with the Rs. 1 crore cash to all World Cup Squad members. There have been announcement after announcement by most state governments. And our Yediyurappa government went little ballistic by announcing prime plots to all members of the winning team, even when there was no Karnataka player. Reeling under scams, the Karnataka Chief Minister thought of probably deflecting the public attention. It is another matter that BSY has already withdrawn the award offer. But it’s a cruel joke on other sports persons or athletes from the state whose condition cry for attention, from infrastructure to cash crunch for sports activities. It’s a pan Indian state of affairs with no meaningful sports policy.
The nuclear reactor problem in Fukushima in Japan post tsunami has once again focused issue on safety in Indian reactors and the new Nuclear deal with U.S. The possibility of reactors being bought from France figured prominently with Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant having been cleared by MoEF, Jairam Ramesh. Of course political parties with their short term programme may not really take up issues in the larger interest of people and state. The fact remains that Nuclear Power is one of the safest, compared to all other forms of power generation. Our own experience with nuclear reactors in different parts of the country has been rather good. There was no recorded serious mishaps that endangered life and property. Thus given the experience and the technical expertise available within the country can be appropriately harnessed for the larger good. Although Japanese current experience can help us formulate our plan and action better, we must remain India centric in technology adaptation for its better and economic management with least possible imported component, not withstanding Prime Minister Singh’s promise to both Obama and Sarcozi.
Consistent refusal of former CJI K G Balakrishnan to disclose his income tax details under RTI combined with the former Supreme Court Judges seeking the removal of KGB as the current NHRC chairman, has only made life difficult for the former CJI. The group of judges and social activists have sought an inquiry into the alleged acquisition of benami properties worth crores of rupees by KGB during his tenure as the CJI, and have accordingly written to Prime Minister and the President. As such even as CJI, his behaviour was questionable in the Justice Raghupathi episode of Madras high court. He did not cover himself with glory when he denied the knowledge of anything wrong despite the knowledge to the contrary. Media must take it up the way it took CVC Thomas’ case where even government became helpless in protecting him and led to his unceremonious exit. In fitness, however, it is best that KGB quits himself, to save himself from the ignominy of being asked to do so.
Sad story of children, between the age of 7 & 17, slogging it out in the coal mines of Jarkhand made a pitiful reading. Total neglect of safety have made these child workers’ life very vulnerable. It is the stark poverty that has forced these children into these ‘rat holes’ called mines. Unscientific mining and lack of safety has led to unaccounted deaths of these poor child labourers employed despite stipulation not to employ children below 18 years. Their deaths are neither investigated nor compensated. It is an existence of total despair with no PHC or safe drinking water with all kinds of health problems. Yes, the government admits to the situation. May be they will wake up only when Moaists visit these ‘rat holes’. After all official response is never preventive but only curative and slow. That is the lot of poor people in India.
The Anna Hazare campaign for the enactment of Jan Lokpal Bill was the biggest news that the 24x7 electronic media covered in recent times. These T.V. channels have proved that hype can really take it places. But this was one campaign which deserved all hype. They had to wake up a governmental Kumbhakarna (a character in epic Ramaayana) from its long slumber. Despite Anna’s repeated written approaches, PMO allegedly remained incommunicado. As usual it was the casual approach, hoping nothing unusual shall happen. But Dr Manmohan Singh did not expect what followed. Anna stuck to his stand that he shall fast unto-death, if a joint panel is not formed to finalise the draft of Lokpal Bill. And on 5th April, he acted on his threat. For four full days that he kept the nation on tenter hooks, there was widespread response all across the country. Pressure on the government kept increasing and finally the government succumbed and accepted the demand for civil society participation in the panel formation. It was indeed a victory for people’s movement. But bringing of small children did add a bit of drama which was not needed. Besides, the 100mtr long pyrotech display was not in good taste. The organisers should have requested and expressed displeasure at this blatant show of the euphoria. After all it was the people’s serious movement. Display of show by bursting crackers is an anathema and is best avoided. It does not give dignity to the movement. It was not world cup victory. As soon as the panel was formed and announced, dissent among civil society started cropping up. For most part it appeared to be a case of heart-burn for some section of the media and the so-called activists, who felt, how a low profile bunch of people led by an equally low profile Anna Hazare can hijack the whole movement against corruption. These people, the so called intellectuals, who thought they have the exclusive right to decide what is right and wrong were unhappy that media really made Anna & Co. a kind of heroes. Then there were politically motivated insinuations on father and son Bhushan duo, then Justice Santhosh Hegde. They even tried with Arvind Kejriwal. But thankfully nothing really stuck. Digvijay Singh and Amar Singh tried to raise muck for their own political end. Fortunately, to cut short the whole sordid drama, government to their credit stated that these allegations raised in the media will not come in the way of the panel working. Hence all were put to rest. Hope the intended draft gets prepared and presented to the parliament before 15th Aug. 2010.
The law forbidding the Niqab (full face cover except eyes) in France did generate the expected heated debate. While it can be argued as a violation of human rights of Muslim women, it is, whether we like it not, a security risk. Besides, of course, it is a sign of backwardness, a relic of the distant past and Koran apparently does not subscribe to it. So why a section of Muslims insist on its wearing? In most cases, it is the men influenced by clergy who force women to wear burqa or niqab. But there are instances when women themselves like to wear burqa or niqab, but a miniscule few. But then, while you have migrated to a foreign country, it is in your own interest to accept the do’s and don’ts of the country. But insistence and assertiveness is a quality these men and women do not want to give up. And this causes disharmony and avoidable discord. Something a section of the Muslims, the world over, are not ready to accept. Sad but true.
Post return to Pakistan, the remarks by Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi, need to be taken in proper perspective. Indian Muslim clerics have condemned it terming Afridi as small hearted. While the words chosen by him may be wrong and some parts may be condemnable, the fact remains that the hype in the media and responses from some people speaking to the media was certainly not in good taste. After all it was a cricket match, and good side should win. An element of bad blood was indeed introduced in the media interaction discussing the possible outcome of the match between traditional arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Unfortunately we have a history we are yet to come to terms with, despite the distance of 63 years. Both need to grow up. Afridi in a TV interview had reportedly berated Indians for their “lack of large heart, unlike Muslims and Pakistanis” and criticised Gautam Gambhir for dedicating the win over Pakistan to victims of 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. While large heart is a comparable streak and is subjective his criticism of Gambhir’s remark shows his ignorance and lack of sensitivity, something that can be termed as unsportsmanlike.
There is something of a umbilical chord between Bofors and Congress. Bofors is back again with vengeance. Remember Justice Vinod Yadav, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate at New Delhi! “…… in the case of Quattrochi, as against the alleged kickbacks of Rs: 64 crores he received, the CBI had by 2005 already spent around Rs: 250 crores on the investigation which is a sheer wastage of public money” magistrate had stated while allowing the CBI to close the case. And, the Congress led UPA government’s Information Commissioner has officially informed recently, while revealing to an RTI applicant that the ‘actual expenses on the Bofors investigation incurred by the CBI totaled a little over Rs: 5 crores! This revelation has comprehensively exposed the deceit of the Congress party, and it was indeed shocking that a magistrate should buy an argument of CBI that ‘as against the alleged kickbacks of Rs: 64 crores Quattrochi received, the CBI had by 2005 already spent Rs: 250 crores on the investigation, which is a sheer waste of public money’. We had observed in our April editorial ‘knowing the details of the case of 25 years of this Bofors saga, how could a judge close his perceptive senses and pass judgement which is patently bad in law?’
The news that Obama is looking for second term was only expected. But his popularity, unfortunately for him, is dipping. The latest to overtake him is Indian cricket captain M.S. Dhoni, in leadership appraisal. It is stupid to compare presidentship of U.S. to a cricket match. But then this is how world reacts many a time, barking up the wrong tree. It is true that despite his silver tongued sweeping promises, he has failed to deliver most of his election rhetorics. But probably, after Harry Trueman, a Republican, he is the only human being to have occupied the WHITE HOUSE. The country is in a bit of financial mess, but is still the worlds biggest economy. You can’t set right in three years the humongous melt down the U.S. economy faced, with an unco-operative and non participative selfish tycoons from the Wall Street who still want their pound of flesh with huge pay checks and large bonuses. Out there the world is cruel. It is the same story everywhere, the rich and powerful want more for themselves. But the global underclass still need Barack Obama. Yes he deserves to win. Hope at the end of 8 years, at the worlds most powerful address, he would leave his indelible footprints on the psyche of average American.
This joker of a Digvijay Singh is at it again. This time it was Justice Santosh Hegde that he pin pricked. He thought something will come out of it for him and his party bosses to celebrate. But Justice Hegde, is not the one after power and position and hence decided to walk out. On learning about the avalanche of support for Hegde, this bloomer backtracked. The ususal “Maine aisa to nahin kaha tha’ followed. Close on its heels it was Mayavathi’s silly demand for a Dalit in the panel, and comes again Diggy Raaja with his “Unki baat mein dum hai”, and tried to stir the murky water which was already muddied with all and sundry having a pot shot at Anna Hazare Panel members of the Lok Pal drafting Committee. Suddenly Congress Gen Secretary fell silent, probably under instruction from higher ups, the government declared that not withstanding any controversy, the panel already constituted shall go ahead as agreed. At last some wisdom prevailed.
Granting of bail to Dr Binayak Sen by Supreme Court is the virtual slap for both the Chattisgarh trial court that awarded him life sentences and high court which refused to grant him bail. The observation of the Apex Court that mere possession of Gandhian literatures does not make one a Gandhian is very apt. From the beginning except the Chattisgarh Government, and by extension Chattisgarh police and by further extension BJP and its students' wing, the whole of India knew that there is no case against Dr Sen. But how-come BJP lost its sense of proportion, only to protect the interest of mining lobby, and commit crime against dedicated and committed social workers and barefoot doctors. After all it was Dr Sen who helped this Chattisgarh government in framing child centric health policies. But unlike the government, he was without any agenda, except that of serving the marginalised. But this government of Dr Raman Singh has the agenda of helping industry and business to exploit the mineral of the state who in turn give part of the loot to the government. And Dr Sen's activitites were uncomfortable to the govt. and therefore sending him to jail for life is the best option with the help of committed Judges.
A section of the print media reported, that there is trouble at the helm in The Hindu, the print media giant from South India. Kasturi & Sons Ltd, Chennai, the owners of The Hindu and its allied publications, is not known to be without its share of controversies. There have been problems in the past. Current imbroglio is between N.Ram and N.Ravi. N.Ram who has turned 65, is refusing to leave the position of Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu and stopping N. Ravi to step into his shoes. According to N.Ravi, the present Editor-in-Chief is indulging in actions inconsistent with probity and fairness. On an earlier occasion, N.Ram was indicted by the Company Law Board for his arbitrary actions of removing the M.D of Kasturi & sons Ltd. Thus the people who shout from the rooftop about the probity in public life should equally stand mirror to their own actions! Mr N ram, if N.Ravi is right, better prove himself as an example of fairness. Or will he be like all his communist friends, who believe that “All are equal but some are more equal than others.” ?
Wikileaks published by The Hindu has really caught the imagination of news paper reading public of India. We have taken up the relevance of WIKILEAKS under focus. Hope you will find it interesting. Do revert with your thoughts. We value them. Rest as usual.
The summer is already here. Mercury slowly inching up, with some signs of passing showers showing up here and there only to push the mercury further up rather than down.
Month of March ended with a high note for the Indian cricket defeating its traditional rival Pakistan fairly in the world cup Semi Final at Mohali. Of course it had all the drama as was usually seen with India-Pakistan cricket match. The VIP from Pakistan, who, although didn’t appear very unhappy with the outcome of the duel, made it a point to tell his counter-part that cricket diplomacy will have its positive developments. Pakistani Prime Minister Gilani was the invited guest of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Mohali, and had made some appropriate noises and expressed happiness at the invite. Although a concession to India was made to allow Indian investigators to visit Pakistan, tentatively, one singular development has been the agreeing by the Pakistani authorities, to release Gopal Das, who has been languishing in Pak jail for 27 years. For this alone it can be ‘Jai Ho Cricket Diplomacy’.
Euphoria of victory against Pakistan in Mohali had not died, on 2nd April, India beat Sri Lanka in the final of the cricket World Cup at Wankhade Stadium in Mumbai. For a cricket crazy country it was celebration of an unparalleled kind.
The latest data released by the Census 2011 has informed a pleasant and positive development that the population growth has, after all, started dipping. For the first time since independence 2001- 2011 is the first decade which has added lesser population compared to the previous decade. From 1951 to 2001, every decade had shown increase in number over the earlier decade. In 1961, it increased by 68.1 million, in 1971 it increased by 109 million. In 1981 it increased by 135 million, in 1991, it increased by 163.1 million. In 2001, it increased by 182.3 million. But in 2011 it increased by 181.5 million, which is less than the previous decade. In percentage terms it came down by a whopping 4%. That’s indeed a very good news. But the sad fact is sex ratio has come down rather badly. Female ratio is 914 to the 1000 of males, the lowest since independence. A sad commentary on the cruelty of the society in committing female foeticide, something that should make the emerging super power shameful.
The Shanglu Committee, on CWG scam, has faulted former boss and his deputies in CWG organising committee, Suresh Kalmadi & Co., for the ‘extreme concentration of power at the top’ and ‘conflict of interest’ among his aides. It was never a secret that Suresh Kalmadi, wielded power far disproportionate to his political standing. A person hardly in the know of sports, being the Olympic Association Chairman for long years without break, was lording it over, with the accumulated financial clout he had cornered over the years without accountability, for acts of commission and omission had to, one day, face the music. And the music was deafeningly loud and clear. The report informs that his decisions and those of his cronies have caused some Rs. 1600 crore loss to the exchequer, only in the award of contracts. For all you know, it could only be the tip of the ice berg. Just like suddenly CAG came like a sledge hammer on Raja, this Shanglu report, incidentally a former CAG, has exposed the rotten underbelly of Delhi’s corridors of power. Power corrupts and absolute power-corrupts absolutely. The latest on the subject informs that Suresh Kalmadi is, after all, arrested, accusing him of conspiracy in awarding contracts in CWG. Yes truth should prevail.
We have heard of women going to the court for alimony or maintenance allowance from their estranged husbands. But Delhi High Court has recently ordered a wife to pay monthly allowance of Rs: 20,000/- so also to give a car to her former husband. The report without naming the couple had observed that the business, claimed to have been, started by the former husband was doing very well, but presently being managed by wife and their two children. It informs that the mother and children trio allegedly threw out the man of the house and grabbed the business. Husband opting for divorce demanded maintenance and the lower court had accordingly awarded Rs: 20,000/- per month, which was challenged by the wife in Delhi High Court. Now the court has confirmed the award along with the car. We thought men were bad. It’s a competitive world, why should women lag behind? Doesn’t matter the negative.
The news that 2G scam accused Shahid Balwa is a friend of NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar need not surprise anybody. Pawar is everywhere, where there is big money and big power. Everybody, who should know, know it, that he has his finger everywhere where there is big money. Haven’t we heard just some months ago, his role in Lavasa development! He had claimed he is a friend of Kilchands of Hindustan Constructions, the Lavasa city developers. His son-in-law and daughter were the beneficiaries of his friendship. Lavasa is only one of his contacts. There are far too many, or else how can he ever become ICC Chairman. The news about Balwa friendship alleges that Pawar and Balwa travelled to Dubai few times in the private plane of the later and so were Shashank Manohar, the BCCI President, Praful Patel another high profile NCP minister at the centre. Also travelled, it is alleged, were, wives of Pawar and Manohar, so has I S Bindra of Punjab Cricket Association, besides Haroon Logart, the CEO of ICC. It was a bit of jamboree. More the merrier, but why at the cost of the nation?
And suddenly comes the news that one Mukund Bhawan Trust involving Pawar’s family and Balwa’s D B Realty caused a loss of Rs. 15000/- crores to the state exchequer. The trust which was given 3.36 acres of government land in early 90s has managed to remove the decimal point with the active connivance of the then Pune district collector. Thus to-day it has 336 acres instead of 3.36 acres. And reportedly Pawar had stated he is not a friend of Balwa! This is Pawar, the ‘powerful’, for you.
News from Kandahar-Afghanistan, informs that 10 people were killed, mostly UN workers working there, as a sequel to the burning of Quran by a pastor in Florida’s Dove Outreach Centre, is an extremely sad one. If the Quran burning was bad enough, the killing of 10 innocents was worst. Why does West always take things for granted and acts insensitively to the detriment of others is a question that is baffling. While those who react violently, to an idiotic action of a stupid person, are responsible for the tragedy of this death of innocents, they need to learn how to cope with the western idiocy. Killing of innocents surely should spur the authorities in Florida to take punitive action against the pastor who caused the incitement. He should be made accountable for this stupid act which led to the death of innocents, some of whom may be U.S. citizens.
These are the days of competitive electioneering. We have heard of Free T.V. sets, Rice at Re: 1 a kg, free laptops and umpteen other largesse, beside cash and liquor distribution, which are promised to the electorates in Tamil Nadu. However this latest one from AIADMK supremo Jayalalitha should take the cake. The headline from Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu was “Jaya Promises trip to Bethlehem for Christians”. Addressing one election rally in Kanyakumari she has reportedly promised, “If voted to power in Tamil Nadu, my government will help devout Christians travel to Israel just like Muslims go for the Haj Pilgrimage”. A very imaginative departure from the run of the mill promises! Good luck to Jayalalitha!
So, the first chargesheet was filed by CBI on the 2G spectrum scam. According to the investigating agency, the country was put to loss to the tune of Rs. 30, 984 crores, and indicted A Raja and eight others. As has been stated earlier, it could be, too little too late, but surely better late than never. How much of this loss could be recovered, as and when it happens, may be difficult to fathom at this stage. A message would surely go down, loud and clear. Yes, things can happen, if there is will. CAG needs to be really hailed for the report, where it claimed that country has lost around 1.76 lakh crores. Of course the difference between CBI figures and CAG figures may have to be looked into for the greater understanding of the fraud. And by the way, where is Mr Kapil Sibal, the minister who replaced A. Raja, who said there is “Zero loss” to the country? The special CBI judge O.P.Saini, has reportedly gone on records saying “there is enough incriminating material to proceed against the accused”. Hope the actions of the judge sends right signals to all.
The Mangalore datelined report “Women assaulted post India-Pakistan match” made a sad reading. Two BPO female employees who were being dropped by the employees vehicles at about 11.00pm, were not only enquired about their late-night movements, they were even reportedly asked to dance with them and hail “Bharath Mata Ki Jai”. It is indeed a sad spectacle that police are forced to handle such unsavoury situations from local youth. Such incidents will only give Mangalore and Mangloreans bad name. One pub-attack already had made Mangalore a suspect destination, courtesy the sensation hungry media. Hope, incidents of this nature does not recur, and police take stern and quick action to stem the rot in the bud.
India’s cricket victory at the World cup Final, early April, has again spurred the talk about giving ‘Bharat Ratna’ to the batting wizard Sachin Tendulkar. While there are no two opinions about his ability with the willow, whether he is a right candidate for the highest civilian award can be mostly an open and shut case. Firstly there is no provision in the constitution to award Bharat Ratna to a sports person. According to the criteria at present, award is given for exceptional contribution in the fields of art, literature, science and social service. So prima facie, there is no case. Of course the Maharastrian pride, justifiably so, has demanded that this award should be given to the batting maestro. There are also many among cricketers of the present Indian team who have expressed such a desire. But do you remember the last World Cup Final that India won and the last winning runs that were needed! Dhoni, the captain didn’t run when there was scope for singles. Many felt he was not ready for the player at the other end, Yuvaraj, to score the winning run. Dhoni wanted to hit the winning run himself. If that perception is true, then it is very unsportsmanlike, and Dhoni has been acclaimed as the worlds best captain! Lot of these cricketers play for their own promotion, rather than the game, or the country. Without naming any body in particular, look at these players, when they are close to 50, how careful they become, or say after 90, how extremely cautious they are, to reach the hundred! So in the record books, it’s the 50s and 100s, not the national honour at stake. Then there are players who display their principles differently at different occasions. To pick names may be taken as pettiness. But it is these pettiness of players that adds up to a whole. Thus any talk about Bharat Ratna must be on blemishless antecedents in service of the nation. And sports, especially cricket, do not necessarily lend itself for such an honour, with humongous amount of money involved.
The news that Tendulkar wants to keep playing as long as he can, is not a pleasant one, from whatever viewpoint one likes to take. He has played great innings for India in all forms of cricket. He is probably the highest scorer with highest number of centuries. But Sir, he has been playing for over 20 years. He made, name, fame and huge fortune. In India of 1210+ millions, there are innumerable players with talent. They need opportunity to make their mark in national uniforms. Saurav Ganguli has retired, Anil Kumble has retired. They have retired at the peak of their performance. Anil Kumble even refused to play IPL for being treated as a merchandise by Vijay Mallya. For Mallya, they are like race horses. ‘If you don’t win, I don’t need you’ is his dictum. Now there are senior players like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, they should retire to make room for other youngsters in the Indian team. That’s like sportsmanship. They should not be like politicians, who simply would not like to leave the seat for somebody else. Until their death they want to enjoy the political power, if not themselves, their progeny. But the state largesse should remain a family affair. None for outsiders. This culture of ‘me and mine’ has to go, for the country’s progress with equity. Cricket is no different.
Besides, since Tendulkar has the passion, and love for the cricket is still there, as he has reportedly claimed, he must spend his time, energy and may be even some money to promote cricket in the state of Maharashtra. And surely the state government shall be more than happy to be of assistance in this noble venture.
Assam was one of the earlier states to go for polls for state assembly. There were 485 candidates including less than 10% women candidates at 38, for 126 seats. Congress government in the state is looking to repeat for the third time in a row to come back to power. There is nothing unusual in this report, except the high profile Non-Resident Assamese Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament did not vote in the election that passed off. Yes, you got it right, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reportedly did not vote in the election to the Guwahati seat of power. Returning officer of the Assam’s Dispur constituency, J. Balaji said Prime Minister did not exercise his right to vote so also his wife Gursharan Kaur, where the couple are registered voters. Why didn’t the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife not vote in the election? What ever could be the reason, it is most unfortunate, especially as a Prime Minister, the non-performance of his constitutional duty to vote can send wrong signal. Besides, he never felt obliged to explain his absence at the polling booth on the day of voting. Should some school student happen ask why, the teacher may not have the answer. What kind of an example is he setting to the students of this country, expecially when Mr. Moili, the Union Minister has gone on record having spoken of compulsory voting?
‘Jo Jeetha Wohee Sikandar’, and our governmental systems reward only those who achieved. Look at the way our cricketers are showered with cash and freebies, starting with the Rs. 1 crore cash to all World Cup Squad members. There have been announcement after announcement by most state governments. And our Yediyurappa government went little ballistic by announcing prime plots to all members of the winning team, even when there was no Karnataka player. Reeling under scams, the Karnataka Chief Minister thought of probably deflecting the public attention. It is another matter that BSY has already withdrawn the award offer. But it’s a cruel joke on other sports persons or athletes from the state whose condition cry for attention, from infrastructure to cash crunch for sports activities. It’s a pan Indian state of affairs with no meaningful sports policy.
The nuclear reactor problem in Fukushima in Japan post tsunami has once again focused issue on safety in Indian reactors and the new Nuclear deal with U.S. The possibility of reactors being bought from France figured prominently with Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant having been cleared by MoEF, Jairam Ramesh. Of course political parties with their short term programme may not really take up issues in the larger interest of people and state. The fact remains that Nuclear Power is one of the safest, compared to all other forms of power generation. Our own experience with nuclear reactors in different parts of the country has been rather good. There was no recorded serious mishaps that endangered life and property. Thus given the experience and the technical expertise available within the country can be appropriately harnessed for the larger good. Although Japanese current experience can help us formulate our plan and action better, we must remain India centric in technology adaptation for its better and economic management with least possible imported component, not withstanding Prime Minister Singh’s promise to both Obama and Sarcozi.
Consistent refusal of former CJI K G Balakrishnan to disclose his income tax details under RTI combined with the former Supreme Court Judges seeking the removal of KGB as the current NHRC chairman, has only made life difficult for the former CJI. The group of judges and social activists have sought an inquiry into the alleged acquisition of benami properties worth crores of rupees by KGB during his tenure as the CJI, and have accordingly written to Prime Minister and the President. As such even as CJI, his behaviour was questionable in the Justice Raghupathi episode of Madras high court. He did not cover himself with glory when he denied the knowledge of anything wrong despite the knowledge to the contrary. Media must take it up the way it took CVC Thomas’ case where even government became helpless in protecting him and led to his unceremonious exit. In fitness, however, it is best that KGB quits himself, to save himself from the ignominy of being asked to do so.
Sad story of children, between the age of 7 & 17, slogging it out in the coal mines of Jarkhand made a pitiful reading. Total neglect of safety have made these child workers’ life very vulnerable. It is the stark poverty that has forced these children into these ‘rat holes’ called mines. Unscientific mining and lack of safety has led to unaccounted deaths of these poor child labourers employed despite stipulation not to employ children below 18 years. Their deaths are neither investigated nor compensated. It is an existence of total despair with no PHC or safe drinking water with all kinds of health problems. Yes, the government admits to the situation. May be they will wake up only when Moaists visit these ‘rat holes’. After all official response is never preventive but only curative and slow. That is the lot of poor people in India.
The Anna Hazare campaign for the enactment of Jan Lokpal Bill was the biggest news that the 24x7 electronic media covered in recent times. These T.V. channels have proved that hype can really take it places. But this was one campaign which deserved all hype. They had to wake up a governmental Kumbhakarna (a character in epic Ramaayana) from its long slumber. Despite Anna’s repeated written approaches, PMO allegedly remained incommunicado. As usual it was the casual approach, hoping nothing unusual shall happen. But Dr Manmohan Singh did not expect what followed. Anna stuck to his stand that he shall fast unto-death, if a joint panel is not formed to finalise the draft of Lokpal Bill. And on 5th April, he acted on his threat. For four full days that he kept the nation on tenter hooks, there was widespread response all across the country. Pressure on the government kept increasing and finally the government succumbed and accepted the demand for civil society participation in the panel formation. It was indeed a victory for people’s movement. But bringing of small children did add a bit of drama which was not needed. Besides, the 100mtr long pyrotech display was not in good taste. The organisers should have requested and expressed displeasure at this blatant show of the euphoria. After all it was the people’s serious movement. Display of show by bursting crackers is an anathema and is best avoided. It does not give dignity to the movement. It was not world cup victory. As soon as the panel was formed and announced, dissent among civil society started cropping up. For most part it appeared to be a case of heart-burn for some section of the media and the so-called activists, who felt, how a low profile bunch of people led by an equally low profile Anna Hazare can hijack the whole movement against corruption. These people, the so called intellectuals, who thought they have the exclusive right to decide what is right and wrong were unhappy that media really made Anna & Co. a kind of heroes. Then there were politically motivated insinuations on father and son Bhushan duo, then Justice Santhosh Hegde. They even tried with Arvind Kejriwal. But thankfully nothing really stuck. Digvijay Singh and Amar Singh tried to raise muck for their own political end. Fortunately, to cut short the whole sordid drama, government to their credit stated that these allegations raised in the media will not come in the way of the panel working. Hence all were put to rest. Hope the intended draft gets prepared and presented to the parliament before 15th Aug. 2010.
The law forbidding the Niqab (full face cover except eyes) in France did generate the expected heated debate. While it can be argued as a violation of human rights of Muslim women, it is, whether we like it not, a security risk. Besides, of course, it is a sign of backwardness, a relic of the distant past and Koran apparently does not subscribe to it. So why a section of Muslims insist on its wearing? In most cases, it is the men influenced by clergy who force women to wear burqa or niqab. But there are instances when women themselves like to wear burqa or niqab, but a miniscule few. But then, while you have migrated to a foreign country, it is in your own interest to accept the do’s and don’ts of the country. But insistence and assertiveness is a quality these men and women do not want to give up. And this causes disharmony and avoidable discord. Something a section of the Muslims, the world over, are not ready to accept. Sad but true.
Post return to Pakistan, the remarks by Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi, need to be taken in proper perspective. Indian Muslim clerics have condemned it terming Afridi as small hearted. While the words chosen by him may be wrong and some parts may be condemnable, the fact remains that the hype in the media and responses from some people speaking to the media was certainly not in good taste. After all it was a cricket match, and good side should win. An element of bad blood was indeed introduced in the media interaction discussing the possible outcome of the match between traditional arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Unfortunately we have a history we are yet to come to terms with, despite the distance of 63 years. Both need to grow up. Afridi in a TV interview had reportedly berated Indians for their “lack of large heart, unlike Muslims and Pakistanis” and criticised Gautam Gambhir for dedicating the win over Pakistan to victims of 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. While large heart is a comparable streak and is subjective his criticism of Gambhir’s remark shows his ignorance and lack of sensitivity, something that can be termed as unsportsmanlike.
There is something of a umbilical chord between Bofors and Congress. Bofors is back again with vengeance. Remember Justice Vinod Yadav, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate at New Delhi! “…… in the case of Quattrochi, as against the alleged kickbacks of Rs: 64 crores he received, the CBI had by 2005 already spent around Rs: 250 crores on the investigation which is a sheer wastage of public money” magistrate had stated while allowing the CBI to close the case. And, the Congress led UPA government’s Information Commissioner has officially informed recently, while revealing to an RTI applicant that the ‘actual expenses on the Bofors investigation incurred by the CBI totaled a little over Rs: 5 crores! This revelation has comprehensively exposed the deceit of the Congress party, and it was indeed shocking that a magistrate should buy an argument of CBI that ‘as against the alleged kickbacks of Rs: 64 crores Quattrochi received, the CBI had by 2005 already spent Rs: 250 crores on the investigation, which is a sheer waste of public money’. We had observed in our April editorial ‘knowing the details of the case of 25 years of this Bofors saga, how could a judge close his perceptive senses and pass judgement which is patently bad in law?’
The news that Obama is looking for second term was only expected. But his popularity, unfortunately for him, is dipping. The latest to overtake him is Indian cricket captain M.S. Dhoni, in leadership appraisal. It is stupid to compare presidentship of U.S. to a cricket match. But then this is how world reacts many a time, barking up the wrong tree. It is true that despite his silver tongued sweeping promises, he has failed to deliver most of his election rhetorics. But probably, after Harry Trueman, a Republican, he is the only human being to have occupied the WHITE HOUSE. The country is in a bit of financial mess, but is still the worlds biggest economy. You can’t set right in three years the humongous melt down the U.S. economy faced, with an unco-operative and non participative selfish tycoons from the Wall Street who still want their pound of flesh with huge pay checks and large bonuses. Out there the world is cruel. It is the same story everywhere, the rich and powerful want more for themselves. But the global underclass still need Barack Obama. Yes he deserves to win. Hope at the end of 8 years, at the worlds most powerful address, he would leave his indelible footprints on the psyche of average American.
This joker of a Digvijay Singh is at it again. This time it was Justice Santosh Hegde that he pin pricked. He thought something will come out of it for him and his party bosses to celebrate. But Justice Hegde, is not the one after power and position and hence decided to walk out. On learning about the avalanche of support for Hegde, this bloomer backtracked. The ususal “Maine aisa to nahin kaha tha’ followed. Close on its heels it was Mayavathi’s silly demand for a Dalit in the panel, and comes again Diggy Raaja with his “Unki baat mein dum hai”, and tried to stir the murky water which was already muddied with all and sundry having a pot shot at Anna Hazare Panel members of the Lok Pal drafting Committee. Suddenly Congress Gen Secretary fell silent, probably under instruction from higher ups, the government declared that not withstanding any controversy, the panel already constituted shall go ahead as agreed. At last some wisdom prevailed.
Granting of bail to Dr Binayak Sen by Supreme Court is the virtual slap for both the Chattisgarh trial court that awarded him life sentences and high court which refused to grant him bail. The observation of the Apex Court that mere possession of Gandhian literatures does not make one a Gandhian is very apt. From the beginning except the Chattisgarh Government, and by extension Chattisgarh police and by further extension BJP and its students' wing, the whole of India knew that there is no case against Dr Sen. But how-come BJP lost its sense of proportion, only to protect the interest of mining lobby, and commit crime against dedicated and committed social workers and barefoot doctors. After all it was Dr Sen who helped this Chattisgarh government in framing child centric health policies. But unlike the government, he was without any agenda, except that of serving the marginalised. But this government of Dr Raman Singh has the agenda of helping industry and business to exploit the mineral of the state who in turn give part of the loot to the government. And Dr Sen's activitites were uncomfortable to the govt. and therefore sending him to jail for life is the best option with the help of committed Judges.
A section of the print media reported, that there is trouble at the helm in The Hindu, the print media giant from South India. Kasturi & Sons Ltd, Chennai, the owners of The Hindu and its allied publications, is not known to be without its share of controversies. There have been problems in the past. Current imbroglio is between N.Ram and N.Ravi. N.Ram who has turned 65, is refusing to leave the position of Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu and stopping N. Ravi to step into his shoes. According to N.Ravi, the present Editor-in-Chief is indulging in actions inconsistent with probity and fairness. On an earlier occasion, N.Ram was indicted by the Company Law Board for his arbitrary actions of removing the M.D of Kasturi & sons Ltd. Thus the people who shout from the rooftop about the probity in public life should equally stand mirror to their own actions! Mr N ram, if N.Ravi is right, better prove himself as an example of fairness. Or will he be like all his communist friends, who believe that “All are equal but some are more equal than others.” ?
Wikileaks published by The Hindu has really caught the imagination of news paper reading public of India. We have taken up the relevance of WIKILEAKS under focus. Hope you will find it interesting. Do revert with your thoughts. We value them. Rest as usual.
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