ISSUES AND CONCERNS ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಕ್ಷಕಿರಣ

ARE MUSLIMS MARGINALISED IN INDIA? Commenting on challenges of SIMI’s hate politics, the Hindu, had written in its editorial of April, 1, 2008, that "when in 2001, Safdar Nagori proclaimed in an interview that he was ‘very bitter about being Indian,’ he was voicing and exploiting the rage of a generation. Embittered at being denied social and economic equity and justice by a rising tide of communal prejudice and angered by a brutal succession of riots, massacres and pogroms that scarred the 1980s and 1990s, thousands of young people saw in Nagori’s calls for jihad the promise of justice - or at least a kind of retribution." There are millions of Indians, in tribal hamlets, in rural India, in the slums of cities and towns, who are living a hand to mouth existence. They earn a $ or less a day. They are deprived of all those state benefits which are meant for them but siphoned off by well heeled civil society. They are desperate but are resigned to their fate. Programmes of self...

Friends, ‘After I am gone who will take up my work’ asked the setting sun. Seeing the world responseless, a small earthen lamp mustered enough courage to say "Lord I will exert myself to my utmost". Keeping its word to the readers, Issues & Concerns have traversed EIGHT meaningful years marching TOWARDS A PURPOSEFUL REGIMEN. Looking back over the shoulder, its been extremely satisfying that despite problems, we have continued with the same vigour and commitment. So also a bit of disappointment. Its true it has increased its circulation from national to international but that has not helped it improve much of its cost over-runs. Patrons are aware that this is a socially relevant effort and hence need your continuous support, however miniscule, to sustain and grow. As one of our ardent supporter has fervently hoped that ‘journal is kept going by something more than the gusto and the civilisational commitments of its editor.’ Haven’t we heard this famous Hindi film song, ...

Global problem need not always be India’s domestic problem. It is eminently possible to address our issues according to our own ground conditions. Thus it is within our means to reduce the impact of uncontrolled crude prices according to our own socio- economic compulsions. But the government response is always according to its political compulsion. Thus problem in pricing method is very much there. The government in power should address this issue for the larger good. As usual lot of our issues and therefore problems are interlinked. But the basis or the causes of all our problems and therefore issues, whether global or local are all due to one of the greatest of human failings. ‘THE GREED’. But how does environment & fuel crisis are related to this human dimension called greed? Long ago Mahatma Gandhi, father of our nation, had observed, "there’s enough for everybody’s need, not for everybody’s greed." This is an all time universal truth, beyond time and place. The mark...

Friends, As you would see the cover, you would have noticed a mini milestone that this periodical has touched. This issue is numbered Volume 8 No: 100. Yes, we have hit a century. Its indeed a land mark, especially since journey has been pretty bumpy. But the experience of having travelled this long is very satisfying with the active help and participation, of our patrons and friends. We need your continued patronage and support. Yes, the incumbent government at the center has completed four years of its rule. Congratulation to Mr.Man Mohan Singh for the feat, under the circumstances. Looking back how it has fared, is there for all to see. At best it has been mixed. Coalition partners have exploited it to the hilt. The relation with opposition NDA has been rather very low. Left and DMK used its clout for the support it gave. Since last two years, ever since the N-deal with USA has hit the headlines, the government at the center has been spending lot of time managing the intransigency o...