The reality behind Social and Political organisations

From one point of view, social and political institutions are obviously human constructs, like buildings or machines. They have identifiable origins, they are consciously contrived, and operated to serve certain purposes and interests, and alterable by deliberate acts of will. Human evils are social evils, produced by a defective social system. Change the system and the abuses will be removed. A just notion of the nature and purposes of the institutions is all that we need to implement better practices, since society is simply an aggregate of the individuals who compose it, and individuals are both rational and free.

From another point of view, social life is not so consciously controllable. It is like nature, already there, already given. We have no choice about whether or not to enter society-- we are born into it, not contracted into it, and the laws and forces that govern our behaviour( economic, social, cultural, psychological, sexual) are never more than partially visible to us, if at all. Institutions are not the direct products of fiat, but sum of its individual parts, and its complex inter-relations are extended in space and time beyond the span of an individual life. Time and contingent circumstances may divert and transform human purposes in undreamed-of ways; as when, for instance, a movement to tighten up Church discipline  in sixteenth-century became a reformation and split the Christianity.

With these two points in mind, several melodramas being staged in India and around the world can easily be understood.

Be it the latest Iranian pact, or Afghanistan's denial, or the caution money row in UK for Indians, or the formation of Aam Admi Party, and AAP blatantly refuting the charges against them as baseless, the Kapil's bouncers on the sex scandal( they have separate touchstone for themselves and others) and unsuccessfully trying to turn the attention back to the PM in waiting Mr. Narendra Modi in the snoopgate case, and a lots more such themes happening here,there and everywhere--certainly not without a reason or interest, of course.

Aren't they clearer than crystal now with the help of the two points elaborated in the beginning?

Interest is, and it was, and it will be, at the center-stage of all the social developments or degradation processes for unforeseen time to come, and it will remain on the driver's seat for ever, ever and ever. And the degradation process of a very highly respected party in the history of India has started, some 5 years back and it will reach its pinnacle very shortly. After-all, it will pay the price for sycophancy, incessant blabbing, non-performance etc., that is, following the notorious Machiavellian theory of governance(if told succinctly). And, above all, the way they are reacting to every situations only makes it more clearer that their days are numbered.

In the meantime, let's celebrate and applaud for the leaders involved in inking(rather solving the Iranian obduracy) a futuristic deal with Iran and bringing it to the talk-table. 

Thank you Mr PM for scaring the masses

Last week, a statement came from the Indian PM that terrorist outfits may wreck havoc during elections(please note the term election).

In my view this statement not only says one thing but several, after all, our respected PM is aware of the idiom, killing two birds... .Here are few of the birds which got killed and also alerted the other of the same feather:
1. The intelligence input alerted the Indian forces to be more vigilant.

2. The respected PM has threatened the opposition not to be indulged in too many mammoth meetings.

3. He also scared the masses of being too much excited about the NAMO effect.

4. He made mockery of the several systems responsible for safety and security of the masses; safety and        security of the masses being the prime state affairs, as if, theses system are always playing child's games.

5. He asserted and endorsed his party's Vice President's stand on divulging the intelligence inputs on public forums.

Despite being reminded of the several wrongdoings going unabated in his regime, our respected PM could not prevent them. But, towards the fag end of his political career, he miraculously have came through the nuances of the politics, that's why, such statements, from the highest office of India is coming so often.

It would have been better if he would have ended his political career as it is now; grave, sound, silent, good listener, media savvy and lots more. Not by these statements which seem unorthodox by his own standards.

It would be far better to mend ways on several fronts, before you close the leaves of your ten years saga, your government had remained aloof of, till date. The Economy, Rupee's slump, Inflation, checking communal flare-up, the infiltration menace in the north east and lots more.

Let's hope that the PM takes these words in good esteem.

Billingsgate in Indian politics

'Change is eternal', you may have heard this adage, but watching and reading all the mudslinging and the barbs and the new revelations; before the five states going to the hustings, change seems to have gained more jerky pace in context with the Indian politics.

I have heard Mr Vajpai several times,  Mr Advaniji, Late Mr Rajiv Gandhi, Mr. Devegoda and several other leaders before they were not Prime Ministerial candidates, but their language was never such abusive. I have seen the pin-drop-silence in Vajpaiji's rally in Patna on three occasions, every time the audience was more than the last time. But, I'm not seeing the same aura or respect in and around so many leaders in 2013, of course, the numbers are more by degrees.

Gone are the days of literate and humble politics and politicians. The need of the hour is of using abusive language or derogatory terms to show the prospective voters who are sitting on the fence that they are more viral when it comes to abusing, it seems. And the Indian Dons have used the MC, BC, BW like terms so often in Hindi films. And it seems that these devoted and learned politicians have gone through the Machiavellian theory and Billingsgate; after all, India, more or less draws its inspiration from its last rulers and their ways.

And knowing the background of many politicians, it is not amazing to hear such terms. Because, such terms are prevalent in slums and chawls. But, the same language was used in palaces, is above my head. It would not have been. There are nomads who are here to not only malign the Indian culture but the etiquette of a good leader also. After all, they are on a defining odyssey of Indian politics.

I have not heard any non-sense talking even from Mr Yechuri or Mr Navin Patnaiyak or Mr Sachin Pilot, why then they are using these terms. Win the hearts by your thoughts of taking India further in technical, agricultural, social, and other fields, not by the language you are using now. Otherwise, the days are not far when a PM will ask another PM in the same language or he will ask his party members or the people of the nation in the same taboo language.

 BJP would have won in all the three states, if anyone was made the election in-charge, and may have finished neck to neck in Delhi--only by the deeds of the current goverment at the center. Watching all the hype and controversies around the PM-in-waiting, I again come to the same conviction that Shusmaji was and she still is, most suitable for the PM's job.

Please let Sachin relish the moment

The hallabaloo being made about the authenticity, timing and appropriateness about Tendulkar's  Bharat Ratna proves time and again that dirty politics has sneaked into every realm of life in India.  If Mr. Brian Lara can get the highest civilian award of the Caribbean, why not Mr. Sachin then? After all Caribbeans also have Indian bloods and culture, Doesn't they? And, above all, sports fraternity knows and respects the Indian Little Master' that's it.

When Australia conferred a civilian award to Mr. Sachin, then there were no voices of dissent in India, rather all were feeling very proud that an Indian sportsman--not an NRI--has got the recognition.

What was done and what was not done, and who has ruled and who has not, may be a food for thought for the politicians--not for the sporting fraternity of the world. No one will question Sachin's integrity, humanity and humbleness, apart from his contribution to the game. And my earnest question to them is: were you not in the power? Why have you not even initiated the process of respecting the Hockey legend from India?

And if you were in the power why you have not conferred this award to any person, you are now crying for. No doubt, Major Dhyanchand was one of the best hockey players India has produced so far. But, there is time, and I'll pray to God that you again form the government at the center and fulfill your honest wishes.

Sachin deserved the award. That's why he got it. And there were such demands from all quarters. Otherwise, the government is not deaf and dumb to listen to the wishes of the masses. After all, India boasts of a very powerful media that is here to highlight the current burning issues--and in the same zest they have unearthed a highly sensitive issue of sexual harassment at workplce. Let's hope, that this time, this issue will get the proper treatment and a good solution.

In the mean time, let the politician play their game and Sachin relish the life after retirement. Best wishes Sachin Sir ! Happy holidaying !

Frittering the initial gains

When Arvind Kejriwal had decided to float the party to tackle the corruption, little would have he thought of the quagmire and mudslinging that would greet him in his quest for a corruption free India.

Close at the heels of their first battle against the prime rivals vying for Delhi, when there is a stiff competition of showing the opponents inferior, the fresh charges against the Aam Aadami Parti(AAP) puts suspicion in the minds of general public(Aam Aadmi) that will these people change the system? or they will ultimately merge with the same herd of politicians, India is overflowing with? or, is it a tactic of the opposition to subdue the over-enthusiasts on an odyssey to change the indian political system?

The sting operation, paying visits to the clerics, and hollow promises made in the election manifesto only conspicuously  points towards the fact that the storm which was created by Anna Hazare all over India is only to be frittered away in this way.

Free water, free electricity, free food, free houses, free businesses, free living and free life, does not it feel like a chimerical project that they have undertaken. And from where they will bring the money needed to run the affairs of the state. From Switzerland I think.

Best of luck Mr. Kejriwal in your endeavours. May the almighty give you the courage to withstand these allegations, and wisdom for not making the hollow promises. Show to the world that the guild you are heading are knowledgeable enough to prove Mr. Subramaniyam Swami's claims wrong.

Comedy of Errors

William Shakespeare's puns in one of his most farcical comedy--The Comedy of Errors--gave a belly laugh to the audience way back in 1594 with a major part of humor coming from slapstick and mistaken identity.

And in 2013, his theme of the shortest comedy is being revisited time and again, by the man tipped to be the next PM of India, if NDA came to power in the next general elections.

Till now, the Primeminister-ship of any country is held in high esteem. And the man on the coveted post is supposed to be a man of depth, integrity, gravity, and well-educated.

No doubt, Mr Modi has most of the qualities required for a Prime Ministerial candidate, but his frequent slip of tongue in the election gatherings --on historical facts--is not only making mockery of his stature and personality but, is also giving butterflies in BJP's stomach lately. However, people say that he is on his way to making history.

It can be easily deduced from his sense of history that either he will change the way history is being taught, or will give the historians tough time in re-writing Indian history to suit his conscience.

It will be better if Mr Modi mends his ways with the historical facts, because, his minor mistakes and later retorting the facts only presages the time for BJP to come. If his party fails, he will go in oblivion or in history books as the man who couldn't make it to the PM's post of Pakistan or USA... err India, despite creating the sensation all over the country.

It will be better for him to take history lessons from Romila Thapar, or Ramchandra Guha or Bipin Chandra. Because, there is no age for learning and there will be no retake in the elections 2014.

Let's hope that this massage will be taken by Mr Modi  in stride, and from the next time he will speak no non-sense regarding history.

Congress on a wrong footing again

If anyone wishes to judge the effectiveness of a governmenment in any state, he must watch out for the roads there, especially the national highways; and he will get the first impression, thus helping oneself to be in a better position to judge judiciously: because the first impression ... .

Four months back, roads were in very good shape in Jharkhand; and they reflected in them the sense and sensibility of the government. But now, they are in a depalidated state, thus truly reflecting the current government there, and its approach to governance--the theme on which they have parted ways with the then ruling party there--the BJP, because they were fed up with always playing second fiddle to it. Respectable Mr Chief-Minister! the reins are in your hands now, why then are you still playing the secons fiddle to someone?: Show to the world that if you had had the guts then(of breaking the marriage of convenience with BJP), you have have the guts of performing even now(good governannce)--not only had the desire to be the CM.

Water, Road, Electricity, Health, and the Law and Order are few of the basic amenities which each government has to provide to any state or country. And if you wish to travel by NH33; hold your horses, as it may turn out to be a dreaded dream.

Some ten year ago or so, the same situation prevailed in the mother state to Jharkhand-- that is Bihar. And the government there was running under the aegis of the same Congress leadership: the roads there were in their worst shape after independance: where it stands today in Bihar is known to everyone, even to the congress thinktank also, as they are burning the mid-night oil to gain some lost ground, in connivance with the rulling party there.

If Congress wishes to open its account in Jharkhand, it should coerce the ruling party there, to make amends in their approach, when providing the basic amenities to the masses, otherwise, its dream of scoring a respectable tally in Jharkhand--in the coming elections--will turn out to be a mere chimera.Very little is being done to contain the outbreak of the vector borne epidemic, and on intelligence front too, it was in hot waters recently.

I hope and wish, that the good-sense prevails on the Congress mandarins--on time--before the situation goes out of their hands.Because time flies... and it waits for no one. And the history, till date recokns that a stopgap government has never deliverd good in any state in India. ... Madam, are you listening? or, my words are falling on a deaf ears. By the way, your party is not in India for transitory gains--your party's age has enough proof against this type of transitoriness.

It is Nationalism or Regionalism?

At a time when ISRO is writing history, with its Mars mission taking off successfully from Sri Harikota, and the spacecraft going on a 300 day odyssey, before it lands on the red planet; another dangerous mission is also underway--the appeasement mission--the mission for votes.

India yesterday welcomed UK's decision to scrap the controversial visa bond; but is unmoved by the latest West Bengal government's decision to stop transporting vegetable-produce to neighboring states.

Few months back,Hon. High Court has to whip the same state government to roll back its plan of privileged stipend to a certain community--but in government's eye, it was not communalism or appeasement.

When the global warming, rising petrol prices and environment is of serious concern all over the world, the WB government's decision to ban cycles in Kolkata, attracts criticism of severest degree. For the record, the European Union is encouraging the environment saving measures, and the use of cycles is again on rise there. WB government should take inspiration from them.

In UP, we saw the worst riots of the decade, and although the government there was reluctant of taking any action to stop the pogrom: the Hon. Supreme Court intervened on time to bring the perpetrators to book, and is still working on it.

Few months back, the Chhatisgarh government had also banned transport of rice to other states, the Hon. High Court is still to come to terms with the nationalist government there against this decision.

A week ago there were serial bomb blasts in Bihar and amazingly no preventive measures were taken to thwart the ill-design of the fanatic elements, otherwise a stitch on time... .

It's now time for dwarfing the opponents, when making hollow promises to the masses, and a little thought will be given to the opportunist parties: all parties are busy calculating and maneuvering the affairs which will fetch them Lok-Sabha seats, thus enabling them to be in a position of maximum bargain.

Time and again, these type of rash decisions or schemes are launched in various states of India for personal gains, and Hon. Courts has to intervene, to rescue the masses from the mayhem of these pseudo-nationalist, pseudo-secularist parties and their leaders(read fanatically jingoists).

Its time now,  for the Hon. Supreme Court to let its presence felt again,by curbing these anti-national decisions, thus rescuing the masses from the behemoth called 'Regionalism' and 'Inflation', because we have no hope in the incumbent government whatsoever.

Rome was not built in a day--not in a month either

The mishap at Vijayanagram, Andhra Pradesha is very saddening, as it throws light on the advancements made by Indian Railways in 150+ years.

In the second decade of twenty first century, when India is keeping pace with the world in technology progress; incidents such as these tell the sorry state of affairs in Railways and is asking time and again--whose progress?, and at this pace?--Huh !

The largest rail network in the world, which commutes maximum number of people in a single day, still lacks the safety excellence it badly needs.

In June we have seen the plight of disaster management in Uttrakhand, but the tryst with 'Phailin' became a face saver for the governments in India.

Mishaps such as Vijaynagaram are rampant in India; and Indian railways must dedicate extensively and expedite the process of safety norms implementation for its passengers with a renewed vigour and at a brisk pace.

The Public Announce Systems are an effective way of thwarting any ruckus in the running train, but horrifyingly, most of the trains in India are without it.

Instances of public-train confrontations are on a rise and the government must change its mindset form taking it as a part and parcel of everyday business.

Barricading the railway lines, although, a colossal work, must be given a serious thought, as it will minimize the animal-train confrontations by degrees. And noticing the money Indian government will spend on the Food Security Bill, it seems minuscule.

There are thousands of un-manned railway crossing in India, where mishaps such as this often happens. The flyovers may have solved this problem also. But,the one Rupee meant for development work transforms into 10 Paise before reaching the grass-root level.

When the finger of suspicion points towards none other than the railway minister, we can't expect a turnaround shortly. After all, Rome was not built in a day--not in a year either.

Who is responsible for the safety of the commuters and animals? If railways are, why not they expedite the implementation of safety standards nationwide?

If it is the Government of India, we can't expect the government prioritizing the 'safety' issues. As its ministers have ample time for maneuvers and statements; not for the issues such as these, for which they have been given responsibilities by the people of India.

And India will need another century or so to catch up with the technology advancements and their implementations for the welfare of its people.  As, most of the energies is wasted in containing the loot, graft, plum posting etc.--and the voter catching measures also, for, a year before, the bold initiatives such as safety and comfort by Mr Dinesh Trivedi was meekly shown the door along with him.

And Indian government runs on votes, a festival of which is not very far.

Another double ton in one-day international by an Indian

Rohit Sharma produced one of his finest innings till date; with a swashbuckling 209 studded with a world record 16 sixes in an inning. And India seems to remain at the top of the world-ranking in ODIs.

What a blitz ! he produced; Rohit enjoyed his inning--with a rehearsal for the Diwali festival-- and so the spectators. Thanks ! Rohit for demonstrating your class and your arrival in the test arena with a bang--thus vindicating the selectors decision to include you in the farewell test to Sachin. Go ! grab the position and fill the void that will be created after Sachin.