A prayer for India, On Independence Day

Rajendra K. Aneja

Where we agree that all human beings need not think alike, and in such diversity exist the seeds of progress. Where human beings do not equate with each other on the basis of language, caste or religion. Where we accept that the gods we worship are of purely personal concern, and we must confine our prayers to our homes and hearts. Where we realize that all religions advocate care, concern and compassion for our fellow human beings. Where men appreciate that to save and build a life is noble, but snuffing it out is inhuman.

Where human beings are judged by the quality of their work, rather than by their castes. Where the brutality in hearts of people is replaced by fraternity. Where men employ persuasion to change the views of others rather than bullets and swords. Where it is possible for men to feed and clothe their families without compromising their principles. Where the pressure of leading a stressful life in urban conglomerates, does not dehumanise us.

Where children go to schools, and do not beg at traffic signals or work in subhuman conditions. Where the old are respected and the sick are cared for.

Where destiny of our country is determined by thinking people and not by politicians guided by astrologers. Where the government�does�not freeze into an administration, during a crisis, but actually run a government. Where politicians cease behaving like demagogues and demi-gods, that can do no wrong.

Where ministers do not fiddle for political gains as citizens get massacred and cities burn to cinders. Where public offices become trusts to serve the people, and not privileges to get rich illicitly. Where we focus on augmenting the size of the economic cake rather than fight over its fragments. Where 250 million citizens, living below the poverty line do not remain deprived; but are assured of food, clothing, and roof overhead and education. Where people do not sell their blood to blood-banks to buy a meal.

Where the economy is able to meet the revolution of rising expectations for material goods. Where performance becomes the criterion for growth rather than regional background. Where managers and labour work together to improve the productivity of corporations. Where doctors and scientists work through the night to find cure for AIDS, cancer and blindness.

Where every villager has access to clean drinking water, electric light, laptop computer and mobile phone in his house.

Where people obey laws, not due to punitive fears but because it is sensible for everyone to do so. Where we realize that by avoiding taxes or travelling ticketless we only cheat ourselves. Where electricity bills are correct and there are no power cuts. Where trains run on schedule and do not smash into each other. Where telephones work, billing is accurate and there are no wrong numbers or cross connections.

Where we live harmoniously with our neighbouring countries and share our art, music, literature and technology with each other. Where people live by values, integrity and are not mere slaves to the cravings for gold and silver. Where we realize that destruction is easy, but construction is arduous. Where human beings realize that eventually we have to answer for all our deeds here.

Into that peaceful haven, let India awake, after all these years of freedom.

Rajendra K. Aneja

Award to Mr. Bill Gates from Indian Government

Raju Aneja

Mr. Bill Gates richly deserves the Indira Gandhi Award, conferred on him by the President of India. This prize recognises his endeavours with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Besides being a very successful businessman, Mr Gates is a leading humanist and philanthropist. His work in eradicating malaria in Africa has helped millions of citizens. His organisation is also highly focused on fighting AIDS and polio. Some years ago, I had seen the parents of Mr. Bill Gates and former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, visit the poorer/slum areas in Nairobi, Kenya, in their efforts to fight AIDS in their country, on behalf of the Foundation.

Mr. Gates has ensured that he leads a very modest and moderate lifestyle, which augments global respect for him. His depth of knowledge of international health issue, poverty and inequities is remarkable.

In June 1997, whilst addressing students and faculty at Harvard Business School, he counselled: “Should our best minds be dedicated to solving our biggest problems? Should Harvard encourage its faculty to take on the world’s worst inequities? Should Harvard students learn about the depth of global poverty… the prevalence of world hunger… the scarcity of clean water…the girls kept out of school… the children who die from diseases we can cure?

I want to exhort each of the graduates here to take on an issue � a complex problem, a deep inequity, and become a specialist on it. If you make it the focus of your career, that would be phenomenal. But you don’t have to do that to make an impact. For a few hours every week, you can use the growing power of the Internet to get informed, find others with the same interests, see the barriers, and find ways to cut through them. Don’t let complexity stop you. Be activists. Take on the big inequities. It will be one of the great experiences of your lives.

You graduates are coming of age in an amazing time. As you leave Harvard, you have technology that members of my class never had. You have awareness of global inequity, which we did not have. And with that awareness, you likely also have an informed conscience that will torment you if you abandon these people whose lives you could change with very little effort. You have more than we had; you must start sooner, and carry on longer.”

If we had more business-humanitarian leaders like him, the current financial crisis could have been avoided.

Raju Aneja

Rotten: Rape- Politics in India

Rajendra K. Aneja

Indian politics has sunk to a new abysmal low, with rape becoming a political platform. Ms. Mayawati, the Chief Minister of UP, sent moneys to rape victims, who have turned it down, saying they want justice, not money. Ms. Bahuguna the Congress leader, has said that if Ms. Maywati is raped, she will receive approximately USD 200,000 as damages! Ms. Maywati has resorted to the law. Mr. Rahul Gandhi has stepped into the fray, to tried to justify/explicate Ms. Bahuguna�s anger.

This is rotten stuff. It is not even politics. For, as President John Kennedy has opined, �politics is the art of serving people.� The current rape instances/allegations/drama, is an insult to the people of India.

If some ladies have been raped in the state of UP, it is a matter of national shame: Government must book the criminals. Rape is amongst the worst types of crimes that any person can commit, and the punishment must be hard and rough. Instead of penalising the guilty, the leaders have descended into a cesspool of slush.

India should remember that due to the progress of the electronic media, such instances become international news within seconds. And, they do not add to India�s prestige, at home or abroad.

Rajendra K. Aneja

Naming Bandra-Worli Sealink: Hemant Karakare or “183″

Rajendra K. Aneja

India is debating the name of the new Bandra-Worli Sea-link in Mumbai. The names suggested are Rajiv Gandhi, a former Prime Minister or Veer Savarkar, a freedom fighter.

I strongly urge the sea-link, should not be named after any political leader. Almost all railways, airports, parts, schools, colleges in India are named after political leaders. Many of these leaders contributed to India, quite a few often swindled the country.

I urge that the new bridge should be named after Mumbai Police Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, the police officer who was murdered brutally on 26 Nov. 2008 in Mumbai by terrorists. He was killed in the line of duty.

This will send a strong message across the country, that India does not forget its police officers and soldiers who lay down their lives for the cause of secularism and democracy. We must honour our police/military officers who serve the country, even if they are not politicians.

Alternatively, the “Sea-Link”, should, quite simply, be named “183″, to commemorate all those innocent citizens who were killed in the terrorist attacks on the 26/11/2008.

If a country does not honour those who are killed in the line of duty, it will not inspire bravery or valour in the future.

Rajendra K. Aneja

Rally organized infavour of Girls’ Rights

Om Parkash

Students and Teachers of Govt. High School Machhli Kalan, District Mohali in Punjab, organized a rally infavour of the girls rights on the eve of National Day to save girl child. In this regard a function was held in the school premises under the chairmanship of Mrs.Kulwinder Kaur, the school headmistress. Chaudhary Jagmal Singh, Sarpanch, Ex-Sarpanch Bidhi Chand, PTA Members and other prominent diginitories attended the function. Mr. Hardev Singh Tiwana, an Ex-Headmaster, now a Canada Citizen, was the special invitee. Mr. Tiwana spoke on the occasion in favour of girls right and inspired the girls to achieve higher goals. He condemned girl foeticide and aware the girl to have their rights. After the function Mrs. Kulwinder Kaur, the Headmistress flagged off the rally to the village. Boys and Girls carrying banners and posters about girls rights, condemning girl foeticide and other discrimination related to girls, took out procession the village streets. They were raising slogans to protect girls right. Villagers curiously viewed, supported and praised the initiative of the school. It may be recalled that the Indian Govt. decided to observe 24th January as National Day to save Girl Child as 2000 girl foeticide take place every day

By: Om Parkash , Punjabi Teacher, Govt.High school Machhli Kalan, Distt. Mohali

Mobile: 9417140938

Om Parkash

Mumbai Attack

Swati Gauba

I am despondent at the plight of India at present. Like every other Indian I am angry with the politicians. The episode that began on 26th November is continuing till date. Our NSG commandos have taken over the terrorist but we have no one to control these politicians.

These politicians gave no time to people to take pride on the commando�s heroic act. It is very much clear that India had all premonitions and was well aware of the attack. US officials had warned India in October that hotels and business centers in Mumbai might be targeted by attackers coming from the sea, according to US news media reports.

Indian intelligence officials intercepted a phone call on November 18 to an address in Pakistan used by the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, also revealing a possible attack from the sea, ABC News reported. What can be inferred from all this? Nobody wanted to prevent the incident from happening. No politician has any regret.

Infact our politicians on the contrary are saying it was suppose to be many more lives. Somebody considering loss of 200 lives to be less can only be called an epitome of insensitivity. BJP spokesperson cries lipsticks.

Kerala chief Minister on the other hand honors the martyr in his own way. D�j� vu-Rang De Basanti. Maharashtra Chief Minister tries to provide scoop to RGV. The all party meeting had to be carried out sans BJP because they were busy asking votes. The list goes on and on.

We cannot expect even inspiring words from them forget any kind of action. But this hasn�t come as a surprise. I want the nation to come together against these filthy politicians. I am very sure the scenario would have been much better if it was some British Rule.

Atleast the British knew how to rule. I have not seen one responsible remark from our so-called leaders. With such politicians India has no future. Even the younger generation of leaders is useless and they go into hibernation when they are required to act.

Active politician of Maharashtra, who was in news before the terrorist and wanted a divide between North Indian and Maharashtrians is no where to be seen. Politicians are not national assets that need to be protected. Still lakhs of rupees that a common man gives as taxes goes into protecting the worthless politician.

It is beyond my comprehension why are we forced to have them when they actually are of no use. They hide behind Z category security costing billions of Rupees, paid for by the taxes of the ordinary people and ask the people with no security to stay calm.

Isn’t that rubbing salt into the wounds of the average Indian? A nanny takes better care of something that is entrusted upon her. It is a fact that a known enemy is better than a foolish friend.

We know those terrorists are our enemies. We know that we need to fight them but before that we need to fight these foolish friends. It is actually embarrassing for me to talk about my country and its leader in such a derogatory manner but they have not given me a single reason to feel proud.

The feeling of helplessness and shock has overpowered the initial feeling of sadness. I wish somebody comes forward and takes charge of the whole situation.

Swati Gauba

Victim of terrorism – the common man

Shobha Shukla

LUCKNOW: Mr. Ajit Sahi, the Editor-at-large of Tehelka, spoke on the ‘Myth Of Terrorist Organisations—-SIMI fictions’ at the Press Club of Lucknow.

His painstakingly collected and carefully analyzed information speaks of scores of innocent Indian Muslims languishing in the countries’ prisons on false police accusations. He feels that it is a premeditated government (read Hindu) campaign to implicate and harass Muslim youth and demonise the Muslim community—-all in the name of curbing terrorist activities. His findings indicate that in not a single case has it so far been conclusive that SIMI ( students’ Islamic movement of India ) activists were involved in terrorist offences. Police have killed scores of innocent persons during the last several years, wrongly branding them as terrorists, whereas the the real culprits remain untouched. All this has helped to reinforce hatred against the Muslims who no longer feel safe in the country.

However they need not despair, as they are not alone in their fear and mistrust. It is the common ,hapless person on the street who is being hounded by the powers-that-be irrespective of her/his caste, creed or religion. How else do we explain the thrashing of the UPites and Biharis in Mumbai by the Shiv Sena and the Nav Nirman Sena in the name of purging Maharashtrian territory,( thus usurping the right of an Indian citizen to work in any part of the country), unleashing a wave of violence and hatred amongst members of the same religion.

Or the vandalism by the saffron brigade during a recent painting exhibition of artist Manjit Singh in New Delhi . They not only smashed his paintings but manhandled him too, as they thought his works of art to be against Hindu culture.

Or the barbaric burning to death of Rajni Majhi—a twenty year old Hindu girl in Orissa—whose only fault was that she was living in an orphanage run by Christian missionaries.

Or the police firings on the poor farmers who dared to protest against the acquisition of their farmlands at ridiculously low prices by the Government in the name of economic development.

Whether it is the heinous bomb blasts, or attacks on a particular minority community/ caste, or illegal coercion of farmers; the perpetrator is always the more powerful and the victim is the helpless poor. The new world order seems to have fuelled our brutal passion to tread upon the down trodden and to oppress the weak. It could be the State/executive against the minorities; the economically powerful industrialists against the poor farmers; the police excesses on the innocents. Everywhere it is the same blatant signature tune that I am racially/socially/economically superior to you.

A few months ago the son of my sister’s domestic help was rounded by the police on a false complaint of theft, with no evidence whatsoever. When she approached a senior police officer, the charges against him were withdrawn, but his poor mother had to shell out a thousand rupees for his release. On top of it a police constable pestered him to name someone else for some other uncommitted crime, just to add numbers to the police record list. Even after his release, the boy and his mother are living in constant fear of the police. This is just one of the several cases which must be happening every day and we seem to have become immune to these indignities as long as they do not affect us directly.

Isn’t the police terrorizing the common public with impunity and getting away with it?

Aren’t the Bajrang Dal/ Shivsainiks/ political parties terrorizing the law abiding citizens and zealous missionaries and social activists( like Binayak Sen) for their narrow parochial gains?

Isn’t the State machinery terrorizing us by usurping the fundamental rights of the common person by forcibly taking away his/her land and siphoning off funds earmarked for flood/ drought/ riot victims?

Isn’t our army, deemed to be the custodians of law and order in troubled areas, violating the dignity of women and committing excesses against human rights?

How often have seen traffic rules being broken with impunity and no action taken against the culprits; cases of road rage resulting in deaths;women being subjugated and treated like dirt ( that is if they are allowed to be born) for bringing insufficient dowry/ not producing a male child / daring to exercise their choices.

All these are acts of terrorism unleashed on the weak and powerless by the strong and mighty. It is not just the Muslims, but about anyone and everyone without a political/ economic clout who are living in constant fear of the unbridled and brute force of the executive/ police/ judiciary. It is rare to find an influential person becoming a victim of any act of terrorism.

It is time for the oppressed to stand up in solidarity against all forms of terrorism, irrespective of their faith and affiliations.

The stupid (wo)man on the street ,who has been dumped by all, must stand up in non violent resistance and abide by the truth, ( just like the farmers of Jharkhand and villages adjoining New Delhi ).

We may be grateful to have survived bomb attacks but our spirit is dying and needs to be resurrected.

Shobha Shukla

The author teaches Physics at India’s Loreto Convent and has been writing extensively in English and Hindi media. She serves as Editor of Citizen News Service (CNS).

Call to the nation to fast on August 15th to put a stop to terrorism

Bhamy Shenoy

Terrorist attacks in India’s two cities, Bangalore and Ahmedabad on July 25 and 26 are comparable to 9/11 in shocking the conscience of the world, though not in terms of the numbers of deaths and casualties. How should we react? Is there anything to gain by criticizing any political party or groups, though such an unfortunate process has already started?

We should learn from the wrong path of President Bush and high ideals of Mahatma Gandhi� both diametrically opposite – in trying to find solution to this world problem. By trying to take revenge on a supposed enemy, Bush has unleashed thousands of Osamas whereas by adapting the path of Satyagraha and fasting to do introspection, Mahatma succeeded in stopping the killings during partition. What would Gandhiji have done today? He would have urged all of us to go on a fast and introspect rather than find fault with some groups or individuals. Fasting would of course exclude those millions of our brothers and sisters who do not get enough to eat as it is, and the very young, the ill and aged.

By finding fault with our own brothers and sisters who have been led to terrorism by our own acts of omission and commission we will not even begin to solve the problem. It will only reinforce the chain reaction of more killings as we saw in Indonesia,UK, Spain, Iraq,Pakistan, India and Afghanistan since 9/11. By our symbolic voluntary fasting on August 15th from 8.00 A.M to 8.00 P.M, let us send a strong message to future terrorists that their act will not solve any problem. This is the lesson of love taught by all religions and put into practice by world leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela etc. Let us not follow leaders like Stalin, Hitler or Mao who used force and violence to gain power, but follow Gandhi, King and Mandela to overcome terrorism.

Bhamy Shenoy

Let us spread this message to all our friends and relatives, ask them to send it on to others, encourage them to join the fast, and remind them on August 14th to keep fast on August 15th.

Rahul Gandhi

Prashant Shrivastava

Rahul Gandhi, who makes always headlines for his people centric statements, once again stole the show when he opened up in the special session of parliament called for the debate upon nuclear deal with America. Government has decided to go with the deal and oppositions and other sections are opposing it.

Rahul was the only man who spoke about real life problems faced by a common man in India. Quoting an example of a poor family, he said that today energy is the foremost thing we need. He said that every aspect of life is associated with energy and in coming 30-40 years we will be handicapped if we do not act in the direction to create more energy.

He made lot of sense when he said that there can be two types of countries in the world, one who worry how they will impact on the world and other who think how the world will impact on them. The former one is powerful and latter one is powerless. He said that whatever be the consequences of today’s debate but India must start thinking to move ahead and become global power. Instead of worrying how world will see India, India should come into category where it has to think how it will have impact on the world.

He also said that India is on similar threshold where it was when Rajiv Gandhi wanted to introduced IT to India. As he could do this, India has become a superpower in computing. Similarly if Indian can take decision in favor of this nuclear deal, it has a fair chance to emerge as a global power.

Rahul was not allowed to speak in the early session, but later in the after noon when he was given another speaking opportunity, he won hearts of everyone who heard him. The words used by him were simple though thought provoking.

Whatever be the fate of this deal or government but the issue raised by him is true and important.

Although this is a special session for a specific purpose but nothing can be more important than concern of a common man, and when initially Rahul started speaking about common man and he was not allowed to continue, it was really shameful as parliamentarians are nothing more than a representative of a common man and when common man is sidelined, the very purpose of the parliament gets washed away.

Prashant Shrivastava

(All opinions expressed in this piece are personal views of the writer)