Mumbai is not the capital of India but is no less important. If Delhi is the political head then Mumbai is the business capital of the country. Somewhere back I once read that almost one third of the nation’s tax is collected from Mumbai. The city is not only flocked with tax payer but also has attracted top companies and foreign investments around the world.
What would this city look like if completely isolated from the entire nation? Well this may turn to reality one day. The way shivsena and MNS have gone about propagating their political interest of capturing Marathi vote bank soon the city might find itself alone. The constitution of India grants every citizen the freedom to settle in any part of the country and also to work there. The latest shouts of “Maharashtra for marathis”, is not only unconstitutional but also a very cheap political act.
The whole campaign is full of loop holes. It seems the parties have forgotten that most of the tax payments they boost about are coming from either companies which are non Marathi or from individuals who are not marathi. So if this whole non Marathi population leaves the state, then how do these politicians plan to produce revenue as a major chunk of the state’s revenue comes in form of tax?
Also how do they plan to ensure law and order in the state? Alone Mumbai has nearly fifty thousand cops; by this one can imagine the number required for the whole state. Would the state alone be able to fulfill this requirement? And if not should help be given to the state in terms of human resources as it is done presently? The option of providing support from outside of the state would directly contradict the present political scenario. So how do the politicians wish to solve this vital problem?
Another concern is the influence this would give to other states. If all the other states decide to follow the same path then calling India as a Union would be no more than a joke. Dr. B.R Ambedker promoted the ideology of social justice, he opposed discrimination done to people on various texts but it seems that the state who says to follow babasahib has forgotten this essential factor of non discrimination between people. Maharaja Shivaji espoused the ideology of Hindavi Swarajya, self-rule of the natives through which he motivated the whole nation to fight against the British rule as one but his own subjects are now ready to divide the country over a new category of language.
It is hard to believe but many years ago Greek philosopher Plato had warned the world about this, but no one paid any attention. He said, “Although freedom is a true value, democracy involves the danger of excessive freedom, of doing as one likes, which leads to anarchy.” It seems Shivsena and MNS are drawing all the freedoms given by the constitution to perform actions which in itself are against the Constitution. If this is not stopped right now, all it would result in is destruction of the nation.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
It is do or die for Women Hockey in India
Even bollywood could rescue Indian women hockey players from their plight, not only are they being ignored but also the future of Woman’s Hockey is in danger. Hockey India on one hand is giving away handsome rewards to the Men’s team and on the other hand is giving promises to Women’s team. Giving away 1 crore to the men’s team after they secured the podium position is a motivating step but giving away the only crore and depriving the women’s teams is completely wrong.
It feels as if the male dominating side on the Indian society is being upheld by the Hockey Association. Not only have they been neglecting the basic monetary demands of the players but also have no shame while saying, “They would be compensated in due course but we cannot set a timeframe to it.” Hockey Indian had earlier promised the Men’s team that if the team is able o lift the world cup, each player will be rewarded with Rupees 1 crore.
It seems that the association is going through a cash crunch only for the women hockey team and now has forced the members of the team to come out appeal to the population. What seems like a desperate attempt to save the team and its players, four senior team members opened a joint account and have asked the country to donate some money which would be used for the women hockey players.
In this state where the women’s team of our countries national game had to ask for help from the public, one cannot seize to think why this discrimination is being done to them. Delaying the payments to the player is not only de-motivating them and reducing the chances of India bagging a victory in Women hockey at world scenario but also has put the future of the team itself at stake.
This kind of an attitude soon would result in, no women players wanting to play for the country and hence there would be no women’s team left for the National game of the country. The bollywood movie Chak De India was looked as an eye opener in terms of Women hockey in India but even it failed as still the players are just trying to survive and yet the association is not ready to act on their appeals. All that can be said is, it is better to go on a strike n boycott the game as the men’s team did than to just wear black arm bands and practice because this association is deaf and polite appeals don’t fall on their ear drums but only loud explosions do.
It feels as if the male dominating side on the Indian society is being upheld by the Hockey Association. Not only have they been neglecting the basic monetary demands of the players but also have no shame while saying, “They would be compensated in due course but we cannot set a timeframe to it.” Hockey Indian had earlier promised the Men’s team that if the team is able o lift the world cup, each player will be rewarded with Rupees 1 crore.
It seems that the association is going through a cash crunch only for the women hockey team and now has forced the members of the team to come out appeal to the population. What seems like a desperate attempt to save the team and its players, four senior team members opened a joint account and have asked the country to donate some money which would be used for the women hockey players.
In this state where the women’s team of our countries national game had to ask for help from the public, one cannot seize to think why this discrimination is being done to them. Delaying the payments to the player is not only de-motivating them and reducing the chances of India bagging a victory in Women hockey at world scenario but also has put the future of the team itself at stake.
This kind of an attitude soon would result in, no women players wanting to play for the country and hence there would be no women’s team left for the National game of the country. The bollywood movie Chak De India was looked as an eye opener in terms of Women hockey in India but even it failed as still the players are just trying to survive and yet the association is not ready to act on their appeals. All that can be said is, it is better to go on a strike n boycott the game as the men’s team did than to just wear black arm bands and practice because this association is deaf and polite appeals don’t fall on their ear drums but only loud explosions do.
Grant them their new states
India indeed is a democracy and people have a right to express. This expression is not a slave to any logical idea and its freedom is granted by the Constitution itself. But does common man truly enjoys the freedom. Well it does not matter if common man does but one thing is for sure that the politicians enjoy this freedom and all the other that even the constitution does not provide.
The politicians, chosen representatives of the public, get power by winning elections with majority. The best part about Indian elections is, no matter how less people vote, the winner is the one who has maximum votes. In India politics is called as a business and politicians have a really bad image and are said to never work for public. How can such allegations be true? These politicians are so busy with the work for the development of the public that they don’t even remember their pay checks.
Taking care of 28 states and 6 union territories is not small job but Indian politicians are always up to the mark. Not only have they properly taken care of the states n its population but also now are asking the government to create 10 new states such as: Mithilanchal in Bihar, Saurashtra in Gujarat, Coorg in Karnataka, Harit Pradesh in UP, Telangana, Gorkhaland, Bundelkhand, Bhojpur comprising areas of eastern UP, Bihar and Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha in Maharashtra.
The demands seem to be appropriate because if 2 or more sections of people of the same state have problems in living with each other, it is better to have a separate state of their own. Not allowing the formation of these states is not even close to the solution of the problems faced by these people. All it does is create tension in the regions, protests, strikes and now days even suicides.
How difficult is it to form a new state. Its just about signing some really legal and official documents, appointing a totally new set of government officials, creating a new legislative assemblies, creating infrastructure facilities for the public for whom the new stats is demanded for, taking care of public health and sanitation, law and order etc. This list just contains a few more 30 odd things that is the minimum requirement of the new state.
The way states have been created in this country; the day is not far when a locality would demand to create a separate state comprising only that locality. Who does really support these new states financially? Indeed funds are sent from the central government but that is not enough. The real supports are the tax payers. So the smaller will the size of states gets more the tax payers have to pay. But money has never been an issue with Indians. Indians who are just full of love and compassion can easily manage this small detail.
It’s great to be a citizen of India where every man has the right. Whether that right is used or not is not the real question but the real question is how to gain power. At the moment formation of state seems to be the best option for power but soon evolution will take place and again the demand of a new country would be knocking at the doors of the government.
The politicians, chosen representatives of the public, get power by winning elections with majority. The best part about Indian elections is, no matter how less people vote, the winner is the one who has maximum votes. In India politics is called as a business and politicians have a really bad image and are said to never work for public. How can such allegations be true? These politicians are so busy with the work for the development of the public that they don’t even remember their pay checks.
Taking care of 28 states and 6 union territories is not small job but Indian politicians are always up to the mark. Not only have they properly taken care of the states n its population but also now are asking the government to create 10 new states such as: Mithilanchal in Bihar, Saurashtra in Gujarat, Coorg in Karnataka, Harit Pradesh in UP, Telangana, Gorkhaland, Bundelkhand, Bhojpur comprising areas of eastern UP, Bihar and Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha in Maharashtra.
The demands seem to be appropriate because if 2 or more sections of people of the same state have problems in living with each other, it is better to have a separate state of their own. Not allowing the formation of these states is not even close to the solution of the problems faced by these people. All it does is create tension in the regions, protests, strikes and now days even suicides.
How difficult is it to form a new state. Its just about signing some really legal and official documents, appointing a totally new set of government officials, creating a new legislative assemblies, creating infrastructure facilities for the public for whom the new stats is demanded for, taking care of public health and sanitation, law and order etc. This list just contains a few more 30 odd things that is the minimum requirement of the new state.
The way states have been created in this country; the day is not far when a locality would demand to create a separate state comprising only that locality. Who does really support these new states financially? Indeed funds are sent from the central government but that is not enough. The real supports are the tax payers. So the smaller will the size of states gets more the tax payers have to pay. But money has never been an issue with Indians. Indians who are just full of love and compassion can easily manage this small detail.
It’s great to be a citizen of India where every man has the right. Whether that right is used or not is not the real question but the real question is how to gain power. At the moment formation of state seems to be the best option for power but soon evolution will take place and again the demand of a new country would be knocking at the doors of the government.
Shady future for Indian Sports
In 1950 India withdrew its team from the Soccer World Cup held in Brazil. The decision was not because of any politics but because of lack of resources. India’s national game Hockey is in no better condition with the players going on a strike. The other field India excelled was cricket but shadows can be seen over the game in presence of questions raised over the bad pitch in Firosha Kotla stadium. Tennis is another field where India saw some hope but due to the lack of proper resources it took almost a decade to have a player replaces and represent India after Leander Paes. Badminton and shooting are one of the last remaining hopes on which every Indian sports lover banks upon.
“NO-Support towards Sports or Sportspersons”, seem to be a policy of the Indian Government. It came as no shock that Abhinav Bindra Gold Medalist, Shooter wants to quit his game. National Rifles Association of India General Secretary Baljit Shethi said, "The selection of shooters was based on recommendation from NRAI where Abhinav Bindra was not considered purposely for two reasons. Firstly, his expectation was too high and secondly he was enjoying support from other quarters".
It is good that the NRAI wants to create standards but it’s not possible for all shooters to be placed in the same class as some have just began their career while shooters like Bindra and Rathore have proved their skill and worth through their performances. On the other had Anbhinav clearly said that the reason why he was being dropped was because he was not attending regular trials of NRAI.
The whole setup now seems to be a farce. A player who not only got his country a Gold Medal but has been one of the high performers is being dropped. It no more remains a conflict of ideas or convictions but now might just have taken the shape of an Ego Battle between NRAI and Abhinav Bindra. No matter who wins this battle, Indians will lose this war. Its just going to result in one thing, more and more talent hidden in India is going to be suppressed and left with no opportunities to excel.
“NO-Support towards Sports or Sportspersons”, seem to be a policy of the Indian Government. It came as no shock that Abhinav Bindra Gold Medalist, Shooter wants to quit his game. National Rifles Association of India General Secretary Baljit Shethi said, "The selection of shooters was based on recommendation from NRAI where Abhinav Bindra was not considered purposely for two reasons. Firstly, his expectation was too high and secondly he was enjoying support from other quarters".
It is good that the NRAI wants to create standards but it’s not possible for all shooters to be placed in the same class as some have just began their career while shooters like Bindra and Rathore have proved their skill and worth through their performances. On the other had Anbhinav clearly said that the reason why he was being dropped was because he was not attending regular trials of NRAI.
The whole setup now seems to be a farce. A player who not only got his country a Gold Medal but has been one of the high performers is being dropped. It no more remains a conflict of ideas or convictions but now might just have taken the shape of an Ego Battle between NRAI and Abhinav Bindra. No matter who wins this battle, Indians will lose this war. Its just going to result in one thing, more and more talent hidden in India is going to be suppressed and left with no opportunities to excel.
Shady future for Indian Sports
In 1950 India withdrew its team from the Soccer World Cup held in Brazil. The decision was not because of any politics but because of lack of resources. India’s national game Hockey is in no better condition with the players going on a strike. The other field India excelled was cricket but shadows can be seen over the game in presence of questions raised over the bad pitch in Firosha Kotla stadium. Tennis is another field where India saw some hope but due to the lack of proper resources it took almost a decade to have a player replaces and represent India after Leander Paes. Badminton and shooting are one of the last remaining hopes on which every Indian sports lover banks upon.
“NO-Support towards Sports or Sportspersons”, seem to be a policy of the Indian Government. It came as no shock that Abhinav Bindra Gold Medalist, Shooter wants to quit his game. National Rifles Association of India General Secretary Baljit Shethi said, "The selection of shooters was based on recommendation from NRAI where Abhinav Bindra was not considered purposely for two reasons. Firstly, his expectation was too high and secondly he was enjoying support from other quarters".
It is good that the NRAI wants to create standards but it’s not possible for all shooters to be placed in the same class as some have just began their career while shooters like Bindra and Rathore have proved their skill and worth through their performances. On the other had Anbhinav clearly said that the reason why he was being dropped was because he was not attending regular trials of NRAI.
The whole setup now seems to be a farce. A player who not only got his country a Gold Medal but has been one of the high performers is being dropped. It no more remains a conflict of ideas or convictions but now might just have taken the shape of an Ego Battle between NRAI and Abhinav Bindra. No matter who wins this battle, Indians will lose this war. Its just going to result in one thing, more and more talent hidden in India is going to be suppressed and left with no opportunities to excel.
“NO-Support towards Sports or Sportspersons”, seem to be a policy of the Indian Government. It came as no shock that Abhinav Bindra Gold Medalist, Shooter wants to quit his game. National Rifles Association of India General Secretary Baljit Shethi said, "The selection of shooters was based on recommendation from NRAI where Abhinav Bindra was not considered purposely for two reasons. Firstly, his expectation was too high and secondly he was enjoying support from other quarters".
It is good that the NRAI wants to create standards but it’s not possible for all shooters to be placed in the same class as some have just began their career while shooters like Bindra and Rathore have proved their skill and worth through their performances. On the other had Anbhinav clearly said that the reason why he was being dropped was because he was not attending regular trials of NRAI.
The whole setup now seems to be a farce. A player who not only got his country a Gold Medal but has been one of the high performers is being dropped. It no more remains a conflict of ideas or convictions but now might just have taken the shape of an Ego Battle between NRAI and Abhinav Bindra. No matter who wins this battle, Indians will lose this war. Its just going to result in one thing, more and more talent hidden in India is going to be suppressed and left with no opportunities to excel.
Justice not only Delayed but also Denied
Ruchika Girhotra was molested by DGP SPS Rathore on August 11, 1990. Ruchika’s tennis partner Anuradha Prakash confirmed the charges as she was the only eyewitness of the case. Yet it took 19 years, 40 adjournments, and more than 400 hearings for the Indian Judicial System to pronounce Rathore guilty. Finally on December 21, 2009 court sentenced Director General of Police Shambhu Pratap Singh Rathore under Section 354 IPC (molestation) to six months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1,000.
The judgment finally came and the convict was sentenced but in this whole evolution of the case, judiciary is been left to wonder what and who is it serving to. The judgment give might be of molestation but what about the loss of life that molestation caused. Isn’t it the responsibility of the judiciary to provide justice to Ruchika’s family in the true sense? It seems the judgment was just a cover up under which Rathore can enjoy his life and position to the best.
After 19 years the judgment give looks farce and holds no value. A family who saw their only daughter commits suicide, their son being illegally being beaten by policemen, harassment suffered at hand of those who are responsible to maintain law and order, this judgment was just like any other nail to their coffin. The Indian judicial system weighs evidences and then gives away its sentence but with regard to this case it seems the weigh balance used was manipulated.
Presence of an eyewitness itself made it an open and shut case yet it took almost 2 decades to finally close this case which till now is not completely closed as minutes after Rathore was sentenced to imprisonment and a fine, he was granted bail and the sentence was suspended to January 20, 2010. After the fresh FIRs being filled against Rathore, it seems that the case might again head back to CBI and again the whole of India will have to wait. It seems as if extending cases to over decades has become a new fashion. India these days is being recognized not by its rich culture and tradition but by pending cases which have been running over decades. No matter what resulted in prolonging this particular case but by the end it is evident that in this case not only was justice delayed but also was denied.
The judgment finally came and the convict was sentenced but in this whole evolution of the case, judiciary is been left to wonder what and who is it serving to. The judgment give might be of molestation but what about the loss of life that molestation caused. Isn’t it the responsibility of the judiciary to provide justice to Ruchika’s family in the true sense? It seems the judgment was just a cover up under which Rathore can enjoy his life and position to the best.
After 19 years the judgment give looks farce and holds no value. A family who saw their only daughter commits suicide, their son being illegally being beaten by policemen, harassment suffered at hand of those who are responsible to maintain law and order, this judgment was just like any other nail to their coffin. The Indian judicial system weighs evidences and then gives away its sentence but with regard to this case it seems the weigh balance used was manipulated.
Presence of an eyewitness itself made it an open and shut case yet it took almost 2 decades to finally close this case which till now is not completely closed as minutes after Rathore was sentenced to imprisonment and a fine, he was granted bail and the sentence was suspended to January 20, 2010. After the fresh FIRs being filled against Rathore, it seems that the case might again head back to CBI and again the whole of India will have to wait. It seems as if extending cases to over decades has become a new fashion. India these days is being recognized not by its rich culture and tradition but by pending cases which have been running over decades. No matter what resulted in prolonging this particular case but by the end it is evident that in this case not only was justice delayed but also was denied.
Liberhan report itself a Disputed Site
It took Justice Liberhan 17 years to present the One man lead commission report which finally was tabled in the Parliament on 24th November 2009. The report was over the demolition of Babri Masjid on December 6th 1992. The topic was so sensitive that it was bound to lead sessions of verbal faceoff between BJP questioning the very credibility of the report with Congress trying to cover up the mismanagement of P.V. Narsima Rao’s government.
The congress was determined to prove the role of BJP’s top leader Lal Krishan Advani, Atal Bihar Vajpayee and Murli Manohar Joshi as the mastermind behind the whole demolition set up. On the other hand BJP who called the report a national joke validated their accusations through the speeches of party head Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj. They also pointed out that using Ex. Prime Minister Vajpayeeji’s name was in no way correct and just. In their debate they pointed out the very fact that the report was not authored by Justice Liberhan and also had the possibility of being politically influenced hence a joke and farce.
The Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, in order to evade the attacks from BJP said, “The central theme is not Atal Bihari Vajpayee, P.V. Narasimha Rao, factual inaccuracies or leakage but who broke the mosque and why and how they did it." It seems the honourable MP forgot the very fact that a dialogue can only successful if it was true and factual whereas here the report itself was under the suspicion of being communal, politically influenced and factually incorrect.
It also looked as if our political heads could spend some more years waiting for the report. Rather than verifying the report itself BJP leader M.M. Joshi seemed to be more interested in first inspecting the leak of the report to the media. He said, “We want the government and the home minister to take moral responsibility for this. We want that a joint parliamentary committee should be set up to probe how the report was leaked.”
The Babri Masjid was non-functional since 1939 as BJP said but the structure stood till 1992 as symbol for culture but after its demolition the site no more be called as holy as god be of any religion would want their birth place to be termed as “Disputed Site” and as far those who were a victim to the riots it indeed is turning out to be “Justice delayed and for some more years Justice denied.”
The congress was determined to prove the role of BJP’s top leader Lal Krishan Advani, Atal Bihar Vajpayee and Murli Manohar Joshi as the mastermind behind the whole demolition set up. On the other hand BJP who called the report a national joke validated their accusations through the speeches of party head Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj. They also pointed out that using Ex. Prime Minister Vajpayeeji’s name was in no way correct and just. In their debate they pointed out the very fact that the report was not authored by Justice Liberhan and also had the possibility of being politically influenced hence a joke and farce.
The Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, in order to evade the attacks from BJP said, “The central theme is not Atal Bihari Vajpayee, P.V. Narasimha Rao, factual inaccuracies or leakage but who broke the mosque and why and how they did it." It seems the honourable MP forgot the very fact that a dialogue can only successful if it was true and factual whereas here the report itself was under the suspicion of being communal, politically influenced and factually incorrect.
It also looked as if our political heads could spend some more years waiting for the report. Rather than verifying the report itself BJP leader M.M. Joshi seemed to be more interested in first inspecting the leak of the report to the media. He said, “We want the government and the home minister to take moral responsibility for this. We want that a joint parliamentary committee should be set up to probe how the report was leaked.”
The Babri Masjid was non-functional since 1939 as BJP said but the structure stood till 1992 as symbol for culture but after its demolition the site no more be called as holy as god be of any religion would want their birth place to be termed as “Disputed Site” and as far those who were a victim to the riots it indeed is turning out to be “Justice delayed and for some more years Justice denied.”
Copenhagen a Failed Conference
Copenhagen talks are nearing its end and yet there are no signs of any international agreement coming up rather the gap between the developed nations and developing countries has further widened over the issue of climate change. The USA who still hasn’t ratified the Kyoto Protocol was proposing a new protocol under which developing countries like India and China would have to share the responsibility of reducing Green House Gases and also would have to face international scrutiny.
The G77 lead by India and China stood firm on there ground and declined the killing of Kyoto Protocol and asked the developed countries to take drastic steps to reduce emission. It was also proposed to USA to provide financial as well as technological support to the developing countries. The USA government has announced that I was ready to give $10 Billion per year to the fund and declined the demand of 1 percent of GDP which was $300 Billion.
It seems USA is willing to spend over $1 Trillion on wars but when it comes to saving the climate all they have is $10 Billion. If compared to the whole population of the world it would mean $2 dollars for every individual, this in now way sounds as a step to protect climate. It is about time the economic leaders need to realize that there is no time left. Even if they stop all the emission immediately, the temperature will still rise. There is no more time to discuss but now is the time to act.
Copenhagen may have failed to get the developed and developing countries together but it did manage to make the 2 groups inflexible for sure. Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh said, “India will never accept a legally binding emission reduction agreement" India has already announced that it would consider an emission intensity cut of 20 to 25 percent by 2020, but has made it clear that it would not be forced into accepting binding cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.
On the other hand, China announced a 40-45 percent cut in its emissions intensity by 2020 compared to 2005, Brazil announced 38-42 percent and Indonesia 26 percent. The world leaders may not yet be ready to protect the climate and the world but India and other developing countries all have decided to do their bit.
The G77 lead by India and China stood firm on there ground and declined the killing of Kyoto Protocol and asked the developed countries to take drastic steps to reduce emission. It was also proposed to USA to provide financial as well as technological support to the developing countries. The USA government has announced that I was ready to give $10 Billion per year to the fund and declined the demand of 1 percent of GDP which was $300 Billion.
It seems USA is willing to spend over $1 Trillion on wars but when it comes to saving the climate all they have is $10 Billion. If compared to the whole population of the world it would mean $2 dollars for every individual, this in now way sounds as a step to protect climate. It is about time the economic leaders need to realize that there is no time left. Even if they stop all the emission immediately, the temperature will still rise. There is no more time to discuss but now is the time to act.
Copenhagen may have failed to get the developed and developing countries together but it did manage to make the 2 groups inflexible for sure. Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh said, “India will never accept a legally binding emission reduction agreement" India has already announced that it would consider an emission intensity cut of 20 to 25 percent by 2020, but has made it clear that it would not be forced into accepting binding cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.
On the other hand, China announced a 40-45 percent cut in its emissions intensity by 2020 compared to 2005, Brazil announced 38-42 percent and Indonesia 26 percent. The world leaders may not yet be ready to protect the climate and the world but India and other developing countries all have decided to do their bit.
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