The Public Intellectual In India by Romila Thapar

 Quote From Book - “The first and foremost thing that must be recognized is that Hindu society is a myth. The name Hindu is itself a foreign name. It was given by the Mahomedans to the natives for the purpose of distinguishing themselves. It does not occur in any Sanskrit work prior to the Mahomedan invasion. They did not feel the necessity of a common name, because they had no conception of their having constituted a community. Hindu society as such does not exist. It is only a collection of castes. Each caste is conscious of its existence. Its survival is the be-all and end-all of its existence."

                                         After being sidelined for obvious reasons left leaning intellectuals worst nightmares are coming true. The triumph of party and government by alleged right wing nationalists is a nightmarish scenario, never occurred to the arm chair intellectuals like Thapar's of the world . This book is an attempt to mock opponents and rue about the shrinking space for leftists ideology which is very cunningly being portrayed as intolerance. The mismanagement of resources, unending poverty, unemployment ,corruption etc and hordes of present day problems are mischievously twisted to blame opponents completely ignoring the past government dispensation.

                                       Romila Thapar and her colleagues in their zeal to belittle opponents mocked Hindu customs and religion, in whole, while squarely blaming every sin on rigid patriarchal society. Meantime, they never shied away from continuously reminding the readers about the lack of prevailing opportunities their ilks getting to spread venomous thoughts that they have perfected in over decades of practice. This book is an attempt to put blame of misgovernance and social problems on doorsteps of incumbent government completely oblivion of their role. Truth is old guard which blossomed under Congress’s left leaning rule of 60-odd years thinks everything is going to the dogs.The book is complete waste of time and energy as nothing substantial or divergent comes out, best is to ignore it .

Pious Job Of Army In Kashmir - 2

                                  There's no denying the fact that Kashmir needs out of box solution and with failed attempts by successive government to ween fanatic muslim population (which in some estimates is 15-20%) away from violence and persuade them to participate in the mainstream, government should radically alter its strategy. Army and other security forces who have for long thwarted attempts to breakaway Kashmir from India  have paid heavy prize and yet they are demonized . The only solution that needs to be actively pursued is abolition of Article 370, encouraging civilians from rest of country to own and settle down in Kashmir ,have similar rights that of locals in Kashmir. The radicalization process should be contained as it continues in the name of confronting alleged oppression, while truth is, its purely religious opportunism.

                                 65% turnout in assembly elections in 2014  which was highest in 25 years of history and higher than normal voting percentages in other states of India was frightening scenario for Separatists whose calls were ignored by people at large.  This resulted in desperation of Separatists and mentors in Pakistan who despite flaming insurgency for two decades lost ground miserably, thus and new strategy to reignite emotions and wave of radicalization started . Replacement of Sufism with Wahhabism, petro dollars ,free availability of Wahhabi literature etc are some other factors for breeding grounds of twisted radicalized fresh crop of youngsters harvested cunningly by Pakistani opportunist government. The gun wielding, brazenly threatening civilians and security forces terrorists are idealized, romanticized  and propagated as messiahs of freedom is part of same stategy.

                              If government doesn't act tough, incidents of violence are only going to increase with halfhearted attempts will embolden Separatists and strengthen terrorism . It is imperative that government writ is firmly established come whatsoever required . The appeasement of religious fanatics will be a nightmarish scenario jeopardizing  the integrity of entire nation.Army isn't deployed for normal law and order problems but during the breakdown of law enforcement machinery and that too in aid of civil authorities.  The law enforcement agencies can't act with their hands tied in front of blood thirsty mobs. Appeasement only bolsters terrorists while demoralizing our security agencies . In bringing normalcy and Kashmir's transition from present state to thriving secular state people die then so be it. The bleeding hearts and peaceniks who undermine Constitution should also be firmly dealt in our endeavor for peace and stability.

Pious Job Of Army In Kashmir - 1

                                 There's deluge of writing in media in the aftermath of death of terrorist Burhan Wani so i will try to refrain myself from treading the same beaten path and focus entirely on mushrooming radical elements and army's role in confronting it . It is important for all of us who believed in idea of India, a country which boasts itself of island of tolerance, secularism and stability in this troubled part of world to stand firm and not to wilt under misplaced concerns of human rights .  Our security establishment who's entrusted the job of holding the sovereignty of country and maintaining law in disturbed area under constitution framework shouldn't be questioned,  or their own safety shouldn't be jeopardized by taking unilateral decisions.

                                 Right after partition, the dubious appeasement policy of Nehru was responsible for festering wound of Kashmir that plagues us to this day . By now it is prudent for authorities to make Kashmiris understand that Kashmir is an integral part of India after Maharaja Hari Singh, signed the Instrument Of Accession on August 18, 1947.  Dr. Ambedkar rightly snubbed Sheikh Abdullah by stating “You want India to defend Kashmir, feed its people, undertake its all-round development and give Kashmiris equal rights all over the country. But you do not want the rest of India and Indians (to have) equal rights in Kashmir. I am (the) Law Minister of India, I cannot betray my country.”  After getting cold shoulder from law  minister, Gopalswamy Iyyengar had to place the proposal of Article 370 before the constituent assembly.

                                Article 370 was meant to bridge gap between two sides of Pir Panjal range , but 70 years after independence and appeasement policy of Central governments only bolstered separatist and communal forces. The same article 370 is being exploited unabated and shamelessly to create a wedge between communities. The ideology of "Kashmiriyat" was long dead and forgotten. The call of peaceful coexistence is kept alive only in studios as ethnic cleansing of Hindus and the Sikhs ( Chattisinghpora, Pathribal, and Barakpora massacres) had tacit support of majority community.

                              It is firstly important to understand the "Kashmir" problem.The valley has a Muslim majority population and Islam is practiced by 97.16% of the population with the remaining being Hindus (1.84%), Sikhs (0.88%), Buddhists (0.11%) and others. The accession of Kashmir to India by Raja Hari Singh is complete with no window of compromise. The problem persisting today is the warmongers belief that muslim majority should get the right to plebiscite and after throwing minorities(religious) out of valley , should get the right to accede to Pakistan. They don't respect the Indian Constitution and Democracy and shrewdly utilizes the same liberty under Constitution to undermine democratic values(calls of Sharia Law).

                             The shameless demands of dividing India on religious bases (two nation theory of Jinnah), finds resonance in some quarters of so called liberal media personalities too. The support for notorious "Azadi" hooligans in JNU etc and twisted logic of left intellectuals to support these outlaws is startling. Unfortunately these media morons and left intellectuals who dread at the idea of being sidelined from mainstream media after the coronation of Modi government latch on to anything that opposes BJP government for their relevance to continue as their very survival is threatened now. Same groups who were earlier mocking BJP-PDP led government is now working overtime to inflict maximum garbage at it in the garb of human rights concerns.

                           The successive government at center always treated separatists and divisive forces leniently notwithstanding their open defiance and support to Pakistan. The traitors hold Indian constitution and every symbol of Indian of authority in contempt. While India continues to harp on dialogue process to address and resolve Kashmir imbroglio within the framework of Indian Constitution, Pakistan was aggressively pursuing an agenda of attempting to portray its proxy war against India as an indigenous uprising against Indian sovereignty and internationalise the issue by glorifying deaths of terrorists as violation of human rights. Pakistani contaminated claim that Kashmir is the ‘unfinished agenda of Partition’ is parroted repeatedly by these traitors.

Worshiping False Gods

                                              Firstly a book by an esteemed gentlemen known for his honesty and humbleness . In today's politically charged environment simple quotes comes under microscopic scrutiny and sometimes twisted to create political storms. Abuses are hurled freely with dangers of epithets to physical violence looms large. Nowadays people publicly brandishes their political affiliations and violently defend their beliefs and so,its best to refrain from commenting on social matters not out of conviction but safety. This book is a brave attempt to put past historical facts in public domain, no surprise author had to face wrath from certain quarters.

                                           This is a remarkable attempt to understand different ideologies at play during the long and tedious path of freedom struggle. In our zeal to make heroes and worship them as gods we often forget that the person we are idealizing is a mortal with all his flaws. Don't we have the capacity to accept a person with all his flaws as a hero ? Why doesn't we accept a simple truth that heroes can and may commit mistakes ? Does those mistakes make him a lesser mortal ?

                                           In the words of Dr. B R Ambedkar "Bhakti in religion may be a road to the salvation of the soul. But in politics, Bhakti or hero-worship is a sure road to degradation and to eventual dictatorship", hasn't few organizations with trademark victim hood card fallen prey to same ideology that Dr. Ambedkar warned us?  I can only summarize it by saying its a book worth reading without preconceived notions on author.  This book asks too many uncomfortable questions and too many excerpts with references that eventually helps understanding stalwarts by cleaning cobwebs. One of the finest book to read and understand the tussle and dramas inacted during the freedom movement of country

Cheer Haran

                                         In the prevailing vicious political environment of this country a worrying trend is emerging, only those tragedies are highlighted  that furthers ones political ambitions while feigning ignorance over others by politicians and media - a gruesome rape in Kerala is protested by some but conveniently ignored by others (http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/main-suspect-in-rape-murder-of-kerala-dalit-woman-arrested-by-police-report-2855899/). While a condemnable statement by ex-BJP Vice President of UP Dayashankar is grabbed by politicians and left/liberal media to denounce central government and create mass hysteria its lackadaisical attitude towards other numerous filthy incidents raises questions about its sincerity.

                                      Derogatory statements by politicians isn't new phenomenon in Indian politics (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o95x50Wi7nw). Many stalwarts across political spectrum have indulged in shameful rhetoric. The derogatory statement and sacking of Dayashankar by BJP doesn't seem to mollify mischief mongers . There seems to be a manufactured fury created by vested interests to continue the agitation keeping UP elections in mind . The irony is, the sensitive question of insult to a woman is being hijacked to trash BJP while identity politics in this case "Dalit" is being superimposed for political gains trivializing the bigger question of women's honor and dignity.

                                    Politicians jump in fray when its politically convenient to them and unfortunately it belittles the otherwise serious topic of women dignity. The political prism of current day politicians is narrow . It only divides people and perpetuate hate. The victims and crimes are nowadays segregated on the basis of identity, castes and religious. Identities are re emphasized , flimsy excuses are given and conspiracy theories are woven. Nurturing political ambitions isn't sin but shielding criminals in the garb of fake victimhood emboldens the perpetrator by blunting law through smokescreen, thus negates the will  to confront the crime. The allegations and counter allegations defeats the resolve to fight burning issue of women respect and dignity making it more about identity slugfest.

                                       In this case , the support from media and social condemnation by all encouraged Mayawati, who tried to evoke community emotions by calling it an insult on "Dalit" women across India( apparently she even compared herself to living deity of oppressed ). Unfortunately the actual topic of insult to women was given castist turn and in the ensuing protests BSP workers went overboard crossing all limits of human decency. They openly called for the mother, wife and 12 year old daughter (7th grader) of Dayashankar to be delivered to them all for sex and to teach them a lesson. Even more bizarre is the justification of Mayawati in her own words ‘Dayashankar’s family should realize (through the statement of her party men) that how insulting it is when a woman is referred to as a prostitute’.

                                   There shouldn't be any discrimination while dealing with serious issue of women modesty. Perpetrators shouldn't be left off because of his identity or political compulsions. When media ask for strict action on Dayashankar for deplorable comments then why doesn't it displays the same outrage when Congress’ Sanjay Nirupam  ask Smriti Irani to do thumkas, Nilamoni Sen Deka call her ‘Modi’s second wife’, Sharad Yadav for telling her “I know what you are” and JDU’s Ali Anwar claiming Irani has been given the textile portfolio to ‘cover her body.’ Why is the hypocrisy of selected outrage ? As long people doesn't unite and raise voice on social evil of defaming women irrespective of caste, religion etc all tall claims about women empowerment will only sound hollow and erroneous.

                                    It is morally correct to denounce any lewd comment made against women whether she's in public domain or otherwise but calling to rape family members with tacit approval from political boss is equally condemnatory. There shouldn't be any double standards employed by media to defend perpetrators when honor of a women is at stake. The victim and crime shouldn't be seen from the atrocious narrow prism of vote bank politics if India wants to save vulnerable daughters from the appalling emerging scenario .