Chandrashekhar Sitaram Tiwari

                                 In today’s time and age when fiery debates are order of the day . Epithets are flung at remotest provocation , some true some half baked. Even being a nationalist is seen with an angle of perceived ideology whether one endorses it or not . Words like “DeshBhakt” or “Bharat Mata ki Jai” are scoffed at and are hurled as abuses implicitly . Here,in this viscous environment, I have read and is sharing a valiant story of a freedom fighter who inspired millions, his valor and indomitable spirit still gives goosebumps and is held by masses in reverence. His awe inspiring tale has and will continue to instigate passions for the motherland till posterity. I am beginning to share the story , we all have heard and cherished to believe that what I stood for is true and will continue to serve my motherland in whatever miniscule way I can. To believe that nationalist feelings aren’t outdated and concocted lies won’t stand the scrutiny of time.                                                                                                                       

                       “Your name?”

                         The boy replied back nonchalantly “Azad”.

                       “Your father’s name”?- “Azadi”

                       “Where do you live?”-“In Prison”   

                              Taken aback by the fearlessness of a teenager, a Parsi magistrate Mr. Kharegat , known for awarding severe punishments, ordered 50 lashes of severe caning . The boy seemed unperturbed while facing the Jailer Ganda Singh, notorious for his cruelty and torturing the prisoners. The boy was punished more for displaying his contempt for the magistrate than his actual crime of throwing stone at the police officer. Much to the disappointment of the Jailer, with every stroke of cane lashing and tearing his skin apart , boy continued to yell “Mahatma Gandhi ki Jai”. 

                            As the news of the youth’s bravery spread, people from all walks of life converged, to accord a hero’s welcome and the slogans of “Chandrashekhar Azad Ki Jai” reverberated the streets of Varanasi . A revolutionary , a Star, glimmer of hope,a 15 year old Sanskrit student Chandrashekhar Sitaram Tiwari , thus transformed into heroic patriot Chandrashekhar Azad . This is how, the story of one of the greatest warrior a true brave heart of Indian Independence movement came to limelight. 

                                 The year was 1918, the British Government introduced the dreaded Rowlatt Act, to suppress the growing clamor for independence. It’s aim was to suppress political agitations under the pretext of “sedition” as disenchanted people raised their voices against additional levy of taxes due to First World War. The country was up against the Rowlatt Act,  and Mahatma Gandhi led the Satyagraha which was brutally suppressed by British government. Scores of people were killed in police firing and infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in Punjab on Baisakhi day in April 1919 . The atrocious policies perpetrated by British knows no boundaries which further fueled the discontentment and unrest among masses and Azad was no exception to it.

                                 Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the non cooperation movement was launched all over India in 1921. Varanasi too was caught up in the frenzy , as students boycotted classes, and demonstrations were held . Azad being a rebellious by nature, left his studies and actively participated in it, but the Chauri Chaura incident(1922) and the abrupt suspension of Non Cooperation movement by Gandhi ji disappointed him immensely. His disillusionment with non violent movement made him believe and trudge the path of armed struggle for Indian Independence. 

                                Disillusioned with non violent movement and burning zeal to overthrow British , Azad joined Hindustan Republican Association( HRA) under revolutionary Sachindranath Sanyal. The organization was greatly influenced by the Russian Revolution in 1917 which overthrew Czar NicholasII. This organization was later renamed and reorganized by Azad and his associates like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Batukeshwar Dutta etc. as Hindustan Socialist Republican Army( HSRA) 

                                    Two daring raids carried out by HRA was the famous Kakori Case and (HRSA) assassination of two British police officers Saunders and Scott(escaped) to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai who were brutally lathi charged and mortally injured in 1928 while leading a demonstration at Lahore and thus infusing the spirit of nationalism and new lease of life in the freedom movement.

                                      On the ill fateful February 27, 1931, Azad was with his friend at Alfred Park  Allahabad, planning his next course of action when betrayed by his associate Azad was surrounded by police . Fighting against all odds and surrounded by 80 sepoys, Azad refused to surrender and resulted in gunfight . True to his name undeterred by circumstances , valiantly he fought like a cornered tiger till the end. He kept firing at the British police with his pistol, till he had just one bullet left. With no intention to surrender, he placed the pistol to his temple, and pulled the trigger.

                                    The story I recalled didn’t end here , Chandrashekhar Azad didn’t die that day , he lived in the minds and hearts of countless nationalist. His story is told and gives strength to generations thereafter. The story is a folklore inspiring patriots stimulating our nationalism, galvanizing us as one and prompting us to shed the narrow selfish beliefs and unite us as Indians. In prevailing acidic public discourse where slogans like ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’ or ‘Vande Mataram’ are mocked and makes you an outcast , it best to remember the umpteen sacrifices of martyrs who went to gallows holding their head high for the future of this nation . Never wilt under pressure or get seduced by the gimmickry of unscrupulous elements who nowadays have slowly seeped into our society , these self professed intellectuals have for long continued with their despicable agendas enticing the gullible. The nationalism or patriotism will never go outdated as long our hearts resonate to the calls of nation.

Walking With Lions - Natwar Singh

                                       Natwar Singh led an extraordinary life, starting his journey from as the junior IFS officer to the corridors of power is filled with interesting episodes where he rubbed shoulders with the eminent personalities from the world of politics, arts, cinema and even sports of 20th century . This book is a recollection of 50 articles printed before. Natwar Singh sometimes went overboard in expressing his loyalty towards Nehru- Gandhi family while showing contempt for others including Morarji Desai(an elected PM).

                                          Natwar Singh shared some funny details about Gandhi ji’s wasteful expenditure at Eiffel tower to Papua Guinea tradition. His admiration and brush with inspiring personalities like Nelson Mandela , Fiedel Castro and his personal hero, Vietnamese General Võ Nguyên Giáp was interesting to read . His reverence for Nehru family is an understatement telling in detail about numerous incidents, he fondly narrated an incident where Sonia Gandhi reminding her hosts in Russia that her family connection with Natwar Singh will consume whole evening . Some thought provoking episodes on Godman Chandraswami and Margaret Thatcher or Rajiv Gandhi’s first encounter with Nelson Mandela where he told him “Mr Mandela, when my daughter learnt that I would be meeting you, she made me promise that when I shook hands with you, I should think of her. This I am doing now." was moving.

                                        It’s a book worth reading and I recommend it for those interested to read about some very interesting and humorous tales from history (first hand account). Natwar Singh was candid at times and revealed what transpired behind high walls.

Movie Allied - Review

                                      Allied is a romantic thriller shot in the backdrop of Second World War. A story about deceit,patriotic fervor yet its about two individuals madly in love in its purest form. The story mesmerizes you and haunts you in the end when your fears come true while you actually prays against it.

                                   Brad Pitt is in his usual best and reminds me of ‘Inglorious Bastards’ is playing an Intelligence Officer of the Royal Canadian Air Force serving. He was sent on a secret mission to assassinate a German Ambassador in Casablanca where he meets his fellow French spy( French Resistance fighter) played by Marion Cottilard who assisted him on this suicide mission . As they successfully executed their mission, the circumstances and the intimacy the two shared surpassed the artificiality of their relationship into stronger bond. After marriage, Captain contended himself to the desk job but the question soon emerges, is the marriage for real or he being played by his wife as she once mentioned, to avoid being detected(as an impostor) she plays emotions with honesty and dedication .

                                      Brad Pitt did a fabulous job and Marion Cottilard looked elegant and did complete justice to her role. A fantastic movie with subtle performance captivates you till the end, a must watch.

Historical Myths Vs Truth

                                    I have often read in the articles written by “Award Wapsi” and  “Bharat Tere Tukde” gang and their sympathizers ruing about the stifling public space or in other words, intolerance towards these self appointed free thinkers gutter mouth utterances. They rue the present time when public opinion towards them is aggressive (as visible on SM) , also shrinking space in intellectual arena where they had virtual monopoly till now. These self appointed peace niks had never had fight at their hands and had majority at selected institutions to twist and reshape facts. Only now , these Fai foundation(https://www.timesofassam.com/headlines/isi-agent-ghulam-nabi-fai-managed-indian-journalists-and-intellectuals/)   scholars are being challenged with facts and the result is the rising chorus from these quarters to defame government by claiming intolerance.

                             As one gentleman recently said , he wouldn’t dare write scene mocking Islam in 70’s as he was fully aware of the consequences of  backlash and was comfortable mocking Hinduism in movie(Sholay)( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRPKIhGdyHA )  as no one will object. The gentleman and many liberals like him are pained as some elements in Hindu fraternity now object to such mockery of their beliefs and don’t subjugate to the whims and fancies of such intellectuals in the name of free expression and hence the outrage of intolerance. Can you envisage the irony, such people are organizing themselves and want freedom to unleash filth against Hinduism as before, otherwise the space of intellectual expression is getting narrow in their opinion.

                              Some of these reptiles who brazenly propagated Aryan invasion theory which after extensive scientific research is now considered defunct had a free ride up till now . Can you contemplate the viscous propaganda and resultant outrage due to such manipulative theories have created among gullible masses ? The Aryan- Dravidian myth or the Tribal being the original inheritors propaganda only created divisions among masses. These reptiles are nowadays concerned about the changes in History books. I am no History scholar but isn’t teaching about our past and researching about our past be our foremost concern and priority without any prejudices ? These fake intellectuals have more then once chided at the need to scientifically investigate River Saraswati. Their outpouring of grief on valuable money wastage on scientific investigation can be understood from the point of Hindu bashing propaganda they all are part off.

                          For long the item girls of leftists have propagated Aryan invasion theory and now have no place to hide, the same reptiles called Saraswati River a myth and scoffed at Hindu literature of past calling it nothing more than fictional stories. The excavations carried out by Archaeological Survey of India has shown positive results and on the verge of proving the truth which was for long buried under the debris piled upon by ignorance of time and leftists intellectuals. Already archaeological finds unearthed in Haryana points towards civilization where river Saraswati was mentioned in literature (Rigveda was supposedly written on banks of River Saraswati) only to the disbelief and chagrin of hatemongers.

                       British introduced reforms in education with emphasis on Western form and content completely ignoring the traditional Indian knowledge. Their objective was to create a loyal section of Indians who would effectively carry out tasks for the British. As Lord Macaulay put it, the idea was to form "a class of persons, Indians in blood and color, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect". After their departure our education system was riddled with the defunct intelligentsia hellbent upon creating disharmony and disenchantment , grudge against society.

                              History is all that has happened, not merely all the phenomena of human life, but those of the natural world as well. It includes everything that undergoes change; and as modern science has shown that there is nothing absolutely static, therefore the whole universe, and every part of it, has its history. This is why its important to search for answers (through scientific means) and be susceptible to the universal truth of change as nothing is permanent. It is evident that our leftists intellectuals who diligently subverted the truth of the land for long are miserably inadequate to renounce their falsified stories as yet.

                               The quest for knowledge is perennial, the nature of truth as being tentative and revisable with ever new discoveries and experiments .If recent excavations in Israel showed David (earlier considered mythical)entering Jerusalem through tunnel (Bible story) was true, it is only made possible through scientific research. Scrolls found at dead sea also sheds more light towards the mythical (alleged)biblical history,it was only possible through concerted efforts and perseverance. But only in India we are mocked for excavating for our past by leftist gang members, as it might shed more light upon Hinduism the one they all dread about. Leftists are the majority in selected institutions ,peddling lies is their serious service to country ,defying objectivity , facts are mischievous misinterpreted to create confusion and misconception while fiction and twisted lies are considered sacrosanct.

   Images Courtesy - Google
You can write to me at - garv560@gmail.com

New Age Activists

                            I was waiting for the election results to be declared before indulging myself into writing about the latest slugfest that’s the center of attraction to our over enthusiastic media nowadays. After Kanhaiya, a young woman named Gurmehar Kaur is hogging the limelight and has become proverbial Apple of leftists eyes, for same reason of scuttling “Freedom of speech” that made Kanhaiya infamous . What made her catapult to the celebrity status is her fathers martyrdom during Army operations 10 days after Kargil. She posted messages on social media as a martyr’s daughter, displaying courage (holding placards) and denouncing ABVP and supporting the cause of freedom to speak.

                            It was courageous of her to openly accuse one political outfit for creating ruckus in campus, but there was something amiss, as one couldn’t understand why she didn’t accuse the other political organizations for creating mayhem or is she oblivious to violence acts of leftists organizations? One isn’t sure, if she’s so naive of campus politics or purposefully pardoned leftists of violence while came harshly on right wing organization. She brilliantly used her fathers sacrifice to legitimize and draw an emotional chord with people to impeach ABVP, her credentials were tempting and thus was lapped up by Left-leaning media who turned her stint into gospel truth prevalent on campus.

                          If Gurmehar stood for free speech then it should have to be praised wholeheartedly, but claiming to be neutral while blatantly exonerating violent left wing organizations was liable to be taken to task.

                               Meantime another video of hers started circulating where she again valiantly defied the popular opinion towards arch rival Pakistan. Here , she was seen holding placard that read “Pakistan did not kill my dad, War killed him”. It was a noble gesture on  her part , where she was propagating for peace but unfortunately some twitterati started trolling her and twisted the whole episode into joke. I must say it was soar joke on part of some, to trivialize the tragic death into a standup comic strip. After watching her full video, one can say, girl stood for peace between two nations and without drawing into politics one should try and understand the human aspect of her outpouring of emotions.

                                  With increasing penetration of social media people seems to be getting restless in putting their opinions in public domain , a near stampede to bully and brandish one’s nationalism or smudging people as ‘Anti- Nationals’ or ‘Sanghi’ is actualy dwarfing the space to speak your mind without being mocked. People confronted the message of Peace, twisted facts, with backstabbing and accused her of playing to the gallery. The smearing campaign was intense and someone (allegedly) threatened her with rape which was not only ghastly but unacceptable in any civilized society. While , its true that Pakistan is the harbinger of terrorism and initiated all wars with India and it has backstabbed us on more then one occasion but isn’t peace between nuclear rivals should be our ultimate goal? Doesn’t Modi ji invited Pakistani PM for oath taking ceremony was in good faith?

                               Peaceful coexistence should be our ultimate goal, at the same time nation should always be prepared to defend against the warring enemy and willing to sacrifice whatever it needs , otherwise nation will lose not only its men and material but it’s very ‘existence’, its freedom , thus harping on to the idea of peace is factually inappropriate if the aggressor is unrelentingly pursuing to inflict irreparable damage to your nation. Peace unlike war can’t be imposed or affirmed by one side only, it takes two to tango.

                           In my opinion, Gurmehar is an intelligent girl who speaks her mind , also has lust to grab attention as many people have.The Gurmehar episode was fervently latched on to by politicians who seized the opportunity to blemish incumbent government during impeding elections for political mileage. In her zeal to target ABVP, she exposed her political affiliations and thus ruined her claims of neutrality and concerned innocent student, raising voice against injustice (alleged), people considered her act as hogwash and deliberate attempt to conceal and divert public opinion from “Bharat tere tukde” gang operational at JNU & DU . Her partisan political statements were thereafter confronted by many. Social media like any other has its limitations, if one uses it then should be prepared to face the wrath of trolls and cannot for long play the victim card.

*Photos - Courtesy Google
You can write to me at- garv560@gmail.com

The Great Indian Novel - Shashi Tharoor

                                           One of the finest book, a satire on political class and their selfish propagandas , insecurities and jealousies that shape the destiny of nation. This book is a wonderful piece of fiction written by Shashi Tharoor. “The Great Indian Novel” is a political satire, ingeniously interweaving the mythological characters from epic “Mahaharata” into political players covering time span of independent struggle of country to degenerative politics till 1980’s. Skillful narration of recognizable events in freedom struggle of India keeping mythological characters of Mahabharata at centerpieces is extraordinarily brilliant.

                                         The book re-interprets “Mahaharata” and cleverly moulds the characters into the prime events and characters of 20th century political class. In a way , author was ingenious to choose the epic, as Mahabharata, is perhaps the first and the most bitter account of power struggle that culminated in a catastrophic avoidable war.

                                        This book has two parts with first devoted to the Indian freedom struggle and second towards the dreams of independent nation and slow degradation of politics. This book comprises of 18 books(chapters), symbolizing, war of Mahabharata, which was fought for 18 days. The first part deals with the insecurities and lust of power that eventually divided the country on sectarian basis and contempt of basic human values that was binding us for centuries till independence . The clumsy power struggle that plagued this nation leading to bloodshed and division. The second part showcases the games planned and executed to grab and latch on to power right after gaining independence till 80’s. The nepotism and narcissism of policy makers.

                                           In the end, author dwelled and raised a point whether the hallowed principles(non violence of Gandhi and non alignment of Nehru) of our leaders had any relevance in real world or were just futile exercises by our narcissist leaders .The protagonists were later seen embracing each other in heaven under the righteous Yudhishtir drawing conclusion that “Dharma” is paramount and practicing life without Dharma is despicable.

                                          Its a beautifully crafted book, a masterpiece full of sarcasm and humor(sometimes crude) but nonetheless a must read by all means.

                               Readers can share their opinions with me at- garv560@gmail.com