After Life Ke Side Effects

                                           The concept of afterlife in divergent forms is prevalent in almost all religions. The soul's existence, reincarnation dogma, reward and punishment of oneself depending upon the conduct during lifetime isn't unique theory confined to one religion, but is propagated across every religion with minor modifications with its centrality intact. Depending upon ones orientation towards religion person becomes perplexed, astonished or in some cases intimidated. From Egyptian pyramids to decorating the dead in Indus Valley Civilization or Terracotta Army of China to weird religious ceremonies for dead in present day Madagascar all stand testimony to the unending belief of life after death.

                                      It is this belief and fear of unknown which is exploited uttermost by religious bigots by playing with the minds of vulnerable . Numerous social evils in Hindu society have continued for centuries as fear of punishment after life looms overhead making masses submissive and complying. During medieval age the Christian citizenry was enticed of rewards afterlife by theologists, and simple greed of annexing large swaths of land was usurped in the name of crusades. It is this fear of reprisals by bigots and fear of punishment in afterlife that prevented from publishing Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543), a contemporary of Martin Luther, to assert his theory(De revolutionibus) that the planets, including the earth, rotate around the sun till his death ,rather then the theory propagated by Church where earth was a sinful place and the heavy burden of sin made it immobile.

                                   Basically most evils in religions around the world cannot survive without fear of repercussions in afterlife. Afterlife emoluments actually plays a vital role in transforming a perfect rational individual into a manic. The world might have succeeded and progressed technologically, but hasn't yet succeeded in allaying the fear of punishment after death among masses. Rational thinking and courage to accept and reform religion is paramount, for religion to play constructive role in society.

                                  Carefully analyzing, make us realize, its religion which refuse to accept the renaissance and weed out violence, by reinventing itself, is the crust of the problem starring mankind today. Much of the violence perpetuate today is the handiwork of religious bigots. The unending cycle of violence in middle east with seemingly ceaseless supply of zoombies have created havoc there. Refusing to reform and taking every word written in a book without rethinking as gospel truth is plaguing Islamic world. The erroneous thought of transcending one religion over others and motivating followers with afterlife rewards is the nucleus of the problem. Its time Islamic civil society should rise from slumber and preach reform and tolerance towards fellow religionists and stem the wrath of violence.

                                The social and religious reformers with support from civil society coupled with laws enforcement, has successfully waned some evils in Hinduism and made it tolerant towards coreligionists and towards other regions. The same transformation is witnessed in Western society. Only after embracing Renaissance, the upheavals of dark ages were overcome and emphasis on science and social ,cultural revolutions converted it into free thinking, democratic,tolerant societies of modern world. The need of the hour today for every religion is to reinvent itself with respect towards human rights as central theme. 

                            The onus to reform is an unending process with efforts from all stakeholders for vibrant, plural society where human dignity is respected and violators should be subdued with impunity.

The Tryst Betrayed: Reflections On Diplomacy And Development

                                          In this book Retired Indian foreign secretary Jagat Singh Mehta takes back readers on zigzag journey of his carrier and his life which started on the day after India’s independence. It definitely was the most exciting part of Indian diplomacy when the country faced unforeseen challenges. The writer was overwhelmed by the decision making spontaneous ability of Nehru ji but had vividly elaborated upon the limits of our iconic leader.

                                        Although book reveals the haphazard decision making and preconceived notions of policy makers which is interesting to read at times , the book becomes boring in the middle and tempts one to skip these middle pages. In the end this book unfortunately is more about authors self glorification , not worth recommending to others, this book is certainly avoidable .

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.