War Cry For Reforms

                                         Recent news about India jumping in 'Ease of doing business' from 130th to 100th position is appreciated by followers and drew flak from the opponents  depending upon affiliations. While the hoopla around this is uncalled for and is hilarious. Does anyone notice how poorly we are placed in index which portrays our true smudged picture to the world and how frantically we celebrate trivial achievements? We seems to be fully content with mediocrity. As long as our rate race with feeble accomplishments are matter of joy for us, the crux of the problem will never be debated and weeded out from system which in the first place is dysfunctional and is crying for overhauling.

                                          All political parties are in habit of promising and distributing freebies to win elections. Freebies promised by political parties in their election manifestos shake the roots of free and fair polls, disturb the level playing field among players contesting the polls and vitiates the election process. The truth is, it is an open invitation of bribe to a section of electorate and the bills gathered lands at the doorsteps of exchequer to be paid from the revenues collected from honest tax-payers. From freebies like distributing laptops, TVs, grinders and mixers, electric fans to free electricity and loan waiver schemes are nothing short of fleecing of hard earned taxpayers money for political gains of individuals with shameless brazen display of gimmickry.

                                         All political parties are indulged in pulling out such public stunts without concern about repercussions. In a vast country like ours with population comprising of sixth of the world, our political class is corrupting the section of society with freebies. The outlook of politicians is getting narrower by the day with more emphasis given on winning next election thus lacking broad national outlook. This emerging trend is alarming as bribe is often paid with ulterior objective in mind and with politicians, its the guaranteed ticket to riches as numerous scams plundering the wealth and reputation of country testifies .

                                               Most of the ills in the society arise from corruption in the government . Earlier this corruption was confined to petty officials, although Jeep scam in 1948 corroborated politicians had corruption skills from partition itself, but with time, corruption has reached  monstrous proportions as our economy and society matured. It has now spread to the every echelon of civil society and the political leadership. This has greatly reduced or compromised the governments ability to control corruption. In my opinion an important factor in unending growth of corruption is centered around our election process. It is therefore, not possible to curb corruption in India as long as the electoral and the political system of country depend on illicit funds from dubious sources . It seems sometimes that elected representatives have no other alternate path but to indulge and support corruption.

                                             The constitution of India considers all Indians as equal and the rule of law shall prevail on everyone equally, but the politicians often acts arbitrarily . Many times it gives the sense that the political leadership is above the rest of the citizens. It reminds me of the 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell (quote that) “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”  Nepotism among political class leads to irrational decisions, often taken without reasoning, thus jeopardizing the whole system . Even Judiciary is not immune today from clutches of corruption and all the reform measures to correct the wrong in judicial process face the roadblock . The Reform process pending to overhaul the judicial system itself is  moving at snail's pace, making the mockery of the whole process. There are vested interest and people, well entrenched at the highest possible positions who reaped benefits from prevalent flawed system and hold tremendous influence over different arms of government .They are allergic to change as harping on to scandalous system is beneficial.

                                         Incumbent govt has started the reform process, some structural reforms are implemented but fact of the matter is these are too little to transform India. The two major problems confronting India are explosive population growth and corruption and both are intertwined. While refraining myself from commenting on social issues, i have focused on one major issue that fosters corruption.  Periodical upsurge of resentment among masses to weed out corruption has gained limited success. We need comprehensive political, electoral, judicial and administrative reforms to confront the menace of corruption . 

Movie - The Man With The Iron Heart

                                               Movie is a historical war drama based on events on the life of Reinhard Heydrich during World War II , from his disgraceful Court martial to his rise to power and his assassination . It's about a man, who Hitler himself described as "Man with the Iron Heart" .The movie in the first half portrays the working mindset of the SS as a spine-chilling murder machine, right from the foot soldiers till the top, Reinhard Heydrich himself. Watching the movie, one gets the impression that  someone shot two separate movies, first half is Heydrich's biography, second being action thriller about his assassination. In his attempt to look unique (as everyone is aware of the story) and different from 'the movie Anthropoid (2016)' director has tried his best to dwell in personal life of Heydrich and in the process many important events are left out (war time atrocities) or shown through short collages with voice-over and music playing and one gets sense of haste and incompleteness .

                                   The assassination scene of Reinhard Heydrich by Czechoslovak paratroopers in Prague is fascinating and is similar to Anthropoid which i believe was short better. Jason Clarke and Rosamund Pike gave powerful performances and did justice to their characters. It's a watchable movie but if you have watched 'Anthropoid' you won't appreciate the second part of this movie. The famous Church battle is touching and overwhelmes you with emotions. and reminds me of poem-

                                         "And how can man die better, Than facing fearful odds,
                                            For the ashes of his fathers,And the temples of his Gods."

"Hanuman Chalisa"

"Hanuman Chalisa" is a devotional hymn dedicated to Hanuman ji who is a devotee of Lord Ram. This hymn has forty verses, describing the qualities of Lord Hanuman, and is recited with belief that the same qualities are imbibed in our character. I have been reciting the hymn since childhood and is trying here to translate the "Hanuman Chalisa" in English.

1.  श्री गुरु चरण सरोज रज निज मन मुकुरु सुधारी, बरनौ रघुवर बिमल जसु जो दायकु फल चारी

By touching the lotus feet of the Guru (Lord Ram), I cleanse my mind, as glorying Lord Ram fetches me the four spiritual fruits: Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksa.

2.  बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके सुमिरो पवन कुमार, बल बुद्धि विद्या देहु मोहि हरहु कलेश विकार

 I acknowledge that i lack intelligence and so, humbly request you Lord Hanuman, the son of Vayu to give me strength, intelligence and knowledge and remove all ailments, impurities and sorrow from my life.

3.  जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुण सागर, जय कपीस तिहु लोक उजागर

 The ocean of knowledge and virtues, i hail to you Hanuman ji who is supreme and enlightens the three worlds with his qualities.

4.  राम धूत अतुलित बल धामा, अंजनी पुत्र पवन सुत नामा

The son of Anjana and Pavan, Hanuman ji,  you are the trusted messenger of Lord Ram and are the abode of unparalleled strength.

5.  महावीर विक्रम बजरंगी, कुमति निवार सुमति के संघी

Hanuman ji who's the epitome of valor and destroyer of darkness is a companion of those with pure thought.

6.  कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा , कानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा 

 Hanuman ji looks handsome with golden shiny skin and wear Kundalas (ear rings) .

7.  हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै ,काँधे मूँज जनेऊ साजै

Hanuman ji carries the Vajra and the flag in hands and the sacred thread 'Janehu' adorns his shoulder.

8.  शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन, तेज प्रताप महा जग वंदन

Hanuman ji son(incarnation) of Lord Shiva, your aura illuminates across the whole world.

9.  विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर, राम काज करिबे को आतुर

 Knowledgeable, virtuous and clever you are ever eager to perform tasks assigned by Lord Ram.

10.  प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया, राम लखन सीता मन बसिया

 You take delight in listening to the stories of Lord Ram, Ram, Lakshman and Sita thus reside in your mind.

11.   सूक्ष्म रूप धरी सियहिं दिखावा, बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा 

 While appearing before Sita ji  in the Ashok Vatika, you took a small form but then assumed a monstrous form when burning Lanka.

12.   भीम रूप धरी असुर संघारे, राम चन्द्र के काज सवारें

With your overwhelming power you decimated the demons, you carried out all tasks assigned by Lord Ram.

13.  लाय सँजीवनि लखन जियाए, श्रीरघुबीर हरषि उर लाए

You brought the Sanjivini and saved the life of Lakshman making Lord Ram immensely happy.

14.   रघुपति कीन्हीं बहुत बड़ाई, तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई

 Praising your work in jubilation, Lord Ram said 'You are dear to me like my own brother Bharat' .

15.   सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावैं, अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं

 Saying that thousands of people will sing your praises, Lord Ram embraced Hanuman ji again. 

16.  सनकादिक ब्रह्मादी मुनीसा, नारद सरद सहित अहीसा

Neither the great sages nor Devtas will find enough words to admire your glory.

17.  जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँ ते, कबी कोबिद कहि सकैं कहाँ ते 

When even Yama, Kuber and the deputies guarding four corners of the Universe are unable to do justice to your infinite glory, how does a mere poet with limitations like me can ?

18.  तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा, राम मिलाय राजपद दीन्हा

 You rendered a great service to Sugriva by making him meet with Lord Ram and thus conferred him the throne.

19.  तुम्हरो मंत्र विभीषण माना, लंकेश्वर भए सब जग जाना

Vibhisana followed your advice and succeeded in becoming the King of Lanka, the whole world knows this.

20.  जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानू, लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू

  As a child, Hanuman ji, you raced to the Sun (153,600,000 km from the Earth), assuming it to be a sweet fruit you swallowed it .

21.  प्रभु मुद्रिका मेली मुख माहि, जल्दी लाँघि गये अचरज नाहीं

Carrying  the ring given by Lord Ram in your mouth,  there is no wonder that you easily leapt across a huge sea.

22.  दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते, सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते

 All the unattainable tasks in the world becomes easily attainable with your grace.

23.  राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे, होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे

You are the doorkeeper of Shri Ram's divine abode, and no one can enter there without your permission.

24.  सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना, तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना

All the comforts of the world lie at your feet. When you are there, why should I be afraid of ?

25.  आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै, तीनौं लोक हाँक ते काँपे

 Once you remember your tremendous power,  the three worlds tremble with fear witnessing your strength.

26.  भूत पिशाश निकट नहीं आवे, महावीर जब नाम सुनावे

 Evil spirits and ghosts do not dare come near those who recite the name of Hanuman ji.

27.  नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा, जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा

Recitation of Hanuman ji's name cures all ailments and removes all sufferings.

28.  संकट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै, मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै

Hanuman ji is the savior of those who truly remembers him in his thoughts and through compassionate deeds.

29.  सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा, तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा

Lord Ram is the most benevolent and all those who worship him finds their difficult task executed easily.

30.  और मनोरथ जो कोई लावे, सोई अमित जीवन फल पावे

And whoever comes to you with any wish, that wish is fulfilled with your blessings.

31.  चारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा, है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा

 In all the four great Yugas your glory hasn't diminished and has illuminated the whole world.

32.   साधु संत के तुम रखवारे, असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे

You are the protector of Sadhus and Sages, destroyer of demons and very dear to Lord Ram.

33.   अष्ट सिद्धि नव निधि के दाता, अस बर दीन्ह जानकी माता

  You are the bestower of eight Siddhis a boon gifted to you by Mother Janki

34.   राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा, सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा

You possess devotional treasure of Lord Ram and will forever remain the most dedicated disciple of Lord Ram.

35.   तुम्हरे भजन राम को पांवे, जनम जनम के दुःख बिसरावे

 Reciting your name by individual gets Lord Ram's blessings thus obviating sufferings of ages.

36.  अंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई, जहाँ जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई

 If at the time of death one remembers Lord Ram, he takes birth as a disciple of Lord Ram .

37.  और देवता चित्त न धरई, हनुमत सेइ सर्व सुख करई

Anyone praying to Lord Hanuman get his blessings and wishes fulfilled.

38.   संकट कटे मिटे सब पीरा, जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा

 One is relieved from all the sufferings and misfortune when one remembers Lord Hanuman.

39.  जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं, कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाई

O Lord  Hanuman, bless me in your capacity as the supreme guru and accept me as your disciple.

40.  जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई, छूटहि बंधी महा सुख होयी

  One who recites the "Hanuman Chalisa" one hundred times, becomes free from the bondage of life and death and enjoys the eternal bliss.

41.   जो यह पढ़े हनुमान चालीसा, होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा

One who reads this "Hanuman Chalisa" attains spiritual glory.

42.  तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा, कीजै नाथ हृदय महँ डेरा

 Tulsidas considers himself as a disciple of Lord Hanuman wishes to enshrine Lord Ram permanently in his heart.

Image Courtesy: Google

The Indian Renaissance: India's Rise After a Thousand Years of Decline by Sanjeev Sanyal

                                        What fossilization of ideas and false pride, culminating in closed approach towards innovations and newer ideas can do to society and country as a whole, this book tries to explain in detail. From taking into consequence the thread interlinking decline of Indian civilization with the decline of Sanskrit language is truly superb. I only wish the author might have dwelled bit more and had outlined the slump in our society due to increasing grip of Caste system which became intense after Gupta era, but then author has the liberty. The closed door approach towards fresh ideas resulted in the defeat and plunder of wealth and subjugation to barbarians was thought provoking. It is equally interesting to note that the barbarians successfully ruled India when there religious fervor has long past its prime and their influence was in decline. English too succeeded in overpowering impediments, using better technology.  The Author has tried to prove the inevitable message that 'Change is constant' and society that embraces change flourishes .

                                      Author mentioned two important dates in Indian history. Year 1947 is when we became politically independent and equally important 1991, when our politicians shed their inhibitions and under immense pressure from aspirations of burgeoning middle class and economic upheavel, embraced economic independence.This book is about journey of India from DD transmission and landline telephony to present day IT , cable , mobile revolution. A major paradigm shift in the overall attitude of Indians that is visible on global scenario, where top notch MNC's are efficiently governed by Indians. The author cited many examples to further his point that readiness to adapt better technology , innovative themes transforms society and country for better, it enriches us.

                                   Fascinating book where the author has tried to interlink different domains of economy, technology, environment, culture and politics and its impact on country. He takes you on a journey through different phases of Indian struggle from pre-independence era to 2008 and tries to optimistically reason that we mustn't abandon to reform our system initiated in 1991 and hopes that new dawn will set in if the reform process is not stalled. A must read book for book lovers.