Mission R&AW by R.K. Yadav (Review)

                                  This is the first book that I have come across, on India's external Intelligence Agency the 'RAW'. ‘Mission R&AW’ is written by a former RAW operative R K Yadav, is a first hand account, however, without much explicit details and sometimes entirely based on hearsay. It is an interesting book though, covering a wide historical, Geo-political events that shaped independent India. Right from its inception, the agency participated in events after independence, to some of the most challenging times that the country faced, RAW was at the forefront defending Indian interests. The book dwells on the major accomplishments and debacles of agency in explosive details, though its only based on authors narrative, without much evidence to corroborate.

                               Display of exceptional maneuvering by RAW to hoodwink China, resulting in merger of Sikkim was unprecedented. Similarly, perfect execution of plan to liberate Bangladesh from Pakistan was another feather in RAW's hat. Author also exonerated RAW from colossal failures of 1962 Indo-China war and 1965 Indo-Pak war by attributing it on army administration, to not taking the threats seriously. The recent case of RAW Joint Secretary Rabinder Singh, where  intelligence agency was blindsided by CIA was also mentioned.

                                 According to author, RAW has been the pioneering agency in the game of deception for decades, but lately been infested with greedy, unscrupulous elements against whom it has to guard itself. I would highly recommend this book, for readers interested in understanding functioning of spy agencies, covert operations undertaken by them to safeguard our country's interest

Image courtesy - Google
.

Johnny English Strikes Again (Review)

                              Johnny English Strikes Again is an action/comedy, starring Rowan Atkinson, Olga Kurylenko and Ben Miller. Johnny English is a retired spy that is called out of retirement by the British secret service to investigate a cyber attack that revealed the identities of all the British secret agents. This being the third in the franchise, was a big disappointment for me, as it felt like watching an old Johnny English movie, with same predictable script, usual silly pranks that one can foretell .

                         Rowan Atkinson comedy is well known and his actions can be anticipated making the comedy outdated, maybe, it is pitched at kids rather than adults.This formula has worked in the earlier versions, but watching it the third time, definitely wasn't a charm. Olga Kurylenko was a lost soul, her performance can be rated as mediocre at best. The   misadventure of Johnny English, his tirade to punish bad guys wasn't my cup of tea, the movie can be missed.

The Past As Present: Forging Contemporary Identities Through History

                              This book is a collection of short essays written by Romila Thapar over a period of 40 years on topics ranging from - history, communal interpretations of Indian history and its use in political aspirations, caste and class division. Earlier too, i have written about Romila Thapar books, the peculiar way she insinuates 'Hinduism',  her idea of secularism, her favorite Aryan Dravidian divide(fiction she propagated) and subsequent persecution of communities on racial, religious basis in India. One must not be baffled by her implicit quality of unraveling fanaticism, where nothing exist. She has this distinctive ability, taste and talent to paint and transform victims, as bloodthirsty villains of history. Lopsided it is, but she forcefully and adamantly pursues her analysis while ferociously muzzles her critics by branding and belittling their work as influenced by right wing, without venturing into the merit. Doesn't scientific knowledge's first condition is to be not dogmatic and consider and evaluate every theory on its merit? But in Indian History 'some people' are beyond scrutiny and their uttering must be considered halo or biblical truth by lesser mortals.

                              In this book Romila Thapar has investigated, analyzed and interpreted the history that in her opinion is being reconstructed and distorted by the Neo-Hindu historians influenced and driven by chauvinistic politics of faith today. The central issue of understanding history and its prudent interpretation are caught up in the cross-hairs of Nationalist historians vs Marxist hagiography. Like all victors, the left-leaning historians had a field day till now, and they have shamelessly gone on rampage distorting facts, creating myths undermining Indian culture, religion and values. The unleashing of colonial mindset has done great disservice to our history.

                           After winds of change being witnessed in democratic setup of our nation, the academic honchos notorious for their views are facing unprecedented headwinds and this book is a reflection of it. There were numerous views and opinions gagged from academic circles till now, and are being heard now and that's where the trouble lies. This book is a ludicrous attempt to defend her views on many controversial topics with some repetitive and equivocal writing.

Feast Of Love(Review)

                                     Even for a die-hard optimist like me, the movie left more questions then it answered. In the end, the idea behind the story remains hazy with obscure definition of love. Though it started on a promising note, but somehow confused infidelity with love in the middle, even tried justifying it and finally the story became a little confusing. Though one can not stop from admiring the dialogues(at places) which are beautifully sewed to appropriate scenes making it a joyful experience.

                                     The theme of the movie 'that either love being a trick which is played on us, or it is everything and nothing can compare to it' resonates in mind which is creatively linked to the introductory story telling by Morgan Freeman (Grecian myth about the gods who created love because they were bored, and then created laughter "so they could stand it."). Morgan Freeman as Harry Stevenson and Greg Kinnear as Bradley Thomas did justice to their characters and are impressive.The movie is watchable but only, if one can stand strong nudity content and mediocre attempt to explain different love situations.