As an educated citizen who has great faith in the constitution of this land, I used to be a little bit extra vociferous about the maintenance of the rule of law in my state Kerala until I had a direct experience the other day about how the whole thing is being run. I used to argue that things are either blown out of proportion, or portrayed with some malicious intention whenever something bad about the maintenance of the rule of law appeared in the media or came up for discussion in public forums. But to know how politicized the whole system is, and how irresponsible matters are dealt with when a common man seeks assistance for the maintenance of rule of law, I had to get a direct experience with the local police itself.
It all started a week ago when my aged mother, accompanied by my brother in law and his 5 year old daughter, went to a nearby temple where the annual festival was going on. One drunken man tried to block their way and almost strangled my brother in law, and shouted obscene words. Even though my mother, seasoned by her age, and my brother in law because of his pragmatism ignored the incident as a normal altercation, I persuaded my brother in law to tell about the incident at least to the police party who was standing nearby. The drunken man was summoned by the sub-inspector who was on duty there, but without even a feeble warning he was set free as if nothing had happened. When I hinted that we had a valid complaint against him, he just nodded and mumbled something. However, I asked my brother in law to write a complaint to the sub inspector and give it to the police station itself.
Within a couple of days I realized that such a complaint would never deliver the results we had intended. But as a man who had immense faith in the police system in our ‘God’s Own Country,’ I got another neatly typed complaint of my mother and gave it to the deputy superintendent of police himself. The officials there assured me that such a complaint would never go in vain and the case would be dealt with utmost care and urgency. I was also relieved that justice would be done finally. But almost a week has passed since my mother has lodged that complaint, and nothing good has happened so far, except that a new realization that the maintenance of rule of law fails to deliver when it comes to common citizens like my mother and brother in law.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Chinese Crack Down In Tibet: No Human Right’s Violation?
Authoritarian regimes may differ in ideology and perception, but in effect they are almost the same everywhere. The crack down on the Tibetan protestors by the Chinese government provides ample evidence to the fact that the modus operandi of even (?) a communist ideology led government cannot differ much. From China’s point of view, it can be debated that they are not supposed to tolerate something like a rebellion of Tibetans for self rule on the very eve of the greatest sports event in the world that the country is host. Untimely for the Chinese mandarins only, because there could never be a ripe time like this to raise the Tibetan issue that has been smoldering for over 6 decades and attract international sympathy for the problem. It has been just sour grapes for the Tibetans, and their spiritual leader in exile all these years since China occupied their country, and you cannot expect things to be comfy and regal in Chinese occupied Tibet on account of the Beijing Olympics.
But my question now is: where are the champions of human rights here in India? They have been shouting slogans for the Palestinians, Saddam, Mandela, Gujarat victims, Madani, and a lot others, but not a single voice in favor of those hapless Tibetans. This is where politics comes in, because the protestors’ real concern is votes and not human rights as at least some people may believe.
Ask any activist why is it that the Chinese crackdown in Lhasa is something that will not come under the list of human rights violations that they preach and profess; he/she would certainly admonish you not to interfere in the sovereignty of another country!! Sovereignty, no doubt China enjoys fully in its territory; but will that apply in an occupied land like Tibet and its people in exile? We are smart champions of human rights violations elsewhere in the world if only they could help fan some sentiments here and could be traded against votes. But is it so bad if we start thinking a little more human for those Tibetans?
But my question now is: where are the champions of human rights here in India? They have been shouting slogans for the Palestinians, Saddam, Mandela, Gujarat victims, Madani, and a lot others, but not a single voice in favor of those hapless Tibetans. This is where politics comes in, because the protestors’ real concern is votes and not human rights as at least some people may believe.
Ask any activist why is it that the Chinese crackdown in Lhasa is something that will not come under the list of human rights violations that they preach and profess; he/she would certainly admonish you not to interfere in the sovereignty of another country!! Sovereignty, no doubt China enjoys fully in its territory; but will that apply in an occupied land like Tibet and its people in exile? We are smart champions of human rights violations elsewhere in the world if only they could help fan some sentiments here and could be traded against votes. But is it so bad if we start thinking a little more human for those Tibetans?
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Some Reminiscences of Aluva Sivarathri
Yesterday evening as I was getting bored staying home the whole day, I decided to go to Sivarathri Manappuram on the banks of Aluva Puzha(Periyar) where a great fair in connection with Maha Sivarathri was going on. Since my childhood days, as it has been ever since my parent’s and grand parent’s also, Sivarathri time used to be looked upon as a great event - the elements of spirituality, recreation, and merchandise beautifully woven together. One may, at times, find it difficult to draw a clear demarcating line between any of these elements.
Every year, around half a million people assemble there on Maha Sivarathri night, pay libations to their ancestors, make a round of the trade fare going on there, buy something and leave. The giant wheel at Manappuram used to shoot up the adrenaline level of people like anything. I am not sure if the younger generation feels the same now a days because the excitement is far greater in the amusement parks near and around. However, such options weren’t even heard of those days and it is certain that people used to enjoy the wallet suiting merchandise here any how.
There must be something that brings people year after year to a place that would lie almost deserted during the rest of the year. Of course, people come here to perform the last rites of their dear and near. But this much crowd on a single day is something few other places in Kerala can boast of. It is a great wonder that in spite of the well oiled machinery and propaganda of a cadre based political party like the CPM, not more than a few ten thousands of people come for a district meeting at the same place. I was witness to the recently concluded district public meeting of that party and I was amazed to find that less than a quarter area of Manappuram was sufficient to contain the crowd!
By the time I reached Manappuram yesterday, the Sivarathri rush has subsided, but it was brisk business at the stalls there. I decided not to go farther than the book stalls and propaganda stalls erected by various spiritual organizations. Sivarathri celebrations come only once in a year; so why shouldn’t you splurge a little on those days?
Every year, around half a million people assemble there on Maha Sivarathri night, pay libations to their ancestors, make a round of the trade fare going on there, buy something and leave. The giant wheel at Manappuram used to shoot up the adrenaline level of people like anything. I am not sure if the younger generation feels the same now a days because the excitement is far greater in the amusement parks near and around. However, such options weren’t even heard of those days and it is certain that people used to enjoy the wallet suiting merchandise here any how.
There must be something that brings people year after year to a place that would lie almost deserted during the rest of the year. Of course, people come here to perform the last rites of their dear and near. But this much crowd on a single day is something few other places in Kerala can boast of. It is a great wonder that in spite of the well oiled machinery and propaganda of a cadre based political party like the CPM, not more than a few ten thousands of people come for a district meeting at the same place. I was witness to the recently concluded district public meeting of that party and I was amazed to find that less than a quarter area of Manappuram was sufficient to contain the crowd!
By the time I reached Manappuram yesterday, the Sivarathri rush has subsided, but it was brisk business at the stalls there. I decided not to go farther than the book stalls and propaganda stalls erected by various spiritual organizations. Sivarathri celebrations come only once in a year; so why shouldn’t you splurge a little on those days?
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
'Oridathoru Puzhayundu': Dear Director, Just Grin And Bear This
Environmentalism has always been a hot subject for debate in Kerala; but only a microscopic minority are that serious when it comes to real action. Scathing attacks on the perils caused to nature in the name of industrialization and development is nothing new in the media, and an average Keralite is used to such blabbering(the left is right, and the right is wrong) on TV and other media including films. I have seen the turbaned, bearded former CPM supremo admonishing the state government on various matters including environmental protection sipping Pepsi cola, and that too at a press conference, and when a junior press person hesitatingly hinted about it, he was gestured to sit down. But it is not politics that I am writing here; so nothing more about it.
What prompted me write this is a film “ Oridathoru Puzhayundu” by a debutant director, Kalavoor Ravikumar. One of my close friends, Venu has done a lead role in the film, which harps on the urgency to protect environment from more devastation. The director has attempted to convey a message, but seems to have failed miserably to deliver home the point; may be his inexperience acted as a barrier to communicate well. The first impression I got was that he's got a finger in every pie, because he tried to do something just off the top of his head.
The level headed wife ( well done by Meera Jasmin's sister Jeni), and her husband ( my friend Venu did this role) who has got rock in his heads ( his wife's view point) is a nauseating cliché in Malayalam films and could have been avoided. Some scenes testify the influence of 'Kazhcha,' a popular film by Blessi (Don't think someone will get a lump in their throat seeing such scenes). Venu has performed well, except his facial expressions in the last scene. (please don't say to watch my mouth).
The talented little girl who played the role of Sumangala seems to be comfortable with the nuances of the art, and other children too did their best. As a novice, Kalavoor Ravikumar is well within his right to expect viewers build a fire under him. So, dear young director, just grin and bear it..
What prompted me write this is a film “ Oridathoru Puzhayundu” by a debutant director, Kalavoor Ravikumar. One of my close friends, Venu has done a lead role in the film, which harps on the urgency to protect environment from more devastation. The director has attempted to convey a message, but seems to have failed miserably to deliver home the point; may be his inexperience acted as a barrier to communicate well. The first impression I got was that he's got a finger in every pie, because he tried to do something just off the top of his head.
The level headed wife ( well done by Meera Jasmin's sister Jeni), and her husband ( my friend Venu did this role) who has got rock in his heads ( his wife's view point) is a nauseating cliché in Malayalam films and could have been avoided. Some scenes testify the influence of 'Kazhcha,' a popular film by Blessi (Don't think someone will get a lump in their throat seeing such scenes). Venu has performed well, except his facial expressions in the last scene. (please don't say to watch my mouth).
The talented little girl who played the role of Sumangala seems to be comfortable with the nuances of the art, and other children too did their best. As a novice, Kalavoor Ravikumar is well within his right to expect viewers build a fire under him. So, dear young director, just grin and bear it..
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Post Monsoon Spiritual Jamborees
Monsoons having subsided, and there will be only a very brief stint of evening thunder showers due to the retreating winds in October-November, it's great time for spiritual gatherings and jamborees in Kerala. Whoever named Kerala 'God's own country' may not be aware of the fact that during certain months, so many Gods get spruced up across the state.
I wonder if a small state like ours could accommodate so many such divine Personnel(Blasphemy??). I am not speaking of temple festivals, which have an active participation of the general masses, and are more or less based on customs and conventions of the locality. In temples too, rapid commercialization is going on, and the aggressive ad campaigns initiated by some temple authorities vouch for the fact.
Our urban elite needs something more sophisticated, something more urbane, and the new trend is discourses on the Geetha, for 7 -10 days. Like a coffee club party, some people gather, and decide to do something to disseminate the message of the Geetha, and the rest progresses as usual, like any other fund raising program anywhere in the state. These very people, who by temperament never need to be near the message of the Geetha, look upon the opportunity as a forum for socializing.
One Chartered Accountant( he is the de-facto head of anything spiritual in my home town; someone there to question his birth right?), a couple of retired technocrats, a score of middle level technicians, and several bank, insurance, and government clerks (some even flaunt as officers – poor guys!!1), and some advocates (most of them have nothing to do at bar) make a wonderful recipe of a 'spiritual pot pouri committee.' I had witnessed one such group making a request to self introduce, when the real message of the Geetha is to realize self! Without realizing self, how can we introduce ourselves is never a question that disturbs such groups.
I wonder if a small state like ours could accommodate so many such divine Personnel(Blasphemy??). I am not speaking of temple festivals, which have an active participation of the general masses, and are more or less based on customs and conventions of the locality. In temples too, rapid commercialization is going on, and the aggressive ad campaigns initiated by some temple authorities vouch for the fact.
Our urban elite needs something more sophisticated, something more urbane, and the new trend is discourses on the Geetha, for 7 -10 days. Like a coffee club party, some people gather, and decide to do something to disseminate the message of the Geetha, and the rest progresses as usual, like any other fund raising program anywhere in the state. These very people, who by temperament never need to be near the message of the Geetha, look upon the opportunity as a forum for socializing.
One Chartered Accountant( he is the de-facto head of anything spiritual in my home town; someone there to question his birth right?), a couple of retired technocrats, a score of middle level technicians, and several bank, insurance, and government clerks (some even flaunt as officers – poor guys!!1), and some advocates (most of them have nothing to do at bar) make a wonderful recipe of a 'spiritual pot pouri committee.' I had witnessed one such group making a request to self introduce, when the real message of the Geetha is to realize self! Without realizing self, how can we introduce ourselves is never a question that disturbs such groups.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Call Rahul; Save India
Fascism or family rule? It may look an absurd question when put directly. What has fascism got to do with family rule, and when neither of the two possibilities are looming over Indian polity currently, you may tend to ignore such a question. But if you appraise the current political developments in Delhi over the India-U.S nuclear deal with a nose for something more than the usual, you could feel that things are being led to such a situation that soon our electorate will have to decide that a very special family is better than fascism! An average citizen may be still ambiguous if such an option would ever come before him, because in a multiple party polity, a handful of self-styled leaders rule the roost in all post-election arrangements. They state numerous reasons for it, and finally set conventions like outside support, jumbo cabinets, and many more.
For almost one month now, to be more exactly, ever since Manmohan Singh, our beloved Prime Minister, but a feeble person lashed out against the left for opposing the nuclear deal, there has been talk that the left would withdraw support to the minority Congress government at the center anytime. It was the first time our Prime Minister has been speaking like a person in authority, and the message was, if the left knew 'how to bite,' let them do it. May be it was a new found ally in Mayavathi's Bahujan Samaj Party, dissidence in the BJP, and the general mood ( don't know how far opinion polls can be relied on) across the country in favor of a Congress led government that permitted Manmohan Singh (Words are put into his mouth) to open up. Then came Ram Sethu controversy, first in the Congress itself, and later carried forward by the Tamil Nadu veteran Karunanidhi very colorfully. It's now elated mood in the BJP, and the congress too is not showing signs of reconciliation as the left might have expected. The latest development is, Sonia too has come openly against the left for its stand against the Nuclear deal, and has even described the left as 'elements opposing India's progress.' Now that the left seems to be in the defensive can be read from Bardhan's words that the Congress is 'imposing an election!'
So Sonia's congress bought time remaining at the helm of the affairs, to re-organize her party, to pop up her son to key positions, and find new allies across the fronts - all at the cost of the left who told people that fascism was the major threat, and congress is better. They made people forget those 2 years of emergency rule by a power craving lady, bearing the legacy of a great family, when everything about civil rights were suspended, and none of the left could do anything to prevent it. If India has anything of a taste of fascism, it was emergency, and that too for protecting a family rule. 'Call Indira; Save India,' and 'India is Indira' reverberated across the country then, and as dead persons cannot rise up from their graves, a reasonable as well as the most effective logic would be to 'call Rahul, and save India.'
For almost one month now, to be more exactly, ever since Manmohan Singh, our beloved Prime Minister, but a feeble person lashed out against the left for opposing the nuclear deal, there has been talk that the left would withdraw support to the minority Congress government at the center anytime. It was the first time our Prime Minister has been speaking like a person in authority, and the message was, if the left knew 'how to bite,' let them do it. May be it was a new found ally in Mayavathi's Bahujan Samaj Party, dissidence in the BJP, and the general mood ( don't know how far opinion polls can be relied on) across the country in favor of a Congress led government that permitted Manmohan Singh (Words are put into his mouth) to open up. Then came Ram Sethu controversy, first in the Congress itself, and later carried forward by the Tamil Nadu veteran Karunanidhi very colorfully. It's now elated mood in the BJP, and the congress too is not showing signs of reconciliation as the left might have expected. The latest development is, Sonia too has come openly against the left for its stand against the Nuclear deal, and has even described the left as 'elements opposing India's progress.' Now that the left seems to be in the defensive can be read from Bardhan's words that the Congress is 'imposing an election!'
So Sonia's congress bought time remaining at the helm of the affairs, to re-organize her party, to pop up her son to key positions, and find new allies across the fronts - all at the cost of the left who told people that fascism was the major threat, and congress is better. They made people forget those 2 years of emergency rule by a power craving lady, bearing the legacy of a great family, when everything about civil rights were suspended, and none of the left could do anything to prevent it. If India has anything of a taste of fascism, it was emergency, and that too for protecting a family rule. 'Call Indira; Save India,' and 'India is Indira' reverberated across the country then, and as dead persons cannot rise up from their graves, a reasonable as well as the most effective logic would be to 'call Rahul, and save India.'
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Morons' Own Country!!
As expected, Tamil Nadu won what they had been fighting for! The unilateral decision of the Ministry of Railways to divide Palakkad division and create a new railway division with Salem as its Headquarters had evoked a lot of criticism from all Kerala leaders and sympathizers irrespective of their political affiliation. When the Prime Minister himself assured that there will no formal announcement until some sort of bilateral agreement is reached between the two states on the jurisdiction of the new devision, there was a strong feeling that Kerala's concerns would be considered without prejudice.
Twenty nine members of Parliament, all supporters of the Centre were hoodwinked at the discussion table presided by the Railway minister Laloo Prasad Yadav himself – thanks to the fervent Tamil regionalism, and their tantrums plus the minority centre's leaning towards them! Consenting to add a few kilometers of meter guage in Pollachi area to Palakkad, an amicable settlement was easily reached, and Kerala leaders are happy as if they had fought and won something. A happy deneumet, in fact
Interestingly, it was not the PMK, a regional party with a militant fervor, but the CPI, who is a major constituent of the ruling left front in Kerala, who took an adamant stand not to concede any other area other than Pollachi to pacify Kerala! A galaxy of leaders representing almost all parties led the Tamil side, while our two central ministers decided to stay away, most probably at the behest of their leader(and extra constitutional power center as well)!
What has become evident is that regional politics can do much in a multi party conglomeration like the UPA, who is at the helm of affairs at the centre now. 'Our state; right or wrong' is the attitude of all states except Kerala where people are made to believe that shouting for the human rights of extremist Islamists( Doesn't mean Indian Muslims) is more important that fighting for our own rights. The polity in Kerala is reduced to something for morons only!
Is there any need to bear the yoke of national politics when such cheatings repeat? Is regionalism so much a bete noire in real- world politics when so many favors go to sates where national parties are only junior allies to regional party giants? It's time for introspection, and action.
Twenty nine members of Parliament, all supporters of the Centre were hoodwinked at the discussion table presided by the Railway minister Laloo Prasad Yadav himself – thanks to the fervent Tamil regionalism, and their tantrums plus the minority centre's leaning towards them! Consenting to add a few kilometers of meter guage in Pollachi area to Palakkad, an amicable settlement was easily reached, and Kerala leaders are happy as if they had fought and won something. A happy deneumet, in fact
Interestingly, it was not the PMK, a regional party with a militant fervor, but the CPI, who is a major constituent of the ruling left front in Kerala, who took an adamant stand not to concede any other area other than Pollachi to pacify Kerala! A galaxy of leaders representing almost all parties led the Tamil side, while our two central ministers decided to stay away, most probably at the behest of their leader(and extra constitutional power center as well)!
What has become evident is that regional politics can do much in a multi party conglomeration like the UPA, who is at the helm of affairs at the centre now. 'Our state; right or wrong' is the attitude of all states except Kerala where people are made to believe that shouting for the human rights of extremist Islamists( Doesn't mean Indian Muslims) is more important that fighting for our own rights. The polity in Kerala is reduced to something for morons only!
Is there any need to bear the yoke of national politics when such cheatings repeat? Is regionalism so much a bete noire in real- world politics when so many favors go to sates where national parties are only junior allies to regional party giants? It's time for introspection, and action.
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