- When will "secular" Hindus acknowledge the menace of proselytisation? People who believe or hope that religiosity will be on the decline in an increasingly modern and connected world, are mistaken. Religion and culture always have, and will continue to hold much stake in the soft power of countries/global economies. A lot of Christian and Islamic nations work towards internal cohesiveness and extending the cause of their religions. Hence, proselytising is a logical option for them. Why don't Hindus discuss this more openly? It is perfectly possible to remain secular, practise humanity, have enduring friendships with Muslims and Christians and yet, accede to the larger global agenda of religious supremacy.
- When will Hindus acknowledge the menace of casteism and untouchability? When will we wake up to the inherent injustice in our religion? I am surprised none of the commentators on television and otherwise have commented on these ills, which by the way, are also important reasons why Hindus agree to conversions.
When I look at the life of Muhammad, I get a very nasty image,” said Kharoba, pausing to look around the auditorium. The audience was silent. “I am talking about a pedophile, a serial killer, a rapist,” Kharoba said. “And that is just to start off with.
“Anyone who says that Islam is a religion of peace,” he continued, “is either ignorant or flat out lying.”
Frustration seemed to be burning in the air, and a cop—looking grim, anguished—spoke up. “From a law enforcement standpoint, what can we do?” he asked. “What do we do to deal with these people?”
“The best way to handle these people is what I call legal harassment,” Kharoba answered. “Start to identify who is coming into your area.” Go to the DMV and see who has applied for a driving license. Look at the owners of convenience stores. Corner stores are one of the principal ways Hezbollah launders money in the United States, he said. (The claim is not true.) “You only need one precedent,” Kharoba said. “Health inspectors, alcohol trade officers, these guys can turn a convenience store upside down without a warrant.”
Amit Varma shares his thoughts on India's plan of action to fight terrorism, emanating from Pakistan.
I have often heard this argument : Trade more with Pakistan. Engage with their business class. An economically stabler Pakistan is in India's interests.
A friend pointed out that similar logic was being used by China in Xinjiang (erstwhile East Turkestan).
Fair, I would say.
However, personally, I don't view terrorism as a problem of poverty.
If that were so, we wouldn't be able to explain the Middle East connection in the 1993 Bombay blasts, the background of the London bombers, and Osama himself.
Now, terrorism, really is a dense subject. There is never a single reason for it.
But, according to me, one of the most basic causes is - Superiority Complex.
When a particular community feels that it alone is the most supreme race on Earth, that it is born to rule, and every non follower is an Infidel, this is what the world comes to.
Hitler suffered from the mentioned complex and so did Turks, when they carried out the Armenian genocide.
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Narrowing down the above argument to India : the whole Brahmanical structure reeked of this syndrome.
We have had scores of our people being denied the most basic rights, only because, someone from an upper caste felt they didn't deserve those rights.
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India's plan of action to become an economic power - one of the most loved questions at every B School panel.
One, that most of us have held endless discussions on.
I feel stupid about technological know-how, employable workforce, industrialization, green energy, and the usual blah, I, and many others often come up with.
Until we put an end to this superiority complex, this mindset of treating non-believers/ non followers/ or anyone who is different from us, as lesser worthy humans, we should give up our dreams of becoming a developed nation.
Yesterday I attended a seminar on "Fight Against Terrorism", organised by the Mumbai Police.
I had gone in, expecting to listen to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, D Sivanandhan, a man I have come to admire.
However, I was quite surprised and very happy to learn about other panel members -
- M. K. Narayanan, Governor, West Bengal
- B Raman, Former Addl. Sec, Govt. Of India
- Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission
- Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, Former Director General., CSIR
- G. Parathasarathy, Foreign Policy Expert
- D Sivanandhan, Mumbai Police Commissioner
- A. N. Roy, Director General of Police, Maharashtra
Out of all the speakers, B Raman, Dr. Mashelkar & G. Parathasarathy came up with some fabulous pointers.
I mention some interesting points that emerged from yesterday's discussion -
B Raman
- Mr Raman pointed out the need to talk about our successes. Though our intelligence has failed at crucial times, given our proximity to unstable nations, we have done a good job at averting disasters
- Every time an attack happens, we shouldn't be citing the example of the US/UK. Each country is unique in its circumstances and a "one size fits all" strategic policy doesn't apply to all nations
- Victim Activism: US & UK have had very strong victim lobbies. After 9/11 every major congressional debate was attended by relatives of victims. They participated actively in the discussions, asked pointed questions to the Presidential Candidates and demanded solutions. Some even sued the governments of the Middle Eastern countries, to which the 9/11 terrorists belonged. Overall, citizens are more actively involved in maintaining law and order and often tip- off the police and security agencies in case of suspicious activities. India needs a strong activism of this sort - following up and fighting for the lives of one's near & dear ones needs to be taken seriously
- Public/Pvt. Partnership: After the London Bombings in 2005, the private sector came forward and shared the cost of development and initiatives. The elites in the US & UK, often share valuable resources with the government. In India, the elites are the most indifferent of the lot
- Dr. Mashelkar spoke about his involvement with many universities and companies which were working on path breaking technologies, which could be used for better security management and intelligence inputs. Most of these innovations depend on cheap inputs/raw materials
- Again, the need for an active and involved citizenry was pointed out. The youth of the nation is far more aware and it is about time the government took it into confidence, to face the menace of terrorism
- A billion people should not be looked at as billion mouths to feed, rather a billion minds to work for the country. An example: A unique way of solving the Kandahar Hijack would have been to let loose some chemical gas, which would have made everyone unconscious. This idea was expressed by Dr. Mashelkar, after the hijack, at some international conference. It was readily lapped up by many experts. The point being, a platform should be made available to ordinary citizens, to voice solutions/ideas which may be useful at solving our umpteen problems
- Mr. Parathasarathy has lived, interacted, negotiated with all the players in this Global game of politics and terrorism
- He very astutely pointed out how terrorism always has political objectives
- His presentation focused on the idea that India needed to work on nation building, get its act under control and ensure a pluralistic economy
- There is no point in being wishy-washy about Pakistan and its common lineage with us. People to people interaction is wonderful, however, we should not forget that terrorism is a state policy that the Pakistani Army follows
- "Islam under threat" is keenly followed by the Army to further its tactical and strategic goals
- If one needed to find out who ruled Pakistan, we needn't go further. During Hillary Clinton's Pak visit, she spent about half an hour with the elected Prime Minister and President and more than three hours with General Kayani
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Question Hour saw a lot of interesting questions from the audience and from Rediff and TOI participants.
Two questions I have always wanted to, and were finally asked by someone else are:
- After 9/11 US has never had any large scale attacks. Look at us. When will we ever become like them?
- If Kashmir is resolved, will terrorism in India stop ?
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A lot of what comprised the discussion yesterday cannot be put up here.
The panelists spoke about the changing face of terror; the professional recruitment followed by LeT in Oman, Qatar, Maldives and the likes; the role of Nuclear Technology and Nanotechnology in abating such attacks; NSG and MSG; why Naxalites should not be called terrorists, etc.
The most important point that emerged was: India is on its own, and it needs a more involved citizenry to face Terrorism.
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There were splendid arrangements for lunch after the event.
Someone remarked - It feels good to be fed by the police. Mostly, it's the other way round.
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I also wish to add that I always looked at the police in a black/white hue.
Now, I am less critical towards them; thanks to the knowledge I have been privy too.
It's been more than a week since the terror attacks shook Mumbai...
I have refrained from writing on the subject till now since all I felt were raw emotions...and all that would have come out would have been some blabber and lots of obscenities.
Now that I have felt shock, disbelief, helplessness, frustration and anger, not forgetting the meaningful and endless chats with my Dad (he is my anchor while it comes to venting anger against "the system")... I am ready to pen down a few of my thoughts on the tragedy and it's aftermath...
- I love Taj. It is a symbol of national pride for all Indians. We take our visitors to the Gateway of India and show off THE TAJ to all. While betting with friends, the takeaway prize often consists of a "treat" at the Taj. The common guy on the road wishes to take his family for a hearty meal at the Taj. My heart goes out to all the staff and their undying hospitality - safety of guests before self, politeness and sanity amidst murder and mayhem. I am sure this symbol of India's collective pride, the First 5 Star Hotel - By an Indian for all Indians - will stand up again - tall and mighty
- I love, admire and respect all our armed forces - the Police, the NSG and even our Firemen. These men fought to save people whose names they did not know ! They gave away ther lives for a country plagued with "Chalta Hai" attitude. They fought and won against a well prepared, better equipped enemy for people and polity who paid homage to the armed forces only on Kargil Divas and Martyrs Day
- We, the people, have unlimited power, IF only we were to realise it. No more "Chalta Hai", no more cynicism, no more blame games - we need to stand up and do all things that a citizen of a democracy is capable of. Remember Jessica Lal? It was public outcry against the system that led to a quasi national movement and brought the culprits to book. We have already seen the mass movements in Mumbai, Delhi, Banglore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh on December 3. Hope this spirit doesn't wither with time
- Mere rolling of heads won't satisfy us anymore. Bring in POTA, give more power to our state police and other machinery
- Stop being a soft state and making a mockery of our inherent "good". Stop chanting tunes of our resilience. We are not resilient. Why should we be??
- Give more benefits to our armed and police forces. Survival in one of the most competitive and expensive cities of India is NOT a Joke ! How and why do we expect these people not to accept favours and bribes? Don't they have families to feed, children to send to schools? Does a meagre pay (worse than what a BPO employee gets) suffice for their existence? Aren't we corrupt as a nation? Then why blame our police, coastal guards for lapses?
- Establish a central agency for Intelligence collection and dissemination. Inspite of IB & RAW, there is no way states share their intelligence inputs. Shouldn't Maharashtra know terrorists attacking Assam, Karnataka keep an eye for culprits attacking Gujarat?This is a national battle and not a state/religious/sectarian battle
- I won't stop visiting malls, watching movies or going to hotels with family
- I still love and respect my friends who happen to follow Islam. I won't fall prey to communal hatred and disharmony
- During those three days filled with despair and hatred, while channel zapping, I came across a breather...A Journo on INDIA TV mentioned in his calm, re-assuring voice - "...amidst mayhem and innocent lives being snatched away, amidst such inhuman and evil doing, not all is lost.We do have some glimmer of hope, some respite, a sliver of happiness at the end of the tunnel...We at INDIA TV are the first to tell you that - THE TEST MATCHES WILL BE PLAYED !......."
- I WILL NOT TOLERATE SUCH INSENSITIVE, BULLSHIT MEDIA DRAMA ANYMORE !
- It is said that it took more than 2 lakh lives at Kalinga battle for Ashoka to realise his folly. This in turn led to the spread f Buddhism. I hope, this attack makes India a strong, self sufficient, no-nonense nation according respect to her Armed Forces and ensuring safety for the common man on the roads
I am here to complete a trilogy now…
Watched Mumbai Meri Jaan yesterday…
As you must have guessed - Here come my thoughts on the movie…
I wouldn't call it a review…as I feel some movies can never be sifted through the lens of objectivity…
I also wouldn't get into details and talk about the plot…In short, the movie sketches lives of 5 individuals and how their lives changed forever after the train blasts.
The script manages to get across many an insightful points - all in a poignant manner.
It is multi layered in its approach and brings out different shades that colour Mumbai and make it what it is.
Though, I am sure that the theme is now not pertinent only to Mumbai but spans all cities and towns that have been marauded by Terrorism and its aftermath. Yet, there is an uncanny spirit and attitude that one can associate with Mumbaiites !
The best thing about "Mumbai Meri Jaan" is that it leads without being judgmental and moralistic. There are no emotional outbursts/community bashing/unity/heavy duty dialogues on patriotism…yet it manages to drive all these sentiments subtly…
One revisits the anguish and turmoil faced by thousands on the ill-fated day…it gives you Goosebumps…
The movie is also a telling comment on growing greed and consumerism, media frenzy and insensitivity and the Mumbai Police…
It offers one loads to mull over without morose lecturing…it's straight-forward and unpretentious - much like an average Mumbaiite…
The performances are all A grade and inspire various emotions in the viewers.
All in all, a must watch for all !
Finally, the Pak Army's Poster Boy has called it a day !
There's not much what we can rejoice about since the man had stopped influencing any cross country initiatives/dialogues. Not that he was of help earlier too.
What I am trying to assess is how a man of his credentials held an important office for so long. A man with dubious principles…a fanatic who helped foster terrorism…
Yes, Pakistan did receive billions in aid and the US hailed praises on Mush. However, I don't see any substantial change in perception of Pakistan by the US or International Community. If anything, Mush only worsened the economic crises and international relations a la Karzai.
Moreover, one only feels disgusted with this whole incident of resignation and getting an easy asylum in Saudi. The blind support that he garnered is loathsome.
Though Uncle Sam declined political asylum to him, they still hold him as a "sincere" ally against terrorism..! Wow !
An arrogant man, someone without any remorse over his actions and policies had an easy exit ! Will the people who suffered during his regime ever get a chance to get even?
No. I don't think so.
I was in office on the fateful day. Suddenly, a colleague got news alert stating that a bomb blast had occurred at Khar Station and a police red alert had been sounded. Within the next several minutes we kept getting messages and images began flashing on TOI about the gruesome attacks at 7 stations in Mumbai.
A few friends had their parents using the railways to commute to and fro office. It was heartbreaking to see them undergo the ordeal.
174 dead. More than 400 maimed.
Next few days saw the country's top brass holding hushed meetings, sound bytes given by intelligence agencies, news coverage and detailed analysis ranging from intelligence failure to crumbling infrastructure to huge and unmanageable population.
Then came editorials and chain mails espousing "Mumbai's indomitable sprit".
Finally, life resumed its course and most people went back to their routine schedules. Some with signs of indignation, many with signs of indifference and most with resignation to fate.
The memory still triggers emotional and agitated reactions in most of us.
Time and again, I have wondered why we often end up as soft targets. India has probably been one of the worst victims of terrorism. Yet every time we seem to miss the lessons.
Instead of facing the problem head on and taking stern action and remedial measures, our polity has always been escapist and lethargic at best. I do not think we should label such incidences as "Intelligence Failure" alone. In most cases, we have had prior warnings and signals. But it's preventive action that we fail at miserably. We have known the existence and mushrooming of sleeper cells in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai and other major economic hubs of India. We are also aware of how well connected these terrorist outfits are and how very simple it is for them to raise finance.
What's scary is that these people are now in the mainstream. For all I know, I could be traveling with one and be blissfully unaware.
The bomb blasts were deemed to be an intelligent and meticulous strike. I do not think so. It was the easiest and the simplest task on earth. If you want to hit and make Mumbai bleed – target its lifeline – the Railways! Timing was perfect too – evening 6 – to inflict maximum fatalities.
A careful study shows that terrorists have changed strategies from religious terrorism to economic terrorism. Instead of attacking places of worship and breaking the tolerant fabric of India, they now target symbols of our prosperity and economic freedom. Their future targets would be educational institutions, stock exchanges, hotels, SEZs.
Are we prepared?
Though the answer might sting and give us nightmares, but to be fair and optimistic - our preparation seems to be rudimentary at best.
Khar Police station is a stone's throw away from the railway station. Yet, it took more than 20 minutes for our forces to gather some sense and reach out to the bleeding masses.
Also, there is a widespread disconnect and alienation with affected areas.
How far has the government gone to relieve people from naxal attacks (More than 20% of Indian districts are inflicted with Naxal presence)? Does the disenchanted and jobless youth from Hyderabad and other affected areas from South India figure on the polity's radar? Why is it that seemingly smart and intelligent youth join extremist Organizations?
It's this widespread inaction and lack of sympathy that has lead to many people taking up arms. The government has failed miserably to address their issues.
Also, we have always been keen to appear as "Diplomatic" and "Correct". Why please our neighours at the cost of national security? Why can't we put our foot down and demand punitive action? More so, why do we keep cribbing and sending polite reminders to our neighbours to correct erring terrorist orgs? What is it that keeps us from cracking down these miscreants on our own?
How far has the government gone to promote Anti Terrorism Squads? How well is the public aware of such organisations and the various options available to it? Does it know how to respond to such acts of violence? Are there any formal channels of redressal?
Is a budget of 1000 crores not enough to defend the nation?? What use are our 2nd largest Standing army and 4th largest Air Force if we cannot serve the public? If people do not feel safe while traveling or shopping? If people become cynical and stay with fear !A sea change in attitude and action is required to fight this menace of terrorism.
Any thoughts on how and what we as responsible citizens should be doing?
