BUDDHISM – THE GIFT OF INDIA

In the over 10,000 years of India’s glorious history, Buddhism stands out as the most significant contribution made by this country. The religion is internationally acclaimed and widely followed in large parts of Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, it is the religion of intellectuals and entails a philosophy which is sound, scientific and universally favoured.

Buddhism is an ultimate experience. It is the crux of the solution to the problems of the world, it provides a vision, which is achieved after seeing ‘THE ENTIRETY’ in it’s completeness, with a strong sense of logic & reasoning, and the basis of pragmatism. It is the flowering of the Indian Spiritual wisdom to it’s farthest end. Buddhism is the THE VIRTUAL MIDDLE PATH and stands at the centre of the world composition. It lies between sensuality and austerity, between selfism and nihislism, between theism and atheism. The Religion is the most preferred one among the scientists and logically oriented persons, and is growing at a very fast pace in the western world, perhaps second only to Islam.

Buddhism is philosophically scientific and ethically anti-dogmatic. It does not call upon it’s followers to follow the percepts slavishly or for the sake of it, on the contrary it gives the freedom to test the values and religio-spiritual premises for yourself and accept them only when they pass your personal test. The religion, which took birth in hierarchical India, is dead against caste system and any discrimination based on creed, language, nationality. The Religion traditionally gave relatively higher status to women. It is strongly anti-superstitious and anti-ritualist.

Buddhism is compassionately humanistic, and it lays greatest of stress on developing a sense of compassion (Karuna) for the suffering humanity and other living beings. It strongly believes in Non-Violence which is to be practiced towards even the animals and the lower life forms. This Compassion  ultimately culminates in the Mahayanist idea of the Boddhisatva Ideal. Boddhisatva is a great saint, who is so much in love with humanity and the living beings that he postpones his nirvana (liberation) so that he can serve humanity for some more time.

Buddhism is different from other religions in more than several sense. One of it’s notable features is that it doesn’t believe in a universal spirit. It is not spirit which survives death and is born again and again, rather it it some desires, some symptoms of change which are created and are reborn. Buddhism is diplomatically silent on the existence of GOD. It doesn’t consider it necessary to discuss such issues. The religion aims at treating suffering rather than delving into metaphysical issues.

Buddhism having born in India spread to various parts of the world and in a very short time became an international religion. In the process of it’s growth and spread, never even a single drop of blood was shed, nor a sword raised, never was intimidation or the lust of wealth used to expand it. The religion stands for peace, harmony and brotherhood and has practiced these percepts practically. It attracted the Greatest of Kings of India and other countries in the past, like The Great Ashoka, Kanishka and Harsha. The religion is highly tolerant towards other religions.

In some quarters, Buddhism is compared with Christianity. But unlike the latter, it has no gory-bloody history, it does not promise a kingdom in the heaven, rather it beleives that the kingdom of heaven lies in each one of us, which can be achieved if we fulfill certain conditions. Indeed, Buddhism is THE MOST REMARKABLE GIFT OF INDIA TO THE WORLD.

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THE VISION OF UNIVERSE– AS AN INTERPLAY OF ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN ATOMS – WITH A TINGE OF BUDDHISM

THE VISION OF UNIVERSE– AS AN INTERPLAY OF ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN ATOMS – WITH A TINGE OF BUDDHISM

Our Cosmos is quintessentially a presentation of various combinations of arrangements of atoms and molecules, varying over time and space ranging up to the units of billions of years (time) and Light Years (Space), creating THE GREAT PLAY, with an inherent design and AN INTELLIGENCE, which forms the basis of THE ULTIMATE KNOWLEDGE, for the human mind, beyond any limitations, boundaries and restrictions of narrow-minded and incomprehensive lines of thinking.

All matter is made up of the most fundamental particles – atoms and molecules, each atom in turn is constituted of positively charged protons, negatively charged electrons and neutral neutrons. If we analyze, in this light, the theories of BIG BANG and THE PULSATING UNIVERSE, we realize that the entire cosmic cycle beginning from the birth of universe, in a BIG BIG EXPLOSION, called THE BIG BANG and in a cycle of billions of years, ending up in an EQUALLY MASSIVE IMPLOSION, namely THE BIG CRUNCH, is but a GREAT SUPER PLAY OF INTERACTION BETWEEN ATOMS AND MOLECULES. All that is, can be seen, felt or experienced is fundamentally composed of smallest particles called the atoms. All the variations we see around us is because atoms have different arrangements of electrons, etc and thus exhibit different properties, and when they combine differently in different places and different situations, they create all the different elements, compounds, mixtures, in other words they create things, beings, worlds and our entire lovely Universe.  

The living beings and ultimately The Human Being have come out of this Matter-ial Pool. They are in some sense the end product of the churning process carried out by nature, on this planet, which has taken billions of years. Each atom exhibits certain properties. This is by virtue of it’s electronic configuration, i.e the number of electrons the atom has in it’s electronic orbits. All the different things in the universe, or for the sake of simplicity, let us say on Earth, say for example, wind, water, coal, etc are a collection of atoms (Molecules) which exhibit similar characteristics and thus provide the unique characteristics to the respective element. In case of human beings and other animals and plants, they are composed of structural and functional units called cells, which in turn are composed of numerous atoms.

THE PHILOSOPHICAL BASIS     

Man is the most unique and crucial element/being/factor on this planet and in the entire known cosmos. He is composed of cells, which are but collection of certain atoms of certain types, differenciated in their properties, on the basis of differences in the structures they make up. But Man is endowed with the Highest Level of consciousness and his potential is even higher, is evident from the ‘Divine Powers’ exhibited by the Greatest of Men like Buddha, Krishna, Christ and Mohammad. When the atoms combine in unique situations and form a whole, the result is Human Being. The Highest of Consciousness is produced by the Most Appropriate combination of atoms, i.e. in the form of Human Being. Each atom exhibits certain level of consciousness, but this is at the most primitive stage. When they combine in ordinary situations, they form inanimate objects, who are no more conscious than these most primitive particles. But when they combine in special and most special ways, the result is a conscious animal or a highly intelligent Human Being respectively. Thus the level of Consciousness is a result of the manner of combination and interaction between atoms and cells.

THE INTELLIGENT DESIGN

Just as it would be sacriscientifical to question the Einstein’s Basic Equation relating Matter and Energy, their interchangeability, etc. so it would be grossly unscientific to argue that the entire cosmos goes on without any underlying basis, the Force that creates order, that whom The Vedantists describe as Neti Neti (Neither This, Neither This), and whom the Jains & Buddhists call the Soul and the Order and Who is known in Christianity and Islam as the Founder Father of the Universe, the Creator and it’s absolute ruler. That design governs the order in the universe. The Human Factors – Karma, Emotions, Sense Perceptions, intelligence, body consciousness are but the functions of the Consciousness created by the the combinations of atoms. To me, it is not soul or some unchanging entity that survives death and is reborn again, rather it is these Human Factors -  Karma, Emotions, Sense Perceptions, intelligence, body consciousness that take rebirth. One who knows one’s real identity and this Entire Process fully well, is freed from Rebirth. He goes in Shunya/The Zero/Void/Nothingness and enjoys eternity.

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INDIA’S NEED FOR BJP – A PARTY WHICH CAN REDEFINE NATIONAL PARADIGM VIS A VIS THE WORLD

INDIA’S NEED FOR BJP – A PARTY WHICH CAN REDEFINE NATIONAL PARADIGM VIS A VIS THE WORLD

Indeed Bhartiya Janta Party is the party with ‘a difference’ for in it’s about 6 years of rule it had done for India’s military prowess and national self-confidence what Indian National Congress was unable to achieve in it’s preceeding 5 decades long ‘Tryst with Destiny’.

Hardcore Secularists abhore it, most National Mainstream Parties stay away from it and major sections of the Minorities fear it as ‘The Hindu Nazi’. That is the way assumedly Pro-Hindu BJP is seen in this country. Come what may, but if we see the last over 60 years of Indian Independence objectively, then we find the 6 years of BJP led NDA rule as a period of rejuvenation, resurgence, confidence and hope. It was when the country came out of it’s political timidity, emerged strong militarily and gained diplomatic acclaim and recognition. The country also saw a robust economic growth during this period, but at the same time learnt lessons for it’s pursuing a version of unbridled capitalism and privatization – a serious miscalculation for which the NDA coalition lost the power and it’s growing support base.

The BJP led NDA Govt by ordering the Nuclear Tests on 11^th and 13^th May, 1998 changed forever the way World looked at India or for that matter the Vice Verca. It made India a de-facto Nuclear Weapons state and added a further supporting dimension to it’s long pending demand of a permanent seat in The United Nations Security Council. It was undoubtedly the biggest boost for the political India and things were never the same again.  A nuclear India, even if flanked by a nuclear Pakistan, was criticized more, boycotted more, feared more, heard more and eventually respected more.

The NDA government had also taken a rash yet courageous hard stand against China. In fact, the Defence Minister in that Govt Mr George Fernandes went on to call China as the potential threat number one for India. It was a well calculated step of de-hyphenating India from it’s small Western Neighbour and hyphenating it with the Giant Eastern Neighbour.

Mr Vajpayee, a firm believer of Democracy and the politics of consensus gave peace several chances in the Kashmir episode. India was backstabbed. It strengthened the country’s resolve to fight the scourge of terrorism with an iron fist. The victory of Kargil highlights this point. Moreover India gradually realized that it had to fight it’s own war against terror. USA will always keep it’s own interests above the need to tackle terrorism on a common platform as a curse against humanity.

No rose is without a thorn. The blot of Godhra carnage and the subsequent riots in Gujarat sums up this phrase very appropriately. It was an extremely tragic event in Indian history but something over which BJP didn’t have the fullest of control.  There is a need for greater accountability in cases of Mass Communal carnages which scourge this nation time and again, whether these are the anti-sikh riots of Delhi (1984) or the anti-muslim riots of Mumbai (1992-93) and Gujarat (2002).

I as an Indian say this with pride and enthusiasm that our Country deserves not to be merely a developed country, rather it must and will become the Number One Country in the world, in Defence, Economy, Political clout and ethical standards. A country with such a rich and glorious heritage, with a population of over 120 crores, with the most abundant availability of arable land and vast scope for growth of talent and ability which lies untapped, deserves nothing less than that.

We have the ammunition ready, what we need is a lofty vision,  a strong and enabling leadership, and committed support. BJP, is the party which comes closest to fulfilling these requirements, as it is a new party and is charged with patriotism and has a vast and disciplined  cadre which can provide able leaders who can do the needful in the best possible manner.

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THE LIQUIDIFICATION OF RELIGIOSITIES AND THE MAKING OF THE NEW WORLD ORDER

THE LIQUIDIFICATION OF  RELIGIOSITIES AND THE MAKING OF THE NEW WORLD ORDER

The Cult of Religion has been radically refined and redefined in the last few centuries, across different parts of the world, in varying proportions and in different ways. But the underlying motivation and intention of this change and reformation has been seeing the Whole Aspect of World, Society and Human Being in a newer light, something which is necessitated by the discoveries of new Scientific and Social Theories, advancements made in technologies and the resultant newer dimensions and meanings of social and human aspects which have been thereby revealed. The new found Human Wisdom has questioned and in many cases put aside certain aspects of Religion, Tradition and things which were considered as part of prevalent human cultures for many millennia. However, the most important and revolutionary change has been the starting of the process of religion becoming more individualized than organized, falling into the realm of absolute individual choice, and thus the belief in religion is increasingly and will even more increasingly turn into something which is like having confidence in a scientific theory or  a particular philosophy so that there are no or very few clear cut and well defined Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims etc in the World but only clear cut and well defined Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam,etc.

Human Civilization stands today at a crucial cross roads. Various issues are vexing the human mind like never before. One of the important thing is the question of religion-it’s importance as it ought to be in the new world and it’s relationship with Human Being and other aspects. The new age has brought in it’s wake certain revolutionary changes in the thinking of man. One of it’s important features has been the growth in universal tolerance particularly between the different religions. So much so that more and more men increasingly treat religions as varying manifestations of the One Truth separated by the times  and geography of their creation. Or alternatively, people see Religion, generally as an expression of Man’s Helplessness, which can be put to rest with the help of a strong mind, scientific temper and  advancements in technologies.

A  growing trend particularly in the Scientifically Enlightened Western and Other Developed Countries has been the end of Religion being an invaluable personal possession of man, which can not ever be diluted (read polluted), and which will remain with the man till his last breadth. Rather there are numerous countries in Europe, like the Scandinavian Countries in the Northern Europe, and in other parts of the World like Korea in East Asia, where most people do not have any clear cut religious orientations. The same person may at the same time practice more than one religion or may be even Non-Religious, Non-Religionist, Agnostic or Atheist.

This trend though not common yet in The developing world is gradually but consistently catching up in popularity and numbers. It’s  a Healthy Trend which got to be encouraged by the Managers and  the Authoritarians of Nation states. The end of organized religion, dogmatic creeds, superstitious and blind thinking, etc is very desirable. But certain levels of caution is necessary. We can not throw the baby out with the bathwater. The Essence of Religion- Spirit of Sacrifice, Emotional Bonding between people-within generations and between them, Care and Respect for Elderly and Handicapped Persons, Harmonious Living within the family and between Husband and Wife and other aspects of Social Consciousness, etc. need to be encouraged, imbibed and implanted among people. These will and always need to be the cherished ideals and ethics of the community.

As religion loose their hold over society, the govts and other social establishments will need to promote more and more of the Humane Values.  We Would love to live in a world where there are no religions at all but Most People are ’Highly Religious’, in the true sense of term.

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INSIDE CHINA - A SOCIAL EXPLOSION WAITING TO HAPPEN

INSIDE CHINA - A SOCIAL EXPLOSION WAITING TO HAPPEN

The Chinese Nation, in certain respects, epitomizes and symbolizes the limits of Human Potential and Achievement. It is the commitment made by the approximately 1.40 billion strong nation, it’s hunger for the ultimate achievement, it’s strong, earnest and unifocussed desire to become the numero uno, to be the leader of the world in almost each and every field, which fills all of us with awe and sets an example, which all of us at least dream to realize. But there only, the dream vanishes. All the explosive growth and development taking place in the ‘Middle Kingdom’ is at the cost of Human Freedom, The Rights and Dignity of Human Expression, The Choice to Take a Different stand than that of the Establishment, etc   And it is a flaw of the highest order, which is going to prove very costly for the Communist-Capitalist-Millitarist ‘Pragmatic yet Confused’ Mass Nation State, in the not so distant future.

China, the land of the Hans, these days is receiving grand accolades, from a variety of cross-section of people ranging from media experts and academic luminaries to foreign diplomats and political leaders of various hues. Indeed, what it has been achieving in the last 25 to 30 or so years is unprecedented in Human History. So many people transforming themselves into such heights in such a short span of time at such a rapid speed is undoubtedly a feat which is not merely ‘Historic’ but something that creates epochs and transforms ages. If we see China 20-25 years down the line, at this pace, it is bound to  out develop United States of America and Become the number one economy in the World, a feat which brings lot of cheers but at the same time certain level of apprehensions to the minds of most people.  

The country is today the manufacturing hub of the world, it’s infrastructure is making even some of the richer nations envious, in short it’s economic clout is growing by leaps and bounds, waiting for that auspicious day when it would wear the crown. Historically a Communist State since 1949, the Country has of late followed a more ‘pragmatic’ liberalized, capitalist-like   Economic Policy which has made it a de-facto Economic Superpower, however retained the Communist Party Dictatorship form of Authoritarianist Rule.

The County’s meteoric economic rise is completely lopsided in the sense it is not matched with corresponding increase in the freedom which is ought to be granted to it’s people in the form of Free Press, Multi Party Political System, Freedom to Practice Religion (Any Religion for that matter as the Country is officially atheist) etc. This creates a serious discrepancy, a dichotomy which can have very serious repercussions.

The serious ‘Policy of Repression’ which the establishment has been pursuing there, is a matter of utmost concern and seriousness and something which is bound to annihiliate itself but will also create disturbances, disruptions and destructions for the national structure, material and psyche.

The events surrounding the Tiannean Square were only a fore event, a signal of much more serious things which are going to happen in the not so distant future. Human Beings have a limit to tolerate, to bear oppression. Their patience is not infinite. It is bound to run out. This would be all the more true when the Chinese people see progressiveness and liberalism all around the Developed World and would surely not want their nation to be an isle in this ocean. The rising economic divide between Urban and Rural AND between the Rich and the Poor populations may add further fuel to the social unrest.

I foresee a Major Rebellion in China within the next 30 years. This could take the shape of a constructive Revolution, or as is more likely it could be a massive socio-political unrest which could democraticize and disintegrate China and at the same time dwindle it’s power and influence to a very big extent.

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HINDUISM, JAINISM AND BUDDHISM – THE THREE FOUNTAINHEADS OF FUNDAMENTAL INDIAN SPIRITUAL WISDOM – THEIR MUTUAL LINKS AND COMPARISON

HINDUISM, JAINISM AND BUDDHISM – THE THREE FOUNTAINHEADS OF FUNDAMENTAL INDIAN SPIRITUAL WISDOM – THEIR MUTUAL LINKS AND COMPARISON

India, the land of mystic speculations and the birthplace of profound philosophies, is particularly enriched and livened by three Major Religio-Spirituo-Philosophical traditions, namely Hinduism (Formerly alternatively known as The Vedic Religion or The Brahminical Religion or sometimes simply as The Sanatan Dharma {Or The Eternal Religion, owing to the remoteness in antiquity of it’s origin}), Jainism-The Religion of Ascetism, Austerities and Penance AND Buddhism, the largest Religion of Eastern and South East Asian Regions today. All three of them originated in India but created separate destinies for themselves. While Hinduism, the original Major Religious Current of the Indian Subcontinent, remained confined to this country, but it is the largest of the three religions today in terms of number of adherents. The Other two religious Movements, Jainism and Buddhism could not challenge Hinduism for long. Whereas Buddhism almost got extinct in the country of it’s origin within 1500-1600 years of it’s birth, Jainism was always there but confined to a few regions and among few people.

Hinduism, is undisputedly, called the Mother of all Indian Religions (Here, by Indian Religions is meant only those Religions which originated in India, and not those which came here from Foreign Lands. Definitely the religions in the Latter Case, and their religionists are as much ‘Indians’ today as anybody else). In it’s early years Hinduism gave birth to Many Philosophies, sects, cults, etc. One Significant event in the churning process that took place in the 6^th Century BC in a Certain Region of Northern India (The Regions now occupied by Modern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Nepal) was the birth and development of two Strong, Distinguished and Potent Religio-Philosophical Movements - Jainism and Buddhism. These two religions rejected the authority of the Vedas and hence were banished from the Hindu Fold.  However in the Pluralist-Liberal-All Encompassing India, these Religions were hardly ever Persecuted or even looked down upon.

The three Religions differed on certain important aspects of Philosophy, Ethics, Rituals, Societal Norms as they ought to be, etc. However all three Religions shared a Common Belief in Rebirth and The Karma Theory (The Eternal Law of Cause and Effect). Hinduism believes in a strong Soul and Strongest God (Brahman), Jainism negates the existence of God but believes in a very strong Soul, while Buddhism is the Middle Path Between Nihilism and Selfism, and believes not in exactly in a soul but in certain ‘Changing Entity’ which takes Birth Again and again.

While Jainism Prescribes complete Austerities, Penance and abstinence for it’s Followers ; Buddhism is for the Middle path Between Sensualities of Charvak and Austerities of the Jains.

THE COMMON THREAD AND THE MESSAGE IMPORT-:

All the three Religions essentially stand for social harmony. They teach concern for ‘the other’. They profess and practice high reverence for life, even for the smallest forms. If I were to define each of the three Religions in one word each and then infer the link between the three, I would state something like this -:

Hinduism predominantly emphasizes Love (Prema) for all beings, Jainism sums up it’s Philosophy and ethics in the Practice of Non-Violence (Ahimsa) while Buddhism Centers around developing the Quality of Compassion (Karuna). Now – When Compassion has fully developed and established in the Mind, only then one can Practice Complete Non Violence for all Beings, and By practicing Non Violence Day and Night, the person starts loving everything and everyone.

Thus wee see the three Religions are serially linked. And it’s not as if one states something by excluding other things, it’s only the case of Differences in Emphasis.

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MY THOUGHTS ON THE AYODHYA VERDICT ON IT'S EVE

MY THOUGHTS ON THE ‘THE AYODHYA VERDICT’ ON IT’S EVE

  I see the clock in my room, it shows 10.10 PM. Means another less than 17 hours remaining for the THE BIG BIG VERDICT, - The Ayodhya Verdict, for which the people have waited for the last 60 years. The entire Nation, crores and crores of people, cutting across economic classes and religio-cultural groupings are eagerly and impatiently awaiting this decision to be delivered by The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court at 3.30 PM tomorrow that is 30^th September, 2010 the Thursday.

The Entire Movement surrounding Ayodhya - the demand by the Hindus for the liberation of the birth place of Lord Rama, from the construction of a Mosque made arguably on the commands of the Mughal Emperor – Babar somewhere in 1526 AD, is clear and vivid in my memory and in the memories of many a people of my age group and my seniors. The emotions it evoked among the devout and zealot Hindus, in the late 80s and early 90s, many times, almost bordered on Fanaticism, and being enforced with elements of Fundamentalism and strong anti-Muslim hatred. Whatever justification the Sangh Parivar and other elements of the Saffron Brotherhood may give for this aggressive movement which culminated in the demolition of the Babri Mosque, but the fact remains that it was the single largest Mobilisation of the Hindus for Hinduism, and this Communal Storm created serious problems for India as a whole, and in particular the relations between the Hindus and the Muslims got seriously strained.

THE ANALYSIS -:  Long Before the Demolition and the controversy, the Babri structure was a unique religious spot. It was a functioning temple housed in the structure of a mosque. The Idols of Lord Rama existed inside the Mosque and puja was performed there. To use IT savy language, It was the Software of a Temple housed inside the Hardware of a Mosque. No namaz was being read inside and long back it was also known as Masjid-E-Janmsthan (The Mosque of the Birthplace (of Lord Rama)). Thus it symbolized the Unique Hindu-Islamic syncretic form of worship. It is this fact which the High Court must keep in serious consideration.

WHAT THE VERDICT OUGHT TO BE LIKE (AND POSSIBLY IT WILL BE LIKE THIS) -: Hindus have a claim over this spot of land, for as a matter of faith, it is the Birthplace of Lord Rama, the Hindu God of epitome of Idealism. Certain Archaelogical works and other clues hint at this. However Muslims have a claim over this spot, which is as strong, if not stronger than that of Hindus’. It is not clearly proved whether a temple existed there about approx 500 years ago or not, but certainly there was a mosque for so many years. The Court must restore the pre-1992 status there, it can do these-:

1)      Build a Mosque like structure which would house Lord Rama idols and Hindus would have the right to do puja there. Certain level of Muslim Ownership would be allowed, like they can say prayers on some special occasions.

2)      Build both Mosque and Temple, but with a little bit favour towards Muslims, like the Mosque can be built at the exact spot where it stood and temple can come up a little away.

3)      This small little preference to Muslims, because they have suffered in the entire episode and Hindu organizations have acted against them with aggression, thus with a sense of retribution. We got to see the picture in it’s totality.

4)      Basically the New Construction should reflect the Syncretic Hindu-Muslim, Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb (Culture), the heritage of Nothern India.

5)      Or it can be any other solution, but the basic intent should be that both Hindu Mahasabha and Sunni Wakf Board are given joint ownership of the land and then they decide how to go about it, but basically it should satisfy both, reclaim the Muslim Mosque and restore the Hindu Devotion on the Birthplace of Lord Rama. Indeed, Lord Rama, Maryada Purushottam, would be the happiest if HE SEES THE MARRIAGE OF HINDUISM AND ISLAM TAKING PLACE ON HIS BIRTPLACE.

(WRITTEN BY NISHKARSH PANDEY BETWEEN 10.10 PM AND 11.15 PM ON 29^TH SEPTEMBER 2010)

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THE GENDER ISSUE – WOMEN’S EMANCIPATION AND THE WAY IT IMPACTS SOCIETAL VIBRANCY AND FUNCTIONING

THE GENDER ISSUE – WOMEN’S EMANCIPATION AND THE WAY IT IMPACTS SOCIETAL VIBRANCY AND FUNCTIONING

This is a fact beyond doubt that one of the major boons of the modernization process has been the upliftment of the status of women, who constitute almost half of humanity, from complete subordination to men , to a position which is more equal, just and deservedly their birthright. But this clamour for completely equal rights (particularly in the Western World) has in it’s wake, brought about radical changes in the society- by redefining the most fundamental of Human Relationships, altering the structure and the basis of Family Functioning, which has resulted in disruption of the Functioning of a Healthy Society, because of the overemphasis on individualism, where such a system  brings out only individuals, who are alien to the higher human virtues of sacrifice, community living and the art of everyday adjustability.

‘MEN AND WOMEN ARE EQUAL HAVING BEEN CREATED BY THE SAME CREATOR.’ Thus goes the basic principle on which many of the modern feminists/women activists base their movement.  But a more realistic, comprehensive and judicious statement defining the Man-Woman equation would be as follows –‘MEN AND WOMEN ARE SIMILAR, YET DIFFERENT, SPECIAL IN THEIR OWN WAYS, HAVING BEEN CREATED TO SERVE CERTAIN PURPOSES – SOME INDIVIDUALLY AND SOME JOINTLY, IN CO-ORDINATION AND CO-OPERATION, THEREBY CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE WHERE DUTIES ARE AS IMPORTANT AS RIGHTS AND HARMONY IS AS MUCH REQUIRED AS IS EQUALITY.’

The folly with western brand of Feminism/Women’s Emancipation lies in it’s premise that as a man is meant to be only Man (Not Son, Husband or Father), so is woman meant to be Woman alone (Neither Daughter, nor Wife and Mother). This overemphasis on enjoyment, freedom, individualism, taking from others and life, at the cost of sacrifice, discipline, collectivism, giving back to others and to life lies at the core of Western Hedonism, which has made the lives their completely artificial and bereft of any genuine deep-hearted contentment.

The Role of a MOTHER is very crucial and pivotal in building the family and since families are but the building blocks of the Society, so her importance for the nation and extendedly for the World can not be underestimated. But the very Mother aspect of the Woman, is being challenged and downgraded in much of the western world and also among certain sections of tradition loving Afro-Asian Countries. Such women are increasingly shirking the role of motherhood and there is increasingly large number of people going without kids, not opting for a formal marriage, going single and so on. This is a dangerous trend. Children who are born and brought up in such an atmosphere are often insensitive and unemotional in their relationships.

THE IDEA OF GENUIINE WOMEN’S EQUALITY

 It is a fact, without bias, that the western/modern brand of Women’s Equality is morally degrading and civilizationally detrimental. The western countries may be scientifically and technologically very advanced but they are in a state of de- facto socio-civilizational mess and are facing a moral-ethical crisis of the highest order. This is basically manifested in the increase in rates of suicides, the alarmingly high divorce rates, the increase in anti-social crimes and drug abuse and so on. Essentially, the Western World, in it’s pursuit of happiness and pleasure, has too much divorced itself from social ethics, particularly which flow from religious ideals.

The Western World’s Definition of Women’s Liberation connotes –Enjoy your rights, your priviledges and live as an individual and only as an individual ; grow, prosper, eat, sleep and be merry.’

To Me Women’s Emancipation Means – ‘ Society respects women, doesn’t treat them as objects, they get equal opportunities of education and employment, they should be made aware of their duties as responsible women and citizens, just like men should have their duties, some level of division of labour is necessary- women’s should take up the better part of house work and men have better ability to do certain types of outside works- though there is no clear cut demarcation.’ Because only in the efficient co-ordination between men and women lies the good management of home and sound functioning of society.

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THE KASHMIR CONFLICT - BATTLE OVER LAND, WAR OVER IDEOLOGIES

THE KASHMIR CONFLICT – BATTLE OVER LAND, WAR OVER IDEOLOGIES

The Kashmir Problem, which remains the chief defining condition for the start of any peace negotiations, between the two Nuclear Neighbours - India and Pakistan is not merely a battle over a part of land, which each of the countries claim to be their’s. But more importantly, it represents a bilateral conflict, where the very foundational central themes on which the existence of the two nations is based, are at loggerheads with each other, representing one of the most complex and largest ethno-religio-communal divide and hostilities on the planet.

Kashmir, the veritable Paradise on Earth, is going through a hellish state of affairs. The land is presently the battleground between the two giant nations – India and Pakistan. The two countries were once upon a time one nation, or let us say more accurately, were a single political entity under the dominion of The Great British Empire. The hostilities between the two nations is basically the fallout of the rivalry and competitiveness between the two broad and major religious communities residing in this region known as The Indian Subcontinent, which now has a purely geographical connotation, namely The Original Natives of this land – The Hindus and the other who came from Central Asia with the foreign invaders but gradually acquired local touches and became the Naturalized Citizens of this land, The Muslims or the Mohemmedans.

These two communities lived together for centuries, setting an example of Unity, Tolerance and Brotherhood. It was not merely an example for the outside world but as much an issue of pride and sense of bonding, for the local people. This was demolished gradually. Some scholars pinpoint at the Britishers for this act of separation, division, splitting or as some people call it ‘the parting of ways between the two brothers.’ But, in my opinion, the premise is not completely true. Undoubtedly, the Coming of the Britishers and the process of Urbanisation which it brought about was instrumental in setting the trigger for this Great Schism. However, there was something more deep-rooted, something inherent in the very so called ‘Structure of Co-Existence’, which preceeded this incidental trigger, that was the real cause for this separation.

India was a Nation which was ruled Mostly by the Muslims. The Rulers at Delhi, and even at many of the regional levels were all Muslims. But this should not have bothered the liberal and universalist Hindus. The Hindus were constantly at the receiving end. Temple destruction was a common feature, practiced by many of the Muslim Rulers. The conversion of large number of Hindus into Islam by force and coercion was an even more common feature. This had created a deeply ingrained, serious and intense prejudice in the minds of most Hindus with Respect to Muslims, a feeling which persists even today and affects Indian politics. To cut it short, The Hindus and Muslims never lived as equals right since the Days of Mohammad Ghori till the coming of the Britishers. The Cunning Britishers used this discrepancy to their fullest advantage by setting Muslims against Hindus and the Vice Verca. Moreover, Muslims, the rulers of India, would never want to be ruled as minority by the Majority Hindus in a Hindu Dominated India, an idea they abhorred and thus the Creation of Pakistan and subsequently Bangladesh.

Today, the Two Nations – The Hindu Dominated India and the Puritanically Islamic Pakistan are following the legacy of the ideals of their Culture and Religious Identity. India, which inherits the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, believed and still believes that Hindus and Muslims are the Children of the same God and hence they can peacefully and amicably live together, grow and flourish together, that any religion ultimately teaches the Common Love for God and Universal Brotherhood of Mankind. The needs of the people are same, irrespective of religion, and these need to be addressed by a modern nation state.

On the contrary, Pakistan the Champion of the Muslim Cause, the avowed follower of the progenitor of the Two Nation Theory, Mr Mohammad Ali Jinnah, thinks completely different. So that is the Crux of this problem. Pakistan tries and wants the World to believe that Islam is at the Centre of the Muslim Society and unless it is given primacy over other issues, things will suffer like anything. It wants to prove again and again to the World that a Muslim Dominated Province namely Kashmir can not even survive, forget thrive in a Hindu Dominated India. It will lead to inter-cultural and inter-communal conflicts between Kashmir and the Rest of India, which would ultimately destroy the Muslim Culture of Kashmir and hence imperil the Holy Religion of The Prophet in the region.

Any sane person will surely side with India on this, if he knows the truth fully and well. However, we got to be cautious in this respect. This war should remain a war of principles, from India’s side, if they are to continue to remain on the Moral High-ground. The demand for the abolition of Special Status for Kashmir is dangerous. Kashmir is a special case and it is in right earnest that it has been accorded some special privileges. Moreover, we must maintain communal harmony within India and not give in to narrow minded politico-religious mindsets. After all India stands for Peace, Brotherhood and Secularism. That is our heritage which we got to preserve at any cost.

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RED STORM RISING

RED STORM RISING

The slow but continuous rise of Ultra Leftist-Naxalite movement in India’s hinterland bodes ill for the country’s largely peaceful democratic traditions.

In the last few months certain states of India mainly Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, west Bengal, Bihar, Madhya-Pradesh, Orrisa, Andra-Pradesh etc have seen an exponential rise in the aggressions of Ultra Leftist Marxist Maoist movement chiefly led by Naxalism. These attacks have targeted both the civilians and police forces and have gradually reached to a near alarming level. So much so that a prominent expert in the Ministry of Defence has apprehended the possibility of a Naxalite takeover of the Indian nation by the year 2050.

Naxalisms, like all ultra Marxist militant movements is strongly anti-capitalist and anti rich. The Naxalite movement is a broad umbrella for the numerous leftist terrorist organizations. The Maoist of Bihar and Jharkhand are their closest ideological siblings. This movement dreams to establish a communist state in India.

Though the movement has been in existence for at least last 3-4 decades, but what is worrying the establishment is the substantial increase in its support base over a short period of time. The most committed and loyal supporters of Naxalism obviously are the impoverished, exploited and helpless tribals, this is the reason why it is so strong in the Chota Nagpur and it’s surrounding regions now lexiconed as the red corridor.

India, the land of poverty and misery, will obviously have lot of scope for Ultra Leftism. This movement basically in cashes the frustrations of the common people with their lives in general, which is directed as a seething anger and hostility towards the Indian nation state.

THE RISE OF THE ULTRA LEFT

India is a vast vast country, where by world standards at least 70-75% of the population lives in some or the other form of economic deprivation. Though economic growth and development have accelerated over the last two decades, but it has hardly reached the vast multitude of the common masses. Like the proselytizing religions of Christianity and Islam, Ultra Left extremism also promises a dream to its follower. Albeit an economic dream, the vision of classless society, a world where there no rich and poor, all are equal and there is no exploitation.

Some may argue that Communism has failed worldwide as a political system and economic philosophy, thus Naxalism would always remain on the fringes of Indian society and never be able to occupy the centre stage. But this premise seems to be unlikely, the movement is gaining ground at a very fast pace, particularly among the disadvantaged communities and vulnerable sections of society. Modern history is replete with examples where nations have been won over by ideological groups which were, strictly speaking in a numerical minority.

And there is a strong possibility as the movement gains momentum and strength it may as well gain the sympathies and the moral support of the cultured classes (Bhadra Jan). Though it all sounds like speculation at the moment but it would be in the best interest of the Indian nation state to curb this threat in its nascent stage, if not given proper attention and its growth checked this extremist movement could prove disruptive and potentially disastrous for the country’s cherished and envied peaceful democratic traditions.

The Government must use all tactics (Sam- Dam- Dand- Bhed) to win this war of righteousness. This could include more and better police presence and vigil in remote rural areas, large scale financial aids to the people living in the areas infested with this ill in the form of development of infrastructure, propagating and educating the masses about the real face of the terrorist and so on. It has to be a policy mix which includes both, bridging the economic gap between the haves and the have nots on the one hand and severely punishing the violent culprits on the other.

Finally it is hoped and believed that India, the valiant fighter, will survive this threat as well, and emerge stronger, more matured and evolved than before.

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INDIA - BEYOND RAM AND BABAR

INDIA –BEYOND RAM AND BABAR

India has come of age. It has outlived the contentious Ayodhya issue and in the process become more resistant and immune to big internal troubles, leading to a more matured and civilized nationhood.

The destruction of the Babri mosque at Ayodhya on 6th December, 1992 by Hindu karsevaks continues to sharply divide India on ideological and communal lines. However its force and intensity are fastly subsiding and it is highly improbable that issues of such types will gain popular support ever again in India.

The movement which surrounded the issue of the liberation of Lord Rama’s birth place (Shri Ram janm bhoomi) was essentially political in character. But it went way beyond politics owing to the emotiveness of the issue which is linked to the devotion of millions and millions of Hindus to Lord Rama. The destruction of Babri structure was much more than what it looked like. It essentially was a litmus test for the ardently secular India to protect its tolerance and multiculturalism from the onslaught of fundamentalist. And it was a test which they failed. Congress Government at the centre could not save the ill-fated Babri mosque which symbolized the victory of opportunism over sanity. Indeed it was a black day in the history of independent India.

But the entire issue doesn’t merely point to the simplistic tussle between the multicultural India and the forces of opportunism. It also needs to address the core issue of relationships between religious communities and the way politics influences religion in India. In the eyes of many, the demolition of the mosque was the general outburst of the common Hindus against the policy of appeasement practiced by the successive Congress Governments over the decades. Certain sections of intellectuals allege that the Government, over the decades had been practising the policies of regressive secularism, which was moulded and rechristened as pseudo secularism for the first time by the main driver of the Ayodhya movement Mr. L.K. Advani.

A point in case is the infamous Shah Bano episode. In the mid 1980s, a landmark judgement given by the honorable Supreme court in favour of divorced Muslim women, which would have helped solve certain social evils in the Muslim community, was overnight reversed by the then Congress Government headed by the late Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, just to appease fundamentalist sections in the Muslim community. This move of the Government unnerved the liberals and the seculars and brought many fence sitters to the Hindutva fold. Arguably this event was instrumental in the grand success of a massive anti-secular, pro-Hindutva movement in large parts of Northen and Western India, in the early 1990s, culminating in the destruction of Babri mosque, which was a symbolic victory of Hindutva over secularism.

But what is most heartening, is that over the last few years we have seen India move ahead of Mandir and Masjid. In spite of repeated attempts by the hard-line sections of Sangh parivar, all attempts to revive the Ayodhya issue or rake up the issues of Kashi and Mathura have failed miserably. This all shows a sense of maturity which is developing in the Indian people and its political culture. several reasons can be attributed to the evolution of India from a medievalistic mindset to a much more modern and progressive thinking. The rise of the civil society and the intellectual class, increasing judicial activism, more accountability required from the politicians now, and the most important the serious drubbing which the saffron chauvinists received in the elections which immediately succeeded the demolition have proved conclusively that communal politics cannot be made to dominate the culture of this country, whose foundations are embedded in deep liberalism and which has a very enlightened heritage.

This doesn’t mean that BJP is completely unwelcome.As the representative of the right wing nationalism, it has an important role to play in the national political system. As a moderate Hindu minded party, it can voice its concerns, if in opposition and frame policies, if in power, through democratic and peaceful means, which do not infringe on the basic fundamental secular character of this country.

The people of India have seen massive social and political upheavals in the past which has shown a new path and led to growth and evolution. This all has made the country stronger and its future brighter.

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MAN'S FOUL PLAY WITH NATURE AND THE IMPENDING ECOLOGICAL OUTBURST

MAN’S FOUL PLAY WITH NATURE AND THE IMPENDING ECOLOGICAL OUTBURST

Man’s growing developmental needs and the failure of a consensus between the nations of the world to cut down on their pollution-causing industrial production might prove dangerous for the well being of our beautiful blue planet and result in a horrific future for the Humankind, characterized by grave and aggressive ‘acts of reaction’ from the Nature, imperiling the life and livelihood of millions and millions of people in different parts of the world, by seriously disturbing the harmony of climate cycles and weather systems.

Man is undoubtedly the most wonderous and unique creation of nature, having been evolved after millions and millions of years of churning process of the Natural World. He is immensely potent. But, ironically today the humankind collectively are not behaving as a responsible lot. In the pursuit of economic development, lakhs and lakhs of hectares of forests are being cut each year for various purposes. The harmful and toxic chemical wastes are being thrown out of the factory chimneys and from the vehicles into the atmosphere. The chemical fertilizers being used at a very large scale at present are causing serious damage to the soil and dangerous chemicals are entering Our Food Cycle, resulting in serious illnesses and handicaps.

These and many other factors will and to some extent are already beginning to show disastrous consequences. Cracks are forming in the crucial ozone layer, an outer atmospheric layer of air, which prevents certain dangerous carcinogenic rays of Sun from entering the Earth’s Atmosphere. This could cause cancer and many other serious skin ailments becoming a common feature, affecting vast number of people- a prospect which is both horrifying and unnerving. But what is most disturbing and alarming are the Prospects of what Climatologists, Geologists and other Scientists call as THE GLOBAL WARMING.

Global Warming is the term used to describe the consistently and relatively quickly happening process of warming of the Earth’s Atmosphere, as a result of toxic industrial pollutants in gaseous, liquid and solid forms, being thrown into the atmosphere. The pace of industrialization of the world is increasing very quickly with many fastly growing major economies like China, India, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, etc, etc. rapidly setting up modern industries to grow fast and catch up with the developed World.

As a result, the largely carbon containing wastes which is going into the atmosphere is increasing the general level of temperature of the atmosphere. It is feared that this would result in the melting of Polar Snows at a massive scale, increasing the sea levels at most coastal regions, causing massive floodings and drowning many islands and island nations and coastal regions under water.

Apart from this, there are many other and more implications which could result from this dangerous ongoing phenomenon. Entire climate cycles could be disturbed and Weather Systems completely altered. It is predicted that, if such a scenario is allowed to happen then The Indian Subcontinent may see large floods initially as a result of massive melting of Himalayan Snows and might eventually become Large Desert, when the snows have finally melted. It is apprehended that USA, the Premiere Nation of the World, may turn into a dust bowl over the next 150-200 years.

LEADERS, LEADERS WAKE UP…..!!!!

It’s indeed a wake-up call for all the responsible and enlightened ‘Citizens of The World’ to take charge and put pressure on the leaders of their respective nations to take initiative and cut down on their industrial production in it’s present pollution-causing form and develop and gradually adapt bio-friendly and eco-friendly means of productions of goods so that pollution does not increase and on the contrary efforts should be made to reverse it. Someone has to take this bold step and say yes I am going to cut down on my industrial production and adapt alternative measures, come what may. It is the best if this decision is taken uniformly by all the countries of the World unanimously or at least by all the major powers. The desire for economic growth has to be sacrificed for a better, sustained and an ensured future.

This should not become a dirty tug-of-war between the Developed and Developing Countries with each group putting the onus for this initiative on the other. Both the Groups have responsibilities towards their people, The World Community of Nations and 6.75 billion strong Humanity. Unless this Emergent Situation is addressed Urgently, this missed bus would be lost forever and so would be the chance for Environmental Balance and Climatic Harmony of this Planet.

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DISHONOUR THE KHAP

DISHONOUR THE KHAP

IN MODERN TIMES, THE KILLING OF PEOPLE BY THE KHAP PANCHAYATS ON THE GROUNDS OF SAME GOTRAS AND INTERCASTE MARRIAGES SHOULD BE SEEN AS A SERIOUS ANTI SOCIAL CRIME WHICH DESERVES SEVERE INTELLECTUAL CONDEMNATION AND PUNITIVE LEGAL ACTION.

Indian news papers and media, these days, are flooded with reports of honour killings carried out by the Khap panchayats. Khap panchayats, which are largely Jat bodies, have increasingly taken themselves as the custodians and guardians of the community and are enforcing medieval practices through coercion and violence.

They have been numerous cases recently in various parts of Northern India particularly Haryana and surrounding regions where couples who married against the community norms like outside their caste or within the same gotra have been intimidated, harassed and even killed for their bold and “unsocial actions”.

These events speak very poorly about the civilisational status of Indian society. It proves beyond doubt that large sections of the society are still deeply rooted in a thinking which isn’t merely regressive but also disregard the dignity of human being and sanctity of individual freedom. The arguments given by the proponents of Khap mentality, that religion clearly and strongly condemns marriages between different castes as illegal, immoral and potentially degenerative for the society, that since gotras are like large extended families, the people who are common descendents of the same Guru (The Great Teacher) thus marring in the same gotra tantamounts to incest, a big social and moral sin prohibited and punishable even under the Indian legal system. But these are absurd arguments. It is proved scientifically and goes by common sense as well that inter caste marriages if anything will only increase the chances of improving the heredity stock and thus ensure a brighter future for the coming generations. Similarly the argument that the gotras are like large extended families is equally absurd and illogical. We have a limited number of gotras and crores and crores of populations, so that each gotra of each caste includes at least lakhs of people. It is not possible that such a large number of people belong to one extended family.

Basically, these honour killings are about the anger at the prospects of polluting the supposed sanctity and purity of one’s caste and the social norms and traditions associated with it. It is indeed very sorry state of affairs. No doubt today, India is socially fragmented into different mental time zones, we have ultra modern, modern, moderate, conservative, orthodox and extremely narrow minded all existing side by side. This again is due to the lopsided development which has taken place in the thinking of different people. But to kill a couple brutally because they have married according to their choice, which incidentally goes against the social mores is brutality at its lightest. What is more disappointing that the custodians of the community do it in the name of saving their honour, which shamefully is supported by most of the community members sometimes even by the close relatives.

PURGE THE KHAP MENTALITY, KNOCK OUT REGRESSIVE MEDIEVALISM

The government must take strong legal actions against the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. These could include giving severe punishments ranging capital punishment to life imprisonment to the people who are directly involved in these crimes and those who are indirectly involved even they should be punished. Certain special legal provisions can be made to deal effectively and in a tough manner with these murders carried out by the khap panchayats. To eliminate any caste conspiracy which may be made to enter the minds of the people, the situation should be handled tactfully and with care. It should be a double pronged strategy, where by there should be exemplary fear against performing such crimes. This can be brought about by tough and fast execution of the culprits. Apart from that, massive social awakening is required through various channels.

People should be educated and made aware of the irrelevance of caste and gotra in modern day marriages. We can say, in a nut shell, that khap panchayats are but instruments which are perpetuating the regressive remains of medievalism. These structures can only be demolished completely when the government and the civil society take to address the issue on a war footing.

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THE STORY OF ISLAM

THE STORY OF ISLAM- THE SIEGE WITHIN AND THE SURGE OUTSIDE

Islam, in the contemporary world, presents a very gloomy picture of itself. With the fundamentalists taking over its institutions rapidly, the non Muslim world is increasingly seeing this religion as completely violent and exclusivist, totally ignoring its moderate and liberal side.

Islam, the holy religion of Prophet Mohammad, today stands at a very critical crossroad. While the growing western influence resulting in a fear of western domination has stimulated jingoistic, communal and racist movements across many parts of the non western world, the extent and intensity of this xenophobia is most pronounced in the Islamic world.

Muslim today constitute about 1/5th population of the world, numbering around 140 crores spread all over the globe but predominant in a wide stretch of land beginning from Morocco in Northern Africa and reaching up to Indonesia in South East Asia, referred sometimes as the Green Belt. Almost in all of the 54 Muslim countries, there is being felt or experienced a sense of increased religiosity which almost always turns into demand for the creation of an Islamic state or a ‘More Islamic State’. (Whatever the case may be).

Islam is today baffled with a double edged serious trouble. In my opinion, this religion has two big enemies. First the fundamentalists within, which disturbingly form or influence a very large section of the community. As an impact of this section, Islam today is seen completely incompatible with democracy and modern liberal thought. Resultantly, Islam is completely resistant to modernity, westernization or any thinking which breaks its dogmatic line. The religion is also increasingly getting intolerant towards other religions. And the second enemy of Islam is again – large sections within the non Muslim world who genuinely or by influence paint all the Muslims and entire Islam with the same brush.

The brunt is borne by the educated, enlightened, liberal and progressive sections within the Muslim society. They face double whammy. While the non Muslim world distrusts them for being “violent” Muslims. The Muslims abuse them for being Godless, atheistic infidels (Kafirs). Some experts believe that a resurgent Islam is slowly catching up challenging the might and domination of the western world. This is taking the shape of a ‘Clash of Civilizations’.

The attack on the World Trade Center in U.S.A on September 11th, 2001 was the most daring and destructive attack on the symbol of Western might. The person who masterminded these attacks, Osama Bin Laden is the new face of the most violent and aggressive version of militant Islam. He is a household name for many fanatical Muslims and considered a Messiah. Although Taliban has been dismantled, Al Qaida is in disarray and Iraq has been tamed in, but the U.S has hardly won this war. The sympathisers of Osama and his movement all over the world are dying to avenge this dishonor with their blood and life.

The problem of Islam today is that it lives and makes people live in a medievalistic mindset and tolerates no change. But there is also another side to Islam. The all embracing Sufi tradition of Persia and India, the synthetic legacy of the great Indian emperor - Akbar, the novel example of Indonesia, Malaysia and India where large number of Muslim live by enlarge peacefully and cordially with the non Muslims and the enlightened support given by lakhs and lakhs of

Muslims to secular and humanist causes, from across the globe including some of those who live in the orthodox countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran. These all are a testimony to the softer, benign and benevolent side of Islam. It is these sections who got to be encouraged and brought up by all well wishers of a peaceful Islam and desirers of a harmonious humanity. The hot headed and insensitive approach of the U.S. and Europe won’t work. Need is to build bridges with the Muslim world, to come to rescue of liberal Muslims and ultimately isolate the fundamentalists so that eventually they loose their influence and finally their existence. We in India also need to follow a double pronged strategy. On the one hand we should create an atmosphere where Muslims feel safer and provide them better access to education and employment; on the other hand we need to act tough on trouble makers, those spreading ill will against Hindus and other non Muslims must be strictly punished. Those who promote and impose medievalistic thinking such as compulsory growing of beard and wearing of burkha should be discouraged. India needs tough laws against both terrorism and communal riots.

Ultimately it is hoped that hoped that all Muslims will come out of their cocoons and live harmoniously alongside their non Muslim brethren with honour, pride and a sense of progressiveness.

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THE BATTLE FOR AFRICA

THE BATTLE FOR AFRICA

IN RECENT TIMES, THE AFRICAN CONTINENT HAS COME TO SYMBOLIZE THE SOCIO-CULTURAL FLASH POINT BETWEEN THE CHRISTIAN AND ISLAMIC CIVILIZATIONS.

Africa, the most diverse geographical and demographic entity in the world today has become a new battle ground between the two civilizational poles- Christianity and Islam.

One of the most serious challenges which the modern world is facing is the growing Islamic fundamentalism on the one hand and increasing western imperialism and interference on the other. This has undoubtedly and clearly led to a clash of interests between Christendom and Crescentdom which unfortunately is taking the shape and form of a major Clash of Civilizations.

While the West and Islam are engaged in countering each other in various parts of the world, the theatre of this clash in the African continent presents a somewhat different picture. Africa is largely tribal, extremely diverse, where modern civilization is yet to take firm roots. This has made the religio-cultural situation here much more fluid than in other continents. While religion, here too, is a sensitive issue, but still religious conversions and religion change are happening at a much larger scale. While Christendom and Crescentdom are fighting political, strategic and bloody battles in the rest of the world; in Africa the issue is, by en-large which civilization would dominate the cultural and social mindscape and landscape and thus be the psychological and strategic winner.

Africa, is in a very broad sense ethnically divided into two parts- the vast desert regions in the north- called the Sahara which is inhabited by the completely Muslim

Arabs and then there is the Sub Sahara Africa, also called black Africa, which includes the central and southern regions of the continent. This is the land of Negroes, the black people. The northern Arabs do not constitute more than 20% of the African population, but being exclusively Muslim, Islam gets an easy advantage. The majority of the Negroes are Christian but it is very doubtful, arguable and contentious as to which religious community dominates overall in the continent. While most statistics give a wafer thin advantage to the Christians in the ratio of 55:45 but there are others who claim it is just the other way round.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS FLASH POINT

Africa is the only continent where Christians and Muslims, the two rivals compete neck to neck with each other. In all other continents there is no direct internal fight, positions and conditions are well defined, but in Africa, large scale conversions are a common fact. The battle for Africa is not just a psychological war. Africa is the richest continent in mineral wealth and natural resources. Both the religious civilizations are using somewhat different tactics to control the continent.

While in Christianity, the Pope and the well organized and centralised clergy dreams and attempts to fulfill its unfinished agenda of converting Africa. Huge sums of money are being pumped into Africa from Christian lands, supposedly, for humanitarian works, but it is clear that the tacit intention is propagation and strengthening of Christianity. On the contrary, this war is being fought by Islam from a much more grass root level where even the common man is making his contribution to win this Holy War (Jehad).

As this civilizational cold war intensifies and takes up more aggressive overtures, the claim over Africa which is already keenly contested will attract more and more attention of the holy followers of the two communities. This is not a very bright prospect for this not so Dark Continent.

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THE CULT OF BABA AMBEDKAR

THE CULT OF BABA AMBEDKAR – A FORCE THAT CHANGED INDIA

THE EMERGENCE OF DR. B.R.AMBEDKAR ON THE INDIAN POLITICAL LAND SCAPE WAS A DEFINING MOMENT IN THE COUNTRY’S HISTORY, AS IT INITIATED THE PROCESS OF DISMANTLING THE UPPER CASTE HEGEMONY ON THE PATH TO THE ESTABLISHMEN OF AN EQUAL INDIA.

The Indian nation owes a great deal to Dr. Ambedkar, the chief architect of our constitution and the messiah of the downtrodden. His role in the making of post-independence modern India is often overlooked or misunderstood. Dr. Ambedkar, the most invoked of all dalit icons, began his journey in a sleepy village of Maharastra. He saw and faced the menace of untouchability and exploitation. But this did not deter him to go ahead in life, he fought all odds bravely and went up to become the chief architect of the Indian constitution, as he was a prominent member in the constituent assembly which drafted the Indian constitution.

This war, victory and achievement of such an exalted status symbolizes the triumph of the struggle against exploitation and injustice which he undertook throughout his life. Under the leadership of Dr. Ambedkar, special provisions were made in the Indian constitution to discourage, deter and eventually eliminate the worst forms of caste exploitation.

It is beyond doubt, that India on coming in contact with the western culture, was changing very fast. The process of social transformation, to end inequality based on birth began much before the coming of Ambedkar. But it was under him and later on under his name that the forces of social justice were galvanized and brought under a single banner. Today his name symbolizes not merely a need for social adjustment but also a strong anger against people who disregard the novel humanist principle of dignity and equality of all human beings. The life and achievements of Dr. Ambedkar have turned into a heritage for the proud dalits which they consider as glorious, heroic and sacred.

His tireless efforts, which was later on, carried on by his supporters and descendents became a social factor to reckon with. He and his name unleashed a process which would go on heightening the self esteem and empowerment of not merely the dalits but also the other backward castes.

The dalit factor became so strong in the Indian political and social milieu that being pro- dalit was not merely fashionable but even mandatory. Baba Ambedkar was a revolutionary, beyond a point. He was not reconciliatory or compromising. He demanded justice for the downtrodden. He asked for equality, nothing less. He didn’t believe in gradual or slow transition. He represents the militant, aggressive and yet the most popular face of Dalit activism.

In the year 1956, he embraced Buddhism with about 5 lakh supporters. He exhorted that all dalits should embrace Buddhism, an Indian religion which he found eagalatarian and caste free. This was a clear warning to the Brahminical establishment. The orthodox upper castes realized the gravity of this threat and were ready to give in more concessions to the dalits. The process which began with him reached one aspect of its culmination, when in 1997 Dr. K.R. Narayanan was sworn in as the President of india. He was the first dalit head of state and it was a wonderful gift to the nation on the 50th anniversary of its independence.

The heritage of Ambedkar has produced many dalit super icons like Smt Mayavati and Shri Ram Vilas Paswan who cherish Prime Ministerial ambitions. The cult of Ambedkar lies at the core of current day dalit movement. His name evokes a sense of modernization, revolution and the dawn of a new era in the life of Indian nation.

Salutations to the man who brought the unjust and cruel caste system to doldrums, bringing liberation, equality and scope for growth into the lives of millions. Indeed he is one of the major makers of modern India.

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AFRICA - THE BRIGHT CONTINENT

AFRICA- THE BRIGHT CONTINENT

IN POPULAR WESTERN PERCEPTION, AFRICA IS OFTEN DUBBED AS “THE DARK CONTINENT”. BUT IF WE GO A STEP FURTHER AND ANALYSE THE SITUATION IN ITS ENTIRETY, THE FUTURE PROSPECTS INCLUDED, WE COME TO A PREMISE WHICH IS FAR FROM THIS STEREOTYPED ADJECTIVE.

The African Continent tests the limit of human comprehension. Geographically diverse, ethnically varied, ecologically rich and physically vast, this land mass presents a status of uniqueness, which no other continent or part of Earth can boast of.

What is more appealing is the fact that with all its diversity and richness, Africa is a monolith. Across its various regions, cultures and geographies, there is a thread of commonality which binds all of them together in a loose but defining link. Unlike Asia, Africa is structurally homogeneous. It is this ‘common feel’ of ‘An African-ness’ which provides unity in diversity, a factor which is important for the integration of the continent.

Even though Anthropologists consider it as a cradle of the present hominoids, the Homo Sapiens (The Human Beings), Africa’s past and history are covered with inglory. Africa has been exploited by the western countries since centuries and the first thing which comes to over minds when we see a Negro In a historical perspective is slavery and the worst form of racial exploitation. It is often perceived that Africa is the first home of savage and African (Negro) personifies the lowest status of human civilization.

The present can’t be abruptly discontinuous with the past and so is true for Africa as well. Its long history of tribalism, feudalism, lack of civilization and its eventual exploitation by the influential powers continues to influence its present. Africa today is the poorest, the most corrupt, lawless and most backward of all the regions in the world, where development is yet to begin seriously, modern human values have still to take roots. In short the continent is yet to come out of its past sloth, wildness and tribalism.

But all that is reading the book from only a single side. The spirit of human being is indomitable. He fights the situation and is never vanquished. In Africa too we find changes taking place. Africa is now divided into modern nation states which have enlightened constitutions and development is finally happening, albeit too late, too slow. Africa cannot be an island unto itself. The sweeping changes which are taking place around the world are making influence here as well. Even though the African economy remains in doldrums, but there is comparative improvement in the overall political culture of the continent. Tribe and clan are slowly and gradually being replaced by nation as the foremost collective identity of the people. Ethos and values are being instilled and an intellectual class have developed who are being instrumental in guiding this change.

However the most heartening and encouraging feature of the present day Africa is the birth and slow but gradual rise of Pan African Nationalism. Africans, particularly the Negros, are now increasingly thinking as one people and one civilization. The replacement of erstwhile OAU (Organisation of African Unity) with the radical African Union is a point in case which justifies this.

African Union which is formed on the model of European Union dreams to integrate socially, economically and eventually politically the African people. The popularity of this movement is growing day by day and it is being fervently supported by the intellectuals and the enlightened class. This is a revolution in the life of Africa, even if it is, at present, on a conceptual level. The Pan African Nationalism will eventually wipe out all the narrow minded tendencies and make nation state the most important. The Pan Africanist movement will catalyse big social and economic changes in the African continent. For the first time in human history, Africa will present itself as a unified civilization and it will be a force which no one can over look and ignore.

Great impetus is being provided in this direction by the huge African Diaspora at least 10 crore in number, which is spread throughout the world, with huge concentrations in the US, Brazil etc. The emergence of South Africa as a fast developing nation is testimony to this fact. The potential of Africa is huge, its population is galloping and is expected to be 200 crores by the year 2100 A.D. This will make it a huge market. Infact the 21st century won’t be merely an Asian century, will belong to Africa as well.

Africa symbolizes huge untapped potential of a section of humanity. It is a reservoir of natural wealth, the richest continent in minerals. Its strategic location, relative closeness to

Europe, Asia and the America’s make it almost the centre of the earth. Unlike Europe, none of the parts of Africa are extremely cold or completely inhospitable. The assets of Africa are its growing markets, richness in natural wealth, strategic location, a people who are strong and sturdy and hard working, the advantage of demographic youthfulness, the yet underdeveloped status of its economy which provides for scope of large scale growth.

In the light of these advantages it is clearly seen, that the African will sooner or later overcome his historical disadvantage and will rise like a hero. The cohesion will be provided by the nascent Pan African Nationalism, this will help the continent immensely in economy, and it is possible that a political union may also come on the scene. We can say, in a nutshell, that this land which produces maximum gold and diamonds has a silver lining and the prospects of its future are bright if not brilliant.

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