WINDS FROM THE EGYPT – AND RESHAPING OF THE ARAB DESTINY

WINDS FROM THE EGYPT – AND RESHAPING OF THE ARAB DESTINY

Egypt, the most populous and the premiere Arab nation state is on a boil. The people are fed up with the autocratic, corrupt, nepotistic self-styled ‘misrule’ of their dictator Mr Hosni Mubarak and want a definite change. They want, like any other nationality, good governance, clean administration and rapid economic growth and development. They want a government which is accountable, trustworthy and more of a ‘people’s government’ – in other words a democratic government which is elected by them and takes care of their needs and considerations. Even as I write this write-up, news channels are flooded with reports of massive protests which are taking place in the capital city of Cairo, as the deadline for the ouster of Mr Mubarak looms large and people seem in no mood of relenting, making it one of the most Massive Revolts of the world in visible memory.

But these protests are much more than what they seem to be. They are a trigger point for a much bigger thing which is to come. Yes, it seems quite probable from the recent happenings that ‘A VERITABLE ARAB REVOLUTION’ awaits to happen. This part of the world has for a long time resisted democracy, as the monarchs and the dictators there have never let it happen, making The Arab Countries (22 in all) a hotbed of war and violence, a sanctuary for feudalism and a stronghold of religious fundamentalism.

But this ought to change now. It can’t but change. The impact of ‘Modernism’ and ‘Radical Humanism’ are seeping into these regions as well. It has to. Freedom is the basic instinct of human being. And the Arab masses are now realizing the importance of Democracy. It is quite clear to influential sections there – elected governments are far better than monarchs and despots, as the former always seek for votes (the voice of the majority) while the latter establish and flourish by the force of the gun.

Egypt is not just one part of the Arab world which is witnessing this revolution. Recently in Tunisia a revolutionary democratic change has been worked out. There have been protests in Yemen and some other Arab Countries as well. The changes are highly welcome, applaud able and spirit-elevating. They hint at the development of a certain level of maturity among the people.  The movement is now already become very widespread in Egypt and it is a just a matter of time before Mr Mubarak, the despot vacates his place for a more people friendly leader elected through democratic process which would take place by  free and fair elections.

 The winds that are sweeping Egypt and some other Arab Countries have the potential to become a massive storm. It is indeed a historic moment for all the well wishers of global and universal democracy. The seeds being sown will bear their fruits much later. Future generations will witness these. The Arab World got it’s treasure – The Oil by destiny. But now they have this golden opportunity to change their political set ups and bring about social changes and hence create their own new destiny.

World leaders, particularly The USA and Europe need to be careful while dealing with this issue. As leaders of the world community of nations they have a right to broker peace and help necessitate The Country’s peaceful transition to Democracy. But there should not be any ulterior motive, and they should not unduly meddle into the Arab affairs.

The success of this revolution in Egypt and across the Arab World depends on how well the people are able to effect these cherished changes, not merely by overthrowing the old despotic governments, but also by enshrining and involving these values in the Policies and Practices of the new governments. Otherwise it would just be like an Autocratic Inefficient Despot is replaced by Structural Inefficiency and Sloth (Happens commonly in developing and underdeveloped democracies).  

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THE SUBLIME ISLAM

THE SUBLIME ISLAM

Islam is commonly perceived as a narrow-minded, fanatical, exclusivist religion marked by the highest degree of intolerance, fundamentalism and gender discrimination. However it is important to understand that there is a huge difference between the way this religion actually is and the manner in which it is practiced.

The Non-muslim world seems to view the muslims with suspicion as violent perpetrators of their Holy War (Jehad) which means the fight to finish the Non-Muslims forever. The bias against muslims is growing by leaps and bounds across the world. The bold and destructive Islamic Jehadist attack on the USA (11^th September, 2001) changed drastically the relations between Westerners (Largely Christians) and Muslims. It brought the USA and Europe in direct clash with the muslim fundamentalists. The common perception today is that all muslims are fundamentalists, fanatical, bigoted, intolerant and support violence and terrorism in the name of religion.

But if we go and see Islam, in it’s true spirit, then we find that it is a religion of peace, love for God and His creation, of brotherhood of mankind. Islam literally means submission to the will of God. It teaches man to live a holy life, with a cause and purpose, and to raise the sword (or any weapon) only in events of grave situations, when justice is being denied, or some form of wrong being carried out. And in a modern democratic world use of weapons is all the least important as we have now the provisions of  a welfare state looking after the fundamental human rights of the citizens, a strong police and judicial system which ensures this.  (Just as the infamous saying in the Manu Smriti – ‘One must pour molten glass into the ears of Shudras ( Lowest Caste) and Women who dare to listen to Vedic hymns’  this saying hardly has any takers today, so does the Islamic Concept of Jehad or Holy war against Evil people must not enjoin any importance in today’s world).  

Jehad, in the true Islamic sense, means a war against one’s own inner negativities, weaknesses, and bad things, consent most Islamic scholars. However the most striking feature of Islam is the strong tradition of egalitarianism – all  muslims are supposed to be equal before the eyes of Allah (God) and no one is superior or inferior to the other. Islam is strongly and radically theistic. God is all powerful, just, kind and his law must be obeyed in all times and situations. Only then one aspire for Spiritual bliss in Jannat (Heaven). With good deeds, regular prayers (5 times a day), fasting during the holy month (in Ramzan), alms giving (Charity), visiting the Holy Site of it’s Founder Prophet Mohammad- Mecca and so on one can aspire for a good life after death. These are steps to put you on the right track. They ensure that one lives according to righteous societal norms and state of society is healthy and harmonious.

The reflections of sublime Islam are clearly seen in the Sufi Tradition – the softer and mystical-spiritual side of Islam. Sufism is the all-encompassing, all loving compassionate face of Islam. Sufi saints believe in universal love of mankind as the Entire Creation is but a reflection of God. They preach non-violence and conversion through peaceful means. They had and still have large following among Muslims and even among Non Muslims like Hindus. Sufis interpret religion in mystical sense, they are not for blind obedience of rituals. Rather they follow Islam more in spirit than in letter. They are practitioners of essence of the Religion and believe that is the real religion and practice.

The agenda of Islam is being hijacked by fundamentalists these days. They are playing with the emotions of the people and organizing violent campaigns against Non Muslims. It’s a dangerous trend which is threatening World Peace and giving a bad name to the religion. Muslims and Non Muslims, all well wishers of peace, and desirers of the True Spirit of Humanism must fight a long drawn battle against fundamentalists.  When the world is free of Religious Fundamentalism, only then we can sit in peace.

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INDIA AS A REGIONAL WATCHDOG OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND CHAMPION OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES

INDIA AS A REGIONAL WATCHDOG OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND CHAMPION OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES

World is changing fast. And the power equations between nations are too in a state of consistent, gradual, tremendous flux. What we are witnessing is the Rise of The East, i.e. Asian and to some extent African countries are awakening from centuries old stagnation and are flexing muscles to get their rightful place under the sun on this Earth. Not since the massive events of The Two World Wars has the world witnessed such a defining transformation.

New developments call for adapting different strategies and tactics to get through these changes. Rather than being challenging, these times are a Golden Opportunity for countries to alter their status and position in the World and change the way world looks at them. One such big opportunity is coming towards our own country India. It all rests on how we see it and use it to our opportunity.

India’s Economy is growing by leaps and bounds averaging about 8 to 8.5% in the last few years, way ahead of the 7% miracle economy mark. The Country is still young and productive with it’s above 60 years population being considerably lower than most other comparable countries. It has a burgeoning middle class and in the strong likelihood that it’s economy will continue to grow at the current pace, it is forecasted that in a matter of few decades India would be the number three economy in the world next only to China and The USA.

But the issue is how efficiently will our country use this dividend to it’s advantage. To enhance it’s clout in the international arena, the country needs to pursue a diplomacy which is a judicious mix of principled guidance and pragmatic action. India, being one of the very few sustaining democracies, should take the moral high ground and the responsibility to guide, assist and direct other nationalities suffering at the hands of Oppressive Dictatorial regimes, religious fundamentalists and all those elements who try to sabotage the freedom of people in the guise of ideological or nationalist interests.

  India needs a more hawkish, involved and pro-active foreign policy. The country needs to grow up and come out of it’s helpless and vulnerable behaviourial childhood to the status of a more matured, confident keeper of it’s flock (read the regional comprising of large parts of Asia). India needs to go beyond Pakistan or even China. It must become more multilateral. The Country must formulate it’s own policy on some vexing issues facing the world like The war on terror by US in Afghanistan and Pakistan, The Korean Crisis, The Israel-Palestine conflict in West Asia and others. Country’s policy on these issues should be guided not merely by short term myopic self-interest but should be supported by a vision for itself and for the rest of the world. The policies should be original, sustaining, forceful and to a great extent principled.

The Vision of India must entail a grand design of it’s leadership role. No doubt it needs friends, but factually in politics there are no permanent friends and enemies. Only thing which must sustain is the Role of The Country as a leader of the world community with the underlying basis that it’s policies should be directed in favour of Kindness, Freedom and Humanism. The country needs international events of crisis to develop it’s clout. It should use them as such.

With a population of over 1.20 billion (representing about of 1/5th of humanity) ; a glorious history  of cultures, values and traditions ;  a place where democracy and pluralism have survived despite the strongest odds,  it is an imperative that India should march ahead as a regional upholder of freedom, democracy and Rule of Law.

THE POWER OF INDIA – INDIA AS THE DARK HORSE IN A PROBABLE SINO-INDIAN CONFLICT

The picture which is often projected of a probable war between China and India sometime in the not so distant future is as if it would be a cakewalk for China, and something which would prove to be inherently detrimental to India’s territorial integrity and interests. Far from real, if we see things in their proper unbiased perspective, we infer that the Indian side will be in a position to inflict heavy casualities on the enemy if not win the war altogether.

The Indian media is prophetic and apprehensive about a possible Indian war with it’s giant Eastern neighbor in the coming years.  This anxiety is reinforced by the frequent Chinese incursions into the Indian Kashmir and the recent tough stand taken by the Chinese govt on controversial issues like strengthening it’s claim over Arunachal and other anti-India rumblings in the policies of Chinese establishment. This all reminds us of the pre-1962 days. And a section of media feels that a Chinese invasion could be as near as 2012 (Exactly 50 years after the last Sino-Indian war). And it is generally perceived that a Sino-Indian conflict automatically implies  a big loss for India in terms of men, money, material and territory while China would anything but gain from this likely conflict. This premise gains strength from the recent emergence of China as an economic global superpower, which has translated into heavy expenditure on arms and ammunition, leading to it’s building of a superstrong army, with sophisticated weapons and warfare technology, which in terms of overall ability is next only to the United States. But where most experts fail to judge is the simultaneous rise of the Indian army, as the modern defence force of a superpower in waiting. Here I will enumerate why 1962 is not likely to be repeated should India and China go to war once again -:

1)      THE RISE OF MILLITARIST INDIA – Post-1962 war drubbing India got at the hands of China, things began to change drastically. Nehru was unequivocally condemned and accused of being ‘ a rosy day dreamer’ who betrayed national territorial integrity by invoking the ‘illusionary’ lofty ideals of Internationalism and World Peace. The nation geared up for a strong army and began weaponisation programmes. Taking advantage of India’s low morale, Pakistan invaded in 1965. Pakistan got a serious drubbing and in fact Indian army was on the verge of taking over Lahore, Pakistan’s premiere metropolitan city before cease fire was announced and truce called for. In 1974, India exploded her first atom bomb device under the leadership of Mrs Indira Gandhi, which made the country a de facto nuclear state. Mrs Gandhi, popularly referred to as Indira Jee, exalted the status of India to great heights by liberating Bangladesh (Then East Pakistan) from the clutches of Pakistan. Sikkim an independent country,was included into India peacefully and democratically, under her reign. These events rebooted the confidence of Indian nation and national army.

However, a watershed development happened in May 1998, when around the Buddha Purnima day India under the leadership of BJP led NDA exploded 5 atomic bombs including a hydrogen  bomb. If 1974 test had brought India on the threshold of Nuclear status, then 1998 completed that process to it’s logical end (as much is possible under the given circumstances).

Over the years India has become a very rapidly growing economy and spends heavily on defence. In fact, it is believed that the country is the largest buyer of arms and defence material in the world. India spent about $32 bln on defence budget in FY2010., which is quite high even from global standards. In the next 10 years India is going to make exhorbitant expenditure ($ 200 bln (Yes!) on defence purchases. India’s R&D technology is also advancing. Recently the country launched it’s first Light Combat Aircraft – Tejas, and became the 5^th country in the world to do so after USA, Russia, France and UK.

2)      THE LOGISTICAL FACTOR – INDIA HAS THE TRADITIONAL ADVANTAGE

While the disputed regions and areas of confrontation between India and China, lie at the remote corner of the huge Chinese nation ; on the other hand these areas are very close to Indian mainland and in fact the two regions – Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh lie very close to Indian flatlands, namely the Srinagar Valley and The Brahmaputra valley respectively. If China has built massive infrastructure in the form of highways, bridges, damns, it is more because it needs these constructions. While the Indian region lies relatively on the low Himalayas, the Chinese army has to traverse greatest of heights and hostilities to reach here. These factors would surely help India in the event of a war.

3)      INFERENCES FROM HISTORY

India lost the 1962 war against China. But then only 10,000-12,000 indian soldiers were deployed there as against 80, 000 strong Chinese presence. Inspite of that Indian soldiers could kill as many as 722 Chinese, as against 1383 Indians killed and much more Chinese soldiers were wounded as compared to Indian soldiers. This hints at a much better strike rate from the Indian side. Had it been even a little more military minded Prime Minister than Nehru, situation could have been different.

4)      PAST MISTAKES UNLIKELY TO BE REPEATED

Now no political party in India can afford to take this war lightly. This is not the age of Congress monopoly, rather the time belongs to cut throat political competitiveness. There will be no lacking from India domestically.

5)      CONCLUSION

I do not say India will clearly win this war, but it would surely be a competitive one, with an edge for China but such that India too will be able to inflict serious casualities on the Chinese.

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HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ROLE OF MEDIA

HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ROLE OF MEDIA

Protection, promotion and efficient practice of Human Rights is one of the most defining hallmarks of a modern welfare state. Human Rights are the basis of a democratic society and the basic need and requirement of every human being. These are the objective measure of freedom and well being enjoyed by the citizens of responsible nation states.

Modern World is full of complexities and contradictions, problems and paradoxes. While on the one side, The Human race is advancing scientifically, socially and in terms of wealth and well being; on the other there are numerous and numerous nation states where the oppressive regimes are sabotaging the freedoms of the people, depriving them of their most fundamental right of freedom and expression.

Even in Responsible Democratic Societies like our own India, there are ample instances of Human Rights violations. However, Media and the civil society have played a very effective role from time to time, and pressurized, persuaded, pushed governments or the establishment to toe the righteous line which is in the interest of the people and does justice to the cause of equality and fair play.

One of the largest and grossest violations of Human Rights have been the mass communal carnages. There have been three of such episodes in particular. These are the anti-sikh riots of Delhi (1984), and the Hindu-Muslim riots of Mumbai (1992-1993) & Gujarat (2002). These riots were triggered by certain happenings and were a flash point between the relations between the Majority Community (Hindus) and these two minority communities (Sikhs and Muslims respectively).

The atmosphere during these three episodes was completely communally charged. The result being that the minority community suffered not only the brunt of deadly violence but also of social ostracization, which persisted for a long time. The Role of Media (particularly The English Press) during these events was highly commendable. They condemned the violence in the strongest words. They rallied public opinion against the ghastly happenings and tried to convince influential sections of people against the virus of communalism and for unity and brotherhood. They even collected aids and other assistance for riot victims through the charity campaigns. The result was that civil society put pressure on the respective governments to act with care and soothe the victims. Communal Riots have become a dirty word in the lexicon of most Indians. And it is quite likely that soon Mass Communal Carnages would go out of existence in India as Communal Politics looses it’s sheen and the perpretators of Communal Riots get their due retributory prosecution.

This would be another achievement on the part of Indian Nation, another step forward for this civically evolving nation. And an important segment of credit for this would go to the media. This is broadly just one instance where the constructive role of media has been demonstrated. There are numerous other ways in which the media has acted with a purpose to change the way society functions.

Media is the conscience keeper of society. It is mostly highlights the darker and negative aspects of the system, because it wants them to be treated and improved upon. Where the media is strongly developed, is impartial, fair and bold, in that society govt sloth, corruption, crime and political opportunism are handled in a better manner. A well developed media is a pre-requisite for a large and influential civil society. The Upholding of Human Rights, across the globe is the most instrumental duty of Media internationally.

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HINDI AS THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE AND THE PATH OF LINGUAL FEDERALISM

HINDI AS THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE AND THE PATH OF LINGUAL FEDERALISM

Multi-Cultural and multi-lingual Indian Nation State has managed the prickly issue of National Language quite effectively. While Hindi, spoken by a little less than half of the country’s population, is the official language of India for all Union Government (Central Govt) purposes; all Non-Hindi speaking states have been rightly accorded the right to use the respective languages spoken in their regions for official purposes; with English often being used an associate language, sometimes as a link between Hindi speaking and Non Hindi Speaking India.  

The issue of Language is one of the most sensitive and potentially divisive one in a society. This is particularly true in the Indian Case, where the diversity is so much pronounced that within this single nation there are at least 15 languages spoken by a population of over 10 million people each. The Indian Govt over the years has managed this uniquely extreme diversity with care, caution striking the right balance between the demands of the Nationalist North and Federalist WSE (West, South & East, in other words the Non Hindi speaking areas of the Country).

India presents the case of a unique experiment in Lingual Diversity. This model was not envisaged or implemented straightway at the inception of Modern Independent India in 1947. Rather it has evolved over the decades, necessitated by the wants and wishes of the people, to live as one nation, with mutual adjustment and accommodation, and without compromising on their basic rights and conveniences.

THE INITIAL PLAN

Most of our founding fathers starting from Gandhi, Nehru to Sardar Patel and others had something else in mind. They had envisaged that Hindi and only Hindi would be the national and official language of India. The initial plan was that for a period of 15 years or so all Non Hindi speaking states would be prepared for use of Hindi as their official language. Till that time they would be allowed to use their local languages and English. 1965 was set as the tentative date of deadline.

ANTI HINDI RIOTS IN THE SOUTH AND THE CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT POLICY

The plan of the Govt to introduce Hindi in Non-Hindi speaking states met with stiffest opposition from South Indian states particularly Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. There were widespread and violent protests and many youths in Tamil Nadu were all set to immolate themselves should the govt go ahead with it’s decision. All symbols and marks of Hindi were eliminated in Tamil Nadu and practically the language was banned for teaching in schools and for official purposes. The extension of use of Hindi at the cost of vernacular languages and English was given the negative connotation of ‘Hindi Imperialism’. These protests were also supported by Non-South Indian Non Hindi Speaking states like West Bengal among others.

These protests and agitations in South had their repercussions in The North. There were anti-English riots and protests in Hindi Speaking North India. Lohiyists and other Pro Hindi groups put pressure on state governments to discourage English education and even the use of English in Public Life.

ADJUSTMENT, ACCOMODATION AND THE GOLDEN MEAN

Sensing that the issue was spiralling out of control and threatening the emotional integration of the country, the Govt acted with swiftness. It withdrew it’s plan of ‘Hindi Imposition’ and the Union Govt declared that The State governments in the Non Hindi speaking states had the complete option to continue to use their own local language and English for official purposes and in no way was it mandatory for them to use Hindi for as long as they wish. And Hindi will only be the language of The Union Govt and be used for all central govt purposes, as well as it would also be the language used by the state governments in all the Hindi speaking states.

The balance of power is in an equilibrium. India’s official policy postulates a fine balance between federalism and unitarism, regionalism and nationalism. If it is the variety of languages here that prove the country’s richness, it is the efficient building of the language policy and co-existence of not only different cultures and languages but also diverse ideologies and belief systems that reaffirms our faith in Indian Pluralism. Indeed India is a mini humanity, which fulfills the intent of the old Sanskrit saying ‘VASUDHAIV KUTUMBAKAM’ (Whole World is my Family).

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AN EXPANSION OF SECURITY COUNCIL – THE NEED OF THE HOUR

AN EXPANSION OF SECURITY COUNCIL – THE NEED OF THE HOUR

The world today stands at a crucial crossroads. There are increasing incidences of rogue states happening. We had Iraq led by Mr Saddam Hussein, who invaded Kuwait and annexed it in the year 1990, before he was taught a lesson and freedom of Kuwait restored by The United Nations Organisation (U.N.O.) chiefly led by the United States of America. Then there was the daring attack on the centre of the Western Might on September 11^th, 2001 carried out by Islamist Jehadists, which was in terms of it’s meaning and the number of casualities the single largest terrorist attack that the world has ever seen. And now we have the simmering Korean Crisis. The differences between the Communist North Korea supported tacitly by The People’s Republic of China and and to some extent Russia AND the Capitalist South Korea, which is in alliance with the United States, Japan and other countries belonging to this block, are increasing and may anytime escalate into a war, and in the worst case scenario into a nuclear war.

These were just three glaring examples, instances which have shaken the world. There are numerous other problems looking straight into the eyes of World Peace and Harmony. Increasing globalization and advancement in technologies has resulted in the development of reactionary movements across the globe, which are fuelled by outdated ideologies or governed by irresponsible dictatorships, but are most of the times armed with the latest weapons and defence technology. And the issues mentioned above are only part of the problem. There is also a growing concern as to how long will the nations of the world allow always The USA to take the lead role in the world affairs, as if managing the World’s problems, and taking the responsibility of leadership is USA’s birthright and it’s monopoly.

One of the important characteristic changes that the world needs today is the Structural Changes in the Security Council (the most important decision making body) of the United Nations Organisation (U.N.O)-the apex body dealing in and managing world affairs. The practice has been that the Security Council (The Body of UNO) should consist of only 5 permanent members, namely The United States, Russia, United Kingdom (U.K.), France and China (Initially Nationalist China, but was later on replaced by Communist or Mainland China). These permanent members have the veto right, which means if any of these five members negates some decision, then it can never take place consensually.

It is high time that the changed realities of the World are taken into account and the Security Council is expanded to include ideally five more members or at least three more nation states as permanent members. The countries which deserve permanent memberships are India, Brazil, South Africa AND Japan, Germany or alternatively Canada, Australia. The important criteria that should be set to test the eligibility of a candidate nation for a permanent seat in the security council can be as follows -:

1)    What is the population of the nation state? Is it substantial? Ideally above 10-15 crores.

2)    What are the prospects of economic growth of the nation state? Is it a developed economy or developing one? Ideally the nation should be a highly developed economy or a rapidly developing one.

3)    What’s the status of the nuclear power ability of the country? Does it already possess atom bombs? Or is in the process of making them? If the nation possesses nuclear bombs or is capable of making them and is a sophisticated defence power then it goes in favour of the Nation. But in that case,  the country must strictly satisfy the the substance to be stated in point 5) below

4)    Which geography the country belongs to? Whether that continent has already been represented or not? If the continent is not represented the country’s for the candidature becomes stronger.

5)    Last, but the most important the Country should be a responsible one which is committed to world peace, and in no ways should disturb or destroy Regional or global peace. The country must preferably be a matured democracy, or at the least should have good human rights records. If this point is not satisfied, then that country should never be made a permanent member, come what may. Other points are flexible.

THE CHOICE OF NATIONS-:

As stated above this can be the choice of new permanent members of the security Council –

1)    INDIA

2)    BAZIL

3)    SOUTH AFRICA

AND

4)    JAPAN

5)    GERMANY

OR

     4)   CANADA

     5)  AUSTRALIA

REASONS FOR THIS SELECTION –

1)    India satisfies all the criteria. Definitely Asia needs at least one more representation.

2)    Brazil because it satisfies all the criteria and South America should be represented as well.

3)    South Africa, as Africa direly needs a representation, Africa has been exploited and looked down upon for centuries, this is the least we can do assuage the damage. Moreover South Africa symbolizes the victory of Racial Equality over Apartheid through peaceful means, and today it stands for a rainbow society, where all people live with harmony. And South Africa fairly satisfies other criteria.

4)    I suggest the names of Japan and Germany, with lot of caution, anxiety and confusion. These were the nations who brought the world almost to the brink of destruction in the 2 world wars. They have been historically highly irresponsible. Before   they are given permanent seats, great care and caution should be taken and assurance achieved.

5)    Another alternative can be Canada and Australia, these two peaceful countries are giant economies as well but hardly ambitious.

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