A tearful Homage to Nelson Mandela

A tearful Homage  to Nelson Mandela

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” — Nelson Mandela

 

A rumour of the former President of Nelson Mandela’s death spread  some time ago in the social media after he fell ill. I searched the net to find out facts and watched news channels so that it all should be just rumours. I was happy to see that it was so.  In June this year he was admitted in the hospital and the rumour of his death before his birthday took turn, but the great fighter won over the death and in September came out of the hospital. Today’s news I came to know when I read my mail communication from White House. I said, this must be true as it is authentic. I was shocked and I was in the midst of my training programs and I did not even dare listening to Mr.Obama’s speech on his death. It was a great shock though the news was expected sooner or later due to health condition and his own family’s preparation for his end. In this last few decades I have hardly seen anyone like him in the world. “A True Gandhian” declared Mr.Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India. British Prime Minister David Cameron said "a great light has gone out in the world." “He no longer belongs to us. He belongs to the ages” declared the US President.

His idea of Guerilla war against the white for country’s freedom changed greatly due to the inspiration from none other than Mahatma Gandhi.   His 27 years of struggle in prison cannot be imagined. He is not only the father of modern South Africa but also a great world leader. His speech from the Dock, as it is famously called on 20^th April, 1964 is meaningful even today:

 “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

 

I felt as if I lost my friend and a relative. . I have searched my album and picked up a photo which I got snapped standing next to his statue in Madam Tussauds and put it up above. My reaction soon after hearing the news was, “How many such people still live in the world and will the coming days will see any such leaders? Will my own countrymen understand the importance of a great leader Mahatma Gandhi and live the legacy? Will my country lead the light for the world?”. My reactions suddenly turned to my inability to do anything big for bringing such transformation among the youth or countrymen. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, in his death brought the world together in his mourning, but will these leaders realize that it is equality, non-violence and true altruism can only change the world we live in and all wars must end? Mr. Mandela, you will be always live forever in the hearts of   all peace lovers of the world and continue to inspire our lives.

To read more on his biography visit: http://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/biography

 

 

 

My Appeal to Maoists

In a shocking instance 30 people were killed by Maoists and over 500 attacked in Bustar area of Chattisgargh. The attack was on a peaceful rally by congressmen. It was condemned equally by all. President of congress Party, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi described this as an attack on Democracy. Mr. Advani severely condemned the dastardly attack. He impressed upon the Prime Minister that concerted effort should be made to tackle Maoism and Naxalism with a heavy hand. Mr. Rajnath Singh, the President of BJP pointed out that we must raise above party lines.

In my opinion, we had done not much about this growing problem of naxalism in some of the States, especially Chattisgargh, Andhra, Odisha, parts of Bihar, etc., In a democracy, whatever the reason might be, no one has a right to take away the lives of other. At a time when many human right organizations talk of abolishing capital punishment, this type of activity which is by our own people is not good. I had clearly stated before that I am not sympathizer or supporter of any party. I post this here more as a patriotic Indian who is pained to hear and see the attack on some TV Channels. While such tragic event has happened, many English News Channels were busy discussing about IPL, betting and bookies. Who decides what is important in India is not known to me. If they want they blow up about a rape victim from Delhi ( I had voiced this atrocity too in no less terms and wrote a big document on suggestions to Justice Verma commission and Justice Usha Mehra Commission), while leaving such issues in lesser known places. If we are not bringing out the problems and news about all States and even villages of our country, many youngsters may not even know the existence of such places in our country.

An Appeal to the Maoists:

I request the Maoists to come to the mainstream and to a democratic process as done by Maoists of Nepal. What is in your heart and what do you want to achieve? Please let the people of this country know them. Initially the naxalite movement expressed that they are protectors of downtrodden, Adivasis (Tribes), etc., but your act is other way round!

I am probably not well known but I am for the harmony and well being of the country. I offer myself as an Interlocutor for any talk and can carry it to the government and the people. I am also not afraid to come anywhere to meet your representatives or leaders. Let this story see a good end. Hope, all the right thinking "Patriotic Indians"  will stand by me. I request the Central and State Governments also to take a note.  If  anyone wants contact me in this regard, you can call me on 9840336320. I request the media to pay attention and get the accolade from people as well as popularity by bringing the probably misguided naxals.

Even an 80 year old is not spared. Can Religious Fanaticism help in harmony?

Even an 80 year old is not spared. Can Religious Fanaticism help in harmony?

Please read the news today on "The Hindu": http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/seven-injured-in-attack-on-prayer-hall-in-udupi-district/article4492111.ece

Photo courtesy by "The Hindu"

India is a country which I am proud of due to its cultural heritage, peace loving  majority, natural resources, multi language, multi religious and multi cultural people. This is a country of Mahatma Gandhi of whom even the whole world praises. However, there are some vested interest individuals and groups that want to destroy the fabric of this nation. I have not so far written anything about my faith or send "likes" in social media for a picture of "Jesus" or some verses from The Bible. What is my faith has been kept only with me but at the same time never interfered with anyone or anyone's thoughts on their religious believes or pictures posted on the walls of social media such as Facebook. In fact, as I had written words of appreciation for Mother Therasa's work, so have I also appreciated Swami Vivekananda's work in his call to the youth. I have also written obituary to Bal Thackery or to any leader. My mission in this world is to bring harmony and peace among all. If someone does not get it, let him read it again. I did get a threat call fro writing a comment that some who attack nuns and killed innocent  muslims have become leaders too from some unknown caller. I did not even go to the police for a complaint, rather wrote in my page that if he has any issues with me let him write in reply. 

As far as the conversion theory is concerned, I have something to say. To preach and practice any religion is the fundamental right under our constitution. Every business advertises their products and is their legal right to do so. In the same way, one might feel that his faith is good and he / she can preach. Say a product such as Fair and Lovely claims fairness in a month can be bought by someone to try or some may not even buy it. It is up to an individual to listen to the preaching of anyone or not to listen also is one's own wish. If a toilet soap can be advertised, why not someone's faith? If there is a problem one faces with a product, there is a legal remedy. One can complain against the advertisement per se or even the product. In the same way, if there is a force in converting any against the wish, then there are existing laws which can come into effect. No religious ritual such as baptism, circumcision or washing with any sacred river can ever change a man against his wish. When the name "Ram" is in the heart of a man what use we get to make him say "Jesus" or by tonsuring his head can we make him a Buddhist? If any such instances are known to any of those misguided friends, let them make out a list of such instances and send to the court. Let the culprit be punished in the court of law. 

Raping a nun, asking people not to profess a faith and threatening them with weapons and burning their houses are in no way the ways of cultured persons. At the same time, I request the people of minority to keep calm and to believe in the democratic fabric of this country. They should also know that it is the good and right thinking majority in this country, no matter which religion they belong, have always stood by this harmony are responsible for the peace in this country. Without them probably, the country would have seen a complete genocide of the minorities and I might not have lived to write this blog. While I have hundreds of friends among the minority communities that I have thousands which belong to the right thinking majority community. 

Let no one take away the peace and heritage of this great country in the name of caste and religion. Let all the political parties and governments of State and Centre take the situations under control and with iron fist control such barbaric activities. Let the right thinking friends of mine, keep watch and propagate only the love and peace.  Spreading love is more than spreading any religion. If we all say God is love and hate human beings, what use is our religions?

Death of Delhi Gang Rape Victim - Death of values in the Indian Society or a New Birth? 

There is a photo making a circulation in social media about a girl whose name is not officially known but many call her Damini, has passed away after a long drawn battle in Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital. Times of India  call her "Abhaya". Whatever is her name, probably it would become "Anamika" (nameless), if we do not take this incidence into a logical end. This is probably the largest uproar for an individual ever in my opinion, thanks to the media and the people who gathered in New Delhi after the incidence. The country has also witnessed many uproar and even death of a constable. Public anger and many utilizing the opportunity for hooliganism and political parties trying to get mileage over one another, etc., have been witnessed by all of us. I am not going to talk about all of these.First of all let me convey my hearty condolences to her family, relatives, kith and kin. Thanks to the million who are now sensitized hopefully.  

We have all witnessed in the past that any uproar stays for a time and then all of us forget. Debates on TV News Channels will be replaced slowly but surely when other issues come up. I had also written in the social media about how many women who were raped and some even lost their lives did not even get any attention by the mass. Many times, if the victims are from villages or are underprivileged, in our country such people are always Anamikas. This had shaken me so much like any other good human would have naturally be. Shouting or lighting candles or writing in social media as one of the posts among many our youngsters post will not change things. 

Can we all ponder over what is the need of the hour? Where is our great country which preaches moral values and boasts of thousands of years of culture and tradition going? I have been watching many observations in the social media ranging from request to hang the culprits immediately, to dress code suggested by some men and objected vehemently by some women, especially of young age, to change in laws, etc., Probably everything might have a place for debate (after all in democracy there is place for everything). Some time, we should realize, that we get only lost in these arguments and we go nowhere. Let us do an emotional but wise and practical thinking of the whole matter. 

This is not to label all men as some animals, as fathers, husbands and brothers are men too. At the same time, let me tell my fellow men that it is not just wise to accuse all women as our mothers and sisters and wives too are women. An young boy must think, what is the security for his sister who had gone to college and yet to return. My dear sisters, think whether your brother treats other women with respect. When we can all learn universal brotherhood ( if you want to call sisterhood, I do not mind). Honestly tell me, even if the girl's parent in all their agony will not even once pass to think, why my daughter went at an odd time to movie and with a boy? These may not be expressed in anger, but we as parents do think. Dress code is another issue which is not very important now to talk, but I will just mention as incidence. One of my girl students who wanted to take up training at our company asked me over the phone as to what dress code they should follow. I after a smile told her: " I do not advocate any dress code here nor interested in moral policing. However, I can tell you one thing.You can wear anything that you think bring respect to you from my staff or your other students including boys and also from the general public, The public should say how decent and respectable is this girl. What is that dress code, is it pant and shirt or salwar or saree or any modern dress, I will not comment". She promptly told me sir, you have made things clear to me. I do not know why some need to over blow these too. In India there used to be a saying " the girl looks like Mahalakshmi". You can imagine how she would have looked. 

There is also widespread opinion that men view women as object of sex and a toy of entertainment. I cannot deny this at all. Who is responsible for this? Men or women, no, all of us. Why we do not object to the ads which depicts women like that? Is not there an "Advertising Standard Council of  India (ASCI)? Here is the link: http://www.ascionline.org/, if anyone cares please go and complain. Also there are women organization who simply blames the men for exploitation of women even in movies and ads. I do not think these women are like the underprivileged and voiceless who cannot talk against their perpetrators  but are rich and have big fan following. Why don't they ask these "ladies and elite group not to indulge in these things?". Please remember I am no male chauvinist and am for the true empowerment of women all over the world. While many women walk on the streets why only some are commented even by a man who otherwise is silent? Of course, one placard during these marches read like this: "even if I walk naked on the road, you cannot rape me". It is absolutely true and if you are a good man and have values and is respected by this society, you need to turn away and walk. Of course, it would have hurt me as I would have sensed the degradation of this society. If it was a woman lying naked due to other reasons, then a right thinking man would cover her with his shawl or even shirt. Are you all getting my point. Yes, that would be the right thinking and mature society. I dream of that. I am also equally sad how a woman can utter that she will be happy to go on the road naked? Even as a man I cannot imagine nor even dream of such behavior of walking naked on the road. Let our thoughts mature so that we can be called mature and we will create a mature society. 

Now, I pose the questions to the youth (boys and girls who had been debating on many things). Can you take oath of the following?   

Man / Boy: I treat the people of other gender as my equal and respect them and will not insult or hurt physically, mentally or morally. I will genuinely treat them as friends ( if you cannot take a oath saying you treat them as sisters and mothers) I genuinely try to help them as far as possible considering they are physically weak and they deserve my help. I will not induce them or show sexual or obscene gestures. I realize that I am a gentleman and will be seen as a Hero in situations which warrant my help. I will not cheat a girl with a false promise of marriage nor lure her unlawfully. 

Woman / girl: I will treat the people of other gender as my equal and respect them and will not insult or hurt physically, mentally or morally. I genuinely treat them as good friends  ( if you cannot take a oath saying that you treat them as brothers and like fathers). I will try to help them when they require. I will not use them for my own petty gains nor induce them with seducing gestures. I realize that men are made strong by God in nature ( you can omit the word God if you are atheist)  and I give the proper respect for that. I will not cheat a boy with false promise of marriage nor lure unlawfully.

I hope it is evenly balanced. When we talk or write anything, about other gender realize that you too have your sisters, wife or mother. Parents have a great responsibility in teaching both the boys and girls. You set an example to them. Then only you will be called a "Mata" or "Pita" as the Indian culture describes and are kept at par with God himself. Society will not develop on its own nor matures unless we all grow and mature. 

Coming to the question of how we can control it till the society matures slowly, we have many means such as legal, social, governmental and technological solutions. Laws for sure need to change in many ways. definition of rape,  proper identification of the crime and quick registering of cases and quick disposals are very important. Police should become friends of the public and oppressed but a terror to the wrong doers. Public should also realize they are part of the society. We cannot close our eyes to the constable Mr.Tomar who lost his life. 

I had seen thousands on street condemning the cruel act and I put my appreciation for them in writing. However, tell me how many are ready to come together in forming a "Civilian Task Force" who could patrol the areas during night or even become informers to police with the help of police. I do not know whether a system like "Friends of Police" is in place in New Delhi. I made a call for it elsewhere on a social network but no one had said "Yes".

I wonder why registering a case should take much problem for the police. I think there is a misunderstanding of the word "FIR" at both ends, FIR or First Information Report is just registering a "report" about the "Information" obtained by them, no matter whether the information is given by an individual or a group or even a news and is not a verdict nor a proven information. To prove it comes after the police investigation and enquiry and is confirmed and verdict given only by the court. Why they hesitate is not understood and why people should hesitate to go to the police also is strange. Why not technology come to help? We can make complaints filing online. I hope the government will listen to this. 

I request all the right thinking people to write your ideas and suggestions to Judge Usha Mehra Commission set up for this purpose, you can send your email to usha.mehracommission@nic.in  or through fax at 011-23093750 latest by 10th of January, 2013. The official site is: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=91235 

When asked by government agencies or commissions, many times public  reactions are poor. This is the time, all bloggers and social media activists who shout and cry can make their points. 

Coming to technology, I wonder why many times we fail to notice the advancements in technology and use them in right way. When smart phones can do so much why we cannot use them or develop gadgets which can alert police when women are in trouble? You can even keep an emergency messaging draft which can be simultaneously send to police as well as your dear and near ones. Also giving out GPRS locations to your family will be of great use. I have ideas for gadgets which can reduce crimes and will write to the government. Let me see whether they are genuinely interested in using such simple cheaper yet powerful weapons to curtail such activities. 

Various ways technology can come to help, but change of heart and attitude is the best and better than any technology.

Tribute to Subramanya Bharathi, a Tamil poet, revolutionary and Freedom Fighter.

Today 11th December, is the birth anniversary of Subramanya Bharathi or Fondly called as Bharathiar. his parents gave himn the name Chinnaswamy Subramanya Bharathi. Celebrations of his birthday might be subdued but those who know about him get inspiration by his very name. He was called "Mahakavi" meanss great poet. He was a cartoonist (the first one in Tamil Nadu, I suppose), a poet, journalist, a visionary, a revolutionist and a patriot. I was inspired by his writings even as a child. Though he was born in a so called upper caste ( so called, yes, I do not believe in caste system), he rose against the caste system and even hated by his own people. He was well versed in many languages including English, French, Telugu, Bengali, Hindi, Kutchi, Sanskrit besides Tamil. His series of songs for the babies make us remember why we should mentor them young. He teaches them saying "There is no caste and to talk of big or small is a sin", but even today in the land which boasts of

Cartoon of Subramanya Bharathi by me

him and tradition, the caste system is not abolished!. He was a rebel too. when the caste system which prevented him even to keep a mustache, he did so and was greatly inspired by Bhagat Singh and thus adopted to headgear. He sang several sangs which made the British fear and his writings in Swadesamitran,  a daily of those days. He was in poverty in spite of many  opportunities which he could have grabbed. He fed the sparrows and crows when the household ran out of grains. This saddened his wife Chellamma. Then he sang a song  "Crows and sparrows are of our caste" thus showing his love for animals. Even in such poverty, his prayer was " Having made a good Veena ( a music instrument), anyone will throw it in the dust?. Tell me my goddess, You have made me born with  a bright knowledge; give me a power that I can live fruitfully for this world". These lines had always inspired me and these words have become my prayer too. I am not here to write his biography as many have written that, but to remember a  great man and to inspire the younger generations in his teachings. Now there are many claims that joining the rivers of India is someone's idea but originally Bharthi had put forward it. He might be a Tamil by birth but he saw the whole nation as one. His famous song where he says "In the moon light by river Sind, with the women of Kerala, singing in a beautiful language called Telugu, we will go around in boat". The same song brings out the bravery of Maratha and their poetry and the need to give ivory from the south as gift to them. He was no doubt a true nationalist. Today, we see many leaders living for themselves and making fortune by dividing the people and country  in the name of caste, region, religion and language. Can we all unite? He also predicted the importance of lunar science those days in one of his poetry. He wanted our country to advance in technology too. His song "No fear, no fear, even if the sky has to fall on our heads, we have no fear" will wake up even the weak minded persons. His thoughts on freedom of women is still  not achieved. "We will burn the habit of degrading women" he said but we read and see news about molestation and burning the bride. If we are not going to change our country a better place to live in and a country with pride people, all our celebrations are waste. I want to give this call to all my brothers and sisters of our country, especially youth. How many of you can raise up?   Can we make a commitment today?    

Tribute to Milkmen's Angel of India - Dr. Varghese Kurian

"Father of White revolution" Dr. Varghese Kurian is no more. His illustrious career and exemplary life and commitment to  the work he had undertaken cannot be described in a few words. He was born on November 21st, 1921 and as a young man of 28 years he was appointed on government's deputation at the Government Research Creamery. He aspired to be a mechanical engineer but his minor subject which he took in his graduation made everything changed, not only for him but for the whole country.  He saw the plight of the farmers who had to sell milk for lower price and lead a pathetic life. He was the pioneer of the cooperative movement in milk production, procurement and processing in India. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehu himself inaugurated "Amul " Factory in Anand. Then it was the then Prime minister Lal Bahadur Sashtri who asked him to develop similar model for the country and was named "National Dairy Development Board" and made Kurian the chairman.  He won several awards such as Raman Magsaysay  award (1963), Padma Shri (1963), Padma Bushan ( 1966), Padma Vibushan (1999), Doctor of Science from several Universities including Michigan State University, World Food Prize, USA, Lokmanya Tilak award, etc., to name a few. Above is the front page of the book in Malayalam that he wrote, "Enikumoru swapnamundaiyrunnu", meaning "I too had a dream". Now having created the dreamland, he went on to find abode in another dreamland   very far away from this earth.

He was also innovative. While the whole world produced milk powder from cow's milk, he ventured into the production using buffalo's milk. It seems when a Swiss company did not want to share technology with the "native Indians", he retorted to say he too was a native Indian and started inventing his own method to produce the condensed milk in his factory. 

Var ghee se of Amul


"Anand Milk Union Limited, the acronym   for Amul owes greatly to him. However, when he wanted to visit them the official red-tape delayed him for hours. He sadly remembers it in an interview that "the very people for whom he worked, has not backed him and went on to say "It is life". This greatly touched me. I too several times did so much good to others in helping or in mentoring the students and even giving free training and spending hours with them but, they behave in thankless way and leave even without a word many times. If such great persons could take it at his stride, so I too need to learn it that way was my after thought. He was called "milk Man of India" by many but I felt he should be rightly called "Milkman's Angel". 

Var ghee se of Amul,    is the caption I gave to the cartoon above in line with the famous ads of Amul. Born in Calicut and later studied in Chennai, this great man had made Anand his place of life and died and cremated too there, after all for great men and women where is "the Native place", as the whole Nation belongs to them for which they sacrifice their lives.

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