Define Independent India

I am surprised how little I knew about Indian history. British, Mughals and Vedas. Those were the only cornerstones of Indian history timeline in my head.

How ignorantly I missed northerners Nandas, Mauryans, Indo-greeks, Sathavahanas, Guptas and southerners Cholas,

How ignorantly I missed great places of history like Takshishala, Champa, Ujjain, Pataliputra, Kavaripatnam ...

Learn more at -  http://www.historyofindiapodcast.com

History of India podcasts...

What?

If not for the podcasts I would have never ventured into history of India. I do not recollect what piqued my interest (if it is what I suspect it is - then beware another frustration-ridden blog). 

Only thing I am disappointed with is, is the authors of following podcasts were influenced outside India looking inwards. Not because they are not well versed. Not for their hard-fought-efforts to say the Sanskrit/Hindi/Urdu  names right. But for they being the only option I could find in world of Podcasts. I would love to see some more such podcasts which tell me the other side of the story. After all, what we have here is still an extrospection which if supplemented with sound introspection would be an icing (beware that there is one episode by Kim Patrik where an Indian student introspects in an interview -  a fail!) 

Where?

History of India by Kim Patrik

Home Page - http://www.historyofindiapodcast.com or http://sendmejunkeveryday.wix.com/historyofindia

Podcast RSS feed - http://historyofindiapodcast.libsyn.com/rss

Podcast on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-history-of-india-podcast/id1041684187?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Incarnations : India in 50 Lives

Home Page - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05rptbv/episodes/downloads

Podcast RSS feed - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05rptbv/episodes/downloads.rss

Podcast on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/incarnations-india-in-50-lives/id993666528?mt=2

How?

Quick tip - Instead of diving into the very latest episode, begin both the podcasts from their very first. And you will be, as I was toggling between two - whichever one was downloaded to my phone, sweetly surprised by cross references of same personalities in both the podcast. 

You know it when..

.. the Indian cricket team stalwarts are on avg 5 years younger
.. the next eye candy Bollywood stars are of same age
.. the IPO seeking CEOs are 5 years older
.. and the budding politicians are 10+ years older

that you are on hope to be on verge of
.. knowing what sports you
.. settling on what shines you
.. leveraging on what gets you going
.. and aah ..  giving up on politics and politicians forever

That it is the year when you had just accomplished 30 years on bloody damn Earth :) ..

This post was triggered by thought that M.S. Dhoni (born July 7, 1981) will be last of the guys to retire, who is older than us 30 something..

Arvind Kejriwal aur AAP

I am prompted to write this after yet another AK and AAP bashing. At certain times it was hard to not take this personally. But it is different now. I have seen AK being reduced to a person with problems like any leader. He had his moment when 33% of Delhi constituencies were behind him. Then had his low when NaMo swept everything. I write here not to prove him or AAP right but to try to bring forth what is NOT wrong about them.

Most importantly, AK and his AAP are still (and probably will always be) more of a movement than ever a political party. Expecting anything more is irrelevant here. Gussa jayaz hai, but don't blame them. They are one of the voices. Voices of dissent against existing political and bureaucratic establishment. That's their way of fighting the system. The system, which no doubt is as corrupt and vulnerable as was when they started this movement.

What they started doing and what they are doing all is part of their existence (romantically calling - wajood). I don't see anything wrong in them trying to be constantly true to that. Their most important agenda has been clean politics and honest people in politics - zero criminals. Then they want is active participation of people in politics. They also want voices to be heard from every section of society. They want social welfare organisations to have political voice. And most importantly they want zero tolerance towards corruption. Sadly it looks like to make all this relevant to media they constantly have tried to target the current authority, even when it is sabka favorite Narendra Modi.

About just AAP. They have, since they were formed, been engaging everyday people, lighting the spark of political consciousness. I have been actively following the party ever since its inception and have appreciated just how much it has been about everyday volunteers than just the founders. I have seen more than one place where an NGO/social activist has felt politically empowered for the first time. I have seen more than few times that AAP volunteers clean out streets in their localities - way before PMO launched swachh bharat abhyaan. And like that I have seen more than few times that AAP has been relevant even without AK anywhere in picture.

Lastly, agreed that both of them have faltered more than few times on their path - but relevance of those instances is miniscule compared to revolutionary political experiment they have brought about. The political experiment which will bear its fruits in no more than 5 years!

“The Opposite of Poverty ..

The opposite of poverty is not wealth. In too many places the opposite of poverty is justice.
- Bryan Stevenson Executive Director, Equal Justice Initiative

A thought provoking idea. I thought there is so much rationale behind this idea. Not for anything else but Justice. Then, I was thinking, so can this be applied to say “The opposite to impact of subjugation, harassment, inequality etc. is …”? Is the answer same? Yes, but not in same context. Why not?
I think answer lies in the very perception I have about poverty. Is poverty just an impact of being deprived of wealth? If so, then lack of wealth is not necessarily always the single influencing factor towards such ills faced by wealth-deprived-section-of-society. Lack of wealth doesn’t need to translate to things like constant subjugation, harassment or inequality. In short, poverty is not always an impact of these. So what am I missing? Aha, the lack of Justice. It is the lack of Justice to poor which has linked poverty directly to such things in many societies including US. If however in India, lack of justice could be towards even rich. If there is no lack of Justice, poverty as a state of being can carry along as it is. Nothing wrong with it.
Personally, I think there is nothing wrong with this. Not everyone in a society can be rich nor can everyone be poor. Society is made of both and multitude of other states of being. Many a times it is just a choice of a sub-section of society or, if objectively put, choice of an individual. Sometimes educational or religious institutions affect these choices. But I am not here talking about all that.
I believe, a poor is no different than a wealthy. Both know this - “I need to earn to bargain for food, love, and education”. Both work towards so. However, the problem for the society arises when they step on each other’s toes when striding towards so. Then if society has to decide who is at fault, it is the test of Justice. Whom then does our laws of society side with? Poor or Wealthy? Hindu or Muslim? Kashmiri or State? Man or Woman? Wealthy corporation or Income Tax babus? Oh, by the way, if for society decides to side at all, there is end to Justice.
Lack of Justice, or society’s incapability to deliver Justice to any sub-section of society, in case of Bryan Stevenson - the poor, is what I want to talk about here. In fact, it is not Justice at all even when delivered to everyone in a nation but one (whoever that one be!).
So after writing so much I dare to modify his quote like this -

If an impact of an action is such that its an hindrance in thing’s ability to learn, express, love, and earn. Then opposite of that impact is Justice.

See I got it. It isn’t poverty, I was looking for a wider encompassing term – though an impact is all I could manage. Poverty at some places could be one such impact, but as I said before it also is driven by many other social and economic factors. Signing off with this wonderful TED talk by Bryan Stevenson, which inspired me to write after really long time!

Commentaries on our Society...

I read and I liked them. Until I realized I had just more than few likes on Hindu’s editorial section in two days. That is when I sat and reflected on why just following articles …

A tussle an honest teacher goes through her day. A tussle between her professional duties and her teaching aspirations. A teacher speaks her mind - http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/a-teacher-speaks-her-mind/article4017272.ece
	Breaking the shackles of draconian/colonial laws. It is about “Mental Health Care Bill, 2012”. Recognizing them as not lunatic or idiots but with genuine disability. Mental illness, choice and rights - http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/Harsh_Mander/mental-illness-choice-and-rights/article4009222.ece
Spate of shameful incidents in Haryana followed by unimaginable solution provided by khaps and the former chief minister. Toughen your daughter, sensitise your son http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/toughen-your-daughter-sensitise-your-son/article4017263.ece
	The final commentary is our attitude towards simple facts in life. How forgotten we are of greatest discoveries surrounding us at present and then too knocking the blanks, the heaven abode. Let’s ignore science at our peril http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/lets-ignore-science-at-our-peril/article4017252.ece

The authors above have started with describing the nature of problem and then gone into how our current society evaluates and addresses such problems..

Minimalist culture in USA

I recently bumped onto few hilarious "downsides" of being minimalist - a new american eye-rolled-upon pop culture - as put by author here - http://mnmlist.com/pshh/

• If you travel lightly for a few weeks with only a small carry-on, customs officers might get suspicious — who travels with almost nothing, besides maybe a terrorist?

• You don’t get as good a workout walking around with a light bag instead of one laden with lots of stuff. I put weight plates in my backpack if I want to compensate for this

• When you go to other people’s houses, you might start mentally fantasizing about getting rid of their stuff for them 

• People will ask you, almost non-stop, how you can be a minimalist with so many kids .. 

I thought the last one was really funny!!

And now when I read beyond some of the above, there I was thinking again. It is crazy how this is such an enduring task for an individual. Being minimalist is preparing against this extreme authority of consumerism. They are really trying hard!

However, they might not have to (struggle) if this society didn't have such an inherent pressure of being productive every hour in a day. I know it is a far fetched deduction, but it is not entirely disconnected. This culture is about subjugating oneself to producing and then pampering oneself for doing so. And as more and more work force gets into industry of producing services for others, more this idea is getting out of hand. The returns of ones' production ability is going down, however, methods of pampering oneself is only following additive nature. Thus increasing gap between production and consumption. Aided by idea of sourcing cheap services from other countries (like soft services from third world, oil from middle east and goods from Asia pacific).

Coming in fair terms with one's productivitability is what first world "minimalist" and wait ... millions around the world!! .. have probably achieved (or trying to). Only difference is, it is so much an habit in other countries vs. the struggle in american culture.

p.s. when i say "american culture" it is really the "culture" that i am referring to and not entire population of Americans. This culture could and is easily found in many other parts of world including metro cities in India. My deductions could be hampered by my prejudices and I do not disclaim them. I do have some, as everyone does, because my deductions are solely a thought process and no where reflects actual research in topic.

we are on War alert..

1,90,000 security personnel in Uttar Pradesh

19 places have been identified as "sensitive."

Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh have been identified as trouble-prone.

Central forces would be 10 minutes away and on call with extensive deployment near sensitive spots.

India Air Force aircraft would be on standby to transport troops to eight places across the country.

Ban on bulk SMSes continues.

No pillion riders and parking not allowed near restricted sites in Delhi, Hyderabad.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/allahabad-high-court-to-deliver-ayodhya-verdict-after-3-pm-today-55881

'am SAD!!

being an Indian ...

I have wondered.. discussed.. thought .. as in what exactly is being Indian. The chaps living on the other end of Indus river ! ? I have built my affinity to being an Indian on many grounds .. set of common prejudices .. common weaknesses.. common incapabilities.. common jugaad ideas ... common ancestors... and one big one being common raj!! ... how we have been so brought together by those folks!! Hardly we would 've recognized each other if it weren't for them ...

So the point being I witness these Facebook videos on being an Indian .. the Great Indian Zero and Chip inventors of India etc etc... I feel sense of nothing anymore.. I just don't do ! ... its as if the whole idea of being Indian is just a farce .. how can common Bollywood or cricket or Bombay stock exchange or Nehru or Gandhi or IIT or IIM be the only elements of resultant kinship.. and the only other thing that binds us is religion and its people... so am I encompassing all the essentials building blocks of the nation state of being Indian .. or is there more to it? Why I feel like writing about it? Why does goose bumps don't feel genuine anymore? Why do I feel almost nauseated when I feel those goose bumps ...

I know why... cauz I have been doing absolutely nothing about those goose bumps! .. its like that feeling which has made you feel nice time and again .. only now you are just so sick of its vanity!! :(

few posts that I have been bumping into and have bumped into or have keyed in myself - all adding to farcity ...

Update 1 -

1. http://supershanki.blogspot.com/2010/08/fire-in-ice.html

2. http://aristotlethegeek.wordpress.com/2010/08/14/dependence-day/

3. http://speakya.blogspot.com/2008/08/kashmirs-burning.html

Update 3 - I just had to google for one and i knew I would find a news story within 24hrs -

4. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Dalit-woman-paraded-naked-in-Punjab/660374

5. http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_farmer-commits-suicide-in-amravati_1423074 - heard Aamir and Peepli live? :(

Update 2 -

Sandy chose this for the follow up - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epw_4jEnDRU&feature=player_embedded

I chose - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CLgy4H3WNw&feature=fvst

India's Got Talent...

definitely! .. but do they really need to fight over it?

Why every show in India is designed to 'make hay only when sun shines'? Why cannot be there a consistent platform for such artists to shine? Why can be there no time limit to performance one boasts to deliver? Why do those have to beg for votes from us who beg to have such entertainment every night? Why do we need those judges' assertion to feel good or bad about someone's performance? Why doesn't Shekhar Kapur use his time making and building movies/talent elsewhere?


.. may its just the way we are with such Talent

Steps to filing RTI

RTI - Right To Information

Simple steps -

Step 1. Research on your grievances. The more information you have gathered on the topic (formally or informally) the stronger you can make your case. Also it may be possible that your research itself would convince you that there is no need to file and RTI.

Step 2: Draft the RTI: Although you can file the RTI via email, please avoid it. The best way to get the ball rolling in an government office is have things in writing. RTI can be filed on a simple piece of A4 paper in any language (Hindi, english or the regional language). It can be hand written also.

Step 3: Locate the Public Information Officer/PIO. As per law, all government organizations need to have a designated Information officer who would be responsible to handle your RTI. If the department website does not have it, ask someone in the office. If you are still not able to locate him/her you can write to the head of the department.

Step 4: Pay the nominal fees of 10/-. Most departments prefer if you pay via a Postal Order/Demand Draft, however cash is also accepted. Based on the effort required in compiling the response, some additional fees might be charged to you later on, but its nominal.

Step 5: Submit the application
a. In person. Just walk into the office and file it in person. Usually there is hardly any waiting queue and the process should not take long.
b. Speed/registered post: Avoid Couriers because its not recognized by GoI.
c. Electronically: Although it is permitted, there is often a problem in sending the fees etc via this mode.

Step 6: Acknowledgement:
This is the most crucial step. All RTI applications have to be answered in 30 days. Hence please preserve the application number and date of filing.

courtesy - http://enagar.com/2009/06/25/steps-to-file-an-rti/

Qasab's Case - Legislation vs. Incrimination

So shouldn't we allow him all he needs so that he stays in healthy state of mind to be able to defend his case, if any. Or we should simply implicate him for his grave nature of crime and intention. The legislation of India offers him all liberties and rights to rightly defend his case but should people of India allow such rights to a foreigner who terrorized us.

Whatever be it, I see a failed Indian System which is showing it's inability and indecisiveness in moving ahead with Qasab's case. Why is it that each and every legislative procedure is proving to be a bottleneck and headache to the judiciary system? Why is it so hard for the people of this land to understand the law of it's own land? Why are we so scared of a 'bound to be a failed' Incrimination process for Qasab? Why do we actually fear Qasab will be let lose? Is it that we want a public execution of Qasab, if yes who shall do this - Military?

Indian state as often than more is praised for this state, for we have as system where everyone and anyone can Question! And so has this case of Qasab come in to question on many grounds. This is exactly reason behind piling of huge number of unresolved cases in our Judiciary. It,Judiciary, has failed to understand that there has to be certain degree of authoritarianism to every law that has been laid down by people of land.

I think I should stop here, owing to my ignorance about Judiciary and fundamentals behind it. I need to learn lot more before I can actually write on ideal system that should be in place... and nor am I concluding -- cauz I m feeling sleepy!!

Modern day dilemma...

Put humanity on dick …. Ok …. Asshole जब वोह यहाँ आके मारते है … बच्चो को वोह humanity है …
भेन्चोद घर में घुस कर मारों ..जो मिले उसे मारो … और … नामो निशान मिटा दो …
सालो को … हिन्दी इंग्लिश या उर्दू कुछ समझ नही आती … भेन्चोद गांड में गोली उतारोगे तभी
दिमाग मई बात बैठेगी … इनकी आने वाली नस्लों मे कि …. हरामियों कभी इंडिया साईं पंगा लिया नै
तोह माँ ही नही …..तुम्हारी ख़ुद कि गांड भी चुदगी
humanity …

शांत गधाधारी भीम शांत ... यही कहेंगे ना युधिस्तर ? एका एक यही दिमाग में आया ऊपर लिखा जवाब पढ़के | आज कल के परिस्थितियों में यह सीन जरुर फिट बैठेता है द्रौपदी का चीड हरद और पांडवो कि ना कुछ कर सकनेकि विडम्बना| युधिस्तर भीम को शांत करते रह गए, अर्जुन अपने आप को शर्म से छुपाते रह गए, भीम फ़िर भीअपने बड़े भाई के ख़िलाफ़ जाने से कतराते रह गए ... सोचा तोह यह सूरत अभी अपने देश कि जनता (भीम) , देशके प्रधानमन्त्री (युधिस्तर) और देश के अर्जुन (शायद पुलिस कर्मी और जवान ) कि भी है । कौन जानता है सहीक्या है (युधिस्टर कि आग्यापाराता या भीम का गुस्सा) ? कौन जानता है ग़लत क्या है (लड़ाई या समझोता)? कौनजानता है कौन संभालेगा इस देश को ? कौन जानता है अपने कृष्ण कहाँ है ? सही रास्ता किस ओर है ? इस्राइलीताकत (या बैमानी करतूतें) अभी तक अपने तरीके से पलिस्तीं को समझा तोह सकी नही ... तोह अभी भारत क्याकर सकेगी एका एक अपनी शान्ति और सहयोग प्रति नीति से हटकर ... नही भाई में शायद बिल्कुल ही नहीजानता कि क्या करना है ... ना में आपके सवालों का जवाब दे पाऊंगा ...