‘ Innocent divorcee’
‘ Innocently divorced ‘
Hear from an old hand, and that is me. Don’t waste your time on a Sunday morning reading the newspaper, full of reports on mayhem or the shenanigans of two bit politicians. That only spoils your mood in the morning on a good holiday. Yes, ogling at the scantily dressed starlets in the third page or supplement would definitely cheer up the male reader/viewer. And for the females there is enough in the gossip column about the affairs of stars and also where ‘ Sale ‘ is taking place. But otherwise depression level goes up as you read more and more political stories. Instead, turn to the supplement on matrimonial ads. There is plenty to make you laugh till the lunch time.
Look up at the phrases in the beginning of this write up. You will first doubt whether anybody would write this in a matrimonial ad. You will think I have pulled a fast one. Believe me, not only these phrases are used in matrimonial ads. but there is plenty more in the same vein, as you would find out by the time you finish reading this write up. Doubting Thomases and those who wonder whether I am pulling a fast one could look into the supplement on matrimonial ads. to verify what I have stated, which is nothing but honest truth.
After studying the subject, pondering over the phrases mentioned in the beginning of this write up and applying my gray matter, I must say I have become an expert in deciphering what such phrases mean. If you want to enjoy reading matrimonial ads. then you have to develop the talent to decipher abbreviations and also what the advertiser wants to convey through certain phrases used. In fact I consider that this is a good subject for a Phd. thesis.
The fellow who had used the first phrase in the ad. wants to convey that he had an earlier marriage but that ended in a divorce. By adding innocently the word ‘ innocent ‘ he is crying out loud and clear that he was a victim in the earlier marriage and he is innocent in the break up of that marriage. He is seeking your ( reader’s ) sympathy and also making a clear and honest statement to those parents who are looking for suitable match for their daughters the fact that he is a decent guy and this is proved by his announcement of his innocence that ended the earlier marriage. Unsaid, he is reaching out to the prospective bride with a soul rending cry of ‘ here is an opportunity for you to put into practice the much adored Indian woman’s trait of giving solace to those who despair. I am a decent guy. I am an eligible bridegroom. But I have been taken for a ride. I am innocent. You could undo what fate has done to me.’ And there is an indirect proposition to the parents of girls looking for grooms. No big demand for dowry because he is divorced.
Mostly the ads. are from Indian males who had escapades in foreign countries forcing them in a moment of amnesia to marry white skinned women. Only a spoil sport would think of replying to the effect ‘ O.K. you claim you are innocent. We want to verify the fact. Please send your ex-spouse’s address.’
There is something wrong with the phrase used in the second one, i.e., ‘innocently divorced.’ Does it mean that the person was sleeping when his wicked wife divorced him. Or did she drug him or hypnotize him and got his signature on the divorce paper and that he was not aware when the judge approved divorce.
The above are only samples. More merrier is the ad. with the statement that the prospective bride is a ‘ virgin.’ But the hottest one is that which claims that the bride is ‘ absolute virgin.’ Now what is this business of being absolute virgin. I don’t know how the prospective bride grooms and their parents respond to these claims. But having nothing better to do I allow my imagination to run riot. Suppose the prospective bride groom replies to the ad. about the girl being virgin to the effect that to verify your claim, at the ‘ boy meets the girl ‘ ceremony, I am coming with my doctor for physical verification of the girl to confirm the statement made in the ad. In the case of ‘ absolute virgin, ‘ one fellow can tell the other fellow, ‘ Oh, you got a virgin girl. That is nothing. I got one who is absolutely virgin.’ But I am a bit puzzled. Either one is a virgin or not a virgin. What is this business of being absolute virgin. Would someone clarify. Sometime back there was a report in a newspaper that according to a survey conducted in Delhi ( quite often such surveys are limited to two or three persons or is a figment of imagination of the writer ) it was found that a large percentage of college girls have openly admitted that they had done it. Probably it is because of this development that some of the parents would have thought that in ads. inviting spouses for their daughters, they must convey, ‘ yes, some wicked girls in Delhi must have done it, but not my daughter, whose character is lily white.’
I am not a prude. But many of my friends are. There are others who are squeamish, abhor anything prurient and are or pretend to be unspoken members of the Moral Brigade. Some may be closet voyeurs. But that is neither here nor there. Sol let me change the gear. These ads. are veritable treasure troves. But one has to learn to decode the meaning of euphemisms used in these ads. So also one has to be adept in deciphering abbreviations used. For example, terms, such as ‘ high forehead ‘ or ‘ thinning hair.’ What is said euphemistically when decoded would mean that the prospective bride-groom is ‘ baldy.’ But don’t blame him. You don’t expect that in such ads. one would say truth only and the whole truth. On the contrary he has been truthful in admitting that his pate has only thin coverage. Same story goes for abbreviations. ‘V’b’ful’ in shorthand becomes ‘ Very Beautiful ‘ in long hand. Ads. are sold on the basis of space. Hence parents of brides and grooms have to use their ingenuity in cramming up in a very limited space all that they want to state. Then again one has to learn to understand hidden meanings in the ad. For example, if the ad. describes the edibles that the parents of the groom are fond of, you can take it that they are looking for a bride who is also a culinary expert.
I can say unabashedly that I have become an expert in such decoding, though there is very little demand for my expertise. Let me become Sherlock Holmes because readers are more like ignoramus Watson and hence teach you the elementary methods of decoding, as below:
Ad. Write up Decoded message
High forehead,. Thinning hair Baldy
Not very tall Shorty
Innocent divorcee My former wife could not stand
the sight of me
Innocently married I did not know when I signed
the deed before the magistrate
that my wicked wife has taken me for a ride
Virgin Boldly stating this is on the
assumption or hope that the
bridegroom is ignoramus so
far as female biology and
anatomy were concerned
Absolute virgin Here is a modern and confident
girl ( or her parents ) who is
sure that she would be able
to convince the idiot of a groom that she is a virgin, even if she is not.
Age 50, but looks 35 (b) The fellow regularly does make
up, has a wig and false teeth.
Now what does (b) stand for. Is
it bachelor or bastard.
Most handsome The fellow has leukemia
Girl only consideration ( What else could be ). So one
must conclude that it is an indirect message for dowry.
All family members are This is to indicate that Income
Income Tax payers tax people have not yet caught
any of the family members. Then again conceit can take any shape.
Highly educated with no airs An MA in Hindi
Home educated boy Flunked in eighth standard a
number of times and hence his
formal education was
terminated at a tender age.
After that he remained a
permanent fixture in the
house doing nothing.
Modern but cultured It is only a moron who would think that anybody who is
modern cannot be cultured.
Or his meaning of modern is that
of the Hindi fillum villain
Distant relative are I would like to join them.
settled abroad Will you help with a large
dowry. Or, relatives abroad
is a status symbol. But stating that they are distant
relatives helps when the girl’s
idiot of a brother wants to go
abroad saying that they are
only distant relatives.
Alliance invited from a Want a Sati, Savitri, Sita,
girl who is affectionate, Laxmi and Saraswati -
broad minded, caring, all in one piece.
honest, humble, loyal
and prudent.
Wanted a girl who will I am fed up with them. The
give high respect to the bride should be able to get
parents of the groom them off my back
Absolutely affluent and In the profession of smuggling
High status ( VIP ) - or politician, which often means
the same
Groom’s parents like Actually we want a non
Makai ki roti salaried cook. So for the
bride after the marriage it is
straight journey to the kitchen
No fault. Issueless Is the ‘ No fault ‘ adjective for
Divorcee being issueless or being a
Divorcee.
Sincerity and love is the Message: I am far above the
only consideration loathsome fellows who
demand dowry in cash.
However, if the girl has not
got the attributes mentioned
then I may have to accept
dowry in cash.
--
( Recently on the subject dealt with in this piece, Mr. Manas Chakravarty, Consulting Editor, Mint of Hindustan Times Group, has written a rib ticking article. Extracts are reproduced ).
“Many a parent knows that any attempt to find a match for his brat within his circle of acquaintances would be completely fruitless, he had no option but to put an ad. in the newspapers and hope that someone who did not know the brat would read it.
SM: Suitable Match ( and not sadomasochist )
PQM: Professionally Qualified Match ( and not pretty queer male )
SPQM B’ful Cltrd frm Stld fly: Suitable Professionally Qualified , beautiful, cultured from settled family
PQM for PB BR boy: ( Poor Bihari, Paunchy Bengali, Bloody Rude, Generally Bald or Good Boozer
NUDE: Nice, Understanding, Decent, and Elegant bride”
HOT: Handsome, Outstanding and Tall
BIKINI: Beautiful, Interesting, Knowledgeable, Independent, Nice Individual
--
Back to my writing. The messages in many ads. are not subtle. The attitude is ‘ could not care what you think. But this is what I want.’ The girl must be ‘ pure.’ This is just a variation of the girl being ‘virgin’ cited earlier. Wanted ‘ homely’ girl. Now this is pure fun. What is meant by the term ‘ homely’ is that the girl should ideally adjust to the family and should treat the new home as her home. But then none of those who wrote this ad. cared to look at the dictionary meaning of ‘ homely ‘ which is ‘ plain looking.’ In fact in the English language the phrase plain looking is meant to convey that the girl is not attractive. It is O.K. if the girl is only ‘ somewhat educated.’ After all she is going to be essentially servant in the new home. The girl atleast must be ‘ locally beautiful’ meaning that if she is not fit for national beauty contest atleast must stand out among the girls of the mohalla. It is not sufficient for the girl to be beautiful, she has to be ‘ really beautiful.’
In India still marriage is considered to be a one time affair in the life. So why the boy or parents of the boy or girl should take chance in advertising what type of specimen they are looking for. This is not a matter to be coy or shy. Those attitudes are evident from the following ads.
“ The girl ( wanted ) intellectually, culturally accomplished with or without professional education, willing to set up a happy, healthy home.’
( In other words, presently it is not a happy home. Then again for achieving the objective, would the girl being intellectually and culturally inclined to help. Don’t say why I should be a spoil sport and ask these stupid questions. )
“ In search of Bold & Beautiful slim life partner to travel the life journey with care, love and respect.” ( Unstated message: the girl should be as voluptuous as the girls in the Bold & Beautiful serial).
“ If she is a real stunning beauty, professionally qualified, preferably medico, long hair, a rare combination of brain and beauty, understands humour, values relationship.”
( All my life I have been miserable. So why can’t I have pleasant dream of getting a bride like that )
“ Good person, loving, caring, honest good looking, good cook, own house, car.”
( But why did he leave out his job or profession or that he is in business. The inference to be drawn is that he would like the would be bride to have all the attributes and ownership of what has been advertised but that he is a loafer. )
“ I believe that there is no greater thing than for two human souls to feel that they are joined for life – to continuously create shared joy, to strengthen each other in all labour, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent, unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting. I see marriage as the practice of becoming life-long passionate friends.’
( The guy or girl is not normal. He or she is in for a great disappointment after marriage ).
‘Business turnover eight figures. Tea-totaller, strict vegetarian, ungiven to vices, hard thinker, possesses astute business acumen, studied intermediate English medium.’
( Here is a typical Hindi fillum hero. Only positive traits. Forgot to mention that he could fight also ).
‘ No issues whatsoever.’ ( meaning no children )
‘ Someone must prove that beauty and brain do exist. Looking for a sensational beauty with oodles of common sense, grace and no airs. Everything else is immaterial. The boy is petulant, aggressive, romantic, original, very successful industrialist with lots of foreign degrees. Please do me a favour and don’t send me Xeroxed bio-data’s.’ ( Nit wits abound this earth. Do I need to comment any more).
‘ Looking younger by decades ( He is seventy but looks fifty),
‘ Fair, smart, attractive, affectionate, soft spoken, cheerful with a high sense of humour yet sober, sophisticated, accomplished, caring and home loving with strong belief in family and human values.’ ( What has humour got to do with being sober )
‘ Divorcee with a very brief and notional spell of married life.’ ( ‘Brief’ I can understand. But what does ‘notional’ mean )
“ Smart, gori, sweet nature, V. beautiful”
“ Seek beautiful, educated and flexible girl.”
( I am again foxed. What does ‘ flexible’ girl means)
“ Divorcee ( Single again by Luck not by choice ) taking again an honest second chance.” ( Meaning that in the second choice what the earlier one did to me I may do with you ).
‘ very independent ( no brothers )’
( This is from ad. for a bride. But what is the message in the words in brackets )
‘ We have only 2 sons and no daughter.’
( This is from an ad. for a bride. Message must be that there need be no apprehension of cat fight after the marriage )
‘ He is an all American with an Eastern Soul ‘ ( Looks like a bargain offer, i.e., two buys at one price )
Male chauvinism is amply evident in these ads. The groom may be 60. But he wants a bride under 30. The man may be divorcee but he wants only virgin. The groom’s leg is amputated or has some other deformity but still he wants only beautiful girl as bride. Some of the ads. devote most of the write up to describe parents and relatives, with hardly any mention about the girl or boy. It is like the cub reporter describing a wedding. He wrote elaborately about the bride and closed the write up stating that the bridegroom did not turn up.
Now I come to abbreviations:
LPA: Lakhperannum(salary)
Ed: Educated
Prof. Professional
Prof. Qlfd: Professionally qualified Fmly: Family
BHP: Bio-data, Horoscope, Photo
4: For
NI: North Indian
V’b’ful: Very beautiful
Dent: Decent
Ed: Educated
Many ads. are lyrical. In some, the copy is at once bold and beautiful. Sample these:
“ Do U dare to speak the truth & hate liar? R u barren, healthy, gen’rous, skilled logician, deplined, jovial, strong princ’pd, with ethical values from v.honest, fin strong, edu. Fly, afraid of infidelity, s’fishness, profligacy, betrayal, cruelty & hence aloof? 28 yrs exp. Clerical cat’gory, jobless 47 ( looks v. young )/5’
4”/55/12 std. xtreme honest, free from all diseases & addicts. Xtra caring, God f’ring, greedless, idealist, s’nsitive, s’f ward, self-g’dian, ready to join gal’s house/buss, is ideal 4 amity turns happy married life. Kol based, Mumbt, homely, unempld fair, elgnt, slim, wheatish, EB, Sylhet, Br, 35-40, gd cook, reluctant to conceive, prfrd. Boaster, trifler, xcuse!”
“ Transcending prejudices to all intents and purposes it seeks the zeal and woman grits committing at the out set to walk along leaving holistic footprints of womanhood behind. Reponsibly aiming at accomplishment than achievement. I have the cause and the means for such to go husbandly. Blessed as ordered and healthy physical being, complimented as witty, I am 40 on the way with my time tested conviction and hence tracing my complementing half. To keep self-negating ones at bay, I say no grudge to or even welcome if in your on right. I am none of so called big names of the day, more for purposive than any other reason. May we turn out loving our equally own world in agreement! Please facilitate!” ( Don’t newspaper people check before publishing to find out whether this one has come from a lunatic asylum ).
When I read the above ads. first I thought of calling Sherlock Holms to unravel for me the mystery of various abbreviations. Then I realized that the poor guy had conked long back. Then I thought of consulting a Prof. But I abandoned the idea because most of the Professors are half gone and reading the above ad. would make the fellow a completely gone case. What we need is a Government committee to look into the matter because Government committees would take up even the least trivial matters for their worthy consideration.
How about the following one:
“ VERY H’some, Mid 30/6, Absolutely looks 20s MBA Under Grad. Ivy league & Boarding School. Very Fair, Athletic, Cheerful, good looking, optimistic personality”
Despite my brain making an honest effort to decipher what does ‘ MBA Under Grad.’ means, I must confess that my brain conceded defeat.
“ Seeking a girl who is well educated but strives to learn more, is gainfully busy but takes time out to keep fit, dresses to make heads turn, is sweet, spirited, graceful and fun for a charming bachelor, almost zero maintenance, Mr. two square feet but makes up by his willingness to learn and understanding of girl’s need for space, dozens of shoes and handbags.”
Despite being an expert on the subject, I must admit I have not been able to unravel the mystery on what the words in italics mean. Will one of my readers enlighten me.
“ English gentleman ( Professional Engineer ) mid 50s/5.10, seeks Indian matrimonial match. He is caring, funny, generous at heart, sporty and fit. Enjoys nature and outdoors.”
Is he tired of goris. Or is he thinking that unlike goris, Indian women would not demand equal rights.
“ If she is a real stunning beauty professionally qualified preferably medico long hair a rare combination of brain and beauty, understanding humour, values relationship.”
Despite becoming a Guru on the subject of matrimonial ads. I have not been able to decipher what the following phrase in an ad. means:
“ A Single Doctorate”
To those who doubt whether such ads. are being published, the reader of this write up has a choice of looking into matrimonial ad. pages or contacting me for a copy of any of the ads. mentioned above ( of course for a fee ).
Since in this country a few hours of reading is passed on as research, I can justifiably claim that I have done research on the subject and my findings are:
· Dowry is prohibited by law. Yet many ads. state that there would be no demand for dowry. The obvious conclusion is that dowry is still being demanded openly.
· Increasing number of ads. from divorcees. Those who are keen to catch up with the West, here is one area where we are doing it.
· Desis who are settled in foreign countries are increasingly seeking brides with a religious bent of mind.
· All want slim girls. Good for slimming shops. All emphasise on girls being very fair.
· Cash registers of newspapers are ringing loudly because of increase in number of ads. as well as long write ups, despite shortening many words.
What happens next. Let me do some more research.
******
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Devil quoting scriptures - Sethusamudram Project
As somebody put it pithily mystic texts cannot be held hostage to that bogey man called authenticity.
It was idiocy of the first order for the Government to submit before the Supreme Court that according to Kamb Ramayana, Sethu Samudram Bridge was destroyed by Lord Rama, who according to religious tales or scriptures had built the bridge. The Government further took the stand that since there has been no bridge for thousands of years, there cannot be any objection to Government constructing a bridge now.
Of course, all know that this was done at the behest of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Earlier Government had made a reasonably good case on non religious grounds why the bridge should be built. Government should have struck to that plank. Taking umbrage from the sayings in Kamb Ramayana is a blunder of the worst order.
Various Scriptures were written eons ego by rishis. There is no way of finding out whether the same are factual or imagination of the rishis. Then again many of the pundits aver that much after the writing of the scripts there have been additions and alternations to the original scripts, not done by the original writers but by others. When that is the position, the present Government has virtually opened up a pandora’s box. Tomorrow on some other matter controversies could rise because of differing versions of what happened in the past eons ego. Who is to decide what is right.
My objection is not on building the bridge. It is also legitimate for followers of various faiths to seek support from scriptures, religious practices and beliefs to support or oppose a proposal. But the Government should scrupulously avoid getting involved in such matters on religious grounds.
Believers of Hindu faith had the plank of Hindu temple being there below the Babri Masjid. Would not their assertion get added support if some age old write up is shown as the basis. Similar claims could be made by various religionists on places of worship. Then what happens.
Many Tamil Scholars ( read Brahmin scholars ) have questioned the authenticity of the verse on the matter in Kamb Ramayana. On the other side Culture Ministry of the Government of India have quoted from works of various archeologists to prove that talk of a bridge was fictional with no historical evidence.
P.S. Rhetorical bashing of Tamil Brahmins is a past time antics of Tamil Nadu politicians ( and their followers ) of DMK for long, especially after Jayalalithaa ( a Brahmin ) becoming a rival politician. That is why DMK Chieftian is putting all sort of pressures on Central Government for going ahead with the project, economic dividends of the same not being significant. Yet another curious fact that I observed was that some of the high and mighty of Tamil Brahmins who are on the main stage ( writers / politicians / theorists ), because of their faith on Lord Rama, have come out with many convoluted arguments, not based on religion, on why the project should be abandoned. Why this hypocrisy. If they wished to support the call for abandoning the project, they should have based their stand on religious faith. What is there to be ashamed about it.
It was idiocy of the first order for the Government to submit before the Supreme Court that according to Kamb Ramayana, Sethu Samudram Bridge was destroyed by Lord Rama, who according to religious tales or scriptures had built the bridge. The Government further took the stand that since there has been no bridge for thousands of years, there cannot be any objection to Government constructing a bridge now.
Of course, all know that this was done at the behest of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Earlier Government had made a reasonably good case on non religious grounds why the bridge should be built. Government should have struck to that plank. Taking umbrage from the sayings in Kamb Ramayana is a blunder of the worst order.
Various Scriptures were written eons ego by rishis. There is no way of finding out whether the same are factual or imagination of the rishis. Then again many of the pundits aver that much after the writing of the scripts there have been additions and alternations to the original scripts, not done by the original writers but by others. When that is the position, the present Government has virtually opened up a pandora’s box. Tomorrow on some other matter controversies could rise because of differing versions of what happened in the past eons ego. Who is to decide what is right.
My objection is not on building the bridge. It is also legitimate for followers of various faiths to seek support from scriptures, religious practices and beliefs to support or oppose a proposal. But the Government should scrupulously avoid getting involved in such matters on religious grounds.
Believers of Hindu faith had the plank of Hindu temple being there below the Babri Masjid. Would not their assertion get added support if some age old write up is shown as the basis. Similar claims could be made by various religionists on places of worship. Then what happens.
Many Tamil Scholars ( read Brahmin scholars ) have questioned the authenticity of the verse on the matter in Kamb Ramayana. On the other side Culture Ministry of the Government of India have quoted from works of various archeologists to prove that talk of a bridge was fictional with no historical evidence.
P.S. Rhetorical bashing of Tamil Brahmins is a past time antics of Tamil Nadu politicians ( and their followers ) of DMK for long, especially after Jayalalithaa ( a Brahmin ) becoming a rival politician. That is why DMK Chieftian is putting all sort of pressures on Central Government for going ahead with the project, economic dividends of the same not being significant. Yet another curious fact that I observed was that some of the high and mighty of Tamil Brahmins who are on the main stage ( writers / politicians / theorists ), because of their faith on Lord Rama, have come out with many convoluted arguments, not based on religion, on why the project should be abandoned. Why this hypocrisy. If they wished to support the call for abandoning the project, they should have based their stand on religious faith. What is there to be ashamed about it.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Body of scholars of various religions - Role of Government in religious matters:
Probably following the footsteps of France, which had set up over five years back the Council for the Muslim Religion, recently Britain has decided to fund a board of Islamic theologians who will pronounce on some of the knottiest, most controversial issues of faith, such as, women’s rights, etc.,
As could be expected a large majority of British people, including rational Muslims, have welcomed the move, whereas many Muslim organizations, particularly those which are a shade or more militant, have condemned the proposal. Radical Muslims have alleged that this is a ploy and sham to ensure state sponsored Islam.
Incidentally, some time back a few of Germany’s Muslim organizations got together to establish a co-ordination Council of Muslims in order to define the terms of negotiation for the process of developing consensus in society over the integration of Islam in that country.
Be that as it may. But why not Government of India form Councils for each of the religions in India, comprising of those from different faiths who are not radical, to discuss and debate on the desirable and least resistant changes that each religion need to undertake, keeping in view factors, such as, changing attitudes and practices of members of various religions, economic progress and attendant reflection of the same on the faiths, how religious strife could be lessened, if not avoided, the perspective of various religions to Uniform Civil Code, etc., Obviously, it would only be an advisory body. Government has to make it known that such bodies are not part of Government but only Government sponsored. The bodies set up could bring out detailed papers on various subjects relating to each religion, with pros and cons and perspectives of the members of the body and the same could be widely publicized. That would start thinking and discussing arena among members of various faiths.
Ultimately nothing may happen. On the other hand, it is possible that first tentative steps in easing communal tensions could be taken. In any case such discussion papers would give many religionists the views of other religionists.
If the effort does not produce any concrete results, so be it. The government can any time wind up the bodies. But such a step would definitely make each religionist to have better awareness about other religions and the ‘whys ‘ for their various religious activities. That itself would be a positive step.
The second step to be taken is for the Central and State Governments to distance the Government from various religions, except to the extent of law and order is concerned. By far the Central Government has been following this dictum except two follies committed, i.e., one long back of giving subsidy to Muslims for Haj Pilgrimage and the second one recently of allotting land for Amarnath pilgrimage. The second folly was corrected but by the time this was done Government had alienated both the religionists. But many State Governments are still getting involved in religious matters. In some States there are Ministers in charge of Devaswm Boards. Let the State allow unfettered freedom to the followers of each religion to manage the religious places, except to the caveat mentioned earlier.
As could be expected a large majority of British people, including rational Muslims, have welcomed the move, whereas many Muslim organizations, particularly those which are a shade or more militant, have condemned the proposal. Radical Muslims have alleged that this is a ploy and sham to ensure state sponsored Islam.
Incidentally, some time back a few of Germany’s Muslim organizations got together to establish a co-ordination Council of Muslims in order to define the terms of negotiation for the process of developing consensus in society over the integration of Islam in that country.
Be that as it may. But why not Government of India form Councils for each of the religions in India, comprising of those from different faiths who are not radical, to discuss and debate on the desirable and least resistant changes that each religion need to undertake, keeping in view factors, such as, changing attitudes and practices of members of various religions, economic progress and attendant reflection of the same on the faiths, how religious strife could be lessened, if not avoided, the perspective of various religions to Uniform Civil Code, etc., Obviously, it would only be an advisory body. Government has to make it known that such bodies are not part of Government but only Government sponsored. The bodies set up could bring out detailed papers on various subjects relating to each religion, with pros and cons and perspectives of the members of the body and the same could be widely publicized. That would start thinking and discussing arena among members of various faiths.
Ultimately nothing may happen. On the other hand, it is possible that first tentative steps in easing communal tensions could be taken. In any case such discussion papers would give many religionists the views of other religionists.
If the effort does not produce any concrete results, so be it. The government can any time wind up the bodies. But such a step would definitely make each religionist to have better awareness about other religions and the ‘whys ‘ for their various religious activities. That itself would be a positive step.
The second step to be taken is for the Central and State Governments to distance the Government from various religions, except to the extent of law and order is concerned. By far the Central Government has been following this dictum except two follies committed, i.e., one long back of giving subsidy to Muslims for Haj Pilgrimage and the second one recently of allotting land for Amarnath pilgrimage. The second folly was corrected but by the time this was done Government had alienated both the religionists. But many State Governments are still getting involved in religious matters. In some States there are Ministers in charge of Devaswm Boards. Let the State allow unfettered freedom to the followers of each religion to manage the religious places, except to the caveat mentioned earlier.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Boorish and uncouth Indians
1. According to recent study conducted by French travel website on employees in 4000 hotels in major countries on obnoxious world travelers, India is at the lowly 20th position amongst the 21 nations surveyed. Japanese were No.1, considered most polite, quite and tidy. The ranking was done on the basis on attitude, politeness, tendency to complain, willingness to speak local languages, interest in sampling local cuisine, readiness to spend money, generosity, cleanliness, discretion and elegance.
2. We Indians have some consolation in the fact that China was behind us in No. 21 and the snobbish French were barely ahead of us at 19th position.
3. According to Indian travel agencies:
· The new Indian travelers are not keen to sample local cuisine or culture
· A lot of affluent families who travel overseas are terribly finicky about food.
· Guests in five star hotels were found cooking Maggi in their rooms
· Indians are noisy and stringent tippers
· Indian travelers make a mess of the bathrooms
· Affluence has made Indians arrogant in their behaviour both in India and abroad
· Ugly show of money and picking fights at expensive nightclubs.
· Indians are pathetic tippers
· Doing things which are not done in good hotels abroad.
4. I have no way of verifying how far this sample survey really reflects the reality. But I would like to attempt the reasons on why Indians behave in the way mentioned above, atleast on a few counts.
· The number of nouveau riche in India has increased by leaps and bounds in the recent times. They flaunt their position and behave boorishly within the country. When they go abroad, the same behaviour is repeated.
· With easing of restrictions on foreign travel and the amount of money that can be spent outside India, the above mentioned behaviour becomes rampant.
· In this country not now but from time immemorial, persons of wealth and position had treated everybody beneath them as vassals/servants. The rich believed and behaved as if they owned those who are serving them. Be it a General Manager or a Receptionist or a driver or cook – all were treated as servants or at best assistants. The same was the position in respect of those serving outside the home or office, i.e., cabbies, orderlies in hotel, etc., While traveling abroad, the same behaviour manifests.
· While abroad, we tend to mentally calculate the price / cost in Indian rupees on everything bought and services received. Hence giving a tip of $10 would mean Rs. 400. Even a tip of Rs. 40 we would consider too generous. Hence either we don’t tip or show miserliness in tipping, in relation to tipping level in the country concerned.
· Those who could afford to go abroad seldom do cleaning of their homes, which are done by menials engaged. So we expect that the hotel boys who clean the room would clean the bathroom also.
· In India while in public, we tend to be noisy. We repeat the behaviour while abroad.
· We eat by hand. Suddenly when we have to use fork and spoon, while eating in other countries, we are perceived to be clumsy.
· We consider our tradition and culture to be superior to that of others and this tends to get reflected in our interface with citizens of other countries.
· Tourist groups from this country to other countries generally compose of middle class people most of whom would not have traveled abroad earlier. They are chary of spending much money. They are hardly aware of the customs and behaviour of host countries. And the group feeling gives them courage / confidence to behave in ways which the hosts may find somewhat offensive.
4.While on the subject, I want to dwell on a related subject of behavioural pattern of Indians.
5. We are a country of various religions and a number of languages. The behaviour pattern of different religions vary to some extent. Even within the religions there are sub castes. The colloquial style differs from religion to religion, from caste to caste and region to region.
6. People of a colloquial style make fun of the colloquial style of others. So also we make disparaging remarks about the language, way of living and behaviour of others. How often we have heard remarks with a smirk of others. South Indians look askance at Punjabi behaviour terming it as boorishness, who in turn makes fun of Bengalis for their high brow attitude, who in turn snigger at Oriyas as being clumsy and naive and so on and so forth. Our societal behaviours also differ.
7. The point is in respect of these maters, India is a continent and not a country. In short if we all of Indians can make fun of other Indians for their behaviour and customs, then why be surprised at citizens of other countries looking at askance at our behaviour.
2. We Indians have some consolation in the fact that China was behind us in No. 21 and the snobbish French were barely ahead of us at 19th position.
3. According to Indian travel agencies:
· The new Indian travelers are not keen to sample local cuisine or culture
· A lot of affluent families who travel overseas are terribly finicky about food.
· Guests in five star hotels were found cooking Maggi in their rooms
· Indians are noisy and stringent tippers
· Indian travelers make a mess of the bathrooms
· Affluence has made Indians arrogant in their behaviour both in India and abroad
· Ugly show of money and picking fights at expensive nightclubs.
· Indians are pathetic tippers
· Doing things which are not done in good hotels abroad.
4. I have no way of verifying how far this sample survey really reflects the reality. But I would like to attempt the reasons on why Indians behave in the way mentioned above, atleast on a few counts.
· The number of nouveau riche in India has increased by leaps and bounds in the recent times. They flaunt their position and behave boorishly within the country. When they go abroad, the same behaviour is repeated.
· With easing of restrictions on foreign travel and the amount of money that can be spent outside India, the above mentioned behaviour becomes rampant.
· In this country not now but from time immemorial, persons of wealth and position had treated everybody beneath them as vassals/servants. The rich believed and behaved as if they owned those who are serving them. Be it a General Manager or a Receptionist or a driver or cook – all were treated as servants or at best assistants. The same was the position in respect of those serving outside the home or office, i.e., cabbies, orderlies in hotel, etc., While traveling abroad, the same behaviour manifests.
· While abroad, we tend to mentally calculate the price / cost in Indian rupees on everything bought and services received. Hence giving a tip of $10 would mean Rs. 400. Even a tip of Rs. 40 we would consider too generous. Hence either we don’t tip or show miserliness in tipping, in relation to tipping level in the country concerned.
· Those who could afford to go abroad seldom do cleaning of their homes, which are done by menials engaged. So we expect that the hotel boys who clean the room would clean the bathroom also.
· In India while in public, we tend to be noisy. We repeat the behaviour while abroad.
· We eat by hand. Suddenly when we have to use fork and spoon, while eating in other countries, we are perceived to be clumsy.
· We consider our tradition and culture to be superior to that of others and this tends to get reflected in our interface with citizens of other countries.
· Tourist groups from this country to other countries generally compose of middle class people most of whom would not have traveled abroad earlier. They are chary of spending much money. They are hardly aware of the customs and behaviour of host countries. And the group feeling gives them courage / confidence to behave in ways which the hosts may find somewhat offensive.
4.While on the subject, I want to dwell on a related subject of behavioural pattern of Indians.
5. We are a country of various religions and a number of languages. The behaviour pattern of different religions vary to some extent. Even within the religions there are sub castes. The colloquial style differs from religion to religion, from caste to caste and region to region.
6. People of a colloquial style make fun of the colloquial style of others. So also we make disparaging remarks about the language, way of living and behaviour of others. How often we have heard remarks with a smirk of others. South Indians look askance at Punjabi behaviour terming it as boorishness, who in turn makes fun of Bengalis for their high brow attitude, who in turn snigger at Oriyas as being clumsy and naive and so on and so forth. Our societal behaviours also differ.
7. The point is in respect of these maters, India is a continent and not a country. In short if we all of Indians can make fun of other Indians for their behaviour and customs, then why be surprised at citizens of other countries looking at askance at our behaviour.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Syndromes of
GRASS IS GREANER
&
DIFFICULTY IN ENVISAGING AND HENCE ACCPETING THE UNKNOWN
“ The trouble with most people is that they think with their hopes or fears or wishes rather than with their minds.”
1. These are wide-spread syndromes so far as human beings are concerned. Be it change of job or location of stay or any other matter affecting our lives, we are victims of either of the above two psychological under pinning. And hence we approach matters and take decisions based on either of the above two pulls or pushes. Invariably we are not aware that we have taken decisions on the basis of either of the above two factors. We legitimize our decisions by helpful inputs given by our brain.
2. Some call it intuition and then take the stand that intuition cannot be properly explained but in the past intuition has helped in taking the right decision.
3. Either of the above two syndromes quite often comes to play when one is considering choice between two or more options in life. It is subtle yet effective. The brain wittingly or unwittingly supplies to the mind the brownie points for the choice to be opted for and negatives for the choice not to be opted for. The mind then continuously refurbishes both images. ‘ Whim ‘ becomes rational and logical often to support or reject the option available.
4. The third syndrome is conditioning. Most of the time one is not aware of the conditioning. For example, if a Southern lad is brought up with the conditioning of ‘ be wary of North Indians,’ when he grows up unconsciously he would have an aversion to shifting to North.
5. Does the exercise of putting down on a piece of paper the pluses and minuses of each option help one to make the right decision. Unfortunately ‘NO’ in respect of most decisions. Because the mind monkeys with the scores or marks of each point to arrive at the predetermined option.
6. That leaves on with whim, intuition, sixth sense, etc., Obviously this is not a rational approach, many would aver. But then actions or decisions of human beings are not often rational, though when asked to explain one would be able to trot out any number of reasons for the choice made.
7. ‘There is more money,’ ‘ career wise it is a better choice, ‘ ‘I want to get out of the rat race, ‘ ‘ I will be near my kith and kin,’ ‘ This change will enhance the likelihood of mending fences with my life partner, ‘ so on and so forth.
8. But is the person who wants to decide really hankering after more money. Can one get out of rat race once in. Reunion with kith and kin once or twice a year is possible from anywhere in the globe - See what happens.
9. Factually and also unhappily, hardly anybody else could help the person to come to a decision, even if they are close, be it relative or friend. Because, genuine though it is, their advice would be largely based on their approaches and wishes towards their lives which could be quite different from that of the person who has to decide.
10. At best close friends and relatives can provide some pointers or inputs. They can discuss the matter in depth with the person who has to take a decision. It is possible that some of the pointers and imagined ‘ pluses’ and ‘minuses’ arising out of the discussion could help the person who has to decide. It could happen that a minor point made by another may be considered as a decisive factor for the person concerned to arrive at a decision.
11. Many a Bombayite are averse to relocating to Delhi or Kolkata. Delhi is a place full of uncouth people. Everything is slow in Kolkatta. Mumbai is orderly and really cosmopolitan. Similar aguments are advanced by Delhietes and Kolkatans.
12. For fast career progression IT is the right place because merit is given its due place ( what about fourteen hours of slogging ). Let us go back to our native place which is an el dorado and get out of the rat race and mayhem of cities ( And most of the people who had shifted, after a year or two wail at the shortcomings of the native place. Some even have re-shifted ). Let us have a second house at a hill station or back in the native place ( Disappointment settles in after a year or two because of the expense of running two places, escaping from heat of one place and going to the second place which is also hot, no good neighbours ).
13. The other phenomenon also works often. Known place, known job, known friends – there is comfort in all these. It may be that the new place may be in comparison a better place, be it in terms of job, ambience, friends, etc. But why take a chance.
14. We know the pluses and minuses of the existing place or job. But in the case of a new place or a new job we visualize what the same would be, which need not be true.
15. It all boils down to (1) discuss extensively ( not ad nausea ) with others on pluses and minuses (2 ) not jump and take decison impetuously or in a ‘whim ‘ (3) mull over the points made, and ( 4) allow brain to ponder over the matter and help in deciding.
But all the time be cautious about the subject syndromes working.
---------
GRASS IS GREANER
&
DIFFICULTY IN ENVISAGING AND HENCE ACCPETING THE UNKNOWN
“ The trouble with most people is that they think with their hopes or fears or wishes rather than with their minds.”
1. These are wide-spread syndromes so far as human beings are concerned. Be it change of job or location of stay or any other matter affecting our lives, we are victims of either of the above two psychological under pinning. And hence we approach matters and take decisions based on either of the above two pulls or pushes. Invariably we are not aware that we have taken decisions on the basis of either of the above two factors. We legitimize our decisions by helpful inputs given by our brain.
2. Some call it intuition and then take the stand that intuition cannot be properly explained but in the past intuition has helped in taking the right decision.
3. Either of the above two syndromes quite often comes to play when one is considering choice between two or more options in life. It is subtle yet effective. The brain wittingly or unwittingly supplies to the mind the brownie points for the choice to be opted for and negatives for the choice not to be opted for. The mind then continuously refurbishes both images. ‘ Whim ‘ becomes rational and logical often to support or reject the option available.
4. The third syndrome is conditioning. Most of the time one is not aware of the conditioning. For example, if a Southern lad is brought up with the conditioning of ‘ be wary of North Indians,’ when he grows up unconsciously he would have an aversion to shifting to North.
5. Does the exercise of putting down on a piece of paper the pluses and minuses of each option help one to make the right decision. Unfortunately ‘NO’ in respect of most decisions. Because the mind monkeys with the scores or marks of each point to arrive at the predetermined option.
6. That leaves on with whim, intuition, sixth sense, etc., Obviously this is not a rational approach, many would aver. But then actions or decisions of human beings are not often rational, though when asked to explain one would be able to trot out any number of reasons for the choice made.
7. ‘There is more money,’ ‘ career wise it is a better choice, ‘ ‘I want to get out of the rat race, ‘ ‘ I will be near my kith and kin,’ ‘ This change will enhance the likelihood of mending fences with my life partner, ‘ so on and so forth.
8. But is the person who wants to decide really hankering after more money. Can one get out of rat race once in. Reunion with kith and kin once or twice a year is possible from anywhere in the globe - See what happens.
9. Factually and also unhappily, hardly anybody else could help the person to come to a decision, even if they are close, be it relative or friend. Because, genuine though it is, their advice would be largely based on their approaches and wishes towards their lives which could be quite different from that of the person who has to decide.
10. At best close friends and relatives can provide some pointers or inputs. They can discuss the matter in depth with the person who has to take a decision. It is possible that some of the pointers and imagined ‘ pluses’ and ‘minuses’ arising out of the discussion could help the person who has to decide. It could happen that a minor point made by another may be considered as a decisive factor for the person concerned to arrive at a decision.
11. Many a Bombayite are averse to relocating to Delhi or Kolkata. Delhi is a place full of uncouth people. Everything is slow in Kolkatta. Mumbai is orderly and really cosmopolitan. Similar aguments are advanced by Delhietes and Kolkatans.
12. For fast career progression IT is the right place because merit is given its due place ( what about fourteen hours of slogging ). Let us go back to our native place which is an el dorado and get out of the rat race and mayhem of cities ( And most of the people who had shifted, after a year or two wail at the shortcomings of the native place. Some even have re-shifted ). Let us have a second house at a hill station or back in the native place ( Disappointment settles in after a year or two because of the expense of running two places, escaping from heat of one place and going to the second place which is also hot, no good neighbours ).
13. The other phenomenon also works often. Known place, known job, known friends – there is comfort in all these. It may be that the new place may be in comparison a better place, be it in terms of job, ambience, friends, etc. But why take a chance.
14. We know the pluses and minuses of the existing place or job. But in the case of a new place or a new job we visualize what the same would be, which need not be true.
15. It all boils down to (1) discuss extensively ( not ad nausea ) with others on pluses and minuses (2 ) not jump and take decison impetuously or in a ‘whim ‘ (3) mull over the points made, and ( 4) allow brain to ponder over the matter and help in deciding.
But all the time be cautious about the subject syndromes working.
---------
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Patriotism /Nationalism
According to dictionary, Patriot is one who defends or is zealous for his country’s prosperity, freedom or rights. And Nationalism means patriotic feeling.
1. Leave aside for a moment dictionary meaning. At the ground level what do these words mean or supposed to mean in the case of human beings. ‘ Me and my country vs others and other countries,’ ‘ safeguarding my country against the enemy country.’ And who determines which are the enemy countries. Earlier it was done by kings and now by Governments. Once the Government determines so, it becomes the patriotic duty of the citizens to fight the enemy country. And then the Government may after some time decide that the country which was enemy earlier is no more so.
2. Historically, world over, religious wars, mainly between Christians and Muslims, killed and maimed hundreds of millions of people for centuries in the somewhat distant past. Subsequently, in place of religion, patriotism / nationalism led to slaughter of more people than due to religious strife.
3. When we see a photograph of soldier, grim and determined, with his gun on the shoulder standing on a mountain top at the border, all sorts of feelings arise in our heart; admiration, confidence, patriotism, bravery, etc., The patriotic soldier defending our borders at great personal risk and in inhospitable terrain. Even in times of peace, when soldiers do march past in their uniform, head held high and taking each step with confidence and determination, we are exhilarated and we applaud them. We feel that they are a cut above the ordinary mortals. Some will go to the extent of saying that we sleep peacefully because we have full faith in our armed forces against any enemy attack. In brief, for most of the public, soldiers epitomize the term ‘ patriotic.’
4. Next to God and religion, these are the two most stirring and evocative slogans invented by man. Adhering to or following these two slogans had caused havoc in the lives of millions of men, divided people, led to innumerable number of wars, created abiding hatred between man and man and conditioned men over the millennia to abdicate rationality. For thousands of years man fought man, man killed man in millions in the name of God/Religion/Nationalism/ Patriotism. The conditioning had become so powerful and intense that hardly anybody questions the validity of these two concepts. And those who dare to question are immediately painted or dubbed as unpatriotic and vilified, ostracized and punished by society and / or Government.
5. What is the under lying reason for making man a wild beast through the above mentioned stirring words. Please read the Annexure I to this note.
6. From the quotes of eminent persons given in Annexure II of this write up it would be seen that the above and similar doubts made them to prevaricate their definitions / explanations of patriotism / nationalism.
7. Uncomfortable questions, as below, to which neither those who believe passionately on patriotism / nationalism and Governments have no answers and hence they were silenced by the two evocative words of patriotism and nationalism:
· My motherland is fighting with my adopted land. Which one I should side with.
· Why should I fight five thousand kilometers away in a country because that country is to be taken over by communists.
· Why should I fight against that country which was our alley a decade back.
· When I am living without any trouble with my neighbour who is of another faith, why should I fight another country in the name of faith.
· When two enemy countries merge, was not the earlier killings a waste and inhuman act.
· Who gave the right to a country to determine how another should be ruled.
· I was born in this country and patriotism to me is for this country. But my parents were born in another country and hence their patriotism would be to that country. Now if these two countries wage war against each other, then what are we to do ( Iraqi families settled in USA and have taken citizenship there )..
· I and my wife are from different countries. Hence each of us should be patriotic to our respective countries. But then suppose both the countries fight, then what happens.
· For centuries, large scale migration of people from one country to another happened only on account of natural calamities or wars. That is no the position any more. Millions of Indians are settled in various countries. In many cases they have taken citizenship of those countries. Hence if there is a war between the two countries, who had taken citizenship of that country becomes an enemy.
8. Then there are other related issues, as below:
· It is only soldiers fighting for the country are labeled as patriotic and their deaths are termed as martyrdom. What about those policemen who are fighting naxalites in the country and losing their lives. So also men patrolling borders.
· Two officials of Indian Government die in Indian Embassy due to attack of Taliban in Afghanistan. Not only the death of two Indians has been termed as martyrdom but a two bit politician has also called for national mourning.
· What about a train driver or linesman ( electricity ) dying while doing their job. How is it different from the death of soldiers.
· Except for a miniscule who may feel patriotic duty, most of the people join defense services because it is like any other job. Then why should they be elevated to a higher position.
The fact is that conditioning of centuries had hypnotised us human being to these two evocative slogans. Should not we un-condition ourselves.
*************
Annexure I
1. A long time ego, virtually eons back, in the era when man was a hunter, I was a hunter par excellent. I was agile, courageous, cunning, could run fast, had good aim, perseverance and a strong body. Because of these traits I could kill animals more than others. As I always had more than I could eat, I gave away part of my booty. This led to others in my clan looking to me for sustenance often. My courage and strong body enabled me to fight others when required and win. All these led to my being accepted as leader of the tribe. Slowly a coterie developed around me who would beckon to my calls and did menial chores for me.
2. When I became old, somebody else who was stronger than me usurped my position. When he was killed by animal or man or disease or natural calamity, another took over. This went on and on for millennia.
3. Then came a clever successor to me. Realising the fact that his leadership would be accepted only so long as he could fight and win, he thought of ways to ensure that he remains leader even when he became weak. He also wanted that in old age he would be given enough to eat. He tried to invent the concept of leader or chief of clan who will be looked after when he becomes weak. He may have failed or partially succeeded.
4. The next stage was when a hunter with all the above qualities described earlier wanted that his woman is taken care of after death. Then came another one who wanted that his children are taken care of.
5. In comes a brainy chap. He manages to see that the leader is declared as chief of the clan, with certain privileges. This was followed by another guy who declared that the Chief has divine powers. And then comes the last one who pronounces that the chief is the descendant of God.
6. More centuries pass. By the time the chief has been elevated to the position of King. Courtiers then started competing between themselves in singing of praise of the king. Not only the King was the descendant of the God, but his progenies were declared as inheritors of the kingdom by virtue of being progenies of the descendant of God.
7. Then comes the next stage of momentous developments. The area of the kingdom was defined. A flag for the kingdom was designed. King’s word was to be the last word. He had the power of life and death of his subjects.’
8. The Kings had everything, i.e., all luxuries available at different periods of time when Kings were absolute rulers of their kingdoms. Opulent palaces, retinue of servants, horses / cars, plenty to eat, three or four wives and innumerable number of concubines. They had the power of life and death over their subjects. Many of them traveled to important world cities and that too in style, meeting their counter-parts in parties and orgies.
9. However, all Kings had two common traits, permanent worry on one count and abiding ambition on the other. One, whether his kingdom would be attacked by other kings. And second, how to vanquish the king of another country and annex that kingdom to what one had.
10. This led to each King maintaining an army of soldiers. But then soldiers should be prepared to not only fight but even give their lives fighting. And the subjects of the Kingdom should also support and sacrifice their lives to ward of threat of attack by another King or for invading another King’s territory.
11. Enter Patriotism and Nationalism. The king determines who are his enemies. Once he makes it known as to who are his enemies, then it becomes patriotic duty of his subjects to fight that enemy when the king called for the same. Fight to kill. The brave were rewarded. It became the patriotic duty of every subject to die for the king in such battles.
12. The system enabled that the king was protected from enemies, though often this entailed death of may of his men. Since they are died in patriotic duty, it was said that they all went to heaven.
13. Many kings wanted to annex other kingdoms, expand their areas, to take the women and horses of other kingdoms or to plunder. Alliances were formed to subjugate mutual enemies. Marital alliances were also formed whereby yesterday’s enemy became a friend today. Marriages broke down and yesterday’s friends became today’s enemies. This led to subjects of a king stopping suddenly killing of subjects of the nearby country, living peacefully with them and then again taking up arms against them. But then it was made known that these were the prerogative of the kings who are the descendents of this or that God. Nobody dared to question having seen the plight of those dared earlier. It was straight to the gallows.
14. The Kings were replaced by Governments, elected or otherwise. Essentially for the two purposes mentioned above, i.e., to defend or annex, the Governments had to ensure that the armed forces and even general public give full support, and even their lives, for waging war or defending their countries. Hence the evocative terms of Patriotism and Nationalism were widely misused by Governments.
15. Hitler, in the name of Nationalism, was able to mesmerize his people to kill Jews in lakhs and many more got killed in wars and killed soldiers of other countries. America, made evocative call, invoking Patriotism, to make Americans fight in Vietnam, South Korea and Iraq, when most of the Americans were not sure whether there was any need for such killing and get killed syndrome.
16. India and Pakistan were one country. Now virtually enemies. So it is patriotic duty of Indians to defend, attack and kill Pakistani soldiers and vice versa. Same is the case of the erstwhile provinces of Soviet Union after they became independent countries.
17. Yesterday’s one country was partitioned to two or three countries. So those who were living together till yesterday as friends became enemies. Conversely when two countries merged, yesterday’s enemies became friends ( East and West Germany ).
18. Hence virtually it is the Governments ( in place of erstwhile kings ) who decided for the public who are the enemies and who are the friends. And clarion calls were issued by the Governments to the subjects that it is the patriotic duty of the subjects to subjugate and if necessary kill enemies and to this end subjects may have to make sacrifices. Token sacrifices were made by those who ruled ( foregoing one day’s salary in a year ). Gullible people thought ‘ really we are being ruled by nice guys who also want to sacrifice.’ Mass hypnotism at its best.
19. Governments involved in this charade first unleashed propaganda ( the other country is the villain ), followed by call of patriotism and nationalism.
20. Society was also seized of patriotic fervour. Killing those who have been declared enemy became patriotic duty of citizens, so said the Government and society. The madness spread. The intelligentsia were also sucked into the patriotic madness and media exhorted people to sacrifice in the name of patriotism. Those who asked sensible questions were silenced by accusation of being ‘ traitor.’
Annexure II
Quotes of eminent persons:
· Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.
· Patriotism is deeper than its symbolic expressions, than sentiments about place and kinship that move us to hold our hands over our hearts during the national anthem. It is putting the country first, before party or personal ambition, before anything. It is the willing acceptance of Americans, both those whose roots here extend back over generations and those who arrived only yesterday, to try to make a nation in which all people share in the promise and responsibilities of freedom. - John McCain ( US Presidential candidate )
· What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility ... a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.
· No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.
· The peace and welfare of this and coming generations of Americans will be secure only as we cling to the watchword of true patriotism: "Our country -- when right to be kept right; when wrong to be put right.
· The heights of popularity and patriotism are still the beaten road to power and tyranny; flattery to treachery; standing armies to arbitrary government; and the glory of God to the temporal interest of the clergy.
· I realise that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.
· Patriotism ... is a superstition artificially created and maintained through a network of lies and falsehoods; a superstition that robs man of his self-respect and dignity, and increases his arrogance and conceit.
· In the United States, doing good has come to be, like patriotism, a favorite device of persons with something to sell.
· Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous. They will always equate their policies with patriotism, and find criticism subversive.
· Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country. - Herman Goering
· During times of war, hatred becomes quite respectable, even though it has to masquerade often under the guise of patriotism.
· Each man must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your conviction is to be an unqualified and excusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let me label you as they may. Mark Twain
· The government is merely a servant -- merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn't. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them. – Mark Twain
· Patriotism is proud of a country's virtues and eager to correct its deficiencies; it also acknowledges the legitimate patriotism of other countries, with their own specific virtues. The pride of nationalism, however, trumpets its country's virtues and denies its deficiencies, while it is contemptuous toward the virtues of other countries. It wants to be, and proclaims itself to be, "the greatest," but greatness is not required of a country; only goodness is.
· To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public
------------
1. Leave aside for a moment dictionary meaning. At the ground level what do these words mean or supposed to mean in the case of human beings. ‘ Me and my country vs others and other countries,’ ‘ safeguarding my country against the enemy country.’ And who determines which are the enemy countries. Earlier it was done by kings and now by Governments. Once the Government determines so, it becomes the patriotic duty of the citizens to fight the enemy country. And then the Government may after some time decide that the country which was enemy earlier is no more so.
2. Historically, world over, religious wars, mainly between Christians and Muslims, killed and maimed hundreds of millions of people for centuries in the somewhat distant past. Subsequently, in place of religion, patriotism / nationalism led to slaughter of more people than due to religious strife.
3. When we see a photograph of soldier, grim and determined, with his gun on the shoulder standing on a mountain top at the border, all sorts of feelings arise in our heart; admiration, confidence, patriotism, bravery, etc., The patriotic soldier defending our borders at great personal risk and in inhospitable terrain. Even in times of peace, when soldiers do march past in their uniform, head held high and taking each step with confidence and determination, we are exhilarated and we applaud them. We feel that they are a cut above the ordinary mortals. Some will go to the extent of saying that we sleep peacefully because we have full faith in our armed forces against any enemy attack. In brief, for most of the public, soldiers epitomize the term ‘ patriotic.’
4. Next to God and religion, these are the two most stirring and evocative slogans invented by man. Adhering to or following these two slogans had caused havoc in the lives of millions of men, divided people, led to innumerable number of wars, created abiding hatred between man and man and conditioned men over the millennia to abdicate rationality. For thousands of years man fought man, man killed man in millions in the name of God/Religion/Nationalism/ Patriotism. The conditioning had become so powerful and intense that hardly anybody questions the validity of these two concepts. And those who dare to question are immediately painted or dubbed as unpatriotic and vilified, ostracized and punished by society and / or Government.
5. What is the under lying reason for making man a wild beast through the above mentioned stirring words. Please read the Annexure I to this note.
6. From the quotes of eminent persons given in Annexure II of this write up it would be seen that the above and similar doubts made them to prevaricate their definitions / explanations of patriotism / nationalism.
7. Uncomfortable questions, as below, to which neither those who believe passionately on patriotism / nationalism and Governments have no answers and hence they were silenced by the two evocative words of patriotism and nationalism:
· My motherland is fighting with my adopted land. Which one I should side with.
· Why should I fight five thousand kilometers away in a country because that country is to be taken over by communists.
· Why should I fight against that country which was our alley a decade back.
· When I am living without any trouble with my neighbour who is of another faith, why should I fight another country in the name of faith.
· When two enemy countries merge, was not the earlier killings a waste and inhuman act.
· Who gave the right to a country to determine how another should be ruled.
· I was born in this country and patriotism to me is for this country. But my parents were born in another country and hence their patriotism would be to that country. Now if these two countries wage war against each other, then what are we to do ( Iraqi families settled in USA and have taken citizenship there )..
· I and my wife are from different countries. Hence each of us should be patriotic to our respective countries. But then suppose both the countries fight, then what happens.
· For centuries, large scale migration of people from one country to another happened only on account of natural calamities or wars. That is no the position any more. Millions of Indians are settled in various countries. In many cases they have taken citizenship of those countries. Hence if there is a war between the two countries, who had taken citizenship of that country becomes an enemy.
8. Then there are other related issues, as below:
· It is only soldiers fighting for the country are labeled as patriotic and their deaths are termed as martyrdom. What about those policemen who are fighting naxalites in the country and losing their lives. So also men patrolling borders.
· Two officials of Indian Government die in Indian Embassy due to attack of Taliban in Afghanistan. Not only the death of two Indians has been termed as martyrdom but a two bit politician has also called for national mourning.
· What about a train driver or linesman ( electricity ) dying while doing their job. How is it different from the death of soldiers.
· Except for a miniscule who may feel patriotic duty, most of the people join defense services because it is like any other job. Then why should they be elevated to a higher position.
The fact is that conditioning of centuries had hypnotised us human being to these two evocative slogans. Should not we un-condition ourselves.
*************
Annexure I
1. A long time ego, virtually eons back, in the era when man was a hunter, I was a hunter par excellent. I was agile, courageous, cunning, could run fast, had good aim, perseverance and a strong body. Because of these traits I could kill animals more than others. As I always had more than I could eat, I gave away part of my booty. This led to others in my clan looking to me for sustenance often. My courage and strong body enabled me to fight others when required and win. All these led to my being accepted as leader of the tribe. Slowly a coterie developed around me who would beckon to my calls and did menial chores for me.
2. When I became old, somebody else who was stronger than me usurped my position. When he was killed by animal or man or disease or natural calamity, another took over. This went on and on for millennia.
3. Then came a clever successor to me. Realising the fact that his leadership would be accepted only so long as he could fight and win, he thought of ways to ensure that he remains leader even when he became weak. He also wanted that in old age he would be given enough to eat. He tried to invent the concept of leader or chief of clan who will be looked after when he becomes weak. He may have failed or partially succeeded.
4. The next stage was when a hunter with all the above qualities described earlier wanted that his woman is taken care of after death. Then came another one who wanted that his children are taken care of.
5. In comes a brainy chap. He manages to see that the leader is declared as chief of the clan, with certain privileges. This was followed by another guy who declared that the Chief has divine powers. And then comes the last one who pronounces that the chief is the descendant of God.
6. More centuries pass. By the time the chief has been elevated to the position of King. Courtiers then started competing between themselves in singing of praise of the king. Not only the King was the descendant of the God, but his progenies were declared as inheritors of the kingdom by virtue of being progenies of the descendant of God.
7. Then comes the next stage of momentous developments. The area of the kingdom was defined. A flag for the kingdom was designed. King’s word was to be the last word. He had the power of life and death of his subjects.’
8. The Kings had everything, i.e., all luxuries available at different periods of time when Kings were absolute rulers of their kingdoms. Opulent palaces, retinue of servants, horses / cars, plenty to eat, three or four wives and innumerable number of concubines. They had the power of life and death over their subjects. Many of them traveled to important world cities and that too in style, meeting their counter-parts in parties and orgies.
9. However, all Kings had two common traits, permanent worry on one count and abiding ambition on the other. One, whether his kingdom would be attacked by other kings. And second, how to vanquish the king of another country and annex that kingdom to what one had.
10. This led to each King maintaining an army of soldiers. But then soldiers should be prepared to not only fight but even give their lives fighting. And the subjects of the Kingdom should also support and sacrifice their lives to ward of threat of attack by another King or for invading another King’s territory.
11. Enter Patriotism and Nationalism. The king determines who are his enemies. Once he makes it known as to who are his enemies, then it becomes patriotic duty of his subjects to fight that enemy when the king called for the same. Fight to kill. The brave were rewarded. It became the patriotic duty of every subject to die for the king in such battles.
12. The system enabled that the king was protected from enemies, though often this entailed death of may of his men. Since they are died in patriotic duty, it was said that they all went to heaven.
13. Many kings wanted to annex other kingdoms, expand their areas, to take the women and horses of other kingdoms or to plunder. Alliances were formed to subjugate mutual enemies. Marital alliances were also formed whereby yesterday’s enemy became a friend today. Marriages broke down and yesterday’s friends became today’s enemies. This led to subjects of a king stopping suddenly killing of subjects of the nearby country, living peacefully with them and then again taking up arms against them. But then it was made known that these were the prerogative of the kings who are the descendents of this or that God. Nobody dared to question having seen the plight of those dared earlier. It was straight to the gallows.
14. The Kings were replaced by Governments, elected or otherwise. Essentially for the two purposes mentioned above, i.e., to defend or annex, the Governments had to ensure that the armed forces and even general public give full support, and even their lives, for waging war or defending their countries. Hence the evocative terms of Patriotism and Nationalism were widely misused by Governments.
15. Hitler, in the name of Nationalism, was able to mesmerize his people to kill Jews in lakhs and many more got killed in wars and killed soldiers of other countries. America, made evocative call, invoking Patriotism, to make Americans fight in Vietnam, South Korea and Iraq, when most of the Americans were not sure whether there was any need for such killing and get killed syndrome.
16. India and Pakistan were one country. Now virtually enemies. So it is patriotic duty of Indians to defend, attack and kill Pakistani soldiers and vice versa. Same is the case of the erstwhile provinces of Soviet Union after they became independent countries.
17. Yesterday’s one country was partitioned to two or three countries. So those who were living together till yesterday as friends became enemies. Conversely when two countries merged, yesterday’s enemies became friends ( East and West Germany ).
18. Hence virtually it is the Governments ( in place of erstwhile kings ) who decided for the public who are the enemies and who are the friends. And clarion calls were issued by the Governments to the subjects that it is the patriotic duty of the subjects to subjugate and if necessary kill enemies and to this end subjects may have to make sacrifices. Token sacrifices were made by those who ruled ( foregoing one day’s salary in a year ). Gullible people thought ‘ really we are being ruled by nice guys who also want to sacrifice.’ Mass hypnotism at its best.
19. Governments involved in this charade first unleashed propaganda ( the other country is the villain ), followed by call of patriotism and nationalism.
20. Society was also seized of patriotic fervour. Killing those who have been declared enemy became patriotic duty of citizens, so said the Government and society. The madness spread. The intelligentsia were also sucked into the patriotic madness and media exhorted people to sacrifice in the name of patriotism. Those who asked sensible questions were silenced by accusation of being ‘ traitor.’
Annexure II
Quotes of eminent persons:
· Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.
· Patriotism is deeper than its symbolic expressions, than sentiments about place and kinship that move us to hold our hands over our hearts during the national anthem. It is putting the country first, before party or personal ambition, before anything. It is the willing acceptance of Americans, both those whose roots here extend back over generations and those who arrived only yesterday, to try to make a nation in which all people share in the promise and responsibilities of freedom. - John McCain ( US Presidential candidate )
· What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility ... a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.
· No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.
· The peace and welfare of this and coming generations of Americans will be secure only as we cling to the watchword of true patriotism: "Our country -- when right to be kept right; when wrong to be put right.
· The heights of popularity and patriotism are still the beaten road to power and tyranny; flattery to treachery; standing armies to arbitrary government; and the glory of God to the temporal interest of the clergy.
· I realise that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.
· Patriotism ... is a superstition artificially created and maintained through a network of lies and falsehoods; a superstition that robs man of his self-respect and dignity, and increases his arrogance and conceit.
· In the United States, doing good has come to be, like patriotism, a favorite device of persons with something to sell.
· Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous. They will always equate their policies with patriotism, and find criticism subversive.
· Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country. - Herman Goering
· During times of war, hatred becomes quite respectable, even though it has to masquerade often under the guise of patriotism.
· Each man must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your conviction is to be an unqualified and excusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let me label you as they may. Mark Twain
· The government is merely a servant -- merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn't. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them. – Mark Twain
· Patriotism is proud of a country's virtues and eager to correct its deficiencies; it also acknowledges the legitimate patriotism of other countries, with their own specific virtues. The pride of nationalism, however, trumpets its country's virtues and denies its deficiencies, while it is contemptuous toward the virtues of other countries. It wants to be, and proclaims itself to be, "the greatest," but greatness is not required of a country; only goodness is.
· To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public
------------
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hobson’s choice
According to newspaper reports, Narendra Modi, CM of Gujarat has sought permission from BJP leadership to exempt Gujarat from VHP sponsored nation-wide Bandh on the Amarnath temple ( land allotment ) issue. It is said that there is no love lost between Modi and VHP. Further, the State was to witness Jagannath Rath Yatra more or less coinciding with VHP Bandh. That would have affected successful Jagannath Rath Yatra.
Whatever the reasons may be, this development raises a very controversial view.
1. Gujarat has made tremendous progress, not only in industrialization but on other fronts, notably in infra-structure development, during the reign of Modi during the last few years. Businessmen are flocking to Gujarat. It is said that various development projects have definitely benefited the poorest of the poor.
2. More than two decades back, Gill, the cop, ruthlessly eliminated Akali firebrands. Some sort of ‘ shoot at sight ‘ policy was followed. In the process a few innocent people were killed. Human rights guardians had then raised a lot of noise at the ‘terminator ‘ style of Gill. But in the end the extremism of Sikhs was totally eliminated.
3. Ministerial level corruption is nothing new. But in a few States, the Chief Ministers, totally corrupt, ensure that once they are taken care of by entrepreneurs wishing to set up factories, the entrepreneurs will not face any problems from bureaucratic minions in the implementation of their projects.
4. Similar examples can be quoted.
5. On the other hand, we have been facing serious problems on various fronts, such as:
· Naxalite problem which is almost getting out of control
· Continuing large scale influx of refugees in the East
· Developmental projects being halted / delayed by politicians / bureaucrats, mainly because they have not been taken care of.
· Many State Governments are run by absolutely inefficient Chief Ministers. Some of them have no vision. Some of them are sticklers to rules. Some want to be known as lily white ( allowing at the same time the State to go to dogs )
· Money and other goodies meant for poor not reaching them.
In this case also the list can be expanded.
6. The moot point is how far the country / people should compromise on such matters. Should the vote be cast on an efficient Chief Minister with Hindutva belief or secular Chief Minister who is thoroughly inefficient. Should extreme measures be allowed to weed out cancer and in the process violating human rights or allow the cancer to fester. Purists / human right advocates would not agree for any compromise.
7. But I say that the lager interests of the country would be better served if there is fast economic development. In the process there would be compromises and corruption and excesses. After all we can’t expect continued excellent and blemish-less functioning, as has been the case of Central Election Commission, in all areas.
Whatever the reasons may be, this development raises a very controversial view.
1. Gujarat has made tremendous progress, not only in industrialization but on other fronts, notably in infra-structure development, during the reign of Modi during the last few years. Businessmen are flocking to Gujarat. It is said that various development projects have definitely benefited the poorest of the poor.
2. More than two decades back, Gill, the cop, ruthlessly eliminated Akali firebrands. Some sort of ‘ shoot at sight ‘ policy was followed. In the process a few innocent people were killed. Human rights guardians had then raised a lot of noise at the ‘terminator ‘ style of Gill. But in the end the extremism of Sikhs was totally eliminated.
3. Ministerial level corruption is nothing new. But in a few States, the Chief Ministers, totally corrupt, ensure that once they are taken care of by entrepreneurs wishing to set up factories, the entrepreneurs will not face any problems from bureaucratic minions in the implementation of their projects.
4. Similar examples can be quoted.
5. On the other hand, we have been facing serious problems on various fronts, such as:
· Naxalite problem which is almost getting out of control
· Continuing large scale influx of refugees in the East
· Developmental projects being halted / delayed by politicians / bureaucrats, mainly because they have not been taken care of.
· Many State Governments are run by absolutely inefficient Chief Ministers. Some of them have no vision. Some of them are sticklers to rules. Some want to be known as lily white ( allowing at the same time the State to go to dogs )
· Money and other goodies meant for poor not reaching them.
In this case also the list can be expanded.
6. The moot point is how far the country / people should compromise on such matters. Should the vote be cast on an efficient Chief Minister with Hindutva belief or secular Chief Minister who is thoroughly inefficient. Should extreme measures be allowed to weed out cancer and in the process violating human rights or allow the cancer to fester. Purists / human right advocates would not agree for any compromise.
7. But I say that the lager interests of the country would be better served if there is fast economic development. In the process there would be compromises and corruption and excesses. After all we can’t expect continued excellent and blemish-less functioning, as has been the case of Central Election Commission, in all areas.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Hindu religionists disservice to Obama – US Presidential candidate
According to newspaper reports, among Obama’s ‘Good-luck’ charms are ‘ a bracelet belonging to a soldier deployed in Iraq, a gambler’s lucky chit, a tiny Madonna and child and a tiny monkey.’ Obama had not identified the charm he has of monkey as that of Hanuman, the Hindu God. But some of the Hindu religionists in India have themselves determined that the lucky charm is that of Hnuman. They further made a two-foot high gold plated statue of Hanuman and presented the same to Obama through the Chair person o Democrats Abroad India, at a special prayer performed by 12 priests. The organizer said that Obama’s devotion to Hanuman has strengthened his backing. Please note that Obama had not even stated that the lucky charm of the monkey is that of Hanuman.
This development would give Obama’s opponent ammunition to fire against Obama ( that though a Christian , Obama worships a Hindu God ). The Christian Church in USA would also look askance at this incident. And if Obama is questioned on the matter, he would be at his wits end ( there is large Indian population in USA and their vote / donation is sought by both candidates ). What about Jews and Muslims in America. If the above issue crops up in the lection campaign, Obama would have to do the rope balancing trick of being equi-distance with all religions, except Christianity.
Is it a publicity gimmick. It would appear so. But then does an old religion with crores of believers require publicity or certificate from a celebrity.
Foot-note: I hope that some Hindu fundamentalist would not quote from Hindu scriptures to claim that Obama’s distant ancestors had migrated from India to Kenya and then to USA and hence essentially Obama is a person of Indian oigin.
This development would give Obama’s opponent ammunition to fire against Obama ( that though a Christian , Obama worships a Hindu God ). The Christian Church in USA would also look askance at this incident. And if Obama is questioned on the matter, he would be at his wits end ( there is large Indian population in USA and their vote / donation is sought by both candidates ). What about Jews and Muslims in America. If the above issue crops up in the lection campaign, Obama would have to do the rope balancing trick of being equi-distance with all religions, except Christianity.
Is it a publicity gimmick. It would appear so. But then does an old religion with crores of believers require publicity or certificate from a celebrity.
Foot-note: I hope that some Hindu fundamentalist would not quote from Hindu scriptures to claim that Obama’s distant ancestors had migrated from India to Kenya and then to USA and hence essentially Obama is a person of Indian oigin.
3. Anger at work places – double standard – one for men and another for women
‘ Male aggression is seen as a sign of his competence, his hunger to do and get more and hence, excel at whatever he does. This may taken the form of higher status, responsibilities and higher remuneration in the corporate world. Women are just seen as frustrated if they get angry.’
‘ I have a female boss and every time she loses her cool, we blame it on everything but work. It is not to say that she is not a good professional but I guess it just has to do with the way women are looked at in society.’
‘From sports to corporate world, male anger is synonymous with the killer instinct and a go-getter attitude, but if a woman were to lose her temper, she is quickly seen as frustrated with her own incapability to handle the work pressure. Women always end up justifying their anger.’
The above opinions expressed by senior executives of corporate sector in India confirms the conclusion of a study by Brescoll and Eric Uhlmann at Northwestern University, US.
Men are macho. Men are the bread earners. Expressing anger openly is the prerogative of men and not women. For millennia this has been the accepted position. Men has to hunt in earlier times and now go to work outside. Women has to tend the home and children and do the cooking. Yes, that was the position for eons. But now women are entering the citadels of corporate sector. But what has been built in the psyche will exhibit, often without any awareness on the part of individual. That is the case here.
‘ Male aggression is seen as a sign of his competence, his hunger to do and get more and hence, excel at whatever he does. This may taken the form of higher status, responsibilities and higher remuneration in the corporate world. Women are just seen as frustrated if they get angry.’
‘ I have a female boss and every time she loses her cool, we blame it on everything but work. It is not to say that she is not a good professional but I guess it just has to do with the way women are looked at in society.’
‘From sports to corporate world, male anger is synonymous with the killer instinct and a go-getter attitude, but if a woman were to lose her temper, she is quickly seen as frustrated with her own incapability to handle the work pressure. Women always end up justifying their anger.’
The above opinions expressed by senior executives of corporate sector in India confirms the conclusion of a study by Brescoll and Eric Uhlmann at Northwestern University, US.
Men are macho. Men are the bread earners. Expressing anger openly is the prerogative of men and not women. For millennia this has been the accepted position. Men has to hunt in earlier times and now go to work outside. Women has to tend the home and children and do the cooking. Yes, that was the position for eons. But now women are entering the citadels of corporate sector. But what has been built in the psyche will exhibit, often without any awareness on the part of individual. That is the case here.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Controversial nude paintings of M.F. Husain
In May 08 Delhi High Court has exonerated Husain from the charges, which led to filing a case, of immoral depiction of Indian women nude and more particularly as Bharat Mata and Hindu Goddesses. The judge stated, inter alia,
Quoting Pablo Picasso:
“Art is never chaste. It ought to be forbidden to ignorant innocents, never allowed into contact with those not sufficiently prepared. Yes, art is dangerous. Where it is chaste, it is not art.”
Recalling the richness of India’s 5000 year old culture, the judge added:
“ Ancient Indian art has been never devoid of eroticism where sex worship and graphical representation of the union between man and woman has been a recurring feature. The sculpture on the earliest temples of Mithuna image or the erotic couples in Bhubaneshwar, Korarak and Puri in Orissa ( 150-1250 AD ); Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh ( 900—1050 AD), Limbojimata temple at Delmel, Mehsana ( 10th centure AD ), Kupgallu Hill, Bellary, Madras, and Nilkantha temple at Sunak near Baroda ( are examples of this )……..Even the very coincept of ‘ lingam’ of the God Shiva resting in the centre of the yoni, is in a way representation of the act of creation, the union of Prakriti and Purusua. The ultimate essence of a work of ancient Indian erotic art has been religious in character and can be enunciated as a state of heightened delight or ananda, the kind of bliss that can be experienced only by the spirit.”
“ Today Indian art is confidently coming of age. Every form of stylistic expression in the visual arts, from naturalism to abstract expressionism, derives its power from the artist’s emotional connection to his perceptual reality.”
Describing the nude as a “ perennial art subject,” the judge observed that
“some paintings have been called ‘ obscene,’ ‘ vulgar’ ‘depraving ‘ ‘ prurient ‘ and ‘ immoral ‘ - but it was important to look at art from the artist’s perspective. As a judge he had to balance ‘ the individual’s right to speech and expression and the frontiers of exercising that right - to prevent a ’closed mind’ becoming ‘ a principal feature of (our) open society’ or ‘ an unwilling recipient of information ‘ from enjoying a veto over others’ rights to the same information.
The judge added
‘ obscenity which is offensive to public decency and morality is outside the purview of the protection of free speech and expression……..but former must never come in the way of the later and should not substantially transgress the latter.’
‘ The test for judging a work should be that of an ordinary man of commonsense and prudence and not an out of the ordinary or hypersensitive man.’
‘ Obscenity ‘ the judge opined, ‘ is treating with sex in a manner appealing to the carnal side of human nature or having that tendency.’
‘ As an artist he actually celebrates nudity and considers it as the purest form of expression.’ In the case of his painting of ‘ Bharat Mata ‘ which had offended several petitioners, the aesthetic touch to the painting dwarfs the so called obscenity in the form of nudity and renders it so picayune and insignificant that the nudity in the painting can easily be overlooked.’
‘ It seems that he complainants are not the type who would go to art galleries or have an interest in contemporary art, because if they did, they would know that there are many other artists who embrace nudity as part of their contemporary art.’
‘Art and authority have never had a difficult relationship until recently.’
While I have no truck with the fundamentalists who see everything in black and white with no grey area whereas on most maters it is the grey area which is important, at the same time I loathe those who with a veneer of emancipation try to put down beliefs and ape the approach taken on various issues by societies or rationalists or intellectuals in the West. I respectfully disagree with the reasoning and decision given by the judge.
1. ‘In this land of Kamasutra and Khajuraho sculptures……….’ bemoans the so called emancipated souls. For a long time this country was ruled by kings. Each King had the absolute right to do what he wanted in his kingdom. So a King allowed and accepted Kamasutra. A few other Kings allowed sexual depiction in sculptures, paintings and poetry. But it cannot be said that this was the culture of the country. Had it been so such erotic sculptures, paintings and writings would have been there in most of the places in the country. But that has not been the case.
2. Without making a value judgment, most of the Indians have been in the past and present are uncomfortable with these depictions of erotic culture because it has not been our culture.
3. Belief is belief, transmitted from one generation to another through genes. It is part of the tradition and changes in the tradition happen at times slowly and at times fast, depending upon the resilience of people to accept or seek for such changes. Belief or faith cannot be explained rationally. Unwed mother of God in a faith or thousand children for another incarnation, etc., are no issues with the follower of the faith of a particular religion. It is members of other religions or atheists or rationalists who question these. To the believer, belief is sacrosanct while to some others it may be an intolerance or ‘no change’ syndrome.
4. No time frame can be fixed on change in beliefs or what is acceptable to society. Even thirty years back in this country it would have been shameful to horror for those who see a young girl with head hair coloured, midriff bare, tight hugging dress with a cigarette. Even in Bollywood such a character would be the vamp. But not any more. Nudity is becoming less and less touchy subject.
5. For most Hindus the fact that it is a Muslim who had depicted Hindu goddess in nude is perceived as an attack on their faith. That is the psyche of human beings. It is not a question of good or bad. It is a fact and hence has to be accepted. To quote an analogy, when five pucca Brahmins are discussing mythology of Hindus, especially areas related to erotica, if a non Hindu expresses his views the same would be taken amiss. That is how human beings are.
6. The judge is trying to find rational explanation to a belief, which need not be rational.
In short, it is possible that Husain’s paintings would not ruffle the feelings of many Hindus twenty or forty years ahead, but it has done so now. There is a Laxman Rekha for beliefs and crossing that would invite wrath, be it art or any other subject.
Quoting Pablo Picasso:
“Art is never chaste. It ought to be forbidden to ignorant innocents, never allowed into contact with those not sufficiently prepared. Yes, art is dangerous. Where it is chaste, it is not art.”
Recalling the richness of India’s 5000 year old culture, the judge added:
“ Ancient Indian art has been never devoid of eroticism where sex worship and graphical representation of the union between man and woman has been a recurring feature. The sculpture on the earliest temples of Mithuna image or the erotic couples in Bhubaneshwar, Korarak and Puri in Orissa ( 150-1250 AD ); Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh ( 900—1050 AD), Limbojimata temple at Delmel, Mehsana ( 10th centure AD ), Kupgallu Hill, Bellary, Madras, and Nilkantha temple at Sunak near Baroda ( are examples of this )……..Even the very coincept of ‘ lingam’ of the God Shiva resting in the centre of the yoni, is in a way representation of the act of creation, the union of Prakriti and Purusua. The ultimate essence of a work of ancient Indian erotic art has been religious in character and can be enunciated as a state of heightened delight or ananda, the kind of bliss that can be experienced only by the spirit.”
“ Today Indian art is confidently coming of age. Every form of stylistic expression in the visual arts, from naturalism to abstract expressionism, derives its power from the artist’s emotional connection to his perceptual reality.”
Describing the nude as a “ perennial art subject,” the judge observed that
“some paintings have been called ‘ obscene,’ ‘ vulgar’ ‘depraving ‘ ‘ prurient ‘ and ‘ immoral ‘ - but it was important to look at art from the artist’s perspective. As a judge he had to balance ‘ the individual’s right to speech and expression and the frontiers of exercising that right - to prevent a ’closed mind’ becoming ‘ a principal feature of (our) open society’ or ‘ an unwilling recipient of information ‘ from enjoying a veto over others’ rights to the same information.
The judge added
‘ obscenity which is offensive to public decency and morality is outside the purview of the protection of free speech and expression……..but former must never come in the way of the later and should not substantially transgress the latter.’
‘ The test for judging a work should be that of an ordinary man of commonsense and prudence and not an out of the ordinary or hypersensitive man.’
‘ Obscenity ‘ the judge opined, ‘ is treating with sex in a manner appealing to the carnal side of human nature or having that tendency.’
‘ As an artist he actually celebrates nudity and considers it as the purest form of expression.’ In the case of his painting of ‘ Bharat Mata ‘ which had offended several petitioners, the aesthetic touch to the painting dwarfs the so called obscenity in the form of nudity and renders it so picayune and insignificant that the nudity in the painting can easily be overlooked.’
‘ It seems that he complainants are not the type who would go to art galleries or have an interest in contemporary art, because if they did, they would know that there are many other artists who embrace nudity as part of their contemporary art.’
‘Art and authority have never had a difficult relationship until recently.’
While I have no truck with the fundamentalists who see everything in black and white with no grey area whereas on most maters it is the grey area which is important, at the same time I loathe those who with a veneer of emancipation try to put down beliefs and ape the approach taken on various issues by societies or rationalists or intellectuals in the West. I respectfully disagree with the reasoning and decision given by the judge.
1. ‘In this land of Kamasutra and Khajuraho sculptures……….’ bemoans the so called emancipated souls. For a long time this country was ruled by kings. Each King had the absolute right to do what he wanted in his kingdom. So a King allowed and accepted Kamasutra. A few other Kings allowed sexual depiction in sculptures, paintings and poetry. But it cannot be said that this was the culture of the country. Had it been so such erotic sculptures, paintings and writings would have been there in most of the places in the country. But that has not been the case.
2. Without making a value judgment, most of the Indians have been in the past and present are uncomfortable with these depictions of erotic culture because it has not been our culture.
3. Belief is belief, transmitted from one generation to another through genes. It is part of the tradition and changes in the tradition happen at times slowly and at times fast, depending upon the resilience of people to accept or seek for such changes. Belief or faith cannot be explained rationally. Unwed mother of God in a faith or thousand children for another incarnation, etc., are no issues with the follower of the faith of a particular religion. It is members of other religions or atheists or rationalists who question these. To the believer, belief is sacrosanct while to some others it may be an intolerance or ‘no change’ syndrome.
4. No time frame can be fixed on change in beliefs or what is acceptable to society. Even thirty years back in this country it would have been shameful to horror for those who see a young girl with head hair coloured, midriff bare, tight hugging dress with a cigarette. Even in Bollywood such a character would be the vamp. But not any more. Nudity is becoming less and less touchy subject.
5. For most Hindus the fact that it is a Muslim who had depicted Hindu goddess in nude is perceived as an attack on their faith. That is the psyche of human beings. It is not a question of good or bad. It is a fact and hence has to be accepted. To quote an analogy, when five pucca Brahmins are discussing mythology of Hindus, especially areas related to erotica, if a non Hindu expresses his views the same would be taken amiss. That is how human beings are.
6. The judge is trying to find rational explanation to a belief, which need not be rational.
In short, it is possible that Husain’s paintings would not ruffle the feelings of many Hindus twenty or forty years ahead, but it has done so now. There is a Laxman Rekha for beliefs and crossing that would invite wrath, be it art or any other subject.
3. Legal jargon - Judges / Advocates love to continue
Legal terms used Plain meaning
‘res-judicata’ The case been already decided
‘in limni’ At the outset
‘ad curiam ‘ At the court
‘res derelicta’ or Abandoned or not yet decided
‘res integra ‘
‘puisne’ Subordinate
‘Plaintiff’ Claimant
‘Writ’ Claim form
‘In camera’ In private
‘Inter partes’ With notice
‘ex parte ‘ Without notice
‘Sub judice’ Pending litigation
Judges are in love with these words or phrases which, I suppose, are Latin. It is an attitude of ‘ we know, you don’t.’ Given below is extract of a Supreme Court judgment delivered some time back.
“ ………Because exordiums are opprobrium’s and socio-economic apercus are anathemas for some judicial psyches, and I should have, for that reason, abandoned my habitual deviance from the orthodox norm idealized by some that judicial judgment shall be a dry statement of facts, drier presentation of law and logomachies and driest at least communicating to the law abiding community, which is the Court’s constituency, the glow of life-giving principles rooted in social sciences and translated into juristic rules which legitimate our institution functionally…….”
Should one say more.
Simply put, judges need to use plain understandable English in their judgments.. But the fact is they are loathe to do it. Same is the case with Advocates. In the heart of hearts they want to continue with this system, though openly they would deride. Clients have to be impressed and if the clients understanding the meaning of these terms, then the importance of Advocates would be a shade lower.
It is the human tendency to worship on one hand and cling on the other hand power, pelf and authoritative pronouncements. This is the case universally. For example, a rail ticket collector has the uniform of black coat, black tie and white trousers. In the hot humid weather most part and time this country go through, this is the most unsuited dress. Yet they are loathe to adorn more suitable dress with a pin indicating that they are ticket collectors. The dress is a symbol of authority for him. So also for the judges and advocates.
It is not that changes in these matters are controversial or cannot effected without upsetting the apple cart. This does not require recommendations of the Law Commission.
In many of the developed countries, court structure is being simplified and changes are being made to take into account the changes that have happened outside. The dress of judges and advocates have been changed to the normal dress people wear. But not in India. The British Raj persists. ‘We are more loyal to the King’ syndrome persists.
Of course there is the more serious matter of undue delay, running to often five to ten years in disposing cases. Then again for those who are not directly involved, the sheer volume of paper work would be daunting.
Legal terms used Plain meaning
‘res-judicata’ The case been already decided
‘in limni’ At the outset
‘ad curiam ‘ At the court
‘res derelicta’ or Abandoned or not yet decided
‘res integra ‘
‘puisne’ Subordinate
‘Plaintiff’ Claimant
‘Writ’ Claim form
‘In camera’ In private
‘Inter partes’ With notice
‘ex parte ‘ Without notice
‘Sub judice’ Pending litigation
Judges are in love with these words or phrases which, I suppose, are Latin. It is an attitude of ‘ we know, you don’t.’ Given below is extract of a Supreme Court judgment delivered some time back.
“ ………Because exordiums are opprobrium’s and socio-economic apercus are anathemas for some judicial psyches, and I should have, for that reason, abandoned my habitual deviance from the orthodox norm idealized by some that judicial judgment shall be a dry statement of facts, drier presentation of law and logomachies and driest at least communicating to the law abiding community, which is the Court’s constituency, the glow of life-giving principles rooted in social sciences and translated into juristic rules which legitimate our institution functionally…….”
Should one say more.
Simply put, judges need to use plain understandable English in their judgments.. But the fact is they are loathe to do it. Same is the case with Advocates. In the heart of hearts they want to continue with this system, though openly they would deride. Clients have to be impressed and if the clients understanding the meaning of these terms, then the importance of Advocates would be a shade lower.
It is the human tendency to worship on one hand and cling on the other hand power, pelf and authoritative pronouncements. This is the case universally. For example, a rail ticket collector has the uniform of black coat, black tie and white trousers. In the hot humid weather most part and time this country go through, this is the most unsuited dress. Yet they are loathe to adorn more suitable dress with a pin indicating that they are ticket collectors. The dress is a symbol of authority for him. So also for the judges and advocates.
It is not that changes in these matters are controversial or cannot effected without upsetting the apple cart. This does not require recommendations of the Law Commission.
In many of the developed countries, court structure is being simplified and changes are being made to take into account the changes that have happened outside. The dress of judges and advocates have been changed to the normal dress people wear. But not in India. The British Raj persists. ‘We are more loyal to the King’ syndrome persists.
Of course there is the more serious matter of undue delay, running to often five to ten years in disposing cases. Then again for those who are not directly involved, the sheer volume of paper work would be daunting.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
RECALLING ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES:
Legislators of American State Lousiana passed a legislation hiking the base pay of legislators from $16,800 to $37,500.Any such legislation has to be approved by the Governor of the State to make it effective. The Governor of the State Bobby Jindal had indicated that while he is against the proposal, he would not at the same time veto the proposal. This led to some of the voters filing a recall petition against the Governor. What this means that if after verification from the voters about their stand on the matter, the Governor could be recalled. But this would require approval of the proposal to recall the Government from one third of the voters. There are nine lakh voters in that State. Hence this would be a mammoth exercise. Then again while a large number of voters had indicated their disfavour at the pay hike, when it comes to expressing their individual views in the verification, the voters could take a different stand, mainly on account of the pressure of the legislators.
Governor Jindals main contention was that while he is oipposed to the proposal he would not veto the same for fear of jeopardizing his legislative agenda. This is a genuine apprehension because the legislators can block any of his proposals.
Ultimately Jindal gave in and approved the proposal.
Wish we had something like this in our electoral rules. Atleast voters can put the fear of God on erring legislators. This is not a novel approach. Recently in a Panchayat the elected office bearers were thrown out by the electorate.
Legislators of American State Lousiana passed a legislation hiking the base pay of legislators from $16,800 to $37,500.Any such legislation has to be approved by the Governor of the State to make it effective. The Governor of the State Bobby Jindal had indicated that while he is against the proposal, he would not at the same time veto the proposal. This led to some of the voters filing a recall petition against the Governor. What this means that if after verification from the voters about their stand on the matter, the Governor could be recalled. But this would require approval of the proposal to recall the Government from one third of the voters. There are nine lakh voters in that State. Hence this would be a mammoth exercise. Then again while a large number of voters had indicated their disfavour at the pay hike, when it comes to expressing their individual views in the verification, the voters could take a different stand, mainly on account of the pressure of the legislators.
Governor Jindals main contention was that while he is oipposed to the proposal he would not veto the same for fear of jeopardizing his legislative agenda. This is a genuine apprehension because the legislators can block any of his proposals.
Ultimately Jindal gave in and approved the proposal.
Wish we had something like this in our electoral rules. Atleast voters can put the fear of God on erring legislators. This is not a novel approach. Recently in a Panchayat the elected office bearers were thrown out by the electorate.
PICKING THE POCKETS – An artistic crime
In Delhi Police nabbed a gang of pick pockets who were running the outfit in corporate style.
There is something about picking the pockets which makes the crime / occupation different from other crimes. Nimble handed is one trait in them which we in our hearts admire. Not that we exonerate them for their anti social deeds. Yet their trade / crime is quite different from all other crimes, be it violent ones or sophisticated ones. The pick pockets have to be quite alert while doing their job. They have to have some rudimentary knowledge of psychology of human beings to enable them to assess whether their prospective victim is an easy pray or an alert one who will catch them red handed.. They have to carefully choose the victims, who have to be somewhat absent minded . They have to do their job quite often when people are milling around them. They also run the risk of getting lynched by the mob if they are caught in action. Their whole demeanor should be one in the crowd and not attracting attention of others. So also their dress, i.e., ordinary. Sounds like an eulogy. But then you try picking the pocket of somebody close to you after informing a few before hand that you are going to experiment, lest you face music in case caught by the one whose purse you are lifting. It is damn difficult to do without the person not being aware of. Crimes which are within the ambit of physical violence are crude. And the risk element of theft is much less than picking the pocket. Picking the pocket is an art. But since it violates law and falls within the realm of crime, if caught they will be punished. That is as it should be. Yet, that aspect does not diminish their getting a soft corner of our hearts.
P.S. Human beings generally look with less disfavour at persons committing white crimes compared to other criminal deeds, such as theft, violence, etc., Hence there is nothing unusual when we are not hard on pick pockets. It is an artistic con game.
There is something about picking the pockets which makes the crime / occupation different from other crimes. Nimble handed is one trait in them which we in our hearts admire. Not that we exonerate them for their anti social deeds. Yet their trade / crime is quite different from all other crimes, be it violent ones or sophisticated ones. The pick pockets have to be quite alert while doing their job. They have to have some rudimentary knowledge of psychology of human beings to enable them to assess whether their prospective victim is an easy pray or an alert one who will catch them red handed.. They have to carefully choose the victims, who have to be somewhat absent minded . They have to do their job quite often when people are milling around them. They also run the risk of getting lynched by the mob if they are caught in action. Their whole demeanor should be one in the crowd and not attracting attention of others. So also their dress, i.e., ordinary. Sounds like an eulogy. But then you try picking the pocket of somebody close to you after informing a few before hand that you are going to experiment, lest you face music in case caught by the one whose purse you are lifting. It is damn difficult to do without the person not being aware of. Crimes which are within the ambit of physical violence are crude. And the risk element of theft is much less than picking the pocket. Picking the pocket is an art. But since it violates law and falls within the realm of crime, if caught they will be punished. That is as it should be. Yet, that aspect does not diminish their getting a soft corner of our hearts.
P.S. Human beings generally look with less disfavour at persons committing white crimes compared to other criminal deeds, such as theft, violence, etc., Hence there is nothing unusual when we are not hard on pick pockets. It is an artistic con game.
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