MALIBU TOWN-LA (CA-USA) ON PACIFIC HIGHWAY----- THE VIEW FROM PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS!(I Visited it in Oct 2011)
Thursday, January 07, 2016
PATHANKOT 01/01 : A GROSSLY MISHANDLED OPERATION!
PATHANKOT EPISODE: GROSSLY MISHANDLED ANTI- TERRORIST OPERATION.
When 26/11 happened, it was not only intelligence failure but also an utterly mishandled affair. But in the case of PATHANKOT 01/01, intelligence was there , yet it was totally badly conducted operation. In the case of Mumbai 26/11, it took over 60 hours to neutralize 10 militants including one captured alive. In case of Pathankot 01/01, timely and accurate information was there , yet it took around 60 hours to neutralize five militants. What a way to handle anti- terrorist operation? It shows something is amiss and Indian leadership and security advisors still have no idea as to how to handle WOM (War by Other Means).
The goof ups in Mumbai 26/11 were that instead of using an Infantry Battalion, just 40 minutes driving distance from the scene of terrorist strike, 48 hours were wasted in waiting for the NSG commandos. Unfortunately, political leadership, overly influenced by bureaucrats, do not realize that Infantry battalions are capable of handling such operations with more ease and comfort.
Add to it the bureaucratic NSAs who do not want to give a chance to army to hog the glory of conducting such an operation with ease. They do not know that almost all infantry battalions and their young officers are trained in counter insurgency. If they know, they deliberately ignore. And if they do not know this , it is a shame. What good is a NSA, if he has no idea of his immediately available assets. Such a partisan conduct of the NSA , costs the nation very dearly.
Another major flaw of Mumbai26/11 was that media was allowed to give a running commentary as if it were an Indo- Pak cricket match going on. Nothing strange to know as to how our media helps terrorist handlers in Pakistan to guide and direct the terrorists holed up. Indian media and its political leadership, of all hues and cry, have no idea of the dimensions of National Security. Media is more interested in hiking its TRP ratings by broadcasting live and political leadership is more interested in "one upmanship" over their rivals. Their spicy statements against each other, not only distract soldiers engaged in operations but they also undermine their morale.
Now look at the way Pathankot episode has been handled. A senior Punjab Police officer is abducted and released by the militants. He cries hoarse of likely terrorist attack for 14 hours but no action is taken by the authorities. NSA was only interested in sending the NSG commandos. Punjab police did not share this information with their local military commanders, nor did the NSA. Intelligence was not shared at all, when it was known that Air Force Base was the militant target. Immediately, local Army units should have been deployed and Pathankot Sub Area HQ be made the epicenter of control and coordination. It was not done.
Pathankot has two infantry Brigades and an armoured Brigade. Local Sub Area HQ had no clue as to what was happening. We must know that army formations in peace locations have Counter Terrorism/ Insurgency grid established and units tasked to carry out counter operations. Sub Area HQs are tasked to liaise with civilian counterparts and adopt proper measures to handle such situations. Civil - Military liaison conferences are held for this purpose only. It seems they are only for " Tea and Samoshas".
Even when the army was called in after 14 hours of delayed information, the situation was NOT handed over to army. Air Force wanted to show its own mettle by employing it's so called " Garud Commandos". There was total lack of coordination between Army, Airforce, Punjab Police and NSG. Everyone was on its own. If the information from the abducted SP was properly and timely used, immediate action was to warn the DSC guards at the airbase and an infantry unit despatched to beef up the DSC guards. Terrorists should have been flushed out immediately. It seemed DSC guards had NO idea of impending terrorist attack and they were happily cooking their breakfast.
It is NOT understood why NSG was involved in this operation. Local Army units has their own Bomb disposal units, who could have handled the situation more easily than the elite NSG Commandos. Why NSG commander was made in charge of the operation while the local units were made to look as spectators. This government is investing too much in its NSA, who, might be good in conducting intelligence operation but is not capable of handling of physical operations involving troops. It is high time political leadership invest in a CDS, who be given the charge of Internal and external security and all such resources placed at his command. Let NSA deal with covert and strategic operations outside the country.
Again , Media was allowed to make whatever statements they could make. A total mess was created by making contradictory statements and allegations. On the spot interviews were carried out when the operations were still on. It is avoidable. It influences and adulterate the minds of decision makers. It was due to such misleading feed backs that Home Minister, Sh Raj Nath Singh made an announcement on the successful conclusion of the operation on the first day itself , while it lingered on for three days more. Media has to be kept at bay for such operations. Compare this with Pakistan Army 's handling of Peshawar incident in December 2014. Media was not only disallowed to come anywhere near the site of operation but it was also NOT allowed to make comments till the military operation was over. Indian media suffers from overdose of freedom of expression.
In conclusion , I would say, Pathankot incident suffered from lack of coordination ; failure to timely exploit actionable intelligence, over dependence on specialized forces such as NSG and Garuds; Airforce authorities not warning DSC guards and failing to beef them up with so called "Garuds" and not handing over the situation to a local military commander. Instead, it seems the operation was being handled by NSA , sitting in Delhi. What is worse , while everyone else was making statements, the defence Minister of India was kept out of the loop. He should have been first one on board. It is such obnoxious actions, which certify that Pathankot operation was grossly mishandled, even worst than Mumbai 26/11.
Finally, I feel Terrorists goofed up their well planned operation by not killing the SP, his cook and Jeweller. Whatever was the reason, it was their Himalyan blunder and they gave adequate time for "Snail-pace -moving Counter- Terrorism -apparatus" of India to retrieve the situation, though in a very clumsy manner. In , all said and done, Terrorists saved the day for India, for the flimsy way this operation was handled. Mystery remains as to why terrorists, on a suicide Mission, had allowed the SP to get away live. Was it because of a smuggler friend amongst the terrorists, who saved their lives? If so, where is the Smuggler Friend? Is he the Sixth Terrorist, who has disappeared like the lost Continent of Atlantis? Your guess is as good as mine. Even if he is the prized catch with NSG and its NSA, I would give 2 out 10 'for the whole operation. In terms of real output vis-a-vis the inputs, I reckon it was a miserable failure.
Well! I have said, what I Wanted to say. Go, have your potshots, too.
When 26/11 happened, it was not only intelligence failure but also an utterly mishandled affair. But in the case of PATHANKOT 01/01, intelligence was there , yet it was totally badly conducted operation. In the case of Mumbai 26/11, it took over 60 hours to neutralize 10 militants including one captured alive. In case of Pathankot 01/01, timely and accurate information was there , yet it took around 60 hours to neutralize five militants. What a way to handle anti- terrorist operation? It shows something is amiss and Indian leadership and security advisors still have no idea as to how to handle WOM (War by Other Means).
The goof ups in Mumbai 26/11 were that instead of using an Infantry Battalion, just 40 minutes driving distance from the scene of terrorist strike, 48 hours were wasted in waiting for the NSG commandos. Unfortunately, political leadership, overly influenced by bureaucrats, do not realize that Infantry battalions are capable of handling such operations with more ease and comfort.
Add to it the bureaucratic NSAs who do not want to give a chance to army to hog the glory of conducting such an operation with ease. They do not know that almost all infantry battalions and their young officers are trained in counter insurgency. If they know, they deliberately ignore. And if they do not know this , it is a shame. What good is a NSA, if he has no idea of his immediately available assets. Such a partisan conduct of the NSA , costs the nation very dearly.
Another major flaw of Mumbai26/11 was that media was allowed to give a running commentary as if it were an Indo- Pak cricket match going on. Nothing strange to know as to how our media helps terrorist handlers in Pakistan to guide and direct the terrorists holed up. Indian media and its political leadership, of all hues and cry, have no idea of the dimensions of National Security. Media is more interested in hiking its TRP ratings by broadcasting live and political leadership is more interested in "one upmanship" over their rivals. Their spicy statements against each other, not only distract soldiers engaged in operations but they also undermine their morale.
Now look at the way Pathankot episode has been handled. A senior Punjab Police officer is abducted and released by the militants. He cries hoarse of likely terrorist attack for 14 hours but no action is taken by the authorities. NSA was only interested in sending the NSG commandos. Punjab police did not share this information with their local military commanders, nor did the NSA. Intelligence was not shared at all, when it was known that Air Force Base was the militant target. Immediately, local Army units should have been deployed and Pathankot Sub Area HQ be made the epicenter of control and coordination. It was not done.
Pathankot has two infantry Brigades and an armoured Brigade. Local Sub Area HQ had no clue as to what was happening. We must know that army formations in peace locations have Counter Terrorism/ Insurgency grid established and units tasked to carry out counter operations. Sub Area HQs are tasked to liaise with civilian counterparts and adopt proper measures to handle such situations. Civil - Military liaison conferences are held for this purpose only. It seems they are only for " Tea and Samoshas".
Even when the army was called in after 14 hours of delayed information, the situation was NOT handed over to army. Air Force wanted to show its own mettle by employing it's so called " Garud Commandos". There was total lack of coordination between Army, Airforce, Punjab Police and NSG. Everyone was on its own. If the information from the abducted SP was properly and timely used, immediate action was to warn the DSC guards at the airbase and an infantry unit despatched to beef up the DSC guards. Terrorists should have been flushed out immediately. It seemed DSC guards had NO idea of impending terrorist attack and they were happily cooking their breakfast.
It is NOT understood why NSG was involved in this operation. Local Army units has their own Bomb disposal units, who could have handled the situation more easily than the elite NSG Commandos. Why NSG commander was made in charge of the operation while the local units were made to look as spectators. This government is investing too much in its NSA, who, might be good in conducting intelligence operation but is not capable of handling of physical operations involving troops. It is high time political leadership invest in a CDS, who be given the charge of Internal and external security and all such resources placed at his command. Let NSA deal with covert and strategic operations outside the country.
Again , Media was allowed to make whatever statements they could make. A total mess was created by making contradictory statements and allegations. On the spot interviews were carried out when the operations were still on. It is avoidable. It influences and adulterate the minds of decision makers. It was due to such misleading feed backs that Home Minister, Sh Raj Nath Singh made an announcement on the successful conclusion of the operation on the first day itself , while it lingered on for three days more. Media has to be kept at bay for such operations. Compare this with Pakistan Army 's handling of Peshawar incident in December 2014. Media was not only disallowed to come anywhere near the site of operation but it was also NOT allowed to make comments till the military operation was over. Indian media suffers from overdose of freedom of expression.
In conclusion , I would say, Pathankot incident suffered from lack of coordination ; failure to timely exploit actionable intelligence, over dependence on specialized forces such as NSG and Garuds; Airforce authorities not warning DSC guards and failing to beef them up with so called "Garuds" and not handing over the situation to a local military commander. Instead, it seems the operation was being handled by NSA , sitting in Delhi. What is worse , while everyone else was making statements, the defence Minister of India was kept out of the loop. He should have been first one on board. It is such obnoxious actions, which certify that Pathankot operation was grossly mishandled, even worst than Mumbai 26/11.
Finally, I feel Terrorists goofed up their well planned operation by not killing the SP, his cook and Jeweller. Whatever was the reason, it was their Himalyan blunder and they gave adequate time for "Snail-pace -moving Counter- Terrorism -apparatus" of India to retrieve the situation, though in a very clumsy manner. In , all said and done, Terrorists saved the day for India, for the flimsy way this operation was handled. Mystery remains as to why terrorists, on a suicide Mission, had allowed the SP to get away live. Was it because of a smuggler friend amongst the terrorists, who saved their lives? If so, where is the Smuggler Friend? Is he the Sixth Terrorist, who has disappeared like the lost Continent of Atlantis? Your guess is as good as mine. Even if he is the prized catch with NSG and its NSA, I would give 2 out 10 'for the whole operation. In terms of real output vis-a-vis the inputs, I reckon it was a miserable failure.
Well! I have said, what I Wanted to say. Go, have your potshots, too.
Read more...
PATHANKOT TERROR INCIDENT : SOME UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
PATHANKOT TERROR ATTACK: SOME UNANSWERED QUESTIONS?
A number of questions arise on the conduct of Salvinder Singh , SP of Gurdaspur police. It seems, he, willingly or unwillingly has some role to play not only in the infiltration of terrorists but also in providing them easy access to Pathankot Air Force base. He can not be allowed to get away. Following questions need to be answered by Punjab Police and SP Salvinder Singh :-
1. What is his friendship with a Jeweler , Rajesh Verma?
2. Does the Jeweler have some kind of relationship with Gold / Drug Smugglers?
3. What were Salvinder and Verma doing at 1.30 AM in the border Area on the New Year's Day , when there was a warning by ADGP , HS DHILLON on the possible terrorist attack on New Year's Day?
4. Why SP did not take his security guards with him on this sojourn, when there was a terrorist threat by his ADGP?
5. Which temple in Gurdaspur did he go to pray on the last day of the year?
6. What was his cook Madan Gopal doing with him? Was he a link with Verma or some smugglers?
7. Who was driving the Police Car? Where was SP's official driver?
8. How did the SP convince the terrorist that he was a civilian? Who did they think the SP was?
The above unanswered questions do give a suspicion that SP might have had some direct or indirect connection with Smugglers. Rajesh Verma, the jeweler, might be his indirect conduit for this connection. There is a theory , which would suggest the purpose of their visit at such an odd hour in the border areas. It is possible that SP and his Jeweler friend were enticed and lured by ISI through a Smuggler connection to come to the border area to facilitate crossing of border of the contraband Gold / Drugs. What is better for terrorists, posing as smugglers, than to use the official vehicle of the police to reach the intended target area. Jeweler was taken along by the terrorists to guide them to the Air Force base.
Now come other set of questions. Here they are :-
9. If terrorists could kill the driver of a taxi they had hired, why did they leave SP and his cook alive in the Dense forest?
10. Did the terrorists really impress SP & Co that they were smugglers and they would make the payment to the Jeweler near their place of dispersal? Did the SP realise that he was trapped ?
11. Why did not the terrorists kill the Jeweler? Was some known smuggler part of the Terrorist group?
12. How come there was a sudden arrest of THREE MOHALI BASED smugglers by Punjab police on 03 January? Where did it get the lead from?
13. Were these three smugglers conduit in the hiring of a taxi by terrorist with a Pakistani SIM CARD ? It is now alleged by police that the three arrested smugglers had not only Pakistani Sim Cards and Pakistani marks weapons.
14. Who hired Ikagar Singh's taxi on a call from a Pakistani number?
15. Why do we forget a news item in Times of India of a few days back,which claimed that Pakistan had increased the range of their communication transmitters which could ensure use of Pakistani mobiles, some 40-50 KMs across the border?
16. Did our intelligence agencies see a monster in this increased range of Communication transmitter and issue a terrorist threat perception?
The examination of above questions lead us to believe that whole operation might have been planned by ISI and facilitated by Smugglers with their links in the Punjab police. It is a different matter that Indian smugglers did not know the scale and purpose of this operation. Pakistan's ISI might have cleverly used Pakistani smuggler's links with Indian smugglers? Therefore the whole operation seems to be an imprint of ISI all over. SP Salvinder might have realized later that he has been trapped into a terrorist act and as such he let out that KIDNAPPING STORY.
There is also a mismatch in the version given by Jeweler and the SP. While Jeweler say that there were Five men in Army uniform ; the SP maintains that there were four. I am sure both of them know how to count. This is further evidence that their kidnapping story is flawed. They had very much gone for facilitating the smugglers border- crossing, the rest is all bunkum. What is confusing is the fact as to why the Jeweler was left alive with a minor injury ? Or did the jeweler himself inflict a minor injury to add realty to their kidnapping theory? It seems so. Sure, this jeweler has some connection with the Smugglers and police nabbed the Mohali based Smugglers.
My final question is : what happened to sixth terrorist? Was he blown off or captured in a wounded state or he just gave up? Is he the . This terrorist operation is a testimony that PEACE and HARMONY in South Asia is still a very very distant dream. Pakistan Army and ISI would not give up their Animosity with India, however much likes of Nawaz Sharief desire? The reaction of Pakistani media to this incident is a clear indication that Army calls the shots in Pakistan.
A number of questions arise on the conduct of Salvinder Singh , SP of Gurdaspur police. It seems, he, willingly or unwillingly has some role to play not only in the infiltration of terrorists but also in providing them easy access to Pathankot Air Force base. He can not be allowed to get away. Following questions need to be answered by Punjab Police and SP Salvinder Singh :-
1. What is his friendship with a Jeweler , Rajesh Verma?
2. Does the Jeweler have some kind of relationship with Gold / Drug Smugglers?
3. What were Salvinder and Verma doing at 1.30 AM in the border Area on the New Year's Day , when there was a warning by ADGP , HS DHILLON on the possible terrorist attack on New Year's Day?
4. Why SP did not take his security guards with him on this sojourn, when there was a terrorist threat by his ADGP?
5. Which temple in Gurdaspur did he go to pray on the last day of the year?
6. What was his cook Madan Gopal doing with him? Was he a link with Verma or some smugglers?
7. Who was driving the Police Car? Where was SP's official driver?
8. How did the SP convince the terrorist that he was a civilian? Who did they think the SP was?
The above unanswered questions do give a suspicion that SP might have had some direct or indirect connection with Smugglers. Rajesh Verma, the jeweler, might be his indirect conduit for this connection. There is a theory , which would suggest the purpose of their visit at such an odd hour in the border areas. It is possible that SP and his Jeweler friend were enticed and lured by ISI through a Smuggler connection to come to the border area to facilitate crossing of border of the contraband Gold / Drugs. What is better for terrorists, posing as smugglers, than to use the official vehicle of the police to reach the intended target area. Jeweler was taken along by the terrorists to guide them to the Air Force base.
Now come other set of questions. Here they are :-
9. If terrorists could kill the driver of a taxi they had hired, why did they leave SP and his cook alive in the Dense forest?
10. Did the terrorists really impress SP & Co that they were smugglers and they would make the payment to the Jeweler near their place of dispersal? Did the SP realise that he was trapped ?
11. Why did not the terrorists kill the Jeweler? Was some known smuggler part of the Terrorist group?
12. How come there was a sudden arrest of THREE MOHALI BASED smugglers by Punjab police on 03 January? Where did it get the lead from?
13. Were these three smugglers conduit in the hiring of a taxi by terrorist with a Pakistani SIM CARD ? It is now alleged by police that the three arrested smugglers had not only Pakistani Sim Cards and Pakistani marks weapons.
14. Who hired Ikagar Singh's taxi on a call from a Pakistani number?
15. Why do we forget a news item in Times of India of a few days back,which claimed that Pakistan had increased the range of their communication transmitters which could ensure use of Pakistani mobiles, some 40-50 KMs across the border?
16. Did our intelligence agencies see a monster in this increased range of Communication transmitter and issue a terrorist threat perception?
The examination of above questions lead us to believe that whole operation might have been planned by ISI and facilitated by Smugglers with their links in the Punjab police. It is a different matter that Indian smugglers did not know the scale and purpose of this operation. Pakistan's ISI might have cleverly used Pakistani smuggler's links with Indian smugglers? Therefore the whole operation seems to be an imprint of ISI all over. SP Salvinder might have realized later that he has been trapped into a terrorist act and as such he let out that KIDNAPPING STORY.
There is also a mismatch in the version given by Jeweler and the SP. While Jeweler say that there were Five men in Army uniform ; the SP maintains that there were four. I am sure both of them know how to count. This is further evidence that their kidnapping story is flawed. They had very much gone for facilitating the smugglers border- crossing, the rest is all bunkum. What is confusing is the fact as to why the Jeweler was left alive with a minor injury ? Or did the jeweler himself inflict a minor injury to add realty to their kidnapping theory? It seems so. Sure, this jeweler has some connection with the Smugglers and police nabbed the Mohali based Smugglers.
My final question is : what happened to sixth terrorist? Was he blown off or captured in a wounded state or he just gave up? Is he the . This terrorist operation is a testimony that PEACE and HARMONY in South Asia is still a very very distant dream. Pakistan Army and ISI would not give up their Animosity with India, however much likes of Nawaz Sharief desire? The reaction of Pakistani media to this incident is a clear indication that Army calls the shots in Pakistan.
Read more...
ARVIND KEJRIWAL AND HIS TAINTED PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
ARVIND KEJRIWAL AND HIS TAINTED PRINCIPAL SECRETARY , RAJENDRA KUMAR!
Why is Arvind Kejriwal so disturbed on CBI raid on the office of his Principal secretary? What is his relationship with this principal secretary who was hand picked by him, despite allegations of corruption against him? He is so perturbed that he now thinks that bureaucracy was not needed. Then, why is he fighting for a person, who he declared unwanted? . Something amiss? Arvind is so emotionally disturbed that he was making all sorts of absurd allegations. There is an absolute confusion in his mind. He is holding DELHI to RANSOM because of his this confusion. Is this price DELHI must pay for electing AAP to govern it?
In certain quarters, it is alleged that Arvind Kejriwal and Rajendera Kumar were old buddies from IIT Kanpur? Is that so? Is he trying to protect an old friend? Is this why he had taken Rajendera Kumar as his principal secretary despite reservations by others. He has gone so irrational that he has turned whole bureaucracy against him. He sacked two bureaucrats for not signing the " illegal order" but his love for a tainted bureaucrat is inexplicable.
It is now obvious that Arvind Kejriwal is a real escapist. He has left everything to his deputy CM , Munish Sisodiya. He is afraid of shouldering responsibility. Whole life , he has been escaping from one responsibility to another. Imagine, if such a man is made the PM of India! There will be utter chaos everywhere. He will make India a CIRCUS OF FOOLS, why does not some of the AAP intellectuals tell him: Govern, Mr. Arvind Kejriwal. Stop making excuses and blame others for your failure to deliver. And first thing , he must do is to sack the likes of Ashutosh and Khaitan------the spin doctors of his lies.
AAP policy makers must realise that such a confrontationist stance with the Union Government undermines the National Security, which can be exploited by the anti- National elements. Such a stance only exposes AAP. The AAP government of Delhi is repeating the same mistakes what it did in her 49 days rule in 2013. The government must concentrate on delivering on the promises they had made during election rallies. They knew the handicaps and compulsions of the truncated Delhi state. In Delhi , there can NOT be two centres of power. No central government will allow it. Therefore cooperate with it and not confront it. This is the only way to deliver.
Therefore , whatever legitimacy, DDCA inquiry is a non - Starter. Delhi as a political unit is a micro dot on the political map of India, however active political it might be! Golden rule is to KNOW YOURSELF and DELIVER---- NOT IMAGINE YOURSELF TO BE LARGER THAN LIFE AND FAIL.
Why is Arvind Kejriwal so disturbed on CBI raid on the office of his Principal secretary? What is his relationship with this principal secretary who was hand picked by him, despite allegations of corruption against him? He is so perturbed that he now thinks that bureaucracy was not needed. Then, why is he fighting for a person, who he declared unwanted? . Something amiss? Arvind is so emotionally disturbed that he was making all sorts of absurd allegations. There is an absolute confusion in his mind. He is holding DELHI to RANSOM because of his this confusion. Is this price DELHI must pay for electing AAP to govern it?
In certain quarters, it is alleged that Arvind Kejriwal and Rajendera Kumar were old buddies from IIT Kanpur? Is that so? Is he trying to protect an old friend? Is this why he had taken Rajendera Kumar as his principal secretary despite reservations by others. He has gone so irrational that he has turned whole bureaucracy against him. He sacked two bureaucrats for not signing the " illegal order" but his love for a tainted bureaucrat is inexplicable.
It is now obvious that Arvind Kejriwal is a real escapist. He has left everything to his deputy CM , Munish Sisodiya. He is afraid of shouldering responsibility. Whole life , he has been escaping from one responsibility to another. Imagine, if such a man is made the PM of India! There will be utter chaos everywhere. He will make India a CIRCUS OF FOOLS, why does not some of the AAP intellectuals tell him: Govern, Mr. Arvind Kejriwal. Stop making excuses and blame others for your failure to deliver. And first thing , he must do is to sack the likes of Ashutosh and Khaitan------the spin doctors of his lies.
AAP policy makers must realise that such a confrontationist stance with the Union Government undermines the National Security, which can be exploited by the anti- National elements. Such a stance only exposes AAP. The AAP government of Delhi is repeating the same mistakes what it did in her 49 days rule in 2013. The government must concentrate on delivering on the promises they had made during election rallies. They knew the handicaps and compulsions of the truncated Delhi state. In Delhi , there can NOT be two centres of power. No central government will allow it. Therefore cooperate with it and not confront it. This is the only way to deliver.
Therefore , whatever legitimacy, DDCA inquiry is a non - Starter. Delhi as a political unit is a micro dot on the political map of India, however active political it might be! Golden rule is to KNOW YOURSELF and DELIVER---- NOT IMAGINE YOURSELF TO BE LARGER THAN LIFE AND FAIL.
Read more...
NARENDER MODI's LAHORE STOP OVER !
@ NARENDER MODI's LAHORE STOP OVER !
Was it a mere goodwill gesture by Narender Modi to touch down in Lahore the other day on his way back from Afghanistan or is it heralding of Indian- Pakistani ( Hindu- Muslim) Bhai- Bhai (brotherhood) era in South Asia? I think it is the beginning of a new dawn in the Indo- Pak relations. It might be seen, today, a very small step forward but in times to come, it will be reckoned as a huge leap forward towards peace in the sub- Continent. For this alone, well done Modi!
It is a well known fact that 68 years of bitterness would not go in a day. It may take months and years to heal the wounds of two estranged brothers, who had fallen out on a "property dispute". It is time to reconcile. And I suppose on both sides public opinion is building on these lines. Perhaps the two estranged brothers might not realise but solution to their "property dispute" was pronounced in the CFL ( Cease Fire Line) agreement of Nehru- Liaqat in 1949 or with some modifications in Indra- Bhutto LC (Line of Control) pact of 1972. ATOOT ANG ( inseparable limb) and UNFINISHED AGENDA are mere rhetorical rants, adding to their agony and woes.
Culturally, ethnically, emotionally and linguistically, there is hardly a difference between an Indian and Pakistani, other than some religious tag--- in some cases, even this distinction is missing. In fact when you meet a Pakistani in a foreign land, you can not make out that he was NOT an Indian. To be frank , a Pakistani is as excited to meet an Indian as an Indian meeting a Pakistani. A few years back on my way to USA , I was confronted by an old lady at Munich Airport. She was haggling with an airport employee to find out her next flight to Canada. She was speaking in chaste Punjabi and German did not understand a bit. I was passing by. I stopped there thinking that she was a Punjabi from India. I talked to her and found out that she was Canada bound. I guided her upto the bay. While parting , I just curiously asked her as to which part in Punjab she came from? Pat came the reply, " Lahore". So, this much for Indian - Pakistani difference! It is time to forget the emotional injury of 1947 and move forward into 2016. Perhaps, this move by Narender Modi might lead to a new dawn in South Asia. So Hail Narender Modi- Nawaz Sharief bonhomie for peace in South Asia.
May be this peace might provide an opportunity to me to Visit Lahore------ a long cherished desire. Old Punjabi saying is : JISNE LAHORE NAHI VEKHIYA, US NE JINDGI VICH KUJH NAHI VEKHIYA (One who has not seen Lahore, he has not seen/ achieved anything I life). I am sure many Pakistanis would also like to come and see Chandigarh, new Lahore of modern Punjab in India. What says Rana Babbar Ghorewaha? How about a trip to your ancestral land at Rahon, on the banks of River SATLUJ?
A legend tells us to say that Lahore was established by LUV, Son of Lord Rama of Ramayana fame. Lahore was the hub of SAPTA SINDHU (Seven Rivers) region of ancient India. (The seven rivers were Indus, Saraswati, Satluj, Raavi, Vyas, Jhelum and Chinaav) The famous BATTLE OF TEN KINGS of Rig Veda was fought here on the banks of River Prasuni ( modern day Raavi), where King Sudas defeated a confederation of Ten kings (actually 13), led by an ancient King of Persia( Modern Iran). Some times I wonder, if epic of Ramayana is actually a fictitious account , written by Balmiki, inspired by this BATTLE OF TEN KINGS or DASRAJANIYA SANGRAM. Did these ten kings represent ten heads of Ravna? It is a food for thought. One must remember that Balmiki , who churned out Ramayana, lived at RAM TIRATH, a place near Amritsar in Punjab. His Balmiki Ashram, still exists today. Anyway ------ some times later on these thoughts.
This small move of Narender Modi has upset the apple cart of Congress and it has been clean bowled. It is a Googly for it. If Modi succeeds in achieving somewhat normalization in Indo- Pak relations, it will not only be a death blow to Congress but also the so called messiahs of Indian Muslims , the likes of Laloos, Nitish, Kejriwals, Mulayams, Mamta, Mayawati and host of others who benefit by dividing Hindu - Muslims on communal lines. So, three cheers to Narender Modi - Nawaz Sharief combo of South Asian pioneers of peace.
Go, have your take, Sir! Read this:----
http://toi.in/rbV2lY
Was it a mere goodwill gesture by Narender Modi to touch down in Lahore the other day on his way back from Afghanistan or is it heralding of Indian- Pakistani ( Hindu- Muslim) Bhai- Bhai (brotherhood) era in South Asia? I think it is the beginning of a new dawn in the Indo- Pak relations. It might be seen, today, a very small step forward but in times to come, it will be reckoned as a huge leap forward towards peace in the sub- Continent. For this alone, well done Modi!
It is a well known fact that 68 years of bitterness would not go in a day. It may take months and years to heal the wounds of two estranged brothers, who had fallen out on a "property dispute". It is time to reconcile. And I suppose on both sides public opinion is building on these lines. Perhaps the two estranged brothers might not realise but solution to their "property dispute" was pronounced in the CFL ( Cease Fire Line) agreement of Nehru- Liaqat in 1949 or with some modifications in Indra- Bhutto LC (Line of Control) pact of 1972. ATOOT ANG ( inseparable limb) and UNFINISHED AGENDA are mere rhetorical rants, adding to their agony and woes.
Culturally, ethnically, emotionally and linguistically, there is hardly a difference between an Indian and Pakistani, other than some religious tag--- in some cases, even this distinction is missing. In fact when you meet a Pakistani in a foreign land, you can not make out that he was NOT an Indian. To be frank , a Pakistani is as excited to meet an Indian as an Indian meeting a Pakistani. A few years back on my way to USA , I was confronted by an old lady at Munich Airport. She was haggling with an airport employee to find out her next flight to Canada. She was speaking in chaste Punjabi and German did not understand a bit. I was passing by. I stopped there thinking that she was a Punjabi from India. I talked to her and found out that she was Canada bound. I guided her upto the bay. While parting , I just curiously asked her as to which part in Punjab she came from? Pat came the reply, " Lahore". So, this much for Indian - Pakistani difference! It is time to forget the emotional injury of 1947 and move forward into 2016. Perhaps, this move by Narender Modi might lead to a new dawn in South Asia. So Hail Narender Modi- Nawaz Sharief bonhomie for peace in South Asia.
May be this peace might provide an opportunity to me to Visit Lahore------ a long cherished desire. Old Punjabi saying is : JISNE LAHORE NAHI VEKHIYA, US NE JINDGI VICH KUJH NAHI VEKHIYA (One who has not seen Lahore, he has not seen/ achieved anything I life). I am sure many Pakistanis would also like to come and see Chandigarh, new Lahore of modern Punjab in India. What says Rana Babbar Ghorewaha? How about a trip to your ancestral land at Rahon, on the banks of River SATLUJ?
A legend tells us to say that Lahore was established by LUV, Son of Lord Rama of Ramayana fame. Lahore was the hub of SAPTA SINDHU (Seven Rivers) region of ancient India. (The seven rivers were Indus, Saraswati, Satluj, Raavi, Vyas, Jhelum and Chinaav) The famous BATTLE OF TEN KINGS of Rig Veda was fought here on the banks of River Prasuni ( modern day Raavi), where King Sudas defeated a confederation of Ten kings (actually 13), led by an ancient King of Persia( Modern Iran). Some times I wonder, if epic of Ramayana is actually a fictitious account , written by Balmiki, inspired by this BATTLE OF TEN KINGS or DASRAJANIYA SANGRAM. Did these ten kings represent ten heads of Ravna? It is a food for thought. One must remember that Balmiki , who churned out Ramayana, lived at RAM TIRATH, a place near Amritsar in Punjab. His Balmiki Ashram, still exists today. Anyway ------ some times later on these thoughts.
This small move of Narender Modi has upset the apple cart of Congress and it has been clean bowled. It is a Googly for it. If Modi succeeds in achieving somewhat normalization in Indo- Pak relations, it will not only be a death blow to Congress but also the so called messiahs of Indian Muslims , the likes of Laloos, Nitish, Kejriwals, Mulayams, Mamta, Mayawati and host of others who benefit by dividing Hindu - Muslims on communal lines. So, three cheers to Narender Modi - Nawaz Sharief combo of South Asian pioneers of peace.
Go, have your take, Sir! Read this:----
http://toi.in/rbV2lY
Read more...
WITHERING AUTHORITY---- ADVENT OF ANARCHY AND LAWLESSNESS IN INDIA !
WITHERING AUTHORITY: ADVENT OF ANARCHY AND LAWLESSNESS IN INDIA!
Mankind is knocking at the doors of the year 2016 AD. How do I see the world in December 2015? Do Paris explosions , San Baardino (California , USA) shooting, Boko Haram killings in Nigeria and "ISLAMOPHOBIA" rants of US Presidential Hopeful, Donald Trump give any indications. Yes, they do : World is heading for a catastrophe unwitnessed ever before.
Poiltical, social , legal and religious authorities are withering everywhere. Man is getting individualized and desensitized in every nook and corner of the world. Individualised man places self interests above everything else. Social and political fission has loosened emotional ties which acted as a check on a man's conduct. But today no such checks regulate conduct of people because there was no fear of retributions.
Take some recent incidents in India. The Prime Minister of India is abused and slighted like a street beggar. There is NO fear of retribution. What is worse is that it was being appreciated by those who are the lawmakers of the nation. If authority is eroded, there is bound to be anarchy and lawlessness everywhere in India.
The worst example of raging clouds of anarchy in India is the incident of Court shooting In Delhi other day. Four youths openly fire in the court and kill a policeman. The judge was fortunate to have escaped. Why did it happen? Obviously, the police in Delhi has been ridiculed and criticized. The Chief Minister of Delhi is more interested in confronting the Central government than governing his state. Chief Minister and his AAP lackeys have lost sense of balance. This is the political class which rules Delhi. Is this a reflection of the people of Delhi?
Media has its own hand in creating chaos and confusion in the country. In the name of freedom of expression they create spicy news to enhance their TRP ratings. Ministers and governments officials are ridiculed on the TV news channels like criminals. What respect would a common man have for such leaders and authorities? The fear of authority, legal, social, religious and political, is an utmost urgency to maintain peace and harmony.
Religious authority comes from the fear of God created in the man. Social authority comes from fear of elder in the family.and the community head. Similarly political authority derives it self from the Constitution of India and legal provisions. Written or unwritten codes within a religion, family and a community are designed to channelise ome's conduct. These codes Create fears in the man to avoid breaking them. Iff one flouts, he is punished. If retribution threat is NOT there, then everyone would behave on his own and leading to Lawlessbess.
Social and political chains, keeping human beings under behaviourial control, are collapsing everywhere. Religion has become an instrument of hate. It no more preaches about their chosen Gods and their acclaimed teachings. Religions, today, ask their followers to hate the non followers. In this , no religion is an exception, facade of tolerance by their leaders notwithstanding.
Mankind is knocking at the doors of the year 2016 AD. How do I see the world in December 2015? Do Paris explosions , San Baardino (California , USA) shooting, Boko Haram killings in Nigeria and "ISLAMOPHOBIA" rants of US Presidential Hopeful, Donald Trump give any indications. Yes, they do : World is heading for a catastrophe unwitnessed ever before.
Poiltical, social , legal and religious authorities are withering everywhere. Man is getting individualized and desensitized in every nook and corner of the world. Individualised man places self interests above everything else. Social and political fission has loosened emotional ties which acted as a check on a man's conduct. But today no such checks regulate conduct of people because there was no fear of retributions.
Take some recent incidents in India. The Prime Minister of India is abused and slighted like a street beggar. There is NO fear of retribution. What is worse is that it was being appreciated by those who are the lawmakers of the nation. If authority is eroded, there is bound to be anarchy and lawlessness everywhere in India.
The worst example of raging clouds of anarchy in India is the incident of Court shooting In Delhi other day. Four youths openly fire in the court and kill a policeman. The judge was fortunate to have escaped. Why did it happen? Obviously, the police in Delhi has been ridiculed and criticized. The Chief Minister of Delhi is more interested in confronting the Central government than governing his state. Chief Minister and his AAP lackeys have lost sense of balance. This is the political class which rules Delhi. Is this a reflection of the people of Delhi?
Media has its own hand in creating chaos and confusion in the country. In the name of freedom of expression they create spicy news to enhance their TRP ratings. Ministers and governments officials are ridiculed on the TV news channels like criminals. What respect would a common man have for such leaders and authorities? The fear of authority, legal, social, religious and political, is an utmost urgency to maintain peace and harmony.
Religious authority comes from the fear of God created in the man. Social authority comes from fear of elder in the family.and the community head. Similarly political authority derives it self from the Constitution of India and legal provisions. Written or unwritten codes within a religion, family and a community are designed to channelise ome's conduct. These codes Create fears in the man to avoid breaking them. Iff one flouts, he is punished. If retribution threat is NOT there, then everyone would behave on his own and leading to Lawlessbess.
Social and political chains, keeping human beings under behaviourial control, are collapsing everywhere. Religion has become an instrument of hate. It no more preaches about their chosen Gods and their acclaimed teachings. Religions, today, ask their followers to hate the non followers. In this , no religion is an exception, facade of tolerance by their leaders notwithstanding.
Read more...
HINDUISM--- IS IT AN EUPHEMISM FOR TODAY's " INDIANISM"
HINDUISM ----IS IT AN ANCIENT EUPHEMISM FOR "INDIANISM " TODAY?
Supreme Court gave a verdict on Hinduism on December 16, 2015 stating that Hinduism was a conglomeration of various beliefs and it has no single founder or single teachings. This is what I had been saying for so many years. In December 2007 , I wrote an article with a title as above, in Sulekha.com, expressing the same sentiments. An extract of the exact verdict of Supreme Court is reproduced below.
"------Religion incorporates the particular belief(s) that a group of people subscribe to. Hinduism, as a religion, incorporates all forms of belief without mandating the selection or elimination of any one single belief-------It is a religion that has no single founder, no single scripture and no single set of teachings. It has been described as Sanatan Dharma, namely, eternal faith, as it is the collective wisdom and inspiration of the centuries that Hinduism seeks to preach and propagate," , a bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and N V Ramana said.
Here is my article on HINDUISM, which I wrote on December 18, 2015:------
IS 'HINDUISM' AN EVOLVED EUPHEMISM FOR A PEOPLE OR A RELIGION FOUNDED?
My quest is to know what the heck is 'HINDUISM'? Is it really a RELIGION? To all its detracters and also its followers, it would be an interesting exercise to know that the word 'HINDU' was not to be found in any of the ancient literature of this so called religion. The origional text of 'VEDAS', 'EPICS'( RAMAYANA & MAHABHARTA), Holy Book 'GEETA', 'UPNISHADS', 'PURANAS or even 'BRAHMANAS' do not have a mention of the word 'HINDU' even once. According to famous INDOLOGIST and a renowned historian, Mr JOHN KEAY, first time this word appeared in the written form was in 518 BC.(Refer to pp 10 of HISTORY OF INDIA by JOHN KEAY.) It was on a tablet by King DARIUS-1 of ancient PERSIA ( IRAN). According to the tablet, the DIKTAT on it had said that King DARIUS-1 ruled upto and beyond RIVER 'HINDU' (SINDHU/INDUS). John Keay goes on to explain that the word 'HINDU' was, in fact, a corruption of the SANSKRIT word, "SINDHU" . It is believed that the ancient PERSIANS pronounced 'S' with apostraphe 'H'. Thus River "SINDHU" became River "HINDU".
This has been also authenticated by the renowned Indian ARCHAEOLOGIST, Sh. Rajesh Kochhar, in his book," A VEDIC HISTORY OF INDIA". In the book , a number of such examples have been given---such as 'ASURA' in SANSKRIT as 'AHURA' in ancient Persian ( Avaistic Zenda) or DASYU in Sanskrit as 'DAHYU'. Actually Rajesh Kochhar goes on to say that Ancient PERSIANS belonged to the same branch of the ARYANS who came to India.( By the way, PLEASE NOTE ARYANS WAS NOT A RACE AS IT IS THOUGHT TO BE; IT WAS SIMPLY A LINGUAL FRATERNITY!) More on this, some time later in the future.
Therefore, the ancient PERSIANS called, anyone living EAST of the RIVER "HINDU" (SINDHU,) as a 'HINDU'. Please note, it was a GEOGRAPHICAL CONNOTATION and it had a FOREIGN ORIGION. According to JOHN KEAY in his another book, 'INTO INDIA' the word HINDU was used for describing the "Geographical & Cultural Identity" of a person as and at par with 'INDIAN' today or as a 'BRITON' or an 'AMERICAN' would mean to us now-a-days. People in the olden days, followed a number of TEMPORAL SECTS with separate identities such as 'SHAIVISM', 'VAISHNAVISM', 'BUDDHISM' Or 'JAINISM'. They were all called HINDUS as late as till 18th CENTURY.
Further, it may be noted, when the ancient PERSIANS interacted with the GREEKS, the word 'HINDU' lost its 'H' and became "INDIE", "INDIC" Or "INDIA". 'Alexander the Great'( SIKANDER-E-AZAM) called it the land of INDIA. From the GREKS the word travelled further WEST and they named this land as INDIA. But the PERSIANS and the ARABS kept on calling it 'HINDUSTAN'( LAND OF HINDUS). It was never a religious identity. It was purely a GEOGRAPHICAL AND CULTURAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PEOPLE LIVING HERE. People followed VAISHNAV (VEDIC) and SHAIVITE (NAGA) practices. The VEDIC people called this land as "ARYAVRAT" and SHAIVITES called it as,"BHARATVARSH". ( SHAIVITES WERE THE FOLLOWERS OF LORD SHIVA and belonged to a race called NAGA--who were scattered from AFGHANISTAN in the WEST to ASSAM in the EAST to MAHARASHTRA in the South--their philosophy was LIVE TODAYi.e. EAT(also meat) , DRINK and BE MERRY--as opposed to VAISHNAVS, who were not only 'pure Vegetarians' but also WORRIED OF THE FUTURE.)
Later came the BUDDHISTS AND JAINS who were in reality an off-shoot PRODUCT of the SYNTHESIS OF VAISHNAVISM and SHAIVISM. Synthesis only led to new TEMPORAL PROCEDURES WITOUT CHANGING THE GEOGRAPHICAL or THE CULTURAL IDENTITY OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS LAND. So, the FOREIGNERS, particularly the ARABS & PERSIANS, continued to referrto them as "HINDUS" only. Slightly digressing here to press home the point. Please note Dr SIR IQBAL MOHAMMED's famoous poem "HINDUSTAN HAMARA'. He was a man of history and he knew his origion. This is why he exhorts our people, "--------MAZHAB NAHIN SIKHATA AAPAS MEIN BAIR RAKHNA, 'HINDI' HAI HUM WATAN HAI HINDUSTAN HAMARA----" ( THE RELIGION DOES NOT TEACH US TO HAVE ANIMOSITY TOWARDS EACH OTHER; WE ARE 'HINDI' AND OUR NATION IS 'HINDUSTAN'). I would like to draw your attention to the word "HINDI" meaning "WE ARE ALL HINDUS!". Unfortunately, religious BIGOTS got the better of him, as they do even today of the most sensible people in various religions in India.
How did the word "HINDU" acquire religious connotation? After the word came into existence around SIXTH CENTURY BC as a GEOGRAPHICAL & CULTURAL IDENTITY OF THE PEOPLE LIVING EAST OF THE RIVER "SINDHU"( HINDU Or INDUS), it continued to carry same meaning for another 1000 years. Around 530 AD, a HUN Prince, GOPALDITYA, was corronated as king of KASHMIR. He was son of 'MIHIRKULA'---a tyrant HUN king of Kashmir. Gopalditya was a very learned man and a good administrator. One day while going around his capital with his minister, he saw people following weird TEMPORAL practices. Some were worshipping IDOLS. Some were advocating eating of meat and drinking of intoxicants, while some others totally preached against it. He noticed, despite all these differences and opposing views, people lived in harmony and peace. He was impressed with such neighbourly CO-EXISTENCE. He asked his minister on the weird ways of the people. Minister said," THEY ARE 'HINDUS' and they do not follow one temporal practice. THEY TOLERATE OPPOSITE VIEWS AND DISSIDENCE. It is THEIR WAY OF LIVING." "Oh, great! THEN I WILL ALSO BECOME A HINDU.", He had said. This is how then the word 'HINDU' began to acquire RELIGIOUS meaning. It must be said that it was then a CONFLUENCE of various TEMPORAL practices---particularly 'SHAIVISM' and 'VAISNAVISM'---widely and diametrically opposite thoughts. All the same the word continued to carry its old PERSIAN identity of 'CULTURAL NATIONHOOD' --right upto the 18th Century.
Therfore, it must not be seen as a religion--because there are no uniform temporal practices amongst HINDUS, from region to region; caste to caste; class to class; sects to sects; language to language. Its APPARENT DISSIMLIARITIES MAKE IT A GREAT TREATISE ON LIVING A LIFE IN A COLOURFUL MANNER. IT advocates UNITY IN DIVERSITY IN TRUE SENSE. Unfortunately, inspit of all this, it continues to be the FAVOURITE WHIPPING BOY OF PSEUDO-INTELLECTUALS AND HALF-READ educationists. But it MOVES ON. AND KEEP GROWING. ITS PROTECTION IS ITS "NO-DEFENCE" BY ITS FOLLOWERS. The rising trend to defend it, would make it WEAK and RIGID. It has survived thousands of years of onslaught and each time it has emerged STRONGER.
We must know that 'HINDUISM' as a TEMPORAL & SPIRITUAL philosophy,Known as today, was never FOUNDED BY ANY ONE SAINT/ MESSIAH or a PROPHET as almost all other known religions and sects have been. IT EVOLVED ITSELF. IT DOES NOT BELONG TO ONE SECT OR SET OF SECTS. THE MULTIPLICITIES OF ITS GODS IS A TESTIMONY OF ITS EMPHASIS ON THE COLLECTIVE WISDOM. THIS VERY FACT MAKES IT FLEXIBLE AND SECULAR. IT CONTINUES TO GROW AND EVOLVE. HINDUISM IS A CULTURAL ENTITY; it is not a RELIGION. It encompasses in its fold a whole philosophy of living SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL, MATERIAL, SOCIAL, POLITACAL AND MILITARY LIFE. It is more than the word "RELIGION"--which simply means FOLLOWING RITUALS and TEMPORAL PROCEDURES. IT is, in fact, emancipation of the word "DHARMA"--which includes in itself parameters of Social, Political, Economic and spiritual conduct of a man. It defines social/familial/ national responsibilities and duties.
The word "HINDU", in fact, is THE LOST ELDER BROTHER of the CURRENT TERMINOLOGY of "INDIAN"--which substituted it. This is also given by the FOREIGNERS only-- more particularly by the GREEKS. From the GREEKS it travelled further WEST AND GOT POPULARISED amongst the EUROPEANS. AS WEST RULED INDIA for almost 200 yers, THE NAME 'INDIAN or INDIA' GOT STUCK AND 'HINDU' lost its shine. But amongst the ARABS and PERSIANS IT IS STILL KNOWN AS 'HINDUSTAN'--THE LAND OF HINDUS.
Please note I am only trying to clear out certain misconceptions about this MOST SECULAR and FLEXIBLE TREATISE ON HUMAN CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR WITH MALICE TOWARDS NONE. It not ONLY SHOWS THE WAY AS HOW TO LEAD A HUMAN LIFE BUT ALSO ACCEPTS NEW WAYS WITH PASSAGE OF TIME. We must understand:-
-It encourages CRITICISM and DISSIDENCE.
-It does not CLAIM ITS PHILOSOPHY AS 'ULTIMATE AND FINAL' .
-It doesnot ENCOURAGE HATRED FOR YOUR RIVALS and ENEMIES.
-Its much maligned CASTE-SYSTEM was a social division of work to achieve 'SPECIALISATION' in family work---IT IS SAME THING AS YOU SEE IN VARIOUS PROFESSIONS OF TODAY. An ENGINEER's SON GOES FOR ENGINEERING. A DOCTOR'S SON GOES FOR MEDICINES. A POLITICIAN's SON GOES FOR POLITICS.A 'FAUJI's SON GENERALLY. TILL DATE, WENT FOR 'DEFENCE SERVICES' CAREER. IN fact these are the MODERN CASTES OF INDIA. No upper caste boy( STARVING OF HUNGER) would mind marrying GRAND DAUGHTER OF BABU JAGJIVAN RAM. Where is the caste system? Only IN THE PAGES OF CONSTITUTION WHICH KEEPS IT ALIVE THROUGH THE BOGEY OF RESERVATION. HAD THE PROVISION OF RESERVATION NOT BEEN THERE, THE OLD CASTE SYSTEM WOULD HAVE DISAPPEARED LONG TIME BACK. BUT IT HAS BEEN KEPT ALIVE BY VOTE BANK POLITICIANS.
-SOCIAL DIVISIONS IN HINDUISM' were to promote & IMPROVE QUALITY OF WORK THROUGH HERIDATORY PROFESSION. It is a different matter that it fell victim to monoply of a class.
-Much CRITICISED IDOL WORSHIPPING is actually a sign of inability of others to be definitive about their GODS. IDOLS ARE REPRESENTATION OF GODS OF YOUR PREFERENCE. IT IS A SYMBOL WHICH GIVES YOU FREEDOM TO CHOOSE YOUR GOD. 'OTHERS' do not provide this freedom to their followers. They do not know the SHAPE of their GOD. It is law of nature that SHAPELESS THINGS DO NOT EXIST. IF A THING DOES NOT EXIST, WHY DO YOU WORSHIP?
- In any case, WHAT IS THERE IN THE MOSQUE AT MECCA? WHAT ARE THE STATUES OF VIRGIN MERY OR LORD JESUS or THE CROSS DOING IN CHURCHES? HOW ABOUT THE GODDESS OF LIBERTY & FREEDOM? WHAT IS IT DOING IN THE MOST ADVANCED NATION--NEW YORK--NEAR CAPITAL OF THE WORLD. IT IS A SYMBOL---A SYMBOL OF SUPEREMACY OF HUMAN SPIRIT---- ISN'T IT? Symbols are reminders of the faith to the faithful. Why are we criticizing HINDU symbols, if others also do it?-The multiplicity of gods/godesses speaks volume on the DEMOCRACY, FREEDOM & LIBERTY OF SPIRITUAL THOUGHT in the HINDU CULTURAL and SOCIAL WAY OF LIFE. It does not bind you to the fallacy of ABSOLUTISM like others.
Here is the link for the Times Of India article , dated 16 December 2025, outlining Supreme Court verdict on Hinduism :-
http://toi.in/pyYinb
Supreme Court gave a verdict on Hinduism on December 16, 2015 stating that Hinduism was a conglomeration of various beliefs and it has no single founder or single teachings. This is what I had been saying for so many years. In December 2007 , I wrote an article with a title as above, in Sulekha.com, expressing the same sentiments. An extract of the exact verdict of Supreme Court is reproduced below.
"------Religion incorporates the particular belief(s) that a group of people subscribe to. Hinduism, as a religion, incorporates all forms of belief without mandating the selection or elimination of any one single belief-------It is a religion that has no single founder, no single scripture and no single set of teachings. It has been described as Sanatan Dharma, namely, eternal faith, as it is the collective wisdom and inspiration of the centuries that Hinduism seeks to preach and propagate," , a bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and N V Ramana said.
Here is my article on HINDUISM, which I wrote on December 18, 2015:------
IS 'HINDUISM' AN EVOLVED EUPHEMISM FOR A PEOPLE OR A RELIGION FOUNDED?
My quest is to know what the heck is 'HINDUISM'? Is it really a RELIGION? To all its detracters and also its followers, it would be an interesting exercise to know that the word 'HINDU' was not to be found in any of the ancient literature of this so called religion. The origional text of 'VEDAS', 'EPICS'( RAMAYANA & MAHABHARTA), Holy Book 'GEETA', 'UPNISHADS', 'PURANAS or even 'BRAHMANAS' do not have a mention of the word 'HINDU' even once. According to famous INDOLOGIST and a renowned historian, Mr JOHN KEAY, first time this word appeared in the written form was in 518 BC.(Refer to pp 10 of HISTORY OF INDIA by JOHN KEAY.) It was on a tablet by King DARIUS-1 of ancient PERSIA ( IRAN). According to the tablet, the DIKTAT on it had said that King DARIUS-1 ruled upto and beyond RIVER 'HINDU' (SINDHU/INDUS). John Keay goes on to explain that the word 'HINDU' was, in fact, a corruption of the SANSKRIT word, "SINDHU" . It is believed that the ancient PERSIANS pronounced 'S' with apostraphe 'H'. Thus River "SINDHU" became River "HINDU".
This has been also authenticated by the renowned Indian ARCHAEOLOGIST, Sh. Rajesh Kochhar, in his book," A VEDIC HISTORY OF INDIA". In the book , a number of such examples have been given---such as 'ASURA' in SANSKRIT as 'AHURA' in ancient Persian ( Avaistic Zenda) or DASYU in Sanskrit as 'DAHYU'. Actually Rajesh Kochhar goes on to say that Ancient PERSIANS belonged to the same branch of the ARYANS who came to India.( By the way, PLEASE NOTE ARYANS WAS NOT A RACE AS IT IS THOUGHT TO BE; IT WAS SIMPLY A LINGUAL FRATERNITY!) More on this, some time later in the future.
Therefore, the ancient PERSIANS called, anyone living EAST of the RIVER "HINDU" (SINDHU,) as a 'HINDU'. Please note, it was a GEOGRAPHICAL CONNOTATION and it had a FOREIGN ORIGION. According to JOHN KEAY in his another book, 'INTO INDIA' the word HINDU was used for describing the "Geographical & Cultural Identity" of a person as and at par with 'INDIAN' today or as a 'BRITON' or an 'AMERICAN' would mean to us now-a-days. People in the olden days, followed a number of TEMPORAL SECTS with separate identities such as 'SHAIVISM', 'VAISHNAVISM', 'BUDDHISM' Or 'JAINISM'. They were all called HINDUS as late as till 18th CENTURY.
Further, it may be noted, when the ancient PERSIANS interacted with the GREEKS, the word 'HINDU' lost its 'H' and became "INDIE", "INDIC" Or "INDIA". 'Alexander the Great'( SIKANDER-E-AZAM) called it the land of INDIA. From the GREKS the word travelled further WEST and they named this land as INDIA. But the PERSIANS and the ARABS kept on calling it 'HINDUSTAN'( LAND OF HINDUS). It was never a religious identity. It was purely a GEOGRAPHICAL AND CULTURAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PEOPLE LIVING HERE. People followed VAISHNAV (VEDIC) and SHAIVITE (NAGA) practices. The VEDIC people called this land as "ARYAVRAT" and SHAIVITES called it as,"BHARATVARSH". ( SHAIVITES WERE THE FOLLOWERS OF LORD SHIVA and belonged to a race called NAGA--who were scattered from AFGHANISTAN in the WEST to ASSAM in the EAST to MAHARASHTRA in the South--their philosophy was LIVE TODAYi.e. EAT(also meat) , DRINK and BE MERRY--as opposed to VAISHNAVS, who were not only 'pure Vegetarians' but also WORRIED OF THE FUTURE.)
Later came the BUDDHISTS AND JAINS who were in reality an off-shoot PRODUCT of the SYNTHESIS OF VAISHNAVISM and SHAIVISM. Synthesis only led to new TEMPORAL PROCEDURES WITOUT CHANGING THE GEOGRAPHICAL or THE CULTURAL IDENTITY OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS LAND. So, the FOREIGNERS, particularly the ARABS & PERSIANS, continued to referrto them as "HINDUS" only. Slightly digressing here to press home the point. Please note Dr SIR IQBAL MOHAMMED's famoous poem "HINDUSTAN HAMARA'. He was a man of history and he knew his origion. This is why he exhorts our people, "--------MAZHAB NAHIN SIKHATA AAPAS MEIN BAIR RAKHNA, 'HINDI' HAI HUM WATAN HAI HINDUSTAN HAMARA----" ( THE RELIGION DOES NOT TEACH US TO HAVE ANIMOSITY TOWARDS EACH OTHER; WE ARE 'HINDI' AND OUR NATION IS 'HINDUSTAN'). I would like to draw your attention to the word "HINDI" meaning "WE ARE ALL HINDUS!". Unfortunately, religious BIGOTS got the better of him, as they do even today of the most sensible people in various religions in India.
How did the word "HINDU" acquire religious connotation? After the word came into existence around SIXTH CENTURY BC as a GEOGRAPHICAL & CULTURAL IDENTITY OF THE PEOPLE LIVING EAST OF THE RIVER "SINDHU"( HINDU Or INDUS), it continued to carry same meaning for another 1000 years. Around 530 AD, a HUN Prince, GOPALDITYA, was corronated as king of KASHMIR. He was son of 'MIHIRKULA'---a tyrant HUN king of Kashmir. Gopalditya was a very learned man and a good administrator. One day while going around his capital with his minister, he saw people following weird TEMPORAL practices. Some were worshipping IDOLS. Some were advocating eating of meat and drinking of intoxicants, while some others totally preached against it. He noticed, despite all these differences and opposing views, people lived in harmony and peace. He was impressed with such neighbourly CO-EXISTENCE. He asked his minister on the weird ways of the people. Minister said," THEY ARE 'HINDUS' and they do not follow one temporal practice. THEY TOLERATE OPPOSITE VIEWS AND DISSIDENCE. It is THEIR WAY OF LIVING." "Oh, great! THEN I WILL ALSO BECOME A HINDU.", He had said. This is how then the word 'HINDU' began to acquire RELIGIOUS meaning. It must be said that it was then a CONFLUENCE of various TEMPORAL practices---particularly 'SHAIVISM' and 'VAISNAVISM'---widely and diametrically opposite thoughts. All the same the word continued to carry its old PERSIAN identity of 'CULTURAL NATIONHOOD' --right upto the 18th Century.
Therfore, it must not be seen as a religion--because there are no uniform temporal practices amongst HINDUS, from region to region; caste to caste; class to class; sects to sects; language to language. Its APPARENT DISSIMLIARITIES MAKE IT A GREAT TREATISE ON LIVING A LIFE IN A COLOURFUL MANNER. IT advocates UNITY IN DIVERSITY IN TRUE SENSE. Unfortunately, inspit of all this, it continues to be the FAVOURITE WHIPPING BOY OF PSEUDO-INTELLECTUALS AND HALF-READ educationists. But it MOVES ON. AND KEEP GROWING. ITS PROTECTION IS ITS "NO-DEFENCE" BY ITS FOLLOWERS. The rising trend to defend it, would make it WEAK and RIGID. It has survived thousands of years of onslaught and each time it has emerged STRONGER.
We must know that 'HINDUISM' as a TEMPORAL & SPIRITUAL philosophy,Known as today, was never FOUNDED BY ANY ONE SAINT/ MESSIAH or a PROPHET as almost all other known religions and sects have been. IT EVOLVED ITSELF. IT DOES NOT BELONG TO ONE SECT OR SET OF SECTS. THE MULTIPLICITIES OF ITS GODS IS A TESTIMONY OF ITS EMPHASIS ON THE COLLECTIVE WISDOM. THIS VERY FACT MAKES IT FLEXIBLE AND SECULAR. IT CONTINUES TO GROW AND EVOLVE. HINDUISM IS A CULTURAL ENTITY; it is not a RELIGION. It encompasses in its fold a whole philosophy of living SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL, MATERIAL, SOCIAL, POLITACAL AND MILITARY LIFE. It is more than the word "RELIGION"--which simply means FOLLOWING RITUALS and TEMPORAL PROCEDURES. IT is, in fact, emancipation of the word "DHARMA"--which includes in itself parameters of Social, Political, Economic and spiritual conduct of a man. It defines social/familial/ national responsibilities and duties.
The word "HINDU", in fact, is THE LOST ELDER BROTHER of the CURRENT TERMINOLOGY of "INDIAN"--which substituted it. This is also given by the FOREIGNERS only-- more particularly by the GREEKS. From the GREEKS it travelled further WEST AND GOT POPULARISED amongst the EUROPEANS. AS WEST RULED INDIA for almost 200 yers, THE NAME 'INDIAN or INDIA' GOT STUCK AND 'HINDU' lost its shine. But amongst the ARABS and PERSIANS IT IS STILL KNOWN AS 'HINDUSTAN'--THE LAND OF HINDUS.
Please note I am only trying to clear out certain misconceptions about this MOST SECULAR and FLEXIBLE TREATISE ON HUMAN CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR WITH MALICE TOWARDS NONE. It not ONLY SHOWS THE WAY AS HOW TO LEAD A HUMAN LIFE BUT ALSO ACCEPTS NEW WAYS WITH PASSAGE OF TIME. We must understand:-
-It encourages CRITICISM and DISSIDENCE.
-It does not CLAIM ITS PHILOSOPHY AS 'ULTIMATE AND FINAL' .
-It doesnot ENCOURAGE HATRED FOR YOUR RIVALS and ENEMIES.
-Its much maligned CASTE-SYSTEM was a social division of work to achieve 'SPECIALISATION' in family work---IT IS SAME THING AS YOU SEE IN VARIOUS PROFESSIONS OF TODAY. An ENGINEER's SON GOES FOR ENGINEERING. A DOCTOR'S SON GOES FOR MEDICINES. A POLITICIAN's SON GOES FOR POLITICS.A 'FAUJI's SON GENERALLY. TILL DATE, WENT FOR 'DEFENCE SERVICES' CAREER. IN fact these are the MODERN CASTES OF INDIA. No upper caste boy( STARVING OF HUNGER) would mind marrying GRAND DAUGHTER OF BABU JAGJIVAN RAM. Where is the caste system? Only IN THE PAGES OF CONSTITUTION WHICH KEEPS IT ALIVE THROUGH THE BOGEY OF RESERVATION. HAD THE PROVISION OF RESERVATION NOT BEEN THERE, THE OLD CASTE SYSTEM WOULD HAVE DISAPPEARED LONG TIME BACK. BUT IT HAS BEEN KEPT ALIVE BY VOTE BANK POLITICIANS.
-SOCIAL DIVISIONS IN HINDUISM' were to promote & IMPROVE QUALITY OF WORK THROUGH HERIDATORY PROFESSION. It is a different matter that it fell victim to monoply of a class.
-Much CRITICISED IDOL WORSHIPPING is actually a sign of inability of others to be definitive about their GODS. IDOLS ARE REPRESENTATION OF GODS OF YOUR PREFERENCE. IT IS A SYMBOL WHICH GIVES YOU FREEDOM TO CHOOSE YOUR GOD. 'OTHERS' do not provide this freedom to their followers. They do not know the SHAPE of their GOD. It is law of nature that SHAPELESS THINGS DO NOT EXIST. IF A THING DOES NOT EXIST, WHY DO YOU WORSHIP?
- In any case, WHAT IS THERE IN THE MOSQUE AT MECCA? WHAT ARE THE STATUES OF VIRGIN MERY OR LORD JESUS or THE CROSS DOING IN CHURCHES? HOW ABOUT THE GODDESS OF LIBERTY & FREEDOM? WHAT IS IT DOING IN THE MOST ADVANCED NATION--NEW YORK--NEAR CAPITAL OF THE WORLD. IT IS A SYMBOL---A SYMBOL OF SUPEREMACY OF HUMAN SPIRIT---- ISN'T IT? Symbols are reminders of the faith to the faithful. Why are we criticizing HINDU symbols, if others also do it?-The multiplicity of gods/godesses speaks volume on the DEMOCRACY, FREEDOM & LIBERTY OF SPIRITUAL THOUGHT in the HINDU CULTURAL and SOCIAL WAY OF LIFE. It does not bind you to the fallacy of ABSOLUTISM like others.
Here is the link for the Times Of India article , dated 16 December 2025, outlining Supreme Court verdict on Hinduism :-
http://toi.in/pyYinb
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TASHKENT MAN ---- WAS HE NETAJI SUBHASH CHANDER BOSE ?
"TASHKENT MAN" --- NETAJI SUBHASH CHANDER BOSE MISTRY OR CONFUSION CONFOUNDED ? IS THIS NEHRU - GANDHI LEGACY TO INDIA?
Was Subhash Chander Bose alive in 1966? "Yes",says the unfolding story of a mystery man appearing in a photo with ex Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Tashkent in January 1966. Had Lal Bahadur Shastri come to know of his existence ? Did he speak to him? Does this secret have a link to mysterious death of Lal Bahadur Shastri on January 11, 1966?
"What"? "Oh, My God, was Lal Bahadur Shastri murdered for stumbling upon this Secret? Well! These are the obvious questions I ask on reading this Times Of India Story on this Tashkent man. Here is an extract from this report, which quotes Sanjay Nath Singh, Grand son Of Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was nine years old, then, and who had heard grandfather quipping that he would disclose the secret. Read this:---
"---------The face-mapping report lends credence to a claim made by Shastri's kin that he may have spoken to Netaji during his Tashkent visit. Shastri mysteriously died of a heart attack in Tashkent on January 11, 1966. The former PM's grandson, Sanjay Nath Singh, who was nine then, recounted that during a phone conversation barely an hour before he was declared dead, Shastri had said he would disclose something on return that would make the Opposition forget everything else.---------------"
If Subhash Chander Bose was alive in January1966, he would have been 69 years old. If he could appear in a photograph, it means, he was free to move in Russia. If so, what was he doing in USSR? Why did he not come to India? Was he under some restrictions or detention that he could not move out of Russia? Was he brought there by Soviet authorities on the explicit request of Lal Bahdur Shastri , who might have expressed a desire to meet him ? Did Lal Bahadur Shastri speak to him on the phone or in person? Was Shastri emotionally moved to disclose this top secret to Indian people and thus expose Russian and Indian government conspiracy? Is this the reason for the sudden and a mysterious death of Lal Bahadur Shastri?
Was JL Nehru , our first Prime Minister , in the know of it? Is it a closely guarded secret of Nehru Gandhi family? Is it a fact that Briton and Indian governments had a big hand in suppressing this fact? Is this the reason as to why SC Bose files are NOT being declassified by PMO, till date? What is more disturbing is NOT only mysterious disappearance of SC BOSE but also mysterious death of Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS). If I remember the news papers reports of 11 January 1966, ( I was 16 years old, then) it is alleged that the body of LBS had turned blue at his death. Was he administered with some kind of dangerous poison or cyanamide capsule, at the behest of secret service of USSR/ UK or even India?
Goodness gracious! So many questions, but there is not a single answer. There is a confusion confounded. Sounds like Agatha Christie's new novel coming to the market. Can you make out something? Another question? Say some thing, after reading this news item--- here is the link:---
Was Subhash Chander Bose alive in 1966? "Yes",says the unfolding story of a mystery man appearing in a photo with ex Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Tashkent in January 1966. Had Lal Bahadur Shastri come to know of his existence ? Did he speak to him? Does this secret have a link to mysterious death of Lal Bahadur Shastri on January 11, 1966?
"What"? "Oh, My God, was Lal Bahadur Shastri murdered for stumbling upon this Secret? Well! These are the obvious questions I ask on reading this Times Of India Story on this Tashkent man. Here is an extract from this report, which quotes Sanjay Nath Singh, Grand son Of Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was nine years old, then, and who had heard grandfather quipping that he would disclose the secret. Read this:---
"---------The face-mapping report lends credence to a claim made by Shastri's kin that he may have spoken to Netaji during his Tashkent visit. Shastri mysteriously died of a heart attack in Tashkent on January 11, 1966. The former PM's grandson, Sanjay Nath Singh, who was nine then, recounted that during a phone conversation barely an hour before he was declared dead, Shastri had said he would disclose something on return that would make the Opposition forget everything else.---------------"
If Subhash Chander Bose was alive in January1966, he would have been 69 years old. If he could appear in a photograph, it means, he was free to move in Russia. If so, what was he doing in USSR? Why did he not come to India? Was he under some restrictions or detention that he could not move out of Russia? Was he brought there by Soviet authorities on the explicit request of Lal Bahdur Shastri , who might have expressed a desire to meet him ? Did Lal Bahadur Shastri speak to him on the phone or in person? Was Shastri emotionally moved to disclose this top secret to Indian people and thus expose Russian and Indian government conspiracy? Is this the reason for the sudden and a mysterious death of Lal Bahadur Shastri?
Was JL Nehru , our first Prime Minister , in the know of it? Is it a closely guarded secret of Nehru Gandhi family? Is it a fact that Briton and Indian governments had a big hand in suppressing this fact? Is this the reason as to why SC Bose files are NOT being declassified by PMO, till date? What is more disturbing is NOT only mysterious disappearance of SC BOSE but also mysterious death of Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS). If I remember the news papers reports of 11 January 1966, ( I was 16 years old, then) it is alleged that the body of LBS had turned blue at his death. Was he administered with some kind of dangerous poison or cyanamide capsule, at the behest of secret service of USSR/ UK or even India?
Goodness gracious! So many questions, but there is not a single answer. There is a confusion confounded. Sounds like Agatha Christie's new novel coming to the market. Can you make out something? Another question? Say some thing, after reading this news item--- here is the link:---
Read more...
SATANIC TALES OF INDIAN MEDIA!
SATANIC TALES OF INDIAN MEDIA!
Indian media is no more a flagbearer of truth and righteousness. Instead, it is an ambassador of lies and misinformation. Indian journalists believe in the Goeblean Principle that a lie told one hundred times, becomes a truth. It wholly solely, dishes out a bundle of lies , packaged as truth. This is the only truth about Indian mediaa. A few few days back I had written an article on the mischievous news published by Indian Media with satanic intent. ( Read me at this link :- https://www.facebook.com/RajeeKachhwaha/posts/10207944047821184) . Most often the editorial boards of Print and electronic media do not even verify the news stories spun out of the ill read and poorly informed minds of journalists on the field jobs
Unfortunately, law of the land protects such journalists who, under the excuse of protection of source, do not ever reveal the source. Most often these tales are carried out with the evil intent of character assassination of individuals. Or even to mislead the public. What is worse is when media starts trials of accused on its own. Take the cases of SHEENA BORA MURDER and AARUSHI TALWAR MURDER. All sort of conspiracy theories are thrown in to not only confuse the public but also the investigators. Even the judges , in some cases, get carried away.
Thus, Indian media assumes the role self righteousness without ever verifying facts. It's reactions are impulsive. Look at the debates on the Indian news channels. The anchors behave as "Mr. KNOW ALLs". They do not even allow the experts to make their points. Their self- righteousness is so far fetched that they add spin to everything against the Establishment.
Look at the twist given to Sangeeta Kalia case. She was the erstwhile SSP at Ambala in Haryana. She misbehaved with a Minister and administrative action was taken against her and she was transferred , which was the prerogative of the government. Media makes a story as the highhandedness of the government against a woman and a DALIT OFFICER,. How ridiculous is this? Can the government not take action against an erring police officer? What has her caste got to do with it? In case, government was against a woman and Dalit Officer , why would it have posted her as SSP of Ambala ? As representative of the people, Minister had rightly questioned her on illegal bootlegging. Instead of replying politely, she became arrogant and dismissive of the minister. Who would accept such disobedience? It clearly shows as to how irresponsible is Indian media!
Worst part is when caught on a wrong foot , it merely publishes one liner REGRET and gets away with it. Just think about the debate in the Parliament on intolerance. Leftist MP, Mohammed Salim, blamed Home Minister for purported to have made a statement after 2014 General Elections to say that first time after 800 years a Hindu Ruler had come to power. When Raj Nath Singh put his political career at an altar and questioned this statement attributed to him. Mohammed Salim produced an article published in the OUTLOOK Magazine in 2014. When it was denied, imagazine merely regretted having attributed this statement to Rajnath Singh without verifying it. This is the credibility of Indian Media, always looking to create conflicts and controversies. Instead of bringing out truth,nit sells lies to the public. My recommendation to Indian public is : TRUST INDIAN MEDIA AT PERIL TO YOUR OWN MENTAL DISHARMONY AND PSYCHE..
Here is an extract of NDTV NEWS article on this spat : " ----Outlook magazine, admitting its error, issued a statement, saying, "In this story, a remark ("first Hindu ruler after 800 years") made by the late Ashok Singhal of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad was erroneously attributed to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Outlook deeply regrets the lack of diligence in verifying the source of the statement. It was not our intention to denigrate the home minister or Parliament. Outlook sincerely regrets the embarrassment caused to Mr. Rajnath Singh and Mr. Mohammad Salim."------
GO, HAVE YOUR TAKE AND SAYi
Indian media is no more a flagbearer of truth and righteousness. Instead, it is an ambassador of lies and misinformation. Indian journalists believe in the Goeblean Principle that a lie told one hundred times, becomes a truth. It wholly solely, dishes out a bundle of lies , packaged as truth. This is the only truth about Indian mediaa. A few few days back I had written an article on the mischievous news published by Indian Media with satanic intent. ( Read me at this link :- https://www.facebook.com/RajeeKachhwaha/posts/10207944047821184) . Most often the editorial boards of Print and electronic media do not even verify the news stories spun out of the ill read and poorly informed minds of journalists on the field jobs
Unfortunately, law of the land protects such journalists who, under the excuse of protection of source, do not ever reveal the source. Most often these tales are carried out with the evil intent of character assassination of individuals. Or even to mislead the public. What is worse is when media starts trials of accused on its own. Take the cases of SHEENA BORA MURDER and AARUSHI TALWAR MURDER. All sort of conspiracy theories are thrown in to not only confuse the public but also the investigators. Even the judges , in some cases, get carried away.
Thus, Indian media assumes the role self righteousness without ever verifying facts. It's reactions are impulsive. Look at the debates on the Indian news channels. The anchors behave as "Mr. KNOW ALLs". They do not even allow the experts to make their points. Their self- righteousness is so far fetched that they add spin to everything against the Establishment.
Look at the twist given to Sangeeta Kalia case. She was the erstwhile SSP at Ambala in Haryana. She misbehaved with a Minister and administrative action was taken against her and she was transferred , which was the prerogative of the government. Media makes a story as the highhandedness of the government against a woman and a DALIT OFFICER,. How ridiculous is this? Can the government not take action against an erring police officer? What has her caste got to do with it? In case, government was against a woman and Dalit Officer , why would it have posted her as SSP of Ambala ? As representative of the people, Minister had rightly questioned her on illegal bootlegging. Instead of replying politely, she became arrogant and dismissive of the minister. Who would accept such disobedience? It clearly shows as to how irresponsible is Indian media!
Worst part is when caught on a wrong foot , it merely publishes one liner REGRET and gets away with it. Just think about the debate in the Parliament on intolerance. Leftist MP, Mohammed Salim, blamed Home Minister for purported to have made a statement after 2014 General Elections to say that first time after 800 years a Hindu Ruler had come to power. When Raj Nath Singh put his political career at an altar and questioned this statement attributed to him. Mohammed Salim produced an article published in the OUTLOOK Magazine in 2014. When it was denied, imagazine merely regretted having attributed this statement to Rajnath Singh without verifying it. This is the credibility of Indian Media, always looking to create conflicts and controversies. Instead of bringing out truth,nit sells lies to the public. My recommendation to Indian public is : TRUST INDIAN MEDIA AT PERIL TO YOUR OWN MENTAL DISHARMONY AND PSYCHE..
Here is an extract of NDTV NEWS article on this spat : " ----Outlook magazine, admitting its error, issued a statement, saying, "In this story, a remark ("first Hindu ruler after 800 years") made by the late Ashok Singhal of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad was erroneously attributed to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Outlook deeply regrets the lack of diligence in verifying the source of the statement. It was not our intention to denigrate the home minister or Parliament. Outlook sincerely regrets the embarrassment caused to Mr. Rajnath Singh and Mr. Mohammad Salim."------
GO, HAVE YOUR TAKE AND SAYi
Read more...
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