Bye Lala!

It will be tough to explain to my son where Lala and his fellow teletubbies have gone. I could sense my upcoming challenge, as the TV scroll noted BBC's CBeebies being shut down by the broadcaster from November 30. So, with one stroke of the decision, the BBC is taking CBeebies out of my son's life. 

For the past two and a half years, I have happily responded to my son's wish to watch Lala (his name for CBeebies). With him, I too enjoyed watching Lala rolling over the slope, playing with each other and overjoyed watching videos of play activities of children. 

Teleteubbies.
Photo from www.dooyoo.co.uk

I have been overjoyed with my son taking first steps of dance, while watching Boogie Beebies. The CBeebies through its various show introduced my son virtually to the various facets of world. He was introduced to various species of birds, animals. He developed interest in colouring, after watching Mr Maker showing him his of painting and making anything quickly. 

As a parent, I am at much loss with the shutting down of CBeebies in India. This will deprive my son of the only channel, which could have exposed him to the world without seeding him with violence, fantasy and longing for electronic gadgets. 

Once during a vacation, my son was exposed to Pogo channel's Chota Bheem and since then I try every excuse to ensure that he does not watch this. Chota Bheem, though a kid, is a super hero who can break all teeth of a tiger with one punch; can defeat an army without any trouble; and is Prime Minister of a kingdom. It's a children show with an adult mindset. Same is the case with Doraemon, which again is a show of fantasy full of electronic gadgets. 

Thus following the shutdown of CBeebies, I shall be left with no option but to cut down TV from the life of my son. In Delhi's pigeonhole lifestyle, cutting down TV is a tough task.    

It's rightly said that children's minds are very impressionable. The world around him leaves deep impression on his mind. He would be like what he is made to see. There are some who prefer to disconnect TV connections, after a child is born in their homes. This is another way of cutting off ill-effects of children shows on TV. They are right also for the fact, that most of the children show on TV are made with an adult's mindsets. 

But irony is that the BBC has to shut down its operations despite so much of goodwill. In childhood, I used to watch my grandparents scramble to radio sets to listen to its Hindi news bulletin, with pin drop silence and only a word used to be uttered after the bulletin ended. Even though news channels have mushroomed, none can capture the imagination of the people like the BBC. Nothing was confirmed unless stated by the BBC.

Therefore, I am equally sure that there would not be any channel which would come anywhere near the CBeebies. We are in a time where programmes are made for commercial interest only. But creativity can not be a byproduct of commercial interests, though creative works may yield profit in various forms. 

So, "sun setting in the sky, teletubbies it's time to say goodbye" may not be heard in India after November 30. With lots of regret and thank you, I say "Bye Lala". Hope to seen you back soon. 

Ring-fence Pakistan, dry Gulf's Jihadi factory

Execution of Kasab is not a pretext for exultation but to pause to take stock of hydra-headed threat posed by Pakistan, which is fast slipping into a nation of mercenaries feasting on blood-letting. India has much hard work yet to be done in which ring-fencing Pakistan and drying up Gulf exported Jihadi ideology should constitute as key tasks.

Ajmal Kasab was more than a terrorist. In him, India had physical evidence to nail Pakistan's direct link in terror activities on its soil.

If the UPA-II under the leadership of Manmohan Singh has any achievment, it's in calling the bluff of Pakistan and not allowing its terror machines to dictate the terms of negotiations between the two countries on any issue.

India stuck to rule of law and gathered tons and tons of evidences to link Pakistani state in terror activities. What was known to all in India. Kasab testified before the world community. India is not a nation where capital punishment is so frequent. But Kasab deserved this for waging war against India.

But people in India must restrain themselves, because Pakistan is slipping fast into a factory where many Kasabas are being produced daily.

The day Kasab was hanged in the Yerwada jail in Pune, which hosted Mahatma Gandhi too and where the famous Poona pact was signed with Bhim Rao Ambedkar to sow the seed of a "social justice" based Indian democracy, Pakistan witnessed blood-letting against Shia Muslims.

This jail stands as a testimony for an inclusive society in India where all, including Muslims, enjoy equal rights and protection under the mighty Indian constitution. But Pakistan founded on an exclusive ideology has become ultra exclusive. 

Ironically, Kasab had to be hanged in Yerwada jail, whose historical significance must have given him a sense in his last moments to lament his fate to have been born in a country (Pakistan), which was founded on a hate campaign.

Pakistani spectators at India-Pakistan border

The course of events of the last six decades of the Indian subcontinet has effectively defeated the "two nation (Hindu and Muslim) theory of the founders of Pakistan.

The day Kasab was hanged multiple suicide bombs went off in various cities of Pakistan killing more than 23 Muslims, mostly Shias. A Pakistani tweeted to say that the only place where Shias can practice their religion with honour and safety is India. Pakistan has become such an exclusive society, that except for Sunnis no one there has equal rights.

The natural lamentation in India is why it can not emulate the Barack Obama administration of the United States in hunting down the terror machines within Pakistan. Israel is another nation, surrounded by hostile nations, having perfected the art of eliminating any source of threat anywhere in the world.

So, why can't India be like the US or Israel? The answer lies in its history. Since the time of the mighty emperor Ashoka, India has ceased to be an aggressor in any form. The profound impact of Buddhism subsequently has shaped Indian psyche. The act of Indira Gandhi to split Pakistan (thereby creating Bangladesh) in two parts was an aberration.

However, Manmohan Singh deserves compliments for cutting Pakistan into size in his policy matters and in place giving more importance to Bangladesh. A successful Bangladesh suits India more than a nation (Pakistan) hurtling down into a lawless country of mercenaries. Further, Manmohan Singh also deserves accolades for ensuring that India is spiritedly invested in Afghanistan despite all odds.

The leaders of the US proudly claim that they are taking all risks and measures to ensure security of Americans. Therefore, people in India will also like to know what measures are being put in place to secure India. More than the US, India has to worry from the fast realistation that Pakistan is becoming a nation of mercenaries out on the killing spree.

Can India and the US ensure by any means that the nuclear weapons of Pakistan do not fall in the hands of the practioners of Jihad? The answer is clear no; but a direct American intervention in Pakistan on the lines of Iraq and Afghanistan may also not be ruled out in future given the proportion of threat the Jihadists pose to the world community.

The best case scenario would be to ring-fence Pakistan from all sides. This will make incumbent upon China, Russia, Afghanistan, India, the US to join hands for one common cause to ensure that their interests are protected and lives of the people safeguarded.     

Interrogations of David Coleman Headley have revealed that all the nations must collaborate to defeat their common enemy in Pakistan bred terror machines and ideologies. A socio-economic and security turnaround for better in Afghanistan would dry sources of terror to some extent.

The Jihadi ideological factory in Saudi Arabia needs to be dealt by the US in an unapologetic manner. The movements of funds from the Gulf must be tracked effectively.

An island of terror factory is fast being noticed coming up in the areas of Darbhanga and Madhubani districts of Bihar. This is being fuelled by those who have returned from their Gulf jobs from where they come not only with money but also the Jihadi ideology.   

Therefore, India has much hard work yet to be done in which ring-fencing Pakistan and drying up Gulf exported Jihadi ideology should constitute as cornerstone.

Of rallies and smokescreen

There is a clear disconnect in the assertions of the scion of the Gandhi family Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Congress is giving a sense of hiding behind the smokescreen created by the Prime Minister, which perpetuates crony capitalism. 

“Maen jaantaa hun ki aap log system se tang aa chuke haen…aap log system maen change chaahate haen…maen aapke saath iske liye khada hun (I know that you all are fed up with the system and want a change and I am standing with you all for this),” the Gandhi scion and heir to the political legacy of the Congress, Rahul Gandhi, trumpeted at the Ramlila Ground.

My ears instantly plugged in to sound boxes blaring out Rahul’s speech, as I forced my way to the front of the ground. But for a moment I doubted if my ears were hearing properly. Rahul was with those who are fed up with the system!

Since 1947, the Congress has ruled the country barring the phases of 1977-1980, 1996-2004 (eleven years in all). Further, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi (all from the first ruling family) have headed the governments. So, “system” is very well the product of the hegemonic rule of the Gandhi family. But Rahul wants to change it; good to hear this.

Earlier, Rahul blared “the Congress was a party of a dozen people until Mahatma Gandhi opened its door for the mass”.

Having been a student of history, Rahul’s statement was clearly a new revelation.

A number of history books, including the government censored NCERT books, mention glowingly of the contribution of the likes of Dadabhai Naoroji, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Gopal Krishna Gokhale and many more before Gandhi appeared on the horizon. There were definitely more than a dozen people in the Congress.

“After Gandhiji opened the doors of the Congress for the mass, the English ran away to London,” Rahul further blared out.

The history is, however, less dramatic. Gandhiji came to India in 1915 and the English left India in 1947; and there lies a whole 32 years in between.

Therefore, I too wish to open the door of the Congress for the mass, Rahul continued. So, Rahul also wants to do a Mahatma Gandhi for the people; but he should have explained why the mass deserted the Congress in the intervening period.

But Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, speaking after Rahul, listed the achievements of the government and mentioned hard pills that he has administered to the ailing Indian economy. “Manzil pahunchane ke liye abhi kaaphi lamba safar karma padega (destination is still far away and will have to undertake a long march),”

Prime Minister was clearly not buying the “change the system” slogan of Rahul.

Speaking last, Congress president Sonia Gandhi took pains to say “aajkal galat khaboron ki aandhiyan chal rahi haen (these days the storm of wrong news is blowing)”. Poor Rahul; neither the Prime Minister nor the Congress president subscribe to his views to change the system.

The world acclaims Manmohan Singh as a top ranking economist. So, his analysis of Indian economy should be seriously paid attention to. But what he offered as defence for allowing FDI in multi-brand retail baffled whatever little understanding of economics I had.

Sample it. “In cities like Delhi, domestic companies are already into multi-brand retail. By allowing FDI in multi-brand retail, people in smaller cities will benefit,” he said.

But what about the concerns, that the sharks of the multi-brand retail, like Walmart, Carrefour, etc, would siphon Indian wealth abroad and capture Indian market for foreign products. No answer from the Prime Minister.

“This will ensure that the wastage of foodgrains is curbed and farmers get the right price,” the Prime Minister said.

The government is sitting over more than 90 million tones of foodgrains this year alone, which is more than double the prescribed buffer limit. The wastage of foodgrains is due to incompetence of the Food Corporation of India and not the other way round.

Member of the Sonia Gandhi headed National Advisory Council (NAC), N. C. Saxena, who is considered a top ranking poverty expert, is of the view that the government should release the stock of the foodgrains in the market, either through open market allocation to bulk buyers or through the public distribution system. This will address to the demands of the food security and curb price rise.

But the Prime Minister reminds that the rising subsidy burden would make India unattractive for foreign investment and claims that wherever FDI in multi-brand retail has been allowed both the organised and small retailers have flourished.

For over three years, the UPA managers have been struggling to curb the runaway subsidy. A union minister is of the view, that if the government stops the subsidy given to corporate (cheap 2G spectrum, coals, land, etc.), the subsidy for the welfare scheme will not be a pain at all. The Prime Minister may well be accused of hiding behind a smokescreen.

A number of Asian tiger economies, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, who had to open their retail market for FDI as part of a World Bank bail out package in 1990s, have seen the large retail business growing in double digit, while the small retailing has shrunk. So, they have begun to take a number of remedial measures now, which, however, India is oblivious of.

As we took out a long walk out of the Ramlila Ground, a fellow scribe summed up the grandiose exercise of the Congress in demonstrating its show of strength. “People are walking over all these pamphlets with pictures of Manmohan, Sonia and Rahul. What respect people have for these leaders,” he said; and I took a hard look at the street littered with pamphlets crushed under the feet of teeming flow of people mobilized from Haryana and Rajsthan.

Arvind Kejriwal: India's Julian Assange

An irritated senior journalist wondered aloud "who is this Kejriwal (Arvind)" one evening. He was irritated, after Kejriwal dragged son-in-law of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Ranjan Bhattacharya, during his recent expose. How can anyone stand at a street corner and abuse all, he asked.

Arvind Kejriwal: Photo courtesy G. N. Jha

He is not alone in wondering who and what is Kejriwal.

The Congress wants to know the source of funding of the Kejriwal run India Against Corruption (IAC). The BJP would like to believe him being a Congress agent out to divide the Opposition space. The Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Industries believes him of working at the behest of corporate rivals.

The likes of Kapil Sibbal, P Chidambaram condemn him of being an anarchist. Anna Hazare may be wondering that Kejriwal, a thug, took him for a ride. The NDA convenor Sharad Yadav believes that Kejriwal represents an upper caste conspiracy against the Indian democracy, which guarantees "social justice and equity to all".

So, Indian political spectrum, which is hegemonic in nature, is itself not clear what and who Kejriwal is. But a lot of people and not only the politicians are giving their judgements on Kejriwal's motives.

Is Kejriwal an Indian fidayeen who is out there to wake up the dormant and regressive Indian political establishment?

Julian Assange: Photo from Wikipedia

If a Kejriwal parallel is to be searched outside India, Julian Assange pops out for the efforts he did by releasing tons and tons of classified files in public domain.

Kejriwal's first victim was Robert Vadra and his land dealings in the Congress ruled Haryana. Vadra is a sacred cow for most of the media houses for having married Priyanka Gandhi, daughter of Sonia Gandhi and a heir to the Gandhi-Nehru legacy, including political dynasty.

Ask Kejriwal how did he get documents to implicate Vadra in the alleged land scam in Haryana and pat comes the reply that he had to do nothing.

"A news channel reporter came and game me all the papers, saying that his organisation will not broadcast it," Kejriwal says.

Next expose came on BJP chief Nitin Gadkari; but this time a woman IAC activist claimed to have the evidences to link the leader in a quid pro quo relations with the riling Congress-NCP alliance in Maharashtra.

Ask Kejriwal that his Garkari expose was a dud and fizzled out for lack of substance, he would tell instantly that a TV channel would soon broadcast a story on Gadkari with more serious charges (NDTV did later) but he could not highlight these things for lack of supporting evidences.  

Kejriwal's third expose targetted Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Industries for its bullying tactics against the Central government. In the corridor of power, people always talked of the influence of Ambani on governments at the Centre irrespective of which party headed them.

Ambani purportedly represents a culture wherein everyone is bought over within the government to favour his corporate interest.

Interestingly, India is a country where a man (Dhirubhai Ambani) who worked in the Gulf for a petroleum company sets up the largest private business house. Further, India is also a unique country where a man (Nitin Gadkari) who used to ride a scooter not long back is heading a sugar and power company with thousands of crores of annual turnover. The list is inexhaustive.

The common factor in all the three exposes had been the fact, that everyone knew about them but did not dare to bring them in public domain. So, Kejriwal is more than an investigative journalist. Therefore, it will be suitable to suggest that for the moment we can pause to suggest that Kejriwal is India's Julian Assange.

But Assange crusaded against secretive information. Kejriwal takes his inspiration from Tahrir Square (the melting point of Egypt's historic revolution led by the people).

Ask Kejriwal: "You are being blamed for spreading too much of negativity and anger among the people. But you have neither infrastructure nor operational capabilities as commanded by the hero of 1974 total revolution Jay Prakash Narayan, so, where is the alternative and how the resultant vacuum would be filled".

"I concede that I have not been able to put in place an organisation so far. But the people will give the alternative when the time comes," Kejriwal says in a clear testimony that the Egyptian revolution is playing high on his mind.   

      

So, Kejriwal is more than what Assange is, at least if his ambitions are taken into account. But Kejriwal's action so far arguably clubs him with Assange.

Further ask him "your critics say that you took Anna Hazare for a ride". "So, after I drafted the Jan Lokpal Bill, I approached Prashant Bhushan and then I went to Anna and then I made him to sit on multiple fasts and then I thought that the time has come for me to go alone to launch a political party; I wish I could plan like this," Kejriwal says with sarcasm clearly evident.

So, why is Anna not with you?

"Anna says that politics is dirty and it should be cleaned from outside. I believe that it should be cleansed from inside," Kejriwal explains reasons for the Guru-Shishya parting ways.

But there are hints within the team Kejriwal of its belief that the Congress had been working on Anna for some months and they eventually succeeded.

So, the modest two-storied office of the PCRF (Public Cause and Research Foundation) at Kaushambi in Ghaziabad near Delhi hums with teeming flow of youth swearing in the name of Kejriwal. Their mobile phones keep ringing, with their contacts in various cities proposing to reveal more damaging facts, while others offering to join the IAC.

Kejriwal, who lost 16 kg of weight in a short span of time and was insomniac for a while before being rescued by Vipasana Yoga, is a rallying point for a fast growing "crowd".

"Few years ago people used to say, that India is going to dogs but now there is a sense that change is possible," Kejriwal says in a reminder of Barack Obama's 2008 elections campaign.

But four years later, least appears to have changed in the US despite Obama heading the country. Kejriwal has a long way to go to grow out of Assange, in whose shadow he is incidentally operating in.