Blasts, Congress and Digvijay Singh

We do not take seriously what Digvijay Singh has to say; No one does. But when his words on recent blasts seem like an echo of what some other Congress leaders said after a previous blast, disgust erupts. 

On blast outside BJP office in Bangalore on  17th April 2013, which left 16 people injured, including 11 policemen, Shakeel Ahmad had this to say : twitter link

On ABP News debate on the same subject, Roshan Baig raised his suspicion saying "is this just a coincidence? when elections are so close and BJP is losing its credibility day-by-day, ye patakha phoot'ta hae. daal mein kuchh kaala hae".

One right away weighs Political advantages and disadvantages of the blasts while the other not only blames it on the other party but even trevialises the issue! No one seemed to care for the injured. Just a day back, Boston too had faced a tragedy but the reactions were totally different. Our anger and disgust for these filthy Politicians came out on our blog - Blasts : Boston and Bangalore

Today, on 7 blasts in Patna which claimed 5 lives just before Narendra Modi's Hunkar Rally, Digvijay Singh spewed similar disgusting remarks! The conspiracy theorist had nothing to say about the 5 innocent individuals who lost their lives, no words to comfort their loved ones but is ready with a challenge for Nitish Kumar and his Government, hinting BJP's involvement! He shamelessly weighs how this tragedy presents itself as a "Perfect setting for Modi's Launch".

Whenever the blasts point out at Jehadi outfits, we repeatedly hear dialogues like "Terrorism has no religion"; but for such blasts, the same people don't waste time before pointing fingers.

its futile to expect any better from Digvijay Singh, but when the same behavior gets repeated again and again, It becomes difficult not to react. 

can we not be totally spineless?

Once again, America captures one of the World's most wanted Al-Qaida suspect who was hiding in Libya, in a raid - Abu Anas Al-Libi. The al Qaeda leader captured by US special forces in Libya has been wanted by the United States for more than 15 years for his alleged links to the twin 1998 US embassy bombings in East Africa. The operation was one of two raids carried out over the weekend, in Libya and Somalia. While Libya asks for clarifications, US Secretary of State John Kerry responds saying that the raids his country conducted would send the message that terrorists can run but they can't hide. 

on May 2nd, 2011 Osama Bin Laden was killed in a similar raid by the US special forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan. 

Meanwhile...

• Dawood and Chhota shakeel not only spend a comfortable life in Pakistan and operate their crime empire in India, but are all set to launch a TV channel too! 
• Every now and then Pakistani army and Pak trained terrorists kill Indian soldiers at LOC, while Indian PM Dr. Manmohan Singh wants to have peace talks with his Pak counterpart Nawaz Sharif. 
• Not long back, even with beheadings of Indian Soldiers at LOC by Pak Troops, India's Minister of external affairs, Mr. Salman Khurshid, hosted lunch for then Pak PM Raja Parvez Ashraf who was visiting Ajmer Sharif.
• since past 14 days, the Indian army is exchanging heavy fire with infiltrators in Keran sector along the LOC in Kashmir.

I do not expect nor desire for the Indian Government to take such harsh measures as the US and Israel, but none the less, can we not be totally spineless? I know expecting the current Govt to take a military action will be too much, but why cant India's PM show some respect for the Martyred Soldiers and Nation (not asking to show self respect, He can't, for he doesn't have any.) and refrain from holding talks with Pak for a while? 

Measuring People's IQ with Toilets and Temples

1. "That Senile old Man finally Kicked the Bucket."
2. "That aged gentleman passed away." 

IFF (If and only if) you can understand the difference between these two sentences, go ahead and read the article, else this article will be a waste of your time.

Recently, while speaking to the youth in New Delhi, Narendra Modi expressed his views on sanitation as : "Pehle Shauchalaya, Phir Devalaya."
which literally translates into - "Toilet first, Temples later."
now this could have following meanings - 

1. Toilets should be built in front of Temples.
2. you should 1st go to toilets, and then visit a temple.
3. 1st build toilets, Temples later.

The News channels, that sit with a microscope waiting for a chance to stir a controversy for the sake of TRPs, isolated the statement form the context and did what they do the best. 
Yet It surprises me, the 1st two interpretations of Modi's statement weren't used!

almost a year back, the Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh had made a statement that sounds similar and stirred a controversy. Here is the complete statement:

"ab tak yaatraein Vinash ke liye hui hein, ye yatra asli vikas ke liye hae. ye yatra ek sakaratmak aur rachnatmak kam ke liye hae..ye yatra wo cheez banane ke liye hae, jo main samajhta hoon, Mandir se bhi pavitra hae, aur wo hae Shauchalaya." 

Anyone who has even a little knowledge of Hindi language would translate the words "Mandir se bhi pavitra hae" to "(Toilets are) holier/purer than Temples".
Though the intentions were right, the choice of words were derogatory. 
yet, (no surprise) the News headlines were: 

• country needs toilets more than Temples. 
• Toilets need to be given more Priority. 

Media had Absolved Jairam Ramesh of his folly. The same media only showed Modi's isolated statement again and again on TV, editing the rest of the matter. 

Here is a video link of the complete speech : Narendra Modi Full Statement on "Pehle Sochalay, Fir Devalay" - where he clearly mentions that if you have funds, you should build Toilets, before building temples. 

saying "Toilets are holier than Temples" is totally different than "you should build toilets before building Temples." While the former is Derogatory, The latter expresses concern for sanitation. 

A similar campaign was launched with RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement about "India and Bharat" statement, for which the News channels had to apologise later. 

If you still don't see the difference, please again read the warning at the top of this article.

remembering the Prime Minister who died Poor

 People who forget their Heroes are bound to be ruled by Villains. 

While the Politicians, News channels and common junta sing songs about Gandhi; On his Birth Anniversary, I recall three stories about Lal Bahadur Shastri - the 2nd Prime Minister of India, that made me his ardent admirer. 

1.Life and Death, in Poverty:
During Quit India Movement, Lal Bahadur Shastri, was released from jail on parole, as his Daughter was seriously ill. Shastri ji, who had no savings, couldn't save his Daughter; the drugs prescribed by the doctor were too costly. Even after all the years being in cabinet and serving as Prime Minister of India, when Shastri ji passed away, all he owned was an old car, which he had bought in installments from Govt. and for which he still owed money!

2.The 1965 War with Pakistan:
In just a year after being appointed as the Prime Minister of India in 1964, Pakistani Army skirmished with Indian forcen in August 1965, Laying claim to half the Kutch Peninsula. In his report to Lok Sabha on the matter he said :

"In the utilization of our limited resources, we have always given primacy to plans and projects for economic development. It would, therefore, be obvious for anyone who is prepared to look at things objectively that India can have no possible interest in provoking border incidents or in building up an atmosphere of strife... In these circumstances, the duty of Government is quite clear and this duty will be discharged fully and effectively... We would prefer to live in poverty for as long as necessary but we shall not allow our freedom to be subverted."

Under scheme proposed by British Prime Minister in june 1965, Pakistan obtained 10% of its original claim of 50% of the territory. 

Shastri ji on top of a captured Patton Tank.

Pakistan, now diverting attention to Kashmir, attacked in September, the same year and war broke out. Shatri ji displayed a knack for taking quick and decisive actions during the war. He swiftly took the advice of his commanders and ordered a strike across the Punjab border. (This was in stark contrast to Nehru who in a similar situation in 1962, had refused to call in the air force to relieve the pressure on the ground troops.) Result - Indian Army inflicted a crushing defeat on Pakistan! after the UN's mandated cease-fire, on 23rd September 1965 in a broadcast to the Nation, Shatri ji Stated :

"While the conflict between the armed forces of the two countries has come to an end, the more important thing for the United Nations and all those who stand for peace is to bring to an end the deeper conflict.... How can this be brought about? In our view, the only answer lies in peaceful coexistence. India has stood for the principle of coexistence and championed it all over the world. Peaceful coexistence is possible among nations no matter how deep the differences between them, how far apart they are in their political and economic systems, no matter how intense the issues that divide them." 

3.China playing monkey in the conflict of two cats: 

On 17 September 1965, while the Indo-Pak war was on, India received a letter from China alleging that the Indian army had set up army equipment in Chinese territory, and India would face China's wrath, unless the equipment was pulled down. In spite of the threat of aggression from China, Shastri ji declared: 

"China's allegation is untrue. If China attacks India it is our firm resolve to fight for our freedom. The might of China will not deter us from defending our territorial integrity." 

The Chinese did not dare to respond back.

These were just 3 incidents among the many achievements of the Politician who made no money and died leaving no great wealth behind for his family; one that within his small tenure as the 2nd Prime Minister of India, made huge contributions and who with his short physical stature achieved great feats. 

We remember you Lal Bahadur Shastri with Pride that we were fortunate to have you as our Prime Minister once...and yet with sad hearts that ...

tho you were the 2nd Prime Minister of India, 

India never got a Second Lal Bahadur Shastri.

On your Birth Anniversary, I pay you my humble respects.

Ghanta's reaction on Nawaz Sharif's 'Dehati Aurat' comment

NEWS: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called Manmohan Singh a 'Dehati Aurat'.

I really wish he could meet the dehati wives of the soldiers Martyred at LOC. If they ever get their hands of him, He'll not remain in a state to use this term in a derogatory manner for anyone ever!

If Manmohan Singh is Dehati Aurat, by using this term in a derogatory manner Nawaz Sharif proved that he aint Shareef at all!

The Irony is, when Nawaz Sharif called Manmohan Singh Dehati Aurat, only Narendra Modi spoke against it while Congress leaders chose to keep mum. 

I wonder, If pointing out the Truth that Pakistan has become epicenter for terrorism makes Manmohan Singh a Dehati Aurat; what should the Prime Minister of a country be termed that survives on the aid from USA for most of their needs?

In a rush while updating our status message, we by mistake termed Nawaz Sharif as President, which we regret. but in our defense..... 
Its extremely difficult to keep in mind who rules Pakistan - The President, The Prime minister, The Army, The mullah-Ulemas or the Jehadi Terrorist Organisations? 

Phata Poster Nikla Rahul Gandhi?

"Now, I will tell you what is my opinion on the ordinance. It is complete nonsense, it should be torn up and thrown away. It is my personal opinion"
As I saw Rahul Gandhi speak these words on a News channel, I couldn't help but wonder if this is really happening or is it a scene from a Hindi Movie? He appeared like a rebellious young Prince who had mutinied against the corrupt Raj of his own family - a common theme for innumerable Bollywood movies. I must say, For a minute there I was impressed with this display of honesty.  One of the good things about scripted reality TV shows is that it has trained people to look beyond the appearances. Let us join the dots - 

• The stage was set - Ajay Maken  was already having a press conference at the Press club. All Rahul Gandhi did was appear at the right time at the right place.
• Deliver and leave - Normally, one would expect, after making such a bold statement Rahul Gandhi would stay back to answer a few questions regarding his stand. But no, He came - He delivered - He left; avoiding any wrong answers.
• Where were you for so Long, O fair Prince? - It was not like all of a sudden UPA brought this ordinance. It had to go through several stages - before Ordinance, it was a billl introduced in Parliament. So, why did Rahul Gandhi chose to remain silent for all this time?
• Saving face? - what if the president rejected the ordinance? better reject it yourself, no? 
• why should opposition have all the fun? - its better to encash on an issue rather than letting the opposition gain from it. 
• Image Make-over - a quick tummy tuck of all UPA corruption charges so that Rahul Gandhi can be projected as an Honest and fair candidate - a new hope for the Nation?
• Shifting Blame - Its not surprising that whenever we talk about UPA corruption and miss-governance all the blame is shifted to PM Manmohan Singh while the Gandhi Family pulls the strings from behind the stage. with Rahul Gandhi's latest act an already weak Manmohan Singh's image weakens further who bears the burden of all UPA corruption. All Blame goes to Manmohan Singh, while credit for anything good goes to Gandhi family.

Crux of the matter is - 

Be it Traveling in local train in Mumbai , Dinner with the Dalit family, visit to Bhatta Parsaul or the recent rubbishing UPA's ordinance to save convicted politicians - appearances are deceptive. 

Blasts : Boston and Bangalore

"A bomb-like material on a motorbike exploded around 10:30 am injuring 16 people, including 11 policemen, near the BJP office at Malleshwaram in north-west Bangalore."

- Lalrokhuma Pachau, state DGP.

Bengalore had suffered bomb blast on the same day 3 years back i.e. 07th April 2010 in M. Chinnaswamy stadium, in which 15 people were injured. any connection between the two? cant say for now.

yesterday it was Boston...now, Bengaluru. The sad truth of our time is, there is no place thats safe from terror attacks. what next? will Sushil kumar Shinde say that he had prior intelligence about the terrorists' plans? or will he again blame it on Saffron Terrorists? Will Digvijay Singh come out and say once again "iske piche RSS ka hath hae"? Though not the same old characters, but something similar came out. Shakeel Ahmed tweeted : (see image at right)

lets compare the aftermath in Boston and Bangalore. yesterday we witnessed how after the blasts the country united as one against the attack. Sadly, it was just the opposite here. Shakeel Ahmed had Politicized the tragedy, adding salt to the wounds. What was even more appaling that instead of apologizing, he stood by his words and tried to explain it on camera to news channels.

Roshan Baig

ABP News held a debate in which Roshan Baig raised his suspicion saying "is this just a coincidence? when elections are so close and BJP is losing its credibility day-by-day, ye patakha phoot'ta hae. daal mein kuchh kaala hae". Seriously? is a blast such a trivial incident now that you'll term it 'Pathakha'? If this is what these two politicians really believe, should we expect a few more blasts (fire-crackers as Baig would call them) in front of Congress' office so that they can encash sympathy votes?

recalling the past blunder-full tweets of Politicians and celebs, shuldnt it be made mandatory for all of them to join Twitter and tweet atleast once a day? seems like Twitter somehow brings out all the bullshit that sits inside their head. No?

Boston Marathon Blasts

The day started with the tragic news of Boston Marathon twin bomb blasts which claimed at least 3 lives and injured over 140 people. Going through the available online write-ups and news, a feeling of helplessness took grip. Having faced similar situations, its a feeling a Mumbaikar is not alien to. In fact most Indian city-dwellers share the sentiment. Thoughts and prayers flow out to the victims. Amidst all the chaos and fear, emerged shining examples of bravery and courage that enkindled faith in Humanity.

• The Marathon runners that crossed the finish line continued to run to Mass General Hospital to donate blood for the victims.link
• People in Boston area offered to house and pick up those who were stranded. 
• Area restaurants fed locals and runners, even when they weren't able to pay. 

It was heartbreaking to read stories of people who lost their loved ones. 

a man was waiting to propose his girlfriend at the finish line, now mourns her loss.

Martin Richard, 8, was killed as he waited to give his father a hug at the finish line.

while going through articles on facebook, I came across a quote by Mr. Rogers someone shared :

When I was A boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. you will always find people who are helping." to this day, especially in times of 'disaster', I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many people caring in this world.

As I recall my experiences of Mumbai bomb blasts, drawing parallels between the two tragedies, besides the loss, fear and horror...the only thing that consoles this restless mind is that there are still people who are ready to stand against terror with courage...that Humanity's hope still prevails. 

There will always be suffering. But we must not suffer over the suffering. 
~ Alan Watts.

why should we celebrate Women's Day?

।। यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः ।।

Yatr natrastu pujyante
Ramante Tatr devatah

Gods reside where Women are respected.

 The world celebrates Women's Day on 8th March - a day to remind ourselves how much we owe to the fairer sex, to acknowledge their part and celebrate life itself, for it begins in a Woman's womb.  Cynics may argue differently, but with the alarming rate of Female Feoticide, Rapes and other crimes against Women, it becomes all the more important to stress the need to value and respect Women in society. While the west was yet going through the Dark ages and was busy with Witch-hunts, India witnessed strong women like Kaikeyi, Draupadi and Seeta, to name a few. Even Adi Shankaracharya was defeated in a debate by Ubhaya Bharti, a woman. Strong, independent and well educated women were'nt an aberration in the Vedic society. Somehow, the Legacy of that Vedic Bharat is lost and now we live in India with a capital where every two hours a rape is committed!  For this situation to change, not only men but women too will need to change the way they conduct themselves and treat other women. 

Having said that, I'd refrain from joining the Feminist Brigade. 
Its tricky how extremism of any ideology can harm the very cause for which it stands...how mindless insistence of an Ideology can be manipulated against itself. 

Why do I mention this? Its because, I was shocked sometime back at the silence of all those who claim to be Feminists while 'The Guardian' termed Aishwarya Rai's post natal weigh gain as 'National shame'! furthermore,
I am shocked at girls on facebook sharing Chetan bhagat's article 'Home truths on career wives' (TOI) where he so conveniently reduces a Housewife to a Phulka making machine and a Nanny. I personally do not see how a working woman is better than a dedicated Housewife (and vice-versa). I refuse to succumb to the views of people who reduce a woman to a glamour doll and criticise her when she refuses to abandon her newborn and sweat in gym to gain a size zero figure. I still would want someone to explain it to me how a mini skirt and tank top is liberating and modern while Salwar kameez makes a girl a 'Behen jee'? 

Objectification, tho may seem to be much harmless an evil than foeticides and rapes, but the latter ones are just physical expression of the former. 

Lets see this day for what it should be seen as and not let it become another one of 'Hallmark Days'.

So, why should we celebrate Women's Day? 
to remind us how we need to conduct ourselves for the next 364 days.

NB: I am a huge Aishwarya Rai fan and she looked absolutely gorgeous even with the extra pounds!