Baking bread on Pyre - ABP News

Monday 09/06/2014, Time: around 2 pm.

"how serious is this?"
"How serious? I've lost my friends. How serious do you think this is?"

An ABP News correspondent asked this question  to one of the survivors of the tragedy for a special News report on the unfortunate drowning of 24 students from Hyderabad in Beas River in Himanchal Pradesh. Allegedly, the students were clicking photographs when Hydro electric power project opened its flood gates sending tonnes of water downstream. Hence, it seems, the News channel chose the title 'Maut ki Photography'. (photography of death)...How Creative! 

 The News host in the studio then continued to question if this could have been prevented. 

Every time a news channel uses a tacky title such as this for a sensitive issue, I'm reminded of a roadside hooker that wears loud makeup and provocative dress to attract customers. On a second thought, this comparison is an insult to sex-workers. 

While the families of those 24 young boys and girls mourn their loss, these vultures with such tacky titles and over-emotional punches bake their bread on pyres.

This is not the first time that I've seen a News correspondent ask such a moronic and insensitive questions. The same has been used in many dark humor scenes in a number of movies - Someone dies in an accident or is killed, and a News reporter is seen with a mic pointed out to the survivor or a family member of the deceased asking, "How do you feel about this?".

These same insensitive bastards take moral high grounds while delivering punch lines at the end of news reports on sensitive issues like rapes. No one and absolutely no one is beyond their criticism, and rightly so. But the moment anyone points fingers at these vultures, they don't lose time in hitting back. One of the best examples of this is when the incompetent Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav retaliated back at the media saying "Crime is only visible in UP to media." We all expect the Yadav Father and Son to take responsibility for the law and order situation in their state and though they are, morally, in no position to point a finger at others, what Akhilesh Yadav said wasn't totally incorrect. 

Last, when Nirbhaya suffered, Delhi won the title 'Rape capital of India' thanks to News Media's obsession with the same kind of news. Currently the title has been won over by Uttar Pradesh. During such times, in their greed for TRP, the same subject is played over and over again. They run their own MEDIA TRIAL on everyone, but when the court acquits the accused of the charges, not a single VISIBLE apology is aired. Will a news correspondent ever let her/his colleague cover any mishap that involves her/his own personal life? I doubt. 

ABP News proudly plays its tagline  - 
"ABP News, aapko rakhe aage" - "ABP News, always placing you ahead". 
Based on the kind of News reporting the channel does, this is how I see it : 

Narendra Modi - Sending out the right signals

We have been reading and listening to people saying "Parliament is Temple of Democracy." Finally, someone behaves like it really is! 

News channels have talked much about Modi-Advani rift, yet today we saw both Modi and Advani share a genuine hug. Advani has seen the party grow from just 2 seats to a massive majority of 282 seats for BJP alone, while the alliance, NDA, bags 336 seats! Even for a seasoned Politician like Advani, to see the sapling he and his fellow BJP leaders planted bloom into such a massive tree, must be overwhelmingly emotional. No doubt he has been spotted teary eyed a few times by reporters. The overwhelming victory seemed to get the best of Modi too, when he too got emotional during his speech, twice. Other BJP leaders too couldn't help joining in. Cynics may pass this as merely a publicity stunt, but those who understand human behavior and BJP-RSS history, their passion, and devotion for the Nation would'nt doubt the feelings. In any case, the Nation today follows every move made by Modi very closely and is full of hopes. What makes Modi so special? 

The answer is, besides his and BJP's hard work and marketing, Modi never fails to make positive and bold statements through his actions. He grabs every opportunity to send the right message. Here is a list of observations - 

Pre-election, Modi not only refrained but also refused to address and divide Indians as Muslims and Hindus, as Minority and Majority. This was the beginning of the end of Vote-bank Politics. 

While filing his nomination at Vadodra, Kiran Mahida (a Tea vendor) and Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad from the royal family of Vadodra were his two proposers. Both were carefully chosen to represent the humble and the great, a male and a female. 

Similarly, in Varanasi, the four proposers - Padmabhushan Pt. Channulal Mishra (Hindstani Classical Singer), Justice Giridhar Malviya (grandson of freedom fighter Madan Mohan Malviya), Virbhadra Nishad (Boatman) and Ashok Kumar (weaver)... all represent and symbolise different sections of the society. Before Modi, not many knew about even the role of a proposer in the process.

Post Elections, the 1st time he was spotted was while visiting his mother, hitting the right notes with people.

His 1st public address was at Vadodra, 2nd at Ahmedabad and 3rd at Varanasi after visiting Kashi-Vishwanath temple and performing Ganga aarati. The 3 cities symbolise his journey from State to National Politics. His speeches ensured a strong connect with every individual who voted for him, finding the same with the ones who didn't. Offering prayers, he made sure to put an end to 'pseudo-secular' vote bank appeasement politics. 

The most probable name for his successor as Gujrat CM is Anandiben patel - Women empowerment in action.

Pre and post elections  Modi talked about development...development for everyone - for the young and the old, for poor and rich, for men and women. His talks about technology made him popular among the younger generation. He respects India's customs and Traditions. He comes from a humble family. His relatives still live a humble life. All this makes it possible for him to connect emotionally and ideologically with people from different walks of life. How about the other politicians start taking notes?

Elections2014 - Not all those who lost are defeated

No battle is won without losing a few brave soldiers. Elections aren't very different when it comes to victory and defeat. With the outstanding victory BJP registered, there were few candidates who lost too. Out of many, the most shocking was the news about the defeat of Shahnawaz Hussain and Arun Jeitley. Smriti Irani even with a defeat, made her fans proud. It is important to analyse the reasons for the loss of these Stalwarts.
  

Shahnawaz Hussain lost from a narrow margin of 9,000 votes! now that takes away the pain from the sting a bit. no?

Arun Jaitley on the other hand became a victim of BJP and his own mistakes and his opponents' effective strategies. First the Navjot Singh Siddhu's issue and then when finally his candidature was confirmed, Congress decided to pull out one of its Big Guns - Ex-CM Capt Amrinder Singh. While Capt Amrinder Singh focused on local issues, Arun Jaitley focused on National issues, which ofcourse helped people to find a connect with Capt. Amrinder Singh and not Arun Jaitley. Capt. Amrinder Singh in addition raised the issue of Jaitley being an 'outsider'.

What impresses me about Jaitley is that neither during election campaigns nor in defeat, did Arun Jaitley ever abandon his Gentlemanly behavior. During the campaign in Amritsar, the two opponents were seen greeting each other warmly during a morning walk. After the results were declared he made sure to greet Capt. Amrinder Singh for his victory - something other Politicians need to learn from Jaitley. 

Last but not the least, Our very own 'India's Bahu' - Smriti Zubin Irani! what a brilliant Lady - Her Poise, Her Grace and her command over language! While AAP kept trying to make the battle in Amethi look like 'RaGa V/s  Kumar Vishwas', as soon as Smriti Irani entered the battle field, it was only Her against RaGa. Kumar Vishwas was no where in the scene, which was even reflected in the poll results when Kumar Vishwas lost his deposit! Kumar Vishwas had managed to secure only 25,527 votes - a humiliating defeat. The margin between Smriti Irani and RaGa was 1.08 Lakh - not a Huge gap, considering previous margins registered by the Gandhi scion. 

Not all those who have lost are defeated. So, along with the victorious, let us not forget the dedicated soldiers who gave a tough fight to their mighty opponents and who made sure that a huge part of the resources and efforts of the other party were concentrated in defeating them. In many ways, they served as a mighty shield that helped keep others safe. A huge Salute and a round of applause for them. 

Inferences drawn from 'Har-Har Modi' issue

As the election campaign for Narendra Modi moved forward with cries of 'Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi', a controversy too followed. Many devout Hindus and 'Secular' Congress leaders took objection on the use of this slogan, but it was Shankaracharya Shri Swaroopanand Saraswati of Jyotirpeeth who strongly condemned the use of 'Har Har Modi' slogan. Modi promptly requested his supporters to do the same. While the slogan has been MODIfied as 'Har dil Modi, Ghar ghar Modi', there are few interesting things to note about this whole incidence.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Congress for once talking about Hindu sentiments. Yes, we are talking about the same Congress that in its arrogance had even put a question mark on existence of Raam! Recently a Congress Leader, P. Shankar Rao, was in news for constructing a temple dedicated to Sonia Gandhi. Even in past, Sonia Gandhi has been portrayed as Goddess Durga in posters. 



The sycophants do not only exist in Congress, but in every party. A good example is the case of BJP's Hemant Bohra from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, who printed a poster depicting Vasundhra Raje as Goddess Annapoorna. 

Why limit ourselves to Politics?

Sport Personalities like 

Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni too were found in similar controversy. 

While Hindu Saints have been demanding a ban on Cow slaughter, India becomes leader in Beef exports. No heed was payed to their cries when they marched to Delhi to save river Yamuna. Swami Nigamanand died after fasting for 73 days to save holy river Ganga, but no one seemed to care. I have immense respect for Shankaracharya Shri Swaroopanand Saraswati as religious scholar, and eagerly want to know his views on all the above mentioned incidences. I would love to know why he only chose to speak on 'Har Har Modi', and not on any other issue? But I doubt, these questions will ever be answered. 

In any case, whats interesting is that Modi supporters stopped using the slogan after Modi's request, and not because of Shankaracharya's criticism. Usually labelled 'Communal', Hindu masses rejected a Religious Head's views for a leader who talks about development. I try to compare this with Shahi Imam's recent visit to Sonia Gandhi and his endorsement of Mamata Banerjee. Azam Khan addresses a conference of Madrassa managers and Principals to secure his party's Muslim vote bank. This only hints that these religious heads hold a good influence over a huge Muslim population. what inference do I draw from this?  

I'm sure any sane mind will agree with me when I say Religion should not be allowed to control politics of a Nation. While the Majority seems to have learnt this lesson, the Minority yet seems to be in need of time to accept this fact. 

In light of these facts, let us now argue the definition of 'Communalism'. 

Elections 2014 : a lesson from Mahabharat for indecisive minds

As we draw closer to the Lok Sabha Elections 2014, a lot of people still seem to be confused as to who deserves their vote. A new party raises its voice against corruption and enters into politics claiming itself to be honest, but soon loses its credibility. The ruling party tries to appear Honest, secular and pro-development but its track record speaks otherwise. The opposition's PM candidate though has a track record that speaks for itself, the party also has few members that face corruption charges. Other parties that aspire to rule the Nation as 3rd front, have their own closets full of skeletons. In short, no party is spotless. 

Those who plan to vote based on religion and caste, or for some other personal gains, have little confusion. Ignorance is bliss, right? And equally true is the corollary - 'He who increases knowledge, increases sorrows.'  The ones that know the true value of their vote and are aware of every party's blots are left disillusioned. The desire to find an 'ideal' party, with spotless track record and that can solve people's problems immediately, turns this disillusionment into utter confusion. Such 'aware' individuals are thus not able to pick a side. And even when they do, they don't let their choice spare anyone from their criticism. Blindly following any party is dangerous and Criticism is good...BUT timing is crucial. Most of such individuals fail to realise this.

This predicament reminds me of a story from Mahabharat -

The most powerful of all the warriors present at the beginning of the great war was Barbareek (बरबरीक). Barbareek, Grandson of Bheem and Son of Ghatotkach, after completing his education, had Promised his Guru that he would only fight for the weaker side in a battle, and so, in the beginning, he joined the Pandavas. Pandavas rejoiced while Kauravas were alarmed. But it was only Shree Krishna who was able to see what this really could lead to, and hence Barbareek was prevented from joining any side. Why was the most powerful warrior present at that time, who could have finished the war in matter of minutes, not allowed to join the war? because his promise to his Guru would not let him remain on one side. He would join the weaker side and kill warriors of the other side till the stronger side is now reduced to the weaker one. And so, he would again switch sides, till all are killed and only he remains. 

Powerful enough to change the course of the war, but too confused to pick a side and stick with it - Barbareek represents today's aware, disillusioned and confused individuals. Such enlightened minds are excellent when it comes to constructive criticism. But is this the right time for such discussions? 

Pick a side and join the battle.

Let us hang Modi

I am not loyal to any party but to reason, and for that reason my loyalties keep shifting, leaving only one thing for certain - show me injustice and I shall join any and every protest against it. And hence today I try to distance myself from Modi!

But, before we go ahead and discuss more about Modi, here is a small exercise for the readers. Irrespective of our Faith and ideology, we all have atleast one person that we love the most. Right? I want you to think of that person. Done? 

now scroll down



Have you really thought of THE person?




No cheating please...




is it your Father?




or your Mother?




Or one of your Grand Parents?




Or your spouse/Boyfriend/Girlfriend?




or your Kids?




Or simply a special friend?




Now Imagine that, 
you see that person off at train station one day and the next day you see on news that the train that person was on was burnt. You frantically try to connect with that person but you fail. You try every means possible only to find that that person was one of the victims of the arson and that He/She too was burnt alive, locked inside the train coach. 

I'm sure you'd want to  harm me for making you to go through this mental torture. My apologies, but if just the thought of this whole incidence fills one with anguish and rage, what must the grief be of those who lost their loved ones in Sabarmati express? 

Let us, to this pain add the memory of the exodus and genocide of Kashmiri Pundits and the fact that it was totally ignored as if it never happened and the fear that it may again happen to any other state of India, to a place where you and your family resides. 

Post Godhra riots, the impression is that only Muslims lost their loved ones and that the number was in thousands. Here is the truth - 790 muslims and 254 Hindus died in the riots. Now lets do the Maths - 
790 + (254+58) = 1102 (58 victims of Sabarmati Express)
therefore, 
28.31 % Hindu and 71.69% Muslim victims. 

My heart breaks to even imagine how it would have felt to go through such perilous times, for every Muslim, for every Hindu...for every Human being!
But, no matter how gross it was to do the math of dead bodies, it helps us see how easily the 28% were totally ignored and forgotten. It shows us the bitter truth about the Secularism of our Media and elite liberals that choose to ignore the tears of the Majority. 

Post 2002 there has not been a single case of riots in Gujrat. Had there been one, the media would have hounded Modi. Some would say that this peace only exists due to fear. To every reader, regardless of Her/His faith/religion/background, I ask, will you prefer to lose you loved ones and your property destroyed or peace, even if it exists due to fear? I would, without hesitation, chose peace. 

Still, lets hang Modi. 
but for what reason? For riots or for not being able to stop the riots?
Clearly, the trigger for the riots was Sabarmati Express. Hence lets hang him for not being able to stop the riots. Right?
Let us ignore Supreme Court's verdict. Who cares what the apex court of our Nation says. We shall stick to what media, Politicians and elite leftists and liberals wants us to believe.

But, in this clip, in front of his bitter rivals, Digvijay Singh and Fahrooq Abdulah, he reveals when the riots broke out, the Gujrat govt. sent fax to the neighboring states Chattisgarh, Maharshatra and Madhya Pradesh to send help for riot control. The request was denied. Wouldnt his arguments be thrashed by these two if they could? Even with the limited Police force, the riots were brought under control in 3 days. Assam riots continued for 3 months and the '84 riots in 3 days claimed over 8000 lives. Do I need to give statistics for genocide of Kashimiri Pundits? Shouldn't we demand the same for the culprits in these cases too? or is it that Hindus and Sikhs are better off dead?


I have heard some conspiracy theorists saying that the Sabarmati Express incident was pre-planned by BJP-RSS. Now, thats a new angle. Here is another one - what if it really was pre-planned and those that planned it made it look like it was pre-planned by the 'Saffron terrorists'? If we were to stick to a conspiracy theory, which one should we stick to? Obviously, the one that has been repeated over and over again. After all, whatever is repeated several times, ultimately becomes the truth. No? 

Let us overlook the praises for Modi by Maulana Ghulam Vastanvi, at the cost of his post of Deoband's rector and Maulana Mahmood Madani, general secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. These Maulanas obviously know shit about Godhra as compared to Arundhati Roy. Right?

Let us forsake all reasons and believe what we are made to believe, let us cease to think and let our religious beliefs take over our logic. Let us hang Modi! For if we dont, chances are, there wont be any riots anymore in the country and hence no other political party will get any chance to fan religious and communal sentiments of the downtrodden 'Aam Juntaa' for their petty gains. 

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?