Dawn of 2013- Another year of Kali-yuga ????

Year after year, we the inhabitants on the “Holy” soil of India pray for a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful, Powerful, and Prosperous New Year. Once again SUN of 2012 is about to set & we eagerly await for the Rising SUN of 2013. The poignant tragedy to the Family of the Brave Girl, who fought her battle for a LIFE in KALI-YUGA but suffered, struggled & succumbed in the last month of 2012 shattered “Humanity” on the land of all Greats of the World & made us to believe the theory of Kali-yuga, as preached by folklore. 

Reproduced are few thoughts on Kali-yuga from Vedic Knowledge online:


“According to the Vedic scriptures, our current age, known as Kali-yuga, is one of spiritual darkness, violence and hypocrisy. Srimad-Bhagavatam (12.2.31) records Kali-yuga as having begun when the constellation of the seven sages (saptarsi) passed through the lunar mansion of Magha. Hindu astrologers have calculated this to have been 2:27 a.m. on February 18, 3102 BC. This took place some 36 years after Lord Krisna spoke Bhagavad-Gita to Arjuna. 

It had been preached that during the 432,000 year age of Kali-yuga humanity will deteriorate and fall into barbarism. Political leadership falls into the hands of unprincipled rogues, criminals and terrorists, who use their power to exploit the people. Thieves are numerous and rapes are frequent. There are many beggars, and widespread unemployment. Merchants operate corrupt businesses.
Diseases, rats, and foul substances plague the populace. Water is lacking, fruits are scarce. Everyone uses vulgar language.  The men of Kali-yuga seek only money. 
 Only the richest have power. People without money are their slaves. The leaders of the state no longer protect the people, but plunder the citizenry through excessive taxation. Farmers abandon living close to nature. They become unskilled labourers in congested cities. Many dress in rags, or are unemployed, and sleep on the streets. Through the fault of the government, infant mortality rates are high. False gods are worshiped in false ashrams, in which pilgrimages, penances, charities and austerities are all concocted.”

After going through the above depiction of Kali-yuga, don’t we believe that we are passing through the Age of Kali-yuga only? Not the ostensible imagination of “Modern” India to be amongst “Superpower” by 2020.

We must pray to GOD for reversing the hypothesis of Kali-yuga & bestow Indian society with a Commanding & Ubiquitous Leaders  like Lord Krishna who can Rule & ruin the Rogue elements by “Complete destruction” of “Adharma” (evil). Political system in the country calls for insistent cleansing by the People power & youth revolution so that the sanctity of “Truth”, "Honesty", “Humanity” & “Justice” prevails.

May the year 2013 turn out to be a YEAR of OPTIMISM, ENTHUSIASM, AWAKENING & REVOLUTION Year for Indian society to roll back or stop the wheel of “Kali-yuga”.

"Active" &"Passive" phases of Life

My father had a terrible Brain stroke in January 2012 with Paralysis on his right side affecting vocal chord as well. With over seven decades of his "active" life, watching him in such state of distress is throbbing on our minds & forcing us to witness an 'unwanted" "passive" phase in his journey of Life. At one time  Doctors,too expressed  inability to console us by few "good" or even diplomatic words & we were made to believe that there is complete "dark" future in rest of life journey for my father that too with conditional allusion haunting around us always-"if survived".

Though physically in "passive" state , yet his enthusiasm, & willpower to become "active" through medication, Physio therapy ,Reiki etc are always evident in his eyes.

Our family, members of Dwivedi clan, relatives, former colleagues of father & well wishers of my family all prayed for his recovery. By God's grace he is recovering & slowly but steadily getting over the phase of fretfulness. However whenever we interacted during the course of his ordeal,fighting for recapturing a normal "active" role in the life journey, it turned out to be "role reversal" for us wherein we kept consoling & tried to boost/cheer up the confidence of father to prevent him to go into "depression".

The kind of experience we have had & my father's tribulation at the age of 72 once again proved how the path of "sinusoidal" waves is synonymous with life path of any individual,crossing through positive & negative "peaks"yet we continue to rejoice positive peaks & restrain during negative peaks with optimism to get over to regain positive peaks or in other words "Faith is the sense of life,that sense by virtue of which man does not destroy himself,but continues to live on. It is the force whereby we live." as perceived by Leo Tolstoy.

We all strongly believe & have faith in GOD that my father would continue to live on with transformation into "active" phase soon with his spirited fight for life to recuperate posiive cycle of sinusoidal wave in his life journey.

 

Disgrace to Indian Democracy- Is Mamta Head of Cabinet???

Is this the kind of "democracy" our Constitution advocates,where Prime Minister becomes so "toothless"? In the era of coalition politics, now time has come for a major Constitutional amendment to empower PM alike President of USA i.e presidential system. Perhaps, PM may become more authoritative or "Dictator" type in negative sense,but in 5 year term atleast he/she will be able to implement his VISION & MISSION for country with a definitive Power,Role & Responsibility.So far, Manmohan singh seems to be the "Weakest" PM of India since independence.

Most of Scams /corruption like 2G, Commonwealth Games or ISRO controversy or mess up in civil aviation sector can be very well attributed to extremely inefficient & weak adminstrative management at highest level(PM/PMO). It is not due to PM's skill sets,rather a poignant fact of Coalition Politics.(PM honestly admitted long back the fact in the face to face with Media). But Why this Chaos? A firm stand could have led to loosing power but might have  rejuvenated the esteem of PM & UPA.

If Mamta/Jaylalitha/Sonia have power to administer Govt,PM designation should be "Coordinating PM" and all controlling individuals could be designated as "Co PMs" alike Co-Chairman/Chairperson of Cabinet.
Shocked to see Mamta made exit of a Cabinet Minister in 5min with a "brazen" attitude. When Anna Team was protesting & criticizing about the state of Parliamentary democracy, the whole Political -clan was up against protecting 'Parliamentary supremacy" as bestowed under Constitution. PM as the head of Cabinet regrets for the exit of Railway Minister but he does not have power to uphold Cabinet decision on Railway Budget which would have been cleared by Cabinet before presenting in the Parliament.

Perhaps, Mamta made mockery of parliamentary democracy, diminishing the credibilty of PM to the lowest level ever since independence.

"Trends" Witnessed by Generation in 80s & Ist decade of new Millenium

Those in late 40s or early 50s have passed through an "Age" where importance of  Bicycle as one of the main "Vehicle", Indian Post Office being the main "Message Carrier" from one place to another, or to have a Telephone ,Telex at home  be the real sense of pride, receiving or sending a "Telegram" indicated  an urgency or emergency etc etc...  form the facets of one's life. No shopping malls or multiplexes yet youth enjoyed "chahal-pahal of"sadar bazar" or "nukkar" kind of shops or by sitting in a Box or Balcony of a "Cinema Theatre" /Talkies ( Reaching to the Ticket Window after standing in a 'Q" for hours was alike "Victory" in a war).

Hamara "Bajaj" Scooter, Luna/TVS Mopeds, Padmini Premier Fiat, Maruti Omni etc. were in great demand,which all have been replaced or "upgraded" now by Motorbikes, Segmented brands of Car ( Hyndai, Honda, Toyota, Scoda, Audi, WolkesWagon, GM's Nissan, BMW ... .......)in the Wishlist of Society in the Ist decade of  New Millenium.  

In Offices, existence of Electronic Typewriters demonstrated the stature or repute of Organizations. On the "social" front too, the young generation of 80s ( particularly of Middle class or lower Middle class) was more or less conservative, conventional follower of  traditions,customs & of parents, religious by nature,which one may conclude as "negative" aspect or may call it a Society controlled or Parent -controlled generation but  some may praise as "positive" attributes (I may be biased belonging to same Generation).

However, this is the Cohort which has been most benefitted of having Witnessed the Old "golden" period of watching Doordarshan's Krishi Darshan program with same enthusiasm as Watching 200  channels through DTH, or shouting "loudly" on the speakers of Handsets of Telephone for reaching to the near & dear through trunk calls,then came 'Pitroda-Rajeev Gandhi" duo efforts culminated into creation of C-DoT &  commencement of telecom revolution to bring about concept of STD/ISD/PCO booths in India & thereafter with mobile telephony, 3G, Web Chat, I Phone, series of options through social networking for friendhip or socializing beyond your street ,mohalla or city or even country revolutionized everyone & gave a  feeling to the Youth of 80s to be fortunate in their Middle Age  as a "Bystander" to the changing trends of modern Society.

Today's GenNext Professionals spend almost 25% of their professional time abroad by frequent visits,whereas if any member of family visits abroad in late 80s or 90, he will be given an "emotional" send off by Family & relatives at Airport by following traditional rituals before leaving the Motherland. Going to Airport itself used to induce a spark & energy to anyone in 80s.

On Professional front, perhaps transforming from "khat-khat" type of Typewriter to the "self" governed PCs /laptop was partuclarly painful for few of us. I remember when first time "wordstar" based PCs landed in our Office, we all thought that now our Office Typist will have to be trained on this modern version of "Typewriter". But that was a "big" myth & misconcept of many of us.

Today "Top" to "Bottom" string of any Management, it has become essential that all should be PC conversant i.e Knowledge of Modern day.  "Typing skill" ( PC Operation) is one of the must "desired" attribute in any organization. Whether Engineer, Doctor, Architect or Office Secretaries ,all need to be very good "Modern Typist". Ultimately, Generation of 80s learned, transformed, witnessed, became "compatible" to all trend changes in the 1st decade of new Millenium

Finally, One way the young breed of 80s is lucky enough to have blended taste of everything conventional "dialled" life to all hightech- "One click" or  I-Tech or "Touch" tech kind of Trends in  45-50 years of their journey of life.

"Fast" politics- New trend, courtesy Anna

A good outcome of Annaji's fast was to trigger a new era of "Fast" politics by Politicians. "Fast", Anshans, Satyagrah etc. were forgotten by modern Politiciancs who believed more in "Rally" politics in which "paid" public is mobilized to show the strength of individual leaders or parties.

Upbeat with the success of Annaji's Fast, "Professional" politicians felt the Anna's tool is better than any other forms of political activities to win over People. However, the latest 3 days"Fast" by Narendra Modi in Gujarat failed to impress upon anyone other than his sycophant or BJP circle. Though we have been praising for the developmental agenda he has been pushing for & could achieve as well in Gujarat. Prosperity & progress of Gujarat & upliftment of urban areas particularly Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat, Rajkot etc. are the examples of good governance in Gujarat.
But Modi's "Sadbhawna Fast" & his speeches in the function exposed him as an arrogant Politician indulged in "self- praise" posing as "self styled" massiah of 6 crores Gujarati. In fact his addresses in the function might have declined his popularity in national arena. Though developments took place in Gujarat but no body can claim that Gujarat is a "zero" corruption state.

The general form of corruption exists in Gujarat alike any part of the country. Anyone can go to RTO office, Property & estate registration office, different "inspectors" from Sales tax to Excise to Police or factory/industry ,will find same "Indian" style corruption virus everywhere, but somehow covered under the carpet of "development" visible on the ground.

It looked as the Modi's Fast & 3 days conclave should have been propagated as the" Modi-Felicitation" event where "Modi-Chalisa" was chanted. Instead of Sadbhawna Fast, I found it a State supported "Jai ho Modi" show. For attaining Statesmanship of the stature of Indira Gandhi, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel,Lal Bahadur Shastri or BJP's Atal Bihari Vajpayee, these kind of Fast-politics may not help ,rather it would puncture Modi's dream of becoming PM.

Anyway, though "no near" to beat Modi in 'poltics", Shanker Singh Vaghela too tried to perform the tantrum of "Fast" to regain his political "ground". On watching them ( both Modi & Vaghela) both on "Fast", somebody murmured " Kahan Anna aur Kahan ye Nautankibaj". Difference between Anna's fast & Modi-Vaghela fast was Anna's fast was for the People & by the People by Heart, whereas Modi's Fast was to get "personal" mileage to improve upon his prospects for future "PM" & Vaghela sat on "Fast"with the insignificant objectives and no support from National level leaders. Anna's fast was selfless "Fast" for the Country, Modi's act was full with selfish motive pretending to be for the Country,but was for Him only.

Anna's Fast ended in positive note but doubt on "sense" of Parliament -Whether it was really "dil se"?

74 years Gandhian & an Honest fighter against Corruption Shri Anna's fast ended after 12 days in a happy note. Our hon'ble PM on August 15 remarked that parliamentry supremacy is imortant & Anna should not go for Fast  as it is not good for Indian democracy. Same PM on August 27 told that People's will passed through/as Parliament will.

Though the "sense" of House passed in Parliament for forwarding to Standing Parliamentary Committee,but as we watched debate in Loksabha, we could not get feeling that its a true "sense" of Parliament.

It looked as if Members of Parliament are under pressure to end Anna's fast 'temporarily' at that moment. I still doubt whether the 3 sticking points will really be deliberated by heart ( dil se) by our Parliamentary representatives. Maybe it will further prolong through series of consultations,meetings, points vs Counterpoints & we may not see the Lokpal Bill through atleast in year 2011. India celeberated "victory" for hearing "in principle" approval of points by Politicians raised by Annaji but question is even Corrupt politicians too would not vouch for "corruption" in their statements irrespective of their acts in reality,hence merely Parliament desk thumping by members would not ensure an effective or strong Lokpal Bill. I am sure the next time Govt will play around with the slogans like "national consensus" or broad agreement amongst all parties are essential etc.etc. It happened for Women reservation bill too.
Now we have to wait & watch how Lawyer turned Politician & Chairman of Standing Committee Mr Abhishek Manu Singhvi will "technically" examine the 'sense"of Parliament resolution once it reached under his ambit. Looking to the past records, I have my own doubt ( one may call it a cynical view) that the Govt will be able to enact strong Lokpal incorporating essential points raised by Anna team. And we may have to prepare for Annaji's fast in future as well till the TRUE SENSE BY HEART prevails among Parliamentarians.  

64 years of Free India,"Swatantra Bharat"- A matured democracy?

Today is August 15,2011,yet another birthday being celebrated for Indian Nation. Year after year,this day comes,we hear patriotic songs,stories on TV channels, go through special issues of Newspaper,magzines narrating inspirational stories about leaders who fought for our freedom from British. We feel proud in pronouncing India as the most matured democracy of the world,but at times,incidents & behaviour of our political class raises doubt on maturity of our democracy & force us to believe in thought that though we got freedom from British,yet we are not free from our own political rulers.During emergency in 1975, 'free' India had to face another struggle for the ceased fundamental rights under Indiraji's regime which ultimately restored with Loknayak JP's"samagra kranti" movement. In general, even with "emotional fool" tag Indian citizens have shown tremendous patience,tolerance barring coarse or crude response/behaviour during Anti Sikh riots,probably the "worst" period or "toughest" test of Democratic India to hold together a diverse Society across India.

In 1992, again Indian state encountered widespread odium amongst Hindu & Muslim brothers & it looked the country will be doomed into civil war & there may not be any solution other than imposing an Emergency.  But once the "emotional" content of brainy Indians diminished, the normalcy prevailed & democratic principles of Indian constitution once again proved to be the noble cause for sovereignty of country. The dawn into new millennium witnessed India entereing into an era of "coaltion" politics,wherein none of national parties is getting Majority to rule the country. The coalition period of our democracy may have been the period of "Corrupt age" when Indian public heard of loot of not lakhs or croes but "thousands of crores" or "hundred of crores"  ( No doubt,it also indicated India's economic progress as well on the postive side). Present Indian Prime Minister acknowledged indirectly the "Corruption" as the outcome of Coalition politics, showing his helplessness, "Coalition" era in Democracy may not be permanent.  Today, our democracy is eagerly waiting for a good National leader with integrity & dedication to lead the nation & make it corrupt free.

On the eve of Anna Hazare's Fast for the Janlokpal, again Indian democracy being tested for resilience & maturity under such conditions. So far, UPA govt acted out of nervousness & is making all efforts to suppress the Anna's movement or aggression,which is the sign of an Immatured & frightened Govt of India under UPA.

 Article 19 ( 1) b of Indian Constitution gives us the right to assemble peacefully and without arms. This right is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India and public order. Anna's movement is not going to affect on India's sovereignity and integrity then why Govt of India is so harsh on him? Rather, UPA should come forward in supporting Anna Hazare & work hand in hand for the cause of corrupt free India. Jan lokpal bill draft of Anna and Govt both could have been published by Govt of India & public comments could have been sought on both the Bills.

In Democracy "Parliament' is supreme only because representatives sitting in Parliament are elected by People & Rule for the People, by the People are fundamentals on which pillars of strong Indian nation had been conceived after independence. The representatives of "Supreme" Parliament should not become "super" Supreme to ignore public voices who elected them to serve the public,not to suppress them,if they protest for any cause.

On 64th Birthday of Free India, while we feel proud of being the national of World's fastest developing nation having sound economic prosperity, scientific & technological prowess attained by our largest pool of human capital, a glorious history of developed civilization, great empires on Indian soil like Mauryan ,Gupta periods etc., but there is a sense of distress among large section of Society witnessing the turn of events on Anna's Fast & an "immature" Govt response,particularly spokesperson of Congress party,talking "rubbishy' or "abusive" language on Anna. They need to be reminded  how an adamant ruler like Indira Gandhi dethroned by Jaiprakash Narayan movement in 1977. Matured democracy has inbuilt principle of great respect, resilience towards the public view & non violent protests have been the part & parcel of public or people's  right to voice their views before Govt.

Let us pray that "God loving" nation India will once again get through ( by the grace of GOD) in the test for degree of Maturity in our democracy on August 16 onwards & great sense of wisdom prevails upon the present days rulers to tackle Anna's movement.

Jai Hind, Jai Akhand Bharat