Romanticized Revolutions: Fall of dictators, justice and Syrian diaspora

When Thomas Friedman questions in his article, ‘Will the past bury the future in Arab world or will the future bury the past?’, he seems to naturally tussle with ‘how to define the Arab spring’. Very often, such definitions, do not contain the power of romanticizing the revolution but on the contrary, assimilate them in hollow, abstract units that lose their utter meaning.

‘Difference between Gadaffi, Ben Ali and Mubarak?

In this post, I would attempt to question on certain areas which have yet not been debated, vehemently at the international platform. The first one, remains on how do you describe justice? Justice of the fall of the dictators. In Tunisia and Egypt, both Ben Ali and Mubarak, respectively had not been butchered or assassinated like Gadaffi was. These two dictators, who are still alive, have been toppled and are undergoing trials which do not mention a concrete day of their doomsday in their respective country’s Supreme Courts. Since, the revolution was against their dictatorship, as they has become a murky face of ruthless domination, is subjecting them to court proceedings is what the common man wants? So, should they too, be subjected to be slaughtered by their rebels? On the other hand, the termination of Gadaffi’s lonely breath, meant something greater for Libya. In case, it actually did, for how long and for what kind of utilitarian good? One man’s food is another man’s poison- a proverb coming to life in the Middle Eastern politics. But it still remains a vacuum that were these two fates, one of legislative justice and the other of barbarian justice- the only two fates for these dictators?

‘Real and taught revolution’

Secondly, turning to the difference between a real revolution and a transported revolution.. What happened in Tunisia, sparked the entire Arab uprising. In a real revolution, the citizens know the reason they have to fight for. While, in a transported revolution, they are taught the reason why they should fight for. Like an infectious disease, the wrath mushroomed, each having the loophole of ‘unknown destinations’. It is said, ‘If you do not know where you have to go, then any road will take you there.’. This abstract philosophy can be actually seen in Egypt where people are left wondering, that did they participate in just another military coup or was it a real remonstration. In the taught revolution, there is imitation, lack of leadership and fragmentation. Just because your neighbor did it, you too, should do it. Yes, there was socio-economic disparity, modernized slavery, absence of freedom and expression. But at the same time, at least, there was a representative parliament with its own decorum that knew its ways. Right now, nations fighting for drafting their constitution under the majority of Islamic parties will definitely rely on religion as their new form of domination. So, where is the independence and idea of secularism that needed?

‘Syria’s tomorrow’

Thirdly, what would happen, if Syria too, faces the same destiny as Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. The dictator dies or is ousted, the public still fights against the interim government, more bloodshed and lack of rational unity. Very interestingly, the Arab League has started imposing sanctions on Syria, in my personal opinion, more to shove off the foreign intervention rather than to actually weaken the opposition against Assad. How much would this show off work, depends on time. And so does, the outcome of whatever happens beyond that.

India against Corruption- Why Anna Hazare can not be stopped

With the furore in India transcending the boundaries of ‘constitutional’ and ‘democratic’ logistics, the revolution for banishing corruption is definitely converting into the nation’s second freedom struggle.

Though, the silent absence of Sonia Gandhi, the leader of Congress Party that boasts of stupendous stronghold in Indian Parliament, is further igniting the mayhem. Rahul Gandhi’s immediate discussion with PM Manmohan Singh to cancel the ambiguous arrest of Anna Hazare reveals that he knows how volatile the situation can be.

‘Bureaucracy, past and UN’

The emergency of 1975, if implemented in a country that is more populous, educated and hyper, right now, might not be easily subdued. Also, the entire renaissance for democracy and independence that has infected the world through the Middle Eastern uprising is definitely a lesson that reveals that revolutions cannot be surpassed.

Similarly, its quite interesting to question why UN has still not intervened or made any kind of concrete statement after Anna Hazare’s arrest. One of the main reasons why the Jan Lokpal Bill criticised the rampant modifications made by the government in the course of suiting its own parliamentary needs, states that if in any constitution, the judiciary and the bill is not taking the judges of Supreme/High court in consideration, it leads to the violation of UN Convention against corruption.

‘The One man Army’

The fact made by Human Resources Minister Kapil Sibal stands right that Anna Hazare, who is not a representative through elected process, can not demand changes in the parliament through fasting. But at the same time, its high time he realises that Hazare is no longer ‘just one man’.

I am not talking about how dignified the Team Anna is. Yes, it does include Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal, Swani Agnivesh and Prashant Bhushan but the power of that one man who decided to sacrifice his entire life for public good when he was just 38 years old, can not be dominated.

‘Nabbed Politicians’

Undoubtedly, the politicians are striving to cover each other, justify the arrest, act a superficial game of fake empathy towards citizens by nabbing them in constitutional words. Right now, a common man, after the enactment of government’s lokpal bill does not know whom to report if he complains against a scam. Also, how can the sense of justice prevail in any country which creates a visible difference between the common man and the head of justice, government bodies, president and the prime minister.

It is high time that India needs an answer after the scams. 2011 and 2010 has seen the worst of it all. Be it the Commonwealth scam, the radia tapes controversy, UP government health ambulance scandal, Hasan ali Khan scandal, the 2G spectrum scam, etc.

It takes a lot of compassion, courage and demand for justice to start a revolution. Right now, 1300 protesters have been detained. There is no clear idea about what they would eat and where would they be locked. Obviously, everyone can not be detained. Time is less as everyone is getting on the streets.

Revolution in India: Anna Hazare’s fight to end corruption begins again

Revolution in India: Anna Hazare’s fight to end corruption begins again

Anna Hazare, the 74-year-old activist who has emerged as the national icon representing the revolution against corruption has refused to leave Tihar Jail. Hazare was arrested for using undemocratic means for causing breach in section 144 of Indian constitution through his pledge of starting an indefinite fast on 16^th August.

Prashant Bhushan, a lawyer and one of the members of ‘Team Anna’ has stated that the Gandhi follower is waiting for the government to surrender to the demands of Jan Lokpal Bill. Hazare went on a five day fast from 5^th April to demand the establishment of Jan Lokpal Bill in the Indian constitution that would erase corruption from the country.

‘Twist by the government’

The government has then agreed there the bill would be passed in the Indian parliament and the committee would be governed by a political chairman Pranab Mukherjee and non political chairman Shanti Bhushan.

But rather than passing the discussed version of the bill, the parliament witnessed a modified and politically correct diversion.

This caused rampant hullabaloo in the country with the national capital New Delhi becoming the hot stop for the revolution, often referred to as India’s second freedom struggle.

‘Criticism against lokpal bill’

The main criticism against the government’s lokpal bill which is currently supported by the politicians includes that it does not provide sense of direction to the common man if he wants to report a scam. Also, the critics find the bill against the dalits, workers, peasants, farmers and the middle class men. The president, prime minister and the judges of the Supreme Court and High Court are not included in the purview of the bill that adds to its unjust practice.

‘Government’s defense’

Pranab Mukherjee, the Finance Minister of India stated that the arrest has converted India into a pandemonium. He also stated that there is a method to protest which should be followed while defending the government’s stand in arresting Anna Hazare.

P. Chidambaram, the Minister of Home Affairs called the arrest as completely justified and stated that ‘parliament’s right to make laws cannot be ignored.’

While, Kapil Sibal, the Minister of Human Resource Development called Anna Hazare as a man who is not elected through democratic means demanding the enactment of a law in the parliament.

Though, Anna Hazare and his team have stated that these protests would be completely peaceful rather than being violent or massive gatherings that do not have a purpose.

Hazare had stated that the agitation is against the parliament and not the government. Currently, 1300 supporters have been detained in New Delhi. It is also dreaded that if the protests continue in the way they are, at the moment, it might cause the same situation that lead to the enforcement of emergency in India in 1975.

 

 

Withdrawal of US troops in Afghanistan: A bird of ill Omen for India

After a decade, on 22nd June 2011, the current US President Barack Obama has announced the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

A lot of speculation is being done about the various motives and outcomes of the withdrawal. And perhaps all this chaos, is not good news for India.

To start with, David Ignatius , the famous American journalist states, ‘The quick departure is a guarantee of failure. It risks repeating the mistake the United States made in the 1980s when, after pumping money and guns into Afghanistan to defeat the Soviet Union, America walked away — creating a power vacuum that was exploited by warlords and their regional patrons.’

This time, the power vacuum is being created for India. She would soon be exposed to a vulnerable spot by a Pakistan dominated neighbourhood and unfettered militancy. The precipitous withdrawal of the international forces rewinds the time back to Afghanistan of 1990s. It might turn worse this time. Especially when Al-Qaeda is all set to establish its existence after the death of Osama bin Laden and is engrossed in hunting for havens for executing jeopardising explosions.

Though, the deployment did not ensure that the instability in South Asia would be dealt with. But yes, the withdrawal certainly sounds like a modus operandi.

Harsh V Pant of Defence Studies Department from King’s College, London, states ‘New Delhi has been contemplating the impact of US withdrawal from Afghanistan. If the US left lock, stocks and barrel, India would be left to pick the pieces.’

In an attempt to mend ties with the post America Afghanistan, Indian PM Mr. Manmohan Singh also  pledged $500m in aid to Afghanistan, which comes on top of $1.5bn already promised to the war-torn country. Though, India is still the biggest regional donor to Afghanistan, a position which is highly appreciated by the Western superpowers, its high time when Mr. Singh should realise that aids and funding might not be the best way to combat extremism and terrorism.

‘Indian troops in Afghanistan’

Interestingly, there are around 1000 Indian paramilitary soldiers in Afghanistan. These forces belong to ‘Border Roads Organisation’ and ‘Indo-Tibetan Border Police‘. They play a vital role in safeguarding the large Indian consulates in Afghanistan. In fact, in 2010 itself, Home Minister P. Chidambaram had announced ‘India to send more troops to Afghanistan’.

Retired Indian Major General Ashok K. Mehta states in his Wall Street Journal ‘Pakistanis believe that Indians and Afghans, who share excellent relations, have a mutual interest against them and see India’s presence in Afghanistan as a threat.’

2006 onwards Pakistan has been frequently asking US to restrain the Indian presence in Afghanistan. So, the pull out of troops might prove to be an easy opportunity to finally cash upon the chance.

Unfortunately, the safety of Indian troops in Afghanistan is never talked about.

‘India’s future‘

No doubt, there is nothing heroic in stuffing pockets of enemies and reaching out for a global diplomatic stand. At the same time, there is no point in waiting for another attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul.

But perhaps, its would be wiser to realise who the real enemy is? Is it Taliban in Afghanistan or Pakistan? The answers wont come in a day or two. Till then, India should ‘wait and watch.’

Death Of M.F. Hussain: A Tale of a religious, political and artistic injustice

M.F. Hussain, the most famous Indian painter, often called as the ‘Picasso of India’ died in London today morning at the age of 95. Unfortunately, the Muslim painter, who was into a self-imposed exile right from 2006, has been known more due to ‘venomous criticism’ rather than the purity of his art.

Often linked with Indian modernism, Hussain- the frail old man with white hair could not fulfill his last dream. The dream to return to India, his motherland.

Its still not decided yet, where would the body of the lost artist buried? Will he finally rest in peace in his motherland after his death, or would his dead body still face the punishment of not being embraced back?

Threats of death and violence, court cases and anger from the Hindus, unfortunately, not only threw away the painter out of his own abode. But it also caused destruction to his art, his name and above all, his ideology.

Ironically, Pablo Picasso himself says ‘Art is never chaste. It ought to be forbidden to ignorant innocents, never allowed into contact with those not sufficiently prepared. Yes, art is dangerous. Where it is chaste, it is not art.‘

In spite of being ‘One of the top 500 Influential Muslim in the world‘, ‘highest paid painter’ and above all, ‘ the renowned painter to get Padma Shri’, Hussain had to witness an era in his life in India, when his name entered cheap Page three gossip. Either it was about his fascination with Madhuri Dixit or Tabu- famous Indian actresses or the lack of meaning in his films, often being quoted as monotonous and undecipherable.

During my growing years, I used to recognise him as a ‘Old man who never wore slippers’

Situation worsened when Hussain was severly criticised for drawing the pictures of Indian Goddesses in a nude manner and also painting Mother India, with the names of several Indian states engraved on her naked body. Though, Hussain had to publicly apologise for his art, which I do respect, a simple question comes in my mind.

‘Kamasutra and naked paintings’

India, no doubt, is known for Kama Sutra. She is also known for those famous wall paintings and engraving, which I believe, to a very large extent, do not have fancy attire enveloping them. Both these cases are treated with respect, an epitome of Indian culture with massive study done in their regards.

Unfortunately, when Hussain, a Muslim, which by itself makes him an enemy to Hindu values, had to pay for more than his mistake. My entire question is ‘why to boast of being secular and having the freedom of speech and expression when a man, who is an artist, can not create his own belief?’

‘Clash of politics and religion’

Even Beena Sarwar, a Pakistani writer and documentary film-maker stated ‘He talks about being inspired by Hindu mythology and seeing purity in nudity, a belief reaffirmed by his study of the Hinduism.’

Rather than respecting the fact that Hussain got his inspiration from Mahabharata and Hindu mythology, he was hurled abuses for limiting the recognition of his art in what common people defined as ‘immoral’.

Sashi Tharoor, in one of this columns confessing his regret for not being able to attend Hussain’s exhibition stated ‘In much of Husain’s work, Hindu myths and epic narratives both contribute to and reflect the national consciousness that his own creativity has done so much to influence. In reiterating the epic, the artist and his audience both reaffirm the shaping of their own cultural identity. This is an important statement for Husain to make as a Muslim and an Indian: he is staking his claim to a heritage that some chauvinist Hindus have sought to deny to those not of their own persuasion’

‘How would you remember Hussain’

Interestingly, twitter is literally bombarded with several Indian dignitaries offering condolence to Hussain’s death. My question, in the end is, how to remember Hussain as- a man who bought international fame and recognition to abstract Indian art or a man who rebuked the foundations and beliefs of Hindu religion?

The answer, no doubt, is ‘To each, his own’.

What comes to my mind, instantly is the quote of Martin Luther King that states ‘I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. ‘

Is Indian PM Manmohan Singh’s $5billion grant to Africa a tough competition for China?

Explicit and undeviating PM Dr. Manmohan Singh has offered $5billion grant to the African continent for the next three years, along with $700 million grant for establishment of new institutions.

Recently, Dr. Singh offered $500m to Afganistan for the coming six years.

To any layman this seems like a rapid influx of grants by the Indian economy spanning from 3 to 6 years, inspite of being herself fighting in the morass of credit crunch and excruciating hulabaloo.

Surrounded with tough geographical competitors, when one envisages the second time, the options for India do appear less.

But before delving deeper into the wider consequences of this grant, one must know that both China and India have started this fast paced competition to woo Africa, in their own respective ways.

The main challenging sectors continue to be food, minerals and resources. As China continues to invest in the mining and oil platforms in Sudan, Zimbabwe and Zambia, India chooses to involve with Kenya, Nigeria and Malawi.

‘Spirit of Solidarity’

The Indian Prime Minister Dr. Singh is focussed on harnessing the ‘new spirit of solidarity in the developing countries.

The offer confirmed India’s support in the financial commitment with the continent in the Africa India Forum Summit that took place in  Addis Ababa.

In 2008, India has offered $5.4 billion aid to Africa. Though, countries like China, Turkey, Japan have partnership with Africa, India is the only country which entered the second round of the partnership with the continent.

The trade between Africa and India would witness an increase to 70 billion dollars in 2015 from only 3 billion dollars from 2000-2001, experts say.

Dr. Singh met President of Kenya Emilio Mwai Kibaki, Malawi president Bingnwa Mutharika and President of Senyal Abdoulaye Wade.

‘Agend of the summit’

The agenda of African partnership with India is to enhance the cluster for food processing in the African countries, along with enhancing the centres of weather forecasting and establishment of earth and life sciences institutes.

Dr. Singh also encouraged the intake of African students in Indian universities and confirmed around 10,000 scholarships which would be made available for them in the coming three years.

‘Africa’s benefit’

Dr. Singh who is visiting Africa for the third time in his administrative reign spanning eight years, states that ‘Africa has the potential for global development’.

Jean Ping, the Chairman of African Union Commission stated that when the powerful Western countries were witnessing a downfall, countries like India, China and Brazil did not get affected by recession and hence, their presence had also helped Africa to continue on the paths of development.

Though, Dr. Singh also conveyed the motive that Africa could play a dynamic role in reforming political and global conditions, which included supporting India’s presence in the UN Security Council.

Irrespective of it all, its high time when the nation starts investing in her own foundations, setting up flawless infrastructure and development goal plans, rather than doing the same for the other countries.