SOUTH SUDAN

One by one, almost all Islamic Afro-Arabian countries are undergoing civil wars. After Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt and Syria, it is now the turn of the baby african country South Sudan. It became separate and free from Sudan in 2011 and only within two years of independence, it is in throes of an unprecedented political chaos. By now over one lakh people of this small country have been uprooted from their home and hearth. The administration is yet not very clear about the exact number of casualties.
This political uncertainty has two angles. Firstly, it is due to political ambition of President Salva Kiir and his Vice President Riek Machar. In July, 2013 The President accused his deputy of launching a failed coup after which he was sacked. The VP since then has been secretly organising his followers to take revenge upon Kiir. Secondly, the flare has assumed a tribal tinge. The President belongs to the Dinko tribe whereas Machar hails from the Nuer tribe. In support of their respective leaders, both the tribes are bent upon decimating each other.The United Nations Security Council had sent 7000 strong peace-keeping force to South Sudan. When the peace could not be restored, another contingent of 12,000 soldiers and 7,000 policemen were despatched to the disturbed areas in Dec 2013. In this politico-tribal violent disturbances, the peaceful common people are suffering badly.
South Sudan is very rich in respect of petrol. It was believed that with this oil, the country could earn a lot of foreign exchanges to make the life of its people happy because in the undivided Sudan, this southern part of the country was utterly neglected. However the ensuing civil war has put water on the people's optimism. According to the newspapers, on Dec 27, the oil producing countries of Africa held an emergent meeting to handle the situation. They appealed to both sides to join hands in restoring peace. The President was urged to release the Machar supporters incarcerated in connection with the revolt to dethrone Kiir regime. According to available information, both sides are ready to abide by this peace move. Let us hope that normalcy will return to this baby country and the people will be free to build their nation.

SATYAMEV JAYATE

                                               

On Dec 26, when the Gujarat High Court dismissed the appeal of Zakia Jafri, challenging the finding of the SIT, constituted by the Supreme Court giving a clean chit to Narendra Modi, the gang of Modi bashing took a nose-dive. They lost a handy grist to thrash him left and right. Even Samajvadi Party, which has the highest number of riots in UP and has not been able to curb the Muzaffarnagar communal flare-ups after several months, does not forget the Gujarat riots of 2002. The worst communal anti- Sikh communal riots of 1984 in the country is brushed under the carpet and post-Godhra riots are recalled to decry Modi. Modi is rightly taking the credit of checking the incidents faster than anywhere else so much so that the state, defamed for communal riots during the Congress dispensation, has not confronted any fresh in last 13 years.

When an issue is sub judice, politicians avoid to comment on it. But that did not happen with regard to Modi. The SC constituted SIT to enquire into the entire incident of that riot. Even then Lalu yadav, the then Railway Minister deputed Justice (retd) UC Banerjee to conduct an enquiry which was wrong. While this inquiry was going on, no non-BJP political leaders eschewed criticizing Modi. They never said that it was sub-judice. When the SIT submitted its report finding no involvement of Modi, these elements, respecting the SC should have kept mum. They never wanted this issue to cool off as they could prove themselves as secular by abusing Modi day in and day out as communal. They have made the complainant ready for further appeal to a higher court so that their anti-Modi shop remained open.  Six crores of Gujaratis are fools who elected him continuously for third term as the CM and Nitish Kumar, Shakeel Ahmad, Rajiv Ranjan and several spokesmen of other parties are wise enough to protect the minorities from a concocted fear of Modi. The growing popularity of Modi has brought sleepless nights for the Congress and similar other parties. So in a planned way they are targeting the BJP prime ministerial candidate.

On being absolved of fantastic communal charges, Modi has taken a sigh of relief after 13 years. His blog of the date is an example of his highly sentimental views. His brief message is ‘satyamev jayate’. Have others heard it ?

VIDYAPATI JAYANTI

                                               

 I was out of Delhi for five days when I had gone to Allahabad to attend the Vidyapati Jayanti, organized by the Mithila Sanskritik Sangam, Prayag on Dec 22, 120013. The forenoon session, with Justice  Dharnidhar Jha in the Chair, was based on the theme, “Pravasi Maithilak sanskritik ksharan aaor sanrakshan”. I had the privilege of being its chief guest.

Over half a dozen of scholars, in their intellectually refined speeches tried to trace the reasons of Maithils, residing in different parts of the country, being lukewarm to their culture.They were of the view that there was no opposition to get their wards educated in English but that does not permit the leniency to ignore Maithili in the family as well. Over and above that, when we know that the man before me is a Maithil, why I should interact with him in any foreign or other Indian language. Similarly, we should strictly observe every minute detail of our ‘karmkand’ while observing festivals and social functions like marriage, sacred threat ceremony or even the post- obituary rituals. The learned speakers also lamented the sorry state of affairs in respect of publications and urged upon all to buy Maithili books and patronize the writers and poets.

A colourful cultural programme was organized in the evening which was presided over once again by Justice Jha with Dr Bindeahwar Pathak, founder, Sulabh Sanitation Movement as the guest in honour. In this session, the organizers honoured Dr Pathak with paag, shawl and garlands. Dr Pathak, responding to the organizers announced to donate Rs 10 lakh for making a building at the Sangam where Maithil pilgrims could stay with proper bed and food. For last couple of years, the organizers have been rewarding (Rs 1,100/- each) to some Maithil  students having performed well in the UP Board examination. Dr Pathak, like a true Bhama Shah announced to give Rs 5,000/- each to 50 brilliant Maithil students performers from next year. Giving a touch of his creativity, Dr Pathak also sang some Maithili traditional songs, in accompaniment of the Sulabh Sangeet Section. The famous Maithili singer, Amod Jha, with his troupe entertained the jampacked house with several famous Vidyapati compositions. Justice Jha, in his concluding remarks emphasized the need of unity and commitment to our cultural heritages, tangible or intangible. He assured of his full cooperation in any such great public causes.       

                            SOMETHING  BLACK  IN  ARMY  LENTIL

When the former  Army Chief Genl V K Singh had problems about his date of birth, it also transpired that he had some misunderstanding with Genl Bikram Singh who was already slated to succeed him. Since the MOD was not happy with Genl Singh, the latter's unwillingness could not create any stumblingblock for the new incumbent.  The impression was in the air that Genl Bikram Singh was innocent.However, the recent development has shown that he is not that simple and disciplined.

Genl Bikram Singh had been on official visit to USA from Dec 2-5, 2013 where he came to notice for transgressing his brief. There he was awarded the  Legion of Merit which is the sixth highest military award of that country. This programme was not on the agenda and he did not show the courtesy of informing his ministry.

It is not the fact that he is the first recipient of this honour. As a matter of fact this award is given to both the local and military dignataries of USA and foreign countries. Already Field Marshal Kariappa had been honored with this prestigious award and Genl Bikram singh was the fifth Indian Army officer to get this honour.

What is more surprising is the lack of any official Indian go ahead in this regard. As a matter of fact, Genl Singh did not deem it proper to inform the authorities here. Consequently, the Defence Minister has not taken it softly. He may serve a show cause notice on Genl Singh. He may give something in reply which may or may not be convincing. But what about the status of disciline which is plinth of any unifirmed force?

INDIAN LANGUAGES IN JEOPARDY

Do you know that the position of Hindi is going down for some strange reasons.  An unending agitation has been going on in post-Independence India by different communities for getting their languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Whenever a language/dialect is elevated to this position, the number of its speakers is deducted from the total of Hindi speakers. This, obviously dilutes the position of Hindi among the major languages in the world. The Chinese language, continues to enjoy the top position in this regard. On the other hand, Hindi has been losing ground. It requires to be taken up at appropriate levels to ensure that our national language, deserving recognition in the UNO, continues to retain its proper standing.

It appears that we have not been very much concerned over other languages/dialects of our country. According to a survey by the Language Research and Publication Centre, Vadodra it has been recorded that in the last half a century, 220 languages have disappeared due to this callous attitude. It has pointed out that in the similar survey of 1961, there were 1,100 languages out of which only 880 are alive. One of the reasons for this collapse was the faulty yardstick of not recognizing any language if it was not being spoken by at least 10,000 people. Secondly, there are certain communities known for their profession of indulging in criminal activities. In order to avoid this blot, the concerned communities, deliberately stopped speaking their dialect.

Recently I was in Jharkhand for about a week to attend a conference. There I learnt that there are 32 tribes still existing in that state. By and large they speak their own languages. Nothing significant is being done at the state government level for their progress. Several languages of small communites have already died out and if the same neglect continues, many more of the existing ones may also disappear. We are so proud of our rich heritages. Can one gauge the amount of loss on this cultural front if even in free India, we keep on losing age-old languages, of which any country would feel proud? 

TIT FOR TAT

                                               

Some days back, in this blog, we had discussed how China imposed a binding on foreign flights over an island in the East China Sea. Even though, the island is under the administrative control of Japan, China did not hesitate to show off her arm twisting policy obviously like a big brother. The policy disturbed not only the littoral countries but the super powers as well. Pressure was put on China by the US to see the dangerous implications of this step and reconsider its decision. China known for its obstinate approaches, accordingly declined to retress its move. This has forced the affected countries to go for similar arrangements in their regions to teach a lesson to the dragon.

In this connection, the dea of  Dr Subramanian Swamy, an expert on the Chinese affairs, given on Dec 9, 2013 in an academic lecture in Chennai, appears to be a good reply. He has suggested that If a good port was constructed near Malacca Strait in the Indian Ocean, it would pay China in its own coin. According to Dr Swamy, for this solid step, India will have to take Indonesia in confidence. Both the countries should build this port in between the southern tip of our Andaman & Nicobar Island and Sumatra of Indonesia. It is the vital sea route via which 90% of the Chinese maritime trade passes. Then both the countries may require the ships and planes to declare their freight, flight plan and take necessary prior permission to use the sea and air routes of the region. Once this vital maritime Chinese trade is subject to restriction and adversely affected, she would realize the folly of its East China Sea misadventure.

This bold measure is bound to have more benefits in the international arena for both India and Indochina. Mutual friendship between both the countries will be further strengthened. In case of any pin-pricks from China both  can  face together. Other countries like Japan, Taiwan, and vietnam will also realize the possibility and benefits of such counter measures. On the other hand China will be forced to understand that no country, big or small will keep mum when its territorial integrity is jeopardized. It is hightime for India and Indinesia to think seriously about the feasibility of such a project.

TALK TOILET

So long society is reluctant to give the importance that toilet deserves in our public life, we shall keep on talking about it. How many people are aware that Nov 19 is observed every year as the World Toilet Day. Many may be knowing the date as Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s b-day. Sponsored by Sulabh, the day was observed in the FICCI Auditorium when a 250- kg toilet shaped cake was cut. Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, on this occasion opined that it might look funny to many but as a matter of fact, this symbolic gesture carried a deep meaning.

To mark the day, the major newspapers brought out the World Bank report revealing some shocking facts and figures. It surprised us when it informed that about 2.5 billion people in the world are not having access to clean toilets. In India alone, around 600 m people or 53% of the population resort to open defecation. In India, 1,310 lakh households lack inhouse toilets. Though there are 80 lakh public conviences, many more are required forthwith.  Since toilet is a civilisational norm, open defecation and culture cannot coexist. Jaehyang So, Manager, World Bank expressed that “open defecation is at the root of many development challenges”.

On Nov 19 itself, while in a train to Ranchi, in a Hindi newspaper, I came across a stunning news that in the matters of open defecation, Jharkhand is occupying the top slot in the world. In its rural areas, 92.4% houses have no toilets. In 2010, the UNDP released its human development report according to which in the African countries like Niger and Chad, 91% houses were not having toilets. Burkina Faso and Ethopia with 89% were on the third position. The figure quoted above about Jharkhand are based on the population figures of 2011 which by far surpasses others. However, the Jharkhand state Govt has challenged these figures. They put it between 35 to 42%.

Without going into the intricacies of figures, we can straightway say that open defecation by even a single individual is a shame. Despite all the missile and satellite programmes, India cannot command respect in the comity of nations till the complete eradication of the bane of easing out al fresco.

HINDI FILM SONGS AND LITERATURE

For quite sometime, it has been exercising my mind as to why the Hindi lyricists of Bollywood are not finding an honorable place in Hindi literature. On the other hand, the Urdu song writers of our filmland have very well enjoyed acceptance in their literature. Why this dichotomy?

Shahir Ludhiyanvi, Kaifi Azmi and some others are not only nationally reputed lyricists but also acknowledged poets of Urdu literature. Their ghazals, shers and najms are finding place in academic textbooks and mention in the history of their language. Are we giving the same recognition to Hindi song composers of Mumbai films. Are they inferior enough, deserving outright ignorance, which by far is nothing short of humiliation. Please recall some prominent Hindi lyricists like Pradeep, Neeraj, Pt Bharat Vyas, Shailendra and Rabindra Jain and tell me if their several immortal compositions have been incorporated in any Hindi literary authentic books?  

Aao bachchon tumhe dikhyen jhanki Hindustan ki, Jahan dal-dal par sone ki chiriya karti hai basera, man tarpat hari darshan ko aaj, Bharat ki lalnaon ke dukhre jab tak honge sab churn nahin, sajan re jhooth mat bolo, tora man darpan kahlaye and several others, having been on the lips of the public uplifted the concerned films as blockbusters have failed to impart a literary place for their composers. If there is a rich poetry in any song and it has moved the cinegoers, why it should be untouchable in literary works?

We are aware of the priceless contribution of Bollywood films in popularizing Hindi worldwide. So by ignoring the Hindi filmi songs  a place in books of poetries, the iteratati are doing a great disservice to the overall cause of Hindi.    

LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

                                               

A pugilist, cricket and art lover, sultan of anti-apartheid movement, a true Gandhian and an indomitable freedom fighter Nelson Mandela breathed his last on Dec 5, 2013 at the ripe age of 95, leaving the people over the world to mourn his sad demise. He was a real harbinger of freedom in African subcontinent in particular and the world in general. Born in a small village of South Africa, he rose to the presidentship of his motherland and becoming a Nobel Laureate were some of his extraordinary achievements which are rarely achieved by a man in his life-time.

He held high the anti-apartheid flag and never surrendered to the cruel colonial rulers till he was alive. For this lofty cause, he had to undergo untold trials and tribulations. To pass 27 years of his priceless youth in little cell is a sacrifice for which, the generations of coming freedom lovers will not forget him. He was closeted in a prison cell of the Robben Island for as long as 18 years. When finally he was released in 1990, the world took a sigh of relief. The grateful countrymen chose him as the first President. Mahatma Gandhi was the first person on the South African land who launched a serious movement against the outrages of the colonial rulers. As such, Mandela’s success brought a special cause for happiness in India. Accordingly, later on, India awarded the Desh Ratna, which is the highest civil award of the country and the first to a foreigner.

In one more sense, South Africa, under his leadership imbibed a lesson from India. Mahatma Gandhi, Pt Nehru, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel did not permit their countrymen to be revengeful towards the Englishmen, who had subjected the people to extremely inhuman treatments. All the institutions, laid down by them were allowed to run as usual. As a result, India kept on modernizing herself through education and technology. South Africans also adopted the same tolerance towards the rulers who practiced apartheid. This pragmatic approach paved the way for the development of this new democratic country. Education continued to improve the public thinking. Mandela encouraged the South Africans to adopt everything good, introduced by the colonial regime.

We may recall how the politicians in London used to Humiliate Mahatma Gandhi by naming him as a half-naked ‘faqir’. They refused to talk to an uncivilized man in loin cloth. Winston Churchill had said about Gandhi, “ He has all the virtues that I dislike and all vices I admire”. Gandhi never bowed down to their supercilious whims and stuck to his own guns. Nobody should wonder over this typical racial temperament. They have not produced a greater man like Gandhi and still managed to deny him the Nobel Prize. However some other greatmen like Martin Luther King II, Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama oblisingly admitted to have been inspired by Gandhi, but all of them are black. Among the white, only Einstein had said that Gandhi was so great that hundred years hence, people will not believe that a man of bones and flesh like him ever walked on this earth. Mandela had this realization. May his soul rest in peace!        

TWO WORRYING REPORTS

                                  

If a country claims to be almost developed and a super power, it is necessary that she should score well on different internationally acknowledged parameters to justify its stand. Every year some journals and institutions, after their close monitoring of facts, publish their findings regarding the status of a country on peace, price, cleanliness, industry friendliness, corruption etc. In this connection, two recent reports have taken us aback.

The first report gives its finding about the level of corruption in different countries. Denmark and New Zealand have been found on the top as they have zero level corruption. India on the other hand is much below, on the 98^th position. Several other developing countries are better placed than us. It is acknowledged that the red tape and the demand of illegal gratification in govt offices are impeding our overall development. Prevalence of rampant corruption also damages our image as a respectable country. Some US based organizatio have taken adverse notice of crime against women in India. Does it cause any concern in the people at the helm of affairs?

The second list, released by the US based Forbes, pertains to industrial atmosphere of different countries. It has covered 145 countries and placed India on 95^th position. New Zealand, occupying the first position last year, has been pushed to second slot. One of the leading developing countries,Brazil at 80^th point is much better than us. They had chosen internal peace, tax regime, governmental interferences, infrastructure, invester-friendly environment, availability of raw materials and labour position to decide the issue. Surprisingly enough, even the Forbes had taken notice of growing crime against the fair sex in India.

The scenario being so, we feel that even when we are going strong in technological field and space programmes, the government in power will have to rededicate to basic requirements like peace, infrastructure, crime control and economic liberalization to attract much needed foreign investments.    

MORE MISCHIEF FROM CHINA

Ever since the Chinese economy started looking up as a result of liberalization, the country has started over-stretching its territorial boundaries and coastal limits, causing anxieties for its neighbours including India. The things did not stop only after annexing Tibet and forcing an uncalled for border skirmishes on India in 1962. We know that it got back and rightly so Hongkong from Great Britain. It has been locking horns with the US to get back Taiwan but so far has not succeeded. It is known to all that there are three islands under Japanese control which China has been claiming and the resultant dispute persists. Recently when India started exploring petrol for Vietnam within its coastal waters, china threatened india to keep off. China has been patronizing North Korea in its mission to embarrass its southern counterpart. China does not hold any fruitful talk with the Dalai Lama so that the Tibetan refugees of 1959 in India could go back to their motherland.

Of late, to be precise, in November last, China suddenly declared a ban on flights without informing it in East China Sea. In East China Sea, there is an island named Diaoyu in Chinese and Sankaku in Japanese. It is a disputed place between both these countries. Presently the island, though not inhabited, is under the administrative control of Japan. China delared it as ‘Air Defence Identification Zone’ (ADIZ). By doing so, China decreed that any aircraft intering into this zone should provide a flight plan, maintain  two-way radio communications and clearly identify their nationality. It loudly declared that any violation would be subject to ‘defensive emergency measures’.

In Japanese estimation, it is a disturbing development. It has directed its Nippon flights to just ignore the zone. Most of the countries of the area, known for their pro-US stand have alleged that China is resorting to provocative measures to antagonize japan in main.The US sent two B-52 bombers to fly over the zone. South Korea and Taiwan have also sent their aeroplanes over the zone to test the water. China, though feeling humiliated, has eschewed from reprising. Still it is feeling crestfallen and the newly elected Chinese president may resort to some misadventure to assert his leadership. The world peace is in danger.