Quintessential...

The New Entrant

2011-07-08T11:59:00.002+05:30

The wait is over - we have a new entrant in the family. Sister-in-law Archana delivered a baby girl. It’s a double joy – first, the baby is sweeter than the whole family and another: she is ‘she’.

I wish her a good life

OBC To OBC Calls Free

2011-07-04T12:14:00.004+05:30

I don’t know if I should treat the content of this story appeared in marathi daily sakal more funnier than the BSNL’s sheer stupidity (assuming for a moment the story is indisputable). But for sure, the story has potential to either leave you in rage or roll you in laughter.

For English readers, the story is under the headline: “OBC to OBC calls free on BSNL”

It talks about BSNL (with no version from BSNL official) planning to launch a group of clients from other backward class. “OBCs can talk to each other free of cost,” the story reads.

(Serious) doubts can be raised about the genuineness of the story considering that why will BSNL alienate other castes by offering discount only to OBCs. Sakal, it seems, did not reach BSNL for any explanation.

Either way, it isn’t just the story; more hilarious part comes through a comment appeared below the article on esakal.

The commentator writes: BSNL to launch another free calls scheme – inane to inane – with first SIM will be given to BSNL official.

Ajit Pawar Vs Bal Thackeray

2011-06-03T20:42:00.004+05:30

Why is Ajit Pawar suddenly talking against Bal Thackeray. That too, too harsh ?

Is it just that Ajit wants to distract attention from rivals’ campaign against his alleged corruption cases ?

Or Ajit perceives offensive is the only option to weaken saffron-RPI alliance ?

Many are misreading the situation.

Ajit Pawar’s aggressiveness against Thackeray has more to do with internal party conflict than external challenge.

Targeting Thackeray, a real power center of Sena, can be construed as Pawar’s attempt to assert his position in the party.

This will consolidate his base. That mean, weakening of Supriya Sule, whose father and a party president Sharad Pawar always had a soft corner for Sena.

Sena’s relevance in the politics, Pawar thinks, can help Sule reaching to Power should the leadership issue arises in the NCP after him.

As we know, power struggle isn’t far away in the NCP. And Sharad Pawar is no exception in Indian politics, which stands witness to the fact that fathers have always preferred son or daughter over cousins.

And Ajit, being Sharad Pawar’s nephew, knows that to avoid ending up like Raj – a Thackeray cousin who ended up with nothing left in his hand while in Sena – he has no option but to assert.

Season Of Fast

2011-06-01T12:43:00.002+05:30

An ICU unit with 60 doctors, 1300 toilets, an exclusive media center, large screens, a water filtration plant - all this for Ramdev’s fast to bring back the money stashed abroad. (From the report appeared in Mint)

There is a competitive politics ongoing among Anna Hazare, Medha Patkar and Baba Ramdev. The crusade against the system, the adamancy and the pretentious morality are the elements across the three.

But do they know: The cure they prescribe will kill the patient before it ends the disease.

Do We Really Bribe God ?

2011-05-02T11:27:00.003+05:30

So Aakar Patel sees alms to god a form of bribe. He writes in mint:

“We give God cash and anticipate an out-of-turn reward. Our plea acknowledges we aren’t really deserving. The cash compensates for our lack of merit.
In the world outside the temple walls, such a transaction has a name: “bribe”.
In India God accepts cash from us, not good work, for which there is no reward. We don’t expect something from God in return for sweeping our neighbourhood streets. We go with money.
Observe this in another way.
Why does the wealthy Indian give not cash to temples, but gold crowns and such baubles?
To ensure his gift isn’t squandered on feeding the poor. Our pay-off is for God. It’s wasted if it goes to man. See what this has produced.”

I think the ‘sleeping partnership’ conjecture plays a grater role when rich make offerings to god. It is an assured way to success, rich perceive.

It works this way: Suppose I am a businessman. I make Sai baba a stake-holder in my venture. The entire investment is mine; but I maintain 10 per cent on Sai’s name anticipating that god's share would bring luck. When Sai baba is my business partner, what’s the worry ? As venture flourishes and profit levels increase, I give proportionate earnings back to Sai.

BEHIND the TIMES

2011-04-04T19:13:00.002+05:30

Finished BEHIND the TIMES. Bits from the book through which Bachi Karkaria tells Times’ inside stories:

Despite the pruning of designation, this was the man (Dileep Padgaonkar) who famously told interviewer that he held ‘the second most challenging job in the country’. The interviewer being Shobhaa De, and the magazine being society, the preen was emblazoned across the cover. Embarrassed, ‘Paddy’ said he had actually quoted his imperious boss, Girilal Jain, but it was wrongly (mischievously?) attributed to him.

Gautam Adhikari confirmed that Giri did often boast that he was the ‘secondmost important person in the country’. “We would joke behind his back, "So Sheshan (his secretary) is the 10th most important person, and Bhagwati (his peon) is the 17th most important”

---

T N Ninan was extremely possessive about his editorial domain. Samir Jain was raring to bring many innovations into ET, but Ninan, more as a matter of principle, was less than enthusiastic. One of these was ear panels, but Ninan resisted on the belief that the masthead should not be devalued by small ads on either side. Irritated, the VC called the Banglore Branch head, Sunil Rajshekhar, and said, “This is what I want, and it has to be in ET there tomorrow.”

Sunil passed on VC’s instructions to RE, Nageswaran, who mentioned this in a routine mail to his boss. Ninan blasted him, “Do you report to me or Sunil Rajashekhar?” The hapless guy spluttered, “But, Mr Ninan, the VC asked for it to be done.” Ninan thundered. “I don’t care who asked. I am the Editor.”

Yes he was. But not for long.

“Faith is reason grown courageous”

2011-02-13T21:38:00.005+05:30

In religious context, faith drives myth market to thrive. If myth kaput, faith moves in to undo the effect.

This week, I visited Shani Shingnapur, an otherwise nondescript town of 4,000 from western Maharashtra. The obsession to belief among locals provided me a good story.

Last week, as reported here, Shingnapur registered a robbery of Rs 73,000. Previous years too, Shingnapur saw theft cases. These developments were otherwise enough to shatter Shingnapur’s faith in Shani, a hindu god that derives its name from planet Saturn.

But locals prefer to live with the myth.

The allegory is Shingnapur stands as world-wonder. It has no crime record even as homes have no doors, doors sans lock. Locals recite fairy-tales underlining that Shani keeps the evils away from Shingnapur.

In denial, locals strive hard to preserve Shingnapur’s brand image of zero crime town. Such branding fetch them livelihood.

Villagers don’t make it explicit but their minds loudly read: if Shingnapur’s image dents, number of devotees thronging to Shingnapur with an overwhelming feeling of reverence, may take a hit.

Fewer devotees mean fewer business to locals.

So for locals, to live with the myth, unconsciously so, is to continue add value into village brand. It brings more money to them, keeps the Shani happy and makes the thief think twice.

Related Report (Photo: A.B.)

Pt Bhimsen Joshi And His Voice

2011-01-27T13:04:00.003+05:30

A lot has already appeared on Pt Bhimsen Joshi and most sound cliché.
Yet, like listening him again and again…and again, is a rich experience, writing on him the isn’t anything different.

So what really was special about Joshi’s voice ?

Joshi had acquired versatility after modulating his voice for years of efforts. The audience listening to Joshi often used to be mesmerized by the timbre and resonance in his voice.

If Gangubai Hangal - Joshi’s gurubhagini and doyenne of kirana gharana - had unique androgynous voice, Joshi was no different – - a sonorous masculine voice with which Joshi could traverse the three octaves easily amidst unique style taking taan. This often had a special visual effect, taking the audience at an abyssmal escatsy.

Ramya hee swargahuni lanka, a song Joshi sung for movie Swayamvar Zale Siteche, was a classic when his voice depicted the stoutness. The boom was attained after years of excessive labour. Having brought two large vessels of water from far off distance, Joshi, still gasping, used to sit for riyaz. It had desired impact on voice. Like his alcohol consuming habit, riyaz after exertion, enhanced Joshi’s singing capacity, bringing robustness in his voice.

Joshi on his part consciously, laced that robustness with asceticism.

As we know, Joshi enthralled Maharashtrian audience for more than five decades through his Abhangwani. The same voice reciting Jo Bhaje Hari ko Sada or Bhavani Dayani, sounded as if the singing legend was stirring God/dess to descend on earth.

Here’s a classic video: Joshi reciting puriya Dhanashree

The Sudden Demise Of Batmidar

2010-12-04T18:48:00.004+05:30

Midway departure of Batmidar, a favourite among newsmen, seems to have hit marathi journalism world hard. More so, when Journalism itself was hit hard.

There’s an outbreak on google to trace Batmidar and its younger sibbling Kalte-Samajate whereabouts.

A friend in the know passes this information on: Both Batmidar and Kalte-Samajate have been shut down as the blogger has planned sabbatical to finish task of “writing book on serious issue”

I wonder if there’s anything more serious than exposing journalists. Well, for the time being, I buy his explanation and wish this anonymous blogger best luck for his future project.

The Brahmin-Maratha-Muslim Tangle

2010-08-27T15:00:00.005+05:30

In a lighter vein, to a blogpost on Samarth Ramdas, I commented through Google-reader: “…Deccan inhabitants are off ending each other, Courtesy Shivaji. Shivaji united them to take on mughal takht. His disciples now are desperate to nullify that effect”

But did Shivaji’s indeed take on Mughals ?

Author of Hindu Bhalchandra Nemade looks at it with different perspective: Most people that Shivaji killed were Marathi. But later eon picture painted by bramins pointed that Shivaji pitted himself against mughals (read Islam)- From Maharashtra Times interview

Today if maratha offshoots are hell against Dadoji Konddeo, the root of the controversy lies in Brahmin-Maratha-Muslim tangle.

Late Varunraj Bhide wrote: Only 162 maratha families have been ruling Maharashtra for years.

Bhide’s version, if to be extended, mean a large section of Maratha class have been left out of the power for all through 50 years of Maharashtra. Now the section within the left-out section feels that ‘power-ful’ Marathas have always had support from Brahmins to maintain status quo.

Brahmins in turn used the banner of Hindutva. Gathered Marathas under the same banner and pitted them against Islamism – a phenomenon drawing analogy to Shivaji versus mughals. This way, Brahmins let few Marathas rule the state and in return retained their own importance.

Now, the left-out class wants political pie. To grab political space, incidents like BORI attack, Lal-mahal controversy, help as they create political space, easy to be grabbed on emotional grounds. For them Shivaji is a symbol to be used against Brahmins. And through Brahmins, they challenge "power-ful" marathas.

Curiously, the same Maratha offshoots are conspicuous with their silence on topics related to Islamic aggression. In the debates, they digress when issues like Afzal Khan tomb atop Pratapgadh - an alleged illegal construction on the site where Shivaji slained mughal warlord – comes for discussion. The offshoots refrain from entering into such debates. Reason: Assumption hovers that the issue is raked up by Sangh parivar (read Brahmins) only to digress left out section.

Such digression help brahmins maintain status quo in the power-structure that has been formed with another section of ‘power-ful’ Marathas.

From Pravin Mahajan's 'Majha Album'

2010-07-29T12:25:00.007+05:30

Pravin Mahajan’s book – Majha Album – make us believe why Nitin Gadakari’s ‘in-law’ remarks shouldn’t be seen in isolation to BJP culture.

The book gives inside accounts of elder brother Pramod’s private life. It run through Pramod’s style of functioning that for a long has been party norm even as Pramod no longer survives.

On one occasion the book outlines Mahajan’s brother-in-law Gopinath Munde becoming target of ‘in-law’ remarks.

The book reads, Munde’s avarice to power makes Pramod quip: “Gopya la kalayla hava ki to apla jawai aahe, pakshacha navhe (Gopya should know he is our in-law, not party’s)”

Pramod’s alleged promiscuity is at the center of the book. Pravin loosely spells out brother’s private affairs but spares naming most women, except Alaknanda, who came into Pramod’s life. Alaknanda, many know, was party functionary from north Maharashtra.

Shrewdly, Pravin is silent on Sarangi’s life. Sarangi, Pravin’s wife, has previously claimed that Pramod was like ‘father figure’.

Without digging much, Majha Album outlines much chewed Munde’s Barkha affair.

The book arms Pravin with enough opportunity to target brother and change perception about late BJP leader. Equally, it brings out Pravin’s pent up prejudice against Pramod.

Overall, the book is so-so read.

Reading That No Longer Challenges Me

2010-07-25T19:13:00.006+05:30

Among the things technology has rendered man with is amended way of satisfying voyeuristic instincts. The low-priced porn magazine – where climax is major disappointment when stimulating pictures often applied scissor, the cassettes – not moving ahead when important scene is imminent, the CDs – straight coming to bold scenes, puncturing the heightened excitement even before it builds up and the internet – free for all to fall – readers of Savitabhabhi will vouch. Those born during ’70s & ’80s will vividly remember their transformation from childhood to adulthood amidst being witness to all these changes. All through, quality over availability becomes norm.

The same age-group may recall similar changes in reading habits. For half a century, Chandoba has enthralled urban Marathi middle class kids. Parents cut down expenses on toys to prefer Chandoba, a comics. It’s also a time to connect with Hindi through Chacha Choudhari.

When mythological tales from Chandoba stop enthusing kids, Faster Fene, a marathi version of detective Tom Sawer by B R Bhagwat tucks in by parents. When Faster Fene fables, often seen a driving force for kids’ sustenance in reading, takes fantasies of adventure on newer scales, consider that time has arrived to move on.

It’s an age when kids become teens to usher into higher schools – a place to get acquainted with non-veg jokes. Thus have novels laden with romance, thrill and emotions. This is the era to read Baburao Arnalkar and get fascinated by his thrillers. Mesmerized readers typify with hero from Arnalkar's best sellers.

When desi thriller quota stop stimulating, Sidney Sheldon, Agatha Chirsti takes the charge. They are also reminiscent to Suhas Shirvalkar and Srikant Sinkar. Remember, its also the time to read Mills and Boon romance stories. The reading walks parallel with college life. Slowly reader moves on to all time bestsellers – Godfather (Mario Puzo), Papillion (Henri Charriere). For 90’s born, Chetan Bhagat becomes favorite. For others, Paulo Coelho, Ayn Rand, Dan Brown prevails upon.

In Marathi, taste shift to another level of writers – P L Deshpande, V P Kale, D M Mirasdar, Jayawant Dalvi, V S, Khandekar, Shivaji Sawant. As taste matures, reading reaches another level.

When we are ready enter into professional world and leave behind the memories of college eon, time for readers to come out of comfort zone and try reading that challenges.

Vijay Tendulkar, G A Kulkarni, Irawati Karve, Bhalchandra Nemade, Durga Bhagawat Ranganath Pathare, Vishwas Patil, Sadanand Deshmukh and similar, broadens our horizons. Indian English readers (non-aficionado) looking for anglo Indian authors rest on Amitava Ghosh, Anita Desai, Khushwant Singh, Arundhati Roy.

Here, we cross a thin line and bid adieu to popular fiction to try more and more challenging one.

I am waiting for that moment.

Chidambaram And His Crafty Capitalism Phrase

2010-07-22T16:12:00.006+05:30

I have a friend working with tabloid. He claims to be leftist but surrenders to all methods akin to capitalists. In political discussion, he talks of welfare and holistic approach but never hesitates praising Thackeray’s pro-Marathi parochialism. Worst, when we tease him, he turns the gear and resort to Marxism. Still we love him much.

Indian political system is more like my friend. The lefts here sometimes are more than actual capitalists. To that extent, P C Chidambaram is spot on: “maoists are the most crafty capitalist.”

Maoists employ unlawful methods to control production, distribution, price regulation of firms from their stronghold. They extort money from firms and in return challenge the state. They rue state control, similar to that of urban corporate-capitalist brothers.

More organized than past, Maoists with the backing of NGOs and Roy-likes, built up philosophy in their fight against state.

Chidambaram, whom Arundhati Roy refer ‘corporate lawyer’ (more capitalist than capitalists) puts up comparative case study of two Tatas:

“I don’t think the objectives of JN Tata and the objectives of Ratan Tata are very different. They might express it in different language but their objective is the same— to build industries, create jobs, produce goods and services, create wealth and enhance the prosperity of the area. In the bargain, of course, the company makes profits. But at that time, perhaps, the villagers and tribals were certainly not so organised and perhaps in no position to offer any organised protest and I am pretty sure there were hardly any NGOs and civil rights groups to espouse their cause. So JN Tata’s people were able to build trust with people.”

Congress And Politics Of Dualism

2010-07-21T17:51:00.002+05:30

If, to use cliché, good economics is bad politics, smart politics subvert good policies.

On Gandhi family’s opacity and politics, Sadanand Dhume writes in wsj: “In this hothouse of intrigue and sycophancy, careers can hinge on the ability to change track according to which way the Gandhis' views are seen to be blowing.”

Dhume writes:

“For the family, this opacity clearly has benefits. It keeps them above the fray of petty politics. It allows them to exercise power without responsibility. It gives them the flexibility to change political course on a dime.

“But smart politics doesn't always generate good policy. Fostering a culture of opacity and public second-guessing about sensitive policy matters is no way to lead a major economy and an aspirant for great power status.”

Smart politics doesn’t generate good policies, but allows congress to be in power, years after years. The BJP falters precisely here. The six-year-long NDA stint, despite being satisfactory, ended on their folly – India shining. Had the government and party been more diverse in reaching out to rural and urban masses with separate tunes, the picture probably would have been different.

Sonia’s silence or Rahul's populist stance on some issues allows party leaders to take dual line. Here Gandhi’s opaqueness, to me, more sounds a move that allows party to sway through politics of dualism. When Manmohan Singh government goes tough, party opt middle-approach to please masses - Digvijay Singh advocating welfare approach over Chidambaram's arms use to tackle naxal approach is one example among others.

This sort of dualism allows congress to grab opposition space.

It empowers them with pro-poor policies, never mind how economically incorrect and deviating from Manmohan Singh’s good economics such policies are.

Consequence is the original opposition sounds weak and become irrelevant. Think: who comes in our mind first on views about priority to welfare scheme over arm solution to deal with naxal menace. Its Digvijay Singh, not left.

Human, God And Fast

2010-07-21T11:57:00.005+05:30

Fast will be the buzzword throughout the day on Ekadashi – the eleventh lunar day. Eateries from old city area will generate higher than average income. But if we go by logic behind fast, god then will have his eyes turned off the Pune skies.

Indians, or more specifically, the Hindus prostrate while communicating with the god. It’s their way to “demonstrate sincerity and humility,” says Akar Patel in his recent piece in lounge.

To attract god’s attention, we clang the bell. Invite pain through circumambulation (pradakshina). Take sufferings abstaining the food.

Patel writes: “this idea that God likes us to suffer is common to all cultures. It actually comes from our belief that God is merciful and benevolent. If He sees us suffering in one way, therefore, He will stop other bad things from happening to us. In that sense, the voluntary hardship of the pilgrim is a preventive action, a sort of insurance, and ultimately selfish”

God is benevolent but not gullible enough to be hoodwinked easily. Therefore, if Puneites have gone on fast to attract god’s attention, better they rethink. Rethink on ever exceeding food quota made especially for fast. Others who put up scientific reasoning behind fast – fast allows the body to improve digestive system – better stop thinking.

Letter To Octopus Paul

2010-07-09T15:12:00.004+05:30

Because of ample time and nothing worth to do (all lies), I am here to seek answers of some difficult questions from Octopus Paul.

Paul, the almighty, please do tell us why are Indians so good in foodball ?

Why isn’t Sharad Pawar not attracted to soccer, Is the game cleaner than Cricket ?

Why is Mamata Bannerjee spends her entire time in Delhi, shunning Kolkata always ?

How come Nitin Gadakari speaks in such a decent language when other politicians are all foul mouthed ?

How does HT manages to score against ToI every morning ?

Why isn’t Indian journalism still not been affected by paid news ?

Why isn’t the UPA government work through Group of Ministers (GoM) to increase efficiency ?

Paul, only gospel. Didn’t Spain had 12 players when they played against Germany ?

Wasn’t Lord Ram the Bhaiyya, whom Marathis have stopped worshipping ?

Didn’t you tip off Suhel Seth, who wrote to you even before I could ?

Paul, no predictions, only correct answers

Parulekar’s Alchemistry

2010-06-30T15:55:00.002+05:30

If alchemy, as cultural dictionary suggests, is considered to be the ancestor of modern chemistry, then Raju Parulekar, a writer penning his marathi column “alchemistry” can be referred a hubristic ‘chemist’.

Seriously, this man never ceases to amaze me.

एका सरड्याने इतके रंग बदलले...

2010-06-15T16:55:00.003+05:30

मित्राने सरड्या वरील एक कविता मेल केली अन वाचून जी ए ची मानससरोवरावरील कावळ्यांची गोष्ट आठवली ज्यात जी ए जीवनाचं एक सूत्र सांगतात. स्वसंरक्षणाच्या संदर्भात तात्विक स्वर या पेक्षा हि व्यावहारिकता ही जास्त कामी येते हाच तो काय दोन्ही ठिकाणी संदेश.

एका सरड्याने इतके रंग बदलले...

एका सरड्याने इतके रंग बदलले
की त्याला स्वत:चा खरा रंग कळेना
त्याने खूप विचार केला तरी
तो कसा होता ते
त्याला काही केल्या आठवेना

तो म्हणाला,"मी आकाशाला निळा वाटतो
मी गवताला हिरवा वाटतो
मी सर्वांना त्यांच्यासारखाच वाटतो
मी खरा कसा ते, कोणाला कळतं
वेगळा आहे ते कोणाला कळतं"

मग त्याने एकच रंग ठेवायचं ठरवलं
एकाच रंगाला त्याचा खरा रंग मानलं

गवतावरच नाही तरमातीवर पण तो रहायला लागला हिरवा
त्याला काही खोडकर मुलांनी
मातीवर ओळखलं परवा

त्यांना या खऱ्या रंगाने
त्याचा वेगळेपणा दाखवला
आणि या खऱ्या रंगामुळे
त्या मुलांनी त्याला दगड मारून संपवला

सरडा मेला तरी
लोकांना जिवनाचा नियम कळावा
चार-चौघात गेल्यावर आपणत्यांच्याप्रमाणे रंग बदलावा
कितीही वाईट वाटलं तरीआपला खरा रंग लपवावा
कारण हे जग वेगळेपणाला घातक मानतं
आणि मग स्वत:च घातक बनून
आपल्याला आपला रंग बदलायला लावतं

पुणे आणि पुणेकर

2010-06-07T20:57:00.001+05:30

पुण्यातल्या तऱ्हेवाईकपणा बद्दल पुणेकरांना नेमीच भरभरून बोलाव अस वाटत. नेहमीचच रुटीन जगतांना त्यांना त्यांच्या तऱ्हेवाईकपणा बद्दल बोलायचा डोस सतत हवा असतो. बऱ्याच वेळेस हा तऱ्हेवाईकपणा ते उसना आणतात. कधी कधी तर तो फारच कृत्रिम वाटतो.

जेव्हा ओरिजिनल विक्षिप्त लिखाण असलेल्या पाट्या दिसेनास्या होतात तेव्हा पुणेकर उगाच तसल्या पाट्या मेल करून उसना पुणेकरी पणा आणतात.

जगात जसे लंडनवासीय स्वतःला फारच श्रेष्ट समजतात किवा न्यूयॉर्क वासियांना सतत वाटत कि त्याचं च शहर सर्व श्रेष्ठ तसाच काहीसा प्रकार भारतात पुणेकरांबद्दल आहे.

अरुण टिकेकरांनी सांगितल्या प्रमाणे लोकांमध्ये असलेला तऱ्हेवाईकपणा हा कुठल्याही समाजाला पोषकच असतो. तऱ्हेवाईक लोक च प्रवाहाच्या विरुद्ध विचार करतात आणि ते विचार आचरणात आणतात. या तऱ्हेवाईकपण मुळे जीवनात सुद्धा एक थ्रील येत.

पुण्यात एकेकाळी असे तऱ्हेवाईक लोक खूप होऊन गेलेत आणि म्हणून च पुण्याने बऱ्याच चळवळींचे नेतृत्व केले.

पण आज हा उसना तऱ्हेवाईकपणा समाजाला, किंबहुना पुण्याला कुठे घेऊन जाईल ?

Patel's Theory Of Abuse And Mahabharata

2010-05-23T18:11:00.004+05:30

Indian abuses are often laden with creative copulative nuances. Those against whom such abuses are hurled don’t take them as insulting as the one that has religious subtext.

Akar Patel in the latest Lounge issue put to rest some doubts on this subject. However it raises fresh few ones.

Akar Patel:

Perhaps men did not abuse one another during the Heroic age. There is not a word of sexual abuse in Iliad (though Achilles does call Agamemnon kunopa: dog-face). Presumably this is because they could settle it with swords.

…

All abuse attempts to dishonour. Abuse is a male weapon, because honour is a male virtue. Most words of abuse are coined to hurt men. A woman is attacked through allegations of promiscuity, not incest. A woman using sexual abuse is not convincing and her words do not sting, because she cannot penetrate.

Here, am I the only one to stuck at some contradictions. Wars from puranas are mostly fought to regain honour – the most conspicuous among them Mahabharata where Draupadi convinces Yudhistir to take on to Kauravas. Though immediate provocation to 18-days war is to reclaim lost kingdom, the real roots of Mahabharata war, we discover, are in Draupadi vastraharan act. It leaves Pandavas sulking.

Here I let myself enter into realm of fantasy to draw some interesting conjectures, though the extended ones for personal consumption.

If Duryodhana indeed wanted to dishonour Pandavas, how heroic character would have reacted during Mahabharata eon. Elsewhere, what could have been Shukracharyas reaction when he learns Yayati has entered into adultery by mating Sharmishtha. Imagine if Amit Varma belonged to same epoch, how his peppered WTF remarks would evoke reactions from Bhishma, who sermons the rajsabha on dharma post the dice game.

Ghashiram Kotwal & Jar-karma

2010-05-20T14:07:00.006+05:30

Corroboration falls short to prove historical reference piece that Gharisham Sawaldas bartered his 16-year-old daughter with Nana Phadanavis to become Kotwal (police commissioner) of Pune city.

There are however references available on how Ghashiram was killed by Brahmins of Pune on 21 August 1791. Those Brahmins, irked by the previous night incident when 21 citizens were lost their lives due to suffocation while guarding bombshells, lynched Ghashiram. The act was committed in Hadapsar where Arm Forces Medical College is now situated.

Stories surrounding Ghashiram have often been inquisitive. Those stories tell us prostitution involving men and women was on high even during Peshwa rule.

Letter written by Peshwas to Ghashiram once he became permanent during 1782 suggest the rulers were concerned about growing “male-prostitution” in Pune. Out of that concern, Peshwa reminded Ghashiram of his task: “Striyanna Jar-karma karanyapasun paravrutt karane” (Discouraging women to involve into male-prostitution). There is another reference that suggests Peshwas had also asked Ghashiram to “not to allow married women from involving into prostitution.”

I am bit disappointed though not completely dejected to read Mandar Lawate’s latest article: Punyachi Kotawali on city’s history. It falls short on some crucial details. The article is otherwise good.

For the benefit of English readers, Here is selective reference from Lawate’s piece published in Sakal:

(After death of Ghashiram), Bajirao Peshwa II understood that Kotwal is a plum post. He therefore started auctioning the post. It was in 1800 the post of Kotwal was first auctioned to Vithoji Gaikwad at Rs. 1. 12 lakh.

Given that post was auctioned at such exorbitant rate, we can imagine how corrupt the system would have been and to what extent hafta-wasuli had gone up. By those old rate, today if we learn that Pune or Mumbai commissioner’s post was sold at 112 crores, one shouldn’t be surprised.

Facebook And Voyeurism

2010-05-19T20:01:00.005+05:30

Reports coming from neighboring country suggests Facebook has been blocked in Pakistan.

Telegraph reports: A Pakistani court has blocked Facebook amid a growing row over a competition on the social networking website to design cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.

I have always looked at social networking sites – orkut or facebook – a tool to satisfy voyeuristic instincts. Result: I stayed away from both though not from the voyeurism itself

The City Of Pune And Punyeshwar Temple

2010-05-19T16:48:00.007+05:30

Late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan often used to remark sarcastically during rallies or when surrounded by journalists.

Mahajan would quip: "Why would anyone want proof of original Ram temple at Ayodhya. The reason that site now has mosque itself suggest there was temple earlier."

Through this, Mahajan implied that Muslim rulers invaded Hindu temples all across India and built mosque to propagate their faith.

Today Mahajan’s remarks struck while I was passing through Chhota Shaikh Sallah dargah on Mutha river. There is a thought that believes durgah site previously had Shiva and Vishnu idols in the temple known as Punyeshwar.

Later idols vanished from the site while temple continued to find mention in the history. In the course of time the city of Pune derived its name from the same temple.

Craving

2010-05-19T15:57:00.004+05:30

In its recent judgment Bombay High Court set a side lower court’s punishment of 7 years to a man charged with 10 counts of rape.

HT reports:
The victim had alleged that between April 2004 and October 2006, Anwar Khan Iqbal Khan (26) had called her to various places and raped her 10 times, each time allegedly promising to marry her after forcible intercourse, but ultimately refusing to keep his word, according to the victim
...
The high court, however, refused to believe the victims' version that she had not objected to the repeated sexual assaults due to the promise of marriage made by the accused. Justice A.H. Joshi held that: “On the face of the record, nothing except unqualified and unconditional consent for sexual intercourse would emerge.
…

The judge also refused to believe that “the victim had no craving for what was expected during every meeting and was repeatedly happening” considering the fact that she had not offered any resistance during any of the acts.

Satyajit Joshi, my colleague alerted me to this story. I read it twice. Later I read it once again. Then both of us smiled; smiled to learn judge’s surname.

On the sidenote I would like to ask, why didn't Court charge lady of perjury since it has already upheld man's views.

(Emphasis imported)

Irony

2010-05-07T13:35:00.005+05:30

On Maharashtra Foundation day (May 1), TOI Ahmedabad carried a report: At 50, ready to rival Mumbai

Report quoted leader of Mahagujarat movement and a former state minister Sanat Mehta as saying: “But, we were confident that Gujaratis would create more Bombays if they got a separate state”

Gujrat lost Mumbai to Maharashtra, which lost Belgaum to Karnataka. Very soon Gujaratis came to terms with reality.

But given the strong secessionist feelings among Belgaum’s marathi population, great irony is underway.

A prominent marathi builder from Pune B G Shirke has bagged the contract to construct Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (Karnataka assembly) at Belgaum, a second capital of Karnataka.

Shrinking Liberal Space In 50th Year of Maharashtra

2010-04-27T23:54:00.004+05:30

Last month – or, more appropriately, a month before Maharashtra was to celebrate golden jubilee of its existence - Marathi literary meet held in Pune with much bang. Surrounded by controversies, the event offered nothing great except for the fact that publishers sold books worth Rs 7 crores.

One would say, it held for the sake of it.

Not quite true.

On the second day, the meet had a discussion on freedom of expression. Worth to note, chief minister Ashok Chavan attended it, albeit, after loosing his own freedom within the party. The CM was to come on third day and share dais with Amitabh Bachchan. Political compulsions forced him reshuffle his visit.

Today, if compulsions dictate most political actions, count shrinking “liberal space”, a fallout of it.

In a span of five years vandals backed by some or other offshoots affiliated to political parties have always overpowered. Be it vandalizing the internationally acclaimed Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) or attack on Kumar Ketkar or Mumbai office of Navakal, Maharashtra’s "liberal space" shrinked consistently even if the state marched ahead building highways or signing MoUs with Industrialists.

The most recent example to be in the news was controversy over a book Santsurya Tukaram, authored by renowned marathi writer Anand Yadav. Warakari sect (followers of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dyaneshwar), unhappy over references attached to Sant Tukaram, heckled Yadav, forcing him to withdraw his book and resign from the prestigious post of literary meet president.

Conspicuously, a common thing in all the incidents is: State hasn’t intervened to erase that space, which many call “liberal”. Equally, state did nothing to protect that space either. If conflict among the classes or castes is one reason, notoriety, which for many means publicity, is another reason. Not to wonder then, notoriety is gaining recognition to be an effective tool to defeat the cause.

Noticeably, most of these incidents were directed against Brahmins. The message is clear: If Brahmins have retained clouts for years with the support of pen, which they often used to paint convenient picture, others have understood it. And to end that clout, others wants to suppress that writing using notoriety.

Pune Rikshaw wallahs

2010-04-13T13:19:00.004+05:30

If today’s city rikshaw-wallahs are all known to fleece customers, it is because they have owned up this quality from their predecessors.

Article in Sakal tell us: Historic document like “Dnyanprakash”, a journal published in 1856, reporting on incidents of passengers being cheated by cart (horse or bullock) drivers. Compliants at Faraskhana, as reported, suggest that passengers were duped not just by charging more than decided, but sometimes drivers used longer routes. Today carts have been replaced by auto rikshaw. But drivers continue to hold same old penchant.

The Perilous Side of 'Sachin For Bharat Ratna' Campaign

2010-03-02T13:22:00.003+05:30

Uddhav Thackeray falling on the same line as Ashok Chavan, can not more than merely be a political opportunism. And when the duo speaks for Bharat Ratna to Sachin Tendulkar, the opportunism touches abysmal frivolity.

Several campaigns are running concurrent to make Tendulkar’s case for country’s highest honour. Tendulkar too, unlike others, has achieved several milestones, and deserves to be feted.

But does that mean he deserves Bharatratna, especially when there are other equally deserving people standing by?

Well I don’t really know the answer, except for the fact that such honour should not just reduced to be a result of campaign.

The perilous side of such campaign is, they run on populism; be it for or against. Indians among others are masters of campaigning. In polls, we fall pray to populist announcement. Elsewhere, pink-chaddi like movement easily carries us away.

Politicians, as a convenience, often give up to populist pressures. The danger then is that precedence set out from such pressures dictate the decision.

So when cricket being most likeable game grabs maximum attention, its obvious that Sachin becomes the most adorable. This makes his case even stronger from populist point. Likewise, other deserving becomes least favorite because the field they represent do not represent the wishes of entire country.

P.S. wikipedia entry suggest that populism defined either as an ideology (more rarely and uncommonly), a political philosophy or a type of discourse, is a type of political-social thought which juxtaposes "the people" against "the elites", and urges social and political system changes. It can also be defined as a rhetorical style deployed by members of political or social movements. It is defined by the Cambridge dictionary as "political ideas and activities that are intended to represent ordinary people's needs and wishes"
(So friends, opposing Sachin’s case juxtaposes me with elites :) ).

Malice Towards All

2010-02-09T14:51:00.004+05:30

For Maharashtrians, the subject is palatable and inquisitive. Therefore even the storm in the tea cup has subsided, all round postmortem continues.

Just last week, Pratap Bhanu Mehta dwelt on rot in Maharashtra. Later, Kumar Ketkar spent time writing on Bal Thackeray and Sharad Pawar’s politics.

Of late, the rest of India has been in habit to put to test Maharashtrains on the insider-outsider row. Unfortunately, to me, this state has been consistent enough to explore new low in this test. And the blame is to be solely shared by us alone.

To our fault, Maharashtra always overestimated its leaders ranging from Thackeray to Pawar. Parochialism is so ingrained in us that selection of dud like Nitin Gadakari as BJP president makes us revel in stead of questioning his qualities. When Marathi Vikram Pandit, who I doubt even has visited Maharashtra in decades, took charge of Citibank, we fired crackers. The otherwise routine story: Jockey Vijay Shiker winning the derby race, gets more than deserved place just because winner is Marathi. Hah!

We always contributed Shiv sena in legitimizing its sins. We are in the habit to call Thackeray’s purr; a roar, his abuse; a quintessential Thackeray-shaily (style), and his sins; a dare, often labeled after Hitler, to whom the sena chief take pride in idolizing. There isn’t the need to spend additional space on Raj, who belongs to the same ilk.

We believed, Thackeray Sr. stood by his principals; the principals he never actually followed. To enunciate, his flip-flop on Sharad Pawar and the penchant to offer RS seats to Uttar Bhartiyas.

He always squeezed controversies to remain in focus. Thackeray took on P K Atre (by caricaturing him Worli cha dukkar – Worli’s pig), P L Deshpande (for his remarks: Hee Shivshahi nasun Thokshahi aahe – this isn’t the Shivaji-like governed rule but a mobocracy) and Sachin Tendulkar (for innocuous remarks: Mumbai belongs to India). Many saw, by taking on stalwarts, Thackeray stood by his principals. The truth was he strived to derive maximum mileage. But, in such attempts too, Thackeray failed as in 45 years of Sena, he could rule the state only once – for 5 years.

Ketkar liken Thackeray with Ayatollah Khomeini. I consider this an over-valued sobriquet. Khomeini controlled entire Iran, no mater how flawed principals he harboured. Thackeray on the other hand could not keep his own house in order, though he has credit to his side of saving Maharashtra from dividing on caste lines. But then that too was in Thackeray’s own interests, especially when different sects had loyalties to different parties.

Maharashtra’s another big leader (notionally) is Sharad Pawar. Mehta argues: “Pawar, once a politician of considerable promise, has proved to be one of the biggest spoilers in modern Indian politics.” How true.

Maharashtra always assessed Pawar too highly. His power tactics were flop, fetching him nothing concrete. All his gambles to win primeministership failed. He was reduced to regional leader, while his party left to chant Marathi. On the administrative note too, he hardly did anything to prove his mettle. He often flexed his secular credentials, but in reality, divided Maharashtra on caste lines. And all through, we kept calling Pawar the Maratha-warlord, the master of Indian politics, the Janata Raja (sobriquet earned by Shivaji).

If Maharashtra knows anything, that is to harp on regional values. Nothing wrong in being proud of such rich values. The problem is: in exaggeration, Maharashtrains can’t sell those values beyond a point.

While Blaming Maharashtra, I accept that I am party to it. More than twice because just few days back, I preached friend through her blog, not to rant.

The Great Cogeneration Scam

2010-02-03T12:01:00.003+05:30

It’s a scam worth Rs. 5000 crores. It is also a classic case of how politicians create a situation and exploit it to their best. It also tells us why opposition parties don’t win elections even when ruling parties are impotent, busy serving own interests.

In this game, ruling parties calls the shots, to which opposition react in a customized way.
Initially, they create electricity shortfall. Then, just when we think of desperate measures to bridge power gap, these politicians come up with solution.

Solution: Politicians in power running the cooperative sugar mills are to generate some 1200 mw power by setting up cogeneration plants within their sugar factories. These politicians then allow 55 such factories, some of them controlled by ministers while few by opposition.

To set up plants, rulers make provision of subsidized fund worth Rs. 5000 crore. The capital and subsidy is to be borne by taxpayers. It is fine if the mills are to sell their power mandatory to state owned utility to meet shortfall.

But, mantris, tacitly change the original government resolution. They allow themselves to sell power in open market, which offers far higher rates and sell it in return with proportionate profits. This way, politicians indulge into profiteering.

Curiously, all through the process, opposition is conspicuously silent. No wonder they too have their share.

So while guarding the private interests, public interest sustains severely dent.

My report on this in Hindustan Times to read minister's reaction:

'Jaago Re'

2010-01-21T13:48:00.000+05:30

Allowing plug after request through email from Pradnya Adhikari:

I am writing to you with reference to Tata Tea’s Jaago Re movement – a movement that I represent. The Jaago Re campaign was initiated in the year 2007 and the objective of this campaign was to initiate social awakening amongst Indians. The Jaago Re campaign made a great impact with the ‘One Billion Votes’ campaign and are currently targeting corruption with the ‘Khilana Band, Pilana Shuru’ drive.
Recently, Tata Tea has re-launched its flagship website www.jaagore.com. The portal which was, for the last one year, an online hot spot for aspiring voters to register and obtain all information related to Voter Registration, will now stand for social awakening in a broader sense. Jaago Re as a campaign has targeted the youth of the nation, urging them to take a stand on various issues such as voting and corruption and do their bit – thereby encouraging them to 'be the change they want to see’.
What makes www.jaagore.com unique is that it facilitates the flow of information and resources between individuals / groups / organizations – by bringing together, onto a common platform, those who possess information and resources and those who need them. NGOs can list themselves on the site, thereby making their presence felt with individuals who would like to work with them. On the other hand, individuals who wish to do their bit for society can volunteer their services with an organization of their choice.

It would be great if you can help us support us by spreading the word on Jaago Re's initiative through your blog. Hopefully readers of your blog, both NGOs and individuals alike, would be inspired enough to join the initiative.
For any further details do visit www.jaagore.com or you can contact me and I would be glad to help.

Take care,
Pradnya Adhikari

Marathi Cinema Comes Alive Again

2010-01-18T11:57:00.003+05:30

(A still from marathi film Vihir. Photo courtsey: Vihir Director Umesh Kulkarni)

In 2008 when I saw Valu, I strongly felt writing a review. Then came Girni. Similar feeling ran through, but procrastination did not let me do anything worth. Then I saw Natrang and now Vihir. All through, I just desired, but did little.

Last evening, I defied the usual code and reviewed the entire marathi cinema. The final product appeared in the Hindustan Times was:

Ten days after the recent release of Natrang, a film on tamasha artistes, its lead actor, Atul Kulkarni, met an elderly man at a cinema hall in Satara. Kulkarni, touring to promote the film, found his face familiar. Yes, they had indeed met, the man told him — this was the 13th time he was watching the film.

A few kilometres away, a lengthy queue waited outside a multiplex for a special screening of Vihir (The Well), which portrays a child’s bond with his cousin, and has been feted at international festivals.
In 2004, Sandeep Sawant’s Shwaas (Breath) became India’s official entry to the Oscars — Marathi filmmakers have not looked back since.
In the 1980s and ’90s, most Marathi films merely played catch with Hindi cinema, and moved away from local issues and themes. In the last five years, a new crop of filmmakers has been building on the foundation laid by stalwarts like Dadasaheb Phalke, V Shantaram and Bhalji Pendharkar — and, using refreshing storylines about local issues and aspirations, brought to Marathi cinema a certain technical finesse.

Umesh Kulkarni, a Film and Television Institute of India graduate, has made three films that audiences have favoured: Valu, the story of a village living in fear of a destructive bull, Girni, about the crisis in a working-class family after it starts a small enterprise using its grinding machine, and Vihir.

Harischandrachi Factory, Paresh Mokashi’s directorial debut tells the story of the making of India’s first silent film — Raja Harishchandra, by Dadasaheb Phalke — and is India’s entry to the Oscars this year. Ravi Jadhav’s Natrang, set in rural Maharashtra in the 1970s, is still pulling in the crowds, after the success of last year’s Mee Shivaji-raje Bhosale Boltoy and Rita.
Across the state, the young and old alike have lapped up this fare. “The more local we go with themes, the more global we become,” said Kulkarni.
“There is now recognition from across the world because we have better ideas and more sophisticated presentation,” said Ajay Sarpotdar, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal, an association of Marathi filmmakers.

Dr Jabbar Patel, who directed Saamna and Sinhasan, two of the biggest films in the history of Marathi cinema, says: “The recent Pune International Film Festival pulled people in large numbers, and the average age of the viewer was 21.”

Cut Every Word And Earn More Money

2010-01-14T15:12:00.000+05:30

Machael Kinsley in the Atlantic:

On the first day of my first real job in journalism—on the copy desk at the Royal Oak Daily Tribune in Royal Oak, Michigan—the chief copy editor said, “Remember, every word you cut saves the publisher money.” At the time, saving the publisher money didn’t strike me as the world’s noblest ideal. These days, for anyone in journalism, it’s more compelling.

Journalist must cut every word. He must also get in return from Publishers the hike in salaries for every word he has cut.

Should Rape Be Treated Like Other Crimes ?

2010-01-06T19:46:00.004+05:30

Article by Niranjan Rajadhyaksha on how incentives matter, with special reference to commuting death sentence to lifer for rapist, crop up few points in the mind. The author writes: The death penalty for rape could create perverse incentives for rapists to murder their victims.

Does punishment dictate nature and severity of crime ?. Logically, the harsher the punishment, more deterrent it is. But in rape-cum-murder cases and even about other crimes, this logic is far from reality.

Whether rapist should be served with lifer or death is an issue of importance at par with how the society treat rape as a crime.

The record suggests, in most cases rapists kill victim. Contrary, in other crimes like robbery, chain snatching or economic offences, rate of culprits killing the sufferer is extremely low.

The perpetrators, having satisfied with their sexual desire, are often led by fear of getting caught. That fear drive them kill the victims, suggests confessions made by arrested rapists. Actually, murder after rape does not reduce chances of culprits’ arrest compared to when rapist abandon her without killing.

So then why rapist still prefers killing victim even though his primary intention is to meet sexual desire. ? I guess, the fear in rapist mind is more due to the possibly outcry because society apply different parameters to rape than other crimes.

I doubt if Rapist, once through with his first act, even think of incentives pertaining to the punishment and then decides whether to kill the victim, as pointed out by Rajadhyaksha. It is possibly the other way in which rapist after rape ceases to think under impression that outcry over the incident may land him into bigger trouble. The often seen outcome is then the murder of victim.

One possible way out to reduce rate of murders in rape cases can be society and her kin start treating victim equally as normal with the changed perception that rape is not the end of the road. And of course, to change that perception, start can be sentencing rapists with lifer than death.

Era Of Hindi Film Posters

2010-01-03T14:27:00.004+05:30

Anupama Chopra in the Crest Edition:

(Hindi film) posters were hand-painted from photographs provided by the producers and then reproduced on paper. The size of an actor’s face on the poster directly reflected his prominence and stardom. Diwakar Karkare, who dominated poster design for three decades, recalls a leading villain offering a bribe of Rs. 25,000 to make his face bigger.

The era of hand-painted Hindi film posters has gone leaving some anecdotes behind. Stories like this often stoke up nostalgia and make us laugh, recalling scenes from old movies. Those were the days when even frivolity was considered seriousness. The self-mockery, as we construe it today, was the key to success.

PS: While reading Chetan Bhagat's tweets, a sugesstion for him caught up my mind. Why don't Bhagat pay movie posters makers and get his name written on them in BOLD

Portuguese’ Konkani connection

2009-12-27T16:02:00.000+05:30

Bother, returned from Portuguese dominated region of Brazil, recounted innumerable stories that explains Portuguese’s distinctly similar behavior with Konkanis. These stories have confirmed my long held belief that Portuguese are in all possibility genetically closer to konkanis.

One such oft-repeated experience: For the party, socialites Brazilians call everyone, but with the condition that each one should bring food and drink from home. In canteen, they will pay for the only stuff they have consumed. And in the food, Portuguese-Brazilians prefer everything sans chilly, with sweet-sour dal (amti).

Exclusionist Raj Thackeray's All-inclusive Growth

2009-11-11T14:58:00.008+05:30

Raj’s success is appealing. Avalanche of reactions have followed congratulating Thackeray ever since his men heckled Azami. Contrary to anticipation, media websites and talk shows are flooded with comments patting Raj while criticizing Azami.

By now, we have seen Raj’s chauvinism is becoming acute every day and so is the rancor among maharashtrians for outsiders. The initial feeling among marathis of being economically subalterns drove them closer to MNS. But as the party flexed its performance in the polls, beat up few bhaiyyas, that feeling was subsided and eventually replaced with a sense of dominance that of late has marathis gloating.

Two years ago when Raj first raked up son-of-the-soil issue, pundits downplayed it saying, he won’t get any support in the form of votes. A pet argument put forward that time was Maharashtra and Mumbai has changed drastically ever since fellow Marathis benefited maximum after liberalism to which migration was an indispensable part. Two years down the line, Raj has proved the pundits wrong. He is no more just an entity made out of media frenzy.

Raj’s success has come at a time when on national scene, politics of exclusion has become ineffective. For the MNS itself, its agenda although may have been exclusionist, but it more seem all-inclusive for marathis and their growth. This is much on the lines of sena, that brought smaller marathi factions and castes under one roof to become one strong force.

In his recently circulated three-page letter to all newly elected 288 MLAs of Maharashtra too, Raj shrewdly wove some details with his message and presented him as sole guardian of Marathi. His exhort was impressive and effective to marathis having loyalties to various parties.

Besides his charisma, contributing in Raj’s success is vernacular press, which provided him enough space to cash on the readership and Congress that tacitly supported his activities for political gains. Shiv Sena, the biggest looser, is still counting decibels of reverberation that generated from the slap in the face of Azami.

Raj’s appeal proves more effective because to counter Raj, national media plays nationalist card and often rakes up contribution of non-marathis in building Mumbai. The more such stories are played, the more it hurt marathis. Raj exploits that insecurity and reaches masses through vernacular press, which in return provides the leader better display for readership gains. This has a straight resemblance with Narendra Modi’s emergence in Gujrat. Post-Godhra riots, national media attacked Modi scathingly. The leader however turned that criticism as an attack against Gujrati pride to which regional media came to rescue.

So, when we saw Modi could not be clicked outside Gujrat, there is stronger possibility that Raj will be irrelevant elsewhere even if he opts all-inclusive agenda.

"Because they can’t afford your rates"

2009-10-31T00:34:00.002+05:30

Arundhari Roy through this article is back in her original form.

She has done wonderful homework to drive point home.

For me, the punch in the article lies when she write:

“Where do the hundreds of millions of rupees that political parties and politicians pay the media for the ‘high-end’, ‘low-end’ and ‘live’ pre-election ‘coverage packages’ that P. Sainath recently wrote about come from? (The next time you see a TV anchor haranguing a numb studio guest, shouting, “Why don’t the Maoists stand for elections? Why don’t they come in to the mainstream?”, do SMS the channel saying, “Because they can’t afford your rates.”)"

But, further down till bottom, her readers seems have trounced the author, as they have done equally thorough homework about their favourite writer.

Nonetheless, the article is a great treat.

On the side note, two of my friends would like to ask Roy, when will they see her writing 6036-wrods article for extremists hindus fighting against Christians “attempting mass conversions” and the grudge marathis harbour against Uttar bharatiyas for “usurping most of the jobs”.
.

Boombaay 1930s

2009-09-23T20:23:00.001+05:30

Case against endorsing the endorsement

2009-09-20T00:08:00.007+05:30

During the Lok Sabha campaign, I had a debate with friend on why Indian media do not endorse prime ministerial contestants. The debate ended without any conclusion.

The latest US move of protectionism against Chinese tyre is no less than an answer to that debate.

A protectionist move that is bad politics, bad economics, bad diplomacy and hurts America, says Economist.

The magazine had endorsed Obama during presidential elections. Today it criticizes the president for his wrong policy – his latest move to impose 35 % tariff on Chinese tyres per se.

Endorsing the candidate isn’t wrong. But in India, will newspapers be able to keep pace criticizing government with the courage of admitting its wrong judgment, given the way government falters time to time ?

In any case, what’s the need of formal endorsement when Indian media have been into it for years without actually being into it formally.

Here is an interesting debate on endorsement started by former mint editor Raju Narisetti, who is now at washington Post.

Also Check this

Swine Flu -III

2009-09-18T00:10:00.004+05:30

Seven people have died in the city during past 48 hours. All were H1N1 positive. We do not know as yet whether those succumbed had other health complications also. Considering the weightage attached to “seven”, tomorrow’s front pages will be bombarded with related stories.

The gravity of the issue of deaths has not glued me much on the story than reactions from readers that have followed. Considering the public pressure ahead of polls in Maharashtra, the government may even think of imposing partial shut down, to which some call Level-6.

Gruesome ! The panic out of swine flu is turning more killer than the disease itself. Meanwhile, Pune's swines are behaving as usual, as if there is nothing happened. So "insensitive", almost like minister.

Tale Of A Scam

2009-09-17T20:53:00.000+05:30

Here’s a tale of how multi-million scams takes place at government level.

A government department wants to procure notes-counting machine. Actually, it requires two machines and each is worth Rs 40,000. What will the department do ?

Of course as a procedure, the department invites tenders. To invite tender, it issues ads in four national dailies. The ads cost around Rs 2 lakh.

The government babus do not stop here. They later issue corrigendum by spending Rs 15,000 more.

So for two machines worth Rs 80,000, government spends Rs. 2.15 lakh. For the babus, kickbacks are ready for spending more and more sum on ads.

Boston Brahmins

2009-09-09T21:28:00.004+05:30

Caste hierarchy is passé (at least the lower crust wants it to be so) at some places. Yet the Boston Brahmin term continues to rule in US.

Interestingly, the video clip provides déjà vu effect, especially to those who are well acquainted with Sadashiv Pethis of Pune.

The panic, that's good this time

2009-08-14T15:29:00.003+05:30

Panic is not all that bad after all if it is about swine flu.

In Pune, kids are holidaying. Vegetable rates are down as mandis wear deserted look. People have suddenly become hygiene cautious. They wear masks, wash hands in eateries and yes they even demand soap while washing hands.

Hassle free driving on deserted roads, numerous entertaining stories of officers like Dr. Katti, longer sessions without any notice to vacate chair from hotelier at otherwise crowded Rupali. No public display of affection at parks with doctor's advice to keep distance.

Panic is indeed not that bad.

Swine flu & Pune -II

2009-08-06T12:30:00.001+05:30

Okay. As the health authorities suggest, I take back my words and urge the readers of this blog to take swine flu seriously and ignore previous entry. Rida’s death has shocked the nation. But more it has shocked us because she could have been saved had Jahangir not been “negligent”.

Thanks

Swine flu and Pune

2009-07-31T17:05:00.003+05:30

Pune’s swine flu cases, by now, stand at 86, out of which 66 are the students from seven schools situated in Kothrud-Erandwane area.

Me and Satyajit done some analysis of swine flu in the city and came out with the inference:

- Residents – be it students or adults - from Kothrud-Erandwane area are prone to swine flu.
- This area is a ghetto represented by one particular community; the reflection also can be seen among swine flu cases.
- They belongs to the same genes as their Konkani counterparts, who in turn finds root across the ocean, which is the worst swine flu affected region.

So if you are not from Kothrud, nor from the said community, worry not. The swine flu isn’t for you.

Liberalism and India

2009-07-26T17:46:00.004+05:30

Eighteen years ago, or to be more precise, on July 24, 1991, India was ushered into new era of economic liberalism. Circumstances forced us opt free market over Fabian socialism.

Many of us fretted the decision. It drove us believe that decision was fatal to nation’s economy. Newspapers those days were full of reports pounding words like ‘Gatt’, ‘WTO’, ‘Swadeshi’.

I still remember: We had a debate organised at school. Whether or not conscious about the facts, participating in debates was my birth-right. I cajoled that right and entered into debate.

All participants opposed the so called liberalization. Everyone with more or less tone said, signing Gatt would push India into east India like company’s hands. The teachers applauded our understanding. And since there was no one to oppose our views, the debate, as a “debate” didn’t actually take place. With no clear winner, the prize then was distributed among all participants.

At playground, cricket followed discussions on why India should oppose “ghost of liberalization”. We did not either know what nationalism was but made us believe so by opposing liberalization.

Gradually liberalization brought in privatization, globalization and deregularization. The changes across the fields became discernible among certain class. Phrases like ‘License raj’ and ‘hindu rate of growth’ stopped cropping up in the discussions while trade unions – like the one I am associated with – partially reduced to cultural organizations. We embraced all latest technology.

As the economic liberalism made us prosper, libertian values quickly became sellable. We preferred calling ourselves libertians. Cultural block in the mindspace opened up. A new elite class was created Proponents of sex gathered momentum when they talked about open society. 'Pink Chaddi’ became sign of liberalism. Stories full of moralizing started getting secondary treatment.

On July 24, Manmohan Singh’s tiny? step completed 18 years. The man at the helm in the meantime has gathered more power. Clamor of opposition has reduced to zero. The left have already exited from the government. The right-wing RSS too is all “Jai ho” about open market – RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat recently said “Whatever is good in this world, is all swadeshi for us”. And while all this was happening, the Wall street bubble burst.

Some problems have been sorted out, some persist. We have prospered in liberalism yet we reserve our right to embrace it in its full form. We probably know it give us fruits, but with the bitter taste if eaten even before they are ripe. Not bitten yet shy, the India today is.

From reel to real life

2009-07-20T11:11:00.002+05:30

Days after, I truly enjoyed writing a story. A colleague on desk made it further enjoyable while reading.

Whose Goa is it, by the way ?

2009-07-17T18:35:00.005+05:30

The Portuguese invaded Goa first. Tiny land now faces another influx, if not invasion. From bhel-puri wallahs to construction labour, workers at ship building yard and farm labourers, bhaiyyas rule everywhere. And if there is any place where bhaiyyas have not made their mark, count it with Karnatakis or the previous intruders - Maharashtrians.

The Portuguese, the converted Christians, kolis, Saraswats and Karhades - all till now were scattered and lived peacefully - now ghettoizing. Perhaps the insecurity has driven them.

During my weekend Goa jaunt I experianced it all. While me and two friends enjoyed every bit of serene beaches, tranquil forts, the development on mainland Goa was bustling. July is off-season, but liquor was flowing like cola. We heard bambaiyya hindi too in Panjim market.

Many fear influx will soon change Goa’s demography and the land will lose its identity. I accept the market principle - free market economy has its mix baggage.

Interesting is while neighboring Maharashtra has given birth to political parties, who claim to protect rights of son-of-the-soils, why is Goa lagging behind ? . They may not be politically sensetive, but original Goans are concerned enough to return all the imminent SEZs.

But then, does Goa has its own son-of-the-soil ?

Covering the issues, Chinese way

2009-07-08T20:08:00.003+05:30

While ethnic strife in China has given fresh breath to talks about country’s oppressive tendencies, I am little amused to see a subtle change.

Chinese media has always been state controlled, as we know it for a long. But ground reports this time do indicate that media has somehow defied state diktat to expose country’s underbelly.

My personal experience with the Chinese media stunned and forced me to exult for the situation I am working in.

Last December, on tour to Belgaum to covere Indo-China joint military exercise, I had a bitter taste of it. The incident acquainted me with the situation in which neighboring country’s media operates.

Reporters from state owned Xinhua agency and other organizations were at the place to cover the event.

The exercise began well in the morning. We saw Chinese personnel giving Indian army a lesson on combat operations, some airdropping events and exchange of fire.

Post military exercise, the press from both countries gathered for conference.

To our surprise, the conference wasn’t a conference where press asks questions – sometimes impromptu, sometimes informed by reporters in advance.

Not just the questions were chalked in advance by their military (of course in consultations with their Indian counterparts) and fed us but their answers too were ready.

What then left was a mechanical exercise. Three questions were asked by Indian reporters while other three by Chinese. Who will ask what and to whom was all fixed. The conference was reduced to another event.

Most of us protested. But they seemed quite normal.

Prior to the conference, my friend Prasad and Nadeem did try and get introduced with Chinese reporters. Much to their surprise, a lady Chinese reporter and her male colleague accepted business cards but refused to exchange theirs’ citing state policy.

I was shocked. But Very quickly that shock turned into gloating.

How free I am in my country, a thought surfaced. The subsequent thought was: Do I not sometimes exploit that freedom ?

Whatchoo talkin 'bout...

2009-07-03T18:45:00.008+05:30

Arnod, the lovable character from Diff’rent Strokes will never be same from tonight when I will watch the show once again on Zee café.

Through Gaurav, just got to know, Arnod (Gary Coleman) suffers from congenital kidney disease, that has halted his growth and he now requires daily dialysis for survival.

I take pains to ask Arnold, Whatchoo talkin.

SAD

Gay rights and minors

2009-07-02T19:40:00.003+05:30

Non-consensual penile non-vaginal sex and penile non-vaginal sex involving minors is illegal. But the same with consent by adults is legal, says Delhi HC.

The HC further observes, “Discrimination is antithesis of equality” and cites article 15 of the Constitution, which prohibits any discrimination on grounds of sex, religion, caste or place of birth.

Er, now minors are crying. After all judiciary has kept them out of equality ambit.

Iran elections and twitter

2009-06-19T21:45:00.002+05:30

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei to his countrymen, “I am following you all on Twitter.”

Had L K Advani followed Ayatollah on twitter, elections results would have been different.

Me on twitter

2009-06-16T20:13:00.002+05:30

--Last month, the NYT appointed Jennifer Preston as social media editor to grab space in the expanding social media network.

--For some days HT has been reporting expressions on social networking sites as if it’s a regular beat.

--Today I joined twitter.

One should not see all the above developments in isolation.

The Bhaiyya Factor

2009-06-05T17:24:00.002+05:30

This week, the state government came out with the finding on economic survey specifying how growing outsiders’ population in Maharashtra is taking toll on the infrastructure here.

Now the HSC results are out. Big cities including Mumbai, Thane and Pune saw sharp dip in the overall pass percentage.

Mahanagar, a local daily from Mumbai came out with the analysis of result and claimed that slip in HSC results was mainly because of more Bhaiyyas appearing for HSC exam.

Since Raj’s MNS has fetched impressive number of votes, the Bhaiyya factor reverberates everywhere.

Batmidar

2009-05-28T16:02:00.006+05:30

Batmidar, my favourite blog achieved an unusual feat. It attracted fifty thousand hits in a year. A Marathi blog getting such number of visits is no less than a remarkably great job.

As Batmidar successfully carved out some of the best satirical posts and pieces, we the readers also learned differentiating good and non-so-good reading.

I pray you to keep the good work going, albeit with the side note – the axe should never fall on this side.

Nos. matter...really ?

2009-05-17T21:22:00.003+05:30

The results are out. Anxiety is over.

Interestingly, for many in Gujrat, where currently I am, there is a success in defeat and defeat in the success.

As the ballot machines began giving out results yesterday, it became evident that country is once again going into the congress party’s hands.

Facing cropper at national level, Gujrat was the one state for BJP to be a face-saver.

Yet at Party’s headquarter in Khanpur area of Ahmedabad, the mood was completely sombre. Party workers came, sat, watched TV and went without much noise. No celebrations, nothing.

The BJP improved the tally by one and put its stamp on the state once again. But prime ministerial ambitions of Advani and Modi received a major jolt. Modi stayed at home, in instead of coming out and flexing muscles while talking to media.

On the other hand, mood was jubilant at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, the congress headquarter. Even before the trends were not yet out out, the GPCC president Siddharth Patel in a self-congratulatory mood said, “I am satisfied with the results”.

In fact congress was down by one seat from its previous tally. Yet, every leader wanted to talk to media. Chai, coffee nashta came frequently, giving out the message that when you have no expectations at all, even a single seat is precious.

From Gujrat

2009-05-16T00:21:00.002+05:30

Precisely a year after, I am once again out of my house, striving hard while churning out the post-verdict stories.

Some 600 km away from the home, in Ahmedabad, the only difference I see from last year’s Karnataka experience is the comfort level is quite high. The hotel room is cozy, traveling has been cool and the food is palatable.

But then, there is irritation at different level. Blogging and television watching is what currently I am involved in. There is fatigue. Inclination to work exists very little.

The counting is few hours away while results may take a day to be out. The actually government may take a week or two to come to the power. But to me, as a common man, the government has already been formed.

The news channels have made the entire post-poll pre-verdict debates highly trivial. Cartel is formed to shape up opinion. Hypothesis is being build without any substance. Theories are running. And finally, few people are discussing and in the process deciding, who will support whom.

HAving seen this, there is little doubt left in my mind. As they say that this election was fought in the media, the next will be in the TV studio only.

Good night

Cellphone, thy name is Individuality

2009-05-08T17:51:00.005+05:30

The NYT columnist Anand Giridharadas writes -

In cellphone, India reveals an essence :

…Cellphone appeals deeply to the Indian psychology, to the spreading desire for personal space and voice, not in defiance of the family and tribe but in the chaotic midst of it.
…
Imagine what it was like, back in the Pre-cellular Age, to be young in a traditional household. People are everywhere. Doors are open. Judgments fly. Bedrooms are shared. Phones are centrally located.
…
The cellphone serves, then, as a technology of individuation. On the cellphone, you are your own person. No one answers your calls or reads your messages. Your number is just yours.
…

Imagine the future: A young woman sits on her sofa. With a few taps, she checks that her tax return has been cleared. With a few more, she learns that her local legislator is a criminal, and she switches to the other candidate. She wires a campaign contribution by text. And then she notices on television a debate on her favorite topic, and listens to the arguments and taps hurriedly into her phone words that will soon scroll across the screen.

It is not Athens, but it would be a start: in the world’s largest democracy, government not by passive consent, but by something like a conversation.

____________________________

I think days of imagination have passed. Indians are already living in the new eon.

I know few farmers from Pune and Satara who operate the water pump at farm through cellphone. The technology called ‘nano-ganesh’, invented by a Puneite enable those farmers sit at home, start the pump in the night, and switch it off in the morning by way of just a call. The same farmers sell their produce through cellphone. The text message informs them about prices for produce. The same message also has next day’s weather.

These farmers, who never handled landlines, sends text to ensure only their favourite singers win in the reality show.

Dirty old yet most envied man

2009-04-22T16:25:00.005+05:30

Khushwant Singh: "Indians have it (sex) on their brains more than they have in the right place but as it happens, when you age, it automatically shifts from the middle to the head, and you are obsessed with it. It never leaves. It is something, which is elemental, vital and far more important than other emotions like love or anger. This is elemental and it expresses itself in weird forms. You cannot suppress it, that's why things like celibacy do not work. Desire to have multiple relationships is also human. I wrote about the so-called happily married couple many times. Whether they do it or not, adultery is always at the back of the mind of both".

Singh is 94 and sex is very much on his brain even today. I love reading (only reading) him.

Here is an interesting full chat Singh had with another (sex on his brain) editor Vinod Mehta.

Season's First Post

2009-03-23T10:20:00.003+05:30

Some quick observations about this Lok Sabha elections-

1. No secular-non secular difference on party-lines

2. Ideologies have very fewer role to play

3. Lines between regional and national parties blurred like never before

4. BJP has realized, its no longer an institution but a party like any other

5. Political punditry will be at its best

6. EC is unnecessarily? acting tough

7. Sharad Pawar has managed to obfuscate Marathi voters on regional asmita and credit goes to Shiv sena, which in turn emerges a loser, at least at this hour.

8. If Supriya Sule manages to win by record margin, she will consolidate her base in the party. And that’s what her dad wants

9. At the end, as a political analyst suggest, there is little room for drastic change in democracy. We will remember this while being decent with our leaders.

Through the eyes of beholder

2009-03-17T15:45:00.008+05:30

I must be in 8^th standard then, when I read Yayati, the first Dnyanpeeth award-winning novel in Marathi.

Stupid me then read and enjoyed the novel like anything.

I admired writer V S Khandekar for his illustrious fictional work; the way he narrated story of a king from Mahabharat eon- Yayati, who in his insatiable lust for carnal pleasure begs his son Puru to swap youth with infirmity.

It was Yayati, which brought me closer to Marathi literature. I then read other fictional work including Radhyey.

The creativity and freedom enabled these writers to produce some remarkably classic literature in Marathi. Great was the absence of any opposition to such novels, terming it ‘slanderous’. The charge of course would have been dismissed saying the “obscenity lies in the eyes of beholder”.

But now…

A controversy surrounds another great author Anand Yadav for his book SantSurya Tukaram.

Warakari sect leaders, unhappy over the alleged “casting aspersions on the character of Saint Tukaram” by author in his novel, heckled Yadav and demanded his resignation as president of Marathi literary meet.

Yadav withdrew his novel and tendered apology. But warakaris refused to budge. A threat to spoil the literary meet now lingers.

They have also issued a decree - whosoever wants to write on Saints should get their permission first.

Listening to the controversy annoyed me initially. Soon, the annoyance turned into amusement. Now it seeks to rebuild perception.

For the sake of opposing, Yayati is contemptuous since it portrays certain characters negative. But readers did not mind it. In fact the portrayal of certain persona woven with events in such way that character actually conquer at the end despite loosing everything. That makes the novel great.

In SantSurya Tukaram case the focus is excessively on those few paragraphs allegedly depict Tukaram in negative. This way a lager picture of Tukaram's character is completely being ignored. Also is the fact is its not the reference book but a novel where writer does enjoy some freedom.

Tukaram, the 17^th century author throughout his life faced wrath from orthodox Brahmins for taking pen into hand.

That way Tukaram stood modern in thought.

Shall we too ?

UPDATES- Sadly, minutes before Yadav has tendered his resignation. The decision on his resignation will be taken by March 19.

Politics And Bollywood

2009-03-06T18:01:00.002+05:30

Bollywood’s tryst with politics is never ending. We have many bollywood personalities in politics and politics as a theme in movies.

The bollywood replicate social changes in its movies, while politics actually mean transformation.

Yet, looking their rise since 70s, a realization comes through that our film industry has grown up but politics hasn’t.

The masala movies of 70s and 80s, their unforgettable dialogues, the acting - often seen as self-mocking – we have gone through it. Many holdover stars from the last two decades of last century play parental roles now. These stars along with the new breed exemplify that they are with the time.

Mere pass maa hai aur tumhare pass… the famous dialogue and many such are a grim reminder of those times.

And perhaps for the same reasons, we in 2009 can’t sit three hours watching those movies again. Except for the ever-melodious songs, watching movies from 70s and 80 is actually a pain.

Contrary in Politics, the triviality is yet to be bottomed out. We are currently through elections and what better time than this to check this.

Two weeks back I was at Uddhav’s (mind you, I consider Uddhav the only sane personality among Thackerays) rally. “Congress mhanaje hiarave daat, te kadhihi jawal gheu naka” (congress means the green teeth, never allow them near you), Uaddhav made this horrible comment, forcing me wink at my colleague. The worst- it drew huge clap in the crowd.

These politicians speak same language as they act in. Their success lies in their frivolousness. And this triviality disallows them from moving ahead.

In the case of movies, people accept only contemporary ones.

And that is why we have films changing with the time while politics continue to hold same masala as it did in 70s and 80s.

Symposium on Blogging

2009-03-01T01:57:00.004+05:30

Conceived at Ramesh’ canteen, this idea was initially like a dream for us to come together and discuss it over numerous cups of tea. Later, it turned into a reality. Attended by journalism students, enthu-bloggers and techno savvies, the much-debated Symposium on blogging held in Pune this evening amidst a cheering response.

Event on blogging isn’t new anywhere anymore. But then today’s was arguably the first of its kind because of its unique nature- not just it was organised by University’s department but the participation of non-bloggers with equal fervor made it a unique.

Honestly at the beginning I had reservations about its success. But then, Madhyamites, a group comprising myself, Nitin, Prasann and Ganesh along with journalism department head Dr Ujjwala Barve organised each thing so well that the event finally turned a grand success.

Initial concerns about audience, panelists and other issues vanished soon when two guests- Pradyuman Maheshwari and Debashish Chakrabarti reached before time while listeners followed them anon to fill the Garaware college audio-visual hall.

Maheshwari, a seasoned journalist, discussed various nuances of this new medium. Debashish, a known name in the blogoshere, covered various aspects leaving no issue on blogging untouched. A big thank to both of them.

These sessions were followed by the other equally interesting sessions. There was however a quick tea break in between to help us remain non-sleepy.

After break Symposium resumed. Ravi Amale, a friend and blogger, talked about simple precautions to be taken while blogging. He delivered some quick tips on how blogging in Marathi will help us break barriers to set new standards. Till evening I used to take pride of being privy about some secrets that I and Ravi shared. I sounded fool when Amrita- Prasann’s friend- discussed that secret with an ease. It appear tobe a well-known thing to many in the field. A moment to realize that I am no longer privileged.

Fourth session was my favorite. Blogging isn’t new for me, but recent developments including Kunte-Barkha Dutt saga and a landmark judgment by apex court on commentary on blogs through comments was all we were looking to discuss with adv. Vaishali Bhagwat, who counsels police on cyber laws. It was a recollection of old memories when adv Bhagwat taught us copyright and defamation. Only difference this time was I remained more cautious and eager to listen to her since the issues she discussed were directly pertinent to my professional and extra-professional activities.

The bloggers and others who participated in the last session actually came as icing on the cake. Their eagerness to converse with each helped us re-ensconced our belief that future event will be even bigger and sure to say a grand success. And yes, how can I forget twits- Amit Paranjpe and Navin Kabra- their participation made the event even more exciting.

Here, I specially thank Prasann, Nitin, Ganesh, Dr Barve and many other participants who helped this event an exciting affair.

Oscar turns Entertainer

2009-02-23T16:36:00.002+05:30

Either I don’t understand movies or there is terribly wrong with the movie per se.

Since morning I have been referring various news reports and yet I am not able to digest the fact that Slumdog has grabbed 8 Oscars.

A month back, I watched this low budget British movie shot in Mumbai’s slum. Two friends, whom I had accompanied, left the cinema hall in between, as they had to rush for news coverage. Sulking in the thought that I have to now pick up PMT bus to reach home, I paid little attention to the last part of the movie.

Days later we had a Slumdog DVD at home. Brother, me and sister-in-law started watching it. But hardly it could move ahead, both of them, yawned, resorted to sleep, leaving the movie half finished.

This time I watched it carefully, only to reach to the conclusion that I have wasted few bucks.

I liked the movie, but not as much as to spend time and money watching it twice. I liked the non-escapists story, but thought it would have been better, had it been little lighter- this would have made the story more realistic. Rehman has delivered his best. But he often does it- and sometime he has done better than best. Overall I didn’t find it remarkably great that will last for many years on my memory disk.

The film critics say, “The film’s freshness lies not just in how the West sees India but how Indian see themselves”. This is just far from reality.

So how far the 8 academy awards to SM are justified.

I think Economist gets it right:

“Within Hollywood, of course, the Academy Awards still matter a great deal. Prestige and acclaim are hard currency in the film business, in many ways more valuable than money. The danger is that Hollywood’s taste in its own products is becoming as removed from public opinion as its political views are outside the American mainstream. What viewers will see on Sunday night is an industry talking to itself”.

Perhaps I didn't understand the film well, but I have realised that Oscars are not supposed to reward popularity, nor does it any longer reward quality.

Advani In Forward Gear

2009-02-23T13:43:00.000+05:30

Not really sure but I suspect, if not L K Advani, his team must have been reading my blog.

Otherwise why has Advani decided not to recount flashbacks – his famous predisposition during the public speeches? In my post I had stated: … the blog has given Advani a forum to go nostalgic. This is especially when many of his colleagues (and journalists who keep whining when he is at his best) don’t like him always recounting past on public forums.

Now HT story says: “Party colleagues believe flashbacks to 50s and 60s are lost on youngsters, they find it alienating. Advani has paid heed. There are fewer bouts of nostalgia in his speeches now”.

Great. Advaniji you will learn more such things provided you follow my blog.

Arun Shourie's Indignation

2009-02-18T17:45:00.000+05:30

Has Arun Shourie become Arundhati Roy of the right, as sans serif put it ?

After this from Shourie, who says,

“India is still a passive country when it comes to taking a stand against terrorism. It should, in fact, take an extremist stance and must prove that it can also create a Kashmir-like situation in Pakistan”

…I have begun to believe that Shourie has replaced Bal Thackeray.

One wonder, if this is the time to create instability in Pakistan or bring the neighboring country out of the instability.

The answer is if we want to save India, we need to save Pakistan.

A less serious post

2009-02-13T19:04:00.000+05:30

Few hours from now Sene chief Pramod Muthalik will start receiving pink innerwears. And when he actually gets one, one thing, I guess, that would top his mind is how to deal with it.

I have done few stories and a profile on Muthalik. I got to know that besides being a freak, a rabble-rouser Muthalik adores two persons most Vinayak Savarkar and Nathuram Godse.

A Brahmin by birth, Muthalik too believes in Godse’s one-nation theory and to keep Gandhi assassin’s views alive, he never misses to attend Godse’s remembrance function in Pune on every November 15. Last year, he stunned everyone when he actually printed a pocket calendar bearing Godse’s picture, an image of which is displayed in this post. Similarly he claims to be a Savarkarwadi.

So, will Muthalik play Savarkar, who had organised bonfire of foreign clothes on Pune’s Karve road in 1905 to fight British raj. The only difference this time around is the clothes are desi while those who wear them, according to Sene brigade, are of western mindset. I am sure, politically, he will score many brownie points against his rivals.

Er, I have actually provided Muthalik a great idea to fight back pink-Chaddiwallah’s onslaught. He now owes me another good story through doing or publishing something more stunning.

But before that he should also read Savarkar’s essay:

English Women and Hindusthani men

Savarkar writes, “If a nation has political freedom, it leads to progress in many other areas. And one thing leads to another. A good example is found in the present agitation of English women.

England was ruled by Romans for some 500 years and after they left came various monarchs. Later, since the days of Magna Carta in 1215, the King’s powers were curtailed by the Barons. Centuries later, the rich businessmen got representation in Parliament. Now women are demanding a say in the running of their country. We have to learn quite a lot from their movement. I therefore give the details of the movement…”.

Image is one front side of pocket calender, that bear picture of Nathuram Godse (left) and Vinayak Savarkar (right). Source: A nonymous worker of Muthalik.

Safeguaring Indian ethos

2009-02-01T18:34:00.000+05:30

Much has been said already and little is left now to add value to it.

But one point, I see, is missing everywhere. And therefore here is my take on the great Manglore pub saga.

A group of 30/40 youngsters bashing boys and girls in pub at Manglore. As I saw this on my TV set, I promptly recalled an year old instance of women from Satara district blackening the faces of desi-liquor daddies, thrashing the customers and converging in huge number to shut the wine shops.

I found many similarities between the two instances except for the way these incidences were received.

By and large both the cases were about ‘safeguarding Indian ethos' and 'establishing supremacy'. In the first case, it was men who heckled girls while the second case saw women beating their village-men.

But the response to both the events was conspicuously different. For avant-gardes, the first instance was a topic to lash out country’s moral police. For media and its commentators, the incident was a ready-made weapon to lash political parties and their offshoot wings full of hoodlums. For the various chief ministers, the incident came in handy as to give their reaction and put their side before voters.

For the main perpetrator Sriram sena and its chief Pramod Muthalik, the relentless coverage of the incident through media could not have been at a better time especially when the outfit is fighting for reckoning.

In the second case however, the incidence was reported only in the region, barring few examples like my stories in HT Mumbai. And since media was lackluster in their coverage no single voice could be heard from the forward-thinking class of Pune-Mumbai or any chief minister.

Whatever I saw, read and reported myself was all about appreciating Satara’s firebrand women fearlessly fighting to correct the local politics. Their fight against powerful liquor-daddies were termed as 'movement'.

Why is so discriminatory response to two events which were more or less dealing with same issue?

A typical case of class allegiance, that often leads the media to reach hyperbole during their coverage.

And when media goes berserk, reaction are bound to follow.

Here elitist will accuse me of being socialist or conveniently choosing to ignore the facts to drive the point home.

But I for one is neither a socialist nor see any other “facts” to ignore. I am not even a saffronist to defend Sriram sena or carrying purpose to malign the Satara's firebrand women.

What I am trying is to bring out the contradictions.

(Photocaption: A file photo of a group of women pelting stones at a shop in Karad taluka of Satara district)

middle-class millionaire

2009-01-27T14:06:00.000+05:30

The Slumdog Millionaire Jamal Malik is on the award-winning spree. But has anyone thought what Harshavardhan Nawathe, the first Kaun Banega Crorepati winner is doing nowadays ?

Nawathe isn’t a slumdog, but in Mumbai, “slumdogs and middle-class Maharashtrian boys do become crorepatis”.

Here is a great reading from mint on India’s first not so slumdog yet a slumdog-like fan of Bachchan.

brahmin convention and purist

2009-01-25T20:44:00.001+05:30

Attending All India Brahmin convention for coverage and putting a post on blog wasn’t on my program list two days before. But given that my earlier post on Chitpavan convention drew maximum hits, I thought its better to write once again.

I have always believed Brahmins are second most castiest after Marathas. And within the community, sub-caste identified as Konkanasthas lead the chart. Opinion may vary person to person.

But when around two lakh Brahmins from across the country converged for the community convention, what happened was not so anticipated. Most of the Puneites Brahmins stayed away from the convention. Those very few who joined from the city were mostly Deshasthas.

So what forced Konkanasthas not to participate in the All India Multi Lingual Brahmin Convention, which according to my friend saw participation of around three lakh Brahmins in two days?

“Konkanasthas do not like to be part of herd”, said another friend.

But if that was the case then how come more than one lakh people from the community gathered at one place, December last, I pointed out.

So what forced them stay aloof ?

One reason could be the heterorganic nature of gathering. Konkanasthas are widely considered to be purist and often prefer homogeneity (this is general perception and there are always some exceptions). Another is ruckus and chaos, which is an integral part of such big gathering.

No wonder that some unsavoury moments were witnessed when a lady participant commented that Brahmin do not necessarily has to perform sandhya (daily ritual) and wear Janave (sacred thread). The comments followed ruckus and the session eventually ended without further discussion, a scene akin to two year old convention when Kumar Ketkar’s speech drew similar response. This once again displayed the non-tolerant and criticism-wary tendencies among Brahmins.

But that was it. The convention saw some surprising proceeding. Says my news report appeared in HT:

“It was 'social engineering' message of sorts that came out of a two-day Brahmin community convention near Pune on Saturday. Making for such an impression on the opening day of two-day meet were socio-political resolutions in an effort to build bridges with other castes.

Among the resolutions passed was one condemning US researcher James Laine for his controversial writings on Chhatrapati Shivaji, founder of the Maratha empire. If that could be read as reaching out to politically powerful Maratha caste, there was also a resolution vote, irrespective of political ideology.

It was a move akin to Brahmins working with the pro-dalit Bahujan Samaj Party before the last year Uttar Pradesh Polls, a successful experiment that came to be called social engineering”.

Overall, the convention wasn’t worth to attend for the purpose with which I had gone there. But it provided me a good story and a post to increase my blog-count.

NO WE CAN'T

2009-01-20T20:42:00.000+05:30

The change has come through. Expectations are now running high. People of US of A now want every hole to be fixed- immediately, impeccably. The world wants new administration convenient to them. India wants support to check terrorism. Osama and ilk wants favour to flourish. I want rise in my salary.

Am I talking too much ?

Things Journalists Like

2009-01-18T19:10:00.000+05:30

Messy desk
Drinking Press releases
Throwing shoes
Breaking news
Writing standing up
Google
Free food
Scandals
Free passes
Awards
Twitter
Interns
Readers feedback
Dating other journalists
Exclusives
Professional organizations
Barack Obama
Bylines
Procrastinating
Writing a book

Source- stuffjournalistslike.com

Here’s list of other things journalists like but have not been covered above-

Discussing others’ affairs
Press clubs
Hate PRs’
“I know it…I told you so”
Circulating copies
Going late to Press conferences
Never switch off mobiles
Lifting
Blogs

Narisetti at The Washington Post

2009-01-14T13:43:00.000+05:30

Today I am envy of Post readers. The Washington Post has got a man no other than Raju Narisetti. It was Narisetti, who served at mint as founder editor and introduced Indian readers with an idea of what the classic newspaper is. But more than the product what I liked most was some superb insights this ‘romantic realist’ offered through his blog linked to livemint. I hope Narisetti soon takes up another assignment of writing blog besides the brief the Post has offered him.

Advani and Blogging

2009-01-10T16:32:00.000+05:30

Okay.

It’s now L K Advani’s turn to switch on to blogging (http://blog.lkadvani.in)

It’s better late than never (for Advani) and sooner than anticipated (for party) as it prepares for defeat.

Defeat ? Why so ?

For BJP and its leaders, the more they are quiet the better. Because the more BJP people talk the more they reveal and the more they reveal the more they get entrapped.

But, surely so, the blog has given Advani a forum to go nostalgic. This is especially when many of his colleagues (and journalists who keep whining when he is at his best) don’t like him always recounting past on public forums.

My best wishes to Advani for successful stint in blogging.

When capitalists exploit proletariat

2009-01-07T18:55:00.000+05:30

I don't normally entertain forwarded stuff on email. But the following one did stop me for a while. Its quite hilarious and I thought I should share it here. The english script that follows Marathi is mine.

दररोजचा शीस्तीचा भाग म्हणून पेपर वाचणार्या बंड्याने त्याच्या बाबांना वीचारलं, "बाबा, शासन व्यवस्था म्हणजे काय हो?" "त्याचं असं आहे".... बाबा वीचार करत म्हणाले..."हे बघ, मी घरात पैसे कमावून आणतो. म्हणजे मी भांडवलदार; तुझी आई हा पैसा कुठे-कसा खर्च करायचा हे ठरवते म्हणजे ती सरकार; आपल्या घरातली मोलकरीण काम करते म्हणजे ती झाली कामगार; तू सामन्य नागरीक आणी तुझा लहान भाऊ म्हणजे भावी पीढी. समजलं?" बंडया वीचार करत झोपी गेला. रात्री त्याचा लहान भाऊ रडायला लागल्यावर त्याला जाग आली. अंथरूण ओलं केल्यामुळे तो रडत होता. बंडया आईला उठवायला गेला. ती गाढ झोपलेली असल्याने तो मोलकरणीला उठवायला गेला तर तीच्या खोलीत बंडयाचे बाबा झोपलेले होते. सकाळी बाबांनी बंडयाला वीचारलं..."काय बंडोपंत?...कळली का लोकशाही?" बंडया म्हणाला..."कळलं बाबा. जेव्हा भांडवलदार कामगारांचं शोषण करत असतात तेव्हा सरकार गाढ झोपेत असतं. देशाची भावी पीढी मूलभूत सोयींसाठी रडत असते आणी या सर्वांचा त्रास फक्त सामन्य नागरीकाला सहन करावा लागतो".

To convince his son that the present system ain't that bad, Bundya's father further goes on elaborating "look, capitalists see profits because they bring money, workers do get exploited sometime. But its win-win for them even".

Bundya, appear convinced, adds, "Understood baba. the other day aai was also uttering similar as she entered into house after visiting neighboring Sontakke kaka's house".

Irony

2009-01-06T19:54:00.000+05:30

Hours before Amit Varma posted on his blog “Buy Elections”

Hours later we are told IU has been nominated in the 2008 Weblog Awards and, ironically so, Amit write on his blog:

“The category I have great hopes of is Best Asian Blog, so do vote there wholeheartedly. I’m most unlikely to win Best Political Coverage, where giants like Daily Kos, Townhall and Politico have also been nominated, but hell, we’re the world’s largest democracy, we know how to vote, so do vote there as well”.

Amit, we know how to vote, after all you only have taught us this here.

“Well, every election is really an exercise in buying voters. Either you can buy them with promises of good governance, better infrastructure, law & order and so on; or you can buy them with money and material goods. If the promises have no value, and both voters and politicians know that every promise is an empty one, then what’s a pragmatic voter to do? Take the money, of course. A self-perpetuating cycle duly begins, and there you have it, democracy at the grassroots”, says Amit.

Well what can you promise us if we cast our vote in your favour.

I think clarity on some issues.

The most important and imperative among them is: Your take on J & K and secession, especially after your previously stated position and the subsequent elections which saw participation of 62 % Kashmiries.

I hope you are listening..

Disclosure: In one of my post on allowing Kashmir to secede, i too had admitted that argument made by liberals look rather convincing than that of others. But then at the same time I had advocated to be selfish to keep Kashmir. Now I am glad to say that Kashmiries doesn't want us to be selfish. But they want us to be objective; objective enough to judge their aspirations, their problems and their emotions.

India's left right and center

2008-12-18T17:05:00.000+05:30

Meet Kasab’s attorney, A R Antulay

Is there any need to search lawyer for Kasab when we have Antulay. I am sure A R Antulay will fight Kasab’s case with full honesty.

I see saffrons sitting at the corner and laughing.

***

An additional mark to Sitaram Yechury for his comments: "The Prime Minister had told Bush that all the people in India love him. It is because of this statement, the shoes have been hurled at the people of India too".

So next time if we have to 'beat' China, we should rather "BEAT" Indian left, because both love each other.

Attack, Aftermath and Admission

2008-11-30T18:02:00.000+05:30

It’s all over now.

As an aftermath, Shivraj Patil has resigned. Many things are to follow.

I am here to admit rather bluntly that I am unmoved by all.

Yes, none of my kin died or injured in the attack. I was not even involved in the reporting of entire incident.

The initial eagerness turned into fatigue. Television watching became intermittent thereafter. I cared to know, but little and not from the heart.

Actually when rescue operation was on, I had started imagining the political fallout of entire episode.

Karkare & Kampte’s death did initially shock me. But that shock did not last much.

I missed the usual “spirit of Mumbai” & “Mumbai Meri Jaan” rhetoric. Perhaps that ‘spirit’ wasn’t alive this time.

I also missed much of the political action. They shouldn’t been so inarticulate this time.

Journalists’ action was interesting. I discovered many Maureen Dowd wannabe who updated the country bullet-by-bullet from warfront.

Bachchan and his licensed .32 revolver under his pillow should have been played rather prominently, I felt. I also felt bloggers’ anguish was unjust.

But I enjoyed Ramu and Ritesh Deshmukh accompanying Vilasrao Deshmukh at Taj during his first visit as a part of stock-taking.

I saw frames of kin of deceased. Often short of words, the struggle while searching for words to express was anticipated. But nothing came out.

Later I discovered, I have lost sensitivities.

Grappled further to know how this happened ?. Answer came without many efforts.

I realized that people losing their life has become routine here.

And letting them lose their life is also a part of that bigger routineness which we see among our rulers.

So I thank our rulers for taking my sensitivities out.

Shivraj Patil

2008-11-30T14:29:00.000+05:30

Dear Mr. Shivraj Patil, Thank you very much.

You have indeed done a great favour to this nation.

V P Singh

2008-11-30T14:19:00.000+05:30

Vishwanath Pratap Singh, the champion of ‘mandalising’ Indian politics died on Nov 27. Singh died due to blood cancer.

Singh is no more now, but what still exist is the cancer; the cancer of quota that has gripped our nation.

The real reason why women buy lingerie

2008-11-10T18:41:00.001+05:30

Eureka !!!!!

I have discovered it here

Hindu Terrorism, Marathi Chauvinism and Financial Carnage: A Perfect Storm

2008-10-31T17:59:00.000+05:30

Ever since the Mumbai ATS have arrested Hindu fundamentalists in connection with the Malegaon and Modasa blasts, my friend has been teasing me. And to shield myself, I launch counter attack with a point that some of those Hindu fundamentalists arrested are Brahmins. Well, not just Brahmins, but one among them is ‘Kulkarni’, a surname my ‘teaser friend’ shares.

Kidding apart, the day since anti-terrorist squad have arrested Sameer Kulkarni and Ramesh Upadhyay in Pune and Bhopal, the often-so-vocal (irrespective of the subject) Modi baug Swayamsevaks have been quite tightlipped. I hear same is the situation at Reshim baug, Nagpur. I don’t want to get involved in the moral part of the issue.

The only point I see here is, like my friend, BJP and its ilk won’t ever be as aggressive as they have been on terror. Good for Congress?.

In the office, my Bengali colleague lashes me out on parochial mindset that few Marathis harbour. He resists from straightaway taking on me, but makes it sure that every arguments, irrespective of the topic, ends with a side note on ‘chauvinism’. Well, what can be my reply other than saying, Raj’s beating Biharis and Bhayyas, not Bengalis.

Actually we all know what Raj has been doing is repeat of history already created by his uncle Bal Thackeray. The only difference is: its no more uthao lungi bajao pungi. It’s in stead bajao bhayyas.

Pick up an emotive issue. Distorts the facts. Take on to stalwarts and exhorts the army of workers to play the evil under the name of god. The byte hungry media is there is to help you out. Result: emergence of a new political star.

And by chance if you counter Raj, much like his uncle, the MNS chief starts barking, showing disgust for being challenged and questioned. “Don’t be their advocate”, defiant Raj told me over phone from Ratnagiri, prior to his arrest when I countered him on his lie: “Railways don’t give ads in local dailies”. When I actually presented facts, Raj, lull for a moment, stormed with yet another argument: “As you claim, if the ad has indeed appeared in some local news papers, then Marathi candidates must have applied for it. But we did not see Marathi candidates getting call letters for exam from Railway Recruitment Board. This shows how the railways have been neglecting Marathi youths”. Realizing that he can be exposed, He once again called me up on my cell to advise (with no less than a threatening tone) to “report entire thing properly”.

Ethically we all know he is wrong. Politically, I would say, Raj is correct. Bad for Sena ?.

The meltdown heat is warming up the pan beneath us, thanks to libertians, whose mess up is by and large restricted to US. A stage has yet to come here wherein government would talk about bail-out plans and tax-payers will cry.

Today with each post on this blog, I realize that my penchant for liberalism is growing.
-------------------------------
Contradictions everywhere ?. Or is it cognitive dissonance?.

'Forget what you've heard about Gandhi and nonviolence in India. This is a nation of militias now'

2008-10-26T19:58:00.000+05:30

"I'm in search of Gandhi in the land of Gandhi…. I've failed to find him."

The above quote comes from no one very intellectual. It was actually delivered by Yasin Malik, a separatist leader from J & K.

The quote found place in Anand Giridharadas' nicely written article “Want to be heard in India? You'd better form a militia” in International Herald Tribune.

Good that many have understood this. The bad part is, those who have understood what Giridharadas says are mostly politicos.

Way towards sound journalism

2008-09-29T15:25:00.000+05:30

Recently I had an opportunity to share Reuter’s guidelines on sourcing with my journalism professor Kiran Thakur. He put those guidelines along with a small comment of mine on his blog.

That post later led to a small debate with participation from senior journalist Mahesh Vijapurkar. Vijapurkar insisted on clarity and responsibility while writing news. I pointed out some good practices being adopted by newspapers, especially mint.

Now, this latest post by mint editor Raju Narisetti tells us how ET too has decided to stick to “fundamentals of sound journalism”.

I have a mix reaction though, and a couple of questions:

1. Whether it is possible for mainstream media to hold on to such practices (formal or written reply from concerned parties before releasing the story), especially when everybody in India do not have access to email and fax ?.

2. As we see ET editor Rahul Joshi emphasizing on: “give at least 24 hours to a company to respond”, another question pops up: If mainstream newspapers too follow this, arn't they denying readers their right to know and to know at the earliest ?.

I am not really sure which way to go.

Khushwant Singh and chavanni

2008-09-20T11:24:00.000+05:30

Reading great people makes one great.

Reading Khushwant Singh, especially his endless and erotic celebration of love, passion and sex, has always been an unforgotten experience.

Few years back when I finished his autobiography: Truth Love and a Little Malice, I developed fresh affection for this writer.

Today, I was rather amused to read former HT editor N C Menon’s piece: Khushwant remembers only what suits him.

Menon tried to tear off claims made by Singh in his weekly column: Pride of a nation.
---------------------------------
Singh: ...I was curious to know what a Birla would offer to the God of auspicious beginnings. He put a silver chavanni — a four-anna piece. I understood why Birlas were the wealthiest family in the country.

Menon:... How, pray, does such a generous man visit Singh’s home and take out his wallet to make a ‘chavanni’ offering to the Ganesh idol at his door? I doubt if such an incident ever took place. I know for a fact that Birla never carried money, least of all small change.

-----------------------------------
Reading both the writers was quite entertaining. Claims, counter claims, and both of them were putting only that was convenient to them.

Both knew, their claims can not be contradicted as Birla is no longer alive.

So, does it really matter it if was chavanni or athanni ?.

Well, good writers do know how to make use of even chavannis.

Disclosure: Khushwant Singh’s The Company of women, Burial at Sea and Truth Love and a Little Malice are all time favourite of mine.

My love for Raj

2008-09-08T17:55:00.001+05:30

Raj, I am with you dear. Go on. Take the battle ahead against Bachchans. Count my support.

I too have an issue with Bachachan. He made me waste 100 bucks for his 'Ram Gopal Verma ki Aag'.

But, I can not express this in Marathi. This blog is English even if I can put devnagari. Will you still allow me to be with you ?.

Forgive me, if you can’t.

P.S.

I have a quick comment on the latest development in this issue.
I read Amitabh's blog just now and obsereved his apologetic voice for wife's behaviour. Thats all fine. But what was the need for Mr Bachchan to recount all that he and Jaya have done for Maharashtra and Mumbai. Doesn't it sound Amitabh's penchant to be political ??

It rather smell of his desperate attempt to get Bal Thackeray on their side, once again.

Amravati vs Latur vs Pune

2008-09-07T11:11:00.000+05:30

A race has begun, finally. Amravati, represented by her excellency: Pratibha Patil, has locked in motion with Vilasrao’s Latur.

An airport followed by a special train to Mumbai with super duper railway station, is all what Amravati has received. Having put this in kitty, Pratibhatai had even staked womens’-only-IIT in her karmabhumi.

Arjun Singh led HRD ministry however ducked the proposal. But I understand that efforts are Patil is trying something less but equally important. This will help her restore her image.

Our beloved (since he has given me exclusive interview, Vilasrao is my favourite) CM is betting for couple of SEZs in his hometown. Plus, he is betting for IIM too. “If not Latur, IIM must come to Aurangabad”, CM roared last week.

Interestingly, CM’s attempt to get IIM has come three years after the then education minister Suresh Jain announced the elite business school in Pune. Puneites then never heard about this. And if they come to know Vilasrao's plan, god saves him.

This man was also keen to get nano project at Latur. But taking the Singur project elsewhere doesn’t look reality. He’s already bagged airport and work has started at sleepy town in Marathwada.

And when these two leaders are promoting their regions rigorously, what Sharad Pawar is doing for Pune ?.

Man, he has got Rs 4600 crores Metro rail project for you. And the good news is Pawar is keen for project’s speedy implementation (I wouldn’t have cared had it been done by Kalamadi or any other politician).

Pawar’s seriousness comes from his emphasis to look for another land in stead of prime plot belonging to Agriculture college. The land is being considered for Metro rail’s main station.

The plot is lush green, at the center of city and has history of 100 years. So how can Pawar be wrong when he say, “Puneites wont allow us build this project. They (puneites) are intelligent, knows the law very well and have loads of time too. So, can we afford to fight with them for next 15-20 years”, Pawar told to a bunch of reporters.

Lets be selfish

2008-08-22T10:13:00.000+05:30

The two columns that appeared last Sunday in HT and TOI have finally started evoking reactions. Allowing Kashmir to secede was the base of articles that came from Vir Sanghvi and Swaminathan Aiyar.

Many have attempted to put counter arguments on the thoughts. I find none of these counter argument as convincing as opinions by Sanghvi and Aiyar.

Yet I don’t want to support idea of separate Kashmir.

Liberal Aiyar, a prime contender for this year’s Bastiat for contributing towards free society through his writings, doesn’t like “ruling people against their will”. Sanghvi, a prominent journalist known for picking right pulse at right place, asks "why are we still hanging on to Kashmir if the Kashmiris don’t want to have anything to do with us?".

Well, to me, Kashmir is crucial as part of India’s geopolitical maneuvering. Agreed that Kashmiries want to secede, but aren’t these emotions politically driven ?.

If Hindus get carried away by opportunist BJP and demand ram mandir in Ayodhya, shouldn’t the government respect majority view ?. After all democracy is made up of majority view.

Kashmir affair has third party angle (read Pakistan), hence the issue turn international. In international relations, might and interests always overtake democratic views.

So, let me be selfish for my country and play the same card that India is playing.

Here I recall Americal thinker Bernard Baruch’s quote:
“The greatest blessing of our democracy is freedom. But in the last analysis, our only freedom is the freedom to discipline ourselves”.

ON THE ROAD IN INDIA

2008-08-19T20:24:00.000+05:30

For the last few days I have been unfailingly reading Niraj Seth’s blog linked to Wall Street Journal: ON THE ROAD IN INDIA.

The blog, to me, looks dull and superficial. What inspire me to read it is the comments that land on Niraj’s blog.

It gives third man perspective.

Just to give an example, writes a commentator:

Indians here are a defensive bunch(stemming from low self-esteem). If somebody external doesn’t write a one-sided glowing review of *India Shining*, they don’t get their daily dosage of validation. The incredible growth was due to an extreme pent-up potential that was suppressed for more than 50 years due to socialistic policies. But other than that, India is still a corrupt nation with a few bright people (In a population of 1 Billion, you are bound to get 50 Million extremely smart people). But, a cross sectional average Indian still lacks the basic drive & skill-set to take India to the next level. As far as White people getting better treatment, It is not the caste system, but Indians seeking external validation due to their low self-esteem, just like the losers who are extra nice to only hot chicks. I would bet on China and other South East Asian countries than India....

Buffet is right when he say, “Indians need their daily dose of validation from someone external”.

Otherwise why would we Indians always get stuck to randomly published Forbes’ billionaires list having Indian names.

A new star is born

2008-08-11T12:42:00.001+05:30

This is what I like most about internet and blogs. The news strikes here as Abhinav Bindra win gold, creates history. Next moment see an avalanche of comments on his blog.

People no longer need to wait for media to come to their steps. A small googling and you have everything that will help you reach to a person you desire to.
--------------------------------

Well, can anybody guess how Abhinav made it ?

Writes Abhinav Bindra in his blog:

…Today is my day off and so i am going to spend some time soaking in the village and actually getting my mind to do something it has never done before.... NOT THINK ABOUT SHOOTING!!!So instead of thinking about shooting perfect bulls eyes... today i am going to think of the pretty women in the village, the weather, the great city of beijing and whatever else pops into my mind will be allowed to stay as long it doesn't involve the words "rifle", "shooting" in it.... hey all it is a great time to be an athlete and this event is what we all live for.....

The answer is here. Abhinav thought of pretty women in the village. So in stead of thinking about rifle, he had in his mind: THE TARGET.

Hearty Congratulations Abhinav.

kick

2008-08-08T19:13:00.000+05:30

Many get kick by alcohol. Most among that ‘many’ smoke to achieve high. A major chunk resort to chatting and orkutting. Few prefer coffee to catch up that stage. Some opt writing, mostly through blogs. A lot of youngsters hang out (in case of Pune, its F C/M G road) while some friends visits Katta.

I have tried most of the options and realised the effect of desired kick is shrinking.

Is it good ?. Should I abstain all ?.

Certainly not, shout my colleague from neighbouring workstation.

Heck. What am I doing.

Its drizzle outside, we are at weekend. An sms has just pinged into my cell. He’s asked me to reach Poonam (deccan).

Bye.

Rs 2800 crores

2008-07-18T23:06:00.000+05:30

Rs 2800 crores.

That’s the figure Pune draws yearly from students coming to the city from outside Maharashtra and country.

No wonder. Pawar spoke for 45 minutes on the issue of agitation against educational institution by MNS.

The man, who doesn’t even entertain sound-bytes to e-media talked to us for 45 minutes on this subjects. Good part is, it was Pawar only who disclosed this figure and stressed for recognition of education sector as an industry.

Raj, are you listening ?…Oh I forgot, you listen to Raj(u) only.

N-Deal

2008-07-18T22:59:00.000+05:30

Yes. He says it all.

Whatever will happen, will happen with narrow margin: Pawar

My guess is UPA will loose the trust motion by one or two votes.

But, whatever, it will be win-win situation for UPA. If it wins the trust vote, it gets N-deal. strong issue to fight next polls.

If it looses by narrow margin, it gets sympathy. The sympathy on which party will bank and try to clinch another term.

Remember NDA that had lost by one vote just to re-emerge triumph ?.

“congress lost on principals”, common man will say and will consider his vote in the following election for the same party.

But then there will again be some deal.
Heck. I am sick of word ‘deal’.
Whatever has to happen should happen immediately.

Not that I am for deal, but my prayer is they should get it, only then we will escape from it.

Johann Bach, you made my day

2008-07-01T18:59:00.000+05:30

Being sluggish, tardy, sometimes pays.
Thank god.
For a moment even I was tempted to follow that Pen Pricks floated press release.
The procrastination within me however did not let me go forward.
Today, I have realised the importance of dilatoriness.

Elaborating further on what exactly has happened, writes Siddharth Varadarajan in The Hindu
or
pick up From Reuters blog:

The Pen Pricks, who run a blog skewering the Goan press, promised readers on Sunday they were about to break a “big, Big, BIg, BIG” story. It looks like they succeeded. Still, it should not take pranksters to remind us that gullibility is a dangerous flaw in journalism.

Indian law

2008-06-21T11:43:00.001+05:30

Sometimes, I find Indian laws utterly incapable.

This week, I was working on the story dealing with voyeurism. I found Information Technology Act very stringent but half-prepared.

The IT Act 67 says, Whoever publishes or transmits or causes to be published in the electronic form, any material which is lascivious or appeals to the prurient interest or if its effect is such as to tend to deprave and corrupt persons who are likely, having regard to all relevant circumstances, to read, see or hear the matter contained or embodied in it, shall be punished.

But on the use of obscene material for self-gratification, the law is silent.

So imagine that there is a peeping tom in the mall, clicks images of a woman’s private moments from trial room and keep it for self use.

Can this voyeurist be charged ? I don’t think so.

Taking pictures without knowledge in private places is infringement of privacy, hence, can be charged. In this case however, he is in mall, a public place, although the trial room isn’t. Second, he is using the images for self-gratification.

IPC 509 that deals with outraging modesty of woman can put him in jail. But then the punishment under IPC 509 isn’t as severe as IT act.

Under such circumstances, an intelligent officer will implicate the accused different way. The officer will make sure that those images on computer.

Well, transmission has been done, so as the crime.
-----------------------------
Another case: A person having sex with woman below 16 even with her free consent is rape. The age of consent for sex, as per IPC 376, is 16 years while her official age for marriage is 18.

Interestingly, Sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under fifteen but is below 16, is not rape.

Pawar, Blast and arrests

2008-06-18T15:11:00.000+05:30

Okay. Now since Sharad Pawar has finally reacted on Ketkar controversy, it is my moral duty to react on his reaction, especially after previous post. As a guest editor of Maharashtra Times, Pawar through his edit thrashed Mete. Just for a day, the man of political breed put his foot in journalist’s shoes, and surprisingly enough, change was there in his tune too.

Having said this, I still stand firm on my theory. The time now is to see how R R headed home department acts against Mete.

Moving on to Hindu radicals arrested in Thane and Navi Mumbai blasts cases. Bal Thackeray’s today’s edit is quite hilarious, only if we picks up first five lines. It turns dangerous thereafter.

Yes, I too thought it was a job of some Hindu organization and not the Islamists’. And I have enough reasons to think so.

First, the bomb didn’t wreak much damage.

Second, it was crude and not the sophisticated bomb.

Third, police took much more time to make arrests- normally after any deadly blasts, police ‘swiftly’ act and arrest few people from specific community. And even before the thorough probe, police slap MCOCA on them. Many in the crime reporting feels, most such arrests are police's attempts to cover up their failure.

These things didn’t happen in Navi Mumbai and Thane blasts cases for which Hindu radicals have been accused.

post-mortem of attack and action

2008-06-15T12:18:00.000+05:30

Vinayak Mete, the alleged mastermind of attack on Kumar Ketkar’s house has been sacked from the post of NCP vice president. The delayed action against him, conspicuous silence from NCP upper echelons and the criticism of attack from few non-Maratha leaders have different theories taking rounds. The action against Mete in itself is a façade.

A popular theory first drawn immediately after attack was Mete was unhappy in the party following denial of MLC post to him. This was followed by another presumption: It was just to get publicity and shot into fame overnight. Analyzing the attack, some stated that confusion prevailing among leaders and workers because of party’s flip-flop on various issues. And now after action, a new theory has come up. It states that to attack was to contain Ketkar, who was being over critical against government’s failure in the recent past.

Well, I think, the attack has its roots in the caste-politics that rules the game. There are few things one need to look into. First, although Mete is very well a leader of the party, the attack was carried out by his little known organization called Shiv Sangram. A resemblance that was to be drawn out from the attack on Bhandarkar Institute. Sambhaji brigade, which enjoys silent and not so silent support of NCP, was responsible for the four-year-old attack. The common thread in both attacks is: Chattrapati Shivaji. This time however, there was no single word against Shivaji in Ketkar's editorial, and Mete knew it well.

Second, post attack on Ketkar, only few NCP leaders including Gurunath Kulkarni, D P Tripathi openly criticized the action. The most coveted reaction from Sharad Pawar never came. Why didn’t Pawar in clear terms criticized Mete or why not strict action has been taken against him (Mete) by party ?. Pawar, whose family is set to launch newly launched english daily, in Delhi by mid-August, won't. He will neither invite wrath from maratha communiy nor let the his family owned daily to be isolated.

R R Patil, spoke, but as a Batmidar says, it was ‘government language’.

Many remember, immediately after attack on BORI, Pawar’s first reaction was critical. However the very next day in an election rally in Pune, Pawar in unambiguous terms criticized the controversial book on Shivaji. The equations changed thereafter and party got enough ammo for general elections.

To put it into perspective, we need to couple both the incidents, plus, few recent developments. The elections are drawing closer; both NCP and Congress anticipate heavy anti-incumbency wave. The Shiv sena and recently born MNS have taken up issue of Marathi while congress enjoys non-Marathi and non-maratha vote-bank.

For the inclusion in OBC category, a demand has been made by dominant caste in the state, to which government has not said NO. The state government, possibly influenced by Gujjar effect, has also begun preliminary preparations for this. Chhagan Bhujbal’s samata parishad too is gaining momentum.

Amidst such situation NCP has one safe card to play. The same card they played in last general elections. It hopes to play the card and win over elections this time too.

Obama

2008-06-04T09:37:00.000+05:30

Finally its all over. Obama has won the nomination. I am bit nervous. Throughout the primaries, I pitched for Mrs. Clinton.

Here, I take a recourse. My favourite henceforth will be McCain.

I know, Obama is better choice, for US. But then Hillary was best, for India. McCain is good for Indo-US, I believe.

History tells, democrats have been good to India. This time, a new history has been written. Obama while capping a rapid rise from political obscurity, made a history.

ammmmmm ?.......hmmmmmm

2008-06-03T18:48:00.000+05:30

Hmm. No post since long.

In fact there are too many subjects to write. But then there is too little to scribble here.

Writing something about the work would invite wrath from the company. Constructing poem is like clearing mathematics question paper, which I have never done. Reviewing books are okay. But then for that I need to read.

Few things are sacred to me and too personal. So no mentioning.

Scribbling inside stories from profession is the thing I am bored of doing. This job is best being done by best of bhankas, formerly, Let us Bhankas.

Narrating few embarrassing, but equally interesting, moments that my friends had to recover from is not in the interest of mine. They are after all my readers.

A friend has already advised me to shut down this blog. People like us (he too is a journalist) already harass people by forcing them read our stories. So it is in the larger interest of society that we abstain from writing further, friend sermon.

Any option left ?