The Time to Act as a Change Agent

First thing first! My heartfelt condolences for Khushwant Singh – who left us all on 20^th March 2014. He epitomized life in true sense. And what a meaningful life he lived, peaceful death he had and graceful adieu he received! A dream run!

The Financial Year 2013-14 is coming to an end with good gains in stock market. In general, the mood is upbeat, may be with expectations in the air – before the largest democracy of the world gets engaged in electioneering.

The atmosphere is getting charged up as the lists of candidates are getting finalized by various political parties, the old horses are switching sides, new forces are getting ready for making big stride and new equations and alliances are being worked out by the political parties to enhance their electioneering might. All sorts of comments, accusations by the political parties against their rivals appears to be high on agenda for each of the parties. While one party accuses the other of communalism, the other accuses of wide corruption and mudslinging goes on. Such accusations would become more and more acidic and cacophonous – till the campaigning comes to a hault and votes are cast.

Going by the mood and reports pouring in day in and out on electronic media, BJP appears to leading with its NDA allies, Congress appears to be weak and trailing with its UPA allies and Aam Aaadmi Party (AAP) appears to be making dent here and there and might win a few seats including Delhi. But, it is too early to jump on conclusions.

This election is going to be different than earlier elections, to some extent. There is no denying the fact that entry of Kejariwal and his party AAP has made a lot difference. They have hammered well and deeply into the psyche of all political parties, their leaders, the businessmen, the youth and the common man that Corruption is the biggest threat and the prime reason why our countrymen are still struggling to get the minimum basic needs for themselves, for their family and for their society. Secondly, AAP has made tremendous contribution in involving the youth and the common masses in politics and making them aware about the importance of electing and empowering the leaders with clean image. Thirdly, the political leadership is wary of the common people now and they can’t fool them and take them for granted anymore – atleast for now. During this election, the political parties are not taking risk in fielding the known corrupt leaders. It certainly may be termed as AAP Effect and a welcome development!

The AAP Effect would have been more pronounced had the Kejariwal government in Delhi had been more sensible during its short stint. It appeared to be in too much hurry and at times illogical. In my view they should have made an effort in giving good governance in the heart of the country – with available resources and powers – and while doing that they could have simultaneously strengthened their position in the Assembly by logical discussions, obtaining consensus on vital issues and then forwarding them to the Centre. This could have placed them in an invincible position by showcasing their maturity and understanding of issues. Alas, it couldn’t happen and the people of Delhi had to sit on Dharna with AAP as an opposition and with AAP as the government! Kejariwal and AAP might have worked out the strategy of forming and exiting the government, but to some extent people did feel cheated. Had he continued with conviction and sensible governance, AAP in particular and the country in general would have been benefitted much more. And, in this General Election, it could have been really a force to reckon with.

I admire Kejariwal and AAP for standing strong against the corrupt, I admire his guts in challenging the Who’s Who of this country. However, he should be careful in making such accusations and he should give such statements only when he has enough evidences and resources at his hand, else, he would see himself buried deep in piles of lawsuits filed against him. He should focus and preserve his energy for doing good things rather than enervate himself in unproductive affairs.

The countdown for the biggest dance of democracy has begun. Let’s hope it culminates in providing a stable, corruption free, growth oriented government that would genuinely work for the poor and uplifting their living conditions with all sincerity.

Let’s individually decide about the best option available. Let’s vote for the best candidate and if no one fits our conscience, let’s vote for ‘None Of The Above’ i.e. the NOTA option on the EVMs and the Ballot Papers! Let’s we – the ordinary Indians - be the change agent.

Brighter Days Ahead!

We all know that 21^st December happens to be the longest night of the year, a natural phenomenon – where we do not have any control. The duration of the day starts increasing thereafter till the longest day is recorded on 21^st June.

Though, it is a mere coincidence, but for India this date has added one more dimension. As the longest night ended with a new dawn, AAP – the Aam Aadmi Party tightened its belt and with its series of meetings with the common men spread over Delhi decided to stake its claim for forming the Government. And with 28 MLAs, coincidentally again, on 28^th December 2013 – Arvind Kejriwal’s swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister of Delhi brought cheers on the faces of the otherwise disillusioned common man, not only in Delhi but throughout the country. May this day prove to be a game changer for India and Indian Politics; may this be the harbinger of change, which its common people had been waiting patiently for years and years!

With Arvind Kejriwal at the helm of affairs of AAP, with his past track record and his commitment to fight corruption head-on; common populace is beaming with confidence – that things will change. However, how long his stint will last and how much he can do within this period is at the mercy of Congress – a party which Arvind Kejriwal abhors and has not requisitioned their support!

Effectiveness of Arvind Kejriwal could be seen on Day one itself at the Secretariat, where there were no vehicles with the ‘Laal Batti’ – the symbol of power in India! The Common Man has arrived!

What happens on the floor of Delhi Assembly on 3^rd January 2014, by which AAP has to prove majority – only time will tell. But, it is crystal clear that with the arrival of AAP the hardened political parties will now have to change the way they think, the way they function and the way they treat the common man – else they would have to blame themselves for all their arrogance.

For AAP - it is just a beginning and if they wish to stay for long and effective; they must stay focused, unbiased and committed to the cause of the nation. And this is possible only if they do not get attracted to various ‘juicy lollipops’ that may be dangled before them in their arduous journey ahead.

In this context, I would again like to give example of Asom Gan Parishad – AGP – about which I wrote earlier in one of my Posts – ‘India Against Corruption- Now a Naram Dal and Garam Dal’ dated September 2012. Asom Gan Parishad – which took birth as a result of six year long agitation by All Assam Students Union (AASU) – was once a party led by highly motivated student leaders with clean image. But today, it is just like any other political party with same type of political leadership.  I fear the same for Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party – it won’t be different than any other party – if it starts winning seats and stops the culture of being ‘krantikaris’!

All said, I wish that other political parties and responsible politicians must see the arrival of AAP as a good wake-up call, and they must mend their ways in time – else, AAP with its young, energetic, honest and committed band of common men would rout them. And no one would be there to mourn their departure, rather all would be happy to have a government of the people, by the people, for the people – in real sense!

May 2014 be the year of change, year of achievements, year of new dreams - for all of us - the ordinary Indians!

Expectations from 2014 !

The year 2013 would be remembered by all of us for the successful launch of Mangalyaan- Mars Orbiter Mission by our scientists on 5^th November 213. It is a matter of great pride, satisfaction and great rejoice that so far the Mangalyaan is right on its path in its about 10 month long journey- due to reach its destination on 24^th September 2014! Let us keep our fingers crossed and pray for its successful journey – which would undoubtedly put India at an enviable position in terms of its scientific competency. Successful journey of the Mars Orbiter would be one of the biggest milestones for India in the year 2014 and it would certainly inspire the generations to come. India has produced astronomers like Aryabhatta in the past and today ISRO can boast of world-class team of astronomers, scientists and mathematicians. Though we are the forth country to do it, we can say with pride we are second to none!

While the Mangalyaan brought cheers in November, the handcuffing and humiliation of Indian diplomat Ms Devyani Khobragade by US Authorities on 12^th December 2013 has shocked us all. The irresponsible, highhanded and humiliating ways of US only proves its arrogance and disrespect towards the biggest democracy of the world. It is unfortunate and must be condemned strongly – not only by Indian authorities, but by all the well wishers of India and those who value Indo-US relations. Would US ever tolerate such treatment to its own diplomats in a foreign land? In all probability, it won’t and it would do everything to teach a lesson to the erring nation and would justify it too. Astonishingly, but it is a matter of great satisfaction that good sense prevailed and all the major political parties of India have come together in registering their strong protest. They all have a common opinion – on at least this issue. India must do everything to uphold the self-esteem of Indians and draw apology from the highest office of US. Today only, I was going thru a book on Universe, it states that even Stars are not permanent – they too die! Let good sense prevail on USA in 2014 and always.

The year 2013 would be also remembered for the surprise entry and active participation of the common mass in political field. Politics is considered as a strict no-no for a common man, but the emergence of Aam Aadmi Party is forcing the much required change. Big political parties are learning that the common man or an ordinary Indian can’t be ignored now.  It is unfortunate that 2013 also saw splitting of Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal – an unfortunate development – since together they could unite the entire country – on the issue of corruption – wherein people from all the cross sections of the society came together. While the ‘sarkari’ Lokpal Bill has been already passed in both the houses of Parliament for which Anna Hazare expressed satisfaction while Arvind Kejriwal calls it a ‘Jokepal’ , ‘Jan’ Lokapal Bill of ‘Aam Aadmi Party’ led by Arvind Kejriwal is awaited. The star-like performance of Aam Aadmi Party in its maiden attempt has put a lot of responsibility on it, and would be an acid test for Arvind Kejriwal and his AAP team. AAP is getting an opportunity to form government in Delhi with Arvind Kejriwal most likely as the Chief Minister – and in case it is able to impress the Delhites with its good governance, AAP would be a force to reckon with in the coming Loksabha elections – at least in some of the states which are languishing for long under corrupt government. God forbid, in case, it fails in Delhi in the eyes of the common man, it would be the end of AAP story! Hence, AAP must tread with positivity and cautiously for the sake of the nation and its ordinary populace, as its ideology is what the nation is yearning for since independence.

Entire country is looking with lot of expectation and respect towards Aam Aadmi Party – for, it has taken head-on with the big political parties and their bigwigs - challenging their authority and functioning. In the current scenario of hung Assembly, AAP needs more courage and conviction. With the challenge of forming Government at debut and that too in Delhi, AAP will have to tighten its belt and take the plunge with commitment and honesty.

An Ordinary Indian wishes the Aam Aadmi Party good luck for an exemplary stint of good governance in the heart of the country- Delhi.

I wish that the New Year 2014 brings with it lot of happiness, prosperity and peace to one and all. Let this be the year of change!

madhukarmohan@gmail.com

Khaadya Suraksha Bill – 2013 – a boon for the poor or the intermediaries!

I had thought of writing on Khaadya Suraksha Bill on the very day it was passed in the parliament, but I didn’t. The idea of food security is really appreciable, but its success can be assured only and only if everyone in this food chain is dry honest!

The day bill was passed, I thought of writing down my reaction. I just wrote the title– ‘Khaadya Suraksha Bill – 2013 – a boon for the poor or the middlemen!’ and thinking that I shouldn’t be judgemental – I gave up the idea of writing anything against – such a well intended bill. I prayed silently for its success and for our poor countrymen who could finally dream with their belly full.

 The very first thing that had come to my mind that day was – who would benefit the most as a result of this food security bill – the poor or the middle men? I was convinced – the intermediaries would benefit – as the middlemen always flourish!

The shocking revelation made by one of the news channel on 15/10/2013 about siphoning off of wheat grains, meant for PDS, from FCI godowns to the black market in Delhi startled me – for the simple fact that it hardly took a few months to prove my apprehensions right! Really sad and a matter of great concern.

Unbelievably low price of even Rupees 2/- a kg might prove to be a great boon for majority of the poor, but at the same time it is also a very good business proposition for anyone in this food chain who can lay hand on it with intention of minting money. And there is big money! If one could sell it even at Rs. 10/- a kg, there is clean profit margin of 400%!! Cool money can be made out of the empty stomachs.

The food grains meant for filling the empty bellies of the poor has already started finding route to the well established flour mills engaged in the business of  packaged flour. Many more strings might be attached to it. Are we in for a second ‘fodder scam’? This time scam in food for human, for a change!

 

                                       

With so much of money involved in it and with millions of hungry poor to feed, the government needs to put a foolproof system in place to make the Food Security Bill effective in real sense. Else, apart from the middlemen and businessmen involved in it, even political parties might use it as a potential source for party funding!

Who knows the real intentions of the benefactors behind the pain of the hungry poor! 

बचपन के पन्नोँ से - छुट्टियों के वो दिन

छुट्टी के दिनों में, खासकर गर्मी की छुट्टियों में गाँव के हम बच्चों के पास समय ही समय होता था। सुबह दस बजे तक खाना खा कर हम अपने घरों से निकल कर दालान पर गप-शप करते। वहाँ खेलते-कूदते और उकताकर सामने स्थित महादेव मंदिर में जा बैठते। वहाँ बड़े-बुज़ुर्गों की बात-चीत सुनते, उन्हें सुन कभी आश्चर्य करते, कभी खिलखिलाते और कभी अपनी इन हरकतों पर उनसे डांट खा जाते। इसलिये हमारा सबसे पसंदीदा जगह हमारे आम की फुलवारी थी, जहाँ हम चिड़ियों की भांति स्वच्छंदता से समय बिताते।

आम के इस फुलवारी में मैंने जीवन के कुछ बहुत हसीन लम्हे जीये हैं। उस समय फुलवारी में खेलना जो एक बड़ी स्वाभाविक सी बात लगती थी, आज मेरे लिये और उसी उम्र के आज मेरे बेटे के लिये ये कितने दुर्लभ हो गये हैं!

फुलवारी में हम बड़ी तैयारी के साथ जाते थे। हम में से हर कोई कुछ न कुछ लेकर आता। किसी के हाथ में बोरी, किसी के पास रस्सी, कोई कागज की छोटी पोटली में नमक तो कोई लाल मिर्ची का पाउडर और चोरी छिपे गमछे में लपेट कर चाकू! ये सब हमारे फुलवारी में समय बिताने की न्यूनतम आवश्यकताएं थीं।

फुलवारी पहुँचने के साथ हम पेड़ की नीची लचीली डालियों पर चढ़ जाते, दोनों पैरों को लटकाकर अपनी नन्हे हाथों से तने को मजबूती से पकड़ जोर से हिलाते, झुलते और हमें ऐसा प्रतीत होता था जैसे हम सब बड़े कुशल घुड़सवार हों। घुड़सवारी से थक कर हम पेड़ से नीचे उतरते और गिरे हुए आम के टिकोले चुनते। हम में से कोई रस्सी बाँध कर झूला लगाता और कोई टिकोलों को छिल कर इसके कच्चे गूदे को चाकू से छोटे-छोटे महीन टुकड़ों में काटता। खट्टे आम के टूकड़ों को गमछे पर रख नमक और लाल मिर्च का पाउडर छिड़का जाता और सही तरह इन्हे मिला कर गमछे से ही पोटली बनाकर ईंट या पत्थर पर घुमा-घुमा कर इसे पटका जाता था। इस तरह तैयार हुआ करता था हमारा चटपटा ‘घुम-घुमौवा’। आज भी इसका स्वाद ध्यान आते ही जीभ प्रचूर मात्रा में लार छोड़ने लगता है। ऐसी ही छोटी-छोटी बातों में दिन कब गुजर जाता था, अंदाज़ ही नहीं होता था।

रात का होना और दालान के छ्त पर, खुले आसमान के नीचे हम सभी बच्चे अपना-अपना बिछौना डाल कर मनपसंद जगह बड़े लोगों के आने के पह्ले ही घेर लिया करते थे। खुले आसमान के नीचे चाँद और सितारों की बादलों के साथ आँख मिचौली बड़ी अच्छी लगती थी। कभी बादल के एक समूह पर नज़र जाता, विचित्र आकृतियां दिखलाई देती जो पल भर बाद बदल जाती थीं। लेटे-लेटे दिन भर के धमाल की चर्चा होती, गिले-शिकवे होते और निद्रा अपने आगोश में कब ले लेती थी, पता ही नहीं चलता था।

कितने अनूठे थे वो दिन!

आज भी हमारे पास ये चाँद – सितारे हैं, बादल हैं; लेकिन अफसोस की इनकी सुंदरता को देखने का, समझने का न अब वक्त रहा, न समझ रहा। दुर्भाग्यवश, हमने अपने बच्चों से भी यह छीन लिया है!

Let Us Empower Our Youths to Make 'Mera Bharat Mahaan' by 2020!

Each of us want to remain young and youthful. The reason for it is - it symbolizes energy, charm, ideas and productivity. As we age, we gain experience and become better equipped to face the challenges, but we surely start losing the qualities that symbolizes a young mind. While it is true at individual level, it holds true as a nation too! There are nations like the USA, Japan, Singapore and many others which grew in all the sense of modern parameters - because they marshalled all their resources with maturity and sincerity towards their people. We, as a nation missed out on it despite gaining independence more than six decades ago, which is a pretty good time to make things work. Unfortunately it didn't work for us, may be because our leadership at National level is not matured enough or they do not have the will to rise above the petty politics of vote, caste, region and

religion. Our leaders and policy makers didn't use their magnanimity and experience in the last six decades and we still remain a country of poor citizens.

By chance or design, after gaining Independence, India is presenting itself again with an opportunity by making itself the youngest nation in the world - with youth population touching an estimated figure of about 450 millions and median age of about 25 years by 2020! 64 percent of our population is expected to be in the working age group. Nothing can be better than this, as a nation!

But, are we readying ourselves? Are the policies being framed for the country to make the best use of this opportunity? Will the youths themselves guide the nation to prosperity? Is this opportunity, just a myth? Let us ask ourselves, what we can do, how we can contribute? Let us ask our employers what they can do? Let us ask the policymakers at all levels - are they aware of the opportunity and what they intend to do and when?

Today's youth have lot of challenges- though more than before but their are limited opportunities available to them due to inadequate education, skill and guidance. Majority of them are clueless and directionless about their future. Exceptions are there where people have excelled despite all odds, but it can't be a rule for all. It is high time to channelize their energy into right direction, else it may lead to disillusionment and unrest in their minds. Their energy needs to be harnessed in the national interest.

       

Kids of middle and high income group living in cities may have access to quality education and training, and hence they may ready themselves for 2020 and beyond for contributing meaningfully to their and national prosperity. But most of the kids in rural areas and in cities - who don't get even a square meal a day, can't be expected to grow physically and mentally to the desired level for giving their contribution in nation's growth. Despite having the age in their favour, country would miss out badly if proactive actions are not taken right away by the government at all levels with hundred percent sincerity.

Various reports suggest that a very high percentage of the graduates are unemployable including the engineers and the MBAs! Such reports are screaming about our faulty education system. Our education must empower the youth, add value to them, help enhancing their skills and make them a sought after human being for their qualities. Efforts should be made to see the kids grow into a youth full of dreams and at the same time creating enough opportunities for them to succeed.

Today there is a wide gap between 'haves' and 'have nots'. This gap needs to be closed by bringing all youths into the category of 'haves'. This is possible only by the magnanimous efforts of the policy makers - politicians and the bureaucrats at all levels, businessmen, all well to do families, the educationists, business houses and we all who can read and write and share whatever we can. We can do it by educating the kids of our domestic helps, by donating in terms of fees for acquiring academic qualification to youths around us who are poor but are good in studies, sharing our skills and knowledge or at least our time to help them resolve their issues. If not for total strangers, even if we resolve to do it for our poor relatives and close acquaintances, it would go a long way in uplifting the society.

Let us move sincerely in rightfully claiming our status as a youthful Youngest Nation and bringing prosperity to all by 2020. Then only together, we can make and proudly shout - Mera Bharat Mahaan! Else, in the year 2020 also it will remain mere a slogan - unmindfully written here, there and everywhere- a living sarcasm on ourselves and our attitude.

Let us give some breathing space to the kids and their grandparents!

Urbanisation has robbed the kids and senior citizens of their sweet time. While kids have lost their childhood in the emerging trend of city life, senior citizens lack the much needed calm environment around them.

In the last two decades India has seen unprecedented migration of its citizen, from one part of the country to other part, from villages to the cities in search of better  job opportunities and better life. Millions of us from villages left our homes and have preferred to settle in cities. The cities which used to be sparsely populated are now brimming with people, drawn from every part of our society, from every religion, with different languages and different geographical locations. This shift has helped India in better understanding of each other, better understanding of common issues and integrating the ordinary Indians together in raising a stronger voice for addressing of their issues and concerns.

While urbanisation has helped millions of us in realising our dreams to some extent, it has also resulted in the sorry state of the cities. Increasing population has put lot of strain on the cities, their infrastructure and on the people themselves. Cities have expanded in terms of bigger buildings, malls, hotels and big institutions but infrastructure didn’t develop to cater to the basic needs of the increasing population. Authorities didn’t give much thought in planning and developing the cities. Slowly, the open areas and green cover in most of the cities have been lost and what remains is the concrete jungle with concrete flyovers and asphalt roads leaving little for the people to breathe free and relax in the open!

Urbanisation has changed us a lot. In the hard pressed life of today, whenever we get some time to spend with family, we either rush to cinema hall or to a mall or to a restaurant. We keep running and keep spending to entertain and relax ourselves! As a grown up urban adult, our requirements are totally different from that of the kids and the senior citizens, say our parents. While we keep busy ourselves in our occupation, we don’t have much time to ourselves and hence today we don’t even get the time to feel the absence of open spaces!

I wonder how much we have changed. As a child, we used to play hours together in the open fields without any attention of the parents. Parents too didn’t bother much as they knew that their child is in the vicinity and nothing untoward will happen.  Today our children are deprived of such luxury. There are no open spaces, no fields and no parks. I pity that they are growing up without much physical activity. We all want our children to be healthy and robust, to be cheerful and energetic, to be creative and original. Unfortunately, we do not have the time and infrastructure for indulging them in such activities. Very few children might be getting such an opportunity. We, as a parent, do not allow our children to go out and play on the road and we must not – as it is not safe. The only alternative then remains is to keep them confined within the closed spaces of our flat and switch on the TV or Computer games for them. It is a compulsion for both – the parents as well as the children. Such situation is only going to make them weak and stunt their growth – mentally as well as physically. It is true for the aged people, who remain confined within the comfort of their home.

In any city in India, for that matter it is Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad or a specific locality like ours – in Chandkheda, I don’t find parks and playgrounds that caters to the needs of young kids, say upto twelve years of age. Similarly, for the senior citizens too I don’t find any such open space for them to relax and share quality time with their grandsons, granddaughters and their friends. Some cities can boast of parks and gardens, but they are very few in numbers compared to the requirement based on population of the area. Parks and gardens are also generally away from the residential areas and hence inaccessible to the general public and particularly to the kids and the aged people.

Mumbai has only 2.5% open space in cities in terms of gardens, parks, including open parking spaces. which translates to about 1.95 square meter per person. Cities like Chandigarh and Delhi are better off with about 35% and 20% open space respectively. If we calculate open space available for the kids and citizens, it would it would be mere fraction of the above percentages. As far as Ahmedabad is concerned, as per a TOI report (Jun 9, 2013) the open space in Ahmedabad city is merely 2% which translates to just 0.42 square meter area of open space per person, far below of the specified standard of 8-10 sq m per person as per Urban Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (UDPFI) guidelines.

With increasing urbanisation, and the way infrastructure is being developed, the problem is going to compound with time. It is high time that the Municipal Corporations and the AUTHORITIES wake up to the needs of the kids and the senior citizens and the issues are addressed for a better life for them. Let the kids begin their journey full of happiness in the open surroundings and let the aged sum it up living blissfully in the company of their kids and friends in a serene environment.

madhukarmohan@gmail.com