M.A.D. LESSONS FROM US PREZ ELECTIONS FOR INDIA

The recent US elections have returned a man born in Africa to a black father and white mother. Obama was brought up in Asia before finally migrating to the US. Pres. Obama is a self-made man, who identifies with hopes of majority middle and lower class Americans incl Asians, Hispanics and other immigrants- they constitute an ever growing populace.

Obama’s thumping majority in spite of US not doing well at all – economy, jobs and growth – the issues which impact the youth and others notwithstanding their cultural background or the country of origin. There needs of job security; financial comfort;  adequate  health,  education housing and old age  dignified life are so much akin to the basic third world needs. These can also be termed as the basic dignity of life needs.

In spite of the problems in Iran, Afghanistan- Pakistan, rise of assertive China; Israel asserting in mid-east, where the track record of Republicans is by far better, the people chose a democrat.

Obama was seen as a family man confronted with similar problems of ant citizen, i.e., future of the kids including affordable and quality education; job security; financial security; health security etc. Michelle augmented this image and fears of a caring mother of two daughters. No arrogance or vulgar display of wealth or dynasty was visible at all.

Obama knew his job – his answers on debates with Romney were simply outstanding- more so the one of lesser horses vs ships during the defence debate. The US system forces the political leadership to come clean on their views on all issues even if they be controversial. This ensures that the perspective leader has given a detailed thought to all issues and these better be in tune with the people whose votes he wishes.

The candidates take great pride in their families, religious thought and cherished values and the vision of taking the country ahead in the comity of nations.

Our State

As of today, our elected candidate/ party generally represents minority of populace when it comes to numbers. Multi party/candidates ensure that 30 per cent votes ensure success at the ballot. This ipso facto implies that the winner represents the minority of the populace. All political parties are happily exploiting this fear psychosis of talking about representation and poor but becoming the present day kings with little accountability and all the arrogance of power; shamelessly looting the national wealth and thereafter have the gumption of justifying the criminal deed It has become the family business- the sons, daughters, in laws everyone is in the race of loot.

Our political parties are all divisive if not outright communal. They all creating, keeping alive and playing around with the mutual fears of each other. What a shame, living together we are afraid of our communities/classes/castes. The cancer of corruption is surviving because of this fear created by politicians, so those politicians who can exploit the fears to the maximal will continue to win. This makes the loot inconsequential whilst choosing the elected representatives.

The autonomy of checks and balances as enshrined in the constitution has been severely damaged, this needs to be reset.

What we need

Irrespective of the caste, community religion or the colour of the skin, every human being, wherever he is needs the following

          Safety of life and property

          Live without fear

          Security- jobs and financial

          Harmonious, happy and law abiding society

          Government that delivers the essential services and is transparent and responsive.

          Speedy justice

Development – education of next generation; growth of the current and well-being of elderlies

Briefly we need to facilitate evolution of a political system which caters for the genuine aspirations of all Indians and takes cares of its fears and aspiration thereby ensuring a just, progressive society and accountability and quality governance

What our leaders need to learn

Let the merit lead not the links or dynastic connectivity -- media debates by neutral people on all issues could be an excellent methodology. Honest, caring and visionary leadership.

Lay out a value based, inclusive and indigenous development agenda.

How do we make a difference?

The existing parties and their policies being divisive, we need new party. But that’s not doable because the populace has been tunes to a mind-set of mutual fears/goodies based on various factors.

In the long run, once the divisive parties are rejected, these very parties will automatically moderate their behaviour in tune with the new requirements.

In the short and medium term what can we as individuals do?

One is typical Hindu approach of Karmas. Sit back and relax, let some Annas/Kejriwals take it on.

Second is US way. Let us become leaders of change. Small set of people working with you can be influenced with the power of superior thought and the change begins

If Obama can do it, the decedents of the oldest civilisations to can.

Let’s all join together to make a difference

M.A.D WHERE IS THE ALTERNATIVE

State of Himachal Pradesh went to polls yesterday to elect their future for next five years. With Anna, Kejriwal and hosts of others shouting for corrupt free leaders, perhaps it was a test case to interact with the voter of Himachal.

People of this state are generally God fearing; comparatively honest with little ambition and aspirations. The media interaction of people’s grievances or the wish list was so very simple—bus stand; hospital; school; water for fields; jobs etc. No one was wanting mega things, IIT, IIM, AIIMS, Rail factory etc., akin to the demands at some of the other politically sensitive areas.

Himachal has been by and large following the principle of two party system, though fringe elements appear as independents or break away groups of two major parties but get dissolved post elections. State has also been voting each party alternatively for one exception.

BJP the ruling party is led by Dhumal with Shanta Kumar being the in-house spoiler and the Congress is led by Vir Bhadra Singh with numerous inside spoilers. The corruption cases against Vir Bhadra Singh and his wife did lead to his sack from the Union cabinet a short while ago, but finding no other option he was tasked to lead the Congress charge. The exploits of  Dhumal, being a regional leader are not so well known, but his son who is BJP MP are well known within the state. Land grab and getting industries by the back door is the major sulk which has lot of credence amongst the people of the state.

Whilst speaking to a number of people who know Himachal and have been residing there for a long time, the issue has been quite simple. Both the parties are led by corrupt leadership and everyone knows that but where is the viable alternative?

There are dedicated vote banks of both the parties. These are almost at par with Congress dominating the old Himachal and BJP the lower Himachal. The floating population is about thirty per cent. During the canvassing stage also a very interesting logic was noticed- the dedicated vote bank would vote for the party independent of the credentials of the candidate they were voting far. Since both parties were equally corrupt so might as well vote for your party as some goodies will flow should they come back to power. Corruption and scams do not figure anywhere at all. And it is not for lack of awareness.

What are options for the Indians on the crucial issue?

National interest of development are all bullshit the main concern is greed and promoting own kith and kin and destroying the merit at the earliest ensuring total slavish mind-set.

Choose between the two parties, i.e., BJP and the Congress. As far as the loot and corruption are concerned both are at par.

The party with a difference was away from the Dhritrashtra like dynastic loyalty of Congress but seems to be catching up. Kith and kin are finding their way into politics; father ruling the state and son/wife in the Centre or vice a versa

Smaller parties based on caste/communal groupings like SP; BSP;DMK; RLD;INLD; Shiv Sena; NCP; NC have gone a step ahead and beat both the major parties in corruption and pushing forward the loyalists/kith and kin. Merit is the causality across the board.

It is not possible to raise a new party with different ethics and values.

The only option is between the devil and deep sea. It is well-nigh possible for Anna or his team or anyone else individually or as a fresh grouping to visit all places and generate clean options for the voters.

The option, in that case seems to be to focus efforts on big fish and destroy them at the ballot (an extremely tough task because they nurture their constituency with goodies or goons) but doable. In case the stage is properly set there would be enough filth provided by the enemies of the leader after all they would have antagonised individuals/communities/sub groups. These dissidents and other honest people within/out the government /RTI would give enough ammunition to kill a dishonest politician on the ballot.

 Simultaneously influence a sizable number of seats to have a say as the future lies in fronts/alliances. Thereafter, force policy changes through parliamentary debates and /or using pressure tactics.

To convince the voters of the genuineness of the new outfit, it would be desirable to work out the development plan from the lowest level. Once it’s inclusive and in harmony with the people’s wishes, others will fall in line. Deliver or perish.

The quality brains/ sub groups/ change leaders must start now otherwise the existing parties will bulldoze by sheer power of money; goons and of course the organs of the state which includes large part of the so called independent media.

So  get ready to M.A.D. make a difference, few can not we all can.

M.A.D. TIBET NEEDS OUR HELP

The on-going self-immolations in Tibet are very disturbing. Only some come out in the media. Many self-righteous organisation shouting from roof tops from anything trivial to everything of import, seem to be in a silence mode on this issue. But a major issue of virtual slaughter of a nation, community is going unchallenged. This could be compared to Hitler’ extermination of Jews in the most brutal and inhumane manner during late thirties and early forties and the world kept its eyes and mouth shut because of narrow agendas.

The Tibetans being Buddhist are followers of nonviolence and a highly contended community. They are being denied the basic right of religious freedom which is the basic right of every human being. Being a communist state the Chinese do not believe in God and therefore do not encourage religion.

The greatest fear the Chinese have today is not military or economic threat but existential threat of implosion. With Uighurs, another Muslim minority, being suppressed with force and Buddhists being subjected to tremendous harassment. The Chinese society is going through its most turbulent phase. The Muslims are taking to arms whereas the Buddhist are following the peaceful protests. But the fact is both are challenging the power of Central Government which is forcing Han domination through use of force cum financial incentives and demographic change. This policy has not met much of success in integrating the majority Hans and minorities, in fact its causing the divide to become bigger.

The Chinese vulnerability at this point of times becomes all the more because of extremely turbulent change of Central leadership, once in ten year process which is currently going on, certainly not smoothly.

In addition there is major social unrest due to riches being cornered by few and large populace from the interior areas has been marginalised and pushed towards poverty. The rich and corrupt officials have made their millions at the cost of common man. Frustration and disenchantment today is at its peak.

China has also foolishly managed to show its aggressiveness in South China Sea; thereby not only bringing back US Naval might but all the littoral states are joining hands because of Chinese fear. This does not augur well at all for China, on the contrary, it may bring Taiwan to the front again and all its investments may be pushed back in time by a decade or two.

In spite of the fact that China is in its most vulnerable state, the world appears to be unwilling or unable to do anything in spite of glaring human right violations.

Of course US presidential elections, economy and the world economy going through a bad phase and US involvement in Af-Pak and impending in Iran is leaving little appetite or resources to take on China. India too is busy with its own domestic problems in spite of Chinese moving into occupied Kashmir; creating trouble in Nepal; claiming Arunachal and number of pin pricks seems helpless to even raise the issue forcefully. In fact our government wishes to be on good books of the Chinese rather than exploit their vulnerability to suit our values, interests and emerging long term security threats.

What can be done?

Support the struggle for religious autonomy of Tibetans as propounded by HH Dalai lama. If Chia has accepted Hong Kong why not Tibet? It’s just a question of building adequate pressure.

Chinese economy threat is over blown. It has huge dollar reserve, massive manufacturing base and all that but the fact is that its markets are abroad. Its mutual dependence and not one way street. The problem comes up when the nations fall over each other to secure the markets and overlooking the larger humanitarian issues.

Exploit the present vulnerability and being scared of China will make it bold, need to take it on frontally through groupings of similar interest’s nation states.

Awareness of Tibetan demands by offering HH Dalai Lama electronic plate form to air his views – psychological pressure on China. This will cease with his demise, so let’s not lose the opportunity which will not come back. Mobilise Buddhist nations to counter the Buddhist populace by Chinese. Get the Muslim states on board to counter the Chinese. Exploit our soft power amongst Buddhist and Muslim states

Facilitate dialogue and become a stake holder in Tibet and undo our historic blunder of accepting it as part of China without extracting any benefits.

Empower the refugees in exploiting soft power. This can be done by facilitating placement of individuals in World bodies, US and other economically powerful countries and Buddhist dominated states of Asia. These ambassadors will continue to propel the issue and force an acceptable outcome of religious autonomy.

Buddhist/Tibetan chairs of excellence in universities may be another great idea.

We the people need to contribute our bit and make a difference.

M.A.D. - PLEASE BE FAIR

The defence forces are getting a hammering as never before. Corruption and hosts of other scandals have been exposed and will continue to be exposed. This is far a number of reasons, one of them being its tax payers money so be accountable. Well no one will disagree with this logic including the army.

Some of my friends in civil society will be surprised to know that the Army does not suitable raincoat to equip its troops. The quality of uniform and lots of other equipment is worse even than Bangladesh or Sri Lanka leave apart the nations of sub Saharan Africa. If one was to see the army soldier dressed in a faded combat dress or mismatching shirt and trouser please don’t blame him or feel sorry – it’s provided by the aspiring super power. Army is not as well equipped as it should be even on such basic issues like uniform, shoes, boots, combat equipment or life jackets matters in spite of the fact that adequate capability exists within the country. That’s the bitter truth, little known outside the uniformed people.

Recent article regarding Army Commanders of Northern and Eastern Command responsible for wasting hundred core plus by purchasing equipment from Army Commanders Special power fund. Power vested in Army Commander to procure such equipment which needs priority purchase and following the longish procedure could be detrimental to operational or safety of troops deployed in extremely hazardous conditions.

It also must be appreciated that our country and babudom has more loyalty to the processes and procedures rather than the outcome. That’s how the procurement of aircraft or guns so crucial for the defence of the nation takes ten to thirty years for induction.

The Army Commander is advised by a financial expert who ensures that there is no loss to the state and money allotted is optimally spent but again his loyalty is towards the procedure more than the operational ramifications. For him time is of little consequence but procedure is. It also needs to be appreciated that when you have to face the Chinese you need to know their equipment and there is no security in binoculars or goggles. Computer and allied equipment yes but binoculars—this is sheer stupid logic. Could someone for God sake look at the larger picture and not ruin a fine organisation

The Commanders who are responsible for operational efficacy and safety of troops take the best possible decision in the existing constraints. To criticise the Army Commander would doubt his integrity and professional judgement. If that be so, then he is not fit to be head of the force that can be trusted, therefore should be removed from command.

Rather than Ministry take charge of this power and enforce further delay as stated by the Defence Minster, thereby giving an impression of integrity or professional competence doubts, it is of utmost importance that the political leadership has faith in the Senior officers and don’t get carried away by reports of auditors. These reports do serve a purpose what must not be taken as the gospel truth; even the Supreme Court has recently clarified this aspect in 2G scam.

Army has its share of black sheep but it has a huge percentage of honest and sincere officers akin to civil counter parts. My request is haul it over the coal when there is corruption but do not contribute to demoralising it or make it a victim of procedures.

The defence forces will not let the nation down if you trust them but should it be ram shackled with procedural delays a repeat of 1962 China debacle may repeat itself.

We all need to be part of the process of helping the army and stop its demoralising – what ISI and foreign hands should be doing let us not be their partners.

M.A.D – APOSTLES OF CHANGE

Today our Indian society is going through one of the most turbulent phases of evolution. It may be attributed to, rising aspirations; better education; media exposure; opportunities and self-confidence amongst the youth. This rise but natural and desirable but it’s the process of rise which is scary. All possible social ills of a sick society are manifesting in the most adversarial manner. This part could be blamed at system failure; failure to evolve from our mind-sets; understand the larger picture of unity rather than the dots of diversity and vote bank politics of divide and rule.

The society and individual evolve at three levels – physical; psycho-somatic and spiritual. To put it very simplistically, physical is what others see us in the physical form; psychosomatic is our control of mind, emotions, and spiritual is the capability to be at peace and state of bliss for most of times. They all are intertwined- physical being the outer and spiritual the innermost with mind being the middle one. The evolution is from outward to inward and any disturbance in any plane vibrates the complete system. It could also be explained with tendencies of saintliness; human and animals. The saintliness implies for others; animal implies self and clan and human implies self, clan and society to the extent it serves self-need of security and advancement. Everyone has a component of all three, depending on one’s state of evolution, these tendencies get exhibited- thus you witness a calm person becoming very violent and vice versa. This is the behaviour dictated by the dominating tendency at a point of time. A person who is generally selfish; short tempered; violent; greedy has a hire component of the first kind.

A human being must evolve materialistically and spirituality. In fact these two facets are akin to the wings of a bird- a weaker wing implies inability to fly or rise to the full potential. Thus the importance of evolution at all levels with core priority being the spiritual evolution.

We are hurling towards a materialistic or more towards animal trait society without maintaining the crucial balance. Thus today we are witnessing the fastest ever progress materialistically and perhaps the slowest ever at the spiritual level. The consequences are there for us all to see and witness the horror of violence and shameful behaviour on daily basis. This is across the board starting from top with people trying to defend the indefensible by stupid logic.

What is the way out of this quagmire? There is an urge amongst the new generation become wealthy with means being inconsequential, much against the teaching. This unfortunately is being followed by young leaders who are probably the youth icons – abuse/misuse of power to meet the greed needs being paramount; ways being inconsequential. Who does one blame?

The solution lies in balancing the materialist with spiritual; progressing with appropriate means. Our physical appearances are booming – Miss Worlds/Universe and Bollywood have the world eating out of our hands. We do have claim to fame of beauty with minds. However our performance at the competitive games based on physical prowess leaves much to be desired; however as society we do wonders in ill-treating the poor and the helpless. Shame by any standards! Female sex is performing better at the international arena then the men. Could this be an attributing factor in the inferiority complex amongst Indian males? Thus we have a long way to go towards individual excellence in physical prowess but that was never our forte.

Are we mentally fragile? Buckle under pressure, cannot take tough decision; keep waiting for consensus; weal leadership; cannot take a principled stand; more eager about others opinion; need certification of western world for good behaviour and to accept our glorious past; unwilling to rewrite our history and continue to follow the mutilated history handed over by rulers of centuries. Ideas and new thoughts which was our strength is missing. Our efforts towards the qualities of charity; empathy; kindness etc. seem to have disappeared. We are weak at the mental level too—the middle sphere of evolution to the ultimate.

Spiritual which we gifted to the world seems to be on the wane too. We do have a large number of spiritual gurus and preachers with questionable capabilities and exploiting the fear and innocence of human beings. The religious places seem to have become the symbols of greed, filth, turfs, controlling the folks through fear; hate and reprisals and making no efforts to eradicate creeping social ills or uniting the society by spreading spirituality.

We do have large number of enlightened Gurus amongst mass of frauds and reasonably high number of people leading a life bordering close to saintliness. There are numerous families in India where love flourishes and they are contended and happy people.

What can and Needs to be done

          What needs to be done? This question can be answered easily. Pick up the best of Indian spiritual values where evolution of individual body mind and spirit (dogmas; rituals; superstitions is out) to attain the highest aim of blissful living and beyond. Simultaneously pick up the best of modern science (remember our knowledge even today is far less than the ignorance where matters of mind and spirit are concerned). A suitable mix of the two which keeps evolving as our scientific knowledge keeps discovering answers to mysteries. Thus a way of life evolving by picking up the gems amongst the spiritual and scientific world is the way.

          What can be done? This is the difficult part to implement being trodden with challenges.

 Stage one is the systematic assault on superstitions and other barriers created by the guardians of religion. Caste; rituals; gender discrimination; violence; greed; self-serving tendencies; dowry; female foeticide; hygiene; merciless assault on nature ; hunger etc. need to be addressed. Laws cannot solve these issues; these are best addressed by the combined might of society with some leaders willing to face the wrath of zealots. This will ensure physical well being of the society. The basic needs of everyone are adequately addressed.

Next is the battle of the mind. This implies priority of thought. It’s the thought which ultimately becomes action. Righteous thoughts and action which address the well being of most with correct path is the way. If everyone from the child at home/school follows this we have made a major start. The child’s impression and tendencies come from environments he is exposed to; therefore it implies the parent and teachers have to walk the path of truth at home/school. The youth, thereafter following the same at the formative stage with physical and mind being correctly being addressed would be appropriate. Once the body and mind are working in harmony, blissful; stress free; cheerful life is the outcome.  The dots will become the mini revolutions to initiate major societal changes. People live happily and ensure everyone is happy. Fair play, charity, kindness and sharing become a norm of society. Society is at peace with itself and moving towards positive evolution.

Thereafter the most critical part being the spiritual, here the evolution is towards greater aspects. Creativity, fine arts, inventions and discoveries; harmony; peace, harmony with environments; animals and nature become part of the holistic development.

          It’s not that evil will vanish. Certainly no. It will just happen that people with positive values are dominating the society. This will happen when the momentum will pick up from individual families to groups and the forces of negativity will commence retreating.

The dots, we need to become and slowly it should become the tornado of change. We need to be part of it to make a difference in case we wish to leave a great place to our generations. This will ensure they enjoy Mother Nature and live life as they say king size.

M.A.D. TEAM ANNA (K) THE WAY AHEAD

One must agree that Kejriwal and Co have done rather well post parting company with Anna Hazare. He has been seen, heard and he has acted where it was required (restoring the electricity connections (a la Mahatma Gandhi style). He has used the cyber and e media with professionalism and come out with flying colours and strong logic and proven hid credentials beyond doubt.

The question which comes to every one’s mind is good going but will it go Anna way. Lots of euphoria, hopes and promises but end of the day, it achieved nothing.

Anna appears to be reconciled and has taken the course of awakening the public awareness by visiting lots of places. How much impact will it have is a serious question mark. It is not that people are not aware, but the issue is what is the alternative to the present set up?

What ails the present system?

          Rampant corruption

          Near zero accountability

          Arrogance of leadership

Mafia, muscles, money, media controlling the perception; neutralising dissent and controlling decision making

Corporates, US and CBI being used as on required basis

Law enforcement and breaking is below par

Trust- deficit between the Government and people – arrogance of numbers/tendency not to heed or address the genuine concerns of people or shying from open debates.

Overloaded judiciary

Committed bureaucracy

Vote bank politics

Fractured society

Feudal mind set- police, leaders and tools of governance

Paucity of resources (partially self-created- leading to scarcity) leading to favouritism and corruption

Inadequacy of monitoring mechanism

Centralised Planning – unable to cope up with needs of grass root level

Need for genuine federal structure and bottoms up rather than top down planning.

Reluctance to involve the masses and quality brains whilst formulating plans and policies is taking place.

Regressive social practises.

Monarchy-dynasty –democracy

Hundreds of small/mid and a few large revolutions fighting for their basic rights against oppression/injustice

Process rather than results is the way of system functioning. Non accountability towards results

What Next

Aim of team Anna (K) appears to be to provide an alternative to the present system of governance. The proposed system should be people responsive, oriented, friendly and participative

A corruption free society with the state delivering what it’s bound to provide

Accountability of elected leadership and delivery mechanism at all levels.

No harassment of a common man at the doors of processes

Speedy judicial system

Inclusive and participative growth model needs to be evolved and implemented.

Facilitate excellence

Team Anna (K) has the following options

Fade away post a few hyper Delhi based media supported incidences. The basic strategy at this stage will be to challenge the authority focused at unfair practises hitting the common man and exploit corruption of high and mighty.

This could happen by 2014 – the next elections.

Garner mass support to influence about forty Lok Sabha seats. Any party or candidate willing to follow the Anna model to be supported either as independent or consensus candidate. In the absence of a suitable alternative nominate own candidate.

Support clean candidate of political party, if none else available.

Start identifying popular mass leaders in the rural/polarised areas as it would require about two years to nurture and spread the message. Focus on cyber aware majority voting populace at popular gen X leadership.

Even if Team Anna (K) can win a few seats and impact some, it would have the capability to influence decision making in the parliament. Since the predictions are of hung assembly and Congress /BJP not by themselves capable of winning, situation ripe to focus on about forty or so seats.

It’s time for the Team Anna to work out the strategy for 2014 and present an alternative model; confrontation/media hype has a limited shelf life. Both Anna and Kejriwal have announced their arrival one as a mass leader on the line of Mahatma and other as a young leader willing to challenge the existing order. Stage one to Both Anna and Tam Anna (K)

Crucial stage two, prepare or fade away. Its 50:50 and two years move away from mass agitation and confrontation to work out an alternative model and mass awareness to be able to influence and if forty seats could be impacted and about ten captured stage two should be Anna.

Make a Difference

Those amongst scared to jump into the arena but wish to make a difference, now is the time. Silent revolution amongst the groups to facilitate votes to the right leaders. Cyber or word of mouth and interaction with the common man could be the starting point.

Stop sulking, put your energies together and let us make a difference

          

M.A.D-- THE GREAT DISCONNECT

With the existing relations between the Ministry of Defence and uniformed people, having hit its nadir, is akin to the good old  India –Pak talking at each other through the media. That it is an unhealthy trend is doubtless but the ramifications are extreme, which unfortunately are not being appreciated by the powers that be. Similar happenings of 62 led to the Chinese debacle where the politicians, babudom and military leadership combined to ensure a military defeat. That the soldiers and junior leadership did their jobs with glory notwithstanding everything being against the men in uniform – equipment; clothing; weaponry; infrastructure; higher direction and deficiencies in every aspect of war waging. Reasons are reasonably well listed out in some of the books though India seems to be unable to declassify the Brooks Henderson report till date.

The reason for this state of affairs is in the zone of speculation – its ministry controlled by clueless babus who advise the defence minster. The rationale for this can be traced back to the period post-independence when the Pakistan Army and host of other nations were being taken over by the army because of inadequacy of political leadership amongst the newly independent nation states. To avoid such an occurrence in India, the defence forces were side-lined and kept away from the core decision making system of the country. This wisdom was kind courtesy the babus. Since the defence forces did not contribute to the vote bank collectively, politicians had little inclination to manage the army. The babudom fully exploited the fears and took charge. They  being equally clueless devised their weapons, viz, processes rather than results became the prime focus and  barricaded the polity and the military. With little expertise on defence matters, the battle of control shifted to delaying proposals and assuming complete authority without accountability. Defence forces also had little say post the humiliation of 62 for which it was fully blamed and could not retort and slowly and steadily the strangulation  kept become worse. In spite of the grand victory of Liberation of Bangladesh defence forces had lost almost all the ground in decision making.

It’s not the babus alone who are to be blamed. The uniformed leadership must share the blame more than the babudom. The defence leadership totally failed to build  any influence with the politicians and were quite happy dealing through the babudom and thereby permitted erosion of advice and access. 

The leadership also failed to use the veterans, politicians who understood matters military; media and think tanks to shape military matters. The mobilisation of veterans intelligently done had the potential of transforming the society. With their presence across the country, a disciplined, young dedicated manpower was available. This could have been used to spread awareness; monitor implementation ; get a genuine feedback and act as a force multiplier to ward off militancy threat and finally train the youth of rural areas in various fields like sports, army induction training; training of home guards; police; NCC, provide backup for disaster management as the first response force. These men were left to fend for themselves in very harsh environments. A great opportunity was lost; ideally it should have been spearheaded by the men in uniform, whereas there was utter failure. Even the political leadership failed to tap this resource. This would have ensured influence, relevance and tremendous contribution towards nation building.

 Defence forces also failed to ensure lateral move into civil services which would have ensured mutual better understanding and harmony. From blame and confrontation it would have been cooperation and optimisation.

We have reached a sorry state of affairs wherein the veterans have to go for rallies and dharnas to ask for basic rights or correcting the ills due to various reasons, primarily, pay commission anomalies. The failure of the government to address the genuine issue is an unhealthy sign; unfortunately, the solution is expected to be found by the creator. 

What needs to be done?

Chiefs of three services need to be one on one with PM and RM and must call on the Supreme Commander occasionally. They must interact in confidence  rather than through the babus or the media.

The service chiefs must get the requisite security inputs and be part of all defence related meetings/committees rather than be represented by defence secretary. NSA/RAW/IB inputs must be shared. Strategic assets and internal threats like LWE must be professionally advised, harmonised and optimised by the Defence forces.

Defence forces chiefs should have major involvement in PSU/DRDO/Defence labs/Ordnance factories dedicated to services.

Matters regarding welfare of serving and veterans must be headed by services rather than insensitive babus. This organisation must mobilise the veterans as society builders as advocated earlier. The potential of veterans in nation building needs to be exploited.

Forces must be willing to cross attach officers and men with sister services in other uniforms and civvies.

The overall defence working hierarchy  needs  transformation. The RM of course has to be a political chosen representative. The defence secretary should be someone who is subject expert rather than pick up a clueless babu. Integration of Ministry may be the way ahead. It could be a QR, for Director having attended Staff College; HC/HDMC for JS and NDC for Secretary Defence. This will to some extent reduce the knowledge deficit of decision makers.

The trust deficit between the defence and babudom could have disastrous ramifications for the nation. To resolve the issue it may be time to constitute a committee of wise men who have no vested interest in the turfs with known integrity and professional wisdom and at a stage beyond lure to come up with options. All the warring parties could be told to give their inputs and the committee can call anyone from security, management, retired or experts for inputs. This has been followed by certain developed countries with very positive outcomes.

The morale of any force takes time to degrade and it cannot be restored overnight. Army still carries the scar of 62 debacles; therefore, to prevent reoccurrence of  humiliation, both sides  need to get the act together.

M.AD. CHIPAK(CHINA-PAKISTAN) THREAT

The recent indicators of China- Pakistan (CHIPAK) cooperation aimed at posturing towards India in Pak held Kashmir and post US withdrawal from Afghanistan, is not a comfortable situation for India. Whatever be our public posturing, the fact is that it is not possible to take on a super power and a military strong, nuclear capable and partially rogue state. Both the political and defence leaderships must be having sleepless nights over the issue notwithstanding the public posturing.

The challenge of facing the threat becomes all the more difficult because our leadership has built  a reputation of soft state too much bothered about the international opinion and a painfully slow decision making process and also we seem to be faced with internal problems of very serious nature. Our near total dependence on military imports makes us vulnerable. Coupled with our inability to define a long term threat and plan to strategize it beyond our redundant non alignment movement which has had its days of glory.

Krishna and Chankya are our very own best political masterminds of managing comprehensive threats in a practical manner. Unfortunately our political leadership and the set of advisers appear to have dumped or forgotten the wisdom. Chinese on the other hand follow their Wise man Sun Tzu, a master mind of state and military craft and utilisation of might in an integrated manner.

Look at China’s roll out of countering Indian threat

          Made Pak into its ally and totally dependent- militarily, economically, politically and almost aligned their politico-military interests.

          Invested very heavily without any military participation to increase influence post US withdrawal

          Invested in Burma in road communication; development of ports; oil exploration and military support

          Invested in Sri Lanka, development of Hambantota deep sea port; financial support and bailed it out a number of times from embarrassment at international fora.

          Invested in Bangladesh in ports and supported with military hardware.

          It’s pumping in huge amounts of money in weaning away Nepal from India.

          Its brow beat the powers to accept the fait accompli of Tibet in spite of HH Dalai Lama having an aura in international fora.

          It’s willing to invest in India- huge mutual trade; wishes to invest in telecom and infrastructure of which we are rightly distrustful.

Thus China has been very forcefully encircling India with military basis, in spite of the fact that all these states are closer to India than China. Our culture; religion; heritage; values; connectivity and emotional bonding’s; language and customs affinity is more intertwined than China but they have left India far behind.

China is in the process of rising to its potential of superpower, we still are meandering. When it comes to its comprehensive national power or means to increase its influence, it leaves aside the values or accepted international behaviour. That’s the reason for its massive influence over Pak; North Korea; Iran and a number of so called rogue states. It reaches out to a nation/regime when its most vulnerable and being hammered by the West through diplomatic or economic pressures on issues such as human rights, drugs trafficking; terrorism, nuclear weaponisation etc.

Even with other nations it uses coercion to extend facilities or trade. It has succeeded in Tibet and Taiwan being almost destroyed from the memory of next generation.

Its ruthless control over the populace, dissent and exposure to outside media ensures people know or perceive policies; issues as propagated by the Government of China. At the cost of civil liberty and denial some basic freedoms, it has compensated with economic prosperity and abundance of resources. Its control over info ensures the world sees and hears what it wishes the world to hear and see. In fact for an average Indian and our leadership who tend to get mesmerised with anything Chinese, fail to appreciate the fact that it’s unfair to compare the Chinese order with Indian disorder.

The world at large tends to view China as larger than life and India as meandering state- it’s partially true but not the absolute truth’.

The Chinese major vulnerabilities are minorities, i.e., Buddhist and Muslims based in Tibet and Sinkiang.

The ruthless favouritism by the state towards Han Chinese is deeply detested by others. Hans’s domination is akin to our powerful caste system which deprived some totally. This could destroy the social fabric and turbulence could have major ramifications or the Chinese society.

Corruption and single child norm are the other issues eating at the basic fibre of the Chinese society.

Today the biggest and existential threat to China is from within. That is one reason it why keeps the bogey of external threat alive through irrational and erratic behaviour like punching passports or denying visa etc. To most of us it may appear silly but there is a rationale behind their behaviour. But the fact is that it could, in the worst case scenario, be upgrade into military confrontation ranging from a border skirmish to a larger dispute. The aim would be shift focus from internal crisis towards an external one, the probability of its happening is at it times of internal crisis of power shift.

China is unlikely to use force against India to regain territory but it will keep the issue simmering to deflect the attention from internal crisis.

Indian strategy’s basic pillars should be:

          Avoid confronting both simultaneously.

          If it has to be done, ensure Pak dealt when passes linking Pak-China are closed due to snow.

Develop religion based linkages with Buddhists of Tibet. No one is better poised than us. This also is the softest underbelly of China. This needs to be nurtured and cultivated.

India should get the Buddhist of the region in our pilgrimage circuit like Haj of Muslims. Sarnath; Bodhgaya and host of other places offer the best bet.

Rejuvenate our cultural links with South East Asia.

Befriend their enemies with the help of trade and military cooperation treaties including sharing of military basis.

Use soft power and trade to bring back the allies partially alienated or in a neutral state.

Use existing or facilitate creation of new power blocks headed by US and comprising Indian Ocean Region states;  Japan, South Korea; Philippines; Vietnam; Taiwan ; Malaysia; Indonesia, Thailand and other littoral sates.

Immediate challenge is Afghanistan post US withdrawal. Pak and China will wish to move in and neutralise Indian influence. In this Iran , Russia and CAR countries neighbouring Afghanistan from North and North West must be engaged and if required work out spheres of influence.

Pakistan is a painful state akin to the younger brother having lost its way. Populace would be delighted with closed links with India- both have a lot to offer to each other. But the power wielders, ie, military and mullahs will not relish the idea. Till democracy takes root and civil society takes charge of the direction the way Pak will move in the future, we need to keep our efforts at increasing bonding with society through trade and soft power.  

Finally we need to have adequate deterrence to prevent adventurism by either of our neighbours. This would be possible when they perceive that the outcome would be uncertain and cost benefits inadequate. This is a matter of perception, therefor deterrence aimed at possessing military capability to deny outright victory for China and stalemate for Pak would be minimal essential. Our capability to hurt them at their soft belly will further deter military adventure. The political and economical ramifications of our allies would further deter and military adventurism.

Finally, rather than match Chipak- man for man and weapon for weapon, which would be financially prohibitive, we need to use the strategy taught to us by the great exponent of mind power and state craft in Mahabharata and Arthsastra and put in place a system of multi-tiered deterrence. 

M.A.D. A NEW WAY FORWARD

In the olden times there were too many threats towards the very existence  and survival of being- threats to life- wild life, snakes, reptiles; internecine tribal rivalry for control, natural calamities- fire; water ,lightening, cloud burst. The nature was a complete mystery. All these life threatening forces found place in our “to be worshipped Gods”. Snakes and scorpions (in jungle bordering tribal habitats), water God (in most of hilly area prone to flash floods) and so man identified God with the life saviour force that was needed to counter an evil force.  So we had the Sun God, wind God ultimately leading to huge numbers of Gods. In fact we had a god for everything and prayed before the likely commencement of threat (water God prior to rains) and post threat termination to thank him and bestow favours on him. The bells, conchs, divas, in mandirs; fragrance sticks, flowers, fruits, prayers, singing bhajans as community in the mornings and evening were all aimed at addressing the fear factor and pleasing the Gods with whatever was precious at that point of time (today Sirdi and Tirupati are offered jewellery, gold and cash- principally nothing has changed) and the bargain was safety and well being. Whenever the God failed we found an excuse that the God had been displeased by some act and this was the causative of all superstitions.

The mankind has always bargained with the fear factor behind a mystery by invoking another unknown force till a counter has been found and then dumping him. The science and medicines have combined to resolve lots of these threats so time to dump some Gods- that is the way we have evolved. This must not be ridiculed as this was the prime defence mechanism to our very survival.

As mankind evolved some mysteries got demystified and we could protect ourselves against this threat due to enhancement in medicare and so we dumped some of the Gods or the rituals born out of fear of the unknown. But one would find even today. In Himachal people pray to rain god prior and post rains and blame external factor for any mishap as God ( last bastion) has to be protected. Some might find it ridiculous but the fact is as the bridges are getting laid this god is heading towards extinction.

Today the world over there is a tendency to move away from the rituals and superstitions. There are two reasons for this.

First the teaching of science has trained our minds to look at things logically and experimentally. This leads at times to arrogance of limited knowledge trying to answer those mysteries which have yet to be discovered.  The religions have failed to keep pace leading to some so called truths as propagated by the books having proven wrong or rebelling against the research or not modifying the life style as required by the modern day society.

Second is inability of our religious custodians to interpret and transform the wisdom in the present context. In the olden days they Rishi and munis who were very learned guided the kings and rulers whenever there was a moral dilemma. Proper knowledge of epics was a time consuming process and generally undertaken in the ashrams patronised by the monarchy. Thus the guardians of the religion they were forced to fend for survival. So do not blame them.

But on the positive side there is a nice backlash where some very learned people are using the modern day tools and explaining the rationale for a way, which is more acceptable to the modern mind.

 Some of the rituals and superstitions are being shed or outsourced to the subject experts- very much with the modern concept of pay and let the best man do the job.  Religious teachers continue to fulfil a felt need of society. The home based offerings of flowers, incense sticks, fruits, dry fruits, sweets and cash and  superstition of warding off ills by feeding the cows, black dons, beggars, oil offerings on Saturday, no hair cut on Tuesday, peeple pooja; bath in the Ganga   on kumbh, the black cat crossing the road etc. continue even today. Not bad if others are not impacted and gives some one positive vibes and mental peace; in fact feeding animals and beggars may be termed as a very crude form of charity. The current generation finds these as not very great so they adhere to it for parents or society’s sentiments

If God is being used by mankind to serve its own purpose from times immemorial why should the future generations follow the redundancies? Has the time come to move beyond the rituals to a higher plan of God utility where the God is worshipped for something higher than survival or threat neutralisation? Yes, I firmly believe we are standing at that point of time in history.

We need to move towards spirituality. This basically means moving from rituals, dogmas, superstitions and fears. The basics of all religions are same that is, there is a power controlling, love, compassion, work honestly, help the poor, you are endowed with mind and freewill, you are the creator of destiny and will reap what you sow, control your mind, thought and deeds, anger jealousy, be kind to all kinds of life and explore and experience life and nature and spread peace and happiness.

This is the way forward to achieving the elusive goal of happiness, mental peace and journey towards the higher goals. Time to venture into the discovery of self through the help of some learned teachers and books on Raj Yoga. The future generations need to dwell into major mysteries about the soul, spirit and purpose of life.

M.A.D. EMPOWERING THE MARGINALISED

We have a large impoverished and internally displaced population which is living in  deplorable state - economically and habitat wise. Kashmiri Pundits; people from North East;  Hindus/Sikhs thrown out from Pakistan and Afghanistan form part of the major displaced people as of today. The national government and state governments are unwilling or incapable to provide for such large masses of displaced populace. 

Some have become unemployed because of NGOs or other commissions having got judicial consent resulting in closure of jobs like circus, monkey dancing, elephant ride; snake charmers etc.; ban on gutka ban; tribal banned from surviving from and off forests produce and soon large number will be rendered jobless with set top boxes replacing cable. no one seems to have given adequate thought to the consequences of these bans or loss of jobs, on the society.

There are some  which are semi skills empowering jobs, e.g., mechanic; hotels; tailor; cobbler; carpenter; welders, drivers and host of others.Domestic help by young boys and girls in the urban areas was and continues to be a big source of employment in the unorganised sector. And these were done by younger kids because remuneration was less. However this has been officially banned leading to inadequacy of quality of skills acquisition.

 Large number of Biharis; Bangladeshis and  Nepalese have occupied the space vacated by paucity of labour due to our youth from Panjab having moved to the West and unwillingness amongst the local boys to do the menial jobs  Impoverished biharis and foreign illegal immigrants are blackmailed into doing the jobs which are otherwise banned.

Thus a very peculiar situation has arisen. Low skill low pay jobs in domestic help or apprenticeship are available but not legally tenable. The outcome- lots of kids are going hungry and not attending schools.

There are families,  notwithstanding the claims of the government and right to education , which are not in apposition  to send kids to school because they are needed home to  look after the house/sibling when parents are away. So it is a catch twenty two situation defying a simple situation. There are very few jobs in the rural areas. So people move to urban areas for economic prosperity and bright future of the next generation but they are unskilled. For the unskilled rural person labour jobs are available but not paying enough to run support the complete family of around five. So the wife has to work as domestic help, there is enough demand and just about adequate supply. There are added perks of this job- sometimes accommodation, doles, security and a decent remuneration. Kids make extra buck on Sunday with car wash or laundry etc.

With the latest trend of working couples reliable domestic help is becoming a necessity.

There seems to be a scope of mega transformation of marginalised populace with the help of the society by following a win- win option by meeting the essential needs of each other.

The suggestion is that anyone who houses a family in their house (servants quarters) be given the responsibility of funding one child where with all. The child in turns helps the lady of the house in house hold chores during non-school hours. This would be something like loose adoption with child becoming a member of the family and providing emotional support in due course. The child learns good things of life by just observing and working in the house. Following benefits accrue

          Family lives in decent accommodation rather than slums.

          Better quality of life and upbringing.

          Helps the working couple

          Emotional support to elderlies of the clan

          Security of the house

          Opportunity to learn/develop additional vocational skills

In due course this family will be able to fund a EWS/LIG type     of house

Illegal migration into urban areas of Bangladeshi will be controlled.

It will to some extent dry up source of support to ISI operating from Bangladesh. The labour shortage can be met by issuing work permits.

 A small step could mean transformational change for the nation.