DEVELOPING NEW INDIAN ETHOS

We Indians are experts in commenting on every issue on this earth without any research/investigation and do it so very convincingly. Reading is certainly NO but active participation is yes.

            New ideas No but our claim to inventing almost everything including limb transplant and aeroplane is well known, being of recent origin needs no elaboration.

            Yog, Ayurveda, herbal knowledge, zero, ship building, agriculture, town planning, arts and crafts, astronomy or palmistry were reasonably well developed once upon a time probably thousands of years back. However modern contribution has been next to nil.

            Masterpiece Bhagwat Gita was too conceived thousands of years ago, far ahead of its times. But its follow up in terms of scientific evaluations or thought evolution has been minimal.

            Our institutes of excellence IIT; IIM; IISC and host of research institutes have nothing original to contribute. Even our so called excellent software industry has very little to talk of any path breaking contributions.

            We have had a super powerful brain in statecraft, Chankya who guided rise of Golden period of Indian history fighting divisive forces having own agendas of greed for power and scheming as in any dynasty. However our intellectuals feel proud in quoting Sun Zhu or Machiavelli but not our own wise man. His knowledge on statecraft is far superior to anyone else.

            The Indian Defence forces are very comfortable and proud of displaying history where British conquered India or Indian soldiers fought all over for Colonial masters but magnificent victory of 1971 war is hardly finds place of pride which any other army would die far.

            Indian Army carrying on with colonial dresses suited for European climate even after almost 70 years of independence shows our low quality of mental/creative thinking and quite happy with status quo. Foolishly defend these stupid traditions with all logic(?) and might. No wonder its being treated shabbily by intellectuals.

            There is very little in terms of genuine though/ideas emerging from out numerous institutes. Quantity huge quality very poor. Engineering; management, medical; dental and disciplines of new fields are mushrooming but end product unemployable due to poor academic staff and outdated syllabi. Even primary school education quality wise is by and large substandard. Teachers are hardly literate and once in the job there is little accountability leading to chaos in school education. Employees are exceedingly well paid but skills very poor especially in towns/rural areas. Focus on buildings and parameters spelt out by regulations but no one appears to care about end product. Passing with high grades is ensured by all means including mass cheating.

            We have outstanding orders /guidelines to ensure very high quality of everything; however system expected to ensure compliance has been compromised through quality compensated by money paid to regulators.

            All services are on the verge of decay- transportation; telecommunication; hospitals; schools; roads; rivers; air and filth all around. People in power have isolated themselves by ensuring dedicated service for self and family members. Political leadership and babudom has a safety net which enables world class service at the tax payer’s money. Farmers and poor are under nourished; without house, toilets, water, electricity, jobs, debt ridden being forced to commit suicide even whilst working throughout the year but draught/poor crop implies deaths.

            Money is not the problem. Enough has been released and continues to be released but delivery is non-existent. What if any is the way out?

            Accountability of regulators at all levels especially with those who are interface of the government delivery or what some call the last leg

            Merit getting its due. Teachers/professors and all others in senior posts either perform or side-lined. Those of SC/ST be given extra coaching to come up to desired merit level and not the easier way out of scaled down standards. Policy makers are doing great disservice to nation and community.

            People must participate in governance and development rather than elections alone by planning and ensuring delivery of services even at village/block level.

            Research in new frontiers or reverse engineering as being done in China and some other countries must be heavily rewarded. New ideas; though evolution through intellectual discussion and research on our ancient wisdom proven by modern scientific means must become priority. Indianisation of dress; thought; culture and heritage will ensure superiority complex which is so profound in Japan/China but lacking in India. Once done lots of ills will fall in place and gradually vanish

           

           

INDIA MUST LEAD ANTI IS FORCES

IS has become the biggest threat to the world today. Due to numerous reasons it has evolved rather quickly; attracted youth from all over and has developed capability to strike almost anywhere. Using technology and people from Europe/US it has become an idea that cannot be bombed into oblivion. Very intelligently it’s trapping the world through provocations of horrendous killings. Many Muslim believers view it as a saviour capable of taking on the might of the world out to destroy Islam and its values. Being Sharia advocates/supported by Saudi Arabia, IS probably will never be short of funds and manpower because of its power to attract new recruits from all over. Surprisingly some of the new recruits are not poor; impoverished or from lower strata but are educated with western knowledge and staying there for quite sometimes. Muslims like other migrants have left their homelands for better future mostly in non-Islamic countries. Having got disenchanted after enjoying the world they aspired for suddenly the all-powerful call of Islam is motivating reverse movement. Dangerous; dilemma; disenchantment; inferiority complex or whatever one calls it. As things stand today, call of Islam is proving to be more powerful than everything else west has to offer.

        World powers have combined their might with best weapon systems and modern technology to destroy IS in area between Syria and Iraq being called the Levant by the rulers of this self-proclaimed state. In all probabilities, this may not succeed in destroying the pull of Islam though would result in destruction to IS resources and loss of life and killing of some leaders.

        Why is the world helpless against Islamic terror? The most reasonable answer is it’s trying to destroy a powerful idea expanding in the minds of Islam believers across national frontiers using all means including cyber; local populace; sleeper cells; mosques; religious teachers etc. This strategy can never succeed- can’t destroy an idea with weapons or physical threat on an idea in the mind. No way – will fail with disastrous ramifications.

        India can lead the world to take on IS in dual triple attack. First is the physical attack. This is already underway. Any serious collateral damage could have devastating ramifications.

Second battle has to be fought on economic front by choking finances. Saudis hold the key with support from local countries wishing to contain Shias. US and west can minimise should and as and when they so decide. Doable but Saudis falling in line would be gigantic task due to its internal Wahhabi pressures.

Third is the mind space. The philosophy being propagated by IS is not being questioned and its spreading like wild fire. India has the potential to fight this battle with resources at its command. Indian strengths:

        Multi religious society living in harmony for ages’

Soft versions of Islam. Sufism practised in J&K teaches tolerance and pious life through music and living

Sunnis; Shias and all variants of Islam live and practise faith much better than Islamic nations.

All religions flourishing in India and economically progressing

Richness of culture through fusion of music, foods, culture, literature, thought, cinema, fashion and every aspect of life.

Women scaling heights of excellence in all professional fields happening here. Empowerment of women is in India.

Free will of expression. Muslim women in burqas; jeans and whatever they wish to wear but so are many Hindu women following same norms of dress code

Indian schools, government aided Madrassa and Missionary run Convents all running concurrently. We choose notwithstanding religious back ground.

Celebrations of life through festivities. Majority celebrates all festivals when it comes to good things of shopping; lighting houses; bursting crackers or sharing foods.

You have Haj; we do Char dhams, Kailas Mansarovar, Amarnath yatra. So very common.

You sing songs in praise of Allah’s, so do we. Bhajans and aarti have the same spirit

Most visit Sufi shrines of Pirs and temples notwithstanding religion to offer prayers and misery mitigation.

This soft version of Islam as being practised in India today is the way forward for all.

All family is one world- basic approach to life as propounded by India has the most powerful message for one and all.

Yog and our new age gurus talk of humanity with certain common values and practise of religion specific rituals. Beautifully harmonised

The battle of minds is difficult and long but would contribute seventy per cent towards demagnetising false Islamic propaganda being spread by radicals. It’s doable and only recipe for long term success.

India has the potential and wherewith all to lead the counter against radical Islam and time to take it on now when threat is still away from our borders. But it may not be for too long. Time to start now initially from within and then lead the World.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE(MAD) TRIAD: GREAT INDAIN TRADITION

Indian society from good old times has had a very well laid out responsibility division. Surprisingly it’s very fair, time tested and charity from home. Three generations exist concurrently in any family. The aged; the new born and the earner.

            The earner helps parents and grandparents in their old age with emotional support and dignified living. The basic need is emotional- making them feel wanted; respecting their views and some time and of course health related issues which can be financially draining at times. The elderlies can be good stress busters and share lots of sweet memories giving immense joy. This is what the modern western management experts are calling quality time. We always had it but it’s vanishing in most of the families.

            The younger generation needs caring, value imparting, narrating tales and counselling, friend; partner in joyful fooling around till children are small. As they grow up, become more self-dependent and can look after themselves, their need continuum keeps changing. Crucial growing up years need close supervision and value infusion, if done properly; internal personality becomes strong enough to face any challenge later in life. Grandparents can contribute very immensely as parents are too busy with cores of life. The growing up years and kids antiques are what one can call bliss and joy. The bond which gets developed is a lifetime joy; this is what the experts from west are calling quality time.

            Small kids glued to I pads/TV is routine in most of urban families. Rather than spend time playing with the child give him I- pad and he is busy with games and cartoons enabling parents to do their jobs. At times it may be chat on what’s app or responding on facebook. Elderlies too glued to TV seeing religious channels and serials throughout the day to pass time. This is perhaps one of the most regressive activities leading to brain decay cum body atrophy and life style diseases.

            Crèches and old age is the most serious symptom of this disease, where all three generations have split and suffering helplessly. Kids are being abused when they need to be showered with love. No servants/nanny’s’ how well qualified can replace grandparents caring capacity. Elderlies relocated to old age homes are a pathetic state. Scene is akin to crèche, being looked after by paid staff, where is the question of care and love. One feels sad to see parents who struggled and have struggle-tales worth that of hero, but rotting as helpless sick people waiting daily for their turn to take off for the next world. Pathetic sight.

            We copied the stupid idea of materialistic greedy ethos and are chasing money at the cost of enjoying the beautiful journey of life. Acquiring bigger, costlier and /or prestigious – houses; cars; white goods; mobiles; schools; tours; restaurants leading to immense stress and strain devastatingly impacting finances, relationships and health.

            Aping west blindly is a folly. Science of Western world and values of India give humanity the best way forward. All of us hurling into this state with devastating consequences need to pause and reconsider and if convinced undertake midcourse correction.

MODERNISATION OF INDIAN ARMY

Background   

The war fighting keep changing due to new ideas; experiences and of course technology. As per majority exponents next war would be more of minds than physical head on combat. Non state actors having access to dangerous weapon systems and access to high technology re here to stay for sometimes are adding new dimensions and forcing existing defence forces world over to review both tactics and strategy. Conventional armies have been blamed, perhaps rightly so, far preparing for the last war. This is due to comfort level of experience; uncertainty about future and of course limited exposure in the field of science and technology as most of it is classified.

Modernisation is an urgent financial compulsion.With war waging/supporting machines is becoming prohibitive and impacting development. Manpower too is becoming costly. Thus the option is to identify core priorities and spend money based on priorities.

Threats

New threats on the horizon are non-state actors using nuclear dirty bomb; biological or chemical weapons. It suits their strategy perfectly, human delivery in terms of suicide bombers available in plenty; ease of availability and usage; strikes fear amongst masses and low cost.

Cyber-attacks is another extremely but disastrous threat looming large. It has the potential of ruining economies plus interfering with almost all systems using cyber space. Various preventive measures have limited capability and can be breeched without too much difficulty.

Space is the next potent and dangerous threat. It has the potential to devastate economy and neutralise most of the command, control, communication, intelligence; surveillance systems and redirect guided weapon systems.

Mind control/perception management/soft power/smart power- calls it whatever one wishes to name it. By controlling huge masses of populace through propaganda; NGOs; doctored reports; aids cum grants- it’s not too difficult to have frustrated population looking for an option for betterment. Once this mass reaches critical stage of opinion forming, it can tilt decision making which may not be best suited due to pressures through seemingly patriotic and vigilant citizens. Implosion/balkanisation would be the outcome of this warfare- Iran and USSR are ripe examples.

India is comparatively more vulnerable due to divisive polity; NGOs; religious conversions; poverty; dynastic and corrupt polity; corrupt, non performing bureaucracy; biased media; delayed justice delivery system and lack of basic amenities and lack of avenues for growth com empowerment. This is manifesting as insurgency in Central India; dissatisfaction in North Eastern India and repeated flare ups due to scarce resources at times engineered.

Threat Spectrum

All these treats capable of hammering the integrity of the nation are beyond conventional and physical boundaries. In fact majority of threat manifestations will be non-border based as other more potent means exist. Hereafter threat management will need to cater for

ANYWHERE

ANYTIME

ANYSHAPE

WAY AHEAD

            Thought- Thought process needs to enlarge from borders to within and without. Threat could manifest anywhere, anytime and in varying shapes. Good old ideas of operational seasons; places; weather etc. are comparatively less important.

            Mind warfare- perception management will be crucial for voluntary support of populace for gaining real time physical intelligence

            Mental Mobility capability to take on varying type of threats without time consuming detailed orientation training needs very high level of training at all times. Commanders will need to be professionally on the go. Leaders need more exposure through courses and research.

            Intelligence As always will be the deciding factor to ensure QUALITY of victory. Wins like Kargil where the nation suffered very heavy casualties are not acceptable. It was a command and intelligence failure of grave magnitude.

            Strategic Mobility Capability to quickly locate troops at the point of decision would be crucial for quick crisis diffusion. Air mobility is essential. Once achieved number of troops could be significantly reduced.

Harmony of Resources

Feeling of exclusivity and treating others as incompetent needs to be shed. Tremendous resources and capability exist with Civil Police and Para Military forces in terms of manpower; equipment, experience and local knowledge. Once integrated with overall plans, could help army to focus on priority threats.

Lean and Mean

            Excessive obsession with more manpower implies more power is a fallacy in the modern world warfare. Less in numbers but smart manpower is needed. Go for technology- man mix to deliver optimum results.

Youth vs Experience

            There is always a dilemma of having a young army leading to early retirement and host of well-known problems becoming acute in job starved nation. Useful option lies in moving superseded officers and these men into skills needed for new type of warfare as well as manning the supporting services for the defence forces like audit; land management; canteens; MES and of course in Cyber, perception, intelligence, civil affairs, birder area populace, environmental issues and undertaking research on issues of import as deemed appropriate by service HQ etc.

Ministry of Defence

            Urgent need for reorganisation due to total mistrust between uniform and civilians. It’s more for inability to understand each other’s functioning methodology and excessive emphasis on paper work rather than speed of decision making. Once done, many problems will fall in line.

Veterans

            Vital interface between the serving and society. Crucial for a genuine feedback on all issues crucial for army. This could help in providing trained manpower if proper mechanism put in place

Implementation

            It’s near impossible for status quo to organisations to change for variety of reasons. Some of these include power shift; loss of perks; enhanced accountability and mistrust etc. Only way to force a change is laid out by people with no personal agenda and backed by those wielding authority.

            Commission of eminent citizens like Rattan Tata chair a commission where in all stake holders give presentation. These include services; DRDO; PSUs, veterans and strategic thinkers. Commission comes up with a way ahead which is got collective wisdom of all; not troubled with past baggage; no personal agenda thereby ensuring best as required for the nation

DESIRE HAPPINESS: HOW TO GET IT

DESIRE HAPPINESS: GO GET IT

Background

Happiness is one state which most of us desire but are unaware of exactly what is it or how to chase and stay with it?

 Can one be in a state of happiness or is it temporary phenomenon?

Some of the popular views of happiness are

          Absence of desire- easier said than doing it

Living the moment- grand as concept but implementation difficult

Some suggested means to achieve happiness are

Meditation including religious gatherings

Helping the helpless- social work

Hobbies including reading/writing

Creative activity arts/crafts

Be amongst happy people

Festivities- dance/sing/make merry

Adventure sports

Travelling and exploring

Nature Teach

Can anyone be happy all by himself? The answer probably is NO. Look at the nature, flora/fauna; all animals live, survive and flourish by being in social groups. In the wild survival implies – adequacy of food, reproducing; warding of serious threats. It would be fair to deduce that we are engineered to survive and grow amongst our kind.

Planning the Journey of Life

Groupings depend on the best environs which enables growth of individual and his clan. Starting from basic needs of survival, human needs keep growing continuously. Growth trajectory generally moves from basics to wealth through material collections and finally achieving excellence in the chosen field, it comes to giving back. For some who take a journey along spiritual/social roads, creation of wealth/materialistic gains is secondary; this community gets into humanity service by numerous means at their disposal. Those joining political field have similar stated aim though it for some it may be nice guise to get wealthy. Still others combine the love/passion to meet peoples need whilst making money. For some, use of violence to undo perceived wrong is sanctified and acceptable road to social service to the community/religion.

Are then happiness success milestones along the chosen path? When the community recognises, good deed and commends the individual, its success and temporary happiness. Having achieved this, one moves to the next milestone along the journey and same process continues. It would thus be fair to assume intermediate successes along the journey are a source of happiness. And failures? Cause unhappiness; depression and may cascade as suicides.

It would be fair to deduce that happiness or unhappiness is temporary emotive state of mind which flow from success/failure along the chosen path of life’s journey. One needs well-wishers to appreciate and share these moments. They act as motivator to continue along the journey to greater heights/ renewed effort to overcome failure.

Parents and children grow older but towards different stages. Children are starting the journey to achieve their dreams and parents finishing and one somewhere midway. Keeping the three generations comfortable, balanced and happy is the greatest challenge due to varying demands but that’s the challenge

Way Ahead

Choose the ultimate aim before starting the journey amongst own well-wishers. Identify the milestones along with timelines. Consult guides; counsellors; peers; parents and anyone else of significance in your scheme of things

          Commence journey with complete passion by ensuring milestones achieved within decided timeframes. Celebrate success and midcourse correction if required by consulting same people or experts for guidance/suggestions.

Reset milestones if deemed appropriate.

During the journey ensure near and dear ones part of the process and journey is based on values as enshrined for/by you. Any compromise will always make the success tainted.

Good health; adequate wealth; friends and family; quality time and relationships with self and family; reasonable social life are essential for memorable journey for everyone including all significant others. Only then will milestones will shower immense happiness and make journey totally pleasurable.

Keeping the three generations comfortable, balanced and happy is the greatest challenge but most satisfying too and non-negotiable. Having finished the journey, starts the give back time. Give back whatever you can- knowledge; happiness; empowerment; smile. Money is least important of them all