Of All the Colors…

The Brush n Palette

‘How I met your mother‘ fans would definitely remember how barney has a brother, who’s black and he himself white with blonde hair and how he gets mocking replies on being asked how they really are brothers being so different in skin colors. Also in the classic american novel- ‘Godfather’ by Mario Puzo, the negros( the blacks) are repeatedly mentioned as  distinct and filthy race.You would also have read, about a high school in US, recently, where there were two different prom nights, one for whites and the other for blacks. Or for that matter, the fact that few countries like Zimbabwe promote anti white laws and Idi Amin, famous african dictator from Uganda gave an ultimatum of 3 months for Asians to leave the country!

Colors of difference

It seems such a prostrate topic, does RACISM! We all know what has happened in the past, perhaps more or less obscure, we also know what is right and what the greater good in this matter is. Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Mandela have taught us more or less about it. Races which were not white were not considered particularly a breed of patricians.

Even more, the recent attacks on Indians in Australia, since the last 2 months have scratched the topic and we need a further contemplation on what’s right. When we see students attacked in the smallest continent, perhaps largest commonwealth nation and a world G10 nation such as Australia, there has something more to it than just irresponsible and hideous acts. For it, we must know that Australia has probably the highest Indians studying there (90,000 out of 160,000 in all studying abroad),leave apart the residents, most of them doing post grad studying and almost all engaged in a part time or full time jobs.

The Colours

I believe we as humans were always and will always be racists! For that case, What is Racism? ~~ Racism, according to Oxford, “is a belief or ideology that all members of each racial group possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially to distinguish it as being either superior or inferior to another racial group or racial groups in terms of characteristics.” But then, its absolutely true! Throughout the geography of the world, we are different due to our physical differences, due to our thinking and upbringing, due to the simple theory of evolution! (REF: Racism- Wikipedia ). Well we do come across many terms, such as Ethnical cleansing, Reverse Racism, Polygenism, the socialist approach, social engg, etc. But the very fact that we must know that racism is prevalent, Racial discrimination is practised, also the fact that caste based, language based differences and seperate reservations are prevalent in many countries, including ours.

Where the electronic media persists that these attacks are completely an act of Oz residents there based on color, i came across this article in a guj fornightly-’Chitralekha‘ and also recently in ‘abhiyan‘ which also pulls the indian students into the picture. It’s also a fact that many an Indian students there do not respect the people, the place and the laws; its also a fact that Indians because they are probably more hard working and cheaper labour, are snatching away Aussie jobs and services, its also definitely a fact that the residents there are discontent on the flexible immigration laws and many a scholarship programs for Asians.

Coming to India, we sincerely take pride in being called orthodox, obstinate and boastful and think they resonate to the terms- traditionally rich, strong-minded and Happy. If we do broaden the definition and understand it including Caste and language then we are in fact one of the most racists people present. The term reverse racism for this has to be understood well. We give out premium packages for the SC, ST, OBC, some other special tribe. We have shed blood on topics as this; We thrive to take political and financial advantages of the fact of the reservations; We are among the few nations to compromise on the quality of the education at the grassroots level and then produce Doctors and Engineers just because they belong to a specific caste, even though he could barely survive those varsity days.  We are yet a step ahead of the Australians where its illegal to be racist, but here we cut, twist and dress up the laws to suite the quotas. We as a result face big divide, a big blot of grey matter as they say that separates prosperity with underprivileged society.

According to the media in Australia, we are a third world country whose only short comings and misery are reported in the news there, where only rapes and killings of foreign tourists take place and where drug trafficking and terrorism are major issues. In Australia, whereas these acts are sporadic and if at all they can be looked, they do resonate with the situation recently with that of Maharashtra and Bihar.  Australia has a history of mixed culture where there are all sorts of freedoms for the public from drinking to gambling, teenages get access to drinks as soon they come of age and its pretty common. Instead they are one of the least peace loving people. But then its there culture there, being aetheists, agnostics; the clothing; lifestyle,etc.

As for the Indians, we are  one of the smartest races and along with it we also endow the richest culture of this world, which gives us two prerogatives: To believe in ourselves to dominate and show respect to cultures and societies other than us(Humility). But it definitely doesn’t give us previlege to discount or mock other cultures or systems. Its not uncommon for students there gone with sole motive to make money and finally gain citizenship to forget many a courtesies and rights.

The Picture

Sublime white light comprises of all the colors in a balance. Neither violet with the highest frequency, nor red with highest wavelength are better, for they are complimentary. In just the same way, Whites from America-Europe, blacks from Africa and America, Browns from Asia or yellows from south Asia, we all are but weights of what can be an equilibrium or a pandemonium.

Accepting the fact that Racism isn’t false and Racial discrimination is untrue is the best way to thrive according to the nature. In the same way, reservations based on caste or color aren’t solutions but seeds of further mistrust and inequity.

So perhaps what can be a solution would be to stop treating this topic as an epidemic and not overhype it. Perhaps  the students that side, they need to respect the rules and society there, but at the same time not be afraid to justify one’s self esteem and not be cowards just to protect his/her chances to remain in the ‘ land OZ ‘. My grandfather says, “People respect and not necessarily like those who respect themselves and their names. ” Lets understand this for your sake, you sell your ideas and time to others to prosper but when you sell your self respect, your respect for motherland then you do  fall low in others eyes if not yours.

As US President Obama very famously said in Cairo to the muslims – “One speech on the stage can’t change centuries of mistrust“, in the same way one thought, one article can’t be enough to motivate people to be rational in understanding Racism.

(References : Wikipedia, The Hindu, The Times of India, Hindustan times, Chitralekha. )

The Times to tell ~~ India, as we are.. Part 1

I express my emotions for the series of tragic events that took place on 26 Nov and the days to follow. These feelings have been an amalgamation of anxiety and anger altogether. Even though exams were due in a couple of days we took up every chance to be in front of the TV and hear news about whats happening. What happened then, we all know.

Taj Mahal Hotel..

I specially want to condole the losses that have incurred. I talk of losses that aren’t repairable or repayable, that lie in mind and souls. those are forgotten by historians and yet mark the change and act as the lifeline of society.Those 2 days, some have been unfortunate to lose their dearest ones and we have been unfortunate to bear an act like this on our soil. I feel at this juncture one must name them as Martyrs of Nation. Special accolades to the security personal and late police officers who acted to their duties and have raised the head of the Motherland. Although one may feel I am saying all this as a hypocrite and would not understand the loss, I feel I could relate to one’s losing some dear one.

From the past fortnight our nation has seen a time it hasn’t seen from a long time. The long peace march in Mumbai, the outburst of public sentiment, the cohesiveness of the Government and the opposition in action, the way we have shown our maturity and great values in dealing with Pakistan and International community and of course the way we have dealt with the recovery. This biggest attack on the nation from a foreign soil has brought the above actions to act in our favor in disguise.

I feel a little embarrased by the way the electronic media specially has covered the whole incident. Well the issues like classified operations, sensivity of the issue and the fact that making speculations too hard and too vague at a very premature time is dangerous both for the society as well external affairs. Rightly so i agree with the govt and public that the media should be curtailed and have restrictions on during this type of operations.

India.

I again applaude the way the Govt has gone about handling the situation and think that War eventually should be the option that could be considered at the last, not to avenge but prove a point that we are not weak, meek or a dummy.  The fact that no country should interfere in the issues related to naitonal interest or even mediate between Us and Pakistan has been voiced loud and clear which is right. The last week in parliament where the Anti Terror bill was kept and passed within a few days and the fact that all voices echo together is a good sign for us. Rarely have I seen a unanimity and similar tripartisan views in the Parliament. If you get time, do have a look at the speeches made by Mr LK Advani (www.lkadvani.in), Mr. Chidambaram and Mr. Pranab Mukherjee.( The debates you can get on www.loksabha.gov.in ).  We aren’t a piece of wood which is being eaten by termites( alias the internal problems.), we can unite a bigger enemy, an enemy which is no state but a disease, a phenomenon known as Terrorism.

They threw stones and He turned them into Milestones !!!!

“Ae Charlie! ‘eard o a place named India??”

“Ya saw that Sachin chap ol, playing for it!!  Guess it’s a country in the East.”

“Oh ya tat short fella’. He’s got sum talent ther.

“Ya E’s got a gift of putting that bal anywhere in Lord chester’s field. Hardly eva seen summon after our donny and Allan marshal. I wonder how much to bet on the team?! ”

“Well i’l bet he’s better than Chelsea this year and brings home the cup!! “

“Bloody ruddy tough one.. You’re on.”

 

At 16

 

Well its completely dramatical what’s been an illustrious journey for the sport Cricket. Sachin Tendulkar, the same chap from Mumbai who started his cricketing career at age of 16, far younger to even shave, and 19 years hence remains the King of the sport.

 

17 Oct. ’08, Mohali : He raised his bat to become the highest scorer in both the formats of the game, to pen his name for the top 4 records in the game. Not many are near behind him and certainly not ahead of him. At a time when I am being nerve nailed to the point due to my performance in exams (a home made phrase of my own ~ given to think of myself of myself), and not so nice a time to say frankly, I still cannot express my reason to rejoice the expression I saw on his face on the Tele and what gave me seeing my Hero. It would although be impossible to note down his forte, rest assured the details. It would perhaps take years if am not wrong for the World of cricket to get over the loss when he retires. Which I am happy it isn’t hovering above his mind like nargles !!

 

 

Well like most outstanding personalities he has the immense ‘talent’ and the zeal to do what he likes, his fighting attitude. But what has really taken me into his fan club or what inspires me (to be true to me) is his humility and the passion for the sport. Whether or not he’s the highest scorer or century maker, whether or not he’s the longest playing or highest earning person, he still knows there is no one above the game. This I believe keeps one surviving in long time and inspires to go ahead.

The only one to have the flag on him.

 

Well there’s lot to learn and apart from milestones there’s lot to cheer about as this person has been perhaps second only to Gandhi in being famous even in every nook and corner of the Earth, whether the English lower, Scottish majors, Finnish bars, Australian ranches or among the huns. I wont be surprised if a few suggest him an honour of Lordship in near future. The only difference is, as an English columnist said, he doesn’t wear dishcloths as Gandhi did.

 

History’s question, Is Present answering for the Future ?

22 July 2008. This day will be one of the landmarks in Indian Governance. It can well be probably only the 2nd time in History of India that a PM may get defeated in a Trust vote in the Parliament. Well let me put in my view on it. This past 2 months although turning out to be much boring and worthless but were surely interesting following the daily news on the Deal and the Politics in general.

I have read many views, both supporting, inimical and negation of the deal. And actually surprisingly enough i have been successful in forming my pt. of view.

Somehow i believe i have managed to almost form a conviction that would impress the BJP, Dr. Manmohan Singh, CPM and my chemistry teacher.

Does India need a civilian nuclear energy agreement with the US? – Prob. ya but not with an Arrogant, Self structured, Hypocrytic and utterly nonsensical administration like USA. The only thing is no one gives a damn on my view. Well its just that its a risky business having US documents in your drawer. They may anytime come up and ask for something !! Having probably plundered most of the Oil countries and accelerating a global Terrorism phenomenon, it is now setting its eyes on an Asian superpower to stand against China and perhaps the most vulnerable soft super economic power like India.

As far as Energy needs and crisis are concerned. Stats show we will be having around 7% of power generation by 2020 from 3.@@% presently. Staking billions and country’s Defence rights is a Blunder. I dread we won’t be in an Invisible debt to US after it. I did read about the Int’l pressure one may get once in a tight situation.

Why is the Bush administration trying so hard to push India into signing this deal? Que no 2. Definitely not to reduce the oil demands. If our production doesnt go up a significant no. in 15 yrs then how can it satisfy their’s at a greater rate ? One important reason may evidently be of the Report card Bush needs to show at the end of his tenure. In reality it doesnt affect their internal system because a very few % of people actually know about it. Its not a big deal there. For us it may be a deal to Self Respect, Self Esteem and Self Confidence.

I also appreciate the the intrepidity of Dr. Manmohan Singh to take such a step so as to go ahead with the deal drafts and negotiations even when he is facing a massive opposition and his chair is in danger. Although i am fully aware this may be a political stunt but in years to come this will be taken as an example. The fact remains, whether it will be remembered as the Government that took the right step or made the Gravest mistake.

“It would be more honest to admit that the Indo-US nuclear deal is a three-in-one document comprising a civilian energy cooperation agreement with the US, de facto NPT and de facto CTBT.” This is what i read in a column of a leading Newspaper. The write up percolates from a Rajya Sabha member. President Kalam is backing the deal. The Govt. has also given Ads in leading papers with the AEC chief quoted saying something very positive abt the deal and motivating people to stand up for it. Thats good. But may possibly and likely enough be vote bank politics.

Mark Twain has wonderfully said, “It is better to deserve honors and not to have them than to have them and not deserve them.“

So we will see what happens on 22nd. Politics and Governance taking turns it seems but who knows the blanket is still in the air. Anyone can wear it.