Reality Bites!!

The deadly and audacious attack on CRPF jawans by Naxalites on 6^th April raises so many questions on our understanding as well as strategy to deal with the left extremism. As our Prime Minister said “Naxalism is the gravest internal security threat to India”. Some other has described this massacre as a war on Indian Parliamentary Democracy. This is the time we must realize the need to root out the actual problem. This issue which began as a socio-economic problem became law and order issue and gradually turned into insurgency.

The Early Naxal Movement started in 1967 from a village called ‘Naxalbari’ in West Bengal by Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal and Jangal Santhal. Initially this movement was against the landlords. So it got support from the landless laborers. Inspired by Mao’s doctrines, they believed in armed struggle by Indian peasants and tribals to overthrow the Indian Democratic State by 2050. It has spread over 200 of the 626 districts in India.

The popularity of the Naxalism is increasing in the undeveloped areas primarily among tribes.  As we know, 33% of India’s population still lives below poverty line. These days one particular phrase is very popular: “India Mein Do Hi Cheez Hai; IPL Aur BPL.” As per report only 7 individuals have net worth equal to 30 crores Indians. Can we solve this problem through ‘Operation Green Hunt’? Is this a viable option?

The economic conditions of most tribals are miserable. Schools, Roads and Hospitals are invisible. They have to walk miles to fetch a bucket of drinking water. Due to vote bank politics, only creamy layer got benefitted from the positive discrimination policy.

By and large, tribal society is egalitarian. There is no hierarchy. Men and women have equal status. Mother-in-laws treat their sons’ wives as their own daughter. So there is no difference between sasural and mayke. Dowry system does not exist. More importantly they are not greedy. Even in the early Vedic Age the tribal leader was seen as “primus interpares” i.e. first among equals. Ironically, modern world is known as ‘Global Village’ not ‘Global City’!!

Can we say ours so called modern materialistic value neutral society as egalitarian? Is this society free from social evils? Male chauvinism still exists in some form or other. Everyday there is news on dowry deaths. (Dis) honor killings decorate the front page of the newspapers. Saas-Bahu Ki Ladaai To Jag Jaahir Hai. Do our leaders behave themselves as first among equals? Is this development? Is this modernization? This is merely westernization not modernization. In 63 yrs we have achieved economic growth but definitely not development. Our per capita income has increased but on social development parameters we lag far behind. There is no equal distribution of social and economic wealth. Even Planning Commission has accepted the fact that LPG policy has widened the gap between the rich and the poor. So steps must be taken to bridge this gap. Besides, special attention should be given to bridge the digital divide too.

“FCI Godowns Mein Ann Sadate Hain Lekin Karodon Logon Ko Do Waqt Ki Roti Nahin Milati! Jinake Paas Pahanane Ko Kapade Nahin Hain Use Hey Drishti Se Dekha Jata Hai. Lekin Kuch Logon Ke Kam Kapadewale Dress Bhi Fashion Ban Jaate Hain! Kahin Aasmaan Hi Chhat Hai To Kahin Chhat Par Helicopter Utar Sakate Hain!” Yehi Hai ‘India Shining’!! Wearing scanty dresses, listening western songs and speaking foreign languages don’t necessarily signify modernization. Modernization of heart is essential which should be reflected in thoughts, ideas, perception and attitude towards socio-economic-political development. The recent studies say that occidentalists are heading towards spiritualism in search of mental peace whereas orietalists towards materialism in search of material happiness which leads to agony. In this regard Swami Vivekanand’s speech in ‘Parliament of World's Religions’ (Chicago, 1893) is very important. He said “each must assimilate the spirit of the others and yet preserve his individuality and grow according to his own law of growth.”

Now the question is how to tackle this biggest challenge posed by the ultra left. First of all we must know that it is not a war. We can’t wage war against our own people. Some of our own people who are deprived of basic amenities have sympathy for left wing extremists. It shows the failure of governance and administration. Ram Rajya or Good Governance is still Utopia in India. Concept of SMART governance (Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent) is only on paper. Due to weaknesses in delivery system allocations are not reaching to whom it is targeted. Poverty, unemployment and rampant corruption have provided the congenial environment for Maoists to get popularity among tribes. We have to make distinction between the Maoists and ordinary tribals. Every Maoist is not a tribal; neither is every tribal a Maoist.

Government alone can’t solve this problem. Public-Private Partnership can play a big role. Now time has come for private sectors to discharge their social responsibilities. They can train these socially, economically and educationally backward and alienated but culturally rich, faithful and lovely gift of God through opening of special educational institutions. E-learning can play a big role in remote areas. At the same time government of India should promote these initiatives by offering more tax benefits. Even it is responsibility of every individual to contribute in any form for the upliftment of the weaker sections of the society. Only then we will be able to become Developed State by 2020. Putting 240 million hands together can make anything possible.

Holistic approach is the need of the time. In short term strategy comprehensive security arrangement must be done. Focus should be given on better training, effective command & control system, rapid action, anti guerilla techniques etc.

Top brass naxal leaders are well educated, highly motivated and trained in guerilla warfare. There is a general impression among tribals that Maoists don’t kill innocent people and punish guilty government officials. So we should take every step to win the hearts of the tribals. In long term strategy, these steps must be taken to eradicate the menace of naxalism:

1. Right to education- This is effective from 1^st April this year.
2. Right to food: This is on government’s policy agenda and a draft is expected soon.
3. Right to health: At least one state Assam has taken initiative in this regard.
4. Right to Employment: This is not on government’s agenda.
5. Delivery mechanism to be made more effective and accountable: As per Transparency International Report India is ranked 84^th on Corruption Perception Index. The recently held Twenty20 friendly match between the Union Minister and IPL Commissioner truly justified this ranking! Expectantly, BCCI- the Board of Cricket Corruption in India- didn’t play the role of watchdog over IPL- the Indian Paagalpan League!! Stringent law with effective implementation and promotion of ethics in governance and administration are few steps which could be considered.
6. Land Reforms: We have to relook the law pertaining to tribal rights over forest land which is a major cause of concern regarding tribal displacement.

MPs’ Salary Hike- Revisited!!!

Persistent double-digit inflation, growing fiscal and revenue deficit, shadow of recession but 300% (Rs 50,000) salary hike and still dissatisfied MPs- are the unique characteristics of world’s largest democracy!!. As per Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Act, 2010, a package of 1.6 lakh a month for legislators have been ensured by way of pay and allowance with retrospective effect. Again, an MP is eligible for pension of Rs 20,000/month if he serves for five years!! Can we expect pension for life just after 5 years in office? Is salary hike justified?

We are living in a democratic setup where People’s Representatives have been given highest rank. Maintaining offices at different places, frequent visits to their constituencies, entertaining public coming from their constituencies, price rise, autonomy and independence of legislators and accountability for public policy justify this hike. But conscience of common people does not allow this hike. Are they really accountable People’s Representatives who decide the fate of our current as well as future generations?

First of all, this violates the principles of natural justice- one can’t be judge in his own case- the core principle of the Rule of Law. This decision could have been taken by independent body. Secondly, most of our MPs do not attend Parliament session. Even if they come, their sole motive is to disrupt the proceedings. Only 10% questions were answered orally during Question Hour in this Monsoon Session. Do our poor MPs get salary to create pandemonium in the Houses?

According to the National Election Watch (NEW), a nationwide campaign comprising of more than 1200 NGO working on electoral reforms, improving democracy and governance in India, in the 15^th Lok Sabha there are 162 MPs (29.83%) with pending criminal cases. There are 76 MPs (14%) with serious pending criminal cases. There are pending criminal cases against 9 ministers in the current Lok Sabha. Should law breakers be allowed to become law makers?

Again, 315 of 543 MPs are crorepatis. The average assets of an MP is 5.33 cr. Interestingly, the chances of winning based on assets of candidates are 32.65 % (more than 5 cr), 18.47% (50 lakhs to 5 cr), 6.28 (50-10 lakhs), 0.43% (less than 10 lakhs). Statistics clearly reveal the role of money and muscle power in Indian elections.

There are 49 crorepati ministers in the new Lok Sabha. INC has 40, DMK has 5, NCP has 2 and JKN & AITC has 1 crorepati minister each. This is just the calculation based on disclosed assets and in reality it can be manifold. All the 13 MPs from Punjab are crorepatis. Do these poor crorepati MPs need salary hike?

They equate themselves with Secretaries of Government of India who get salary 80,000/month. But they forget that Secretaries are public servants and they are not allowed to run business. At the same time the majority of the MPs run their own businesses. It is rightly said that the emoluments to MPs should be measured on CTN (cost to nation) basis like in companies where the concept of CTC (cost to company) is prevalent.

As for as educational qualification is concerned we found that out of 543 MPs, 151 are graduates, 132 are post graduates and 107 are graduate professional, 54 are 12^th, 46 are 10^th, 21 are Ph.D, 9 are 5^th, 9 are 8^th, 4 are literate, 7 are others, 3 are not given. We have several instances of MPs uncomforting while taking oath!! Is it good practice to have no minimum educational qualification for MPs?

Can we compare profiles of these MPs with CEOs? Nowadays, politics is no more service. It has become business. Criminalisation of politics and politicisation of crimes have made things worst. They don’t know even national anthem and national song!! Rape accused becomes minister of state for home, and scam accused becomes Cabinet Minister in the name of political compulsions!! Netaji publicly says ‘Hum Jail Se Raaj Karenge’ aur aisa Karke Dikhate Hain!!

Why do we elect tainted representatives? In fact, we are left with Hobson’s choice. Clean persons are not willing to enter politics. I still remember one incident. A guy asked a question to T.N. Seshan, the former Chief Election Commissioner of India, ‘to whom we should vote?’ in a seminar on ‘Electoral Reforms: Role of Youth’. The Physics genius and Palmist IAS replied ‘Jis candidate ke saath apani behen ki shaadi kar sakte hain’.

So Electoral Reforms not salary hike is the real issue. Most of our honourable MPs are unable to utilize even MPLADS fund. Gentlemen we are the future of India. We are expected to rise above personal interests. We must use franchise but use judiciously. Doston, hamare netaon ne to menhgai se nibatane ke liye apana rashta nikaal liya!! Now is the time for us to awake, arise and fight!!

NIIT: An Innovative Institution!!

This is all about Annual Day Celebrations held in NIIT. Like previous year presence of each NIITIAN was mandatory on this so called auspicious occasion!! Obviously, most of us participated unwillingly- Aur Sunday Kharab Ho Gaya! Some of us didn’t turn up. And few NIITIANS joined the function in the anticipation of getting Excellence Award!!

Lekin Hamaari Aashaon Par Paani Fir Gaya (Most of us got disappointed)! This year number of Awardees was reduced. Also, some of the citations were very confusing. One of my friends rushed towards stage to collect the award but stopped in time because citation was written for him but Naam Kisi Aur Ka Tha!! Courtesy: Selection Committee and Citations Committee!! We appreciate the diplomatic and tactical approach adopted by the jury members while finalizing the name of the awardees!! The process of selection made both-  awardees and non-awardees happy. Non-awardees are happy because at least citations were written for them! Awardees are happy because Citations Se Kya Fark Padta Hai Award To Use Hi Mila!!

So I decided to reach out to the people who were expecting but couldn’t get award. I did talk to several NIITIANS and there was unanimity on one point - Award is one of the 4 Instruments of Illusion by which Management placates resources!! My closest friend told me that only Manager knows how, when and where to use these instruments of pacification!! These instruments of illusion are:

• Award
• Performance Band
• Role Change
• Onsite Visit

To get award or good performance band you just have to maintain good relationship with your Supervisor/Project Manager! For role change you have to maintain good relationship with your reporting manager as well as reviewing manager!! But if you want role change, good performance band and award simultaneously, you will have to do one more thing. Just deliver a dialogue- “I have many offers, Aap Batao Kya Karein.” It will work like Raam Baan…you will be awarded, promoted and will get best band simultaneously! In fact, I did try all these tricks this time but unfortunately, couldn’t succeed! According to reliable sources there was some hidden hand behind it!! A fact finding committee has been formed to find out the role played by this hidden hand!! So that I would manage to get it next year!! As far as Onsite Visit is concerned, it’s just like a special offer! Once someone decides to move on, it is offered as a last resort!! Guys try this tested formula, success is guaranteed!! 

In NIIT Human Resource is the only evergreen organization which has done brilliant job consistently! HR personnel know how to play with the structure of the salary. Like Indian Meteorological Department forecast, Appraisal Policy didn’t disappoint us!! Their innovative ideas, initiatives and complex formula make everyone feel great initially but cheated later!! During economic meltdown it led from the front and set the example by not distributing trophies to star performers. Saving few hundred rupees is an achievement in NIIT. Under ‘Go Green’ policy we may expect ‘e-trophy’ very soon!! It is the same organization where most ambitious Contract System and most (un)popular VC Policy germinated. They believe in the philosophy of NIITIAN first in every aspects of life except bucks!! As we know real friends help in crisis and HRO has proved it beyond doubt. They might not recognize your work if you perform exceedingly well. But they won’t forget to reward you, if you don’t perform!! Not surprisingly payment of star performance reward starts after one year and in installments. This is the hallmark of the organization. Hats off to HRO!!!

In fact, NIIT is not only an institution but a movement too. So it is expected from every employee to strengthen this movement by providing fruitless services!! Guys achievements of life aren’t measured by what you have but who you have. So NIITIANS’ standard of life, not standard of living should be kissing the sky!! It may take years to achieve set objectives but your contributions would be remembered forever!!

Friendship Day

Last night one unusual thing happened. I got an email from one of my friends...Happy Friendship Day in advance. I was quite surprised. We always remember our friends but for the first time I received friendship day greetings. I asked my friend, ‘why do we celebrate Friendship Day’? ‘Like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day we have Friendship Day’, she replied. I was not convinced. I asked her that there is a reason behind any celebration. Kindly let me know the reason to celebrate Friendship Day. Interestingly, I got the reply ‘Aapane Had Kar Di’.

Friendship day is celebrated on the first Sunday of the August month every year. Friends meet and exchange gifts on this day. There is nothing wrong in its celebration but now commercialization of relationship has been started. It shows the proactiveness of market forces. Friendship i.e., feeling of love, affection, intimacy, brotherhood, protection etc can’t be measured in terms of gifts. We may expect Break-up Day, Divorce Day, Tie-up Day...in near future!!

It’s easy to make friends but very difficult to find real/good friends. Generally, it is said that good friends possess qualities like; honesty, trustworthiness, supportive, compassion, stick with you in all times particularly in bad times. But I believe that it’s ‘Care’ which distinguishes a good friend from friends. 

Good friends don’t necessarily agree with you on everything but give impartial opinion. At the same time they do their best to stick up for you when you are in trouble or crisis even if you are not justified. What I mean to say that it’s duty of good friend to be rational and forbid him from committing any wrong doings. But if he still sticks to it then rally behind him.

Fortunately, I have got 2-3 real friends. I still remember one incident. It so happened that after graduation my friend took admission in other university for pursuing career in International Relations. Although we were in the same city but living together was not feasible. One day while on the way to AIIMS for medical check-up suddenly my condition started deteriorating so I informed him to reach AIIMS immediately. He was there before I could reach. After check-up when everything came normal, we decided to spend some time together in hostel. While walking in the night, I came to know that his exam had already commenced and he preferred me to appearing for exam. I was very angry with him. I asked him, ‘why did you drop paper’? ‘Exam to hota hi rahta hai’, he replied with smiles. Later, his thesis was awarded as best dissertation submitted in last ten years.

In fact, virtues like Caring-Sharing (emotional support) and Forgiveness-Unselfishness provide the foundation of real friendship. Sacrifice is the synonym of friendship. Everyone knows Sufi singer Wadali brothers. The elder brother (Puranchand) refused Padmashree award when it was offered only to him. In Mahabharata, Karn sacrificed the crown offered by Pandavas for the sake of his friendship with Kauravas.

Good friends are those who can make the meaning of silence. Sometimes silence speaks a lot. Watch the face of your friend, try to read facial expression, feel his feelings and you will get the answer.

Let’s remember (feel) the feelings of real friends and celebrate Friendship Day!!

Penitence or Repentance

In April while I was on the way to Mt. Abu, I met with a guy named ‘Shantanu’ popularly known as ‘Guddu’. He is a symbol of social responsibilities in his village. We were discussing on the burning national issues. When I came out of his chamber, an elderly man who was waiting outside asked me “Guddu Kahan Hai?”(Where is Guddu?) “Who is Guddu?” I asked. ‘Wo to Bhagwan Hai,’ (He is like God) replied old man. I became curious and asked him to narrate Guddu’s past. He told me that Guddu’s father was a farmer. He had three children- two sons and one daughter. Guddu was the eldest. His father’s earning was not enough for three children to continue studies. So, he started doing tuition not only to continue his higher studies but also to support his family. Being eldest son he had the full sense of responsibility of an elder brother.  He used to send money home regularly. He completed his masters degree with good marks. In course of time he fell in love with a girl to whom he was teaching. He expressed his desire to marry the girl to his parents. But the parents turned down the marriage proposal. They told him that if he would marry a girl from other caste, who would marry his sister. They insisted Shantanu to marry within same caste. But the boy very clearly told them that he would marry only her else he won’t marry.

After few years Shantanu’s sister got married to a doctor and the couple left for UK. He left no stone unturned to see his younger brother at zenith. His brother got through IIT exams and after completing his B.Tech in Computer Science, got selected by MNC. He joined a company in USA and got married with an American girl of Indian Origin. When he had left for USA he was alone. But when he came back to India to see his ailing father, his parents saw their first grandson. They returned to USA after a week. In the meantime, Shantanu completed his Ph.D and is now teaching in the same college. His parents are living with him. He is still unmarried and looking after his parents.  Now he spends most of his time in social activities. Providing free coaching classes to needy and quality education to street children are his hobbies. His parents are now eager to see him married, but to Shantanu, it’s no more relevant. Shantanu does smile but his smiles put many questions on society.  Lines appearing on his forehead clearly show the expectations from an elderly child and lack of maturity in the social set up. Nobody knows whether it is penitence or repentance by his parents. But definitely it is a supreme sacrifice by a man who does not give preference to his personal life and desires but to his duties and responsibilities.