India: A dream of technology prowess

India, a gigantic sub-continent in South Asia, has been the cradle of various prodigious civilisations. It not only taught the western civilisations the importance of trade and commerce, lavish lifestyle and the use of renowned  spices, but also happens to be the bridge for knowledge transfer and exchange, may it be Politics, Economics, Law and Order and even Military science. One of the most apprised and notable wealth created by the people from the soil is in Science. It is said, proudly, that it is the civilisations in India who augured and stressed over the logical reasoning. No doubt, the revered, noble and acclaimed scholars like Sushruta, Varahmhira, Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Pingala, etc. are credited with the knowledge which was prevalent, what today the westerners claim to be theirs. The essence of Vedas, which have many scientific rendering perfectly places India’s glorious past to be of logical Reasoning. The land where spirituality is connected with scientific exploration of inner as well as outer world and teachings are imbibed to every person. It was not just the theoretical knowledge but also the its practicality what distinct the landed scholars from the others. Just for an insight, the decimal system, which is said to be one of the pinnacle of mathematics was given by Indian Scholars to the world. Also, it is a proven fact now, the Harrappan Civilisation used proper measurement systems for building purposes. The King Ajatshatru (son of the great King Bimbisar of Haryanka Dynasty) had developed state of the art Defence Technology (obviously in comparison to their cohorts of that time in the world) like Mahashila Kantak (Canon), Rathmushal (Tank) etc. Hence, there is not even a dearth of perturbation to put Indian historical accumulated knowledge and development to be a falsified claim, as what the western scholars call it to be.

A dive into the great history of the land, proves it, that the scourge of internal turbulence have withered away the compounded knowledge, just like the “Dark Ages”. The land had been under attack since yore of the Gupta Empire ( 2nd – 3rd AD circa), which led to the establishment of the rule of Kushanas, Shakas, Pahalvas etc. From the Turks, Afghans, Uzbeks and even Mongolian raids meant not only looting, incinerating cities, villages and mass genocide but also, resulted, asunder the knowledge and its keepers. Furthermore, after deliberate jabbed formation of British Empire through sly means brought India into an era of further oppression continuing till independence. The enlightening fact lies is that, although, India had earlier faced barbarism through raids which were for short period. But the Britishers, to rule, implied cunning and slew practices which looted not just economically but also of the great sense of identity of being progeny of great ancient civilisation.

Post- Independence India faced realities, i.e. poverty, hunger, security dilemma, partition, Cold-War politics, lack of technology due to age old oppression which led to food crisis, destruction of traditional structure of society which held the paternal knowledge, and the vices introduced by the Empire. But, the forefathers with proper insights and a leg into the future formed Constitution to rein India back to its hitherto held place. A place of prosperous land. Hence, by re-aligning the priorities, under the democracy, we still heading straight to the target. Today, we stand tall in the Aerospace industry, one of the responsible nuclear power, cradle of innovation as well as technology application. After independence the nation faced exigency related to the survival of Citizens, and today India is striving towards excellence may it be Science, Governance, Economy, Politics or International Relations. There was a time when India was threatened with embargoes, but it is only the perseverance of the people which brought it out as a bright star. As per IMF, India is going to become World’s Fifth largest economy, surpassing United Kingdom and France by 2018 and Third largest by 2030. Also, India is going through a period of demographic dividend, where about sixty percent population is under Thirty years of age. Yet ,although a number of theoretical criteria are in favour, India is considered to be technological backward when juxtaposed to US, China or other developed nation. The reasons for conditions somewhat lies in the Historical related facts, rampant corruption, illiteracy, internal politics, and many more. Keeping these facts to the fore, another sets of facts tells a different picture, for example India is reckoned amongst the top aerospace technology destination, developed missiles like Brahmos, have indigenous developed Inter-continental Ballistic Missiles ( Agni-V), having Nuclear capabilities, etc. What these facts point to?

Though, it is quite right that India lacks in High-end technology development relating to manufacturing industry, material technology, etc. In pharmaceutical sector, India is lacking behind in production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), which is being imported in bulk from China! Similarly, in manufacturing sector India lags behind in exporting goods. India’s share to the world export lies close to 2% only, whereas China’s share is nearly 13%. Such facts cut across all the lines and raises obvious dubious representation.

Technical education is facing quality deliverable challenge. Today India is producing nearly more than 1.5 million technical graduates annually, but due to lack of infrastructure, improperly guided and lackadaisical education policy these graduates are facing hurdles in the form of industrial knowledge, add-on value skills, innovation skills, lagging entrepreneurial development opportunities and many more factors which directly or indirectly relates to the job creation and Indian Economy. First and foremost step towards checking the aberrance is correcting policy paralysis relating to Education. What Graduates require is market ready skills, which now is being answered through schemes like “Skill India”. Apart from that innovation funds have been set up under tinkering labs, and other entrepreneurship programmes. Secondly, Job creation is also a challenge which is being handled through “Make in India” initiative. Thirdly, availability of government aided educational institutions alike of IIT’s, NIT’s, IIIT’s and more and more effort should be made to establish more and upgrade present infrastructure with benchmark of MIT, Harvard, Imperial College of London etc. Fourthly, creating infrastructure and correcting policies will have no use until the government devices the plan of holding up to created assets. The issue of brain drain has profited more the western, already developed countries. Sons and daughters of India, although ruling the Multi-National Institutions, would prove more beneficial to India if they produce and integrated their ideas by participating in Indian economy directly. Fifthly, providing research funding is another crucial aspect for the technological development. Today, Chinese are attracting worldwide scholars and researches and providing all the facilities from research funding, highly paid salaries, are taken care of the residential facilities etc. Such practices has to be accorded well with a proper policy frameworks. Taking into account all these factors and a hope that government works towards these basic tenets, it would take at least a decade to see fructified image. Another aspect, which relates to the psychology of Indian society is a cult of Government Jobs, Corporate Jobs and tacit outlook towards entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is one and only way to develop India Technologically. Indian land has given birth to dextrous minds like Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, Shantanu Narayen, Sanjay Mehrotra, Dr.Soumya Swaminathan, Tanmay Bakshi etc. Until unless young minds tinker up their heads for solutions of the past problems and prognosticate needs, a dream of Prosperous India will remain unattained.

 

Did you like the post? If yes, then don’t forget to Like. And also Follow me to stay in touch with my future posts.

Thanks for Visiting.

A Rendezvous with Ego.

We, humans have machinations, which is driven by a pernicious cycle of life and death. We have been engrained, deeply into our minds, about the life cycle where committing “SIN” is to follow one’s desires. But aren’t we all the same in and out? Don’t they say we all have same anatomical structure with the brain on top of us? Isn’t it the desire because of which we were born? Isn’t it?

I, too, sometimes feel like refuting the rhetoric conciliatory oracles of the society. It is not that I don’t want to obey, but its more of who and what i want to obey. Our malicious character have a duress upon us, it acts like a thraldom, certainly one would argue with alacrity as that is what our belief system have taught us. I, with all my vehemence would stand against this dominant belief. For me, desires are not just so called Sins, as referred to by all holy scriptures. Why is it a sin to have a desire? As i earlier argued isn’t it the same desire which brought us to life? Furthermore, what is a desire? An intent to do what one wants to or aspires to. Most religions, i urge, are also created on the premises of desire. The desire to control desires or more appropriately, regulate it. Its this only, desire which tends to end itself, by creating more desires towards a happy and contented life. And this so called happy and contented life should be the highest goal and is the charter of all religions. I am, not an antagonist, perhaps a deviant follower. Its not my ego, not even my belief system, but my desire. Why would having a desire to worship a god or play with myself has to do with SIN? Just because it doesn’t approaches to the higher standards of the scriptures, it is falsified and reduced it to a SIN? I again say, i am no antagonist, i worship all gods who comes to suit my need. As my needs are tended towards the higher target of contentment and happy life. We all know when we worship Lord Shiva, who exactly we worship, ‘Linga’ or a phallic, just like the great Harappan civilisation. But the moment, as per scriptures, i play with myself turns out to be a SIN? I am sorry if i offend you, but why should i be sorry for being truthful? Isn’t it what religion teaches us?

Ego is a reflection of our surrounding in us. What we learn through sensationalising ourselves with the outer world, gets entrapped inside us as a feedback mechanism. This feedback mechanism often consists of certain characteristics which are in the form of behavioural patterns. These patterns, as i mentioned, are a reflection of our stimuli in the world of reality. By reality, i mean a world in which various people with unique cognisance of ego collude with each other. This collusion results in a crucible informational pattern. The people, who we consider “successful”, have a proposition in receiving these informational packets to mould it in a way to benefit their behavioural patterns, than the others. This feature which are often found in predators, who bland themselves according to their surroundings in order to increase exponentially their winning streaks. For example considering successful people, most have common behavioural pattern like reducing commute time, making conversation short and pithy, managing time appropriately, etc. Such innate behavioural patterns differentiate these people from others. Furthermore, not considering egomaniacal, behaviour of the people who are self-reliant develops a feature of independence and, for obvious reasons, do not like to be browbeaten by others. They are not timid, in fact are quite temerarious. Which is what makes them to maintain echelon. On the contrary, what people consider those of “unsuccessful personalities”, find an exquisite rack. Being unsuccessful is a trait of “unrealised self”. The concept of unrealised self, i believe, is the conclusive remark for such people. It is very crucial to understand that successful people have a tendency of being appreciating their efforts with confidence. The unrealised selfs, on contrary, lacks the ability of knowing ones ego. As i earlier explained with the feedback mechanism which makes realised selfs distinct from others. The feedback mechanism is either absent or disproportionate. The disproportionate means that the individual does not have an appetite or sensory receptors to disseminate informational packets, in common parlance “ignorance” would suffice. This lack of ability results in “temporary” inactivity, and in long term becomes a characteristic of personality, hence a part of ego itself.

“I am no antagonist, just a deviant follower of all the Gods.”

Further, i would like to put in place a hypothetical question which was lingering and tinkering in my sensory reception from a while. Taking the concept of feedback mechanism and its interdependence relation with ego, is it only desire which initiate or develop first tryst with individual’s sensory acceptability? Going with the hypothesis of desire as a motivation to achieve gratification of one’s goals. The basis of it lies on the premises of monks or priest who live solitude life, with minimum desire. I prefer to use the term, minimum desire, as even monks have desirability to connect with the God and become apotheosised. This hypothesis is still at nascent stages and further illumination would enlighten us, which would take a while. Taking Freudian proposition with respect to pleasure-ego relationship, which says that its the interaction with the environment which moulds our ego. As the human has the tendency of avoiding pain, hence individual out of efforts tries to achieve the goal of gratification. Hence, in Civilisation and its Discontents, Freud spoke that its the societies reflection which develops individual ego of eschewing the pain. Which intrigues interest while relating it with the development of religion. With a strong conviction, there would have been an individual who would have taken a route by refuting the dominant belief system of a time. As we see in our times, many people strive to take paths by deviating from normal or as per the normative institutional structures.

Without putting more tinkering question, i shall end now but with a persiflage that do you believe in religion? If you do, is it the desire or the norms that makes you adhere to it? I am no antagonist, just a deviant follower of all the gods.

Did you like the post? If yes, then don’t forget to Like. And also Follow me to stay in touch with my future posts.

Thanks for Visiting.

The Cult of Nationalism

Since the result of 2014 general election, most corners of the country, particularly Delhi, are overwhelmed with the vociferous voices, of certain narrow dimension and parochial personality, vehemently trying to subvert the government. It has become a daily soap for people and perfect political “masala” for the news channels. But from the perception of common man or woman it hardly matters until it affects their sensibilities. It is, without doubt, brings concern of most citizens when the question of “Nationalism” comes. The recent protests by some central universities students, adhering to certain ill perceived ideology, brings legitimate concern of the society as to who and what had have been feeding them? For a layman, it is an ambiguous milieu where the intellectually awakened citizens of a developing country, who are probably second posterity of independent India, are questioning the government over the over-discussed topic of “Freedom of Speech”, while under the same authority.

Students have been toiling hard to spread words against the much emphatically used term of “Nationalism”. It saddens a common man, especially who gets goosebumps whenever hears the most celebrated work of noble prize winner Shri Rabindranath Tagore, as he/she sees intellectually awakened masquerade class mimicking their Nation and mocking over the sentence accorded to a criminal, who attacked the sovereignty of Nation, given by constitutional authority. Isn’t it a disgrace for a country where the future of it questions its formation? Is that for what our forefathers fought against imperialistic rule so that today people mark their fructuous efforts with angst? Certainly not, but that is what the reality is today. We live in a nation which have continuously defied the western scholar’s prognostications of “Doomed Failure”. But again the dissenters still come up bringing around the deficiencies prevailing in the nation and end up condoning the basic component which is a must for maintaining integrity and sovereignty of the nation, i.e. Nationalism. What makes this more peculiar is that one can easily question other’s patriotism but how can we question nationalism? There is a basic flaw in understanding the meanings of Nationalism and Patriotism.

“That nation is great which rests its head upon death as its pillow”- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Patriotism is the spirit of love for one’s state. In other words, it is one’s affection towards the National Anthem, National Flag, symbols, emblems, historical events, or people who are associated with nation and politics. For example: The animosity of most people of India towards Pakistan or the goosebumps at the time of Republic Day parade and others alike points towards level of patriotism. We are patriotic as we are citizens of a country. We are born and engrained with the basic tenets which makes us affectionate. Patriotism is an essential characteristic in the people which decides how eager people are to protect it against adversaries. It is this value which can easily be found in a defence personnel but is ubiquitous. Whereas on the other hand, Nationalism is what one acquires out of national identity. It is pride in one’s people and belief that they have their own sovereign political destiny. Hence, that is why it was difficult for the national leaders, at the freedom struggle, to arouse the feeling of nationalism as people were fragmented in different ethnicity, religions, castes, or races. If one does not have the cognisance of the meaning of what it feels to be in a nation governed by one of their own, it would not have been possible to achieve independence and that is why it took so long! Also, being a national of a country does not makes you patriotic for the same as you lack the essential ingredients. To best understand it one can think of himself/herself or friend or anyone who left India and has now acquired citizenship of another country but is still concerned about the status quo of his/her native state.

Furthermore, coming to the present case of Gurmehar Kaur who although in 2016 uploaded a picture which has now become a much hyped talk is definitely a sign of intolerance and subjection of her freedom of speech. Followed up by the ignominious comments over social media clearly signifies the misunderstanding and disinclination towards the basic concepts. Gurmehar, as many others, simply blamed the scourge of war which separated her from her father. Although, there is nothing wrong with her perception, because of her loss, but is war really a satan? As per my perception, there could be many interpretation, albeit following traditional approaches we can have a better base to understand contemporary relations. War, for obvious reasons, is a doom for sure but on the other hand is a boon too. To understand it we can dip in the history of European nations in general and Britain in particular. All historian and political science scholars credit war to be the utmost force that drove Europe to what it is today. History is full of excerpts which talks of the rivalries between Britain, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy (specifically Venice) and others. Since the economic competition had primacy, as today, which consequently translated into wars to signify their might and respectively in multiplicity of currency. Some of the overshoot led to the extension of war to their colonies also. Anglo-French wars are a classic examples which took place off the west coast of India during seventeenth century. Coming onto the most recent World Wars which with no exception to earlier ones were out of only controlling the economic sources. Even the Indian history revolves around the same aspect of which signals “wars as way to economic prosperity”. On the other hand, the atrocities are even not obscure. The legacy of war has led us to the ominous Weapons of Mass Destructions which makes many Cassandras point to the end of the world.

Looking at the above approach, war, although no doubt, leads to murdering of human beings on unprecedented scale. But do we have any another option other than fighting? Not all fights lead to war but when it becomes war then it is “Do or Die”. There is no parlance of “Mercy” in realist’s dictionary.  Taking a long standing example of India’s neighbourhood nation Pakistan, which follows policy of “bleeding India through a thousand cuts”. India, till recently, resisted to act aggressively, never had been a time when took initiative and did pre-emptive strike. On one hand, we have an example of India’s exemplary providence and on the other we have United States of America which always takes staunch imperatives, even if it leads to butchering of millions. It is quite clear National Interest always take the toll, no matter what the outcome and consequences are. All theories of humanity, human rights, or universal peace falls apart. Furthermore, the predicament here lies that the US went for first nuclear attack itself and today shrill out loud for denuclearisation to other countries. One cannot think of avoiding a war until have superiority over another, hence the deterrence plays quite light handedly. Arms race is completely a sham in the face of war, as it does not obliterates war and in fact only deters a smaller nation till the point it thinks it is not ready to wage a war. To understand we can think of Indo-Pak relations, which lies solely on the deterrence till Pakistan decides to act sickly. The wars of 1947,1965,1971 and many other through non-state actors clearly reflects the pledge of Pakistan.  Albeit, India continuously tries to isolate and have made Pakistan face worldwide opprobrium but it primordially remained obdurate. Having a mendicant as well as nefarious nation as Pakistan made India to ratchet up its approach time by time. It is definitely crystal clear that it is impossible for a country like India to eschew war. Gurmehar, though pointed out a long standing question, have herself remained quixotic. As “War can be delayed but can never be avoided” .

Also read Can India- Trump in isolating Pakistan?

Furthermore, as already said, it has become song of the day for all political parties as well their ruse shenanigans to amok over the crucial national interest and act sordidly. Who to be blamed? Politics or Political Parties or Institutions? The question does not lies at blaming the lame ducks, it lies with the people of the country. The forefathers very intelligibly as well as with of their reminiscence under the British rulers placed the crucial power in the hands of the “Janta Janardan”. The power of canaille have not been used delicately since the freedom struggle. The ills which are at zenith today have to be geared back as happened with the Britishers. Time by time each and every civilisation face challenges which could either destroy the whole civilisation, as happened with the great Roman Empire, or could be fought and achieve what the west have today. In toto, striving hedonistically and for few pelf will only make people allured off gilded political agenda. Freedom lies not in played off by the political propagandists and subverting the government but by taking cognisance of broader agenda and using that freedom to make a change. A change for good of all, not for just self. Freedom of expression is one of the earliest conception of our great leaders like Lokmanya Tilak, who severed his life to achieve it. The time has changed, so is the conception of freedom. But none of the dogmas teaches to raise Anti-Nation slogans. Ideologies helps in understanding the world and make it salubrious. The illogical misconception denigrates and negates all the celebrates progresses and achievements. Countries like Russia, China and others who came out of the womb of historic revolutions, today, give primacy to nationalism and rather an ideology. The history should not be forgotten, even, should not be allowed to act under its thraldom. Future, which lies ahead, should be fostered for the progeny.

Nationalism is a must coupling it with utmost patriotism, not fanaticism or jingoism. A country needs both in order to cherish higher goals and aspirations. Sacrifices were made in the past and are needed in the future. Ín the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “That nation is great which rests its head upon death as its pillow”. We, the people of India, were example of democratic spirit, are the example of peaceful co-existence in diversity and in the near future will remain an example of what the western world will be inclined to learn forever, The Spirituality. What lay ahead is a future, which was, is and will always remain in the hands of common people.

Did you like the post? If yes, then don’t forget to Like. And also Follow me to stay in touch with my future posts.

Thanks for Visiting.

Can India- Trump in isolating Pakistan?

An Insight through past to Future

The past of disillusioned Pakistan: In search of Ideology

“ We have united India and given her that sense of nationality which she so very largely lacked over the previous centuries. She has learned from us principles of democracy  and justice. When Indians attack our rule, they base their attack, not on Indian principles, but on the basis of standards derived from Britain”- Clement Attlee

In his maiden speech of 15th July,1946, made after the request of opposition leaders pertaining to their questions, before sending the Cabinet Mission to India, the then Prime Minister of Britain, Mr. Clement Attlee said, “ We have united India and given her that sense of nationality which she so very largely lacked over the previous centuries. She has learned from us principles of democracy  and justice. When Indians attack our rule, they base their attack, not on Indian principles, but on the basis of standards derived from Britain”. Many will surely agree that India got the principles of democracy, freedom, justice, equality and liberty from Imperial rulers. Certainly without any doubt, Indian sub-continent in the past also, had came across efforts to unite the whole sub-continent in single unit. May it be The Mauryas, The Guptas or later the Mughals, but the efforts always left by a short distance. It was the British Rule which successfully united the people, though the unity was against the rule itself. On the eve of 14th August and 15th August, 1947, Britishers left the sub-continent leaving behind their legacy, divided amongst two Nations that is, India and Pakistan.

Picture: Jinnah arguing Gandhiji. Smoking is considered as “Haram” in islam.

History always marks a person with questions initiating with “ What if ”. Today, Pakistan stands at an opprobrium where the globe is questioning the reason behind its chaotic development. Both countries, vis-a-vis India and Pakistan, inherited the same political order aspiration, of being democratic, but if one ask what led to such a vast differentiation (in present context)? the answer would certainly be “The Vision”. The father of Pakistan, ‘ Quaid-e-Azam’ Mohammad Ali Jinnah was able to form Pakistan in only seven years. The first time the two nation theory was officially articulated in 1940 ( as officially accepted by Jinnah and his sister Fatima Jinnah). The main motive behind the formation of Muslim League (ML) was to counter the overwhelming support to the Congress party. It is quite astonishing that ML born after the Swaraj Movement in which Muslims participated equally with the Hindus. The British government understood very well the political risk of the unity and prognosticated the baby of ML and furthering with Indian Council Act 1909 by granting communal awards. Now following it is quite lucid to understand the perception of Britisher’s plenipotentiaries had towards the idea of ML. Jinnah, when in Congress, was part of the moderates and questioned Gandhiji’s every move to arouse masses to subvert the Crown. Professionally, Jinnah was western educated and qualified profound lawyer and hence was much like, “ .. interpreters between us (Britishers) and the millions (Indians) who we govern; a class of persons Indian in blood and colour, but English in tastes, in opinions, in morals and in intellect..”, Macaulay’s creation. Furthermore it is very astonishing fact that Jinnah left India in 1929 and came back in 1935, just before the 1937 elections. Many scholars believe it was the rhetoric and back-channeling by the British government in order to have inimical answer of growing Hindu – Muslim unity as they found Jinnah more egregious than Mohammad Shafi (another profound ML leader). Though, ML was not able to perform in 1937, but later in 1945 it delivered Britishers the much awaited seed of Separation.

Jinnah and ML did not have any plans for the creation of Pakistan. It is clear from the Jinnah’s and Fatima’s acquiescence of the fact that they never expected to see Pakistan in their lifetime. The inception of Pakistan was out of the insistence by Britishers and it is lucent that even Jinnah never thought much about the actual meaning of Pakistan. Furthermore, the struggle of ML was with Congress, never had been a time when Jinnah or any prominent leader of ML went to jail unlike Congress, which was fighting the imperialism, and Gandhiji, Nehru, Patel and others went to jail a number of time. Pakistan was given as a gift to Jinnah for standing by and to serve future strategic interest of the Britishers and later, the US.

The status quo of Pakistan is in conjunction with its inability to find the raison d’être. As discussed above, even Jinnah had many reservations regarding the demand of separate state. He just wanted to have separate state for Muslim majority regions (51%) and never expressed about those regions where Muslims were not in majority. Apart from that, many a times he contradicted his own vision. During one of the ML meetings before independence he expressed his view to have constitution as per Shari’ah law but later in his maiden speech in Pakistan (after independence) he went on with the perception of secular Pakistan. It was quite unfortunate for Pakistan to lose Jinnah in a year of formation. The death of Quaid-e-Azam had delusional impact on the future of Pakistan, leaving behind no leadership apart from Liaquat Ali Khan (assassinated in 1951). With no presence of legitimate and prominent leadership, Pakistan was ready for a blind and ominous Journey.

Islamisation was predominant and utmost characteristic of ML early vision. It was the only key jewel which made it Muslim representative in 1945 elections. After losing the only leaders, the new self proclaimed leaders who were unexperienced took the flambeau towards Islam. The delay in making constitution (1956) makes the perception more concrete. The constitution so made remained a dead letter and paved the way for opportunist Army chief Ayub Khan, trained under the British Armed Forces, to feat Pakistan’s first Military Coup. Ayub Khan toppled the civilian government under the garb of growing resentment towards maladministration. This gave the opening for the future coups, some successful and unsuccessful, but ruined the political structure of the Pakistan. Furthermore, the war with India, Kashmir issue and the Islamic concept of ‘Kufr’ (infidels) led to the pre-dominant disposition of Army. The dominance of Army was present from the early Britishers period as the North Western Frontier Province, Punjab, Sind and Bengal were the key regions of army recruitment. At the time of independence Pakistan got dominant army (as compare to then civilian government) which overshadowed the region. The early wars cemented the need of having strong army, at least to the limit to deter India. This perception of the leaders forced Pakistan to join American led CENTO and SEATO, while India preferred NAM. Joining these NATO’s overshoot seemed fructuous as it made Pakistani leaders feel secure, against aggressive India, and concomitantly modernising the army. During the early days army was maintained in a professional hierarchy but later led to Islamisation. Force of religion or the so called concept of ‘Jihad’ made army more aggressive towards the civilian government.

Till recently, Pakistani leaders, just to gratify the urges of people aroused on the ideological disillusionment, link Ideology of Pakistan to the Islamic Identity. It is quite astonishing that   Jamaat-e-Islami, the group which was also representing Muslims in undivided India, never wanted to have a separate state under the garb of Religion. The Islamic factor, albeit, helped in amassing crowd during the ML sessions, but the same crowd failed to connect themselves later on as Muslims of different ethnic linguistic groups came together. At the time of birth, Pakistan became amalgamation of people from different ethnicities. The Kyber-Pakhtunkhwa is region made up of mainly Pashtun tribes of Afghanistan, Balochistan of Balochis, Sindh of Sindhis, Punjab of Punjabis, minority group of Serkai, the Mujahirs who settle in the Sindh region and Bengali Muslims of East Pakistan. These people were not politically active, except of the landlords and the regions were already predominately Muslims. After partition when forced with Islamic identity other than the ethnic-linguistic identity made then elusive. The Muslim identity propaganda worked well in the Hindu majority regions, but after forming Muslim state the issues of ethnicity, culture, and language emerged. Since then these regions are in tumultuous volatility and searching their lost identity. That apart, when Punjabis started condescending the people of other provinces and took prominent positions in the political structure and used it in favour of the province depriving others of their fair-share, led the power struggle and this led to arrival of reservation formulae. This all happened due to the negatory and reluctance to accept identity other than Islam.

The jealousy aggravated when India contributed in liberating East Pakistan. In fact, the separation of East Pakistan was long due. There was contrast between the two Pakistan in terms of culture, language, and perception of Islam. West Pakistan was dominated by the view of Punjabi muslims. They considered themselves superior or ‘Martial’ than the rest but the sense of political awakening and spirit of constitutionalism was more in East Pakistan, owing to the active political activity in undivided Bengal. In terms of economy, the demands of East Pakistan were never met, even though East Pakistan contributed more to economy than the West. The final blow came when the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, even after winning election was discarded by the West. Then Army chief Yahya Khan, successor of Ayub Khan, started army crackdown over the people and supporters of Awami League (Rahman’s party). Later on with the political aptness then Prime Minister of India Mrs.Indira Gandhi sent army to help Rahman. 1971 separation fractured Pakistani Vision and questioned the pre-dominant position of Army. The defeat further added another clause of animosity in the minds of Pakistani progeny.

To be continued..

Did you like the post? If yes, then don’t forget to Like. And also Follow me to stay in touch with my future posts.

Thanks for Visiting.

Entering a new Era

On 26th of January,1950 India formerly announced to go for a sojourn. A journey which was yet to be seen, but the inception of what the nation felt during years of struggle for Freedom, Independence, Self-Governance or Swaraj, Equality, Justice, Progress, Security and above all a Pride, pride to call our soil OUR’s.

We the people of India, today stand confronting a doorway leading to a new era. As we are on the verge of entering this new era, we shall re-conform the inception sown by the founding fathers of the Nation. The fathers who saw the nation to become a global power, not a superpower. As our cultural values teach us to live in peace, in constant flux of improvising ourselves and help those who are in dire need. Many people argue that India, with present conditions, can never be a Superpower. I want to re-align them and counter-state that we never aim to be one. India, as always, wants to live in harmony along with other states. Though, India has acquired, over the period, certain exceptional abilities which is hard to find with our cohorts. India is home to multi-cultures, multi-lingual, multi-religious, values and people from various civilisations are living together, which clearly makes her unique. India has tremendous affinity to absorb and share with the world. It is clear from the fact that India is land of one of the most accepted religions, thoughts of which are still reforming the world.

Since establishing our republic, we have been crossing lot of impediments. From the Wars with Pakistan, China, and internal instability, today we stand as the most reliable and unanimously accepted Republic Democracy. Today even the oldest Democracies are leaning to us, to learn the ability of reflecting Values and Virtues of different Races, Religions, Sex, Castes, and ethnicities. After the 2014 General Election, the New Prime Minister is constantly re-affirming the people’s, of the nation and also the world, faith in the country’s ideals. The years have been turbulent since 1947, we face new challenges today some of which could be traced back to the reluctance of the past. Now we have learnt to flow with the world, we learnt to reassess ourselves and walk the way all does. With the Pragmatic vision of the PM Modi, India is claiming its place. A place of future global power.

“Rome’s eyes were opened by the world it encountered in the East. Asia had already acquired a reputation for lazy luxury and fine living which was indescribably wealthy” – Cicero

India can’t neglect its strategic location which connects West with the East. East, as per archaeological sources, have always been ahead during the historic times. From the great civilisations of Indus Valley to great Mauryan and Gupta Empire, this sub-continent was always well connected with west through trade exchanges. The Asian wealth was so enormous that once Cicero wrote,”Rome’s eyes were opened by the world it encountered in the East. Asia had already acquired a reputation for lazy luxury and fine living which was indescribably wealthy” . It was Asia that taught the Romans and the Persians what luxury actually means. Similarly, today again the West is looking onto Asia, thats why they call Twenty First century- “The Asian Century”. 

The whole world is in flux of change, this change is not natural but created out of the world order made by the Liberals or Capitalism. After the fall of the USSR and end of the cold war, US came up as the sole leader. Over the years, US tried to maintain its hegemony. Its ideals of Equality, Justice and Pursuit of Happiness roared all around and established the triumph of liberal ideology. But now looking at the future US trajectory, after the Inauguration and Sworn in of President Donald J. Trump, the vagueness of the liberal achievements in maintaining the world order have once again arrived. From putting in the Protectionist measures, building wall on Mexican border leading and furthering on to “Making America Great Again”, the uncertainties are back again. What would be the US policies towards the “War against Terrorism”, towards Afghanistan, Syria, and towards one and only Deep State- Pakistan. Though many experts are expecting that President Trump would continue to deepen Strategic ties with India, but what if US shifts its policy? What if Trump binds a deal with China? ( as he , challenging the “One China Policy”, calling China a Currency manipulator and so on, looking forth to negotiate with China once again). On the other hand, Pakistan is aligning with China and Russia to get into a new rapprochement with Taliban. Recent development of cordial relations between the Troika, Russia-China-Pakistan, raised many eyebrows in New Delhi. Afghanistan is strategically important, as it is the ISI’s and JuD (Jamaat-ud-Dawa) as well as JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammad) factory of Terrorist. The region is again facing waves of extremism and an unstable Afghanistan is a threat to Northern Indian States (esp. J&K). Furthermore, our close partner Russia have given up the arms embargo over Pakistan and will be supplying Mi-35M Helicopters too. This sudden change in President Putin’s Policies are creating suspicion to New Delhi. The re-entry of Russia in Afghanistan replays the past memories of cold war era. In contrast to this, Ukraine’s Deputy PM Stepan Kubiv joined India’s republic day celebrations. Ukraine’s ambassador to India have told that there will going to be Bilateral discussions. It is quite clear that India too is re-aligning itself and deepening ties with Ukraine, as Russia continuous to get close with Pakistan. A note for those who are not aware that Russia and Ukraine are going through disturbed relation owing to the Russia’s annexation of Crimea. 

President Trump have shown affinity to re-settle US-Russia relation, which were on a downward trajectory since the Crimean issue, Russian role in Syria, and most importantly hacking of the Hillary Clinton’s mails that benefited President Trump. Furthermore, there is no need to tell more about the Trump’s rage with China, if all remains as it is India is set to gain. But being pragmatic, it is really of concern if something went the other way. President Xi’s policies are putting Chinese economy back on track. China has achieved a lot with decades of double digit growth and all it requires is to maintain more than average growth to avoid slug in the way. Xi’s policy have already put Obama administration under the pressure. It was President Obama’s policies of mellowing up with China (2005 onwards) gave it opportunity to underwrite US dominance. Later when Obama realised the Chinese increasing aggressiveness in the region, went with the “ Asia Pivot “ and furthering engagement with India.

” What is clearer is that a quarter century later, we are transitioning to more unpredictable times. It is neither the age of global hegemons nor the age of multipolarity, but rather the age of regional powers…” – Rakesh Sood

In recent article Rakesh Sood wrote,” (now) What is clearer is that a quarter century later, we are transitioning to more unpredictable times. It is neither the age of global hegemons nor the age of multipolarity, but rather the age of regional powers…”. During the Rise of Roman empire, it was in constant struggle with the Sassanid Dynasty (Persian Empire). They were in struggle to acquire and become a regional hegemon. Came the day when there was a period of climate change which led to the tribal people living in the North to travel South in search of food. The tribes, as history speaks, Huns, Avars, and others were in constant revolt with these empires. The tribal people were so strong that it brought Roman Empire to the brink of collapse, as they took control of the Mediterranean regions which was the breadbasket. These tribes later were driven back when the Emperor (Roman King) and Shah (Perisan King) joined hands. What fascinates me here that many believes History repeats itself, going with this Asian-European historical relationship, is it possible for US and Russia to set out a deal or US and China? If so happened will we enter again back into Bi-polar world. What would be the implications of it? How India will manage its future aspirations?

A high-time for diplomacy is coming in the future ahead, be it India or US or China and Russia or any other. Asia, as in the past, is golden basket which every empire wants to cherish. It would be bit early to decide the future but what we have at present is set of strategies to follow. India can’t rely on US or Russia to counter the Rising China and its influence. As old saying goes, ‘ Never use someone’s shoulder to Fire’, India should and must design its own strategy and pave its path.

Did you like the post? If yes, then don’t forget to Like. And also Follow me to stay in touch with my future posts. 

Thanks for Visiting. 

Is it Time For India to Recalculate Geo-Strategic Equation??

Year 2014 came with the dissuading winds far from the Centre and Left wing in Indian domestic Political System. The Government fell from UPA directly onto the lap of Gujarat’s Chief Minister led NDA. The Strategic mind-set of the Former Gujarat CM and new Prime Minister became the highlights of the news when, to be specific, he invited Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his Oath taking Ceremony.

Since 2015, the days have been quite turbulent, starting from the Operation Rahat (evacuation of Indian Citizens from the disturbed West Asian nation-state Yemen). Prime Minister Modi breaking his leg to get India a new pair of wheels and put it in the topmost gear of Economic boom, yet the road was blocked on many instances. PM Modi though tried his best to carrying out the Strategic steps, started by his predecessors Mr.Bajpai then Mr.Singh,  reinvigorating to the world view towards India. The internal politics, along with the International Politics, went through a number debates about the real intent of the policies declared from the steps of Red Fort on the eve of Independence Day from Look East to the recent references of the plight of Baluchis as well as the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. From the very first day in office he carried assessment studies of India’s stake in the global politics. May it be United Nations Security Counsel (UNSC) reforms or counterbalancing Communist China, most experts are impressed by his desired moves. But what are those stakes that India having worldwide? Where are those playgrounds? What are the plans laid down? Just to have a glimpse of those images i am laying out a short description which i will elaborate in my futures posts.

Before starting I would like to give a note of caution. I don’t claim to be a Person of high knowledge, or having a secret door to the Ministry of Home Affairs. All my posts will be based on my studies from different sources and with which i will be furthering my ‘Own Intellectual Assessment‘, and again i don’t claim to be an ultimate strategic analyst. Please don’t judge me ! Apart from that, i welcome you to counter my thoughts and elaborate your perception and ideas regarding the issues we will be discussing. You can comment below and i will catch up with you, also please mention your mail id while asking specific questions.

As it is the First post, I will just be laying down certain stakes that i think India holds region wise. I wont be going much deep into the Regions, unless it contains some importance.

Indian Stakes in the World Order

North America:

As we all know, with no doubts, the region is of utmost importance. Not only because the region has two Major powers I.e. United States and Canada. Stakes ranges from Economy, Security, Technology, Nuclear Security, Support for the UNSC claim and Diaspora.

United States which ,was an ardent sanction slapper, became dearest to the New Delhi. Though it major ally of the cold war times, i.e. Pakistan, was holding its ground until Al-Qaeda Chief was hunted down by the CIA and US marines in Abottabad. Since then, a major shift is being observed from the signing of Nuclear Pact, LEMOA and other economic and security cooperation.

With the new President coming in the White House, the prospectives of the continued relationship is bit early to say.

South America:

The Lower half of the American Continent have a close connection with India. Like India, South America had been under the severe domination of the imperialistic powers. We are closely linked with these nations economically through Bilateral as well as MERCOSUR (Economic Union of the South American Countries). Brazil is a strong contender of the UNSC seat but simultaneously supporting India’s candidature on reciprocity.

Indian industries, since last decade, have invested quite a significant amount in Latin America. Indian IT industries, as in India, are creating plenty of jobs. The region has vast fertile land with huge agricultural productivity.

Moreover, as Mexico is in North America but for the economy similarities with Southern half, will be dealt in this portion only.

Europe:

Europe is one of the key economic power. With almost 28 countries tying themselves together. But with the referendum result of Bre-Exit, and rising of the rightist forces to power in France, Italy and other countries. India’s interest are in Security, Economic Gains, Technology including Strategic Technology and support for India’s candidature in UNSC. Recently India is trying hard to get the membership of the NSG, Hence European countries are a strategically crucial region.

Africa:

One of the most underdeveloped regions of the world. Africa is continuously emerging as the Focal point. Being victims of the Imperialistic forces, also been the reason of the Great World Wars, have started to show development signs as the world’s investments are flowing in to the pot. The Northern part of the Continent has abundant oil which makes it strategically important. Also, the Horn of Africa is an important transit to the European market, thanks to the Suez Canal, however is also one of the most Piracy prone areas.

India has close relations with most of the coastal states like Mozambique, Kenya etc. The Indian Diaspora is also a leverage in the relationship. One of the aspect of the African continent’s importance lies with their support to India’s candidature in UNSC. African Union have 54 members which could have a huge influence in UNGA.

India’s engagement with the African countries will be taken separately.

Asia:

Coming on to our own Region, which is quite vast in fact, will better to break up it in different sub-regions.

West Asia:

There’s no doubt that West Asia is the power house of the world. Supplying enormous amount of oil over the world. The economic prosperity of the region is obvious, but the region is in fact one of the most unstable in the world. The recent rise of the ISIS/ ISIL have dented the image of region even further and is now looked upon as supplier of extremism. West Asia housed many great civilisations like Roman Empire, Persian Empire (Sassanid Dynasty), Ottoman Empire etc. But the the region is facing new perils of extremism.

It is also the home of Indian diaspora which nearly crosses to about 7 million. Indian remittances tops the world list with more than USD 70 Billion. Recently, India took initiative to provide more amenities to the diaspora living in the region with plenty of other services.

Central Asia:

A part of the former USSR bloc is one of the least explored regions owing to the remoteness and the cold war era. The region is coming into the limelight due to the Oil and Gas vastness and bordering with the European Union. China is trying to influence the region, which it can with its capabilities to invest, but the region has more historic relations and is comfortable with India. The Ladakh region of India houses decedents of the people from the Central Asia. India is continuously trying to harness the region by creating Win-Win conditions unlike the Chinese’s Zero-sum games.

South – East Asia:

Countries lying in the Indian Ocean and connecting with the Pacific Ocean have historic Religious and Cultural affinity with India. The Region is strategically important owing to the Chinese regional ambitions. These Countries are quite economically bind with Chinese Economy and now facing the garb of aggressive and assertive China over not just economics but even internal politics.

With the coming of the India’s Act East policy and now Look East policy, India is trying to take the leadership role in the region. Moreover the uncertainties surrounding the new US government change, China will try to increase their influence over the region which in fact would be threat to India’s security.

East Asia:

The recent developments in the South- China sea and East Sea have created new tensions in the region. The issue of China’s assertiveness over the possessions of the Spartly islands and others have many times brought the region close to skirmishes.

South Asia:

The region is the home of Three nuclear neighbours ( I am including China in the Region, though China is the centrepiece issue for India thats why I will be taking it up more in South Asia) i.e. India, China and Pakistan. China is way too ahead of India economically and India considers China more threatening than Pakistan owing to the reason that Pakistan’s Nuclear programme is supported by one and only China.

India had been into wars with the neighbours, once with China and plenty of times with Pakistan. Handling these two countries along with the widespread instability in Afghanistan has been real policy challenge for India. With recent Strategic change seen, as US is trying to leave region, China-Pakistan- Russia are forming axis to stabilise the region (India is currently in Wait and Watch situation).

Apart form this, Myanmar after many years got the democratic government but the issue of Rakhine State is still hanging over the neighbours. The only joyous relation is with the Bangladesh (from past 2-3 years) and we are deepening our bonds with it.

South Asia, with no doubt, is going to be the centre piece of my study and analysis as it will decide whether India emerges as a leader or not in this Millennium.

Did you like the post? If yes, then don’t forget to Like. And also Follow me to stay in touch with my future posts. 

Thanks for Visiting. 

Moral and Ethics in Everyday life

Today, while crossing the foot over bridge, I came across an incident that brought my vehement concern over the minute cognizance of mine which regards the basic human values. I saw an old lady, may be around 80’s, crossing the road. It was peak hour time and the traffic was all over the road. She was trying to cross the road, probably because she didn’t have the will to step up and down off the giant bridge. With all her ability, she tried to keel across the road but wasn’t able to take the steps ahead. As whenever she took one, some vehicle came and she kept on vacillating to and fro. She kept on struggling the best she could. But soon, I saw three boys who parked their car and went to the lady, halted the spurting traffic and helped her to cross road patiently. An instant twitching smile came on my face, as the boys really did a great job.
Many a times, we find ourselves in such a situation where one has to go out of the way to help others. Those who can and does, reflect their moral and ethical values. By helping the old lady, the boys clearly demonstrated the concrete base of morality and the way they stopped the traffic to let her cross, defines the ethical ground.

 

‘Morality’ simply means the principle which tells us the distinction between right or wrong and good or bad. It is something which depends upon one’s knowledge of understanding and ability to interpret. As Mahatma Gandhiji says, “Morality is the basis of things and truth is the substance of all morality”. The one’s basis of moral values may differ from culture to culture or society to society or community to community, but at the end essence of it remains the same. I date back when I was a toddler, my family continuously taught me to regard others by “Namaste”, saying “Thank you”, and so on. This is the very beginning construction of one’s moral base. As we enter into the age when we start adapting the intellectual teaching of our family, we get bind to the moral thinking of the society which we have been taught for long, since born. One’s moral values are deeply linked with the cultural and religious background. It is not necessary or essential that the moral values will be ethical in the view of different cultures, religion or society. This is where the distinction comes within the society. Ethics on the other part are set of common realized values of the entire society. It may or may not be based on moral values. Ethics is an outcome of one’s self-reasoning ability to the practice, behavior, intention, action, even in one’s thought also. These are the codified or normative version of do’s and dont’s. According to the great philosopher of times Immanuel Kant writes,” In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so”. In short, having adhered to certain moral values does not make you ethical, but being ethical does make you moral.

 

Often certain questions keeps on embarking me like why being moral and ethical is necessary for us? How does it matter and affect, if one doesn’t adhere to it? Moral values starts building as said above from the family, society or community and school. We learn as we grow. It construe that moral values are intrinsic, they are bounded within a specific culture. But it doesn’t mean that they don’t have extrinsic value. To understand it, consider a 5 year old boy Rahul. He has never been taught anything by parents or relatives. The very first day he goes school, he learns to greet teacher or in fact taught to do so. So every time the teacher comes, he makes his habit to greet teacher. Similarly, now think that if the parent teaches Rahul to wish relatives, worship in temple, eating vegetarian food, and so on. He will too make it his habit and soon it becomes a moral code for him. While in school, Rahul learns to share his belongings with his friends and helping schoolmates in their work. While playing with them, he learns how the combined effort of his team wins and so on. The whole idea and approach towards the community builds up. Now to understand how moral values and teaching differ between societies, consider Rahul’s classmate Imran. Imran on the other hand has been told to greet with “Assalamu alaikum” to his relatives, being non-vegetarian, worshipping in Mosque and so on. The difference in moral conduct clearly reflects, but while we get into the essence it will be the same. While in school or away, both of them will help each other and playing together. So, it clearly tells us that the moral values differ among different cultures, society etc. Despite of this difference, they still are coherent with each other in one or another way.

 

On the other hand, ethics goes parallel with the moral values. But if in conflict, the ethical values will always overcome as these are higher version of the former. Coming back to Rahul and Imran, albeit of their different cultures, they have to follow the norms specified by the school. They have to adhere with the dress code, prayers, teachings and everything that is codified by the school. In the much broader prospect of one, if working in a company has to follow the company norms, if doing business has to follow the management norms, and as a whole living in a country has to strictly adhere to the Constitution. So, in a place where the people of variant cultures meet, work, and or come together for specific cause. We seldom have choice to consider the validation of one’s decision or choice on moral principles. That is why in formal world, we use the word ethical. It is always taken that the person with the ethical values will always have high moral values.

 

Everywhere we may go, we’ll find the importance of culture, religion, society or community and where these all co-exist, we find moral values and ethics. It’s hard to separate one from these values, as they make up the basis of our everyday chores, and makes us suitable to live in society with so diversified and enormous rich culture, especially in country like India.