By Abhishek Pandey

Villupillai Prabhakaran started the violent movement against Sri Lankan government for demanding equal rights for the Tamilians in 1972 by founding LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam). He would have not thought that his efforts would not bring any fruit for Tamilians. As we all know, LTTE is on the verge of dying. V. Prabhakaran, the chief of LTTE is trying to escape from the No Fire Zone (NFZ). A 30 year old war seems to be ending in Sri Lanka with the death of LTTE militants and thousands of civilians. If sources are to be believed then 300,000 Tamils are sandwiched between the LTTE and Sri Lankan Armed forces.

The matter of concern is that civilians are on the chopping bloc in the war between government and LTTE. Many innocent civilians are forced to live in the camps and many are starving and genocide is waiting to take place. Why, we Indians should care about it. Indian should care about them as it is happening in our neighbor country. Indians should care because it is inhuman atrocities. Sri Lankan Government is not in the mood to step back and also mocked on the call of LTTE’s demand of cease fire. It is expected that with in few days, the war against LTTE would be over.

According to the filtered news coming from Sri Lanka, the political headquarter of LTTE, Kilionchchi, is not in control of the organisation. And the organization has been limited to 8 square kilometer area or less. Anytime, the chief of LTTE can be arrested or killed. Indian supports the cause of LTTE but not the method. Even, the Priyanka Gandhi, daughter of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed in suicide bomb attack orchestrated by LTTE, understands the problems of Tamils in Sri Lanka but she is against any type of killings.

The issues of Tamilians have been politicized in Tamilnadu to earn votes in the elections. Tamil Politicians love LTTE’s cause but not its methodology. But they have done nothing to negotiate with the LTTE or Sri Lankan government to solve the issue. As one saying in Hindi goes, ‘Saanp bhi mar jaye aur Lathi bhi na tute’ (Get the advantage without paying anything). It is true in the case of Tamil politicians. In this election also, Jayalaita, Muthuvel Karunanidhi and Vaiko have extended their support for the Tamil Cause through lip service and demanded for a ceasefire to save innocent Tamil Civilians in Sri Lanka from the army attacks.

A Website supporting Tamil cause, Tamil Guardian writes, it is often forgotten that the demand for an independent Tamil Eelam emerged and was democratically endorsed by the Tamils several years before the LTTE's first major attack. After the independence from the British Rule in Feb 4 1948, Sri Lanka - then known as Ceylon - had majority of Sinhala speaking people with more than 70% of population. But during the British rule Tamils, which constituted about 15% of the population were on most of the civil posts because of their command over English. After the independence Tamil speaking populace were deprived of their basic rights in the island. ‘Sinhala only’ act also caused a stir in the nation for implementing Singhalese as national and official language of the country. Many Tamil officials in the administration had to resign because of their unawareness to the Singhalese language. Tamilians can not forget the Galoya riots of 1956 when several Tamilians were killed by the Sinhala hoodlums.

According to an article ‘A struggle for Justice’ published by a LTTE publication in 1997, in the early sixties, many Tamilians adopted Gandhi’s Ahimsa formula to raise their voice against the state. The Sinhala Government crushed the non-violent peaceful campaigns of the Tamils by using military power. Article further explains that the event that broke the limits of the state oppression against the Tamils was the new Republican constitution of 1972 which was a deliberate attempt to legalize and institutionalize Sinhala chauvinism at the cost of alienating the minorities from the politics. And, this was the time when the political struggle of Tamilians took a u-turn and started violent movement under the umbrella of militant organisation named LTTE.

As the supporters of the Tamil cause say that the birth of the LTTE is the result of injustice with the minority Tamilians in the region. As the saying goes, One man’s terrorists is another man’s freedom fighter’ may be justified in this case also. Sri Lankan government and Indian government have banned LTTE for its terrorist activities.

Whatever, the way LTTE choose to bring peace for the Tamilians who are living in north-eastern provinces of the island has been proved a catastrophe for the common people. Thousands of them, including women and children, have been killed in the ending combat. Will this war would end with the arrest of Prabhakaran or demise of the LTTE. It is doubtable because any community or group can not be suppressed for long. Sri Lankan government must take this in consideration and should give the minority population a platform to raise their voice in the democracy. It is up to government that they don’t leave any stone unturned to give birth to any other Prabhakaran. Justice should be done to the Tamilians.

The death of LTTE is not the solution to bring peace among the Singhalese and Tamilians. It would erect a wall of hatred and divide the two groups unless justice is done to the both parties. Killing of the people can not be justified whether it is done by the Sri Lankan Army men or by the LTTE. The struggler for justice started by LTTE and then retaliated by Sri Lankan government has not done justice to common people and humanity. Justice must be done but with non-violent and democratic means. The end of the LTTE is not the end of the war in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan government must give fundamental rights to all the citizens of the country. If it is done then there would be no Prabhakaran in the coming future because the militants would not be supported by the common people by invoking ethnic sentiments. This is the right time to welcome the Tamilians in the Sri Lanka to the mainstream. This move would bring long-awaited peace in the region. Not only Indian government but also International community should interfere to stop the killings of innocent people.

|

By Abhishek Pandey

New media helped Barack Obama to be the president of United States of America. Now, it’s the time for Indian politicians and electorate to get the benefits of the digital media.

Information is the power and technology has enabled this power to be shared with the common people. And, Internet is one of the finest tools in the hands of the people these days. There are many websites which are encouraging electorates to use their voting power to decide the fate of the nation. Jaagore – one billion votes - is one of the initiatives. This website has Narayana Murthy, Chairmen Infosys Technologies ltd, Rakeysh Mehra, Film Maker, TS Krishna Murthy, former chief election commissioner and Tariq Ansari, MD Mid-Day Multimedia on the advisory board for expertise suggestions.

Voters from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Nagpur and Pune can search their names in the voter lists of their constituencies on its website. Website also clarifies voting related myths among the voters. ‘Jaagore’ website also gives details on eligibility of registration in voting lists, correction in the list and other important information. Electon commission websites also provides this facility to the voters of many states on state specific websites.

There is another website ‘Vote India’, which is started by bureaucrat turned political scientist, Dr JP Narayan. This website asks people to not vote for politicians with criminal background and encourages people to make their vote count in this general elections. There are many similar websites and blogs on cyberspace to encourage and inform people about the importance of ballot power. ‘Votedeindia’, ‘Mission Jagruti and ‘Vote to Change’ are some of the prominent initiative on the web to update and persuade people for voting in this election season.

This time technology is playing a wonderful role in campaigning and informing people. Technology has been used by the political parties, social activists and also by election commission of India for different purposes. Now, the days are gone when booth capturing and looting of ballot boxes in remote areas go unheard. This is the first time that the voice of normal voters from the far lung areas can reach to the masses. There is a very unique website called ‘Vote Report’ on Internet to inform people about the wrong doings in the election. This is a collaborative citizen-driven election monitoring platform for 15^th general elections.

Any citizen of India can report an incident related to general election on the website. ‘Vote Report’ accepts reports on different categories vary from forged voting, voter bribing, violence in elections, voting machine problems and other election related problems. Engage voters is another website with lot of interesting features. It is also having vote in and vote out widgets to scale the popularity of the leader in coming elections. Profiles of many eminent leaders are also can be accessed on the same website to judge their competence.

Many websites are specially designed to explain the election history of India including voters turn out from 1952 to 2004 and seats won by different political parties. If any electorate is interested to fin out the details, he/she can go to Indipepl.com. There is no dearth of information on any information and detailed information of contesting candidates, their agenda and for that matter, any thing related to elections are just a click away.

All the aforementioned initiatives are made to bring a 180 degree change in the national politics. We hope, Indian voters will turn out in large numbers this time. And every Indians should vote because their future would lie on their decision to push a particular button of an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). Indian voters would decide the fate of the politicians in five phases from April 16 to May 13. Until the elections results are out on May 16, the outlook of the election result will keep haunting the politicians. Here, new media can hardly help them.

|

By Abhishek Pandey

Are children safe in this world from atrocities? The answer is no. They are not safe from sexual abuse from their neighbors, teachers, and even from their guardians in some cases.

Recent shocking news stories have painted the stark picture of the children conditions. A villainous Josef Fritzl of Australia kept his daughter hostage for 24 years in the basement of his house and fathered 7 children with her. It is one of the dreadful cases appeared in the newspapers in recent days. Traditionally, Indians believe that sexual abuse with the children is not our problem. These things exist in west but not in our country. This is a wrong notion altogether. This is because sex is considered a taboo in our society. Even in the families, it is not a worthy topic to be discussed among children. And we don’t know what is happening behind us with the children.

The atrocity against a daughter is also repeated in India in a slightly different form. Kishor Chauhan, a business man was arrested in Mumbai for raping his own daughter for nine years. He has been doing such a heinous crime when she was just 12 years old. His astrologer Hasmukh Rathod had suggested him to do so for getting richer quickly. The daughter opened her mouth when astrologer forced her younger sister also. The same kind of case appeared in the Singapore court few years back in which, a father was accused of raping her five teenaged daughters with the help of his multiple wives.

There are some incidents which have defeated even shame. A 2-year old girl was raped by her neigbour in one of the Mumbai suburban areas. In a similar case, a drunken father raped her four year old daughter in Delhi when no one was at home. A 14 year old girl was raped and strangled to death by her home tutor in Delhi. Teacher lured his student and killed after raping at his residence. A step-father of two girls used to rape his daughters in the absence of the mother. And, who can forget the Nithari killings of children? Nithari case was one of the worst reported cases of child abuse. These are the few examples of reported cases in the media. There could be thousand unheard cases in the society. There is no end to such terrible cases in our country.

The definition given by Ministry of women and child welfare in a report, Sexual abuse is inappropriate sexual behaviour with a child. It includes fondling a child's genitals, making the child fondle the adult's genitals, intercourse, incest, rape, sodomy, exhibitionism and sexual exploitation. To be considered ‘child abuse’, these acts have to be committed by a person responsible for the care of a child (for example a baby-sitter, a parent, or a daycare provider), or related to the child. If a stranger commits these acts, it would be considered sexual assault and handled solely by the police and criminal courts.

According to the 2007 report on child abuse tells that more than 53% children are sexually abused. And more than 70% children did not report the incident to any one. Report also reveals that 50% of the abusers were known to the child. Children are sexually abused by their neighbours, teachers, and relatives and now, even by parents in few cases. Where are children safe?

These atrocities with the children are not limited to particular social strata of the society. It is happening in low, middle and high class society. Children are vulnerable everywhere. Children often remain silent because of fear. Even if he/she speaks then it is not taken seriously or ignored to avoid ‘bad name’ to the family and child.

If the parents are silent then who would speak for the poor child? This moral question can annoy and worry any civilized person. Parents, especially mother, can not be silent on the issue of child abuse unless she is remorseless and heartless. Parents must encourage the children to speak to them for anything, they feel uncomfortable. And, if child trusts the parents to share his/her problem then parents must help him/her by extending positive support.

According to a report prepared by NDTV team of doctors, in the case of child abuse the physical force is rarely necessary because children, who seek for love and approval from elders, believe that they are always right and thus become vulnerable at the hands of such people.

Parents or guardians must be vigilant towards their children since there are certain general behaviour changes that may occur in children if they are experiencing such a problem.

The behavioural change may include sleep disturbances, withdrawal from usual activities, displaying sexual knowledge, unexplained pain, swelling, urinary infections and sexually transmitted diseases. An abused child may avoid to be left alone with a particular individual. A sexually abused child may feel different emotions like fear of the abuser or of being different; anger at other adults around her who did not protect her; isolation, sadness, guilt, confusion and shame.

Parents should be vigilant and must tell the child about the difference between the ‘safe touch’ and ‘unsafe touch’. If parents can teach them societal behaviour, manners and other necessary things so why not educate them about their safety. Individuals should also take initiative against child abuse. It does not matter that child is from your family or from your neigbour. It is the moral responsibility of every citizen to save the vulnerable children from the hands of perpetrators.

Government should also make a separate act to execute the convicts of child sexual abuse. In present context, child abuse cases are handled under various section of India penal code which are meant for adults like Section 376, and 377. The Offences against Children Bill, 2005, is a good initiative by the government. We should make all efforts to make the protective environment for the children. As the saying goes, children are the form of God on earth. So, it is the need of the hour to save the God on earth.

[Note: This article is not written to create unnecessary threat among the parents and guardians about the safety of their children. But this is to create awareness among parents to take better care of the children and save them from these heinous criminals around them in disguise of their closed relatives. The symptoms of the victim children have been taken from the authentic sources which are checked by professional doctors. Sometimes, these above symptoms could be because of other reasons also.]

|

By Abhishek Pandey

Politicians often shook our belief in democracy and secularism by making silly comments to gain attention or perhaps the prime goal, votes. The ongoing drama of Varun controversy is the recent example of this trend. Mr. Gandhi is not the first politician to make comments dipped in ‘hate-sauce’, which he claims are doctored in the compact disc (CD). Hate campaigning is the technique to come in the news headlines in recent times. And, our media fell prey to these techniques every time. Whether, it is Raj Thackeray calling shots against north Indians to become the messiah of Marathi ‘manus’ or it is Varun Gandhi abusing Muslims to make targeted electorate feel his political presence as aggressive ‘Hindutava’ face in the saffron party. Everything is done to elevate own stature in the cesspit called politics.

The whole India watched Varun Gandhi’s venomous statements against Muslims through video footages of his rally, which were repeatedly shown on the news channels. He was seen on the idiot-box saying, “This is not the ‘hand’ (of the Congress), this is the hand of the lotus. It will cut the throats of Muslims after the elections,” It is ironical that the son of animal right activist Maneka Gandhi is hurting the sentiments of the human beings. This incident is a slap on the face of his great-grandfather and first Indian Prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who fought for the formation of secular India unlike Pakistan, after several years of freedom struggle.

We may think that Varun Gandhi is a beginner in the politics and bound to commit stupid mistakes. But he is not an exception in the Indian politics. The List is long. Senior politicians have also made such statements. Former Prime Minister and BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee once said in Goa after post-Godhra Gujarat riots, “Wherever Muslims live, they don’t like to live in co-existence with others, they don’t like to mingle with others; and instead of propagating their ideas in a peaceful manner, they want to spread their faith by resorting to terror and threats.” Later, Mr Vajpayee justified that he was talking about extreme faction of Muslims and he meant ‘such’ Muslims in his speech, not Muslims in general.

In 2003, Praveen Togadia, General Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) committed the same mistake by ejecting hatred in the minds of the people against a community. Togadia reportedly said, “…Muslims, you are orphans, you are alone. You are being given the illusion that people are with you. The kind of abuse we had to suffer after Gujarat, both the BJP and the VHP. I issued a challenge to Sonia Gandhi publicly. There have been riots before also in Gujarat. I challenged Sonia Gandhi, saying that there must be one Congress worker at least in every village in Gujarat. Name a single village where during communal violence a Congress person has saved the life of Muslims. Ahsan Jaffri (former MP) was phoning all Congress workers desperately. How many Congress workers came to protect him? Not even one. Oh, Muslim brothers, if the Congress can give me the name of even five villages in Gujarat where congress workers saved Muslims or protected Muslims, I will give you the name of hundred villages where Congress workers have worked under the bhagwa jhandha (saffron flag) of the VHP.”

Ashok Singhal of same party was also reported saying in a rally in September 2002, “Godhra happened on February 27 and the next day, 50 lakh Hindus were on the streets. We were successful in our experiment of raising Hindu consciousness, which will be repeated all over the country now." The list does not end here. It also involves other politicians of different faith.

Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Imam of Jama Masjid reportedly expressed apprehension that the country may witness 1947-like agitation, if those arrested in the blasts case are not released. Mohammed Yaqoob Qureshi, Former UP Minister for Minority Welfare and Haj, announced on record that he would award 51 crore rupees to any person who behead the Danish cartoonist for making cartoon of Mohammad. The head of religious institutions and political parties are not supposed to utter these crap speeches which may lead to violent aggressions. Don’t they respect the Indian constitution?

Region, language and caste are also used for garnering votes. Balasaheb Thackeray, who was punished and barred from voting and contesting in the elections for six years, reportedly said in Shivsena mouthpiece ‘Saamna’ after the Babri mosque demolition, “Muslims revolt in their own areas. They beat Hindus, demolish temples and attack the police. The government is appeasing these traitors. It is learnt that Pakistan has manufactured seven bombs. But the bomb that has been made in India with the blessings of Pakistan is more dangerous. Now Pakistan need not cross the borders for launching an attack on India. Twenty-five crore Muslims loyal to Pakistan will stage an insurrection. One of these seven bombs made by Pakistan lies hidden in Hindustan.” Bal Thackeray was also involved in campaigning against south Indians in sixties by raising slogans like “Bhagao Lungi Bajao Pungi (Chase out south Indians from Mumbai and blow bugles).”

Last year, Raj Thackeray also adopted the legacy of his cartoonist uncle Bal Thackeray to acquire votes by hate politics. Raj Thackeray commented on Biharis, ''Biharis should remember that if they abuse us, our hands will rise. We'll hit them every day, for breakfast, lunch and dinner" Udhhav Thackrey also said that non-Maharashtrians would be “packed off” if they were given jobs in the mega project for modernisation of Mumbai airport. Though, Indian constitution allows any Indian to live anywhere in the country.

The bandwagon of these leaders also includes Narendra Modi, Imam of Jama Masjid Ahmed Bukhari, Yogi Adityanath, Mukhtar Ansari, Abu Azmi, Vinay Katiyar, and many more. The space is not enough in this article to mention the name of all champions of this trade.

Leaders, who command a significant supporter base, don’t understand that their comments can end in a bloody communal clash. India has stringent laws to shut the mouths of such communal zealots. India penal code has the different sections for executing the accused of causing social disharmony by his or her word or expression. Section 153A, 153B, 295A, 298, and section 505 of Indian Penal code prohibit any person to spread enmity or fear in the society and can put these fire-spewing politicians behind the bars. Though, most of these politicians are still amidst of us not in the jails. They were booked under these sections of IPC, but not punished. The case is pending in the courts or they have been acquitted because of lack of proper evidences. It seems that these politicians don’t give a damn to these laws.
Few sections of Representation of peoples (RPA) act, like 123a and 123B, restrain politicians to seek votes on the grounds of religion or caste. Remarkably, Bal Thackeray was debarred from the voting and contesting elections in 1999 by Bombay High court under Sections 123A and 123B of the RPA related to seeking votes on grounds of religion and spitting venom against one section of the Indian population.

‘Inheritance of hatred campaigns’ should be dumped in the dustbin by electorates in this general election. Voters should tell these factions of politicians, “You can not fool us any more and we are going to through you out from the ‘sacred’ parliament, this time’. Justice will take its course on the ‘right’ time but this would be the verdict of people for the people. We hope, it will dwindle the brigades of these politicians and no politician would dare to claim the ‘heritage of hatred’.

|

By Abhishek Pandey

Rastriya Swaymasevak Sangh (RSS) has shuffled its major players ahead of Lok Sabha elections. Mohan Madhukar Bhagwat has been appointed the sixth ‘Sarsanghchalak’, the highest rank in hierarchal structure of RSS. He is stepping in the shoes of Kuppahalli Sitaramayya Sudarshan, who resigned citing health reasons. Is it the sign of a ‘real’ change?

If you ‘google’ RSS then you get the first result, ‘Really simple syndication’ (RSS). RSS is used for feeding you updates from the different websites, blogs or whatever, you subscribe. It is different from Rastriya Swayma Sevak Sangh (RSS). This organisation is not simple syndication of thoughts and ideology. It is bit complicated and has not updated his ideology since its inception.

The chief is new now. Mr. Bhagwat, at the age of 59, is the youngest RSS chief after Guru Golwalkar. Bhagwat, who was the general secretary – Sarkaryavah - since 2000, is a veterinary doctor by profession. A KB hedgewar look-like Bhagwat, joined the RSS as pracharak in 1975. Since then he is serving sangh parivar on different posts. In the recent reshuffle in the Sangh Parivar, Suresh Joshi became the new – Sarkaryavah - general secretary of RSS.

RSS is known for many reasons. It is known for supporting ‘Hindu cause’. It supports ideology of Akhanad Bharat. It is known for its demand of ‘Hindu Rashtra’. Sangh parivar has extended its supports in many relief camps during draughts, floods, cyclones, earthquakes and other natural calamities in India. It is also known for its chain of educational institutes in India, called Saraswati Shishu Mandir. These schools are providing quality education. Two schools run by RSS – BNSD Shiksha Niketan and Pt. Deendayal Upadhaya Vidayala- in Kanpur hog almost 60% and more space in the merit list of UP board.

Sangh is also known for morning and evening Shakhas in many cities of India. RSS has a huge network of shakhas which amount more than 50,000 branches across the nation. A daily gathering of all Swayamsevaks (volunteers) in a predefined area at a common meeting place for one hour is called a Shakha. The daily morning or evening ‘Shakha’ of RSS is not visible in many cities these days. Localities used to join the RSS volunteers in yoga, games and other physical activities. These Shakhas seem to be on the verge of extinct. Now, these Shakhas are hardly seen in many parts of the country. Despite increasing number of Shakhas every year, numbers of attendants are declining. This issues has been worrying RSS pracharks and had been one of the main issues in many conclaves. In the wake of this trend, Sangh Parivar has started IT shakahs to attract the youths in the organisation.

Despite the efforts, stark picture of the reality is different. RSS has weakened as an organization in last few decades. RSS’s clout is also not visible in the politics. Though, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) is its political wing. RSS endorses BJP but sometimes, there is a visible ideological spat between both institutions. Jan Sangh which later became BJP was formed as a political wing of the RSS. Article 4 of the RSS constitution states that the RSS `had no politics and is devoted purely to social work'. Though, NDA regime (1998-2004) has seen hiccup in BJP-RSS relations because RSS tried to dictate its terms. And many sangh pracharaks like Narendra Modi and LK Advani has come into active politics.
RSS is losing its voice because of the inactivity of its members or inactivity of the organisation in public-welfare related works. Sangh Parivar comes in the news when there is a conflict in southern states between its workers and communists. It came in the news when there was a conflict in Kandhmal. RSS comes on front pages when its leaders make controversial comments on increasing Muslim population or something against a community. The Akhila Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) releases the organisation’s ‘controversial’ resolutions on important issues. In recent times, ABKM released resolitions on Islamic terrorism, conversions, minority appeasement, education with national ethos, dignity of women, Bangladeshi migrants and on Amaranth Movement. These resolutions have created a stir in the country. More often then not, RSS comes in the media for their infamous activities or inflammatory statements.

Sangh Parivar lovers may be thinking that new maestro would bring a change in the organization. They should hope because optimism is necessary for any development. But the reality should not be forgotten. RSS has been banned in India thrice but ban was lifted every time after few moths or years. It was banned after Gandhi ji’s assassination because it was believed that Nathu Ram Godese was its member. Second time during emergence, it was banned and lifted when Janta Dal came to the power. Third time, organization was banned in India after Babri mosque demolition and again ban was lifted after few months.

RSS, which was formed as the organisation of volunteers, is unable to attract the people –especially youth- to join the organisation. RSS claim to have more than 50,000 shakhas across the nation, where volunteers gather on a routine basis. This is a huge chain of organized people. RSS can help the government of India with such a large network to aware the people about the different public welfare programs. But, first it has to strengthen itself. They should help all the Hindus - since they consider that everyone living in India is a Hindu - without any discrimination. This would be a great service to the nation by a ‘nationalist’ organization.

We expect from the new chief, Mohan Bhagwat, of an 84 old ideological organization that he would ask the RSS members to respect the all three colors of the national flag, not only saffron in true meaning. RSS must forget its final goal of ‘Hindu Rashtra’ because we can not survive as a theocratic nation in a globalised world. India is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, race and languages. RSS must not forget that ‘United we stand and divided we fall’.

|

By Abhishek Pandey

Navratri has been celebrated in the country with full enthusiasm and devotion. Chaitra Navratri or Vasant Navratri takes place in the month of March-April or the first day of Chaitra month. This year, it is starting from 27 March and last up to March 3. The New Year, according to Hindu calendar, starts from the same day. Navratri is one of the major festivals of India. Navratri takes place twice a year. Sharad Navratri takes place in the month of September-October. All the nine auspicious days of navratri are devoted to the nine different forms of goddess Durga.

The fasting and feasting is part of the ritual of these nine days. Jagrans, Bhajan gatherings, temple visits are parts of the activities of devotees during navratri. Dandiya nights are the recent trend, where couples dance and play dandiya whole night. Now, Dandiya is not only limited to temple premises. It has reached in five star hotels, resorts and dance clubs. Dandiya and Garba, which are dance forms of Gujarat, are played all over the country with high esteem of zest and enthusiasm. Many followers organize bhandara (meal for all) on their own expenses for the poor people. Many people prefer to buy new goods on these days as these nine days are considered special in comparison to other normal days.

On the very first day, puja is organized in every household and devotees set up a kalash (earthen pot) and seeds are sowed in it. It is kept at worshiping place till the last day of navratri known as navmi (ninth day). Many Hindus keep fast on these days to get their wishes fulfilled by goddess Durga. Few self styled neo-devotees keep fast on the first and last day of the navratri to show their devotion during their hectic professional schedule. This trend has gain popularity because fasting for nine days is not practically possible for many devotees. This trend gives them chance to show their devotion and affection to the goddess Durga in a convenient way.

In the new millennium, everything is available for a cost. Many renowned restaurants have started special services for the devotees, who keep fast. The special plate or thaalis are available. So, Devotees need not to worry about the food while fasting. They can get the vrata thaali (plate for those who keep fast) by paying Rs. 50 to Rs. 800 per person in many restaurants and hotels. Menu includes the kuuttu ki puri and pakore, sabudana ki kheer, khuskhus aloo, banana chips, sabudana wafers, sabudana ki khichri, different variety of sweets, and lots more dishes. Variety is also not a problem these days.

Sharad Navratri is celebrated with more enthusiasm in some parts of the country. Sharad Navratri ends with Vijayadashmi or Dashahra. This festival is observed as the victory of good over evil. Bengalis are known for celebrating Durga Puja in a big way. Pandals of the Durga puja are decorated using flowers, idols, dry fruits and other materials. The decoration of the pandals starts before a month or two. Many singers and artist are invited to sing devotional songs and present other religious acts during the fest.

This year, Vasant Navratri is just before the Lok Sabha elections and all the citizens should pray to Maa Durga for a stable government, which can help the people in the season of economic slump. Let us pray together,

Sarva mangala mangalye shive sarvartha sadhike l

Sharanye trayambake gauri, Narayani namostute ll

Meaning: O Mother! You are the personification of all that is auspicious, You are the benevolent form of Lord Shiva, You bestow Divine energy and help people achieve Righteousness, wealth, fulfil desires and Liberation, You are worthy of being surrendered to. Three eyes adorn You. O Narayani Devi, I pay obeisance to You !

|

By Abhishek Pandey

Caste and Religion does not matter much in the globalised world. These issues have been limited to the personal choice. It only matters when we here some loud voices on issues related to reservation or during political campaigning, though Election commission has restricted political parties to not use caste or religion as their political plank to attract voters.

Uttar Pradesh has largest number of parliament seats in the country. The major issues in the election is the appeasement of people on the based of caste. It is the main political plank of most parties. Parties’ ally with the different parties on the basis of their strong hold on a specific caste or religion. Many political parties are known for their leaning to a particular caste or religion in the country. Bahujan Samajwadi Party is one of the examples. Mayawati is ruling in UP on the basis of her unique Brahmin-Dalit caste engineering. She won the assembly election on ‘caste programming’ by sweeping 202 seats out of 403 seats. It was the first time after 1991 that any party came in to power of its own.

Mulayam Singh’s Samajwadi Party (SP) and Lalu Prasad’s Janta Lok Dal (RJD) is having good vote bank among Muslims and Yadav community in their respective states. Ajit Singh, Rastriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief, has sizeable clout on backward class community in western Uttar Pradesh. Few months back, RLD joined NDA. Rastriya Janta Dal’s arrival in NDA cluster can increase numbers of seats in backward caste dominated areas for the alliance. Kalyan Singh’s departure from the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) is a blow to parties Lodh votes in western UP. Samajwadi party accepted Mr Singh, who was anti SP until this episode. His son, Rajvir Singh has been a LS ticket. This all political games are played on caste based politics.

Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh burnt for many days on caste politics of Gujjars. The issue started when BJP promised them to give ST status and after back tracked. Recent assembly elections’ result has shown the Gujjars angst against the party. Many people lost their lives when Gujjars were demanding for their Schedule Tribe status. Gujarat is also an example of caste and religion based politics. Keshu Bhai Patel was the BJP leader before Narendra Modi because he has clout over Patel community, which amount a large section of voters in Gujarat. Narendra Modi replaced him after Godhra mishap, which became a religious issue and many voters voted him to the power.

New political party in Andhra Pradesh Praja Rajyam, Which is created by famous Actor Chiranjeevi, is expecting to mobilize the large chunk of voters from Kapu community, which amounts 15% of the state’s electorate. Kamas and Reddys had been associated with Telgudesham party and Congress, respectively. Electorates from these communities would decide the fate of these parties in Andhra Pradesh. Vokalligas and Lingayats have decided the Karnataka politics in last several years. And in last elections, Lingayats helped BJP to come in to the power in Karnataka.

Caste has played major role in rising politicians to the power in other states also. DMK rose to power in Tamilnadu under the plank to end ‘Brahmanical oppression’ and anti-Hindi language issue. AIDMK chief Jaylalita is another player from opposite political fray in Tamilnadu. Many regional political parties emerged on the ground to represent the local people of the particular caste. Maharashtra has also seen movement against south Indians in past and now, against north Indians. Shivsena and Maharashtra Navnirman sena (MNS) are pioneers of this kind of malice campaigning against non-Marathi speaking population in Maharashtra. Northeast states have also seen language based political issues in many elections, when Bihariis were killed in the state. Bengal has seen the campaigning against Marwaris. Caste, Language and Religion plays major role to win elections in most of the constituencies in India. Many parties nominate and shuffle the stature of candidate on the basis of his/her caste.

This is one of the reasons; the viability of third front can be doubted. It has many representatives of different caste, region and religion. The interest of different political parties would clash during the policy implementation, if voters allow them to come to the power. This trend should go. Caste, religion or language based politics is not in the favour of the aam aadmi.

This time, we will eager to see that Mayawati’s technical expertise of social engineering would work in Lok Sabha polls as successfully as it worked in last assembly elections. We would love to see the future of Praja Rajyam Party in Andhra Pradesh. The election would also show us that Kalyan Singh’s departure affected the BJP or not. We would also see the outcome of ‘hatred speeches’ of Raj Thackeray.

Parties must stop looking at the voters as Dalit, Brahmin, and Backward community. We need the political parties which don’t have leaning to any caste, language or religion. Parties may lean towards different ideologies for the betterment of the nation.

People should not vote for the politicians, who play these cheap planks. They should vote for development. This would be the best option for the progress of the nation in gloomy days of recession. What would happen, no one knows? We have to wait till the ‘climax’.

|