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’.

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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’.

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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 !

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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’.

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By Abhishek Pandey

Media are hell-bent to attract the larger number of readers to their publication or maximum audience for their TV or radio channel and maximum eyeballs for their Internet sites. Sex trade, which is thriving under the nose of nation’s capital - media capital- has not attracted any media attention as yet. My last article ‘Sex for sale on Internet’ tried to explain the business operation of these ‘escort/ massage service providers’ in the national capital and other metro cities in India, these groups are operating in metro cities with apparent impunity.

Sex workers in many parts of the country have raised their voice against the exploitation. The operation of these groups could make another section of exploited girls. These ‘sex traders’ are showing a short cut way of being rich to college going and other over ambitious girls. The old bollywood movies’ cliché` ‘Koi bhi ladki apni marji se is dhande me nahi utarti’ (none of the girls enter in prostitution with her consent) is likely to appear false in this scenario. The high rates, which varies from Rs. 10k per couple of hours to 1 lakh rupees for a night or more for additional services, does not show their economical compulsion. This trend shows lust for money. Someone’s lust is being fulfilled for another’s lust and media prefers to be silent..

Many girls are victims also of this malpractice, because if once they enter there is no exit door. Few months ago, a foreigner revealed that she was lured in the profession by some agent, who promised her job in fashion industry. She was told that she would be given modeling contracts in India and when, she came then after few days her passport was taken away and she was forced in to prostitution.

The advertisements of these escort services/massage parlors are ‘shamelessly’ displayed in the prominent English dailies of capital. Few newspapers, keep them aside from this malpractice of generating revenue. Newspapers, which are considered the watchdog of society, don’t give a damn to check these types of advertisements.

Three Ss, Sachin (cricket), Shahrukh (Bollywood movies) and Sex sell like a hot cake in India. The huge income of BCCI and cricket players, success of the film industry on the basis of Shahrukh khan’s acting and sexy masaala in the movies verifies it. Newspapers get the news from London that ‘Losing virginity on cam can fetch $20,000’ or ‘Mom seeks a sex mate for her son’. But unfortunately, they close their eyes to ‘sex trade for elites’ with in the city. The main reason is unidentifiable. The reason could be the revenue generated by these ‘service providers’ through their ads in the newspapers, one can see these classified ads in Delhi’s few english dailies. They would not like to lose the revenue because all game is about get maximum advertisers.

Indian Trafficking (prevention) act does not allow the public advertisements given by the prostitutes. An ad containing ‘Dream girls for all India services’ with contact details and claim to provide educated, hi-profile models of Indian, Russian and Afghan origin, for escort services, in the newspapers. But when they were contacted, reality was different altogether.

This is not ethical also for newspapers to publish these ads. I hope, Press council of India and Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), and Indian Newspaper Society would look in to the matter. I expect, they should stop these ads with immediate effect. They can not afford to sweep the issue under the carpet for long. A change is needed

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By Abhishek Pandey

The million dollar question, technology is a boon or curse, has been asked umpteen times. Technology has made our life easier and more comfortable in many aspects. But it has other sides also. Technology has created threat among parents because of its misuse. YouTube, Social Networking sites, Internet porn sites have been existing and worrying parents because of misuse of these sites by children. Though, these sites are available on net without any control and any one can access them by just clicking ‘I am 18’ tab. There are thousands of uncontrolled porn websites. Pornography is available in different forms like explicit pictures, short animated movies, stories to online videos. This is not limited to porn sites but sex trade and online brothel are also emerging on the net with huge network across the globe.

In India, Escort services are cover for the online sex trade. These websites claim that they would arrange top Indian models for $330 or Rs.15,000 per two hour per session or per ‘shot’. The full night service demands Rs. 25000 to Rs. 1, 00,000. These websites claim to make available working models, aspiring actresses, and Asian, Russian, European girls. They claim to provide blonde, brunettes and redheads to their customers in exchange of handsome amount. Few websites also display the explicit pictures of the girls.

Few facilities provided them are not appropriate to be mentioned here. All the fees charged by them are in USD. Some websites provide girls outside the country also. A total of approx 2000 websites of same kind are in operation in India and figures would go up to several thousands, if foreign sites are included. These websites are trying to cover themselves behind the massage services providers. Many girls on their own websites have shared that they have provided their ‘services’ to top bureaucrats, politicians and business entrepreneurs. These ‘service providers’ claim to provide their ‘service’ in any city of the country and even, abroad on the customers’ demand. Many websites on the net invite the girls to join them in escort service, which is a dangerous sign.

When one of the service providers were contacted to find out the functioning of these groups, a fluent English speaking women picked up the phone. She asked for the details like the Hotel name and room no, requirement of girls, for an individual or for couple of guys and other similar details. She explained the rate is Rs. 10,000 per person for couple of hours. And, she suggested to contact few hours before the actual; appointment. These are some staggering facts of ‘flesh market’ in a differently neo conservative culture like India.

Some countries have gone to another extreme like online brothel. ‘Big Sister’, a voyeuristic video porn site cum online brothel, is one of the pioneers of this ill trend. The brothel is situated in Prague, Czech Republic. Man can get the free service provided by female prostitutes but they have to allow Big Sister to record their intimate moments. Entry for females and couples is free on the same condition that they would be on camera during their sexual activities. Websites sell these videos to their customers on the basis of monthly registration of $30online per month or for the payment of few dollars at once. This website has also one link for girls to join the profession.

India has stringent laws against the obscenity, trafficking and pornography. Information Technology act 2000, section 67, prohibits the publication or transmission of any material, ‘which is lascivious or appeals to the prurient interest or if its effect is such as to tend to deprave and corrupt persons who are likely, having regard to all relevant circumstances, to read, see or hear the matter contained or embodied in it’. The punishment of this crime in first conviction is imprisonment of five years with fine up to one lakh rupees and in the case of second conviction person may be imprisoned for ten years with fine up to two lakh rupees. Section 292 and 293 of Indian penal code has the provision of punishment in the case of distribution and selling of obscene materials. Though, we have some stringent laws but all of them unlikely to be effective on Internet.

Prostitution is prohibited to thrive in public places under The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) in India. Sex workers can be punished for seducing clients in public places and customers can be punished for a sexual activity near to public place. India had religious prostitutes called ‘Devdasi’ (servant of gods) who are likely to turn in to ‘tech-dasi’ (servant of technology) for few rupees. Indian government has to take some stern steps to avoid making Sonagachi (Kolkata), GB road (Delhi), Kamathipura (Mumbai), Budhwar Peth (Pune), Dalmandi (Varanasi), Reshampura (Gwalior) or similar red light areas in online space.

Ministry of Child and Women welfare have given the details that a total of 2.8 millions sex workers are working in India. And more than 35% of them entered in the profession before the age of 18 years. The addition of these tech-savvy sex workers’ groups can swell up the numbers. The technology can be dangerous for the spreading of trafficking and prostitution in the country. It is the dangerous trend and the Indian government must look in to it in the time when government, United Nation (UN) and many NGOs are working together to fight HIV and other fatal diseases.

India has seen lot of moral policing on couples holding hands or sitting in the park. It has also seen vandalised restaurants and greeting cards shops during Valentines Day and Friendship Day. These both are two extremes and India lives in between. Indian government and social activist must raise the issue of online obscenity and indecency to save the young breed. Our politicians seem to have problem of hard of hearing but their ears started working well during election period. This is the best time to raise the issue and demand a ban on such pornographic websites so that no Noida or DPS MMS scandal is repeated or no children go stray in its early age. They could be from any one’s family. The best move can be: ‘Come forward and raise your voice’.

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By Abhishek Pandey

Poll dates for 15th Lok Sabha elections have been announced. World would watch the election of largest democracy of the world in five faces from April 16 to May 23. The 15 Lok Sabha elections would decide the fate of six national and 224 regional parties. A total of 740 millions voters would decide the next ruling government of India.

Election commission has given the details of the young voters which amounts 24% of electorate this time. The contradiction is that India has more than 40% MP aged between 50 to 90 years of age. All the parties are planning to woo the young voters to get the maximum number of seats in the next parliamentary elections. We can only hope that parties would also increase the seat share for the young politicians. But it does not seem to happen. All the parties want votes of youngsters but for oldies only.

Congress has Rahul Gandhi as the young face of party. Rahul has been seen visiting slums and villages of the different states for elevating himself as a ‘real’ politician. BJP prime ministerial candidate LK Advani has also showed that he is a tech-savvy with a vision of a youngster by lifting dumbbells at the age of 78. Advani has taken the support of online advertising to attract the young Internet users. Advani is also planning to visit college campus across the country to propagate his ideology ahead of LS polls. He is asked for volunteers to support in his college campaign and many have come ahead to support him.

India has some young turks in both houses of parliament. Rajesh Pilot’s son Sachin Pilot, Madhav Rao Scindhias’s son Jyotiraditya Scindhia, Indian National Congress also have Former MP Jitendra Prasad’s son Jatin Prasad, Union minister Murli Deora’s son Milind Deora, Actor cum politician late Sunil Dutt’s daughter Priya Dutt, Former Andhra Pradesh CM NT Ramarao’s daughter D Purandeshwari and few more.

Other parties also have young faces like Former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma’s daughter Agatha Sangma, Former CM of Tamilnadu M Karunanidhi’s daughter Konimozhi and NCP president Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule are few examples of the leaders who are carrying forward their political lineage. Samajwadi party has Akhilesh Yadav, son of Mulayam Singh Yadav. Kalyan Singh’s son Rajbir Singh, Bhajan Lal’s son Kuldip Vishnoi, Prakash Singh Badal’s son Sukhbir Singh Badal and few others have put their feet in their parents’ shoes.

It seems that we are having many young leaders in Indian politics. But another side of this coin is not as bright as it should be. All the aforementioned young leaders have not come from grass root level. Most of them are won just because of their political background. They have not gone to the process of making a politician. Despite of this fact, their capabilities can not be questioned. But the dependence of all these leaders to the senior politicians in the party for almost all the important decisions show that they are memo-queen of their political party.

This is not a good sign that young politicians have not been accepted unless they have any political background. We need young politicians those can understand the need of youngsters which amount 24% of registered voters or approx 180 million youths. Indian youth need the good professional institutes, good educational and health policies, good job opportunities, better life style, good roads, availability of all the brands in his/her city, corruption less society, proper security in public places, comfortable transport facilities and many more. Youths are more demanding than other ‘aam aadmi’. They are looking for an ‘Obama’ to happen in India. Their demands are not too much. They know the capacity India and ready to extend their hand for the incredible change in India’s future. But who is ready to hold their hand.

If they can prosper the Silicon Valley in USA then why cant they do the same magic in Bangalore. If most of the well trained Indian doctors and engineers are working for western countries to make sure the proper running of research institutes and health centers. Why can’t they do this in India? They can do it but they need something in return.

After watching complicated political strategies, young generation of India wants to know about the reality in the promises of the politicians, young or old. The need the government which don’t play the political tantrums by raising caste, religion, regional and other trivial issues in their manifesto. The young voters would definitely look for the government which would be able to solve the problem of economic slump. They would vote for the government which would create jobs for them in the time of crisis.

We can only hope that next government would listen to these issues and surely, they would not ignore this voice and if they would do, it would be at their own peril. Is any one listening?

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By Abhishek Pandey

There were three news reports in the newspaper last week which troubled my conscience. First, The editor Ravindra Kumar and publisher Anand Sinha of ‘The Statesmen’, a Kolkata based old English Indian newspaper, were punished for reproducing an article because it hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims. The original article was written by a Journalist, Johann Hari in ‘The Independent’. Second, Pakistan accepted the ‘Shariat’ law in the swat valley and declared cease fire with Tehrik-e-Nifaz Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM), a militant group of ‘Taliban’ nature. Third, an autobiography of a nun ‘Amen’ was released recently which revealed many hidden facts of mal-practices in Kerala catholic churches. All of these stories are very much connected with the religion and gender bias.

I browsed through a few pages of history of some major religions and tried to find out the state of women in different religions. I found that women are apparently subsided in most of the religions. Every religion talks about the highest place of women in the scriptures but contrary to it, women’s conditions are pathetic and palpable in practice.

Islam, which is considered the most unfavorable religion for women. The pages of history speak this in details. Johann Hari writes in his article that it exists from the days of Prophet Mohammad, who married a nine-year old girl 'Aisha' and raped her. It is said that she was not abused child but ‘blessed’ child, if you ask some mullah for clarification. One must read the book ‘Jewel of Medina’ written by famous journalist Sherry Jones for details. In a recent case in Saudi Arabia a ten year old girl was married to a 58 year old man. When the mother of a girl reached to the court then court discarded the plea and said that her mother could not file the case and even, child could not file the case until she reaches puberty.

Have you heard that a rape victim was punished and convicts were left free? Yes, it happened. A gang rape victim in Saudi Arabia was sentenced to 200 lashes and six months in jail because she was moving around in a car with the man who was not her relative, Guardian reported this news on November 2007. Mukhtaran Mai was punished to be gang raped in a southern Punjab village in Pakistan by village council called jirga; BBC reported the news in 2004.

What kinds of religion suggest these atrocious acts? Women are thrashed, abducted, molested, raped, beaten, murdered in Taliban ruled states and some parts of the Middle East countries. The reason was as ‘simple’ as that because they started moving freely, joined jobs for their livelihood, started studying or they were not wearing hijab. Mrs. Shirin Ebadi, noble peace prize winner, also expressed concern about the fact that certain Islamic countries still did not officially recognize women’s rights, particularly those of wives.

Now, I would like to come to my own religion, Hinduism. Here also, women are suffering from the male chauvinism from mythological age to the 21st century. Sita went through Agnipariksha in Satyug and women were burnt for centuries because of Sati pratha. In 1987, Roop Kunwar, a young bride from Rajasthan immolated herself on her husband’s pyre following the religious practice of Sati pratha. Her brother justified her act by saying that she would become the goddess then. Hindu widows were alienated from the Hindu society from centuries and when, Deepa Mehta tried to show that in her film ‘Water’ then Hindu extremists came on the streets, protested and shooting has to be stopped in Varanasi in 2000. She had to complete the shooting in Sri Lanka. For many years, female feticides and infanticide were practiced in India. And the reason was as stupid as that ‘who will perform the last rites of the elderly people’ or ‘how the family lineage would enhance’.

In a recent case of Mangalore, Women were beaten by Hindu male chauvinists because Indian culture does not allow women to go pubs but the same time ‘does it allow molesting and beating of women in public place’. The answer by these idiots possibly would be: No. They did that because it was necessary for saving the culture of the land or saving the religion. As, they are the only people left on earth to do the same.

Another major religion in the world is Christianity. It is considered the most advanced and liberal religion. Yes, it in true in many aspects. The silver lining in dark clouds is that hardcore malpractices are not in this religion. Child marriage, Sati Pratha, forceful gentle mutilation or female circumcision, atrocities for having relation with opposite sex, and honor killing do not exist. But, gender bias exists in some other forms. Women priests are not appreciated, they can work as nun and serve the male priest but they can not be elevated usually as bishop or pope in religious hierarchy.

Sister Jesmi, who was a nun from Congregation of Mother Carmelite (CMC) until August 2008, writes in her book ‘Amen’, ''At a retreat for novices, I noticed girls in my batch were unsettled about going to the confession chamber. I found that the priest there asked each girl if he could kiss them. I gathered courage and went in. He repeated the question. When I opposed, he quoted from the Bible which spoke of divine kisses,'' she writes. Sister Jesme revealed that another time; a nun forced her to have sex with her.

I know that religious issues are always surrounded by electric fence and if any one would try to pass it then s/he will surely get the shock. Salman Rushdie, Deepa Mehta, MF Husain and Tasleema Nasreen are few victims. But these issues must be raise and challenged for the sake of reformation in the ideas and ideologies for our future generations. All the above mentioned malpractices in different religion are like fungal diseases and from the ages, these are the reason of deep scourge on existence of ‘womanhood’. I don’t have disrespect in my mind and heart for Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity or for that matter, for any religion. But we need to look in to reform it for the better development of all, not only for one section of society.

None of the religion is made to oppress any one. It is made for better functioning of society and to make people god-fearing so they don’t commit crimes. Ironically, misinterpreted religions are used for oppressing the people in the name of god and religion. All the religion in the world deserves respect and I do respect all of them. Religion and religious guru, mullah, and priests should accept the rational questions and it will elevate the stature of religion in the eyes of the common people.

!!!Amen!!!

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By Abhishek Pandey

Lal Krishna Advani would advertise his poll campaign on 2000 website, according to one of the news agency report. The poll campaigning on the net is a new trend in India. Advani is likely to become the pioneer of this trend.

BJP is having five official websites. Advanis’s website is the most popular among its all other websites these days. Narendra Modi and Shivraj Singh Chauhan also have their own website. BJP stalwart Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi also started his website and blog recently to address the issue of global warming and other environmental issues, though political issues are there. BJP has its own official website and also own one more website which is called friends of BJP’s website. BJP is also present on Orkut and Facebook; both are well-known and very popular social networking sites among netizens. Internet has been chosen as one of the best medium for campaigning in next LS elections by the India’s most ‘traditional’ party.

Narendra Modi has 4966 supporters on FaceBook group far more than 297 of LK Advani. He is first among all the Indian in largest supporter base on FB. Manmohan Singh is on second position with 2590 members in his FB group. Rahul Gandhi is on third with 1982 supporters followed by his mother Ms Sonia Gandhi, who is having 988 supporters. Atal Bihari is also there only with 158 net supporters. There are some other leaders of different parties with nominal supporter base.

Social Networking sites are there. Online forums are there. There are not less than 1000 online groups, forums on Indian political parties and their leaders. Most of the national and regional parties have their online presence with poor layout and design of their websites, except few of them are designed well.

Internet poll advertising and fund raising was one of the innovations of US President Obama in the US elections this time. There are ample numbers of ways today to advertise on the Internet. There are websites like Adsense/Adword, Netclix, Bidvertiser and lots more to provide facility to advertise anything on the net. YouTube is there to upload the election speeches online. Congress is also trying to follow the trend and have started uploading the speeches of Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders on YouTube.

Internet penetration has increased in India and this has become the best place to attract the audience which has no time to go to attend the public meetings or gatherings of the political parties. It will surely attract the software engineers, NRIs, industrialist and other elite class people, who can get the access of leaders’ speeches inside their air conditioned office cabins or in their bed rooms by the click of a mouse.

Internet has changed the lives of millions. This Lok Sabha poll will tell us, how it can affect the political career of the Indian leaders in the country, where 60% population still lives in village and most of our people are not having access to Internet. Forget about Internet and computers, they are not even having proper electricity supply for irrigation or lighten their house with CFL. Proper roads are not in many villages for daily commuters. Students are dropping out after primary classes. Farmers are committing suicide. Migrants are beaten up in other states because they are going away from their home to get jobs.

In such kinds of unpleasant situation, Internet is best medium to keep your eyes closed from all these problems. Because in the virtual world of web, Politicians need not to go and listen the problems of the people on the ground. They need not to feel the plight of the people by standing beside them; those are not having even basic facilities. In India, Internet will not be as success as it was in US because we are India not US. Most of the US citizens have easy access to computer and internet but every Indian does not have even access to two meals a day. My dear Politicians of the great nation called India; choose the technology to empower the vote bank but empower the people first, so they can get access of it.

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By Abhishek Pandey

A 23-year old MBA student of Noida is another victim of MMS sex scandal. She was filmed by her boyfriend when she was stripping off her clothes on music. Her boyfriend circulated the MMS because she refused to marry him. This is not the first case of that kind. It is happening in the country from the last few years. In 2004, a boy of class 12 of DPS shot his intimate sex relations with his girl friend and circulated among his friends. Both students were expelled from the school. The girl was sent abroad by her family and the boy got admission in another school after getting bail in the case. The staggering fact of this case was that both were minors. In 2006, a girl student in Aurangabad College returned her home in Shilong, when her MMS oral sex clip became the topic of discussion in college campus.

MMS Sex scandals are not limited to love-birds’ adventurous game. There are some cases in the country where Hotel or mall’s employees were involved in putting hidden pinhole cameras in the hotel rooms and changing rooms of the girls. Sometimes, it is found that hidden cameras were put in public toilets also. There are also few news items on internet, if it is to believed, that one gentle man from Pune put the spy camera in the room of the girls, who were living on rent in his building and used to watch them on his TV.

In 2005, three hotel staffers in Ludhiana were caught red handed when they were filming the couple. These incidents are not limited to our country. In 2005, a student of Singapore took the inappropriate pictures of his teacher and circulated them on payment to his colleagues. According to a Asian electronic publication, explicit photographs of a 13-year old Melbourne girl were put on a social networking site, MySpace, by a cyber bully. The girl told that she sent those pictures to his boyfriend.

The fantasy of voyeurism among the youths is one of the important factors in such type of scandals. Modernisation has given the easy access to these gadgets. Technology has pros and cons but how you use it, it depends. Internet or modern gadgets can feed you the news from any part of the world or you may use it for chatting with your friends sitting thousands of miles away. It can be used for other anti social purposes also like to defame any one or for other malicious motives. These MMS were not limited in the Delhi only, but could be seen in the mobile phones, computers or Laptops of the youngsters in other parts of the country. This issue was raised in parliament also but nothing happened to tackle these issues effectively.

Many girls are defamed or become the victims of these scandals because their obscene MMS were put on the Internet or circulated among the friends just for the sake of enjoyment, adventure or for quick popularity. Most of the cases are the result of the blind faith of the girl on his partner. And the girls are cheated again and again and again. But I don’t want to put the blame only on boys, girls also must relook their attitude.

I am not the right person to preach the girls or boys, ‘how should they behave in their personal relation’? They have all the rights to decide what they should do and what they should not. But they must not forget the line of decency or the ‘Laxman Rekha’. Crossing the limit may harm the dignity of the relation as a whole and the family’s reputation in the society. No one would come and dictate the norms for them to follow but they have to make their own rules and their own limits.

Government is also lacking the stringent acts against these techno- voyeurs. The best thing that the girls and the couples in public places must be aware and must inform the police if they found any thing suspicious in the hotel room, changing room or for that matter, any where. This is the best way to be away from the unwanted fuss. I think the self-proclaimed ‘moral police’ should come here and show their guts to prevent these activities. But I doubt, they will take any initiative.

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By Abhishek Pandey

Haryana tourism ministry annually organizes a two week International Handy craft Fair at Suraj Kund, Haryana. This year fair was scheduled from Feb 1 to Feb 15. Suraj Kund is located in the outskirts of Delhi and it is 30 minutes far from the Delhi-Haryana Badarpur border.

Tourism Ministry provides a free space to display handicraft works to several artists from many parts of the country. Several handicraft items including textile, glass, leather, handloom, paper and other different kinds of attractive handicraft works were showcased in the Mela. Wooden art works’ stalls are one of the most eye-catching spot in the Mela. Wooden handicraft items, wooden paintings, wood decoratives, walnut cravings, wooden interiors, book shelf, frame, panels, racks, sofa, bamboo garden furniture and jewelry, cane furniture and lot more wooden items were available in annual International handicraft Fair. The price of these products was as low as 50 rupees for a decorative to the four lakh rupees for a painting of Lord Krishna engraved on rose wood. These items are put here for the display and as well as for sale. Any one can buy or order the art work which s/he may not get in his/her vicinity.

Different artisans came from different parts of the country, ranging from far southern states like Andhra, Tamilnadu to far eastern states like Tripura, Assam including northern states. Every state is known for its distinctive wooden handicrafts. One could see the famous wooden paintings from Mysore, Karnataka. Jagat Pal, an artist, told that they come hear every year to showcase their art to the public. He added that it is very good initiative by Haryana government to encourage Indian handicrafts and artists.

Raheem from Saharanpur shared his view and said that most of the emporiums in cities purchase their products and sale those in the different metro cities and also export these products abroad through sea route. An artist from Guwahati said that Bamboo furniture is in great demand and they are coming there from last 20 years to show case their art. The artist told that he was selling the items of approx 25 to 30 thousand rupees daily and also got good orders in the Mela.

Mela also gives a feel of rural India through different cultural and musical programs at ‘Natyashala’ in the center of the craft fair. Different cultural and regional groups perform their cultural programs which is also one of the attractions of this Mela. One must not miss the food court which is situated at a quite higher place in the center of the ground. One can get the good Indian food of different states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and South Indian states, including Chinese dishes. A typical rural styled Domino’s is also situated for the Pizza lovers.

Haryana government initiated the craft fair in 1981. The Suraj Kunda, which means 'pool of the sun', is also has historical significance. Surajpal was the king here and he made a lake in this place. And that’s why this place is known as Suraj Kunda. Suraja Kunda is a worth place to visit for art lovers. But this year it is over, wait for a year.

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By Abhishek Pandey

1. These pink chaddis should be new or used? 2.Fabulous, you are killing two birds from one stone by helping out the pink chaddi making-wallahs in these times of economic gloom, and giving the Sri Rama Sene some much needed inner warmth. 3. Do you have collection point in Goa or in Chennai or in Mumbai… and lots more comments were received by the Face book group “consortium of pub going, loose and forward women”. After the overwhelming response by the net users across the globe and getting space in newspaper columns enlarged their supporters. There are some more groups mushrooming on FaceBook and other social networking sites against Shri Ram Sene and other fringe groups ahead of Valentine Day. One of the groups went far ahead by making a group for sending pink condoms to the aforementioned group for maligning RSS (Rastriya Swayma Sevak Sangha) and other Hindus in the name of freedom and their point is that RSS condemned the acts of SRS(Shri Ram Sene).

These groups justify their campaign by saying that they are not spreading the hatred or anger to the people but this is one of their ways to create awareness among youths about the important happening. It is true. The silver lining in the clouds of hatred campaign is that it is serving the purpose of creating awareness among the Indian youths. Because most of the youths limit their news reading to the sports page, career page, to glossy supplements or sometimes to the banner headlines on the front pages. They spent more time on Internet and on these social networking sites. And these groups on these websites are one of the best media to express their angst, worry or whatever the feeling they have towards the happenings.

These online groups, which give us a platform to get together with the same kind of people to support or protest for a cause. Is this the right use of our ‘freedom of expression’, article 19(1)? This question may sound illogical when most of the net users and other people are supporting the campaign. Here, I have a point to rebut the Pink flag, sorry panties or condom, bearers. The campaign is offensive, derogatory and malicious in its nature which our constitution does not allow in the name of freedom of speech or expression. I do not have doubt the about the real motive behind the campaign.

Munnbhai’s favourite jaddo ki jhappi (a bear hug) or Gandhi’s favourite red rose could be the good option to end the hate war. We can not send them used, or for that matter new, pink panties to put down the SRS and his Sene in the name of Gandhi’s methods of non-violence. My dear friends who are campaigning should not forget that Gandhi jee was not only against the physical violence but he was against of any kind of violence. Gandhi would have not supported the flinging of panties, throwing of rotten eggs, squishy tomatoes or hurling shoes towards anybody. We should not spread hatred ahead of the love fest on 14 Feb, the Valentine’s Day.

Internet has given us platform to express our self to the world by providing various options. But it should not be misused for hatred or any malicious purpose. I am quite sure when I will finish this writing there would be one more group on Internet supporting the other side means against pink panties bearer. Yeah, its there ‘hate pink chaddi campaign’ group accompanied with another power tool of Internet known as blog. Enjoy the power of internet and spread Love not hatred in the season of love.

Happy Valentines Day. (This should be written in Pink)

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By Abhishek Pandey

A Teacher ruptured the ear drum of a student in Lucknow: Nov. 2008. A five-year old girl died of injuries after her teacher hit the duster on her head: Dec 2008. A teacher in Jallandhar harassed his girl student: Oct 2007. A Delhi teacher, who beat his students brutally found unstable, suspended: Oct 2007. A teacher in Kanpur abused, commented on student’s caste: August 2008. A physical training teacher in Amritsar fractured the student’s hand with hockey stick, a teacher raped a girl student, a teacher hit the student with stick, a teacher beat the student to death in Udaipur, a teacher slapped a student who later committed suicide in Vadodra and other similar headlines appeared in the newspaper during last few years. Enough is enough, it should stop now. These incidents are happening across the country with apparent impunity. Students should be treated smartly and sparingly not brutally by their gurus to make them better citizen and off course, not to end their life.

These atrocious incidents are the blot on the Indian education system. Teachers are beating the students out of what reasons or problems. The problems should be found out and sorted out soon to save the future of the nation which lies in the hands of the students. Teachers can not give corporal punishment to the students during the course of teaching, according one of the verdicts of the Supreme Court. Yet, these incidents are happening. Who is the real culprit, the teachers or the system which has failed to tackle the problems, even after numerous incidents?

The problems with teachers could be incalculable. The most important issue is that teaching is not the career which they want to pursue and they are not very serious about their profession. Teaching is just part time job to make them busy in some work and to bring some money to their home. This issue should be dealt with due importance for the safe and secure future of the students. Another reason could be the low pay in the profession which led to frustration among the teachers. Another reason could be the over workload to the teachers which brings frustration.

The stereotypical biased attitude towards students on the basis of their caste, race or religion also could be one of the reasons. The commercialization of the education is also a reason which concentrates on the profits of the school management. Teachers are forced to produce good results to make the school a money-making institution.

So, only teachers can not be held responsible for the whole state of affairs. There are lots of things which are demanding a drastic change to bring improvement in the education system. The employment of the teachers should be based on their eligibility, not on the basis of his link with the management member or with some politician. The criteria of selection for the different levels like primary or secondary should be implemented across the nation.

The proper training for teaching different type of students should be given to teachers by the school management through seminars or conferences by experts in the field and attending the conference should be mandatory for the teachers. College administration may also have counseling facility in the school for solving the problems of the teachers or of the students. Grievance committee to tackle the aforesaid incidents can also serve the interest of the students, parents and teachers.

Teachers should be employed on the contract basis so they can not leave the school or college in between without giving any prior notice. This will help the teachers to concentrate on their work rather than spending time to find other options open to them. College administration must have periodical appraisal system to give promotion or awards to the teachers on the basis of their record in a particular time period. Government can implement these things by making some sort of committee or through the due process.

Government must pay attention to this issue to help the students, teachers and parents. It becomes more important when the incidents are on the hype and we are losing our gems. Teachers, who are considered to be the father figure for the students must keep in mind the lines of famous educationist Patricia Cross, who said, “The task of the excellent teacher is to stimulate "apparently ordinary" people to unusual effort. The tough problem is not in identifying winners: it is in making winners out of ordinary people.” But with due caution.

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By Abhishek Pandey

In the very beginning of Valentine week, I received an e-mail titled ‘Prevention is better than cure’. It was not from my family doctor for suggesting me to take care of my health or some think like. It was from one of the well-wishers to suggest me to take care of you from the lunatic self-claimed protector of Indian culture, whether they are saffron flag bearers, extremist Muslims or our cops.

The mail showed a boy wearing a helmet and presenting the red rose to his girlfriend. Satirically, the mail conveyed the message what it intended to. The message was crystal clear and self explanatory: ‘Indian youths are under threat but the zest is not gone to celebrate Valentine day.’
The valentine day is around the corner. The valentine week has started though there is not perfectly laid down list for the special days but every one celebrate in his/her own fashion irrespective of the days specified and dedicated to a particular date. Some internet websites suggest the following list of the days, starting from Rose day on Feb 7 and followed by Propose day, Chocolate day, Teddy day, Promise day, Kiss day, Hug day in the continuity and finally, Valentines Day on 14 Feb.

In my opinion, this is the most acceptable list of celebrating the love fest. We have these days to celebrate the love fest though most of us know that our love towards our partner is not limited to a single day but we need an excuse to celebrate it.

Valentine Day is celebrated in the remembrance of a Roman Catholic priest, St. Valentine. There are many stories of St. Valentine. In his time Emperor Claudius II outlawed the marriage of young men because he was under impression that unmarried men made better soldiers than married ones. But St. Valentine continued the marriages of young couples secretly. When his act was uncovered he was punished death sentence. Another story stated that St Valentine fell in love with the jailor’s daughter who used to come to meet him during his confinement. It is believed that he wrote a letter to her greeting himself as ‘from your Valentine’ which is still used by couples.

Valentine in the history pages is profiled as a romantic and heroic character. There are many traditional symbols of Valentine’s Day which include hearts, doves, and Cupid and love notes. Greetings, chocolates, roses, SMS, gifts and …so on have also been added in the list.

I think the message of love should also be given to these extremists who are creating ruckus for the youth in the season of fest. In Mangalore, few goons of a moral brigade thrashed some girls and boys because they were of different communities. In Srinagar, posters and hoarding was put to restrict strolling or dating with opposite sex. (Do they want us to be homosexual!).

Whether it is Mangalore, Srinagar, Delhi or any city, youths must join their hands together to fight against these fringe groups. This is not because they are preventing us to celebrate V day but reason is that our freedom is crushed and we will not let the India became another ‘Taliban’ state.

I would like to summaries my message in one quote of a scholar: ‘Love does not dominate; it cultivates.’ Please let this message reach to the so called ‘moral-police’.

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By Abhishek Pandey

On the republic day morning, there was a stark contrast in daily newspapers. On one side, we were going to celebrate the 60th Republic day of India and on the other side the freedom of individuals were hurt by some lumpen goons of Shri Ram Sene in Mangalore district of Karnataka. The incident took place on the eve of Republic day in Amnesia pub, where some party lovers were enjoying their evening in the pub’s lounge. Guests were attacked by self-claimed moral police and activists of Shri Ram Sene. Activists of the sene claimed that girls were drinking alcohol, wearing indecent dresses and indulging in vulgar activities. They said that it was against their culture (Indian culture) and they would not allow girls to visit pubs and bars. It was awful, shameful and blot on a republic and democratic nation.

They are not custodians but just thugs. Even if they were doing so who gave them power to correct the situation and take the laws in their hands. They say that they are representative of Indian and Hindu religion. Who gave them the post of custodians on behalf of India or Hindu religion? If they are talking that pub culture is neither belongs to India or Hinduism. They must have forgotten the visuals of our religious serial on our mythological epics in which Inder and other Devtas drink som rasa (wine) and enjoy the dances of apsaras. I think that Indians are pioneers of the pub culture. But molesting, pulling up helpless girls’ hair and beating them up are absolutely no where in the Hindu religion or in the Indian culture. This is the high time for the extremist to stop invading the privacy of individuals otherwise they will face the music.

Our system has collapsed everywhere in tackling against extremists be it against Raj Thakrey and his goons in Mumbai or against Bajrang Dal in Orissa, Karnataka and MP. This time Shri Ram sene has challenged the system again and let see, what would be the response of the government this time. Comments from the senior political leaders like Union health minister, Ambumani Ramdoss, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gahlot, Karnataka CM BS Yedurappa and others on the sensitive issues like this should not directly or indirectly hail or justify the deeds of law-breakers. The response from the political parties and their leaders is also not praise-worthy.

If going to pub is allowed to men then for what reasons the girls and women are not allowed. It is the hypocrisy of these lunatic fringes. They don’t care about the Indian culture; even they don’t know what it is. Molesting women in public places is not Indian culture and never, it was. Violence and intolerance is not Indian culture. They must turn back few pages of history to learn something about our culture from Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. It is the absolute violation of human rights of the girls and women. State government must take stern steps to stop these incidents in future. Not only the perpetrators of the incident but also their political bosses, should be punished for Talibanising the country and breaking the law. Otherwise, what would be difference between us and Taliban, which is ruling in Afghanistan and in the North- West frontier areas of Pakistan, where girls are not allowed to even go to schools and their human rights are in danger because of fatwa issued by some mullah. We are living in a democratic nation and Government should make sure this time that it will not let this happen again in our ‘cultured’ society called India.

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By Abhishek Pandey

Tourism ministry of India may think to change its punch line from Incredible India to Horrible India after watching Slum dog millionaire, a famous movie directed by Danny Boyle. The movie’s story is based on a boy from one of the Mumbai slums, a slum dog, who becomes a millionaire after winning a game show of Indian version of “who wants to be a millionaire”. The story idea has been taken from the novel ‘Q&A’ written by Vikas Swarup, an Indian diplomat from Allahabad. Story moves around a boy Jamaal who enters and luckily won the game show for getting his lover back in his life.

Slum dig millionaire which has won four Golden globe awards and also been nominated in 10 categories for the Oscar awards this year, is based on a story, which is a mockery on India for the entertainment and enjoyment of first world countries and their populace. India has been shown in a bad line in this film. The movie shows the abusive police, filthy conditions of Indian slums and sub-human conditions of Mumbai slum dwellers, communal violence, beggary, exploiting orphan children by maiming them and forcing them into beggary, flesh market of minor girls, underworld, and conman cheating tourists and very big-hearted white people and above all copying of TV shows’ concept shows from the west. Declining moral values of Indians has also been shown in the movie when an elder brother rapes the lover of his younger brother in a movie scene.

I am not saying that Mr Boyle has shown all the lies to the world. I am not saying that we can deny the child beggary, prostitution, stealing of concepts from the west and our filthy slums. Yes, I accept that these things exist and prevailing in few parts of the country, not in every nook and corner of the country. Don’t you think Mr. Boyle it is the exaggeration of the facts for your vested interests and for satisfying your ‘we are superior’ attitude. You need not to be as objective as a news producer is, while making news reports but you could have selected few things which could show the real idea of India even in those conditions, which you selected to show in the movie.

I have watched the ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ several times but not even on a single show I found that Amitabh or for that matter, Shahrukh Khan mock any of the contestants in their shows as Anil Kapoor did in the movie by making fun of Jamaal, a tea seller in the game show in the movie. India is not only what has been shown in your movie but far beyond that. We are the largest democracy, oldest civilisation, homeland of most of the scientist, engineers and doctors, having rich cultural and moral values and one of the fastest growing economies of the world. India is the country which has the largest number of billionaires in the world, even more than America, according to a report published in Forbes magazine. But Mr Boyle you did not give a damn to it. Mr Boyle said in a interview that the movie meant to capture Mumbai zest. I think that he must research well to know about Mumbai and India.

Amitabh Bachchan, a famous Bollywood actor said in his blog, “If Slumdog Millionaire projects India as a third-world, dirty, underbelly developing nation and causes pain and disgust among nationalists and patriots, let it be known that a murky underbelly exists and thrives even in the most developed nations.” Mr Bachhan’s statements are absolutely right and raise the question why they (west audience) don’t love to watch their existing murky underbelly. It is very nice to see porn movies of others but dirt start hitting the roof when you got to see some one you know. The Times rightly reported in one of the articles written by famous columnist Alice Milles, Slum dog Millionaire is poverty porn.

India has been the leader in making maximum number of movies annually, but its record in Oscar is disappointing. I don’t understand the reason why movie depicting our poverty and backwardness attract the attention of the International audience and award givers. This trend is not new. We have won nominations in academy awards for three films – Mother India, Salaam Bombay and Lagaan. All of these movies are based on our backwardness and our struggle with the life. Only one Indian director, Satyajeet Ray had been given the honorary Oscar award for life-achievement in 1991. The most of his films project poverty of India and its populace. Whatever, he was a brilliant filmmaker. If we look at these facts then it is very hard to believe any justification. It can not be mere coincidence. It is because of preconceived stereotype idea of the west about Indians.

We, Indians, may be happy about the movie for few reasons because it is getting international recognition, and awards. We may be happy because India is being discussed on such big platforms. But it is valueless for me when my country is being maligned and misrepresented with exaggerated facts. There is only one thing good for us to be happy about that some handful Indians including AR Rahman and Gulzar are winning international awards and recognition for their good work in the movie. But don’t forget this is not a Bollywood film at all. It is a purely Hollywood movie and story idea is based somewhere in Mumbai slums. I doubt that if the same movie would have been made by an Indian it could win such big international awards. Indians should not be demoralised from this but should wake up from the slumber and let the world know that India does not live only in slums or we are not becoming rich by chance. Let the world know that All ‘rags to-riches’ stories are not about winning the ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ or any other show. We have the talent and the attitude to prove them wrong. Let’s do it.

And Say Jai ho for real India, not for Slumdog Millionaire!!!

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By Abhishek Pandey

Kalyan Singh, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Vice-President of BJP, resigned from all his posts in the party alleging that he was humiliated and insulted in the party. Mr Singh has returned the party ticket which was given to him to contest in the next LS elections to contest from Etah. BJP’s stalwart Mr Singh’s resignation from BJP, which is struggling with its inner conflicts, has given a blow ahead of expected Lok Sabha polls in April-may. According to PTI, Mr Singh was miffed with the party for giving ticket to Ashok Pradhan which he wanted in next LS elections. He blamed Mr Pradhan for sabotaging his son’s chances in last assembly elections two years ago from deboi seat in Aligarh district.

After his resignation from BJP, Kalyan Singh asserted that he would campaign for Samajwadi Party in the next Loksabha Elections. He also asserted that he would like to campaign for Atal jee if he would contest in next elections from Lucknow. He clarified that he is not going to say good-bye to active politics but would not join any party or form any new political party.

Kalyan Singh belongs to Lodh Rajput community of Uttar Pradesh. Lodh heartland consist of 11 LS seats and it stretches across Aligarh, Firozabad, Farukhabad and Agra. He not only has electrifying impact on Lodh community in and around western UP but also has a reach to OBC voters in other parts of the state. Lodhs constitute only two percents in the state but in these 11 constituencies they constitute about 30 to 35 percents. BJP may loose his ground there after Kalyan’s departure from the party.

Samajwadi Party, which claim to be a secular party, has accepted Kalyan Singh as his associate but officially Kalyan Singh is not in the party as yet. SP wants to enhance its base in UP because it has lost the last state election badly against Mayawati, who is emerging as a big political leader in India. Samajwadi Party, self-claimed secular party, has accepted Kalyan Singh, a communal leader termed by SP for his inaction as CM in 1992 during Babri mosque demolition. The statement only shows the hypocrisy of Mr Amar Singh, who is saying now that Kalyan Singh, is not communal. The reason must be that Kalyan is campaigning for Samajwadi party and it may enhance the political power of Samajwadi party and it may also elevate the height of Mr Amar Singh with in his party and in UPA.

This is not the first time that Kalyan has came closer to Samajwadi party after his first came out in 1999 from BJP made his relations close to the Mulayam Singh Yadav, Chief of SP. Kalyan Singh rejoined the BJP after five years of vanvaas from 1999 to 2004 before last Lok Sabha elections in 2004.

BJP is in troubled water these days when senor party leaders like Mr Kalyan Singh and Bhairo Singh Shekhawat are adversely affecting inner health of the party. This is the right time for BJP’s Prime ministerial candidate, Mr Advani, to show his kundali to pandit jee (Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee) and ask for solution before LS elections to make his dream true.

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HI guys, it is very exciting that I am starting a blog for putting my takes on the crucial happenings. About me, well I am a journo based in Delhi. My name is Abhishek Pandey and I hail from Kanpur, a medium-sized city of northern India. This is all about me in brief. I wanted to start blogging because this is the best medium now to express the views to the larger section of the people. I believe that most creative idea has no value if it does not reach the right people on right time. And technology has showed the way.

Blogging is becoming trend in India and like always film stars are trend-setters. Aamir Khan started it followed by Big B, Amitabh Bachhan and later others also jumped in. Lalu Prasad Yadav, the infamous politician for scandals and now famous for his business acumen, has also started writing his blog. I don’t say that I have great eloquence to influence the attitudes of the people like these big guns. But yes, I have the determination and desire to use the power of media in forceful manner for public interest. I will try me best to renew my promises in the months and years ahead to undrstand the nedd of the time and the reders. This is the main purpose to be served.

I would like to dedicate this blog to my family, especially my mumma, papa and to my some one special, who gave me their unyielding support in all spheres of my life. While she is no longer with me, I know my grandmother is blessing me somewhere from heaven. I miss her today and know my debt to her is beyond measure. Sorry I took you to my family business which may not serve the purpose for you.

Ah well…. for introduction round its enough. Keep visiting the blog. And, I would love to read your comments, especially when we disagree. Enjoy reading!!!

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