Why India is NOT Pakistan?


India and Pakistan both got independence from British in 1947. Both countries born together had one struggle for freedom, one civilization, and one culture. Yet after 66 years of each other’s independence, both the countries are poles apart, both economically and socially. As famously George Bush quoted, “I explained that Pakistan and India are different countries with different needs and different histories”!

But have we ever thought of reasons behind this anomaly between the two countries, which were years ago so similar, but today completely contradictory?

I have tried dwelling upon few reasons from our history in last 66 years. Here are the following:

Visionary Leaders –

India had assembly of great leaders in 1947, whose visions helped in defining India’s roadmap to recreate an exemplary civilization. Unlike Pakistan, India was lucky to have wise and compassionate leaders like Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad, B R Ambedkar, S.Radhakrishnan, Lal Bahadur Shastri etc. All these leaders were groomed under Mahatma Gandhi and thus always valued the importance of upholding the “Dharma” (Justice). All these leaders valued the sacrifices of Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad, Ashfaqulla Khan, Ram Prasad Bismil etc. and thus vowed to craft India a great Nation.

On the other hand, Pakistan’s Muhammad Ali Jinnah lacked both vision and wisdom. He could not create next crop of leaders nor was able to inspire fellow countrymen.

Non-Aligned Movement –

Those were days of Cold War between USA and Russia, and all the Third-World countries were aligning themselves to the either superpower. Non-aligned Movement led by Jawahar Lal Nehru with other world leaders, decided to not formally align or go against any major power blocs. Such entrepreneurial and hyperopic foreign policy helped India gain huge respect among the world leaders across geographies.

Unlike India, Pakistan chose to get associated with USA and its allies, to receive favors from the economic and military powerhouse. Today after so many years, where India is now highly self-dependent, Pakistan has ended up being a pet of USA (and also China). Pakistan’s impatience to grow faster by aligning itself to USA landed it nowhere. Whereas India grew slowly but surely, leaving Pakistan laps behind in the economic race.

Secularism –

Where Pakistan slowly turned into an Islamic country and treated minorities as second grade citizens, India chose “Secularism”. India respected people of all faiths and beliefs, allowing everyone to co-exist in harmony. Pakistan’s transformation into an Islamic country ended up mushrooming powerful religious leaders, which led to rise in terrorism and religious extremism.

India, on the other hand, kept a strict check on right-wing extremism of the majority, and also protected minorities through equal justice and supportive policies. Indian governments didn’t allowed India to become a Hindu-Pakistan, and kept restoring the faith of minorities during difficult times.

Equality among Democratic Pillars –

India always ensured equilibrium among all the democratic pillars of democracy which are Judiciary, Legislative, Executive, Military and Media. None of the five pillars was neither allowed to interfere, nor allowed to overpower another pillar. Although being parallel, all the pillars of democracy worked collectively to take India to newer of heights of being a great democracy.

Pakistan, failed in maintaining this equilibrium, and thus allowing the Military, several times, to overpower all other pillars of democracy. Pakistan had seen several coups by their Military leaders and even today, none of the other pillars had yet challenged its supremacy.

Beyond these key aspects, in last 66 years, India had been through several conflicts and issues. Issues ranged from leadership issues to secularism turned appeasement issues to pillow-fights between democratic pillars to feeble foreign policy issues etc. Yet we all have always been able to overcome all the problems, thanks to our fore-fathers, fellow Indians and leaders. We may come across several new conflicts in our near and distant future. But I am confident, that we “The Indians” will be able to solve all the existing and forthcoming problems amicably. Though sometimes slowly, but surely!

I would conclude by sharing this famous quote, “By travelling alone, we can go faster. But by travelling together, we can go farther!”

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Mahila Bank or Mahila Police Stations ?


P. Chidambaram’s idea of creating “Mahila Bank” is silly to say the least. There aren’t any major banking issues with women in the urban. And for the rural also, women do prefer their men to take charge in financial issues.

India, desperately “Mahila Police Stations” instead. This would be an important confidence building measure for women across the stratas of society.  Currently, post “Nirbhaya” case and several horrific rape cases across India, Indian Government should take more steps to provide sense of security to women.

I would go a step further in suggesting, that we should even have “Mahila Courts” where, women related specific cases could be heard without condescending them !

Hope our PM is listening !

So guys, what would you all prefer a “Mahila Bank” or “Mahila Police Stations” ?

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Gravity : A Heavenly Experience !


Usual movie goer’s expectation from a film is “Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment” ! Meanwhile, if the same movie depicts a social message as well, that’s the icing on the cake. But what if, a movie goes beyond this and ends up as an “Experience” ! “Gravity” surely is a must have experience in one’s life !

Extremely engaging and well crafted “Gravity”, with merely 2 actors and a slim storyline, creates a never-before cinematic experience of life in space.
Its biggest strengths are in its exceptional cinematography, thrilling screenplay, witty dialogues, and legendary performances ! Its brilliant background score further enhances the celestial experience manifolds.

Volumes of pages can be written about movie’s realistic photography, with high attention to detail and astounding artistic perfection, powered by 3D pleasure. But rather writing more about it, I would say, “See it, to believe it” !

Beyond its magical photography, Gravity also weaves in an emotional spatial journey of a mother, an astronaut and a friend, all in one. Amidst all the unforseen, ongoing and untamable problems in life, Gravity enlightens us with a message of “Undying Hope” ! Once the movie ends, though teary eyed, you feel more powerful to face crests and troughs of life !

It would surely be remembered as landmark movie in the history of cinema. Special kudos to the director and the cinematography team.

Don’t miss this one for sure ! Copy that !

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Cycle Rickshaw – Common Man’s Kingly Ride


India is growing, its economy is well-stabilized, infrastructure is improving, income levels are raising and the whole world wants to invest in this country. My journey from Kanpur (my birthplace) to Delhi and to Bangalore, have seen immense change in terms of city infrastructure, especially transport.

In Kanpur and other two-tier metros, roads are as slim as the footpaths.Four-lane roads are rarely seen, that to in the very outskirts. Smaller Mahanagar Buses, are as full as a popcorn pack, where men and women are popping out of doors. Moreover, in buses, more likely are the chances of pickpocketing and eve-teasing (Kanpur boasts of it). To add to it, you could never ever find a seat to sit even in your wildest dreams. Thus “Sharing Autos” (Vikram) are prominent mode of transport as they are cheap (literally), quick (just see them driving), and safer (you have to experience that). But, for small distances, these cities still depends on “Cycle-Rickshaws”. I assume, whole of North-India depends on them.

According to Calvin Trillin of National Geographic, “Most rickshaws serve people “just a notch above poor” who tend to travel short distances. He added that some people use rickshaws as “24 hour ambulance services,” as escorts for shoppers, and as a way for businesses to transport goods. Trillin added that children enrolled in schools were the “steadiest” customers. Many middle class families contract with rickshaw pullers to transport their children; a rickshaw puller who transports children becomes a “family retainer.”“
The best part about cycle-rickshaws is that, it makes a common man feel as if he is “The King of the Road”. Yes, they are damn slow, but its like a elephant-ride of King, who sits alone, and rules the road as well the driver. Moreover they are eco-friendly and cheap. Yes, it doesn’t save you completely from the heat of summers and rains. But friends, drenching yourself in rain while travelling, is an experience. Rickshaws are the best-friends of people living in smaller cities.

No matter, how thin a lane is.
No matter, how rough a road is.
Rickshaw would take you there!

But, with times, the cycle-rickshaws are reducing in numbers. And I always felt that future generations would never be able to live this experience. Rickshaws are losing the race with times. In more developed cities like Mumbai and Bangalore, rickshaws are even banned. Reason, their slow pace affects traffic and it involves excess physical labor.

Whenever I get an opportunity, I don’t miss a chance to grab a rickshaw ride. It reminds me of my childhood days.

I wish if we could have done anything to save this eco-friendly transport from extinction.

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Idea of India – Shashi Tharoor


Once, in HINDU newspaper, I had read an article by Mr. Shashi Tharoor, on Indian diversity. I was so impressed by his statements that even after several years, I searched for it on web, to blog it.

He said and I quote,
“If America is a melting-pot, then to me India is a ‘Thali’, a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast.”

Truly believe in this “Idea of India” !

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Happy Birthday : Father of the Nation !


Wishing a very Happy and Respectful Birthday to our Dearest Mahatma Gandhi !

You were the greatest, bravest and the simplest man India ever had, in recent history !

Unfortunately these days, Social Media and Rightist leave no opportunity to defame you and undermine your importance in Indian freedom struggle.

I am sure, sitting in heaven, you must be smiling at their childishness and re-quoting one of your many thoughts –
“‘An ounce of practice inspires more than a ton of preaching” !

And for those who point fingers at our Bapu, here are few lines from an Indian song –
“Kuchh reet jagat kee aisi hai,
Har ek subah ki shaam huyi, !
Tu kaun hai, tera naam hain kya,
Sita bhi yahan badnaam huyi” !!

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Madras Cafe : A Milestone in Indian Cinema


Madras Cafe is engaging political thriller and a must watch for all Indians to refurbish their dented history ! This movie, stitched through series of real life events, wrapped in fiction, will go down in history as one of the classics.

It may not be everyone’s cup of tea (pun intended), as it is an intelligent and a no-nonsense thriller. Though we all are broadly aware of the history, yet Shoojit Sircar manages to create an edge of the seat thriller racing towards the pulsating and the tear-jerking climax.

Being an Indian “Argo”, Madras Cafe emerges out to be highly detailed and a well scripted affair. And thankfully, unlike his predecessors from “Ek Tha Tiger” and “Agent Vinod”, this RAW agent (although his attempts end up in a failed mission) is filmed realistically !

Kudos to John Abraham (grand salute for producing this one) & Siddarth Basu for their roles, Shantanu Moitra for his background score and Kamaljeet Negi for his excellent cinematography.

And above all, a big round of applause for Shoojit Sircar again, for his extremely well researched content and brilliant direction. Post Vicky Donor, you have taken a leap by attempting this rare genre successfully. You are in a different league now!

Finest, Fascinating and Pathbreaking !

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चुनावी तमाशा …


“गूँगे” ने मचाया इतना शोर,
कि दुनिया अब,
“बड़बोले” को चुनने चली !

“ढैंचू ढैंचू” से हुई इतनी बोर,
कि दुनिया अब,
“मैं मैं” को चुनने चली !

“ठाकुर” तो निकला बेबस़ और कमज़ोर,
कि दुनिया अब,
“गब्बर” को चुनने चली !

“Secularism का बुर्खा़” पहनने वाले तो निकले चोर,
कि दुनिया अब,
“मौत के सौदागर” को चुनने चली !

“ठीक है” से नहीं चलेगा, India मांगे More,
कि दुनिया अब,
“Act” नहीं “Action” को चुनने चली !

एै “धृतराष्ट”, तू अब तो गद्दी छोड़,
कि दुनिया अब,
“औरंगजे़ब” को चुनने चली !

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3 Cancerous “C”s of Congress !


United Progressive Alliance (UPA), majorly represented by Congress has been reigning our country from almost last 10 years. Though they started off well with an Economist Prime Minister, they failed miserably in their second stint of (mis-)Governance. Inability of Congress to adapt with changing times has led to their downfall. Below are the three factors, I presume, have turned cancerous for Congress !

CORRUPTION !

Corruption has hit Congress’s credibility the most. Scams after scams across several ministries have rocked the nation. Thanks to CAG and various investigative news channels, which were able to unmask the corrupt faces in Congress. Moreover, when the world is dealting with deep recession and India is suffering from Inflation, corruption cases augments the common man’s misery.

COMMUNICATION !

Congress government failed to communicate with a emotional common man, especially when India was seeing Lokpal Agitation and 16 December Rape case agitation. In various other instances as well, “Mute” Manmohan Singh didn’t even cared to inform his emotions or share clarifications that India wanted. To make things worse, too many mouthpieces spoke instead. Congress failed to discipline their leaders, and people like Digvijay Singh, Manish Tiwary etc. (the list goes on), pooped all across the media channels. Congress was not speaking in one voice, whenever they needed. They remained mostly in the reactive mode, thus answered only when they were asked to. India’s Prime Minster should not require a written speech to express his concern for the rape victim. I guess, he should take a leaf or two from speaking skills of Obama and Atalji. Sonia Gandhi, who used to be usually at the forefront, took a back seat as well for the reasons unknown (other than health).

CENTRALIZATION !

Congress failed miserably in creating local leaders in states like Gujarat, UP, MP, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Andhra, Orissa and Tamilnadu. When India is moving more towards Federalism, where leaders like Modi, Mamta, Nitish, Patanaik and Jayalaltitha have cult like status in their states, high-command culture is hampering Congress chances in these states. Decentralization of power has helped BJP immensely by creating regional leaders like Narendra Modi, Mohan Parikkar, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Raman Singh.Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, connected with common man through their mass rallies from pillars to posts in 2004. It seems that now they prefer to reach out to Indian public, only occasionally, that too sitting from 10 Janpath. Their eagerness and zeal for reaching out to common man, found missing. Dearth of strong regional leaders, and high dependency on Gandhis, will result in huge decline in Congress’s votebank.

I believe, it is now too late for Congress to revive their chances in next general elections. The only ray of hope for them is BJP doing self goal, for which they are famously known for. India has a difficult choice to make between the two evils.

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Shahrukh Khan : The Desperate Marketer !


Marketing is a phenomena used by companies to communicate with their customers/prospects about their product/service. But when, product has a short shelf life, marketing is more about creating excitement, and generating buzz among the prospects. Marketing of movies faces the similar scenario.

Movies are produced with a specific budget, and has a very short shelf life. To generate profits, the product has to be consumed by the customers within first few days. And thus, these days, marketing plays a huge role in movie budgets. Production houses try different routes like ATL, BTL Promotions and PR to generate buzz among the audience.

I consider Shahrukh Khan a “Desperate Marketer”, as he uses each and every marketing route desperately without considering the profitability and marketing relevance. He has changed the famous 4Ps of Marketing into “Please, Please, Please, Please “. In marketing terms, his marketing style would be termed as carpet bombing, which is loosing its viability in recent times.

An example which I will like to quote is “Ra One”. He bought every media spot, be it television, newspapers, internet or radio. The bullish marketing campaign ran for nearly 3 months. His movie “Ra-One” was co-branded with numerous brands. Shahrukh Khan was promoting his movie on every TV channel, in every function, every mall. With his In-Your-Face marketing of “Ra-One”, audience got really irritated with the movie, even before the movie was released, as every second advertisement was about “Ra-One”. When the movie released, it was a big dud. As a product, movie was also trying to desperately trying to please all forms of audience.

Even before “Ra-One”, in his earlier venture “Om Shanti Om”, he brought each and every star in the Bollywood industry in one song, to create buzz. Even in the first edition of IPL, Shahrukh again used the carpet bombing strategy for his cricket team, “Kolkata Knight Riders”. His cricket team even had a Music Video, which irked other owners to create one for their own teams as well. Though soon factors like profitability and marketing relevance emerged, and these music videos were no more a part of team’s marketing strategy.

Post IPL victory, Shahrukh went overboard in celebrating and promoting his team’s success, in Kolkata. Although earlier IPL champions like Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals never had such celebrations.

I believe, he should take a tip or two, from his contemporary “Aamir Khan”, who has always been lauded by marketers for his ” Intelligent Marketing” of all his ventures.

Lets see if he again goes overboard with his next venture, “Chennai Express” !

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Perils of not being a Modi Fan !


As India is slowly moving towards its next general elections, political alignments have boiled up ! The current Indian Government headed by Congress has failed at most fronts. Almost into their 10th year of governance, Congress has not been able to intelligently tackle recent economical, social and political situations. Their governance is marred by several scams and more importantly, their inability to communicate effectively with a common man.

BJP, India’s principal opposition party’s mascot, Narendra Modi is considered to be biggest contender for the top spot. His credentials as long serving, Chief Minster of Gujarat, are almost impeccable, with excellent development records, with stains of 2002 Hindu Muslim riots. Being a great orator in Hindi language and being technology and business enthusiast, he commands huge following on social media, largely youths of India.

But this article is not about Modi’s eulogy or Congress’s criticism. This is about my freedom of expression. Modi-Fans and Anti-Congressmen aren’t allowing people like me to freely express our viewpoints against Modi. No sooner, I write any statement against the Vikas-Purush Modi, than I am labeled as Pro-Congress, Anti-Hindu, Corrupt, Gullible, Anti-Nationalist etc. Any news, criticising Modi, if shared on social media, is considered as a ” Conspiracy by Paid Media” ! If any Anti-Modi views are discussed, they are doubly counterviewed by Anti-Congress views. Our Twitter and Facebook accounts are slammed with hate comments.

Its not only me who is suffering brunts of Modi-Mania ! Even L K Advani (Loh Purush), who was considered to be Modi’s mentor, was not spared, when he decided to go against Modi Fever. Highly respected politicians like Nitish Kumar are considered opportunist if they utter any anti-Modi statements. Old BJP loyalist, who dared to go against Modi, are shown exits. News channels like NDTV’s credibility, built brick by brick in 25yrs, has gone for a toss. Highly respected journalists few years back like Barkha Dutt, Karan Thapar etc.are now considered people with hidden agendas. In nutshell. Any and everybody, who questions Modi, should be ready to face heat from Modi Fanatics.

Today, on social media, when Indians openly question or criticise the actions and viewpoints of even the greatest men the world has seen, from Lord Rama to Mahatma Gandhi, from Sachin Tendulkar to M S Dhoni, from J L Nehru to Ambedkar, from our Parents to our Teachers. Why aren’t we allowed to even question/criticize Modi.

Where Corporates, Institutions, Laws and Rituals are subject to scrutiny, why aren’t we allowed to scrutinize Modi.

Today, I see jokes on Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru Family, Prime Minister, friends, families, religions and communities. But I am yet to see a joke on Narendra Modi, on any social/print/tv media.

I am afraid my dear friends, that we have created a demi-god of man named Narendra Bhai Modi. I am afraid,what if NaMo ends up being even worse than Manmohan, dooming all your hopes.
Germans voted in majority supporting Hitler with huge expectations. And once Hitler got the top spot, he unmasked himself to become the most dreaded man in political history.

How great he may be, allow us to review his actions, with a pinch of salt. Allow us to criticise and applaud any and every viewpoint, be it Congress or Modi, be it Secular or Extremist. Allow us to be fence-sitters, and not label us as Congressmen or a Modi Fan. We do not wish to take sides. Instead, we wish to dissect every news through our knife of cynicism.

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An open letter to Shobha De’s views on Raanjhana !


Hi Shobha ji,

Your desperate attempt to bring spotlight to your not-so-read film reviews has worked. Several pro and anti tweets on your article in Mumbai Mirror, itched me to read your article in detail.

The article clearly suggests that you know very little about India, and especially about hinterlands of India. Sitting in Mumbai, when a Socialite comments on India, it sounds so wannabe. It reminds me of a dialogue from a movie “Bas itna sa khwab hai” in which Abhishek Bachchan is asked about his village, and he proudly says, that he is from Banaras, which is a City. And the Mumbaikars respond – “Mumbai ke bahar sab Gaaon !”

Well, as far as Raanjhanna goes, the movie depicts how life functions in hinterlands of India, and not about how it should be. Also, considering your urbane backdrop, you weren’t the target segment of the movie, to comment on it.

Raanjhanna is about true love muscled up by caste creed religion politics and social stigmas,including education and societal status. Movie talks about Dhanush’s love banaras style, and also Abhay Deol and Sonam’s love in metro style. So let not allow ourselves to comment so pragmatically on anybody’s cultural and educational background.

Although I would agree with your review about sluggish second half of the movie. But as you would also agree on Dhanush’s super acting, brilliant screenplay and Rehman’s score.

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