On Free Speech

I have a long awaited query and an unanswered question, still open for answers... "Is Democracy and too much Freedom a bane for India?"

Are we stumbling as a group of people living in a nation, which is formed by default on various societal, structural and systematic fault lines. The issues which come up each day in the national media are mostly trivial issues and provide comic relief to the majority of sane and discerning grey cells. 

It is painful to see the freedom of the country, achieved with so many pains and sacrifice of many generations, going down the drain on pointless and petty issues. Democracy seems to be fast becoming the 'Demonstration of the Crazy'. 

The situation even after so many decades of self-rule is failing to trigger a serious introspection in the administrative quarters those yield power and have the capability or responsibility to show a saner path. This is fuelling the support to strong views of state control, but who in the state in these situations can be trusted? or capable to do the 'tight-rope-walk' of allowing 'Free Expression' and ensuring free space available for 'Fair Expression', I wonder, the answer is none!

 It is true that discretionary power and discerning capability about the decisions made are best left to the individual. Provided even the strongest of the strong views are kept to oneself and not try to impose or enforce on others against their will. Certainly the state is not expected to play a role in these decisions and try to censor what to see, whom to love, whom to pray and what to read? But, these are all the side-effects of electoral politics, which people fail to understand and allow themselves to be exploited. The state too is run by the individuals elected resultant of this political system which likes to play to the gallery. These leaders of men are also found to be cynical to the core on more than one occasions. 

The state must concentrate on important issues and the issues of culture are better left for the time and society to decide. No one could stop invasion of our society by foreign religions, language, goods, culture, system, spread of consumerism, invasion of technology and even new festivities... Change can't be restricted with regressive and forceful impositions by a section of people, the majority of people will automatically stay away from something that is unpleasant or impractical in the current societal settings. 

The state shouldn't decide and mustn't allow any disruption to anything(legally allowed) that is done at the individual level, more so, when it is an expression of art.  

I also hoard a contrary opinion, that 'There can't be and shouldn't be anything that is absolutely free', "Lest it will become obsolete and will be abused obsessively".

The last para is open to discussion and debate in a different media...   

In response and responsible reply to Sanjay Chetia's article.

CHILDREN ARE FLOWERS - TREAT THEM TENDER

We all are children at heart, Never grow-up...

Keep doing things that you like most and give you happiness.

How I yearn to be a child again... 

Missing childhood & being a child.

Children and their needs are commonly not taken seriously. The actions are termed either as childish, immature or kiddish. The actions and initiative of children also get restricted often with the excuse that "Do it when you grow-up" or "Your time has not come" and mostly "Stop! Don't do it", the children are not slaves they also deserve an explanation and reason for each command and direction of elders. No Nation can develop in an all round manner by neglecting the needs of children. The Human Development Index often covers only the measurable and tangible 'statistical facts' missing a lot of intangible things that go in making a child turn into a better human. Even the most learned and educated parents too try to rub on a child their experience and essence of life as understood by them.

There is no denying the fact that the foundations laid in the childhood will see the child in good stead in the life ahead, but foundations at the cost of losing the 'Joy of Growing-up', stifling the child with only academic skills and not aiming at all round development is highly criminal. A typical high school child's day starts with interrupted sleep to prepare to attend the school early in the morning to continued classes and tuition in the late evening, thus leaving no time to play and pursue other activities. The plight of the child in grades appearing a Year-end Public Exam and boarders is further worrisome. No wonder the stress levels and poor-result oriented suicides are on a rise. The eagerness of parents to provide the best of education to their children and lack of sincere and quality Government schools have lead to unprecedented mushrooming of a variety of schools....Premium Pre-school, Play School, Private School, Chain Public School, Charity Institutes, International School, Gurukul, Madrasa, Autonomous University, Deemed University...(Gender Specific Schools)...what not and what may!

The availability of a wide variety of educational institutes would've been good if they all showed some sincerity and maintained standards rather than aiming to make money. Most schools across all sections and varieties only barring a handful don't have adequate amenities like...clean toilets, safe drinking water, play grounds, gymnasium, swimming pool, laboratories, libraries, medical emergency handling equipment, planed fire escapes with equipment and trained qualified dedicated professionals among the least and last requirements. Most schools are run in hired residential complexes converted into classrooms. The list of under prepared schools is surprisingly exhaustive with a licensing system in place. The system as usual and as ever has been hood-winked by the influential businessmen seeking school permits.

Government schools are mostly an apology to the schooling system and the situation is more grave than it is thought to be with most of the children having access to the education only by means of a Government school. The RTE Bill (Right to Education part of 'Sarva Siksha Abyan') passed without improving the capability and capacity is doing no good than adding to already confused state of affairs. The menace of teacher absenteeism in all Government schools mostly in remote areas is counter-productive all the good the Government wants to do in the education sector as reforms.  

The scholastic way of preparing children for life is the most skewed approach of all methods of preparing a child for greater responsibilities in life. The whole environment from parents, family to the society is only giving importance and recognition to the marks or grades obtained in the formal education. Emphasis on scores leads to immoral activities and practices at a very tender age. The other options for taking-up a different and alternate career other than the popular trio of 'Doctor-Engineer-Government Employee' are still at a nascent stage having less acceptability as a viable livelihood means. The few options available in Vocational and alternate occupations are still looked down upon fearing societal scrutiny and peer pressure. Parents can't be totally blamed for pushing their children through the beaten path as there are inevitable comparisons drawn measuring the success based on pay packets, Government job, software job and the associated status of the post in the society. The degree attained or obtained also becomes a benchmark in demanding and denying dowry. Girls do higher studies to find a prospective groom with heavy pay packet or foreign job. In the bargain there remains no difference in 'Studying and Education'. 

All the above situations kill the independent thought process in the children of taking up different options available to pursue a career. Here it is pertinent to mention that a mid-career shift and change of career is seen as a taboo in India, most young men take up the most convenient career and settle in that career for life, even if they realise at a later stage that it is no longer enjoyable to continue. The system as a whole doesn't allow a child to evolve into a thinking human being, he remains just a contributor to the GDP and does no value addition to the society and country. The induced and infused orthodox approach and thinking towards a career options is evident in the research capabilities of our universities and lack of real scientific temperament in the society. The same set of individuals perform and achieve splendid results under a different system and set of conditions in many foreign countries. I have less exposure to other systems of education but strongly feel that something is still not right and much needs to be done in our scheme of things for children to make them understand life in the right perspective.

Talking of other aspects in growing-up of a child apart from education are many more issues routinely ignored by all. Parents should not pamper their children or be overbearingly protective in bringing them up. Parents don't prepare children for the uncertainties of life, they hide bitter facts about the complex journey of life and relationships leading to children becoming weak individuals seeking support in terms of unreliable friends, falling prey to bad habits, early psychological break-downs and making them meek individuals. The over protective attitude coupled with confusion due to exposure various elements through social media contacts may either lead a child to adopting radical ideas or falling prey to unsocial elements and their activities. Parents must always ensure that their wards are aware of the right path of doing things, be present as guide and correct when necessary. 

I must also mention the other enemies of childhood here, Child Labour, Abusive Parents, Sexual Abuse (sexual awareness is still an untouchable aspect with most boys and girls approaching puberty and young people their acts of promiscuity with out having proper understanding). Trying to create 'Child Prodigy' of 'One Act Wonder Kids' had almost taken an alarming situation in the recent past. Fashion Industry is another culprit in inducing children especially young girls to the odds and adult things early in life.

Most of us don't take the responsibility of parent as an important aspect of life than treat it as mere accident or vocational hazard of being married. Parents must plan and produce children when they are ready for it and just not for the heck of it or fun of it. Indian parents spend family holidays and free time either sleeping, watching TV or visiting relatives and roaming around religious places. The same amount of family holiday time could be well spent in introducing children to the aspects of life not taught as part of curriculum in schools. visiting museums, historical places, industrial trips, village communities, adventure activities and eco-tourism are just few among the suggested activities. 

An important aspect of humans as per my understanding is pertinent to understand and follow in this perspective.

"A human seldom changes after 13 years of age...change he will only for a short duration under influence of either or OR combined effect of 

1. Death of a near and dear one, 

2. Under financial burden and 

3. Ill-health". 

It is needless to say that a child has to be moulded and prepared for life much before we all think and allow him or her enjoy childhood before that...             A DELICATE BALANCE TO ACHIEVE THOUGH!

    

                  

Soldier mostly unknown & routinely forgotten!

Soldier mostly unknown & routinely forgotten!

Entrapment

The title may sound misleading but I am sure of attributing some meaning to it by the end of this piece of writing. I am not talking of a war hero or who died a hero's death in any action (be it against external enemy or internal insurgents) but of those who are alive and kicking, true in every sense of it!

Soldiers are solitary individuals (I won´t say souls because of negative connotations), lonely posts, mountains, forests, flowers, brooks, glaciers, deserts and all the areas without a whisper of human life appeal to him as his own. Those are the areas where one can truly be an "I am I".

Soldiers are simple beings happy to get basic facilities and joys of life. Their humble backgrounds keep them grounded close to reality always. They are alienated from many walks of life due to the long periods of separation from immediate family, friends and society. But with improvement in communication facilities they are not insulated from the changes in the society. Soldier misses many aspects of life which are taken for granted like, coming home each evening to share with dear wife & children, many social occasions, fashion changes, elections, and changing the course of things around by mere presence. The services do prepare a man for these rigorous by seasoning, conditioning, insulating or sometimes just keeping you busy. An interesting point is of `Rum & Cigarette Allowance´, it was introduced by the British at subsidised rates to keep the soldiers amused and away from the daily happenings around. It still is doing its bit!

Travel always teaches a man many things by providing opportunities of first-hand experience of many regions, cultures, languages, systems and builds tolerance thus making a man mature in his outlook of life. The profession of arms is a great equaliser; soldiers forget caste, language, colour, religion by intermingling and making thick friends for life. Uniform obliterates the importance given to individuals on acquired skills in the society, all are comrades first and specialists later.

Soldiers are mostly misunderstood by the civil society, there is a major misconception that there is no work unless there is war. Even family members cannot understand the real grind which he undergoes as part of routine. The concept of maintaining standing professional armies is as ancient as human history, but choosing soldiering as a long term career option is only as old as the nation state form of governance. It is a national requirement to have an army for peaceful progress of the nation without interruptions, be it voluntary or conscripted. Soldiers are coolly forgotten and remembered only during dire situations. No nation can progress without a strong army and routinely forgetting the contribution of soldiers. Army, Navy and Air force are all the same for the conditions of a soldier only with little difference in culture.

Soldiering is not an easy job; it involves apart from physical requirements various skills. He needs to always update his awareness about ever evolving military tactics and technical advancements, know well of the type of terrain of operations, implications of changing Geo-political scenarios, innovative ways of out-smarting the enemy. The change & adaptability is continuous in the life of soldiers with changing work place, environment, job nature, level of responsibility, operational demands by topping it all is understanding the demanding boss.  A soldier is a student for life his learning curve is up always, more so in case of preparing for and leading a well adjusted post-retirement life.

Soldiers retire relatively young compared to his civil counterparts with emerging responsibilities at the family front. All the skills of a soldier could be better utilised for progress of the nation with right kind of post-retirement avenues. The problems continue while in service also with the regular apathy of government officials and ever increasing red tape. He is taken for granted by all in not responding timely, being fully aware of his limited leave period.

The real sense of being a soldier is best understood by none other than the soldier himself. One has to be a soldier to understand one.

Once a soldier will remain a soldier for life, with all that openness, straightforwardness and yet a child at heart (Dil to batcha hai!). No one can understand the simple pleasures of life like a hot water bath after 90days, seeing lights after months of dark nights, a working mobile to speak home, the lovely letters from near ones and many more SIMPLE PLEASURES are only enjoyed by soldiers... one needs to maintain an immaculate image in the societal glare & temptations for the larger community of soldiers.

"In a play, everyone wants to be a soldier but reality shuns him as a lesser brother of fate!" - Gurucharan Singh Bais(Bhai). 

   

An Independent Nation under Seize!

An Independent Nation under Seize!

Independent and Seize mentality! don't get confused I am not referring to the Youngest Nation in the world, "South Sudan" which became Independent on July 9th 2001 but want to mention about the  present day "India" which became Independent 64 years back and celebrating it´s 65th Independence day today the 15th August of 2011.

We `The Independent Indians´ are very good at Scaring the Clown in all walks of our life. The days preceding the Independence Day are spent building-up the Tempo of the Nation in the form of preparations by Police, Armed Forces, Intelligence Agencies and Administration not in Nationalistic fervour but FEAR! yes fear and caution of many unwanted incidents of violence leading to creation of a Seize mentality among all. Think of all the negative effect it has on the minds of young children.

The peaceful days of celebrations are over! are they really over or we are becoming too over cautious as a society and nation? There would be reports of terrorist attacks at all places, important roads and places are closed for people, entry restricted to public places, people thoroughly searched for banned objects in the most expected manner, many travel plans amended or cancelled due to rescheduling, people avoiding markets & cinemas, even the security forces restrict their administrative movement thus reducing their footfalls in insurgent infested areas also, all this adds to a fearful peace and calm in the society rather than creating conducive atmosphere for joyous and pleasant Independence Day celebrations.

The crowds joining any flag hoisting ceremony be it at Delhi Red fort, schools, government offices, cantonments and even residents´welfare associations all across the country is either nominated, detailed and seldom enthusiastic & voluntary! People prefer to update a status message on social web sites and watch TV programmes than physically be part of the celebrations, we must do an introspection as to the reasons of this kind of disassociation to one of the important days of the country.

The reasons probably are.....I must mention at the cost of being cynical---------

• The life of a common man has not changed in all these years of Independence.  
• `Tryst with Destiny´ has remained just a zephyr.
• India is a developing country, or develoooooooooooooping  country till eternity. 
• 64 years are not less to change the course of things in a country. Countries ravaged in world wars, attacked with nuclear bombs, torn by historic differences and tsunamis are up and ahead of us in all terms.  
• The Fruits of Development & Open Economy are still to reach all levels of the society. 
• The policies of the state are yet to become INCLUSIVE in all true sense and sincerity.
• The governance does not recognise the need to have strong, well equipped, well paid, well integrated Armed forces which need to be put to use judiciously. National apathy in understanding the losses suffered by the service personnel and their family members.
• Existence of Big fat unresponsive Bureaucracy.
• Plan for extravagance of Nuclear weapons & Moon mission, when millions are still poor, illiterate and unemployed.
• Despots ruling under the garb of Democracy.
• Demonstrations and destruction both by ethical and petty causes.       
• Family dramas of first political family and Political dharmas of political parties.
• Insurgencies, statehood demands and external supports.
• Feudal societal system and VIP culture. 

Poor Common man still doesn't know why and what actual independence means.

  

True that we are Great Nation of Great People with undying spirit to move on with life, in the midst of Mythical Unity in Diversity!

Here we are celebrating the Independence Day to give an Independent Nation to the Children of Independence..... 

   

Musings of a Blogger

Oh! here I am at last QWERTYing away my first blog. I've although written comments on a few Blog posts earlier, this is my first publication. Let me start by dealing with the meaning of my title; "MUSINGS OF A BLOGGER"

Musings = A period of thinking carefully & of course deliberately too (Completed by telling people about it).

Blogger =  A person giving out record of his experience, opinion on a website through internet.

Here, I must ponder a little on why do people BLOG! It is the nature of humans to feel important, the need to be heard is the driving force for blogs. This may not be the only aim but it certainly is the basic and common trigger for blogs. It in someway is like maintaining a diary for few addicted bloggers. But the importance of blogging will certainly reduce with availability of other avenues for people to express, like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Google Buzz, Foursquare, good old Orkut etc., Every experience is unique in it's own way and reactions/feelings to any given situation with the given variables & circumstances are also one of their kind. People would like to share these in various forms, blogging is one of THOSE.

Now, let us see what are those "THOSE",

 - Sharing with a colleague at work place, provided the mental and personal wavelengths match!

 - Discuss with your friend, I mean close enough to talk any rubbish.

 - Just let ought a sign of sigh on Twitter, as the word limit doesn't allow you the lavish expression of thoughts.

 - Leave a post on the Facebook wall, with friend list including all (Family, Friends, Colleagues, Foes).

 - Join a political or social service organisation and vent out your ideas through various means on hapless and helpless civilians.

 - Write a letter(I miss that simple document these days) to a person who is willing to receive that crap and reply with equal patience.

 - Letter or email again to any newspaper column, not being sure of it's fate of publishing.

 - Print pamphlets, posters to distribute among people, very rare act of desperation to be heard!!!   

 - Publish or rather buy a whole page of a popular newspaper, not uncommon these days as many sponsored acts of shamelessness getting official support of political parties.

 - BLOGGING is one of THOSE... with the following advantages:-

    + We can type any lenght.

    + Publish it to prowl on hapless netizens instantaneously.

    + Write on what ever we want whenever & wherever we desire...

    + It's not charging you anything.

 - The list of THOSE(both the means to fulfill the need to be heard and advantages of blogging)  can continue limited to one's imagination only........

I, for my part too is writing this to get out of my boredom... or else what can explain this insomniac act of typing(QWERTYing) a silly blog at 4am in the morning in Africa!!!!

Having said that, it doesn't absolve the responsibility of the readers and my right to some decent return comments....