PEACE PRIZE or APPEASE PRIZE
When I am writing about Gandhi, I am not talking about Sonia Gandhi (International Awakening Center recommended her name for nomination to the Nobel Committe). But I am talking about Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who was the strongest symbol of non-violence in the 20th century. Gandhi was nominated in 1937, 1938, 1939, 1947 and 1948 but strangely never got the peace prize.
His followers US President Barack Hussein Obama, Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, the Dalai Lama have already won Nobel Prize for Peace but why not Mahatma. There are theories of various reasons for the same which are inculded for discussion purposes:
1. Racism - Till 1960 the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Europeans and Americans only
2. Religion - Gandhi was a Hindu, dark skinned and lived in India. He worked for Hindu and Muslim Unity and broke barriers between the Indian society and caste discriminations of his time
3. Political Compulsions - Norway never wanted to annoy the Britsh. After the World War II Norway had strong pro-British policy. Further Gandhi was Nationalist and laid his life for India.
4. Rules - It is said that the rules of Alfred Nobel say that the winner has to be living. However the Nobel prize has been awarded posthumously twice: to Dag Hammarskjöld (Nobel Peace Prize 1961) and Erik Axel Karlfeldt (Nobel Prize in Literature 1931)
5. Who Gets the Money: Gandhi did not belong to an organization, he left no property behind and no will; who should receive the Prize money? It is roumored that the Director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, August Schou, asked the Committee's advisers, lawyer Ole Torleif Røed, and the Swedish prize-awarding institutions for their opinion. The answers were negative
6. Opinion of the WOrld Leaders - Winston said something like "He claims to be for peace and non-violence; but he knows very well, every time he goes on a hunger strike or gets himself arrested, there is riot and mayhem in the street. He's not for non-violence. He just knows how to make the violence look like Britain's fault. He knows exactly what he is doing and the consequences."
I think we should be glad he did not win the Nobel peace prize. Because when people like Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Shimon Peres, Yitzhak Rabin, Yasser Arafat, Lê Ðức Thọ, Henry Kissinger and Al Gore are awarded the prize, it makes one wonder about the credibility of the prize. I think the Nobel peace prize needed Gandhi more than the other way round. Nobel isn't good enough for him.. and yeah he has a peace prize in his name.. how ironic.. Gandhi Peace Prize by Government of India.
And they rightly said..
" Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this walked the earth in flesh and blood."
-- Nobel Prize Winner Albert Einstein, on Mohandas K. Gandhi
“…When the private sector and organized labor work together to promote growth and job opportunities we will all reap the benefits of the unity espoused by Gandhi."
-- Nobel Peace Prize Winner Nelson Mandela
"It is also a tribute to my mentor, Mahatma Gandhi, whose example is an inspiration to so many of us."
-- Nobel Peace Prize Winner His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
"Gandhi advocated racial, social and political peace, and he was "a living incarnation of the ideal of peace itself" while leading the Indian nationalist movement in a non-violent struggle against British rule. Gandhi managed to unite conflicting religious groups in peaceful cooperation guided by the ideals of Ahimsa ("noninjury") and Satyagraha ("truth force"). In 1915 he was given the popular title Mahatma (Great Soul) by Rabindranath Tagore"
Ole Colbjørnsen while nominating Gandhi for Nobel peace prize in 1937 and 1938
http://nobelprize.org/nomination/peace/nomination.php?action=show&showid=2448
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Foolish Viewers
Foolish Viewers
It had been number of times that actors mock the intelligence of viewers. But it is also true that the TV characters get so deep in the life of the viewers that they start believing them. There was a time when people used to touch feet of Deepika Shaw thinking her to be Sita. There was another time when viewers used to cry with Rupa Ganguly on her plight. There was a time when some movies became part of many weddings. But this is an era of reality shows where reality shows are mocking the intelligence of the viewers. Take the case of one actor who initially selected a choreographer for a dance reality show. Abandoned him as her Baliye soon after the show and blamed him for ditching as well. Do we call it a reality show ? Perfect dancers competing with novices and then losing and then blaming the channel for foul play.
Another reality TV comes in, viewers expect that the groom which the bride has selected will be married there and then. All arrangements are made and then the bride-to-be says that she will restrict to engagement. Is it not breach of trust of the viewer. The TV channel has mocked the institution of marriage and how easily the Indian traditions of past can be modified and manipulated for making money . After the first marriage on Swayamar turned out to be hoax the TV channels expect that a season 2 will also be a success. And this time they are playing hoax through a man who had already been accused by his first wife.
There is another reality serial under way wherein it is proposed that infants will be used for the duration of the show. Is it reality or entertainment in any way? It is strange that the Minister of State for Women and Child Development , Ms Krishna Tirath and the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ms.Ambika Soni (both women) are keeping quiet on such degradation of mother-child relationship. There are NGOs which come up for protection of animal rights violation in movies, but are there no rights of infants and children. Is there no law in India that specifies punishment for parents if they willfully exploit their children. Every one knows that separating an infant from his mother may lead to anxiety to a child. The development of child without a mother always lacks compared to a child who has his mother closely. A mother is primary care-giver to a child and her non presence may lead to insecurity for the child. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had already recommended that children below 16 years of age be barred from participating in reality TV shows but is the Minister of Information and Broadcasting still sleeping on the same? We must understand that the stress of a reality TV show is different then the recorded show.
Infect Government of Maharashtra had issued notices to many TV shows like Balika Vadhu under the Child Labour Act. But did the notices lead anywhere ? Has the Mumbai Laobor Commissioner satisfied himself that the conditions under the Child Labor Act are fulfilled. But in the case of Pati Patni or Woh, it is the issue of Life to Life of infants. Infect the Mumbai High Court should intervene in-case the administrative machinery is sleeping on it. It should set an example that infants in this country cannot be used as props in serials.
As regards the reality show each show appears to be fixed in some way. Remember there are acquisitions against all shows - Big Boss, Nach Baliye, VOI. Also the method of votes by SMS is strange. Though the producers make big money out of these SMSes but there always be question marks on such method. There was a time when Anthakshari started as a first reality show - no judges ; no SMSes and no scope of manipulation. But these days even the producers are aware that the viewers do not trust them anymore therefore they have started bringing in the process auditors in the show. Anyways whatever may be the content - exploitation of infants should be stopped at all cost.
It had been number of times that actors mock the intelligence of viewers. But it is also true that the TV characters get so deep in the life of the viewers that they start believing them. There was a time when people used to touch feet of Deepika Shaw thinking her to be Sita. There was another time when viewers used to cry with Rupa Ganguly on her plight. There was a time when some movies became part of many weddings. But this is an era of reality shows where reality shows are mocking the intelligence of the viewers. Take the case of one actor who initially selected a choreographer for a dance reality show. Abandoned him as her Baliye soon after the show and blamed him for ditching as well. Do we call it a reality show ? Perfect dancers competing with novices and then losing and then blaming the channel for foul play.
Another reality TV comes in, viewers expect that the groom which the bride has selected will be married there and then. All arrangements are made and then the bride-to-be says that she will restrict to engagement. Is it not breach of trust of the viewer. The TV channel has mocked the institution of marriage and how easily the Indian traditions of past can be modified and manipulated for making money . After the first marriage on Swayamar turned out to be hoax the TV channels expect that a season 2 will also be a success. And this time they are playing hoax through a man who had already been accused by his first wife.
There is another reality serial under way wherein it is proposed that infants will be used for the duration of the show. Is it reality or entertainment in any way? It is strange that the Minister of State for Women and Child Development , Ms Krishna Tirath and the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ms.Ambika Soni (both women) are keeping quiet on such degradation of mother-child relationship. There are NGOs which come up for protection of animal rights violation in movies, but are there no rights of infants and children. Is there no law in India that specifies punishment for parents if they willfully exploit their children. Every one knows that separating an infant from his mother may lead to anxiety to a child. The development of child without a mother always lacks compared to a child who has his mother closely. A mother is primary care-giver to a child and her non presence may lead to insecurity for the child. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had already recommended that children below 16 years of age be barred from participating in reality TV shows but is the Minister of Information and Broadcasting still sleeping on the same? We must understand that the stress of a reality TV show is different then the recorded show.
Infect Government of Maharashtra had issued notices to many TV shows like Balika Vadhu under the Child Labour Act. But did the notices lead anywhere ? Has the Mumbai Laobor Commissioner satisfied himself that the conditions under the Child Labor Act are fulfilled. But in the case of Pati Patni or Woh, it is the issue of Life to Life of infants. Infect the Mumbai High Court should intervene in-case the administrative machinery is sleeping on it. It should set an example that infants in this country cannot be used as props in serials.
As regards the reality show each show appears to be fixed in some way. Remember there are acquisitions against all shows - Big Boss, Nach Baliye, VOI. Also the method of votes by SMS is strange. Though the producers make big money out of these SMSes but there always be question marks on such method. There was a time when Anthakshari started as a first reality show - no judges ; no SMSes and no scope of manipulation. But these days even the producers are aware that the viewers do not trust them anymore therefore they have started bringing in the process auditors in the show. Anyways whatever may be the content - exploitation of infants should be stopped at all cost.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Aam Admi and Unholy Cows
Aam Admi and Unholy Cows
The French history will never forget the remark that if there is no bread go and eat cakes. That was a beginning of a Renaissance in France. A political party which conducted its annual convention in a five star hotel (named Renaissance) and practiced India shining was also thrown out by Indian Citizens. It is a subtle example that how the politicians should not behave. But today we have leaders like the MoS External Affairs who remark people traveling by the economy class flights as cattle class. I do not know what will be his words for people traveling by second class in trains or for that matter on bullock carts. A constituency which he represents has 60% population as rural population who may not even have bullock carts. Congress spokesperson says that the comment is not in sync with the Indian politics but is the gentleman in sync with Indian sentiments and history of Congress party. The foundation of the party was strengthen by a leader who shed his lawyers suits and adopted Khadi. Even the MP from Thiruvananathapuram in his book – Nehru, the invention of India writes “to put his principles into practice, the Mahatma lived a simple life of near absolute poverty in an ashram & traveled across India in third class railway compartment”. I think that is austerity. But someone who has lived 30 years outside India may not understand the concerns and issues of India. A person who can put his foot in mouth in India has a potential to be a diplomatic disaster for India.
Anyways the track record of MEA is also not working in his favor. MEA has turned a blind eye towards Chinese incursions. It has failed to do anything for Indian citizens in Australia. No headway by MEA with Pakistan to investigate the accused of Mumbai attacks. Fresh attacks on Indian priests in Nepal and helplessness of Indian embassy despite having advance information on same. Nothing done for welfare of Tamils (civilan population) in Sri Lanka at Diplomatic level. Goof up by India on Indo-pak joint statement. Delay in Passport Seva project and more. But the Foreign Ministry was very quick to take the issue of Sharukh Khan detention in US with the US authorities. With the said ministers the priorities of Ministry of External Affairs are quite evident. Further individuals known for their pro-US and pro-Israel views can never frame up an independent foreign policy for India.
We also need to understand the reference made to holy cows as to the cattle class. The two congress leaders reported in media for their austerity measures and traveling by economy class were UPA Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi and Finance Minister, Pranab Mukehrjee. The tallest leader of the congress party and the most powerful person (wrt to finances) in India have been referred as holy cows ( or it was entire political class) . It is strange that the congress leaders and even the opposition is keeping mum on it. Having told to move from a five star hotel the leader has shifted to Navy Guest House. But why not Kerala Bhawan ? When he wants to make its capital a world class city, why not begin with kerala bhawan in Delhi. But some one who was not born in Triruvananathapuram , nor was educated there and is not even fluent in Malyalam may not understand the sentiments of Indian citizens. During elections he was seen in Khadi, hugged babies, threw garlands but appears that the marketing and advertising is over. The product has already been sold out and the constituency has paid a heavy price for it.
Modest Chairman of UID Authority of India has shifted to Karnataka Bhawan, drives his own Indigo, moves without a red light or security personnel and may be he is amongst the richest man in country (with infosys shares),. Our leaders must understand that politics is opportunity for Public Services and not an opportunity to earn name and fame or travel by business class. . Congress party must learn that appearance is not everything - substance is also important. Jyanthi Natrajan says that the Ministers are the prerogative of the Prime Minister but Dr Singh could have taken him as Princial Secretary on Foreign Affairs in rank of MoS. Why elections and Minister ship. Ticket for Lok Sabha election was the prerogative of Congress party. In my submission the MoS must be relieved from his ministerial duties so that he can stay in a five star hotel and can travel in Business class.
The French history will never forget the remark that if there is no bread go and eat cakes. That was a beginning of a Renaissance in France. A political party which conducted its annual convention in a five star hotel (named Renaissance) and practiced India shining was also thrown out by Indian Citizens. It is a subtle example that how the politicians should not behave. But today we have leaders like the MoS External Affairs who remark people traveling by the economy class flights as cattle class. I do not know what will be his words for people traveling by second class in trains or for that matter on bullock carts. A constituency which he represents has 60% population as rural population who may not even have bullock carts. Congress spokesperson says that the comment is not in sync with the Indian politics but is the gentleman in sync with Indian sentiments and history of Congress party. The foundation of the party was strengthen by a leader who shed his lawyers suits and adopted Khadi. Even the MP from Thiruvananathapuram in his book – Nehru, the invention of India writes “to put his principles into practice, the Mahatma lived a simple life of near absolute poverty in an ashram & traveled across India in third class railway compartment”. I think that is austerity. But someone who has lived 30 years outside India may not understand the concerns and issues of India. A person who can put his foot in mouth in India has a potential to be a diplomatic disaster for India.
Anyways the track record of MEA is also not working in his favor. MEA has turned a blind eye towards Chinese incursions. It has failed to do anything for Indian citizens in Australia. No headway by MEA with Pakistan to investigate the accused of Mumbai attacks. Fresh attacks on Indian priests in Nepal and helplessness of Indian embassy despite having advance information on same. Nothing done for welfare of Tamils (civilan population) in Sri Lanka at Diplomatic level. Goof up by India on Indo-pak joint statement. Delay in Passport Seva project and more. But the Foreign Ministry was very quick to take the issue of Sharukh Khan detention in US with the US authorities. With the said ministers the priorities of Ministry of External Affairs are quite evident. Further individuals known for their pro-US and pro-Israel views can never frame up an independent foreign policy for India.
We also need to understand the reference made to holy cows as to the cattle class. The two congress leaders reported in media for their austerity measures and traveling by economy class were UPA Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi and Finance Minister, Pranab Mukehrjee. The tallest leader of the congress party and the most powerful person (wrt to finances) in India have been referred as holy cows ( or it was entire political class) . It is strange that the congress leaders and even the opposition is keeping mum on it. Having told to move from a five star hotel the leader has shifted to Navy Guest House. But why not Kerala Bhawan ? When he wants to make its capital a world class city, why not begin with kerala bhawan in Delhi. But some one who was not born in Triruvananathapuram , nor was educated there and is not even fluent in Malyalam may not understand the sentiments of Indian citizens. During elections he was seen in Khadi, hugged babies, threw garlands but appears that the marketing and advertising is over. The product has already been sold out and the constituency has paid a heavy price for it.
Modest Chairman of UID Authority of India has shifted to Karnataka Bhawan, drives his own Indigo, moves without a red light or security personnel and may be he is amongst the richest man in country (with infosys shares),. Our leaders must understand that politics is opportunity for Public Services and not an opportunity to earn name and fame or travel by business class. . Congress party must learn that appearance is not everything - substance is also important. Jyanthi Natrajan says that the Ministers are the prerogative of the Prime Minister but Dr Singh could have taken him as Princial Secretary on Foreign Affairs in rank of MoS. Why elections and Minister ship. Ticket for Lok Sabha election was the prerogative of Congress party. In my submission the MoS must be relieved from his ministerial duties so that he can stay in a five star hotel and can travel in Business class.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Bounce Back Ability
The Bounce Back Theory
"Don't see how many times a person has failed but see that despite adversity how many times he has bounced back"
There are individuals who have turned negative into positive, adversity into advantage, stumbling blocks into stepping stones. They refuse to let failures pull them down. And there are individuals who go to the extreme of committing suicide because of failures. Infect failure or success is just a state of mind. If you see from your eyes a failure is a lesson learnt and if you want to see from some one else eyes - it is not that important.
A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind expects, it finds.
JOhn Nash could win a Noble prize despite his Schizophrenia
Roosevelt could serve as president despite being on wheelchair (America understands what inclusiveness is all about)
Milton wrote the best poetry despite being blind
Beethoven composed music despite being deaf
It proves that the Power of the Mind and the Courage of the Heart are two elements that will lead to success. Failure isn't something to be avoided; it's a stepping stone on the path to success; succeeding involves bouncing back and overcoming self-doubt. To believe in oneself and to follow the dreams, to have goals in life and a drive to succeed, and to surround with the things and the people that make you happy - this is success! A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him.
There are people in the world who live in limitations of the society - they know what can be done and what cannot be done. But there are individuals who let their imagination beyond those limitations. They have infinite capacity for not knowing what cannot be done. There are individuals who are externally driven who get happy at the compliments and sad at criticism. But there are individuals who are internally driven who in their heart know that they are good human beings and therefore are not swayed by the praise or criticism.
Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.Nine years of failure will not lead to a total failure. It will be beginning of path to success. When one looks at it, it is nine years of lessons learnt. There will be success and failures in future as well. The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand. But success comes to only those who pay this price.
There are individuals who fail for their life but there are a few who get the opportunity to suceed after a small time. After nine years there is still a new beginning, new people, new aims, new achievement, new goals, new successes and failures.
"Don't see how many times a person has failed but see that despite adversity how many times he has bounced back"
There are individuals who have turned negative into positive, adversity into advantage, stumbling blocks into stepping stones. They refuse to let failures pull them down. And there are individuals who go to the extreme of committing suicide because of failures. Infect failure or success is just a state of mind. If you see from your eyes a failure is a lesson learnt and if you want to see from some one else eyes - it is not that important.
A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind expects, it finds.
JOhn Nash could win a Noble prize despite his Schizophrenia
Roosevelt could serve as president despite being on wheelchair (America understands what inclusiveness is all about)
Milton wrote the best poetry despite being blind
Beethoven composed music despite being deaf
It proves that the Power of the Mind and the Courage of the Heart are two elements that will lead to success. Failure isn't something to be avoided; it's a stepping stone on the path to success; succeeding involves bouncing back and overcoming self-doubt. To believe in oneself and to follow the dreams, to have goals in life and a drive to succeed, and to surround with the things and the people that make you happy - this is success! A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him.
There are people in the world who live in limitations of the society - they know what can be done and what cannot be done. But there are individuals who let their imagination beyond those limitations. They have infinite capacity for not knowing what cannot be done. There are individuals who are externally driven who get happy at the compliments and sad at criticism. But there are individuals who are internally driven who in their heart know that they are good human beings and therefore are not swayed by the praise or criticism.
Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.Nine years of failure will not lead to a total failure. It will be beginning of path to success. When one looks at it, it is nine years of lessons learnt. There will be success and failures in future as well. The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand. But success comes to only those who pay this price.
There are individuals who fail for their life but there are a few who get the opportunity to suceed after a small time. After nine years there is still a new beginning, new people, new aims, new achievement, new goals, new successes and failures.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Zero Tolerance
It was heartening to know that the Minister of State for Personnel had made a statement about zero tolerance for corruption. In his statement he has highlighted that the Government is planning a legislature for whistleblowers protection. But five years after the Supreme Court judgement in Satyendra Dubey case the Government is still planning a legislature. The whistleblowers resolution brought by the CVC is lying dumped somewhere. Infect in one of its recent observation the Supreme Court observed that
"Everyone wants to loot this country. The only deterrent is to hang a few corrupt persons from the lamp post,".........The only way to rid the country of corruption is to hang a few of you from the lamppost. The law does not permit us to do it but otherwise we would prefer to hang people like you from the lamppost..- a bench of Supreme Court justices S.B. Sinha and Markandeya Katju 7/3/07
But we need to understand how the whistleblower program happens in India. Say, you have a complaint to make and you write to the President of India. The office of President will forward the complaint to the secretary of the Department, who will give it to the Additional Secretary who will pass the complaint to joint secretary and finally it will land at the table of the same officer against whom the complaint is made.
Imagine a different scenerio you write to the CVC under the Public Interest disclosure Resolution (PIDR). The CVC will make secrecy to the extent that it will put a white ink on all the file references where your name appears. But the person against whom the complaint is made is always aware that who made a complaint and he can carry his vendetta against the complainant. The person is so sure that who made the complaint that he can even stand in the Court and point a finger towards the complainant as to he made a PIDR complaint against me. The point is that when the person against whom the complaint is made is aware about the complainant identity then the PIDR is a joke. Even when the complainant files before the CVC that he appehends a danger to his life then also his letter is forwarded to the Secretary of the same Department against whom the complaint is. The issue is no wrong can happen without the approval of the Secretary then why CVC refers the matter back to him. or is the CVC just for the small fishes and a big catch (IAS Officer) is never in CVC perview.
Has the CVC given some guidelines for the whistleblowers ? Does the CVC even calls the person for an evidence ? The person against whom the complaint is made is given 7-8 opportunities for his reply, but the whistleblower is not even given an opportunity to file rejoinders to the replies. Is there a re-habilitation program for the whistleblowers if he is adversely affected by the corruption in that Department.
Infect there are examples where the predecessors of MOS (P) have intervened with CVC to let the matter be dropped. Whatever may be the circumstances the CVC is capable of investigations then why do Ministers intervene. or do they intervene just to get laptops at home and office. The Ministers in India cannot be too cheap and there must be more than what appears to the eye.
In the Indian system the whistleblower will be pushed from pillar to post to collect evidence which is the duty of investigating agency.Infect one agency will not even lookinto the evidence collected by the other agency.
But there are many social lectures which will criticize the complainant as to he is fighting a dead system. As though it is his fault that he filed a complaint and that he is guilty for it. People will call you not tuned with the changing time. In Government there is the legal bar in the form of the Official Secrets Act and Conduct Rules. In the private sector there are non-disclosure agreement by which employees are gagged from disclosing matters to the public on pain of incurring criminal or civil liability.
Satyendra Dubey and Shanmughan Manjunath are just to examples of the cruelty of Indian system. There are more who die a death everyday and five years after the death of Satyendra Dubey our Minister still plans to bring a legislature without committing on timelines. Actions speak louder than words, Sir
A lesson I learnt very hard and would like to share with all...
"If you must sin, sin against God, not against the bureaucracy. God may forgive you, but the bureaucracy never will!
"Everyone wants to loot this country. The only deterrent is to hang a few corrupt persons from the lamp post,".........The only way to rid the country of corruption is to hang a few of you from the lamppost. The law does not permit us to do it but otherwise we would prefer to hang people like you from the lamppost..- a bench of Supreme Court justices S.B. Sinha and Markandeya Katju 7/3/07
But we need to understand how the whistleblower program happens in India. Say, you have a complaint to make and you write to the President of India. The office of President will forward the complaint to the secretary of the Department, who will give it to the Additional Secretary who will pass the complaint to joint secretary and finally it will land at the table of the same officer against whom the complaint is made.
Imagine a different scenerio you write to the CVC under the Public Interest disclosure Resolution (PIDR). The CVC will make secrecy to the extent that it will put a white ink on all the file references where your name appears. But the person against whom the complaint is made is always aware that who made a complaint and he can carry his vendetta against the complainant. The person is so sure that who made the complaint that he can even stand in the Court and point a finger towards the complainant as to he made a PIDR complaint against me. The point is that when the person against whom the complaint is made is aware about the complainant identity then the PIDR is a joke. Even when the complainant files before the CVC that he appehends a danger to his life then also his letter is forwarded to the Secretary of the same Department against whom the complaint is. The issue is no wrong can happen without the approval of the Secretary then why CVC refers the matter back to him. or is the CVC just for the small fishes and a big catch (IAS Officer) is never in CVC perview.
Has the CVC given some guidelines for the whistleblowers ? Does the CVC even calls the person for an evidence ? The person against whom the complaint is made is given 7-8 opportunities for his reply, but the whistleblower is not even given an opportunity to file rejoinders to the replies. Is there a re-habilitation program for the whistleblowers if he is adversely affected by the corruption in that Department.
Infect there are examples where the predecessors of MOS (P) have intervened with CVC to let the matter be dropped. Whatever may be the circumstances the CVC is capable of investigations then why do Ministers intervene. or do they intervene just to get laptops at home and office. The Ministers in India cannot be too cheap and there must be more than what appears to the eye.
In the Indian system the whistleblower will be pushed from pillar to post to collect evidence which is the duty of investigating agency.Infect one agency will not even lookinto the evidence collected by the other agency.
But there are many social lectures which will criticize the complainant as to he is fighting a dead system. As though it is his fault that he filed a complaint and that he is guilty for it. People will call you not tuned with the changing time. In Government there is the legal bar in the form of the Official Secrets Act and Conduct Rules. In the private sector there are non-disclosure agreement by which employees are gagged from disclosing matters to the public on pain of incurring criminal or civil liability.
Satyendra Dubey and Shanmughan Manjunath are just to examples of the cruelty of Indian system. There are more who die a death everyday and five years after the death of Satyendra Dubey our Minister still plans to bring a legislature without committing on timelines. Actions speak louder than words, Sir
A lesson I learnt very hard and would like to share with all...
"If you must sin, sin against God, not against the bureaucracy. God may forgive you, but the bureaucracy never will!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Unity in Diversity of Indian Education
bThe enthusiasm of the Union Minister for Reforms in Education Sector is a cause of happiness and concern. Happiness because there is one Minister who has come with a vision and a 100 day implementation plan for the same. A matter of concern because any reforms carried in the education sector without taking States/ Stakeholders in confidence and with a unilateral decision of the Minister (without taking other political parties and even his own colleagues in confidence ) will backfire.
There are many committees and reports which have focused on Higher Education in India. There are equally zeal political leaders who have focused on primary education and also discussed the Right to Education.
But in these discussions the secondary education which is the most fundamental in development of any child into a responsible citizen have been left out somewhere. But before stepping in to the domain of secondary education we need to answer, What is the purpose of education ? When we look back we had gurus and guru-kuls in past and the main area of education in those institutions were Dharma, Niti, Arthshastra (after Chanakya?) and the war training for a warrior. Those were the needs of those times and the needs of this era are different. Then there was a era of British Empire where they needed individuals good in English, Mathematics and like for their work and then the Education took that form.
But have our leaders ever thought what is the need of today's era ? What will make an individual competent in the society ? What are the traits necessary for him to learn for becoming a good citizen ? A few subjects which come to my mind are listed below. There may be more and there may be some which may not be required but they all need a debate – at a national level
1.Language – There is a need that each student be taught English, Hindi, Regional Language and a Foreign Language (the future will be for those who know one foreign language and that must be introduced at the secondary level itself)
2.Law – Every citizen has to be part of the society and every society is governed by laws. Then why law should be left only for lawyers? Every student should be given some sensitization course in law at the secondary level. At least he should be aware of fundamental rights, consumer law, IPC, Marriage law, Inheritance Law, basic Business Law and so on
3.India after 1950 – It is important that rather than students reading about the revolt of 1857 or independence struggle they must start reading about India after 1950. The Indian Constitution, Five Year Plans, Green Revolution, White Revolution, Emergency, Assassination of Gandhi, Indira, Rajeev, Operation Blue Star, The liberalization, Ram Mandir, The Riots of Delhi, Gujarat and more states etc are few areas which need to be told to students. Let them not live in the past where we all grew
4.World after World Wars – The students also need to be made aware of world after the World Wars like the Iraq war, Afghanistan, Struggle in our Neighborhood - Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Tibet, Sri Lanka all have a histories to narrate. Similarly rise of Obhama, state of Russia, European Union etc are more international areas that need to be covered.
5.Governance – The Governance in India is another area which every student has to be aware of. The first point of knowledge has to be RTI Act and its importance. The Structures – Centre, State, Local Governments; Municipalities, Cantonments, Panchayats etc and role of each. The hierarchy in each organ – Cabinet Minister, MOS, Cabinet Secretary, Secretary, AS, JS and so on. Allocation of Business Rules of Government of India and role of each Ministry. Details on Manual of office Procedures. Working of Parliament, Courts and Government at Centre and their corresponding units in States. The role of MC, MLA, MP – allocation of funds under MPLADS Scheme, the centrally sponsored schemes of GOI and so on.
6.Entertainment – When a student spends so much time on films, music, dance etc why he should not be taught about it. Infect Drama, poetry, journalism, creative writing may also be added to same. When entertainment industry gives so much employment then why no education in that area at the Secondary Level. There can also be practicals where students can make Audios, Videos through long forgotten AVRCs
7.Fashion – Every individual wants to look smart ; following the latest trends so why not to teach them to understand fashion and its importance.
8.Information Technology – (and not software/ computer languages) is an important area to be taught to students. The importance, use of Internet and similar tools is important. Equally important is knowledge of e-mail , social networking sites, search engines etc
9.Scientific Outlook to life – India still is in grip of astrologers and forecasters. The same takes us back from scientific outlook to life in an era of superstitions. Infect there are TV Channels , print media who have started using the weakness of Indian Audience to their commercial interests. The Business Channels, Times TV, NDTV, Doordarshan are few channels which have still stayed away from these superstitions. Infect I & B Ministry must also step in to stop jyotishis, tarrot card readers etc to be live on TV.
10.Management – Requires no debate
11.Self management – Time Management, Mannerism, Spirituality etc
12.Various Religions of the World – Why a student should not be aware of foundations of various religions and thereby himself understand the tolerance these religions stand for and choose a best religion for himself.
13.Community Welfare – A student must also be taught to appreciate that there are sections of society who are elderly, differently able etc who need support. An individuals role in his society , social issues etc will further lead to making an informed citizen out of him
14.Medicine – understanding of various diseases especially AIDS etc , kind of medical specialists, hospitals , Blood Groups, Blood and organ donation etc
15.Mathematics – we have to restrict to basic mathematics ; the complex mathematics have to be shifted to higher classes
16.Geography – regional geography is as much important then the national and international geography
17.Practical Economics – Budget, Economic Survey, Five Year Plans, WTO
18.Basic Science – Till tenth physics, chemistry and biology should be of basic nature only
19.Disaster Management – A student needs to understand what a disaster is and what should be a reaction of an individual in a disaster
20.Practical Accounts – Filing IT Returns, Form 16, Different Taxes etc
21.Business Science – Opening a business, Industry Leaders (Ambanis, Birlas, Sunil Mittal, TATAs, Bill Gates and so on)
22.Regulatory Framework – DC, SP, Police, Court- their roles ; arrests, bail, offenses and so on
23.Political Science – National, Regional Political Parties in India , their history, leaders, achievements, election tallies and so on . Political Systems in other countries and so on
24.Physical Education – Yoga, Sports, Gyms, Diet Management and so on
25.Sociology – Diversity of people in Indian Society – minorities , religious groups, sects and so on .
The subjects mentioned above may be spread in courses of sixth, seventh, eight, ninth and tenth to the level of maturity. There may not be any exams as proposed by the Minister but a single National / State level paper conducted by each board. The exam has to be one exam of say three hours of learning of five years and that also to give a grade for future education purposes only.
The most important is that before each chapter/ subject; the board / teacher should be told to write a preface that how the chapter will add value in practical life of student. The student needs to be told the purpose of every word told to him.
Having said above the education till secondary level has to be focused on diversity. Standardizing the secondary education will loose the flavor of diversity and regional needs of India. The Minister must try Unity in Diversity and not uniform education system across the country.
There are many committees and reports which have focused on Higher Education in India. There are equally zeal political leaders who have focused on primary education and also discussed the Right to Education.
But in these discussions the secondary education which is the most fundamental in development of any child into a responsible citizen have been left out somewhere. But before stepping in to the domain of secondary education we need to answer, What is the purpose of education ? When we look back we had gurus and guru-kuls in past and the main area of education in those institutions were Dharma, Niti, Arthshastra (after Chanakya?) and the war training for a warrior. Those were the needs of those times and the needs of this era are different. Then there was a era of British Empire where they needed individuals good in English, Mathematics and like for their work and then the Education took that form.
But have our leaders ever thought what is the need of today's era ? What will make an individual competent in the society ? What are the traits necessary for him to learn for becoming a good citizen ? A few subjects which come to my mind are listed below. There may be more and there may be some which may not be required but they all need a debate – at a national level
1.Language – There is a need that each student be taught English, Hindi, Regional Language and a Foreign Language (the future will be for those who know one foreign language and that must be introduced at the secondary level itself)
2.Law – Every citizen has to be part of the society and every society is governed by laws. Then why law should be left only for lawyers? Every student should be given some sensitization course in law at the secondary level. At least he should be aware of fundamental rights, consumer law, IPC, Marriage law, Inheritance Law, basic Business Law and so on
3.India after 1950 – It is important that rather than students reading about the revolt of 1857 or independence struggle they must start reading about India after 1950. The Indian Constitution, Five Year Plans, Green Revolution, White Revolution, Emergency, Assassination of Gandhi, Indira, Rajeev, Operation Blue Star, The liberalization, Ram Mandir, The Riots of Delhi, Gujarat and more states etc are few areas which need to be told to students. Let them not live in the past where we all grew
4.World after World Wars – The students also need to be made aware of world after the World Wars like the Iraq war, Afghanistan, Struggle in our Neighborhood - Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Tibet, Sri Lanka all have a histories to narrate. Similarly rise of Obhama, state of Russia, European Union etc are more international areas that need to be covered.
5.Governance – The Governance in India is another area which every student has to be aware of. The first point of knowledge has to be RTI Act and its importance. The Structures – Centre, State, Local Governments; Municipalities, Cantonments, Panchayats etc and role of each. The hierarchy in each organ – Cabinet Minister, MOS, Cabinet Secretary, Secretary, AS, JS and so on. Allocation of Business Rules of Government of India and role of each Ministry. Details on Manual of office Procedures. Working of Parliament, Courts and Government at Centre and their corresponding units in States. The role of MC, MLA, MP – allocation of funds under MPLADS Scheme, the centrally sponsored schemes of GOI and so on.
6.Entertainment – When a student spends so much time on films, music, dance etc why he should not be taught about it. Infect Drama, poetry, journalism, creative writing may also be added to same. When entertainment industry gives so much employment then why no education in that area at the Secondary Level. There can also be practicals where students can make Audios, Videos through long forgotten AVRCs
7.Fashion – Every individual wants to look smart ; following the latest trends so why not to teach them to understand fashion and its importance.
8.Information Technology – (and not software/ computer languages) is an important area to be taught to students. The importance, use of Internet and similar tools is important. Equally important is knowledge of e-mail , social networking sites, search engines etc
9.Scientific Outlook to life – India still is in grip of astrologers and forecasters. The same takes us back from scientific outlook to life in an era of superstitions. Infect there are TV Channels , print media who have started using the weakness of Indian Audience to their commercial interests. The Business Channels, Times TV, NDTV, Doordarshan are few channels which have still stayed away from these superstitions. Infect I & B Ministry must also step in to stop jyotishis, tarrot card readers etc to be live on TV.
10.Management – Requires no debate
11.Self management – Time Management, Mannerism, Spirituality etc
12.Various Religions of the World – Why a student should not be aware of foundations of various religions and thereby himself understand the tolerance these religions stand for and choose a best religion for himself.
13.Community Welfare – A student must also be taught to appreciate that there are sections of society who are elderly, differently able etc who need support. An individuals role in his society , social issues etc will further lead to making an informed citizen out of him
14.Medicine – understanding of various diseases especially AIDS etc , kind of medical specialists, hospitals , Blood Groups, Blood and organ donation etc
15.Mathematics – we have to restrict to basic mathematics ; the complex mathematics have to be shifted to higher classes
16.Geography – regional geography is as much important then the national and international geography
17.Practical Economics – Budget, Economic Survey, Five Year Plans, WTO
18.Basic Science – Till tenth physics, chemistry and biology should be of basic nature only
19.Disaster Management – A student needs to understand what a disaster is and what should be a reaction of an individual in a disaster
20.Practical Accounts – Filing IT Returns, Form 16, Different Taxes etc
21.Business Science – Opening a business, Industry Leaders (Ambanis, Birlas, Sunil Mittal, TATAs, Bill Gates and so on)
22.Regulatory Framework – DC, SP, Police, Court- their roles ; arrests, bail, offenses and so on
23.Political Science – National, Regional Political Parties in India , their history, leaders, achievements, election tallies and so on . Political Systems in other countries and so on
24.Physical Education – Yoga, Sports, Gyms, Diet Management and so on
25.Sociology – Diversity of people in Indian Society – minorities , religious groups, sects and so on .
The subjects mentioned above may be spread in courses of sixth, seventh, eight, ninth and tenth to the level of maturity. There may not be any exams as proposed by the Minister but a single National / State level paper conducted by each board. The exam has to be one exam of say three hours of learning of five years and that also to give a grade for future education purposes only.
The most important is that before each chapter/ subject; the board / teacher should be told to write a preface that how the chapter will add value in practical life of student. The student needs to be told the purpose of every word told to him.
Having said above the education till secondary level has to be focused on diversity. Standardizing the secondary education will loose the flavor of diversity and regional needs of India. The Minister must try Unity in Diversity and not uniform education system across the country.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Re-booting BJP
I was extremely impressed by the BJP's IT Action Plan during its election campaign, there were many more agendas and ideas. Infect if you look at the website lkadvani.in, citizens across India have poured their heart out. And it was obvious that after the defeat of the party a Blame Game has begun. There are many issues which are emerging as the reasons for the downfall of the party in these elections but as a political observer (my friends and foes have made be a permanent observer) I thought to share a few thoughts which I feel are gaps from a long term prospective:
1.Family Politics - The party which was democratic in its structure is now showing the signs of family politics. We know that children of Jaswant Singh, Vasundhrareje Scindhia (including her daughter's son), Menaka Gandhi have all been promoted. So, how can the party claim that the party is not at all about family business.
2.The other factor which the party needs to introspect is the age factor. While the other parties projected many young faces the party got limited with same old faces. The party leaders who are known for giving way to new ideas must make way for the new leaders as well. The message is even if you are not tired you must retire. (remember tire / retire speech by Atalji). Just a thought that what stops the party to play a political scoop by making all its leaders retire at age of sixty. (or at least seventy)
3.Another reason I believe may be harmful is the emergence of Coterie culture within the party. The party today is headed by many strategist but there are few mass leaders. Majority of the central leadership is from Rajya Sabha and few of them who are from Lok Sabha have fought their elections from the safest seats. The question is that if such leaders wanted to ensure success of others and that is why they are not contesting Lok Sabha election then why do they want to enter Parliament through the Upper House route. I feel that the upper house should become the true house of elders where in the Senior leaders find their way and not the young ones. The young have to contest and enter.
4.The party may be rhetoric about the fact that the developments (their were two kinds of developments) in Gujarat have no consequence on the party as they have won elections twice after that. The party lives in a mirage that the media reports about them may not have any consequence to them. But the party must realize that a short gain in Gujarat has lead to a big loss across the Nation. The media reports may not have affected Gujarat but they have affected the rest of India. In nutshell politics of extremism has no place in India - anymore.
5.Another factor which the party is suffering from is that of NPA or the Non Performing Assets (read as Alliances here). The party has suffered a lot because of its alliance partners in some states like Maharashtra, Haryana & Punjab. Though the other parties like the Congress may not have gained due to the TINA (there is no alternative - alternatives were present) factor but their major gains have been because of the TITA (There is terrible Alternative). So the BJP has to introspect that is that because of their alliance partners in some states , did they presented a terrible alternative before the citizens.
6.Further there are state specific incidents which have lead to the image dent. The party puts such issues under the carpet but even if these issues are of no significance in the local politics they have a great significance in the National Politics. The Maharani style of rule in one of the state, the pub incident in another, the victimization of Biharis by alliance partners in another state do not present a good picture of the party. The youth today looks forward to an inclusive party.
7.The party leaders also have to look into their image make-over where as some of the leaders of the other parties are seen with a bullock in fields (remember Dr. YSR Reddy in AP), staying in a small hut in a village, raising the concerns of kalavati. Bu the BJP party presented a glamorous CM doing catwalk in a fashion show. There are more cine-stars in the party then leaders. Does the party wants to convey that we need people who can act ? The party brings a popular star from from Mumbai, make her contest from Chandni Chownk and after the loss the cine-star is back to her work in Mumbai. We all must remember India is a country where the image counts a lot. Even a Home Minister had to quit for changing his clothes - thrice in a day. So, if the BJP leaders want to part of the Page three in the newspapers they for sure will loose their relevance on Page One.
8.The lack of effective state leader is another cause wherein the party at state level is snubbed. Say out of magic wand the party has to appoint (read the difference - I have not used the word elect) a Chief Minister in a particular state. There may not be even single name that may come out of states like Haryana, Punjab, Orissa, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and so on. Even if there are some BJP faces in these states, atleast people are not aware of them. Further it is a very bad precedent that instead of the Legislative party electing its Chief Minister, the CMs are sent from the centre. And the party criticizes the double power centers.
9.The missing roots in RSS is also a cause of concern. People in India have to be informed that RSS is not about serving the Hindus but about serving the nation. RSS may also gave to probably give its love for Saffron and Khakis and re-invent itself. It is a fact that each party has to re-invent itself after some time. It is only crocodiles who cultivate in the stagnant waters.
10.In the current elections the focus remained on the negatives of the current Government may also not have benefited the party. A good opposition telling the people the areas where the Government failed, but the citizens must have realized that where was this principle opposition party for the five years and why it did not educated us then.
11.The party has to also bring in more diversity and inclusiveness in its agenda - Christians, Women, Youth, Farmers, Tribal etc are not seen in the united colors of BJP. And the party also has no person which represents to the people about the party's respect for differently abled people. We must remember that in the oath taking ceremony of this Government the loudest applause was for this spirit for humanity. The same represented the human face of party
12.The Senior party leaders are so busy in their own pie of power that they are not even grooming future leaders. It was grooming by Atalji and Advaniji that we see so many faces in BJP today. But is the current generation preparing the generation next of the party or the same is again left to Advaniji to prepare even his third generation.
13.The conflicting views on many issues like Khandhar, Jinnah, Varun are exploited by the other parties to a great extend and the party has to become sensitive on such emotive issues.
14.Another gap which is emerging is about inner party democracy, it is a surprise that instead of the Parliamentary Party electing the leader of Opposition / Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha - they are now nominated by a similar high command. We must realize that inner party democracy was the foundation of the party and if the foundation becomes weak the building will fall.
15.The inner conflicts in the party have risen to the extent that the party with a difference now appears to be Party with Differences. Further the treatment met with Ms. Uma Bharti is enough to convey to the whole nation that every voice of dissent against one leader will become silent in the party. We must realize that every team will have difference of opinions which need to be addressed (and not different egos)
16.Also it is strange to see that BJP politics is also becoming a ground for developing the rebel faction of the Gandhi family. The party needs to introspect that were these leaders brought into the party because of their work or their surnames. BJP had never been a party of SIRNAMES
17.Another factor is that the party now must realize that it is a time to go alone nationwide. The short term loses must be looked from long term gains.
18.The party must look into the fact that the actions speak louder than words. There are many party spokesmen who go and win arguments on TV Channels but the party must realize that are these leaders of some value beyond the TV rooms. The decisions of the party should be through the ground level leaders and not through the debtors on TV channels.
19.The party is full of generalists, every person comes out and give replies on any topic in the country. Why does not the party has a specialist to answer the specific queries. Say all queries related to Finance goes to one leader, of governance goes to another and so on.
20.The party has to also reflect to people that it is a constructive opposition and not a opposing opposition. The party must come out strongly on the reform agenda of the current government and resist only on areas which are not interest of people. Resisting everything is resisting development and interests of citizens.
Lastly the party leaders have to live up to their commitments at least to their volunteers. If a party leader was seen as saying that whatever may be the results we will meet again... and if the meeting has not taken place, the leadership will see very few volunteers in the next elections. Remember that it is a time that all the thoughts captured online have now to be implemented offline at least in BJP ruled states. Finally the party must look forward to individuals who want to serve rather than leaders who want to contest or be a minister.
1.Family Politics - The party which was democratic in its structure is now showing the signs of family politics. We know that children of Jaswant Singh, Vasundhrareje Scindhia (including her daughter's son), Menaka Gandhi have all been promoted. So, how can the party claim that the party is not at all about family business.
2.The other factor which the party needs to introspect is the age factor. While the other parties projected many young faces the party got limited with same old faces. The party leaders who are known for giving way to new ideas must make way for the new leaders as well. The message is even if you are not tired you must retire. (remember tire / retire speech by Atalji). Just a thought that what stops the party to play a political scoop by making all its leaders retire at age of sixty. (or at least seventy)
3.Another reason I believe may be harmful is the emergence of Coterie culture within the party. The party today is headed by many strategist but there are few mass leaders. Majority of the central leadership is from Rajya Sabha and few of them who are from Lok Sabha have fought their elections from the safest seats. The question is that if such leaders wanted to ensure success of others and that is why they are not contesting Lok Sabha election then why do they want to enter Parliament through the Upper House route. I feel that the upper house should become the true house of elders where in the Senior leaders find their way and not the young ones. The young have to contest and enter.
4.The party may be rhetoric about the fact that the developments (their were two kinds of developments) in Gujarat have no consequence on the party as they have won elections twice after that. The party lives in a mirage that the media reports about them may not have any consequence to them. But the party must realize that a short gain in Gujarat has lead to a big loss across the Nation. The media reports may not have affected Gujarat but they have affected the rest of India. In nutshell politics of extremism has no place in India - anymore.
5.Another factor which the party is suffering from is that of NPA or the Non Performing Assets (read as Alliances here). The party has suffered a lot because of its alliance partners in some states like Maharashtra, Haryana & Punjab. Though the other parties like the Congress may not have gained due to the TINA (there is no alternative - alternatives were present) factor but their major gains have been because of the TITA (There is terrible Alternative). So the BJP has to introspect that is that because of their alliance partners in some states , did they presented a terrible alternative before the citizens.
6.Further there are state specific incidents which have lead to the image dent. The party puts such issues under the carpet but even if these issues are of no significance in the local politics they have a great significance in the National Politics. The Maharani style of rule in one of the state, the pub incident in another, the victimization of Biharis by alliance partners in another state do not present a good picture of the party. The youth today looks forward to an inclusive party.
7.The party leaders also have to look into their image make-over where as some of the leaders of the other parties are seen with a bullock in fields (remember Dr. YSR Reddy in AP), staying in a small hut in a village, raising the concerns of kalavati. Bu the BJP party presented a glamorous CM doing catwalk in a fashion show. There are more cine-stars in the party then leaders. Does the party wants to convey that we need people who can act ? The party brings a popular star from from Mumbai, make her contest from Chandni Chownk and after the loss the cine-star is back to her work in Mumbai. We all must remember India is a country where the image counts a lot. Even a Home Minister had to quit for changing his clothes - thrice in a day. So, if the BJP leaders want to part of the Page three in the newspapers they for sure will loose their relevance on Page One.
8.The lack of effective state leader is another cause wherein the party at state level is snubbed. Say out of magic wand the party has to appoint (read the difference - I have not used the word elect) a Chief Minister in a particular state. There may not be even single name that may come out of states like Haryana, Punjab, Orissa, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and so on. Even if there are some BJP faces in these states, atleast people are not aware of them. Further it is a very bad precedent that instead of the Legislative party electing its Chief Minister, the CMs are sent from the centre. And the party criticizes the double power centers.
9.The missing roots in RSS is also a cause of concern. People in India have to be informed that RSS is not about serving the Hindus but about serving the nation. RSS may also gave to probably give its love for Saffron and Khakis and re-invent itself. It is a fact that each party has to re-invent itself after some time. It is only crocodiles who cultivate in the stagnant waters.
10.In the current elections the focus remained on the negatives of the current Government may also not have benefited the party. A good opposition telling the people the areas where the Government failed, but the citizens must have realized that where was this principle opposition party for the five years and why it did not educated us then.
11.The party has to also bring in more diversity and inclusiveness in its agenda - Christians, Women, Youth, Farmers, Tribal etc are not seen in the united colors of BJP. And the party also has no person which represents to the people about the party's respect for differently abled people. We must remember that in the oath taking ceremony of this Government the loudest applause was for this spirit for humanity. The same represented the human face of party
12.The Senior party leaders are so busy in their own pie of power that they are not even grooming future leaders. It was grooming by Atalji and Advaniji that we see so many faces in BJP today. But is the current generation preparing the generation next of the party or the same is again left to Advaniji to prepare even his third generation.
13.The conflicting views on many issues like Khandhar, Jinnah, Varun are exploited by the other parties to a great extend and the party has to become sensitive on such emotive issues.
14.Another gap which is emerging is about inner party democracy, it is a surprise that instead of the Parliamentary Party electing the leader of Opposition / Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha - they are now nominated by a similar high command. We must realize that inner party democracy was the foundation of the party and if the foundation becomes weak the building will fall.
15.The inner conflicts in the party have risen to the extent that the party with a difference now appears to be Party with Differences. Further the treatment met with Ms. Uma Bharti is enough to convey to the whole nation that every voice of dissent against one leader will become silent in the party. We must realize that every team will have difference of opinions which need to be addressed (and not different egos)
16.Also it is strange to see that BJP politics is also becoming a ground for developing the rebel faction of the Gandhi family. The party needs to introspect that were these leaders brought into the party because of their work or their surnames. BJP had never been a party of SIRNAMES
17.Another factor is that the party now must realize that it is a time to go alone nationwide. The short term loses must be looked from long term gains.
18.The party must look into the fact that the actions speak louder than words. There are many party spokesmen who go and win arguments on TV Channels but the party must realize that are these leaders of some value beyond the TV rooms. The decisions of the party should be through the ground level leaders and not through the debtors on TV channels.
19.The party is full of generalists, every person comes out and give replies on any topic in the country. Why does not the party has a specialist to answer the specific queries. Say all queries related to Finance goes to one leader, of governance goes to another and so on.
20.The party has to also reflect to people that it is a constructive opposition and not a opposing opposition. The party must come out strongly on the reform agenda of the current government and resist only on areas which are not interest of people. Resisting everything is resisting development and interests of citizens.
Lastly the party leaders have to live up to their commitments at least to their volunteers. If a party leader was seen as saying that whatever may be the results we will meet again... and if the meeting has not taken place, the leadership will see very few volunteers in the next elections. Remember that it is a time that all the thoughts captured online have now to be implemented offline at least in BJP ruled states. Finally the party must look forward to individuals who want to serve rather than leaders who want to contest or be a minister.
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