The boiling point

It was first in HCU, and now in JNU. Our esteemed educational institutions are becoming the hot bed of political activities. I can't comment much on the political parties, the leaders or their policies of playing with dead bodies, and fomenting  an issue from a non-issue or one that can be contained locally. The recent activities and news, however, raises a question, why our premier educational institutions of higher learning are NOT apolitical, and the temple of learning are secluded and misused as political battle field. How can students, who pursue higher learning be engaged in political activities fostered by their external political masters? Should not the student elections, for instance, in colleges be stopped? If at all, there is a need of students in political science, to have practical exposure, should be provided internships in political parties, like professional students go to corporates. There should be debates in campuses on policy matters, current affairs, and enactment of mini parliamentary discussions, but solely to increase the efficacy of  a system to improve on the core competencies, oratory and other relevant skills (like for a political career). Let our students be rightly informed and take up real life challenges and problems, and engaged in solving the same.

Bihar election and dynastic politics

Mr. Nitish Kumar took oath as the Bihar CM today. After, a hectic, bitter and acerbic election campaign, Nitish had continued the rally for the third time. As per media reports, and expert opinions, Bihar has been on a development trajectory, though more needs to be done, and long way to go. Many Biharis and Indian may be happy or neutral over the CM post, however, many are disgust over the deputy CM post being awarded to Laloo's son. I would have liked the most experienced RJD leader taking up that post. If people are commenting against dynastic politics, it's rampant in every political party. BJP is not that far behind as well. However, in a democracy, a "leader" is elected, not a graduate or an expert. For the same reason, Ex-PM, the best possible "qualified" PM was mocked, as he lacked the leadership qualities. And, I hope, the new Dy CM of Bihar does justice to the people's verdict. As far as, Biharis go, I am sure they know what they are doing.

Few references:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_families_of_India

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-dynastic-politics-in-bjp-7-sons-and-daughters-of-the-now-ruling-party-1990241

 http://swaminomics.org/bihar%E2%80%99s-economic-miracle-real-but-fragile/

India First as a theme in our national policies

Here are some thoughts where "India First" is taking a dent in the current national policy scenario:

1. GST is supposed to be the game changer for Indian economy, but it's been blocked in Parliament for long. It was BJP who kept opposing, and now Congress. If its good for the country, why is it being delayed?

2. OROP , in principle both Congress and BJP agree on it's implementation, and our Jawans deserves it, and country needs them the most, why not a time bound solution. Agree, it could complex , but why then false promises?

3. Washing out of parliament sessions. BJP played its part in 2012/13, and now congress. Where is country first approach here? Is stopping parliament is the way ahead?

4. The pseudo fight in Delhi between LG and CM, and subsequently larger political games. National advertisement for state govt. Didn't understand how country's/state's progress is made by that, where other departments are crying for funds. "India Shining" was such a campaign in 2004.

5. No unique voice in the matter of national security and particularly policy with Pakistan. Watch any TV debate, the fault lines are clear. Should not there be consensus in the matter of internal security and policies? If country first is the approach for both national parties, why not all parties meet to conclude Indian stand on critical and strategic issues? Let there be a unique stand - Indian Stand.

6. Every Govt. Follows spoiler system for appointment into institute of national importance. Then it was Congress, and now BJP. Are they following the criteria of BEST choice for the political appointments? Censor board, FTTI and Delhi commission of women are a few that created furor. Is country first is the criteria here?

7. Land bill - why not political consensus on what good for the country, discuss on Parliament  rather push it through ordinance. Is the long term view of the policies are taken into account. I agree, its a complex issue and needs detailed deliberations to push economic agenda and safeguard the poor. But sure, if every party thinks country first, we will have a more agreeable one.

I stand corrected, and any suggestions or new instances may be added.

Tribute to Kalam

କାଲାମ କଲମେ କାଳଜୟୀ ଲେଖା
ଆନ୍ଦୋଳିଲା ଯୁବା ହୃଦୟ
ଅଗ୍ନୀର ଡେଣାରେ ଚେଇଁ ଉଠିଥିଲା
ଦେଶ ମାତୃକାର ଲୟ

କ୍ଷେପଣାସ୍ତ୍ର ଦିନେ ଗଢିଥିଲେ ଯିଏ
ନିଜ ଜ୍ଞାନ କଉଶଳେ
ଅଗ୍ନୀ ସଞ୍ଜୋଗିଲେ ଦେଶ ଚେତନାର
କୋଟି କୋଟି ଶିଶୁ ପ୍ରାଣେ

ଅନ୍ତିମ ଯାତ୍ରାର ସାରଥି ସେ ନିଜେ
କୋଟି ଚକ୍ଷୁ ଅଶୃ ବହେ
ଅମର ଆତ୍ମାର କାଳଜୟୀ ସନ୍ଦେଶ
ମର ଶରୀରେକି କାଲାମ ରହେ

RIP Kalam!

It's heartening to see what impact a simple man had in billion of hearts. I kept thinking, what's that so great. Is it his accomplishments, achievements, awards, or larger than life deeds. He was a great scientist, and I am sure there are many like him. He was a president, and there are more before and after. He was a Bharat Ratna, there are many other distinguished Indians. But, the striking features that stood him apart is his child like curiocity, simplicity, simplifying complex ideas and walking the talk. For me, more important part of that is post presidency. My respect for him increased many fold after he denied to contest for presidency second time, and continued what he loved, and was always there in news in some contribution or other. Possibly, its that karma, of doing things that he believed, and did till his last breath. His connections with children and he became one among them.

All I have now is an ocean of inspirations, and helping him in his dream of India as a developed nation. So long as I walk his words, so long as "I am Kalam", Kalam always lives on! 

Casading effects of goodness in Politics

The change in perception makes a big difference, which may not be quantified in the near future, but provides a great macro picture of a prominent change. The nature of politics before the IAC movement and post IAC moment, has certainly changed the political games. Though such impact is less visible in the rural landscape, it has a huge impact in urban areas.

Delhi as a case study: there has been a land slide change in the nature of campaign and innovation being pursued for canvasing. Further, the candidate selections. Entry of one good candidate into the opposition party brings enough change across different party lines that want a real fight. For instance, last election, BJP changed its chief ministerial candidate at the last moment bring a more cleaner persona. And this year, just before the election, when BJP feared of losing some good ground, compelled to bring another great candidate to counter the seemingly unstoppable leader.

Isn’t it a cascading effect of entry of good candidates into politics that we have better numbers of able leaders contesting the top spot – a change in the status-quo?

Kiran Bedi’s entry into politics – a welcome sign for Indian politics

Indian political scenario is getting warmer due to upcoming Delhi elections. Last week’s major media activities were revolved around Kiran Bedi’s entry into BJP, and the speculation of her possible candidature for CM post. I am glad, that Kiran Bedi joined politics, and her excellent track record generates hope that she may bring some positive  change into politics as well. Frankly, I am not surprised at her decision, given her public comments over last two years. Every Individual has the constitutional right to choose a political party of her choice, however, there are questions being raised of some U-turns see took and the time she had chosen to join into politics. It looks to be opportunistic. However, she will have enough time to dispel these speculations or perceptions, and proving her critics wrong.

I read an Article long back  by Ms. Bedi. In her application to Civil service examination, she mentioned “mankind” as her religion. That was a great stand she took at a young age. Given the saffron agenda being carried out in recent days, I will be curious to see her perspectives on such issues, and how can she bring that spirit and ethos to a political party gradually getting side tracked to make India a Hindu Rastra. I wish Ms Bedi, a great political career ahead, and keep inspiring the new age India towards a better tomorrow with her actions and virtue in her new career.

I wish, entries of such personalities improve our current political system, ridden with caste, religion, regionalism and favoritism. Let the visions, skills, actions and leadership qualities of the leader be judged before voting rather their caste or social position.