UMA'S DRAMA
FRONTLINE -(Jan.13,06)

Uma Bharti's attention seeking gestures show her desperation and paranoia.The party ' with a difference ' has become hunting ground of power -hungry leaders .Why can't these leaders give prefernce to good governance over cheap political moves? More so when BJP loves to harp about ' lofty ideals' , ensuring a quality life-style. Obviously , the close call of power compels them to shed the so-called attachment with ideals in one go.Her frequent confrontations , origin of humiliating experiences for her in past, with the top-brass leaders unmistakbly point to the fact that she has failed to evolve as a mature politician .It's time for the BJP to show door to such haughty polticians if it's really interested in setting high standards.

LOVERS IN THE POLICE NET
ARVIND K PANDEY
( THE TELEGRAPH -DEC.27,05)

The nightmarish brutality displayed by the cops on hapless couplesin Merrut has once again exposed that policemen have become carriers of ' loose morales' . Not a single day passes without reports of cops involved in vain confrontation with citizens on engineered grounds merely to fulfil their covert designs. Ironically , they never run short of excuses to hide their faliures in catching dreaded criminals , openly flouting law and order. It is time to tone down their ' moral policing instincts ' by making them accountable to atrocities committted on common people. Interestingly, this time they were accompained by a TV channel , an act inspired by recent sting operations popularity. It seems that the sting operations in coming days might turn out to be a potent weapon to defame rivals or in case of institutions like Police Department to provide better frame to the worn out image.

GAME SHOWS :SETTING WRONG EXAMPLES
ARVIND K PANDEY
THE WEEK
I have no regrets in stating that game shows are unethically unacceptable in country where millions are living below poverty line.Apart from glorifying false values ,they are underplaying the glory of human sentiments.We are living in a nation where so many talented professionals are underpaid ,though they make no cocession in puting extra efffort.Ironically, their employers use contract system to rein them and keep their financial wishes in check. Against this backdrop such game shows not only leave them in pool of frustration but also wipe out their belief in building a life through hard work via principles.No wonder why so many young professionals get attached with MNCs than going in for quality research work.Also such illusionary en routes to instant suucess create a biiter division between haves and haves not. It's time to instil in these young minds the idea that chasing ideals is more rewarding than chasing money.Ghalib's verse sounds so true:Duniya mein hoon par duniya ka talabgaar nahin hoon/ Bazaar se gujra hoon par kharidar nahin hoon.

PRAISING LOVERS OF HUMANITY
ARVIND K PANDEY

Considering the number of tragedies, all of a great intensity, which struck bonhomie with the human lives , it's clear that class of dedicated and sincere lovers of humanity would be most sought after people in the coming days.Owing to their well-organized efforts , many lives, on the verge of total collapse, come to have a new leash of life.This is why doctors like Ram Shreshta, Drs. Abhaya and Rani , better hail them as white angels, prove to be umbilical cord for those hanging betwen life and death.Although globalisation has brought a sea change in lives of the neo-rich , there are sections of people for whom life still means bitter interactions with its various dark phases.There is urgent need to restore their well -being , making them capable of enjoying the glorious world's glorious unceratainities just like their healthy counterparts.No doubt the ways and means shedding pleasures have increased for the hip -hop generation but they have not reduced the dangers ,lurking in various forms, which encircle the section of people forced to live life amidst diseases and dark episodes .Hats off to these saviours of the humanity for enabling broken lives to regain vitality and enthusiasm, for bringing them back from the jaws of death.Let's hope tribe of such people expands as the years pass by.And yes, kudos to Drs.Abhaya and Rani for strengthening Gandhian ideals in an age marred by flashy ideals.
Probably , the likes of Mary and Bablu , the couple which sustains the village Timbaktu , are the soul force of the world trappped in limitations.

FRANCE TRAPPED IN RIOTS
ARVIND K PANDEY

The riots have caused considerable damage to French ethos mired in "liberty , fraternity and equality ".It's amply clear that Frenchs have not been able to coin sound policies regarding settlement of immigrants hailing from African and Arab counteries.The French authorities should know that 'racial prejuidices' in the world fast heading towards cosmopolitan traits would simply lead to unrest and chaos.That's what exactly taken place in France.In a globalised world racist agenda, pursued in explicit or implicit form, is bound to trigger unhealthy response.Infact, it provides scope to unscruplous souls to shed bitterness.To put things back on the track it's imperative that immigrants be treated at par with other residents .In other word's , it's time to bring ' marginalised ' from the periphery to core of the mainstream politics

CORRUPTION TIME
ARVIND K PANDEY
(OUTLOOK , JAN.09,06)

Matharani's revelations should not come as a shock for those aware of the Congress's past .Power hungry and devoid of ideology , its leaders have always been opportunistic , easily trampling upon national interests .The party's strange hierarchy is dictatorship padded up by a bunch of crooks .

CULTURAL DOMAINS
THE HINDU -(DEC.25,05)
ARVIND K PANDEY
The "Jodhpur Consensus" would certainly be helpful in exploring the attributes of India's cultural assets. No doubt, the present age is devoted to the "knowledge quotient". Such revolutionary intiatives would not only make people aware of the nation's rich cultural legacies but also compel people associated with it to add qualitative dimensions in their knowledge-oriented products. Anyway, it's time to redefine the contours of our cultural assets, providing people associated with it a dignified existence in our space-starved global market.

CHAINING IRAN
ARVIND K PANDEY
(BUSINESS AND ECONOMY )
DEC 16-DEC.29,05)

Let us grasp this fact clearly that in times when bounderies have become apparently meaningless , it wouldn't be a wise thing to define our relationship with Iran in such breathless fashion.More so when we are so eager to have amicable relationship with nations important for the long-term interests. Considering that Iran is going to play a key role in diffusing the energy crisis, it becomes imperative for India to prevent the Iran's alienation in the politics played in its name.On the other hand, Iran should be willing to use its nuclear programmes for expanding beneficial projects that in no way prove threatening for humanity.Why condemn Iran for pursuing dangerous nuclear programmes when all the major nations have done it so to protect their so-called national interests?

VICTIMS OF FATE
ARVIND K PANDEY
MIRROR TODAY , (DEC.05 )

Let me state that that every child
on the face of earth is educable.However, the privilegentisia in India has
ensured that gap between various classes remains in eixstence.No doubt childeren can't be left at the mercy of outdated techniques.The
HRD and the ministry of social justice need to rise above their inherent contradictions to provide these underpriviged childeren a
better future, being in league with state-of -the art teaching methods.This wouldn't be too difficult for them once they realize that childern have the potential to change the destiny of nation in a major way.All we need is to provide them the scpoe to utilise it in constructive way.These children of lesser gods need care and love for healthy upbringing. Their faded dreams are to be lit up by introducing them to better means of survival. It’s surprising that children who should be in schoolsas per constitutional provisions are wasting time on worthless pursuits. Laloo should have gone in for providing quality life to these
children instead of insisting usage of kulhars.Butin country like ours
propaganda involving issues of lesser significance dominates over serious ones. It’s time for us to decide whether we want to see them transforming
into better citizens or see them turning into criminals.

HURIYAT'S ROLE IN KASHMIR
ARVIND K PANDEY

In ' Shalimar The Crown' Salman Rushdie rightly observes that: 'There were six hundered thousand Indian troops in Kashmir but the pogorom of the Pandits was not prevented ,why was that ' .Such selective approach has led to appaling situations in the Kashmir.The haste shown , ignoring the traumatic past of Kashmiri pandits, in inviting Huriyat which does not enjoys rapport with the Kashmiri people speaks volume about the government's intentions.Geelanis and Sabir Sahs do not enjoy an unblemished image.So I am bit apprehensive about Huriyat's motives as time and again their leaders have been found trapped in dubious activities.However ,looking at the positive side of the talks I think the dialogues would certainly dilute the villification campagain run by the Pakistan which thinks India does not heed to Kashmiris sentiments.The beter way to provide crediblity to its motives would be to lend ears to various other representatives of Kashmir besides taking immediate steps to stop exploitation of people there.

TRAVELLER'S TALE
ARVIND K PANDEY

The scenic panoramas in distant lands have always haunted the Indians.Probably this is why Mauritus became the permanent home for many visiting Indians.Let me inform you that our movies have played a great role in showing direction to the 'travel bug'.First it was the beautiful landscape of Kashmir which enthralled us;next to follow on the silver screen was Switzerland.Today host of nations comprising of Africa , NewZeland ,Britain and etc. have become the most sought after places for our moviemakers.The travel agencies should be greatful to these unsung heroes for boom in their busuiness.Taking a cue from the Western nations ,let the Indian government take all measures to bring our natural sites on the world map.

END OF LALU'S RULE
ARVIND K PANDEY

The end of the Lalu's rule in Bihar might script a better future for the people there.K J .Rao neeeds to be praised for conducting elections in transperent manner.It because of his endeavours that put's Niteesh in the driver's seat.The victory of NDA suggests that you cannot fool all the people for all the time.The RJD has finally paid a price for daring to ignore the concerns of people.Taking a cue from the Lalu's debacle , let's NDA don't come to follow the footsteps of his predeccesor.The message is clear:In a democracy you cannot dare to undermine the 'collective power ' of people.

POWER OF READING
ARVIND K PANDEY
( The Telegraph -Dec.18,05)

The Italian author, Roberto Calasso, has mentioned, and quite correctly too, that an individual “who reads and silently remembers the words he has read” is the one who realizes the true meaning of existence. According to Calasso, symbols used by rishis indicate the mysterious phenomena of nature, manifested in the inner self. Often, the devoted followers of various religions misinterpret the ritualistic symbols that have been woven into their religious texts, leading to clashes between the various sects. It is time that the followers of all religions learn to harmonize their inner self by interpreting the rituals in the correct manner. This would give birth to a dynamic process, and open their eyes to the wonders of the world.

MUSHARRAF:ON ROAD TO IMAGE RESURRECTION
ARVIND K PANDEY

Considering his uttereings related to Mukhtar Mai's image that some people use rapes as means to gain International attention and grants , it's clear-cut that Musharaff's gameplans to resurrect his image would not succeed.Also he has not been able to bridge the gulf between theory and practise--his perennial problem.Several blasts in Delhi and Kashmir are indicative of the fact that terrorists, enjoying tactic approval of the Pakistani governmemt , are having a good time in hideouts located there.On the top of it , news report proclaiming that funds released for quaqe victims are being diverted to terrorist outfits has given further jolt to his image.Unless he comes to take concrete steps to fulfil his promises aimed at total elimination of dangerous minds ,the mad rush to acquire a better image will only increase his miseries

KASHMIR EARTHQUAKE
ARVIND K PANDEY
(INDIA TODAY -NOV.14,05)

The Kashmir earthquake has exposed that nations never come to fix their priorities in a humane manner.Or else, so many survivors wouldn't have to live amidst most inhuman conditions for so many days.A nation which spends millions in possessing deadly weapons is today badly in need of external help to meet the basic demands of the people.Had Pakistan focussed its attention on welfare of its people, the chaotic mess wouldn't have encircled the hapless people.Ironically, it loses no opportunity to substantiate its claim over PoK but, in reality, is hardly bothered to provide its residents a decent living standard !

WHILE CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY
ARVIND K PANDEY
Obviously, for some lazy Indians this day is another opportunity fit enough to be wasted on frivolities.However, for a conscious citizen it turns out to be a great day to reckon with martyrs trials and tribulations.It's a day to engage our sense and sensibilties in enlightened introspection.After all, most of the time ,other than this day, we are either engaged in our petty concerns or trapped in mindless criticism triggered by poltical developments.In my eyes ,it's a day to rise above tokenism and charge ourselves with sentiments that help to broaden our perspective.

PAIN OF CAREGIVERS
ARVIND K PANDEY
THE HINDU -DEC.11, 05)

The World Disability Day, which falls on December 3, is the perfect time to highlight the pains of the caregivers. One often find them bordering on disillusiomnment, being confined to world revolving around the sick persons.However, their problems could be reduced if the people around them lend them helping hand, enabling them to unleash their "pressures" in a healthy way.In India the problem for the caregivers take absurd shapes , owing to the dominance of baselees fears regarding the diseases.Forget about the caregivers ,in some cases even the doctors refuse to treat the HIV infected patients.Needless to state that most of the problems can be handled with ease only if we learn to view things in right perspective.

GANDHI'S LEGACY
ARVIND K PANDEY

Jeremy seabrook in his article " Of Gandhi's legacy and its inheritors' ( The Statesman, Dec.12,05) rightly states that ' there is world of difference between a conscious and chosen frugality and the cruel visitations of poverty, which industrial plenty has managed to create out of its noisy abndance '. Let me say that world has always been cruel to figures enjoying iconic status .In their times they are often subjected to whims and fancies of the mediocre minds and when they are no more their legacies get replaced by worn out ideals of the contemporaries.More often than not we use them as means to get out of the crisis, ignoring them immediately as the problem dissipates.Nehru, lacking the patience to experiment with usefullness of Gandhian ideals , was interested in industrial development. His blunders also prove that Indians were more interested in driving Britishers away from the 'Motherland' instead of attaining Independence with right set of ideals in sync with spirit of the nation .Today shrinking villages, sandwitched between demands of modernity and calls of traditions , suggest clearly that we have made a grave mistake by ignoring the vision of Gandhi , which wanted Indian villages to retain their bonds with ancient beliefs or Indianness .Ironically, the pathetic developments ensure Gandhi's relevance in a big way .

FESTIVALS LOSING THEIR COLOUR
ARVIND K PANDEY
( GRAPHITI-Telegraph )

Modernity has robbed off the colours of festivals.Cacophony of absurd sounds, huge rush and unlimited stretch of commercial landscape have made festivals prisoner of false beliefs.Festivals are the time to reckon with the needs of psychic body of ours, to reshape our inner requirements.Let's add them colour by celebrating them with traditional aura and simplicity.

MONEY CHARM
ARVIND K PANDEY
(OUTLOOK, DEC-19,05)

Money might have enabled women to break some of the social shackles but ,in reality, it's devoid of power to encircle women with right kind of 'aura'.A woman in league with feminine traits wields more power than a woman in possession of money .Ironically, money is not only allowing women to shatter man-made barriers but also motivating them to emulate corrupt practises with ease.In other words, money has virtually reduced the dominance of men over unholy means of making fast-buck.Probably , this is why likes of Jayalalitha and Mayawatis like to amass huge wealth ,like their male counterparts, instead of thinking of setting high standards.

MITROKHIN'S REVELATIONS
(ARVIND K PANDEY )
( HARDNEWS, DEC.05)

The revelations have further eroaded the faith of people in the the politicians.Let's not forget the fact that utterings of Mitrokhin in his book provide us a rare opportunity to have glimpse of the misplaced priorities of the Indian leaders.Whatever be the intentions of the writer one cannot ignore the bitter truth that considerations of nation have given way to considerations of the people at the helm of the affairs.They can stoop to any extent to be in the driver's seat.Now it could be safely stated that it's our greed which has made us vulnerable to dangerous temptations lurking in the foreign domains.Mitrokhin's revelations, firmly establish that politicians worldwide have always been susceptible to three Ws--women , wine and wealth !

ON DEATH SENTENCE
Arvind K Pandey
( The Times Of India )
Though "copassionate grounds' be given weightage, lets not forget the traumatic state of affairs which come to encircle a victim's family.Perhaps Lahoti is right that a terrorist , cold-blooded murderer, does not enjoy the liberty of lighter punishment other than hanged till death.What's the point in being sympathetic about the plight of those who didn't give a second thought while puting innocent souls to death ? A mild approach in cases of heinous offences will only encourage lawlessness.And also what about the value of the lives of police officers and army people who embrace death while nabbing them?

HARRASSMENT OF PRISONERS OF WAR
ARVIND K PANDEY
(OUTLOOK)

The United Nation's charter categorically states that prisoners of war be treated in humane manner.It's time to come out with similar code of conduct for detainess held in ambiguous circumstances.It's learnt that 'consular access' between India and Pakistan rarely takes place.Considering the fact both nation are plagued by waves of animosity , the probabilty of harassing each other's citizens on fake grounds cannot be ruled out .It's strange why foreign offices in both the countries have adopted such a casual aproach in matters pertaining to release of such people or ,for that matter , reluctant in providing each other necessary information .A transperent approach would certainly turn on the tap for those languishing in dingy cells on dubious charges.

EXPLOITATION OF TRIBAL GIRLS
ARVIND K PANDEY
(THE WEEK)

The Week needs to be complimented for giving attention to the plight of the hapless tribal girls in a sensitive manner.The ideal way to stop the exploitation of these tribal girls would be to bring them in touch with changing times through right education.After all, it's their sheer ignorance , which makes them prone to vulnerabilities of the modern world.Apart from the horrific incidents of their 'conversion', the tribal girls are being exploited at the hands of their owners who engage them as domestic help.In cities like Delhi they are leading dark lives, being forced to work amidst inhuman conditions.Although National Literacy Mission is doing great job in the tribal areas , the grey spots still mar their existence.Much needs to be done to save them from becoming victim of cruel practises.

K R NARAYANAN:THE REAL STATESMAN
ARVIND K PANDEY
KR Narayanan was a real statesman.He was greatly impressed with Gandhian ideals.Although he was by-product Of London School Of Economics, he found it safe to deviate from Leftist ideals ,a dominant force which prevailed there.The Gandhian ideals enabled him to remain embedded in ground realities and , in process, helped him to tackle issues from the grassroot level.Interestingly , it was he who played an instrumental role in bringing India and China a step closer- a relationship which has now attained awesome height.With his departure India has lost a legendary figure. Finally, let's stop making distinction on basis of caste by emphasizing on the fact that he was a first Dalit President !

CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF TEENAGE WORLD
ARVIND K PANDEY
Let's refrain ourselves from ' romanticising' copmlexities envirioning it.Often such sexual encounters, carved in the name of total freedom, lead to downward spiral into doom which is something so evident in the abnormal rise in teenage preganancies.We often ignore the mess which such immature relationship come to create in middle class families who haven't got used to popcorn's age mannerisms.Some sections of upper midle classs in big cities may be in image -makeover mode but for the rest of India life outside their self-enclosed world is full of troubles.Let me state in an unambiguous term that so-called boom in sexual choices has ripped off this class , owing to psychological aberrations, which tends to copycat urban lifestyle.

AFGHANISTAN'S OPIUM CULTURE
ARVIND K PANDEY

Let me draw your attention towards a peculiar crisis , which come to thwart better prospects for people, forced by the circumstances , to get in the skin of new callings .One talks about removing rickshaw pullers from the streets , delivers pious statements to provide a bettter future for the sex-workers and shed tears for children working in hazardous conditions but in the end these unfortunate souls are back in their respective professions.Why? Because such concerns are hardly backed by concrete programmes to rehabilitate them.Hamid Karzai might find opium cultivation ' more dangerous than terrorism' but has he carved sound strategies to eliminate opium culture? It would be interesting to state that best way to curb the opium's influence in their lives would be to destroy the centres of its consumption.I wonder what would be the state of affairs in those places if opium ,possibly their lifeline, comes to disappear from Afghanistan.I would be not totally wrong in presuming that some nations support opium cultivation, albeit in a covert manner.Without destroying unholy links which bind Afghani people with these "hiddden centres" of its consumption , Hamid Karzai's talks of opium's elimination sound hollow.

PRAISING SRI SAI BABA
ARVIND K PANDEY
( THE WEEK-Dec.11,05)
Sri Sai Baba deserves praise for roping in developmental programmes for the marginalised.At least he is better than a high-profile politician , dealing in fake promises, for whom the grievances of commoners hold little meaning .Regarding his miracles ,it would be safe to conclude that they are the means to have a glimpse of the higher power.Having said that, let the seekers don't get trapped in the miracle's net but move ahead to explore the newer realms of limitless spiritual world.