EXHIBITING JUDICIARY'S MIGHT

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THe SUNDAY INDIAN ,JAN-01-Jan08,07)

Viewed in perspective ,the judicial activism has the capacity to teach right lessons to the haughty politicians ,who love to tear apart our social fabric through appeasment and coercion . The spectacular show of judiciary is threatening enough for Lalus ,Mayawatis and others -the Messiahs of misgovernance . The judiciary's path-breaking judgements in Soren's ,Mayawati's ,Jessica's case are bound to reinforce the faith of common people in functioning of courts . The message should go to these high-profile people that it's now no longer easy to get above distortions ,omissions and other shamfel gestures ,which make mockery of dignity of democratic institutions .That is what the real advantage when we allow the courts to do their job in their own way.One hopes netas will refrain from setting roadblocks in form external pressures on judiciary vis a vis legislative amendments .

TSUNAMI'S MEMORIES

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Hats off to those saviours of humanity for enabling broken lives to regain vitality and bringing them back from the jaws of death or a state of numbness in Tamilnadu and other parts of World affected by Tsunami . What can be more encouraging than to note that globalisation hasn’t failed to wrest the capacity for compassion from among us. Let us hope the tribe of such people only expands as the years pass by.Tragedies are often blessing in disguise as they enable us to have interaction with our flaws .In Tsunami's case ,it's clear that our disturbed relation with nature allowed it to heighten its intensity .Let's hope we establish a better relationship with nature to save humanity from its fury !Anyway ,it's one of the most beutiful sights to find survivors moving ahead in life with with indomitable spirit refusing to be crushed by the bitter memories of past .

DON'T HANG SADDAM

The death sentence to Saddam Hussain by the Iraqi tribunal seems to be harsh in the wake of onsalughts unleashed by the extremists forces there .Had US been able to install a just and proper system of governance in Iraq ,the noose for Saddam wouldn't have appeared out of place .Considering the chaos which has plunged Iraq into doom ,the verdict serves no purpose in political scheme of things .Worse ,it might trigger fresh episodes of violence ,leading to destabilisation of present regime even further . At the same time ,the way judicial proceedings have been conducted ,it's a hard task for the people to rationalise the verdict .

SHANE WARNE BIDS ADIEU TO CRICKET

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN THE TELEGRAPH,DEC.27,2006)

Lovers of spin-bowling will miss the presence of Shane Warne on the pitch once the series against England comes to a close. This is certainly a disappointment, given the fact that spin-bowling is fast becoming a rarity owing to the rise of fast-bowlers. Warne’s magical spells may not have troubled Indians, but the Australian was a thorn in the flesh of most batting sides. There are not many examples in cricketing history when a bowler single-handedly changed the course of the game, something that Warne has done again and again.

CURSE OF GLOBALISATION

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Lenin has stated that " Imperialism is capitalism in that stage of development in which the domination of monoply and finance capital has taken shape ; in which the export of capital has acquired pronounced importance ; in which the division of the world by International trusts has begun ; and in which the partition of all the territory of the earth by the greatest capitalist countries has ben completed ." The developments in Singur are indicative of fact that Communists have given way to 'dictatorship of capitalist forces ' from 'dictatorship of proletariats '.Yes, no one can beat Communists in imbibing paradoxes of heinous kinds ! Or ,in other words , globalisation has taught individuls how to give space to strange paradoxes in their lives with zero-tolerance towards principles !!!!

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PRIYANKA :THE PROBLEM WITH MODERN TIMES IS THAT DONKEYS HAVE TURNED INTO HORSES AND HORSES INTO DONKEYS ...MEOW

TOMMY:KEH GAYE RAMACHANDRA SIYA SE AISA KALIUG AYEGA HANS CHUGEA DANA BHAIYYA KAUVA MOTI KHAYEGA .....BOW..BOW

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EXHIBITING JUDICIARY'S MIGHT

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Viewed in perspective ,the judicial activism has the capacity to teach right lessons to the haughty politicians ,who love to tear apart our social fabric through appeasment and coercion . The spectacular show of judiciary is threatening enough for Lalus ,Mayawatis and others -the Messiahs of misgovernance . The judiciary's path-breaking judgements in Soren's ,Mayawati's ,Jessica's case are bound to reinforce the faith of common people in functioning of courts . The message should go to these high-profile people that it's now no longer easy to get above distortions ,omissions and other shamfel gestures ,which make mockery of dignity of democratic institutions .That is what the real advantage when we allow the courts to do their job in their own way.One hopes netas will refrain from setting roadblocks in form external pressures on judiciary vis a vis legislative amendments .

TALE OF CHILDEREN DEVOID OF FUTURE

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In SUPREMACY,DECEMBER,2006)

The Centre's decision to widen the domain of Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation )Act would surely prevent innocent childeren from becoming prey to shrewd employers . However , let's not forget that effective implementation of these laws demands policies which ensure better future for neglected childeren .Often these laws become , more or less , redundant in wake of complexities surrounding the lives of these childeren .After all, it's absence of better opportunities which turns them into workers in dhabas,homes and hazardous factories . Ironically , such laws add to the miseries of "childeren of lesser god " , making them prone to vulnerabilities of life . Only kind gestures can once again put these childeren squarely on the side of optimism and beter future . One hopes that better laws and healthy approach would rope in kind souls to be part of noble projects aimed at resurrecting lives of the forsaken childeren . No doubt , it's more worthwhile to work for the cause of downtrodden than to be swayed by the currents of globalisation .

SAVING WATER

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In INDIA TODAY,JAN.01,2007)

It's encouraging to read about the tireless efforts of sincere people like Sandeep Pandey aimed at saving water .The efforts are indicative of fact that path of a crusader is full of painful twists and turns , being at the receiving end of vested interests . It's a sad reality that 1.3 billion persons in the world are compelled to drink impure drinking-water. In our country as manmy as 60 per cent households are still waiting for water-connection . It has become need of the hour to have more Rain Centres ,which teach people about the importance of saving precious rain water from various sources , something going to waste during its normal course . Apart from these measures , let there be a movement to save groundwater from its mindless use by the Cola zars . Ironically, a remote area may or may not have access to safe water ,one certainly comes to notice presence of Cola bottles ! Such cruel paradoxes alone ensure that be ready for a war to be fought in the name of water .

PRIYANKA'S MEOW

ARVIND K.PANDEY

MERRY CHRISTMAS& NEW YEAR WISHES

TOMMY AND PRIYANKA :Extending Merry Chritsmas Cum New Year Wishes To All And Sundry ..

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TRIBUTE TO A POET

Kailash Gutam ,the noted Hindi poet hailing from Allahabad ,whose poem unfolded colours of ordinary people passed away recently .

Man ka Vrindavan Hona
Itna Asan Nahi
Vrindavan To Vrindavan Hai
Ghar Dalan Nahi .(Kailash Gautam )

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BIG B VS SRK =ELEPHANT VS RAT

PRIYANKA :Can rat ever chsallenge the might of Elephant ?
TOMMY:Yes, it's possible in the case of drunken rat !

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CRYSTAL BALL

Priyanka loves to gaze through Crystal ball to intercept Tommy's misdeeds .

Tommy :Better some to intercept members of Kachha Baniyan group so that people can have sound sleep.Don't act like policman by torturing Tommys -the salt of earth .

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MANU TRAPPED

PRIYANKA : Three cheers to the crusaders who worked in this direction . Hope low profile Jessicas ,too, find such crusaders !!

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MISSING TEETH

Doggies turn toothless once they bell the cats .After all, in modern times even Priyankas can have bulging biceps .

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A Cartoon In NEW YORKER :

"I had my own blog for a while ," one dog says to another ," but I decided to go back to just pointless ,incessant barking ."

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Girl: Do you know who I am?

Boy: No.

Girl: I am the principal’s daughter?

Boy: Do you know who I am?

Girl: No.

Boy: Thank goodness!

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ON ROAD TO SPIRITUALITY

SCIENTIFIC HOPELESSNESS IS FAST PLACING DOGGIES AND CATS ON ROAD TO SPIRITUALITY .

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NEWS CAPSULE

The creator of Tom &Jerry has moved to a different plane .

TOMMY AND PRIYANKA LOWERED THEIR TAILS FOR TWO MINUTES ON HEARING THIS NEWS .

SOURCE:Jokes from Telegraph's Kids Corner

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ALCOHOLIC SONGS

Alcoholics are nuisance in an ideal society but for our moviemakers they are the best mediums to communicate philosophical perceptions . Some classic examples :

1.Zindagi Khwab Hai ....
Movie: Jagte Raho ;Music:Salil Chaudhary

2.Kuch To Log Kahengein
Movie :Amar Prem ;Music:RD Burman :Lyrics :Anand Bakshi .

3.Log Kehtein Hai ..

Movie :Sharaabi ;Music:Bapi Lahiri

4.Hum Bekhudi Mein Tumko
Movie :Kala Pani;Music:SD Burman ,Lyrics :Majrooh

5. Chal Chal Mere Bhai
Movie:Laxmikant Pyarelaal

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YOGA:THE PANACEA FOR MODERN DISEASES

(Published in BUSINESS ECONOMICS ,DEC .31,2006)

It's not an easy task to highlight the importance of Yoga in secular times. Let's bring into light the intricate subtleties governing the Yogic sutras .I'm unfolding its primary usage in brief .Yoga is a certain mean to establish communion with Lord .Upanishads state that mind is the cause of bondage and liberation . Being deluded by Maya (Maya parimohittam )the human beings come to give rise to vain perception leading to sense-gratification(vichitrabhoga).Bhakti Yoga ,Gnana Yoga ,Dhyana Yoga and Karma Yoga are the four standard paths to crush the reign of ignorance . Kaivalyopanishsad states the Dhyana Yoga process in crystal clear terms : "In an undisturbed place resting in a comfortable posture ,clean and pure ,with neck, head and body in one line held erect in a mental attitude of sanyasa.Having controlled the senses ,saluting one's own teacher mentally with reverence come to mediate on the Untainted , the Pure,the Clear ,the Griefless within the lotus of heart ." What's the result of establishing a bond with Lord ? Surely , what one come's to gain is not illusory as the achievements of this world attained after mind-boggling mental gymanastic .Talking about the gains Kaivalyopanishad states that seekers in end 'gain the world of Brahman and liberating themselves from everything gain the highest Immmortality .'

RAMANUJAN:HONOURS AFTER DEATH

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In NORTHERN INDIA PATRIKA,DEC.23,2006)

It's heartening to know that acamedicians across the globe are taking keen interest in the works of Ramanujan .Probably , this is why British director Stephen Fry and India's Dev Bengal are making a movie on him .The West's fascination for Ramanujan ,especially in the form of biopics, would certainly allow Indian to become aware of the lesser known facts of his life . Ironically, Ramanujan during his life time wasn't credited with honours which he really deserved . Like all geniuses he ,too, was compelled to live on periphery in his short earthly existence . One hopes such intimate disclosure would not only help us to explore his life in a better way but also place his achievements in right perspective .

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PRIYANKA :It's really unfortunate that we have to become "Parlokwasi " to carve a niche in world ..MEOW

TOMMY :Well said ..Once Again ...It appears that Tommy's company has awkened her Kundalini ....BOW BOW

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COLOURFUL BIRDS GONE MISSING

ARVIND K PANDEY

(Published In DOWN TO EARTH,DECEMBER 31,2006)

The progress of human beings has sounded the death knell for rare species of birds and animals . It's not surprising that presence of migratory birds like Pied Flycatcher , Andean Hamingo , Lesser Yellowlegs and etc. is in danger owing to enviromental degradation in American flyways . We cannot ignore the truth that our conflits with nature need to be minimsed to provide these species a breather .It's strange but true that a positive growth curve for human beings does not necssarily ensure a happy future for these silent sufferers . Even In india the migratory birds from Siberian region are no longer visible in sancturies . No doubt the wheel of progress can't be stopped but let it not decide the fate of flora and fauna . Life devoid of these colourful birds would become meaningless and dark .

SEEING THROUGH THE VEIL

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In The NEWSWEEK,DEC.25-JAN.01,2007)

The Western world should digest this unpalatable truth that it's dangerous to downplay the value of religious symbols and religious practices. However , the Muslim world needs to strike a healthy balance between the needs of modernity and display of religious belief in open . The PCB's diktat to the Pakistani team to be moderate in matters of faith in public places could serve as an ideal gesture for the Muslim community . In sum , the Islamic scholars need to reshape their ideologies in the wake of changes which have hit the modern times . At the same time ,the Western world don't need to be cynical about the religious practices governing the Eastern religions .

DALIT POLITICS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The recent outbreak of Dalit outrage raises doubt over the intentions of Dalit leaders ,who have jeopardized their progress by chasing half-hearted meausers meant to provide them better lifestyle . It's a harsh truth that Dalits have become pawn in the great game played between the self-custodians of the interests of lower echelons of society . Had the caretakers of Ambedkar's legacy ben really interested in giving Scheduled Castes their due ,the untouchables would have atained a distinct voice in mainstream affairs . It's really tragic that humiliation and servitude still remain the prize possession of this realm of people . The champions of their rights have done nothing substantial other vthan using them as ladder to scale the heights of power . This explains why huge gap exists between the status of Mayawati and her followers .There is urgent need to develop a better mindset within this section of humanity .

AFZAL'S ISSUE: SHOW NO MERCY

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In The PRAVASI TODAY ,DEC.2006)

[Pravasi Today :A Magazine For NRIs]

One wonders what compels Arundhati Roy to be in the 'No Man's Land ' vis-a-vis her outrageous and bogus assumptions ? Going by her writing it appears that the SC has committed a fatal mistake by punishing Afzal -the man who dared to deflower the most sacred symbol of democracy .It's sad and unforunate that democracies across the world have been held hostage by such shallow beings , who are little ashamed in being the guardian spirit of blood-suckers and devilish minds .Ironically , call it accident or destiny , they enjoy the tactical support of Western powers ,which provide them the tag of celebrity .So they think that they have the authority to crush the sane voices or , for that matter, make mockery of the respectable institutions with impunity . No wonder she deserves a harsh punishment for her extra-constitutional confessions along with her tribe including Farooq Abdullah . Anyway , the Supreme court's decision that clemency powers need to toe the line of Constitutional obligations and that they should not hurt the sentiments of the victims should refrain the protectors of the rights from cooking up a storm every now and then . It's time they give up their habit of creating embarrassing situations before the Courts by exhibiting trash sentimentality for the hard-core criminals , who , in the first place , deserve no kind considerations .

PUBLISHERS:SWIMMING IN OCEAN OF MONEY

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE TELEGRAPH, DECEMBER 15,2006)

The publishing industry in India has undergone a radical transformation over the last few years . Publishers and booksellers today attach more importance to the authors’ names and their saleability in the market than to the real substance of their work. That is one of the reasons why none of the books being churned out in dozens everyday can match the literary quality of the works by R.K. Narayan or Mulk Raj Anand. Some of the Indian writers in English, such as Salman Rushdie, are producing commendable works but, as pointed out by Ramachandra Guha, “the talk has been much more about the death threats issued against him or about the women he dates and divorces than about his work”.

Early Indian authors in English like Narayan lived a simple life far from the media glare. And they wrote unpretentious stories that mirrored their own lives. One rues the disappearance of this class of writers. At the same time, it is heartening that contemporary writers like Jhumpa Lahiri are going back to the old style and so reviving interest in authors like Narayan.

WHEN STAR CRIMINALS GET PUNISHMENT

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE SUNDAY INDIAN ,DEC.18-DEC.24,2006)

It appears that 'judicial activism ' has sent shock waves in the high-profile circles which ,till now , loved to turn and twist the rules in their favour . The media shouldn't give rise to absurd perception that judiciary loves to cross swords with who's who when it's crystal clear that legal dictums govern the business of courts .It's surprising that when judiciary does its job perfectly and speedily it's greeted with brickbats being accused of judicial 'overreach '! Such myopic observations on the part of Fourth Estate are indicative of falling standards of journalism .Judiciary on backfoot would only encourage so-called demigods to make mockery of democratic norms . Remember , when 'star' criminals get punishment it provides a ray of hope to innocent people ,who are trapped in fake litigations . After all, it's the quantum of punishment which prevents other bigwigs from breaking law with inpunity .One hopes that Sidhu does not complain of heartache to avoid appearnce in court .It's really strange that instead of honouring the verdict the so-called respectable citizens give way to frivolous means to hamper judicial proceedings .

WHEN GOVERNMENT DEFENDS KILLERS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Ironically , Afzal's death punishment has attained political dimensions . What should have been a purely legal consideration is now being probed under the lens of vote-bank politics . Interestingly , the way our so-called saviours of human rights are opposing his death punishmemnt ,it appears that rejection of his clemency might well turn out to be a blotch on the secular fabric of the nation ! Thanks to the dubious role of the Central government that Afzal can now hope of light at the end of tunnel . Who cares that such barbaric laxity on the part of government not only encourages law-breakers but also demoralizees the securitymen ,who have to remain on their toes round-the-clock to counteract their evil moves . Sadly , it has become the favourite pastime of our so-called intellectuls to defend the cause of evil-doers .

MARRIAGE :MAKE IT VALUE-ORIENTED

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Today's couples have failed to lift the fog of distrust and chaos ,which environ their relationship . The growing litigations ,owing to marital discords , demand national attention from the custodians of society . The social scientists need to evolove means that infuse better values in one of the most respectable institutions carved by our forefathers . Unfortunately , reckless behaviour patronized by the women's organizations and purely commercial considerations threaten to engulf the sanctity of marital bonds . Unless marriage is kept above contract based pereceptions vis-a-vis sentiments echoed by the Hindu scriptures it would be impossible to think of better future for modern times marriages . Sadly , we are living in a country wherein to talk about old order of Hinduism is an unpardonable crime in the eyes of secular dogs ! However, one thing should be clear to all of us :Laws cannot be effective in absence of colective will to promote mutual trust and sense of well-being in the family .

WHEN IGNORANCE IS BLISS
ARVIND K.PANDEY

The week-kneed endorsements of developing countries in regard to the moves of global players or ,in other words , blanket approval of policies generated by the Americans have caused a huge rift between haves and haves not .Surely , in times when economics has an edge over ideology ,one feels the need of charismatic leader to turn the tables .It's very difficult to disagree with Jeremy's view that " this moment of introspectiive uncertainity led to disturbing insight :All other customs react as we do .Each sees itself as the centre of belief itself ,borne up by practices and customs which represent the only possible shape a human life can take ." Your deep reflections bring in my mind the Great Truth enshrined in the Upanishad that "Mind is the cause of bondage and liberation ." Being deluded by Maya (Maya Parimohittama ) the human beings come to give rise to vain perceptions leading to sense-gratification (Vichitrabhoga ).One hopes that both the caretakers of Western civilization and Bush type 'egocentric' leaders ,who hate to look beyond their beliefs would get the abilty to respect the culture and orientations of the other nations .Or else , they could pay a heavy price for venturing in mental zone pervaded by ignorance !

SEALING DELHION'T LEAVE CULPRITS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In The BUSINESS INDIA,Dec.17,2006)

The kilings of innocent people place both the Centre and Delhi government in dock . It's a public knowledge that both the governments did nothing substantial other than finding ways to obstruct SC's verdict . They should have taken all the steps to ensure peacful and judicious culmination of the crisis . One is compelled to sympathise with the plight of the traders since they are not the real offenders. The whole episode throws light on the various corrupt strands of the government , which make mockery of the concept of 'good governance ' . It simply proves that there is no systematic approach towrds issues , which need a well-planned blueprint . Our babus are more interested in red-tape and shady deals than applying mind with a strong vision . Had MCD officials done their job with a professional approach , neither SC nor traders would have found themselves in deep waters . It's strange that Delhi is keen to be labelled as world-class city ,in the wake of Commonwealth Games 2010, even as its residents are battling for survival amid inhuman conditions !

KILLING POVERTY

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE DASH ,DECEMBER 2006)

You cannot ignore the fact that onslaught of consumerism has taken its toll on the cultural fabric of the nation , giving a huge blow to the ancient beliefs and value based lifestyle . Even the small cities are fast-losing their rustic touch and becoming more like life-less metros -the hub of neurotic people trapped in deathly dull activities. Such a dialoge with globalisation , which comes at cost of nation's cultural attributes would only ensure our downward spiral into doom . Let's not ignore the fact that a huge section of people are stll living below line of poverty ,who have no access to basic facilities at all . The ever-increasing crime graph , escalating prices and insecurities governing sea of unemployed people suggest that all is not well here . Unless there is qualitative change in lives of people belonging to lower strata of life , one would think twice in having a tryst with "feel good " !

CELEBRATING GITA JAYANTI

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TIME TO REMEBER HIS TEACHINGS AND VISION AND BRING
IT IN APPLICATION

Yada -Yada Hi Dharmasya
Glanir Bhavati Bharata
Abhyuthanam Adharmasya
Tadatmanam Srjmya Aham

----Whenever and wherever there is decline in religious practice ,O descendant of Bharata ,and a predominant rise of irreligion -at such a time I descend myself .

(The Bhagavad Gita Chapter IV-Verse 7 )

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