BUTA:TIME TO STEP DOWN
ARVIND K PANDEY
( Published In The Telegraph ,Jan.31,06)

The Supreme Court's decision would certainly prevent the Governors from taking for granted the Constitutional provisions .For last few years Governors , acting on the behest of the political bosses , have been functioning more as political agents instead of being watchdogs upholding the rules of law . The decision has come at a wrong moment for the Congress party supposedly in makeover process. Ironicallly, the decision has ripped off its claim that under leadership of PM Manmohan Singh it has been pursuing clean politics .In future one hopes that likes of Buta Singh will be prevented from occupying the highest -office , preventing blatant distortion of Constitutional principles .

BANGLADESH IN TROUBLE
ARVIND K PANDEY
(Published In MIRROR TODAY , Jan.06)

I wish to state that Islamic radicals are blot on the face of humanity. On ,increasingly flimsy grounds, innocents nowadays find themselves in arms of death.Probably, this is because of ambiguities ,which prevail in 'war of terror'. Bush government's selective approach in its attainment has further worsened the situation.In my eyes, the real problem lies in Muslim world sandwitched between demands of modern world and narrow mindset of Muslim clerics.What happened in Imarana's case bears testimony to the above-mentioned fact.Indian government , being devoid of backbone,lacks power to curb growth of madarasas which have become breeding point of those romancing with terrorism.No need to say that appeasment of minorities to ensure their vote-banks has become the primary task of our politicians .Otherwise how else extra-constitutional bodies like Muslim court can come to exist side-by-side our legal system.How can we dare to challenge these Islamicc extremists when we are a divided house instead of being a cohesive force? We have been battling against demonical minds for more han two decades but West kept its ' eyes wide shut'. Dawn of truth for them came in form of 9/11.Serial blasts in various parts of the world like Indonesia,Spain, Britain and now Bangladesh prove beyond doubt that water level has crossed the danger mark.It's time to take stern measures against these unstable minds.It's time for Muslim scholars to introspect why their religion alone has come to become resting-place for destructive people, who believe in blood shed and flaunting anti -human tendencies.It's need of the hour that true muslim scholars and Ulemas take active part in saving Muslim community and rest of the world from falling prey to designs of unscruplous souls.It's really disturtbing that these people ,dealing in dangerous acts, are gaining strength with each passing day.Let's tackle tthem head- on or come a time when redness is going to wipe out all the colours of life !

B.G VERGHESE'S BOLD STEPS
ARVIND K PANDEY

The steps taken by B.G. Verghese would surely be a fitting tribute to heroic endeavours of the unsung soldiers killed in relief operations .It's learnt that martyr's family members often become victim of red-tapism.The bureaucratic hassles take its toll , making mockery of the contributions of these brave soldiers .One hopes these initiatives of celebrties under the headship of B.G.Verghese do justice to the cause of these fading martyrs.

TRAPPINNG BIG FISH
ARVIND K PANDEY

The concerted efforts of the CBI in tandem with the Portugese government's healthy gestures have finally trapped India's one of the most dreaded criminals.By virtue of the fact that he hoodwinked them for nearly a deacade ,it's time for the CBI to thoroughly grill him.It would be interesting to see how the CBI uses his bare revelations to bring to the book the people, the so-called do-gooders of the society, whom Salem used as means to execute his devilish designs.Considering the political shackles, I am afraid it could place CBI once again on another nightmarish trail.This is why I feel that destroying terror links is more important than being enthusiastic about the arrest of prized catch.So the real game begins now.Let's hope Abu's extradition turns out to be the doomsday for the ' D ' and his gang.

STEALING HINDU BRIDES
ARVIND K PANDEY
(Published In Outlook ,Feb.06,06)

The problems faced by the minority community in Pakistan seem to have spiralled out of control .Ironically , the Left parties who are vocal about about the alleged atrocities on minorities here remain mum over pathetic condition of Hindus in Pakistan . Even the International Human Rights Commission which never miss an opportunity to put India in dock over saftey of minorities , fails to take cognizance of deteriorating state of affairs of the Hindu community in our neighbouring countries . Instead of worrying about the fate of Muslims in India , it's time for Musharraf to take note of falling standards of the Indian people living in his nation . At the same time let me say that best way to curb the exploitation of girls, belonging to lower echelon of the society , is to make them aware of their rights via education.

ATTACKING SCIENTISTS
ARVIND K PANDEY

The attack on the scientists is simply the by-product of government's inability to tackle ' Islamic terroism ' in its entirety .After this attack ,it's clear that ' intellectual class' ,which till now felt itself to be above the nefarious designs of the terrorists would begin to feel unsafe .The attack bear testimony to the fact that terrorists have been able to set up a perfect network within the nation to carry out their dangerous agenda.Only beacuse our weak goverment , having penchant for soft measures , finds itself safe to turn a blind eye towards grim realities , being mired in minority appeasment moves. Before it's too late ,let this goverment wake up form its slumber of ignorance.

MEDIOCRITY RULES
ARVIND K PANDEY
( Published In THE TELEGRAPH )

Whether its politics , sports , movies, mediocrity's dominance has sidelined talented people .One reason why constructive -opinion building in these spheres has become a rare thing is because much -hyped aura of theirs blocks the emergence of better ideas.Their images get thrust upon our brains in the same way ads come to rule over our senses. Constant projection of their images, akin to advt., make a forced entry into our beings.Precisely, this is why they are unable to strike a right chord with the masses.Under this circumstances , media has emerged as beacon of hope . It can shatter the gameplans of likes of Sonia, Mulayam and Lalu to provide a new leash of life to their parochial designs by strenghthening the progressive ideals.Media should stop glorifying their larger-than -life images to curb the influence of the dynastic creatures.

HALF CENTURIES OF TEST CENTURIES
ARVIND K PANDEY

Cricket is game of glorious uncertainities.
Considering the fact that he is fast approaching prime of his age , the prospect of getting 50 Test centuries depends on how well he handles his injuries. As far as his strokeplay is concerned , Tendulkar still has the ' killer instinct ' intact in him , which provides him the power to engineer variety of strokes .Having said that , it's time for the media to avoid being at loggerheads with Tendulkar on minor issues.I am saying so because media is guilty of potraying him in wrong frames.Instead of playing the role of facilitator , it has been in the past making his attempt to rise above the challeges bit difficult by raising doubts over his batting abilities .It could be very well stated that his journey to 50 Test centuries depend not only how well he deals with injuries but also how he prevent himself from the scathing attacks of media , which loves to blow- out -of -proportion minor flaws of the icons.

REMIX ALBUMS LACK MELODY
ARVIND K PANDEY
Considering the fact that remix albums are caricatured version of the original songs , the argument that they are a good way of getting today's generation familiar with yesterday's song dosen't hold much water. It's just like suggesting younger lot to imbibe the essence of classics in literature via their translated versions .Let's not forget that original is ,afterall, original.Their melody , the by -product of subtle ragas , gets wiped out in the remixed versions , banking on support of high -pitched music. Again the songs of bygone era , synchronizing with the intricacies of classical music , lose the capacity to project the ' mood ' inherent in them once set in fast -paced music . In nutshell, the remixed versions are symbolic of modern age mania that turns every beautiful thing into a saleable product.How can compositions of Salil Chaudhary or SD Burman retain their 'divine touch ' in cacophony of strage noises ?

LUCKNOW:APPRECIATING 'CONDOM CULTURE' POWERED BY WEST
ARVIND K PANDEY

I agree that Lucknow police was unnecessarily hars with gay persons running a ' gay racket ' on the internet . However , I still feel that there is need to view this issue in a wider perspective . How can failure to imbibe aberrations of human nature leads to creation of ' backward-looking social morality '. Even the mindless criticism of certain progresssive banners regarding Delhi High Court's insistence to maintain the validity of Section 377 of IPC , an act which outlaws against the order of nature , is wholly out of tune with psyche of this nation . Well, neither I am against the freedom of mature individuals nor I am in favour of moral policing their personal lives , which is blatant violation of privacy. But moot question involved here is that whether exceptions can be treated at par with general phenomenons associated with the culture. How can something be impressed upon the whole mass in the name of progessive spirit if at very first sight such acts appear embarrassing to rthem ? How many those advocating homosexuality would like their wards to enter in one such relationship ? None. Even Shoba De who has churned out trash in this regard feels uncomfortable when asked what be her reaction if their daughters come to pursue the same line of action as charted by their lesbian characters in her novels . I wonder why can't this generation be progressive where it really matters ; for instance wiping out ill effects which are borne out of intellects limitations , kill the ills emanating from human's selfishness to amass wealth by mercilessly trampling the beings of weaker souls and checkmate cruel merans aimed at crushing another preson's identity in a mad rush to make a place for oneslf . Instead of doing so we Indians have perfrectioned the art of accepting the ' borrowed ideals ' to blow the trumpet of progressiveness , finding it safer to become the dumping ground of West . Our drawing rooms today have become godown , better call them showrooms , of MNCs. No doubt in past India has been home of such bizzare acts but mind you the rationales governing then have confined them to limited class , who in no way were associated with mainstream afffairs . Just see the result of dhoom(read dominance ) of so-called ' sexual boom '. My radio keeps popping up safe sex ads after every three minutes , the newspapers have gone berserk in inscribing our conciousness that sex-education in schools or , for that matter , condoms in tiffins , is alone the way to prevent future generation from the clutches of HIV/AIDS .Remeber this ' sex education circus', has its origin in progressive spirits , call them devil's advocate , open call to make way for licentious relationship in matters related with sexuality . Today these same guys are totally at their wits end to curb the growth of HIV/AIDS . It's pity that public memory is so short when it comes to intercept the consequences of folloeing short sighted visions in past . I am also surprised as to how come progressiveness has bercome synonomous with bizzare approval to outrageous act like group sex etc . Why can't these proclaimers display the same progessive mannerism in other aerenas of life with same ease . Without hesitation I can state that bulldozing the limitations dividing one human from another in name of societal norms , often resting on ignorance , would lead to creation of better progressive society rather than making way to wild sexual orientation.Lastly , let me confess that a healthy relationship between man and woman puts to rest all the needs of experimenting with ' fiery calls ' of subconciousness ' .It's mostly who have failed to build an intimate relationshoip with a fair sex give way to unnatural realtionship. I have no objections to such relationship but not without this revealation that these unnatural relationship can never act as the bedrock of proggressive society.

BJP'S NEW BOSS
ARVIND K PANDEY
( Published In The Week , Jan.29,06)
It's clear that Rajnath Singh has tough task of setting better priorities for the party at crossroads.One thing is clear that BJP needs to bridge the gulf between its ideological moorings and the actions emanating fom them . It's never too easy to win back disenchanted supporters.Surely , if it promises to deliver its dreams with a vision that puts the nation on the right track , the better days can be back for it.Since charity begins at home , let's see how Rajnath Singh put conflicts within party to rest.Only by setting healthy precedents it can get back its lost glory.And yes , let it take concrete steps including placing right people in the driver's seat to have a legitimate claim over ' party with a difference ' tag.

SECULAR COMPLEXITY
ARVIND K PANDEY

Secularism ,a faulty concept introduced by Indira Gandhi , has been hallmark of Hinduism .Since time immemorial Hinduism has aimed at the expansion of our 'I' via identification with Greater Self or Brahman .So what's the need to talk about Secularism , when its very essence promotes neutrality with a healthy view for other major religions . The Upanishdic portion of the Vedas is aimed at introduction of feelings , which allow an individual to view the whole cosmos as extension of
Self or Brahman .Being unware of its real attributes , for some individuals it has become source of sectarian ideals and thus comes into origin so-called demand for secularism ! .I think the best way to reduce the complexities associated with secularism would be to make Hinduism part and parcel of everday affair instead of having 'selective association 'at selective spots.Distortion of religious symbols is different thing than having 'boxed view' of religious symbols.Former is the result of crass commercialisation while the latter emanates from ignorance .

NEGLECTING WOMEN'S CRICKET

The Indian girls victory over Pakistan in Women's Asia cup final received a cold response, failing to create a stir.Cricket fans were preoccupied with Ganguly's heels. Rest of the India was engrossed following moment to moment proceedings of Aamir's marriage.One may harp about women's improved image but it's very difficultt to shatter the jinx surrounding feminine issues. I wonder such cold response to their notable achievements might dampen the enthusiasm of women's team in future series.What a pity that when Indian boys get defeated at the hands of Pakistani team ,it turns into a big news item for the media but the Women's team victory in the final against our arch -rival Pakistan is showcased badly by media and rest of the India.

BULL RUN
Arvind K Pandey
(Published In The Hindu , Jan.22,06)

The rise and fall of sensex might raise the blood pressure of the investors but for rest of the Indians the ' bull run ' hardly excites.Instead of using the highs and lows of stock market as benchmark for the nation's growth , it's better the growth is mesured in terms of factors , which showcase the lives of average Indians in a real way .Amid the euphorea , which follows such news , the rest of India continues to reel under inhuman developments.Unless one come to anticipates qualitative changes in lives of average Indians , there is hardly any merit in welcoming such ' boom ' with open arms

END OF LALU,END OF JUNGLE RAJ
ARVIND K PANDEY
(Published In HARDNEWS,March ,05)

The natural order of things in India do not allow honest individuals to bring in reality constructive aims.The hard core reality is that the politics is now no more a conscious individual's cup of tea.It's nothing short of miracle that likes of Laloo,who have brought to dust the democratic ideals,continue to hog the limelight.With nothing in possession except comical antics ,yet they manage to remain at helm, speaks volume about our servitude.It's rare opportunity for the people of Bihar to end the 'Jungle Raj' of Laloo.An unceremonial retreat from the political scenario alone is going to curb the growth of such self-appointed well wishers of 'aam aadmi'.Unfortunately, even the Left parties for their vested interest continue to preovide oxygen to man responsible for using Bihari people as pawn.Indeed ,it would be a great sigh of relief for the citizens of India if the people of Bihar show the courage to marginalise this 'political monkey'.So,let's pray that they are successful in reversing the rule of oppression.

UNHOLY NEXUS
Arvind K Pandey
( Published In The Week)

What ails our system is unholy nexus between the Civil servants and netas.One wonders why our bureaucrats surrender so meekly before the so-called leaders?Khairnar and TN Sheshan have proved that it's not so difficult to tame these crooked beings and a way can be created if one makes a sincere effort in this direction.Given the temperament of the present age bureaucrats such an idea may always remain a wishful thought.

FALSE CASES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
ARVIND K PANDEY
(Published In The Statesman ,Aug.03,04)
Given the narrow-minded mindset of the Indian people false charges of sexual harassment becomes life-long stigma. Of late, it has become too common to rope in these heinous charges to settle political scores with the rivals. Or a mean employed by the female employee to teach a lesson to her boss who didn’t pay heed to her unwanted demands. Again in the cases where the girl elopes with her lover and returns back the girl’s family level this charge to seek revenge. Section 211 which deal with the ‘false charge of offence made with intent to injure’ punishes the offender implicated under this section with imprisonment extending up to seven years. However, cases involving false charges show no sign of abating so much so that Delhi High Court had to remark that dowry related provisions are one of the most misused provisions. These seem to unleash unending tale of sorrow for the groom’s family. In the same class lies the SC/ST Act which has been brutally used by the rested interests to strike terror among the rivals. In the West the speedy justice comes to the rescue of the victim besides mature response of those around him. In India the legal system functioning at snail’s pace reduces the victim to a state of caricature. Even after being proved innocent our so-called custodians of the society make the life hellish for him. Therefore, I agree with you that those who level false accusations of sexual harassment must be severely punished.

MANIPUR'S CRISIS AND ARMY'S ROLE
ARVIND K PANDEY
(Published In MIRROR TODAY ,NOVEMBER,04)

In this difficult times in Manipur, it would not be fair to lower the morale of army. It would be cliché to observe that army people toe the line of the officers guided by the diktats of their political bosses. The Congress underthe influence of its delusive sense of political superiority allowed the situation to develop into a mess. Before condemning the soldiers why do we forget to take into consideration the role they have come to play in bringing peace and order in several parts of the country during the troubled times. Let’s not forget the way they are being butchered in Kashmir and Assam in an unending war against terrorists. Don’t you think the way media people and so-called intellectuals engaged in life and death equations in their sophisticated chambers, who raise question of its efficiency, sow the seed of frustration and bitterness among them? Do these self -styled humanitarians have ever bothered to interact with ground realities? Had they done so, they would have never dared to create awkward situation from their uncomfortable gestures? Is it not so that few dare to challenge the absurdities of our political masters whose populist measures have ruined the growth of nation and instead come to direct our criticism on soft-targets? This does not mean that we overlook the deformities that have crept into the defence apparatus. Yes, there may be bad elements present in the army which must be shown the door. But to use it as a pretext to undermine their efforts shall never be tolerated by any conscientious citizen. Let us not to bring them at par with ‘use and throw’ objects.

UPA'S TOXIFICATION DRIVE:DISPALYING A PERVERT MINDSET
ARVIND K PANDEY
(Published In The Statesman ,Nov.02,04)

The UPA’s detoxification campaign curtails the growth of democratic ideals. It is one thing to rectify the mistakes committed by the previous government but to unleash political vendetta in the name of so-called detoxification campaign is quite another. The nature and scope of decisions point towards the hard-use reality of our time that politics has been thrown to the wolves. The truth is that talk of good governance serves as a ladder to reach at the top, from there on its saga of blunders, omissions and commissions. This is why it has been extremely difficult for the people to distinguish one party from another. For the past few years populist measures, political maneuvers and coalition devoid of principles have become natural order of things in political scenario of India.Even a superficial analysis is sufficient to reveal that we have drifted away from the vision envisaged by the constitution makers- bringing the welfare of people at the core of political affairs. It is abudantly clear that mainstream politics has no place for it. When settling political scores is the only real task left, to talk about people oriented measures and values sounds ridiculous. The moves of UPA government have not only compromised the democratic institution’s identity but also established a bad precedent. Wouldn’t these moves breed animosity,leading to further erosion of fine values? Sadly, times have changed.What else could prevail "when fair is foul,and foul is fair"?

KOLKATA:END OF HAND-PULLED RIKSHAWS
ARVIND K.PANDEY
(Published In The Statesman, 30 August ,05)

An affront to human dignity notwithstanding it's also an attempt on part of vast sea of humanity to ensure their survival in a world marred by lack of opportunities.In retrospect, nature of task can't be the ideal parameter to estimate's one worth.Going by this logic sex-workers should emerge as blot on the face of humanity when ,viewing from a different perspective, it's simply just one of the means to ensure two sqare meals.There is no point in shedding crocodile tears without ensuring them better means of survival.One harps about child-exploitation in factories, feels distressed over pathetic condition of bar girls and now bucket of tears for these rickshaw pullers but fail all the time to rehabilitate them in sound way.Surely, there is need to ensure a dignified life style for underprivilged but such critical issues ,hovering around their bread and butter, need to be intercepted with caution. Rising above stereotypical notions could be the first step in its attainment

THREE DANGEROUS Ws
ARVIND K PANDEY
Published In The Times Of India
( Lucknow Edition,Jan.19,06)

The MPs caught in sting operations unmistakably prove that polticians worldwide are susceptible to three Ws -women , wine and wealth.The MPs caught with their pant down are indeed national embarrassment ,who have made irreparable damage to the parties whom they represent . Considering the fact that parties involved it in are the major ones , it becomes imperative for them to be conscious regarding selection of candiadates for parliamentary elections.It seems that in future framing high standards for a berth in Parliament will alone ensure smooth ride for the members.Had they preffered 'clean image' over people living 'double lives ' the parties would not have been trapped in the moneytrap.

SAVING SANIA FROM MEDIA
ARVIND K PANDEY

The problem with media is that it's all the time hankering for images , fit enough to be turned into brands , who could be used as instruments to rope in huge moolah.The disturbing prat of this whole arrangement is that it affects the priorities of the players , who not only feel awkward in receiving such undue attention but also start believing that they have turned into a force to reckon with. Somtimes back Bhutia was hailed as mover and shaker in the Indian football scenario.Where is he now? In my eyes , Sania has miles to go to carve a niche for herself. Encounters with Serena and Sharapova must have enabled her to come to terms with fact that in the end what really matters is your game.Banking on brand -oriented image just helps the vested interests in media .Let media play a constructive role by keeping her above illusions(something which the conscious readers of the Statesman unfailingly do) instead of compelling her to succumb to them.

PHONE-TAPPPING :A SERIOUS CRIME
ARVIND K PANDEY
( Published in The Statesman ,JAN.17,06)

Phone- tapping is indeed a serious issue. Let's not forget that Constitutional provisions lay great emphasis on protection of an individual's privacy . Interestingly , Mahatma Gandhi talked of usage of fair means to achieve the ends .Sadly , we are living in times when breach of an individual's privacy has become a norm . Veiwing this issue from a different angle , one cannot ignore the fact that even so-called sting operations are being covertly used by the politicians to derail their opponents . Needless to say , the purity of means has been consigned to the flames in order to attain information by hook or crook .The Amar Singh phone tapping episode is sad reminder of the harsh truth that politics of our age has been held hostage to white-collar goondaism.

HAS MANMOHAN SINGH GROWN IN STATURE AFTER BECOMING PM ?
ARVIND K PANDEY
(Published In The Statesman,Oct.04,05)

This is partially true. Despite his bold gestures on several occasions, it can't be said with conformity that he has carved a niche for himself with addition of new dimensions in his stature.Yes, he can't be held guilty for committing blunders but a sterner approach would have strenghthened his image in a real way.For instance, had Priminister taken a tough stand on crisis which rocked Jharkhand and Bihar ,the situation there would not have taken a grim turn.Instead, he found it safer to be a mute spectator.Even while dealing with Nanavati Commission's report all he could manage was a' crippled apology '. He has utterly failed to relegate trouble makers within coailtion to the fringes.However, let him praise for going ahead with the economic reforms en route intellectual ghetto of the Leftist brigade.It's another thing that, in absence of administrative reforms, benefits achieved through these measures have failed to reached to the doors of people.An aggressive approach in making administrative machinery accountable to the people's needs would surely concretise his image.

NATIONAL LITERACY MISSION :SCRIPTING SUCCCESS
ARVIND K PANDEY

The National Literacy Mission (NLM) in Karnal has proved that literacy is one of the powerful means to bring transformation in the lives people,especially women.Such programmes need to be taken on war footing in various parts of the nation to create likes of Sushma and Sarita-the courageous women who with help of these programmes created a way where none existed.No need to stress on the fact that without empowering women one cannot hope to bring radical changes in the society.Infact, it's the only way to put neo-literates on the road to success and thus saving them from the clutches of exploitation , which has become order of the day in age of rampant corruption.At the same time let me add that these programmes run the risk of losing their relevance if they aren't backed up by programmes , which create room for livlihood.

STING OPERATIONS:WHAT'S THEIR REAL MOTIVE
ARVIND K PANDEY

(Published In THE WEEK ,Jan.22,06)

Though I appreciate the sting operations efforts in catching the people involved in murky deals , one cannot ignore the emergence of a disturbing phenomenon . Viewing it from a different angle, aren't they guilty of breaching one's privacy ? Again in a mad rush to expose the 'scandals ' haven't they encroached upon individual's right of natural justice as in most of the cases the appparently guilty people come to be branded offenders without given chance of proving their innocence ? Let's be very clear that at the heart of these operations is the urge to gain instant success instead of a honest desire to uproot corrupt malpractises prevalent in the society . So long they remain fuelled by ' sensationalism ' , I am afraid a conscious citizen would always be reluctant in giving them their due .