URI :TAINTED MEASURES

ARVIND K.PANDEY

It's sad to know that relief works in Uri following the quake have been tainted by red-tape and haughtiness of the State officials . Worse , the government's relief measures are devoid of proper vision and well-coordinated steps . It's shocking that corrupt officials are little ashamed in cashing-in-on the calamities. India should make arrangements to share Japan's experience to enrich its disaster management initiatives . At this point of time all what we need is expertise to elevate the standards of relief measures . By just beating the bush with careless and insensitive approach towards the grievances of the victims , we are simply intensifying their pains . It's abundantly clear that there is little merit in hailing modern India's achievements unless it rises above present work-culture .

KIRAN :IN THE ARMS OF BOOKER

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Kudos to Kiran Desai for adding a new gem in the Indian literary landscape . It's heartwarming to know to that the ABP Group has an additional region to cheer ,being associated with its publication in a major way . However, I am baffled over the remarks of John Sutherland , chairman of last year's judges ,who states that "It is a globalised novel for a globalised world." One woders what exactly is he trying to suggest ? Does he mean that novel reflects the conflicts of the present world in a substantial way , which lends it an universal appeal ? Or , in his eyes , the book at par with the whims and fancies of the globalised world has elements ,which catalyse both readability and saleability ! Apparently , he has placed the book side-by-side a product , whose relevance is determined by its dominance in the market . Anyway , it's not a healthy trend pattern to judge the novel with the help of sketchy yardstickls .A perfect novel is not only contemporary but also transcends the barriers of time and space .

PRIYANKA'S MEOW

ARVIND K.PANDEY

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BURQA CRISIS-THE VEILED PROBLEM : READING TONY BLAIR'S MIND VIS-A VIS SONGS

1.Parda Nashin Ko Beparda Na Kar Do To Blair(Read Akbar ,though Blair rhymes well with Akbar) Mera Naam Nahi ..

MOVIE:AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY . MUSIC:LP ;Lyricist:ANAND BAKSHI

2.Ye Parda Hat Do ...

MOVIE:EK PHOOL DO MAALI ;MUSIC:RAVI ;Lyricist:PREM DHAWAN

MUSLIM WOMEN'S COUNTER

3.Pardein Mein Rehnein Do Parda Na Hatao...

Movie :SHIKAR ;MUSIC :SHANKAR JAIKISHAN

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SAD NEWS FOR TOMMY AND HIS GANG

BEATING CATS BLACK AND BLUE ,THE PASTIME OF DOGGIES, COULD LAND THEM BEHIND THE BARS ......ALL BECAUSE PROTECTION OF WOMEN FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT HAS COME IN EFFECT .

EVERY DOGGY KNOWS THAT CAT-BASHING IS SO ESSENTIAL TO PUT IT ON TRACK .

IT'S QUITE CLEAR THAT EMERGENCE OF WILD CATS AND MUSHARRAFS ,THE DOGGIES WHO HAVE THE HABIT OF PUTTING THEIR TAILS IN THEIR MOUTHS OWING TO NON STOP MINDLESS BARKS ,ARE DANGEROUS FOR ORDER AND PEACE IN THE WORLD .

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Q.CAN CATS TAKE CARE OF MILK ?

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CATS ARE "GOBERGANESH "IN MATHS(TOMMY'S RESERACH ).THEIR SUPERB 'RATTAFYING "ABILITES MAKE THEM FIT FOR ARTS .

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Mother (to PRIYANKA): My son Lala is a very sensitive child. If you need to punish him, just slap the boy in the next seat. That will frighten Lala.

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KILLING COWS FOR CARS

ARVIND K. PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN BUSINESS ECONOMICS,OCT.31,2006)

Kudos to Maneka Gandhi for anticipating the pains of cows .It's strange that objects of luxury for the elite class have their origin in destruction of flora and fauna .Incidentally , one of the prime reasons which led to the revolt in 1857 was the use of cow's fat in making of cartridges.One wonders will the use of leather ,attained from killings of cows , in making of car seats of Mercedes Benz leads to similar protests from the urbanites .Anyway , it's time to promote vegetarianism and other alternatives ,which provide breather to these silent sufferers . It's another thing that such a movement might invite the ire of the minority class and psuedo-secularists .Surely , they could perceive it to be an assault upon their natural rights, branding it a brainchild of Hindutva groups.

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REFLECTING ON GANDHISM AS WELL:

Gandhiji wanted Indians to retain their bonds with ancient beliefs .It's another thing that in modern India Gandhian ideals are one of the favourite means to mock at someone's attempt to identify himself with better ideals! These leading luminaries have turned into objects of ridiclule instead of becoming tools of understanding . On the top of it,India's growing facination for MNC's participation shows that nation has failed to imbibe the lessons of the Salt movement, which marked the end of colonial rule.I must say that India should not turn out to be mere clone of the Western countries----strong in economic sense but utterly devoid of value-oriented lifestyle.It should not commit the fatal mistake of ignoring its roots,its rich cultural tradition.In other words, let India preserve its identity at all cost instead of losing it for sake of meaningless progress!.

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CLEMENCY DRAMA

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(PUBLISHED IN INDIA TODAY,NOV.06,2006)

The Supreme Court's verdict which bares the conditions for seeking clemency is a huge blow for self-proclaimed rights defenders . Of late , it has become a fashion to set roadblocks in the execution of Supreme Court's decisions . It would definitely deflate the spirits of people , who are hell-bent to weaken the judicial system in a very systematic manner , for the reasons best known to them .They are the ones who wish to remain in the limelight and , in the process , receive awards for championing the cause of sufferers from the International agencies . It appears judicial activism has come in the way of their vested interests ! Whatever be the reason , 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 .

LOCKING HORNS OVER CLEMENCY

ARVIND K.PANDEY

VOXPOPULI'S PIECE WHICH STATRED THE DEBATE

At last the blog of Pakistan spoke. Guess not because of my effort.
It has raised the proper issue of death sentense to Afzal Guru for terrorist attack on Indian Parliament. Though I do not agree with all the content in the post, I support this campaign as it can save life of a person, whatever his origin may be.
Human life is pracious and death punishment is socially sanctioned murder.

BUT...

One should not be selective in campaigning. The life of Sarabjit who is about to be hanged by Pakistan is equally important. It is clear case of mistaken identity.
Alongwith clemancy to Afzal I also ask Pakistan to give justice to Sarabjit who is poor farmer of Punjab.

Let us eliminate death penalty and this whole business of hanging people to death by law.

DO YOU AGREE?

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VOX POPULI'S INVITATION TO ME GO THROUGH THIS PIECE

Have you seen my post on Afzal hanging debate in response to post of Pakistan on the issue.

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ARVIND

Though I believe that eye for an eye policy has no meaning in civilised society ,the hard-core criminals don't deserve kind considerastion at all .Lighter punishment would not only lead to lawlessness but it is also a cruel joke with the family of sufferers .What about the lives of policemen lost in the Parliament's attack ? Take into consideration the whole thing from victim's perspective as well . It's a harsh reality that faking sympathy on the part of opportunists like Farooq Abdullah has led to emergence of vain concerns !

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VOXPOPULI

Dear Arvind, I think that discussing any specific case can lead nowhere. There are always pro and anti arguments for it.
I have great regard for ancient Indian judicial principles that clearly differ from western and Islamic principles of justice. Eye to an eye as justice for family of victims is not Indian concept of justice. They will not gain solace by killing any other person. This was the reason why in ancient India this principle was not adopted.
I think once upon a time India used to lead the world spiritually and intellectually. It was because of such principles. Now India is powerful and capable country. It need not follow medieval principles of justice.

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ARVIND

One has to keep in mind the fact that judiciary knows its limits very well, being guided by evidences and logical assumptions basking in the aura of Constitutional precedents .Aggreeing with your observbations let me state that such harsh sentences are pronounced in rarest of rare cases.This case false in the same bracket.So there is no need to shed crocodile tears over his death punishment . Consider What US did to Afghanistan when trade tower was attacked by the Talibanis ? Go to China and Saudi Arabia ,where no remorse can be expressed against death punishments given in petty offences !! Let's not make mockery of democratic virtues by voicing cheap sentiments etered crime or lawlessness.

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It seems you want me to discuss this case, which I wanted to avoid.
Ok. First you neither have power nor have guts of US to catch and punish main accused of the case. They are roaming freely in other country and your country cannot adopt US or Israel way of dealing with such issues as you do not have that much power.
Second, the main accused in the case was ceremoniously escorted by your own government out of prison.
Third, if you cannot catch main fish your insistence for execution of lower level of conspirators demonstrate your mean, weak nature.
Fourth, if you are US fan, do you know what punishment US court gave to the 9/11 accused conspirator? He was not given death punishment to avoid him turn into martyer. This despite of enormous power US have, unlike your country.
Fifth, do you know what was the exact impact of Maqbul Bhatt's execution on Kasmiri insurgency? Though you are not militarily and politically powerful as US, you are taking more risk by giving Kashmiri's a new hero. Why?
Sixth, Kasmiri insurgency is fading and declining in the wake of growing international pressure and desire for paece among Indian Kashmiris. By hanging Afzal and providing new symbol of injustice and martyerhood, are you not giving new lease of life to dying movement?

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ARVIND

It's strang U first invite me to have a dekko and then say that your are in no mood to discuss the issue !! Instead of wasting time in meaningless debate , let's not extend it further .To be precise we did what we found fit and appropiate as per legal dictums . The likes of Afzal deserve no sympathy at all .Lastly , the parallel was drawn to highlight what should be the fate of a terrorists and not to discuss strength and weaknesses of India .What's the world trying to convey ;kill people and then seek clemency ? We can teach lessons and we have done so in the past.Ask Pakistanis? Our culture deep-rooted in non -violence does not promote bloodshed .However , if politeness has turned into a symmbol of weakness ,let me tell you we wil not wait for orders from the outside world to teach lessons to the enemies . I'm proud to be born in a country where " Gandhi-a naked fakir " was enough to show 35,000 Britishers the door without the use of weapon ? Realize the strentgh of nation when 1.2 bilion souls come to have swords in their hands ? Still , let not such a day come when we have to become the worshippers of sword than being the lovers of "power of self " .After all, what's the point in becoming like others when the sun in all the case is going to set !!!

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VOXPOPULI

I love India and espect power of non-violence of Gandhiji, who believed in pardon and clemacy even for his own killer. You are deviating from his path and losing your real power. That's what I want to point you out.

Pardoning Afzal will stengthen Indian nation more than hanging him. Wish you and your countrymen realise this and follow the path shown by Mahatma instead of Advani.

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Be precise .You forget that he has been convicted in light of evidences vis-a-vis judicial precedents. It's not a case where a someone has been implicated out of political considerations , which for that matter you are all the time trying to suggest . There are many ways to look at the issue. It's really strange that there are so-may well -wishers of a "terrorists " and nothing is said about the manner in which these terrorists are wiping out innocent lives , the way India has turned into den of ISI sponnsored terrorism . Lastly let me quote Christ's word "Even a devil can quote scriptures in his favour " .It's not a matter which falls in the ambit of debate .Have you forgotten the Kandhar issue or for that matter Rubiya Sayeed issue ? The devils don't deserve a sympathetic attention . Did they bothered to think about the consequences of their act ? Is the life of an ordinary man kiled by the bullets of terrorists valueless ?If pardoning alone is way ,what's the hell "war on terror " means ,something fought enthusistically by Brits and Americans ? Do you think that since US has not been able to catch "Osama "it's a weak country ? Or for that matter the way allied forces have made mess in Iraq and Afghanistan make these nation worthy of admiration ? Or do you think Osamas , Saddams and the terorrists which planted bombs in London should be granted pardon ?Then why catch them at all ?Why this drama of long trial and show of mercy ?Above all , Why Americans feel that Pakistan be reduced to "Stone-age " ?Just grant it clemency !!

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VOXPOPULI

Be Precise
What you did in Kandahar?
What you did in Rubina case?
What you did in Charag Shaif case?

Are Bush, US and Blaire are role model for you?
They have took wrong decisions and have strategic failures you want to emulate them?

If you can catch Osama, that is diferent thing. But if you hang any lower rung operative just because you are not capable of catching the Osama, would it be justifiable?

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ARVIND

Legal experts and eminent people have come to the opinion that terrorists deserve no kind consideration.Your arguments don't hold water at all when contrasted with legal sensibilites ,being by-product of conditioning than governed by logical undercurrents.How ironical that even as the debate on hanging goes on ,often triggered by shallow outbursts , Pranab Mukherjee speaks of ISI's dominance in Army ?The killing in Jammu is going on unabated ? And here are some souls who are championing the rights of terrorists ?You will be sad to know that even the Communist's mouthpieces are full of letters which are against showing mercy for Afzal .This being my last response , let we have the abilty to see things in right perspective .After all, it decides the destiny of future generations .Should the devils prevail or Gods come into operation ,it's entirely not into our hand but this shouldn't prevent us from giving shape to right things with right mindset !!!!

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ANOTHER FRIEND OTHER THAN US -A QUITECOMER

My goodness guys - this is really serious exchange.
Very interesting too (and Voxi, you can now come out of doghouse I think - day long enough!). Please be aware Voxi that debating like this perhaps reveals more about you than you realise, if you are trying to be mysterious.

QUITECOMER
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VOX POPULI:
If one act with right mindset, one would not have security issues I guess.

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ARVIND:

Yes,it all depends on our motive ,means and mindset . Anyway , howcome your age in your profile keeps fluctuating ?Have you got HG Wells Time Machine ?If Yes ,please lend me as I am dying to have my lost childhood back ?

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MUNNABHAI'S GANDHIGIRI

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Though Lage Raho Munnabhai due to pompous and pretentious treatment of its theme does no justice to Gandhian ideology , it can be safely stated that such movies do come to stir the hearts and minds of an average person . After all, parallel cinema with their complex presentation fails to strike a chord with man on street . What's important is that inherent message must reach to the masses. No doubt , well-made commercial movies do not respect sense of proportion yet they leave an indelible impression on inert souls . Vidhu Vinod Chopra should be complimented for defying stereotypes with interesting version of serious issue , which provoke us to do some soul-searching ! Regarding Gandhism it can be stated safely that the country , which has not been able to showcsae Gandhi's ideals in real perspective , does not desreve the right to probe its utility in such a casual manner . Better we learn to anticipate Gandhism with right bent of mind instead of mirroring it in our prejudices .

MOSQUITO MENACE

ARVIND K. PANDEY

(Published In FRONTLINE ,NOVEMBER,03,2006)

It's ironical that dengue outbreak has not spared even AIIMS . No need to stress on the fact tha MCD's lackadaisical approach has led to this grave mess . Had Health Department taken essential measures like fogging/spraying ,being in tune with the directives of the SC, the mosquito menace would not have claimed so many lives . Many among our so-called intellectuals are cynical about judicial activism . I'm afraid had it not come in existence, we would have frittered away the gains of living in a democratic country . The State goverenment is keen to change the face of Delhi in the wake of 2010 Commonwealth Games.It's pity that Delhi is keen to be labelled as a world-class city even as its residents battle for survival amid inhuman conditions .

PAKISTANI TEAM ON STICKY WICKET

ARVIND K. PANDEY

(Published In THE TELEGRAPH ,Oct.23,2006)

It seems that the Pakistan cricket team is unable to stay clear of controversy. The alleged drug abuse by Pakistani pacers, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif, is a huge blow to their fans. But it is no secret that a globalized world has produced a tribe of men and women not ashamed of using unfair means to win. It seems that the cause of Akhtar and Asif’s downfall was their overreaching ambition. In the past, people had more faith in fairer means that went well with a slower pace of life. But today’s cut-throat competition makes even the strongest feel insecure. This must be the reason why sportsmen, including cricketers, want to achieve as much as they can before new-comers push them to the fringes. Nevertheless, both Akhtar and Asif have brought cricket in serious disrepute.

AMITABH BACHCHAN :NEVER SAY GOOD BYE !!!!!

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Amitabh Bachchan has swayed the movie lovers with sterling performances in host of super-duper hit movies in a career spanning over more than three decades . Adding further dimensions in the superstar tag , brought in existence by Rajesh Khanna , his memorable roles in Anand , Abhimaan and Chupke-Chupke ,to name a few , put a seal of approval on his versatility .Though movies like Deewar , Don ,Muqaddar Ka Sikandar and etc . which cashed -in-on his angry man status and turned him into an icon in the world of commercial cinema , it cannot be stated convincingly that they did justice to his potential . It's sad that mediocre directors of late 80s failed to explore various shades of his acting . Result : Series of flops one after another pushed him to the fringes of the mainstream cinema . One is of the opinion that KBC proved to be lifeline for his fading charishma . However , it's now too late for him to refine his artistic sensibilites in the fag end of his career .Better he bids adieu to cinematic landscape to exalt his persona instead of behaving like a politician trapped in "Kissa Kursi Ka " dilemma . Everbody is aware of the fact that graceful exit means a lot in the field of glamour . Let him not turn a blind eye to this fact since there are maany other constructive things to do in life other than hopping like a frog with semi-nude girls in rubbish numbers .

NO POLITICS OVER DEATH PLEASE:DEATH OF VIMLA

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The globalised world has given rise to host of complex problems . One of the most unfortunate developments has been that one's privacy and individuality have lost meaning as the shrewd souls have scant respect for them . Now one has to pay a heavy price to pursue one's dreams and aspirations . Jeremy Seabrook rightly stated that " real reason for seeking to criminalise the despairing is that to do so pathologises the individual , and leave society unscathed ."It would not be out of place to suggest that 'shallow legalism ' and secular outbursts have tarnished the well-structured life-patterns of Hinduism . What's the point in giving rise to complexities in name of upholding values of modern society ? For the time being , it has become our fate to reel under absurdities of modern messiahs !

GANDHI AND NOBEL

THE SECRETARY OF THE NORWEGIAN NOBEL COMMITTEE SAYS,"THE GREATEST OMISSION IN OUR 106 YEAR HISTORY IS UNDOUBTEDLY THAT MAHATMA GANDHI NEVER RECEIVED THE NOBEL PRIZE .

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THIS WRITER HAS HIGHLIGHTED THE ISSUE IN HIS PUBLISHED IN HARDNEWS , NOVEMBER, 2004.
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RISING ABOVE HONOURS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In HARDNEWS , NOVEMBER,2004)

What is the similarity between the South African leader Desmond Tutu and the American civil rights leader Martin Luther King? Both of them have been awarded Nobel Prize for championing their cause in non-violent manner. Viewed in perspective, one fails to understand why Gandhiji , whose vision led to the emergence of such remarkable theories, is not being considered for this coveted prize?Anyway, by leveling charge of discrimination against the selection committee I am not going to catapult it to dubious distinction. In my opinion it would be in the interest of nation if we stop viewing ourselves through the prism pf western values. How long are we going to remain confined to slavish mentality? It’s high time we focus our attention on problems that have been eroding the inner innards of democracy since tryst with freedom.However,having said that, it would not be out of tune to mention that virtues of a soul like Gandhi does not need anybody’s seal of approval to be ranked among greats.

NEWSPAPER : A WRECKED SHIP

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Non-availabilty of paper is one of the prime reasons responsible for the dark future of newspapers . All in all, newspapers have failed to mould theselves at par with requirements of changing times . Ironically , the news-item has fallen prey to materialistic tendencies in a mad rush to cater to the populist sentiments of the readers . It's not going to be an easy ride for the newspapers so long they don't bring right people in circles , responsible for chalking out policies shaping the editorial and ideologiocal aspects . Let's not forget that readers are always interested in in-depth analysis of the happenings around with an eye on truth . The battle for survival might become easier once newspaper industry graps this fact that its sole job is to bring truth at the doors of readers in a well-packaged mode . At present , ' random lunatics ' of 'blog boat' are proving threatening enough to capsize newspaper -the wrecked ship .

NATASCHA :REGAINING LOST WORLD

ARVIND K. PANDEY

The miraculous escape of Natascha from the kidnapper's grip speaks volume of her courage and strong bent of mind ,which refused to bow down before the dark ironies of life .No doubt , scars of such harsh ordeal cannot be wiped out easily from one's consciouness. Surely, it would be a herculean task for Natascha to suppress the negative impressions borne out of the lie told about her parent's absence .Anyway , her heroic endeavour and indomitable spirit grant her image an iconic status , which uneqivocally confirm the fact that there is always light at the end of the tunnel . Her escape once again reinforces our faith in power of positive beliefs .

FINDING A SCAPEGOAT

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE SUNDAY INDIAN, Oct 16-Oct.22,06)

It's abudantly clear that cynics are in no mood to see Chappell as India's coach . It appears as if he has been thrown to the wolves , who wish to tear him into pieces .Only because his honest moves have curbed their vested interests . Anyway , there is little merit in blaming Chappell for India's dismal performance in One-dayers in West Indies and Kuala Lumpur . Why does one forget the fact that coach's ideas are of little use if team consists of mediocre players . To begin with , Sehwag , Yuvraj and Kaif retain their cap despite being in poor form . Why ? Coming to the bowling -squad we don't have quality pace bowlers , having the speed and accuracy of McGrath and Shaun Pollock . Against the backdrop of our highly politicised selections, wherein zonal bias rules the roost , one should not look forward to miraculous change in the course of the Indian cricket . It will be but fair to suggest that we need to provide sufficient powers to coach in selection matters to enable the team to script a success story . Mindless criticism would only make the situation more messy .

DARRELL HAIR:TAMPERING CRICKET

ARVIND K. PANDEY

Darrell Hair's controversial ball-tampering accusation has snowballed into one of the major scandals to hit the International cricket . On the top of it , Hair's 'money mania ' -demand for $500,000 as compensation for shunning the role as Test umpire - leaves behind everlasting dark resonance about the whole thing . In retrospect , Darrell Hair , in the first place , should have not called Pakistani 'cheats ' as such deviant behaviour does not augur well for the spirit of cricket . In fact , he should have taken Pakistan's captain Inzamam-ul-Haq into cofidence about the allegations , making him known the evidences which formed the basis of his allegations . Ironically , such dangerous flirtations with racist approach is bound to do incalculable harm to the glory of cricket , making way for fragmentation of the ICC. Probably , this is why Imran Khan sounds so true when he says :" Hair is one of those characters who , when he wears the white umpire's coat 'metamorphoses into a mini-Hitler." It's time for the ICC to maintain the ethical standards of its umpires , which prevents them from romancing with double-standards .

LET'S TALK ABOUT NARAYAN

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The life of R.K. Narayan bears testimony to the fact that sipmlicity lends an enduring charm to one's persona . When modernity has taught us to worship flashy images , the replicas of superficiality , the literary outputs of Narayan provide solace to seekers of simple and transparent values . In other words , the works of R.K.Narayan teach us how to make room for simple phenomenons in our lives . Considering the way the modern literature , in the name of realism , has become source of complexity , it's indeed a rare achievement .

MUSHARRAF IN DEEP WATERS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In INDIA TODAY , OCT.23,2006)

Musharraf's dislosures ,courtesy "In The Line Of Fire" , place him in deep waters . Has he forgotten that Pakistan in all these years have been in denial mode about the role of the Pakistani Army in the Kargil war ? To an extent that nobody from Pakistan's side appeared to make a claim over the dead bodies of the Pakistani soldiers killed during the war, leading to performance of last rites by the Indian Army . Anyway, how can such a man be trusted who now openly lauds the role of Pakistani Army in the Kargil war ? On the top of it , Manmohan Singh is hell- bent to give concrete shape to his near-utopian and unrealistic idea of joint mechanism to counter terrorism . One wonders how can our PM impose so much faith on Musharraf ,who changes colour faster than chameleon !Interestingly , Musharraf has turned down the India's request to hand over the 'most wanted ', the one's responsible for executing nefarious designs in India . Going by the infirm bent of mind of Musharraf ,the Havana's handshake offers little hope of better days .

PRINCELY RESCUE

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In SUPREMACY , SEPTEMBER, 2006)

The high- drama which enveloped the rescue-operation of Prince gives an insight into Indian psyche and the so-called fourth estate. Though I apppreciate the valiant efforts of army people in bringing the boy back from the jaws of death , one is appalled over the hype surrounding channels' ,apparently, first blush with the Indian reality-show. Well, Indian roads , bogged down by potholes and uncovered manholes , write script of death for commuters.Most of these deaths are either ignored or published in insignificant columns.Was the media, via case-in-point, successful in making authorities aware of the consequences of travelling on these ill-fated roads ? No.The coverage of the whole episode provided another opportunity to the channels to increase their viewrship and for the print media it was a golden chance to give a 'break' to its fascination of chasing dull-stories ! Ironically , the high-voltage drama failed to ensure better days for commoners used to make their way through deadly obstacles on road .

DARRELL HAIR :MOOLAH, MY DARLING

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In CRICINFO , OCTOBER,2006)

Cricket has now occupied the notoriety of being the game governed by the market Gurus.In the modern times when all the things have fallen in the lap of matreialistic considerations , it would be nothing short of foolhardines to expect players and umpires to remain detatched from the charm of money . Cricket , traditionally being the game of gentlemen , has rapidly morphed into game supported by the unhloy nexus of cricket boards, market forces and ICC. Globalisation ,here too, has come to play a dominant role in bringing changes on par with the dynamics of market . So it's not surprising that sportsmanship, quality innings and twists and turns of a high class duel have been replaced by match-fixing elements , concocted aggression and high-pitched drama unleashed by big fishes of the corporate world ,who can in no way see their huge stakes going in drain . Precisely , this is why 'phatapat 'version of the cricket have come to assume larger than life importance for the ICC even as they come to crush the mental and physical stamina of the players .In retrospect, Darell Hair's decision has revealed that the Western world is stll not hesitant to strike hord with racist approah to gain an upper hand , be it sports or politics .Surely, Inzamam-ul-Haq has full right to protest against ball-tampering charges in the wake of element of dishonesty dominating the Hair's decision . Right from Muralitharan to Tendulkar whoever comes to challenge the supremacy of white countries ,sooner or later , becomes the target of a racist agenda . One hopes cricket pitch remains hooked to classic duel between bat and ball instead of being governed by political games of prjudiced minds .

THE CONCEPT OF REBIRTH

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In BUSINESS ECONOMICS,OCT.15,2006)

Interestingly , the Hindu scriptures have dealt with the rebirth phenomenon much earlier than any other modern civilsation . The Vedas , Upanishads and , above all, Bhagavad-gita , especially its chapter 2 & 6 , have dissected this complex issue in a scientific and clinical manner . Assuring Arjuna not to worry about the fate of his body Krishna says ," For the soul there is never birth nor death .Nor, having once been does he ever cease to be .He is unborn ,eternal , ever-existing ,undying and primeval .He is not slain when the body is slain ."(Bhagavad-gita 2.20)Our psuedo -secularists and worshippers of scientific supersitions might make these declarations butt of ridicule but leading thinkers in past have come to held the insights of Indian sages in high esteem . For instance , Emerson stats that 'The soul comes from without into the human body , as into a temporary abode , and it goes out of it anew...it passes into other habitations , for the soul is immortal.'Even Socrates is not afraid to conclude that 'I am confident that these truly is such a thing as living again , that the living spring from the dead , and that the souls of the dead are in existence .'Tolstoy who believes that fate of man is to morph into God categorically states that 'As we live through thousands of dreams in our present life , so is our present life only one of many thousands of such lives which we enter from the other more real life ...and then return after death .'One hopes we learn to respect and honour our cultural legacy in an intelligent fashion rather than criticising it to be in tune with with modernity !

SHASHI THAROOR :YORKED BY AMERICA

ARVIND K. PANDEY

(Published in THE TELEGRAPH, OCT.10,2006)

The veto powers of the US have finally ended India’s dream of having an Indian at the UN’s top job. This has made it clearer than daylight that the US is least interested in