Dr. ZAKIR NAIK's DUBIOUS CLAIMS

ARVIND K. PANDEY

There is no point in refuting Dr.Zakir's claims .His twisted logic and half-baked percepts have turned him into a dubious figure . He is a gifted orator but he lacks the ability to state the facts honestly . He has just one agenda : To rubbish the better things found in other religions . " Allah is supreme " while other incarnations are imperfect and are lesser gods in comparison to Allah .One doesn't know where Zakirji is heading towards ?One example would be suffice to highlight his crooked jugglery with facts . He says that Quran is the last revelation of God and it applies to whole humanity . All other revelations are now longer relevant since they were meant for specific period . Such nonsense is very difficult to digest ,isn't it ?

I must add that earlier we were dominated by religious superstitions and now it's the turn of scientific superstitions . We should not forget that science and religion cannot be placed on one platform . Religion is guided by faith or Shraddha while Science is governed by reason . No need to state that there are many things in life which are beyond the reach of intellect .To be a perfect human being it's very necessary that we should homour the limitations .

DO NOT HARASS BLOGGERS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

It's not a right thing on the part of government to dictate freedom of expression . At the same time , bloggers should not post defamatory articles .One should always have substantial evidence in support of his/her claims if he/she wishes to write about issues controversial in nature .

REKHA :BUNDLE OF TALENT

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in GRAPHITI, THE TELEGRAPH, AUG.17,08)

Rekha's meteoric rise in the world of Hindi movies indicative of her talent and versatility .Her sterling performances in some of the genre bender movies like Umrao Jaan and Ijaazat shattered some of the prevailing myths in the the prevailing industry .She was successful in conveying the impression that it's intense performance and not a well-chiseled face which leaves an imprint on the hearts and minds of the viewers .She is a wave of fresh air amidst plastic faces in the Indian cinema .

KILLING TERRORISM

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Neither hand of providence nor convulated responses would sabotage the network of al-Qaida .The American dilemma is further compounded by its dubious stand on 'war on terror'. The way al-Qaida is devising new ways and means to punish its enemies should make it clear to US and its allies that full-proof strategies ,devoid of bias , have become need of the hour. One is ,indeed, baffled over the superpowers' inability to wipe out the devilish empire of jehadi operatives .

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WISHING " HAPPY I-DAY " TO EVERYONE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY .IT'S TIME TO SING " BHARAT HUMKO JAAN SE PYARA HAI .."

TACKLING APPEASEMENT POLICIES

ARVIND K.PANDEY

But I must add that our country has always had weak Central governments .Worse , appeasement policies have created new problems in the way of total elimination of governments . Just look what’s happening in Jammu and Kashmir .

True , it’s very difficult for the Muslims to rise above limitations . More so when likes of Dr.Zakir Naik (peace channel fame )with their half truths emerge as a great preacher amongst them . It’s just like a blind man showing the path .I firmly believe that unless Muslims come to rise above half-baked truths ,the war against terrorism would always be a failure . Though there are good things in Holy Quran but I know it’s too difficult for Islamic organizations to grasp their true essence .

THE RISE OF DOUBLE STANDARDS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Double standards prevailing in the name of secularism is preventing us to take tough steps against the terrorists . Recently , MK Naryanan , the National Security Advisor , informed us that 800 terrorist cells are operating in India with the help of "external support" .Sadly , likes of Lalu and Mulayam feel that organizations like SIMI should not be banned . Probably this is why Islamic terrorists are getting bolder day by day .Against the backdrop of a weak governance ,it's a threatening development . We all need to tackle the flawed Islamic ideologies,the real cause of rise of Islamic terrorists ,to prevent another division of India .Also global war on terrorism should be devoid of dubious intentions . If America is so sure about ISI's involvement in terrorist activities then what's preventing it to take tough action against Pakistan ? It's better that it takes tough actions against Pakistan instead of issuing empty warnings .

MUSLIMS : IT'S TIME TO FACE THE TRUTH

ARVIND K. PANDEY

Very few can dare to ignore the fact that Islamic radicals have turned the world into hell . Even small children can feel that outside world is no longer safe -the bombs have been planted everywhere .Let's Muslims face the truth .It’s time for them to get real .

I know very well that Islam does contain some better standards of living .But some inherent contradictions in the Islamic percepts have given rise to misguided followers right from the arrival of Islam on earth .It has gone to the heads of Islamic radicals that ” Only Allah is Supreme God ” and all those who don’t fall within the line of Islamic ideology needs to be wiped out .This in their eyes is essential for establishment of Shariat governed world . There is nothing wrong in expanding the cause of religion but when one starts assuming that his religion is superior than others it leads to rise of distorted forces . Today , these negative forces are ruling the Islamic world and playing havoc with the lives of non-followers .Sadly , they are more powerful than positive forces in Islam .

Today , not only the metros but even small cities of India are in the grip of Islamic radicals . Ayodhya , Varanasi , Jaipur , Ahmedabad , Surat , Coimbatore ...the list is endless . Do you want me to ignore the threatening developments ? I am not secular enough to turn a blind eye to the dangerous mindsets of the jihadis . Prophet Muhammad may have delivered sound teachings but most of his followers have come out with sinister interpretations .Probably this is why bloodshed has been the key element governing its affairs right from its arrival .And the modern world seems to be no exception !!!!! It’s time for Muslims to see things in perspective .There is no point in sticking to illusions of the medieval times .It’s time to borrow better things from the past to provide a better world to future generations . Bombs and swords should not be used to promote the cause of religion or , for that matter , Islamic percepts .

STOP JIHAD ,STOP TERRORISM

ARVIND K.PANDEY

I am still confused how come perceptions laid down in the Quran have fallen prey to the distorted minds ? Why is the fallacious interpretation of Jihad has gained so much strength in the Muslim world ? Today , most of the nations across the globe are on the back foot because of the sinister implications arising out of wrong interpretation of Islamic precepts .However , it would be better if the Muslim world comes to redefine and reshape its priorities . It would make world a better place to live in .Or else , we would all sooner or later become victim of Jihad .

THE MAGIC OF NIMMI

ARVIND K.PANDEY

. Nimmi's charming and breath-taking performance in Raj Kapoor's Barsaat provided her instant stardom besides making her darling of the masses . Raj Kapoor's talent-spotting ability first discovered this girl , and later , his directorial skills provided her sensibilities a new height . The beautiful songs picturised on her in Barsaat including " Hawa mein udata jayen mera laal dupatta malmal ka " are still hot-favourites among lovers of movie songs . Later , movies like Andaz , Aan , Amar and Mere Mehboob , to name a few , further refined her acting abilities . Needless to say , she managed to carve a permanent place for herself among her fans . Her perfect screen- presence turned her into a star of her era .

VIVIDH BHARATI AND DOORDRASHANON'T LIKE KISHORE KUMAR

ARVIND K . PANDEY

Kishore Kumar's birth anniversary once again received lukewarm response from both Vividh Bharati and Doordarshan . It appears that currents of pseudo-secularism have paralyzed the sensibilities of the Prasar Bharati officials .Doordarshan's one of the favourite programmes ,Rangoli, was dedicated to Rafi on July 27,2008 as a tribute to him . His death anniversary falls on July 31, 2008 . However , Rangoli , telecasted on August 3,2008 ,a day before Kishore's birth anniversary , had no reference to Kishore Kumar . Ironically , it featured just one of his unpopular duets with Lata .It did present one song from Manzil-Rim Jhim Ghiren Sawan but that , too, was in Lata's voice . The more popular version of the same song in Kishore's voice was ignored . Such a well-calculated mischief ,on the part of Doordarshan officials , really hurts . The Vividh Bharati also displayed biased approach in paying rich tributes to Kishore .It didn't fail to brodcast many programmes in the memory of Rafi .But it did not find worth remembering Kishore's birth anniversary . Only half-an-hour programme named Sadabahar Nagame was presented in his memory . All the other programmes avoided Kishore's songs on his birth anniversary .

It's really tragic that pseudo-secularism is playing foul with likes and dislikes of the music lovers .

Some of the best songs of Kishore Kumar :

1. Zindagi Ke Safar Mein ( Movie : Aap Ki Kasam )

2. Mere Naina Sawan Bhadoen ( Movie : Mehbooba )

3. Ayen Tum Yaad Mughein ( Movie : Mili )

4. Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai ( Movie : Dag)

5. Ko Roko Na Deewanein Ko ( Movie : Priyatama )

6. O Mere Dil Ke Chain (Movie : Mere Zeevan Saathi )

7.Tere Bina Zindagi (With Lata Mangeshkar ; Movie : Aandhi )

8. Mere Bhigi Bhigi Si (Movie : Anamika )

9. Ye Raateh Ye Mausam ( with Asha Bhosle ; Movie : Dilli Ka Thug )

10.O Hansini ( Zehreela Insaan )

INTERNET : DESTROYING PEACE OF MIND

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The Internet has turned out to be surest and easiest medium to inflict injury on one's and others reputation to attain a short-lived fame among the crazy netizens .Well, such well-engineered public shaming which takes the world by storm ultimately open gate of disaster for the so-called bigwigs in the field of politics , entertainment and sports . These rubbish caricatures and lampooning might appear to be innocent and hilarious gestures in the eyes of some but they never lead to healthier developments .What's the point in making Internet a source of distraction and cause of worry for the people who don't want their privacy to be torn into pieces by irresponsible individuals ? Here in India , the Google and YouTube have become the most favourite medium to post the nude , semi-nude and obscene matter about influential personalities dead or alive .The problem has replicated into strange complexties because , unlike developed countries , the developing countries have not yet developed effective mechanism to successfully sabotage the cyber criminals .Needless to state , it's time to turn Internet in healtheier and safer medium .

AMERICA : THE FALSE " BIG BOSS "

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Some writers have left no stone unturned in conveying the impression that America is stil the real global caretaker . However , they have brutally failed to explain us why the U.S. is unable to maintain a safe distance from imperialist and hegemonic designs ? No wonder why such a dubious " global ringmaster " has created more enemies than friends in the world in which it wishes to proclaim its supremacy . Toady , the Middle East has been left in the lurch by the America's outrageous policies , aimed at extending its political and economic interests . In sum , the U.S. has turned into a villain , which acccording to majority , needs to be chained to bring order and stabilty in the world . Hopefully , the resurgent Russia , the might of China and India besides charismatic presence of Japan have really eclipsed the influence of America , forcing it to treat them as trusted allies on their terms . Ironically , the falling value of dollar has created deep fissures within the economic patterns ,prevailing in the America . One can safely conclude that , if not today , then sometime in future the U.S. has to shatter the myth ,pertaining to its superpower status . It's no longer the sole and real " Big Boss " . The sooner it realizes , the better it would be for the world community .

AFRICAN NATIONS : PICTURE OF GRIEF

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Though Africa has come of age , there are many dark sides which are coming in its way of attaining new dimensions . Perhaps, we need people like Oprah Winfrey to make its battle against problems like poverty , unemployment and lack of education a bit easier . Sadly , there are nations like Congo ,trapped in web of war . It's really unfortunate that picture of grief and despair exists side -by-side with scenes mired in joy and ecstasy dominating the developed nations . If that's not enough there is US to ensue a war between Somalia and Ethiopia .I think better results can be obtained by removing the cause that have made these nations crucible of poverty .It's not clear as to what has provoked US to include Somalia within range of its war on terror ? Anyway , it's another example of how 'economic might' makes one susceptible to heinous blunders .

INTELLECTUALS : IGNORING BETTER SIDE OF HINDUISM

ARVIND K.PANDEY

One does not expect fleeting observations on the doctrines ,based on Hinduism , from institutionally accredited present age acamedician. Even a casual study of the Hindu scriptures would reveal him that Hinduism reverberates with universal principles. The religion which enabled Gandhiji to rise above various kinds of pressures ,leading to emergence of 'Ramrajya' cannot serve the purpose of sectarian minds . Had Hinduism been basket of narrow perceptions ,it would have never served the cause of ignited minds like Vivekananda and Radhakrishnan . Why don't our so-called intelllectuals pen well-researched pieces on minority institutions openly promoting divisive ideas ? What's preventing him from dwelling upon the lofty elements of Hinduism , from expressing Hinduism in its true colurs ? If Gandhiji can loudly proclaim "Isavasymidam Sarvam " ,what's preventing others to give way to it ?

ROMANCING WITH ROMANCE

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The present-age researchers have linked romance to factors like chemical and biological reactions besides smell and other things acting as catalysts . However , in my eyes , such findings are of lesser value since a subtle and mysterious thing like love cannot be by-product of systematic chain of physical and chemical happenings . Romance is more associated with dedication and sincerity towards one's partner . In other words , it's amalgam of refined human values , having little association with grosser phenemenons of world . Let's not kill the beauty of romance by linking it with scientific perceptions . It's another thing that romance in our times has fallen prey to selfishness , greed and ego related conflicts . Probably , this is why we find romantic creatures changing partners just the way one changes clothes . Needless to state , romancing with romance is an expensive affair in the modern age .

RAJASTHAN : BUILDING NEW SHOOLS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The joint endeavour of Rajasthan government and private organisations to open 100 schools in the desert area is a commendable effort to change the face of education in the State . It would definitely provide quality education to children living in the remote areas .It's good to know that Rajasthan government is bothered about school dropouts , roping in well-planned project to bring back the dropouts .It's a good opportunity for the private organisations to prove that they are really concerned about bringing real changes in the society . The government needs to replicate this form of endeavours in other sectors as well to have an all- round development in Rajasthan .

CHINA : NEEDS BETTER YOUTHS

ARVIND K. Pandey

Well, nobody is against an individual's rightful claim over his/her share of pool of pleasure in life full of harsh ironies . However, this does not mean that one gets trapped in his own world guided by weird beliefs , displaying a care a damn attitude towards moral , social and societal obligations . Ironically , this is what taking place both in China and India , leading to collapse of value system . Reckless spending and if-you-have-it-flaunt-it attitude have seem to become inseperable elements of lifestyle of present day youths . What perplexes the mind is the way they have distanced themselves from the burning issues prevailing in nation . They are not aware of the fact that youths of yesteryears played a substantial role in changing the course of nation (read India). Only because they were conscious, unlike modern youths ,of the political and social changes taking place not only in their own country but also in other parts of the world . The exchange of information between Marx and Angels shows that they had kept a close eye on the happenings during Brirtish rule in India .

EXHIBITING JUDICIARY'S MIGHT

ARVIND K.PANDEY

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 .

MATCH-FIXING IS KILLING CRICKET

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Considering the fact that the cricketers are most-well paid professionals , the attempt on part of them to make a quick buck through match-fixing is quite surprising . It's unfortunate that they are driven by the charm of moolah instead of being governed by the sentiments of people whom they represent . True, it's not possible for the cricketers to maintain a safe distance from unknown fans but this cannot be a pretext to strike an unhealthy relationship with dubious figures .

TIRED SOLDIERS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Ultimately , the imperialist designs of America are beginning to spell doom for its warriors having sleepless nights in various parts of the world to turn wild dreams into a reality . Worse, the emergence of dangerous forces in Iraq is proving nightmarish for the American soldiers who are unable to check the menace of car bombers . It's time for the American defence officials to be in league with " ground realities " before camouflaging its selfish interests as missions for the sake of humanity .Or else , such vain ambitions could annihilate the well-being of American soldiers , trapping them in virtual death-traps forever.

JAPAN:CHANGING THE FACE OF EDUCATION

ARVIND K.PANDEY

JAPAN:CHANGING THE FACE OF EDUCATION

ARVIND K.PANDEY

It's heartening to know that Japan is taking all steps to make education a joyful experience for cildren .According to Tagore the purpose of education is to train not only the mind but also the heart . Unfortunately , the pressure to perform haunts the present-age childeren right from the day one at schoool .Both the parents and the teachers come to evaluate the strengths of child on the basis of marks attained in the examination .It's time to look beyond these petty standards with initiatives which make student the ideal component of a society .One is shocked to find that educational patterns have turned into medium to serve materialistic prospects of the globalised world instead of carving new routes for expansion of the human self .No wonder the modern student speaks more like a shrewd businessman rather than articulating like a refined intellectual in league with with concerns of the society !

OLD IS NOT GOLD

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Well, for the present generation it appears that old is not gold .Probably , this is why old age homes are making their presence felt in a marked way . The developments are a sad commentary on the state of affairs prevalent in our homes ,whererin money and not values rule the roost . Once again I wish to state that it's time to strike a bond with ancient order to save the concept of family .You are right that legislations would not lead to better days other than widening the gulf between them , to an extent of giving rise to false litigations . Let's hope that the old people are not treated as " dirt " in future .

CHINA : LACKING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUITIONS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Well, China has learnt to concieve better means to remain ahead on the road to prosperity . China's ever-increasing military and economic might have forced other great powers to acknowledge its better attributes of cultural and political dimensions .However , back at home , the people seem to be reeling under tough censorship laws , corruption in government agencies and malfunctioning Courts . Ironically , such bad governance is weakening the pillars of Chinese instituitions , which might prevent China to emerge as role model for other countries .It's time for the Chinese authorities to make room for lesser people , allowing them to live life of dignity in a more open society .

WEST BENGAL: IN THE GRIP OF AVIAN FLU

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The West Bengal government is more adept in airing lies and half-truths in times of crisis than taking substantial steps to mitigate the intensity of tragedy-something so evident in Burrabazar fire tragedy .The same incompetency which one saw while handling of the fire tragedy once again re-surfaced during the handling of the avian flu . The virus in no time gripped more than 8 districts even as the government talked about the introduction of beter measures to control thr flu . Worse , the Health minister was more worried about fixing compensation amount for the poultry farm owners in the range of culling operation than ensuring that culling goes on unabated in a speedy manner . The whole exercise of controlling the flu has exposed that health-workers are ill-trained and there is lack of infrastructure to tackle the crisis of greater magnitude .Ironically , even the Centre's help turned out to be of little help in curbing its expansion .Well, it's time for the West Bengal government to think about welfare of people than entering into dirty politics time and again over insignificant issues .

RISE OF NEW PLAYERS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The rise of newer mediums catering to the needs of information -seeking souls is indicative of limitations of traditional sources in capturing the various shades of readers' moods . Above all, the dubious selections of news items have reuced the credibilty of big brands in the eyes of conscious readers always looking for real perspective .Against this backdrop , the emergence of YouTube ,VideoEgg and bloggers have filled the vacuum caused by the absence of standard publications .In