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 fact , their success lies in their abilty to expose the untouched zones of untouched class of people in interesting and no -holds -barred manner. The present-age publications have ignored the need of intercepting people's cause in a sincere way . The USP of mediums haunting the netizens is the power to create a world at par with their insights .

NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGES AFTER 9/11

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Though US has been succesful in maintaining a safe distance from al-Qaeda , the influence of al-Qaeda has spread into newer zones with Pakistan's area close to Afghanistan turning into lifeline for its fighters . Worse, the ' war on terror ' has produced dangerous groups laced with advanced technology . The newer incarntions of Islamic terroists not only possess advanced weaponery but also have the ability to shape up complex strategies to destroy their enemy . At the same time , serious contradictions in America's approach towards 'war on terror 'has enabled jehadi groups to execute therir nefarious designs at will in India and other parts of world . The series of bomblasts in India and Glasgow airport attack clearly show that "Islamic Fascism " has uneuqivocally gained strength in recent past . The implications is clear : Time to blow the whistle on the terrorists if we are to provide safe future to the people of globe. Let's not forget thatinstead of knee-jerk reations and half-hearted attempts we need to tackle these dark souls head on with hard -core strategies . However,U.S. needs to dilute the shades of double-standards overlapping the policies meant to curb the influence of jehadi operatives .

USELESS MINISTRIES

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Ironically , the government boasting of providing 'good governance ' is unable to usher in people-friendly regime . It's there for everyone to see how recent recommendations of HRD have led to chaos and disoder in various states . It's simply colossal waste of exchequer's money to continue such worn -out ministries . They have become the medium to cater to the prejudices of politicians who have lost the confidence of people .What's the point in having instituions guided by the whims and fancies of dull minds ? It's time for the Prime Minister to ponder over the utility of these institutions .

ENTRY OF GADGETS AND RESPECTABLE CLASS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

It's tragic that even the respectable classes of the society have joined terror groups . Whether or not West is able to demonstrate that ' it understands people yearning for meaning and purpose ' , one thing is crystal clear that Western world has given rise to host of complex problems threatening enough to annihilate the planet . I don't think it has capacity to offer ' rare spiritual sustenance '-something which is forte of Oriental wisdom . Hinduism has been handling such critical questions with rare blend of initutive wisdom and rationality devoid of blind faith in unknown . Anyway, the emergence of gadgets has made the task of anti-terrorist squads a bit more difficult . In Glasgow airport attack , the Internet has played a crucial role in shaping the whole attack . I agree with the observation of Jeremy Seabrook that it's better to sabotage the motive instead of blocking the modus operandi to have a better result .Surely , the critical dsependence on technology would not be of greater use in prevention of ' radicalization and recruitmernt of terrorists ' . Yes , we need to demolish their plannings in the nascent stage itself instead of coining strategies at the eleventh hour . Sadly , the terrorists are becoming bolder and shrewd .Let's puncture their confidence by shattering their unholy nexus with gadgets .

MURDERING ADDICTION

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Besides genetic predispostionn to addiction , the disturbed relationships with family members and friends are the primary reasons for someone to fall in the lap of addiction . Ironically , modern times has thrown up new complexities , which have compelled human beings to strike a bond with addictive substances . More often than not , it's the feeling of emptiness , forming essence of modern relationships , which gets converted into life-long addiction . It might sound odd but even new gadgets have given rise to various forms of addiction . More and more people are becoming part of 'virtual reality ' than being governed by the happenings of real world ! In my eyes , concrete and real exchange of feelings with near and dear ones is the only way to maintain a safe distance from addiction .

INTERCEPTING GANDHI'S FAMILY LIFE

ARVIND K.PANDEY

It would be interesting to watch an iconic father's clash with his rebellious son on the silver screen . One wonders whether the movie would be able to succcesfully potray the complex relationship which existed between Gandhi and Harilal , wishing to live life on his own terms . It remains to be seen whether " Gandhi My Father " is able to strike a chord with viwers like Richard Attenborough's " Gandhi " . Coming to the the theme of the movie ,I wish to state that a revolutionary spirit has no personal life .It was but natural for Gandhi to remain oblivious of personal obligations centred around his home life or , for that matter , not able to do justice with the expectations of sons . On the other hand , one needs to place the sentiments of Harilal in right perspective , who refused to be bogged down by the towering persona of Gandhi .One needs to appreciate the upcoming director Foroz Khan for tackling such a sensitive theme in his very first directorial venture . Let's hope this movie dosen't turn out to be another clitched depiction , aimed at mere titilation , of a serious subject . If that takes place then I must say this would be nothing short of making mockery of Gandhi's personal life .