HAIL THE URBANITES!

“Together, we can strengthen agriculture. Cooperation between Indian and American researchers and scientists sparked the Green Revolution. Now, as farmers and rural areas face the effects of climate change and drought, we’ll work together to spark a second, more sustainable Evergreen Revolution” — these words by US President Barack Obama were buried under the more important issues that bother the world, India and America — words and issues like terrorism, N-energy and of course Pakistan.

“We aim to help millions of Indian farming households save water and increase productivity; improve food processing so crops don’t spoil on the way to the market; enhance climate and crop forecasting to avoid losses that cripple communities and drive up food prices” — thoughtful and caring words again from the most powerful man in the world. But who cares??? The media, the politicians or the policy makers? Why care for the poor farmers when we need to care about terror hot spots of the world? Why think about research and development in agriculture sector when our media is researching day in and day out about how to thrive on P-related TRPs. Who cares about the Green Revolution when 3G is here.

“We are two great Republics dedicated to the liberty, justice and equality of all people” — says Obama. ‘Equality’ sounds familiar… and “We are two free market economies where people have the freedom to pursue ideas and innovations that can change the world” — really now??? Free market economies, innovations to change the world… but for whom?

As of today even while President Obama is keen on helping the farmers and PM Manmohan Singh seconds the US President’s intentions, there are thousands of farmers and migrants in cities who still go hungry to bed. At the same time those who run the government departments deprive the poor of their basic right to a ration card… ugly but true… http://themalicebasket.blogspot.com/2010/11/why-cant-they-give-mere-ration-card-to.html.

Despite the awe-inspiring speech by the US President, we need to swallow the bitter pill of reality that we love and live in a free market economy. Hail innovation and development but development that helps the urbanites even if it is at the cost of the poor. Innovation for the free market economies not for the development of the nation.

WE the People of INDIA

The 3 interlocutors. The Separatists. And a new-found word gaining popularity ‘The Splittists’. Are these 3 the reasons to fuel the fire that is burning Kashmir? The 3 learned, experienced veterans in their respective fields who have been assigned the role of being the communicators or the  inter-connectors are always under scrutiny — by the Kashmiris, by the opposition and by India at large. The Separatists — disliked by the government, idolised by the Kashmiri youth, infamous across India. And now the ‘Splittists’ — clear about their agenda, out there to utilise fully their fundamental right to freedom of speech and ‘popularised’ by the media but who are far away from any court of law where they may have to explain who gave them the right to be self-proclaimed ‘demigods’ of a troubled population.

Well it’s not these 3 who are being the catalysts to infuriate the youth in Kashmir. It’s the growing frustration among the young who have been waiting for justice.  They don’t want to explain themselves again and again to each and every group that walks into Kashmir promising fair treatment. They don’t want a fair treatment that promises curfew everyday, firing day in and day out and finally ensures open killing of youth in the hide of self-defense.

We as citizens of the largest democracy, a free and fair country need to help these people out of their troubles. Generations have withered waiting for a solution. Not always does a population have to be wrong. Or they needn’t be wronged because they are fighting for their desire and wishes — their rights.

We are forgetting our promise, “WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic and to SECURE ALL ITS CITIZENS…”, — where is this promise which the makers of our constitution have written down  right at the opening of the Constitution of India.

Is this how we are struggling to live up to it? How long do we wait till we find an answer to at least fulfill the promise made 51 years ago. How long will it take for news channels to make a headline out of a peaceful Kashmir? Till when will tourists across the world wait to come and travel across this so-called heaven on earth? Will the interlocutors get a fair ground to talk and communicate? Will the Separatists understand the government just like they seem to have understood an average Kashmiri and will the Splittists regain their senses and talk of solutions and not just rant thoughts which are impractical. Will our Constitution, with the maximum number of articles — the largest in the worldm will ever be given its due respect? We Indians will we take charge and stop our nation from falling into a future full of chaos?

Singh is King

Just when there have been rumours doing the rounds in the capital and the media speculating about our dear PM’s political future which seems to be coming to an end, Dr Singh proved again that he is the King. At a luncheon meeting in Malaysia with politicians, business elite and students… phat… came his surprise reply to this question asked by a student—  On whether he is ruled by theoretical reasoning or gut feeling— and he said, “I have no definitive answers but I do know Lord Keynes said most practical politicians are slave to some defunct economics,” wah! wah!

Accused of approaching cut throat politics in a mild and academic way, Dr Singh again and again proves his critics wrong. An intelligent man, a man of fewer words. Our PM sets a classic example of being one of the smartest and most practical leaders of the world.

Even though his last minute entry to save the Common Wealth Games was highly criticized, Dr Singh’s support helped the country save its tarnished image.

To think of his next term is a bit too early, but it’s not too late to appreciate his sincere service to the nation. Even if his approach is a bit calculative and strongly influenced by Keynesian economics. Cheers to our Singh the King!