We are Pretty Insensitive Society

Recently I read a sad and pitiable news in a Urdu newspaper, either in Rashtriya Sahara Urdu or in Jadeed Mail. I do not remember the date or the day the news item was carried out. Again, I have forgotten the name of the woman whose plight I intend to narrate. But she is a Muslim woman and lives in some trans-Yamuna Muslim locality. To this extent, I admit, I deserve to be called insensitive. And it’s better to criticize myself as it would not provoke angry reaction from any quarter.

But I am not fully dead; I am alive to the extent of remembering the content of the story. It was about the tragedy of a poor Muslim woman who was forced to live on footpath with her child. She begged on the streets to feed herself and her kid. One day, after making her baby sleep, she also heeded to the call of nature and slept. Sometime in the night the child woke up while her mother was fast asleep, and began wandering. He or she (I am again sorry for forgetting the baby’s gender) fell in one of those deadly holes or ditches that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has left open as death trap, probably to reduce our growing population.

The poor woman woke up in the morning only to find her child missing. Naturally she searched him/her here and there and found him/her dead in an open hole.

I have not met but heard about some professional beggars who are quite ‘rich’. ‘Rich’ because the society thinks that the beggars should ‘earn’ only as much as required to make ends meet; they should not save as being beggars they need not think about their tomorrow.

Well, the nameless woman had no savings to afford a decent burial of her dead baby. She took her dead baby to the door of her husband and his family. They refused to help the woman they had abandoned.

I wonder why the people around did not notice the poor woman’s plight. No one came to her rescue and she was left with no option but to beg on the streets. And the poor woman kept on begging with her dead baby in her arms till she ‘earned’ enough to give him/her a decent burial.

Beggars normally beg to fill their hungry stomachs. Have you ever seen a beggar buying clothes to put on? Or have you ever seen a beggar trying to ‘earn’ for giving a decent burial to her/his dead baby?

The poor woman whose story I have narrated was a mother. Let us assume that she had begged and ‘earned’ enough the previous day to feed her baby and herself in the evening. Like all human beings she must have been hungry the next morning. Of course, she would not have thought of her breakfast (a beggar’s morning meal if the usage of the term, breakfast appears awkward) when her child was missing. Being a mother that she was, she would not have eaten while she was begging to bury her dead baby. I fail to guess if she would have taken her evening meals even if she had money in her pockets. I do not know if a beggar-mother, hungry since 24 hours, can think of her evening meals, especially when she had begged the whole day to bury her dead baby and there were no relatives, friends or fellow beggars to console her.

I do not know how you have felt about or reacted to the sad story I have narrated above. My eyes had become wet when I had read it first. Beyond that I did not do anything. I have not inquired about the whereabouts of the poor woman nor have tried to find her out to help her. I also do not know if anyone else has come to her rescue or she still continues begging on the streets to make ends meet. If all others have reacted the way I have done, I am right to condemn ourselves as an insensitive society.

The problem of begging--- there are people who call it menace and disgrace--- has not been addressed properly in our country. During the Commonwealth Games they were taken off the Delhi streets to showcase a ‘wealthy, beggar-free’ Indian capital to the world.

But they are back on our streets and are often seen extending their begging hands to the visiting foreigners, showcasing the poor side of Delhi and India.

I have never applied my mind if begging is a sociological or economic problem or a combination of both. Those who subscribe to the sociological approach advance the argument that even those beggars beg who have a house to live in and a strong body to work and earn. They refuse to work even when provided a job and therefore begging in their case is a habit and trait which ought to be studied in sociology and not in economics. The economists, on the other hand, assert that poverty and joblessness basically drive people to beg which probably becomes a habit over a period of time. But begging ultimately reflects the poverty of the beggar and, therefore, it is very much a concern of the economists.

As I have said above, I have never tried to study begging academically. I have a strange behavior or approach towards beggars, not begging. Well, you have got it right. I make a difference between beggar and begging. Beggars generate a feeling of pity and consequent ‘generosity’ in me whereas begging provokes the academic in me. Let me admit frankly that ‘generosity’ here means Rupees five, ten or twenty and fifty or hundred occasionally. There was a time when it was ‘Chawanni’ or ‘Athanni’, quarter or half of a Rupee respectively.

In fact, I cannot stand the sight of a beggar. I give him/her thinking it might solve his/her immediate problems. Many friends would say that these wretched ‘Faqirs’ are professional beggars and by giving them I am encouraging begging. May be, they are right. But how can I know that the man or woman extending his/her hands before me is a genuine or professional beggar. You see their class or category is not written on their faces which you or I can read. Instead, I always see ‘Bechargi’, a sort of helplessness, in their eyes which I cannot describe in words. This ‘Bechargi’ is indeed universal. Let me give two examples.

In 1986 I was in England. I was walking towards the School of Oriental and African Studies popularly known in London’s academic circle as SOAS when a beautiful English rose with two kids on her back and stomach and shopping bags in hands, asked me to give her two Pounds. I saw the ‘Bechargi’ in her eyes I have mentioned above and instantly gave her the money she had asked for. Yes, my behavior was spontaneous, and I began walking away. I had walked a few steps when this thought crossed my mind why this well-dressed and apparently wealthy woman was begging. I turned to inquire about the matter. She was still standing there and looking towards me. Perhaps she was astonished as I had given her more than what she had asked for. I went to her and asked what the problem with her was. Her eyes became wet but she controlled her tears from rolling down her rosy cheeks. She told me that her husband had left her after the twins were born a few months back, and last week she also lost her job. She further said that she was out of money after buying some necessary things and needed the two Pounds she had asked for to reach her home by Metro. I instantly understood her problem, for being jobless in Western societies is a big problem as saving for the future is not a trait of youth there.

I have found the British very generous in saying ‘thank you’. But the lady did not say it and just continued looking at me with the ‘Bechargi’ in her eyes I have spoken about above.

Let me narrate another incident. It was a hot and humid June afternoon in 2009. I was returning to my home in South Delhi after purchasing something from a locality shop when I saw a very old man walking before me. He was very weak and seemed to be collapsing any moment. I felt from within to help him but sadly I had no money in my pocket. I went to the shop keeper and borrowed Rs 10/- from him. I, then, rushed to the old man and gave him the money. He did not utter a word and kept on looking at me with the same ‘Bechargi’ in his eyes that I had seen in the eyes of the English woman.

A week later the face of this man suddenly appeared on the screen of my memory and a thought began teasing me that I should have given him Rs 100/- at least, for he probably needed it. This teasing thought often crosses my mind and I become restless. Once I was driving on Lodhi Road while going to Chanakiya Puri. At every Red Light I saw some beggars and gave them Rupees ten, twenty or more thinking it might compensate for what I had not done to the poor man in June 2009. Once I woke my wife up at midnight to request her to give Rs 100/- to a poor man in Nanpara, Bahaich where she had gone to visit her parents. But all these have been to no avail as the teasing thought is still pursuing me.

Let me confess frankly. Often I get angry, and when I am angry, I feel like destroying the world. I also enjoy defying dictators, small or big and feel that I have enough strength to do so. But I am always and easily overpowered by the ‘Bechargi’ that I see in the eyes of poor people. I promise that I will continue to help such people even if it amounts to promoting begging.

We are passing through the holy month of Ramadan which is marked by extended worship and charity. Most wealthy Muslims distribute their Zakat during this month. Some organizations and NGOs organize and distribute Zakat in a collective manner. And yet tragic incidents like the one I have narrated in the beginning of this article keep on happening. I wonder if something can be done to prevent such tragedies. In fact, something must be done to preserve the dignity of our mothers so that they are not compelled to beg for burying their dead babies. Unless and until such blots are removed from the face of our country, we deserve very much to be condemned as an insensitive society.

Another aspect of the topic under discussion deserves a mention here. It relates to our behavior with beggars which is both good and bad. The beggars sometimes indeed test the depth of our character. Let me recount my own failings here.

A Burqa-clad woman with a baby girl, very innocent and charming, would often be standing at the gate of the complex I am living in and begging loudly some financial favour from everyone who was about to drive to his office. For reasons I have never tried to ascertain, she always irritated me. I always failed to understand why she was begging? She and her small daughter never looked like a beggar and she spoke flawless Urdu. The small kid never spoke but always looked in my eyes with an ‘innocent Bechargi’. I would often give the woman some Rupees though I never felt like giving her.

One day, when I was about to drive my car out of the complex, she appeared and started begging loudly. Being a student of Islamic Studies I must know and be conscious of the fact that beggars should not be treated badly. I have a right to give or not to give them. But it is indeed bad character to misbehave verbally with a beggar. I was this bad person on that particular day when I said in anger to the ‘nameless’ begging woman why she was always here at our office time. She stopped talking, her small kid stood silent and I gave her perhaps ten Rupees with displeasure writ large on my face. The begging woman has not been seen in front of our complex ever since. A feeling pains me that perhaps I hurt her too much. During this holy month of Ramadan I look for her every day when I go to my office because I want to compensate for my bad behavior by giving her more money. But God has unique ways to punish us for our failings and He has chosen a missing beggar to punish me which I really deserve. I am deprived of the prayers that she used to shower on me and my family. Is it not a big punishment?

[July, 2012]

The Chicago Summit

The recently held Chicago summit failed to achieve the purpose for which it was convened. The obvious aim was to ensure the survival and security of Afghanistan after 2014 when the NATO forces will withdraw from the war-battered country. It is apparent that most NATO member countries are now more interested in pulling out of Afghanistan than establishing durable peace there. In fact, France has already announced that it would withdraw its troops before the end of 2013. The newly elected French President reminded the world in Chicago about the great sacrifices France has made in Afghanistan. It lost about 90 soldiers. Obviously they counted only the men they lost and never bothered to count the men, women and children they killed. But anybody can easily guess that their victims must have been in hundreds and thousands.

The Taliban government was brought down within few days of American and NATO attacks. In fact there was hardly any fight or even resistance against the Americans. Taliban were not damned fool to engage Americans in an open war; they instead did what they were good at doing: the gorilla war. Sadly for Americans this type of war continues even today. All knowledgeable people will agree that Taliban are today better-organised and more powerful than a few years ago. Surely the Americans have realized it which is the reason for finding out the “good Taliban” to negotiate with. Yes, you can smile within your lips. When you fail to eliminate your enemy, divide them into bad and good and negotiate with the later.

Let us go back to Chicago summit. There was no realistic proposal to discuss for the security of Afghanistan after 2014. Obama is good only at one thing: speaking. He told his ‘great ally’, Mr. Karzai that he would not be alone when he stands after 2014; when you will turn around, you will find us there, said the US president.

Obama’s speech has not deceived anybody. He meant—and conveyed it clearly that American air forces will remain there, especially in Bagram, Qandhar and Jalalabad bases. The purpose is obvious. That Taliban gorillas will not be allowed to capture Kabul.

Are Taliban really that powerful that the Americans fear recapture of Kabul by them if they withdraw completely? In the last six or seven years the Americans and the NATO have raised an Afghan army consisting of some 350,000 men. Such a big army should be more than enough to defeat any Taliban attack on Kabul or elsewhere. But this Afghan army is neither well-trained nor very coherent. Only some 50,000 to 90,000 are supposed to be battle ready; the remaining are types of loose irregulars under one or another war lord whose loyalties are also doubtful. In fact they are being held together by American dollar, arms and army.

In retrospect the Americans must think if their invasion and occupation of Afghanistan was the right strategy. Probably it was more a rage than policy or strategy. They knew that Taliban had no hand in 9/11 attack on America. The Americans were outraged that they not only refused to hand Osama over to them but also demanded proof of his involvement in 9/11 attacks. Well, there was never any doubt about the destructive capability of the American army. They showered fire and destruction from the air and the Taliban government was toppled easily. But the man they wanted was ultimately found out by CIA a decade later. This very strategy would have worked a decade earlier also. But then the rage had blinded the American leadership. The result was a complete destruction of Afghanistan which they have found difficult to rebuild and are abandoning today.

(May 2012)

Islam and Globalization

Both the Islamic faith and civilization are inclusive as well as universalist. Philosophically speaking, everything inclusive is bound to be universalist. Inclusive here means to accept or receive from the other. In the process of receiving, inclusiveness may give to the other whatever it has. Universalism, too, involves receiving as well as giving. You seek to get the good of the other and give to him the good you have.

Islam is inclusive in that it claims to have inherited all the true revelations revealed to the Prophets of Allah from Adam to Jesus and finally to Muhammad. It is universalist because it not only lays claim on the truth that others have but also declares that whatever it has, in fact, belongs to entire mankind. It is in this sense that Islam has been called a blessing for all human beings.

Armed with the above-mentioned inclusive –universalist ideology, the early Muslims embarked upon an all round movement for globalization. The historians, particularly the orientalists have focused more on Islamic conquests than the Knowledge movement it launched and the global civilization it sought to establish. It is amazing to see that the Muslim conquerors felt no shame and hesitation and willingly became the disciples of the people they had conquered. They were liberal in seeking Knowledge from others and generous in giving their intellectual riches to whosoever sought to obtain them. Similarly, the early Muslims believed in what we call free trade today. Surely the civilization they built was both inclusive as well as universalist. As a result they had become the globalizing force of the time. They were indeed globalist with a deep sense of fairness and justice. As is the case with today’s globalization, the globalism of the early Muslims was aided by the then developing science and technology. In fact, an ideology of globalization was at work when al-Mamun commissioned the preparation of a world map by the then experts.

The medieval Muslims, particularly the Abbasids were a great champion of what we call globalization today. They were great globalists especially in intellectual-academic matters. They believed that Knowledge was the common fund of humanity. They regarded the unknown Knowledge as their lost property and laid their claim over it wherever they found it. They sought and obtained Knowledge from all civilizations and generously gave their own intellectual treasure to the rest of the world. They spent money on receiving Knowledge but gave it free of cost. Their approach, as can be imagined, contributed greatly in globalizing knowledge – science, technology, medicine, philosophy, language and arts etc – which later on played a key role in bringing about the modern age.

The medieval Muslims also believed in globalizing trade and commerce based on principles of justice and fairness and not on exploitation that characterizes the current globalization. Before the onset of the modern age trade was conducted both between cities as well as ‘nations’. The Muslims participated greatly in both kinds of trades. They were a major partner in the trade being conducted through the famous Silk Route and had almost monopoly over sea trade. Whether between cities or countries the trade was conducted under certain fair principles which sought to eliminate exploitation and discrimination.

It was more or less what we call free trade or market economy without the unfair practices that we observe today.

It is clear that Islam stands for globalization. Be it globalization of knowledge, trade or technology, Islam wants it on the basis of principles of equity, justice and fairness by creating an atmosphere in which exploitation, discrimination and all other unjust practices will be forbidden. Unfortunately the current globalization has been unleashed by Anglo-Saxon intellectuals and politicians. Although they speak in favour of globalization benefitting one and all, the fact is that they have sought to exploit the poor nations. Globalization has today no doubt increased wealth as never before. But it has sadly been pocketed by the rich and the powerful. As a result the poor has become poorer and life is indeed becoming a kind of punishment for him.

The Muslims should take globalization as a challenge. Every challenge has an element of opportunity in it. Or perhaps every challenge can be converted into an opportunity. Converting globalization into an opportunity would not be easy as today’s Muslim world suffers from Knowledge deficit and lacks economic resources. But despite these and other shortcomings, the Muslims have no option except trying to convert challenges into opportunities.

(April 2012)

Corruption in High Places

The holier than all others media is at it again. They have found another controversy to debate and opine on. Accepted, this exactly is the purpose of media; they are watchdogs and they must bark at thieves. But they also must see to it that they are not barking at the honest or innocent by-passers.

A television debate is not expected to be an academic exercise. However, we do expect that it is not a farce. Media persons or T.V. journalists must realize that corruption in high places is a complex issue and can hardly be understood in black and white terms. Controversies surrounding defence deals are especially complex and multi-faceted and therefore need to be thoroughly probed. Such issues cannot be treated like college debates where two groups of students are required to speak in favor of or against a motion. It is quite apparent that neither General V.K. Singh nor Mr. Antony, the Defence Minister can speak out the whole truth as they are bound by oath of office on the one hand and are required to be restrained by the high sensitivities involved in discharging their duties. They cannot speak the whole truth in public even if it is required to clear their image. They will prefer to suffer the loss of image than reveal to the media what might endanger the security of the country. Because of the highly restraining compulsion under which the Army Chief and the Defence Minister work, a good many information is held back. Therefore any debate on the basis of half-information is bound to be lopsided.

India’s defence budget is very high. Unfortunately we make very few weapons indigenously and highly depend on import to meet our defence requirements. Here the corrupt minds see an opportunity to make quick big money. Import-export business understandably involves two countries atleast. All countries have their own business policies or methods of doing business. For instance we do not like middle man to play any role as it creates and encourages bribe culture. Well, this is our policy. But the country or the firm from which we want to purchase weapons have no such policy. In fact, in many cases they already have signed contracts with firms/people to promote the sale of their weapons. These firms/people are legal middlemen and are not necessarily bad characters. The difficulties involved in importing weapons from such firms/countries can easily be understood.

The corrupt often capitalizes on such difficulties of nations. He/she has many other ways to indulge in corruption. Unlike the politicians, the corrupt dealing in arms is often very intelligent. They use money, wine and women, the universally known methods of promoting their dirty business. They also infiltrate media, bureaucracy, intelligence agencies and defense establishments and advocate their causes in such a subtle way that they appear to be greatest nationalist. In sum, the corruption has become very smart, clever and intelligent. Is our media really equipped to outsmart the intelligent corrupt. Having watched a television debates in the last few days, I have no doubt that often ill-informed, even unconcerned people are on the air. Most sadly the anchors, too, are ill-prepared and often conduct debates in a superficial manner. But this much credit must be given to the media that despite being intellectually ill-prepared, they have been alert and have sought to play their role of being the watchdog very well. Their alertness will surely play a role in rooting out corruption from the country.

Along with alertness media or media houses also need to be academically strong. It appears as the policy is to invite or involve academics and experts working in universities and high profile institutions and enlighten the audience with their educated views and expert comments. But these experts cannot deliver unless right questions are put to them on right times. The role of the anchor is therefore vital. He/she must do his/her research and be fully prepared academically to be Devil’s advocate in the real sense of the word. His/her academic preparedness and thorough study of a subject’s all aspects will make television debates on corruption more meaningful.

Perhaps we depend a lot on law to end corruption. Agreed that there just not exist appropriate laws but these must have biting teeth also as without such a legal mechanism fighting against corruption would be well nigh impossible. However, along with stringent laws we also need to educate people that corruption is morally incorrect and is ultimately caught and punished. Perhaps the fight against corruption deserves to find appropriate place in school curriculum. The malaise of corruption is deep-rooted and widespread and therefore a long battle is required to root it out. It would be a wonderful idea to start this battle at the school level so that our next generation may breathe in corruption-free India.

(March 2012)

Recent Elections: Lessons to be Learnt

The election in five states including Uttar Pradesh is over. The results have been declared and the process of government formation has begun. Also a lot is being said and written about the poor, good or excellent performances of political parties. The performance of Congress in Panjab and Uttar Pradesh is especially being debated. The oldest political party of the country has surprised everyone by its poor performance in Uttar Pradesh. Its star campaigner, Rahul Gandhi worked hard in the real sense of the word and was able to draw large crowds everywhere but failed to convert them into votes.

The Congress failure, as all would agree, owes a lot to its organizational weaknesses. The grand old party, especially the Nehru family, must realize that the era of charismatic politics and campaigning is gone. The voters of Rai Baraily and Sultan Pur have clearly sent this message. Now you have to perform throughout the year as main hero and ‘guest appearances’ would no longer work.

Everywhere people want development. They also want their leaders, at least, to be seen as working for them. The conditions in rural Uttar Pradesh including Amethi and Rai Baraily are pathetic. Roads are broken and public services, especially the supply of electricity, are so poor that the private sector also shies away from investing in rural U.P.  People want their leaders to work for their development but they are busy in all things except working for them.

Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul failed to read people’s mood in their constituencies. It is not just the local leaders who have failed but the Gandhis have also disappointed people. Can they recall if they ever agitated in Rai Baraily and Amethi against poor governance? Did they do anything, except delivering speeches, to improve the living conditions of people?  You may be a national leader but you also represent a constituency and the voters want you to work for their welfare. In sum, you have to continuously nurse your constituency.

Muslims are over 18 percent in U.P and in large numbers of constituencies they play decisive roles in influencing electoral results. Parties like the SP and BSP have developed their own Muslim leadership which consists of Muslims coming from ordinary backgrounds mostly. But these leaders are well-rooted in their constituencies where they work all through the year and remain constantly in touch with people. Congress, on the other hand, still has Muslim faces who reside in Delhi and also have ancestral houses in their home towns where they occasionally go for picnic. Naturally these leaders are not in touch with the common Muslims who, like all other fellow Indians, want progress and development. There are some emotional issues, like the Batla House encounter, but these have localized impact. Congress must realize that even the Muslims of Azamgarh who are the most adversely affected by the Batla House encounter, want development. They are taking to education in a big way hoping that it would change their lives for good. But they see that the Batla House episode has tarnished their image. One of the two young men killed in the encounter was just over 16. His mother had sent him to Delhi for studies. She wants to know where her upbringing went wrong and how her son became a ‘terrorist’ during his very short stay in Delhi? As an academic I also want to know how a teen-ager, who had come to Delhi to take admission in class eleven, became a ‘terrorist’ in a short span of three-four months? Nothing less than a judicial inquiry can satisfy us, the voters. The grand old party must realize it.

Gimmicks rarely pay and yet the politicians have a sort of addiction for it. It is sad to see that Congress is almost unable to give up the politics of gimmicks. Worse, it has started indulging in tokenism. Either it should not have given reservation to Muslims or it should have been in proportion to their share in U.P. population. It was a policy decision without conviction and rationale and consequently failed to deliver.

It surely convinced sections of Muslims here and there but they too preferred the winning horses of SP and BSP than the Congress candidates.

Many reasons can be attributed to Congress why it failed to succeed in Western U.P. where it had allied with Mr. Ajit Singh? The Jats and Muslims matter the most in this area and they, especially the later, preferred the SP over Congress and RLD. The chief reason that adversely affected the Congress performance in Western U.P. is the arrest of so-called suspected and alleged terrorists from Muslim-dominated areas of Bihar. These arrests were made towards the end of U.P. election when polling took place mostly in its Western part. That was the time when a Delhi-based young Muslim, Mohammad Amir was released after spending 18 years in jail. He was falsely implicated in 19 cases of terrorism by Delhi police, which could not be upheld in the court. The matter has widely been reported in the press including leading English dailies and Urdu newspapers.

At a time when Mohammad Amir’s tragedy and Delhi police’s ‘cruelty’ was very much in news, the later went on a hunting spree in North Bihar and arrested many alleged terrorists. The national dailies, especially the Urdu press reported these arrests very prominently which surely influenced the Muslim voters in Western U.P. They started thinking if Delhi police was out again to tarnish the Muslim image. In view of Mohammad Amir’s case no Muslim was ready to believe the police story about the alleged terrorists from North Bihar. The Muslims also began to think that Batla House was not an isolated incidence, it was rather a routine Congress policy to hurt them. They feared that today the target was North Bihar, tomorrow it might be Western U.P. A silent movement of anger and anguish spread in the Muslim community which denied Congress the electoral benefits it had expected from its policy of Muslim reservation.

All is not lost. The grand old party may take solace in the fact that the Muslims appreciate Rahul Gandhi’s hard work. They also like his attitude that he wants the throne of Delhi on the basis of his work and not because he was a Nehru-Gandhi. But he and his party must realize that half-hearted policies would never win the Muslim heart and mind.

(February 2012)

Where Do Muslims Stand

Are Indian Muslims putting a spoke in India’s wheel of development? The question is disturbing as well as complex. Understandably, the responses to the question would vary based on the bent of mind one has. One thing, however, is clear that owing to their educational backwardness they have already missed the bus, nay, plane of development.

At present there are some 480 Universities beside many thousand colleges which provide higher education to just 12.4% youth in the age group of 18-24. This is very low compared to gross enrolment ratio (GER) in developed countries which is above 40%; in some countries it is above 53%. India’s GER falls short of the global average of 23% also. This pathetic scenario becomes more disturbing when viewed in the perspective that India has the third largest network of higher education after China and USA.

India’s education leadership believes that the country needs to set up within few years some 800 new universities and 35000 colleges in addition to the existing ones to meet the huge requirements of human resources to maintain its fast growing economy. This appears more a day dreaming than realistic planning. It takes time and requires resources, both human and financial, to set up a university. One has just to look at the slow progress of central universities being set up in various states by the central government. There was no dearth of fund and as a result many of these central universities kicked off well but their administrators soon realized that physical and human infrastructure cannot be developed overnight.

Where do Muslims stand? Their share in the college going population is understandably very poor. Just about 4% according to 2001 census data which is abysmal by any standard. The central government has launched programmes including multi-sectoral development scheme in 90 minority dominated districts nearly half of which are dominated by non-Muslim minorities. Information available from government and private sources suggests that the scheme has failed to deliver the desired results, especially in Muslim dominated districts.

It is easy to blame the other, and even more easy to criticize the government. But where are Muslim intelligentsia and leadership? Do they really exist? Are they relevant in contemporary India?

The eye that sees everything cannot see itself. It is indeed difficult, both for individuals as well as communities, to find out the weaknesses within. The Muslims are no exceptions; they must realize now that blaming the others has not paid in the past and would not work in future.

State is the main supplier of primary, secondary and higher education in India. But over 20% primary and secondary education is provided by the private sector. Not just the Muslim share in privately run schools is very low, most Muslim managed schools are administered poorly as well. The main reason of failure lies in the management being undemocratic. Muslim intelligentsia and leadership need to do soul searching and see if they have a role to play here.

It is unfortunate that most universities in India lack democratic culture and temperament. Institutional mechanism for practicing and promoting democratic style of functioning has been provided in every university. However, it is the writ of the Vice Chancellor that runs everywhere. In officially declared Muslim minority institutions, Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia and Jamia Hamdard, democratic voices are routinely suppressed. It is a shame that a Vice Chancellor and some professors of the above mentioned Muslim institutions are under CBI’s investigation.

It hurts the most that the brain child of great visionary, Hakeem Abdul Hameed, Jamia Hamdard, too, has fallen on bad days. Just a Deemed University, it ranks among top 30 universities of the country.

The trillion dollar question, however, is if it can maintain its high level of performance especially in the prevalent atmosphere when breaking of rules by the authorities has become the norm; when Muslims would realize that education is an industry and deserves to be run professionally and democratically by well paid administrators and academics. The subtle move to privatize Jamia Hamdard and deny its employees in future of many benefits that their counterparts have in central universities is not the way to take the university forward.

The main gate of Jamia Hamdard’s Faculty of Science is decorated with two architecturally beautiful candles. They must keep on burning as beacons of hope for the younger generations and as a source of inspiration to the large-hearted men and women who dedicate their personal fortunes to serve humanity at large.

In the aftermath of the Partition Delhi’s rich and educated Muslims were fleeing to Pakistan in panic. In those disturbed times late Hakeem Saheb not only remained cool-headed but also converted his personal fortunes into a Wakf for creating institutions like Jamia Hamdard. He found solution to Muslims’ problems in building institutions which he realized was more valuable and beneficial than making money. The lesson is loud and clear.

(January 2012)

Towards A Corruption-Free India

A group of four young men- Abdul Mujeeb Khan, Vivek Reddy, Faiz Rai and Jawad Ali- from Hyderabad has embarked upon on a special tour of india. It is a Padyatra, walking on foot, which they have named as ‘Honest Steps’. The young men started their foot-journey on December 18, 2011 from kanyakumari, will traverse through Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal and reach New Delhi on April 7, 2012 to observe what they call Zero Corruption Day.

By this time when these lines are being penned, the young men are expected to be walking through Tamil Nadu. In the beginning they faced problems, the Kerala police even arrested them but the common people have enthusiastically welcomed them everywhere. This proves beyond doubt that the people at large want a corruption-free India.

The purpose of the ‘Honest Steps’ is unique. The group believes that first we need to carry out reform within, for only honest and upright individuals can create a corruption - free India. The group believes that a corruption-free India is “Mission Possible”, hence all efforts should be made to achieve the goal or make it happen. However, they believe that the journey to a corruption-free India should start from within. That everyone needs to be honest and good at his/her personal level. As individuals make the nation, their purity and honesty will surely free the country of corruption. It is a unique thinking or philosophy indeed.

Initially the Anna movement against corruption was a right step in the right direction. The movement needed to remain apolitical and confined to achieving the Lokpal Bill through mass awareness and mobilization. Unfortunately it got carried away due to immense media attention and gradually became an anti-politician movement. This was a blunder on the part of Anna team as it gave an opportunity to the political class to strike back.

On the contrary the ‘Honest Steps’ is a small movement aimed at individual reform. Media reports suggest that the people including school children and youth are welcoming the group, Honest Steps” everywhere. It proves that the young India wants a corruption-free country where they can flourish.

The political class and the bureaucracy need to learn a lesson, and learn it quickly. They must realize where the young population is headed to. This segment of our population wants a better future, a future full of hope, promise and opportunity. Unfortunately the corrupt politicians and bureaucrats have joined hands to frustrate this positive youth movement.

Most people are clean till they attain power. The skeptics argue that power would ultimately corrupt the so called clean youth. This is a sweeping remark and like all generalizations has its flows. There are positions which do not carry any power with them. How then such positions will corrupt anybody, young or old?

‘Honest Steps’, therefore, has adopted the right approach. Instead of launching a full-fledged, all embracing social reform movement they aim at reforming the youth from within. The idea is to awaken the youth, make him/her fully conscious of his/her potentials and channelize their enormous talents to bring about a positive, constructive and fruitful change in the country.

To achieve such a lofty goal we need not focus on college going youth only but should also try to catch them in schools. Our educational system must change for good. We need not only highlight the sacrifices of our great leaders and seers but should also try to make our students realize that corruption is ultimately unearthed, prosecuted and punished. They must also learn that the path of truth is difficult but ultimately it pays in the long term. Educating the young ones in schools about high moral values as well as the dangerous consequences of corruption alone can work. This is the best way to make India corruption-free.

(December 2011)

Fight Against Corruption

It appears as the whole country has risen against corruption. In such a situation corruption should hide its face at least, if not disappear from the country.  The reverse is, however, happening. It appears as the campaign against corruption has resulted in only highlighting the issue. The corrupt is alive and kicking. In fact, it has found many intelligent ways to flourish

Some 25 to30 years ago the government had launched a scheme to economically empower the poor villagers and farmers. They were entitled to take a loan of Rs 2000/-   from banks to buy a buffalo .As this money was not enough to buy milk -giving buffalos, nobody will approach the bank. The bank officials, then, took it upon themselves to economically empower the poor farmers. They went from door to door assuring the farmers that the loans they will take will not be recovered from them provided they agreed to share the loan amount with the bank officials. The farmers will thus get Rs 1200/- and the remaining Rs 800/- will be pocketed by the bank officials.

The same is happening to the much hyped MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). The officers, in charge of the scheme, have joined hands with well organized mafias to plunder the State treasury. They have ‘manufactured’ lists of fake workers with whom they share the MGNREGA money at the rate of 50%. The money is thus not reaching the deserving or only half of the sanctioned amount reaches the intended target.

Not just the small scale corruption but corruption in high places has also become very clever.  Now the intelligent politicians and bureaucrats do not take bribe in cash, instead they help in establishing companies/ factories and buy their shares without paying any price. It pays in the long term, one can easily imagine.

But all men in high places are not necessarily clever. Still there are many who prefer the old-fashioned nepotism and favoritism and indulge in corruption in brazen manners. The high placed men are not just bureaucrats and politicians but also the vice chancellors of universities.

Charges of corruption have often been laid against Vice Chancellors by groups of people seeking their ouster. However, the situation has changed and some Vice Chancellors seem to be corrupt as CBI is investigating charges against them.

But there are Vice Chancellors who seem to be escaping the CBI scrutiny. Here is a Vice Chancellor who violates all the rules, even the ones he himself has made. It is alleged that he has spent over 28 crores on improving an existing hospital. He has refused to pay the technical staff the salary advertised in news papers. The affected staff has already knocked at the door of judiciary.

On the other hand, he paid many crores as salary and commission to a crook who ‘specialized ‘in getting MCI recognition to his proposed medical college. He miserly pays to the provost, proctor and DSW but showers thousands of rupees on his favorites as honourarium. He breaks all rules while appointing Heads of Departments Deans of Faculties. In appointments and admissions he blatantly favors the candidates from his domicile state. He has played foul with PF and pension scheme of the employees. He routinely refuses to give promotion to the qualified teachers who have served the institution over a decade. He selectively follows the rules and directions of the HRD ministry and favors the ones who have relations and connections in the UGC, even flouts rules for them. Above all he continues to occupy the office of the Vice Chancellor though his tenure expired many months ago. But in spite of all this he seems to be the darling of UGC and MHRD. The UGC officials participate in the programmes he presides over and the MHRD sent him to USA as a member of an official delegation of Vice Chancellors. Surprisingly the CBI has not been asked to look into all this, though it investigated a professor for minor irregularities.

Do we still need any explanation why corruption flourishes in the country? It is because we, ‘strain off the midge and gulp down the camel’. We have written in our constitution that all are equal before law. It appears as this rule does not apply to alleged criminals. As a result we see that minor offenses are investigated and punished but the big polluting fishes are spared. True, some politicians are behind the bars but had the law been allowed to be fair and impartial many dozen more would have been in jails.

No CBI and Lokpal can work unless we free the law from political control. In a country like India politics is hard to be free of corruption as under one or another compulsion it is forced to tolerate malpractices. Then the only way to redeem the situations is to allow the law to take its own course which can happen only when it is truly free of political control and intervention.

(November 2011)

Let the Ice Melt Further

It is heartening to see that Indo-Pak relations are once again on road to normalcy. The Prime Ministers of the two countries met during the recent SAARC summit held in Maldives. Among other things, they exchanged complements and patted each other’s back. Prime Minister Geelani declared that his Indian counterpart, Dr. Manmohan Singh was a ‘good man’. Obviously he was addressing his Pakistani audience, especially the anti-peace elements, with a view to convincing them that India under Manmohan Singh was trustworthy. Trust deficit is here also but across the border its volume and size are bigger.

In return to Geelani’s complement, Dr. Manmohan Singh called him a ‘Man of Peace’. There has been a lot of ‘chest-beating’ here. Many have charged the PM that he is easily carried away with emotions. However, the criticism is misplaced. Manmohan Singh is not an emotional being and he weights his words before he speaks them out. His motive was just to encourage the elements in Pakistan who want better relations with India. The PM is also aware of Pakistan’s geo-strategic importance in emerging Asian economy. The PM’s intention, therefore, was to encourage Pakistan to give up belligerence and march towards peace to reap economic dividends of the rising Asia.

In politics, national or international, flexibility always pays. We must realize that in the globalized world it is well nigh impossible to prosper while practicing isolationism. It is especially difficult for neighbours to live in peace and flourish while pursuing policies of mutual destruction.

In the wake of terror attack on Mumbai, New Delhi decided not to engage Islamabad in bilateral dialogue. But it is impossible to avoid your neighbours for ever. If not in Delhi and Islamabad, you have to meet Pakistan in some regional or international bodies. This is the way the world politics works today. We knew it even when we stopped talking to Pakistan. That had happened due to the wide-spread anger generated by the mindless Mumbai attacks.

But the ice had to melt; it began melting when a pretty face, the new Pakistan Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar visited New Delhi a few months ago. The Indian Middle class was impressed with many suggesting to appoint a particular actress as our Foreign Minister to counter the Pakistani move.

The process of normalization started by Krishna and Khar has received a desirable shot in the arm by the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan. Both the Prime Ministers do have their domestic compulsions but it is good to see that they have risen above such concerns and focused on issues of larger bilateral interests.

It ought to be realized by people on both sides of the border that the impending economic renaissance of Asia will happen sooner than later. Fortunately, of late Pakistan, or at least a section of the ruling establishment, has also realized it. They know that Pakistan is strategically located as it links China, India, in fact, the south Asia with Central Asia and the Middle East. China realized this reality long ago and got connected with Pakistan by developing a difficult highway that passes through deep valleys and high mountains.

We have known Pakistan’s strategic location and its economic importance since long. Now Pakistan also seems to have realized it, and as a result has taken a bold step to confer on India the status of Most Favoured Nation (MFN). We accorded MFN to Pakistan long ago but failed to bring about necessary changes in rules to facilitate cross-border trade. Now, both New Delhi and Islamabad need to take up measures to accelerate bilateral trade to the desirable level. Today India imports goods worth $ US 328 billion in which the Pakistani share is less than one percent. Experts are of the view that if the two nations bring about necessary changes in their trade rules/ laws the volume of bilateral trade will jump to $ US 10 billion within three years.

There was a time when Pakistan feared that India’s giant economy will swallow its weak economy which prevented them from according to India the MFN status. Fortunately, they have now overcome their fear. They deserve to be complemented and encouraged to continue walking on the road they have taken. We are the elder brother, we must not act ‘big-brotherly’ but show the large-heartedness of a caring brother to promote and ensure mutual cooperation, economic development and progress.

(October 2011)

Men, Women and Faithfulness

Yes, it happens in UK; there is sunshine and then all of a sudden it begins raining, though it rarely rains cats and dogs. And yet this has prompted people to believe that “English weather and women are unfaithful.” Why the poor woman has been dragged in, I do not know. But I have always wondered if English men are faithful. Won’t it be the biggest lie ever uttered in human history?

And why only the English women and men be singled out? Are the people across the English Channel, the French, German or Dutch men and women faithful to one another? And why only the Europeans be singled out? Is infidelity not common in India and America?

“Faithful” is a beautiful word; it is meaningful as well. But see how ugly or dreadful it becomes when “UN” is prefixed to it. I have called it “dreadful” because it (UN) makes fair unfair. By the way ‘UN’ also stands for the ‘United Nations’ which, in fact, is an unfair description for the “Divided Nations” of the World. Yes, you are right; in some contexts the United Nations has been as dreadful as the starting two letters of UN-fair or UN-faithful. See the U and N in the two words disfigure their shapes and kill their soul, the meaning.

So, let us go back to English weather…” It just so happens that we do say things in the heat of a moment which later on boomerang or backfire. This is what the vociferous elements of Anna Team are facing today. When Anna was on fast for a strong Lokpal Bill, his comrades spared no opportunity to paint the government of the day in black. The uncritical media was more than obliging and never questioned the integrity of some members of the Anna team.

But now the dust has settled, the media is back to its usual self. It seems to have taken upon itself the responsibility of unearthing the malpractices of some comrades of Anna Hazare. In the very beginning of the Anna-led anti-corruption movement, a section of media exposed the Bhushans to have benefited financially due to their political connections. After exposure they returned to the UP State the land they had purchased on a highly concessional rate. Well, you make a profit out of your political connections but give it up when exposed. Does this step exonerates a culprit fully and makes him fair, fair enough to criticise all others as corrupt.

They say not only Caesar, his wife must also be beyond doubt. But this is not the case with Mr. Kejriwal, the star campaigner of the anti-corruption movement. He was clever to take advantage of loopholes in service rules and now wants his former colleagues to behave as the proverbial Caesar and his wife.

The most startling case is that of the former IPS officer, Kiran Bedi. She took full money for air tickets purchased on concessional rates. Yes, it is small corruption, but corruption it is anyway.

It is said that people get the ruler they deserve. Sometimes I feel it is indeed true. But on other occasions I find it quite a harsh description for the common people. I am a commoner and have no claim to being an angel. Indeed I feel I have more demerits and weaknesses than any other body in the world.

But am I really that bad to be ruled by undemocratic officers?

Corruption is not only to make money through unfair means. Favouritism and nepotism are also corruption which we see in abundance in our high offices and university campuses.

We have recently seen that the high and the mighty have gone behind the bars on corruption charges. Many, including Vice Chancellors, are under scanner. But what baffles me that it has not deterred people from breaking rules and indulging in such malpractices as nepotism and favouritism! Should we believe that we, men and women, are more corrupt than fair? Disturbing question indeed! But in what other way we can describe the phenomena we are witnessing.

Often I ask if corruption, in all its varieties, can ever end? Some times I am so disturbed that I become a pessimist and start thinking in terms of legalizing corruption, at least to the level of charging full money for concessionally-bought air tickets. But the people will ask why nepotism and favouritism may also not be legalized?

Well, let us end this write-up on a lighter note. I have no experience with English women, so I really do not know if they are not faithful. But I have spent some time in England and some women, nay, girls are indeed like roses. This I write with the permission of my wife.

{September 2011}

Fight Against Corruption

Corruption has always been an issue but has become the main issue today. Young India seems to have risen to demand a corruption-free environment in which fair play and justice would prevail. This great rising of youth should not be mistaken. It is the sincere yearning of educated young men for a level-playing field so that they can make effort to get what they feel they deserve. It must be kept in mind that for decades India has been suffering from all kinds of malpractices––financial embezzlement, nepotism and favouritism––which surely lead to misgovernance.

India has witnessed many risings in the past. But the current or ongoing struggle led by Anna Hazare is a bit different. Similarly the government’s response to the movement is also of its own kind. Perhaps no government had ever heeded to the civil society as much as the present one has done. There have been many rounds of dialogues and the two sides were 95% in agreement over what is called the Lokpal Bill. Some more dialogues and debates might have enabled the two sides to hammer out a satisfactory compromise. Unfortunately both the sides erred, misjudged the other and ultimately became adamant.

The government was wrong in talking to Anna team alone. They are not the only voice of the civil society. Many would not agree with, even detest the tactics of blackmail that the Anna team has adopted to get their Jan Lokpal Bill passed by Parliament. The government would have been wiser had it engaged other groups also in the discussion and debate over the Bill.

Team Anna is on the moon at the moment enjoying public support and media attention. But soon they would realize, as did the Yoga Guru Ramdev, that the men in the government are not a bunch of idiots. People with power and mind have many ways to handle difficult situations. Already the government has succeeded in converting the issue as a conflict between the Anna team and Parliament. Some arrogant members of the Anna team have indeed played to the government’s design. They would soon see that the opposition that made so much hue and cry over Anna’s arrest, has different take on the so called Jan Lokpal Bill. It is ultimately they, the government and the opposition that would finalize and pass the Bill and the team Anna would see that it was not the one they had presented or asked for.

The youth and media support seems to have misled the Anna team about its abilities. At best they are a pressure group which cannot sustain itself like a well-organized and well-managed political party. Parts of civil society is already annoyed with the Anna team. A fairly large section of the civil society is afraid that the Anna movement has been overtaken by RSS. These things surely have weakened the Anna movement already. If something similar to what was done to Baba Ramdev happens again in Ramlila Ground, one cannot be sure if the youth would stand up and be counted. Many seems to be on holiday enjoying a sort of picnic. In all probability they would disappear like the fog the moment heat is applied to them. In enthusiasm some liken the Anna movement with that of Jai Prakash Narain. It is wrong indeed. The J P movement had succeeded because it had many politically motivated and committed activists and enjoyed the support of almost a united opposition. It was also helped by the arrogance of Mrs Indira Gandhi. All these factors are absent today making the task difficult for the Anna Movement.

The best option for the Anna team is to grab the olive branch extended to them by the government. That they must engage in dialogue with the government and be ready for give and take. They must remember what the former P M Mr. V P Singh used to say that politics is “the art of the possible.” So they must realize what is possible to achieve and try to get it alone. Mere enthusiasm never succeeds; the mind game does.  

{August-2011}