Without any pre-occupation R.K.Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao could be easily conferred the rank of early legions in Indian English literary writing albeit before these three committed man, Bankim Chandra Chaterjee’s “The Rajmohan’s Wife” too must be counted for being the first English novel produced by any India during the hay days of British Colonialism. It’s quite intriguing that Raja Rao never remained as much popular as rest of both prolific contemporary and Nirad.C.Chadhury; because in my perspectives, he was less than a product of English enlightment and never said like Mulk Raj Anand that “India could be a laboratory of Commonwealth literature” or giving considerable credit to Graham Green for Mentoring in his literary accession in western world like R.K.Narayan.
Those were the days of imperialism or transition for many countries as a free state but without having own representation of theirs nativity in Standard English writing. Indeed time really moved up over the years and a burgeoning balance from erstwhile colonies like India wouldn’t remain any longer a matter of amazement as the western world used to have earlier with temples, elephant, snake charmers and numerous other symbolism of aboriginal culture. No doubt, English writing in India is passing through high creative assertion with profound regional characteristics and intricacies of modern India is very much different from the imaginative shackle of Commonwealth literature.
Its not that, new generation of modern Indian English writer haven’t inherited the world views of theirs predecessor but theirs cosmic concern are the outcome of idealism that Indian democracy has embodied them in last six decades. Undoubtedly, with great focus on original identity and it’s entwining to a long stretch of history, Indian writing overall have formed a unique blend of wisdom and much needed sensibility.
The first sensation in English writing from India at international juncture, Salman Rushdie had once written a fabulous essay “Commonwealth literature doesn’t exist” with appropriate convictions as British writing is not a part of it, so it creating a sense of paradoxical hierarchies. Much before the landmark work over British colonialism “The Sea of Poppies” {which was beaten by a light and subversively mild novel “The White Tiger” by Arvind Adiga in the race of Booker prize}, Amitav Ghosh had denied to accept the Commonwealth Prize in nineties.
It was a great resistance from a post-colonial writer who gone through the surfaces of India’s historical realities…naturally, persons like him or any free thinker could be much happier if the attention would have come from an association like “Free State Union” or organization with similar spirits though different in nomenclature. Here argument could be prolonged, why these two illustrious expatriate writer rejecting the trap of Commonwealth literature? Did timely revelation made them conscious about the futility of this institution or Britain as shrewd conservator losing its hold from rapidly growing free states that better be leave to enthusiasts of literature and history.
Footprints of British engagement were always bounded with the drain of resources from its colony…no matter, what have changed over the years, but temptations remained same. In recently held Commonwealth Game in Delhi, we spent around $17billion-money that that were scrimped from essential areas; fourteen days long lavish party ended with stellar performance of Indian players but paradoxically disastrous by the organizers of game. They through there sordid handling of resources created new heights of corruption in India whose memories would remain vivid as a legacy of our colonial past and demeaning our own accomplishments in last six decades or time before the British intrusion. During the extravaganza, I entertained an invitation from Sahitya Akademi for a Seminar on Commonwealth literature in Delhi though remained stunned to see the thin appearances of Commonwealth sort of identity flashing there. Foreign speakers delivered their cold observation in good old gesture of passivity albeit some speakers from India drawn timid mood on different themes but alas! I couldn’t hear a single strong voice in favour of post-colonial writing that should have the basis of theirs historical inquisitions regarding colonialism.
Indeed it’s a matter of grave concern that such gathering now turning as an arena of swapation and disbursement of stodgy and saturated ideas…good Indian style of hunting and gathering swiftly being evaporated from our collective action. We Indians have great record in forgetting our own high shot achievements…in the same Mandi House region of Central Delhi at Indian Council of World Affairs premises, we as a young independent nation hosted the first Asian Relations Conference in 1947. Despite having dualism of inheritance, we couldn’t simply deny those early initiatives that used to symbolize our aspirations in a new world…in the time being; our fore-fathers lost the hold on priority that deterred us from remaining the most profound voice among the nations with exploitative colonial track record.
Even joining the Commonwealth in early fifties was neither pragmatic nor essential for India when our alternative world vision started fetching the heeds of newly independent nations. In present context, we shouldn’t be envious with Nelson Mandela’s decision to be part of Commonwealth after spending almost entire life fighting against its inherent evils and inclusion of trivial nations like Peru and Mozambique in this nostalgic colonial association despite never having link with the British colony. Choices may be beautiful or absurd without getting even a chunk of interferences from universalism, so let it be but we must mind our new standing at international arena. So, why not we should reckon our entire history in better way and move out to the world with our complete heritage instead to dwelling with any specific timeframe spasmed through the greedfull British colonialism whose last symbolic reminiscence being carries out with the brand “Commonwealth”.
We have reason to dissociate with such asymmetric institution with having havocking impressions of oppression…as world’s most vibrant democracy; we must stop here and with looking ahead for brighter pastures of forming at least one Association of Freedom. I am really proud upon Amitav Ghosh, when he keeps repeating that inclusion of “desi” word would remain an important form of expression, irrespective of what other think over it through their biased prism. We have registered a tremendous growth in every area including in literature during the last six decades and ofcourse as a citizen of vibrant nation, we could remain an universal entity too even without entangling with artificial and biased structure like “Commonwealth” which exactly resembling the “rejected manuscript”…a sensible humor not the wild one!
Atul Kumar Thakur
October22, 2010, Thursday
New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmaail.com
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Remembering Edmond Privat!
In my early salad days in Banaras Hindu University; Shayaji Gaikwad or Central Library used to be place of my wishful loitering-thanks goes to a side stack of this grand library where I first saw the name of Edmond Privat as an author of “The Clash of Loyalties”. Charmed by its name and themes on colonialism, I found reason to engage myself with the book that could be easily acknowledged as representative work of Edmond Privat and one of the best impartial books written by any Whiteman. This Swiss national was born in 1889, educated at Cambridge University and thoroughly kept his independent views as a journalist, scholar, moralist and the Chairman of European Committee for Indian independence from 1932to1939.
He came early in journalism in 1903 with a monthly journal L’a Juna Esperantisto {Young Esperantist} with his classmate-Hector Holder, who was also a successor of an artist with high reputes. With his forthright stand, he stood with the Indian independence movement for at least three decades; his entwining with India&Indians started with meeting towering icon, Tagore in 1926 at the place of Roman Rolland in Villanueva near the Geneva Lake. Next time, he met to Tagore in 1932, meanwhile in 1931-after the failure of IInd Round Table Conference, he met to his real inspiration Gandhi, first as an interpreter at the same house of French scholar Roman Rolland. Edmond Privat had unbeatable argument about the prevailing contradiction of his time; as a journalist he overtly stood against the individual and collective prejudices and never let himself aligned with the power mongered colonialists.
Today, it’s hard to trace even a tint of information about this very genuine friend of India who played so active role in Indian independence-its matter of grave concern to see such apathy from both the academic and government side. His close acquaintances with Gandhi given him the real concern for India and of course a special nomenclature as well-Anand {Joy}, for him and Bhakti {Devotion} for his wife. His impression for Gandhi rose to momentum in his very first meeting-he accompanied Gandhi during his meeting with Mussolini in Rome and remained with him even till reaching Mumbai. His proximity to Gandhi imparted him the closer senses of India’s plight and its exploitation carries by the graceful British. Verbatim of Edmond Privat has been beautifully placed by P.C.Roy Choudhury in his small though insightful work “Edmond Privat: A Forgotten Friend of India” as “I aspired and still aspire to be a citizen, not of an empire but of community of a free association of equals…what is there that we two nations cannot accomplish together”. Dr.Privat had lucidly written about his proximity with Gandhi and India in “Ank Indes Avet Gandhi” {French}-during his London days, he played very active role for Indian League with Krishna Menon.
Privat dreamt for an active conscious world with rethinking on present state of compartmentalization among the modern states. He vehementally the coercion of collective sin for its subdued ramifications over the individual spirits. Tracing of British character was a remarkable accomplishment from him-in his book “The English from Pirates to Prophets”, he analyses how the Saxon pirates landed in Great Britain and had set up ten kingdoms on the ruins of the Roman cities. Christian churches replaced the temples of Jupiter and the antique cult of the Druids in certain regions; this solid observation is a big question mark over the fabricated intellectual tradition of western world.
He was an active entity of international politics…his zest first started as reporter for famous French daily newspaper La Temps {The Times} in Russia and entire Central Europe. Here, he displayed his moral support for Polish independence; his book “The Odyssey of Poland” was hugely admired by the peoples including the remarkable liberal voices like, H.G.Wells and Roman Rolland. As a tireless journalist, he compiled his reporting experience of Central Europe in “Addventuroj de Pionorio” {Adventures of the Pioneer}…even later, he remained contributing for Socialistic French dailies like “Droit du Peuple {Right of the People}, Le Sentinell under the title of Le Peuple. As an internationalist and a great champion of freedom, he did fairly remarkable albeit his name is almost obscure in the country like India where he contributed with the most of makers of modern India. Two jewels of Indian politics-Gandhi and Nehru were very much impressed with this gentle Englishman for being active for freedom of nation…alas! Post independence, Edmond Privat never received his due which he was deserved gracefully. At least now, we need to revisit our foreign friends of independence movement…historiography have to take an essential turn now!
Atul Kumar Thakur
October27th 2010, Wednesday
New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmaail.com
He came early in journalism in 1903 with a monthly journal L’a Juna Esperantisto {Young Esperantist} with his classmate-Hector Holder, who was also a successor of an artist with high reputes. With his forthright stand, he stood with the Indian independence movement for at least three decades; his entwining with India&Indians started with meeting towering icon, Tagore in 1926 at the place of Roman Rolland in Villanueva near the Geneva Lake. Next time, he met to Tagore in 1932, meanwhile in 1931-after the failure of IInd Round Table Conference, he met to his real inspiration Gandhi, first as an interpreter at the same house of French scholar Roman Rolland. Edmond Privat had unbeatable argument about the prevailing contradiction of his time; as a journalist he overtly stood against the individual and collective prejudices and never let himself aligned with the power mongered colonialists.
Today, it’s hard to trace even a tint of information about this very genuine friend of India who played so active role in Indian independence-its matter of grave concern to see such apathy from both the academic and government side. His close acquaintances with Gandhi given him the real concern for India and of course a special nomenclature as well-Anand {Joy}, for him and Bhakti {Devotion} for his wife. His impression for Gandhi rose to momentum in his very first meeting-he accompanied Gandhi during his meeting with Mussolini in Rome and remained with him even till reaching Mumbai. His proximity to Gandhi imparted him the closer senses of India’s plight and its exploitation carries by the graceful British. Verbatim of Edmond Privat has been beautifully placed by P.C.Roy Choudhury in his small though insightful work “Edmond Privat: A Forgotten Friend of India” as “I aspired and still aspire to be a citizen, not of an empire but of community of a free association of equals…what is there that we two nations cannot accomplish together”. Dr.Privat had lucidly written about his proximity with Gandhi and India in “Ank Indes Avet Gandhi” {French}-during his London days, he played very active role for Indian League with Krishna Menon.
Privat dreamt for an active conscious world with rethinking on present state of compartmentalization among the modern states. He vehementally the coercion of collective sin for its subdued ramifications over the individual spirits. Tracing of British character was a remarkable accomplishment from him-in his book “The English from Pirates to Prophets”, he analyses how the Saxon pirates landed in Great Britain and had set up ten kingdoms on the ruins of the Roman cities. Christian churches replaced the temples of Jupiter and the antique cult of the Druids in certain regions; this solid observation is a big question mark over the fabricated intellectual tradition of western world.
He was an active entity of international politics…his zest first started as reporter for famous French daily newspaper La Temps {The Times} in Russia and entire Central Europe. Here, he displayed his moral support for Polish independence; his book “The Odyssey of Poland” was hugely admired by the peoples including the remarkable liberal voices like, H.G.Wells and Roman Rolland. As a tireless journalist, he compiled his reporting experience of Central Europe in “Addventuroj de Pionorio” {Adventures of the Pioneer}…even later, he remained contributing for Socialistic French dailies like “Droit du Peuple {Right of the People}, Le Sentinell under the title of Le Peuple. As an internationalist and a great champion of freedom, he did fairly remarkable albeit his name is almost obscure in the country like India where he contributed with the most of makers of modern India. Two jewels of Indian politics-Gandhi and Nehru were very much impressed with this gentle Englishman for being active for freedom of nation…alas! Post independence, Edmond Privat never received his due which he was deserved gracefully. At least now, we need to revisit our foreign friends of independence movement…historiography have to take an essential turn now!
Atul Kumar Thakur
October27th 2010, Wednesday
New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmaail.com
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Reckoning Basel-III Norms!
Following the recent financial meltdown, the leaders of the group of G-20economies asked the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision{BCBS} to reach the new rules needed to prevent another financial crisis in future. The aim was to mitigate the greed ridden financial crisis instead to block the real factors behind it; real notion of Basel-III norms could be sensed out with the statement of Hant Wellink, head of Basel Committee on Banking Supervision-“Partly banks will have to retain profit for years which they can not use to pay shareholders or bonuses.
For another part, this will vary from bank to bank; they will have to get it from the capital market. I think it will make a new crisis less likely. Chances are much smaller, we have made calculations on this but we can’t rule it out completely”. Last Para reflect the genuine apprehension ahead in financial market…so; life even after the Basel-III norms wouldn’t remain indifferent from regulatory considerations.
Basel-III norms, with its underlying proposition of insulating banks from adverse shocks by adequately enhancing the amount of its own capital holding compared to overall deposits and other borrowing can be regarded as an improved and standard set of rules over the existing Basel-II norms. Rule of Basel-III norms written by the Bank of International Settlement’s Committee on Banking Supervision {BCBS} with lucid mandates to define the reform agenda for the banking sector across the world. The new rule comprehensively entails how to asses risks and capital management anticipating theirs risk bearing.
On September20,2010 {Sunday}, agreement finally taken place on Basel-III at a meeting of Central bank Governors and top Supervisors from 27 countries chaired by ECB President, Jean Clande Trichet. They reached to the consensus with focusing on prevention of any further International Credit Crisis with provisioning more than triple of top quality capital as reserve for addressing any meltdown sort of occurrences.
Predominant component of capital is common equity and retained earnings-new rules restrict inclusion of items such as deferred tax assets, mortgage-servicing rights and investments in financial institutions to no more than 15%of the common equity component. Here strong bank would avail an edge as now they can put excess cash to better use though with ample transition period for raising funds to compliance shouldn’t be any big issue for even smaller banks. The new norms are centered around the renewed focus of Central bankers on Macro-prudential stability. The global financial meltdown following the crisis in U.S Sub-prime market has shaped the entire propositions. Earlier guidelines, popularly known as Basel-II was focused on Macro prudential regulation, those features being carried out in Basel-III norms as well with added advanced support. That systemizes the changed motives of regulators now-they have eagle eyes on financial stability of the system in totality rather than Micro regulation of any individual bank.
Under the Basel-III norms, Key Capital Ratio has been raised to 7%of risky assets-Tier-I capital that includes common equity and perpetual preferred stock will be raised from 2 to 4.5% starting in phases from January2013 to be accomplished by January2015. Moreover, banks will have to set aside another2.5%as a contingency for future stress, taking the overall capital ratio or Capital Conservation Buffer to 7%. Banks that would fail to comply after the stipulated timeline would be unable to pay dividends, though they will not be forced to raise cash.
A further counter-cyclical buffer in average of 0%-2.5%of common equity is to be imposed depending on specific circumstances of an economy to protect the banking sector from periods of excess aggregate credit growth. In addition, a liquidity buffer, much like our Statutory Liquidity Ratio {SLR} is to be made mandatory by January2018 to check the risk based measures and higher capital norms for systemically important bank. On paper, Basel-III will triple the quantum of capital, banks will need to maintain but whether it will risk-proof the banking sector is doubtful. So, regulation would decide whether Basel-III norms is light touch set of rule or indeed an effective panacea for hassle free and ethical functioning of banking system.
Impact on Indian banks: - RBI Governor, D.Subbarao is stoutly confident that Indian banks not likely to be adversely impacted by the new capital rules. At the end of June30, 2010; the aggregate capital to risk –weighted assets ratio of the Indian banking system stood at 13.4% of which Tier-I capital constituted 9.3%. So, it wouldn’t leave any pressure on Indian banks in near future albeit there may be some negative impact arising from shifting some deductions from Tier-I and Tier-II capital to common equity.
Despite strong fundamentals, RBI should ensure even more capital than essentially stipulated limit under the Basel-III norms; besides stress must be given on long term capital inflow rather on risky short term investments. Besides, innovative credit policies, RBI should also stringently ensure the well capitalized subsidiary structure for foreign banks and financial institutions operating in India, since the stability of Indian banking system have lot to with it.
Young Committee that recommended for the establishment of Bank of International Settlements {BIS} in1930 had enough sense for volatility in International financial market and greed’s of bankers. Actual effects of even best designed rules are of no value if lacked by the competent, proactive and fearless supervision. Strengthening the global banking system should be and must be the aim of every new financial rules but it’s equally imperative to stop the adverse lobbying that makes regulation nothing more than a print order. We can easily assume this from recently enacted Dodd Frank Act {Wall Street and Consumer Protection Act} in U.S.A which loosing its effects under the stern pressure from affluent lobbyist.
Regulation couldn’t have any parallel while enforcing a law; our regulatory strength has recently tested during the world wide financial meltdown-Indian banking relatively emerged unscratched comparing the western counterparts. More attention is needed from developed world for compliance of rules envisaged under the Basel-III norms-make or break of this rule would be decided by the both Individual as well collective performances of economies. Co-operation at international level would be the real bone of contention for an ambitious rule like Basel-III…meanwhile let’s watch the movements around the financial circle!
Atul Kumar Thakur
October20, 2010, Wednesday, New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
For another part, this will vary from bank to bank; they will have to get it from the capital market. I think it will make a new crisis less likely. Chances are much smaller, we have made calculations on this but we can’t rule it out completely”. Last Para reflect the genuine apprehension ahead in financial market…so; life even after the Basel-III norms wouldn’t remain indifferent from regulatory considerations.
Basel-III norms, with its underlying proposition of insulating banks from adverse shocks by adequately enhancing the amount of its own capital holding compared to overall deposits and other borrowing can be regarded as an improved and standard set of rules over the existing Basel-II norms. Rule of Basel-III norms written by the Bank of International Settlement’s Committee on Banking Supervision {BCBS} with lucid mandates to define the reform agenda for the banking sector across the world. The new rule comprehensively entails how to asses risks and capital management anticipating theirs risk bearing.
On September20,2010 {Sunday}, agreement finally taken place on Basel-III at a meeting of Central bank Governors and top Supervisors from 27 countries chaired by ECB President, Jean Clande Trichet. They reached to the consensus with focusing on prevention of any further International Credit Crisis with provisioning more than triple of top quality capital as reserve for addressing any meltdown sort of occurrences.
Predominant component of capital is common equity and retained earnings-new rules restrict inclusion of items such as deferred tax assets, mortgage-servicing rights and investments in financial institutions to no more than 15%of the common equity component. Here strong bank would avail an edge as now they can put excess cash to better use though with ample transition period for raising funds to compliance shouldn’t be any big issue for even smaller banks. The new norms are centered around the renewed focus of Central bankers on Macro-prudential stability. The global financial meltdown following the crisis in U.S Sub-prime market has shaped the entire propositions. Earlier guidelines, popularly known as Basel-II was focused on Macro prudential regulation, those features being carried out in Basel-III norms as well with added advanced support. That systemizes the changed motives of regulators now-they have eagle eyes on financial stability of the system in totality rather than Micro regulation of any individual bank.
Under the Basel-III norms, Key Capital Ratio has been raised to 7%of risky assets-Tier-I capital that includes common equity and perpetual preferred stock will be raised from 2 to 4.5% starting in phases from January2013 to be accomplished by January2015. Moreover, banks will have to set aside another2.5%as a contingency for future stress, taking the overall capital ratio or Capital Conservation Buffer to 7%. Banks that would fail to comply after the stipulated timeline would be unable to pay dividends, though they will not be forced to raise cash.
A further counter-cyclical buffer in average of 0%-2.5%of common equity is to be imposed depending on specific circumstances of an economy to protect the banking sector from periods of excess aggregate credit growth. In addition, a liquidity buffer, much like our Statutory Liquidity Ratio {SLR} is to be made mandatory by January2018 to check the risk based measures and higher capital norms for systemically important bank. On paper, Basel-III will triple the quantum of capital, banks will need to maintain but whether it will risk-proof the banking sector is doubtful. So, regulation would decide whether Basel-III norms is light touch set of rule or indeed an effective panacea for hassle free and ethical functioning of banking system.
Impact on Indian banks: - RBI Governor, D.Subbarao is stoutly confident that Indian banks not likely to be adversely impacted by the new capital rules. At the end of June30, 2010; the aggregate capital to risk –weighted assets ratio of the Indian banking system stood at 13.4% of which Tier-I capital constituted 9.3%. So, it wouldn’t leave any pressure on Indian banks in near future albeit there may be some negative impact arising from shifting some deductions from Tier-I and Tier-II capital to common equity.
Despite strong fundamentals, RBI should ensure even more capital than essentially stipulated limit under the Basel-III norms; besides stress must be given on long term capital inflow rather on risky short term investments. Besides, innovative credit policies, RBI should also stringently ensure the well capitalized subsidiary structure for foreign banks and financial institutions operating in India, since the stability of Indian banking system have lot to with it.
Young Committee that recommended for the establishment of Bank of International Settlements {BIS} in1930 had enough sense for volatility in International financial market and greed’s of bankers. Actual effects of even best designed rules are of no value if lacked by the competent, proactive and fearless supervision. Strengthening the global banking system should be and must be the aim of every new financial rules but it’s equally imperative to stop the adverse lobbying that makes regulation nothing more than a print order. We can easily assume this from recently enacted Dodd Frank Act {Wall Street and Consumer Protection Act} in U.S.A which loosing its effects under the stern pressure from affluent lobbyist.
Regulation couldn’t have any parallel while enforcing a law; our regulatory strength has recently tested during the world wide financial meltdown-Indian banking relatively emerged unscratched comparing the western counterparts. More attention is needed from developed world for compliance of rules envisaged under the Basel-III norms-make or break of this rule would be decided by the both Individual as well collective performances of economies. Co-operation at international level would be the real bone of contention for an ambitious rule like Basel-III…meanwhile let’s watch the movements around the financial circle!
Atul Kumar Thakur
October20, 2010, Wednesday, New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
Development-Essential theme for Bihar
The Bihar Legislative Election of 2010 is going to be remarkable on many counts; especially it would leave a high shot ground for acid test among the peoples of this state. Aspirations that led to ending of fifteen years parochial rule during the 2005 election and succession of a trusted man called Nitish Kumar is still very much resonant and relentless for completion of turnaround in the Bihar. The three spoiler stakeholder in Bihar politics since 1990-Congress, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Ramvilas Paswan accounted for irreparable socio-economic losses that completely broken the soul of this region and forced to camouflage the state into a mockery institution.
Peoples were dragged to clown status under the black sordid political state of affairs…hopelessness were as rampant as loss of opportunities inside the state-institutional proposals like opening of IIM in Patna used to be ridiculed by non the other than Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav; crime had overt patronization from CM office and enterprises under this Dickensian collaboration were fixed ransom and other inhumane trade.
The pseudo assertion of social justice flashed much in start during the early nineties when simultaneously Mr.Yadav has started demeaning the party structure for a lethal nexus of caste and religion. Surprisingly, in spite of partial treatment to Muslim-Yadav combine and staggering statistics in terms of their representation, plight of common folks from these communities as well didn’t remain indifferent from rest of oppressed Bihari. Power and prestige used to be the prerogative of either the close one from kinship or die-hard sycophants without having personal character for judgment between right or wrong.
Caste remained a factor in the politics of Bihar albeit it was never so blind folded before the nineties…worst of all, confusion among the Communist brigade and theirs parasiteness over Congress finally consumed their impressive base in north and middle Bihar that fuelled the situation further. Their’s stake didn’t remain the same again after the mid nineties…meanwhile once a sporadic performer in state, BJP emerged as a substantial force following their strategic alliance {NDA}accession in Delhi-theirs paradox partnership with disillusioned Nitish Kumar started from here. I am reiterating over the word “paradox” since despite representing contrast views on some crucial issue; they could remain together with eyeing the path of development as major plank for politics in Bihar.
Before the British colonialism, terrains of present Bihar known for the all good reasons; later the Bengal presidency proved to be worst on development indices-following the shifting of British base from Calcutta in 1911.However, the state of this region, Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, Orissa, Tripura, West Bengal improved a lot for at least next two decades after the independence but in present scenario, only Bihar could be figured out on the healthy development criteria.
Once “An Area of Darkness” termed by “The Economist”, Bihar today is a beacon of fair change among the Indian state with consistently relying upon the sole framework of development. Despite facing the massive floods and successive two years of drought with spiraling two-digit inflation, state did fairly well in improving physical infrastructure, law&order, education, primary health facilities etc-besides growth of service sector and checking an outbound migration is Herculean accomplishment.
With the less volatile contribution of tertiary sector {59.5%}, State GDP growth registered an average 11.35%in the last five years against an average of merely 3.5%in the RJD rule-Per Capita Income rose from Rs7, 442 in year2004-05 to Rs13, 559 in 2008-09. Poverty rate too halted at 38%-a satisfactory level even if not an ideal figure; these statistics are not manipulated as the State’s Economic Survey2010 has been closely monitored by the Central agencies and other think tanks working in the sphere of economic research. Apart from political compulsions, Nitish Kumar government has shown enough willingness for change with appropriation of dynamicism and innovation that were a long due.
He emphatically focusing on the balance prospect of growth, especially in the social domain-after five years, he is indeed now more capable to lead Bihar towards a bright economic prospects; if he would come back whose chances are very strong than state of affairs will touch an unprecedented positive pace. For me, it’s a matter of great exuberance that at least Bihar among the Indian States is banking upon the theme of development. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Arunachal Pradesh to Rajasthan –themes of politics are different and governance is being put aside. Development of Bihar is essential for itself and whole nation…hope the political laboratory of India would manufacture some sensible inferences out of the verdict in this election.
Atul Kumar Thakur
October20, 2010, Wednesday, New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
Peoples were dragged to clown status under the black sordid political state of affairs…hopelessness were as rampant as loss of opportunities inside the state-institutional proposals like opening of IIM in Patna used to be ridiculed by non the other than Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav; crime had overt patronization from CM office and enterprises under this Dickensian collaboration were fixed ransom and other inhumane trade.
The pseudo assertion of social justice flashed much in start during the early nineties when simultaneously Mr.Yadav has started demeaning the party structure for a lethal nexus of caste and religion. Surprisingly, in spite of partial treatment to Muslim-Yadav combine and staggering statistics in terms of their representation, plight of common folks from these communities as well didn’t remain indifferent from rest of oppressed Bihari. Power and prestige used to be the prerogative of either the close one from kinship or die-hard sycophants without having personal character for judgment between right or wrong.
Caste remained a factor in the politics of Bihar albeit it was never so blind folded before the nineties…worst of all, confusion among the Communist brigade and theirs parasiteness over Congress finally consumed their impressive base in north and middle Bihar that fuelled the situation further. Their’s stake didn’t remain the same again after the mid nineties…meanwhile once a sporadic performer in state, BJP emerged as a substantial force following their strategic alliance {NDA}accession in Delhi-theirs paradox partnership with disillusioned Nitish Kumar started from here. I am reiterating over the word “paradox” since despite representing contrast views on some crucial issue; they could remain together with eyeing the path of development as major plank for politics in Bihar.
Before the British colonialism, terrains of present Bihar known for the all good reasons; later the Bengal presidency proved to be worst on development indices-following the shifting of British base from Calcutta in 1911.However, the state of this region, Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, Orissa, Tripura, West Bengal improved a lot for at least next two decades after the independence but in present scenario, only Bihar could be figured out on the healthy development criteria.
Once “An Area of Darkness” termed by “The Economist”, Bihar today is a beacon of fair change among the Indian state with consistently relying upon the sole framework of development. Despite facing the massive floods and successive two years of drought with spiraling two-digit inflation, state did fairly well in improving physical infrastructure, law&order, education, primary health facilities etc-besides growth of service sector and checking an outbound migration is Herculean accomplishment.
With the less volatile contribution of tertiary sector {59.5%}, State GDP growth registered an average 11.35%in the last five years against an average of merely 3.5%in the RJD rule-Per Capita Income rose from Rs7, 442 in year2004-05 to Rs13, 559 in 2008-09. Poverty rate too halted at 38%-a satisfactory level even if not an ideal figure; these statistics are not manipulated as the State’s Economic Survey2010 has been closely monitored by the Central agencies and other think tanks working in the sphere of economic research. Apart from political compulsions, Nitish Kumar government has shown enough willingness for change with appropriation of dynamicism and innovation that were a long due.
He emphatically focusing on the balance prospect of growth, especially in the social domain-after five years, he is indeed now more capable to lead Bihar towards a bright economic prospects; if he would come back whose chances are very strong than state of affairs will touch an unprecedented positive pace. For me, it’s a matter of great exuberance that at least Bihar among the Indian States is banking upon the theme of development. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Arunachal Pradesh to Rajasthan –themes of politics are different and governance is being put aside. Development of Bihar is essential for itself and whole nation…hope the political laboratory of India would manufacture some sensible inferences out of the verdict in this election.
Atul Kumar Thakur
October20, 2010, Wednesday, New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
Tracing Aspirations for Nepal
The Constituent Assembly’s failure to deliver a Constitution on stipulated time-line and even after and Parliament’s failure to elect a Prime Minister despite prolonging the exercise for double digit rounds raising serious concern over the accountability of political parties in Nepal. Following perplex state of action in absence of any outcome makes an observers side completely drudgery and concomitant despair for all concerned components.
With unkept promises, political class especially Maoists are now being seen as hellion with their brusque attitude towards the ground realities and needs of nation. No denying the fact, that Maoists are not alone accountable for the quivering domestic political scenario though with putting upon theirs ostensible demand after putsching the Monarchies quintessentially makes them a catalyst in entire persisting deadlock.
Signing twelve point understanding in November2005 in New Delhi with the Indian mediation for anti-Monarchy movement was a hurried step that couldn’t be adequately sensed by the Maoist or other seven pro-democracy parties from Nepal. Instant reason for Indian involvement in anti-Monarchy movement was shaped through the aberration created by King Gyanendra during the 2005 SAARC Summit where he laid the proposal for China as an observer which was unanimously accepted by the member nations-without any mediation, indeed it was a sort of unofficial breach that caused deep insecurity in Indian diplomatic side.
Given the historically trusted and entwining relationship between India and Nepal, it was unbearable for India to see China’s unnatural involvement with its very dear Himalayan state. China has been so far played feeble and inconsistent role in Nepal but the Maoists emergence at Centre-stage suddenly given them a level playing field against India which now fuelling the rivalry of engagement.
As a very close entity in varied terms, Nepal must understand the growing insecurities of India from its strategic point of views and instead of pushing both superpower for negative engagement at the domestic turf; it would be quite better to engage with both of them without forgetting its natural akinness for India. It would leverage Indian role in forming conducive environment both at domestic arena in Nepal as well as at international juncture-positive involvement would give India too a chance to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Nepal by giving its actual due to the Himalayan state. Energized co-operation with spillover of goodwill would forge better environment of concord and prospects of democracy.
Nepal here must have to prefigure the China’s dual playing at its every crucial juncture; from1950 to 1989{during trade blockade by India which lasted for twenty months that badly affected its economy}-at both the crucial occasion, China checked them with realistic visualization and kept reiterating India’s natural closeness to Nepal. Even in 2006, when India along with the Nepalese democratic forces was poised for heading-on with Monarchy, China was feeding the King with arms and ammunition to crackdown on Maoists and other demonstrating political parties-thanks laudable collective efforts, China’s plan of bloodshed didn’t worked out in Nepal. Nepal must be reckon with its strategic standing without too much reshuffling some of its conventional basic lesson of diplomacy-otherwise, contemplation of experiments wouldn’t be ended more than deadpan per se following the ambitious dualism.
The most inevitable thing that Nepal has to do the figuring out of its people’s aspiration as now Maoists too sounds pragmatic about the prospective merger of Armies and noticeably on the role of Monarchy. Without deviating under any forcible ideological compulsions, it would be prudent for Nepalese political parties to delve with the best possible options suitable for theirs quest for democratic establishment and supremacy of Constitution.
This would be true healing touch from democratic political forces who have been disappointing the mass Citizens since 1920-if Maoist Supremo ”Prachanda” sensing the blunder of abrupt abolition of Monarchy without giving them even a minimum Constitutional prerogative, that remorseness must be seen in true light and without contentious convictions. Prolongingness of deadlock in Nepal is neither feasible not ideal for the sake of peoples genuine aspirations…there is need of rebuilding the confidence among the mass Nepalese for a brighter prospect of this beautiful nation.
Atul Kumar Thakur
October20, 2010, Wednesday, New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
With unkept promises, political class especially Maoists are now being seen as hellion with their brusque attitude towards the ground realities and needs of nation. No denying the fact, that Maoists are not alone accountable for the quivering domestic political scenario though with putting upon theirs ostensible demand after putsching the Monarchies quintessentially makes them a catalyst in entire persisting deadlock.
Signing twelve point understanding in November2005 in New Delhi with the Indian mediation for anti-Monarchy movement was a hurried step that couldn’t be adequately sensed by the Maoist or other seven pro-democracy parties from Nepal. Instant reason for Indian involvement in anti-Monarchy movement was shaped through the aberration created by King Gyanendra during the 2005 SAARC Summit where he laid the proposal for China as an observer which was unanimously accepted by the member nations-without any mediation, indeed it was a sort of unofficial breach that caused deep insecurity in Indian diplomatic side.
Given the historically trusted and entwining relationship between India and Nepal, it was unbearable for India to see China’s unnatural involvement with its very dear Himalayan state. China has been so far played feeble and inconsistent role in Nepal but the Maoists emergence at Centre-stage suddenly given them a level playing field against India which now fuelling the rivalry of engagement.
As a very close entity in varied terms, Nepal must understand the growing insecurities of India from its strategic point of views and instead of pushing both superpower for negative engagement at the domestic turf; it would be quite better to engage with both of them without forgetting its natural akinness for India. It would leverage Indian role in forming conducive environment both at domestic arena in Nepal as well as at international juncture-positive involvement would give India too a chance to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Nepal by giving its actual due to the Himalayan state. Energized co-operation with spillover of goodwill would forge better environment of concord and prospects of democracy.
Nepal here must have to prefigure the China’s dual playing at its every crucial juncture; from1950 to 1989{during trade blockade by India which lasted for twenty months that badly affected its economy}-at both the crucial occasion, China checked them with realistic visualization and kept reiterating India’s natural closeness to Nepal. Even in 2006, when India along with the Nepalese democratic forces was poised for heading-on with Monarchy, China was feeding the King with arms and ammunition to crackdown on Maoists and other demonstrating political parties-thanks laudable collective efforts, China’s plan of bloodshed didn’t worked out in Nepal. Nepal must be reckon with its strategic standing without too much reshuffling some of its conventional basic lesson of diplomacy-otherwise, contemplation of experiments wouldn’t be ended more than deadpan per se following the ambitious dualism.
The most inevitable thing that Nepal has to do the figuring out of its people’s aspiration as now Maoists too sounds pragmatic about the prospective merger of Armies and noticeably on the role of Monarchy. Without deviating under any forcible ideological compulsions, it would be prudent for Nepalese political parties to delve with the best possible options suitable for theirs quest for democratic establishment and supremacy of Constitution.
This would be true healing touch from democratic political forces who have been disappointing the mass Citizens since 1920-if Maoist Supremo ”Prachanda” sensing the blunder of abrupt abolition of Monarchy without giving them even a minimum Constitutional prerogative, that remorseness must be seen in true light and without contentious convictions. Prolongingness of deadlock in Nepal is neither feasible not ideal for the sake of peoples genuine aspirations…there is need of rebuilding the confidence among the mass Nepalese for a brighter prospect of this beautiful nation.
Atul Kumar Thakur
October20, 2010, Wednesday, New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Comrade in Conversation
Comrade Chaturanan Mishra, placid man in demeanor though emphatically spirited in his deeds and convictions quintessentially resemble a revolutionary in mainline. Through idea and spirit, his stout clasp over Communist ideology could be easily reckoned, along with his relentless bond with progressive ideas and practices both at personal as well as on collective level. Indeed his political journey was not came under breezed circumstances as it started during the jumbled phase of 1942, when the nation, Communist party and moreover the entire world was facing the cloud of history’s most severe trauma in terms of World WarII. His own transformation in Indian politics effaced many imperfections and remained consistent and determined to turn nostrum into real happening. Talking to this octogenarian living legend didn’t appeared daunting even for a while…very open and no frills attitude of him made my task easier to dwell with him for next few hours in a rainy afternoon at his official residence in Meena Bagh {Lutyn’s Delhi}.
Atul K Thakur:-It’s indeed a privilege for me to interact with someone who is known for all good reasons, despite remaining in politics for almost last seven decades. Would like to start here with your early life…
Chaturanan Mishra:-I was born in 1925 in village Nahar, then a part of old Darbhanga district {since 1973, in Madhubani} to a modest Maithil family. After the accomplishment of primary education, I had to move for G.M.S.S School {Madhubani} as in nearby my village, there used to be no high school for further education. So, I left the home and kept my further education continues.
Atul K Thakur:-Time was of intense pressure amidst the clamour of Indian independence from oppressive British imperialism, how you aligned yourself on those difficult times?
Chaturanan Mishra:-I came to Madhubani in early forties and in short span of time found in deep touch with Communist ideology due to prevalence of sound progressive environment created by young flamboyant revolutionary like Bhogendra Jha{who later became a very tall name in Communist party}and others like,Srimohan Jha, Tej Narayan Jha etc. This Communist group was formed by Comrade Bhogendra Jha secretly started maneuvering against the war fund in support of British…this radical opposition eventually turned stiff and grew of a plan to hoist the Indian tricolor flag in place of imperialist Union Jack on Madhubani Civil court. We successfully did it and found huge accolades from common masses and even to an extant from nationalist government servants as well. We were restless with the swift developments in 1940; I was convicted for two years-spent ten months and two months in two different terms for that charge of hoisting the national flag. Comrade Bhogendra Jha{who later became the tallest Communist Leader} was arrested in Darbhanga, besides almost of our Comrades were arrested, though our party’s {CPI} stand to remain passive with the critical Quit India Movement restrained to materialize full gain from those early initiatives. In my understanding, that was a blunder which handicapped us to come up with strong mass base on pan-India basis, though later with many good works, Communists earned mass respect but at large that blunder remained haunting us for long course of time.
Atul K Thakur: - What big changes have taken place in your life after that revolutionary quest and how you young Communist brigade were placed among the Commoner’s psyche?
Chaturanan Mishra: - As our efforts were unprecedented in terms of social representation, we received warm response from across the all caste and religion alike. That harmony was our true victory at that time besides at personal level too, it was remarkable on some counts for me. Before that incident, I was living with my lawyer cousin but his reservation against my hoisting the Indian flag on his house and particularly at court forced my self respect to shift in Azad hostel, after that I never visited him until my acquittal from jail when he remorsed vehementally and behaved placatory for his wrong behavior in past; his opinion and belief now was change in nationalistic fervor. Further in 1944, Comrade Chandrasekhar Singh came to Madhubani; Bhogendra Jha suggested him my name for trade union movement in south Bihar {now Jharkhand}. My friend Ramlakhan Panjiar and other Comrade helped me to migrate…I kept my family in dark and cited other reasons to off for two months. Finally through the material and moral support of fellow Comrades, I reached to Comrade. It was a great learning and my longest journey so far-in socio-cultural terms, it was a sort of metamorphosis for me.
Atul K Thakur:-Impact of such change could be sensed out by those who are familiar with the cultural intricacies of Mithila and its sharp differences in socio-cultural sphere with the regions of then South Bihar. How you adapted to the changed circumstances at different levels?
Chaturanan Mishra:- My oratorical ability and critical sensuality have been noticed by the senior Comrade for my new assignment in All India Trade Union Congress {AITUC}. It became my life afterward…I spent next twenty five years in Giridih and Hazaribagh struggling for the cause of mines laborers and other pertinent local issues. Challenges were multiple and being surfaced from many side, beside miners, government and local feudals; we also had to cope with our contradictory relationships with socialist group which grew even further after the attainment of Indian independence. Initially, it was very tough to convince local illiterate tribals about their plights. So, imparting a sense among them for union took time, though it succeeded even lately. It indeed worked out there and brought out positive changes in their working condition and other rights which hitherto have been denying out by their exploitative employers. It also earned great respect for Communist party…with those new consciousnesses, I have elected thrice from Giridih constituency to Bihar Legislative Council {In1969, 72 and 79}; in next course, I also served as deputy leader and leader in the house.
Atul K Thakur: - Post independence, dynamicism of Indian politics underwent through a new direction, which was essentially directed towards making an idea of modern India-how do you rate the pros and cons of your party’s responses towards those changes…
Chaturanan Mishra: - National independence was a landmark for us and it was received positively though with heavily hearts after loosing lakhs of lives, millions displaced and an unfortunate permanent line drawn on our map with the creation of Pakistan. Anyhow many unresolved issues, initially taken out critically by the CPI and often cited the independence as false, such perception started diminishing after the introduction of first two five years plans. Especially progressive second five year plan, architectured by Prashant Chandra Mahalnobis drawn huge impact in Communist party and it paved the way for streamlining with new challenges. Though lately but appropriately, we anticipated the new challenges and good works carried out by the PM Jawaharlal Nehru to cope with them. His stand on strong Public Sector Undertakings and independent foreign policies were a pragmatic approach; in those circumstances, Non-alignment was a great tool for an emerging nation like India. I have written in detail about the various facades of Indian foreign policy in my book “Recast Indian Foreign Policy”. We kept doing good work that retrieved our acceptance among the masses…in 1957; first Communist and non-Congress government was formed under the visionary leadership of E.M.S.Namboodripad; however Nehru’s growing impatience with the Communist ideology led to its expulsion in 1959. Another blunder was waiting for us, in 1962; China attacked on us-CPI opposed the move but a section of it stood in favour of China’s stand and they split as CPI {Marxist}. From that time, unification of Communist remained a pipe dream so far, though in legislative affair, we share all deals but our separate statutory entity is a matter of grave concern.I have been raising my voice time to time for the unification of Communist movement and trade union…despite hard efforts during my stint as President, AITUC {1983-89},I couldn’t succeeded to prolong it’s merge entity with Hind Mazdoor Sangthan {HMS}; due to internal hindrances, overall merger of left led trade union movement remained a pipe dream. I attribute this division as our hindrance to emerge truly as national party; today Civil rights activists like Medha Patekar, Arundhati Roy etc raising the voice in favour of issues that originally should be our concern.
Atul K Thakur: - How things changed during the Indira Gandhi regime as she had pro USSR inclination despite remaining firm with Non Align Movement. Please share some insights about CPI’s policy in respect with those times?
Chaturanan Mishra: - Cheating in PL-480 deal and unruly behaviour of USA President Nixon deplored the Indo-USA relations to unprecedented low. In strategic terms too, USA has been pushing Pakistan against the Indian interests in Kashmir, besides that China’s betrayal forced India to reorient its foreign policy. During the 1960’s, Indian ties with USSR grew to amazing height, this policy almost become a convention in the time being, even now despite a radical orientation towards market economy in both the country. CPI shared great understanding with Congress during her stint and infact did fairly well in a major state like Bihar-in that phase, north Bihar, especially Madhubani used to be known as little Moscow…besides we also strengthened our base in West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura. This deal with Congress naturally delinked us from confused socialist maneuverings, like JP Movement, though we morally opposed emergency but sensing the urgency of law& order restoration, CPI did support Congress-it cost us badly in following election.
Atul K Thakur: - Collapse of USSR was big blow for all alternative thinkers across the world, then as an active Communist leader and a Parliamentarian, what stuck you most in Indian case?
Chaturanan Mishra: - I think collapse of USSR happened through falling democratic culture within the machinery-of course, new economic policies like “Glasnost” and “Pristorika”fasten that unfortunate process. India being the closest strategic and trade partner, suffered most; it led to reorient strategic and trade policy in abrupt manners. End of socialist block and failure to form such alternative, even after two decades made the world an open amphitheatre of USA’s neo-imperialism…such tendencies are alarming and needed firm opposition from capable countries like India and China. On world Federation of Trade Union {WFTU}, it impacted very adversely-in changed circumstances, I tried to align our trade unions with ICFTU, and though it was USA dominated but thought to get at least chances of dwelling with labour issues at international platform; finally it’s not worked out. Overall it impacted not only the Indian Communist movement but all such movements across the world.
Atul K Thakur: - You have served for fourteen years as Parliamentarian, also rose to Union Agriculture Minister in United Front government in 1996; will you elucidate on some main points of your long stint…
Chaturanan Mishra: - In1984, my party CPI decided to nominate in upper house as I had served in Trade Union for decades. In 1990, I received another chance to remain in upper house-after that, I successfully contested Loksabha election from Madhubani constituency and became Union Minister for Agriculture in United Front government. From my own experience, I could say that, we shouldn’t have been alienated from participation in government-if Jyoti Basu could have served as Prime Minister in 1996, things would have different today. It was neither short of a blunder, we lost a big chance to convey and demonstrate politically at a larger platform. We again replicated similar mistake by not participating in UPAI government; subsequently we frisked our support from UPAI on Civil Nuclear deal; what we are doing today to pitch for better safeguards, we could did same by remaining a part of government. Peoples needed Communists intervention in key policy maneuvering, we can easily differentiate the work of UPAI and UPAII, so in my view, Communist party should give the heed to peoples mandate.
Atul K Thakur: - Our relations with neighboring countries needs a new look as our roles seems loosing touch with actual issues, what you opine over it…
Chaturanan Mishra: - Transferring the Kashmir issue to UN was a historic mistake of Nehru-even in last six decades; Indian policy instead to shaping Kashmir as our domestic issue and parting it from bilateral relations with Pakistan, kept giving heed to separatists and pro-Pakistani elements. Its dangerous stand, we should strive to ensure civil rights and contemplating plans of autonomy within Indian Union- in crux, we should directly deal with the peoples instead to relying upon incredible mediators. With Srilanka and Bangladesh, our relationship is stable now but political instability in Nepal is cause of concern. In Nepal, we need to give serious diplomatic and political push without interfering in their due processes…resolving water problem with Nepal and strengthening trade relations through the border of Bihar and UP can revamp the economy of both side. It will equally curtail the illegal trafficking after legalization of no-frill trade across the border.
Atul K Thakur: - Our mineral and agricultural policies certainly cause grave discontents from affected segments. Naxalism has lot to do with this gap prevailing over the policy enactment and existing practical plights; as a veteran politician, how you see such state of affairs?
Chaturanan Mishra: - Consistent marginalization of rural and tribal population, along with the blind exploitation of natural resources leading alienation to an unprecedented scale. Disruptive forces like Naxals getting easier by it to promote their own interests-here mainstream Communist parties needs to foray in newer territories, including in service sector. Working pattern of Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar is unfortunate as he hardly getting reasons to redress the grave issues of malnourishment, rural unemployment and indebtedness, hunger, suicides etc. Such faux pas on the Supreme Court’s recent order regarding distributing rotting foods through the Public Distribution System {PDS} is alarming; even Prime Minister too sounds in same tune now. As per another recent Supreme Court order, local peoples must be given 20%of profit from mining companies…same access based delivery system must be introduced in other sectors too. During ministerial stint, I introduced Kisan Credit Card, Corps insurance, and institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendra to lift the status of agriculture-these programmes must be carrying on with the collaboration of Commercial banks, RRBs, and Co-operative banks which have greater footprints in the rural areas. That will sure ease the rural indebtedness and enhance employment potential in hinterlands; modernization of agriculture should be given proper place. Here we can learn a lot from Brazilian transition-how they turned up from an importer to a major exporter of agriculture and dairy products.
Atul K Thakur: - I have gone through almost your all published work-in 1940’s, you have written a Maithili novel “Kala” that covered the contemporary conservatism in Maithili society. My observation is you always come with solution either in writing or politics-should it be seen as diehard optimism?
Chaturanan Mishra: - After matriculation, I hadn’t time or resources to endure my formal education albeit I had stout wishes to learn informally, so I developed pastime for avid learning besides field trips and extensive travel across the world in my long public life enabled me to see things in right frame. I have written for many news sources, also penned all my political and practical experiences on paper…I tried to address my concern both as being a leader and a concerned citizen. Even at this stage, I think in same spirits for my country, party and birth place in Mithila region though health is not supporting now.
Atul K Thakur: - We wishes for your good health and of course better time for mainstream Communist parties…
Chaturanan Mishra: - Thanks, in my life time, I have stout wishes to see consolidation among Communist parties to cope with the massive challenges standing around the corner. Besides will suggest my fellows in party to avoid the short cuts and retrieve the old good habits of Communist ideology…struggle must be our mode for all action.
Atul Kumar Thakur
September2, 2010, Thursday, New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
Atul K Thakur:-It’s indeed a privilege for me to interact with someone who is known for all good reasons, despite remaining in politics for almost last seven decades. Would like to start here with your early life…
Chaturanan Mishra:-I was born in 1925 in village Nahar, then a part of old Darbhanga district {since 1973, in Madhubani} to a modest Maithil family. After the accomplishment of primary education, I had to move for G.M.S.S School {Madhubani} as in nearby my village, there used to be no high school for further education. So, I left the home and kept my further education continues.
Atul K Thakur:-Time was of intense pressure amidst the clamour of Indian independence from oppressive British imperialism, how you aligned yourself on those difficult times?
Chaturanan Mishra:-I came to Madhubani in early forties and in short span of time found in deep touch with Communist ideology due to prevalence of sound progressive environment created by young flamboyant revolutionary like Bhogendra Jha{who later became a very tall name in Communist party}and others like,Srimohan Jha, Tej Narayan Jha etc. This Communist group was formed by Comrade Bhogendra Jha secretly started maneuvering against the war fund in support of British…this radical opposition eventually turned stiff and grew of a plan to hoist the Indian tricolor flag in place of imperialist Union Jack on Madhubani Civil court. We successfully did it and found huge accolades from common masses and even to an extant from nationalist government servants as well. We were restless with the swift developments in 1940; I was convicted for two years-spent ten months and two months in two different terms for that charge of hoisting the national flag. Comrade Bhogendra Jha{who later became the tallest Communist Leader} was arrested in Darbhanga, besides almost of our Comrades were arrested, though our party’s {CPI} stand to remain passive with the critical Quit India Movement restrained to materialize full gain from those early initiatives. In my understanding, that was a blunder which handicapped us to come up with strong mass base on pan-India basis, though later with many good works, Communists earned mass respect but at large that blunder remained haunting us for long course of time.
Atul K Thakur: - What big changes have taken place in your life after that revolutionary quest and how you young Communist brigade were placed among the Commoner’s psyche?
Chaturanan Mishra: - As our efforts were unprecedented in terms of social representation, we received warm response from across the all caste and religion alike. That harmony was our true victory at that time besides at personal level too, it was remarkable on some counts for me. Before that incident, I was living with my lawyer cousin but his reservation against my hoisting the Indian flag on his house and particularly at court forced my self respect to shift in Azad hostel, after that I never visited him until my acquittal from jail when he remorsed vehementally and behaved placatory for his wrong behavior in past; his opinion and belief now was change in nationalistic fervor. Further in 1944, Comrade Chandrasekhar Singh came to Madhubani; Bhogendra Jha suggested him my name for trade union movement in south Bihar {now Jharkhand}. My friend Ramlakhan Panjiar and other Comrade helped me to migrate…I kept my family in dark and cited other reasons to off for two months. Finally through the material and moral support of fellow Comrades, I reached to Comrade. It was a great learning and my longest journey so far-in socio-cultural terms, it was a sort of metamorphosis for me.
Atul K Thakur:-Impact of such change could be sensed out by those who are familiar with the cultural intricacies of Mithila and its sharp differences in socio-cultural sphere with the regions of then South Bihar. How you adapted to the changed circumstances at different levels?
Chaturanan Mishra:- My oratorical ability and critical sensuality have been noticed by the senior Comrade for my new assignment in All India Trade Union Congress {AITUC}. It became my life afterward…I spent next twenty five years in Giridih and Hazaribagh struggling for the cause of mines laborers and other pertinent local issues. Challenges were multiple and being surfaced from many side, beside miners, government and local feudals; we also had to cope with our contradictory relationships with socialist group which grew even further after the attainment of Indian independence. Initially, it was very tough to convince local illiterate tribals about their plights. So, imparting a sense among them for union took time, though it succeeded even lately. It indeed worked out there and brought out positive changes in their working condition and other rights which hitherto have been denying out by their exploitative employers. It also earned great respect for Communist party…with those new consciousnesses, I have elected thrice from Giridih constituency to Bihar Legislative Council {In1969, 72 and 79}; in next course, I also served as deputy leader and leader in the house.
Atul K Thakur: - Post independence, dynamicism of Indian politics underwent through a new direction, which was essentially directed towards making an idea of modern India-how do you rate the pros and cons of your party’s responses towards those changes…
Chaturanan Mishra: - National independence was a landmark for us and it was received positively though with heavily hearts after loosing lakhs of lives, millions displaced and an unfortunate permanent line drawn on our map with the creation of Pakistan. Anyhow many unresolved issues, initially taken out critically by the CPI and often cited the independence as false, such perception started diminishing after the introduction of first two five years plans. Especially progressive second five year plan, architectured by Prashant Chandra Mahalnobis drawn huge impact in Communist party and it paved the way for streamlining with new challenges. Though lately but appropriately, we anticipated the new challenges and good works carried out by the PM Jawaharlal Nehru to cope with them. His stand on strong Public Sector Undertakings and independent foreign policies were a pragmatic approach; in those circumstances, Non-alignment was a great tool for an emerging nation like India. I have written in detail about the various facades of Indian foreign policy in my book “Recast Indian Foreign Policy”. We kept doing good work that retrieved our acceptance among the masses…in 1957; first Communist and non-Congress government was formed under the visionary leadership of E.M.S.Namboodripad; however Nehru’s growing impatience with the Communist ideology led to its expulsion in 1959. Another blunder was waiting for us, in 1962; China attacked on us-CPI opposed the move but a section of it stood in favour of China’s stand and they split as CPI {Marxist}. From that time, unification of Communist remained a pipe dream so far, though in legislative affair, we share all deals but our separate statutory entity is a matter of grave concern.I have been raising my voice time to time for the unification of Communist movement and trade union…despite hard efforts during my stint as President, AITUC {1983-89},I couldn’t succeeded to prolong it’s merge entity with Hind Mazdoor Sangthan {HMS}; due to internal hindrances, overall merger of left led trade union movement remained a pipe dream. I attribute this division as our hindrance to emerge truly as national party; today Civil rights activists like Medha Patekar, Arundhati Roy etc raising the voice in favour of issues that originally should be our concern.
Atul K Thakur: - How things changed during the Indira Gandhi regime as she had pro USSR inclination despite remaining firm with Non Align Movement. Please share some insights about CPI’s policy in respect with those times?
Chaturanan Mishra: - Cheating in PL-480 deal and unruly behaviour of USA President Nixon deplored the Indo-USA relations to unprecedented low. In strategic terms too, USA has been pushing Pakistan against the Indian interests in Kashmir, besides that China’s betrayal forced India to reorient its foreign policy. During the 1960’s, Indian ties with USSR grew to amazing height, this policy almost become a convention in the time being, even now despite a radical orientation towards market economy in both the country. CPI shared great understanding with Congress during her stint and infact did fairly well in a major state like Bihar-in that phase, north Bihar, especially Madhubani used to be known as little Moscow…besides we also strengthened our base in West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura. This deal with Congress naturally delinked us from confused socialist maneuverings, like JP Movement, though we morally opposed emergency but sensing the urgency of law& order restoration, CPI did support Congress-it cost us badly in following election.
Atul K Thakur: - Collapse of USSR was big blow for all alternative thinkers across the world, then as an active Communist leader and a Parliamentarian, what stuck you most in Indian case?
Chaturanan Mishra: - I think collapse of USSR happened through falling democratic culture within the machinery-of course, new economic policies like “Glasnost” and “Pristorika”fasten that unfortunate process. India being the closest strategic and trade partner, suffered most; it led to reorient strategic and trade policy in abrupt manners. End of socialist block and failure to form such alternative, even after two decades made the world an open amphitheatre of USA’s neo-imperialism…such tendencies are alarming and needed firm opposition from capable countries like India and China. On world Federation of Trade Union {WFTU}, it impacted very adversely-in changed circumstances, I tried to align our trade unions with ICFTU, and though it was USA dominated but thought to get at least chances of dwelling with labour issues at international platform; finally it’s not worked out. Overall it impacted not only the Indian Communist movement but all such movements across the world.
Atul K Thakur: - You have served for fourteen years as Parliamentarian, also rose to Union Agriculture Minister in United Front government in 1996; will you elucidate on some main points of your long stint…
Chaturanan Mishra: - In1984, my party CPI decided to nominate in upper house as I had served in Trade Union for decades. In 1990, I received another chance to remain in upper house-after that, I successfully contested Loksabha election from Madhubani constituency and became Union Minister for Agriculture in United Front government. From my own experience, I could say that, we shouldn’t have been alienated from participation in government-if Jyoti Basu could have served as Prime Minister in 1996, things would have different today. It was neither short of a blunder, we lost a big chance to convey and demonstrate politically at a larger platform. We again replicated similar mistake by not participating in UPAI government; subsequently we frisked our support from UPAI on Civil Nuclear deal; what we are doing today to pitch for better safeguards, we could did same by remaining a part of government. Peoples needed Communists intervention in key policy maneuvering, we can easily differentiate the work of UPAI and UPAII, so in my view, Communist party should give the heed to peoples mandate.
Atul K Thakur: - Our relations with neighboring countries needs a new look as our roles seems loosing touch with actual issues, what you opine over it…
Chaturanan Mishra: - Transferring the Kashmir issue to UN was a historic mistake of Nehru-even in last six decades; Indian policy instead to shaping Kashmir as our domestic issue and parting it from bilateral relations with Pakistan, kept giving heed to separatists and pro-Pakistani elements. Its dangerous stand, we should strive to ensure civil rights and contemplating plans of autonomy within Indian Union- in crux, we should directly deal with the peoples instead to relying upon incredible mediators. With Srilanka and Bangladesh, our relationship is stable now but political instability in Nepal is cause of concern. In Nepal, we need to give serious diplomatic and political push without interfering in their due processes…resolving water problem with Nepal and strengthening trade relations through the border of Bihar and UP can revamp the economy of both side. It will equally curtail the illegal trafficking after legalization of no-frill trade across the border.
Atul K Thakur: - Our mineral and agricultural policies certainly cause grave discontents from affected segments. Naxalism has lot to do with this gap prevailing over the policy enactment and existing practical plights; as a veteran politician, how you see such state of affairs?
Chaturanan Mishra: - Consistent marginalization of rural and tribal population, along with the blind exploitation of natural resources leading alienation to an unprecedented scale. Disruptive forces like Naxals getting easier by it to promote their own interests-here mainstream Communist parties needs to foray in newer territories, including in service sector. Working pattern of Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar is unfortunate as he hardly getting reasons to redress the grave issues of malnourishment, rural unemployment and indebtedness, hunger, suicides etc. Such faux pas on the Supreme Court’s recent order regarding distributing rotting foods through the Public Distribution System {PDS} is alarming; even Prime Minister too sounds in same tune now. As per another recent Supreme Court order, local peoples must be given 20%of profit from mining companies…same access based delivery system must be introduced in other sectors too. During ministerial stint, I introduced Kisan Credit Card, Corps insurance, and institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendra to lift the status of agriculture-these programmes must be carrying on with the collaboration of Commercial banks, RRBs, and Co-operative banks which have greater footprints in the rural areas. That will sure ease the rural indebtedness and enhance employment potential in hinterlands; modernization of agriculture should be given proper place. Here we can learn a lot from Brazilian transition-how they turned up from an importer to a major exporter of agriculture and dairy products.
Atul K Thakur: - I have gone through almost your all published work-in 1940’s, you have written a Maithili novel “Kala” that covered the contemporary conservatism in Maithili society. My observation is you always come with solution either in writing or politics-should it be seen as diehard optimism?
Chaturanan Mishra: - After matriculation, I hadn’t time or resources to endure my formal education albeit I had stout wishes to learn informally, so I developed pastime for avid learning besides field trips and extensive travel across the world in my long public life enabled me to see things in right frame. I have written for many news sources, also penned all my political and practical experiences on paper…I tried to address my concern both as being a leader and a concerned citizen. Even at this stage, I think in same spirits for my country, party and birth place in Mithila region though health is not supporting now.
Atul K Thakur: - We wishes for your good health and of course better time for mainstream Communist parties…
Chaturanan Mishra: - Thanks, in my life time, I have stout wishes to see consolidation among Communist parties to cope with the massive challenges standing around the corner. Besides will suggest my fellows in party to avoid the short cuts and retrieve the old good habits of Communist ideology…struggle must be our mode for all action.
Atul Kumar Thakur
September2, 2010, Thursday, New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
Optimizing Value in Economic Governance
Dharm Narayan, an agriculture economist of repute whose concern for growing agricultural crisis amidst the rapid growth of Indian economy have already made deep impact in the realm of policy and research. Listening twelfth Dharm Narayan Memorial Lecture in his fond memory at India International Centre {September4, 2010, New Delhi} was insightful as the theme lecture delivered by Kaushik Basu {Chief Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance, India} touched and apprised on generally considered forgotten issues.
In the era where value and social norms as an underlying of mainstream economics being frequently forestalled and reality shunned more than anything else-only wiping out of misunderstanding from the world of money can minimize the chances of impending consequences.
Kaushik’s meticulous choice between following the Greek philosopher Piero’s mode of skepticism and J.S.Mill’s very dear quotation “you have to live with waves and winds to live better” is indeed appears a fine forethought until we found ourselves in the company of credible theorists-away from vileful practices of popular politics. Though in standard economic theory too, large scale trade maximizes the conditions of monopoly and oligopoly-like political machinery, economic machinery equally rely on confederates to attain prefixed tempting goals. Interestingly, sometimes politicians and economists together spent decades to unlearn the lessons of historic blunders and shown determination to repeat all the previous mistakes.
For proving that, we don’t have to roam too much, as great depression of 1930’s could be assume as reference point and present ongoing world wide financial crisis as silly repetition of same basic flaws. In a country like ours, where90%of total work force of about 433million is employed in unorganized sector with poor pay no socio-economic security; there is an immediate need to rationalize the existing labour laws with anticipating the modern challenges of economy.
Economic theories can convince the government and also realize expected goals from it albeit to an extent only. Real driving force ultimately come through the social ideas and beliefs and that have no parallel in value term over shaping the economic policies-Indian economy sitting on the cusp of economic surge needs an equal makeover of value system based on own expertise and specific needs without blindly chasing the bandwagons and tailor made principles of western countries. Nehru rightly sensed it in his 1920’s speech-power of idea can move.
John Maynard Keynes too came with similar thoughts in 1926; at least in theoretical domain, two epoch-makers of politics and economics laid stress on better place for rational ideas than extraneous greed’s. Absence of practical support in machinery remains kingpin to handicap such positive stances…many of us may not have pastime for parable but we shall not extrude rationality from our basis thinking-unfortunately such behaviors could be the flash-point of managed chaos.
Among our many fault lines, inadequate professionalism and relentless growing corruption are haunting us like never before; our acceptance in next phase at world arena wouldn’t be succeeded with such rogue practices. We needed radical shift in overall governance that can ensure us a public life without grappling with the culture of hype and sinister loitering in an alien uneven terrain.
Despite not being a die-hard admirer of Chinese policy, for me it was amazing to see their hard efforts over the decades to improvise the governance standard in their country and configuring a balance work culture without nurturing the sycophants and Hippocrates like ours in every sector whose endorsement taken as sacrosanct for any move. Present system is quite conducive for developing arachnids, who through hidden treaties with like-minded outwitting the real spirits of business and ethics…these stereotype figure always shown as legend but finding anything substantial wouldn’t be an easy task for any fair person.
Our aspiration is under heavy strain by such odd prevailing practices; if such tendencies wouldn’t be checked with due means of governance, then rough time would wait for us. I always believe in economics as a discipline and an emphatic stakeholder in governance-desirable change in governance requires an optimization of value from economic point of view. As a surging economy, and a stable economy; we can’t dwell with unethical practices, if really have to touch our potential height in all terms. As an Indian citizen, I will be rather happy with modest yet disciplined approaches than chasing deceased sophistication…if we can address our needs through practical means, than there is no need to fade with unsure Nash equilibrium of complex Game theory.
Atul Kumar Thakur
September8, 2010, Wednesday, New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
In the era where value and social norms as an underlying of mainstream economics being frequently forestalled and reality shunned more than anything else-only wiping out of misunderstanding from the world of money can minimize the chances of impending consequences.
Kaushik’s meticulous choice between following the Greek philosopher Piero’s mode of skepticism and J.S.Mill’s very dear quotation “you have to live with waves and winds to live better” is indeed appears a fine forethought until we found ourselves in the company of credible theorists-away from vileful practices of popular politics. Though in standard economic theory too, large scale trade maximizes the conditions of monopoly and oligopoly-like political machinery, economic machinery equally rely on confederates to attain prefixed tempting goals. Interestingly, sometimes politicians and economists together spent decades to unlearn the lessons of historic blunders and shown determination to repeat all the previous mistakes.
For proving that, we don’t have to roam too much, as great depression of 1930’s could be assume as reference point and present ongoing world wide financial crisis as silly repetition of same basic flaws. In a country like ours, where90%of total work force of about 433million is employed in unorganized sector with poor pay no socio-economic security; there is an immediate need to rationalize the existing labour laws with anticipating the modern challenges of economy.
Economic theories can convince the government and also realize expected goals from it albeit to an extent only. Real driving force ultimately come through the social ideas and beliefs and that have no parallel in value term over shaping the economic policies-Indian economy sitting on the cusp of economic surge needs an equal makeover of value system based on own expertise and specific needs without blindly chasing the bandwagons and tailor made principles of western countries. Nehru rightly sensed it in his 1920’s speech-power of idea can move.
John Maynard Keynes too came with similar thoughts in 1926; at least in theoretical domain, two epoch-makers of politics and economics laid stress on better place for rational ideas than extraneous greed’s. Absence of practical support in machinery remains kingpin to handicap such positive stances…many of us may not have pastime for parable but we shall not extrude rationality from our basis thinking-unfortunately such behaviors could be the flash-point of managed chaos.
Among our many fault lines, inadequate professionalism and relentless growing corruption are haunting us like never before; our acceptance in next phase at world arena wouldn’t be succeeded with such rogue practices. We needed radical shift in overall governance that can ensure us a public life without grappling with the culture of hype and sinister loitering in an alien uneven terrain.
Despite not being a die-hard admirer of Chinese policy, for me it was amazing to see their hard efforts over the decades to improvise the governance standard in their country and configuring a balance work culture without nurturing the sycophants and Hippocrates like ours in every sector whose endorsement taken as sacrosanct for any move. Present system is quite conducive for developing arachnids, who through hidden treaties with like-minded outwitting the real spirits of business and ethics…these stereotype figure always shown as legend but finding anything substantial wouldn’t be an easy task for any fair person.
Our aspiration is under heavy strain by such odd prevailing practices; if such tendencies wouldn’t be checked with due means of governance, then rough time would wait for us. I always believe in economics as a discipline and an emphatic stakeholder in governance-desirable change in governance requires an optimization of value from economic point of view. As a surging economy, and a stable economy; we can’t dwell with unethical practices, if really have to touch our potential height in all terms. As an Indian citizen, I will be rather happy with modest yet disciplined approaches than chasing deceased sophistication…if we can address our needs through practical means, than there is no need to fade with unsure Nash equilibrium of complex Game theory.
Atul Kumar Thakur
September8, 2010, Wednesday, New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
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