Two most remarkable politician till date in the democratic history of Nepal,Prachanda and Babu Ram Bhattrai is indeed sharing a symbolic bond by wearing this meaningful "Paag'{Maithil Cap}for public but their internal differences have even crossed the level and dignity of spat.Prachanda, with whom the genesis of radical politics begub in the Himalayan state had always remain averse to allign his whole agenda with public or even trusted cadres..with immense merit and acceptance,it's hardly unlikely that he is not finding easy to cohabit with another high rank man in his camp.
The tantrums regarding the potential Indian role in hijacking the key of Maoist brigade is one of biggest folly of Prachanda which have been so far and may be in future will be keep haunting the internal as well the external prospects of Nepal. Baburam Bhattarai has reason to be closer with India as he spent his formative years in this nation,even during the long insurgency era, he received overt support from like-minded Indians.Yes, Bhattarai is very much right if he has dare to look on Maoism as movement instead of political conglomeration since he knows the future of revolution and compulsions of liberal democratic system very closely.
For now,theirs spat hammering the Maoist's prospect more than any other possibility albeit it would indeed possess a big risk for Prachanda himself and his party's further prospect as an alternative hope in national politics.Through my personal sources,I found the peoples growing apathy for this forced political stalemate in the country...they,especially the young generation is badly enchanted towards the politician's role.They no longer want to entwine with the theories which given them even worse political leadership since the end of Monarchy. In no way,I am contemplating any nostalgia for Monarchy but this was the mass reaction following the 17th round of failureness to choose a dignified PM and a working constitution.
Breaking of ice is impossible with the stubbornness of top Maoist ranks as they still have no mood to leave their demand for exorbitant absorption of theirs army with the National Arm Force. These are undeserving demand and at the same time a sort of force dealing with the strife ridden country.In their complacency both the chief Maoist ideologue, Prachanda and Babu Ram Bhattrai had forget to recall that they are part of democracy rather than the upholder of Maoist state; their cynical demonstration in front of official royal set-up with five thousand strong armed cadres for maneuvering the replication of Balkanization in Nepal was out rightly shocking, the way they were pronouncing that Newar community would be given more rights than others in newly formed province had sparked the fuel of mass sentiment.
As Maoist ideologue Babu Ram Bhattrai believes their participation in peace process or constitutional development merely as “tactics” to enter among the bourgeois and a pre-exercise before grabbing the throne and later shaping it into their ideological fervor (Communist utopia) instead of sharing existing democratic model in which they have given fair chances-such game plan is entirely contradictory to their erstwhile preaching when they avoiding such faux pas and desired on numerous occasion for political peace process and constitutional making task.
Now Maoists and other political parties know the fact that the deadlines of constitutional making process wouldn’t be met by easily in the situation of flux that also grew up after the departure of UN Mission in Nepal, so they are adopting different stand-Maoist Babu Ram Bhattarai’s stand is seems explicitly deadly as he thinks in that case they will declare the constitution from the street and capture power albeit they are forgetting their lowering popularity from mass psyche since they couldn’t copied the pious motives of socialization as the communists of Cuba or many other country did in past.
Way back from the Maoist’s insurgency in 1996 and later their mainstreaming and emergence as single largest party in Nepalese politics have been relentlessly co-inside with the large scale violence and civil war like situation, which’s still being far from over as the collapse of central authority with the end of monarchy, any alternative retrieval plan from major political players only creating void and a loose regime that propelled swiftly on hatred, intolerance and violence-far from stable and peaceful state of affairs.
High expectations were prevailing from Maoists prospective role in the wake of their democratization and accession to the highest political order of the country but they couldn’t endured the expectations for long and very soon started to jeopardize the situation over a standoff between the army and the Maoists, and later between the Maoists and their coalition partners…and now eventually within party itself.Maoists consistent distrust in sharing the state authority and their wayward opportunist expediency now forming furore among a large chunk of population including the media who now for the first time explicitly supporting the Nepal’s official army as they feeling the potential fallout of Maoists strategic domination in the country.
Maoists views are extremely critical on past agreement with India including the border issues; they are in favour of tectonic shift in alliance with the Indian state by daringly asking for removal of Indian army from Kalapani and restraining their so-called encroachments in Susta region-most of claims are prejudicial and could cause for large scale misunderstanding between these two very interdependent and cordial nation.Whatever the Maoists oral assertions like-abolition of the President’s un-constitutional move, maintaining civil supremacy, safeguarding national independence, checking foreign interference etc, they act entirely opposite from their own front with preoccupied contentious motives.
Maoists have shown terrible performances on most of issues since their arrival as a force in 1996-frequent human rights violation and barbaric suppression including murder of dozens of journalist for merely their ideological opposition with Maoist functional methods. Situation is indeed turning in very grim shape as things are again being ready to be fall apart-presently little hopes persists to visualize consensus among the political parties in near future to look after on the crucial issues of peace process and constitutional drafting. Political parties and members of civil society must refute any maneuverings of Maoists to merge their arm cadres with national army, otherwise stalemate would be never halted; international community have also play a major role to lift Nepal from this very unfortunate state of affairs.
Today India’s neighborhood policy cries for greater attention, so India must monitor the situation closely and assist in stable and united Nepal-where there is will there is always a way…we can’t and shouldn’t see Nepal moving like Bosnia. I think nobody could suggest the exact way to resolve his trust deficit with Babu Ram Bhattarai, even if the reconciliation would take place, there is little chances that they would think better than theirs past action for the nation. Anyway, there will be no wrong, if we wait for another turn…hope the wait this time will be much shorter than the Godot in Samuel Backett’s immortal political play-“Waiting for Godot”!
Atul Kumar Thakur
January 22nd 2011, New Delhi
Blog: www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
Monday, January 24, 2011
Tiny Writing
This piece was placed in Nepali Times, January 14-20,Kathmandu…with great appreciation for feedback, I am being glad to publish this meaningful debate on my blog…hope it would assist to break the ice over many contentious points in the India-Nepal relations…
Atul Kumar Thakur
Blockade of Nepal
Quite intriguing reading this piece of Prashant Jha,which is more based on potential wish-list of political faction rather than the imperative need for nation.Such intellectual assertion could be merely seen as prolongations of impending inferences that consistently have been defying the fate of 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 unkempt 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 points understanding in November2005 in New Delhi with the Indian mediation for anti-Monarchy movement was a hurried step that couldnï’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 Indiaï’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, Chinaï’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 their 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 here is need of rebuilding the confidence among the mass Nepalese for a brighter prospect of this beautiful nation.
I have taken few more words to express myself,but as an enthusiast and a well wisher of Nepal,I only wish to see the nation out of flux.Role of Press is very vital in this...my sincere thanks for Himal South Asia and Nepali Times for keep aliving the debate.
Posted on: 15 JAN 2011 | 12:22 PM NST
7.rishav
Reply
Mr Thakur, Nepal-India relations hasn't really changed. India's policy on Nepal hasn't changed from the Nehru doctirine, and is stll continued till this day.
Nepal is one of the oldest Countries is South Asia, whilst India was under one empire or the other Nepal was holding it's own diplomatically with the Moguls, British India, and China. So this big brother and little brother concept really has to chnage in the minds of the Indian establishmnet. we are older than you and have more experience of being a state.
The unequal peace treaties of the past, the unequal deals on hydroelectric power, the land encroachment in the terai belts, the active support of the Maoists during the Insurgency to destabilise the state, the blockade of Nepal for 20 months, the missed placed view of this older/younger sibling relationship are all things us Nepali people are aware about and is something your Indian Goverment really needs to make efforts to ammend.
Posted on: 15 JAN 2011 | 9:34 PM NST
Atul Kumar Thakur
Reply Rishav-Glad to see your historic put in India-Nepal relations,indeed there is no denying that Nepal has maintained a sovereign presence in South Asia throughout the history that gives the Himalayan nation a stout edge to dwell as closely woven nation.Yes,it's truly unfortunate that Indian establishment has failed to form a new dimension to look on the neighbors, particularly with Nepal,this is real contention of all swiftly burgeoning misconception in the mind of peoples regarding the Indian role.One thing you missed to stuff in your message that these two nation has failed to live up the symmetrical diplomatic relationship-no Prime Ministerial visit so far from India,it's sort of pragmatic hammering over the soft historically shaped ties.Only once ever,Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,had shown courtesy to receive veteran politician Girija Prasad Koirala at Airport besides conferring him the verbal honour of being South Asia's most remarkable living politician. I emphatically think,India has to show more level playing exercise to bridge the trust deficit developed in the recent years,and yes,treaties must be subject to changes as time and circumstances allows.My personnel views regarding the Nepal have never emerged out of any stereotypical and theoretical school of Nehruvian principles...better,if you can read my last dozen of pieces over Nepal,you would sense the kind of basic I have been following on international relations.And if possible,please nail the relative observations on the kind of state we are living today,instead we shall move up for an universal abode out of disgustingly bounded cunning political convictions.
Atul Kumar Thakur
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
Posted on: 16 JAN 2011 | 1:30 PM NST
11. Anonymous
The commentator (ref. to reply #7) is right-- the "Indian establishment has failed to form a new dimension to look on the neighbors, particularly with Nepal..." Sadly, the 'master-slave' mind-set inherited from their colonial past still seems to rule the behaviours of the Indian establishment today. Had Indians internalized their own true historic past, for exmaple, the real meaning of Gandhi's 'Swaraj' and the birth pang of true National Independence, the neighbours would find a different India today. It would not have been difficult for such a Nation to foster a mutual and trusting relationship with her neighbours, nor would it have been hard for Inida to treat her own tribal peoples with dignity and respect. Instead, in the name of the mirage of 'national security', Delhi seems too much obsessed with seking for blessing from yet another 'Master' from the overseas. (Mind you, the historic 'honeymoon' with Moscow ended as soon as the Cold War ended!) On the other hand, the 'traditional' intellectuals and the political pundit class in Nepal, are still obsessed to see every problem in Nepal through the 'Indian' lens. (There was a time, during the 1950's, the entire Nepal's cabinet used to fly to Delhi to take major decisions!) The 'Patna-educated' and 'Banaras-bred' intellectuals and 'pundits' in Nepal have failed to take the 'historically thawed' and 'sick' relationship between the two countries to a new and healthy one. My generation that witnessed first-hand, both the fall of the Berlin Wall and the fall of the Wall Street, sees things through different references (mind it is plural!) I would like both the democratic forces in India and Nepal to be more assertive and confident. It is high time to start a healthy dialogue between our two nations. An alternative discourse is the demand of our time. The best mantra for the mutual security of our nations would be 'keep your purse secure, and don't blame your neighbour!' Nepal needs to define her strategic position as a bridge between the two rising economic power-houses of Asia. Let's do our homeworks to usher in a new era with the hightended consciousness of our own historical realities and sensibilities. It is the task of our younger generation leaderships to redefine a new relationship. Let's have debates on what should constitute the elements of such relationship.
Reply#.Anonymous:-
Atul Kumar Thakur
Rational of Healthy Debate
#.11-Anonymous
I am emphatically happy to entwining with a very meaningful debate that represents all the constructive ideas across the board where the crux of relations between India and Nepal lies in reality.While writing my reply for Anonymous,whom I admire stoutly for his courageous and remarkable hold on synergistic inference;I felt best to leave the scale of peoples relations to shape and uphold the traditional ties between these very close neighbors.Because,with heavy heart,I will have to say that diplomatic relations between Delhi and kathmandu have completely failed to capitulate any mandate of common folks across the boundary.At worst,forcing contentiousness with the changing Nepal were the most unpragmatic programming from Delhi that vehementally shooked the traditional bond which was made through the peoples contact and sharing common griefs.
Ofcourse,fault lines were also drawn by the Nepal's political parties,especially by the Maoists camp...their's leadership displayed utmost cunningness in dealing with India.Through my personnal interaction,I could say that,it harmed a lot in distorting Indian diplomatic vision towards their most essential neighbour.I am happy to see the wishes from prolific young Nepali political commentator about the new constructive approaches to build ever best ties between our two nation-on this,I would also add that,peoples like us,who will do this irrespective of our myopic institutional standings.Even,when Nepal is passing through the political crisis,I am quite sanguine about the future prospect it has as nation amidst the two emerged power...yes,this two giant have to essentially break their sleeping tigers tag in perspectives of foreign affairs.Indeed,India with its overt practices of original legacy could have done much better than blindly replicating the foolish bandwagon of cruel colonialists.We must keep the debate alive to sort out the maladies in governance...leave the geographical belongingness out of mind,instead start thinking as humane citizen-hope for building better coception,it's a fair idea...with best wishes for India-Nepal relations...
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi
www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com{see my creative repository..}
{This was my tiny take following on Prashant Jha’s piece “The Big Madheshi Politics”,Nepali Times,January6-13,2011,Kathmandu}
{This comment was written for Rakshnda Jalil’s meaningful piece “Dipped in the heart’s blood” on Faiz, Himal South Asian did a commendable job to focus on this great revolutionary poet/journalist in January 2011 isuue..]
Atul Kumar Thakur 2011-01-19 13:05
Thanks for focusing on Faiz,one of key literary voice from sub-continent who drawn a superb tradition in literature with aligning stoutly the inferences of nationalism and history during the turbulent times in twentieth century.He was among the few from his generation who tried to see the world with a mix fervor of nationalism and basic humanity along with aim to crack down on oppression and injustice.He was equally remarkable in journalism as like in his cult field of Urdu/English literature..with prudent flex,Faiz displayed his concern for humanity when he felt his time opportune.He joined the British Army only to counter the Nazi force,at heart he remained a soldier but with letters and sensible convictions.His denial of state violence in newly created Pakistan tolled him with grave losses albeit he remained firm with his concern for humanity besides countering the superficial political tracts.
Atul Kumar Thakur
onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
Atul Kumar Thakur:_
Nice reading this piece albeit the malady Prashant has suggested is only a tip of iceberg....the rest are hanging still like iceclets.I have emphatic admiration for the kind of journalism being nurtured by the Himal South Asia and Nepali Times-in present stalemate in Nepal,the progressive role of media becomes very imperative.As a part of host delegation from Indian side,I met with Mahendra Yadav when he was industry minister,indeed in no manner,he was deserving such post of high repute.Such upliftment happened only through the shaky statistical compulsions in a multy party democracy.Plight of Madhesh is much grave than the rest Nepal but that doesn't mean a legitimacy for reactionary politics should be conferred;instead there is lucid wayout in terms of infusing new hope through fair political culture grounded somewhere on the base of common national ethos.Reactionary politics of Madhesh have done as much harm as the divisive convictions of Maoist with their stress on republicanism-that shaded the optimism from political landscape as whole.As an enthusiast on Nepal and a part of friendly nation,I would wish to see Nepal out of factional hooliganism and to visualize a clear road map for nation on the basis of good governance and vital socio-economic prospects.Currently Nepal as an economy performing much below the its potential-a stable and fair leadership can bank upon the rich human and natural resources of nation.The rest misconception regarding the role of neighbouring nations would be ended itself under the engaged order..Prashant has written number of piece on this particular theme and no doubt is among the most remarkable journalist from Nepal.Hope to see his flame intact despite facing various odd opinions on some occasions...thanks for focussing on a vital corner of Himalayan state.
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi,Blog: www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
Posted on: 09 JAN 2011 | 12:55 PM NST{Nepali Times, January 7-13,Kathmandu}
For the Sake of Art {January 15,2011, Times Crest, Saturday}
I liked your timely interview with Amit Chaudhuri{January8}while tracing the vital reasons behind the shrinking poetic culture in India .I liked the thrust TOI-Crest gave to this theme. India is known for its rich tradition in both poetry and prose. It’s important to understand modern developments from the view of contemporary writers. I would be glad to see more such topics covered in your newspaper so that the creative arts are not obliterated by crass commercialization.
Atul Kumar Thakur
Blockade of Nepal
Quite intriguing reading this piece of Prashant Jha,which is more based on potential wish-list of political faction rather than the imperative need for nation.Such intellectual assertion could be merely seen as prolongations of impending inferences that consistently have been defying the fate of 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 unkempt 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 points understanding in November2005 in New Delhi with the Indian mediation for anti-Monarchy movement was a hurried step that couldnï’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 Indiaï’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, Chinaï’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 their 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 here is need of rebuilding the confidence among the mass Nepalese for a brighter prospect of this beautiful nation.
I have taken few more words to express myself,but as an enthusiast and a well wisher of Nepal,I only wish to see the nation out of flux.Role of Press is very vital in this...my sincere thanks for Himal South Asia and Nepali Times for keep aliving the debate.
Posted on: 15 JAN 2011 | 12:22 PM NST
7.rishav
Reply
Mr Thakur, Nepal-India relations hasn't really changed. India's policy on Nepal hasn't changed from the Nehru doctirine, and is stll continued till this day.
Nepal is one of the oldest Countries is South Asia, whilst India was under one empire or the other Nepal was holding it's own diplomatically with the Moguls, British India, and China. So this big brother and little brother concept really has to chnage in the minds of the Indian establishmnet. we are older than you and have more experience of being a state.
The unequal peace treaties of the past, the unequal deals on hydroelectric power, the land encroachment in the terai belts, the active support of the Maoists during the Insurgency to destabilise the state, the blockade of Nepal for 20 months, the missed placed view of this older/younger sibling relationship are all things us Nepali people are aware about and is something your Indian Goverment really needs to make efforts to ammend.
Posted on: 15 JAN 2011 | 9:34 PM NST
Atul Kumar Thakur
Reply Rishav-Glad to see your historic put in India-Nepal relations,indeed there is no denying that Nepal has maintained a sovereign presence in South Asia throughout the history that gives the Himalayan nation a stout edge to dwell as closely woven nation.Yes,it's truly unfortunate that Indian establishment has failed to form a new dimension to look on the neighbors, particularly with Nepal,this is real contention of all swiftly burgeoning misconception in the mind of peoples regarding the Indian role.One thing you missed to stuff in your message that these two nation has failed to live up the symmetrical diplomatic relationship-no Prime Ministerial visit so far from India,it's sort of pragmatic hammering over the soft historically shaped ties.Only once ever,Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,had shown courtesy to receive veteran politician Girija Prasad Koirala at Airport besides conferring him the verbal honour of being South Asia's most remarkable living politician. I emphatically think,India has to show more level playing exercise to bridge the trust deficit developed in the recent years,and yes,treaties must be subject to changes as time and circumstances allows.My personnel views regarding the Nepal have never emerged out of any stereotypical and theoretical school of Nehruvian principles...better,if you can read my last dozen of pieces over Nepal,you would sense the kind of basic I have been following on international relations.And if possible,please nail the relative observations on the kind of state we are living today,instead we shall move up for an universal abode out of disgustingly bounded cunning political convictions.
Atul Kumar Thakur
atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
Posted on: 16 JAN 2011 | 1:30 PM NST
11. Anonymous
The commentator (ref. to reply #7) is right-- the "Indian establishment has failed to form a new dimension to look on the neighbors, particularly with Nepal..." Sadly, the 'master-slave' mind-set inherited from their colonial past still seems to rule the behaviours of the Indian establishment today. Had Indians internalized their own true historic past, for exmaple, the real meaning of Gandhi's 'Swaraj' and the birth pang of true National Independence, the neighbours would find a different India today. It would not have been difficult for such a Nation to foster a mutual and trusting relationship with her neighbours, nor would it have been hard for Inida to treat her own tribal peoples with dignity and respect. Instead, in the name of the mirage of 'national security', Delhi seems too much obsessed with seking for blessing from yet another 'Master' from the overseas. (Mind you, the historic 'honeymoon' with Moscow ended as soon as the Cold War ended!) On the other hand, the 'traditional' intellectuals and the political pundit class in Nepal, are still obsessed to see every problem in Nepal through the 'Indian' lens. (There was a time, during the 1950's, the entire Nepal's cabinet used to fly to Delhi to take major decisions!) The 'Patna-educated' and 'Banaras-bred' intellectuals and 'pundits' in Nepal have failed to take the 'historically thawed' and 'sick' relationship between the two countries to a new and healthy one. My generation that witnessed first-hand, both the fall of the Berlin Wall and the fall of the Wall Street, sees things through different references (mind it is plural!) I would like both the democratic forces in India and Nepal to be more assertive and confident. It is high time to start a healthy dialogue between our two nations. An alternative discourse is the demand of our time. The best mantra for the mutual security of our nations would be 'keep your purse secure, and don't blame your neighbour!' Nepal needs to define her strategic position as a bridge between the two rising economic power-houses of Asia. Let's do our homeworks to usher in a new era with the hightended consciousness of our own historical realities and sensibilities. It is the task of our younger generation leaderships to redefine a new relationship. Let's have debates on what should constitute the elements of such relationship.
Reply#.Anonymous:-
Atul Kumar Thakur
Rational of Healthy Debate
#.11-Anonymous
I am emphatically happy to entwining with a very meaningful debate that represents all the constructive ideas across the board where the crux of relations between India and Nepal lies in reality.While writing my reply for Anonymous,whom I admire stoutly for his courageous and remarkable hold on synergistic inference;I felt best to leave the scale of peoples relations to shape and uphold the traditional ties between these very close neighbors.Because,with heavy heart,I will have to say that diplomatic relations between Delhi and kathmandu have completely failed to capitulate any mandate of common folks across the boundary.At worst,forcing contentiousness with the changing Nepal were the most unpragmatic programming from Delhi that vehementally shooked the traditional bond which was made through the peoples contact and sharing common griefs.
Ofcourse,fault lines were also drawn by the Nepal's political parties,especially by the Maoists camp...their's leadership displayed utmost cunningness in dealing with India.Through my personnal interaction,I could say that,it harmed a lot in distorting Indian diplomatic vision towards their most essential neighbour.I am happy to see the wishes from prolific young Nepali political commentator about the new constructive approaches to build ever best ties between our two nation-on this,I would also add that,peoples like us,who will do this irrespective of our myopic institutional standings.Even,when Nepal is passing through the political crisis,I am quite sanguine about the future prospect it has as nation amidst the two emerged power...yes,this two giant have to essentially break their sleeping tigers tag in perspectives of foreign affairs.Indeed,India with its overt practices of original legacy could have done much better than blindly replicating the foolish bandwagon of cruel colonialists.We must keep the debate alive to sort out the maladies in governance...leave the geographical belongingness out of mind,instead start thinking as humane citizen-hope for building better coception,it's a fair idea...with best wishes for India-Nepal relations...
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi
www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com{see my creative repository..}
{This was my tiny take following on Prashant Jha’s piece “The Big Madheshi Politics”,Nepali Times,January6-13,2011,Kathmandu}
{This comment was written for Rakshnda Jalil’s meaningful piece “Dipped in the heart’s blood” on Faiz, Himal South Asian did a commendable job to focus on this great revolutionary poet/journalist in January 2011 isuue..]
Atul Kumar Thakur 2011-01-19 13:05
Thanks for focusing on Faiz,one of key literary voice from sub-continent who drawn a superb tradition in literature with aligning stoutly the inferences of nationalism and history during the turbulent times in twentieth century.He was among the few from his generation who tried to see the world with a mix fervor of nationalism and basic humanity along with aim to crack down on oppression and injustice.He was equally remarkable in journalism as like in his cult field of Urdu/English literature..with prudent flex,Faiz displayed his concern for humanity when he felt his time opportune.He joined the British Army only to counter the Nazi force,at heart he remained a soldier but with letters and sensible convictions.His denial of state violence in newly created Pakistan tolled him with grave losses albeit he remained firm with his concern for humanity besides countering the superficial political tracts.
Atul Kumar Thakur
onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
Atul Kumar Thakur:_
Nice reading this piece albeit the malady Prashant has suggested is only a tip of iceberg....the rest are hanging still like iceclets.I have emphatic admiration for the kind of journalism being nurtured by the Himal South Asia and Nepali Times-in present stalemate in Nepal,the progressive role of media becomes very imperative.As a part of host delegation from Indian side,I met with Mahendra Yadav when he was industry minister,indeed in no manner,he was deserving such post of high repute.Such upliftment happened only through the shaky statistical compulsions in a multy party democracy.Plight of Madhesh is much grave than the rest Nepal but that doesn't mean a legitimacy for reactionary politics should be conferred;instead there is lucid wayout in terms of infusing new hope through fair political culture grounded somewhere on the base of common national ethos.Reactionary politics of Madhesh have done as much harm as the divisive convictions of Maoist with their stress on republicanism-that shaded the optimism from political landscape as whole.As an enthusiast on Nepal and a part of friendly nation,I would wish to see Nepal out of factional hooliganism and to visualize a clear road map for nation on the basis of good governance and vital socio-economic prospects.Currently Nepal as an economy performing much below the its potential-a stable and fair leadership can bank upon the rich human and natural resources of nation.The rest misconception regarding the role of neighbouring nations would be ended itself under the engaged order..Prashant has written number of piece on this particular theme and no doubt is among the most remarkable journalist from Nepal.Hope to see his flame intact despite facing various odd opinions on some occasions...thanks for focussing on a vital corner of Himalayan state.
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi,Blog: www.onesstandpoint.blogspot.com
Posted on: 09 JAN 2011 | 12:55 PM NST{Nepali Times, January 7-13,Kathmandu}
For the Sake of Art {January 15,2011, Times Crest, Saturday}
I liked your timely interview with Amit Chaudhuri{January8}while tracing the vital reasons behind the shrinking poetic culture in India .I liked the thrust TOI-Crest gave to this theme. India is known for its rich tradition in both poetry and prose. It’s important to understand modern developments from the view of contemporary writers. I would be glad to see more such topics covered in your newspaper so that the creative arts are not obliterated by crass commercialization.
Friday, December 31, 2010
The Crisis Syndrome
#.Standpoint wishes all its readers a happy and productive new year 2011,hope unlike the last year thoroughly marked with corruption,new year would promise brighter time...being a stakeholder of humanity,let's fight with demonic greed to make world just&equitable..a better place for living!
Following the many horrendous setbacks from political circle, public life at large in India is confronting the serrated edge. Domino effects of corrupt nexus among politicians-corporate and most odiously of media chocking every tint of idealism and forcing fairness on confusing cul-de-sac. In our nation, where sacking of high order corrupt officials is still a distant dream and investigations largely produced as food for thought to leverage gonzo journalism hardly presents a moralistic scene, normally expected from government with superb references of Indian constitution.
Erosion of confidence from systemic functioning and political leadership have culminated over the years with reckoning malpractices and manipulated ravening among the peoples involved in every big scam. In such affordable blind wave, lobbyists found their niche to intervene at policy level in government, in the close Dickensian Company of political leaders and journalists with godly footing in the industry.
Raghuram Rajan in his work “Fault Lines” gone to the locus of fabricated fortunes founded on the base of lobbyism and sinful connections that cultivating an obscene numbers of growing Indian billionaires. With these antagonistic developments, India knocking the Forbes list of billionaires through amazing pace albeit in developmental indices and corruption ratio, it’s doing worst even than the trivial sub-Saharan countries. Its desperating fall of moral convictions in a nation which has glorious history of men with integrity in public life-for them pennilessness was a subdued affair for pepping up with the national causes.
Recent outbreak of scams giving stout sign of a new corrupt culture that incubated on the misuse of authority and ones consine…Indian economists must propose here, a nifty index for measuring the growing gap of income. Now the differences of income, if one is not entitled to an authority or not being corrupt minded have to trail with their corrupt counterparts by millionth times unlike few years back, when the gulf was in hundred or thousand times.
Moreover, forefront would not going to be their/idealists front in any circumstances as with better connection in mainstream authoritative world, theirs presence would be much worthwhile for ribbon slashing and flashing with endemic pace in front of cameras funded by global bosses.
In this fanciful time, people’s aspirations getting crushed by the sections with vested interests in either politics or business-what we have recently saw in the case of selfless social activist, Vinayak Sen who is facing the charge of sedition on the baseless evidence of possessing a copy of Marx’s Das Capital and an invitation for lecture from a non profit organization.
Adding the fuel-after uncharted zone from big wrong like, defense and finance; now judiciary too undergoing with same maladies of blind judgment for specific causes. Though scams have remains intermittent over the years but the scale it has touched in this year have completely thrashed the imagination of mass folk which is overt betrayal to their civic rights.
Even in this dark time, I have faith in system and individual capacities of few in public life including PM Manmohan Singh, who himself would have realization what he has lost as leader in last one and half year. In internal matters, he hardly in touch with the grim realities and its redressal-thanks to our growing size of economy that engaging world leaders at our door steps, so giving atleast one-sided Philip to PM on this front as no Gandhi ever had real interests in foreign affairs.
In next year too, peoples confidence would be hold on toes as investigation agencies in charge of scams would handle this as mundane assignment and finally let pass a big respite to persons/culprits involved in this…probably, these high shot characters would enhance more grip over the sordid mechanism for next big foul plays?
What to observe or not, that would be depend on the intent and stands of individuals but politicians, corporate, media-persons and lobbyists with lucid prefix “corrupt” would keep maligning our collective consciousness and confidence, if peoples will not choose the right way to govern themselves. A proper attitude could be a solace on many counts…let it give a chance!
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 30, 2010, Thursday, New Delhi
Mail: atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
Following the many horrendous setbacks from political circle, public life at large in India is confronting the serrated edge. Domino effects of corrupt nexus among politicians-corporate and most odiously of media chocking every tint of idealism and forcing fairness on confusing cul-de-sac. In our nation, where sacking of high order corrupt officials is still a distant dream and investigations largely produced as food for thought to leverage gonzo journalism hardly presents a moralistic scene, normally expected from government with superb references of Indian constitution.
Erosion of confidence from systemic functioning and political leadership have culminated over the years with reckoning malpractices and manipulated ravening among the peoples involved in every big scam. In such affordable blind wave, lobbyists found their niche to intervene at policy level in government, in the close Dickensian Company of political leaders and journalists with godly footing in the industry.
Raghuram Rajan in his work “Fault Lines” gone to the locus of fabricated fortunes founded on the base of lobbyism and sinful connections that cultivating an obscene numbers of growing Indian billionaires. With these antagonistic developments, India knocking the Forbes list of billionaires through amazing pace albeit in developmental indices and corruption ratio, it’s doing worst even than the trivial sub-Saharan countries. Its desperating fall of moral convictions in a nation which has glorious history of men with integrity in public life-for them pennilessness was a subdued affair for pepping up with the national causes.
Recent outbreak of scams giving stout sign of a new corrupt culture that incubated on the misuse of authority and ones consine…Indian economists must propose here, a nifty index for measuring the growing gap of income. Now the differences of income, if one is not entitled to an authority or not being corrupt minded have to trail with their corrupt counterparts by millionth times unlike few years back, when the gulf was in hundred or thousand times.
Moreover, forefront would not going to be their/idealists front in any circumstances as with better connection in mainstream authoritative world, theirs presence would be much worthwhile for ribbon slashing and flashing with endemic pace in front of cameras funded by global bosses.
In this fanciful time, people’s aspirations getting crushed by the sections with vested interests in either politics or business-what we have recently saw in the case of selfless social activist, Vinayak Sen who is facing the charge of sedition on the baseless evidence of possessing a copy of Marx’s Das Capital and an invitation for lecture from a non profit organization.
Adding the fuel-after uncharted zone from big wrong like, defense and finance; now judiciary too undergoing with same maladies of blind judgment for specific causes. Though scams have remains intermittent over the years but the scale it has touched in this year have completely thrashed the imagination of mass folk which is overt betrayal to their civic rights.
Even in this dark time, I have faith in system and individual capacities of few in public life including PM Manmohan Singh, who himself would have realization what he has lost as leader in last one and half year. In internal matters, he hardly in touch with the grim realities and its redressal-thanks to our growing size of economy that engaging world leaders at our door steps, so giving atleast one-sided Philip to PM on this front as no Gandhi ever had real interests in foreign affairs.
In next year too, peoples confidence would be hold on toes as investigation agencies in charge of scams would handle this as mundane assignment and finally let pass a big respite to persons/culprits involved in this…probably, these high shot characters would enhance more grip over the sordid mechanism for next big foul plays?
What to observe or not, that would be depend on the intent and stands of individuals but politicians, corporate, media-persons and lobbyists with lucid prefix “corrupt” would keep maligning our collective consciousness and confidence, if peoples will not choose the right way to govern themselves. A proper attitude could be a solace on many counts…let it give a chance!
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 30, 2010, Thursday, New Delhi
Mail: atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
Edge of being Bihar!
Defying all the tantrums of reactionary opposition, Nitish Kumar led NDA’s upscaled victory trounced even all the preordained forecast about the Bihar’s poll. Nitish, gifted yet a meticulous leader in mainline politics is among few statesmen today who elude spontaneous outpouring and never let allow any manipulation in the figure of speech. This is marked shift in the leadership inside Bihar, where sardonic demonstration of Lalu Yadav-Rabri Devi and theirs Cabinet have been crisped as an indictment for state and in general for the fate of its oppressed peoples.
What Nitish and his government have done most remarkable in last five years was, complete clampdown on political criminals-both inside the party and outside of it. Deglamourization of crime vehementally inculcate on collective scale to move on for future and retrieve some old glory on which the pride of Bihar can blossom.
Outset to end of first term of Nitish as Chief Minister proved not only milestone in Bihar but overall n state politics-nobody can refute his charisma and his justifying commitment for inclusive growth which probably enabled Ramchandra Guha to rate Nitish as most thoughtful leader of India. Nitish, just after a land sliding win with 206 seats {JD{U}-115,BJP-91}in Assembly election recalled an added caution of Guha that like Ram Krishna Hegde in Karnataka, he shouldn’t chase the tedious routes of politics at centre.
In same encouraging but rapt press conference, he attributed the mandate for aspirations of mass Bihari-besides, it was indeed heartening to see the way he raised his task for more empowered and prosperous Bihar and ruling out any ambition for highest executive rank with mentioning the suggestions made by Ramchandra Guha. No inanity for victory was a clear departure from RJD-LJP style wild saas!
The champion of trivia against the real issues, Lalu Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan were put on toes, with abysmal legislative presence and end of theirs rational in politics, now have entitled them not more than figurehead in theirs respective parties. Now, Mr. Yadav’s positions is very downsized in Bihar, overt rebellion of close ranks and especially of infamous relatives leaves ominous sign for any further revival of his fortune. His detrimental attitude of rule, had completely demolished the organic aspirations of development from 1990to 2005-quest for new Bihar started with a pursuit of scrubbing the maligned impressions under the honest efforts of Nitish Kumar.
Almost extinction of left parties could be co-related to theirs internal strife and lack of proper working plan in Bihar. Fallen grace of Congress is the outcome of its active stakeholding during the wild eras {1990-2005} and its corrupt legacies nourished under the appointed observers from Delhi. Certainly, the party could do much better without the crony mentoring of party observer, Mukul Wasnik, who spent most of time in distorting the local leadership with flawed favourism in ticket distribution…sycophancy is chant of gone era, atleast now that must embarrass its central leaders and family in command.
On the day of verdict, I received first few lines from Ramchandra Guha “Thanks for this good news, your state under the abled leadership of Nitish Babu deserves it…”- his excitement and constructive support of media/intellectuals have given Nitish Kumar an ample thumbs up for victory. As he is already on track for new maneuverings to give Bihar all supplements that was lost during the dark years-here, a delicate policy on investment would be required to tap the fine infrastructure in state. Coal linkage is certainly a major impediment in Bihar’s way but this time government is better equipped with resilient mandate from all side to negotiate the contentious matters with centre more profoundly.
Bihar could be a hub of services and agro-processed processed industries with abundant raw materials and very competent human resources. Working in this emerged Bihar would be an edge for early participant from industry; impetus which the state promises of good governance and inclusive development-most scarce qualities in present time. With unlimited potential from all side, Bihar is ready to receive the advances of positive engagement with growth agents…in next five years; Nitish Kumar government has golden time to shape the balance future for state and at next for the nation. As always, wind of change in Indian politics shall come from Bihar-after many years, expected is all positive for a new lease of life to political profession. Time is exactly conducive to play big shot by Nitish Kumar…what Bihar needs now…
Atul Kumar Thakur
December29, 2010, Wednesday, New Delhi
Mail: atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
What Nitish and his government have done most remarkable in last five years was, complete clampdown on political criminals-both inside the party and outside of it. Deglamourization of crime vehementally inculcate on collective scale to move on for future and retrieve some old glory on which the pride of Bihar can blossom.
Outset to end of first term of Nitish as Chief Minister proved not only milestone in Bihar but overall n state politics-nobody can refute his charisma and his justifying commitment for inclusive growth which probably enabled Ramchandra Guha to rate Nitish as most thoughtful leader of India. Nitish, just after a land sliding win with 206 seats {JD{U}-115,BJP-91}in Assembly election recalled an added caution of Guha that like Ram Krishna Hegde in Karnataka, he shouldn’t chase the tedious routes of politics at centre.
In same encouraging but rapt press conference, he attributed the mandate for aspirations of mass Bihari-besides, it was indeed heartening to see the way he raised his task for more empowered and prosperous Bihar and ruling out any ambition for highest executive rank with mentioning the suggestions made by Ramchandra Guha. No inanity for victory was a clear departure from RJD-LJP style wild saas!
The champion of trivia against the real issues, Lalu Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan were put on toes, with abysmal legislative presence and end of theirs rational in politics, now have entitled them not more than figurehead in theirs respective parties. Now, Mr. Yadav’s positions is very downsized in Bihar, overt rebellion of close ranks and especially of infamous relatives leaves ominous sign for any further revival of his fortune. His detrimental attitude of rule, had completely demolished the organic aspirations of development from 1990to 2005-quest for new Bihar started with a pursuit of scrubbing the maligned impressions under the honest efforts of Nitish Kumar.
Almost extinction of left parties could be co-related to theirs internal strife and lack of proper working plan in Bihar. Fallen grace of Congress is the outcome of its active stakeholding during the wild eras {1990-2005} and its corrupt legacies nourished under the appointed observers from Delhi. Certainly, the party could do much better without the crony mentoring of party observer, Mukul Wasnik, who spent most of time in distorting the local leadership with flawed favourism in ticket distribution…sycophancy is chant of gone era, atleast now that must embarrass its central leaders and family in command.
On the day of verdict, I received first few lines from Ramchandra Guha “Thanks for this good news, your state under the abled leadership of Nitish Babu deserves it…”- his excitement and constructive support of media/intellectuals have given Nitish Kumar an ample thumbs up for victory. As he is already on track for new maneuverings to give Bihar all supplements that was lost during the dark years-here, a delicate policy on investment would be required to tap the fine infrastructure in state. Coal linkage is certainly a major impediment in Bihar’s way but this time government is better equipped with resilient mandate from all side to negotiate the contentious matters with centre more profoundly.
Bihar could be a hub of services and agro-processed processed industries with abundant raw materials and very competent human resources. Working in this emerged Bihar would be an edge for early participant from industry; impetus which the state promises of good governance and inclusive development-most scarce qualities in present time. With unlimited potential from all side, Bihar is ready to receive the advances of positive engagement with growth agents…in next five years; Nitish Kumar government has golden time to shape the balance future for state and at next for the nation. As always, wind of change in Indian politics shall come from Bihar-after many years, expected is all positive for a new lease of life to political profession. Time is exactly conducive to play big shot by Nitish Kumar…what Bihar needs now…
Atul Kumar Thakur
December29, 2010, Wednesday, New Delhi
Mail: atul_mdb@rediffmail.com
Thursday, December 30, 2010
March on Twin Mountains?
Moving enroute Delhi to scenic Uttarakhand, one can easily grasp the socio-ecological differences it holds from neighboring dusty milieu of Western UP, and the proven rational behind the bifurcation of major power block called erstwhile Uttar Pradesh. The river Ganga, with whom, I have been in great acquaintance since my formative and deformative developmental years in its cult cities-Patna and Banaras, always gives me natural impulse to look around the dynamics of life through the prism of miraculous consistency and nuanced inferences.
So, I found same stunning taste in my morning tea in Haridwar and evening tea in Hrishikesh, as used to have on Assi Ghat in Banaras years back-moreover, this twin cities, with its nourishing incentives of Mountain ranges endowed within me a spurt to feel the world of hills with open consine.
Before the outbreak of deadly winter, it was quite normal to assimilate in natural conditions of Haridwar-although it could have utmost tough in the deeper regions of Uttarakhand. Height of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi were two bewildering destination for me inside the Haridwar…for years, I heard about the centrality of Har Ki Paudi besides the left and right position of these mid size Mountains. Leaving here the discourse of left or right at Hotel room, we {along with parents and brother} had a debating breakfast over my plan of expedition instead to opt for an easy though stodgy Rope to conquer the heights.
My stubbornness made impact while observing the relative havocks of Udan Khatola/Rope by three other genuine stakeholders of proposed expedition…finally journey begun for Mansa Devi amidst the closer interaction with monkeys than men that further boosted intertwining with the nature.
But unlike the sporadic wave of humane aspirations in the way, presence of packed mineral water gave the overt sign of market reach…hence; few were takers for Mountain froutes or free drinking water as purchasing power with its combo habitual obsession hardly leaves room for rational consideration. On the friendly path with few auxiliary halt at beautiful spots along with curriculard exchange of ideas with abandoned jewels/petty traders and sanitary activists, we reached to the peak height.
At the peak of height, Mansa Devi temple resembling like hanging tower of Pisa is indeed a place where you can leave the mind to rest-even without having a sip of easily available Cola drinks; here too, tea could be the best things while having bird view on Ganga and nearby little urban settlements. Downward journey was obviously a normalizing exercise before hoping on in Car for a new journey to another Crest-Chandi Devi. Further, misdemeanor of our driver led us to an unplanned adventure which would seemed like a fairy tale unless the realization hadn’t happen forwardly with us…for scrimping few miles, we were put to an old abandoned route.
During this most unusual journey, we came across only two human species, both were petty traders and highly saturated from the worldly affairs even in present nasty global time. For them, path was okay, so for me despite shading views from my camp-lastly passion overpowered the wisdom and another trip ignited. Heading on along with cusp of life and dangers, my earlier overtures with Sherpas enabled me ready to face an abnormal circumstance…albeit except a bag pack and rock solid attitude, nothing could be comparable with me and those daring Sherpas. Through relentless undermining the oddities, we anyhow reached another hanging peak where too Cola were available much chilled than hot cup of tea and Coffee.
Anyhow, at this beautiful hanging spot, we had a short shopping spree before returning with few normal fellows with worldly affiliations. On a normal path, journey was much easier but I remained remorseless with my expedition, as I saw the world and characters whose memories would remain vivid throughout my life. My reading of Hegel’s “Phenomenology of Spirit” helped me for a while in sorting out the hurdles of self-consciousness but without following the dialectics between “Lordship and Bondsman”-I kept the book inside my bag pack before making a deal with prepaid Car for an evening in Hrishikesh.
Around thirty miles of journey easily lead to a promising ecological zone where the hope is still intact for a broad socio-ethical interface with nature. In this amazing town, we could spent only few hours though it remained very relevant…ferried across the hanging bridge of Ram and Lakshman Jhoola {built in early 1930’s by British administration} was like accompanying the streams of clean Ganga for fine moments. We left the plans for much higher Nilkanth peak for future, instead spent few more hours at calm, clean and cool bank of Ganga.
Long-lived memories remain the true outcome from such fulfilling exploration of ecosystem…a well deserved sleep was waiting for us in Hotel at the bank of Ganga in Haridwar but before that scroll the remote for Nepal national TV, after years-gloom of politics in Nepal and unbreakable code of corruption inside India stuffed remarkably for nightmares . Morning was relaxed with tea-breakfast and day was engaging with six hours road journey to Delhi…
Atul Kumar Thakur
December28, 2010, Tuesday, New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmaail.com
So, I found same stunning taste in my morning tea in Haridwar and evening tea in Hrishikesh, as used to have on Assi Ghat in Banaras years back-moreover, this twin cities, with its nourishing incentives of Mountain ranges endowed within me a spurt to feel the world of hills with open consine.
Before the outbreak of deadly winter, it was quite normal to assimilate in natural conditions of Haridwar-although it could have utmost tough in the deeper regions of Uttarakhand. Height of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi were two bewildering destination for me inside the Haridwar…for years, I heard about the centrality of Har Ki Paudi besides the left and right position of these mid size Mountains. Leaving here the discourse of left or right at Hotel room, we {along with parents and brother} had a debating breakfast over my plan of expedition instead to opt for an easy though stodgy Rope to conquer the heights.
My stubbornness made impact while observing the relative havocks of Udan Khatola/Rope by three other genuine stakeholders of proposed expedition…finally journey begun for Mansa Devi amidst the closer interaction with monkeys than men that further boosted intertwining with the nature.
But unlike the sporadic wave of humane aspirations in the way, presence of packed mineral water gave the overt sign of market reach…hence; few were takers for Mountain froutes or free drinking water as purchasing power with its combo habitual obsession hardly leaves room for rational consideration. On the friendly path with few auxiliary halt at beautiful spots along with curriculard exchange of ideas with abandoned jewels/petty traders and sanitary activists, we reached to the peak height.
At the peak of height, Mansa Devi temple resembling like hanging tower of Pisa is indeed a place where you can leave the mind to rest-even without having a sip of easily available Cola drinks; here too, tea could be the best things while having bird view on Ganga and nearby little urban settlements. Downward journey was obviously a normalizing exercise before hoping on in Car for a new journey to another Crest-Chandi Devi. Further, misdemeanor of our driver led us to an unplanned adventure which would seemed like a fairy tale unless the realization hadn’t happen forwardly with us…for scrimping few miles, we were put to an old abandoned route.
During this most unusual journey, we came across only two human species, both were petty traders and highly saturated from the worldly affairs even in present nasty global time. For them, path was okay, so for me despite shading views from my camp-lastly passion overpowered the wisdom and another trip ignited. Heading on along with cusp of life and dangers, my earlier overtures with Sherpas enabled me ready to face an abnormal circumstance…albeit except a bag pack and rock solid attitude, nothing could be comparable with me and those daring Sherpas. Through relentless undermining the oddities, we anyhow reached another hanging peak where too Cola were available much chilled than hot cup of tea and Coffee.
Anyhow, at this beautiful hanging spot, we had a short shopping spree before returning with few normal fellows with worldly affiliations. On a normal path, journey was much easier but I remained remorseless with my expedition, as I saw the world and characters whose memories would remain vivid throughout my life. My reading of Hegel’s “Phenomenology of Spirit” helped me for a while in sorting out the hurdles of self-consciousness but without following the dialectics between “Lordship and Bondsman”-I kept the book inside my bag pack before making a deal with prepaid Car for an evening in Hrishikesh.
Around thirty miles of journey easily lead to a promising ecological zone where the hope is still intact for a broad socio-ethical interface with nature. In this amazing town, we could spent only few hours though it remained very relevant…ferried across the hanging bridge of Ram and Lakshman Jhoola {built in early 1930’s by British administration} was like accompanying the streams of clean Ganga for fine moments. We left the plans for much higher Nilkanth peak for future, instead spent few more hours at calm, clean and cool bank of Ganga.
Long-lived memories remain the true outcome from such fulfilling exploration of ecosystem…a well deserved sleep was waiting for us in Hotel at the bank of Ganga in Haridwar but before that scroll the remote for Nepal national TV, after years-gloom of politics in Nepal and unbreakable code of corruption inside India stuffed remarkably for nightmares . Morning was relaxed with tea-breakfast and day was engaging with six hours road journey to Delhi…
Atul Kumar Thakur
December28, 2010, Tuesday, New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmaail.com
Letters to Frontline-IV
Bihar {Frontline, November5, 2010}
This is with reference to the article “Battle for Bihar” {October8}. Politics in Bihar underwent unfortunate changes after the defeat of the Jaggannath Mishra led regimes in the 1990 election. There was despair in the state for one and a half decades under the Lalu Yadav-Rabri Devi regime. Today, optimism is high because of the pleasant outcome in the past five years. The state of affairs is not yet ideal, but improvement from here on will be easier than it would have been five years back. The next five years are going to be make or break for Bihar.
Kashmir {Frontline, October 8, 2010}
In the article “First Steps” {September 24}, the author suggests a peaceful, autonomous Kashmir within the Indian Union. It is a positive model that should at least be considered. I also agreed with the Views expressed in the article on historical decisions such as the imposition of Article 370 and the appointment of a Governor in place of the Sadr-e-Riyasat.
However, I have reservations about the view in the article on the role of separatist and pro-Pakistani forces: Syed Ali Shah Geelani does not seem to realize the consequences of Kashmir leaving the Indian Union. Creation of an Islamic buffer state would not only pose a serious threat to India’s national security but would also devastate the strategic scenario of South Asia.
Throughout its history, Kashmir remained untouched by religious biases. Any political foul play to change its social fabric would be unfortunate. How can separatists be considered worthy of the peoples trust when they have always purchased their own vested interest?
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 28, 2010, Tuesday
Sahibabad {Ghaziabad}
atul_mdb@rediffmaail.com
This is with reference to the article “Battle for Bihar” {October8}. Politics in Bihar underwent unfortunate changes after the defeat of the Jaggannath Mishra led regimes in the 1990 election. There was despair in the state for one and a half decades under the Lalu Yadav-Rabri Devi regime. Today, optimism is high because of the pleasant outcome in the past five years. The state of affairs is not yet ideal, but improvement from here on will be easier than it would have been five years back. The next five years are going to be make or break for Bihar.
Kashmir {Frontline, October 8, 2010}
In the article “First Steps” {September 24}, the author suggests a peaceful, autonomous Kashmir within the Indian Union. It is a positive model that should at least be considered. I also agreed with the Views expressed in the article on historical decisions such as the imposition of Article 370 and the appointment of a Governor in place of the Sadr-e-Riyasat.
However, I have reservations about the view in the article on the role of separatist and pro-Pakistani forces: Syed Ali Shah Geelani does not seem to realize the consequences of Kashmir leaving the Indian Union. Creation of an Islamic buffer state would not only pose a serious threat to India’s national security but would also devastate the strategic scenario of South Asia.
Throughout its history, Kashmir remained untouched by religious biases. Any political foul play to change its social fabric would be unfortunate. How can separatists be considered worthy of the peoples trust when they have always purchased their own vested interest?
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 28, 2010, Tuesday
Sahibabad {Ghaziabad}
atul_mdb@rediffmaail.com
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Nail Down the Exorbitant Financing
The Economic Times dated on October 30th2010 {Saturday} rightly placed its views in editorial that banks shouldn’t be forced for lending to Micro Financial Institutions {MFIs} under the Priority Sector Lending {PSL} albeit it straightly down while narrating MFIs as an improvement over conventional money lending system with further advice to RBI regarding the repercussions of interest control on this 27,000 crore rupees Microfinancial business. In the same page, independent views of V.Raghunathan “Permit MFIs higher interest rates” artificially and even better say hypothetically tried to end the genuine acrimony persisting among the MFIs, regulators and targeted clients…views shown by him candidly deciphering the structured backup for the greedy tendencies of MFIs.
The recent broke out at top management level in George Soros backed SKS Microfinance which hitherto have known for experiencing early innovations in Indian financial market have suddenly escalate the scenarios in swift maligning pace to entire Microfinancial sector. Vikram Akula {CEO, SKS Microfinance}, who have received accolades that is lucidly many times of summing the rest alls glamorous quotient for foraying and miraculously absorbing the less privileges dire needs in overt Spartan camouflage.
Height of MFIs limelight came out with the recent success of SKS Microfinance IPO that fetched $358million but before again leaving contagious bandwagon on its wayfarers, it completely caught under the radar of regulators and political parties for proliferation of bad ethics and finance-both within the organization and beyond…?
These institutions completely rest on the overall compulsions of banks struggling to complying with the Priority Sector Lending…they have to disburse at least slightly above of theirs one-theirs of total finances to weaker sections, unemployed, Rural sectors, MFIs etc. In my earlier article, I have elaborated on this subject in detail-how except Regional Rural Banks {RRBs}, not a single Indian bank is disbursing the requisite amount in proper manner…hence, they are banking upon on easy target like MFIs.
They lend them at 11-12% without any default and found freedom from cumbersome process of envisaged compliances…it’s a sort of ethical violation of Indian Constitution’s many articles and notably one its heart “Directive Principles” that is the originating point of Priority Sector Lending or Responsible banking. Founding easy capitalization, MFIs in India summarly violates all sort of moral imperatives in theirs business conduct…many of its ex Wall Street bankers CEOs are capitulating better the commercial pastures than their competitor moneylenders in the race of exorbitant charges. At present most of MFIs are charging near about hovering34%; 22 more than the Indian banks and around less 20% lesser than moneylenders…doesn’t it practicing like patronized moneylenders even under the eagle eyes of RBI?
The kind of business MFIs is dwelling with essentially undeserving to get any more cheap and easy capitalization from Indian banks under the quota of PSL…until the Y.H.Malegan committee report come into place, RBI must seriously look into this specific angle. If a cunning investor like George Soros is taking keen interest in MFIs, it signals something substantial advantage in favour of MFIs in India…intriguing to note that how unethically social capital being transfused for the accomplishment of maddening commercial goals. That’s the main reason, why so far private equity business have not mingled with the burgeoning MFIs…theirs money have few takers in Indian Microfinance business as our banks are more than generous in lending to these unaccountable institutions!
At this point, RBI should ensure the uniform lending rates to all the financial institutions irrespective of the nature of theirs incorporation besides the softening of collateralized loans in Microfinancial segment of banks. Why Microfinancial business should not converge with our real economy? Our banking system is quite robust and mature to trace and cater the financial needs of disadvantaged section without imitating the idealistic notional model of Md. Yunus from Bangladesh whose model is shambling in India through Private MFIs.
RBI before taking any further stances over this issue must enter into an ideation fray along with NABARD with keeping the goal to align Scheduled Commercial Banks, Private Banks and Co-operative Banks with hassle-free Microfinances. Second one, to create a competitive ground for bottom level financing where MFIs or NBFC have to compete with the banks…competition is always good in capitalism unlike the socialistic system where patronism of state plays major role. So, without swapping their inherent characteristics, Indian financial system should create a level playing field for bottom level financing…now goal should be to nail down the hasslefull and exorbitant financing out of sight instead to confusing idealism with Kurta clad CEOs!
Atul Kumar Thakur
November 1st2010, Monday
New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmaail.com
The recent broke out at top management level in George Soros backed SKS Microfinance which hitherto have known for experiencing early innovations in Indian financial market have suddenly escalate the scenarios in swift maligning pace to entire Microfinancial sector. Vikram Akula {CEO, SKS Microfinance}, who have received accolades that is lucidly many times of summing the rest alls glamorous quotient for foraying and miraculously absorbing the less privileges dire needs in overt Spartan camouflage.
Height of MFIs limelight came out with the recent success of SKS Microfinance IPO that fetched $358million but before again leaving contagious bandwagon on its wayfarers, it completely caught under the radar of regulators and political parties for proliferation of bad ethics and finance-both within the organization and beyond…?
These institutions completely rest on the overall compulsions of banks struggling to complying with the Priority Sector Lending…they have to disburse at least slightly above of theirs one-theirs of total finances to weaker sections, unemployed, Rural sectors, MFIs etc. In my earlier article, I have elaborated on this subject in detail-how except Regional Rural Banks {RRBs}, not a single Indian bank is disbursing the requisite amount in proper manner…hence, they are banking upon on easy target like MFIs.
They lend them at 11-12% without any default and found freedom from cumbersome process of envisaged compliances…it’s a sort of ethical violation of Indian Constitution’s many articles and notably one its heart “Directive Principles” that is the originating point of Priority Sector Lending or Responsible banking. Founding easy capitalization, MFIs in India summarly violates all sort of moral imperatives in theirs business conduct…many of its ex Wall Street bankers CEOs are capitulating better the commercial pastures than their competitor moneylenders in the race of exorbitant charges. At present most of MFIs are charging near about hovering34%; 22 more than the Indian banks and around less 20% lesser than moneylenders…doesn’t it practicing like patronized moneylenders even under the eagle eyes of RBI?
The kind of business MFIs is dwelling with essentially undeserving to get any more cheap and easy capitalization from Indian banks under the quota of PSL…until the Y.H.Malegan committee report come into place, RBI must seriously look into this specific angle. If a cunning investor like George Soros is taking keen interest in MFIs, it signals something substantial advantage in favour of MFIs in India…intriguing to note that how unethically social capital being transfused for the accomplishment of maddening commercial goals. That’s the main reason, why so far private equity business have not mingled with the burgeoning MFIs…theirs money have few takers in Indian Microfinance business as our banks are more than generous in lending to these unaccountable institutions!
At this point, RBI should ensure the uniform lending rates to all the financial institutions irrespective of the nature of theirs incorporation besides the softening of collateralized loans in Microfinancial segment of banks. Why Microfinancial business should not converge with our real economy? Our banking system is quite robust and mature to trace and cater the financial needs of disadvantaged section without imitating the idealistic notional model of Md. Yunus from Bangladesh whose model is shambling in India through Private MFIs.
RBI before taking any further stances over this issue must enter into an ideation fray along with NABARD with keeping the goal to align Scheduled Commercial Banks, Private Banks and Co-operative Banks with hassle-free Microfinances. Second one, to create a competitive ground for bottom level financing where MFIs or NBFC have to compete with the banks…competition is always good in capitalism unlike the socialistic system where patronism of state plays major role. So, without swapping their inherent characteristics, Indian financial system should create a level playing field for bottom level financing…now goal should be to nail down the hasslefull and exorbitant financing out of sight instead to confusing idealism with Kurta clad CEOs!
Atul Kumar Thakur
November 1st2010, Monday
New Delhi
atul_mdb@rediffmaail.com
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