A R Rahman: Music Composer Turns Hitman

According to A.R. Rahman, 'Chhava' is a communal film, yet the Hindu-majoritarian filmmakers of this communal film allowed A.R. Rahman to compose the music, and he happily composed the music for Chhava. It seems both the filmmakers and he have very big hearts. The filmmakers gave him work despite him being Muslim, and he contributed his music to the film despite it being communal! Or perhaps he only found out the film was communal after it was made, and the filmmakers only found out he was Muslim after the film was made. Well, it worked out for both of them.

Anyway.

In this same Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Saif Ali Khan are big stars, but even people like Emraan Hashmi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi, Arshad Warsi, Nushrratt Bharuccha, and Nargis Fakhri are getting work. Aren't they Muslim?

Who is Next? Russia, Chana or India

We all may have an illusion that we, as human beings, have become a civilised race, but the fact is that we still are living in those same barbaric days when muscle power used to decide who would own the land. Even today, if you don't have muscle power, you have no sovereignty and dignity. Anybody can snatch from you, and if you resist those powerful people, they will kill you, declaring you a threat to the human race!

Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi and Nicolas Maduro (yet to be killed) were overthrown and killed by the US. Not because they attacked the US, but because they challenged the US hegemony and the Petro-Dollar to survive the US sanctions!

Afghanistan Pakistan Conflict and the USA

The war between Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Durand Line has erupted is attracting the attention of the whole world. However, they have started, it seems that the US has begun implementing its grand plan to seize Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, which the US vacated on 1 July 2021 after its occupation for 20 years.

The manner in which Pakistan has provoked Afghanistan and initiated unilateral aggression against Afghanistan clearly suggests that Pakistan received orders from US President Donald Trump to do so. Presently, President Trump has been showing his keen interest in Bagram Airbase. Pakistan is trying to please the American President by sacrificing its soldiers.

This conflict will likely drag on for longer than expected, and then, in the name of peace, the US will jump in and seize Bagram Airbase! If it happens in the future, Pakistan will not only fully cooperate with the US in this endeavour but will also put in all its efforts. Afghanistan has been cosying up to India, and it is upsetting for Pakistani establishments. They are not just uncomfortable but want to reverse it as soon as possible. However, at present, post Operation Sindoor, Pakistan is in no position to directly stop India in Afghanistan, so the best option left for it is intervention by the US which wants to get back to Afghanistan through Bagram Airbase.

Taliban's Moral Position is not India's Burden

Most of the so-called intellectuals are unhappy that there was not a single woman in the press conference held at the Embassy of Afghanistan. They were upset not because the Afghan Minister held a press conference in which there were no women, but they were upset by how and why India allowed this to happen. Is this not weird?

However, it is pleasant to witness that the Afghan side finally realised that they made a mistake and reversed that they held another press conference where women journalists were allowed. So the public pressure that was built in India did miracles and even Taliban len Afghan government was forced to change their stance on women; at least in India.

But the question is, why are Indians unhappy with the Indian government for something in which they had no role? It was neither India’s moral responsibility to lecture the Taliban nor in favour of Indian interests. So, India did the right thing by keeping mum on the issue. However, as per the convention and for their kind information, the agitating party must note that the concerned press conference was held in the Embassy of Afghanistan, and it doesn't fall under the jurisdiction of India, but of the Government of Afghanistan.

Why None Supported India during Operation Sindoor?

For those questioning India's foreign policy, they need to read the following piece of information (news clipping).

'India aims to sell defence equipment worth Rs 50,000 crore to the world by 2029.'

The size of the world defence market is more than $600 billion, and by 2029, the market is expected to grow to the size of around $900 billion. Rs 50,000 crore is less than $4 billion, which is about just 2% of the total global market! So this piece of information may look very ordinary. But the fact is that it is not. It is a matter of concern for every country; those which export defence equipment to other countries of the world and those which import defence equipment from other countries.

India has traditionally been an importer and a net buyer of defence equipment. But India aspires to become an exporter of defence equipment, and that too in some key areas, which are dominated by developed countries and China only. Not only this, but India seems to be very aggressive about it. That means there is another serious player on the block, which is expected to become the third-largest economy in the world in just a few years and has a very young population that wouldn’t only drive demand and growth in the economy but would also engage in research and development!

तीर्थयात्राएं: तब और अब

तार्किक से तार्किक व्यक्ति भी तर्क करना कुतर्क से ही प्रारम्भ करता है। फिर दोनों के बीच की भिन्नता को समझकर तर्क के कला में पारंगत होता है। हालांकि कि व्यक्ति कई बार पुरानी आदत दुहराने भी लगता है। वैसे भी मंडल साहब तो मंडल साहब हैं। उनका लेवल ही अलग है।

खैर!

पहले लोग बुढ़ापे में ही तीर्थ करने की सोचते थे। उसका कारण ये नहीं था कि उन बुजुर्ग तीर्थ यात्रियों को ये लगता हो कि इस तीर्थयात्रा मात्र से उन्हें मोक्ष मिल जाएगा! नहीं, ऐसा नहीं था। उन्हें पता था कि इस तीर्थयात्रा से उनके द्वारा किए कर्मों का जो बोझ है वो कुछ हद तक उनके मन से उतर जाएगा। यही समस्त धार्मिक कर्मकाण्डों की अन्तिम परिणिति है। और यदि ये ना हो तो दुनिया में पागलखानों की बाढ़ आ जाए! साथ ही लोगों को पूर्ण विश्वास है कि इन धार्मिक कार्यों से उनका आने वाला समय पहले से कुछ अच्छा हो जाएगा! इसलिए समाज को आशान्वित व संतुलित रखने के लिए धर्म भी आवश्यक है; तीर्थ भी आवश्यक है और थोड़ा बहुत कर्मकाण्ड भी आवश्यक है।

Whose Misfortune is This? BJP or Congress?

One of my friends is a Congressman. His entire family environment is completely supportive of Congress. For him, it is Congress which comes into his sight in every situation. This I find as his one of the biggest virtues.

I met him a few days ago. It was after a long time that we met. So, the conversation went on for a long time. The conversation started getting too formal, so I pulled his leg and asked him -

“Bhai! This time you must be participating in Miss India?”

I asked this question to tease him. I was expecting that he would tease me in return, as has often happened between us. But he became a little serious and answered with a pause -

“Rahul Gandhi is getting stronger, this is very good. Every Congressman wants this. And it was also very necessary. Now the BJP people have come out of intoxication and have returned to their senses! But Rahul Gandhi should not have become a communist! Looking and finding caste in everything is not right! Neither for the party nor for the nation!”

Story of a Fact Checker and a Caste Checker

Two checkers (chokers) are doing their job honestly these days. The rest are just boasting and thumping their chests! One is a fact checker, and the other is a caste checker! Yes, you get it right! I am talking about Mohammad Zubair and Rahul Gandhi.

Mohammad Zubair and Rahul Gandhi; both have a huge support base in India. Mohammad Zubair finds his supporters among almost all the Muslims and all the members of Jamaat-e-Secularism. Muslims supporters of Zubair support him for his blind dedication to Islam and the members of Jamaat-e-Secularism support him for supplying some information and misinformation to oppose RSS and Narendra Modi. Strangely Rahul Gandhi also finds his supporters among those Muslims and the members of Jamaat-e-Secularism!

First Beneficiary of Lateral Entry to Civil Services

A lot of drama is going on in the lateral entry to civil services which the Government of India had planned to recruit this year!

That is great! People are aware of it and political parties are taking cognizance of the same; particularly Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi!

Let's learn about the history of lateral entry into civil services and who was the first beneficiary of lateral entry into civil services?

It was Vijay Laxmi Pandit. She was the first beneficiary of lateral entry into civil services!

On independence from British rule in 1947, India got her beneficiary of lateral entry into civil services and she was Vijay Laxmi Pandit. She was inducted into the diplomatic services of India and was made ambassador to many countries from 1947 to 1961. She was made the ambassador of the Soviet Union from 1947 to 1949, the United States and Mexico from 1949 to 1951, Ireland & Britain from 1955 to 1961, and Spain from 1956 to 1961.

PM Narendra Modi's Visit to Ukraine

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine’s capital Kyiv is starting today. Before arriving in Kyiv, he stops in Poland. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister is taking place at a time when Ukraine has attacked the Southern territory of Kursk in Russia and occupied a large area of ​ Russian land!

This visit by the Indian PM is like an unsolved puzzle. At a time when it is possible that Russia, the most trusted friend of India, may not appreciate this visit, Is Modiji visiting Kyiv simply to maintain a balance between Russia and Ukraine

Looking at the tradeoff between profit and loss, it does not seem so simple.

India, since the very beginning, has been against the Ukraine-Russia war and has been advocating a peaceful resolution. Not only this India has been trying to convince both countries to end this war!

Kolkata Doctor Rape Case

There is a lot of resentment across the country in the Kolkata doctor rape case. A matter which initially seemed to be a local matter has turned into a full-blown national crisis drawing the attention of the whole world! At present, doctors across the country have gone on strike in support of the victim demanding justice. It is a justified demand. So it has been supported by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which is one of the strongest lobbies of professionals in India! As a result, the whole country is facing many difficulties accessing health services! Apart from the emergency services, most of the OPD activities have been adversely affected across India; both in the private and the public sector!

10 days ago on August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and then murdered while she was on duty at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. Kolkata police first tried to ignore the case and when the pressure rose, it started a half-hearted investigation after a lot of outcry from the public. In the matter, a civic volunteer of Kolkata Police was arrested in connection with the crime the next day.

Ukraine Enters and Captures Russian Land

Ukraine has attacked Russia and entered Russian territory Kursk and advancing in Southern Russia. This has irked Russia and Vladimir Putin. The obvious response would be a very harsh attack with more intensity. This bold move of Ukraine to attack and enter into Russia has unlocked the frozen conflict, with quid pro quo response. Russia was not expecting such a response from Ukraine. So Russians have been taken by surprise. Though, it would be very difficult for Ukraine to hold its position in Russian lands. So the key to the outcome of this move completely depends on Ukraine's ability to sustain and hold on to this gain which wouldn't be that easy for Ukraine with a relatively very small army and lesser military equipment, even though NATO is there to support Ukraine from outside!

As per the claims by Ukraine's top commander, Ukrainian forces control about 1,000 sq km of Russian territory of Kursk. This claim seems exaggerated but let’s accept it as it is. Though, nevertheless, it is the biggest cross-border incursion since the beginning of the war. This is going to completely change a lot of things in both Russia and Ukraine. The said incursion and capture of Russian lands by the Ukrainian army will increase support for the Ukrainian President Zelensky among the nationalist Ukrainians. But at the same time, this will also expand the support base for the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin was being questioned by many Russian citizens for this unending war. This war with Ukraine was expected to become the Vietnam moment for Russia. But this incursion has given more power and reasons to Putin to fight this war with more intensity with no question being asked internally. So this will make his claims in Ukraine more valid than ever!

Bangladesh Chooses Anarchy Preferring Coup Over Sheikh Hasina

The violent protests against reservation in Bangladesh eventually forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina not only to resign but also to flee Bangladesh! Military has taken over Bangladesh forcing Sheikh Hasina to leave! However, Muhamaad Yunus, a Nobel laureate in economics for his contribution in the field of microfinance, has been installed as Interim Prime Minister of Bangladesh by the Deep State and Bangladesh Army.

This incident is bound to have an impact on the whole world. But it will have a huge ramification for India in the short to medium term. Till date, India had to deal with only one Pakistan on its borders. But now it will have to deal with two Pakistans; West Pakistan and East Pakistan! This is a classic example of intelligence failure of RAW, the external intelligence agency of India.

After Sheikh Hasina's exit, the Awami League will weaken and its place will be taken by the BNP, which is known for opposing India and being the front for the Islamists extremists. Also, the BNP has the full support of Pakistan, China and the Biden government of the USA. This is going to completely change the dynamics of the Indian Subcontinent.

जर्मनी ने 'कॉम्पैक्ट पत्रिका' पर प्रतिबंध लगाया

जर्मनी ने घृणा फैलाने के नाम पर दक्षिणपंथी 'कॉम्पैक्ट पत्रिका' पर प्रतिबंध लगा दिया है। यह प्रतिबन्ध आंतरिक मंत्री फेजर के आदेश पर लगाया गया है। इतना ही नहीं बल्कि पत्रिका के प्रधान संपादक जुर्गन एल्सेसर के घर पर छापा भी मारा गया है।

क्यों?

क्योंकि प्रगतिशील और धर्मनिरपेक्ष मानकों के अनुसार, आजकल गलत को गलत व हत्यारे को हत्यारा कहना भी घृणास्पद माना जाता है!

'कॉम्पैक्ट पत्रिका' की सबसे बड़ी गलती यह है कि 'कॉम्पैक्ट पत्रिका' जर्मनी में जर्मन संस्कृति का समर्थन करते हुए किसी अन्य संस्कृति के प्रचार व प्रसार का मुखर विरोधी है जो संयोग से वर्तमान सरकार की नीतियों के विरूद्ध है और सरकार का विरोध करना दुनिया में कहीं भी और पश्चिमी देशों में विशेषकर लोकतन्त्र, प्रगतिशीलता व स्वतन्त्रता का हनन है! सरकार तो सरकार होती है और उसका समर्थन हर किसी को करना ही चाहिए। वैसे बुद्धिजीवी होने का सर्टिफिकेट मिलने के बाद व्यक्ति को बस अपने विचारधारा की पार्टी की सरकार को समर्थन करने और बाकी सभी विचारों को नाजी और फासिस्ट कहने व साबित करने की छूट और यदि आप अपने अभिव्यक्ति से स्वतंत्रता का उपयोग करते उनका विरोध करते हैं तो आप निश्चित रूप से फासिस्ट हैं!

डोनाल्ड ट्रम्प पर हमला

कल अमेरीका के पूर्व राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रम्प पर जानलेवा हमला हुआ जिसमें वो बाल-बाल बच गए। यह उनके सुरक्षाकर्मियों के सतर्कता और उनके भाग्य के कारण संभव हो सका और अमेरीका अपने इतिहास में गलत व खूनी अध्याय लिखते-लिखते बच गया।

जो हुआ उसकी भर्त्सना हो रही है जो ठीक भी है। लेकिन प्रश्न तो उठता ही है कि क्या अमेरीका आन्तरिक राजनैतिक वातावरण इतना खराब हो चुका है कि एक बीस बर्षीय युवा के मन में डोनाल्ड ट्रम्प के प्रति इतना विष भर गया है या फिर भर दिया गया है कि एक आम युवा एक पूर्व राष्ट्रपति पर चुनावों से पहले जानलेवा हमला कर रहा है? क्या अमेरिका की राजनीति का स्तर इतना गिर चुका है कि आमचुनावों के पहले राष्ट्रपति पद के मुख्य दावेदार और वर्तमात राष्ट्रपति के मुख्य प्रतिद्वन्दी पर जानलेवा हमला हो रहा हैं?

One Visit can also have Positive Diplomatic Implications!

In the last couple of days, India has given very strong messages at least twice to the whole world and the neighbours in general and China in particular without saying a single word! The first message was given in the Arabian Sea in Lakshadweep by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the second one was given in the Indian Ocean by the Indian Navy!

The present day government under President Mohamed Muizzu has come to power in Maldives by openly opposing and running ‘India Out’ during polls. But that was in the elections. However, since Mohamed Muizzu has come to power, Maldivian government has been tirelessly working on policies which are aimed at opposing in possible ways and giving as much possible space to China. Giving priority to China is an issue of foreign policy of Maldives but they were continuously insulting India in whatever possible ways and means.

अग्निवीर नहीं बनना है!

आपको अग्निपथ योजना पसंद नहीं है! बढिया है। बहुत अच्छी बात है। बिल्कुल विरोध करिए। मैं तो कहता हूँ जमकर विरोध करिए किन्तु तरीका बदलकर। थोड़ा सृजनात्मक तरीके से विरोध करिए।

जब सरकार को भर्ती करना होगा तो तय है कि विज्ञापन निकालेगी ही। बस आपको करना ये है कि सरकार चाहे कितने भी विज्ञापन निकाले, आप भर्ती होने जाइए ही मत! क्या कर लेगी सरकार? कुछ नहीं।

अग्निपथ योजना, हिंसा व अराजकता

हिंसा धीरे-धीरे भारतीय समाज में प्रतिक्रिया व असहमति के संप्रेषण का मुख्य व स्थाई भाव बनता जा रहा है। कभी धर्म के नाम पर, कभी कानून के विरोध में, कभी किसी योजना के ना पर तो कभी किसी भ्रष्ट नेता के भ्रष्टाचार के समर्थन में सिर्फ देश को हिंसा के आग में ही नहीं बल्कि युवाओं को एक अंधेरी गुफा में भी ढकेला जा रहा है। इससे ना तो देश का भला होनेवाला है और ना ही उन युवाओं का उकसाए जाने के बाद हिंसा का माध्यम बनते हैं। लेकिन कहते हैं ना कि किसी के हानि में किसी ना किसी का लाभ छुपा होता है और इन हिंसक घटनाओं में तो हितधारकों का दोहरा लाभ छुपा होता है। इन हिंसक घटनाओं का दोहरा लाभ उन दलों व संस्थाओं को मिलता है जो युवाओं का उकसाकर इस हिंसा को फैलाते हैं। उन दलों व संस्थाओं को ढेर सारी चर्चाओं व सहानुभूति के साथ-साथ बड़ी संख्या में स्थाई कार्यकर्ता जरूर मिल जाएंगे।

बंगाल की हिंसा व सामूहिक चुप्पियाँ

कहा जाता है भारत में रातों रात बड़ा आदमी बनने का रास्ता सामान्यतः राजनैतिक गलियारों से होकर गुजरता है। संभवतः ये पूरी दुनिया व हर काल के लिए सत्य हो। खैर। इस राजनैतिक गलियारे ने सामाजिक स्तर पर व्यक्तिगत व राजनैतिक विभेद को लगभग पूर्णतया समाप्त कर दिया है। अब हर सार्वजनिक चीज व्यक्तिगत हो चुकी है और हर व्यक्तिगत चीज सार्वजनिक बनकर राजनैतिक हो चुकी है। बाजार की बढ़ती शक्ति ने बचे-खुचे विभेद को भी इतना पारदर्शी बना दिया है कि अब वो विभेद प्रभावी रुप से संभवतः रह ही नहीं गया है और जो विभेद को देख सकते हैं उनकी होने या ना होने से किसी को बहुत फर्क नहीं पड़ता।

आम आदमी पार्टी, भाजपा, काँग्रेस व भारत की राजनीति

आम आदमी पार्टी (आप) की पंजाब की जीत दिल्ली की जीत की तरह ही बहुत बड़ी व प्रभावशाली है और दोनों जीतों को एक साथ मिलाकर देखने पर आम आदमी पार्टी का ये प्रदर्शन अविस्मरणीय है क्योंकि ऐसी जीतें बहुकोणीय मुकाबलेमें बहुत ही कम देखने को मिलती है। आम आदमी पार्टी ने ये काम दो प्रदेशों में कर के दिखाया है। इस जीत से इतना तो स्पष्ट परिलक्ष्यित हो रहा है आम आदमी पार्टी की जमीनी पहुँच व पकड़ इन दो प्रदेशों में बहुत ही गहरा हो गया है। इसके साथ-साथ पंजाब की जीत आप के चुनाव लड़ने की कार्य योजना को भी शक्तिशालीरूप से रेखांकित कर रहा है।