Thank you Mr. Tharoor – for proving I was right about you

Our dear Minister of State for External Affairs Sasi Tharoor had won the last election by a majority of around 1 lakh votes from Trivandrum - the capital of the most literate state in the country. I personally know a few friends who enthusiastically voted for him saying that he was just what the country needed. I am sure all my lady friends out there must be surely thrilled now to hear him call them “hey my little cow!”

This is what he said when in his twitter message he said that he would travel in “cattle class out of solidarity with all our holy cows” clearly targeting the publicity stunts of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi (the holy cows) who opted to travel in economy class and trains in an austerity drive along with the poor common man (clearly - ‘the cattle’). I had wondered if I was wrong, when some time ago before the elections, he had stopped the Indian national anthem in between to proclaim that instead of standing in attention we should place our right hands on our hearts – because that was how the ‘civilized’ Americans did it. Was I wrong when I thought this was one man who would be a blind slave to the American capitalist thought process rather than Indian culture and tradition? I guess not. And again last week when it was discovered he was residing in the 5-star Taj Hotel in New Delhi, citing some repair works going on in the Government Bungalow allotted to him – for the past three months. And the daily rent was only about Rs, 30,000 a day – excluding food and beverages.

Of course he said he paid it from his pocket– which brings us back to the accusations raised by the old evil Communists that he was a binami business partner in some companies in the country.

Really Mr. Tharoor – you almost had us fooled. You could write a second part to your best – seller “the Great Indian Novel” – “The Great Indian Politician”. What would you not do to fool us – the cattle? The poor cows and black buffaloes and, of course, all the donkeys who voted for you.

But thanks again Mr. Tharoor. I was just starting to wonder if my prejudice against you had been just the traditional skepticism of the middle class- Keralite, who opposed every new change in the system. You proved me wrong. You are what I believed you are – a pathetic fame-seeker, born literally with a silver-spoon in your mouth, and thinking you – of all the people - would do anything to alleviate the sufferings of millions of poor people in this country could only be the dream of the worst fools.

I am Neda - The New Voice of Protest

(19-08-2009)



Neda means “voice” in Persian.

The young woman who was shot and killed on June 20th this year during protests in Iran also has the same name.

The death of Neda Agha Soltan, 27, was captured in a mobile camera and the video has been viewed by millions through the internet and news channels.

Ironically after her voice has been silenced forever her name has become the voice of the pre-democracy movement in Teheran. She has become an iconic figure of the new protests that began after the elections held earlier this year, which detractors allege were rigged to keep Mahmoud Ahmedinejad in power.

Ever since the Islamic revolution in 1979 democracy has been bound and gagged in Iran. It is ironic that Ayatollah Khomeini, the first Supreme Leader, and now his successor Ali Khamenei proclaim themselves followers of Husayn Ibn Ali the grandson of Prophet Muhammed who lived in the seventh century and is revered by the Shiites as a martyr who fought tyranny. How paradoxical that the followers of one who proclaimed “I do not see death but as happiness, and living with tyrants but as sorrow” have tuned into tyrants themselves.

The Iranian Revolution was the first of its kind in the whole world that shocked the East and West alike. It laid down the foundations of the return of fundamentalism. But the people have now fed up of the Islamic rule although they are afraid to come out in the open about it. They believe the present administration is as corrupted as the old monarchy that preceded the Revolution. Indeed the Iranian people say about the revolution in so many words –“which promised us heaven, but... created a hell on earth”.

The younger generation, of people like Neda, find it "impossible to understand what their parents were so passionate about."

Shiites mourn the death of a person on the third, seventh and fortieth days. During the Islamic Revolution the commemoration of a protestor’s death on each of the mourning days sparked further protests and clashes with police, resulting in more deaths eventually whipping up a tornado of protests that finally resulted in the overthrowing of the US favoured monarchy under Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. Everywhere around the world people are watching to see if this cycle will repeat itself resulting in the end of the Islamic rule in Iran.

Protesters supporting the Iranian opposition in cities around the world now use pictures of Neda and carry banners declaring: "I am Neda."

Political Parties Inc.

(08-07-2009)

“We proudly present before you our candidate from the Indian National Congress, sponsored by Anil Ambani and Reliance Petroleum Group. Vote for our champion of the downtrodden masses, soldier against corruption…. “

The Central Budget presented by Pranab Mukherjee had a proposal which has not been largely noticed or debated by the mainstream media.

The proposal was to allow cent per cent tax exemption for donations made to electoral trusts. The Finance Minister claims that this is with an intention to bring transparency in election funding of political parties. This, in fact, legalizes corporate funding of political parties.

No wonder the Media ignored the issue since, just like the politicians, they too depend on corporates for their funding and survival.

Now, of course, everyone gives donations to political parties. We, individuals, do. Petty shops and traders do. Students and teachers do. Corporates do.

Wait a second. Does that last group belong to the same category as the others?

I don’t think so.

Individuals can be muscled into making contributions. But it is not the same way with corporates. When corporates give contributions they have very clear agendas in mind. We all know that politicians already take kickbacks from big companies, but this proposal will make it legal bribing.

Unsurprisingly the Communist parties were the only ones to come out against this move, obviously since no Corporates notice them or pay them any money. Most of the other parties have whole heartedly welcomed the move.

I, for one, wouldn’t want my MLA or MP obeying the orders of Coca-Cola or Wal-Mart.

Would you?

Equality Before Security

(22-07-2009)

Uproar has been created in the country over the issue of our dear former President APJ Abdul Kalam being frisked by the security staff of a foreign airline company at Delhi. At first my blood boiled too thinking of the arrogance of these stupid foreigners who don’t know how to behave to Indian people, disrespecting our leaders. Our dear Kalamji did not make any fuss at all as expected, being the good man he is, and refused to involve in any controversies.

But, on second thought, is there any wrong done here?

The government has issued a circular to airline companies stating who should be exempted from security checks. The list includes the President and former presidents along with the vice-presidents, the Prime Minister and all ministers and ministers of state; governors, chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of all states and union territories; Supreme Court justices and high court chief justices; cabinet secretary and chiefs of staff of the armed forces; and all members of the Sonia Gandhi family.

The Sonia Gandhi family?

Priyanka Gandhi – I can understand. She is our future Prime Minister, no doubt. And a very beautiful lady. But her husband Robert Vadhera too? I like Priyanka very much. She is very beautiful, almost just like her grandmother. As a patriotic Indian I wouldn’t let a foreigner security guard lay one hand on her. (By the way, did I mention how beautiful she is?) But her husband? I don’t know if he should be in the list.

Anyway the fact is both India and the US are facing severe terrorist threats. The US has succeeded in preventing further attacks after 9/11. But we in India have repeatedly failed in it. We had Kandahar, then again the Parliament attack, and then again still the more terrifying Bombay attack.

Are we giving undue respect to top politicians and bureaucrats? I think the answer is YES. President or Prime minister, Judge or army commander – if the common man has to suffer something, then they have to suffer it too. Whether it be security checks or standing in queues or waiting for the traffic signal.

Yes, I understand the security threat and Z category protection and all. But it is upto the leaders of this country to realize that the laws that they make and use to rule have to apply to everyone equally, including themselves.

If it is a matter of security to the nation – then there has to be no exceptions

Gays and Lesbians Are Human Too

(03-07-2009)

“When two men lie together in lust, it is over indulgence. But when two men lie together in purity, they can perform wonders.” – Aristotle

The verdict by the Delhi High Court legalizing gay marriages is late by atleast half a century. Homosexuals have a right to live as any other human beings. That their sexual orientation is not ‘straight’ doesn’t mean they are criminals or sick. Just like any other couple, gay or lesbian couples base their relation not on sex, but on love. And love is never a crime. We have to recognize that this verdict doesn’t legalize child molestation and will not lead an increase in the number of sexual predators or pedophiles.We can also sincerely hope that such verdicts will help to bring the plight of sexual minorities (transsexuals) into the limelight and help them integrate into the mainstream society.

And most importantly this verdict is a slap in the face for the so-called custodians of the ‘great Indian culture’, whose sense of pseudo-morality and hypocrisy leads them to attack anyone who doesn’t conform to their code of behavior. Any man or woman who is of legal age can decide who he/she wants to love or marry. This is a great victory

for everyone who believes in the individual freedom of human beings,

for everyone who believes that our country must not be governed by pre –colonial era laws, and

for everyone who believes in true love, that transcends gender, colour, caste or religion.

This is a great victory for our country.

Glad to See Everyone is Toeing the Line

(03-07-2009)

I have read many blogposts regarding CPI(M) issues and Lavalin. And glad to see everything is as expected.

Journalists, veteran or novices, are expected to portray Vijayan (Pinarayi Vijayan ) as corrupted because that is the norm. As far as i have heard more than the reports that have come in the papers or channels, my journalism teachers including, say that he is actually innocent. But the fashion is to say that he is corrupted.

Otherwise it means that we are part of a communist conspiracy. Half the people doesn't even know the facts of the real case. But it is fashionable to say that this man is corrupted. So everyone - toe the line - tries to be fashionable by saying that Pinarayi is corrupted; but stay way from real debates because then you may not have anything true to say.

So if you are a 'true' journalist read Mathrubhumi and Manorama and believe them. For me. i will take a risk and not believe them. Even if 99% of the media people say so, i don't care. I will make my own inferences after finding out the facts. I am no one's dog. And i don't need to believe the false truths.

So all the trainee journalists who read Manorama and watch India Vision and think that is the real world, i don't argue. But just please keep your eyes (and mind) open.

Believe Me - I Am Just An Ordinary Guy

(05-06-2009)

I am a guy with long hair. I have been growing it for almost 2 years now. Do you know why I started it? For absolutely no reason! One fine day I just thought I am no longer going to cut it. That’s all.

What followed has been horrible. Jesus! All the accusations I had to bear. All the torturous questions. Comments. Ridiculing. Suspicions.

Mothers of friends no longer let me into their homes. Hell! Even my own mother refuses to let me in.

People classify me according to their own likes – artist, musician, poet, budhijeevi (jada), criminal, drug addict, womanizer and what not.

People! People! I am sorry to disappoint you, but I am just an ordinary guy. An ordinary, boring guy.

Long-haired guys have been too much stereotyped and victimized. So next time you see a long-haired guy, please please, don’t admire, suspect, or turn your back on him right away.

He might just happen to be an ordinary guy like you.