standpoint

The Subversive Follies

2012-02-05T13:48:00.001-08:00

Book Review: Non-fiction/ India: A Portrait by Patrick French, Penguin/2011, 436 pp; Rs699 (Hardback)

Rabindranath Tagore and James Mill represent the two different world; their worldviews were in complete contrast as Tagore never accepted the drawing of boundaries in the cult of knowledge but Mill stood juxtaposed of that. If Tagore did it for the better sake of humanity, James Mills plotted a very virulent discriminatory education system to not only maximise the influence of western world but also to ruin the consciousness of ruled subject, India. This nation otherwise had a clear edge being among the oldest civilisations. For knowing the starting of western subversive historiography, there is need to know the dynamicism of last few centuries through observing the growing tussle between biased western theorists and defending old culture!

Patrick French, who has credit of writing a cocktailed/sandwitched book on Tibet and a funny biography on an unusual though a nice subject for him, V.S.Naipaul had already displayed enough through these works, that he is still not clear what the basic of writings should be in the domain of history and how it’s different from travel writing, caricaturing or gambling with the subversive motives. With his new book, India: A Portrait, he has chosen to maintain all the trash ideas into main sight and leaving aside the beauties and strength, which this nation possesses. Ofcourse, India is not free from the parallel strains that are coinciding with its rapid growth but inequitable distribution of resources as a strong economy but the cases in Europe are even much graver, where the tall claim of stellar performances in either economy or in other field is simply crazy or the lost old pastime of past.

I will not say Patrick; an Irish gentleman totally resembles Bob Christo’s characters or the “Curzon” but he has worked on this India project with all wrong adventures and minimal understanding about this truly difficult nation. His claim of writing an intimate biography of1.20billion Indians under the present work could be the classic case of single biggest fatal in terms of statistical calculation. Barring the accounts of few long established and equally faded Indian Intellectuals including Amartya Sen or Meghnad Desai, a jobless Venkatesh(for meeting him, he travelled to Karnataka rather sensitizing the mind for plights which is pervasive), the very long and inhuman description of Ayushi episode and few other senseless descriptions, it’s hard to get anything new, striking and balance. That disappoints heavily after spending hours reading a thick book without any gain of information or new insights. Even grimmer could be the realization to any reader including myself that Patrick doesn’t want to show the loopholes in Indian systems as wrong but more often as inevitable byproducts. That’s nothing less than a brazen exercise of subversive follies with idealizing own trivia as remarkable judgement before a nation which has honour of possessing countless thinkers of high intellectuality.

Patrick must have spent his valuable time in India, like many other writers from the west travelling across the India which is less dusty than anticipated, counting the trees, monkeys, elephants, beggars before reaching Taj Mahal or Surajkund Mela for a smiling snap under the canopy of wisdom tree! From this imagined and false wisdom tree, the shape of India they want to choreograph in their mind and fails miserably doing this. The disservice of this kind does all harm to the sentiments of integrated global economy which is now runs on potential of emerging economies. India’s good or bad reliance on the liberalisation of its economy has atleast given a much needed momentum in its domestic entrepreneurship whose impact is now being felt worldwide. I am sure, Patrick has not even the remote understanding of business, and his interview with Sunil Mittal shows it candidly. He has forwarded his talk on philanthropy with Sunil, that’s awkward but even on this how he could forget this same western world is going to turn philanthropy into a profit business with establishing a special stock exchange in the posh city of London!

So no surprising, innovation is being taken by few as the “labour of love” for spreading not so holly ideas of CSR in business under a proven western sermon that “conventional wisdom” has its limitation, so the virtue of good thoughts always winds from the western side that’s simply ridiculous and unsustainable. A nation with GDP touching close to the $2trillion can’t be taken so lightly any longer; there are flaws with the growth pattern of India but all admits it, so it’s already passing through a makeover. Over fancied description of sachet shampoo reminds that author has deep addiction of watching the “advertising contents” of nonstop TV channels, because he is clueless that an Indian management professor, C.K.Prahlad, who had coined the term “fortune lies at the bottom of pyramid” that furthered the consumerism at down of hierarchy. It deserves accolade as sensible capitalist agenda which maximises profit and also forward even a tint of welfare. But alas this book has written so flat and pointless, that not even a single aspect of new India have carried in proper light, that’s gross injustice with the title of this book!

It’s indeed ironical that the free and fair exchanges of views are still being blocked by the narrow pursuits and over consideration on geography, race, history etc as reference points. The second big concern is the lack of sound studies, rhetoric is swiftly catching it as substitute which is indeed unfortunate and not going to do well for anyone in longer course. Surprisingly, no Indian scholars is trying to distort the historical basics of west, even the post-colonial writings are basically dealt through the narratives of struggle between power and subjects not as the conflict of culture. These malices are the brainchild of western world and their time is over now, so cultural discourse or historical writing should be no longer written through the prism of empire. World is free, so should be the thought in both east and west…Patrick and rest fellows should understand it and must adopt a good reading habit of Indian writings, that’s indeed very rich in different areas. As knowing the conflicts of growth in India through an outside perspective, this book would be an essential read for both the incorrigibially optimist and pessimist readers!
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi, February 05, 2012, Sunday
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Interpreting Tagore

2012-02-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Non-fiction/ Rabindranath Tagore: An Interpretation by Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, Penguin/2011, 306 pp; Rs499 (Hardback)

There are many shades of Tagore’s personality, and so diverse are the attentions of scholars on his works and life. Among the Indian scholars on Tagore, name of Sabyasachi Bhattacharya is most remarkable. His publication, The Mahatma and the Poet: Letters and Debates between Gandhi and Tagore made history simple and further beautifully highlights the overall concern of Tagore for Indian independence and other issues of contemporary importance. If that book was entirely a new conceptualisation of knowing the great persona of Tagore and Gandhi through the impressive ranges of correspondences, here in present work, Rabindranath Tagore: An Interpretaion, author comes closer to following the general trend while inquiring the same Tagore who is very-very well known and articulated. Here, Kabir’s old couplet exactly fits on the Gurudev…
“If all the land were turned to paper and all the seas turned to ink and all
the forests into pens to write with, they would still not suffice to describe the
greatness of the guru.”

In the entire history of humankind, no one has received as much praise, adoration and coverage as did Tagore. And that was not without the reasons…he could imagine independently for a humane and naturalist existence, where he succeeded very well despite hailing from an aristocratic background. One of the countless views on him, that’s from the western world stresses that his approach was closer to the “eastern mysticism”. Which appears like a complete conflict in understanding and fails to reckon him in original; Tagore was an arch critic of “complexity “in any form and certainly the very idea of “mysticism” could be only rest on the sets of complex procedures. So in terms of the broader world views, he was humane, naturalist, creative, free thinker, rural reconstructor, great institution maker and a poet par excellent.

This book features Tagore’s life and works in short details and restrains any specific aspect to be much vigorous and complete. Pages 66-67 provides few fresh informations about Tagore for most of the general readers, here young Rabi Thakur’s early experiments with the literature creates prolific impetus to know ahead more on this. Ofcourse had few more paras were added here, this book could have of much more importance than what it is in present form. Anyhow young Tagore’s likeness for Kalidasa’ Meghadutam, his trying hand on translating Macbeth of Shakespeare and complete dislike for Michael Madhusudan Dutt’s Meghnad-badh Kavya have briefly showcased here. Another important finding on Tagore put forth here but again in inadequacy of delineation, which is as “He enjoyed reading the archaic Maithili poems of Vidyapati which he copied with his own notes on obscure words and usages”. That tries well to streamline the close sharing of two very identical languages, Bangla and Maithili…on this particular theme, there is need of further research and concentration.

Sabyasachi Bhattacharya though again with tight hand, but has atleast tried well to focus on Tagore’s intimacy with his sister-in-law, Kadambari Devi, whose sudden demise left his in emotional void. “Bhanusingher Padavali” has drawn in the fond memory of her and is the sole work of Tagore that’s so heavily influenced through the tradition of Maithili poetics. Beyond Vidyapati, indeed Kadamabari Devi was another Maithil (from Bhagalpur), who shaped his taste for this antique language and culture. On the row of national song Vande Matram, Sabyasachi Bhattacharya has written a very comprehensive book/Vande Matram: The Biography of a Song…inside this book too, Tagore’s affirmation and endorsement with the most part of this song demystifies many wrong notions attached with it.

Among the two specialties this book has, one is its holding the flared debate on Tagore’s views on nationalism. Author has comprehensively decoded the Tagore’s two novels Gora and Ghare-Baire and given the whole perspectives, why Tagore had apathy with some typical kind of nationalism but not with the nationalism itself. A closer look on Tagore’s major works allows its reader to get in the right frame of mind. He was essentially as harsh critic of violent nationalism as of the lustful imperialism…his basic urge was closer to the safety of nature and natural impulses. Under this paradigm, he was thinking beyond the boundaries but nevertheless that shouldn’t be taken, as he didn’t stand with the idea of nation. Second major theme that this book focus is on Tagore’s quest for rural reconstruction, here his path was as symmetric to humanism as of a consine bearer of nation. This verbatim of Tagore exudes, he was an ardent supporter of modern nationhood but against the idea of narrow nationalism that draws boundary and keep floating the permanent hatred on the cultural line.
“If we could free even one village from the shackles of helplessness and ignorance, an ideal for the whole of India would be established… Let a few villages be rebuilt in this way, and I shall say they are my India.”

Writing on Tagore always needs immense efforts and meticulous research. Fortunately, numerous peoples have done noticeable works in this regard, because of that; there is flow of good materials on him. But even lately, now it would be better, if some of his vision could be included in the mainframe of policy making. Education is area where his vision of “completeness” is the need of hour and that alone can make our education system more flexible and natural. It would be also imperative, if he could be taken not only as the source of knowledge but also as the inspiration of action. At this eventful juncture of history, India needs a looking back on its own thinkers rather surmising on the absentee philosophers from the different geography of the world who in reality had no proper concern for its history, present or future. Time is ripe for taking Tagore’s vision in totality and not in division. This book expresses the fundamentals of Tagore’s illustrious works and life, so readers would found it blissful knowing him in short but authentic.
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi, February 05, 2012, Sunday
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

The Rogue Fatwas!

2012-02-03T09:23:00.001-08:00

Book Review: Fiction/The Fatwa Girl by Akbar Agha, Hachette India/2011, 224pp; Rs325 (Paperback)

Pakistan is principally a troubled nation with its improper democracy, dictatorial arm forces and sectarian divides based on narrow fundamental convictions. As a nation, it was neither formed in essential democratic liberal tradition nor even in later periods, could ably consolidate itself as a functional democracy. Hence the force of “fundamental convictions” got the maligning authority, which should have never been the case. Despite all these extreme odds and socio-economic disparities in Pakistan, it’s encouraging to see the sizable number of peoples struggling against the tyrannical ruling beliefs in the country. If cricket is the easiest bliss or escaping route for Pakistanis, literature is certainly their most profound way of expression where the actual suffering is being noticed and further even on minimal scale gives a sense of hope for something more transparent in the system which have been remained elusive throughout the decades.

In recent times, English writing in Pakistan has been on bloom, Fatima Bhutto, Muhammad Hanif, Mohsin Hamid,Kamila Shamshie,Jamil Ahmed are among the writers who have shown immense intelligence in political writing, equally both in the sphere of fiction and non-fiction. Now Akbar Agha’s The Fatwa Girl shows, why the sensibility creates good literature and even the deep starkness cannot hide the merits of positive thinking and action. Set in the elitist background of Karachi, the early chapters’ leads to the rampage of partition that left millions badly affected through the unimagined trauma they faced and later forced to carry in their mind and soul. In brief, author has made it clear, why the Mountbatten’s beautiful wife, Edwina was the cause of hurried and painful separation? This was caused by more intimate reasons as the lady Mountbatten’s character code was too permissive for a charming man like Nehru…few months’ wait could have ruined the family life of Mountbatten, so he decided to carry on history’s bluntest administrative interference that drawn the permanent line of hatredness among the most peace loving peoples.

Amina, the central character and her childhood love Omar are hailing from the thinking family background but not so much as there the gulf of Shia-Sunnism could be outpaced with rational bonds. Resultantly love remains at its own course, but only for a shortly engaged time. Rest emanates from here the sense of losses, emptiness but not even for a moment, partial alienation could be seen anywhere in their mind. That’s the real beauty of character construction, for which Akbar Agha’s deserves all accolade. Condition forced Amina to leave her liberal engagements in literature, acting etc for marrying the demonic feudal, Rafi. He typically represents the western educated Pakistani feudal that catches conflicts with every modern thought and pursues their own virulent agendas. Amina suffers through all the despotic acts from him but realization about her husband’s activeness as the mastermind of suicide bombers came from late, but the same moment activist consine made her mind to be the victim of black acts rather a gain seeker!

In the meantime, prostitute Gulbadan’s short entry into the life of Omar gives short interlude in mainframe albeit soon, the reformative mind of Omar leads Gulbadan get emancipated and finally out from the hell. The description of Swat and Karachi’s also reminds, there is no uniformity of fundamentalism in Pakistan. Millions are suffering the same or more pain from terrorism like the peoples outside of border, so there is need of a completely reckoning the various shades that exists and determines the whole issues. Common friend Sheila’s high profile gesture is not something unheard off in the top circle of Pakistani urban society but her humane characterization as the common pool for aligning the lives makes greater sense. She persuades Amina to meet Omar, now also a Foreign Service official after years and starts fresh but here she chooses an idealism that surpasses the easy comfort!

She became the Fatwa girl, not to kill anyone but to make things clear that hatredness could be an embedded and sinful part of fundamentalism but no religion including Islam allows this. Omar is the man with immense losses with the tragical departure of his only passion, Amina; where he genuinely stands like a human being. At the end, still thinking the message left for him by Amina “if there is one fatwa that should be heard from every mosque and church, every temple and synagogue, it should be this: Love one another as God has loved you”, Omar appears like the true bearer of peace. The growing political concern among the Pakistani authors are indeed a great development, it will sure impact positively on the overall scene in the nation. In India too, writers have to think for sharing more and more realities in their fiction writing instead getting derailed on the non-issues, better suited for commercial edge. The free flows of thoughts are always better than the closed world views…so, peace rather the Fatwa’s should be prioritised, either in Pakistan or anywhere!
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi, February 03, 2012, Friday
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Tells of Wall Street and Beyond

2012-02-03T09:20:00.002-08:00

Book Review: Memoir/SUIT: A Woman on Wall Street by Nina Godiawala, Hachette India/2011, 350pp; Rs395 (Paperback)

Atleast for few, capitalism is not less than a “civilisation”, long back economist Joseph Schumpeter described it and now it’s a sort of cult. This claims an accurate description of a system of relations that reorders not just relationships of wealth but culture, civic association and the most intimate transactions that characterise our personal lives. Nina Godiawala’s memoir SUIT: A Woman on Wall Street stood with better chances to suppress those bandwagon temptations and represents a case of antidote against the maddening commercial lures that furiously conditioned lives for good or bad gains.

Two things are most striking with her work, first her memoir is written in almost oblivion, as she hardly had the “celebrity “tagline while working on the book or even after that, and her unique way of interpreting the real events in fashion of fiction. Here she succeeds well and makes high senses of experimental lingual overtures, that straightforwardly demarks her from the trend chaser generation of American writers, which is terribly accustomed to produce nothing more than “trash”. Though not consciously, but she has also not desisted to assert her Indian origin by incessantly coming in sequences under the overt impression of values, that’s originally the hall mark of east. Memories are the safest assets for leaving the actual scene and yet found chances to visit it virtually-in generic evaluation; it can be placed like the “escapist route” and in broad terms, could be taken as the “last resort of cultural connects”!

Family of Nina, like the lakhs of other Indian immigrants in the western world justifies it through living in twin world, by faithful recourse or contradiction! From beginning to the end, family maintains its centrality in the book and every action of upwardly mobile young generation too never shows off any contradictory uncomfort with this most essential institution. However, she realistically denies forming the monolithic impression of family, where different world exists but without ever getting so much intensified to break it up in parts. Again, the values rule the inner nerves here that’s more often than not appears volatile and unpredictable. Here, intricate narration leaves the beautiful impact on readers’ mind and heart.

Nina’s father and grandmother are the part of that lasting generation which still adores tradition of their land and continues living with those infallible attributes of which they were once the actual bearer. But in sharp devoid, Nina’s mother had shown upholding the American life style more avidly than the basic tenets of her imaginary homeland. That compelled Nina and her sisters’ shuttling between these two familiar worlds and finally coming out with an impressive equilibrium, which can be regarded respectable in all terms. Metaphor of varied culinary preferences inside the family, from shrimp curry, Indian style sweets to sushi or cocktails depicts something more honest than merely a beguiling display of over enjoying close family gathering. Probably that adaptability assisted Nina to move from the suburban Houston for attending the top Ivy League elite management institution and making entry into top investment banks like JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley at the exotic world of Wall Street.

More than coming across the authoritarian wills and untimely sermons of Keynes or Proudhon on macroeconomic models, it seems nicer reading the real life experiences of Nina, first as an intern and later part of the high shot corporate division of global iconic banks to know, why the recession is unstoppable through the structured folly of giant global banks? She not let chances for forming any unnecessarily fancied conception about this high street of global finance, which is known alike for making and marring the aspirations and yet continuing its charming existence intact! But few successful careerists, like Nina have decency to express the inhumane inner realities that’s the mainstream functional style in any MNCs, either in finance or outside of it. She conquered the desired world and left when she could found easy days for her, which is indeed appreciable and shows something away from the recent trend of quitting high end job for making fortune in untapped areas, for tasting the unholy resources and functional designs of NGO networks.

This book is special because it has sharper focus on the state of workforce involved in global financial system instead stating the obvious about the complex financial instruments. The shapes of global financial crisis have endless models; an economist can’t have other pastime as closer as trying counting the flawed recovery, from the easily mixable alphabet and numbers. Since the grave, ofcourse not the great depression of 1929, economists have almost played the disappointing role in putting forth the timely and clear projection. Unfortunately, same or even more acute is state of affairs in the current phase where the high technological interface and globalisation have maximized the risk of bigger and unprecedented failures. Whose ominous outcomes were visible during the recession of 2007-08, when more than seven dozen financial institutions were shattered in western world and left emerging economies too under the heavy slowdown?

The open trade with bad financial instruments, wrong credit lending, inside trading and more negatively, the degraded peoples policies among the global corporations are the major constituents of never ending risk of financial crisis. Nina could shifted from banking to capital market and lately for her own skill venture, but how many can do it so easily and without getting desperate in midway? Thousands of finance persons are living less than pleasant life at Wall Street or outside under the badly constructed designs of financial firms. Family expectations keeps floating high and meeting them requires a habit of living in troubled state. This book has universal appeal with answers for many subtle concerns and would run for long among the true finance enthusiasts!
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi, February 2nd, 2012, Thursday
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

A Pedestrian’s Voyage

2012-01-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Fiction/ITHACA by David Davidar, Fourth Estate, An imprint of Harper Collins/2011, 276 pp; Rs499 (Hardback)

David Davidar, is known as an iconic publisher and the author of highly acclaimed works of fiction, like “The House of Blue Mangoes” and “The Solitude of Emperors”, which rose to the final stage of regional Commonwealth Writers prize. Never to forget, he is the man who truly professionalises the publishing business in India besides making a generation of remarkable publishers through his broad vision and trust. Before leaving for the global stint at Penguin, he commissioned the Indian authors like,Amitav Ghosh, Ramchandra Guha, Shashi Tharoor, Vikram Seth, Arundhati Roy among the others. But last two years were infact not good for David, where he had to face the unfortunate row which he hardly deserved even in the worst moments. Anyway, he came up and that’s the best news the book lovers could have in the late months of 2011.

In publishing, he tied the knot to marketing astute Rupa Publications with his own publishing venture ALEPH, which is going to be premium publisher for a few writers with amazing standards and stature. This is again something new coming from him and may be it will turn into a trend very soon whose sign are also started being visible little or more. Amidst the rough patches of his career, another breakthrough entered the literary world with third work of fiction from him, ITHACA which opens the inside events of international publishing scene for readers. Though it will be over simplification, if this novel would be termed out as something representative on publishing business but its withstanding the large part of truth and that should be the concluding search here. David knows the essence of letters and its end impact with chronicling the dynamicism side by side. May be, his two earlier novels would be continuing as his reference of writing but ITHACA has proved again David’s integrity as writer and person!

Under unprecedented changes and universal slowdown, prevailing struggle for survival in the publishing industry is catalysed well in the book. The plight of Litmus, an independent publishing firm in the UK seems not pretty distinct from the firm, David himself served in the recent past. The unexpected departure or demise of bestselling authors like Massimo Seppi is not something unheard in the very challenging world of book publishing. Naturally, to surviving the ire, publisher Zachariah Thomas is a restless mortal and his incessant action to save the face of his firm from being submerged into the giant corporation seems completely moving and also aptly reflects the increasing challenges that publishing industry has to face with in present uncertain scenario. Undoubtedly, the principle character Zach personifies the tracts of David while meeting the umpteenth challenges to stand proper and graceful and his quest leads formally to the realities with few puts of surrealism.

Many unexplored concerns related with the global integration of publishing industry are addressed by the author with extraordinary zeal. However, at few places details lacks the convincible temptations, nevertheless in totality nuances becomes quite comprehensible and appealing. David’s arrival in India is timely and his greater involvement with writing and publishing going to be epochmaking. Like the Zach, his challenges have greater weight but ofcourse it would be never so much that would undermine the potential of Indian market and most noticeably the new aspirations in India which were hitherto out of case.

David rose to the crest in publishing through sheer work, where hardly the fancied academic degrees alone worked out. Fortunately, which he didn’t had either but that never stopped him to be top ranked. I grew up reading his novels and writing on the broadsheet literary pages of The Hindu and also in other national/international publication, reading ITHACA was indeed great but now also waiting for his columns in mainstream media, which have been paused for long. Even in modest evaluation, ITHACA stands to be counted among the best fiction of passed year; readers can be delighted reading this special contribution from their publishing scion.
Atul Kumar Thakur
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

The Mix Signals from Indian Economy!

2012-01-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

Change is the essence of life, the old order changes yielding place for new. However, all changes are not historic in the impact they have on society, economy or polity. But among the many changes that India has witnessed in last decades, its convergence to the liberalisation of economy was proven most transformative and fateful to an extent. In last twenty years, statistical basics have moved up from prosaic to a resilient level and Indian economy now stands with better chances to play ever important role at bilateral and multilateral international platforms. But playing leading role in an integrated global era is not proof from the risk involved in doing it so, naturally time is of testing for Indian economy and its regulatory institutions to how well they can cope and manage a smooth way forward. Close watch on international scenario is most imperative, especially on the tailspin economies!

At the global level, with both the US and the European market are uncomfortably walking through the fiscal crisis, there are growing fear about the world economy entering into another recession. This would have a subversive bearing on the natural growth of the Indian economy, both through trade and funds flows channels. Affects are already coming through in terms of the consistently dwindling FIIs in Indian market, which is creating huge mismatch of earlier conceived expectations from the foreign investments. The unquiet financial regulation is adding the plight to even grimmer; the persistent contradictory monetary policy stance of RBI is now clearly taking a toll on performance of the industrial sector and also on overall economy. The flagging business confidence in Indian market must be a matter of concern for policymakers as falling confidence levels of India Inc can create bottlenecks in investments and business plan, which could finally stall the momentum of India’s economic growth.

As for now, India enjoys an advantage in its high savings and investment rates, currently a third of GDP; a relatively low GDP per capita on purchasing power parity giving significant potential for growth and continuing industrialisation and urbanisation. India's consumption-led economy continues to make the country a highly attractive investment destination in the short-to-medium term. As its domestic demand-driven growth model has helped the country weather the volatility in the global markets, providing significant growth opportunities to businesses. While the overall outlook for India is positive, the country will need to address rising inflation and the governance deficits. Provided India's inflation does start to fall back by the end of this year, and the US and EU economies do not slip back into recession, the 'soft patch' for Indian growth should be relatively short-lived. Once inflation is in check, and interest rates are no longer rising, consumers will be more willing to spend, supporting a general improvement in the business environment, with growth steadily accelerating during 2012.

Service industry accounts for 57.2%of the India's close to two trillion dollar GDP while the industrial and agricultural sectors contribute 28.2% and 14.6% respectively. Agriculture has remains the predominant occupation in rural areas, accounting for about 52% of employment. The service sector makes up a further 34% and industrial sector around 14%.However, statistics from a 2009–10,which used a smaller sample size than earlier surveys, suggested that the share of agriculture in employment had slide to 45.5% and that substantial chunk of working labours were shifted in the secondary and tertiary sector. So for knowing the pulse of Indian economy, it’s quite essential to predominantly dwell with the services and industrial sector, which normally impacted through the short term variables unlike the primary sector that rests on the long term perspectives.

Though it’s seemingly tough figuring out the safe or unsafe sector in 2012 and ahead, so it would be a prudent deliberation, if having holistic take while assessing few very important areas of Indian economy:-
The Challenges from Energy Sector-
At a time when India has staked its claim to a seat at the high table alongside world powers, around 57% of rural households and 12% of urban households in the world’s second most populous country have no access to electricity, according to a report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers and the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association. That partly explains why India’s per capita power consumption of around 700 units a year is way below the world average of 2,600 units and developed countries’ average of 8,000 units. India’s track record in adding power generating capacity is pathetic. In the five years to 2011, the country added only around half of the power from original target set out in plan.
The country has an installed power generation capacity of 162,367MW; its power plants have an average efficiency rate of 76.52% of installed capacity. An original target of adding 78,577MW by 2012 has been revised to 62,374MW. The government is trying to find solace in the fact that the 22,302MW of capacity added in three years of the 11th Plan (2007-12) exceeds the entire capacity addition in the 10th Plan. New execution strategy, if not the new resolution itself would be very essential for the coming out of the energy mess!

Indian Banking Sector: Stable but no longer Unchallenged!
Indian banks, the dominant financial intermediaries, have made good progress over the last five years, as is evident from several parameters, including annual credit growth, profitability, and trend in gross non-performing assets (NPAs). While the annual rate of credit growth clocked 23% during the last five years, profitability (average Return on Net Worth) was maintained at around 15% during the same period, and gross NPAs fell from 3.3% as on March 31, 2006 to 2.3% as on March 31, 2011. Good internal capital generation, reasonably active capital markets, and governmental support ensured good capitalisation for most banks during the period under study, with overall capital adequacy touching 14% as on March 31, 2011. At the same time, high levels of public deposit ensured most banks had a comfortable liquidity profile.
But on the other side, Indian banks faces several challenges as well, such as increase in interest rates on saving deposits, possible deregulation of interest rates on saving deposits, a tighter monetary policy, a large government deficit, increased stress in some sectors (such as, European and US markets, State utilities, airlines, and microfinance), restructured loan accounts, unamortized pension/gratuity liabilities, increasing infrastructure loans, and implementation of Basel III. Year 2012 would be crucial for Indian banking industry to perform well in the changed circumstances, besides RBI too has to adopt a hassle free attitude on introducing few new private sector banks which have been a due for long besides giving Philip to reform in financial sector. An increasing reliance on Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) for rural business would be very worthwhile, as in this particular domain most of experiments have proved too disappointing till now.

Housing Sector: Potential Growth Agent:-

In India’s mushrooming real-estate sector, the residential market is the most important segment. With economic growth and growing prosperity, the demand for housing has increased constantly in the recent years. According to RNCOS latest research report “Indian Housing Sector Analysis”, with the government support, the annual demand for residential buildings in the country is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 52.5% by 2014 to reach 22.1 Million Units.

Some of the key findings of the report are:

- The luxury housing sector possesses huge future growth potential as the number of rich people in India is increasing at a faster pace than in other emerging nations.
- The senior housing sector has been gaining momentum and is expected to expand further. As per estimations, in India, there will be 76 Million people above the age of 65 years by 2014 as against 67 Million seniors in 2011.
- In FY 2011, the credit growth rate in the Indian mortgage finance market was around 18% due to factors like stable operating environment and buoyant property prices, among others.
- Housing sector is the key driver of the Indian cement industry, and it is anticipated to constitute around 54% of the total cement demand during FY 2008 to FY 2012.

Finding of this report is encouraging and gives new hope to real estate market in 2012.

Pharmaceutical: Bullish on investment!

The Indian pharma companies remains positive as outlook for growing domestic market and export business present a bright prospect for the companies, said a report by rating agency CARE.
"The patent expiry in the regulated markets would be the primary growth driver for the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry over the next 3-5 years. Growing trend in outsourcing by global pharmaceutical companies will further fuel exports," said Mitul Budhbhatti, CARE Ratings. Indian pharma's growth story has also stoked private equity interest and deal makers expect 2012 to see the quantum of these deals pick up in 2012. On the investment front, it sounds well though a large concern remains on the affordability side of medicine. Regulators must have to address the growing gulf of primary health care in the country, so reasons are few to be completely bullish alone on the flow of investments in Pharma sector. Much more is in need to be done here.
IT/ITES: Big Elephants Dilimnas!
As par NASSCOM findings, IT-BPO sector in India aggregated revenues of USD 88.1 billion in financial year 2011, generating direct employment for over 2.5 million people, as the industry continued its journey on the core themes identified for the next decade – Diversification, Transformation, Innovation and Inclusion. But henceforth, life is not going to be same again for the outsourcing industry, after the pro-insourcing drive led by Barack Obama in USA and overall shrinkage of European economy will negatively alter the growth track of Indian IT/ITES sector. Domestic demands will be continue but for international markets, new policies would be needed to carve out for meeting the tough challenges. This year, every act from Indian IT Company should be in line exuding best competency at global level. Alone chasing the will of the wisp wouldn’t be enough!

For a while, recalling the study of veteran Economist/journalist, Mr.Premshankar Jha (“Managed Chaos”/Sage publications) on China’s growth would be very insightful. The crux of his opinion is, China has made huge success in different areas but in longer term, the lack of democracy would be making its growth complicated and unsustainable. So, India would remain a key growth market from emerging economies, even the recent study done by the Ernst&Young also justifying India’s potential edge in growth march up to 2013 vis-à-vis China. Challenges are umpteenths before Indian economy so is laying immense potential ahead too; the policy responses would make the actual course of future!
Atul Kumar Thakur
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Invincible Verses

2012-01-13T06:11:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Poetry/ The Myriad by Supriya Kaur Dhaliwal,Create Space/2011, Paperback

The thirty nine poetries consisted in this anthology marks the moving recollection of a potential poetess laureate, Supriya. Who is still only seventeen years old, came out with her first nattily composed collection of verses at sixteen and amazingly her short experiences are not deterring dappled sentiments to come up vivid in her writing. Her holistic creative approach is promising and not even remotely laden through the bumf expressions. The first four poetries under the aegis of “cherishing the Childhood” were written by this young poetess when she was young enough to call the sun an electrical bulb glowing forever.

It will be hard to arbiter the serious thoughts grooming in Supriya’s innocent words, which are indeed ahead of an ordinary profaced maneuvering. At the age of seven, she had penned down, My country: India, where she lucidly exudes a concerned mind coping with the wariness of depleting originalities under the severe wind of homoginisation. The ending lines says it better, “No iguanas, no anacondas, still having a rich reptile variety, all Indians are anglophiles except our freedom fighters, this is my country, this is my India! Distant from podgy declamation of plots, she had come aptly communicable in other three initial poetries as well on Animals, Flower and Friendship, these all are written with vigour and onslaught any trend ridden reprisals, that makes her writing eligible to be slotted in pure literary category.

As I grew up, second part of the book which the author had written in teen’s years increasingly streamlines her literary imagination with sublime routing it on broader canvasses. Here, Supriya has succeeded amazingly well. I will choose my two favourite poems from this collection, first “Basin of emotions” which is worth of saying her representative work...
I flash a polite smile
Unlaced it in a smart style
Wonder what thoughts lie next to
The dirt inside people’s mind
Hoping to reach
The highest of high
Looking for
Burning tearful good-bye
Tracing my step
Back to the ocean
Previously, had been at helm
Where the defense,
Sat far from the realm
What was it?
That laid a kiss
Leaving a sense
Of domestic bliss.

The second poem that touched me most from her writing is “Deception” which weaves the nuances of love and betrayal and yet the essential persistence of natural feelings rests with the persons who lost most in a valued relationship…
An indecipherable smile
Coiled my wounds, clinched my voice
A single lie
Fluttered my blood, flushed my love
The drain below my love, dries your tongue
A fluting accest, fobbed off itself
Tired of forgiving you of fibbing
And I remember
Like an idiot, I trusted your tall tale
You painted a grim picture of mine
To which I giggled endlessly.

Still a solace observing that poetry writing is comparatively running away from the jealously produced popular novels which are marring the basic ethics of literature. May be, this also highlights the limited commercial viability, for poetries are entitled with but for now, atleast this keeping verses as pure form of literature. But sure, verses have fine time ahead seeing the promising entries of few excellent young writers into this space and consistent decline of noticeable literary tracts from the floods of popular novels.

It would be not an exaggeration, if in present scenario; the literature at large can be ranked grappling high through the quality deficiencies. In Indian English writing, almost nothing is being written with the burning concern of the time essentially which falls in the purview of books to transcend the realities. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely the cases as bulk of fictional works are getting moulded through the market sentiments or they are networked enabled to perform well. Barring few novels, last decade was completely disappointing in this regard, though same is not true in non-fiction category, where good works are increasingly made their impact-there real hope lies. Young aspiring poet/poetess too should be tempting closely to follow the meaningful contexts, the way young Supriya has done in her very first anthology. As reference, she must be feel encouraged with her first work…The Myriad is simply an extraordinary accomplishment, that’s written by a pure writer, without of materialistic pressures. We can be sure; this young writer is going to have long and eventful time in literary world.
Atul Kumar Thakur
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

The big Bihar story

2012-01-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Non-fiction/Biography, Nitish Kumar and the Rise of Bihar by Arun Sinha, Penguin/2011, 389 pp; Rs699 (Hardback)

The Bihar movement headed by Jay Prakash Narayan accomplished the rise of a new political generation that was based on socialistic ideals. Unfortunately, its immediate beneficiaries, notably Lalu Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan proved the complete antithesis of those hatched idealism by great socialists in 1970’s. Nitish Kumar, third important pillar of JP Movement remained the glimmering hope of blend, which constituted through the real politic and rational idealism. He parted the way with the bunch of cruel jokers pretending as people’s custodian in 1994; in the course of time, Lalu Yadav’s rustic antics kept deteriorating to the bawdy bottomline and Bihar started to known as the derivative point of whole mess on earth. When Nitish succeeded to dethrone the family rule of Lalu in 2005, he had sworn as the Chief Minister of almost a bankrupt state. In last six years, Bihar has significantly risen, and all its fundamentals are sound enough now with the quality improvements in governance, law&order, infrastructure etc. This biography of Nitish Kumar by Arun Sinha, a veteran journalist and close friend of him introspects well the politics of Bihar in last four decades and how lastly the turnaround took place in the land, was consistently in bad shape for long!

Nitish started his political career in 1969, when he was in his teenage as a member of the Socialist Youth Council, a student front of Lohia’s SSP. Nitish always had a thinking mind with him, much before it was recognised by the eminent social historian, Ramchandra Guha, who ahead seen in this politician, all the hope of Indian democracy. Son of a visionary Congress leader, Ram Lakhan Singh who was never treated fairly by the Congress high command, Nitish was always taken in his circle as super meritorious. Nitish was very good with academics, so he joined the prestigious Patna Science College and later Patna Engineering college for his further studies, here he emerged as a student leader during those troubled phase. Late 1960’s was not a comfortable time worldwide; there were upsurges of radicalism among the youths. In India, Bihar became the hub of resistance against the dynastic politics of Congress. Finally it was the Bihar movement of 1974, and with the affiliation to Chhatra Sangharsh Samiti leading to the JP movement during the emergency years, that lift Nitish to the state level. Arun Sinha was himself a part of that political activism, later he took the course of journalism and done remarkable works on Bihar and beyond. As Indian Express reporter, he was the man who led the real story of unfortunate police atrocities in Bhagalpur at national forefront; then the Congress government and its Chief Minister, Jagganath Mishra’s role were vindicated and they met to wrath of people in next election. This book is another best from his side on Bihar.

As an observer and close one of Nitish’ inner circle, he reveals in this book the details which reintroduces Nitish even more humble than people knows him reading before this biography. And, it’s not exaggeration in any manner. Leaving the second part of this book, which gives the material on technical knowhow of NDA government’s grand achievements under the aegis of Nitish Kumar’s leadership, the first part is totally new addition of super real facts on this prominent political scion of Bihar. In initial phases, the decent public composure of Nitish was prohibitive for him to stand to match with the unruly counterparts of socialist movements, like Lalu Yadav who tasted early success and hyped fame in political life. Unlike him, Nitish maintained the idealism of Jay Prakash Narayan, and fought many elections without the early success until in mid 1980’s, when he was elected to Bihar Legislative Assembly. In the meantime, he spent time in his constituency, reading avidly, ferrying on local buses/trains, skipping lunches by the dearth of money but always kept chasing the long term prospects in politics.

As he was a born leader, he never distracted by the initial failures though those around him were naturally concerned for his career. Even, Karpoori Thakur approached him to join engineering profession with citing uncertainties involved in political life, but his aim was clear and that was following its course very meticulously so he didn’t confided those suggestions. In 1980’s, he finally made entry into central politics as Loksabha member and later also as state minister in United Front government but his real journey begun as an alternative political force once he thought for delinking from the morally crumbling Janta Dal. He received huge response for his initiative but tactful weaknesses during the 1995 Bihar legislative election, his Samta party didn’t perform up to the mark. His high rise materialised with the blossoming fortune of NDA government at the centre, where he was given crucial portfolios to perform. Samta Party, which later turned as JD (u) shared the boat with BJP but only on its own principles, its finest replication is current NDA government in Bihar which runs through following immediate developmental goals instead relying on the trash non-issues, which are the cases in many other states ruled by BJP.

It’s also true; a great part of his success in Bihar became possible by the preservance and integrity of Sushil Modi. Who together carved out the new functional paradigms and ensured its flawless execution. Today, Modi is the Chairmen of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Minister’s, he took charge of this honour from Asim Dasgupta but unlike him, he never went to MIT for learning economics. He is only the science graduate from Patna University but he has shown by reviving the Bihar’s financial health that the over technicalities of economics can’t win the whole race. This book also flashes the hate/love relations between George Fernandeez and Nitish Kumar besides the figurehead role of Sharad Yadav, who made and later broke the Lalu Yadav’s political mileage in Bihar.

Nitish has always been aware of the inherent ills of power, so he consistently refrained himself from mingling with the complacency. That he exuded best after the land sliding verdict in 2009, when he made no exciting announcements except to humbly accept the election result as by the peoples of Bihar and for the peoples of Bihar. He knows, the journey is still far to be completed as the major challenges of investments and the revival of trade/entrepreneurship is still a big challenge, but he is doing well for meeting the desired goals, even his bitterest critic can’t deny that after visiting Bihar which is indeed passing through a revival time. This biography is of high importance, despite it’s written by a close friend, readers will never feel the wave of extraneous sympathy, whatever the words are endorsing are real and universally true about Nitish. As Ramkrishna Hegde, Ntish Kumar has no ambition for Prime Ministership, and that’s all good for his integrity and Bihar at large. By the reference, Arun Sinha will be known for this well researched work.
Atul Kumar Thakur
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Kashmiriyat Revisited!

2012-01-08T04:11:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Fiction/Nativity Regained by Ashok Kaul, Palm Leaf Publications/2011, 356 pp; Rs295 (Paperback)

Autumns, normally leaves dual effects on mind. This season in Kashmir once used to be time of rejoice, that continuity broken in 1990, with the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and subsequently the syncretism from valley. Never to forget, that was the culmination of incessant political follies directed towards the Kashmir which tolled the loss of very tolerant living native philosophy of Kashmiriyat from the region where once Lal Did and Nurrudin Rishi were reflexive of all humane convictions in collective lives. This work of fiction by Ashok Kaul, a genuine native of Kashmir narrates the lives of Kashmiris through the social angle that was mostly amiss in most of recent works written on similar themes. Woven through the authentic socio-cultural details, this book leads the debate on the retrieval of nativity, whose signs are already countering the adamant and irrelevant political gospels. At no point, assertion of Kashmiriyat, what this book generates as an enlighted crux will be going against the political accords happened since 1947, the only justifiable message is, how to retrieve the normalcy in Kashmir?

Beyond the repetitive theoretic exercises, every character of this novel speaks the language from ground. Consciously, it’s not a biographical sketch of author who resembles immensely with the central character, Bola. Like him, he was part of a broader India, started converging with the outside world, first as a student and later as an academic sociologist at another place of syncretism, Benaras. So, even before the houses of Kaul’s were forcibly locked and their dear Muslim brothers felt their world half lost under the dark canopy of long fetched conspiracies of rogue elements, Bola was a non resident of Bandipur but he was certainly not among the exiled/Sharnarthis till the outbreak of forced exodus in 1990, which in psyche had turned him too, to be like others fellow Pandits after that!

For a while, may be the sympathetic of surrealism will feel the void, but only unknowingly till they will start walking with the grim realities of this shadowy heaven. Introspection on the essence of Kashmiriyat is too deep here; it fleetingly went as early as to the time of Rajtarangani, Akbar’s colonisation of Kashmir but focus is unanimously to draw the points, how the harmony in collective lives was the essence of Kashmiriyat and how it started losing those specialties of universalism with the partition in 1947. Post partition, Kashmir was one among the many troubled royalties but not most shaky in any terms, few would have thought about the evolvement of this paradise as India’s weakness and centrepoint of notorious cold war politics!

Consolidation of a nation like India had to happen through the diverse maneuverings on endless impediments; then inclusion of independent royalties in India were the most crucial among many sighted challenges. Sardar Patel, as straight forward man had succeeded tirelessly in making India with an impressive geographical size, he made the idea of sovereignty completely a prerogative of this newly born nation. But alas, this man was neither a sage nor an immortal being; so he passed away when the complete inclusion of Kashmir was still in ideation state. That shrewd political executioner passed away, rest the lead on Kashmir was transferred to Nehru, who was by birth a Kashmiri but hardly a native in typical sense. He had pious ideas, which were broader in outlook but unfortunately, peoples with whom he had to deal with on Kashmir, were of virulent merits. Had he relied on the referendum or on hard action against the first attack of Pakistan in 1947, he could have easily escaped the unfortunate internationalization of Kashmir as dispute, impractical deals with Sheikh Abdullah’s in wrong times and most importantly the division of Kashmir that sabotaged the peace forever from these regions.

All political precedents and components behind it have captured well by the author with covert or overt representation through the forceful characters. The family of neighbour Hasan and Rashida, who remained indefiant from projected fundamentalism as consine keepers stands fine with the Kashmiriyat and draws the will of myriad fellow Muslims which scrimped the hope alive. Qadir, is another disillusioned Kashmiri who had allured and disenchanted with the conspiracies from outside of border; in later part of life his quest for reclaiming the peace and socio-cultural distinctness makes high senses for likely changes that is lying ahead. He is gunned downed by still faithful militants but there are chances of many such voices would be keep modulating in the valley, and on large scale.

Iqbal, subverted long back by the militants presents the cases of thousands similar youths, who had to be part of Jihad but without knowing its meaning or targets. They are in remorse for spoiling the traditional fabrics of Kashmir, now their search for native qualities in the rough patches of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir are the grim reminders of abject manipulation of their inner self. The affairs of reluctant fundamentalist turned a reformed man; Iqbal and Aisha, the daughter of a high official from POK exudes the superficiality of class differences. Aisha from the another side of Kashmir, Naseem and Rahul, the son of Mohan Ji and Babli, the childhood love of Bola gives the exact picture of new genre from Kashmir, who are relocated but still not lost completely from their cultural affiliation in valley. The overtures among these Kashmiris and Bola at far distant places of west strengthen the threads of cultural bond which for years were in doom. Such confluences of discreet parts from the single organism hold high promises. The two boxes with books, old articles, gathered with the native warmth depicts the entitlement very well, not surprisingly, if these priceless stuffs appears as most worthy preservance of nativity for exiled Pandits.

The remarkable is the finding of author that state is changing but not the social anatomy of Kashmir. His sentimental quest to supplement the vacuum created by the migration of Pandits is in no manner, a reproaching act. This work of fiction is closer to the real happenings in Kashmir, may be puritan will find it less imaginative but few could deny the streamlining of living expressions. Odds are still in action inside the Kashmir and its own peoples are the most vulnerable target. For Pakistan, Kashmir is an escaping route from its ruin state of affairs, for India, it’s the profound entity of its secular credential and for the local leadership, Kashmir is nothing more than a survival object. Puzzles are still there, so people must show the temptations of realignment with the Kashmiriyat and must continue their reliance on their nation, India. Still Shalimar is not “clown” for most of the Kashmiris and there is hope, curfewed nights will be over for a new dawn!
Atul Kumar Thakur
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

The TCS Decoded

2011-12-31T06:08:00.000-08:00

At the evening of year 2011,its hard to say whether the whole year should be considered splendid or squalor,but reasons are yet ample to redeem few harshness and rising to normalcy.Ofcourse, there we will found the best way for humanity; I am not over cheering but also not less than sanguine for new year...be sure,many thing will be up to the mark this year.Best wishes to you and for yours in 2012.. :)

Book Review: Non-fiction/Memoir,The TCS Story by S.Ramadorai, Penguin/2011, 287 pp; Rs699 (Hardback)
The humble admittance of S.Ramadorai for being less expressive and an unplanned writer augurs well. Like an efficient professional and unintended writer, he keeps progressing with neutrality in the initial pages of his autobiography, The TCS Story. Henceforth, the narration drives in rhythm once the TCS story enters in his present cognition. When someone’s occupation started routing the fore, things take place in different resolution. Author himself being one of the catalysts of India’s new economy could easily relate his own progress across the ladder with the changing developmental landscape of this nation. His rise or TATA’s rise simply reminds the progress, India has made over the years. But neither this book, nor any other inserted views from outside would falsify, that the progress of nation is below the potential?

TATA is a big brand or even more than only a brand tag, it’s the height of India’s entrepreneurial drive. India’s largest business conglomerates so motto, “leadership with trust “is justified throughout its long course of existence in the diverse domains. The nationalist legacy of the two great business leaders, Jamshetjee Tata and J.R.D Tata’s has still not come to halt in different companies of TATA group. Much before the philanthropy stuck western world, first as fashion and later as profitable holy business, founder of TATA used to return the two third of his earnings to the nation. Numbers of the institutions made by TATA like, TIFR, TISS, IISc or the city of Jamshedpur simply reminds the essentiality and scope of sustainable business in longer course. Author of this book, as the founding member of TCS has lived those ideals and that’s easily evident through his honest conviction in writing and undoubtedly through his professional ethics, which have been shaping this company very well in decades.

This alumnus of Delhi University, IISc and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) had sailed against the stream to join TATA at much lower compensation, and then the USA used to be the dream place for every technical aspirant. But as he admits, that was a conscious decision for making not only a career but a purposeful career. Like a typical Tambramh, his Civil Servant father entrusted within him the importance of frugality and keeping ones greed at toe, which made a perfect metamorphosis possible. The TCS Story, is not merely confined with the success sagas of India’s biggest IT Company but it in parallel, encompasses the nuanced views on external factors that have been influencing the growth of this enterprise. Reading this book enables a reader, to know the functional intricacies of software business and in particular, the successful journey of India in this domain.

TCS was founded in 1968 and it touched the $1billion mark only after thirty five years of long struggle in 2003, next year it went for IPO and rest is the history, how this company has maximized its worth to six fold in last seven years. Fortunately, more or less, same remained the case with other Indian IT companies as well. Despite facing the ire of recessions and consequently the major alteration in services demand from the offshore client, they have somehow managed to keep the growth momentum intact. Reason is obvious of comparatively stable doing of Indian IT companies, till now; they have been indeed running by the ethical business leaders barring exception of Satyam. But it’s also possibly the best case of scam management anywhere in the world; once a beleaguered company is again in the sound race; all credit should goes to the finest infusion of corporate governance and timely interference of government!

The business leaders in IT domain have emerged through the scratches and the way once TCS/Infosys have started were not very much different from the startup in SMEs. There were all hurdles and few respite for working in relax for the early IT guys. Regulatory interference was the major killing force for its genuine bloom till 1990’s;second major blockades were coming from the slow technical advancement and especially the snail’s pace of its sharing from the western innovators. Under S.Ramadorai, first TCS and later other Indian companies acquired the basic transfer of tools, expertise and services demand from major western economies. Today, a company like TCS works in many areas including consultancy, date centers etc but never to forget, the rise of this industry is one of the satisfying outcome India’s ushering into reform era. N.Narayanmurthy always says this and Ramadorai has also referred this, though implicitly throughout the book.

Those who also know, S.Ramadorai outside of the scenic TCS house, equally give him fine credit for his humane gesture and extraordinary zeal for pursuing ethical business. He has been living a simple life but rose to uncommonness; similarly he remained under promised but ended high delivered. What else could be more rewarding for a gentle professional? This book will inspire the aspirants of different profession and also those, who have entrepreneurial leaning. In short, this work is a full proof of excellence and India’s different realities!
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 31, 2011, Saturday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com
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Jobs,was up to the mark?

2011-12-30T04:35:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Biography/Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, Hachette India/2011, 630 pp; Rs799 (Hardback)
The biography by Walter Isaacson on Steve Jobs is indeed a work of details. Departure of Steve was painful, including for those who never ever used any of APPLE products but have bearing with the innovation of control and perfect design for that Steve was popular and hyped. Steve spent fifty-five years on earth, of which fourty-two years of working life across the ladders and boards. Walter Isaacson’s biography carries almost all the mentionable things related to his personal life and unprecedented success in the world of technological innovation. For passive reading, this biography stands fine and fulfills the basic curiosity of readers who want to know the story of a successful man, who was once deserted by his own parents, brought up by foster parents but more caring than real one, a drop out, a humble starter from garage but rose to rank where sometime his company’s fortune in the American banks was ahead of U.S government!

It’s also true that a biography can’t be totally free from good or bad preoccupations. That intrinsic weakness also very much inflicts this book and Walter Isaacson, seems alienated from his author’s profile for persuading readers to acknowledge every functional characteristics of Steve’ as acts of virtue. That leaves extraneous and flawed impression, is probably not very distinct from the friendly American media which always projected Steve as evangelist and his products as symbol of successful life. Those all claims if accumulated and judged, would be come up as classis bunch of exaggeration, with little or no merits. In proper assessment, Steve could be recalled as an extraordinary technical mind with amazing quality of learning, copying and then its untemprable execution barring exception.

He learned lot about the electronic circuits from his father and later during internship in Hewitt-Packard at the age of thirteen which ahead proved fateful. The best thing was with him, he could catch workable ideas even from the trash. Instead spending time on listening stodgy lectures at university, he opted to search precious books and electronic equipments from second hand and grey markets, all those bonhomie played formidable role in his shaping which were humane and fallible, against the popular myths about him. Search for commandable ideas had remained his keen pastime, and his visit to India as teenager was one among the early assertions of those incessant quest. Much before he felt the influence of Gandhi on his leaning for peace and simplicity, he spent few months in Haridwar and other calm Himalayan townships for knowing the essence of frugality and ofcourse his efforts were not for knowing the core of Indian spiritualism. In this book, Walter Isaacson should have recalled Haridwar as north Indian town instead what written on the pages as “west India town”, besides he could stop hyperbole views regarding Steve’s over attachment to an unknown Yogi, about him there is even feeble trace among Indians!

In late 1970’s, an ordinary garage of his father was chosen by Steve and cofounder Wozoniak as the birthplace of APPLE. Idea of name was not generated from the namesake fruit, with Steve remained faithful throughout life but from APPLE Corp, for which, he had to fight a long battle which he succeeded to command at last. The major breakthrough came with APPLE, once it awarded collaboration with XEROX, and then this company was getting closer to produce world’s first personal computer without the hassled essentiality of complex operating system. The bright brains of APPLE stolen those noble concept and also the competent engineers from XEROX and further left the company off from computer manufacturing. Today, we all know XEROX as manufacturer of photocopy machine, hadn’t Steve dealt with them, today the technical scene would have much nobler and decent for XEROX and mass consumers. APPLE used those expertises for making its first computer, LISA; which was named after Steve’s daughter from his girl friend, whom he never treated properly except in the evening of life. APPLE’s next product, Macintosh in 1984 generated huge attention worldwide, but this time stolen expertise of Steve was unethically drained by Microsoft and since then, Operating System became synonymous with Windows and hostility in business between APPLE-Microsoft. Book gives subtler explanation of these events and how the Steve’s downfall started tinkling around 1986.

He had to leave apple this year, after falling in row with his once confident turned super rival, John Sculley. That was wrong happened with the founder of APPLE, but similar happened with his core team members as well by his decisions in past, so it’s better if his forced ousting understood as manifestation of existing subhuman work culture in APPLE and other corporate. He left the company after retaining only one share to attend the shareholders meeting. Henceforth, he relied on Nietzsche’s quotation “The spirit now wills his own will, and he who had been lost to the world now conquers the world” and these lines were completely justified when Steve was back at APPLE in 1997 to revive its fortune. In the meantime, his original entrepreneurship grew up with his ventures, NeXT and Pixer; these ten years should be considered as peak of Steve’s genuine instinctive merit.

Once back at APPLE, he not only regained his lost position but he overachieved the command in second stint. In product innovation too, the last fifteen years were satisfactory for him; he came out with Ipod, Ibook, Iphone etc, which are one among the best gadgets if not the best itself. Steve was essentially a man for class, his product reveals it; he always disliked journeys through commercial flights though it’s also true he was a perfectionist who didn’t have any furniture in his room, because he couldn’t found a proper match. The good thing with him, he stood with high quality products, bad side remained his aversion to make APPLE products peoples friendly. This biography could be essential read for tech enthusiasts and also for those stands with business as creative profession. Steve’s consciousness was never determined through his material beingness, same he thought for his targeted consumers…he was up to the mark or not, rests on us to decide!
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 30, 2011, Friday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

MSMEs financing bottlenecks!

2011-12-30T04:22:00.001-08:00

The markets are in jittery, and for valid reasons. The rupee has hit an all-time low of 53 and macroeconomic indicators of the economy are sagging. Industrial production is on a downward spiral. Policymaking is ground to an apparent halt, and the rollback of the decision to open up multi-brand retail has sapped investor confidence. The negative growth registered in industrial production in October, a sharp 5.1% decline, and shows that industrial productivity is slowing far more rapidly than expected.

All these pose greater risks for overall economic growth in 2011-12, already watered down to 7.6%, with further downward revision on the cards. For now, slowdown worries take their toll on capital goods and companies stocks. Its impact is going to be more severe on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which have been already running through bad time a rough patch, affected with huge financing gap and consistent decline in global demand for their products.

Despite being hamstrung by these, MSMEs rely on open market for their business finance, as internal mobilisation through informal sources makes the business more vulnerable. Though the socioeconomic importance of MSMEs is well recognised in academic and policy circles, they are starved of funds, with little interest shown by institutional investors. The priority sector lending policy outlines that 40%of net bank credit of public and private sector banks must be earmarked for those sectors, which include MSMEs. The policy stipulates 32%of net bank credit of foreign banks for the priority sectors, of which 10%is allocated to MSMEs. But barring regional rural banks, how many banks comply with this criterion? In the absence of proper channelisation, the mandated allocation hardly makes a difference to the business of the firms get financed by them.

Here, it’s imperative to keep in mind that the MSME sector is not homogenous, but is constituted by three different sub-sectors. These sub-sectors need to be serviced separately. For micro enterprises, access to credit is priority. For small enterprises, access to credit is relatively easy, though limited, and therefore remains important along with cost. For medium enterprises, access to institutional finance is easy though the cost incurred on credit is quite high. Collateral based lending offered by banks and financing companies is normally made up of a combination of asset-based finance, contribution-based finance and factoring-based finance using reliable debtors and guarantors. Substantial numbers of MSMEs are falling short on collateralised security needed for bank loans, and lack the prospect of high returns to attract formal venture capitalists and other risk investors like private equity funds. Moreover, market is also suffering from deficient information, diluting the effectiveness of financial statement based lending and credit scoring.

The sector expects that the government will take the decision to earmark 20%share in public procurement (wherein it will procure 25-30%of its needs from MSMEs), a proposal which is hanging fire for quite some time. Anil Bhardwaj, secretary-general of Federation on Indian Small and Medium Enterprises (FISME), observes that “this will work as lifeline in ongoing slowdown. To ramp exports, FISME has suggested the need to take up export promotion in urgency to enhance MSME participation in export from 0.5% to 5% in next 10 years”. For this to happen, the prevailing support mechanism, which heavily rely on Export Promotion Council for exposing MSME s to export market, has to be discarded. FISME also has valid reasons to criticise the RBI’s indifferent approach on MSME finance, but their demand for separate financial regulator for MSME seems not practical. Because, it alone wouldn’t ensure the micro centric approaches of new regulator on these small businesses, also after a certain point, policy must be shaped with optmising the interests of industries involved and its end consumers. So, basic idea should be at the ground to address the odds, which restraining the finances of this segment of industries.

James Carville, who advised US President Bill Clinton, once remarked that for being ecstatic on bond markets, “I used to think that if there was reincarnation, I wanted to comeback as President or the Pope or as a 400 baseball hitter. But now I would like to come as bond market, you can intimidate anybody.” Such is the negativism about the bond market even in western economies, but surprisingly that hardly directs the saving towards financing MSMEs worldwide.

Venture capital, as financial intermediary, also not providing viability to MSMEs for better engagement; the basic proposition could be found through their working model, that being able to secure finance is critical and most difficult for any business. It’s applicable to startups seeking venture fund or mid-size companies that need cash to grow up. So venture capital is most suitable for business with large up-front capital requirements which can’t be financed by cheaper alternative such as debt. Another financing option, private equity shows explicit interest s in typical leveraged transaction, where it buys majority control of a growing or mature firm. This works different from a venture capital or growth capital investment fund in which the investors invest in young business and rarely bids for decisive control. Beyond these lesser suitable options, bank remains the most appropriate route for bridging the gap of financing for MSMEs. So, it’s essential, bank come forward for effective partnership with MSMEs which is the engine of growth.
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 15, 2011, Wednesday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

A Route Less Travelled

2011-12-30T02:53:00.001-08:00

Book Review: Creating Risk Capital by Ian Whalley,Vision Books/Business , 222 pp; Rs495 (Paperback)

Peter Drucker said "Because of its purpose is to create a customer, the business has two and only two functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation produce results. All the rest are costs". The idea holds true, once we think on the potential risk capital; investment funds allocated to startup firms with potential is primarily procured through the combined strategies of marketing and innovation.

In Creating Risk Capital, Ian Whalley strengthens the case for royalty funding as a financial solution for the ownership of an enterprise. The idea of the royalty fund however remains an elusive even after one has read the book. To postulate an explanation, the royalty fund exists as an alternative to traditional systems of borrowing — bank loans, venture capital, private equity — that allows risk finance to be raised without compromising on ownership or control of the firm/startup. This method of funding is grounded in licensing wherein enterprises pay for the invested risk capital by means of royalties on the sales revenues they achieve, instead of becoming debtors or partners to those who provide funds. The author's arguments offer an unclear explanation on the functioning and benefits of this innovative model of risk capital formation. Whalley declares that, "Licensing will be the cornerstone of the royalty funding system...It involves the granting of permission by the owner of a property to another party, allowing the later to make use it "again appears too much formal and further this quote "royalty funding is a form of risk capital, but it is not the equity or owner ship capital which is risk capital in its classic form," which only adds to the ambiguity.

The next complication arises from the fund's narrow focus on areas of business; the royalty fund essentially targets specialised businesses and also follows a very technical line of project hunt. Hence, its suitability for small and medium business as an option for risk capital option dwindles. Moreover, big businesses hardly need the royalty fund, so is the case with mid size ventures that have easy access to reasonable debt or the option of going for public listing. It is important to realise that unlike the saturated markets of Europe, businesses in emerging markets will certainly opt for other routes of financing risk capital rather than falling into the vicious trap of permanent sharing their earning owing to royalty funds. Royalty funds function with the motive of acquiring maximum, stable earnings throughout the span of any business. Where the market is dynamic, there would be feeble chances of this untested innovative model to succeed. In this context, the book fails to explain the diversities of business and the specificities of various markets accordingly.

There have been very few books that address the issue of risk capital, thus the basic contention of the book is important. The first two parts of the book, however, reproduce textual basics of financial management, which can generally expected of management students to who are necessarily acquainted with the world of finance. Even for the general enthusiast, this book creates little value with its excessive emphasis on conceptual details as opposed to context specific examples which would have proven to be more useful. The other big impediment lies in the author's point of view where he (somewhat erroneously) uses the UK business model as a universal system of business planning and ownership. It is only in the third and final section of the book that Whalley provides some workable insights on the subject of royalty capital much to the reader's solace.

With regard to the Indian economy, it is imperative to keep in mind that the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector not homogenous, but comprises three different sub-sectors. These sub-sectors need to be serviced separately. For micro enterprises, access to credit is priority. For small enterprises, access to credit is relatively easy, though limited, and therefore remains important along with cost. For medium enterprises, access to institutional finance is easy though the cost incurred on credit is quite high. In the present scenario, collateral based lending offered by banks and financing companies is normally made up of a combination of asset-based finance, contribution-based finance and factoring-based finance using reliable debtors and guarantors. Substantial numbers of MSMEs are falling short on collateralised security needed for bank loans, and lack the prospect of high returns to attract formal venture capitalists and other risk investors like private equity funds. So, there is potential for experimentation from banks in order to find a niche as the source of risk capital.

Beyond banking sources, there are only a few options left for funding small and medium businesses. Venture capital, as financial intermediary, does not providing viability to SMEs. The process of securing finance is critical and most difficult for any business. It’s applicable to startups seeking VC funds or mid-size companies that need cash to grow. So venture capital is most suitable for business with large up-front capital requirements which can’t be financed by cheaper alternative such as debt. Another financing option, private equity shows explicit interest s in typical leveraged transaction, where it buys majority control of a growing or mature firm. This works differently from a venture capital or growth capital investment fund where investors invest in young business and rarely bid for decisive control. Therefore, this is equally afflicted by the syndrome of permanent sharing of profits like royalty fund, and hence stood little chances for sustainable business, if taking things straight. Beyond these lesser suitable options, banks remain the most viable option but though a lot of change is required in their procedures and composition of providing futuristic risk capital products. While the right kind of financial innovation is needed, following the route of the royalty fund, a somewhat exotic source of risk capital seems like chasing a will-of-the-wisp and that ends up nowhere.
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 29, 2011, Thursday
Email: summertickets@gmail.com
(Published in Business World,January 31, 2012/ http://www.businessworld.in/businessworld/businessworld/content/Route-Less-Travelled.html )

Editor's First Draft!

2011-12-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Non-fiction/Memoir, Lucknow Boy by Vinod Mehta, Penguin/2011, 325 pp; Rs499 (Hardback)
The first generic view comes with reading Lucknow Boys is like passing through an unedited first draft. But the moment we realised, it’s written by India’s most charismatic editor, Vinod Mehta who always ran against the stream and set his own benchmark in journalism, the respect for author’s candidness grows manifold. A child born in the fateful decades of 1940’s, graduated from Lucknow University in third class and touched the land of UK, not for being the part of elitist Ox-Bridge but to sustain on menial industrial occupation. When the world was troubled in 1960’s, young Mehta was solemnly adjoining with cosmopolitanism…after difficult eight years in London (including break up with Swiss girlfriend), he came to India with added personal qualities but notwithstanding any big accomplishments.

After spending time with making Rogan josh at home and roving with dear friends, which were retrieval exercises of old routine, he moved to Bombay for editing a skin or nefarious magazine at that time, Debonair. In the dry and unhappening world of journalism, even this chance was a serious offer…here the life of an editor begun and rest we know today, how this man shaped the publications like Sunday Observer, The Indian Post, Independent, The Pioneer and lastly Outlook-all standard journalism. In the initial days, he filled the pages of Debonair with all sincerity before engaging the doyens in pseudo appearance as contributor. Today, it will shock many to know Kuldip Nayyar writing north Indian reports incognito in Debonair or Saeed Mirza’s intellectual tussle with the India’s all time best cinema director, Satyajit Ray. In the later days, his pastime for hosting rigorous intellectual confrontation remained hallmark…in Outlook; readers can easily recall the few among many rows, like between Ramchandra Guha-William Dalrymple, Pankaj Mishra-Premshankar Jha, Ramchandra Guha-Arundhati Roy. V.S.Naipual and Salman Rushdie too had mix time in Outlook despite their proximity with editor, he always let maximum chances of open debate instead of synchronizing it with narrow technicalities…and that’s the best quality with Mr.Mehta as an editor.

The early part of book opens Vinod Mehta’s fond memories of Lucknow as a child and teenager, which are lucid and frank. Portrayal of his family is equally honest and shows his own leaning for a good family life. But the characteristic sketches of his uncle-in-law Mohit Sen, his grandfather, renowned poet Raghubir Sahay “Firaq” and versatile actor Sanjeev Kumar are better if seen as an individual observation of author. He also presented the controversial stances as personal observation on Firaq and Sanjeev Kumar…so, here closes a quintessential drive of moralistic inquisition. Iconic journalist, Nikhil Chakravorty, about whom the author has high regards, has appeared in serendipity. That’s associated with the row over publication of excerpts of P.V.Narsimha Rao’s unpublished novel in Outlook…that created huge unease and surprisingly he sourced it through Nikhil Da over a lunch in Delhi’s Taj Man Singh hotel.

There are also many instances where the author has maintained love and hate relationship with the same person but mostly those ties were for journalistic compulsions rather for seeking any personal favour. Duality of his relations with NDA government and Atal Bihari Vajpayee rose to the level of income tax raid on Outlook office in Mumbai…but it took place only after the series of sting on the ministers which left maligning affects on Vajpayee government and lately pioneered the investigative journalism in India. In his career, he shattered many age old impressions about the people holding high offices and also inside the journalism; he stood high with spontaneous impulses. He made many journalists, founded and developed many institutions of repute and today naturally qualifies to stand as living legend in the Indian journalism. But all this came not without the rough patches in his career; it was not without reasons, why he still possesses the record of India’s most sacked editor of all time?

He is among those rare editors, who stood with principles while negotiating the shrewd terms-conditions of management. He left The Indian Post, Sunday Observer, Independent and lastly Pioneer for defending his rights as an editor. Those know his works are well acquainted with his zeal to produce unaltered story on any issue…he never let down himself before any political or management pressures. Ofcourse, he paid the price for it but at the evening of his career, today he has little to remorse about past. Sharad Pawar and Lalit Mohan Thapar’s combo could not lessen his flame for the right kind of journalism…still he is carrying daring stories in Outlook and his own impressions are far from being shifted as people’s editor. His autobiography is as much memorable as his time in journalism. Lucknow Boy will inspire aspiring journalists living in the nook and crannies of country, who really want to be change agents but will lend little hope for those tempting for a managerial kind of journalism. Personally, I strongly recommend this work and would count it among my best read in 2011.
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 28, 2011, Wednesday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Nepal's Dooming Transition!

2011-12-28T03:23:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Non-fiction/The Lives we have Lost by Manjushree Thapa, Penguin/2011, 266 pp; Rs350 (Paperback)
It’s completely puzzling to observe Nepal, till few years back, the only Hindu kingdom in the world still carrying the tracts of mysticism and secretive overplay within its public space. Since the wind of change directed for democracy in 1990, public information means got the much needed professionalisation but alas those were proved inadequate as the large chunk of population kept relying on the feudalistic attributes like “rumour”. But what the protests of 1990 importantly strengthened, the complete disillusion of masses from the continuing Panchayati system, a pseudo model of democracy. Then the monarch, King Birendra sensed the rising aspiration and affluence of the new educated intelligentsias and wisely absorbed the contemporary political demands in the mainframe of statecraft. This was indeed a commendable survival strategy for both the Monarchy and democratic movement.

Manjushree Thapa, writer and journalist of substance and international reach, represents that informed class with series of remarkable works on Nepal’s painful democratic transition and beyond. The author of very much unforgettable, Forget Kathmandu: An Elegy of Democracy, The Country is Yours, A Boy from Siklis: The life and Times of Chandra Gurung, Mushatang Bhot,The Tutor of History, Seasons of Flight, Tilled Earth and now with an anthology of her essays, “The lives we have lost” exudes the concern she possessed for her native Himalayan state. Most of the twenty-nine essays in this collection were already appeared in the different newspapers/magazines across the world but its compilation allows now a greater sense to read all them in sequence. Its naturally appears enabling in confronting and understanding the complex political dynamicism inside the Nepal, until the end of monarchy in 2008.

Manjushree deserves all admiration for maintaining a principled stand against the institution of monarchy, which until the royal massacre in April 2001, used to be seen as the permanent holy manifestation. Manjushree hails from a top military family and her father was a serving minister and close rank to the King Gyanendra, but she stood with the time that was leading a different fateful course. In such circumstances, her resistance to the unnatural royal successor, following the mysterious royal massacre is the solid proof of Nepal’s growing impulses for democracy. Indeed that’s a positive sign amidst the ongoing flux in political circle. She has beautifully presented the parallel developments in democratic movement since 1990 along with inconsistent responses from monarchy over the changing times. Her focus on insincerity of Gyanendra in controlling the situation post 2001 reveals the self destroying elements within monarchy, which certainly grew only after the takeover of throne by the most notorious and unworthy successor of Shah Dynasty!

Throughout the rich histories of South Asia, Nepal remained cornered except actively reciprocating in the two base areas-religion and ideologies. Rest, its diverse ethnic and caste communities are still unexplored and normally throw bewilderment for an enthusiast while being in search of perfect knowledge about the antiquities of these communities. This is partly because of non-interference from Western imperialists in the 19th and 20th centuries. By its effect, while the new genre of English educated middle class emerged in India and stepped ahead for self rule, Nepal remained a feudal country under the canopy of superficially commanded “quintessential monarchy”. Anyhow, Nepal did catch the modernisation in 1950’s through the effects of new educated class who were in close touch with the changes inside India and even participated in the India’s struggle for independence against the tyrannical British rule. Ofcourse Koirala’s were the prime mover of those new trends but millions others too joined the league soon, which paved the way for essential radicalization that finally lead to the limited democracy in terms of Panchayati system executed by the King Mahendra.

Subsequently, in the 1990’s, India ushered towards the liberalisation regime but not without the acute antagonism from the substantial ultra left forces. Infact, those were the gulfs of chronic socio-economic disparities, failed to found the new way around in democracy. Although on Indian scale, Nepal couldn’t integrate itself with the global economy but its middle class started to be denounced by the Maoists as “comprador capitalists” after the phenomenon rise of Maoists in mid 1990’s as ultra and later as democratic force in Nepal’s politics. That added a new twist in the hitherto bipolar power division in the nation...barring Maoists, there were feeble ideological contradictions among the major Nepali political parties. The top leadership of these parties was mostly constituted through the upper castes but the sudden claim of Maoists in the power circle, originated a different discourse for democracy that was stricter and poised to dethrone the most explicit class enemy-“the institution of Monarchy”. The sudden shift in national politics tolled high on the lives of ordinary citizens, most of them were died cold blooded and without being the part of activism.

The initial years of Maoists were full with the outrageous crimes. The rule of Gyanendra further supplemented the violence, and rest political parties spoiled their time in mutely staring the open failure of civic life for a decade. The twists and turns also compelled India to follow a much nuanced approach in Nepal’s internal matters…at the time of transition; a constructive and non-interfering role from India should be seen in proper light and without getting it stretched in awkward zone. By locating herself in centre, Manjushree provides the candid picture of those uncertain times where to form a stable stand against the Monarchy was not without inviting grave risks. But among those who succeeded in this way, author was one among them. Her consistent anti-Monarchy stand remained continue from both the Kathmandu and Delhi…as always, Delhi given the ample space of expression for the restoration of peace and normalcy in Nepal. Manjushree’s nostalgic recalling of her Delhi’s days and the supports she got from her journalists friends simply reminds the unaltered concern of Indian’s for their most confidant neighbour.

The last essay of book “In our House “, is written with great sense of attachment for legacies left by the Monarchy. Few pages found caliber in meticulously recalling the Nepal’s Monarchy in flashback. There is also sign of certain losses felt by a big population of Nepal and the question simply can’t be ruled out, whether King Birendra could met with the similar fate like of undeserving Gyanendra? Ofcourse situation would have different today, even the most overt critic of Monarchy, realizing now the merits of King Birendra. It’s essential however to not confuse his popularity with any other man of royal family. After a long row of power tussle, none the other than Maoist chief Pushpa Kumar Dahal “Prachanda” admitted the scope of symbolic Monarchy but the time is passed now as the real Monarchy ended with the massacre of 2001 and King Birendra. This book would be worthwhile for every enthusiast on Nepal and like before, they may find the well intentioned writings of Manjushree streamlining the memories and emotions to a right end. As Nepal is now on a steady but stable path of complete multi-party democracy, so looking back towards history will be vital…”The Lives we have Lost” is a step forward in this way…!
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 27, 2011, Tuesday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com
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Junkable Jihads!

2011-12-26T13:33:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Non-fiction/Jihad on two fronts by Dilip Hiro, Harper Collins/2011, 443 pp; Rs699 (Hardback)
The Cambridge economist Joan Robinson’s remarkable quote on India “whatever you can rightly say about India, the opposite is also true” is worth of amplification in the context of south Asia as well which exudes the wider political/historical shadow of India’s influence in the past and substantially of present. This book closely justifies this timeless observation, equally after putting it into strategic domain. Like many recent accounts of the south Asia’s strategic scenario, Dilip Hiro’s book is overwhelmed with the mythical faith over the much chronicled details of twin disturbing fronts, Pakistan and Afghanistan and their umpteenth adverse marks on India. Thus, extraneous primary details leave here the reasons of bliss for occasional enthusiast on India’s strategic standing in the neighbourhood, but mostly deject the readers with eagle eyes on strategic dynamics.

There is something very retro and repetitive about his over emphasised themes that over the years have shattered the chances of peace in India. Certainly he didn’t need a different angle for reaching to the derivation, blossoming and crest status of Jihad, but in narration, he must have tried to differ from the newspapers honchos who are on daily basis feeding not only the instant curiosity but also the sound inquisitors. Incessant meticulous research of Praveen Swami, C.Rajamohan and few others gives easy access to firsthand expert observation on the entire construct, function and proliferation of Jihad powerhouses in India’s historically maligned North West frontiers and in its greater spread. So, the stories of General Zia, India-Israel relations, Cold war nostalgia or dangerously rising wave of fundamentalism inside India’s territory not simply could be the proud possession for concerned readers without adding something noticeable or subtracting even the tints of irrationalities and misconceived observations!

In plain terms, it’s essential for every south Asia expert to realise the absence of steady pleasures and narrowness of crystalline vision while getting fixed with the crucial issues of this region. Expressions are better if they are weak in pedagogy and attached with the subjects, which indeed assist author to concentrate on geopolitical sagas rather keep falling in the waves of unrealistic reprisals. Exposure to raw actuality rather the paper bounded wisdom gives better leeway to align with an absorbing and purposeful work. Here, this gain is nowhere in the sight, that would make many remorseful after spending hours reading hundreds of pages. Fresh way of looking at people, landscape and architecture of terror are more vital today than a conceited effort based only on surpassable details and its over stretching to the level of desperation. A plank to confide on interlude for regenerating appropriate intellectual impulses is very much desirable at this time, when strategic policy debates are increasingly being threatened with the saturation from “awkward running commentary “where no end appears visible in parallel sight.

Not estrangement or preoccupied perspective could be the driving force in reckoning the existing happenings that severely affecting India’s strategic normalcy…an engaging, if not an insider’s frame of mind is an unspecified prerequisite in this regard. An engaging visit to troubled regions like, Kashmir bring face-to-face with the brutality of Jihad and reach of dangerous nasty plots. Equally, it enables in knowing India’s response against the Pakistan sponsored terror network in its territory. The basic point arises here, whether India should continue the traumatic status quo in Kashmir or come with the conclusive steps without acknowledging the roles of wicked third party/Pakistan? Dilip Hiro falls short in taking into account, the basic bone of contentions. With his long journalistic experiences, he would have appealing, had he could elaborate India’s rising position in the world, which is simply unmatchable with its counterpart, Pakistan or the forces engaged in proxy and direct war-game of Jihad.

The wider look allows sorting out few misgivings regarding the view that “Jihad is politically motivated fundamentalism rather merely a fundamentalist assertion”. The political aim of fundamentalism could be understood with its potential tantamount on the normal humanity, where history resides in the minds for few strict purposes and ofcourse not for inserting any unrealistic antagonism among the living communities. There is dearth of constructive works on this particular malady, above journalistic production that could streamline the missing links. This book too appears on backfoot in this regard but still could enlighten many who are perceptively short with the historical background of violence in Indian sub-continent and its perpetual growth over the decades. Experts will miss their chronic searches of any constructive model of solution within the book, though elementary readers would be benefitted by Dilip Hiro’s labour of love for details. Moreover, Junkable Jihads have short lives and few takers beyond the rogue state’s compulsions and bewildering bookaohlic debates, which are lucid from the recent developments and this scenario, would be strengthened more in the days to come!

Atul Kumar Thakur
December 26, 2011, Monday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

The war of water!

2011-12-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Diplomacy/Water: Asia’s new battleground by Brahma Chellaney, Harper Collins/2011, 386 pp; Rs699 (Hardback)
Water in ambit of serious diplomacy is a new arrival. As part of many international disputes, including of west Asia, water holds an inescapable centrality. Though in proper intellectual debates, mostly the concerned issues have been harshly marginalized. Brahma Chellaney, an strategist of repute with deep concern for flawed water management has come out with a very sensible work. He has succeed well to present the center as China and periphery as south Asian nations while leading the debate on water issues that largely shapes the international relations of these participants.

The deep search on the historical transformation of China from a shy water conserver to an overgrown infrastructure builder on water management leads the debate to a broader scale. At the beginning of Mao’s rule, China had only twenty five dams which grew one thousand times in last six decades. Its political/economic gain in Tibetan region keeping China more proactive, even the persisting discomfiture from India seems hardly making any impact on China. That is indeed a blunt assertion of denying any meaningful bilateral or regional co-operation and pursuing opportunist planks which are leaving extraneous negative effects on key environmental issues including water.

The title of book exactly justifies the apprehensions that have directed after reckoning the odds lying in future. Further, the sharp edge of analysis gives reader of this book a clear understanding, how artificially India and Pakistan are maintaining the deficiency of water consumption. Case was entirely different before the surge of heavy industrialization in mid twentieth century which altered the contemporary scene and replaces further it with a wayward dynamicism. India, along with Nepal and Pakistan have been forced for victimization by the obstinate stand of China and chances are still feeble that China would ever stop its claim for extra water sharing from the rivers originates in its command areas and flows in the south Asian nations.

Water is one among crucial factors that could have been the basis of unflinching support among the Asian countries but alas, the continuances of irrational choices are blurring the possibility of well woven and durable Asian fraternity. Central and south Asia are grappling with their own technical complexities and keeping aside any streamlining procedures in neighborhood. Same blockades are going on here; Mr. Chellaney has tried skillfully here to decipher some of the main constituents of disputes.

Book also covers the India’s bilateral position in water sharing with Pakistan and Bangladesh quite meticulously though on Nepal, more concentration would have a perfect boon. The perennial destruction through floods that India has been sharing for long with Nepal has lot to do with the denial of reformed water sharing between two nations in diplomatic relations. Here, the need is for closer examination, why India-Nepal is lacking co-operation on a pragmatic water sharing model which could assist millions of lives in north Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and in Terain region of Nepal out of slapped misery. Overall, this book is an essential read for serious readers with expanded interests of environmental diplomacy.
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 11, 2011, Sunday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Lost American dreams!

2011-12-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Current affairs/That used to be US by Thomas.L.Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum, Hachette India/2011, 380 pp; Rs599 (Hardback)
World is still not noticing the fading shine of U.S, this is being realised and expressed only through the growing anxiety of insecure future among the mass people and policy makers of U.S. In its idea and shape, this book seems a prolonging exercise of similar mental state, in which Barack Obama saw Bangalore as “buffalo” and Indian youth amazingly competitive over the lazy generation of his own country. He feared, new generation lacks the very strong “U.S exceptionalism” that once made this nation a dreaming land full with unprecedented potential.

In the last six years, since Thomas Friedman had written the bestselling book “The world is flat”, one and half recession (one complete, other is in progress…) and two ultra damaging wars has badly trembled the strong core of nation-materialism. If co-author, Michael Mandelbaum is a man with academic temperament, Friedman stands opposite with his natural flamboyance that has been shaping over the years his hyperbole views in New York Times columns. Though, as a sensitive man, he could sense the shrinking confidence of mass countryman for plethora of innovation which is good for nothing and is in process to endanger the leadership edge of U.S at major global platform. So, book look over the issues of concern without falling in the trap of popular sensationalism which earlier was the case with Friedman. Honest revelations of ground realities are the basic things that readers would enjoy reading throughout the book but only with patient mind and their own labour in decoding casual intents of the authors!

Within the civilised state, U.S has a very short history that can leave the themes for constructive discourses…until few years back, it was not a matter of concern but the same is not true now. The last lines of this book crave for history where the thinking mind of U.S could trace the lost dreams and an unwounded America. The subtle details of the book suggest that the way U.S is moving will be unsustainable in the medium or long term. Hence, both the leadership and its followers must have to be ready for action with well thought models instead luring by structured solutions bound to be doomed.

For the sake of U.S, it’s good if the world is still unaware of the crude facts, how much its artificial supremacy is under the strain and its hard struggle for retrieving its old edge on policy matters. Modesty of observation from outside remains something which U.S has been thoroughly enjoying and still appears its withering away a distant reality. With erotic opulence, it may be likely that U.S would continue its unjustified lead at the decisive global platform for some more years. Another positive factor for U.S is the failure of political of political polarization from the emerging economies and old power blocks including Russia. So, even in deep troubled water, U.S can sail its boat with shrewd skills its conscious applications.

Hope simply can’t be forced to out from normal affairs through reasons are ample to believe that unflat world is still intact and full with the frills. Time has indeed moved up and so are the discourses. Nice to see, with this book a new humble Friedman which he was certainly not during the high time when his world was irrationally flat and friendly!
Atul Kumar Thakur
December10,2011,Saturday,New Delhi
Email:summertickets@gmail.com

A diary details

2011-12-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Non-fiction/PORIBORTON by Ruchir Joshi, Harper Collins/2011, 162 pp; Rs199 (Paperback)
Those who read Telegraph know Ruchir as a column writer. But for others, his election diary/ PORIBORTON let a chance to read his casually written details of recently held Bengal assemble election.Ironically, this book captures more the subtle aspects of election days, rather producing anything practical about the political change recently happened in West Bengal that ended the historic dominance of the left front government from the state. Substantial chunk of the book has spent on notifying its readers how the permanent faces of TV talk show displayed their elitist background and illusionary command over Queen’s language. Why the empirical studies were not considered as base of this book is surprising…even in field trip, non-issues have prioritized over the vital public opinion. At first instance, this is disappointing and seems like a chance lost of reading something remarkable on West Bengal politics.

North Bengal is full with scenic beauties though also hold toughness inside it when it comes to politics. The winds blow there with unsatisfied gesture towards the politics from Calcutta where many chronic demands have piled up over the years. Among the many blunders, left front government did, was its inaction over the north Bengal proved fateful in its gradual receding of supports from this region. Second half of the book is little bit interesting but hardly insightful. Normally, what we could expect from a travelogue should not necessarily be part of a political reporting like this. But here, again political issues are in backyard and description of British made bungalows and defunct local leadership found premier attention. A scribe too has right to be naturalist but when working on an assignment of political nature, it’s desirable to have better say on original subjects.

Election reporting is quite established in India but its formalisation is still in nascent phase. Effort of Harper Collins is commendable; also relevant was the occasion but lack of sound field studies and failure to eternalise the actual scenario proves a major bottleneck. Though this innovative initiative has promising future indeed…in the days ahead, expert pshephologist as well as the journalist too will be enthusiastic in carrying out and prolonging of their election experiences into physical shape of book. As the most successful democracy, Indians genuinely enjoys the exercises of politics and it’s always full with responses, especially when someone writes over the related stories in authentic capacity.

Diary writing used to be an act of historiography, case of Anne Frank on German holocaust, Franz Kafka’s literary/political doubts or Nehru’s elegant political narration are some of the most living examples. These all peoples were remarkable in their own way and their elucidation of universal events added the much needed insights for knowing the contemporary time. Compilations of diary details or jottings have enough potential and collaboration with electoral experiences may be helpful in shaping it as a new discipline of writing.

As new arrival on this fresh theme, PORIBORTON will sure generate good readership for it and will also usher a culture of publishing the political reporting more active. This lead must be come from a democracy like ours…reckoning political processes will be always a boon!
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 06, 2011, Tuesday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Unbankable realities!

2011-12-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Fiction/The Suicide Banker by Puneet Gupta, Rupa Publications/2011, 279 pp; Rs195 {Paperback}
The modern corporate runs with uncertainty and asymmetrical rewards. Here, mind is bound to be in fear and counted on top from the bottom-line positions. In such unnatural scenarios, Marx again appears as wisest man with his immortal quote, “Material position determines ones being and not vice-versa”… that he referred for the peak of capitalism, there he could figure out the self destructing elements within this very unfair system. No doubt, we are living in a high time of capitalist supremacy where moral justification of any act considered as awkward tuning of moralistic running commentary.

This book is written by a person, who as insider of top shot banking knows the maligning corporate culture from close angles. His writing is shaped through realistic understanding and a self imposed ethical that makes his fictional debut a complete success. The Suicide Banker is endowed with the quality of flowing narratives and without subscribing any extra-curricular hitches of lingual over display. As the book has more closer affiliation to the realities rather with the aesthetics of puritan literature, so it seems good that both targeted and general readers will read this book with high proportional delight.

Fortunately, Puneet never went to any of Ivy League institutions, not even to IIMs itself though he burnt his midnight oil for a mythical MBA at less hyped academic place like Jammu, which made him a tough man rather a virulently mechanized manager with all greed and no senses. To an extent, his protagonist, Sumit resembles him with modest beginning but remarkable achievements ahead despite remaining at odd with fraudulent mass culture in his organisation. Within organisational limits, he follows the much essential conservatism with maintaining a righteous virtue that gathers a plethora of impulses finally destined to expose the fraudulent practices of banking sector and counter action in terms of empty policy follow-up. The inside gamut of frugal innovation that promotes the half-measured “Microfinance& Agribusiness banking” among the reckless private sector banks leaves nothing but horrific end for genuine stakeholders. Moreover, a stint with multilateral organisations often considered perfect for leadership position, which is simply a dangerous and unsustainable trend. For the nonsense flashes of power point slides, ambiguous model of Muhammad Yunus may be an easy available choice but lastly results imperfect in a not so wretched economy like India. Except Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and few Co-operative/Public Sector banks, Indian banks have to still learn the basic rural banking and compliance of constitutionally mandated Priority Sector Lending as very humane welfare gesture.

This novel also unconsciously carries the sociological investigations on family which is passing under the consistent stress amidst very unhygienic imbalance of work and family life. A short interlude of distraction and its ramification over protagonist’s familiar life shows the sinful lure of extended professional engagements and here finally ousting toward normalcy juxtaposes the prevailing practices but not totally uncalled off.

Lot of inferences could be drawn from The Suicide Banker, which will be of immense help for the aspiring and established finance professionals to find proper ground beneath their feet. This will be best out of this book, if few baseless macro policies too will be corrected out of sentimental overtures, though it sounds not less than hyperbole as the shackles of misdeeds are globally integrated and induce its all participant for a homogenous puppet living, without even a tint of remorse for their ethical winding up. Spirits of reform must be channelizing an atmosphere of sustainable business; unfortunately regulations are not properly addressing the challenges which are indeed very compelling and needed cure. Until that will happen, bad guys with altered professional dreams will be continuing with wining, dining and marrying Mary’s…only for few, it will be unbankable proposition!
Atul Kumar Thakur
December 05, 2011, Monday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Fragility of Reluctant Reform

2011-11-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

Dichotomy of reform and progressivism represents the India’s policy maneuvering since 1991. Long way back, then Indian sensed a “déjà vu” to move for a “remodeled tryst with destiny” which was essentially bounded to delinking Nehruvian ties and ushering herself into a new world of unrestricted and aligned competency. Its first major impact on macro economy was felt in terms of multipolar evolution of economic interests…no longer, prioritization of national economy remained a trend. The inbound competency that came with the reluctant liberalisation programme didn’t create niche for the healthy operation of government, public and private sectors. Instead it given leeway for mushrooming of “clicks supremacy “and forced a “Democratic, Secular, Socialist” state as hub of crony capitalism. Underneath the swift processing of forward capitalist agenda, India produced the record numbers of billionaires {both in rupees and dollar terms} and worst positional status in Human Development Index {HDI}, which is ofcourse any longer averses a thinking mind to be in good humour!

The second big casualty after the misplaced wave of reform is the, state of reform? Until few years back, India’s regulatory institutions with their cautions approaches were doing great services by maintaining normalcy in business. Its effects led India to avoid the bubble burst like scenario during the peak of traumatic recession and when banks were falling on Wall Street, our Mint Street was still keeping jubilant mood. Alas, same friendly atmosphere is no longer persists now…RBI, which holds the pulses of Indian economy seemingly losing its earlier touch in market intervention and taking forward the growth of Indian financial sector.

In last few quarters, RBI has failed to control the spiraling inflation and its policy responses as interest hikes leaving extra adverseness on the anticipated growth agenda. Here, contradiction between market sentiment which is naturally consumerist now and policy stances are looming large and enforcing uncertainty. Sidelining the ideological convictions and routing through the same reform debates, it disappoints to note that the gulf between finance ministry and nation’s central bank was never so wide. In the last Union Budget, declaration was made by the finance minister for further opening of Indian banking that was a long due since 2003 but under the new unwarranted redtapism of RBI-licensing of few new banks are taking too long and perilously injuring the sentiments of near about stagnant financial market. Under the uniform set of regulations, RBI must shoe its trust to allow atleast six new banks to join the fray besides focusing more on compliance to the nuanced recommendations of Basel-III norms.

It appears a paradox that new Indian corporate private sector banks, Regional Rural Banks {RRBs} are in better shape with their standard quality of assets than the peers of leading Public Sector banks, turmoil Co-operative banks and narrowly motivated foreign banks. In such case, policy framing must enable these existing banks and prospective banks for pursuing the advanced banking in the days ahead. Withstanding the truth of global financial condition, RBI must lend unwavering support to the prospective banks and should keep the profile of global integration on equilibrium. Today, another haunting challenge is of financial inclusion, still majority of Indians are not banking…here, strict adherence to compliances shall be streamlined for making rural and untapped area as priority zone for every banks operating in India.

Capital markets in India often cited as dynamic and sound out of confused euphoria, which is completely false as Indian equity market is one of the most crisis ridden in the world. Insider trading is frequent here and still surprises to not get a Galleon type case like in U.S or finding few spoiled icons like Raj Rajaratnam or Raj Gupta. Years back, Harshad Mehta and Ketan Parikh rocked the party here and got bad tip from regulators but since then SEBI seized to be angry and moralistic institution. SEBI’s second hammering fallen on rapidly growing Indian mutual fund industry which through bad regulatory step {scrapping of entry load etc.}, left it in hibernated state and in comparison of the past, we find it only as shadow. The weak confidence among the top management of SEBI is another matter of grave concern…things have still little changed with its new chief, U.K.Sinha. Finance ministry and RBI must end their slumbering and India’s capital market is on the verge being a show piece.

It remains a silent convention to priorities Public Sector entities by the regulators but recent stances of IRDA is awkwardly mimicking on those soft forgone traditions. Atleast two Chairmen of Public Sector insurers have recently expressed their anguish over the partiality of IRDA-that’s shocking and henceforth unsustainable as well. Questions arises, in last twenty years what made regulation a stodgy business? And do the true spirits of reform could ever touch the Indian commerce and trade?

The only conclusion could be drawn from the last two decades that the shape of Indian economy has indeed grown up in mid years with making selective few obscene rich, few crores of population as empowered consuming/middle class and rest the paupers. And big dilemma is, we even today can’t figure out the exact numbers of poors in India, leave alone any over expectation of level playing approaches from authorities.

More or less, similar are the cases of regulatory mismanagement in every sector. The last and most vicious happened with the opening of single brand retail for hundred percent FDI and multi brand retail to 51%from existing 26% without making any strict clause which could assured the certain percentage of procurement from Indian domestic market. That could have helped better to farmers, SMEs by cutting their overhead cost and appropriate inventory management. Unfortunately in present frame, it’s unreliable to expect anything positive from this legislation and chances would be likely of Indian market as the junk box of cheap Chinese manufacturing. Opposition is doing series of ridiculous acts by logjamming Parliament instead channelizing proper debate to alter this horrific FDI arrival in retail. At this juncture, regulation is maintaining its fragility and people will be forced to lead a Walmartian life with deep holes and no money in their market..!
Atul Kumar Thakur
Wednesday, November 30, 2011, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Mumbai dreams!

2011-11-28T12:27:00.000-08:00

Mumbai dreams!
Book Review: Non-fiction/Mumbai Fables by Gyan Prakash , Harper Collins/2011, 396 pp; Rs425 {Paperback}
Name changing of cities, institutions or edifices can be hardly correlated with any sort of positive sense in Indian contexts. Transition of a dialectic city, called Bombay into Mumbai was less resilient and opposite of its long preserved character. We can accept or refute Mumbai as maxim city, the way Suketu Mehta has conceived but it will be seemingly tough writing an adverse note on Mumbai Fables of Gyan Prakash. This Princeton Guru of politics has lived up his limited time in this city with keeping his eyes open on the events that matters. If Salman Rushdie with his Midnight Childrens and Imaginary Homeland or Amit Chaudhuri through his memorable piece-From the Malabar Hills could established their personal belongingness to this city even with an outsider tag. Gyan Prakash too found the similar way with originally hailing from the distant Hazaribagh. This it marks, Bombay is still not a closed urban jargon.

Spread over the nice parts, Mumbai Fables recall and streamline the characteristics of the city with amazing vigour. The defining fundamentals, like-myths, colonial legacies and relative losses, scenic beauties, cosmopolitanism, iconic tales of Tabloid {Blitz}, political changes, urban planning, streets and most importantly the city’s dreams have presented in a order that gives the book a long-lasting impressive stature. The detailed portrayal of Nanavati case and the journalistic charisma of Mr.Karanzia as Editor, Blitz vividly reminding the Bombay of late fifties and sixties that was bustling with plethora of high profile activities.

Besides cinema and commerce, once this city was the centrepoint of progressive movement and then red flags of CPI and trade union movement was as much prevalent as today is the saffron flags with hate-mongering premium of million tridents. Mumbai Fables delves deep into search how Bombay lost its progressive space by maligning hate driven politics of narrow identities. The presence and affluence of crime was always consistent in this city but nevertheless the spoiled form of “Son of soil movement” led by fireband of Shivsena infused extra awkwardness in its social scène-that was ofcourse the one among of big causalities. In the course of time, incessant malfunctioning of governance has been giving substantial edge to the newly formed communal forces a safe passage to spread their virulent practices. Collective psyche was degenerated by its influence and city keep turning from cosmic to parochial. Now the badness of city was much worse from the immortals messages of cult cinema “Jaane bhi do Yaron”, where protagonists {Nasiruddin Shah and Ravi Baswani} atleast could heard their heartfelt “Hum honge kamyab ek din” even in the peak of distress.

Book have succeeded well to notice the changing class hierarchy of city…though the city always had elitecentric orientation but the new divide among classes are being strongly felt and that scale was hitherto unknown to the memory. Overgrown maturity of the city have eclipsed with the phases of unending uncertainty. Once the hub of entrepreneurial dreams, now Bombay witnesses the letting down of its position to an uncomfortable level.

Mumbai Fables also devote few pages for unleashing the distinctness of Bombay’s lifestyle which is still liberal and open but running under the huge distress by influence of bad nexus from politics, business and unrestricted ambitions of close clicks. To the core, this amazing city is in distress and that’s not hidden from anyone having vision to see that decline. Somehow, the dreams of Mumbai are still not distinct and separated from what Bombay once used to have. But in the meantime, this matured city is standing on the threshold of unique adverseness that is much acute and painful than even before. Timing and depth of this book is apt and that makes it as essential read on lost dreaming city, Bombay..!
Atul Kumar Thakur
Monday, November 28, 2011, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Coming of Age

2011-11-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Non-fiction/Of a Certain Age by Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Penguin/2011, 234 pp; Rs499 {Hardback}
Compilation of modern Indian social history had maintained for long a feeble pace until few years back, Ramchandra Guha’s India after Gandhi came into existence. The sidelined events of recent past suddenly started getting attention of both the writers and readers and this amalgamation quintessentially seems a quest to know modern India and who influenced it. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, a seasoned administrator, columnist and among the most remarkable “Gandhi “has come out with an anthology of his earlier published essays in Of a Certain Age. Last winter, Ramchandra Guha published his much awaited Makers of Modern India with aim to theorise some of the most original thinker/writer’s work that made overarching effects on India in making. On the contrary, Gopalkrishna Gandhi had chosen to write his essays, as life sketches and with liberal selection of twenty personalities-from Mahatma Gandhi to J.N.Dixit.

Between these two unmatchable figures, Acharya Kriplani, Hiralal Gandhi, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Salim Ali, Pyarelal, Jayaprakash Narayan, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Hiren Mukherjee, R.Venkatraman, M.Krishnen, Jyoti Basu, Pupul Jaykar, Srimavo Bhandarnaike, M.S.Subbulakshami, R.K.Narayan, Somnath Hore, S.Guhan and Dalai Lama have covered through the personal angle of author. Though the book has no fundamental choices of narration and looking after on the works of these formidable personalities but it has also never cease to be formal at any point and that makes overall delineation substantial enough.

What’s the strength of these essays is its different timeframe in which they have been written and their universal expression. Contemporariness in closed order often hampers the much essential interest and understanding in longer terms. This is particularly true with the journalistic writings. In academic writings, monotony through abrupt reprisal of wrong context and explanation have its own severe affects that without doubt kept historiography on low standard over the years besides making the slices of past terribly vulnerable through cynical interpretations. Of a Certain Age kind of book is a welcome continuance of new urge for constructive history writing and within the rational constructs.

Post-independence, India witnessed the consolidation of newly build institutions and spread of modernism as single most decisive virtue which in the course of time let assembling the intelligentsia to the forefront. Numbers of home grown intellectuals indeed played the pivotal roles in subsequent phases and India with afflictions to odds never distracted from the basic goals of its Constitution. That remains consistent even today; atleast in high legislative order but it’s also true that the flaws of policy executions are undermining those beauties of India as a well grown nation.

Shades of opinions are infact not bad if it comes with the purpose. Moreover, we need to know more about the work and worldviews of peoples from different domains whom we consider high on stature. This book has keen focus on twenty such remarkable lives without any preoccupations and gives readers a pleasant opportunity of experience sharing. Maturisation of this drive will realise more if history writing will come closer to the very recent past which simply stands on fringe in the lieu of ongoing contemporariness. Knowing history will be only possible through applying proper perspectives in research on history writing. Hope this work will make positive binding in this regard and help paving the way for a culture of knowledge driven discourse..!
Atul Kumar Thakur
November 27, 2011, Sunday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Unclinching dreams..!

2011-11-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Fiction/The Mysterious Dreams by Nandita Chakraborty Banerjji, Cedar books/2011, 263 pp; Rs175 {Paperback}
The free spirits pressed opposite the humdrum living. They choose their own basis of beingness, which often overpowers the prevailing social norms. In the twentieth century, hippies’ movement in west surpassed the overall foundation of modernism through a unique model that was unconventional and unacceptable to a great extant. The idea of modernism rests on the supremacy of state which bounds it with many cohesive structures that essentially restrict the spirits to get sat uncontrolled. Hippies were never out of grip from violence in action and their opposition towards the state led violence was a classical case of dichotomy.

The debutant author, Nandita has tried well to grasp the vast plots though couldn’t stop her writing from falling in the complex orgy. The first and foremost specialty of her novel is its protagonist Shibani, and second and last, her relying upon the Bangla culture and family in imagination and on little bit action. Careful reading of book enables reader to three subset within this book, first and last matches in order though the middle or backbone paralyses with the loaded analysis and umpteenth reprisal of unworthy emotions. It would have been much better, if the author could choose the Baul tradition in better length in place of reckless cult like, hippies. Chris, who is betrayer and absconder amidst the consistent romantic advances of Shibani reveals the pathos of choices which at any level can be easily cured instead getting down with its harmful discomfiture. Geographical spread between Bombay and Calcutta would have an ideal position for normally culture driven Shibani to think freely within a very special sphere of Baul tradition or on simply trusting herself more and surrounding.

Notwithstanding the technical lapses, author promises better in her next part of sequel. She gives easy readability through her writing with an incessant mark of serious literary narrative. Here, the categorization of her work deserves all serious consideration. In the drive of new less-serious writing where the tracing of literature are increasingly being tough, it’s solace here that The Mysterious Dreams optimizes the basic literary puts. Indeed, its serious concerns now, whether to fix such new writing, literary or not? On this account, this work finding a new feet, that’s somewhere between the popular literature and original work of high literary caliber.

Now the writing is not being done essentially by the class of writers rather it’s also coming through the new legion of professionals. Not denying the fact that social media has played tremendous role in shaping the creativity of a sizable young writers though the quality of contents remains a big loopholes. If the arrivals of writers are good, in the same way it’s expected from the readers to get maximized and more pro-active. Addressal on infusing the basic qualities of domain theme is the need of this hour…here; the tasks of partial purification have to be completed with the better assessment of works from reviewers, writers and most pertinently by the readers.

For now, readers are not finding themselves as scapegoat of over supplied writings. That still presents a benign scenario with overarching effects by which myth of” better time in Indian literature” can be processed for medium to long term. Further ahead, new shows will be in action..!
Atul Kumar Thakur
Saturday, November 19th 2011, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com
Special thanks to Castle of Books/
http://www.castleofbooks.in ,for consistently reminding me about this book review...

Revisiting women’s movement!

2011-11-05T21:09:00.001-07:00

Book Review: Non-fiction/The Indian women’s movement by Maitrayee Chaudhuri, Palm Leaf Publications/2011, 219 pp; Rs895 {Hardback}
With lucid narration and meticulous research, Maitrayee Chaudhuri has come out with a very purposeful book on women’s movement in India. Tapping of historicity under the context of her focussed theme endows this book with closeness to authenticity. With rational utilization of social history in colonial and post-colonial period, book underlines the major breakthroughs and adverse occurrences related to the women’s movement in past.

Beginning of the book with elucidating four major social reform movements in prominent provinces-Bengal, Bombay, Madras and Punjab makes beautiful sense as knowing women’s side during the nineteenth century Hindu middle class reform is very crucial before taking further compelling stride. Chapter-3/Reform, Revival and the Women’s Question at the turn of the Century, captures the resistance like Revivalism, Nationalism and Communalism against the repression of colonialism and existing hierarchy besides taking into account the women’s reform in Hinduism and Islam. Chapter-4 links to the institutionalization and growth of Indian women’s movement following the epochmaking First World War period. Side by side, peak of national movement and its influence over the women’s movement have highlighted very well in this book. Chapter-5 roves around the maturisation phase {1927-37} of women’s movement and its interwoven terms with anti-colonial movement. The last part of book/ Radical Blueprints and Communal Politics: The Women’s Question, 1937-47 highlights the complex phase of modern Indian history with astute vigourness. Throughout the book, Indian women’s movement is presented in alternative way that is candid and appropriate.

Writing of Maitrayee Chaudhuri is without of any stodgy academic load. Which have been rampant and overgrown over the years through the damaging complacency in Indian higher academic circle. Her work is solace in this regard. Unfortunately, the burden of confused legacy is so enormous that its curtailment would be needed an attitude shift among the academic authors. Barring few, most of undeserving conceited writers have earned bad impressions and remarks for academic writing. Atleast now, trend must be set out for original and insightful writings that can add some value in the broad world of knowledge. Palm Leaf Publications as start up deserves all accolade for commissioning such relevant book on a very crucial theme-here too, the act is pathbreaking.

Indian women’s movement has been shaped and grown through the socio-political changes started back since late 19th century to the present date but it’s a major loophole that economic aspects were never given the proper consideration even after the high time of capitalist movement in Indian economy 1991 onward. Here, women’s movement should be properly aligned with the changing time where challenges are multidimensional and complex.

In last decades, progress has been felt for Indian women’s movement but overall actual state of affairs is far from desirable end. Mostly, women’s organisations are dominated by the elites and normally keeping itself away from the bottom level complications which the vast majority in India faces in day to day life. This book has specialties in this regard, historical interpretation of women’s movement with aiming the further constructive course makes the work very worthwhile for reading and getting noticed while forming the policy measures. Maitrayee Chaudhuri has followed the events very cautiously and equally delineated them with care, that’s giving the valuable edge in favour of her book. This book is worthy for readers and equally for bright book stakes…such thing happens rarely in academic writing!
Atul Kumar Thakur
November 5, 2011, Saturday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Shades of Globalisation!

2011-11-05T21:04:00.000-07:00

Book Review: Non-fiction/Understanding Globalisation and Emerging India by Anand Kumar, Palm Leaf Publications/2011, 276 pp; Rs995 {Hardback}
There are countless views on global dissemination of ideas which aims for uniformisation of trade, services etc. The much celebrated term “Globalisation” is still acquiring attention and it’s not without some valid reasons. Initial and foremost, the South Asian region as big market is catching the attention of strong global capital that’s altering many home grown wisdom in the region practiced through the ages. India, with its market friendly democracy and a sizable consuming population is the prime mover of consumerist aspirations. A close look on these changes easily enables to see the huge mismatch that’s being consolidated in the name of constructive “market reform”. Both China and India has its own lapses in their original framework while dealing with the moves of global trade integration. So on policy front, arrival and mushrooming of modern globalisation is still not less than enigma.

This book is spread into three parts. First part deals with the general aspects of globalisation though ends up without adding anything substantial in the contemporary discourse over pros and cons of free trade/uniform lifestyle. Second part that co-incidentally also justifies the title of book revolves around India’s involvement with globalisation and its implications. Prof. Anand Kumar has presented his views in academic fashion and slipped on many occasions to cover this very important issue with much needed distinctness. Third part is little bit promising with heavily inserting “Gandhism” in the greedy globalisation debate; unfortunately reprisal of fundamentals from Gandhism hardly gives readers the joy anticipated with this book. Ironical to see, an academic from institution of repute chasing hyped and already covered observations like the real gains. This rejects the predominant beliefs that were in favour of academic intellectuals. Every year, a large number of serious works being done on various subjects and remarkably most of the authors have not even had the remote affiliation with the universities. This notion will be soon agreeable, if the academic masters will not start writing books for people…absolutely, dark corner of book stakes only should be the secondary target!

On the similar theme, there is need for indepth works with analyzing India’s own position vis-à-vis free trade and its viability under the basic mainline of democratic polity. As a nation, India has moved up in last six decades albeit it would be rash observation if believe that India’s “tryst with destiny” can be halted now. Idea of India must be in rock solid state, by which this nation will catch its making sound.

In last two decades, Indian economy has scaled up high through its consistent alignment with the market led reform. It’s also true that in some areas, regulation have worked well-financial sector is one of the case but not completely. There is no reason, why India should not follow its own model of regulated reform in the time ahead, the stress on regulated economic model in crisis ridden Europe further strengthening India’s indigenous model of economic policy.

Globalisation leads to multifaceted changes in economy/society/culture/politics etc, so reckoning its nuances is very essential for the concerned participants and enthusiasts. India as rising power is in need to understand the globalisation in proper way-China has done significantly in this regard, though without openness. The debate on globalisation should be in balanced pace, it’s not surpassable in any manner and lackluster academic works will make no sense in further cases!
Atul Kumar Thakur
November 5, 2011, Saturday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Incorrigible Impressions!

2011-10-25T00:39:00.000-07:00

Book Review: Non-fiction/Beyond the Crisis State,Edited by Maleeha Lodhi, Rupa Publications/2011, 391 pp; Rs495 {Hardback}
Maleeha Lodhi, a seasoned diplomat and journalist from Pakistan has presented an out of box thinking on her crisis ridden nation. Barring few, the total seventeen essays of this book introduces the readers to an alternative side of Pakistan, which is more humane and less skewed. In the beginning, Ayesha Jalal gives a very fair historical narration of Pakistan through her piece/ The Past as Present…she on her level best proved again that free voices are mean for free flow. Next essay/ Why Jinnah Matters by Akber Ahmed is the single biggest blunder of this book…his relying on Jinnah’s virulent ideas stands against the idea of this anthology. Feroze Hassan Khan’s Pakistan as a nuclear State, Munir Akram’s Reversing Strategic ‘Shrinkage’ and The India Factor by Syed Rifaat Hussain disappoints with the surprising assertion of stereo typed misconceptions that have been dampening factors for Pakistan as a modern nation state.

The lead essay written by Maleeha succeeded to form a new kind of overview on Pakistan where emphasis have accorded to the areas hitherto been neglected in the realm of social research and even literature. Rest essays are routes through similar conceptions and highlight another face of Pakistan, beyond its notorious feudal structure and undefined democracy. Stress on the untapped or under tapped potential of Pakistan’s economy and its elite educated middle class reminds that all the Pakistani’s are not in romance with “enigma of terror”, rather they are closer to the reality and aspiring for a life based on well searched trajectories. This optimism is incorrigible, even though it manifests the will of a chunk of Pakistan’s population that’s sophisticated and knows the plight of living in anti-modern political/military climax!

Sixty-four years back, Lord Mountbatten accomplished the India’s brutal division on communal line and placing the contemporary political action in the desired cage of hibernation and reactionism. The immediate fallouts came with a toll of life around half million people and civilisations most traumatic human displacement that permanently fixed the hatredness as a central locale in South Asia. An ill conceived nation, Pakistan, even damned its self more in the further course with consistent military misrules and inconsistent democratic interventions. Idea of economy and human developments were backyarded for engaging India in strategic race…all that have been happening at the cost of undermining India’s vibrant fundamentals and its voyage as a nation in making with impressive economies of scale.

This book atleast shows the way, where to make changes that can reestablished the confidence of those citizens who weighs normally more than the cacophony of rulers with no moral ground. Most of the contributors of this work have international recognition in their own sphere, so sharing of candid ideas will be sure proliferate rational understanding on Pakistan. Ahead, the discourse should be lead to a point, where apart from middle class, the will of higher and bottom classes could be judged through an optimum standard-democracy or destabilization? Pakistan must have to follow a normal path instead being a wayward wayfarer of China, as U.S has already started displaying its maximum apathy to Pakistan’s perilous dualism on terrorism…also noticeably, China should not be expected to eclipse the strategic dominance of U.S in short or medium run. This time, Pakistan is at the crossroad and has no pathfinder that could show it the way of course correction…like a nasty teenager, unwillingly but finally Pakistan has to be fit with a universally acceptable character. Integrated worlds demand it and Pakistan can’t show any more hitches on behavioural side.

Though implicitly, voices heard from this book streamlines the Pakistan’s potential ideal agenda by following the path of progress and targeting the goal of human development over the foolish programming of bomb and weaponry maximization. Besides, there is also no reason, why Pakistan can’t engage India as the most essential ally…alone a progress on this particular issue will solve the sizable adversities of Pakistan. Delinking from Kashmir and trustable partnership with the neighbours will give Pakistan a prominent position in the subcontinent and that will be millionth time better than the parasiteness on U.S dollars. Pakistan: Beyond the Crisis State, is a forceful intervention for much needed change to the betterment of ongoing suffering prospects in the backdrop of Pakistan’s incessant misadventures with its basic existence. Pakistan and the world together, should admit that the incubation of terror always pays dividend and obviously in very bad and high scale. Optimism for ones nation is fine enough, so shall be the following actions…ahead of lip services!
Atul Kumar Thakur
October 25, 2011, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Routes of Alternative Finances

2011-10-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Peter Drucker said “Because of its purpose is to create a customer, the business has two and only two functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation produce results. All the rest are costs”. Indeed once we are looking on the alternative finances for small and medium scale businesses, we found innovation and its skilled marketing as only way out for reaching a desirable end. Barring the finances from banks/ Venture Capitalists/ Private Equity, there are only few institutional routes of business financing…afterall, even we can’t rely on highly suspicious routes of Sovereign Wealth Funds {SWF} and Participatory Notes {PN}, which bears no accountability and simply creates a myopic illusion of something better!

But world is not without choices. Improving access to Community/Co-operative finance for SMEs, especially in their initial investment and the infusion of equity among its stakeholders could be a healthy way for SMEs to tap into its growth and innovative potential. However, a large number of SME may face an equity gap. When their initial funds will be exhausted, entrepreneurs have to obtain external finance to develop their project. Financing SMEs is, often considered a risky investment on account of the low rates of return; specifically during the seed phase. In India, lack of serious business angels is another dampening factor which otherwise could invest in young innovative SMEs. The inability to obtain early stage investment, narrowing down many SMEs reaching a size;where they can attract expansion capital. This restrains their growth. Despite these serious odds, SMEs as sources of innovation and employment generation can be the catalyst of India’s growth. So giving them the opportunity to start up, develop and accomplish their potential outcome will make a vital contribution to the quest of Indian economy.

In last few years, obsessions for giant monolith businesses have lowered in India, which is encouraging for economy size businesses. Overarching effects of this transcendence is visible in many crucial areas, so naturally financing also poising for twists with innovations. Complexities of institutional finances, particularly flawed handling of Priority Sector Lending {PSL} by most of the Indian banks except Regional Rural Banks, necessitate for SMEs to also look on alternative sources of finance. On existing networks of co-operative institutions, a sizable number of farming based small and medium businesses have been thriving, here a think for more professionalization in these activities can let an unprecedented opportunities to the aspiring SMEs. First of all, there is need for overhauling of regulatory structure in Co-operative institutions, besides increasing focus on improving the governance inside its functional ambit.

In its working mechanism, Co-operative action relies on community participation. An individual considered here a constituent of community and a stakeholder of collective action directed for productive enterprises. It’s true, Co-operative movements have never touched its true potential in India because of inside malfunctioning and political interference in its administration albeit this will be still unthinkable to denounce its intrinsic qualities. Stable and inclusive motives of its action simply endow Co-operative action to broaden the community based businesses. In more than hundred years of its history in India, Co-operative businesses have performed very well in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and also once in states of U.P and Bihar. Afterall, who can forget that AMUL had started as SME in ANAND/Gujarat, under the abled leadership of great Varghese Curion…and all credit of this success goes to this man who trusted and dared for an out of box thinking by relying upon the local communities for production/financing under the umbrella of Co-operative. Today, AMUL is the most profound assertion of community lead business in all over the world; time is ripe now to move forward with the similar replications. SMEs have golden opportunities to revive a symbiotic working relation with Co-operative institutions to tap its real potential.

At initial level, concentration of capital would be infact low or near about the optimum level which will be needed a frugal management practices for SMEs to make their way forward in limited resources. But the positive factor will be the member/stakeholders very close entitlement with the venture…that means, sharing of common interest will be an unique characteristics of this model will be smoothly allow a sustainable business. Such business model on social/community action is not unheard of in India, only it needs a new pattern of execution and diversity in its expansion from primary sector businesses to secondary and tertiary as well.

Beyond the formal mode of financing, community business seems the most appropriate option for SMEs in India. As we can’t expect SMEs being funded with endowments like the Ivy League institutions of U.S or the public funding of BBC in U.K, so an equity based community model will be the best suitable route for Small and Medium Businesses {SMB} to attain their genuine goal. In India, community lead businesses have striking similarities with the Co-operative enterprises, that obviously accord reliable and proven routes for SMEs to get financed and dwell with a stable model capable of giving long term feasibility in business. A business with sound prospects must be given a fair chance…adequate remodeling of the existing Co-operative laws and improving professional governance will allow SMEs a sound alternative of financing and will also give a much needed lease to the dwindling Co-operative institutions. Excessive idealism or extreme hardening of profit motives are equally bad for a business…SMEs are increasingly doing good in India but their real potential will be realise once, they will get the multiple channel of financing. Government and industry bodies must have to come forward on this very crucial issue.
Atul Kumar Thakur
October 17, 2011, Monday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Reckoning OECD Reports!

2011-10-16T05:19:00.002-07:00

More than the fear of cyclical recession and failure of financial institutions, the biggest worry for the global economy in the twenty-first century is that all OECD economies, which shaped, dominated and furthered the growth of global trade in twentieth century appears to have lost their edge and steam for the first time in modern period. The three major economies zones-US, EU and Japan are expected to entwine with a long-term low growth trap with additional risk of periodic recessions. The OECD reports of 2011 simply acknowledges the impending grim prospects in its constituent economies and projecting the emerging economies, especially India, China and Brazil as new engines of growth in twenty-first century. It’s indeed an unprecedented privilege for India to respond these new international trade fundamentals which can make advance it prospects at many levels.

Report on Economic Policy Reforms: Going for Growth, underlines it more resolutely as “India continues to achieve one of the highest rates of GDP per capita growth in the world. Nevertheless, the income gap with OECD countries remains large, primarily reflecting low levels of labour productivity, calling for further reforms to support rapid and inclusive growth". Incremental reforms of administrative regulation introduced by governments at all levels have led to some improvement in the operating environment for business. However, more fundamental reforms are needed in specific sectors. Obviously recommendations have referring for more liberalisation with lesser regulatory intervention. That simply forward a “dichotomous scenario” with the kind of “reforms”, India has been carrying in last two decades. This particular report is unable to broaden the distinct choices of economic reforms, which emerging economies can pursue in the days ahead. So with concentrating on better prospects, India should rely on its own model of reform instead following the bandwagon of saturated economies!

OECD Economic Outlook {No.89, May2011} presents the overall picture of global economy with special coverage of ongoing slowdown. It wrongly articulates that the global recovery is becoming self-sustained and more broad based but then why unemployment remain high across most of the OECD countries? Rather as policy recommendations, stress should have strongly oriented towards structural reforms which could play a key role while taking into account of country-specific needs and institutional features. In emerging economies too, structural reforms could make growth more sustainable and inclusive while contributing to global rebalancing and enhancing long-term capital flows. Ofcourse inflation will be remain a cause of concern in the emerging economies which will be remain a cause of concern in the emerging economies which will need judicious monetary policies for addressal, not for blindly making action on what OECD reports suggests! It will be also wrong to follow that fiscal consolidation and prudence shall be alone confined with the advanced economies; rather it should be equally concern the nations aspiring to be significantly slotted in world trade. Apprehension of this report is now very much in action as downside risks are on the verge of interaction in US/EU, and their cumulative impacts could weaken the recovery substantially, it may also lead to stagflationary developments in some of the advanced economies. Moreover, it will be a blunder to believe that higher inflation could address debt sustainability. Even it could perilously flirt with inflationary expectations, with the outcome that interest rates would soon increase more than inflation. This knowledge paper is somehow closer to the ground realities but not without missing and confusing some of the major challenges of sustainable growth.

OECD Economic Surveys: India {June, 2011}, highlights the risk of inflation and volatile capital flows, which are indeed the most formidable challenges for India’s uninterrupted growth story. Report acknowledges well that fiscal consolidation has resumed and new frameworks may help. It’s true, prior to 2008, nice progress had been made in reducing large fiscal deficits at the central and state levels under targets set out in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act {FRBMA, 2003}. In the mean years, government finance had sharply down yet few quintessential welfare subsidies on oil, debt writes off, enhanced salaries provisions, tax cuts etc, in the response to slowdown are tolling pressure on fiscal discipline. Here, is a need of new policy measures that can balance the chord of welfare expanses and fiscal discipline.

Chapter-1{Sustaining growth and improving living standards}, emphasizes that expansionary macroeconomic policies cushioned the downturn and domestic demand led the recovery. It’s also true, private investment which benefitted from ongoing liberalisation and high private saving was a vital source of growth. But not to forget also the pre-crisis period was also characterised by a high degree of macroeconomic stability, reflecting benign economic conditions in advanced economies. Comparatively, India weathered the global downturn well like other emerging economies. India also suffered as liquidity constrained firms and banks in advanced economies reduced foreign asset holding to shore up their balance sheets which witnessed sharp capital outflow…that’s still an ongoing concern of international market. On the contra side, another fearsome possibility is that strong capital inflows could put upward pressure on the rupee, raising the prospect of worsening competitiveness and a further widening in the Current Account Deficit {CAD}, which is already high by historical standards. Since mid 2010, the nominal effective exchange rate has gradually depreciated but with relatively high inflation, albeit the real effective exchange rate has been relatively stable. The exchange rate policy has evolved and the capital account has continued to open up gradually, even though progress has been uneven and it remains relatively closed. Post Asian crisis in 1997, the rupee was linked closely to the dollar which influenced the further course. Though RBI has been promoting counter-cyclical macro prudential policies but it needs be more active and practical now to show the intent and commitments of finance ministry into the action. At this juncture, financial sector reforms needs a speedy push, especially licensing of the new banks in private sector. This report stressed that, the rapid economic growth has reduced the incidence of poverty, it’s to an extant agreeable but not without the serious persisting flaws in growth agenda. As a solution, welfare measures have to be reachable and accessible to the all targeted beneficiaries. Despite citing administrative and other bottlenecks, this part of report suggests that the India is continuing to catch up its goal.

Chapter2/ Fiscal Prospects and Reforms, considers India’s fiscal consolidation programme a partial success, which is true. The period of fiscal restraint lasted in 2008 for domestic compulsions and overwhelming world growth that fuelled up energy and commodity prices, the government raised public expenditure markedly. In the current policy debate, a new framework for fiscal policy is the need of hour. FRBMA has already expired years back. So, the central government’s goal to reduce Gross Fiscal Deficit to 4.1%of GDP by 2012and 3.5% the year after, urgently requires a proper policy maneuvering. In this direction, the Finance Commission {2009} report on fiscal relations between the central and state governments appears rational. It recommended that the Central government should go further and reduce its fiscal deficit to 3%of GDP by 2014. The Commission also recommended 2.4%deficit for the states, bringing a combined deficit at both levels of government to 5.4%.; down from its 2010 level of 7.2%of GDP. On taxation, OECD recommendations are completely stereotypical with having single aim to promote the greed’s of corporate world by ignoring the progressive fundamentals. Here needs a careful approach in pacifying its extreme policy recommendations.

Chapter3/ Phasing out Energy Subsidies, presents contentious and dubious viewpoints on India’s energy management. Report mandates that “India’s petroleum subsidies are economically and environmentally damaging”, which is an overt escaping of realities that is persisting over the world. It’s partially right on Coal market reform but again slips while recognising Public Distribution System {PDS}/Oil subsidies and electricity subsidies as impediments before the development of oil and energy sector. This shows the denial of distinct political characteristics of Indian economy which has its own set of working model and couldn’t solely rely in any cases on the western model of development.

Chapter4/Financial Sector Reform in India: Time for a second Wave? ,it’s intriguing reviewing the last Union Budget and reading this report, it seems that finance ministry is subscribing almost all OECD recommendations on financial reform! Reports suggests the speedy implementations for the institutions like, National Treasury Management Agency {NTMA}, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority {PFRDA}, Financial Sector and Development Council {FSDC}and Financial Sector Law Reforms Commission {FSLRC}. Surprisingly, in the lieu of giving greater freedom/competency to banking operations, reports suggests some incomprehensible measures, like setting out a plan for ending Priority Sector Lending {PSL}, rapid liberalisation of interest rates on deposits, gradual reduction of the proportion of government bonds to be hold by the banks, widening of the scope of trading through Credit Default Swaps {CDS}, introduction of standard terms for Corporate Bonds, reducing of KYC requirements and transaction taxes etc. OECD should clarify, if do they have only a uniform model of financial reform that has already shattered the world’s most exotic and exciting financial market of US/EU. India either must ignore the stereotypical prophecy or simply turn down any reckless model of financial liberalisation without having touch of the commitments for its policy. Moreover, it shocks to read that the RBI should sell its electronic government bond market and the clearing house to the private sector and NABARD should be sold to the government that means RBI should cease to have its stake in NABARAD…both are unworthy suggestions and points out on the dubious intent of OECD’s reporting on India’s economic growth. Only solace is, report acknowledges well the financial health of India’s banks and found them competent enough for complying with the BASEL-III norms. But even this not without of suspicion and citing privatization in PSBs, instead of showing a different course for private banking and making them core competent with the Public Sector Banks/ Regional Rural Banks/Co-operative Banks.

Chapter5/ Building on Progress in Education, report recommends of maximum withdrawal of regulatory intervention and maximum allowance of private capital in higher education. Besides “Improving incentives for stronger performance by making funding less input based. Tie funding to accreditation and assessment outcomes and increase share of project based funding for research”. In less technical terms, reports enters with its recommendation as it handles a plain capitalist market, and not the world’s most vibrant democracy where policy can’t be altered from the maximum welfare of peoples. This section is even more disappointing as it fails to even canvass, what’s the real hindrances of the education sector that hammering its growth and the potential policy formulations?

There will be no denying the fact that, India’s growth momentum is the outcome of its judicious experiment with the mix of regulation and reform in its economy. Since the1991, India has improved its overall fundamentals in economy, also successfully crossed the very troubling recession. Despite these positive scenarios, India’s growth is less than its potential and needs better governance and regulatory control to end the frills of free and fair businesses. And ofcourse, without making its Public Sector less competent and less happening. OECD reports are reminder of the concern that India must follow its own path, based on intrinsic compulsions and welfare the peoples instead of Corporations. Only then, RBI Governor will be remain smarter and cheerful than the other Central bankers from across the world and even our Mint Street will be less greedy than the re-doubtful Wall Street…alas, where “greed is still good “and its evangelists are incorrigible with Ivy Leagues business degrees!
Atul Kumar Thakur
October 16, 2011, Friday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

The Punjab Story!

2011-10-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

Book Review: Non-fiction/The Punjab by Ishtiaq Ahmed, Rupa Publication/2011, 754 pp; Rs995 {Hardback}
Now another work on the partition history tries to unravel multiple narratives of partition survivors and refugees on both sides of Punjab. So far, plights of Punjab has been confined in the textual debates as seeing the contentiousness and intra feuds, India remained a conscious yet timid player on the whole issue. Other foremost thing, that cornered any potential wayout of better cultural/civil exchange between the both side of Punjab was the Kashmir issue, its substantially backyarded the Punjab from the bilateral strategic concern of Indian and Pakistan. Rest the formation of Bangladesh in 1971 and India’s pertinent role in it opened the second most vital strategic point, now the issue of Punjab was slipped notch below.

Remarkably, British succeeded with their strategic plan to handover two strife ridden countries…that happened. Unfortunately this part remained missing in most of the work on partition…at some point, Ishtiaq refers for real origination of violence but finally he let down those observation for community led violence as the major destroyer of peaceful socio-religious fabric. On judging the end, he is absolutely right; with putting details of newspapers, journals, government reports and personal accounts of different set of peoples gives extra edge to his stand. Although his own concern on forced migration, ethnic cleansing/genocide needs to reckoned with the wider possibilities that were given passage by the immoral political planks of British. A dangerous by-product of colonialism-partition, requires more meticulous handling of what colonizers wants? And how they moved up with their nasty strategic planks?

The best thing that comes out of this book is details of real sufferers on both the side of Punjab. Founding place for Malerkobla state in east Punjab where unlike Patiala, Muslims escaped annihilation could be regarded a good put although stereotypical account “The Rape of Rawalpindi” could have mentioned less overtly. Notes on The Sikh Plan {pages xxxviii-xxxix, A Sikh plan to eradicate all Muslims from east Punjab} seems a reprising exercise as instead foretelling, what happened exactly, it’s better to admit that violence needs no logic or even worst, can thrive bad logic. The March Riots: Rawalpindi and adjoining rural areas (pages 226-230} reminds the worst of sectarian violence, Ranjit Singh Bhashin’s account of Thamali village is one among countless cases where centuries old co-existential bond of neighbourhood suddenly turned into the nightmarish ground of butchering. Unfortunately hatred routed in most of cases through the complex handling of political scenario and enforcing its failures to the religious life of desperate communities. Further on pages 380-381 {The Punjab disintegrates} presents the liveliest narration of tragedies in west Punjab {Pakistan}, Giani Mahinder Singh and Sardar Baldev Singh’s dialogue with Patel and his insensitive remarks to retaliate the Muslims shows the mishandling of entire issue by the political class. The crux of this book gives ample insights, how Muslim League ceased to handle the violence impartially and how weak was the demographic/social understanding of the leaders of Congress and Muslim League.

Focus on Lahore Division {pages 416-418} is very vital; Dr. Prem Sobti’s {personal physician to the President of India} recalling of turning Lahore from a paragon of communal peace and harmony to open battleground strengthen the positive motives of this work. And finally mentionable details on pages 519-20 {Amritsar and three Tehsils of Gurudaspur} with the account of Lahore based writer, A.Hameed adds to the realistic horror stories that unfortunately was the case during partition in 1947.

Ishtiaq Ahmed’s The Punjab is a well intentioned and richly detailed work on the partition…overall, it provides the sublime gesture of people’s history. Relying more on the victims instead on the ruling elite’s game plan is both the strength and weakness of this book. However, there will be no denying that whenever the tells of partition will be grounded; mention of this book will become essential. Ishtiaq has spent years working on this project and that becomes quite evident through progressing on the pages of The Punjab. Readers will be enlighted after reading this book. Only reading has to be careful enough!
Atul Kumar Thakur
October 8, 2011, Friday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Comrade's Introspection!

2011-09-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

After the fall of left in West Bengal and Kerala, no man is as worried as A.B.Bardhan, the General Secretary of CPI. Today he is restless at the age of 88, despite the fact, that his party did well comparing other left parties. But this legendary Comrade needs no excuse…he is man at work now with new framework to retrieve the CPI as well as left parties much essential ground touch, also eyeing to enter in the crucial psyche of great Indian middle class and youth. Recently we had two hour straight long conversation at historic Ajay Bhavan in Delhi…sitting in at his office {probably his last year as top rank of CPI}, he shared future roadmap of left politics in India and also spoke on many new issues …excerpts…
Q: - How CPI is reconciling with the situation emerged out of the recent poll debacles in West Bengal and Kerala?
A: - Election results in West Bengal and Kerala was very disappointing but for different reasons. In Kerala, power has been almost alternatively won either by the LDF or UDF. This time, it was the turn of UDF, but as you know, the LDF felt short by only three seats. Those three seats, we lost by the very narrow margins. In West Bengal, it was truly a debacle, later we have analyzed the scenario and told openly, why the left front lost so badly after being in power for thirty four years. In a way, the voters in the State have mandated the left front to seat in the opposition for this term. I think, we should work like a true constructive opposition allows the new people learn from their experience about this new coalition government and retrace our links with the masses. The sense of alienation must be allowed to change.

Q: - Which factors are blocking the potential integration of Communist parties?
A: - The last four-five decades have seen the growth of many divisive factors, such as communalism, casteism, regionalism and so others. Parties have up exploit these factors and divert the attention of peoples. We have not been able to overcome these divisive factors and rallying the working peoples behind us. This is especially true in the vast Hindi belt. In particular, I am refereeing to our weakness among the rural masses, which are decisive in elections. We are working to overcome these hindrances by decisively turning our faces to the rural India. Cast vs. cast requires a sensitive approach to the problem of castes, particularly with the oppressed castes and the marginalized sections. As I think, there has been erosion in many of our old existing rural bases, therefore expanding and consolidating such rural bases is our priority task. Taking up these issues like land, water, employment and a stand against the price rise will be start of our fresh struggle, which have badly affected the already miserable access to food, health and education. The CPI is in the process, now of holding conferences at branch, Anchal, District, and State levels culminating in the All India Party Congress by March/April 2012. In all these conferences, the issues mentioned will be top in agenda. We are also working toward joint work and action between the two major Communist parties rallying along them all other left oriented parties and movements for strengthening left unity. Communist unity will be the core of left unity; only then, we can advance towards setting of left and democratic unity which can be the framework of a real alternative to both the major bourgeoisie parties, namely Congress and BJP. Such a combination will be the true secular and democratic front. Any other adhock combination, solely based on electoral arithmetic will not inspire confidence among peoples. In my view, the time is right because, the credibility of the Congress and BJP are at low level; people are looking forward to an alternative to replace them. Mobilisation of all these forces requires also the development of unity and united action among the mass organisations. The overarching coming together of all Central Trade Unions, whatever will be the political colour of leadership, is a case in point. They have taken up the issues confronting for the common peoples all over the country. Kisan organisations are also moving in that direction.

Q: - On many occasions, CPI has made intuitive in this regard, but those didn’t worked out by the denial of CPI {M}, why such inhibitions are growing among the fellow Comrades? In the past, CPI leaders, including Chaturanan Mishra tried to unify the progressive Trade Union Movement but that couldn’t be substantially materialised. In this direction, do you see any constructive development in the days ahead?
A: - The CPI is committed to the goal of Communist unity but this cannot be done in hurry. It’s true, the reaction to our moves have not been very positive but issues like, the programme, the organisational principles and the tactical line requires to be discussed and agreed upon. Afterall we have to fight back the legacy of a split that kept us apart for more than four decades. However, it’s a welcome sign that the perceptions of the two Communist parties are almost the same on national and international affairs, also on economic and political issues. This, I think created a good atmosphere though a sense of rivalry still persists. As far as the ideology is concerned, both the parties are committed to Marxism/Leninism and to the goal of socialism. The point is to apply the scientific theory in the complex and changing Indian and world conditions. As far as Trade Union Movement is concerned, we are working together now and very closely…it’s making good impacts. Things will be more visible very soon…

Q: - Why CPI’s stronghold in Bihar and Jharkhand is receding consistently? Once way of life in north Bihar, now Communism is becoming an alien ideology, don’t you think, CPI failed to forward the next generation leadership after Comrade Bhogendra Jha and Chaturanan Misha?
Q: - Bihar has been a relatively strong support base of CPI, this base was built through tremendous struggle and sacrifices led by Comrade Chandrashekhar Singh, Indradeep Sinha, Suryanarayan Singh, Bhogendra Jha, Chaturanan Mishra and many others. Have already said,; that erosion took place when this base was subjected to the caste politics, in Bihar ugliest caste politics was led by Lalu Prasad Yadav and others. The communal politics of the BJP and so not to be mention our own failures and shortcomings equally accounted in this fall. Bihar is a State, where huge mess of agricultural and marginal workers is on the one hand and land lords on the other. There is still huge scope and need for a class struggle between the two and to implement the land reforms. The so called Land Reform Commission has already detailed the issue of this struggle for land redistribution, land for house sites etc. The government and also some of the opposition parties have to do nothing on this core issue, it’s for the Communist’s to lead the battle of class vs. class and take the focus away from caste vs. caste.

Q: - Why Communism is still being determined by the texts rather contemporary contexts? Why not, CPI should follow more the Marx’ progressive line rather of Lenin’s technical programme?
A: - The world has changed but imperialism and capitalism continues exists; what we see today is a big crisis that has overtaken capitalism. It can’t solve the problem of unemployment, poverty and even illiteracy and disease. India is also changed in the course of last six and half decades since the independence but facts reveals that the capitalist path of the government, that’s being pursued and the so called new liberal policies of privatization, liberlisation and globalization have only aggravated all our problems. Disparities between the super rich and affluent section, which is only 10%of our population, and the overwhelming mass of poor and vulnerable sections has deepened and widened as never before. They talk of growth but if development means that, all sections are benefitted, we find that there is actually no development for the majority, particularly SCs, STs, minorities and the most backward sections are excluded from all this talk of growth. That’s why, we find outburst of discontent, indignation and so forth. This is the socio-economic basis of many of ours that afflicts us today. The free market, the so called trickledown theories have all proved to be for the benefit of the top layer, while mass remains excluded. No wonder, we have price rise, high level corruption and so called left wing terrorism which the government describes as the biggest security threat. Today, mass of the peoples have alienated from the present system and its governance. The more of the talk of law&order, the more alienation takes place, the more the indulging repression and denial of democratic rights, the more is the mass outburst. In this scenario, text and contexts, both are equally imperative for us.

Q: - AITUC has introduced labour class movement in India; it has been doing remarkable work over the years albeit new conditions after the market reform now necessitate policy changes. What framework CPI has to go deep to both the conventional and neo workers?
A: - I am happy to say that AITUC has taken the initiative in forging all in unity of Central Trade Union organisation and I am glad that the objective situation has forged all of them towards united action. We should first know that government has virtually banned any Trade Union or association among IT/ITES and many other sectors, their workers are being kept isolated. But I am confident, this moves by the government and corporate houses will be defeated soon rather than later.

Q: - What’s the CPI’s official position on market reform? Is there any possibility that CPI will support the reform with progressive clauses?
A: - There is confusion about markets. Markets existed even before capitalism and there will be markets even under the socialism. The point is under which system that markets operates? The so called market economy that’s functional today is a naked devise to extract and maximize profits; profits without limit by foreign and indigenous corporate houses and big businesses. It’s an instrument of imperialism for exploitation of the developing countries and of capitalist exploitation of the poors within each country. To call this reform, is not only misnomer, it’s a cruel joke.

Q: - Didn’t allowing Jyoti Basu for Prime Ministership in 1996 wasn’t a “historic blunder” for Communist parties as well as for the Indian democracy?
A: - As you know, he has himself called it a “historical blunder”, I agree with him.

Q: - With left parties, UPA-I was a different political coalition, after yours departure, series of scams became incessant-why not left parties should fight all the Loksabha seats and move forward for a strong alternative coalition at Centre?
A: - I think, left parties by themselves are not in a position to contest all the Loksbha seats, that’s why we want left and democratic unity, which will take along with the left and all other secular democratic parties, forces and individuals. Moreover, what we needed is electoral reforms, which will save the electoral process from the grip of money/muscle power. As you know, the left parties have been talking of the Proportional Representation system , which will do away with the First Past the Post System prevailing presently in which moneyed individuals uses all tricks to get elected, even with minority votes.

Q: - In the coming days, will CPI accommodate many sidelined issues in its agenda? How CPI will draw the attention of middle class and youth, whose roles have become substantially vital in all sphere?
A: - The middle class has proliferated considerably. But it’s not homogenous. While the upper layers hope to reach out to the top, the lower sections are subjected to corruption, price rise and are the victims of exploitation. However, on the whole, it’s a great opinion builder and therefore Communist and the left have to re-orient them to work among the large sections of the middle class and make substantial inspiration to draw the middle class towards progressive and democratic causes.

Q: - How you are viewing the current stand of Indian foreign policy? Have our stature strengthened in the world after twenty years of liberalisation programme?
A: - India’s foreign policy, unfortunately moved away from its anti-imperialist and the solidarity with countries fighting for democratic advancement to a policy of increasing strategic partnership with the U.S and developed west. But India is a big and assertive country, today there are no issues in international relations which can be solved without the participation of India and China. The combination of BRIC, BASIC and SCO, which have brought together India and China, Russia, Brazil and the South Africa, is a very important development. India can secure a stable strategic place in world affairs with being part of these alternative international formations instead of getting its position fixed as piggyback of international forces.
Atul Kumar Thakur
September 30, 2011, Wednesday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

A better half truth

2011-09-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

Book Review/Fiction: The Good Muslim by Tehmima Anam, Penguin Books, New Delhi, 2011
297pp; Rs499 {HB}, ISBN 978-0-670-08289-6
Year 1971, was proved epoch-making for East Bengal…this year, culturally aggrieved peoples natural boisterousness against the despotic and alien rulers of Pakistan found shape. Bangladesh, a nation was born, primarily on the basis of cultural distinctness…but is it remained same in the course of time? Which factors led to radicalization and changing of lives away from liberal socio-religious principles? Tehmima Anam, an author of repute with her debut novel, A Golden Age has closely searched the uncomfortable changes in Bangladesh in her second work, The Good Muslim. Forty years on, this discourse of being good or bad with ones Muslim self has its significance intact as unfortunately more than anything else, today faith is being maligned by the nasty elements and alarmingly they have led over the ethical minds!

Tehmima deserves the universal attention for leading a broadly conceptualized literary writing in Bangladesh; remarkable is the fact, she has spent a significant time outside of country. That’s only being evident with her superb narratives in English…the best thing is, in this regard, she never lost her insiders views on the issues that haunting her and her fellow countrymen, who prefers to be good human and Muslim than getting submerged in the narrow wave of radicalism. Set in the streets of Dhaka and rural Bangladesh, The Good Muslim is an epic story of Bangladeshi family, that met to radical transformation and causing uncomfort to the protagonist Maya Haque and entire liberal social structure. Maya, who justifies through act the title of book, The Good Muslim is in utter shock after remaining away for eight years. On her reinstation of social/familiar interaction, she realizes her surroundings have changed awkwardly and nation’s promises have altered blindly. Maya, still to the core is in struggle to be good with her family, social role, nation and also with her religious identity but hardship which she faces vehementally reminds the plight of liberal voices and dualism of State as most powerful entity.

This book is grounded and imagined on the Bangladeshi soil, so overtly resembles the maximum reality from that side. Albeit the crux of plot has universal meaning and I hardly think anyone can doubt over the fact that the biggest challenges that humanity encountering today is coming from the misinterpretation of religions. There lie the wide strategic interests of nations and essentially of radical traders. Tehmima with her protagonist, has cited towards a mean path, where world is out of extremes but in great strain. There is suffering and no bailing out from collective order…may be, this real scene will have overarching effects, suitably with rational religious practices or simply keeping religion out from the collective order.

On the literary forefront, if the grave issues could be debated without nurturing the frills of controversy, its sure must be ranked as an accomplishment par excellence. What Tehmima has done with her work is a formidable case of similar choices. Through literature, my understanding has grown up over Bangladesh, especially with reading both of her works. Similarly, the readers from South Asia will be found her take closer to their own imagination. From another angle, English literary writing has reached to the complete maturity in Indian subcontinent; Tehmima’s consistent endeavour along with many other remarkable writers from the region showing the desired integration of South Asia in literary arena.

What is best with the contemporary writing is, it’s walking with the time and is in distance from the typicalities of any bandwagon. That’s indeed giving the real stories a complete space of expression and putting aside the potential prominence of trivia which was once a trend and now only an abandoned choice. This book should go well with the targeted readers of Bangladesh; afterall they are the victims of choices, even after living in a sort of democracy. Words with better meanings must be acknowledges well, as action can be resolute from these ideas and there lies the chances of a better world…out of despair and angst!
Atul Kumar Thakur
September 30, 2011, Friday, New Delhi

The Slices of Past

2011-09-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Book Review: Fiction/ Miss Timmins’ School of Girls by Nayana Currimbhoy, Harper Collins/2011, 496 pp; Rs399 {Paperback}, ISBN 978-93-5029-073-6
Nayana’s literary debut is promising, her book easily reveals it. She went to all girls Convent school in India and in over the years, she kept her memories vivid and scrimped those intense personal treasure for her literary foray with Miss Timmins’s School for Girls. As normally happens with expats, their belongingness grow for the place of origin though such feelings rarely routes into serious literary fiction. But with Nayana, such myths have backyarded with profound narration and very intense intertwining with the series of events and scenes of life.

Miss Timmins’s School of Girls narrates the story of young Charu with strong individual characteristics, remarkably amidst the eventful collective surroundings. She hails from a traditional family background; usually it refers to the reality of India’s non-metropolis urban spaces. She moves to an Anglo Missionaries school with upward aspirations, that’s also a commonly prevailing in modern India. Here, in the course of adaptation with British colonial tantrums of public school, such as rock “n” roll {not awkward here}, drugs {not obscene here}, free love philosophy {way of life here}, Charu overtures with an absurd nostalgia of Britain’s crumbling signs of colonialism. Alas, in 1970s, novel depicts such scene albeit still many public schools in India nurtures similar complex among its students which we often see in roaring at public spaces when someone from Doon or Stephens announces, the word “dichotomous” is strictly patented for them and their elite tribes! Will they ever heed to the truths?

Until Charu started moving with normalcy, thrills suddenly reaches to the crest and at dangerous level…in a dark havocking monsoon night, a teacher is murdered and her world changes forever. She finds herself falsely implicated; rest is her struggle to prove herself out of offence. She finally succeeds but not without meeting the worst of suffering that world offers to a person in deep trouble. The best this is, this novel hardly has any popular tone, so there is not even a distant chance to be get it called a thriller. Interpretations of every covert component of events have given proper space within the framework of story. Nayana must be a happy author, as after writing such a detailed fiction can be remain carefree from the critics who will be never afford to ignore the intrinsic literary puts on the pages.

Where originality of work is the major strength, it becomes hard to see it in comparison with the other contemporary works. In recent times, many books have been written in popular literature with centralizing the elite professional institutions but barely could we see an entire novel centered on a Missionaries school. May be, this trend is co-related to India’s own resilience as a stable democracy and vibrant economy that outgrowing the imposed eliticism of erstwhile universally accepted schools. World is open now, so obviously the realm of ideas; nevertheless, distinct and offbeat experiences still have many takers. Sometime in the utter fantasies but mostly in nostalgic possession. Nayana has woven the plot for her novel with a rare mix of insider’s lucid accounts {life inside the walls of closely monitored old type Public schools} and the natural sarcasm that refers for a free life out of false and sinful cosmopolitanism!

Reckoning history, personal or collective, timid or buoyant always gives an edge over the state of not knowing the past. Sixty four years on of India’s independence, still our “tryst with destiny” is in progress but unfortunately level of struggle is perilously unequal and divided in hierarchies now. Every day passes, meaning of this nation differentiated for the different segments …either in soft tone or in candid expression, if literary writings are touching those issues that means sentiments are not completely dried out. Like this novel, looking on lives of schools or any other collective conditions profusely allow an author to delve with the broader realities of time besides searching personal world. Up to the end, this book is pleasantly readable…among the best entries in fiction this year, Miss Timmins’ School of Girls should be considered for the top slot. Indian literary writing in English has grown richer with this debut novel of Nayana…!
Atul Kumar Thakur
September 30, 2011, Friday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Tampered Nativity!

2011-09-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

Book Review: Kashmir: Contested Identity
Author: Ashok Kaul, Format: Hardback/Social History
Pages: 257, Price: RS.750, Publishers: Rawat/2011
Ashok Kaul’s Kashmir: Contested Identity is one of the rare kinds of book on Kashmir written with the closeness to social history in its approach. So far, most of the writings on Kashmir were driven by the bandwagon of political inquiry, and used to be lost in midway without making any substantial gain. Similar is very much true, with the opinionated writings in print media, where contentiousness is itself taken as major source of narration instead to go deeper in the overall historical contexts that altered the age old harmonies of socio-cultural bond in Kashmir . Once a paradise; now this land is a field of ghost fighters. A.G.Noorani's endless writing on J&K with incessant fault findings in Nehru and subsequent political authorities of India could be a classical example of extreme from a great bibliophile like him. But the real solution lies in action, not in the self generated argument without any end.

Before reading this beautifully written book by Mr. kaul, I gone through a large number of works on Kashmir but alas, most of them either appeared me like the cunning reprising acts of similar perspectives or a source of subversion. Nowhere the crucial debate of “nativity” taken on the central stage, here author deserves all accolade for taking this matter forward on the Kashmir debate to the level of social analysis…such effort will sure diminish the hawkish grip of communalism from this State, if the search of lost identity could gain the popular support. Chances are likely, that its sooner than the later, the growing alienation of peoples for divisive movements and politics in State will take a decisive turn and its basis now will be the social cohesion which was once lost in the late 1980’s.

Book makes this argument lucid throughout its chapters besides covering the dangerous repercussions of cold war/power politics on Kashmir and also India’s own weakness that hampered the Kashmir cause at many historical turn. I always admire Salman Rushdie’s writings; especially few super assertive pages of his every book…also have similar take with his narration in “Shalimar the Clown”. He ends the book…”There was no India. There was only Kashmira, and Shalimar the Clown” –only new change will be in my views, that India will be existing in Kashmir, with the essence of Kashmira and Shalimar will be no longer the Clown, it will be a natural entity atleast.

Premshankar Jha’s realistic work, Kashmir 1947, was a crucial search to know what exactly went wrong in 1947. This book is making similar inquiry but with the added dimension of tracing the Kashmiriyat from scratch to its present status in badly conflict ridden Kashmir which now represents only the shadow of its impressive past and cultural sharing. Besides the perspectives of social history, Ashok Kaul has also done a meticulous research on the chronological history of Kashmir. There is also a detailed interpretation of Kashmiriyat through the iconic tells of Lal Deed and Nuruddin Rishi. I think, even today, very few can deny those traditions in historical perspectives…though in present action, a substantial number of peoples are defying those shared ethos. But the mass peoples are fed up now with the maliciously constructed conflict and they are showing temptations for normalcy in day to day life. Like, return of the Kashmiri Pandits and revival of shared neighbourhood instead of last two decades communal imposition on the local Muslim community that distorted their cultural outlooks or “nativity”.

Author, who himself is a part of the Kashmiri identity has given a proper look around on the entire Kashmir issue. Even after being remarkable part of the prestigious Banaras Hindu University for last three and half decades ,his own quest in life or academics have not changed much for those lost native possessions, he aptly represents the better left part of Kashmir which still is outside but not away from Kashmiriyat. Time is ripe now to acknowledge the humane point of view while searching the normalcy of Kashmir issue. Over the years, geo-strategic position of world has changed, so has strengthened India’s own position in the South Asian region. Naturally Pakistan, whose nationalism once used to flourish with their nasty tempering in Kashmir, now have to think million times before planning to sabotage India’s ground of “secularism” inside the State! Even with the heavy losses in Kashmir, Indian Union has emerged strong as a nation but in opposite, Pakistan has failed to shape its true national character for their consistent bad game in Kashmir. In plain speaking, people of Kashmir no longer have any consideration for Pakistan, separatist leaders are teethless and function without any credibility, and most notably, Pakistan is nowhere in comparison of India at any level. So, I am optimistic on the future course on Kashmir issue…so is this book and ofcourse its author too!
Atul Kumar Thakur
September 22, 2011, Thursday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Looking close on North East

2011-09-19T03:27:00.000-07:00

With remarkable commitment and idealist standing in public life, the Sikkim Loksabha MP Prem Das Rai is an epitome of purposeful entry in to politics. Though serving first term in Losabha but he exudes all the veteran’s qualities with sound understanding of his own State and the entire north east. Today he is among the few most promising leaders from the north east who has clear roadmap for future…recently, in a rainy morning in New Delhi, we had a long conversation. Excerpts…
Q: - Sikkim is least populated and second smallest after the Goa, how does it feel to represent the State in Central politics?
A: - We have only one Lok Sabha constituency…so, its big honour for me to represent 6.5 lakhs peoples since 2009. Although in various capacities, I have been trying my best to serve the Sikkim and entire north east at large…so far, journey in public life is quite satisfying.

Q: - You hold a unique distinction among the Parliamentarians so far to be alumni of the top prestigious institutions, like IIT/IIM…how idea came for politics, while serving remarkably well in corporate sector?
A: - Idea of politics was always in mind as hailing from a political family background. Father, C.D.Rai was in politics…so leaning for politics grew from table discussion at home. Though later, father moved to government service facing some compelling financial reasons…in those days, politics used to be full with idealism where dividend were restricted to satisfaction of serving peoples. Despite this, my orientation towards politics grew further in School {Masoori} and later in college. During that period, C.K.Lal {then Governor, Sikkim} encouraged and mentored me to join politics, which I did few years later.

Q: - You were at IIT Kanpur when the Sikkim merged with India as its twenty-second State…was the end of Chogyal’s long rule came as shock for the indigenous communities? How different was and still is the perception of elites in this regard?
A: - It was indeed a shock and there was resistance but not something like a real fight. Protesters were out of match with the Indian forces, so transition ended soon with a toll of one life. The elites were supportive to the independence, so strategic move of Indira Gandhi succeeded well.

Q: - Among the States of north-east and even beyond, Sikkim presents a sort of hope for democracy…over the years, stable rule of your party {Sikkim Democratic Front, SDF}has kept enhancing the potential of Sikkim, will be you share with us, how SDF has been prioritizing the local issues?
A: - SDF came into power in 1994. It was a transition period…anti-India campaign and other adverse political issues were haunting this newly formed State. Until 1994, adverseness remained at place but when Pawan Kumar Chamling came in to power as Chief Minister, he articulated new democratic paradigms. Rest is history, today if you see the Sikkim; there nobody has any existential problems. Freedom of Speech is prevailing…peoples are peace loving, so they enjoying their democratic rights in full spirits. Over the seventeen years of our rule, tremendous progresses have been made inside the State. By 2015, we will be the first Indian Organic State, and also a tourist hub…our sophisticated Human Resource, strong grassroot democracy and free press are in full tune and giving Sikkim the bright prospects.

Q: - Before coming into politics, you have worked with Bank of America and BASIX {in eastern zone} and have seen the ground level situation from close, which factors in your views are the impediments for complete exploration of the north east?
A: - I think impediments are essential…if you look on Sikkim; it becomes evident that bottom level democracy has many grave complications. Autonomous aspirations are key…other thing; women’s representation is very feeble in local politics, here needed immediate attention from the government. Most essentially, we need to give better governance by ensuring accountability and people’s participation in the overall governance framework.

Q: - Our north east region gives us an edge over China that leads to irritation of China. China reacts on this time to time by acknowledging Sikkim as an independent territory. Do China has some imperialistic motives or simply it’s hard for them to see Tibet closely connected through an Indian State?
A: - China’s issues are much larger-they want to strategically dominate over our eastern part to western part. They have game plans to secure their frontier to strengthen their stand in Tibet and western China. For China, Sikkim is a small tool to irritate the Indian authorities…Ministry of External Affairs {MEA} needs to think carefully on the whole issue. Dalai Lama has huge following in Sikkim; we want 11th Karmapa {Ugen Trineley} back at the centre of learning which is sheet of governance/Rungtek Monastery. We have been repeatedly telling the government at Centre to help on this issue…till now, no substantial gain has achieved on this but we are trying our level best and hoping positive in future.

Q: - During the Chogyal’s rule, Sikkim shared a mix relationship with Nepal but on most of time in hostility…Gurkha war {1814, Nepal vs Sikkim/British Esat India Company} fought and joint forces were defeated by Nepales, tension finally ended with the return of land by Nepal to Sikkim through Titalia Treaty {1817}, how historical factors are influencing India-Nepal co-operation in Sikkim?
A: - There is no real issue with the historical ties. More or less, it was balanced post Indian independence in 1947 with the Delhi treaty signed between Prime Minister Nehru and Nepal’s King Tribhuvan . Though many issues need relooking, henceforth India must rethink its policies on Nepal if not wanted to backyarded by the China. As far the Titalia Treaty is concerned, it has nothing to do with the present India-Nepal relations. Legislatures of the both sides can work in streamlining the ties and taking forward the bilateral relations. Recently, a Nepali Parliamentary delegation has visited Delhi, we were happy to share our thought on the various issues. We warmly appreciate our historical relations with Nepal.

Q: - What’s the current state of Kalapani dispute over the Mahkali River water {Sarda River in India}? How Sikkim government, along with the co-operation of Bihar government can think for reasserting the revision in contentious treaty of Sugauli {1819}?
A: - I think boundary issues are very contentious…it need a thorough check up of the concerned matters. However, we should help Nepal in this phase of political transition…further; we are always ready for inter-state co-operation.

Q: - Do the current developments on ULFA give some long-lasting positive indications? Are you satisfied with the recent co-operation of Bangladesh?
A: - I think Bangladesh government is very co-operative at this time, besides we can think on western powers but we need a diligent outlook in neighbouring nations. We have to be in comfortable relations with our principal neighbours …whatever we have gained from Bangladesh or Bhutan is an outcome of similar practices.

Q: - What’s the major boost up, Sikkim and entire north east is needed from Delhi? Despite have very reach human/natural resources, what keeping isolationism high in north east?
A: - I am looking at the developments happening in western/northern/southern part of India…only eastern parts are lagging behind. North east has huge population facing international boundaries…our stake is substantially high in sharing international border as mainland part of India. It means, to reach out to these countries and make the economies stronger. We need to have better facilities for trade, but first we needed better connectivity with the mainland.

Q: - Are you satisfied with the implementation of Centre’s development programmes in north east? Why the penetration of formal banking is so low in these terrains, isn’t the goal of financial inclusion seems a pipe dream?
A: - See, Centre sponsored schemes topped down without looking on the ground realities. We need to rethink on mechanism…NRHM/NREGA etc requires another policy intervention for their functional implementation! 12th Plan offers great opportunity on these issues…next five years will be very crucial for development. MFI’s are grappling with regulatory issues…massive problems happenings needs to be recouped, real losses must be stopped. Regulations need to be put up in place. MFI bill needs to be rational, in the winter session of Parliament; MFI’s Act may come into existence. Andhra Pradesh has created all mess, rest inner issues have to be solved by the MFI’s themselves. Yes, banking needs more penetration in north eastern States, current state of affairs is not satisfactory at all.

Q: - How the indigenous tribes of Sikkim respond on the matter of national importance? Do modernism catching up these segments?
A: - Sikkim has high literacy rate, so modernism is the way for majority of its population. Except the few places, they are participating in the developmental programmes. Tourism is the big factor for this new resilience in the state.

Q: - What’s your view on Armed Force Special Power Act {AFSPA}?
A: - This is a draconian act and should be dropped immediately.

Q: - Will north east be a stronger hub of international trade?
A: - Certainly, but we have to adopt a flexible stand on the open border trade. Through better co-operation with Myanmar, India can smoothly carry forward its “Look east policy” in South East Asia.

Atul Kumar Thakur
September 9, 2011, Friday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Damnable beauties!

2011-09-19T03:25:00.000-07:00

Book Review: The Beautiful and the Damned
Author: Siddhartha Deb
Format: Hardback/non-fiction
Pages: 253, Price: RS.499, Publishers: Penguin Viking/2011
Till now, Siddhartha Deb was mostly known for journalistic writings and his two remarkable novels, including debut work, The point of Return and Surface; so writing straight a problem centric book was a big shift from his side. This book reached to me with a banded notice on its jacket that was referring the scrapping of the first chapter following the Court order in north east. As I was aware about the unfortunate row between the IIPM {was covered as dream seller among the millions of desperate Indians} and CARAVAN Magazine, where the first chapter of this book was earlier published, so it amused me more than shock over such overt display of undeserving assertion!

Anyway, reading twenty-six pages long autobiographically enabled introduction gives an exact outline where author has eyes to reach out. Disappeared pages between 26-72 reminds us the consistent downgradation of an excellent Constitutional right known as “Freedom of Expression”, anyway this is way of life which needs reckoning and ofcourse no counter logic against the India’s Judicial temples!

Rest, the four remained chapters sensibly deals with the pros and cons of economic liberalisation in India…what strikes most, Siddhartha’s firsthand experience of these odd changes as a narrator. Simultaneously, he oriented to draw the shades of feeling behind the inflated success story of Indian economy? This book diversely acknowledges the desperateness among the most of working classes in India, whether serving in the fairy world of IT/ITES, in glamorous hotels or badly suffering with the existential crisis as temporary human recourses in abject inhuman industries. The best research inside this book {chapter-III}- Red Sorghum: Farmers in the Free Market, is on the rural distress caused by the single minded framing of policies which necessitates every human to be resource and every occupation to be globally competitive! Ofcourse, there are consistent support of McKinsey services but not adequate foods/water/shelter and most essentially freedom!

It’s hard to express the truth before the partying, yet many are daring, so giving hopes. Here, this effort could be listed in that category where truth prevails with all positive imprints for its sanguine takers…and amazingly without any subversive traits. In Indian English writing {both in fiction and non-fiction}, a new trend is being developed which is less flashy but surprisingly closer to the real life experiences. Simply, it’s marking the spread of literature in all around the lives along with big solace of dwindling hippocratic plays of words. So, if the range of literature moving ahead from nonsense 5Star cocktail parties to the plight of waiters and from board room’s slumbering Power Point’s world to the casual crowd of industries, that refers the maturity of this trendy writing and also the growing nausea of mass peoples towards India’s inefficient and unsustainable model of economic planning.

Readers will find the entire book equally persuasive as the basic motives and the form of narration {in reporting style} is almost uniform, only sectoral changes are at place. Inevitably, the scrapped first chapter is a big miss but again it refers towards the new Indian affluents which grew in the wake of India’s neo-resilience and practically without tolerance for anything against their vested interests. Business is not bad itself, neither the reform but the Indian reform is running short of clauses that could tempted to see humanity as driver of civilization…alas, here might is perfectly right and roses are in existence but without any prospect of blossoming?
Atul Kumar Thakur
September 19, Monday, New Delhi
Email ID: summertickets@gmail.com

Journey through heart

2011-09-19T03:21:00.000-07:00

Book Review: The Reverse Journey
Author: Vivek Kumar Singh
Format: Paperback/Fiction/New Age
Pages: 122, Price: RS.95, Publishers: Frog Books/2011
This is Vivek’s debut novel; short is size, very lucid in narratives and crisp in plotting the events. Altogether these specialities give the book a fascinating touch and enable readers a pleasant read. The Reverse Journey is a kind of book, normally written with the real life experiences and to a great extant, reveals the inner world of its author. Same is true here; author himself is in the centre as an IIT grad heading for the new resilient professional world in India and finally abroad in U.S. Here protagonist reached to the desired level of professional ladder in working at top consultancy firm, but it’s the heart which overpowers the mind and further journey begins for home. Story is simply crafted but the protagonist’s state of mind aptly signifies the complexity of Indian expatriates…for whom working overseas falls in dream coming true slot but once they land in alien location, suddenly a cultural emptiness keeping them awake towards the newly found existence. This in most cases resulted with better compatibility to his/her motherland and a sort of only formal dwelling with the working foreign land. So, at some level, differences started getting visible between the reality and perception.

I will reprise again and again that, such literary writing from the professionals is a healthy trend and quite deserves to get the appropriate attention of both readers and critics. This wave of newly found writers marks the unprecedented height of Indian writing in Queens own language. Even with their frugal lingual strength, the new genre of professional turned writers will be keep floating high in the sea of literature as some of them have honest feelings to tell and those feelings are essentially in need by the modern humankind. Vivek has such keenness for observing/practicing the human acts…that’s obvious in the way, his protagonist chose the motherland full with systemic shortcomings over a furnished international location known for living in material dreams. Not a dualist mind can imagine such pious favour for heart led decision…

Author himself shown that, it’s averseness to struggle that causing most of the lust related complications. Here, he leaves a grand message to the Indian middle class standing on the verge of complete myopia for listening their inner calls, which may be closer to the rational choices. Profession or any discipline of working can’t be blamed for big mess around everywhere…afterall, that’s the flawed policy maneuvering which sizes up the make or mar from exotic corporate culture. Afterall, isn’t it panic to hear living in Bangalore being coded as “Bangalored” or the dialectism of bad human resource management, when an IIT grad without knowing the software programming being exported to the U.S? In the same way, India exports the Basmati rice or Darjeeling’s best tea because some Tom, Peter or Frank likes these stuffs being consumed in daily life?

In no manner, it should be confused as India’s triumph with its questionable overtures with the open global trade…like the protagonist of this novel; the new professional working class must be stand with their basic rights and without ever fearing the potential sabotage of their career, as the industries can never afford losing them with valuable expertise.

Vivek is himself grew up in Bihar/Jharkhand studied at IIT Kanpur {Civil Engineering}before leaving in to the swiftly emerging IT sector in mid 1990’s…he also Banagalored before becoming a frequent visitor to Hudson bay, where the “Statue of Liberty “has presence but alas in desperate passivity! So, his views and pointing of complexities must be taken in serious contexts, why and how, he thought another parallel world of professionals getting hammered under the profit driven industrial norms? Any longer, avoidance of this affluent working class’s alienation will be caused for a big mismatch in the capitalist agenda of growth…and neither talking of Marx nor his egalitarian Communism will be in out of fashion for long! Time is to rationalize the policies in favour of working class, either affluent or unskilled…afterall; too much casual bearing of top management may disorient the long term perspectives of organised business. The Reverse Journey will sure make forward a good message of ethical moving in the professional world, target can’t be total but its substantial effects can’t be ruled out either. Hoping, Vivek’s literary voyage will be similarly engaged with the real life issues…that will be more essential than getting activated with the deviating “street activism”, the way its alarmingly grooming among the ex City bankers etc!
Atul Kumar Thakur
September 19, 2011, Monday
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Approaching MBA

2011-09-19T03:18:00.000-07:00

Book Review: Beyond the MBA HYPE
Author: Sameer Kamat
Format: Paperback/Business/Self-help
Pages: 172, Price: RS.250, Publishers: Collins Business/2011
When Sameer introduced me with his book, I liked the two things following reading it very easily, first he shared his own corporate experiences with or without MBA and second most remarkable things he shown the lurking desire to give management aspirants of all types a very comprehensive set of guidelines for this functionally crucial profession. His primary focus is to make aware the management aspirants as well as practicing managers for the academic choices in this field, besides giving them the much essential technical plans to go ahead in the top exams. Ahead, he also offers, how to cope in the distressed state after getting failed for top notch Business schools…so overall, it’s an informative book and much-much better than the shaky coaching classes which ruins more than makes through their wayward preaching camouflaged like gospel teaching!

If looking sharply over the current trend of management education, it appears that it’s highly stratified and class conscious as the consistent scaling of fees{even in government funded institutes like IIMs}deterring a whole lot of masses away from the desired birth in this field. Moreover, the choice of Ivy Leagues and even the low rank western management institutes are still out of thinkable for most of the Indians except for those who’s Dad/Mom knows the GRE etc culture very well and are impatient with unused buffer stoke of fat riches. India as a vital market economy now needs more sophisticated management practices inside the industries and also in academics. The real hindrances is lack of public funding culture in our education system that gives edge to the profusely growing dream seller institutions which thrive and strive amorally on the middle class desperateness. Finally that produces a huge reservoir of semi educated professionals {barring exceptions, that needs no man made supports}, which practically also leading the organisation with the semi efficient management pools.

Situation is even more alarming in the Research &Development areas, which is liable to make Indian management a sub standard stream. It’s not justifiable to defend the flawed academic polices by citing the glories of few IIMs/ISB/XLRI and some others good institutions in both the government and private domain. Real thing is to know the situation with comparing the size of aspiring candidates and the missing segments out of these few good institutes. Ideals are on consistent decline in the academics and HRD Ministry is itself working opposite these basic ground realities…so where question arises of redressal? Afterall, isn’t it shocking, that how many management maven we have like Ravi Mathai? Who not only shaped the IIM Ahmadabad but also worked closely to enhance the institutional capacities in other discipline as well, establishment of ICSSR with his effort is a citable example.
Most of Indian born management thinkers have hardly done anything good for the discipline or its academic practices in country, ofcourse they have assisted to the large corporations and they must admire them not the common folks whose frugal innovation was once caricatured as “Juggad” by one of the rank from them. So, in the stereotypical management stream, it may be hardly surprising if you see wise peoples reading for umpteenth time the same book written by Peter Drcuker for western business in 1960’s for approaching the challenges of Indian business in 2011! They can afford complacency, so they are doing it in complete relax…in India, there is nothing exists like core competency in the line unit, that’s a stark reality and must have to be accepted by the all!

Author has done a good job to focus on the flexible learning as potential wayout…with certain changes; it could be of great help to cope with the growing managerial skill mismatches. Rest, such books have importance for aspirants, especially for those who have limited access to the information, certainly Beyond the MBA Hype can give them the valued insights which they may find difficult to get in ultra awkward coaching institutes. Technical aspects are clear here, rest action determines everything and which must be advanced from the aspirants own quest!
Atul Kumar Thakur
September 19, 2011, Monday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

The World of Bachelors!

2011-09-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

Book Review: THE(In)eligible Bachelors
Author: Ruchita Mishra
Format: Paperback/literary fiction, Language: English
Pages: 242, Price: RS.195, Publishers: RUPA&Co/2011
Personally, I always believe satire as profound form of expression inside the literary ambit. Here a writer needs not only to unwrap his or her ideas but also have to advance before the readers with intertwining own life experiences. So, a satirical fiction shows the inner world of a writer, though magnitude of sharing varies with the relative temptations of a wordsmith. The debutant writer Ruchita Mishra’s THE (In) eligible Bachelors could be classic pick in this regard. Still in het twenties and already have made an impressive journey in both the academic and professional domain, narrates the challenges of her generation with representative authenticity.

Ruchita has simply relied on flowing expression, so leaves no chances for her readers to grapple with the odd frills in understanding either the plot or its development. Second most striking thing with this novel is its beautiful characters, all are meticulously felt and their presence seems inevitable like the real life story. Further, they all lives their part aptly throughout the book and allow a chance of lively debate on new age marriage which is now either being determined by the arranged or adventurous romances. Case of middle class, particularly those aspiring to be in the high sphere of hierarchy are consistently deconstructing the age old values…shockingly, these deviations are again being hatches by previous generations of generation next. In the wake of reform, many new tendencies have been escalating in the institution of family where the choices are increasingly decided by the pre-imagined lust that badly haunting the self of educated girls like never before. Surprisingly, mothers are no longer exudes the virtuousness; however she still think best for her child but without compromising the shine of material side. On this front, protagonist Kasturi Shukla, with a magical combine of tech/management skill sets represents the oppressed human resources, and her mother commands like a CEO, who values the things by a buzz materialistic principle, Return on Investment {ROI}or venture and nothing beyond that!

THE (In)eligible Bachelors practically deals with the complexity of life and its two primary stages-love and marriage. Love of Kasturi resembles a sort of assertness from her natural boisterousness against the mechanized sentimental shackles around her, which approaches her through artificially arranged family affairs with prospect of getting settled with a man having arithmetically best salary slip. That starts with her innocent falling in romance…she tempted for boss Rajeev Sir, who characterize himself fit for temporary overtures with newly found love. But dualism of Rajeev falls suddenly, and so trembles the fake notion their working relationship which grew in the course of juggling two difficult choices.

Kasturi, who is still left a human, naturally takes it as betrayal, found solace only in recluse until the antecedents truly narrated by her close affiliates, Ananya, Varu and once a rejected potential life partner, Pita ji {Coded humourously}. Moreover, two accidents draw the principal character, Kasturi more close to her ethical part, where she finds matches with Dr. Poorva, who performs like a true man in blood and flesh and selfless lover. Once sidelined owing to confusions, his action outwitted all the fake circumstances and gives deserving Kasturi another life, without any hitches. End of novel justifies the happenings around us in present time…peoples are betrayed but life never stops in going on…this emanates the approaching dialectism, anyway, it’s wisdom that finally determines the course!

There are no definite criteria to judge a piece of literature albeit few fundamental qualities as benchmark shall be acknowledged by all including the purists who mostly think in their own terms. These qualities, this novel offers:- uniformity in flair, persistence of plot with lucid narration and most notably its lively characters who never falls short in giving momentum to the whole theme of novel. Ruchita Mishra has entered the literary arena with a purposeful book, and her presence here will sure be energizing the wave of Indian English writing. She can be seen as a welcome continuance of new literary generation that felt and used the inferences out of surroundings, which gives story essential neutrality and also let a chance to proceed in seemingly natural way.

In Indian English writing by women’s, many big names are floating-both in the past and present. If Anita Desai and others led the way, Arundhati Roy, Jaishree Mishra, Radhika Jha and others hold that literary tradition; certainly Ruchita Mishra, Nayana Currimbhoy {Miss Timmins School for Girls} and many writers of this generation will take it to more advanced stage. In contemporary context, discipline of Social Sciences is lacking to address the new set of challenges emerging through the global merger of markets/greed and also to a large extant of culture as well. Particularly, a nation like India, which has mix fortune while converging with the tantrums of globalization unusually caught with the new formation/deformation in socio-economic life. THE (In}eligible Bachelors addressed a solid issue and succeeded too far, yet many grave problems of excessive market orientation are standing with urgency to get looked upon. That will be needed fair efforts in literary writing, hope Ruchita and other committed writers will explore other areas of life that is waiting for makeover!
Atul Kumar Thakur
September 12, 2011, Monday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Politics for greater common goods!

2011-09-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

Baijayant “Jay” Panda was elected to the Parliament of India, from Kendrapara Loksabha Constituency, Odhisa in May 2009. Earlier Panda had been twice elected to Parliament, Rajya Sabha in 2000 and 2006, also from the State of Odhisa. He is a member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party.Panda represents the new face of Indian politicians, several of whom have been educated abroad and have had alternate careers before choosing to serve the nation through politics. Panda graduated from the Michigan Technological University and, with a background in Engineering and Management, worked in the corporate sector before joining politics. He assisted the late Biju Patnaik and subsequently Naveen Patnaik, who founded the Biju Janata Dal party, which has found strong acceptance from the people of Odhisa and has been repeatedly voted back in elections. An avid reader and writer, Mr.Panda represents the shining face of Indian democracy, recently we had a long conversation at his residence in New Delhi…excerpts are...

Q: - As a leader and Parliamentarian, how would you rate the leadership crisis in UPA-II over Anna Hazare led Civil Society movement?
A:- It appears as government had no game plan, so taken contradictory position on Anna Hazare at time to time. It certainly indicates towards the leadership crisis.

Q: - Do Lokpal bill will be a panacea against the corruption? How do you see the next course of action from Parliament on this bill?
A: - Nothing including the Lokpal bill will be a panacea; instead it will be making a very big dent against the corruption. We have also need to take other steps, such as passing the long pending Judicial Commission Bill. India has huge shortage of Judges for its population compare to other countries and system needs to be overhauled for speedy appointments as well as accountability in the Judiciary.

Q: - If broadly looking on Jan Lokpal team, it appears, they hardly represent Civil Society at large, do you see somewhere it might be popular anger against the corruption and media participation that manipulated the whole demonstration?
A: - There are many aspects of Civil Society but certainly peoples behind Jan Lokpal constitute one element in taking this issue forward to its logical conclusion. Now Parliament has to play the final role but all the other stakeholders including Civil Society, Media, and Judiciary have also played big role in making ground against the corruption.

Q: - As a Columnist and a prolific voice in the opposition, how do you look on the dwindling investor’s confidence& FDI in our economy? Now, even our own high shot entrepreneurs are increasingly looking outside for business...should we acknowledge the big flaws in our reform/growth agenda?

A: - It’s a proven fact that the least corrupt countries also have the freest economy. Over the last twenty years, Indian economy has consistently got an unprecedented scale that lifted more than twenty crores peoples out of stark poverty. Also, sluggish issues of past such as, licensing has now gone but continuous reforms are necessary to tackle the new forms of corruption which are linked to remaining discretionary powers that should be change in favour of rule based procedures.

Q: - What should be the policy response for reassertion of people’s natural boisterousness? How to retrieve the moral sentiments, whose absence is keeping our democracy in backyard?
A: - The public has right to be agitated in a free country like ours, particularly on the corruption. It’s happening due to politicians abdicating their duties. If politicians do not act in reforming nation’s problems, then it would be essential for others like Civil Society, Media, and Judiciary to step in that vacuum.

Q: - Do regional parties {including BJD} along with the left parties can turn for an alternative political formation at centre? I mean a government without Congress and BJP?
A: - For now, I can’t speculate on such alliances but strongly hold a view that regional parties have succeeded for good reasons. India is a diverse country and no one or two parties can cater the needs of entire nation.

Q: - You represents in Loksabha from Odhisha {Kendrapara}, you also have government in state besides hailing from a business background in mining-don’t you think, the existing mining policies needs substantial changes? What’s your vision for ensuring the long term stake of local communities in mining companies?
A: - Just for clarification, my family business background is more than fifty years old and primarily functional in the engineering, along with captive and not in commercial mining. I agree with you, mining sector needs a lot reforms, many of the policies are opaque and led to abuse of authority. Grant of mining leases should be operated by the open auction and royalty rates must be revised upward to enable funds for development and benefits of the local population.

Q: - What immediate changes are needed on Land Acquisition Act? How government should approach for fair land acquisition policies?
A: - The principle should be followed for greatest good for greatest numbers. There must be a cut of 70-80%of displaced peoples and their consent must be preceded everytime before the land can be acquired. Also, the compensation should be revised sharply upward including ensuring long term benefits and preferential selection in job.

Q: - Naxalism, so far have been either treated academically or autocratically that worsened the plights of disadvantaged groups, how you will be like to see democracy working on this very grave issue?
A: - Development must go hand in hand with prioritizing the humane aspects. Naxalism has originally merged and strengthened by the lack of government action, but now, Naxal forces are playing dangerous game with wrong means of extortion and stoppage of development. Government needs to make large investment in infrastructure/education and raising the governance level in Naxal affected areas…cracking down on the violence shall be another immediate action from government.

Q: - Lastly, what measures should be drawn to end the unfair electoral funding?
A: - This is the fundamental problem impacting policies, transparency and governance. There should be a major electoral reform, particularly regarding electoral funding where we can learn from the other democracy where one solution is state funding of electoral expenses. It is much essential to move in this direction, a fair mechanism of electoral funding will be a new chapter in our democracy. Every action for fairness in system must be welcomed and participated by its all stakeholders.
Atul Kumar Thakur
September 7, 2011, Wednesday, New Delhi

Diplomat in Conversation!

2011-08-30T03:13:00.000-07:00

Diplomat in Conversation!
Mr. Sudhir T. Devare joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1964 and served in India’s Missions in Moscow, Washington and Yangon. While serving in the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in Geneva, he was the alternate delegate to the Committee on Disarmament. He has also served as Consul General in Frankfurt, Germany and was India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (1985-89), Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia (1992-94), and Indonesia (1994-98). From 1998 till his retirement from the I.F.S in June 2001, he was the Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. As Secretary, he dealt with India’s bilateral as well as multilateral economic relations and was closely associated with the ‘Look-East’ policy and the evolving relations with the Asia-Pacific. He was the Leader of the Indian delegation at the senior official meetings of India-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership, ASEAN Regional Forum, BIMST-EC, Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation and others. He was a Member of the National Security Advisory Board of India in 2002-03. He was a Visiting Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in 2002 and was the Vice-Chairman of the Research and Information System of Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi. He has authored India and Southeast Asia: Towards Security Convergence (2006) by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, (ISEAS) Singapore and Capital Publishing Co. Delhi and A New Energy Frontier: the Bay of Bengal region published by ISEAS, Singapore (2008). He is currently the Director General of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) New Delhi. Recently we had a long conversation at historic Sapru House on diverse issues related to the Indian foreign policy…edited excerpts are…

Q: - How do you see the change in dynamics of Indian foreign policy? Especially, in the context of our traditional allies in South East Asia, Arab and Central Asian countries?

A: - Indian foreign policy has undergone a consistent evolution since 1991; end of Cold war and subsequently, the collapse of U.S.S.R and emergence of new States besides India’s own liberalisation of economy left huge impact from the policy perspectives. Moreover, post 9/11, strategic consideration pushed India for greater collaboration with U.S against the international terrorism. For the first time, U.S acknowledged India’s long suffering from the terrorism; it was indeed remarkable from the strategic point of views. Besides, India still continuing strengthened co-operation with the likeminded nations, to enhance its security safeguard.

India maintains functionally smooth relations with all the countries, last year representatives of the all five Member nation of UN visited India…so the dyamicism has broadened our ties in foreign affairs. Post Cold war, a realization grew that India should give greater attention towards South East Asia, that popularly known as “Look East Policy”. Even in historical terms, South East Asian nations remained our close allies albeit the interruption of Cold war resulted in the kind of distance for twenty years. 1990’s saw good rapture; now our relations are excellent, both at the bilateral level with the nations of the region and through ASEAN. Free Trade Agreements {FTA} and close defence co-operation with the ASEAN nations are epitomes of our diplomatic stronghold in the region. My book, India and South Asia- towards Security Convergence, argues that India entered in comprehensive treaty that leading towards convergence. So things are going on good course though much has to be done ahead. ICWA is a steering organisation in India on ASEAN dialogue, since last year we took many initiatives in this regard and also hosted a meaningful Conference on India-ASEAN dialogue, which made positive impacts.

Central Asia has been a promising region in all the terms, our ties was on peak during Soviet Union era, though the collapse of U.S.S.R in 1991 necessitated to engage the each separated States individually. Connectivity is a big problem in this region, so we are facing limitation in our closeness. We have traditional presence in the Arab world, and that’s based on trust and fine engagements. India has consistently supported to Palestinian cause and its legitimate aspiration but we shall not interfere in their domestic affairs. Though, India is open for talking to these nations, if they feel such need.

Q: - Does India’s emergence as an economic/strategic power influencing its conventional relationship with the neighbouring countries?

A: - India’s capacity has considerably gone up in principally immediate neighbourhood. Around 70-80% of SAARC nations economies are influenced by the India, so significant happenings here leave substantial impact on neighbours. In terms of commercial/educational/service potential, India stands with a crucial position for its neighbours; so India must be taken into good light and its rise should be seen positively. Since India became a nation, it always forwarded its best support for neighbour’s prosperousness, though it’s worrisome that our trade volume is still much smaller with our neighbours in comparison of China. Here measures are immediately needed to broaden the trade relations in neighbourhood, and that must be started with the adequate investment in these countries; this will be helpful in forming the atmosphere of goodwill.

Q: - How India should approach on Nepal’s ongoing stalemate?

A: - India closely monitoring the ongoing political development in Nepal. We have genuine concern with our most trusted neighbour, so we always need a peaceful and stable Nepal. India supported Maoists in the mainstream politics and their consolidated efforts for Constitution making. As once again, Maoists are heading the coalition government under the premiership of Baburam Bhattarai, we are hoping positive time ahead in our relationship. India always has been and is open for help.

Q: - Should China be taken more diplomatically or India should rather compete it economically in Nepal and Pakistan?

A: - China’s action mustn’t endanger our legitimate bilateral security interest with both these countries…until the rubicon has not crossed; there is no need to hype such involvement.

Q: - What’s the official stand of India on Non Aligned Movement {NAM}? Strategically, should India retrieve its earlier closeness in ties with Russia?

A: - NAM remains a key cardinal principle of Indian foreign policy, but it needs not to be seen in blocks, as Cold war doesn’t exist now. It has historical importance, as the basic ideals of NAM reflect our consistent opposition to the colonial ironies. As a leading member and the world’s largest democracy, India will continue to sideline those anomalies for better equality on international platform. We will keep playing crucial role on the matters of importance at multilateral level negotiations…world need a voice, India offers that along with Brazil and entire participants of BRICKS. So, with a different shape, NAM remains relevant. As far as India-Russia relation is concerned, NAM plays practically no role; we have other intrinsic commonness in our outlook besides a very closely shared historical past that plays rather cornstone of our relations. Our collaboration in defence and science-technology is still touching high sphere, now with the enhanced capacity, India is equally crucial for Russia.

Q: - What should be the India’s next course of action in Srilanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh?

A: - After the end of LTTE's dissemination in Srilanka, there emerged some contentious issues, like the presence of large numbers of refugees created by long civil war in the country. India keeps pressing Srilankan authority for the welfare of Tamils. Economically, both nations are on fine course, yet India will be concerned for Tamils who have been badly affected by the parochial ideas of LTTE and consistent ignorance by the Srilankan authority. We have old links with Myanmar that reached in closest terms during our shared struggle against the colonialism…unfortunately democracy couldn’t sustain there for long and Military rule’s shaky treatment with Aung San Sui Ki created bad feelings. Though India kept engaging Myanmar government, they have recently introduced a formal democracy, following that, visit of our foreign minister and high level envoy Nirupma Rao and their meeting with Aung San Sui Ki shows a positive development. Myanmar’s connectivity with ASEAN is crucial for us. With Bangladesh, we are working closely and many outstanding issues are being resolved now. Bangladesh has shown great action in extraditing top ranked ULFA leaders; and moreover also showing goodwill in other directions as well. We have high regards for our bilateral relations and bond of sharing.

Q: - It’s quite intriguing to observe the mix reaction of Pakistani Air force following the end of military aid from U.S…will the China leverage Pakistani Army in same way as till recently U.S did? What would be its implications on India-U.S relations and India’s interest in Afghanistan and north-west frontier?

A: - Pakistan seems to remain a close partner for U.S, even U.S had reduced military aid to Pakistan but it will not affect their ties too much…it should be taken in long perspectives only. China is an all weather ally of Pakistan, so their level of co-operation can be easily anticipated. Ofcourse, Pak-U.S relations have implications for India and in the specified regions particularly, but for now, there is little possibility for big change in geo-strategic scenario.

Q: - Do you think, now time is conducive for India to pitch strongly a permanent in UN Security Council? Should India fix a balance between its traditional foreign policy with the newly strengthened alliances?

A: - India, overall regard its right to be in UN Permanent Council, as it has always subscribed the ideals of UN. So, India naturally deserves permanent membership. It will be our thirst in the days ahead…now; we are expecting all positive moves from both the U.S and China!

Q: - What’s your view on the India-U.S Civil nuclear deal? What’s true meaning of new twist on non waiver issues? Are we heading on the right path for our energy requirements…especially after FUKUSHIMA incident?

A: - It’s indeed a positive development and must be regarded as our diplomatic achievement that secured the recognition of matured Indian position on all nuclear questions all along. We have well guarded nuclear establishment, so shall be sanguine about the future.

Q: - How Arab uprising should be seen…as democratic upheavals against the west supported autocracy or series of revolt, generated by the local causes? What will be its impact on India, and the world at large?

A: - Unrest is localized and against the western domination to some extent. India is closely watching the scene, however welcome the mass aspirations for democracy. Some of the movements are less bloody; those could be listed in positive category.

Q: - India’s opportunity in Libya and Arab world?

A: - India has good relationship with the Arab world including of Libya, so has big stakes in peace making process inside these regions.

Q: - Will inclusion of India and Pakistan in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation {SCO} make any constructive development in bilateral ties?

A: - It seems ambiguous. SCO may not influence bilateral ties but sure will leave sound impact in the regions of Central Asia. So, overall it’s a welcome development. Only SCO meetings shall not be considered as end in bilateral ties.
Atul Kumar Thakur
August 29, 2011, Monday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Tells of 24 Akbar Road etc!

2011-08-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

Book Review: 24Akbar Road
Author: Rasheed Kidwai
Format: Hardback/Non-fiction
Language: English
Pages: 295
Price: RS.495
Publishers: Hachette/2011
Even before writing this book, and earlier Sonia: A Biography, Rasheed's grip on Congress Party affairs was undoubtedly out of match...as political reporter for years, he carried the best practices of journalism without using the mileage of political proximity. Such impartiality and presentation of truth is evident in most part of the book and that must be considered his big success. With my own high impression, I will consider this book an “essential read” for all those want to know India’s single most ruling party in multidimensional ways. Here, Rajdeep Sardesai’s rating of this book as “thriller” needs to be little more stretched in favour and shall be taken in proper light as the Rasheed’s 24 Akbar Road is out of sycophancy.

Until few years back, when Ramchandra Guha has written “India after Gandhi”, there was terrible shortage of documentation on modern India, especially on Indian democracy. Whatever we could remember before those were either stodgy writings in academic fashion or ran by views in fantasy…with little or no puts of social history, those works were hardly genuine in the historical narratives. Though 24Akbar Road naturally has leaning with political historiography, yet it delved substantially too with the socio-economic perspectives that gives readers insightful accounts of all important events in post-colonial India. Like, recalling the very crucial nationalization of banks and Coal Mines as “With the single stroke of pen, nationalized fourteen banks and Coal Mines”…beautifully narratives are at place, so are the abundancy of many hidden or less known history of Congress, and infact even about the many bungalows of Lutyns Zone, including of historical 7Jantar Mantar Road, which is an end past now for Congress.

As the existing Congress party represents more or less an unusual dualism in its action, so it’s praiseworthy, the way Rasheed has given good light where the proper works have been done by Indira Gandhi and Rajiv and defiance for the power mongers with akin to rose the rank either “by hook or crook”. Indian National Congress has indeed a unique characteristic of hierarchy which sharply cuts the topmost position for an outsider…sole exception of P.V.Narsimha Rao {Manmohan Singh is reluctantly at helm of affairs} was a conditional outcome of tragical spontaneity that arose out of Rajiv Gandhi’s unfortunate assassination in 1991. There were no other reasons, he could have Prime Minister without the sudden delinking of Gandhi family-when it reinstated, Mr. Rao was sidelined to the level of oblivion. His fall after Sonia’s arrival in politics and unjustified prominence of incapable and odd Sitaram Kesari will be remain a severe blot on the democratic credential of Congress party!

Unparalleled prerogatives of Nehru, grace in compatibility with the power of Indira, and modernism of Rajiv has covered lucidly. Book also tries well to capture the persona of Sanjay Gandhi in different way, it vehementally articulates its own views instead of chasing stereotypical conceptions, that’s more humane and real. Sanjay, as an impatient child of Indira had impacted negatively on Indian democracy…he grabbed the forefront of power with mother’s emotional breakdown in 1970’s. That was the result of her high shot intervention in international affairs, particularly in the birth of Bangladesh besides the fading strength of Congress in States. Rise of Communism and growing caliber of Socialist forces were other reasons that made her passed the baton informally in hand of Sanjay, who kept bad habits of less listening and reading even after that.

Finally with emergency, Congress shown an arbitrariness in political functioning that tolled it heavy losses, except South India
[South of Vindhya}, its position never remained so stable again. Premature death of Sanjay and conditional arrival of Rajiv shaped the further course of Congress…but in the meantime, Indira’s assassination followed by the avoidable communal clashes and bawdy display of personification from tier-II and tier-III leaders bought some murmur of leadership change but lasted soon. The bad personal maneuvering Pranab Mukherji was shunted under the charge of command that lost prominence he could retrieve only in 1991, after the Rajiv’s sad death. He displayed this time proper loyalty in favour of Sonia, and still doing so with greater say in party and government led by the Congress party.

Rasheed has succeeded to establish a broader outline, how Congress party has been moving over the years through many formative and deformative stages. He also did beautifully overtures with the internal nuances of Congress organisation, especially the detailed classification of party affiliates are worth of reckoning and besides also knowing how good or bad democracy exists within India’s largest political party. I will reprise again here, that historical narration is the best thing with this book, although a big missing has also emerges from the same section. In entire book, there is no mention of Congress high profile leader from Bihar, Lalit Narayan Mishra who spearheaded the party organisation in eastern/northern India besides also playing formidable role in establishing smooth rapport with Communist bloc during the Cold War era. Ambiguity of his death while serving as most effective Railway Minister should have also been taken into account as he remained unparalleled leader of Bihar after Shree Krishna Singh.

Name of his younger brother, Jagganath Mishra was among the five probables after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, but here too, there is no mention of that. Till then, Congress started catching decline in Bihar…defeat of Jagganath Mishra by the legendary Communist leader, Bhogendra Jha by substantial margin in 1991 Loksabha election from Madhubani marked the end of Congress party as functional power in Bihar. Anyway, Dr. Mishra continued as Rajya Sabha member with a plush Ministry of Rural Development, but his adventurous decision to lobby against Sonia Gandhi knocked him permanently irrelevant in Congress politics. Though two other dissent lobbyists, P.A.Sangama and Sharad Pawar is enjoying best time in power circle of UPA government. Lastly this book must be stacked in bookshelf of every serious readers with penchant for understanding Indian politics, I am sanguine about that and hoping it as starting of a new wave of political commentary.
Atul Kumar Thakur
August 26, 2011, Friday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

Battle of Telangana!

2011-08-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

Book Review: Battleground Telangana: Chronicle of an Agitation
Author: Kingshuk Nag
Format: paperback
Language: English
Pages: 239
Price: RS.299
Publishers: Harper Collins/2011
Kingshuk Nag being a journalist has very sharp eyes for details that is easily evident inside his timely and well written political commentary/ Battleground Telangana on Telangana Statehood. This work is straight forward in narration, so it seems interesting in reading...primarily, Statehood has two arms-agitation and its political manipulation by the parties involved. Flaws in Statehood could be traced back since the recommendation of first State Reorganization {SRC}, led by Fazal Ali in 1953, on this basis modern Andhra Pradesh came into existence. As this book rightly establishes; that unmindful alteration in Geography and uneven spread of resources, falsified the meaning of State in the eyes of peoples from Telangana region.

Two major factors [feeble enterprising quality and low literacy rate] are still being caused for the rise of demand for Telangana Statehood. Anyhow, time of 1956-1968 remained passive regarding the Statehood but the year 1969 proved a painful year with witnessing large scale violence and misadventures of political class. Andhra Pradesh has always been a key strength of Congress, even after the emergency, Congress did fairly well in south of Vindhya and especially in Andhra Pradesh with winning 41 Loksbha Seats out of 42. In later years too, Congress has managed somehow a respectable electoral edge in AP, which is the major reason why it reluctantly been centered over its policy on separate Telangana.

Congress naturally has chosen an ambitious stand of breaking the natural leadership from Telangana. Chenna Reddy's opportunism and pacifying turn of of P.V.Narsimha Rao are two classic examples how Congress prioriiesd its electoral bnefits instead anticipating on genuine demand of Telangana as a separate State. Chapter-4 {Paradigm Shift: NTR, Naidu and YSR} inquisites the rise of NTR out of the firm minded convictions of Congress at Center which in late 1970's and early 1980's used to accustomed for cornering the local demand and changing of Chief Ministers as legislative measures. Here NTR after being rejected for a Rajya Sabha birth from Congress, sailed on Telgu pride and his own mythological image earned through an impressive inning in Cinema. That ended the monopoly of Congress for a long time; his son-in-law, Chandra Babu Naidu outgrew him later but on the cost of mass support.

Congress finally cashed on such dwindling peoples confidence for Naidu under the Y.S.Rajshekhar Reddy. These three big leaders had almost cut-size the Telangana movement. The present wave of demand is being led by K Chandrashekhar Rao{Telangana Rashtra Samiti}, which became resonant only after the unfortunate death of YSR and dramatic change of guards in State Congress.

It could be a matter of big debate, why Congress has marginalized a long demand for Telangana over the years! This book meticulously reveals the persisting biases towards the development in Telangana region that turned it to bastion of ultra-left armed movement. If development is directly related to the law and order situation and cure is lies in bifurcation of State-then, Telangana must be given its due. Afterall, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Chattisgarh as States have made lot of differences in local development. There is urgency now to end the Battleground Telangana by the Center, as its Home Minister in 2009 announced for the Statehood of Telangana while en-route Delhi in his flight! Time is to act now in real world…!
Atul Kumar Thakur
Tuesday, August 16, 2011, New Delhi
Mail: summertickets@gmail.com

Searching Solitude!

2011-08-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

Book Review: The Garden of Solitude
Author: Siddhartha Gigoo
Format: paperback
Language: English
Pages: 246
Price: RS.195
Publishers: Rupa
The Garden of Solitude by Sidhhartha Gigoo is a remarkable personal narration on the collective outbreak of turmoil inside the socio-cultural fabric of Kashmir in late 1980’s. This novel honestly gives the sense of loss for what wrong happened with the Kashmiri Pandits in their trusted neighbourhood, that were never bad and troublesome…even after two decades and considerable adjustment in mainframe, Kashmiri Pandits are still missing those composite bonds which once used to be the intrinsic part of existence. Gigoo graciously allows his own voice in the protagonist, Sridar who epitomizes an authentic account in socio-cultural terms, without getting too much involved with the highly reprised effects of Cold War and subsequent wave of Islamization in valley.

This promises much for readers to understand the plight of Kashmiri Pandits through humane perspectives instead of getting blurred in cobweb of political tantrums. Now when a new generation of Kashmiri Pandits are already moved up with the time and theirs incessant struggle in alien circumstances; it’s solacing to see many of them being creatively able to historically shape theirs good and bad memories of once home and a forbidden territory for last two decades. So, Sridar’s memories of looking through his intimate window and impulses to visit his lost heaven amidst very lively reception from forcibly deprived neighbourhood gives lucid indication that at socio-cultural level, loss of exodus is reciprocal.

Searching nativity should be the main plank of Kashmiris in exile who tagged for long with an unjust and illogical suffix, SHARNARTHI! Never it was justifiable inside a free State like India…only it was an illuminating stance of Center’s failure to reach the basic flaws of Kashmir issue and getting involve for a constructive way out. What we have witnessed rather a consistent derailment of genuine concern substituted by hippocratic rise of local leadership which remains devoid to attain any rational purposes. Siddhartha succeeded to an extant in striking balance between essential sentimentalism and the existing scenario.

The right thing he did to route his vision in straight way without being fixed with tricky Kashmiri discourse, likewise of A.G.Noorani type in fruitless and divisive fashion! Over the years, Center missed to empower the Kashmiris who were in State or outside; instead wrongly all resources were directed to nurture the questionable local leadership and symbolic institutions. Even today, the path chosen of Public diplomacy is completely out of touch from the core of problems and it’s unlikely they will fetch anything substantial as solution on a very costly Kashmir issue.

It will be wrong to describe every work on Kashmir through the theoretic construct of international conspiracies. Needless to say, it caused for all turmoil inside once a living Paradise but need is too look around what forced at social/cultural/psychological that frozen and broke Kashmir? With impressive past and articulate lifestyle, the land which should have been the role model for peace, how turned to be among the most dangerous place of the world? After the folly of last six and half decades, Indian side must deal the Kashmir issue in straight terms without even a think to stretch the existing approach of Public diplomacy which otherwise will be keep downgrading the genuine aspirations out of its incompetency to engage effectively. Time is to think on many Sridar who should be given again theirs lost windows to see the world…!
Atul Kumar Thakur
Monday, August 15, 2011, New Delhi
Mail: summertickets@gmail.com

Chronicling Poor Lives!

2011-07-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

Book Review: - Poor Economics/Abhijit .V.Banerjee and Esther Duflo/Poor Economics/Abhijit .V.Banerjee and Esther Duflo,Random House India,Price-Rs.499,2011
As economics itself can’t be poor with its articulate nuances, so the efforts of MIT Economists, Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo can be better understand as Economics of Poors. This book is well intentioned as it entered into the poverty debate with involving local/community perceptions and abstained to fall in the trap of generalization. That enables the work to reach on the real causes of poverty and failure of numerous national and international programmes.

Infact the main argument of this book “The way the poor make decisions, at some level, is not that different from our own. They are no less rational or sophisticated than anyone else, and they are well aware that mistakes for them are costlier” is very touching and reflects the need of humane observation on poverty instead maintaining technical status quo. Abhijit and Esther, the propunder of “randomized control trials in development economics” leaves simple solution for the policy makers by playing careful attention to the evidence, this way, it’s possible to form accurate view on impacts of poverty. This book raises many questions from impulsive side, how the bandwagon among the poors kills the real existential issues!

The best of book comes in the first part, where each of the five chapters gives an impressionable account to know the poverty in universal terms. Chapter-Ist dwells with human development issues and come out impressively with an overview of regional variation in HDI. Chapter-II/A billion hungry Peoples, which is most fruitful as it shatters the all ill imposed convictions, that trying to legitimize the every moves of market capitalism as good for poors. Authors take on puzzling nutrition debate in India is yet another reminder, why our vulnerable position is intact in global HDI Index? Further the reference of Angus Deaton/Jean Dreeze, who shown that “the real story of nutrition in India over last quarter century is not that Indians are being fatter; it’s that they are infact eating less and less” exposes how empty is the tall claims of Indian growth on poors.

Further, Gender discrimination during the Indian drought of 1960’s has sensibly covered, which opens a new concern towards this unusual discrimination. Chapter-III deals with the grassroot health scenario with highlighting the pitiful public services, unaffordable private health care, flawed governance etc. Chapter-IV/ Top of the Class, meticulously inquisite that why school fails? Chapter-V/Pak Sudarno’s Big Family, covers the many crucial aspects of demography and family planning in new light.

Part-II of the book, that’s institution focussed retains the fine touch in Chapter-VI/Barefoot Hedge-Fund Managers, which covers the plank of investments in poors life. But the distraction appears stoutly in Chapter-VIII, where the authors sailed the wrong boat by trying to infuse new energy in poverty debate by relying on the private MFI’s business which is still passing through a severe phase, out of theirs impractical/unethical business model. It would have better, if authors may have presented the calibrated model of micro-financing through the credibly managed government/private financial institutions. In Indian contexts particularly, diversity of financial institutions with special focus on Regional Rural Banks/RRBs could have made lot of differences in finding the true way out of bottom level financing. The next three Chapters shaped with global perspectives on innovation, entrepreneurship and most remarkably on policy issues.

Both Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo have keen interest in economic research, they have show such pastime in theirs book which stands with outstanding views on the nature and causes of poverty. Majority part of this book can be used for policy framing or by general readers to sharpen their grasp on the poverty. Noticeable is the language of this book which is completely flowing despite written by the two technical economists…it makes even an ordinary enthusiast reader capable to entwine with the very important aspects of economics. As the world standing on a critical juncture between blind waves of market led growth and incessantly growing inequality; significance of such work maximizes manifolds!
Atul Kumar Thakur
July 27, 2011, Tuesday, New Delhi
Email: - summertickets@gmail.com

A Book with many Answers

2011-07-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Book Review: - The Book of Answers/A Novel by C.Y.Gopinath
Harper Collins, Price Rs.499, 2011
Though a seasoned journalist himself, C.Y.Gopinath has overstepped the construct of modest polemics to write one of the most remarkable satires that equally touches both the political and social realm with placing an individual at the forefront as a consine bearer. What I liked most in this novel, the quest of protagonist, Patros Patranobis for an ordinary yet satisfying life with his almost wife, Rose and son, Tippy which he has not fathered. But sudden arrival of a mysteriously unusual “The Book of Answers” as a legacy from a long-dead ancestor brings tectonic shift in his personal as well as in the political and social atmosphere around him.

Despite realizing the extraordinary potential of the book, proposition to sale it to a scrapper leaves a beautiful metaphor of an ordinary life that can be still opted by few over the market bound hyper commercial life. In some way, it gives hope for life outside of corrupt nexus. The grabbing of supernaturally efficient “The Book of Answers” by a godmen and passing of its wisdom to the most ruthless character of democracy, politician Ishwar Prasad exactly points out the Orwellian syndrome of “might is only right”. Rest ahead is fine narratives of a democracy with the institutions of flawed governance; though the inferred value of this novel will be universally relevant but in Indian contexts, it matches amazingly. Ethics in Indian politics has remained obstinately low without even slightly distracting by the “hyped magic” of economic reform.

Arrival of the real master of the book, Patros to check the its barbaric influences as damage control and further his searches of key in remote Kerala with witnessing the desperateness eventually visualize the end of a symbolic resistance. Such things hardly surprises us now as we have been and still living in a social order that created for forgetting the many humane attributes in the guise of growth. C.Y.Gopinath deserves all praise to unleash the real happenings in political circle and its consistent harm on the collective cognitive psyches; is this kind of political system that democracy promises by its instinct? Such erosion of responsiveness from one’s defined or undefined role vehementally juxtaposes the idealistic bearing and themes behind foundation of democracy!

In robustly dynamic time, few have patience to read the books like Aldus Huxley’s “Brave new World” which predicted the potential happenings of years ahead. What is viable in the present time to know the shifting of scenes around in simple and lucid expression, where this book succeeded with immaculate dedication of the author to add many positive changes in his surroundings. May be such idealism proceed or not but there will be no denying that a chunk of humanity will be keep striving with intrinsic impulses instead of enforced pressures.

Indian English writing is passing through a very productive phase, this work strengthen such notion with benign readability and indeed delving with the big systemic issues backed by real zeal and not only for grimacing on oddities we face regularly. India as a nation is experimenting with antagonistic ideas; it’s really hard and daunting in this scenario for any writer to interpret the things without reaching to the end of conclusion. Fortunately “The Book of Answers” has conclusion for its readers who can feel the ire of system through words albeit they will simply not stop being enjoying the satire!
Atul Kumar Thakur
July 27, 2011, Tuesday, New Delhi
Email: - summertickets@gmail.com

Dream of Asian Resurgence!

2011-07-26T02:13:00.000-07:00

Mani Shankar Aiyar represents the core values of Congress party, with his articulate and balanced approach in diplomacy and politics; he has influenced the views on crucial issues across the world. As a Foreign Service official, parliamentarian, Minister and an avid intellectual, he immensely contributed to India’s foreign policy and grassroot democracy. Recently we had talk at his residence amidst his hectic schedule, though even in short meeting, he spoke substantially on our potential foreign policy in neighbouring countries which is the need of hour under the new changes. Excerpts of our talk are…

Q: - As a statesmen and senior parliamentarian, how you see the changing dynamics in Indian foreign policy? Isn’t it economic consideration alone that outgrowing the strategic compulsions?

A: - While it’s true that foreign policy is being driven less by ideological and more by pragmatic consideration than was the case earlier, I don’t believe economic consideration alone are determining the course of foreign policy. The relationships with the U.S.A, which has become the predominant parameter of foreign policy, is ofcourse closer than ever before and does contain strong component of economic, strategic and security consideration, but is not being allowed compromise our sovereignty or independent position on several matters of international interest.

Within our reason, there is determined effort to improve relations with Pakistan. Should a breakthrough be achieved, this will dramatically alter the regional and international context within which our foreign policy operates. Equally, a strong and political relationship with China is a necessary precursor for the Asian Resurgence to be witnessed in during this century.

Q: - Despite our growing recognition as an economic and strategic power at global arena, our ties with neighbours seems timid or even dwindling…how Indian authorities should approach on it?

A: - All foreign policy starts at a country’s doorsteps, not until there is peace and tranquility in a country’s immediate neighbourhood can that country hope to exercise any real influence in the world at large. Our most tangled relationship has ofcourse been with Pakistan and hence the priority that needs to be extended to removing this albatross from our neck.

Q: - Strategically, China has remained a big factor for us, and now it’s also leading an economic warfare with us in Nepal and Pakistan, where it has expansionist motives…recently China has invested billions of dollars in Gilgit/Baltistan region and also in the adjoining terrain of Tibetan border in Nepal…should India take an indifferent stand or enter in the fray with better competency?

A: - We can either turn Nepal into a South Asian Belgium or convert it into the battlefield between Indian and China, as happened in Europe between Germany and France or we can make Nepal a bridge of friendship between India and China in friendly co-operative relationships. The wiser thing would be the later, but ofcourse it would be the more difficult to be do. In a recent visit to Nepal, I took the measure of the extent of distrust there is for us matched by the extent to which China is looked upon benevolently. I am afraid, this gap in perception will be only widen if India attempts to impose itself on Nepal to force them entwining Indian mandate.

If, other hand, India were to regard China as a partner rather than a rival in Nepal, then we might be able to bring the Nepali’s perception of India on par with their indulgent view of China. What India must never forget in the natural and economic advantages, as well as civilisational, cultural and linguistic links which China will be never able to match. Therefore, instead competing for influence, rather we should try to work in the interest of Nepal and her people.
I am strongly view that foreign policy should be deployed to promote reconciliation, not aggravation. A hostile relationship with Pakistan will render the Chinese presence in these mountain areas a threat to our security, but a warm relationship with Pakistan will render the Chinese presence irrelevant.

Q: - What should be the India’s next course of action in Bangladesh, Nepal, Srilanka, Maldives and Bhutan?
A: - At the same time, there is much scope for getting our relations with Bangladesh on even kill. The same is the case with Nepal. As for Srilanka, much depends upon on internal settlement of the issue of Srilankan Tamils. Srilanka is perhaps our only neighbour with whom we appeared to have reached a satisfactory settlement. On Maldives and Bhutan, my view whatever will be the hurdles, ensuring peace, co-operation and good neighborliness in South Asia should be the highest objectives of Indian foreign policy.

Q: - You always supported for the balanced ties in our neighborhood; as a rising power too, it should be our aim to strengthen the co-operation in South Asia and dream for Asian Resurgence. Hoping best in the South Asian region with your remarkable views…

A: - The numerous challenges we are facing today either strategically or in foreign policy will be eased with a balanced ties with our neighbours. So, it should be our foremost aim to give more focus on the South Asian region…positive changes will be visible soon once India will secure its desired objectives in neighbouring region.
Atul Kumar Thakur
July 26, 2011, Tuesday, New Delhi
Email:- summertickets@gmail.com

When Playing on Backfoot!

2011-06-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

The game of Cricket, which British left unknowingly, later proved as the unifying catalyst in Indian sub-continent…it mushroomed because it possessed intrinsic healing qualities. Time changed, India also changed, so changed the aspirations of capital with its blind mandate of profit maximization. Cricket, for its salable attributes, easily picked by the cronies with slashing its beauty under the assortment of buzzword-innovation. Even a short glance on lexicon will enable you to know how the word “innovation” is being confused with the all sort of functional attainment.

Test Cricket took decades to shape in Britain and its colonies; one-day format was comparatively easily succeeded but it’s also came into light only after the first World Cup in 1975. But the by-product of neo-capitalist innovation-20/20 Cricket started making million dollars from the time of incubation with undermining even the inherent logic of capitalism. Anyway, this format of Cricket turned out to be transaction oriented…its instant effect enabled Cricketers to delink from their national side; we enjoyed our Cricket World Cup victory less than what anticipated and what we did in 1983. Moreover, India being the host nation of transaction Cricket lost its highly articulated minister Shashi Tharoor for his adventurous exposure to one among many suspicious deals. Why so much power of politics and capital suddenly chosen to chase cricket? Why players earned the entire careers riches in only one or two seasons?

These all happened with surplus investment capital from the backdoor with realizing the obscene profit ahead-public figures were offered sweat equities and addict spectators, a cocktail of unhygienic shadow of Cricket and lethal dances of cheerleaders. A second category of Cricket enthusiasts like me and millions others simply lost the appetite for this wonderful game. The most profound voice on Cricket history, Ramchandra Guha stopped writing on Cricket which personally I missing equally as the glory of Cricket itself. His categorization of Cricket in which he awarded lowest possible points to 20/20 formats seems completely materializing…even worse, the International Cricket Council {ICC} is completely under the influence of transaction Cricket. Though it’s hardly surprising, as its being headed by the same person who with little concern is also looking after on Indian Agriculture Ministry and almost he has equal indifference to the agrarian crisis as on alteration of Cricket’ essential rules.

Who are suffering from putting Cricket on Backfoot? Ofcourse all those who loves being the natural part of Cricket which only allows them to cheer with the men in whites for complete five days! Still most of us can remember the miraculous innings of V.V.S Laxmanand daring resistance of Rahul Dravid against Australia in Eden Garden/2001…similarly the memories of ongoing performance by both on Caribbean pitches will be remain vivid in our collective memory. Hardly, anyone will be like to memorize the struggling Laxman or vulnerable Dravid of 20/20 Cricket!

Embodiment of professional excellence and national expectations, Sachin Tendulkar; who has fan following in billions and from across the globe, too lost that momentum which he usually carry with the national cap. Values matters especially in a society like ours…I am quite sure, World Cricket would never had Don Bradman, Vivi Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Wasim Akram, Murlidharan or even Yuvraj Singh if they were entangled with 20/20 format during the formative years. Simply downsizing ploy against the real version of Cricket will be proved a dangerous exercise for the game itself. Afterall it will be as terrible as replacing the epic works of literature for a commonly standardized text message where frugality of words resonates the awkward foul play with languages.

I am reprising again here from the top that Cricket is a special unconscious legacy from British…two other important legacies-Railway and Armed forces were somehow the planned projects of colonizers. Cricket was shaped and popularized under the capitalism but its interaction in Indian sub-continent largely changed the elitist biases centered within it. Rest big changes came from Caribbean domination on Cricket which broke the myth that white alone can play sophisticated game of Cricket. If such popularization of Cricket with nationalistic aspirations given it a people-centric looks, I am afraid the India based IPL episode will be badly damage the flavor of Cricket and common men’s stake in this game. Private money can’t add sports spirit and ofcourse qualities in game…we can see that in country Cricket and other club sports in Europe…real spirits are no where!
Atul Kumar Thakur
June 30, 2011, Thursday, New Delhi
Mail: summertickets@gmail.com

Looking back on a Scion

2011-06-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

Brick by Red Brick /Ravi Mathai and making of IIM Ahmedabad: T. T. Rammohan
Rupa Publication, 2011, Price- Rs 495
Mammoth task of institution building which was regarded by Nehru as “Making of India’s Modern Temple”, can be cited a superb maneuvering with the confluence of aspiration and caliber. Institutional development and heavy industrialization were the main planks of Nehruvian vision for the newly independent Indian…fortunately these ideas remained as much sacrosanct under the democratic India as would be the spread of theocracy in a theocratic state. Nehru and him men of Cabinet were quite aware about the potential change in labour pattern following the mushrooming of new industries, for coping those challenges, they started churning out home grown model of management education that finally shaped in the form of IIM Ahmedabad and later many more.

This book presents the lucid overview on the shaping and development of IIM Ahmedabad- T.T.Rammohan, Professor at IIMA and a long time columnist for Economic Times ushered the institutional corporate history writing to a new height. If he is indebted to Dwijendra Tripathi for his early remarkable works in Indian management and source of rich experiences, we should also express similar feelings to TTR for giving the management history a new lease in India. Otherwise, we have very few such works that could justify its utility-most of them afflicts with reprising exercise and ends in stark oblivion.

Our forefathers were visionary and Vikram Sarabhai was one among them with proven integrity…starting of book beautifully narrates his contribution as founding Director, IIMA from 1961-1964 and later his historic decision to replace his position by young Ravi Mathai. Ravi then, only 38 with merely a qualification of BA{Hons}from Oxford was a surprising choice…prior to new assignment of Director, IIMA; he had a decade of industry experience but little academic exposure at IIM Calcutta. But if experience was a handicap for Ravi Mathai, his articulate persona and elitist background were positive factors with him. He was son of John Mathai {Finance Minister in Nehru’s Cabinet} with a sophisticated schooling in elite-centric sprawling Doon School and later University education in Oxford. TTR gives ample chance for readers to make their own judgement on this point without making things perplexed.

Chapter-I {The Grand Design}of the book represents the very important issue of history, it thoroughly deals with the genesis and consolidation of India’s premier management institute. Management maven, TTR delved with the early crucial development s with a rationalist stand-either adverseness of Robbins Report or obstinate stand of Herbert Simon on IIMA, all covered with high resoluteness. Ravi Mathai was a maverick epochmaker with full commitment for nation making and enterprising creativity…his sublime quote, “The building of an educational institute is often an act of faith” proves his ethical stand on education and academic administration. Rich account of life and work of Kamla Chowdhry, Kasturbhai Lalbhai and Prakash Tandon are pleasantly rewarding for readers, so are the detailed delineation of UCLA recommendation and Humayun Kabir’s scintillating view on nationalistic mode of education.

Chapter-II {Laying the Foundation} literally justifies the title of this book by dwelling with the history of designs at IIMA-it gives account how the renowned French Architect Kahn had designed the IIMA with high passion and deep commitment. Chapter-III {The Master Builder Arrives} and chapter-IV {Erecting the Edifice} covers in length about his vision and its formulation for IIMA. He was a firm believer in teaching excellence and spotting the right talent-C.K.Prahlad was one of his finding. Ravi Mathai was the emblem of leadership qualities which he kept demonstrating throughout his life…accustomed to a Spartan life and also very kind hearted in core, proven he was a true scion for his mother nation.

Chapter-V {Towering over the Rest} and chapter-VI {Getting the Software Right} inquisite how Mathai led IIMA to the crest in his stint as Director and later as its very distinguished faculty. He was the propunder of Sustainable Business Model within the Indian management, on which many Indian companies later pitched for their business innovation. Chapter-VII {Light and Shadow} has too much contemporary relevance today under the canopy of autonomy debate on IIM. TTR has carefully revitalizes this debate with nailing the contentiousness of Bhargava-I&II Committee report on change of governance in IIMA. He sensed the back door privatization of IIMA board in the intent and uprightly denounces here with his pragmatic views on the essential role of government in the functioning of IIMs. Like his newspaper column, TTR is overtly against the blind privatization of educational institutions in this book…indeed that itself marks the tradition of integrity established by Ravi Mathai who never fallen to heed for unethical demand irrespective of its tantamount.

Chapter-VIII {At the Grassroots}, post retirement, like a true academician, Mathai opted teaching at IIMA and also involved himself with many grassroot educational/social initiatives in Gujrat, Rajastahn and even outside. He was one of the distinguished brains behind the formation of Indian Council of Social Science Research {ICSSR}. He had displayed excellence in the field of management…interestingly he was equally an accomplished handyman with avid pastime for gardening, driving and playing with pets. He had deep sense of urgency for nation’s socio-economic development that always engaged his for better contribution from his side. It was not without reason why he spent time in rural areas to know the India better…he entwined with the existing plights and succeeded to form new vision for management.

Lastly, chapter-ix {Style and Substance}, presents some of the personal details about him which hitherto been out of public glare…in the later part of life, he substantially focused on the rural projects-Jwaja project remained foremost among them. Sentimental writing of TTR gives true tribute to Ravi Mathai who outgrew personal aspiration for institution building and finally nation making at large. Hectic lifestyle and heavy smoking cut short his life and he passed away after a brave fight with malady on February 13, 1984 in London…it was a blow to the nation that remained hard to fill even after decades. As the final words of book says, Ravi Mathai shines brightly in the constellation of institution builders, likes of Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, JRD Tata, VKRV Rao and R.K.Talwar.

This book is essential for management aspirants with high goal in life and career and also for those who loves to read history in alternative narration. I am being categorical only because Ravi Mathai chased the excellence, so is doing T.T. Rammohan…this work strictly revolves around the story of excellence.
Atul Kumar Thakur
June 28, 2011, Tuesday, New Delhi
Mail: summertickets@gmail.com

An Activist Police

2011-06-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

Amitabh Thakur {now only Amitabh} exudes courage and integrity-a mechanical engineer from IIT Kanpur, who left the chance to join Indian Revenue Service/IRS in 1991 for a challenging career in Indian Police Service next year . Presently pursuing fellowship programme in management from IIM Lucknow, this UP Cadre IPS officer is also a co-author of book on entrepreneurship, The Fresh Brew…besides that he is also serving as President with National RTI Forum, which was founded by him with doubtless commitment for transparency in public life. Like a true activist police, he is quite sanguine about the glimmering Right to Information…both as administrator and an activist, he sees RTI as empowering tool for governance. Recently we had a substantial talk in Delhi which finally appearing here as interview…

Q: - You joined IPS in 1992, and then your choice was as transient as was the economy of India. With an IIT degree in hand, why you only aspired for IPS?
A: - It was a tough decision to go against the stream but my aspirations were strong…my first choice was to join IAS, which didn’t materialize, so I opted for my second dream-IPS. These two services give the proper opportunity to assimilate with peoples and to be proactive part of machinery.

Q: - You were never a camp follower and always defied the aegis of protection, likes of caste, religion or any other hide bound categorization-how you with fallouts?
A: - Until I joined IPS in 1992, I was largely unaware about the actual equation on which systemic function rests…later I came to know how even the battered parochial views could be thrive under the strength of cronyism and influence the entire machinery. A duty bound officer like me who runs without any sanctum faces many hurdles from opposite camps with vested interest to make the system vulnerable. During initial years of my service in eastern UP, I had to confront many such grim political pressures but outgrowing the intermittent adversities, I saved my integrity.

Q: - What’s your view on Police-peoples interface and overall reform in Policy system?
A: - I support maximum participation of peoples in maintaining law& order…there must be use of local wisdom and expertise in any form of governance. So, interface is essential…yes, Police reform is the need of hour. It should be start from introducing new human resource policy and adoption of technology from the basic to top level in Police system. That will be a moral boosting exercise.

Q: - How you stepped in RTI Movement despite serving in bureaucracy?
A: - It was little bit unusual but not completely as sizable number among government officials including those who are in police have positive thinking about RTI. A fair official has nothing to afraid from RTI which is a gateway of transparency and lastly an important factor for good governance. Remarkably, RTI has enhanced the honest official’s confidence and reputation which was impossible through any other means. After gathering the inside perspectives of administration and realizing hassle of official procedures, I decided to back this movement by joining a voluntary position of President, National RTI Forum, Lucknow.

Q: - Do you think CBI should be come under the RTI Act?
A: - Yes, it will make overarching effects in other areas too that may finally enhance the people’s perception for these offices of last resort. I don’t think it may be taken as facile opinion to introduce RTI at most of places, only excluding those falls under the strategic area.

Q: - RTI Activists are frequently under the attacks that to an extant diminishing the calibrated part of activism, how you first think as an activist and later Police?
A: - It’s indeed a big concern…as an activist; it seems me like cruelty against the evangelists of fair governance. As a Police, I think it should be deal as law & order problem…once law will take it course, such terrible incidents will be sure come down.

Q: - You spent around two decades as an IPS in UP, tell us the upshot of caste politics in state which initially spread under the pseudo cover of social justice?
A: - What happened in UP in last two decades in the name of caste is shocking and frustrating. Once the nerve of central politics has diminished to merely shadow of its past…law &order is lagging behind here in absence of professional work ethics and enormous political pressure. The most worrying thing is the caste being used as means of exploitation…natural merit has no place here before the status of natural birth in a categorized caste.
Q: - Enforcement of law is essence of Policing but the state of prison is an area which is completely bereft from it, what you will suggest for reform?
A: - Speedy trial and reformist treatment with prisoners will make the positive difference besides the jail inmates should be allowed to be productive inside the define territory. If someone wants to pursue education, let him/her allow to doing …it’s nice to see many such examples in Tihar jail and even in some of smaller jails. A change can take place in human, even after the conviction of crime…that must be taken as a welcome possibility by the prison authorities and also judiciary. For these behavioural changes, we don’t have to look outside; the inspiration of Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave are quite conducive for infusing humane touch with prisoners.

Q: - There is common apathy for the bottom level of Policing, which is the biggest dent on entire Police system…what’s your take on these serious flaws of governance?
A: - Lack of professional ethics is a big concern which creates such embarrassing practices and that must be checked by the standardized rules instead of sheer upper hand action from hierarchy. At any cost, lapidary approaches have to overtake the sordid practices…with addition of ethics; technology will bring a tectonic shift in Indian Policing. Having the great IT capacity, it’s not very hard to materialize in India…whereby acronyms POLICE will justify its real meaning for all.
Q: - I hope you will subsume many issues for the sake of fair governance in Policing and will also keep holding the baton of RTI…
A: - I have been striving for the betterment of Policing and will be keep doing so…RTI activism will be also progress and I am sure days ahead are going to be very participative and full of enthusiasm for a fair and transparent governance.
Atul Kumar Thakur
June 29, 2011, Wednesday, New Delhi
Mail: summertickets@gmail.com

Two Giant Shows!

2011-05-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Book Review:-SUPERPOWER? The Amazing Race between China’s Hare and India’s Tortoise by Raghav Bahl {PENGUIN, ALLEN LANE, 2010, RS699}.

The two Asian giants-Indian and China are now undoubtedly the force to reckon with, after their long hibernation out of plundering colonial setbacks, these two nations are now retrieving their civilisational glory. With many commonness and ofcourse differences, relation between India-China stands on antagonistic construct…historically very close until the defiance of trust did by the China in 1962 that permanently fixed a big if in the psyche of Indians. Though with enhanced aspirations in new world order, both Indian and China are constructively heading to defy all the adverse obstinate impediments with wider framework to usher in a special kind of relationship primarily based on economic interests. Indeed it’s a way forward to cope with the swiftly changing geo-politics…time now is to revisit the history, politics, economics, culture of these two superpower with new insights but without burying the old prudence.

Raghav Bahl {Journalist, founder Network18 Media} did this superbly with his scintillating views and meticulous documentation that easily lead the readers to comprehensive realities of the race of dominance between the two powerful neighbors. This book, {SUPERPOWER? The Amazing Race between China’s Hare and India’s Tortoise} presents the narratives, how the India and China going to make history within their own set of rules. China’s monolithic political system and India’s vibrant democracy-both with their pros and cons are occupying a stout functional feet to show the resistance at global platform. Preface marks the distinction of Indian growth which is statistically sluggish than China’s achievements…title says it better, why don’t they get India?

Prologue of the book has demystifying hold, China and the Art of Escape Velocity? Napoleon’s quote which is an all time super remarks, vehemently define the China and its inclusion completely fit here. Paul Krugman’s The Myth of Asia’s Miracle: A Cautionary Fable gives an ample back up to consider on the Raghav’s insistence on knowing closely the intricacies of Chinese miracle vis-à-vis the leaders of world economy. Albeit it will be overestimation to anticipate by the assumptions that who’s going to be swift and finally on crest-China’s Hare or India’s Tortoise…here is need to be adequately judgmental.

Which way will history turn? Raghav is exactly right in reminding the readers that history unfolds over several decades, perhaps even in fractions of centuries and a search of perfect match of growth between these two countries will be an abrupt proposition. If China rebound post financial meltdown wit huge debt and vicious deflation side-by-side the weak demand and prices-India’s experience was much better with lower debt and modest inflation. It will be also worthwhile to know that India’s nominal GDP grew twice as fast as China’s for a few quarters-remarkably, it’s a first such experience in last three decades. So, the notion of India, who? Seems eroding with a positive world view for India story. Goldman Sach’s brainchild, BRIC {2001} strengthened the world views for India’s slot only next to U.S.A and China in the years ahead…this sounds realistic, even when the author himself acknowledge the many odds in the way but China is also not immune from adversities. For knowing the fragility of Chinese growth, reading of Premshankar Jha’s scripture like work on China “Managed Chaos “gives the appropriate scenic realities behind the China’s miraculous growth!

The Race Begins:- This is a catching nomenclature of a chapter inside the book which precisely relates to what the term exists between India and China. With big markets and sound indications, China and India have emerged as “shock observer” after the global financial meltdown-may be theirs ties will be shoot up atleast in economic arena but chances are feeble that China will give India any space within the ambit of its “Asian solidarity” block. This closeness of China naturally evolve the doubting stances over its intention but the aspiration for material growth is stronger than any other tantrums, so it’s possible that China will maintain a balancing ties with its most close competitor-India. Quotation of M.J.Akbar “The language of conflict has passed its sell by date. The poor want to be part of the Indian Rising Story” can be maximized here in Chinese context too.

A Hare on Steroids:- Chapter delves with the China’s downside of growth and its complex consumerism that yields many grave concern generally surpassed under the China’s complacent indicators. In next chapter “A Tortoise with new Muscle” inquisite the structural edge of India’s growth, here Stephan Rouch’s views gives sublime touch. The next chapter “Rule of Law, Rule by Law” searches the base of Chinese Law in “Patriotism”-infact, the Chinese state uses laws as policy instrument instead like western democracies where the principle of law believe as supreme and all public policy to be implemented within the law. Here, a missing link is quite evident from China’s own experiment with a liberal system in 1912, after the fall of Qing dynasty…today; China hardly carries even a tint of liberal vision of Sanayat Sen. Ahead of this, Raghav beautifully dwell with the India’s democratic experiments along with a full overview of Indian constitution. Reference of Bhagalpur incident of late 1980’s and Olga Tellis {1981, Bombay} protest against the BMC ruling of eviction for pavement dwellers present the uncomfortable face of our democracy. Next, a fine delineation has made over the China’s story of virtual justice and the state of corruption in both the country…byline is too much sultry-My Scam is better than your Scam!

Geo-politics:- Niall Ferguson’s brainchild CHINMERICA or Journalist Joshua Ramo’s coined term “Beijing Consensus” to draw the attention how China has maximized its stature and outgrew the “Washington Consensus” in investments, aid and trade to Africa appears too much apprehensive from western perspectives. China gave lease to such expectations by spending over $55billion during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo to remind the world that its economy remained unscratched from the grave financial recession of 2008. Undoubtedly, such showing of China and to an extant of India has rearranged the world of an Eagle {U.S.A}, a Dragon {China} and Elephant {India}.

Though this book adequately covers the India’s landmarks in foreign and strategic affairs but it scrimp few detailed take on China’s potential role in India-Pakistan &India-Nepal relation. China’s cold war era complexes are hardly fading away despite the all progress, it should be the India’s primary concern to leverage China for an all round collaboration because it’s alone China which tolls around half of India’s strategic attention. India know much better that the tag of “Sleeping Tiger” is things of past for China under the new ambition and feeble moral restraint.

Part three of the book, Entrepreneurs, Consumers and English speaking is naturally India-centric-remarks of George Soros on India “Your entrepreneurs have built world class companies which I simply don’t see in China…such views are common placed. India also has edge with demographic dividend and systemic transparency…the worst thing happened in China that its communal enterprise turned into cronyism. Still India is away from such large scale coercive methods to achieve quick and visible success…noticeable is the fact, era of Sanjay Gandhi never repeated in India unlike the Deng Xiaoping’s tracts that kept flowing relentlessly in China. China’s capitalism is complex and ambiguous; most of its enterprise is in state control or owned by the party organs and theirs command.

Part fourth of the book “Urbanization and Infrastructure” presents a sound comparison between India and China on the very important issues. Here China has lead with its single minded strategy on building infrastructure…India is now too following the big dreams with emphatic eagerness, the next few years will bring some level playing in this regard. The concluding part of the book revolves around “Social Infrastructure”-Raghav has succeeded to make his point that Chinese consumerism is on peak under the better equitable economic arrangement of China. The Indian case is of fifty-fifty market, which leading historian Ramchandra Guha said on India’s experiment with market reform…book ends with such conclusion.

At some front, China has edge but it’s grappling with many serious systemic flaws unlike the India where democracy is vibrant and freedom of action is inherent. Years ahead will be very vital for both the India and China… these two nations are now naturally placed to lead the world, if these two nations can collaborate in fresh spirits, theirs dominance will be enhanced many folds. More and more of understanding of Chinese policies are needed…work of Raghav Bahl is promising in this regard-addition of knowledge on China will be remain worthwhile from Indian perspectives…after all, we are now aspiring for new dimensions in our relationship.

Atul Kumar Thakur
May 31, 2011, Tuesday, New Delhi
Email: summertickets@gmail.com

The Unquiet Regulation

2011-05-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

In India, RBI has an edge to regulate key financial markets-money markets, government securities market, credit market and forex market besides the usual role of a Central banker. This enables RBI to apply regulatory purview over the interconnected channels between banks and other financial sector entities-but with such unusual regulatory load, do RBI justify its every role as top authority from financial stability perspective? It’s hard to defy the growing overload on RBI-creation of Financial Sector Legislative Reform Council {FSLRC}&Financial Sector Development Council {FSDC} during the last Union Budget have even maximized the RBI’S overtures with Finance Ministry. The mammoth task and hyped expectations forced RBI Governor, D.Subbarao to accept the denial of additional arrival of debt market under the purview of RBI; he even laid stress for divulging the existing power from governor to respective committees on key policy decisions.

Out of conservatism and indeed with many insightful policy measures, RBI has ensured over the years a stable growth of Indian financial market albeit the shade on its autonomy and new circumstances in the post reform era have diminished its earlier touch on crucial policy matters. If RBI knows that despite hard efforts, still half of Indian population is unbanked, so the goal of financial inclusion is distant reality-on the other side, Finance Ministry works on popular temptations of growth instead considering inclusive and stable development of economy. Confrontations of RBI-Finance Ministry, especially in last few years have sharpened and it’s obviously an unfortunate outcome of Finance Minsitry’s intervention in day to day working of RBI. This is a worrying trend and must be checked out before the nerves of Indian financial market will be finally derailed from the esteemed regulation of RBI.

Following the incessant soft touch on credit policy and its ineffective impact on inflation in last few quarters, RBI has increased the Repo and Reverse Repo Rate by 50basis point and deregulated the Saving Bank Deposit Interest Rate. In a recent discussion paper on Saving Bank Deposit Interest Rate {RBI, April 2011}, the reason cited that monetary policy transmission has been suboptimal as it was unchanged since 2003 when the rate was last raised from 3.5% to 4%. As expected banking stocks promising negative past credit policy of RBI, hereafter atleast in short terms, investors will have to cope with the perplex scenarios.

Inflation is much bigger issue and RBI Governor, D.Subbarao sounds very rational when he said there is no quick-fix solution for inflation control in a rapidly growing economy like ours-in a complex economic matrix, it’s truly unreasonable to expect that only monetary policy will ease the pain of inflation. Those who are in political authorities have to realize sooner that inflation is not strictly the sole by-product of demand supply mismatch from the technical parameters of Whole sale Price Index{WPI}& Consumer Price Index{CPI}. The growing cohorts nexus among Corporate, Politicians, Government officials and relentless supply of unclean funds by many routes including suspicious Sovereign Wealth Fund, Participatory notes are making this nation reach in terms of obscene numbers of billionaires and leave majority lagging behind that itself narrates the story of our wounded economy.

Amidst the surging scams, Government/Regulators stand like mute spectators which mark the complete shift of democratic values. There uses to be time, when for a few lakhs rupees of wrong investment, Nehru’s son-in law and MP, Feroze Gandhi started a historic debate in the Lok Sabha [1958}on the state-owned Life Insurance Corporation’s investments in the dubious companies of a tainted industrialist, Haridas Mundhra {The Mundhra affair, Indian Express, December 12, 2008, Inder Malhotra}-though the financial charge was a few lakhs but Nehru’s response was in sharply contrast to what happens these days. He spoke of the “Majesty of Parliament” and instantly ordered a judicial inquiry by one of the most remarkable judges, M.C.Chagla. The inquiries findings led to the resignation of finance minister T.T.Krishnamachari and an exceptional Civil Servant, H.M.Patel. This was the first such case of high official’s sacking Indian democratic history but alas, similar couldn’t replicated here onward and what we witnessed the consistent erosion in democratic values with terrible misuse of power.

In such gloomy parochial atmosphere, it’s hardly surprising to see the working of regulators like SEBI&IRDA which runs like sovereign horse… without any clear mandate or essential /constructive intervention from government. G.Mohan Gopal, a former board member, SEBI has recently highlighted how the SEBI board abused powers to protect Chandrashekhar Bhave {Then Chairmen, SEBI} in IPO scam {2003-06}-it’s an open secret now how the Bhave has stagnated the highly promising Indian Mutual Fund Industry through many ambiguous regulatory changes. He scrapped the load regime that made this sector unhappening in terms of employment &further very unfortunate spate with the insurance regulator, IRDA over ULIP products finally forced the mutual fund business on fringe. Apart from jeopardizing the business, he outgrew the credible impression of fund management in India. Following the too much technical line, no big hope can be conceive from the new Chairmen of SEBI, U.K.Sinha…most of his announcement are equally ambiguous and unusual like predecessor and holds no bright prospects at all. Without any reversal on entry loads, he has plan to widen the geographical spread of mutual fund business, which is completely ironical…another big fatal, he is going to make by pushing the investments by foreign pension and retirement funds on the line of global markets. Ruling out a review on the asset qualities and nature of funds with an extra regulatory shortfalls, here in India, mutual funds’s ordeal is still seems far from being over.

Presently, Indian financial market is grappling with many awkward regulatory instances-a swift appropriation is worthwhile in some area by little more supplementation of regulatory measures and at other end, relaxation to let them work more freely and in accordance to situation instead of popular demands. As the entry of third generation private sector banks and many other reforms are on hold, government must collaborate with regulators much efficiently and without thinking of deviating political compulsions to forward ahead the Indian financial sector from this transition. Integrity and performance by the three regulatory arms of Indian finance-RBI, SEBI and IRDA will decide the overall growth of Indian economy in coming years. The unquiet regulation can lead to dooms, so it’s terrible and undeserving…an efficient regulation instead can further the broader task, so government should choose later and let make the ground clear for good and impartial business. But in meantime, we have to wait to see when and how the financial regulation will be streamlined…
Atul Kumar Thakur
Tuesday, May 23, 2011, New Delhi
Mail: summertickets@gmail.com

Uncivil foes of Democracy!

2011-04-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

Only up to a point, a very vaguely defined point, we understand our goals in democracy. This has been a strong case in India since we have been working under the many adverse shadows, even after throwing out the British colonialism and our tryst with destiny to a most profound authoritative system called, democracy. Was discovering the democracy sixty-four years back was a mania, a passion or even a kind of neurosis, without the slightest moral justification? I never wish anyone should think in this manner and take it like that; no explanation will ever convince them to settle collective wishes for common greater goods. With embedded resilience and appropriation of ideological and even sectarian new classes, Indian democracy has strengthened enough itself over the years to give ample room to Bentham’s utopia of happiness or Marx’s equitable socio-economic stake.

What we have a functional base for our democracy with a chequered proven record of comparatively peaceful transition of power but what we don’t have the volition for rock bottom segment. There have been always some underlying disagreements among the different classes-ofcourse, we too had broken off for even more than once, but interestingly never completely. Indeed, even those skirmishes were not the roistering moments-after all, we are still paying the price of over sobriety on Kashmir and extreme baffling with monstrous emergency era. Later after witnessing the most undemocratic ordeal, we realized and came out of slumber that the monstrosities are a mark of emotional imbalance rather than a lack of intelligence. Obviously, if someone has no confident I himself, it is because they sees themselves through others eyes even barring world’s vision that gives atleast some universal feeds.

I really scarcely know what our goals were, even can’t endorse whether they were adequate? I also don’t see either opulence or nattering in single magic line…we could have done otherwise as a nation? That we couldn’t, so now merely muttering that our collective obstinate trust turning swiftly into bitterness of hearts and wavering all around our system. The dwindling credibility from public institutions is not passable; it’s emphatically reflects the growing ostracizing from those who are in authority instead of performing on tall vows. In a sort of warring, common folks are on receiving end, theirs representation being hijacked by the hawkish thugs with pedigree of many questions marks on their integrity. Under a new fashion, impractically theirs ubiquitous entanglements on every matter have tarnishing the line made to delink the statecraft from manipulated street demonstration.

Present wave of corruption, that otherwise should have taken as serious governance flaws is unfortunately being considered as byproduct of coalition government by the Congress party with nerd citing towards the blind ambition of regional political forces. What Congress is missing today? The loyalist political cohorts-the cornerstone of sycophancy based political order. Whatever their’s intent or display, it’s hard for a Journo to cite, who is Judas? Only crux of the matter is truly embarrassing, how the genuine rage of common men’s was falsely represented by the Anna Hazare and innumerable metro cities based activists who never votes or faced the ire of price rise or corruption. The demonstration pavements of Jantar Mantar which years back was awarded the entertaining slots to free Rajpath from deviating concerns, was well managed by the sharpest brains like father-son combo, Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan, Magsaysay award winner and may be Nobel prize aspiring Arbind Kejriwal.

Later, it was altogether a big flash, that father-son have combined property of around Rs.145 Crore, even with most conservative estimation…and remarkable is the fact Shanti Bhushan has earlier played two extra innings in legal practice and politics including once of Ministerial profile-rest is open secret about his claim of integrity! It was worth of noticing that, sensationalizing electronic/social media had at no point covered the voices from rural hinterlands towards the hyped crusade against corruption. What Anna Hazare movement with back up from conglomeration of neo-NGO type civil organizations has did the, complete outshining of real issues for an unreasonable Lokpal bill in current form. That went well in favour of Anna&co and ofcourse for principle opposition BJP-what left in midway the electoral reform, Inflation control, lethal inequitable spread of wealth, nexus of vested corporate interests etc. Even in wildest dream, Anna Hazare couldn’t be confused with Gandhi by a conscious mind-it was indeed ironic to see a non-political man like him being prepared for an unprecedented revolution against the corruption without looking on the role of parliament and constitution.

A nation like India can’t be run in this way-there is need of peoples connect as vital organ of governance and that’s alone possible through react practically instead of hanging with blurred tantrums and ending like cobweb. Governance must mean for public goodness and transparency, that can be only achieve through broader participation and electoral reform-that will too address and check the growing overlapping of jurisdictions among legislatures, executives and judiciary. Instead of shunning politics, peoples must see it as life and let entwine it with fairness through corrective measures-political process must have to throw the pedantic following for a bigger reform. This must start now to retrieve people’s faith in their political system…it must be in place very soon because world has already started seeing us with doubt. Thinning FDI in last few months and coverage of corruption by the western media, including Economist, which has a scripture like stature has summarily rejected the Indian growth story as “rotten”.

Peoples have to take ccare of politics but not through shambling convictions, the main concern here left with the role of loose talking by policy makers-the way Kaushik Basu has idealized the bribe on finance ministry website is indeed very shocking. This must be condemned as ethical violation from top on hierarchy…we needed peoples who can work, and not experts have only mastership of bawdy rhetoric’s. India is complex entity, here misadventures’ tolls high on human capital which is its true strength-we shall not take risk to jeopardize our edge as knowledge economy vis-à-vis China. China with much stricter and closer political system, has grown up fairly on governance and sizable income spread at bottom level. We shall not be envy merely; rather we should act for competency.

Our distortion of progressive elements which begun with the blockades in Communist movement and theirs balkanization as political entity did lot of harms in mainstream Indian politics and further in lessening of progressivism from collective psyche. Under changed ideals, except few core issues, there is little differences of perceptions among the rest political parties, that is matter of grave concern. The major stakeholders of Indian democracy must have to align with the dynamics and compelling changes to avoid the further nightmares. Culprits must be nail to sabotage their glamour’s and misuse of trust& authority…nation can’t be run by the uncivil foes, it exactly needs characters like Caesar’s wife!
Atul Kumar Thakur
April 30, 2011, Saturday, New Delhi
Mail: summertickets@gmail.com

The World of Yatri

2011-04-29T11:02:00.000-07:00

Baidyanath Mishra , who with his independent and resilient intellect came to be known as “Yatri”, “Nagarjun” and most remarkably as peoples poet/Jankavi ,naturally left overarching effects on modern Maithili and Indian literature. As per existing customs in Mithila,he was born at maternal place {Village Satlakha, Madhubani}on June 30,1911. But merely at the age of three, he lost mother and consequently the attention of father who was by nature a wanderer and free from holding the worldly obligations-such familiar stiffness made him untimely matured towards the worldly affairs.

Although defying all odds, young Baidyanath started learning through traditional Sanskrit/Maithili education in his maternal village and later moved to Kashi in the quest of knowledge. He was a great informal learner, that might be an outcome of his adverseness but it established him as an avid scholar of Maithili, Sanskrit, Hindi, Bangla, Pali, Prakrit. Besides, during his formative years, he established very intimate ties with the natural impulses that kept him high throughout his literary voyage. Probably, with feeble familiar back up, he sensed the importance of travelling and relentless learning albeit that didn’t deter him to be in material fray. So, he married to Aprajita Devi, who played atleast half role in making of this poet-with amazing determination and sacrifices, she brought up her six child and set free “Yatri” for literary engagements.

Except short overtures in family, 1930’s onward “Yatri” became completely align with writing and traveling, and rest is history before us about his broader perspectives and its literary expression. Primarily and even ultimately, he was closer to instinct rather the mechanical cognition, that he demonstrated by remaining hassle free from institutional engagement except a short stint as teacher in Saharanpur {UP}. Here, he was closer to Tagore, both emphatically valued the natural human instinct in place of surpassable artificial affiliations. The basic difference between these two great poets were of not world views but of approaches-Tagore with his aristocratic background was obviously an elitist unlike the “Yatri” whose background and construction of psyche both were akin to people-centric and based on the social realities.

If culturally, Mithila was closer to Bengal, then on socio-economic counts, there used to exist a huge drift…lacking of urbanization and western temptations were among the foremost. Rest, he was too a naturalist like Tagore but again the difference was on the institutional level. If Tagore had vision for an institution like Shantiniketan and later institutionalizing his own works too; “Yatri”, on the other hand had incessant devoid for such possibilities. A stout reason was ofcourse the aloofness of Mithila from outside world unlike Bengal during the British colonialism and in post-colonial years. What “Yatri” missed a dynamic Mithila and this region an enlighted mediation from him that could have made a huge difference on socio-cultural fabric…but in absence, things of importance met to lackluster treatment at large and Maithili way of life never impacted the national mainline as it should have. Though with his unique temptations against the unfortunate social stigmas, heralded a revolutionary wave of progressivism inside and outside of the Mithila and established himself as first Maithil on national and international literary arena.

Meanwhile in the course of experiment with knowledge, this freethinker came under the Buddhist influence-though it was short lived as he couldn’t suppress his embedded Maithili progressivism albeit before that he travelled across the Tibbat, Central Asia and Srilanka {Kelania}. Even after, he left the Buddhist commune, his cult name “Nagarjun” followed his forever-it reminds another contemporary literary figure and also a Buddhist, Rahul Sankritayan. In late 1930’s, he again entwined with a new ideology-Communism, though it remained his part of vision throughout life. He was a progressive minded, both in life and writing-he understood the Communism through direct experience in U.S.S.R , and kept alive that touch within or outside the purview of Indian Communist Parties. What he did best with ideology, he supported it as movement rather a means of party blocks that happened in India post 1962.

“Yatri” had struggled against the authoritative extreme both during the independence struggle against British and in post-independent India…he spent time in Jail {1939-42} and again in 1975-77 during emergency. Like a true maverick, what attracted him most the peoples causes, for that he struggled with eminent peasant leader Swami Sahjanand Saraswati {Founder, Kisan Sabha}during colonial period and later with socialist movements including JP Movement. “Yatri” was among the finest part of Bengali Hungry Generation Poets, there could be no doubt, why he is regarded only next to Tulsidas in India through his stellar convictions for mass folks.

Away from Geographical boundaries, his literary expression has closeness with universality but whenever, he touched the themes of Mithila, a unique and very close affinity comes out there. He had in mind the pros and cons of Maithili social realities, it was a positive co-incidence that some of iconic names in literature-Harimohan Jha, Phanishwar Nath “Renu”, Rajkamal Chaudhary, Lalit, Dhumketu and in politics-Bhogendra Jha, Chaturanan Mishra, Suryanarayan Singh, Shivchandra Jha, Lalit Narayan Mishra were his contemporaries – theirs collaboration made huge effect on socio-cultural atmosphere in Mithila. With broadness of canvass and amazing hold over translation, his work hardly leaves any technical dialectism between Maithili-Hindi, most of his work is available in both the language. As a poet, he could visualize beauty in oddness and grief in lavishness-so, writing on jackfruit or icefall at hill stations; both were very kin to him.

His collection of poetries-“Patrahin Nagna Gaachh”, “Yugdhara”, “Satrange Pankhon Wali”, “Taalab ki Machhliyan”, “Khichhri Viplab Dekha Hamne”, “Hajaro-Hajaro Banhon Wali”, “Purani Juliyon ka Koras”, “Tume Kaha Tha”, “Aakhir Aisa Kya Kah Diya Maine”, “Es Gubbare ki Chhaya Me”, “Ye Danturit Mushkaan”, “Main Military ka Budhha Ghora”, “Baadal ko Ghirte Dekha Hai”, “Paka Hai ye Kathal” gives ample proof of his reach to lives and nuances of humanity. He was never been a subversive proponent though his progressive stand enabled him to be a rational novelist, in this role; he forwardly acted as social change agent.

His novel-“Ratinath ki Chachi”, “Balchanma”, “Baba Batesar Nath”, “Nai Puadh or Nav Turia”, “Barun ke Bete”, “Dukhmochan”, “Ugratara”, “Jamania ka Baba”, “Kumbhi Paak”, “Paaro”, “Aasman me Chand Taare” reflects the intricacies of Maithili as well as Indian villages under the new changes and various compelling challenges. With great exposure to the outside world, his memoirs, travelogue and even hundreds of published letters gives delight and zest to readers for exploring his writing. His collection of essays, “Annan Hinam Kriyanam”, work on culture “Desh Dashkam aa Krishak Deshkam/’, his travelogue “Baadlo ko Ghirte Dhekha Hai”, satire “Mantra Kavita” and “Aao Rani Han Dhoenge Palki” and many Bangla poetries introduces to his diverse grasp and way of expression.

He had unique credit to create a generation of writer/critics in both the Maithili and Hindi-fortunately that worked out well for him and overall literary scene. Like Renu, he never had to face the reckless wrath of critics…even Namwar Singh couldn’t maintained his line of regionalism with him. Despite all wandering and fame, he remained essentially a non-possessive man attached to his route…his village Tarauni, nearest railway station, Tarsarai Muriya {East Central Railway}, town Darbhanga {with crumbling royal edifices} remained closest to his cognition. In 1998, he left the world from Khajasarai{Darbhanga} after streamlining his prolific literary works. On his birth centenary, my fond remembrance for this great man, who was also a BABA for our generation….

Atul Kumar Thakur
Thursday, April 29th 2011, New Delhi
Mail: summertickets@gmail.com

Union Budget 2011-12: Comedy of Errors

2011-03-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

Through this year’s Union Budget, Pranab Da has introduced a remodeling of vintage qualities that kept surfacing during his Budget speech. Stark fetishism started with an unknown nexus among godly characters of Indra, Laxmi and that finally ended with number 3- his own favourites in life and remorsefully in his party. As a follower of Budgetary exercises for years, I am yet disagreed with corporate and intellectuals like Bibek Debroy who sensing the ineffectiveness of Budget in general term…my incorrigible optimist mind still sticks to frame that sees public exercises of resource as most remarkable set of entitlement disbursement. Indeed this year’s Budget marks stout complexity within itself as it made by few finest brains from the exotic discipline of economics/finance…so in technical terms and at a glance perspective, it presents amusing leverage to populist temptations on which a democracy of our type rests.

Finance Minister, generously enhanced the remunerations of Aanganwari workers and teacher to double of theirs present Rs. 750&Rs.1500 albeit he failed to sense that it’s still less than minimum wage recommended by his own Government. In another move of social service, Budget introduced enhancement of old age pension from Rs.200 to Rs.500 but with an inhuman clause that makes eligibility quite tough at the age of 80…only good thing was the relaxation of age for attaining the senior citizenship from 65to 60. Fortunately it’s also worked out in personal Income tax with an enhanced exemption limit up to RS.2.5lakh…crest slab laid more relaxation to those above 80, to RS.5lakh. But alas, this maneuvering completely failed to see the changing demography of nation which facing acute shortage of savings among young and mid age segment…except slight tempering, that shot up the execution level to RS.1.80lakh and in women’s category, slab of RS.1.9lakh remained obstinate. Provision for tax-free infrastructure bonds extended by one more year, and a new income tax return form/SUGAM was proposed for small business that hardly symbolizes even a big ticket reform from any angle.

Amazingly, hand of Finance Minister suddenly found momentum while meeting Corporate turn-even excluding recent revenue foregone, in last six years, RS.3,74,937 Crore {twice of 2G Telecom Scam}worth of Corporate Income tax have written off. P.Sainath made the whole process most lucid in his article {Corporate Socialism’s 2G Orgy, The Hindu, Monday, March7,2011},”The Union Budget writes off RS.240 Crore in Corporate Income tax every single day on average the same amount leaves India each day the same amount leaves India each day in illicit fund flows to foreign banks . Moreover, revenue foregone on Gold/diamond touches RS.48,798 Crore which accounts double for wishful provision of PDS-Custom’s write off on Gold/diamond shot up to RS.95,675 Crore. Overall total revenue foregone on Customs duty in the present Budget rose to exorbitant level of RS.1,74,418 Crore excluding credit related numbers! Alas, if such obscene amount called be scrimped for address the suffering textile industry and overall manufacturing base which is in crying need of a big push to sustain the labour-work match of economy.

A section of observers are noticing that India is in surprisingly good fiscal shape despite populist spending, venal politics and bad-governance but they are summarily ignoring the huge cut in subsidies on Petroleum and fertilizer that will presents an unusual shock very soon in country amidst the problematic state of Gulf nations. On the revenue side, contentious DTC, MAT, DDT being regarded promising for midterm but euphoria will be short lived with the abysmal growth of 3.5%in expenditure with an exception of RS.3, 000Crore for oil subsidy bill. The statistical flex in fiscal deficit that fall from 5.5%to 5.1%-owing to rise in nominal GDP from RS.69.35 lakh Crrore to RS.78.78 lakh Crore in 2010-11; thanks to incessant inflation. This fortunate increase in nominal GDP further enhanced the debt to GDP ratio by 65%{Economic survey}against the projection of 76.8%[IMI}and 68%{Thirteenth Finance Commission}…but such boom is hardly justifiable with a foregone history of panic of price rise in public-distinct and much acute than Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

The Union Government’s total expenditure as a proportion of GDP is projected to fall from 15.4% in 2010-11 to 14% in 2011-12, which reflects that expenditure fall for reducing deficits is the overarching feature of this Budget. Despite the claim of prioritization for social services in the Union Budget-expenditure fall on this segment from RS.1,62,501 Crore {13.4%of Budget, 2.1%of GDP}in 2010-11 to RS.1,65,975 Crore {13.2%of budget,1.8%of GDP}in current financial year, where a sharp rise was genuine due. Unlike the Kothari Commission/1966 and UPAI stand of minimum 6%public spending on education, currently the contribution of 3.39%{RS.1,89,324 Crore}is being spend from GDP. Union Government spending on education as a share of total Union Budget stand with 5.04% from 2.63% in 2004-05; Union Government spending on education as a share of GDP rose to 0.71%in 2011-12 from 0.4% in 2004-05. Announcement for scholarship among school students from Schedule Castes is a welcome step with a total allocation of RS.1469 Crore for this categories educational welfare but no special attention were given to STs, they have allotted a static RS.1265Crore. Another big concern is financing of Right to Education under SSA which will be fall short by RS.12,000 Crore annually despite a hike from RS.15,000 Crore to RS.21,000Crore in current year.

On health, total allocation of Budget has slightly moved up from 2.1%to 2.4%, combined expenditure of 1%-still far short of UPAI Common Minimum Programme of 2-3%.. NRHM given a 19%increase to RS.17, 920.76Crore which is still a meager amount to deal the need based services-NRHM/Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana expanded to cover unorganized sector workers in hazardous mining and associated industries but ironically Budgetary allocation has reduced from RS.446 Crore to RS.280 Crore. No gender Budget statement has made for sanitation and water supply issue. Rural water supply received a timid increase from RS.8100 Crore to RS.8415 Crore and Rural sanitation from RS.1422 Crore to RS.1485 Crore. In Urban Water Supply and Sanitation, allocation for the integrated low cost sanitation programme has been reduced from RS.80 Crore to RS.71 Crore.

For Rural Development, RS.74,144 Crore has given which is up from RS.66,138 Crore/2010-11 but fallen short of Revised Estimate/2010-11 of RS.76,378 Crore. There is no noticeable provision has been made to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions through better financial devolution, even worst, outlay for Indira Awas Yojna has been reduced from RS 10,267 Crore in 2010-11/RE to RS.9896 Crore in 2011-12/BE. The flagship programme for rural employment/MGNREGS witnessed a fall of allocation from RS.40,100 Crore/2010-11,BE to RS.40,000Crore…what could be the logic here?

Agriculture met to most shocking treatment by this Budget-Union Government’s total expenditure on the rural economy has declined from 3.3%of GDP in 2008-09 to 2.3%of GDP in 2011-12/BE…most of scheme have cut short from funding between 10-40%. Ironically with fortunate number of 3, Pranab Da tried to revive the production of Pulses, Palm plantation, Millets with an allocation of RS.300 Crore each which is as good mockery as bringing green revolution in six eastern states with RS.400Crore. Overall expenditure on Agriculture and Allied Activities showed a marked fall from 15.7%in 2008-09 to 10.3% this year. The Union Government’s expenditure as a proportion of the GDP, also plummeted from 2.5%/2008-09to 1.4%in 2011-12.

Sharp decline from RS.1,64,253 Crore/RE to RS.1,43,570 Crore/2011-12,BE on Agriculture is most havocking feature of the Budget; completely defying the basic problems of inflation, food subsidy has been alarmingly reduced at RS.60,573 Crore which is less than amount provisioned in last Budget. Petroleum subsidy too had badly hammered by reducing from RS.38,386 Crore/2010-11,RE to RS.23,640 Crore in 2011-12/BE…situation would be more engraved by t he wrong provision of targeted/BPL Subsidy on fertilizer-this is the cruel joke for landless BPL Category and entire farming communities. Atleast RS.98,355 Crore would be immediately needed for covering the universal distribution of rice and wheat under Public Distribution System/PDS in the country. Case of cash transfer laid out in unclear and unrealistic way without framing even a tentative date of its execution…only miracle going to make possible the claim of 10lakh UID Card daily onward October1; this white elephant of Government has eaten so far more than $3billion and still unclear what it will make impact on public services.

Climate change has met to lip services by basic concessional and certain excise duty on vehicles excluding those using fuel cell tech; only RS.200 Crore sanctioned for Green Energy Mission under NCEF and another RS.200 Crore for cleaning of rivers except Ganga which is quite astonishing. Total magnitude of the Gender Budget has increased marginally from 6.1%to 6.2% with overall allocation for Ministry of Women and Child Development has registered an increase of only 13%. Increase for ICDS seems abysmal from RS.9370 Crore to RS.10,330 Crore…only solacing is women’s SHG Development Fund with an initial allocation of RS.500 Crore. As per statement 21, under Schedule Caste/SCs Sub Plan has increased to RS.30,551 Crore in 2011-12 from RS.23,795 Crore in 2010-11 but observing the pending demands that amount in inadequate and can’t create vision for long term development and empowerment of the SCs.

This Budget marked the separate statement to report allocations for SCs&STs{statement 21{A}in Expenditure Budget,Vol1}provides allocation for STs{RS.17,371 Crore from RS8990 Crore in 2010-11}. Allocation under Ministry of Tribal Welfare has increased from RS.3206 Crore in 2010-11/BE to RS.3674 Crore in 2011-12/BE…there is also an increase in the Budget allocation for primitive tribal groups from RS185 Crore in 2010-11/BE to RS.244 Crore in 2011-12/BE. On paper, it appears well albeit very few know how this money spends in reality?

Few surprises too struck in Budget like Tax holidays for IT Companies finally ends besides provision of MAT imposed on SEZ. 130 items brought into excise duty net for the first time with an imposition of 1%duty…MAT raised by 0.5%to 18.5%but Corporate tax reduced by 2.5%to 5%. Here, the Corporate India slightly get jerked but finally its consumers which faces the ire of such changes…in Hospitality, Aviation, Health Services, impact of adverse changes could be transparently felt. Investors can invest in Public issue of Public Sector Units which have target of RS.40,000 Crore worth of disinvestment this year. Foreign retail investors set to enter Indian equity Market through Mutual Fund s which would be another fatal for stagnant Indian Mutual Fund Industry with theirs prolong averseness with huge domestic potential from retail segment . In some way, if KYC norms lack, it will make India, another Mauritius-a dumping ground of black money. Tax treatment of debt and money market funds put on a par with fixed deposit…it may create complication in Indian bond market which was waiting for progressive slew of measures.

Micro Financial Institutions/MFIs, which must have given few stringent regulatory feed, instead been put aside with few healing touches…Priority Sector Lending/PSL violator Public Sector Banks have given hefty sum of money though the Regional Rural Banks/RRBs with excellent services have fixed on with a meager assistance of RS.500 Crore. It would have a welcome step, if Finance Minister could usher RRBs into swift modern operation with all the usual professional banking services that might create a level playing field in rural banking besides curtailing the relentless exploitation by Moneylenders and MFIs under the idealistic canopy.

Clarity is still away on new banking licenses, within or outside the Budget-Government must restrain to and livelihood following the economic liberalization. Sadly, thus Budget brought nothing more than a Pandora Box, full with disappointment and ambiguous complexity. If the Government is serious on leading Budget beyond the scenic beauty of statistics, it must think seriously on crumbling edifices of democracy-governance, accountability, fairness and public services. Fundamentals must be on place whether a nation dwells with any set of functional system….even the term “reform” needed a relooking by its own Mentors as its being overlapped by the scams and moralistic vandalism. We need a framework for national development, not a mockery institution that creates spaces for immoral characters.
Post Script:-Some of sectoral data’s in this article have sourced from the Knowledge paper of Delhi based Research Organization, Center for Budget and Governance Accountablity/CBGA
Atul Kumar Thakur
March8, 2011, Tuesday, New Delhi
Mail: atul_mdb@rediffmail.com

Curses of the Nation!

2011-02-28T06:56:00.000-08:00

Corruption seems immutable in the wake of obsolete masquerade from the top of authority that alone swankly bounded with sweepstake for the preposterous material fortune. As overexposing becoming the norms in public glare, rupture with idealistic notion suddenly forced for stout mainlining that completely shattering the image of hallowed presence on top of authority from collective cognition. Though, the case is hardly sporadic even in universality but being attached with our Asian values, genuinely we facing profusely the ire of rampant corruption most vehemently. Without any inadvertent or cynic expression of glamorization, is it not right time to recall Samuel P Huttington’s idea of “crisis decade”?

After a decade full with high rise of neo-economic policies or better say hatching of market reform, an aspiring economic powerhouse like India dramatically entwined with the perilous prevarication in the guise of its arrogant shining campaign. What we recently saw the most systematic plundering of faith and awarded prerogatives by the quizzical leaders from all the walk of life left stark stress even in the mind of incorrigible optimists who till now had great faith in gentlemen economist Karl Polanyi’s vision of “self regulated market”.

Quail of this dwindling moral construct is largely mean with jostling over a range of substance, incorporated with the crux of market economy and shrinking of state or more lucidly with the renunciation of mass accountability. With the old wisdom albeit under the narrow insights, finance minister, Pranab Mukherjee during his last budget speech saw the role of state as “enabler”…this lukewarmness poignantly suffice for reckoning the irrepressible hold of unregulated and livid capital in government. The unprecedented wave of mindful obscene corruption that followed after the speech of fallacy for by and large common men’s downsizing from developmental agenda left an overarching effects in the form of wayward looting that were hitherto unseen in last six decades after independence.

In present circumstances, government has no expedient overtures with the majority of its peoples and most of tantrums of mitigating the divides of many types end in perception like a cunning marches of market strategy. This is an unusual phenomenon when the dramatization reaching to its zenith in every nook and corner…action of legislatures execution of executives, justice of judiciary and most lethally, the vigilance of media assembling with amazing co-ordination of vested interest of a rendezvous called limelight.

Ironic is the limit that restrain one’s to see the curbs in exact perspectives…here you have a very clean though a symbolic Prime Minister with tenuous hold on his cabinet colleagues and the cocktail of voices in nostalgic institution of Planning Commission and soul searching brigade of National Knowledge Commission. Exceptional ministers have great pastime for passing the bucks or tweeting the crucial briefs of foreign policy…generic minds are either reigniting the parochial issues like communalism to shade the external aggression factor even though they are open secret. And third types of minds have straight binding with unconventional wealth creation under the soothing company of crony clicks…thanks to Raghuram C Rajan, atleast he could see the potential of these networked peoples after spending time in Indian government and avidly counting the billionaires from Forbes list.

Exponential rise of force imagination with developmental planks must be substituted by the meticulously woven hypothesis suitable to the humanistic instead of cronies hell world. Time is ripe now for responsible minds to show the faith in societal adaptability with human development in place of chasing the endless greed’s of materialism. Although materialism has to stay with the philosophers imagined by Karl Marx, on whom the broader task of reckoning and changing the social action would rest. Burden of escaping the twilight of the nation have to be carry out again by the mass action, unless that happen, chances are likely that theirs representative will keep fading his own position and on idea called the nation. Endless curses of the nation have damaged the innocent expectations under the rude hammer of opportunism…in the bleeding state, this nation is crying for a makeover instead of universalization of contagious rogue called corruption!
Atul Kumar Thakur
February 28th 2011, Sunday, New Delhi
Mail: atul_mdb@rediffmail.com

Thespian in Conversation

2011-01-24T22:30:00.000-08:00

A man who leaves no room to categorization either in life or passion though indeed a forerunner in Maithili theatre, Mahendra Malangia has been appearing on literary and performing arena like a sturdy masseur with overarching effects. Full of reappraising inflections but considerably distant from opulent elitist biases, this living legend has expedious ploy for legging up in greed lock. I have privilege to know him personally since the year 1997, when he had two days grand performance at my place in Uren/Madhubani…moreover, being an avid reader and literary enthusiast, I have been getting keepsake from him in terms of his books and reading jottings in manuscript. Recently we had a detailed talk on many issullage es, which would come during this interview…

Atul K Thakur:- It’s always pleasure to be with you Sir, I would like to prolong our conversation from scratch, I mean wish to have some insights on your retro life?
Mahendra Malangia:- I was born on 20th January 1946, a year before the Indian independence in village Mlangia {then in Darbhanga district, since 1973 in Madhubani}. I went to prestigious Suri High School {G.M.S.S High School}and later to R.K.College {Madhubani}, both were the restless institution then with energetic confluence from youths with taste in different field. From college life, my inclination grew overtly for plays/drama, here I acted first time in “Himalaya ki Putri” under the direction of Ram Vilas Karak…incidentally it didn’t took off in bright mode because my arguing for some crucial snags on direction, unfortunately , director couldn’t realized it effectively . With growing interest in Maithili plays, I couldn’t restrained my temptation of writing and finally started it for then leading Maithili weekly, “Mithila Mihir”in 1960’s.
After few public appearances and published pieces, I received proper accolades that further interestingly pushed me to add “Malangia” instead of my surname because in those days, my namesakes used to be famous singer, poet etc. After a cut off from established belief in contemporary trend of direction, I left the active acting in midway for solely turned to experiment with direction. With sporadic acting and complete directional instincts, I successfully staged “Basat”,”Ugna”,’Chinni ke Laddu”{written by Ishnath Jha}-they all left good early impressions and journey begin from there…

Atul K Thakur:- You have spent your all professional years henceforth in Nepal doing government service as a very respected teacher near the great cultural region of Janakpur…how this evangelism was shaped after initial flip-flop in Indian side?
Mahendra Malangia:-My family centric or better say moral centric play “Birju,Biltu aa Babu” was published in Mithila Mihir that given me satisfaction for a high shot response following it. It was boosting for me to see such overwhelming response for progressive end that marked with the judicious wallost in material world with his chronic sacrifices for building the fortune of his brother who now found himself in different class with agnostic views for moral construct.
In late sixties, “Laxman Rekha” published in Mithila Mihir –this was based on widow remarriage as a theme in centrality; then it used to be a curse in conservative households. Leading Communist leader, Chaturanan Mishra has written a very remarkable novel “Kala”on same deform practices much before me, I also had great rapport with legendary Communist leaders from Madhubani, Bhogendra Jha and Shiv Chandra Jha{also my villager and an economist},these made positive impact on my cognition state to look after the haunting orthodox practices with progressive views. So, for a parallel career in drama, I have chosen the job of teacher with modest income in Nepal over the lucrative job at Shiva Medical Company in Kanpur after a brief stint. Here, I connected with the students and local communities, in the course of time, since things have shaped in fine fervor.

Atul K Thakur:- One of my initial impressions regarding you were come with your “Daura Suruwal “and Nepali cap clad photos in Mithila Mihir weekly. I incidentally read many of them, thanks to rich intellectual wardrobe of my family…how was your early experience in Nepal?
Mahendra Malangia:-As you know, there is identical Maithil lifestyle and language in madhesh region of Nepal ,So on cultural front, it was alright but politically Nepal was running with charged moments out of radical moves by King Mahendra. He laid strong emphasis Panchayat System that not worked out but he became able to succeed with the creation of national identity with making compulsory cap and national dress. So, my early photographs were complying {with smile} to such order. Initially, I also faced rejection of manuscripts but once published from Mithila Mihir , “Totaal tagak ekta oor”, even my all rejected manuscripts started getting due place. Success in writing and entwining with students and local folk naturally endowed me with great respect and acceptance for efforts.

Atul k Thakur:- I wish to know about your most remarkable play “Okra Aangnak Barahmasha, in my view-this is the ever best socio-economic narration of Mithila on stage. Please also share with us flavours of your other incessant meticulous works as well?
Mahendra Malangia:-Thanks for this sensible compliment. Yes, this play satisfies me most when I see things in retrospect…this plays signify the all twelve seasons with a metaphor put through folk songs. At center stage, a socio-economically deprived family appears with their fortune in our democracy; things have delineated with wider exposure to the ongoing systemic flaws and uneven making of nation. Many before me and even after written on this, but within the rural scene, there is few such example in the mode of theatre. I can’t remember exactly its stage in numerical…I always thankful for my spectator who awards me their whole lot of blessings-leading Maithili writer Vibhuti Anand have played the role of “Mallar”-father of Munnar.
Even today, we remember those special time of our creativity…lost world of Mullar in search of survival, alienation of his son to east side in Morang/Nepal and consist insensitive response of system which recently came into place with Nehruvian vision utterly failed to construct basic humane condition to most of its citizens. Over the years, conditions have improved slightly but it’s still away from early conceived goal for our democracy which is matter of grave concern. I tried to cover people’s life in their own construct, “Chhutha Ghailh”which is based on Maithili folklore backs the women’s emancipation. “Push Jaar ki Magh Jaar” was based on Pokhra tragedy/harassment, which happened with involvement of some member of Nepal’s royal family…much before the Monarchy became out of fashion, I made my opinion on its futility as an institution. It presents the disillusionment of peoples from existing political functioning.

Atul K Thakur:- Your experiment with “Saadhu Bhasha”in unusual mixed form, somewhere presents cocktail of Maithili, Awadhi, Hindi and bizarre English used to be popular among the spiritual dwellers of Janakpur, Kindly give us some clue how you mix serious stuffs in lighter presentation?
Mahendra Malangia:- {With smile…},that started with Kathak Lok{1980-81}, another play on socio-economic degeneration. It proliferated with “Original Kaam”; a play with serious message albeit lighter in presentation. I perceive dowry as socio-ethical evil, I tried to pacify this oppressive tradition in “O Khali Munh Takait Chhai”. In “Gaam nai Sutaiyai”, unemployment is central debate with adequately taking note of falling political ethics. Here desperation in mass folks shown as leverage for political class; ‘Deh par Kothi Khasha deb” is outspoken tell on consistently eroding social cohesion, here I tried to show the plight of a pale couple at locus. Such clumsy tendencies touched me as an individual as well…so, feelings appeared with words and try to change the state of affairs with pervasive inferences of social changes from whole creative construct.

Atul K Thakur:- You have never known for catty exchange of words, I mean you have an impressive track of maintaining balance ties with your contemporary and even younger chaps, how you think, is this an expedient practice?
Mahendra Malangia:- Yes, it helped me in my creative voyage, I always feel comfortable in the company of peoples. Only I have disenchantment with critics without zest for observation or reading, for an instance following the glorious revolution in 1688{Europe}; workers were forced for 12hour schedule at work that made them alien from their conventional socio-cultural fabric. Some similar things, I used in my work, protagonist in “Okar Aangnak Barah Masa” faced identical ire but for actual feelings, one needs to have the vision to see the both side of history. Uday Narayan Singh”Naciketa”, Sudhanshu Sekhar Chaudhary, Gunanath Jha and some more have done remarkable work in Maithili theatre…in younger generation, writing and direction of Ramesh Ranjan {written a memorable play, Hamra Nepal Chahi?}is noticeable, so is the commitment in direction and acting of Sunil Jha, Ram Narayan Thakur and Prakash Jha {Maithili Lok Rang}-theirs work is worth of emphatic admiration, they are doing wonderful with great persistence for learning. I wrote twenty-six short play,14-15 Drama,11 Radio play and more than 20 street play besides sporadic articles, memoir, essays.

Atul K Thakur:- I am aware about your consistent reading, here I can visualize a lot of books on history of medieval Mithila and also some modern pertinent proof, what’s your further project?
Mahendra Malangia:- Presently enroute to a book over “Varnaratnakar” {by Jyotireshwar Thakur, 14th century AD}besides in the series of adopting modern authors story, I have completed “Paanch Patra”{Harimohan Jha} and “Vilap”{Baidya Nath Mishra “Yatri”}–they also came on stage in Delhi and fetched satisfactory attention. Now I am looking to work on Surendra Nath Jha”Suman” , Dhumketu and Jeevkant-presently contemplating ways to reconstruct theirs original text to fit for stage performance. I have spent many years in close company of Dhumketu in Jnakpur, so has privilege to know him personally as well as his profound work in Maithili literature. Over the years, I have worked to form institutions, in Janakpur, so I founded Mithila Natyakala Parishad {MINAP}, in Delhi {Maithili Lok Rang}-they both are working very well in revival of Maithili drama and folk culture. Younger generation is quite accountable now for their cultural routes; it was unlikely ten-fifteen years back, so this is a welcome change which would sure boost the cultural upheaveling of Mithila region. So, now working on history gives me greater sense, I would try best to contribute more for Maithili and lastly for Indian theatres.

Atul K Thakur:- It’s always nice talking to you Sir, hope best for your further deliberations and fine time in the world of letters…
Mahendra Malangia:- Thanks a lot Atul. For me too,it’s rewarding to be in your scholaric company…very best to you too…
Atul Kumar Thakur
New Delhi, Monday, January 24,2011
Mail: atul_mdb@rediffmail.com