The snobbery of intellectual writers and insensitivity of the political class comes as a shame at this defining moment in our country's history. Let's show some respect to this mass awakening, so essential for a vibrant democracy and a pro-active citizenry, appeals Vinita Deshmukh.
Propagators of mass hysteria and mobocracy have one thing in common-they refuse to get out of their mindset and understand the new wave of mass participation, so essential for a vibrant democracy, that is now sweeping across the country. They have to realise that the printed word in newspapers or the debates on TV channels, are not longer bible truths for people, who have begun to examine the facts and reject untruth. This is evident from the comments on articles about the movement available through a random check on the Internet.
Clearly, the ruling political and intellectual class (at least most of it) is in disconnect with people's sentiments and the untiring efforts being made to get the government to work for the people and not for a privileged few. In fact, these privileged classes have themselves completely forgotten the fundamentals of governance in a democracy-first, information dissemination and second, participation in governance,
Everyone need not know every detail of the Bill like a scholar, academician or an activist would, but they have sensed that the government was trying to push down the throats of millions of people, an absolutely weak and draconian bill that would ultimately protect the corrupt. This attempt by the government to try and fool the people and numb them into submission, should have been reason enough for intellectual writers, newspaper editors and activists across the country, no matter what their differences over the alternative Jan Lokpal Bill, to unite and pull up the government over its sinister plan. Or, they ought to have tried to work out ways to strengthen the Lokpal Bill with a sense of urgency since the issue came into the public domain instead of criticisms and new drafts that have come a bit late in the
day. This is no time for prolonged debates anymore-the nation is outraged; what is necessary is swift action.
The government says it requires time-an excuse that has been supported by several high-profile columnists. Don't they realize the uniqueness of the situation, when lakhs of people have come out onto the streets in the cities, towns and villages, to peacefully agitate, and many more are supporting the movement from their homes and share this spirit in their hearts. It's an extraordinary situation, when citizens in such massive numbers are demanding a quick decision. If something extraordinary came up in our day-to-day lives, say a marriage that is to be organised within 48
hours as the bridegroom has to return to his job abroad, or a lucrative project that has been awarded with a challenging deadline, what would we do? Obviously, we would work round-the-clock, if this is necessary, to complete
the task. Is the government so insensitive, so callous, as to not be able to work 20 hours a day if required, to debate and reach a conclusion during the ongoing parliament session itself? It is outrageous that ministers continue to buy time when all that the protestors are peacefully and humbly saying is "please do it with immediate effect". Even Lord Meghnad Desai told a television channel that the issue could be debated and decided in 60 hours.
By criticising the movement at this defining moment in the country's history, we are encouraging the government to close its eyes and ears to the foremost demand for a strong anti-corruption law, which is unarguably the urgent need of the hour. Anna might be a rustic villager and may not have studied law as Gandhiji did, but his knowledge of the laws by which our democracy functions is better than many of us who are educated. Hence, there is no dismissing him as some "instant saint" trying to play God or turn into a legend.
This is an example of a pro-active democracy and the powers that be and the celebrity columnists must see it in this new perspective, by dropping the conditioned mindset to look down on the "middle class fraternity" (one columnist had the gall of calling it the "chattering class".) It is evident that Anna Hazare's movement is cutting across many classes-whether it is the poor, the lower middle class, the upper middle class and now even the rich-are represented in the movement. It is the yearning of every Indian that corruption should be rooted out, and now. Why then are some
intellectuals playing into the hands of those who sow and breed corruption?
Having said this, one must admit that the film fraternity, barring a few exceptions, has shown sensitivity to the people's sentiments and to Anna Hazare's selfless crusade. It, too, is a privileged class in that sense, but it has heard the heartbeat of millions of Indians. It only goes to prove that if your heart is in the right place, you can read the pulse of the people. Otherwise, you are simply convenient spokespersons of scamsters who are a hindrance to the tremendous movement for change that we are witnessing now.
(Author is a senior editor, author and convener of *Pune MetroJagruti Abhiyaan*. She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
New Global Indian recently launched its research and policy studies for work related to developmental policy and research in West Bengal with its Centre for Development and Policy Studies (CDPS). A report by Dr Lopamudra Maitra.
There is a growing need for understanding how research can be propelled towards understanding the needs within the modern global world and thus a significant initiative towards the direction for a holistic understanding can help to further highlight the process and its implementation. Keeping this significant aspect of knowledge-sharing in mind, Boston and Pune based New Global Indian Foundation (NGIF) held the inauguration of their research and development centre in Kolkata on August 20, 2011 at Indumati Sabhagriha at Jadavpur University Campus. Aptly titled, Resurgent Bengal Centre for Development and Policy Studies (CDPS), the centre is an initiative towards the study and a holistic better understanding of various facets within the private and public sectors of the society.
The launch of the centre of the NRI foundation in Kolkata is the first in a series of research and development centres to be inaugurated in various other states across India, including Gujarat, Maharashtra and others. Present at the occasion as the chief guest was Manish Gupta, minister of development, planning and power of government of West Bengal, who spoke on the need for understanding the need of research and development for a sustainable growth of various sectors of the society. Inaugurating the on-going lecture series of CDPS was Prof. Sanjoy Mukherjee of Rajiv Gandhi Indian Institute of Management, Shillong who spoke on "Sustainability in life, work and education: A quest for development." Also present at the occasion was Dr. Kunal Sarkar, vice president and senior consultant and cardiac surgeon, Rabindranath Tagore international Institute of Cardiac Sciences and Hospital, who spoke on health and development and the need to understand the significant aspect of financial help towards a better growth and development of the health sector. Speaking on the mission and vision of CDPS, Dr. Shamita Basu, chief academic consultant of the centre spoke on the mission and vision of the organisation mentioning the need towards maintaining an interface of public and private partnerships while enhancing the areas of corporate social responsibility and also mentioned that in its task of undertaking development initiatives CDPS will be working in close collaboration with the Government, the private sector, academia, NGOs, media and civil society. Also present at the occasion was international publisher, NGI, Haimanti Banerjee, speaking on the significance of the association of the bigger community of Indians across the globe into one significant group to contribute meaningfully towards the growth and development of the nation. Through her speech, Banerjee further elaborated upon the very notion associated with the term and definition of NRI across the nation as she tried to elaborate upon the activities of the foundation. "Our attempts are to put in the words of NGI in place of NRI and make the journey important and meaningful towards the contribution of all Indians across the globe," she mentioned. Prof. Ujjwal Kumar Chowdhury, managing editor and head of Indian operations, NGI also spoke on the theme of the importance of work of research and development centres towards remoulding the very essence of values and creating new hopes for young generation for a better future.
As the event helped to highlight the need for research, leading to a better understanding of various sectors of the society, the talks of the specific speakers also helped to highlight the issues. Significantly, Manish Gupta mentioned the need to find a solution to develop the livelihoods of the people. Quoting a recent work of Dr. Amartya Sen in relation to the definition of human development, Gupta also spoke about the need for more research centres like CDPS. "There are not many such centres across the nation and we need more such centres for better development and planning. We are also looking forward to people to act on this and we also feel that the returns will be much more to the government with centres like this to help to reach to the common people and that also entails a more efficient investment of public money." Following the theme of development and progress and the specific needs within the society, Dr. Kunal Sarkar also helped to highlight the need for better planning towards health sector by stating statistics towards population and health needs. He mentioned, "On 15th August, 1947, when India got independence, women lived approximately till about the age of 39 and now they do till about the 6th decade of their lives, while men sustain till the 7th decade. It is important to understand the need for a growing demand for health care and also to perceive the requirements of primary and tertiary health care separately." As Sarkar also proceeded to explain the significance of accessibility behind the need for healthcare, he added, "It is important to understand how to deliver healthcare as the expenses involving these are the most important causes of indebtness. Micro-investment is very practical and thus, it is very important." Dr. Sarkar also spoke about the need for the improvement of infrastructure and standard of healthcare- including both the private and the public sectors and this is very important as a large majority of Indians are still dependent on government services, especially in the rural areas. Thus, added Sarkar, is also the "growing need for understanding the significant role of investments towards the health sector as there is a large and growing consciousness amidst Indians across the nation and not only Bengal." Closely following the need to understand the significance of development in daily lives, Prof. Sanjoy Mukherjee, further explained the need for a holistic development of the mind to understand the surroundings better. "It is important to tap the alternate source of learning beyond the conviction," Mukherjee mentioned. Enlightening the talk and the audience with various popular anecdotes, Mukherjee also emphasised on the learning from the teachings of maestros including, Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda. "It is important to understand and be sensitive towards the need of others. One needs to understand people to cut the ice in between. One should also take learning from nature- quite like Vivekananda and Tagore." Prof. Mukherjee also further emphasised on the need for value and ethics to be an important part of the learning process of education and that how one can further emphasise on the significance of these understandings in real life- which is away from the theoretical aspects of learning.
With varied dignitaries present to grace the occasion, the event also marked an interesting dialogue between the academicians, speakers and the audiences. From amongst the audience, Partha Sarathi Sarkar, management and marketing teacher, emphasised on the growing need to focus on developmental studies. Speaking in similar themes of the need, IT expert Probir Banerjee present at the occasion amidst the audience also mentioned the need for more such forums for highlighting various aspects of research within the society. As the event also marked the introduction of the entrepreneurship projects under NGI foundation, several of the audiences were also akin to ask further details about the work and the need for such institutes in Bengal and provide rich inputs towards understanding the same. Mentioned Anirban Ghosh, entrepreneur and management consultant, "It is important to have such an organisation of research and developmental studies which will help to further highlight a connection between the masses and the government. Thus, I feel the role of CDPS is important in making a dialogue at the most necessary points and at the most important places needed in the present society." Also focussing on the position and need for training in the development of entreprenuers in Bengal, Ghosh wanted to focus on how different need is there in the market towards such development institutes in Kolkata- apart from the many other existing ones and also helped to highlight the significant aspect of marketing in spreading the ideas and thoughts of the centre. "In today's time, the role of marketing is significant in spreading the word and awareness about any new idea or product in the market. Thus, for the new institute as well, it is a significant decision to market the ideas well- to further inspire existing entrepreneurs to join the centre and learn from the knowledge and learning experience that it offers in the process of training," added Ghosh. As the audience also marked the presence of many ardent students from varied disciplines- from science backgrounds to management trainees, several of them were also enthusiastic enough to propose ideas pertaining to the development of the entrepreneurship training and the development research centre. Closely following Ghosh, Tuhin Bera, MBA student expressed the need for marketing in the process of learning. "The term marketing is an integral part of our lives in present times. As student trainees, we start by learning from the very basics of the term and its various applications across different aspects of our lives. Thus, I feel, there is a growing need for the correct marketing and branding procedures of such institutes as their presence is indeed important to impart a sense of urgency towards the matter on one hand and also look into the significant aspect of creating an awareness amidst the larger section of the society- as often people are less aware about their surroundings. This further leads to a communication gap and the need and work of the institute is not realised and understood to its full potential." As the event also marked the presence of entrepreneurs from Bengal, their comments for the occasion and questions towards the dignitaries also marked significant approach towards understanding the concept in Bengal. Mentioned Alok Mondal, event manager, "It is also important to understand how various development institutes can help the present socio-cultural scenario and how each of them are different from the other existing ones in the market. This is important as the growing need of each institute helps to cater to specific demands. Thus, the role of each institute should be specified and I feel that the work of CDPS is important with respect to positioning itself amidst the rest of the development institutes in Bengal as it aims to not only help to teach the art of how to become an entrepreneur, but also will highlight the important need for understanding the know-hows of how to procure the finances and how to approach sponsors towards the same. Thus, I wish the initiative good wishes for the future in attempting to highlight a significant approach towards the process of learning." With questions and answers making the event a success, the discussions also helped to highlight the growing importance of foreign investments in the market, especially Bengal and added Mondal, "This is an attempt which also thus, be a beacon of inspiration for several many others across the nation as well as in other parts of Bengal."
Present amidst the audience were also noted speakers and luminaries from various fields to grace the occasion, including renowned historian Dr. Chittabrata Palit, former head of the department of history, Jadavpur University, West Bengal. Over a small speech at the lectern, Palit added with quoting real experiences from his life, "It was an interesting meet and it was an especially enriching experience to hear the speakers enlighten various topics of health, urban society and development." As the varied topics of discussion undertook significant aspects for a growing need of research and development across various sectors in India, the examples cited forth in the discussion also appealed to many, as mentions Gouri Ganguli, former head-teacher, Murlidhar Girls' School, Kolkata, who was also present at the occasion, "All the speakers were excellent orators. It was indeed a pleasure to hear all of them speak. It is also an imminent need to highlight the need for further developmental research across the nation."
As the event drew to a close towards late afternoon, it was more than an enriching experience for the several attendees as it marked the significant and close association of discussion pertaining to the growing need of developmental research in the country on one hand and also it helped to garner ideas for future references and thus, promoting the very ethos of the concept of knowledge sharing and of learning- the very basic ethos of the vision and the mission of developmental policy and research the world over.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Further information about New Global Indian Foundation can be accessed at www.ngifoundation.org
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Teachers across six continents share their experiences from their growing years, which helped them to mould thoughts, to observe and perceive and most importantly remember the one person who inspired it all- their respective teachers.
The last paragraph of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie read- "The last class of my old professor's life took place once a week, in his home, by a window in his study where he could watch a small hibiscus plant shed its pink flowers. The class met on Tuesdays. No books were required. The subject was the meaning of life. It was taught from experience.
Ex-IITian and currently, a politician. Mr. Manohar Parrikar has more shades than merely his political presence in Goa. Aaishwari Chouhan gets him talking about the issues close to his heart.
“Some officers are virtually corroding the state.”
Sitting in his office at the Legislative Assembly, the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Goa, and also, the first IIT graduate to become the Chief Minister for any Indian state, Mr. Manohar Parrikar keeps a constant look at his watch to avoid being delayed for his next scheduled appointment. Being awarded with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by IIT Bombay in 2001, Mr. Parrikar chose to come back to his state and serve it the best he could!
Born in Mapusa, Goa, Mr. Parrikar has been the leader of opposition since November 1999 and also, the Chief Minister for the state of Goa from 2000 to 2005. As Chief Minister, he was first elected on October 2000 continuing his term till February 2002. In June 2002, he was re-elected to the assembly and was elected Chief Minister again (on June 5, 2002). Talking about Goa as a state, he adds, “Since Goa is a small state, it is easier to manage but it also sees a lot of ups and downs, politically. Money plays a big role.”
Goa was a Congress-ruled state until Mr. Parrikar got BJP to the state, effectively. He is also credited for solely getting the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to Goa, thus creating international standard infrastructure within the shortest period of time as compared to other state governments.
During his first tenure in the assembly as an opposition member, Mr.Parrikar exposed several scams including the infamous power scandal.
Rightly called the Mr. Clean in Goa, Mr. Parrikar is associated with bringing about and implementing various schemes namely Dayanand Samajik Suraksha Yojana for senior citizens, the Cyber age Scheme for students and the CM Rojgar Yogana. Along with him came into Goa the most talented and credible managers and leaders like Dr. Anupam Saraph as the IT and Governance Advisor, and retired Chief Secretary R. C. Sinha as the SEZ Advisor. During his regime, Goa was selected as the Best Governed State in India for three consecutive years in independent surveys of the Planning Commission of India and India Today.
When every Indian state is in the run to modernize itself and thus, beautify the environment, Mr. Parrikar has a conflicting view to present. He believes, “Cutting of slopes (in Goa) can't be beautification. By bringing townships, there is an addition of some 1300-1400 votes in that particular constituency. Political equation changes.”
Mining in Goa is as expensive and sensitive as any primary occupation can be in a state. Known for his honest and outright remarks, Mr. Parrikar doesn't hesitate in commenting, “Mining is damaging the ecology in Goa and corrupting the political scenario here. Although the lease for conducting mining is legal, the extraction is illegal thus making the act of mining illegal. It is not easy to identify such illegal mining as the government lacks appropriate records. One can't even hold anyone responsible as it is difficult to pinpoint . Accountability is the key!”
Demanding answers and justifications from the government in power is definitely one of the rights every citizen of a particular state can exercise. But the problem with Goa, in the words of this former Chief Minister, is accountability issues on part of the current administration. “Basic problem of Goa is the conglomeration of vested interests where making money is the only goal,” he adds.
Not really a media critique but a propagator of honesty and discipline, Mr. Parrikar adds, “Currently, Goa is in a very close to an emergency kind of a situation. There are no suppressions. But the media here reports for the government. It behaves like the slave of the ruling party.”
Not undermined by the glitches and drawbacks in the current scenario, a very ambitious Mr. Parrikar believes Goa Next will be a content society “as the term 'rich' is relative.” In order to make the society a content one, he says, “Cause-effect link should be done by politicians.” Addressing one of the major issues in Goa of garbage management, Mr. Parrikar is confident that if technological advances are used rightly, the problem will be completely solved by year-end.
With the six lane road coursing its way from Mapusa to Margoa, the IIT Graduate assures that within five years, Goa will be a state which can compete with any other Indian state for infrastructural amenities. In order to direct investments into the state, he suggests right to those NRIs and others interested in investing in the state.
As a piece of advice to all Goans, Mr. Parrikar says, “Be national think global.”
Ex-IITian and currently, a politician. Mr. Manohar Parrikar has more shades than merely his political presence in Goa. Aaishwari Chouhan gets him talking about the issues close to his heart.
“Some officers are virtually corroding the state.”
Sitting in his office at the Legislative Assembly, the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Goa, and also, the first IIT graduate to become the Chief Minister for any Indian state, Mr. Manohar Parrikar keeps a constant look at his watch to avoid being delayed for his next scheduled appointment. Being awarded with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by IIT Bombay in 2001, Mr. Parrikar chose to come back to his state and serve it the best he could!
Born in Mapusa, Goa, Mr. Parrikar has been the leader of opposition since November 1999 and also, the Chief Minister for the state of Goa from 2000 to 2005. As Chief Minister, he was first elected on October 2000 continuing his term till February 2002. In June 2002, he was re-elected to the assembly and was elected Chief Minister again (on June 5, 2002). Talking about Goa as a state, he adds, “Since Goa is a small state, it is easier to manage but it also sees a lot of ups and downs, politically. Money plays a big role.”
Goa was a Congress-ruled state until Mr. Parrikar got BJP to the state, effectively. He is also credited for solely getting the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to Goa, thus creating international standard infrastructure within the shortest period of time as compared to other state governments.
During his first tenure in the assembly as an opposition member, Mr.Parrikar exposed several scams including the infamous power scandal.
Rightly called the Mr. Clean in Goa, Mr. Parrikar is associated with bringing about and implementing various schemes namely Dayanand Samajik Suraksha Yojana for senior citizens, the Cyber age Scheme for students and the CM Rojgar Yogana. Along with him came into Goa the most talented and credible managers and leaders like Dr. Anupam Saraph as the IT and Governance Advisor, and retired Chief Secretary R. C. Sinha as the SEZ Advisor. During his regime, Goa was selected as the Best Governed State in India for three consecutive years in independent surveys of the Planning Commission of India and India Today.
When every Indian state is in the run to modernize itself and thus, beautify the environment, Mr. Parrikar has a conflicting view to present. He believes, “Cutting of slopes (in Goa) can't be beautification. By bringing townships, there is an addition of some 1300-1400 votes in that particular constituency. Political equation changes.”
Mining in Goa is as expensive and sensitive as any primary occupation can be in a state. Known for his honest and outright remarks, Mr. Parrikar doesn't hesitate in commenting, “Mining is damaging the ecology in Goa and corrupting the political scenario here. Although the lease for conducting mining is legal, the extraction is illegal thus making the act of mining illegal. It is not easy to identify such illegal mining as the government lacks appropriate records. One can't even hold anyone responsible as it is difficult to pinpoint . Accountability is the key!”
Demanding answers and justifications from the government in power is definitely one of the rights every citizen of a particular state can exercise. But the problem with Goa, in the words of this former Chief Minister, is accountability issues on part of the current administration. “Basic problem of Goa is the conglomeration of vested interests where making money is the only goal,” he adds.
Not really a media critique but a propagator of honesty and discipline, Mr. Parrikar adds, “Currently, Goa is in a very close to an emergency kind of a situation. There are no suppressions. But the media here reports for the government. It behaves like the slave of the ruling party.”
Not undermined by the glitches and drawbacks in the current scenario, a very ambitious Mr. Parrikar believes Goa Next will be a content society “as the term 'rich' is relative.” In order to make the society a content one, he says, “Cause-effect link should be done by politicians.” Addressing one of the major issues in Goa of garbage management, Mr. Parrikar is confident that if technological advances are used rightly, the problem will be completely solved by year-end.
With the six lane road coursing its way from Mapusa to Margoa, the IIT Graduate assures that within five years, Goa will be a state which can compete with any other Indian state for infrastructural amenities. In order to direct investments into the state, he suggests right to those NRIs and others interested in investing in the state.
As a piece of advice to all Goans, Mr. Parrikar says, “Be national think global.”
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