I was watching the debates between politicians, news anchors and analysts on television during the Gujarat election coverage and what caught my attention was the regular use of the word Secular/Secularism by all political parties.
The Congress kept talking about secularism and how the party has fought for the rights of minorities (read Muslims). Some secularism that, huh! I guess the Sikh riots of 1984, the Mumbai Riots of 1993, appeasement politics are all classic signs of Secularism, and if that is the yardstick to measure a secular party, then you can’t find a more Secular one than the Congress. The British divided the country in 1947; the Congress saw merit in the Divide and Rule policy and continues in its secular ways of dividing the country.
The Left claims to be the guardian of secularism and democracy in India. I guess Taslima Nasreen would beg to differ. I am plain curious; Do Communism and Democracy have the same meaning? And India must be the only country where Communists celebrate the existence of God; Durga Puja in West Bengal, the Kerala government administers temple affairs. Or are we to believe that the politicians are Communists while the citizens who vote them to power are democrats?
As for the BJP, it never claimed to be secular. I have no political or religious leanings, but I feel that the BJP is an honest devil than the Congress and/or the Left because it wears its spots proudly, unlike the other two who behave like wolves in sheep clothing.
On the likes of Mulayam Singh and Mayawati, silence is golden. What can you write of those for whom ignorance is bliss? For them secularism means anarchy.
As for the people of India, after 60-odd years of being taught secularism by politicians, we understand the term differently, depending upon our political leanings.
In short, we may be the largest Democracy in the world; however, we are anything but secular. Teesta Setalvad may beg to differ with me. To her I say being pro-any religion is not being secular. It’s being prejudiced. And terming anyone who does not align with your views as communal ain’t being secular either.
So dear friends, we as a country must be the single-largest bunch of hypocrites on planet Earth. And for those who are interested in understanding the meaning of the word secular as given in the dictionary, please continue reading.
sec·u·lar /ˈsɛkyələr/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[sek-yuh-ler] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
Adjective
1. Of or pertaining to worldly things or to things that are not regarded as religious, spiritual, or sacred; temporal: secular interests
2. Not pertaining to or connected with religion (opposed to sacred): secular music
3. (Of education, a school, etc.) concerned with nonreligious subjects
4. (Of members of the clergy) not belonging to a religious order; not bound by monastic vows (opposed to regular)
5. Occurring or celebrated once in an age or century: the secular games of Rome
6. Going on from age to age; continuing through long ages
Noun
7. A layperson
8. One of the secular clergy
sec·u·lar·ism /ˈsɛkyələˌrɪzəm/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled
1. Secular spirit or tendency, esp. a system of political or social philosophy that rejects all forms of religious faith and worship
2. The view that public education and other matters of civil policy should be conducted without the introduction of a religious element
n.
Religious skepticism or indifference
The view that religious considerations should be excluded from civil affairs or public education
sec'u·lar·ist n., sec'u·lar·is'tic adj.
Noun
A doctrine that rejects religion and religious considerations
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
An Inconvenient Truth
A lot is being said about Global Warming and Climate Change lately and how if we do not act, the world would become an increasingly inhospitable place. In the midst of all the debates in newspapers, magazines, news and enovironment channels, a friend suggested that I watch a documentary An Inconvenient Truth hosted by former US Vice President Al Gore.
I for one have never been a great fan of US politicians, though I must sadly admit that they are far better than their Indian counterparts, at least when it comes to patriotism and protecting their country. You may ask why do I write that; the answer is no matter the internal differences, when it comes to facing the rest of the world, they put up an joint show. Now can we say that of our politicians? I say NO; you have a right to your own opinion.
Coming back to climate change, I decided to watch An Inconvenient Truth. And am I glad I did that. The doumentary talked about how years of industrialization, mechanization, deforestation, and a general apathy toward protecting our environment have taken their toll on our atmosphere. It shows how the ice-capped Antartica is melting and how rising sea waters would in the not-so-distant future submerge cities by the sea.
The documentary with facts and figures tells us how political apathy coupled with economic greed has repeatedly pushed environmental concerns in the background. And it tells us that we have about eight years to try and reverse the damage caused or else pay the price, a heavy one at that.
One can agree with what Al Gore has to say or dismiss it as being similar to the Y2K threat that fizzed off. But if we were to map temperatures in our lifetime we will realize that there is truth in what proponents of Climate Change have to say. In the summers, Mumbai now touches 40 degrees celcius; while I was a kid the temperature used to be around 32-33 degrees celcius. That is a 7 degree increase in a span of 25 years. And if one were to map the change in the last five years, then 4 of that 7 degrees have happened since 2002.
You can dismiss this as the rantings of a believer in the Climate Change message. But you would be doing so at your own peril. As we prosper economically, we as a world are going to buy more cars, air-conditioners, refrigerators, computers and other gadgets that directly or indirectly contribute to Global Warming.
I am not saying that we should learn to do without these things. What we must do is demand eco-friendly products, opt for brands that comply with environment regulations and force businessmen, politicians to listen to us.
How do we do that? By not subscribing to products that are not environment friendly and by not voting for politicians and parties that fail to go beyond lip service; in short, reject those who refuse to walk the talk. When we do that, companies and politicians will realize that they have just one option. That is to spend on research and development of ecofriendly products.
Here dear bloggers I would request all those who share my views on climate change with people they know and are uniformed. And I say 90% of our people are uniformed; when Mumbai observed Batti Bandh on December 15, 2007, between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm, only 10% of Mumbai switched off power supply.
That dear friends is a sad testament of the apathy and ignorance that most people show to the subject of Global Warming and Climate Change. It's for you to decide whether you want to, even if in a small way, contribute to preserve out atmosphere and protect life from the ill-effects of Global Warming. Whether you want to fight for Right to life or Die in silence is a choice I will let you decide.
I for one have never been a great fan of US politicians, though I must sadly admit that they are far better than their Indian counterparts, at least when it comes to patriotism and protecting their country. You may ask why do I write that; the answer is no matter the internal differences, when it comes to facing the rest of the world, they put up an joint show. Now can we say that of our politicians? I say NO; you have a right to your own opinion.
Coming back to climate change, I decided to watch An Inconvenient Truth. And am I glad I did that. The doumentary talked about how years of industrialization, mechanization, deforestation, and a general apathy toward protecting our environment have taken their toll on our atmosphere. It shows how the ice-capped Antartica is melting and how rising sea waters would in the not-so-distant future submerge cities by the sea.
The documentary with facts and figures tells us how political apathy coupled with economic greed has repeatedly pushed environmental concerns in the background. And it tells us that we have about eight years to try and reverse the damage caused or else pay the price, a heavy one at that.
One can agree with what Al Gore has to say or dismiss it as being similar to the Y2K threat that fizzed off. But if we were to map temperatures in our lifetime we will realize that there is truth in what proponents of Climate Change have to say. In the summers, Mumbai now touches 40 degrees celcius; while I was a kid the temperature used to be around 32-33 degrees celcius. That is a 7 degree increase in a span of 25 years. And if one were to map the change in the last five years, then 4 of that 7 degrees have happened since 2002.
You can dismiss this as the rantings of a believer in the Climate Change message. But you would be doing so at your own peril. As we prosper economically, we as a world are going to buy more cars, air-conditioners, refrigerators, computers and other gadgets that directly or indirectly contribute to Global Warming.
I am not saying that we should learn to do without these things. What we must do is demand eco-friendly products, opt for brands that comply with environment regulations and force businessmen, politicians to listen to us.
How do we do that? By not subscribing to products that are not environment friendly and by not voting for politicians and parties that fail to go beyond lip service; in short, reject those who refuse to walk the talk. When we do that, companies and politicians will realize that they have just one option. That is to spend on research and development of ecofriendly products.
Here dear bloggers I would request all those who share my views on climate change with people they know and are uniformed. And I say 90% of our people are uniformed; when Mumbai observed Batti Bandh on December 15, 2007, between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm, only 10% of Mumbai switched off power supply.
That dear friends is a sad testament of the apathy and ignorance that most people show to the subject of Global Warming and Climate Change. It's for you to decide whether you want to, even if in a small way, contribute to preserve out atmosphere and protect life from the ill-effects of Global Warming. Whether you want to fight for Right to life or Die in silence is a choice I will let you decide.
Remembering Dad
On a December day five years ago my Dad signed off. He was there the night, gone the next morning, just the way he always said he would. You will, he always said, wake up one morning and won't find me, but do not mourn my passing for in life where change is a reality, moving beyond the body is the only constant. His words still ring in my ears as loud as when said, and I fondly remember him.
For seventy years he lived his life to the full; simple in thought, uncomplicated in his interactions, every time I think of him and the happy times spent together, these memories liven my day. So what's new, you may ask; everyone shares a similar relationship with their father. True, but to that I say this ain't an exercise in proving my father was better than other fathers. This is just me remembering my creator.
When I think of him, I am reminded of his innate ability to procrasinate, and incidents bring a smile to my lips. I was seven and demanding a new pair of shoes. When I said I needed shoes, he would smile and say tomorrow. And when I asked him the next day, he would with a smile on his face ask me, what did I tell you yesterday? I would say tomorrow, and he would laugh and say, there you have your answer.
Before you say what a cruel dad, let me say that the pair of shoes that I had was perfectly fine and my dmeand was more because my friend had bought a new pair of shoe. Coming back to the incident, he would keep saying that until my shoe was in bad shape and then we would on a Saturday evening set out ot by me a pair of shoes.
He was a Bata loyalist, and that's why to this day I can never feel comfortable in a shoe that is not a Bata. Once we reached the shop, he would pick up a shoe with strings and I, a slip-on. Slip ons were a craze in the seventies, thanks to Amitabh Bachchan. I would fight with him, but eventually his choice would prevail with the promise of revisiting a slip-on the next year.
Another trait in my father that I simply loved was his ability to always speak the truth. Many a times he got into trouble, lost friends, and had to once quit his job. But he never wavered and taught me to do the same. I, however, cannot claim to be as correct as him. But then Dad was Dad and it would be foolish of me to try and become him. Having said that, I always try and walk the path he taught me, though at times what prevails is better sense as is called in today's world. I would say it is more self preservation than better sense, but in these times, better sense, self preservation is thy second name.
My Dad allowed me the freedom to decide what I wanted to study, the profession I wished to take up, marry the woman I loved. He did not do so because he was scared of losing me as a son if he didn't agree, but because he believed that if one has to be successul in life, then one needs to follow his calling. In short he did what most parents fail to do. He did not want me to live his life and fulfil his unfulfilled desires; he wanted me to walk my path and realize my dreams. That was my father for everyone; for me that is my father, as I am a part of him and in me he continues to live.
I love you Dad, forever.
For seventy years he lived his life to the full; simple in thought, uncomplicated in his interactions, every time I think of him and the happy times spent together, these memories liven my day. So what's new, you may ask; everyone shares a similar relationship with their father. True, but to that I say this ain't an exercise in proving my father was better than other fathers. This is just me remembering my creator.
When I think of him, I am reminded of his innate ability to procrasinate, and incidents bring a smile to my lips. I was seven and demanding a new pair of shoes. When I said I needed shoes, he would smile and say tomorrow. And when I asked him the next day, he would with a smile on his face ask me, what did I tell you yesterday? I would say tomorrow, and he would laugh and say, there you have your answer.
Before you say what a cruel dad, let me say that the pair of shoes that I had was perfectly fine and my dmeand was more because my friend had bought a new pair of shoe. Coming back to the incident, he would keep saying that until my shoe was in bad shape and then we would on a Saturday evening set out ot by me a pair of shoes.
He was a Bata loyalist, and that's why to this day I can never feel comfortable in a shoe that is not a Bata. Once we reached the shop, he would pick up a shoe with strings and I, a slip-on. Slip ons were a craze in the seventies, thanks to Amitabh Bachchan. I would fight with him, but eventually his choice would prevail with the promise of revisiting a slip-on the next year.
Another trait in my father that I simply loved was his ability to always speak the truth. Many a times he got into trouble, lost friends, and had to once quit his job. But he never wavered and taught me to do the same. I, however, cannot claim to be as correct as him. But then Dad was Dad and it would be foolish of me to try and become him. Having said that, I always try and walk the path he taught me, though at times what prevails is better sense as is called in today's world. I would say it is more self preservation than better sense, but in these times, better sense, self preservation is thy second name.
My Dad allowed me the freedom to decide what I wanted to study, the profession I wished to take up, marry the woman I loved. He did not do so because he was scared of losing me as a son if he didn't agree, but because he believed that if one has to be successul in life, then one needs to follow his calling. In short he did what most parents fail to do. He did not want me to live his life and fulfil his unfulfilled desires; he wanted me to walk my path and realize my dreams. That was my father for everyone; for me that is my father, as I am a part of him and in me he continues to live.
I love you Dad, forever.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Random Thoughts
What will happen if the moon and sun collide? Will we have two moons and two suns? Will the heat of the sun disintegrate the moon, or will the cold moon douse the blazing sun?
Imagine if we can energize ourselves Star Trek style. What will happen to the transportation industry? How will it feel to make love during the journey? Will travel be a public enterprise or compete as private enterprises?
What will happen if one of the sexes vanishes just as civilizations and species have over the years? If only men remain, would sodomy still be a crime? If it is only women, how will dildo stocks fare?
If the earth realizes that it ain’t flat, will people fall off the surface? And if people fall off, how long will they keep falling, and where will they land?
If all water on earth dries up, what will we drink? And if all land is covered by water, will we live in the bottom of the ocean?
If every action stops having an equal and opposite reaction, what do we do with Newton? If humankind loses the power to think, what will happen to all the inventions?
If we become immortal, what will we do with all the weapons? If we conquer illness, will doctors become cobblers?
If we can build castles in the air, what will happen to the ones on Earth?
If people can actually burp and taste, will they still fart and waste?
If Rajnikanth could actually fire a bullet and then split it with a blade to kill two targets with one bullet, would Newton die of acidity?
And if we forget how to read and write, what will happen to all us bloggers on www.blogger.com.
P.S. These as the title suggests are just random thoughts. Please do not try and make sense of them.
Imagine if we can energize ourselves Star Trek style. What will happen to the transportation industry? How will it feel to make love during the journey? Will travel be a public enterprise or compete as private enterprises?
What will happen if one of the sexes vanishes just as civilizations and species have over the years? If only men remain, would sodomy still be a crime? If it is only women, how will dildo stocks fare?
If the earth realizes that it ain’t flat, will people fall off the surface? And if people fall off, how long will they keep falling, and where will they land?
If all water on earth dries up, what will we drink? And if all land is covered by water, will we live in the bottom of the ocean?
If every action stops having an equal and opposite reaction, what do we do with Newton? If humankind loses the power to think, what will happen to all the inventions?
If we become immortal, what will we do with all the weapons? If we conquer illness, will doctors become cobblers?
If we can build castles in the air, what will happen to the ones on Earth?
If people can actually burp and taste, will they still fart and waste?
If Rajnikanth could actually fire a bullet and then split it with a blade to kill two targets with one bullet, would Newton die of acidity?
And if we forget how to read and write, what will happen to all us bloggers on www.blogger.com.
P.S. These as the title suggests are just random thoughts. Please do not try and make sense of them.
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