26 November 2008: The Sordid Saga of Mumbai..WHAT LIES AHEAD?

It goes without saying that the nation is disgustingly shocked due to miserable state of affairs in Mumbai on 26 November 2008. As we lament, weep, sulk, mourn over this chaos unleashed, let us ponder over what lies further? What are the challenges ahead?

The masterminds behind the attack- meticulous planning to enter hotel, playing upon lacuna in laws of sea, movement of arms and food in store, are few things that gave a jolt to the existing machinery of the State. What is in their minds who have enacted it? Are they human as they profess no respect for sanctity of like? What religion they adhere to when they violate the basic fundamental ethos of religion – love, care, fraternity? How long can we blame the state as being soft on terror when its dirty fangs have not spared a single part of globe? The nation stood politically undivided and the nonsense gimmick of regional chauvinism by Raj Thackrej stood shamefully exposed to the ebb.
There is need to condemn this terrorism in unanimous terms, building consent on fighting back together as the nation that we will not loose on National Integrity at any cost. While we capture these emotional-psychological strands, at the societal-political level we need federal agency to tackle the menace of terrorism between the Union and State Government.

synchronisation of federal foreign policy aims!

synchronisation of federal foreign policy aims!

Federalism in the contemporary world is a significant means to reconcile unity and diversity within a political system. Democracies like United States of America adopted for federalism to limit governmental powers ,while India and Canada made the choice for federalism because it accommodates diversities.
Diversities within a society enrich politics, culture, legislation and the judicial discourse as it reflects and respects the reality of the diversity of the human nature. Issues of legitimacy, of “we” as opposed to the “other”, autonomy, are important challenging issues to be pondered over.

The forces of integration moved the International Relations away from Realism and more close towards Neo-Liberalism, signified by presence of complex interdependence within the International realm and end of the hegemony of the Statist ideas. The challenge in each federal nation is to ensure that the foreign foray and activities of sub-national/constituent units/ states and the larger aspect of foreign policy as articulated by the federal government do not overlap and clash. The present day global scenario cannot exist in vacuum, bypassing the grassroots, therefore both orders of government need to contribute towards effective external presence of the nation. The constituent units have greater understanding of nuances of ground realities, their needs while the Federal government have greater experience in articulating National Interest in international sphere. Their co-operation needs to be enlisted through effective intergovernmental relations

United States of America: Incoherent federal foreign policy agenda

United States of America: Incoherent Federal Foreign Policy Agenda

The United States of America is a federal republic with a bicameral parliament. . The concept of ‘state’ is largely missing from American political discourse being supplicated by the term ‘government’.
The federal approach to interpret this constitutional prism in US clearly speaks that apart from a very limited power to enter into international agreements, with the approval of the Congress, the only involvement of the States in the treaty making process is through State representatives in the Senate.
Better connectivity, communication, have made citizens to put onus on States to ensure their interests. The internationalization of production, distribution, transportation, communications, and investment, have provided incentives to State and local governments to create new jobs, diversify their economic base, and enhance revenues , hitherto not pursued by them.
The issue of state sovereignty arises as the ‘distinction between foreign and domestic policy is increasingly becoming blurred with sub national units entering an arena which was customarily regarded as prerogative of federal government’
There have been debates that rise of States in foreign affairs , on the ethical grounds it represents a highly desirable democratization of the foreign policy process, yet its accompanied facet of localization, leads to a dangerous derogation from national governments' power to conduct a coherent foreign policy.

say 'HELLO!'

Hello, an interesting movie asking us to probe what lies beneath us, a yet another good Friday dose. Based on an International Book selling novel ‘one night at call centre’, by Chetan Bhagat, the story begins with the pomp and splendor of Salman Khan, whose chopper gets delayed post the show. While waiting in the lobby, a sudden visit by Katrina Kaif that she shall recite a story to kill boredom during the wait, only if he makes a movie on it. What makes Khan buy the deal was the idea of God involved within it.

The story revolves around lives of Shyam, Vroom(Sohail Khan), Radhika (Amrita) , Priyanka (Gul Panag), Isha (Isha Kopiakar), Military Uncle, who have been living simple yet unsatisfied lives as calling agents in call centre. Initially when they began working, the work seemed interesting but later monotony strikes which owes largely due to their lot.

The script by Chetan Bhagat deserves kudos for brilliantly capturing the scenario of our common lives and the ‘other-side’ accompanied with the BPO effect. The late night shifts, the spat of words at being late in cab pick up, the parties associated along with work, the change in our daily routine to sustain American economy, the anger gulped down on hearing unwanted words at the foreign call, the greed for NRI match for daughter, the unfriendly attitude of in-laws for the working women deserve to be mentioned for capturing the paraphernalia surrounding our common lives.

An escapist move comes when the five decide to go out to forget the unpleasant night and the larger uneasy lives they are experiencing. A sheer glimpse of absurdity that surrounds our lives pointing to meaninglessness within this life. A call from GOD during their accident guides them to listen to their inner conscience, have confidence, believe in themselves and learn to loose so as to taste success.

A revolutionary mood a la Che Guevera, comes forth with the six folks planning to tame the miseries of life with their wits and conviction. The power of media and civil society come forth to challenge the crude edges of neo liberal market forces calling for downsizing jobs. A tinge of revolution, using the power of technology to serve the use of indigenous employment, is seen when the calling agents create the fear about virus and need for constant calling. Determinism to do rise above the failures faced in life, which ended in happy end for all, with each carving a niche for itself with its efforts and faith.

A telling account, close to reality. Alvira Agnihotri deserves credit for designing clothes that make the character look real rather than ‘reel’ types. The dialogues by Bhagat capture the imagination, the feeling of each and everyone who have been effected by realities of globalization.

DILUTING REALIST FOREIGN POLICY?

The discourse on foreign policy which was hitherto seen in crude realist discourse where only the federal government was representative of foreign afairs is being changed. Today neo-liberal post modern paradigm in the realm of International relations refuses to adhere to crude Domestic-international distinction, and concedes to the existence of multiple realities. This has put onus on the policies of the nation to respond to the demands of changed times.

State sovereignty is becoming porous or perforated as the local has connection with the global. It is not a one way process but constant process of interaction, where federalism can be analysed under the paradigm of pluralistic democracy as the two sets of governments are independent yet jointly linked.

Sub national units have expanded their continental and international involvement over the past two decades. This is particularly significant in the United States, where individual states such as California, New York and Texas have GDPs which rival industrialized nation-states. In case of India, the treaty making power is an executive prerogative under Article 253. and recently, the Parliament was able to assert its power in case of Indo-U.S nuclear deal, the former left ally of United Progressive Alliance Government forced the executive (government) to share every information with the Parliament.

LAWS, BARGAINING, AND PEOPLE

LAWS, BARGAINING, AND PEOPLE

Federalism signifies a continuous process of tough bargaining and negotiation between the federal and state government. This has great significance in context of a parliamentary federal set up like India. In present time, where non traditional security dimensions like terrorism loom large with its threats cutting across borders. The organized nature of this crime with systematic clandestine nature of its operation adds to the gravity of the situation.

The federal apparatus is disturbed when certain states vulnerable due to the changing context of security raise their voice to the need for special laws to tackle the problem. To address the problem at hand, the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) was promulgated in 1999, reportedly to combat organized crime and terrorism. The Gujarat Control of Organized Crime Bill (GUJCOC), which is similar to MCOCA, in response to bomb blasts on 26 July in Ahmedabad and similar attempts at Surat is being pushed upon.

MCOCA is pending for Presidential assent since four years. Similarly when there is call for GUJCOC, the need to address the security scenario in the nation in a holistic manner needs to be addressed. If each state calls for special laws to deal with rising threats each time, then the issue of co-ordination and its imbalance arises. It is not only one state that in under, the security situation has to be dealt from the vantage point of national integrity where such laws seem to be at odds.

It is commendable how Gujarat has achieved a commendable level of development under Chief Minister Narendre Modi and the recent terror strikes are condemnable in severe terms. However, these premises alone do not merit the case for special laws as it does not solve the problem at hand. Mere laws will be insufficient to tackle the problem, unless we pay attention to its implementation. How laws like Prevention of Terrorism Act- POTA have been misused under the pretext of national security which led to a communal divide is an acclaimed fact. This statement has special bearing in case of present demand for GUJCOC.

The organized nature of crime calls for strengthening federal apparatus by doing away with political vendetta, party politics , and working of the two levels of government involving the third tier of Grassroots democracy to unearth the problem. The spirit of federalism dies down when the bargaining between the two levels settles down to aspect of political scores. With United Progressive Alliance at Centre and Bhartiya Janata Party in Gujrat, the sheer reduction of security threat to the level of special laws is unhealthy .in federal and polity terms.

It needs to be emphasized that to deal with anarchists like the terrorists who believe in phantom like destruction, the administration and police at the Centre and State level needs to work in tandem to attack the problem at hand. There needs to be constant dialogue between them and search for consensus. The cry for MCOCA and GUJCOC no has to be dealt very carefully by the Union government, taking into the special need of each state. It has to also keep in mind that if these laws come into force, will it allow other states for such laws as when terror strikes. This might lead to balkanization of federal polity in lieu of each state calling for its special interest and laws.

Thus there is need to first tackle the security challenges by mobilizing the grassroots. There has be systematic efforts at Union and State level to tackle terror to avoid duplication and overburdening the State apparatus with more laws. It is the people residing in various states that should be seen as Citizens of one unified nation, this should be the guiding spirit of dealing with phangs of terrorism as it this common lot that is at the bearing end of ultimate causality.

FEDERAL AGENCY FOR METRO TERRORISM

FEDERAL AGENCY FOR METRO TERRORISM

As the dastardly fangs of terrorism, rock the by lanes of yet another Metro city Ahmedabad, it is high that we sit and ponder over the dangerous fault line.

It needs no iteration that those who believe in killing the innocent lot to prove their prowess so as to terrorize the state apparatus have a very shaky level of conviction in humanity. The threat of terrorism cuts across all borders and the enemy is faceless. The issue of compensation and rehabilitation of affected victims need attention but the larger issue is how long can we let ourselves at the receiving end?

To suggest to implement draconian laws like Prevention of Terrorism Act would be insane looking at the delicate nature of the problem at hand. Further laws remain passive unless implemented with a genuine thought to improve the society.

India is a federal parliamentary democracy, with a bicameral Parliament, which bears striking resemblance to Canadian Constitution, which can be attributed to the presence of British Rule in both countries. The unfortunate terror strikes are limited to realm of metro cities so as to create maximum damage to the ‘Aristotelian mean’- the metros where Middle class are prominent, which are integral to sustenance of Democracy. Earlier it was Mumbai, now Ahmedabad, so as terror strikes at a stroke, what can be done from this federal paradigm.

It was during the National Democratic Alliance the idea of federal agency was mooted, which would cater to looking after the onslaught of non-traditional security dimensions, of which this metro terrorism is namely one. This aspect has been recently endorsed by the present Congress regime. It is high time that we ponder over the modalities of operation of federal agency to deal with terror situation

It needs to be emphasized that to deal with anarchists like the terrorists who believe in phantom like destruction, on what levels of efficiency will this federal agency work? The administration and police at the Centre and State level needs to work in tandem to attack the problem at hand. There needs to be constant dialogue between them and search for consensus. Undoubtedly there will be synchronization of aims as both the levels of government would consent to regime of law and order, avoiding the blasts.

The issue of funding comes to fore as to which level of government will bear the cost to exchequer. It is not everyday that blasts are happening and then in wake of sudden blast, to get into fast action, would be an unwise proposition for the federal agency. We need to define the ambit of patrolling terror in wider regular terms without involving any cumbersome hindrance for the common lot.

The issue of systematization level of terrorism comes up, as not all States face the same vengeance, like West Bengal, Kerala are less prone to attack unlike Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat. So how to deal with terrorism at Pan India level. The Naxal violence is another of its kinds where Salwa Judum has faced backlash with the people not ready to give up arms. So how to juxtapose the various forms of violence being inflicted in the nation needs to be clearly defined for the agaency to work well.
The issue of special task forces like Para military forces have been resented by the States in the past as it makes their subject in the State list – Law and Order vulnerable to mercy of the centre. Thus the new agency needs to carefully gauge the sensitivities of each state before any action.

The issue of monitoring of terror is mandatory. Thus the agency should involve experts from strategic field, who would work in tandem with the administration to eliminate terror. We need to broad base the efforts by raising the awareness amongst the common man about the need to maintain unity in diversity amidst the chaos unleashed by such attacks. The idea of National Interest needs to perceived in true Secular, plural ethos of the country.


Email: amnamirza2002@gmail.com

NOSTALGIA

NOSTALGIA

A powerful storm goes in her mind. Happy, calm, content with a sense of satisfaction as she looks back. A pleasant chill in the spine during the journey to the bylanes of past.

Archaic, insane, unworthy , below average were synonymns for the labor she put it. By sheer stoke of good fortune, the seeds sowed reaped good dividends. The taunts from peers& friends for which she used to look down upon herself, are a joke now. She remembers with profound admiration for all the petty things she did, which helped her materialize her instincts.

18 JULY: THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF INDO- US NUCLEAR DEAL

18 JULY: THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF INDO- US NUCLEAR DEAL

As the third anniversary of the Indo United States (US) Nuclear Deal approaches near on 18 July, and the determined leaders – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Bush , want it in ‘haste’ to prove their legacy before they depart from the throne, a larger issue of feasibility of nuclear deal and the National Interest comes up.

The issue of transparency, accountability, rises up in our democratic polity as information for common people is grossly lacking pointing to uniformed debate prevailing via media management.

Firstly the political-strategic aspect of this deal needs to be seen to be understood in terms of its embedded context. It is part of a strategic framework which would be used to bring ‘Pax Americana’. This goes back to the readings of National Security Document 2002 which spells out Russia and China as enemies but mentions India as possible ally.

In terms of technology and energy, it is not that ‘big deal’ too. If the Prime Minister laments that the nation has inadequate uranium funding, then the blame for this morass goes to him, when he as the finance minister slashed the expenditure on uranium in prodigal terms. Both thermal and hydro electricity are much cheaper and safe alternative sources have been hitherto left unexplored. Further, the question of Nuclear Weapons free South Asia, which India enshrines, by its foreign policy ethos, cannot be dictated by United States.

In terms what the deal has to offer, the picture is not rosy. The reprocessing and enrichment technology is not being given. The nation’s stands that the deal would make India as a responsible nuclear power displays political irresponsibility as the very nuclear proliferation would have knock-on effects with neighbors and other nations.

The other issue of strengthening Indo-US ties via the deal seems superficial. With the rise of multilateralism as a force in World Politics, Indo-US ties have been marked by ‘closer engagement’. This growing warmth will not be reversed even if the deal is not enforced. Thus to base the entire paraphernalia of relations with United States seems to put bilateral ties on hollow terms.

The very process involved in executing the deal is complex. It seems irksome to comprehend that then why the government is ready to put government future at stake just for the deal. What the leaders in both nations fail to perceive that they cannot fashion legacy by such symbolism.

The very issue of National Interest is grossly misunderstood and understated. To dub it in sole military or nuclear arsenal terms is flawed. National Security has a much wider dimension with rise of terrorism, narcotics, natural disasters where the threats are cutting across borders. Then there are issues which seek the merit of government like Women Reservation, plight of unorganized sector in globalization, foreign investment in retail. It is high time that the present gives up its blinkered vision with sole attention on the Nuclear Deal for the integrity and sustainability of the nation.

fever CSE

Having being nurtured by the schools and colleges in Delhi, the place which is the hub for all aspirants attempting to make it to Civil Services Examination (CSE) of Union Public Services Commission (UPSC), forces me to pen down my thoughts about the paraphernalia of IAS syndrome going in the city.

There are plethora of coaching institutes buzzing in the town, which claim to train you in a manner to secure you seat in this prestigious “mantle of Indian administration.” There are big claims made by publishing pictures of those who succeed to be portrayed as their future icons. It has larger goal of fetching new students each year to let their ‘shops’ continue to operate in business.

No doubt CSE has been coveted as the best future option since several generations. Yet we fail to understand that this is not the end of road. What about those suicides cases where the trauma of not making even in the last attempt, forces you to quit on your life? What about those who fail to qualify from mains to interview, from interview to final ranking? What about those who were erstwhile present in Civil Services like Aruna Roy, Harsh Mander, yet call it quit, at peak of their careers? To err is to be human. Yet in this arduously competitive marketized realm, there are no takers for it.

There needs to be mention about the prodigal fees charged by these coaching institutes, which adds to the financial burden of the aspirants, who in already under subtle psychological burden of “what if not” making it situation. Further do these coaching institutes even think of imparting values on integrity, morality, honesty, which are essential to the continuity of credibility of Civil Services as larger framework of our polity. The emphasis on sheer cramming of facts, reams being photocopied and passed on to aspirants puts question marks on ‘originality and innovation’, which is very much needed in job of Administration.

Every year as June commences, there are introductory seminars organized, where undue thought are paid as to how merely preparing for CSE, ignoring the significant aspect of ‘continuity and survivability’, the kind of challenges involved within the tenure of service. This could provide aspirants with a clear picture of whether to opt or not and the issue of ‘informed choice’ takes a backseat. This has ramifications for the service of nation.

Further if you carefully scan through the advertisements in the newspaper, you can read through the sheer image personification as CSE leading to ‘Mai-baap’ status in society points to the kind of vulnerable value system attached herewith. There is no remark as to how all subjects are theoretical, opinion-oriented and that claims of letting you score in your optional are farce, the fact being, it is a matter of your own aptitude.

. The gigantic corruption, maladministration, neglect of rule of law has done colossal damage to faith of an average Indian citizen. So here’s ending with good luck to all aspirants and asking them to re-think their parameters beyond those set by these coaching shops.

Being single: Empowered? ;)

The chic let writer for Harper Collins Advaita Kala, author of ‘Almost Single’ (need to mention about mutual admiration via our messages never cease!) makes a pertinent point that how being single is sense of empowerment. we have good education, we do justice to it but focusing on our carriers, how we beset the traditional ideas that ‘B.A ke baaad Biyahh!” (getting married after graduation). This single woman is ready to take on challenges, overcome all tides and devote herself to professional lives. It is a guide as to how our societal values are changing and those conservatives in society need not use their interfering yardstick to judge a single woman as mark of taboo.

On a similar note, let us add that how being single can be empowering. Nobody disputes the need to have strong professional caliber, but what about the immense choices & space & latitude you get by being single. Go discover world, experience with new men/women, each new relation has something new to teach without any bondage. Your life comes in full circle as you care for yourself and let yourself be cared by others. It is not infidelity but that you love yourself & want to spread this love. You deserve every bit of pampering. Perhaps, these bondages of being single will be much more cherished. We live in new times where you are not an out-cast if you are single. Let us amend Advaita here, as it applies equally to men & women.

what is 26 january

What is 26 January?

Being nurtured in top institutions like DPS, St.Stephen’s, Hindu College, University of Delhi which have strong nationalist tendencies to celebrate the idea of ‘My nation being a great republic!”, I have been asked to inscribe in mind that 26january is a day when India became republic, our constitution came into being this day in 1950, and that We are a Republic because the head of State in the country is an elected one. Every year the pomp and show that accompanies this day in the parade and celebration is unsurpassed. There is colossal budget and elaborate arrangements and practices, hard work involved since 59 years of the establishment.
However, there are certain issues that beg the merit of answers. The election to the highest office is a game-play of Political realities of the day. The Presidential office is high on ceremony and symbolism.
The constitution has been often thwarted by its very safe-guarders, misuse of Article 356, controversial role of Governor, to name a few. The very nature of constitution has been debated as asymmetrical, that the States have been over-ridden by the Centre power, so it is dubbed as ‘Quasi-federal’ by K.C.Wheare. The political realities of multi-party coalition era, globalization, coalition politics, and rise of regional players, vigilant media and civil society have put onus on the need to rework the different dimensions of our constitution.
The rise of judicial activism have raised alarm over the balance of separation of power between different organs of Government, indifference to rule of law, maladministration, gigantic corruption plagues the system. Thus in this context, for the common Indian Citizen, 26 January turns out to be mere ‘holiday’. The ethos behind the celebration are given back seat. The very guardians of Indian state, as the preamble asserts in ringing declaration’ We the people’, ironically do not cherish its virtues.
There is elaborate coverage of the parade in the news, yet we fail to ask ourselves: celebration of the republic for whom? What cannot be neglected that these concerns are raised every year, yet we turn blind eye to it. We need to be proud of mighty Indian state that varies from display of Brahmaos, Sukhoi, MiGs, tableaux of different states, diplomatic establishments as depicted in the parade. Yet this feeling should not be restricted to this splendorous exhibition. The state needs to account for the trust imposed on it. Perhaps that is why despite naxalism, communalism, regionalism, linguistic politics, the state is standing tall as Hobbesian leviathan.
It is time now for this state to revert this respect and integrity of its citizens by adequate supply of public services, containing inflation, checking corruption, ensuring transparency, accountability.
I hope it is not much to ask for democratic state like ours to set as resolution for this New Year to celebrate the 60th republic day with much fervor than ever before.

is she at fault?

A monster that she got to know accidentally. Respect, Honesty, integrity, love, decency were virtues told to be cherished by him to her. Befriending her was a means to him, to break boredom in his monotonous shady life. And the story begins henceforth.
Under the façadicious duties & obligations to honor, he took her in that “make believe”, but the reality had different in store. Chasing other women at back, lying, mild insults, and tinch of rude attitude in the dose of love all followed. Ironically, she was well educated, bold, and mature yet flowed along with the tide of stupid emotions. She was warned by near ones yet she blindly followed her faith.
Time had its own script, he called off the terms, and like a coward used insults, ignore, to quit instead of direct negotiations. Nonetheless, she never believed in wasting time and spoiling terms because things soured up in the past. Yet made efforts to stay in talking terms. Though there was no expectation of any gain (‘materialistic”, as he accused her once) in this by her, but the crude male nature never changes. He never bothered to keep her posted about his whereabouts, unless she bothered him for so. Horrendously after coming back from a vacation, he had the audacity to speak out the venom he always had in mind. Nasty, Brute, shallow nature was revealed when he replied as to how he was doing, by saying that he has been warming up his bed by paid avenues via females.
There is no scope for blame game. Splits do not define negativity. But am glad to share with you all that she has learnt lessons of life the harsh way. What others used to say about him to her, was so true. Yet this tragedy does not desist her from being good or look towards future with optimism. It will be futile to raise hue and cry for somebody who never valued her. Yet a deep seated desire persists in her. He should go through the same trauma of insults, rudeness, for-granted ness, lies, infidelity by near ones. Is she at fault in wishing so?