Amit Shankar's Blog

Country vs. Nation

It takes a lot for a country to turn into a nation. I know the liberals would scoff at this idea, country vs. nation, running it down as a ‘Jumla’. But then if they understand the nuances of House vs. a Home, though the dictionary claims them to be the same, they would also appreciate the difference between a country and a nation. A nation is a grand idea of might, unity, strength, happiness, prosperity, and hope whereas a country is just an assortment of states.
Post our Independence, the big transformation we needed was converting the independent country into a nation. With Sarder Patel at the helm of affairs, this dream could have been a possibility. Uniting states was his first step towards building a nation. However, Nehru had other priorities. Strengthening the foundation of his dynasty being at the top of the list.
For a new country, when the keywords should have been empowerment, discipline, technology, vision and hard work, we labored with a sluggish 5-year plan, no emphasis on setting up a resilient and robust economy and government control over key production and banking sectors. Understandably, we stayed a country for the next 15-20 years.
To give you an example, Garibi Hatao, was a slogan that kept Congress decisively in power. However, no one bothered explaining how this perennial problem could be unscrambled. The government severely short on vision and creativity assumed that subsidized fuel, ration, sugar; fertilizer would take care of the matrix. No wonder, till this date ‘Garibi’ haunts us, and people in power exploit it to suit their political concentrations.
When the freebies of fuel, ration was not able to contain the lower economic strata, another myopic and devious salvo that ensured India could never become a nation was launched.
Reservation was a political stunt under the guise of social justice that pushed us 50 years back. Burdened by a meek and feeble economy, lack of infrastructure, corruption, farmer distress; V P Singh knew that Reservation would facilitate his way to the PM’s chair.
When the entire globe was striving for excellence, we were busy doling out jobs, and coveted seats in Medicine, Engineering and every other sector to non-deserving candidates. 
Imagine, with a Reservation Policy of 50%, in no time we would be a nation where half the working class, engineers to doctors, bureaucrats to policymakers, would be sub-standard even by our own standards. Would any politician dare  being treated by a ‘Quota Doctor?’
It is appalling to accept that even today, in a city like Delhi, AAP can claim power under the pretense of “Free Water, Free electricity.’ In a recently contested state poll, people voted for a party as it claimed to waive off farmer loans.
Loans waivers, subsidies and reservation in jobs have impacted us in two ways.
One, it has made us slip in the self-entitlement mode where we only think of our rights but seldom talk of duties. This ‘free culture’ is the breeding ground of people who just want, never give. Imagine, students, claiming freedom from the same state that has been footing their bills. Can you believe that separatists claim freedom from the same state, the same country that has been providing them with police security?
Two, this free culture has divided the society into two parts—the taxpayers and freeloaders. And the question is pertinent. Why should any government enjoy power at my cost?  Why should I pay for the farmers who wait for loan waiver and then sell their crop and make extra money? In the days to come, this will create serious problems and will divide the society further. With farmers claiming and getting loan waiver what stops other sections of the society?
A nation is a land of equal opportunities, equal treatment, and the same law. It does not discriminate on the ground of religion or caste. A nation empowers, bolsters and encourages never cripple an entire class by freebies.
Make roads, canals, irrigation system, connect people via better transport, encourage entrepreneurs, educate people to adopt new farming methods, produce shaper minds, focus on the youth, instill a sense of nationalism, pride, and love for the country.

After all, turning a country into nation is not that tough.

The Holy War

First things first.India is a nation, not a country and a nation and country are not the same.
A country is about geographical boundaries and statistical data where as a nation is something profound—etched in values, ethos, and principles, it is an identity that has evolved over a period of time. While a passport represents a country, Ideas, views, and doctrine represent a nation. Vivekananda speaking at the US Congress is a potent case of epitomizing a nation.
It is this clarity that will accentuate our identity; both, as a nation and as nationalists.  Who are we? Of course, Hindus of this great nation called Hindustan. Every citizen is a Hindustani. No wonder, many Muslim nations refer to Indians as Hindus. Hindu is our Identity, not a religion. 
Somewhere during the numerous invasions, specifically during the British times, things got distorted. Ganga became Ganges, Ram got renamed as Rama and Hindustan as India.
Post the British rule, sorrowfully the power got vested with people who had little or no knowledge of Hinduism. With power being their sole driver, they immediately realized the urgency to attack the binding factor. No wonder, they immediately attacked the foundation, in a very systematic manner.
Renaming the roads, memorials and buildings after the Muslim invaders and one family, promoting a culture that abhorred Hindu religion, propagating a stream where modernity was associated with drinking, eating beef, abusing motherland and looking down on anything that had to do with Hindu Gods and Goddesses. 
Nehru was the poster boy of this new liberalization. A certified debauch, he had a strong disdain for anything Hindu. Taking his viewpoint further to completely destroy the notion of nation, he hired historians who were lap dogs.  In no time, every school book was propagating invaders as icons. Bhagat Singh became a terrorist whereas Tipu Sultan, a great ruler. 
One of the liberals, Prashant Bhushan, is still trying to prove that Bhagat Singh was a terrorist.
The very idea of Hindustan as a nation was lost. Womaniser Nehru,  Egomaniac Indira, Myopic Rajiv, Dumb Sonia and a Retard Rahul ensured that every single cog that supported this ideology was destroyed and replaced by an alien culture. Historians to writers, actors to bureaucrats were deployed to fan the notion of Liberal and Secular forward. 
But what was the definition of Liberals and Secular? Simple. Abuse Hindus and you became liberal, pamper the Muslims and you got certified as a secular.
All this would have never changed if Modi had not come to power.  Sonia knew his leaning and therefore did everything to have him removed from the political scene of India. Gujarat riots to fake encounters; she tried her best.
Luckily for Hindus, he survived. 2014 was a turning point.  The conch roared, the saffron fluttered and the idea of a nation shimmered again. 
Millions of confused Hindus could see hope again.Ram Mandir to abolishing the partisan article 370, the 'To Do' list was exhaustive.  
From the ramparts of the Red Fort the foundation of a nation was laid again and the tremors felt across the world—America to China. In no time, the world started looking at us with a newfound respect. From ‘bloody Indians’ we became ‘wow, Indian.’  London to New York, Dubai to Nepal, head of states were breaking protocols in extending us the red carpet. This newfound admiration started reflecting in FDI, GDP, global ratings and not to forget a new found self –respect.
The Liberals and Seculars were shocked. Rattled by the fast-growing concept of nation, the waged a war, an Unholy War, against the man, his ideas, his victory, his surge. It was not an easy task. But the vampires of politics were not giving up this easily. After the constant and humiliating electoral defeat, state after state, they could see the country voting for governance, growth and inclusion.  They could feel the idea of a nation reverberate again.
The drafted a plan, a simple one.Break India into smaller parts, basis caste, sub caste, religion, and sub-religion, and seed a caste and class narrative. Of course our ever obliging Media was there to help. Assistance also came from regional satraps who could see no future for their devious agenda and caste-based politics. Mamata to Maya, Sonia to Kejriwal, every one joined hands. Against whom? Well, the idea of nation.
Kairana to Rohit Vemula, Beef smugglers to Dalit oppressions, stories were cooked and planted to whip up a frenzy. Bollywood, known for its proximity to Dawood supported all this. SRK to Aamir, Kareena to Mahesh Bhatt, the vocal outburst made people sit up. Award Wapasi Gang was also working overtime.
The idea of a nation started wakening. The man behind it, out of choice, had to realign his priorities. 
But today, I want to tell the man that this war is a Holy War; for him, you and I. It is a war for nation building. It is a war against the infidels, the stone pelters, the separatists, every single Muslim who rejoices Pakistan’s win, every writer whose heart bleeds for Pakistan, every celeb who thinks rohingyas deserve our hospitality and every citizen, politician, jurist, lawyer who still believe that Kasab was innocent and our army is a bunch of rapists and killers.
Let the Holy War continue. Let us give it all we have. Let us have our nation only for nationalists for the rest, of course, there is Pakistan.

More Than Rape...

As far as any civil society is concerned, for rape one sentence should sum it up—death sentence.
However, due to certain reason, the society stands divided on the same.  On one hand, there is a strong voice for the motion but then a large part is against it too. Maybe the reason is political.
I have to admit that I don’t have any verified data but as long as my memory serves, most of the rape cases that get reported, the rapists belong to a particular community and if any aberration, the names are quickly mentioned.
I will focus on the Kathua Rape Case. Of course, the girl needs justice and that too immediately. But then is this rape as simple as it seems? The quick ‘anti-government’ chant, placard with similar messages from celebs, even printed t-shirts at Istanbul airport leaves me with little option but to believe that it is all orchestrated and well-funded.
A few facts1.     Did you get to see the picture of the Unnao rape victim? For that matter, a picture of Nirbhaya? Then how and why pictures of ‘Asifa’ have been released?2.     Did you ever get to know the name of Unnao rape victim or till this date the real name of Nirbhaya? Why is the name Asifa used everywhere? To promote the idea of the minority not being safe?3.     How and why the Bollywood celebs came out with a similar message with 3 highlights; Hindustan, Asifa and Devi Sthan. Remember, this is the same brigade who is averse to the identity and name ‘Hindustan’ but for some reason choose to display it on placards.4.      Why is the State government, Mufti and Omar, against CBI inquiry? This is the first case where the state government is fighting for not letting the case go to CBI. Why?5.     As per the initial report, the girl was held captive in some basement of the temple. But there is no basement there. It is a small temple, open from all side. There is hardly any place to hide anyone. Also, on the 15th January,  the time when the girl was supposedly held captive, there was a ‘bhandara’ at the temple. With hundreds of people walking in and out, would a rapist be stupid enough to keep victim there?
I think there are the following parties to this unfortunate and heinous crime.1.     Opposition Political Parties: Of course, they want to use this as a platform to project India as ‘unsafe’ and pull down Narendra Modi for not being able to protect ‘betis’2.     Media: More TRP and another chance to please their master, Rahul Gandhi. 3.     Left Liberals: Page 3 socialites, so-called intellectuals and anyone with Left inclination who want to use this opportunity to present BJP as a part that can’t maintain law and order4.     Social media enthusiast: Who just get swayed by the news, posts and press the ‘like’ or ‘angry’ button.
To me, it is a Political Narrative, woven painstakingly by the Congress-Left. However, much to their chagrin, it has run amok. With the picture of ‘Trishul’ with a condom and other objectionable images of Hindu icons, they have alienated a large part of Hindus. People at large can see the ploy; use a horrific incidence to gain political brownies.  No wonder, Rahul Gandhi looks so ruffled. Till 2019, he will do whatever it takes to bring BJP down—Dalit movement, Rape politics, Farmer Agitation, Candle Marches and the list is exhaustive.
My thought: Hang the rapist/s. But don’t blame everything on Modi. By the way, Law and Order are state subjects.

The Immoral 'Morality'

Depending on its usage, Moral is both; a noun and an adjective. While moral in ‘moral of this story’ is a noun, use of moral in ‘high moral standard’, an adjective.
That leaves me in a state of quandary. How to classify the word ‘moral’ used by Rahul Gandhi? Noun? Adjective? But as I probe deeper, to me, it appears to be an oxymoron. Merriam Webster describes it as ‘a combination of contradictory or incongruous words.’ So aptly, it describes the mumbling of a bumbling dynast.
His utterances cease to surprise anyone, anymore. When I got up this morning in the night, Congress is not a party but a soch, escape velocity, poverty is a state of mind, and the list is exhaustive. Also, this morality runs deep in his family. When Indira Gandhi was ousted, after losing elections, even she had claimed it to be a moral victory. Every sore loser, unable to accept and face defeat, conveniently takes the refuge of ‘moral victory.’
But that leaves the nation wondering. After all, elections in a democracy are nothing short of a festival, celebration of a mandate. 
It is the only ‘moral’ victory a political party can boast of—given by the people, for the people, to rule and govern, impacting their lives an future. So if Rahul was bestowed this right, if the mandate was against him, claiming ‘moral’ victory defies the tenets of democracy. If his victory was ‘moral’ where does it leave the BJP? Immoral victory?
Going by this logic, Nitish’s win in Bihar, Capt, Amrinder’s win in Punjab, Kejriwal’s win in Delhi and every single win of any political party was immoral as ‘moral victory’ belongs to the losing party.
Hilary was also the ‘moral winner’ so was Milkha Singh and every other who missed the mark. However, this logic makes Rahul the biggest ‘moral’ winner as he has 29 moral victories to his credit.
Voicing this sentiment is deep-rooted in dynastic autocracy where defeat is not palatable. After all, no one, I mean no one could have the audacity to utter such delusional statement after losing two straight elections the same day. But for Rahul, losing Himachal was justified as it had anti-incumbency after one term but losing Gujarat was ‘moral’ which was facing anti-incumbency of 4 terms? Rahul, please claim the loss of Himachal also as your ‘moral’ victory, the nation won’t mind.
His scriptwriters must have told him to attack, as it is the best form of defense. But what they did not tell him that it made him look like a moron. Someone should have told him that morns using oxymoron is a bad combination.

Rebranding Raga

While I watched Rahul Gandhi's first Press Conference after becoming the Congress President, I could not help but revisit Philip Kotler and his marketing doctrine. It would not take a rocket scientist to figure out Rahul's problem. If I can identify and have the course correction, why can't his coterie?Maybe they are too blinded by the 'Dynastic SOP' or knowing politics maybe they want Rahul to completely ruin the party before staging a coup. Irrespective of ulterior motives, let us discuss the issue at hand. Well, I wish to be kind but can't help and state the main problem to be the Product, Rahul himself.Let us accept; he is not cut for 24x7 politics that grueling and unforgiving. To make matters worse, everything is live, accentuated on social media and cutthroat competition from the marketing savvy Modi.With a faulty product, no amount of course correction would alter the debacle. Marketing history is inundated with case studies of bad products or products which were never needed. But I am sure there would be a way out. What should he do to make a dent or rather not do to further damage his market?1.   Re-position and stick to it: You cant wear a skull cap in UP and then start talking of Shiva and Rudraksh in Gujarat. It creates a flutter amongst the TA, assuming you have any. Even if you don't, the crowd is not amused to see you change roles to suit the day. Remember, every product has a market, provided it can stay in the market for long enough, either waiting for the market to change, mature or for the competition to fade. Rahul has the backing and the marketing heft. NO wonder, despite his 28 loses, he has been promoted. He should just choose one positioning and stick with it. If I were to offer him free advise: Stick to the Hindu facade, talk of people, not minorities, speak in broader terms; country, economy, growth, inclusive politics and appear to be a learner, who wants to do something good, rather the 'know it all.'2.   Market Segmentation: It is not possible to fight every election and win them all. UP, Gujarat, Bengal, Karnataka, all so different from each other. Any product that fails in one market is supposed to fail in other too. In today's age, reviews, words travel fast. Similarly, one win ensures ease of winning other markets too. Rahul, we are a 'me too' market and we love to follow. Win one state and see how your fortune would change. So identify your on-ground strength and strategize. After winning Punjab, you should have entered Gujarat with limited stakes. There is a huge bonus if you can topple Modi in Gujarat but looking at the odds, well... And if you lose Gujarat, the Punjab victory would be of no use.3.   Packaging: This needs a lot of work. The ill-fitting Kurta-Pajama makes you look like a flunkie, rather than a leader. Remember, we are in the times of Social media, 24x7 electronic media. Revamp your wardrobe. Maybe you should start wearing specs. For sure, it will lend you an air of authority, sanity, and wisdom. Decide, if you want to be clean shaved or with a beard. Chandrashekar sported a rustic look as it went with his brand image and Modi, a cultivated look, as it reflects his ambition and growth saga. Choose a look that you are comfortable with. I would have you clean; representing clean governance, clean politics. Look at your team member, Randeep Surjewala. Always spic and span or for that matter, Shashi Tharoor.4.   Brand Identity Manual: Yes, you need one. There is so much inconsistency in your appearance, tone, tenor and messaging. Get it fixed. Consistency is the key. Look for 'hooks' or phrases that you can own. Cultivate a speech style. And please, shrill is not a style neither is rolling up of sleeves. It makes you appear combative, aggressive and rude. A brand is always well cultivated and pleasing. Look at Shashi Tharoor again.Guess you have enough to start with. Loads of luck. And keep me posted.

RESPECT, BHANSALI, RESPECT

Mr. Bhansali, it is the right time for you to learn the word RESPECT.Trust me, if your parents had taught you the same, today, you would not be getting slapped, threatened and abused by almost the entire nation.
With the word Respect engrained, you would have checked your scheming brain before it mixed Fact with Fiction. With your sensibility embedded in respect, you would have accepted and appreciated the folklores, faith, and beliefs of people and would have never done anything to upset them. After all, where is the point of upsetting half the country to prove your point, which is not even a valid one?
Respect would have given you the confidence to respect your own craft and would have kept you away from all these cheap gimmicks that you use to sell your film. I was a fan of yours, till you meandered and started distorting history.
What is history? History is not what you think or believe or what the sycophants of Congress, Guha or Romila Thapar write.  Therefore, history is not a POV, but a date, a memory,  a narrative that is handed over from one generation to the other.
I think you have never been to a school or a college. Had you been, you would have heard the story of Padmini, the valor of that land and the gut-wrenching saga of 16,000 brave women who preferred death to disgrace. Just because you did not read about her, she cant be a Fictional Character. Wake up, Walt Disney did not make Chittor and we are not discussing Cinderella either.
For you and your so-called Historian friends, if there was no Rani Padmini then how come there is a Padmini Mahal? Or do you think the king, inspired by you, also believed in fantasy and named the palace after some fictional character whom you would choose to base your film on? Some coincidence, eh?
Respect would have made you and your fraternity; the weed smoking and coke snorting womanizers respect every religion and not reserve all of it for Muslims.
In India, especially in Rajasthan, Rani Padmini is a legend and is regarded as an epitome of sacrifice and valor. Before meddling with heritage, you should have known better. But the shrewd businessman in you would have assumed that you would get away with this one too the way you got away with Bajirao. Sigh, every day is not a Sunday.
And please don’t try to project yourself as the victim. In this case, million of Rajputs are the victims whom you have hurt beyond your comprehension. I know your fraternity is a bunch of suckers who are shameless to the core.  But then, Mr. Bhansali, you should have known that still a large part of this country believes in their value, ethos and are proud of their culture. Fine, they are not as polished as you are, don’t drive fancy cars, don’t party in Cannes, but it doesn’t mean that you will take their faith and trample all over it?
The slap you had and more that are on their way are well deserved by you. Living with the sense of grandeur, you would have been sure of no opposition as you are a top director. Sadly, there is a world outside too.
I would be so glad if you get slapped, beaten up, kicked …no, I don’t want you to be killed. After all, you have to learn the long pending lesson of RESPECT.
Happy learning.

Fearless, independent and outspoken?

Is taking the law of the land for granted the only way to be 'fearless? 'Is being 'Independent' all about supporting anti-nationals?Is rubbishing every person, or view coming from the right wing the whole idea of  defining ‘outspoken?’
It is time when these 3 adjectives used by NDTV—another so called fearless, independent and outspoken media house to describe Gauri Lankesh needs to be questioned. 
For starters, shouting anti –India slogans, praising Kasab, wishing for a fragmented India amounts to treason and no adjective can replace it. If this murdered journalist was fearless then what was Bhagat Singh?  A hypocrite? If she was independent how would you describe millions of women who strive to make ends meet, feed their families, not cowing under any pressure, taking on the society? As highlight grabbers? 
For sure, Gauri Lankesh amplified the fad of sickulars —attacking the country, the government and siding up with anyone who tried discrediting the country. Too bad, justice has its own delivery mechanism.
This incidence brings me to another question.What is freedom of expression and what amounts to it’s breach? Who in a democracy would draw the line?
Look in Bengal and you would know what I mean. In case of any doubt, please read about the gruesome killings of RSS workers in Kerala too. In not time you would see the two fold ploy—appeasing the Muslims as they vote in blocks and doing anything to massage their egos. 
And what better way than disallowing visarjan of Durga idols, not giving permission to Mohan Bhagwat for making his speech, hacking RSS workers in broad daylight?
Is freedom of speech restricted to Muslims, Mamta, Ravish, Digivijay and Kanhiya only? Is Mohan Bhagwat not an Indian? Is he not covered under the same constitution written by BR Ambedkar? Why is offering Namaz on streets, blocking road and life a manifestation of Freedom to practise religion but when it comes to worshipping Durga, the rules change?
To be honest, Gauri Lankesh’s murder did not cause me any pain. Someone booked for sedition and released on bail, someone who flaunted her pictures with Kanhiya, needs no sympathy or tears. In fact, my only contention was why her, why not someone more corrupt, more anti national, more boisterous, more powerful? The country is full of them.
However what bothered me was the wrong precedence. Bullets can’t be the answer or solution to any problem. If unchecked, just like the leftists, even the right wing elements would be forced to side up with violence. Though I won't blame them. Meek and politically neutral people like me are sick and tired of this circus where Kashmiri Pandits have no say, no place to go, but there is a huge lobby fighting for Rohingya Muslims. Sympathisers of Kasab and Memon enjoy the same rights as you and I. Till a few months back, separatists who planned to destabilise the nation were provided security by the same nation. Why can’t their passports be seized and the whole gang be hanged?
It is time for the sickulars, the leftists, and the Muslims to behave. Remember, everything is on a reciprocal basis.

Nuances of Nuisance

Mayawati was called a whore.
Not acceptable.
It is even more unacceptable as she was branded by a member of BJP.
The utterance assumed national importance because UP elections are around the corner.
BJP apologised instantly as it did not want to lose Dalit votes.
BSP Workers created a ruckus, demanding mother and sisters of the BJP office bearer who dared to brand their 'Goddess' as a whore to be handed over to them.
SSP of Lucknow had to assure that the accused would be arrested in 2 days time.
Are we serious?

It has been proved beyond doubt that Politics of Nuisance is here to stay.
In this land of millions of uneducated, unemployed and irrational population, this nation and their lives is nothing more than a circus. People would take offense to the expression but I mean it.  if you doubt me, during anytime of the day, anywhere in this country, stand in the middle of the road with a friend of yours; starring at the road. In not time, there would be at least fifty people doing the same, watching the road. India exemplifies "Herd Mentality.'No wonder, smart people like Jayalalitha, KanshiRam, Mayawati, Mamta Banerjee cash on it. Imagine, Mayawati being the symbol of Dalit power in this country. Really? Dude, she is one of the wealthiest woman politicians with parks named after her, she is everything no forward caste representative would ever achieve.

However, that is not the moot point. The question is larger--of vote bank politics.
Why was BJP so quick to apologise? Was this the first time when personal aspersions were being cast? Smriti Irani has been called names. Did anyone apologise? Did anyone get sacked?

If this 'Dalit Goddess' can whip up a nationwide frenzy because she was called a 'whore' why didn't the Hindus do the same when Durga was labelled  "sex worker?" Why didn't BJP take up the case and create agitation? Why didn't someone apologise and someone got fired?

The answer is simple.
Hindu as a vote bank has no nuisance value.
Sanatan Dharma has given up the dream of being anywhere, seeking anything, leave alone respect. Content,  it restfully dwells in its opulence, inside magnificent temples and Ashrams. When Durga, the Goddess of millions was insulted did even one Hindu took up the case? Why Didn't BJP, the so-called Hindu party demand an apology? Where were there no protests?  Wasn't the cause worthy of an apology if not arrest? But then, it could not afford being a communal party. Maybe that is where the confusion lies--being a Hindu party for seeking votes and then dumping the Hindu agenda. Though they claim that Hindu is a way of life, a thought , an ideology but do they believe in what they say? And if they do, why don't they push it forward? Can anyone, I mean anyone in this country call 'Allah' names? Don't even think of trying it.

How weak are we, as Hindus?
No wonder, we are a weak nation too.  With so much quandary around our existence--from name to social knit, we are going nowhere.  DO we really think Kashmir can't be solved? Take out twenty people from Kashmir and it is done and over with. But we are not ready to face Muslims across te nation. What comes first, nation or Muslims? Hindus or Dalits.

The nation comes first when it is a choice between the nation and Hindus.
But the moment it comes down to Dalits or Mulsims, we chicken out.
How many Dalits and Muslims pay their taxes?
I wish if we could get this data.
I am sure that the number of taxpayers from both these communities would be minuscule.
But look at the noise they create, the attention they demand.
Why should the state even talk to 'liabilities' at the cost of the nation?
How could you 'Demand' when you have contributed nothing?
For how long can you live on the legacy of B R Ambedkar who was promoted by the same section of society whom you are up against?
If the nation is a home, and the head of state , the Karta, why should he listen to family members who earn nothing just create nuisance?

It is time when someone told them 'here are the roads, hospitals and schools.
Do what you like but shut the fuck up.'

Also, someone needs to tell the self-proclaimed 'Dalit Goddess' if calling her a whore was not apt so is the behaviour of her party workers who are using the choicest of the abuses for DayaShankar's family members. Can BSP workers demand the handing over of mother and sister of DayaShankar?
Who are we? Tribals? Lunatics? Where does the  'oh so Dalit sensitive ' conscience of the opposition vanish when Dalit women are raped in UP, Kerala, WB? Where is Maya Behen and Digvijay Bhai when atrocities are committed against Dalits in non-BJP ruled state?

Would Maya Behen react the same way if the same utterance was made by a member of Jayalalithaa's party? Would she demand the same action if the member was from Mamta's party?

Look at our nation, deaths of soldiers, acts of sedation, poverty, hunger, cruelty, apathy, brutal rapes, murders almost nothing gets us worked up. We don't even discuss and react. But call a Dalit Woman and that too Mayawati anything but a Goddess and see the streets erupt with anger.

p.s If everything is covered under freedom of speech, how come this isn't?

Collaboration

AIDA & Sheroes

It was not too long when during one of my Agra trips; I was exposed to this café and initiative called Sheroes—a café run by the acid attack survivors.
How nice, was my initial reaction. After all, like most of Indians I am also vulnerable to emotional antics. Overwhelmed by the cause and the effort of these crusaders, I decided to do something for them. I did make a proposal and shared it too but for some reasons it could never see the light of the day.  However, I liked their page and followed them.
Well, somewhere around that time, I saw a post on Facebook. It was some ‘Hug me’ or ‘Kiss me’ campaign launched by the team Sheroes. A group of acid attack women, attired in Sheroes tee, were going around Connaught Place, creating ripples, likes and heightened awareness.  No wonder, their Facebook page was inundated with support and kind words.
However, I was a little surprised. To accentuate my confusion, I saw snippets of fashion shows where one of the victims walked the ramp. On the face of it, you could question my doubt, as catwalk could never amount to crime or sin.
Yes, I understand that. But I also understand AIDA—the well-used model used by marketers. AIDA—the product of Dr. Kotler, stands for Awareness, Interest, Decision and Action.  Most of brand-marketing strategies are developed using the same. I was compelled to ask myself if Sheroes was using the same?
The emotional Indian chided me for being the cynic. Of course, it is imperative for every social cause to create a broad-based awareness.  What was wrong if they were doing it by using the acid victims as props?
This got me to a larger question. Awareness for what? Eradicating acid attacks? Creating a behavioral change amongst the strata that used acid to settle scores or generating awareness for large funding?
Hate me if you want to but please pause for a moment. I am sure, in no time you would be on my side.
 Any attack has two parties. The attacker and the victim. The attacker gets reported and law takes its own course. There are laws in IPC and it is a matter of debate if they need to be amended or suffice in their present form. Coming to the victim part, what is required to set the course right? If not right, what could be the corrective course? Of course, treating the victim, giving her the best of medical facility and then…
For sure not using her as a prop. Going by the warped logic of Sheroes, rape victims should also be used to spread awareness about rape.  But then, we understand that there are certain issues that require sensitivity of a soul, not the aggressive mind of a marketer. 
It is the sensitive soul, if any, who should hold the hands of the victims, making them join the main stream of life, easing them into normal lives. Agra as a city has got so many tanneries, handicraft units and shoe factories. Also, with a plethora of social organizations that regularly post pictures of their respective emotional bytes, do you think rehabilitating acid attack victims would be aproblem?  
Why can’t the victims be trained and then get placed?  With time, the scar would start to heal.
Now comes the dark side. Despite all the emotional banter, lofty talks, would you employ a woman whose face has been disfigured? Be honest, answer me. Would she be taken as a receptionist, nanny to your kid, helper in the accounts department, a caregiver at an NGO, maybe a nurse in a hospital? Well, you know the answer. Don’t you?
Akhilesh Yadav having a coffee and promising a piece of land and grant is not the answer. Kiss campaign, fashion show just covers the ‘AI’ part of the AIDA model—Awareness and Interest. What is required now moving to the third  and fourth part of the AIDA—Decision and Action. Would Akhilesh Yadav hire five of them for his office or fifteen for UP Secretariat?
We know the answer, don’t we? Lip service is in vogue as it is the easiest thing to do.
Believe me, they need support not sympathy. They are woman with heart and soul, dreams and aspirations, wings and their sky. Let them fly, don’t cage them to suit your own purpose, help them in rehabilitation, not making them dependent on grants and subsidies. Real women empowerment is about strength, not pity.
The talks have been going for too long. Let us stop this circus of liking their page, using them as trophies to showcase our social consciousness and bleeding heart. Get to the action and decision, now.