Tushar Mangl's Blog, page 29

4 thoughts on Gandhi’s Satyagraha and Non-Violence

While we are all are poised to celebrate Republic Day, it is the apt occasion to write about one of its most admired heroes without whose contribution the India could never become free and no colonized country become a republic in its true sense. However, there were, and still are many opponents of Gandhi who even tried to prove that the non-violence, as a method to fight British empire, was not only inappropriate but a downright blunder. Many people had doubts regarding Satyagraha or non-violence during Gandhi’s times. In today’s times of military trials, it is but natural to have doubts regarding the relevance of non-violence. So, let us understand the full import of Gandhi’s Satyagraha, what it was not, and relevance in today’s time:
Myth: Satyagraha was for weakIt was the strongest weapon used against violent forces. He famously believed “Satyagraha is the vindication of truth not by infliction of suffering on the opponent but on oneself.” In fact, the very concept of Satyagraha breaks the myth that non-violence is an excuse for the coward. Nay, it even sketches a line between the active practitioners of non-violence and nonchalant, passive cowards. For, it is not the work of passive cowards to continue his fight for truth in the face of violent persecution, without raising a hand and without stopping a step. Satyagrahis would not just offer cosmetic sympathy. Apart from their active struggle against oppression, Satyagrahis would also actively participate in removing the social evils like alcoholism and untouchability and also achieved considerable positive results and support.

Truth: Satyagraha strengthened womenWhile the feeling of patriotism was equally shared by both men and women, the latter generally refrained from participating actively against the colonialists. Even those who were interested in participating in the struggle against freedom were restrained by social customs and more importantly barbaric nature of the oppressors. However, Gandhi’s non-violent Satyagraha offered them a legitimate, acceptable means to actively stand against injustice and persecution. The movement demanded community participation and thus offered communal support, more safety and encouraged positive peer pressure. Beside’s Gandhi’s liberal thoughts that broke the barriers of caste, creed and gender further encouraged them to come ahead and fight against oppression. Hence Satyagraha played a vital role in strengthening women.

Misconception: Non-violence is not relevant anymoreIf the Gandhi’s non-violence was irrelevant in today’s context the militant countries of the world would have been ruling over it. On the contrary, many of them are largely being deserted by their own inhabitants. The victory fetched by bloody wars has failed miserably in bringing about a long-lasting peace. In fact, the reason lies in its very own structure. The violence is based on the foundation of fear. The victory brought about by violence is short lived and starts a vicious cycle of hatred. The defeated keeps on planning for revenging the defeat while the victor is more worried on strengthening the army to avoid such attacks rather than enjoying the victory. Fundamentally both of them lose.Non-violence, on the contrary, focuses at burning away the pride and cruelty and rekindling the natural kindness. Hence there is no loser in that war. The Satyagrahi gains his self-respect while the opponent also regains the precious natural gift of humanity: Kindness.
Observation: Vital role of Non-Violence in development of civilization
Upon analyzing the human civilization we would observe that the most primitive ancestors of human were wandering hunters. Gradually they started farming. So, they evolved from being violent to many peaceful creatures (vegetable eaters). More interestingly, only after they started farming they finally settled down, villages were formed gradually and finally, the culture flourished. So, we see that for any kind of steady cultural development, non-violence is the key element. Hence, non-violence also offers a fertile ground for scientific, cultural and artistic development. 
Jitendra is a creative writer and a peaceful soul. Writing has not just his profession or passion. He admires writing for its therapeutic effects on the mind. He loves to visit the abandoned forts and national parks when he is not writing. He can be reached at worldofwords1970@gmail.com
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Why President Trump is an excellent idea for the United States and the World

A new global era has ushered in with President Donald Trump taking over the charge of the World's biggest economy and military. His welcome has been vile, outrageous and absolutely absurd. The media tells us that he is the most unpopular President ever. Perhaps according to them, he is the most unpopular citizen of the country at the moment. 
All this is absurd and mindless of course. He won by a majority. A thorough election process got him through. Those who are protesting at the moment, has even one of them requested an electoral reform in the United States? None. No one in the United States thinks that their electoral process could be flawed. They just don't want Trump around. How is that even possible?
American Presidents off late have been too fond of wars and military fighting, resembling overgrown boys playing with their GI Joe sets. They bloodied the streets of Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and possibly everywhere they could. As if Presidency of United States is all about playing Counter Strike kind of games. 
The American public has supported these efforts by neglecting their own industrial growth, infrastructure growth, and educational reforms. So busy they have been in setting the Word right, they can not find anything wrong in their own nation. Now, that Trump has used this knowledge to his advantage, people are not happy. After all, he spent nearly half of what Clinton spent on her campaign. Maybe if he had spent more money on media and other campaigns, he wouldn't be so unpopular. His patriotism thing is nothing new. Each politician over centuries has spoken about protectionism and patriotism to win public support. 
About his reported sexist behavior. This is being raked up the very people who make fun of his wife because she is an immigrant and a former model. According to these people, she cannot be as good as Michelle Obama, incidentally about whom they didn't know anything before she became the first lady. I am confused as to who is endorsing sexism here?
Look at President Obama. Even if he refused to back Republican demand to declare Pakistan a terrorist state, people of Indian origin absolutely loved him for this. They wanted him to give more military grants to Pakistan with 'no questions' asked tag. 
There are many who speculate whether Trump would be great for India or not? My counter question is, how good was Bush or Obama for India? Hilary Clinton as Secretary of State never did anything special for us. What difference she would have made to us now? 
Let's suppose the media frenzy does get Trump replaced. But then what next? How do we know that the replacement would be any better? He is a representative of not only America but a mindset which needs to be addressed. Not the person.

Writing Goals for 2017

Last year I released two books, Ultimate Guide to Content Writing and The Crumpled Innocence. Apart from Amazon where I generally publish my books, I also had the opportunity to get The Avenging Act on Quillr App a new reading service launched last year. 
Another exciting thing happened last year was my participation in NaNoWriMo, 2016. It was the first time I participated in penning down a full-length novel. Even though I wrote around 60,000 words, subsequent editing has rendered a sharp decrease in the word count. 
Which brings me to writing plans for 2017. I would be releasing Ye Honey Bunch, my next book on 05 Feb 2017. This is the same one, which got me a NaNoWriMo winner certificate. I don't know which book would follow this. I have 2-3 sketches in mind. So many stories need to be told to the World, yet so many to hide from sight. 
I hope to release one more book between August and November. Let's see how that works out. After Ye Honey Bunch I would get busy with the revision of all my previous books. I want to polish them further. Also, I am looking for more publication platforms other than Amazon and Smashwords where most of my works are listed. Once I am done with the revisions I would be ready to roll out print versions of the books currently in e-mode. Only The Avenging Act, The Thakur Boy, and The Reluctant Scribbler are available in print. Also, Six Degrees, where I was one of the several authors.Bringing more books to print will help me further the reach of my stories.  
If I have to strike a calendar I would say, we would start from Feb. YHB comes out in E format on 5th Feb. Slowly I will get the print edition out by March. April to August will see re-introduction of old books in box set formats, print formats and new platforms for e-books.  Hopefully, I will get time to work on a second book to release by end of year.  
As far as this blog is concerned, I will be updating it as regularly as I can. I am also getting a lot of invites for guest posts so some of my writing energy would be spent their as well. 

The less cash society bogey

When the government of India's ill planned move of demonetization of higher currency notes back-fired,  the propaganda machine of the govt. came up with a fresh idea. A less cash society. Surely if there is no cash, people could be forced (read motivated) to opt for less-cash measures.
What they forget to conveniently state that illiteracy is so high in India that many people still use thumb impressions instead of signatures. A large part of our country is still uncovered by the internet making cash the best option instead of digital transactions.
It certainly surprises me that the government would spend tons of taxpayer money for such a phony campaign that it sounds ridiculous and repulsive at the same time.
Consider this for example. Fuel pumps account for one of the largest cash transactions every day. If you use your card for payment, you would be penalized by these state-run pumps. You pay a debit card or a credit card surcharge but if you pay in cash, all is okay. The government of India will use our taxpayer money to organize lucky draws and what not for digital India, but not get these surcharges removed. Because that won't make a good newspaper copy.
Another example. You go to a railway station, pay cash and buy a ticket. Good idea. But dare you go online and pay for the same ticket, bad idea. Because again you will be asked to pay a surcharge. You can buy groceries from a department store chain without any penalty on using a card but no not government sold railway tickets. Just goes on to show you how serious the Narendra Modi government is to have a less-cash society.

Given that due to nature of the exercise, they wanted to keep demonetization a secret. But how could that have prevented the government to encourage online payments?
This concept is itself an afterthought because the government was never prepared to replace the 80% currency it banned. No proper thought or application of mind was put to it. Public relations and advertising guys should not be given free runs on policy decisions on the economy just as a vice versa would not be recommended. 
Thus, we all pay a price for a fishing expedition for a government looking for some votes in troubled waters.

The End of 2016 Post

Yet another year passes by so much fulfilled, yet so much remains

Books to be read,
Dreams to be dreamt
Novels to be written
Friendships to be created
Relationships to be buried
Promises to be broken
Assurances to be given

Have a great 2017 folks !

Books read this year

If I had to pick one good thing happened to me this year, I would say it was my reading list which made me happy. I was lucky enough to read several authors writing in different genres who inspired me to write and read more. 
The year started with a reading challenge sent via Whatsapp by an acquaintance who I knew would never serious about a reading challenge unless it was a fad propagated by popular culture. I promptly dumped that one. 
 The reading challenge that I follow rigorously is the one I set up for myself at Goodreads. Last year I had taken the challenge to read 90 books and easily surpassed the number (I closed 2015 with 93 books). So this year I decided to go for 120 books, averaging 10 books per month. As of writing this blog, I have already achieved my target and read 128 books. Hopefully I should be able to reach the 130 mark. No idea yet, what my goals would be for 2017, but then, the year has not even started yet. 
Another reading challenge I took this year was with the weekend edition of Hindustan Times Brunch. Brunch Book Challenge  required its readers to read and tweet about 24 books, with a certain percentage of them being written by Indian authors. Done and dusted that one as well.
The point of setting these reading goals should be the discovery of new authors and new styles of writing. I was able to complete my reading of almost all Perry Mason books written by Erle Stanley Gardner. Another writer of the bygone era who has always been at top of his game was James Hadley Chase. I have read a part of his collection but some books still remain on my to-read list. I never believed that I would relate to Jodi Piccoult's writing style but her books did make an impression. I had read one Spenser novel way back and I was surprised upon reading more Robert Parker books as to how much I enjoy his writings. Yet I had not even glanced at his collection of work before. Michael Connelly and David Baldacci still remain on my regular reading lists. This year I tried to catch up on as much old Harry Bosch novels by Connelly as I could.
Among Indian authors I was happy to discover Rahul Pandita's books. His second book, Our Moon has Blood Clots is a must read for anyone interested in Kashmir or Kashmirayat.  Other non-fiction books which vowed me included My Korean Deli and When Breath becomes Air. 
All in all, an excellent reading year gone and I hope 2017 comes with more surprises and new discoveries to read and enjoy.

Agniputr-When Agni first spoke by Vadhan

This Vadhan's second book I believe but the first that I have read. The story has a mystic and rustic touch to it. It has been some time since this book has been on my to-read list. Just when the book arrived in the mail, I was already starting with Ye Honey Bunch my new novel. Now that Ye Honey Bunch is almost done, I got the book out again and was certainly hooked to this one. It's an enjoyable read, especially if you like Dan Browns or  Ashwin Sanghi kind of books. It is not exactly a sci-fi or mythological fiction.

The story goes something like this. (I am trying to be as vague as possible to avoid spoilers). There is a dark energy hidden in a village. A tantrik knows plenty about this and ties up with a power hungry politician to take advantage of the fact.







Received a copy from the author for the review.

Is Narendra Modi losing his grip on National Politics?

From the huge mess of demonetization, the first question that comes up is whether the Prime Minister is losing his grip on governance and politics.
The demonetization drive has exposed several gaps in the government's planning, vision as well as execution. The idea was not at all planned well. The execution was dismal and the way it is now being repaired by the propaganda of less cash society only shows that ego has once again trumped economics and welfare.
And it is not just demonetization. Look at the leadership of the ruling party. There is a dearth of talent within the ruling party. Check any state ruled by the BJP, you will see disappointing, lackluster leadership, except in Chattisgarh, M.P., and Rajasthan, the CMs of which were chosen in a pre-Modi era. Post Modi you don't see any significant leaders being groomed. Even in the forthcoming elections in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and other states, the BJP has no significant face, no leadership to boost the confidence of voters. 
One of the highest hopes from Mr. Modi was in PSU management. However, two and a half years later, the hope is still a hope. PSUs have not seen any major reform. In the Tata vs. Mistry case, the government could have ensured that PSUs investing in the companies promoted by Tata Sons do not take sides and help resolve issues. But by abstaining from voting in shareholder meets, the PSUs have taken sides. The demonetization drive failed majorly due to poor management in PSU Banks. If private banks did not do anything, at least the government banks should have stepped up and ensure transparency in exchange of notes.
Railways is another mess, where only you get announcements for fare hikes and nothing major for passengers or businesses. In the name of dynamic pricing they have increased prices to ridiculous levels without giving any hoot to amenities or services provided.
The middle class, already overburdened by taxes is being taxed more than ever and now the government plans to increase subsidies so much that your airfares also would be subsidized. If governments decide to subsidize airfares, anyone would know about their intentions towards nation's economy.
Now move north to Kashmir, where the government still has no major roadmap. It is just going day by day basis. Last month Burhan Wani, a Hizbul Commander's brother was killed in an encounter. That time he was a terrorist sympathizer, today the BJP government is providing compensation to the family, plus government job for his kin. 
He came into power with high hopes. He started off well taking innovative steps. But governance in India is now just a horse and pony show of mindless propaganda and effective public relations strategy.

Why Noel Tata is the best choice to be the next Tata Sons chairman

The bitter fight between Cyrus Mistry and Ratan Tata seems to be getting worse by the day. Mistry refuses to back down and massive egos are at stake. Held hostage in all this drama are millions of stakeholders; shareholders, vendors, employees, investors who don't have much idea about the cost of this ego battle.Even though various people line up to one camp or another in hopes of scoring brownie points there is no clear end to this fight. Charitable trusts as such should not have any business to poke into business worlds. On the other hand, you cannot just wish away a major shareholder in a billion dollar enterprise. 
In this scenario, the best bet would be to make Noel Tata, currently chief of Trent Ltd, the fashion retail arm of the Tata Group to be next chairman. Half brother of Ratan Tata, Noel is as private as Mistry or Tata. He has done well at Trent, where he has done well and not used the Tata brand to boost his business. The stores which Trent runs are named Westside steering clear from the household family name. He has proven that he can work independently of the infamous name and the group which has not really supported the retail business much. He was briefly considered as a front runner when Cyrus Mistry was made the chairman and he was graceful in the scenario where the younger man got the job. 
That he is a Tata is not only a point in his favor but a big ace in his pocket. After Ratan Tata, it is Noel and his children who will carry forward the Tata bloodline. He is, in fact, perfect to lead Tata Group after this battle for his family name itself. He is the half-brother of Ratan Tata and brother in law of Cyrus Mistry, a unifying factor who can bring some calm, some peace to the ongoing saga. The stakeholders will also be okay to have someone within the group rising up to this challenge.
His attitude in this affair is also commendable. He has refused to take any sides as of now, even though he is close to the group affairs. He has kept a low profile instead of going all macho and gun blazing. Perhaps this is what Tata needs right now. A docile yet time tested and trusted man to take charge of the billion dollar enterprise who has risen on occasions and can inspire confidence from both Tata Trusts and Mistry Family.

Why demonetization turned out to be a dud excercise

The much talked about the decision by Prime Minister Modi to demonetize most of our currency will turn out to be dud as it has drastically failed on its key objective.
The goal
The major goal as announced to invalidate the 1000 and 500 currency was to weed out black money and corruption. A minor aim was to work ahead with the noble idea of the Prime Minister to push for a less cash/ cashless society. 
A major failure
However, the idea failed big time. You go to any bank in India today, ask people who are in the know of things and they will tell you the exact commission being charged by bank staff to convert your cash into a new currency. The commission ranges from 25-35% . If you had 50 lakhs under your mattress, you will still have most of it, before November ends and can shove it back under the mattress. 
But this simple idea came later. First came the usual plain boring ideas. Put money in gold. Clear your past dues in old cash. Pay a commission to money laundering experts. Use other clean accounts like Jan Dhan ones to park money. Many people bought electrical items, at inflated prices which guaranteed them backdated bills. But then came the bright idea. Simply pay the bank people and get direct cash. You go after hours, hand over the money and you will get newly printed fresh notes. Anyone else dropping in the branch will be politely told that 'no cash' is available. 
So hoarding continues. Common people, thinking that Mr. Modi has delivered some master stroke continue to suffer. Big people have banks helping them turn the money white. As I am writing this, some bank officer would be entering my name against the 4000 or 2000 I supposedly exchanged last week, even though I never visited any of the banks. They would be using my ID proofs from my KYC records and happily obliging the rich and mighty. 
No points for guessing then, that the idea has failed. Mr. Modi should understand this and concede defeat. It is no secret that the idea to do with the exchange of currency at banks was done when the government realized that they cannot control the bank staff. One of the major reasons why implementation of this scheme has faced issues is that our banking system is hardly efficient on any given day. You can expect them to extend working hours but not to ramp up their management skills in a day.
I really feel that the idea was not bad. Mr. Modi should be given due credit for pro-activeness. All those criticizing his moves have failed to offer one better alternative. While you will find pages full of criticism, no one has come with a better idea. Me neither. That it didn't work should not be a reason enough to bad name our Prime Minister. He had over confidence in our rotting banking structure. He believed them when the bankers said the bad loans was just due to the economic environment and it not their own mess. He should learn from this and move on.
The minor goal, however is looking doable. His idea of less cash society is very logical. Just to say that we are a cash economy and its working just fine is a wrong conception. If we need to grow, we need to reform. And a less cash society is a major reform. But his target is just the middle class and lower middle class. The others have already got fresh cash from the bank. Still, digital currency is gaining ground and with the shortage of cash (an artificial shortage I must say), a rapid awareness is happening regarding the use of digital currency. 
Not all is lost. The government can humbly accept the little gains it has made and accept that most of the black money it wished to target is gone, poof! It has turned into flats, golds, new currency, new television sets etc. The excessive liquidity the banks have gained are also losses as it will help them generate more NPAs or bad loans. I think it has already accepted defeat with the sloppy 50% tax scheme. The income declaration scheme which ended in September had 45% charge for black money. Now they want 50%. Then why the whole circus of banning notes?

Hence,  push towards digital currency will remain the most notable achievement of an otherwise dud activity which might not even recover its return on investment. That and the little bit of fake currency which is being now weeded out.