Destino.

Unrest and War.

"Either the economic opportunities with opening economy in India will keep everyone very busy, or it will increase the gap between have's and have not's  so much that parts of country will move towards a civil war."

Over 20 people have died in last 24 hours in West Bengal, India. They have been subject to use of brutal force by over 5,000 policemen who were deployed to enter a group of villages being held by poor farmers, the 'have nots' for whom UN runs programs and we give subsidies, but none ofthat really reaches them. They denied police entry into the villages and were staging a seize, partly due to a motivation from opposing political party, but mostly due to a genunie fear that their families will not benefit from the upcoming industrial plants and advent of capital. Their fears were addressed with undignifying force of the police.

In another state, 200 Naxalites / Maoists killed 50 policemen in an orchestrated raid.  The naxals with their faith partly grounded in Communism and partly displaced with Anarchy. They are officially recognised as 'Terrorist' by goverment of India. Their fear & massacare made the remaining Central Reserve Police Force flee the site.

And we went to Nerina Pallot's 90 minute performance at Mosaic festival yesterday. This song 's doing rounds in my head still:

Everybody's going to war,
But we don't know what we're fighting for,
Don't tell me it's a worthy cause,
No cause could be so worthy.

And I stay disturbed.
Man... just give me a dream.

DI(GIT)WALI

I was on a call with my sister couple of days back, and this is the most hilarious thing I have heard:

On Diwali day, she was supposed to do ‘puja (prayer + offerings)’ in her office, and the last minute search for a Sanskrit-mantra-reciting-‘pundit’ to ensure a ‘good puja’ was on,….now, each one of the Pundit is ‘in - demand’ on Diwali day by estimated 89% of households of the 3 million strong city - Jaipur, so she could not exactly find who she was looking for… and in such situations as you usually do, she called upon a-revered-someone having a second name ‘Dwi-vedi, Tri-vedi, Chatur-vedi, Pandey or Sharma’.

The usual puja requires you to have prayers for ‘Ganesh’ and ‘Laxmi’… our voracious Panditji recited the Ganesh vandana eloquently to begin the ceremonies, however when it came to Laxmiji.. the Goddess of Wealth and prosperity, the ad-hoc summoned Pundit-ji confided…slightly embarrassed…”I do not know this puja”… ofcourse, neither does my sister or the others participating… ghastly silence in the office…the Indian fateful mind thinking….”would we not have prosperity this year??” 'up-shagun'.

However the Pundit, being a wise-guy had a solution…

He went to his cell phone….quickly browsed the ‘R-World’ digital space.. reached the ‘Devotional music' section.. and there you go! He had the Laxmi puja taken care of in great voice and music :) now with the digital binary coded puja running in the background, one could not help but favourably think…the Goddess has given a ‘sign’ on where prosperity is! ;)

The Gods with their omnipresence have taken the web-space too. ! YaY!!

Dwelling on:

The Flow of money:

-          How are environmentalist lobbies funded? Why the green-peace website does not disclose sources of funding explicitly?

-          How are militant groups funded? Where can they buy arms from?

-          Why don’t they teach anywhere about managing credit cards, insurance policies, tax returns, creditworthiness? Aren’t they not as essential as knowing how to cross a busy lane?

Politics:

-          Why does diplomacy and US relations make countries turn a blind eye to what they see in front of them as an immediate local issue? What are diplomats & politicians afraid of?

-          Why are politicians free to sit on boards of companies or for that matter dacoit gangs without disclosing it in election nomination papers?

-          How relevant are mechanisms of nation states & internal constitutions when real issues we face are global in scope.

-          Democracy and human rights are not recognized in large parts of the world because people don’t know what changes the day once they have them(Actually, nothing changes overnight). Those who have them mostly fail to recognize or use them.

Cultures and Living:

-          Aren’t cultures just a way to get give ourselves an identity and maintain genetic distinction? Which parent is making a better choice in species evolution: One who sticks to them or one who cross pollinates?

-          Why does the Indian government insist on you becoming a Non Resident Indian and so your relatives? We really don’t mind loosing a few million people here and there, do we J

-          If education at school would adapt information and discussion on life values, ecology, humanity, consumer awareness, & generation of ‘happiness’ would the world change for better, faster and surer? Or the planet just becomes one mawkish blue ball.

-          What is inherently different in the make up of Canada and USA that bring such varied visions on ‘development’ & living?

-          Why is clean ‘water’ in stupid plastic bottles a sellable commodity? Now, why should sale of water be allowed? More '02- bars'… anyone?

-          Why is life as artist considered offering maximum ‘freedom’?

-   Aren't religions just selling something to you while buying you?

Ignorance is really bliss. You don’t keep tagging your discontents.

A Little Relevant

My project here in Sri Lanka is bringing new information every day.. I have to spend some hours each day reading reports on Microfinance, role of business in development, construction post tsunami, funding from ADB etc etc. Needless to say, I am loving it J 

It’s a project that really has well intentioned objectives..how do we bring a housing solution to the 23% poorest people in Sri Lanka ?.. what are their needs and how can anyone enable them to fulfill them ? The latest publication of WBCSD ‘Business for Development’ carries a case study about this project 'House for life' – I am glad to find myself working on a relevant subject, though for a short while and see a long way to go for us as society..as one people to build the committment & knowledge and mobilize our resources and strengths to solve some of the tough problems in the world today.

Coming back to India, since it comes as a natural point of reference and compass, I was going through the ‘Human Development Report 2005’, released a few months back, it carries out a more balanced assessment of India. I have lived in two of the most backward states in India in terms of economic opportunities & human rights (Uttar Pradesh & Rajasthan), and I relate to what this report says. An interesting short read to balance your perspective on ‘India Shining’, while reinforcing the reality that so much needs to be done... all we are lacking is the willingness to see it and act.

‘I did not Kill Gandhi..’

‘Maine Gandhi ko nahi maara..’ (I did not kill Gandhi) is a new Hindi movie bringing back Gandhi, father of the nation in the current Indian context and living. The movie is stirring a debate about the application of Gandhi’s ideals in today’s world and today’s India. Yesterday I got to know about the movie while watching a show (Mtv) asking people to express their opinions about relevance and application of Gandhi’s philosophy in today’s context…

Most said (mostly young people).. “not applicable in today’s context”, this was not surprising to hear.. however, what was more surprising was the primary reason why people think Gandhi is irrelevant today… “if a country or terrorists strike us, we will strike back. We got to defend.”……people easily externalizing Gandhi and his ideals away from their own action and making big political statements about war & peace forgetting Gandhi’s way was simply about looking at yourself.. looking into you and improving bit by bit. Steady on course. Ofcourse we will defend, but how does that make Gandhi irrelevant?

Mahatma was not about just a freedom movement from the empire (The Raj).. he is so much about freedom to live a life of peace and fulfillment through reflection, action and responsibility. He is about building a better nation with ‘your action’ than ‘abdicating from your responsibilities’.

He is not just about earning freedom from someone else, Gandhi is about being free to pursue your ambitions in a framework of principle. He is about Self-reliance while being collaborative and forward thinking.

From my understanding if I were to put in today’s activism and policy making jargons, Gandhi was instrumental in India to bring attention to:

1.

‘Diversity and inclusion’: the way he championed the Dalit,  women’s rights & peace among religions.

2. ‘Sustainable localized economic Progress’: Gandhi is the epitome of Cottage Industry and sustainable local communities working on a basis that suits best to the local reality. (Salt making, cotton weaving, farming).

3. ‘Education for all, Health & well-being’: His ten principle mentioned them always and championed literacy & ‘Health and well being’ in each speech to the masses.

The application of Gandhi and his ideals are as relevant today as were before he even articulated them for us. Perhaps, it is a matter of what perspective(read: box) you choose to live your life in.

Possibly, with each missed day on living a life of principle.. we all are individually killing Gandhi.

Anyways, coming back to the movie, you can read a review here

Also, another article on Relevance of Gandhi in today’s India:

- Peace.

Assorted Browsings

UN: International online student  conference on 'Building a Safer World' and role of UN in future is starting soon, for those interested to voice out, visit: http://discuss.politalk.org/ and register yourself.

Energy: If you are intersted in future of energy (which you should be), considering within our lifetime we need to massively shift away from fossil fuels to green fuels (if legislations facilitate and companies dont chase Q-Q profits for a few years).  An interesting read is on the discovery & usage of Jhatropa (Diesel fuel plant).  I am personally eager to know more about this as Rajasthan is piloting the project. India is aiming to have 5% Jhatropa bio fuel mix in all diesel used by year 2008. Huge opportunity for plantations! Any enterprising people listening to this one?! or VCs

Year of Microfinance: Yes, the ‘Live 8’ concerts are done, G8 announcing debt write off’s gone by and with the natural disasters in the news in 2005, Making Poverty History seems to be taking a backseat. However if you are looking to know what is happening on this front & how you can contribute, you can take a look at: http://www.yearofmicrocredit.org/, view this celebrity endorsement.
Also

India, real perspective: For those interested in reading about background of Indian Economy & political environment & some  pragmatic suggestions on the future, I highly recommend "Future of India" by Bimal Jalan (ex 'RBI' chief  / The Indian Central Bank).  Clear sighted & easy to read with an insiders view & recommendations on demand & supply of Corruption, redundant legislations, rusted bureaucracy, loss making public sector, Elections of coalition interests, etc. No “we will be 3^rd largest economy in 2025" euphoria. Mr. Jalan states how India can easily blow up its chances of doing better, just like in cricket!! Now, I endorse that one!

Welcome to wherever you are!

The great reconciliation started sometime back…

I remember being in Rotterdam in one of those last few days of July, some time in late evening in my own space of 529 Hofdijk. A usual setting that felt home, from the window ahead, laid the familiar 200 degree Rotterdam view with characteristic KPN lights & stringed Erasmus bridge, room with the same cinnamon incense, multi-colored agates, one lit candle, dim lights & ‘Che soave zeffiretto’ making it complete, almost perfect. And then looking out, I had this immense urge.. “I need to be back in India”, I need to get connected with…

As I continue, I discover the urge that said ‘ I want to be back in India’ was just a metaphor, just an image to mean: I want to be ‘back to myself’...my hopes, my aspirations and my promises made to myself. A possible egocentric vision of fulfillment..or putting another way, one with most freedom; unsure at first glance, like before.

It is not same as saying.. I want to be myself… that I have been all this while, but to say I want to be doing more of what really means to me & I value. And thus to meet the challenge to know more of what really means to you or has meant to you… started the exercise to open bags of memories where you find old promises wailing to be acted upon, loved ones holding you, almost embracing you to play a part in their dreams & you running from somewhere to somewhere.

Still Running. However, the lights now said: “Welcome to wherever you are.”

End of reconciliation-1

Hindi Poetry... "Rise As.."

इतने ऊँचे उठो

इतने ऊँचे उठो कि जितना उठा गगन है।
      देखो इस सारी दुनिया को एक दृष्टि से
      सिंचित करो धरा, समता की भाव वृष्टि से
           जाति भेद की, धर्म-वेश की
           काले गोरे रंग-द्वेष की
           ज्वालाओं से जलते जग में
इतने शीतल बहो कि जितना मलय पवन है॥

नये हाथ से, वर्त्मान का रूप सँवारो
नयी तूलिका से चित्रों के रंग उभारो
           नये राग को नूतन स्वर दो
           भाषा को नूतन अक्षर दो
           युग की नयी मूर्ति-रचना में
इतने मौलिक बनो कि जितना स्वयं सृजन है॥

लो अतीत से उतना ही जितना पोषक है
जीर्ण-शीर्ण का मोह मृत्यु का ही द्योतक है
           तोड़ो बन्धन, रुके न चिन्तन
           गति, जीवन का सत्य चिरन्तन
           धारा के शाश्वत प्रवाह में
इतने गतिमय बनो कि जितना परिवर्तन है।

चाह रहे हम इस धरती को स्वर्ग बनाना
अगर कहीं हो स्वर्ग, उसे धरती पर लाना
           सूरज, चाँद, चाँदनी, तारे
           सब हैं प्रतिपल साथ हमारे
           दो कुरूप को रूप सलोना
इतने सुन्दर बनो कि जितना आकर्षण है॥

- द्वारिका प्रसाद माहेश्वरी

"Von Dutch"

"My impressions, observations & possibly biases ":

1. I endorse that only people more direct than Americans are: The Dutch.

2. Commercial and Entrepreneurial: From Trading Tulips in 18th Century, to constructing largest trading port: Rotterdam. Windmills, Dykes, Several Competing Global banks: ABN AMRO, ING, Fortis, Rabo. Large Corporations: Unilever, Sara Lee, Shell & Philips. It's all von dutch.

3. Liberal.. Left.. seemingly reckless but not: Gay Marriages, Coffee shops, Amsterdam's infamous red light district. It's all here. You will be surprised to see the number of tourists the latter two attract to NL from all over Europe, US and other parts of the world, adds to point 2..commercial.

4. Kunst Kitsch and Colours: Red shoes, orange jackets, green pants, pink shirts, yellow ties..and grey skies...all 'von dutch' You need to have a 'certain taste' to appreciate the Dutch fashion & colour sense. In many ways it seems an inverse of the very close meticulous french...adds to point 3.. liberal. (Kunst = Art)

5. Oude Kaas: There is great love for Dairy and cheese. Before the beef is made, we do take time out to take the milk. The love for dairy products is not only in various cheese types, but you can see it in Corporate Board Rooms, where milk is served with Lunch! (Kaas = Cheese)

6. Insightful: If you really want feedback and improvements, actually go to a Dutch. I am impressed at their ability to observe and bring 'insights'. Independent thoughts, critical and 90% senseful.

7. Let it loose: von dutch, friends are easygoing and welcoming if you know them. They come across simple, genuine and take themselves lightly (no big egos). The dutch humour does not mind laughing at oneself...important is that you need to take yourself lightly too.

8. Change the DJ! Well that's what i want when i am at any pub / club. The music changes every 59 seconds, and its not that the song and sound changes.. but evertything changes.. within 5 mins you can hear Bob Marley, J Lo, J Morrison, B Spears, ABBA, Eminem. Now read again and try to think how you'll shake to that!

9. For dutch India means: Development, Offshoring, Pink City,  over promise, Elephants on street, 5 star hotel means 3 star,lot of people, beggars on street, NGOs, talkitive people, sun thus fun, still lot of people.

Can't fight those impressions.. that's just the way it is.

Thinking Home

Jaipur..  

As months are passing, I am looking forward to being back in Jaipur. It will soon be 3 years since i spent over 10 days at a stretch at home. Spring is coming and i can only imagine the colours, fragrance and the bustling streets of Jaipur during this time. Holi (festival of colours) will be celebrated this year, to know more on holi you can read:  http://www.indiaexpress.com/rangoli/holi.html . I miss all of that...people spending time at luxury, taking time to 'just be there'..there is a different richness there.. created through transactions done in smiles, conversations and time spent with nature.

Over the past years the city is going through a social and economic change, like most other places in India. There are new shopping centers, restaurents, cafes, pubs, etc. started. The consumer in Jaipur is ready to spend and the places for him to do that are now increasing in the city. 

I am looking forward to finding myself surprised, lost, found and connected once back.