INDIAN POLITICS has been on an indecent track over the years but what has transpired over the last few years has left no room for hope for the largest democracy in the world. Those involved in the business of politics have made it a ‘business’ in true sense- to gain mileage at any cost. These so called leaders of the nation never hesitate a bit from inciting trouble for their personal gains. One such turbulent political outfit is Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) led by a political misfit Raj Thackeray whose sole agenda is to create an atmosphere of disbelief and chaos.
Living by its promise, the newly elected MNS members in Maharashtra State Assembly tarnished the state’s credentials as a progressive state committed to moderate politics. Certain MNS members misbehaved with state Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Abu Asim Azmi when he began taking his oath in Hindi during the swearing in ceremony of newly elected representatives, which according to MNS was an insult to the Marathi Manoos. This incident yet again created Hindi-Marathi divide, which has been the top priority of Raj Thackeray.
The tussle between Azmi and MNS chief Raj Thackeray on the Hindi-Marathi issue had been in the air for the last few days and as soon as Azmi started his oath in Hindi, this incident happened. The MNS members snatched the mike from him and Ram Kadam sighting this as an opportunity to hog limelight slapped the SP leader. Is it not the Talibanisation in the Indian context? Where does this lead to?
This condemnable act of indecent behaviour sent shock waves through political circles and as a result, the state assembly passed a resolution suspending the four legislators - Shishir Shinde, Vasant Gite, Ramesh Wanjale and Ram Kadam for four years. But the question remains- is this punishment sufficient for the unruly behaviour of these political goons and will it have any impact on their future misbehaviours?
Raj Tahkrey and his party MNS have become a thorn in the flesh for Indian democracy and pose a serious threat to the integrity and democratic value of the country. Vandalism and street-fighting are the trade mark of MNS but this time around they stepped a little ahead to bring shame to the Maharashtra Assembly. MNS has time and again attacked the federal structure of the country by resorting to violence. All these instances of heinous acts prove to be an attack on the soul of Mother India and pose ominous signs for the eternal humanity and integrity of the nation.
Kadam, who slapped Azmi, claimed that the Samajwadi Party leader insulted Maharashtrians by taking the oath in Hindi. But what has his party done in its protest against our national language-Hindi. Are they not insulting Mother India by their condemnable acts? The motto behind all these is clear- to achieve the maximum political mileage.
It is quite painful and shocking in the way this whole act has been staged. If an elected legislator is not safe in speaking his mother tongue, then one could imagine the grave circumstances this may have. This should force our policy makers to think where this politics is heading to?
India has been a land of unified diversity. We speak different languages and yet we are all bound with a cohesive force and proud to be Indians. But unfortunately, this peace has been endangered lately on different fronts, be it communalism, regionalism, or any other, and MNS is one of the flag bearers in this aspect. The need of the hour is that all such political misfits and hooligans should be dealt with strictly and brought to book. God knows what the future holds for this country.
November 16, 2009
Google penalised for fake social profile, fined
The Brazilian formula one racer Ruben Barrichello had alleged in his petition filed in a court that, the social networking portal Orkut, an arm of Google, has uploaded his bogus personal profile. Google was made to pay him damages worth $ 500,000.
IN A historic judgement of its kind, a court in Brazil has ordered the world leading internet company and search engine Google, to pay $ 500,000 as damages to a Brazilian formula one player Ruben Barrichello.
The fine, according to experts, is the highest of its kind in the world and has been given in regard to internet defamation. The Brazilian formula one racer Ruben Barrichello had alleged in his petition filed in a court that, the social networking portal Orkut, an arm of Google, has uploaded his bogus personal profile. The profile had resulted in defaming his personality and name across the world. The legal case was filled in the year 2006.
The fifteenth District Court in the Brazilian city Sao Paulo, found the internet giant Google, guilty of infringement of law, as it is the owner of the web portal Orkut and manages all its operations and held it responsible for damaging the name of the petitioner Ruben Barrichello. The judgement was made public on Monday, November 9, through a government gazette.
According to a source, there are anywhere around 289 to 320 fake social profiles of Ruben Barrichello on Orkut.
IN A historic judgement of its kind, a court in Brazil has ordered the world leading internet company and search engine Google, to pay $ 500,000 as damages to a Brazilian formula one player Ruben Barrichello.
The fine, according to experts, is the highest of its kind in the world and has been given in regard to internet defamation. The Brazilian formula one racer Ruben Barrichello had alleged in his petition filed in a court that, the social networking portal Orkut, an arm of Google, has uploaded his bogus personal profile. The profile had resulted in defaming his personality and name across the world. The legal case was filled in the year 2006.
The fifteenth District Court in the Brazilian city Sao Paulo, found the internet giant Google, guilty of infringement of law, as it is the owner of the web portal Orkut and manages all its operations and held it responsible for damaging the name of the petitioner Ruben Barrichello. The judgement was made public on Monday, November 9, through a government gazette.
According to a source, there are anywhere around 289 to 320 fake social profiles of Ruben Barrichello on Orkut.
Against whom is MNS waging this?
SHIV SENA is now waking up after having been shaken up from the bottom. The old tiger is actually afraid of losing its hold on the Marathi manoos, the concept that was brought into existence by Shiv Sena and now is being used more aggressively by its newest rival, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Raj Thackeray, who chose to leave Shiv Sena in January 2006, founded his own party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in the month of July in the same year.
Having started his political career with Shiv Sena, all that Raj Thackeray had witnessed was indeed the Marathi manoos agenda! Some might have an argument that there wasn’t any need for him to stick to the same agenda, but they need to understand here that this was the agenda that had given him the identity he carried with himself. And it is very difficult to reestablish yourself in politics, especially when you have just broken off from one of the major players in your region.
Shiv Sena had not recovered from the sufferings of the Lok Sabha elections when came another shocker for the party. Maharashtra assembly results were more than insulting for a party like Shiv Sena that had managed to keep its hold intact in Maharashtra. MNS is said to have been the cause of Shiv Sena’s loss in at least 28 constituencies, plus the 13 seats that MNS won and the scenario would have been different if Raj would have been with Shiv Sena adding another five to seven seats to Shiv Sena’s account. So, the sum total would have been somewhere close to 90.Yes, Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party could have had a chance of coming to power and keep the Congress-National Communist Party alliance from their hat trick. But what happened was a nightmare for Shiv Sena.
Like any other party, Shiv Sena was searching for that one opportunity to show it to the people that the Marathi manoos agenda is still its property. And, none other than the master blaster was its first target.
Sachin completed 20 years of cricket. A pride to all Indians, this God of cricket said that he plays for India, not for Maharashtra or Mumbai...said that he is proud of being a Maharashtrian and a Mumbaikar, but is an Indian first…and said that Mumbai is for all.
For us, it is perfectly fine, isn’t it?
But for Shiv Sena, who was just searching for a chance to show its presence, this was the golden opportunity. Bal Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena advised Sachin not to lose what he has achieved on the cricket pitch in an attempt of playing on the political pitch. ‘Stay out of political conflicts’ is what Bal Thackeray means.
This agenda of fighting for Marathi manoos is now taking a weird turn in which one can see people fighting with Marathi manoos himself. Against whom is this war being called up? And for whom?
Both these political parties might or might not gain what they want out of this agenda, but the Marathi manoos is not gaining anything for sure.
Having started his political career with Shiv Sena, all that Raj Thackeray had witnessed was indeed the Marathi manoos agenda! Some might have an argument that there wasn’t any need for him to stick to the same agenda, but they need to understand here that this was the agenda that had given him the identity he carried with himself. And it is very difficult to reestablish yourself in politics, especially when you have just broken off from one of the major players in your region.
Shiv Sena had not recovered from the sufferings of the Lok Sabha elections when came another shocker for the party. Maharashtra assembly results were more than insulting for a party like Shiv Sena that had managed to keep its hold intact in Maharashtra. MNS is said to have been the cause of Shiv Sena’s loss in at least 28 constituencies, plus the 13 seats that MNS won and the scenario would have been different if Raj would have been with Shiv Sena adding another five to seven seats to Shiv Sena’s account. So, the sum total would have been somewhere close to 90.Yes, Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party could have had a chance of coming to power and keep the Congress-National Communist Party alliance from their hat trick. But what happened was a nightmare for Shiv Sena.
Like any other party, Shiv Sena was searching for that one opportunity to show it to the people that the Marathi manoos agenda is still its property. And, none other than the master blaster was its first target.
Sachin completed 20 years of cricket. A pride to all Indians, this God of cricket said that he plays for India, not for Maharashtra or Mumbai...said that he is proud of being a Maharashtrian and a Mumbaikar, but is an Indian first…and said that Mumbai is for all.
For us, it is perfectly fine, isn’t it?
But for Shiv Sena, who was just searching for a chance to show its presence, this was the golden opportunity. Bal Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena advised Sachin not to lose what he has achieved on the cricket pitch in an attempt of playing on the political pitch. ‘Stay out of political conflicts’ is what Bal Thackeray means.
This agenda of fighting for Marathi manoos is now taking a weird turn in which one can see people fighting with Marathi manoos himself. Against whom is this war being called up? And for whom?
Both these political parties might or might not gain what they want out of this agenda, but the Marathi manoos is not gaining anything for sure.
September 10, 2009
Sach ka Sammana- Reality or Farce
THE CLOCK strikes 11, the charming Rajeev Khandelwal warmly welcomes you on the game show ‘Sach Ka Saamna’! After about a few grilling round of questions you are left wondering about the repercussions of the same on the family members. But what you do realise is that the family members are not reacting the way you would react after shocking revelations by your near and dear ones. They are strangely calm and quiet and answer only if asked to do so by the host. You are then left wondering, why would a mother or a father, a sister, a brother or the girlfriend/boyfriend not be shocked by statements like ‘Yes I had a child out of wedlock or yes I did feel attracted to someone else in spite of being married’.
It is quite strange that the family members react very normally, blank mind and face. This raises obvious thoughts of whether the show is truly genuine or is it completely scripted. If the show is scripted, are the reactions of the relatives of the participants also scripted? It is just not the reactions but also the kind of personal questions asked to the contestants raises several doubts regarding the authenticity of the show. Would someone actually take the risk of spilling out the beans just to earn quick bucks is one of the major arguments raised against the show. The arguments that fall in favour of the show lies in the fact that in today’s world when everything is so commercialised, increasing competition forces people to go to the extent of taking the risk of entering such a show and revealing their secrets openly. In the case of a famous TV actor Yusuf Hussain, he took part in the game show because he felt it was high time he revealed the hidden secrets of his life to his family and to the entire world. This gives rise to confusing and conflicting thoughts about the ‘truthfulness’ of the show.
When a couple of viewers were asked on what they feel about the show, a mixed response was garnered from their opinions. Some believe that the show reflects the truth prevailing in the society managing to bring out the true face of the society. Vandana Menon, a student of MA in Pyschology believes that unraveling the mystery of an individual’s multi-dimensional life is like looking into the Pandora’s Box, startling and surprising at every turn. She says “Not everyone would jeopardise their life and self respect on national platform just for money. I welcome this new turn that reality show has taken and I believe that this generation is ready to accept the individual with their faults and not stigmatise the truth.” Neelam Bansal, a housewife echoes the same opinion and adds on by saying that the show definitely portrays reality since bluffing to such a large scale and high extent is not possible. She voices that, “This show portrays the fact that truth is stranger than fiction and that is why the real life of the contestants stumps us to such an extent that makes us feel like it is made up.” While some feel the show is yet another classic example of a TRP driven show, where the entire stage is scripted ranging from the questions to the reactions. Anjani Kapoor, a media trainee voices strong opinion against the the show. She says, “Sach Ka Saamna is something beyond the mindset of a typical Indian family especially upwardly-mobile middle class! I totally believe that the show is bogus and voices all norms far from reality.”
Despite a lot of debate one cannot deny the fact that SKS has managed to attract quite a few eyeballs since the time it has gone on air. The unique concept and format of the game show has shaken the grounds of many families and not to forget the MP’s. It is thus rightly said, love it or hate it, but you definitely can’t ignore it!
It is quite strange that the family members react very normally, blank mind and face. This raises obvious thoughts of whether the show is truly genuine or is it completely scripted. If the show is scripted, are the reactions of the relatives of the participants also scripted? It is just not the reactions but also the kind of personal questions asked to the contestants raises several doubts regarding the authenticity of the show. Would someone actually take the risk of spilling out the beans just to earn quick bucks is one of the major arguments raised against the show. The arguments that fall in favour of the show lies in the fact that in today’s world when everything is so commercialised, increasing competition forces people to go to the extent of taking the risk of entering such a show and revealing their secrets openly. In the case of a famous TV actor Yusuf Hussain, he took part in the game show because he felt it was high time he revealed the hidden secrets of his life to his family and to the entire world. This gives rise to confusing and conflicting thoughts about the ‘truthfulness’ of the show.
When a couple of viewers were asked on what they feel about the show, a mixed response was garnered from their opinions. Some believe that the show reflects the truth prevailing in the society managing to bring out the true face of the society. Vandana Menon, a student of MA in Pyschology believes that unraveling the mystery of an individual’s multi-dimensional life is like looking into the Pandora’s Box, startling and surprising at every turn. She says “Not everyone would jeopardise their life and self respect on national platform just for money. I welcome this new turn that reality show has taken and I believe that this generation is ready to accept the individual with their faults and not stigmatise the truth.” Neelam Bansal, a housewife echoes the same opinion and adds on by saying that the show definitely portrays reality since bluffing to such a large scale and high extent is not possible. She voices that, “This show portrays the fact that truth is stranger than fiction and that is why the real life of the contestants stumps us to such an extent that makes us feel like it is made up.” While some feel the show is yet another classic example of a TRP driven show, where the entire stage is scripted ranging from the questions to the reactions. Anjani Kapoor, a media trainee voices strong opinion against the the show. She says, “Sach Ka Saamna is something beyond the mindset of a typical Indian family especially upwardly-mobile middle class! I totally believe that the show is bogus and voices all norms far from reality.”
Despite a lot of debate one cannot deny the fact that SKS has managed to attract quite a few eyeballs since the time it has gone on air. The unique concept and format of the game show has shaken the grounds of many families and not to forget the MP’s. It is thus rightly said, love it or hate it, but you definitely can’t ignore it!
August 20, 2009
Honour my dignity
EVERY 30 minutes or so a woman is being raped in this country. Why are some sections of Indian men so intolerant of the other half of the population? Why is it that the women are always at the receiving end? Why am I being looked at and stripped as if I am some kind of brand and commodity? Similar questions have been bothering for long. And each time I hear about the unthinkable crimes being committed against young girl child or a woman, my heart quivers. And at these moments, I honestly feel the loss of not being born a man.
Can we for a minute lay down our obsolete mores, superficial differences of religion, caste and geographic boundaries and think hard about why women in India are not safe, even in their own homes. I would like to question the higher ups, the young force who clearly shone in the recently held general elections? Does the safety for women ever feature as a top priority in their lengthy arguments? India on the one hand is earning international praise for its economic strides, whereas on the other hand, crimes of all kinds, heard and unheard are being perpetrated against women. Incidents such as rape, sexual exploitation, eve teasing, public groping, dowry deaths, mercy killing, trafficking, female foeticide and gender bias: these are what an average Indian woman has to face in India. Of all the crimes, rape is on the rise.
A recently released report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) stated that a total of 20,737 rape cases were registered in 2007 as against 19,384 in 2006, while the figure was 18,359 in 2005 and 18,233 in 2004 against 15,847 in 2003. Last year's report indicated that there were 38,734 cases of sexual molestation. Crime against woman has increased considerably. There has been a jump of 700 per cent since the time the NCRB started keeping records. As per the same report, Delhi reported 29.5 per cent (524 out of 1,775) of total rape cases, 31.8 per cent (1,021 out of 3,207) of the total cases of kidnapping and abduction of women, 15.6 per cent (111 out of 711) of the total cases of dowry deaths, 14.2 per cent (1,711 out of 12,031) of total cases of cruelty by husband and relatives and 21.5 per cent (744 out of 3,463) of total cases of molestation. But the picture is almost the same in Gurgaon, Mumbai, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab or some other nondescript town or village. The fact of the matter is, this country is extremely unsafe for women. What is the root cause behind this behavioral and physical malice? What agitates them to resort to such a violation of dignity?
How can somebody get pleasure by causing pain and suffering to others? Some sections of society are of the opinion that we as woman ask for such crimes by forgetting our morals, wearing dresses that tempt men, by pubbing and by flouting our traditions and culture. This is indeed utter nonsense and nothing but a blinkered opinion. Let us call upon all faith leaders, political heavyweights, self-acclaimed activists and celebrities from the entertainment industry. As you rant and rave in front of the camera on every issue, somewhere some unthinkable crime is being committed against a woman. As a woman I have been forced to feel paranoid about my surroundings and safety. As a citizen, I am deeply frustrated and angry. And I am sure I am not the only one with this feeling.
Can we for a minute lay down our obsolete mores, superficial differences of religion, caste and geographic boundaries and think hard about why women in India are not safe, even in their own homes. I would like to question the higher ups, the young force who clearly shone in the recently held general elections? Does the safety for women ever feature as a top priority in their lengthy arguments? India on the one hand is earning international praise for its economic strides, whereas on the other hand, crimes of all kinds, heard and unheard are being perpetrated against women. Incidents such as rape, sexual exploitation, eve teasing, public groping, dowry deaths, mercy killing, trafficking, female foeticide and gender bias: these are what an average Indian woman has to face in India. Of all the crimes, rape is on the rise.
A recently released report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) stated that a total of 20,737 rape cases were registered in 2007 as against 19,384 in 2006, while the figure was 18,359 in 2005 and 18,233 in 2004 against 15,847 in 2003. Last year's report indicated that there were 38,734 cases of sexual molestation. Crime against woman has increased considerably. There has been a jump of 700 per cent since the time the NCRB started keeping records. As per the same report, Delhi reported 29.5 per cent (524 out of 1,775) of total rape cases, 31.8 per cent (1,021 out of 3,207) of the total cases of kidnapping and abduction of women, 15.6 per cent (111 out of 711) of the total cases of dowry deaths, 14.2 per cent (1,711 out of 12,031) of total cases of cruelty by husband and relatives and 21.5 per cent (744 out of 3,463) of total cases of molestation. But the picture is almost the same in Gurgaon, Mumbai, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab or some other nondescript town or village. The fact of the matter is, this country is extremely unsafe for women. What is the root cause behind this behavioral and physical malice? What agitates them to resort to such a violation of dignity?
How can somebody get pleasure by causing pain and suffering to others? Some sections of society are of the opinion that we as woman ask for such crimes by forgetting our morals, wearing dresses that tempt men, by pubbing and by flouting our traditions and culture. This is indeed utter nonsense and nothing but a blinkered opinion. Let us call upon all faith leaders, political heavyweights, self-acclaimed activists and celebrities from the entertainment industry. As you rant and rave in front of the camera on every issue, somewhere some unthinkable crime is being committed against a woman. As a woman I have been forced to feel paranoid about my surroundings and safety. As a citizen, I am deeply frustrated and angry. And I am sure I am not the only one with this feeling.
Why so much hue and cry over Shahrukh's detention?
FOR INDIANS, celebrities from glittering Mumbai film industry and cricketing field are living legends, they are so much infatuated by their achievements that they can’t even take legal action against them in positive stride.
The frisking and subsequent detention of king khan Shahrukh at the Newark airport on August 15, when he was heading for a concert organised to celebrate the 63rd Independence day of India in America had left many Bollywood celebrities high and dry. Even politicians are not sparing any moment to offer their support for Sharukh Khan, who is applauded across the country for his mesmerising acting on silver screen.
Leading Bollywood celebrities like Priyanka Chorpra, Mahesh Bhatt and Irfan Khan have condemned the action taken by American security at the air port against the Dr Shahrukh Khan (He was recently conferred with the honorary doctorate by Bedforde University-England). Hundreds of fans of Shahrukh have also expressed their displeasure at the frisking of their super star.
Minister of state for external affairs Sashi Tharoor also pitched in to express his support for Shahrukh, he said, "To all who asked about SRK, we all found it offensive and have asked the US to look into it." American authorities on the other hand had kept themselves completely away from the entire controversy. One of the spokesmen said that it was an usual security check and there is no point in giving it too much importance.
Why we Indians are feeling offended at Sharukh’s frisking? Every nation has its own law of the land, whatever American security did at the Airport was completely in accordance with the prevailing immigration law. We Indians have to learn lesson from Americans. When it comes to security, no body is above law, be it Sachin or Rahul Gandhi.
The frisking and subsequent detention of king khan Shahrukh at the Newark airport on August 15, when he was heading for a concert organised to celebrate the 63rd Independence day of India in America had left many Bollywood celebrities high and dry. Even politicians are not sparing any moment to offer their support for Sharukh Khan, who is applauded across the country for his mesmerising acting on silver screen.
Leading Bollywood celebrities like Priyanka Chorpra, Mahesh Bhatt and Irfan Khan have condemned the action taken by American security at the air port against the Dr Shahrukh Khan (He was recently conferred with the honorary doctorate by Bedforde University-England). Hundreds of fans of Shahrukh have also expressed their displeasure at the frisking of their super star.
Minister of state for external affairs Sashi Tharoor also pitched in to express his support for Shahrukh, he said, "To all who asked about SRK, we all found it offensive and have asked the US to look into it." American authorities on the other hand had kept themselves completely away from the entire controversy. One of the spokesmen said that it was an usual security check and there is no point in giving it too much importance.
Why we Indians are feeling offended at Sharukh’s frisking? Every nation has its own law of the land, whatever American security did at the Airport was completely in accordance with the prevailing immigration law. We Indians have to learn lesson from Americans. When it comes to security, no body is above law, be it Sachin or Rahul Gandhi.
Why so much hue and cry over Shahrukh's detention?
FOR INDIANS, celebrities from glittering Mumbai film industry and cricketing field are living legends, they are so much infatuated by their achievements that they can’t even take legal action against them in positive stride.
The frisking and subsequent detention of king khan Shahrukh at the Newark airport on August 15, when he was heading for a concert organised to celebrate the 63rd Independence day of India in America had left many Bollywood celebrities high and dry. Even politicians are not sparing any moment to offer their support for Sharukh Khan, who is applauded across the country for his mesmerising acting on silver screen.
Leading Bollywood celebrities like Priyanka Chorpra, Mahesh Bhatt and Irfan Khan have condemned the action taken by American security at the air port against the Dr Shahrukh Khan (He was recently conferred with the honorary doctorate by Bedforde University-England). Hundreds of fans of Shahrukh have also expressed their displeasure at the frisking of their super star.
Minister of state for external affairs Sashi Tharoor also pitched in to express his support for Shahrukh, he said, "To all who asked about SRK, we all found it offensive and have asked the US to look into it." American authorities on the other hand had kept themselves completely away from the entire controversy. One of the spokesmen said that it was an usual security check and there is no point in giving it too much importance.
Why we Indians are feeling offended at Sharukh’s frisking? Every nation has its own law of the land, whatever American security did at the Airport was completely in accordance with the prevailing immigration law. We Indians have to learn lesson from Americans. When it comes to security, no body is above law, be it Sachin or Rahul Gandhi.
The frisking and subsequent detention of king khan Shahrukh at the Newark airport on August 15, when he was heading for a concert organised to celebrate the 63rd Independence day of India in America had left many Bollywood celebrities high and dry. Even politicians are not sparing any moment to offer their support for Sharukh Khan, who is applauded across the country for his mesmerising acting on silver screen.
Leading Bollywood celebrities like Priyanka Chorpra, Mahesh Bhatt and Irfan Khan have condemned the action taken by American security at the air port against the Dr Shahrukh Khan (He was recently conferred with the honorary doctorate by Bedforde University-England). Hundreds of fans of Shahrukh have also expressed their displeasure at the frisking of their super star.
Minister of state for external affairs Sashi Tharoor also pitched in to express his support for Shahrukh, he said, "To all who asked about SRK, we all found it offensive and have asked the US to look into it." American authorities on the other hand had kept themselves completely away from the entire controversy. One of the spokesmen said that it was an usual security check and there is no point in giving it too much importance.
Why we Indians are feeling offended at Sharukh’s frisking? Every nation has its own law of the land, whatever American security did at the Airport was completely in accordance with the prevailing immigration law. We Indians have to learn lesson from Americans. When it comes to security, no body is above law, be it Sachin or Rahul Gandhi.
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