RAGING PAKISTAN

                                                           

                                                                       15.07.2012

Recently a Pew research revealed that Indians are the second most hated after the Americans. This is rather surprising. I have never understood the reasons for this dislike of Indians by the Pakistanis. Infact if history is any evidence then Indians have many reasons to hate Pakistan. After all a portion of their beloved India has been taken away and that too in the name of religion. Pakistan got all what it wanted. A separate Islamic nation. They make their own laws and have their own constitution. They are now free from the fear of Hindu domination which would destroy their culture which according to them is the Arab culture. Everything is fine. Then why the hatred against India? There is also nothing worthwhile in Pakistan for India to think of attacking it. With the partition of India under the able leadership of Jinnah every thing has been precisely cut and divided. It set me thinking and following points emerged in my mind.My Pakistani friends may hammer me on these points.

1. Let us start with Jinnah. Before 1936 he was secular. Proclaiming Hindu Muslim unity. After his Muslim league was defeated he became communal. Again his 11th August 1947 speech indicates that he became secular. He appointed a Hindu as his Law Minister. The point is that Jinnah himself lacked any commitment to any ideology. His ideology was  getting power and religion was  only a tool to be used. He himself was not a committed Muslim. His dress habits,his eating  habits,his way of life did not reflect the Mullah type of personality. He even married a non-muslim. On all accounts he can be described as a secular person.

2. Jinnah demand for a nation on the basis of Islam was the greatest fraud ever committed on the gullible common Muslims. It did not stem from any revolutionary zeal for protecting the Muslims but from the selfish reason of gaining power. The prospects of power and money in a new nation was a temptation difficult to resist. He was enthusiastically supported by the greedy intentions of the feudal elements and the landlords. He also never calculated that migration of population would take place and a carnage would follow. These eventualities never entered his mind. This was because he was not a statesman and neither a thinker. The recent book 'Between the lines' by Kuldip Nayyar describes how Jinnah wailed 'What have I done' when he saw millions of people trudging to the opposite side of the borders.

3. The partition of India was thus a event which was illogical. It was like a building being built without a foundation. There was absolutely no genuine logical reasons to support it. The Islamic card was played for gaining power.

4. To hide one dishonest action one has to go through many dishonest actions to defend it. So the endless Islamic rigidity was thrust on the people of Pakistan by Bhutto to Zia to show that the declared objectives for creation of Pakistan were indeed being implemented. Though in this enthusiasm sections of muslims apart from minorities are being targetted.

5. The people of Pakistan inherently belongs to the same secular stock to which their Indian brethren come from . They have inherited the thousands of years of culture and civilization of plurality. It is in their genes. It was therefore necessary to sow the seeds of hatred against India through their educational system. Text books and Madrassas. Poor Pakistanis have been again duped by the rulers. Till they hate India the rich can do their work in accumulating wealth. The military can enjoy the privileges.

 6. The entire story of Pakistan is a story of fraud and deception. The killings,terrorism,hatred and intolerance are the symptoms of a disease. The disease is spreading and unless truth triumphs in Pakistan there is no salvation.

7.The truth is that Pakistan and India are one people. Now since Pakistan has been formed all the good luck to it. But the fraud committed 65 years back should not be allowed to flourish now. The inflated balloon of a great Islamic state should be punctured and normal mental balance should prevail in Pakistan.

 A.K.BUNDI

BHINDARWAJE MEMORIAL

                                                                                                                                                07-07-2012

BHINDARWALE MEMORIAL IN GOLDEN TEMPLE

FOUNDATION LAID ON 6TH JUNE,2012

The building of this memorial is the combined effort of the Akali Takht,SGPC and Akali Dal. No matter how the Akali Dal tries to distance itself from this project their consent is quite visible. It is unfortunate that a political party is actively associating itself with this project which is meant to eulogize separatist and terrorist. All political parties are sworn to uphold the constitution and by giving its silent consent the Akali Dal is  not fulfilling its constitutional obligation. They being in power should have taken steps to stop this construction.

Akal Takht and the Damdani taksal is declaring that the memorial is in the memory of Sikhs who died defending the Golden Temple from the Indian Army. This is a false and fabricated propagation. The truth is that the Army had to enter the temple to demolish Bhindarwale and his associates who wanted secession from India. The Army and the Govt of that time was taking action to protect the nation. Nobody is above the nation. Bhindarwale had declared a war on this nation and he had to be neautralised. He proved himself a coward since he holed himself into the holy shrine instead of fighting the army in the open. He was responsible for the desecration of the Golden Temple. The army infact freed it from terrorists.

The assassination of Indira Gandhi by her trusted security men came as a shock to the nation. The entire nation realised that a dirty conspiracy has been hatched to carve a Khalistan state from the Indian union. To further aggravate the situation many Sikhs and Gurdwaras started to celebrate the assassination by firing crackers and lighting candles. I personally witnessed this in my neighbourhood. This added fuel to the fire. The riots which followed was unfortunate and condemnable and should not never have occurred. But in all this unfortunate events the Bhindarwale group and sections of the Sikhs cannot absolve itself of its contribution. The celebration of Indira Gandhi assasination  was also condemnable. In the coming months large number of Hindus were killed. This was also unfortunate. All the killings were the result of madness.

The use of religion for gaining political power or for amassing wealth is a most deplorable act. Unfortunately our entire history is replete by such examples. Islam has been used to kill, Hindu fanatics are using it and the Sikhs are now doing it. The Golden temple is being used to fan the religious sentiments of the people. The aim is to alienate the Sikhs and to encourage them to form Khalistan. The claim that the Blue star memorial is for the martyred Sikhs is a shield behind which a conspiracy is being hatched to divide the country.

The people behind the building of this memorial should not forget that Sikhs are spread all over India and treated with respect. They are doing business and commercial activity without any discrimination and flourishing all over the country. They are enjoying benefits and  the nation's wealth much above their proportionate share of population. In every city and on prime lands they have been allowed to build Gurdawaras. Nobody grudges this. Everybody likes them. But they should remember that this goodwill of this nation towards them can vanish instantly if they indulge in antinational activities. The building of this Bhindarwale memorial certainly comes under this category. It will be a centre of antinational elements and under their supervision can expand. Certainly the Khalistan group with the help of the Pakistanis would do the utmost to divide the people of this country through this memorial. This is a seed which can grow into a destructive demon which will have the potential to shed blood. The backlash can be terrible and the Sikh community will consequently suffer.

I therefore fervently appeal to the Sikh community to consider all the pros and cons of building this memorial. It would be better that this is demolished at the earliest. The Akali Dal should realise that they are playing with fire by encouraging this antinational memorial. After all there is no sense in spoiling the peace and harmony which is prevailing. This should continue otherwise our children will be the worst sufferers.

( A.K.BUNDI )

                                                                                                                         13.06.2012

THE MUSLIM NOOSE BOARD

The vast majority of Indian muslims are secular and agree with the secular and multiculture ethos which has the legal sanction of our constitution. They mingle easily with their fellow Indians who belong to various religious groups. It is no wonder that the Indian muslims have hardly been influenced by the wave of extremism and intolerance being practiced in our neighbouring country Pakistan as well as in many other parts of the world. Whatever little terrorism we have witnessed in our country by the muslims are organised and perpetuated from outside. They practice their religion peacefully and conduct their daily activities with dignity. Their attitude towards the majority Hindu community has never been unfriendly. Being in minority it is natural that sometimes unknown fears strike their hearts. Particularly when the Hindu extremist and their political bosses like the RSS and BJP make anti muslim noises and come out with strange facts and figures to convince that Hinduism is in danger. This is a tool which these right wing parties have used since many decades to snatch political power. But fortunately the DNA of the Hindus contain liberalism and multireligous philosophy and can never be moulded into instrument of hate. There is no such thing like a Jihadi Hindu and never will be. They have been trying to make Jihadi Hindus but failed barring a sprinkling which attract a lot of publicity. The point I am trying to make is that there is such a thing like Indian culture which is unique and encompasses all the varied communities of our nation. This culture endeavors to cultivate love and respect between the different communities. After all this is what all religious leaders and founders have aimed for.

Many leaders and thinkers from all religious groups in India have time to time tried to strengthened this culture to further enhance the cohesion between communities. One of the ways was to have certain laws which would be common to all religious groups. Laws which would protect the weaker sections of the society and to ensure that  medieval practices and medieval religious tenets do not become instruments of injustice. I don't think there is anything wrong in it. Unfortunately certain muslim organisations have always blocked any such common laws which would protect the weak in their society or would ban any medieval practices which have the potential to harm the individual. The main organisation is the the All India Muslim Personal Law Board or AIMPLB. They have always quoted Shariat as if it is  something written in stone. Many interpretations are made of the Shariat laws and there is nothing to prove that it is the last word. It is a guide for the conduct of day to day life of a muslim. The beauty of it is that can be used and interpret in a way which can root out any injustice or bad practice which may have crept in during the passing of centuries. However unfortunately the AIMPLB has all these years have taken a negative attitude and have been adamant not to use it as tool of social reform. Unfortunately some of the Muslim elite have merrily supported this attitude.

Recently the two important issues have been blocked by the AIMPLB. One is the compulsory registration of marriages. The other is marriages of minor girls.Islam is the only religion which allows four marriages. On top of it the nikah can be dissolved any time by the man by reciting Talaq 3 times. Can this be called justifiable and  allowed to continue, for unscrupulous elements to exploit women. Are the muslims living in some stone age? The muslims are citizens of this country and it is the duty of the state to stop such evil practice which degrade women and snatch their dignity. Registration of marriages will go a long way to protect women and empower them to protect their rights and save them from exploitation. Under no circumstanceous it can be termed as interference in religious rights. Such a law in no way makes a muslim a non-muslim. It will be applicable to all citizens and therefore cannot be termed as discriminatory. So what is the objection? AIMPLB does not agree because it says that it would erode the unique culture of muslim! What amazes me is how dumb can people get to be. But the larger question is of multiculturalism and blocking of synthesis of our population into a homogenous  unit.

The other issue is the court verdict of allowing marriages of 15 yrs old girls. This has been widely applauded by AIMPLB and certain educated class of the muslim community. The prominent among them is Sadia Dehlvi who has written a book on Sufism. Sufism is supposed to be the refined form of Islam which the Hindus also revere since it reflects the Hindu philosophy of Sarva Dharma. Sadia Dehlvi is a advocate of Sufism but does not want any reform for Muslim women. This is the hollowness of a Muslim intellectual. Nobody today would justify the marriage of minors. Instead of educating them and making them financial independent AIMPLB wants to marry them off. They are not event mentally mature to take responsibilies. In this case the minority act which prohibits marriage of girl below 18 years is not applicable to muslims. The reason given by AIMPLB is the same that it would violate their religion and diminish their distinct cultural identity. Can there be anything more rubbish than this?

It is time that the majority of the muslims raise their voices against these organisations which are working overtime to keep their community inside a dark veil. Far away from sunshine. AIMPLB and intellectuals like Sadia Dehlvi are doing their best to prevent the integration of the muslim society in the mainstream of the Indian society. They are a great disservice to this nation by keeping it fragmented. Certain common laws for all citizens are necessary to further enhance the unity of our people and show to the world that we are one. By blocking implementation of such laws which benefit all citizens they are sending wrong signals. Signals which give rise to enmity instead of brotherhood.

A.K.BUNDI

THE RUSHDIE CONTROVERSY BY AK BUNDI

THE RUSHDIE CONTROVERSY       

26.12.2012

The Jaipur literature festival was organised with a view to collect distinguished writers both controversial and traditional at one place. The purpose was to discuss their works in a intellectual manner,analyse it and to bring forth its varied meaning. Though the purpose of the organisers was more or less achieved it was overshadowed by the Rushdie controversy. He will come or not? If he comes than will there be violence? Whether adequate security would be provided to him? And so on. The entire controversy over Rushdie is built upon the protest of Muslims over his book 'The Satanic Verses' which they claim contains blasphemous passages on Prophet Mohd and his relatives. The book was written some 20 years back and is banned in India. According to Rushdie the ban is for import of the book and not on its reading or its possession. When Rushdie was extended a invitation to attend the festival the Darul-Uloom-Deoband the Muslim seminary issued a statement that he should be prevented from entering India since he is guilty of hurting the sentiments of the Muslims. It is then that the war broke out. The liberals on one side demanding that freedom of speech should not be enslaved by a few fringe bigots. On the other side a bunch of Muslims were adamant that this man who has abused their religion in the name of freedom of speech cannot be allowed to come. Somebody declared a reward of one lakh to anyone who throws a shoe on Rushdie. On top of it the UP elections are scheduled next month and UP has 18% Muslims.

Sometimes I am really amazed at the show of anger and violence by Muslims if anybody comments something contrary to their beliefs. However they never think twice in calling non-Muslims Kafirs. On the other hand non-muslim religions react with much restraint when confronted with a similar situation. The novel 'Da Vinci Code' which postulates that Jesus was married to  Mary Magdelene and they had a offspring was cooly received by the Christian community the world over. No violence and no threats to the author. And now nobody even remembers it. Among the Hindus at every step there is diversity and contrary views but nobody cares. If a religion cannot ensure a healthy growth and a mature mentality to its followers it surely needs a introspection. I therefore strongly believe that Muslims should have ignored what or what not Rushdie wrote and avoided making it such a big issue and getting worked up. All this matter of issuing fatwa and offering monetary award to anyone butchering him is rather childishness and reflects insecurity. Is Islam so weak that it can be wrecked by writing of a person who is hardly a authority on anything? If the Muslims had behaved more maturely the matter would have been forgotten long ago. Rushdie should ironically thank the Muslims for making him a celebrity.

In this context we should not forget the MF Hussain episode in which the unfortunate fellow was hunted out the country for painting nude goddesses never to return. In  this case surely the fascist Hindu organisations which hardly represents the entire Hindu community were the culprits. In the Rushdie case Muslims from the world are one on the issue. There was also the  Danish cartoon case which  resulted in announcement of rewards for his killing and terrorist threats to the newspaper. Apart from this various Muslim countries have blasphemy laws which are probably made on the assumption that since Islam is a illogical religion it is vulnerable to attacks and should be protected. This is the insecurity which drives Muslims to violence.

Now we come to the freedom of speech issue which now and  then erupt with such ferocity as if it is a matter of life or death for the human species. I strongly think that being abusive to others sensitiveness is not freedom of speech. If we do not agree with someone faith or beliefs one can simply pass on without commenting or trying to assert ones superiority. There are so many things to do rather to focus our attention on  some view which may irritate someone. But there have been many instances where people knowingly highlight these very issues to gain popularity or to advertise themselves as creative. I do not think that these actions come under freedom of speech since it does not serve any useful purpose other than selfish. Had it been connected with the protection of human life or its dignity one could have supported such incongruous writings or thoughts in the name of freedom of speech. So one should definitely sift the chaff from the wheat before declaring what is freedom of speech. Not everything qualifies for freedom of speech surely. Now Rushdie could have avoided direct attack on the Prophet or could have explained his point of view in a more philosophical manner. Similarly MF Hussain could have avoided his nude paintings of Hindu goddesses and expressed his feelings and ideas in some other better artistic way. It is the insistence to express ourselves in a particular way irrespective of hurting others which can be linked to ulterior motives rather to freedom of speech. During the freedom movement Jinnah deliberately insisted on speaking of Hindu Muslim mismatch and highlighting it because he had other ideas. To gain power by breaking India on communal basis. He was misusing freedom of speech for personal gains. In any case no right is limitless and there are millions ways to express your views.

In this entire episode the Government also came into criticism. Both at the centre and in Rajasthan where the festival is being held is ruled by the Congress. It was alleged that the Government at both levels failed to take enough security steps to create a safe enviourment for Rushdie to arrive. The Govt did not actively confronted the Muslim protesters and negotiated with them for a peaceful protest. I think yes there is a truth in this contention that perhaps due to UP elections around the corner the Goverment wanted to keep the Muslims happy. After all the Congress has almost disappeared in UP. This time there is hope of its revival and allowing Rushdie to come in the face of opposition from the Muslims could have  spoiled the game. The risk was too high. So like the accused who played dumb and deaf when questioned by the Judge the Govt wriggled out of a difficult situation. After all didn't Rushdie visited India 10 times earlier with the same Govt in power. I think he will again visit after elections and that time the Govt will support him in the name of freedom of expression! And the Muslims fringe group will make some meek voices

It is also interesting to mention the reaction of the opposition party BJP on these events. It supported the presence of Rushdie though in a similar case relating to MF Hussain it kept mum since their own brethren had chased him out of the country. It meant that incase of Rushdie freedom of speech was in danger but incase of MF Hussain it was being transgressed. If one calls this as logic then everything in the universe better be upside down.

In the end I would only congratulate Rushdie for the free and premium publicity he received out of this controversy. A large heart beats underneath the vast length and breadth of this country called India .It is also expected of the people who live here to have similar large hearts and show to the world that we are different from others. Let us learn to forgive.

A.K.BUNDI