When arrogance, greed and lust for power become the  name of the game

 When even the apex court and the CJI are humiliated and called many a name

Then we must all wake up to save our values and tweak the politician’s ear

For, our great institutions are under threat; so let’s now act without any fear

In my blog this week, about it all I have given vent to my anger- loud and clear

Please read/share it, and remember:  I love you all and hold you close and dear

                     The CJI impeachment case

            Have our politicians gone berserk?                   

I am no BJP chamcha. Nor does my heart weep for the Congress.  Both the parties are packed with criminals who are shamelessly fielded election after election. The ongoing Karnataka election tamasha shows the ugly face of our politics well enough. Thankfully, we are a little better off in Himachal though. Yes, the AAP did entrance me when it was just a baby that we felt was born to give India a fresh new start with neat, clean politics. But my love affair ended soon in bitter heart break. Having said this, I want to draw your attention to the raging debate the shocked and bewildered country has been witness to: debate on the impeachment of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India led by the Congress. Last Friday, the 20^th of April, I sat glued to the TV switching one news channel after another watching the proceedings with horror, pain, disbelief and disgust. Knowing full well how credible our news channels are, I don’t buy their stuff. Nor the dialectic or logic proffered by the squabbling and shouting party spokesmen who we all know unabashedly blow their party’s trumpet howsoever weak, stupid, hollow or twisted their arguments may be. In the present case I wanted to grasp what the country’s topmost, independent-minded legal luminaries had to say on this momentous issue of far-reaching implications and consequences. From the esteemed Fali Nariman to Harish Salve (who successfully argued for India in the Kulbhushan Yadav case in the International Court of Justice) to Ram Jethmalani -  and even many retired judges of outstanding merit - have been unequivocal in condemning this misguided move inspired by the Congress. This is what Fali Nariman – a lawyer the whole country respects for his neutrality and integrity – had to say: “This is a horribly black day…The blackest day. I‘ve never seen a day like this. In my 67 years, I’ve never seen a day like this.” Harish Salve said that it was unprecedented and undesirable and just by initiating the move, “damage to the image of the judiciary has already been done.” And  another jurist Soli Sorabjee finds the impeachment of CJI simply  "nonsensical".

I don’t know friends what is your take on this…how you feel about it, but believe me, after switching off the TV, I went to bed a broken, worried man. Our politics stinks, we know, but could it be brought to sink to such nether depths by the politicians? – I wondered as I shuffled uneasily in the bed. One crucial pillar of our democracy, the press, is already under siege with big corporate houses guided by vested interests having usurped it- the electronic media in particular. Judiciary is the last bastion which has stood firm and not let itself be cowed down by the nefarious and sinister designs of the politicians to buckle under or dance to their tunes. It has had issues and questions of propriety...as also an odd bad fish here and there. But such things are best left to its internal mechanisms to deal with. Politicians, of all, are the least qualified to meddle into its affairs. The judiciary’s umbrella of justice is the last refuge for the common man to take shelter against the scorching heat of injustices of the society and the hubris of the various organs of the government. It is sacrosanct. It inspires hope and confidence amongst the weak and the downtrodden. And when even its supreme edifice is now being jolted, the CJI being humiliated, abused and intimidated by the politicians, what message does it send to the common man? Can you imagine some Congressmen allegedly calling the CJI who is held in highest esteem by the very nature of his exalted position by you and me, “a rat in the trap”, “a fixer”? Is this the Congress of Nehrus and Patels? Has it gone intellectually bankrupt? Has it gone berserk? Where are the saner, suave, sober minds- the Jai Ram Rameshes? Where is Rahul leading this oldest party of great leaders to? Thank God, Dr Manmohan Singh held his own and so did Chidambram and Salman Khurshid, and refused to be a party to this sinister move. I salute them.

But dear friends, as Harish Salve voiced his lament: damage has been done.

History will not forgive the Congress for this grave misadventure…nor I think will the great people of our country.

                     

  किस्मत वालों को ही मिलते हैं जीवन में  प्यारे मनचाहे दोस्त/सखा,

 यारी का मज़ा है कितना मीठा जाने वही हो जिसने इसका स्वाद चखा I

 है लिखा इसी विषय पर मैंने ब्लॉग, बिना हिचक व खौफ से,

 उम्मीद है पढ़ोगे आप भी इसको दिलचस्पी और पूरे शौक से I

                                   And

जीना है एक कला अनोखी, यह तो है शायद तुम सबको मालूम,

फिर भी दे रहा  हूँ कुछ अपने नुस्खे- नन्हे, नटखट और मासूम I 

                    Like diamonds, friends are forever              

“Friendship  redoubleth joys, and cutteth griefs in half,” said Francis Bacon. Knowing that this is true, I drove off to my dear old friend last Saturday along with my better half to celebrate the joy of having offloaded my weekend blog. Before setting off, I duly told him on phone that we are calling on him for some gupshup over sips of Vodka which I said I would carry along. (A helpful tip from another seasoned friend of mine that Vodka is best enjoyed when mixed with ‘tonic water’ and slices of lemon was uppermost in my mind.)  As expected, he was glad and asked us to come over. When we entered the gate, while going past the driveway, we were greeted by blossoms of red and white roses on both the sides all along the well-trimmed green hedge. The courtyard had more in store for our welcome:  larkspurs, azaleas, (more) roses, pansies, antirrhinums, camellias, begonias, geraniums and some unknown ones that were blooming merrily in myriad shades of red, yellow and white.  What a warm and grand entry, I said to myself.

After hugs and mutual greetings we quickly settled down in their drawing room for our usual chit chat laced with humour and unrestrained laughter over pithy exchanges in chaste Pahari. We both gel extremely well with this fabulous friend-couple and our meetings are always marked by instant informality, hilarity and joviality. And so it was this time too. But when it came to drinks, he didn’t let me bring out the stuff I was carrying.  He had a pleasant surprise instead: homemade, exquisite 'health drink' made from imported grapes. Over small little sips, we shared our joys and sorrows and discussed other existential matters in a light-hearted and at times serious banter. Hours turned into minutes and minutes into seconds. And then we returned home in a state of bliss- yours truly a bit tipsy with the fine taste and aroma of the 'elixir' lingering for long many hours.

                           

This friend of mine lives in serene, sylvan environs not too far from Palampur in a lovely, tastefully done up and inviting home with open, spacious sun-lit outdoors. He and his charming wife lead a life of relaxed but busy work-a-day schedule…which makes me so jealous. They grow flowers, vegetables, mushrooms and fruits in abundance. The variety of fruit trees they have is amazing: peaches, papayas, pecan-nuts, mangoes, apple, cherry, strawberry and perhaps a few more. Then they make pickles, jams and juices of high quality making full use of their professional expertise. My friend is a qualified and seasoned microbiologist with specialization in wine-making and his wife a trained and experienced hand in the art and craft of fruit-processing. That’s why their services are used to exclusive advantage by reputed juice/jam making units around Shimla. Perhaps living amongst flowers and fruit-trees and tending them with loving care is the reason behind their youthful looks, ready smiles and warm hearts.

                             

                               

And here is good news:

They are toying with the idea of setting up a small unit at their residence that would cater to processing various kinds of fruits into desired good quality products charging just the minimal amount for their labour and service. Not a commercial venture they insist but just a labour of love. I have lauded and supported the idea. So those of you who are growing fruits and veggies enough and to spare, this would be a Godsend. Let’s hope and pray that this idea translates into reality sooner than later. For, a fulsome mango season with the promise of a bumper harvest is near at hand.

Who is this lovely, unassuming couple, you might be wondering? Well, my friend is none other than K K Vyas who retired as Joint Director Horticulture and now lives at Banuri just about 5 kilometers from Palampur and his wife is Sneh (the name and her nature are a perfect fit!). A made-for each-other couple.

                                                       

                

                                     
                                       

                                            *

Recipe for 'good life'

A teacher once and now a senior citizen…can I therefore turn a bit preachy please? Well then here is my little piece of advice prompted by my visit to a friend narrated above, and a book I am reading these days:

Do try to get out of the rut of dull, daily routine. Break free from existential knots and shackles as often as you can. Step out of the four walls of your homes, howsoever cosy and luxurious. Too much of confinement breeds monotony and ennui. Step out, breathe the free air, feel and savour the various hues and flavours of nature and of the world. Cultivate friends, surprise them some times and let your hair down in an air of total informality. Alcohol is injurious, I know. But an occasional swig is not going to kill you, I assure you...your boredom/ennui may. Don’t be stifled by silly, man-made rules always. Didn’t we have had enough of this life-by-the-rulebook already? I personally feel that a well-groomed, sensitive, rational mind hardly needs to straitjacket itself by codes and commandments…it knows where to draw the line. Show more understanding than your Goddamn ‘judgement’ when you interact with friends and people. And…hold your breath…flirt a little. That would add spark and sparkle to your life.  Yes I mean it: flirt with new ideas, dreams, fantasies and whatever is worth flirting about…but be mindful of not crossing the ‘lakhshmanrekha’. If however perchance you do – after all, to err is human – do step back as soon as you can. 
In short, don’t shy away from romancing with your life….

Well I have very many more tips up my sleeve for a good, fulfilling life, but for that you will have to seek me out. I am always accessible to the desirous and the deserving! Young and old, men and women!

                                

          

                                                                      ***                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                              

            Senior  citizens are an asset to the society and deserve a better fare

                   Be  sensitive to their needs and problems and treat them with some care

                   This week’s post records the woes of one in our own Palampur town

                   Please read/ share it with empathy and love and without   any frown.
                                                                  And

 What a shame, what a shame!- Kathua/Unnao rapes and murders are the most foul
 What violent times we are living in, what infernal winds of crime now rage and howl

                Lament of a senior citizen of Palampur

                                              

The link roads leading to the bazaar are choked by unregulated traffic and bad parking

Hello everyone!

I am a senior citizen. I live in the outskirts of Palampur town. Despite the monkey menace, increasing noise and pollution, I lead a peaceful, quiet life enjoying the fast depleting bounties of nature and the beauty of dwindling tea gardens.  It feels divine to sit out on the veranda, sip my Kangra tea, read books, philosophize about life, dwell on old memories/heart-breaks, rekindle some unfulfilled dreams…even fantasize a bit and so on. Or, I spend time tending my little garden and pot flowers, do a bit of WhatsApping and Facebooking, and have an occasional drink with some good friends against the backdrop of soft strains of some soulful music.

However there is a flip side to my life. Much though I would like to avoid it, to obtain some creature comforts and for general errands, often enough I have to get down to the town. That’s when my woes begin. The very thought of having to go to the bazaar sends my heart racing with anxiety and tension. Walking down would be a better option but is not feasible because of the distance and the problem of stuff you have to buy and then carry. Two-wheel drive is a good idea but is fraught with risks with the crazy, सिरफिरे youth zooming past you left or right at great speeds. Car is a safer bet but then two big questions begin to nag you: where to park the car; and how to negotiate your way through the crowded, vehicle-choked roads and through the bazaar. I consciously avoid the Aima link road passing through the Dohru mohalla that joins the main road near Maglani garments shop. This road is narrow, steep and winding at places and worse, crammed with vehicles on its flanks. I wonder at the wisdom of the guys who opened a ‘Café Coffee Day’ outlet there in such an uninviting and unsuitable location. I usually prefer the road passing through T-bud hotel and the Church, although the school buses parked near the fire brigade building  frighten me.

My first stop is usually at the general post office. My heart sinks when I see the serpentine queue (or none at all, as the picture below shows) at the counter for making monthly deposits in the RD account. The agents with  heaps of passbooks in their hands have crammed the window already. And while you are patiently awaiting your turn in the queue, silently fuming and fretting at India’s overpopulation and the antiquated, medieval working of our post offices (where transacting business online is still a far cry), a brawny, abusive-looking ruffian flaunting his biceps will come and push and shove his way to the front despite protests.

Another big ordeal is buying vegetables/provisions. I take due care to park my vehicle as discreetly to the side of the road as possible and make necessary purchases as hastily as I can. But still the cop will come, glower at me and be rude and rough both in language and manner. I have often got edgy and ended up telling the cop: “Well challan me if you wish. But for God’s sake can you be a little polite please?” while murmuring to myself, “Yaar after all I am a senior citizen. Please do have some regard for my grey hair and weak, shaky legs.” The other day a dear friend of mine had parked his scooty beside the Joy restaurant as much to the side – if not more - as were the other vehicles already standing there in a haphazard manner. Yet, the cop came and ‘challaned’ him, saying: “This is owing to my regard for your being a senior citizen that I am imposing a penalty (challan) of just 100 rupees!” My venerable friend just scratched his head with dismay and despair, although he wanted to tell him: “Arrey Bhai, thanks for this great favour but what about the other vehicles parked in a much worse manner…particularly the shopkeepers’ who do so as a matter of right, every day?”

Well, I am not asking for any exalted status. After all it is India and not the 'Happiness Index' toppers Finland or Norway where the senior citizens are treated with sensitivity and care. All I want is a modicum of respect and ease of access to civic amenties. Please do treat us with some dignity and not as a useless scum which we are not. We have contributed our bit to the well-being of our society, to its growth and enrichment. Some of us retirees have educated and groomed young minds in schools, colleges and universities to make them employment-worthy and good responsible citizens. The bankers have given you loans to educate your children and build dream houses. Doctors have ensured you good health. Engineers and architects have built your homes, roads, malls to improve your living standards…and so on. I know old age is not synonymous with wisdom, but still we carry years of experience to share with you to draw lessons from- should you care to sit and listen. The least that you can do is to be polite and respectful when you are dealing with a senior citizen. My dear traffic cops, and babus at the counters, are you listening? There are still no separate windows for us at most public places- post offices and banks in particular. If at all there is any, anywhere, mostly it is unmanned and misused. But the young could avoid pushing and shoving an 'oldie'. And last but not the least, the administration needs to be sensitive enough to put in place some basic facilities for the senior citizens. As my friend I mentioned above suggested, let there be paid parking with time limits for us so that we can make our bazaar errands without being harassed or roughed up. Likewise, the cops should be strictly instructed to ‘behave’. Also, all public offices should mandatorily have dedicated counters/ windows for the old, infirm and physically challenged. My friend even suggested that why not issue stickers to the resident senior citizens for their vehicles and create some paid parking space for them in the busy Palampur market? Not a bad idea; is it?

                                                             

Hap-hazard parking near 'Joy'

 Chaos at a PO counter: photo courtesy Saroj 

                                                       
                    

                                                   

                                                          *   

                       Oh, you poor dear Kathua girl!

        

Am I living in a land of Buddha, Gandhi and of sages and  saints?

Or among beasts masquerading as (soulless) men with ugliest taints?

The rapes and murders at Unnao and Kathua singe and shred my soul

The picture of this cute girl in purple, haunts my being- full and whole

Her big wide eyes look so eager to behold the world’s beauty, joy, love and wonder

How could such a flower be a victim of beastly lust and such gruesome plunder?
She  with such a  beatific smile is no Hindu/Muslim, but a God's gift- a bright flame
O you vile man, keep aside thy communal brush- if you have even a wee bit shame

O rapist-politician, may God’s wrath strike you fast and hard; shame on you

May the child's last sigh awaken all demons to whiplash you black and blue

May you rot and stink in hell and burn in its fires for all times to come

May we all rise as one to treat you 'Calibans' like a foul and rotten scum.

                          ***

China-Pakistan nexus is evil, dangerous and unholy

 Let’s wake up and not repeat the 1962 kind of folly

             Though no expert yet this makes me think, worry and fear

         And  lend voice to it in my post for you- my reader dear

                 Let's wake up to China threat

                          

About China, Napoleon presciently  said: “Don’t wake up the sleeping lion.” Well, the country once known for opium addicts is now more than awake. This ‘lion’ is gnashing its teeth, growling and roaring. The dragon is flicking and flashing its tongue with fire and rage at both the mighty as well as the weak in its bid to lord over the entire world. And with Xi Jinping all set to rule for life, things do not bode well. India has a lot to worry about. China’s unholy alliance with Pakistan is a serious threat. The latter, hell-bent on fomenting trouble in Kashmir and turning the LoC into a perpetual theatre of war and bloodshed, would never have been so difficult to handle, had China not been arming it to teeth and making it nuclear-capable by clandestine means. China is wily, cunning, unscrupulous: using Pakistan against us by proxy is a win-win strategy and serves China well in keeping India engaged on its western border. Nepal, our old and friendly neighbour, has been encroached upon and even won over by China by a shrewd combination of muscle and money power – a typical China style ‘carrot and dagger’ policy. Same holds true for our south eastern neighbour Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in the east. Maldives, strategically so vital to us, is dancing to China’s tunes. Seychelles where India wanted to have a naval base has wriggled out of it. And experts opine that with our ‘muscular’ stance – instead of a shrewdly nuanced and a farsighted one – on Doklam, it is China which is a winner in the final analysis. The stand-off has only made China more aware of its strategic needs and has since been reinforcing its positions in the area with greater vigour.  Bhutan may in the near future distance itself from India and find China a better bedfellow to cosy up to and sleep with!

Dragon’s hegemony in the South China Sea (SCS) is now well established.The small countries such as Vietnam, Philippines and Japan are under threat. China has brushed aside their claims and concerns …as also the UN verdict against it. It is even ready to take on the USA should it dare threaten China militarily in that region.  In regard to Taiwan, it has made it amply clear that it wouldn’t mind a military operation in case Taiwan tries to assert its independence from mainland China.

Thus China poses a serious threat to world peace. In fact, given its hostile postures, economic and military might and pusillanimity of world’s top leaders in contrast, the blue planet’s very survival is in jeopardy. We are its neighbour with thousands of kilometers of border to defend. Our relations with it are far from cordial. Quite obviously, India needs to watch out, more than any other country.

Caught napping, we badly lost the 1962 war. Are we prepared to take on China now? I am afraid not. One Doklam stand-off is over. But many more ‘Doklams’ are waiting to erupt. Mired in red tape and babucracy, we continue to be complacent, inefficient and slow about putting in place a robust defence system – strategically as well as in terms of modern equipment, arms and infrastructure – to match that of China. The prestigious magazine ‘The Economist’ in an article in its March 16 issue has called  Indian army nothing but a ‘paper tiger’. ‘India spends a fortune on defence and gets poor value for money’- so goes the heading. Out of the 68 per cent of weaponry mostly supplied by Russia, only 8% can be considered as state-of-art. Rest is second rate…almost obsolete. Air force’s fleet of MIG-21 fighter jets to defend our skies is “antiquated”. Indian navy’s shipbuilding programme is a decade behind schedule. China’s intrusions have been on the rise: from 273 in 2016 to 426 last year. Further, while China has streamlined its operational forces, India’s defence, in the hands of career diplomats and political appointees who lack technical knowledge and expertise, is nowhere near integrating its forces to make them more war-worthy and efficient.

Considering this scenario, even our Himachal’s northern borders are not safe. We don’t have rail connectivity to the borderlines. Air connectivity is poor: the Gaggal airport awaits expansion. I don’t want to sound alarmist and am proud of the valour of our soldiers. But mere valour won’t do. It may sound far-fetched but at times – in moments of gloom - I ask myself a question: Will the Rohtang tunnel facilitate quick access for deployment of our army to defend India’s borders or will it instead provide an easy passageway to ruthless China – that crushed and squashed under its tanks thousands of its own youth at Tiananmen square (1989) - right up to McLeod Ganj where the Tibetans recently celebrated ‘Thank you India’ day???

***