An Indian Muslim's Blog: News, Views & Urdu Poetry Website

Rising Racism: Of online bigots, communal comments and casteist messages on social networking websites on the internet

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Tue, 29 May 2012 11:55:00 +0000

These days I increasingly find tendency among people to write communal and casteist comments on websites, especially, Facebook.

What was once discussed in a hush hush manner is now being openly posted, 'liked' and 'shared' on social networking websites.

Sometimes the messages are not just disgusting but hateful and inciting communal passions.

The anonymity available on internet has emboldened the people, as many of them, start pages or groups that are only aimed at spreading hatred. Its easy to blame a particular caste or community or region and then people who share the same sentiment, join together to 'recommend' and 'like' such posts.

There are 'Hindu' and 'Muslim' warriors, many of whom put a photograph of a deity or a sword, and then post defamatory and divisive comments on a daily basis. This is growing and though cyber law is harsh, the problem is that who is going to lodge complaint?

For the trolls, it takes nothing to launch a crusade against a particular section. What worries me is when I see lot of guys, some of them, my friends, who were quite humane, getting affected by such people's propaganda, and the change in their online behaviour has saddened me.

Engaging with the lunatics is not a solution and their existence is based on their hate-filled ideology, which they can't shun. Leaving the sites is also not an option. Freedom of expression is fine but there is a limit to hatespeak and dangerous propaganda that affects people.

One must find out strategies and ways to make netizens more responsible. It is our collective responsibility to think of ways that people think twice before posting, recommending and sharing racist content. At least, the sane guy shouldn't get into the trolls' trap.

In the past, I wrote a few posts on this blog on the issue of racist comments on websites and blogs. Now, with the ease a message can reach hundreds of people on Facebook walls, it has become even more serious. Those who fuel racism and post such messages must be shamed and cornered.

Read the posts I wrote earlier:

1. Playing flute to a buffalo: How to deal with hate-filled trolls, Islamophobes...?

2. Anonymous hate-filled comments like graffiti in Train toilets

3. Abusive messages, comments and this blog

Cartoon Controversy: Thoughts on Dalit sensitivity and bid to belittle Dr Ambedkar's contribution towards the country!

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Sat, 19 May 2012 22:19:00 +0000

Dr BR Ambedkar

It is easy to dismiss the objection to the cartoon published in the NCERT text books by terming those who opposed it as non-liberals. But did we try to understand why the cartoon was considered offending?

What surprised me were war cries sounded in media, as if demand to remove the cartoon had suddenly turned India into the most illiberal nation.

Headlines like 'End to artistic freedom' in supposedly responsible news papers clearly showed a lack of understanding and sensitivity with regard to Dalits.

At least, the newspapers & TV channels who cry foul should first have an inward look. Do they have even a single Dalit in their newsroom?

How can you take moral stand or become flag-bearer of liberalism when you don't let Dalits enter media world?*
Anyway, first my reason why feel the cartoon can be seen as offensive.

I will just give a few examples:

1. A friend of mine, who doesn't come from upper castes, and is almost free from any sort of biases, and is a humanist guy, once asked me, 'What this Ambedkar did?. [In Hindi, it was more harsh]. Coming from him, I was more surprised when he asked this question.

Did you ever ask the same about what Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, Radhakrishnan or Abdul Kalam Azad did? And the fact is that everybody knows Ambedkar's contribution, not just about framing the constitution but also his lifelong struggle against the tyrannical caste system.

In this fight, he not only helped Dalits but also did India a great favour. There was no discussion, he just said it casually. But if you are an 'educated' person and question his contribution, it means you are not a fool. You are either a hypocrite or someone who has been fed on prejudices.

'Babasaheb' Dr BR Ambedkar is truly one of the most inspiring figures in history. Anybody who read his life history would be motivated. But there is clearly a design, or a deep [perhaps unknowingly] bias, that is responsible for an attempt to belittle his contribution to the nation.

2. As I rewind, I recall numerous incidents, when in conversations in colleges and schools, in different cities, friends often repeated a line.

Places were not same but people [surprisingly] parroted an exactly similar line. '...he (Dr Ambedkar) just went through the constitutions of other countries and picked up the best portions....and created the bulkiest samvidhan for India'.

I bet you must have heard it somewhere. It is said by those who can't draft a leave application but with such confidence as if they all had seen the 'cut and paste' job. The word 'bulky' is also used in negative sense. The aim is to show that Dr Ambedar did nothing special.

3. Now let me recount another incident when I was in IX standard. A teacher, one day, got so agitated that she poured her heart out in front of the class. She was angry that why lessons on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Dr Ambedkar were part of the syllabus.

The fact was that in the pages on prominent personalities, there was a mere half page for each for them. Perhaps, it was a history book or social studies combined, but she didn't like even that much. Such antipathy! So if you feel that Ambedkar did something only for the Dalits, at least, even then he deserves a place.

If a person does something for 20% Indians i.e. 200 million people of our nation, doesn't he deserve a half page in the book. If you do for 0.2% you deserve it. Why there is a hostility or a feeling from within among large sections to undermine him [and negate his contribution]?

In these contexts, I personally think, the cartoon, could be deemed offensive. As it again, subtly, tried to send the same message that Ambedkar took a long time while framing the constitution. So much that Nehru, who stands behind, was fed up and he is holding the lash.

Certainly this is not a cartoon that should be taught in text books. It drives the same point. If, as a non-Dalit, one can feel it, then a Dalit would surely feel that it is not appropriate here. There is no dearth of cartoons and please, no one talks about banning cartoons.

You may argue that one can't belittle a towering personality like Bhimrao Ambedkar. But childhood is impressionable and the memory is long-lasting. If the caricature gives such a message, it should be removed. It is not sacrosanct.

As far as offending others is concerned, we have more serious issues that remain untouched. Politicians get away with murders, hate speeches. Casteist oppression and violence remains one of the biggest concerns and still media remains oblivious to them.

Such stories are ignored, not even carried in papers. Its commonly said that the 'draconian' Prevention of Atrocities on SC/ST Act is used to frame others though those who say this never ask why conviction rates are so low under this law.

You do joke about Ambedkar, you can surely criticise him. Haven't book been written against him? But spare the kids, please. This cartoon is already getting published everywhere, in magazines and papers. We have enough of prejudices that kids, even after going through the cleansed books, retain lot of false notions.

Prejudicing minds!

Sometime back an English TV channel programme showed series on country's best schools where the most bright kids of a famous Rajasthan school termed all Mughals as invaders.

That's how images get into mind. One could understand if you dislike Mayawati, a politician. In fact, sections of urban 'educated' elite, that included Muslims, were prejudiced against her even in the beginning when issues of her wealth and parks hadn't got splashed in media.

But for an iconic reformer and that too Ambedkar's standing who passed away decades ago, there is no need for anyone to be insecure or resentful, at all.

Do you feel he is eclipsing your heroes. Why else there is an antipathy then. Is it because you feel Ambedkar is followed by those who are mostly poor or inhabit slums in cities, as per your perception.

Still, it is irrational if people don't like blue flags aflutter in a locality. Often passing by a locality, I have heard comments about the 'BSP blue'. Why should someone be repulsed with that? But it happens, its ingrained in some of us. Isn't it a fact that Ambedkar statues are desecrated most. Why? You know the truth.

Congress wasn't too comfortable but it had to give Ambedkar a place. It anyhow, had little time to think of leaders except Nehrus and Gandhis. However, they did appropriate himself or were forced to do that. The BJP begrudgingly followed suit due to electoral compulsions. Who can ignore Dalit voters? But its leaders [remember Arun Shourie] and cadre always appear more or less uncomfortable with him.

If, Indian nation, can look back with some satisfaction, at the past century, a lot of it is due to the contribution of Ambedkar. Without him and his efforts--in terms of awakening Dalits and warning the nation about the issue of caste-based racism--we would far far behind today.

These days it is difficult to believe that till [just] 25 years ago, there was a regime in South Africa, where blacks lived as second class citizens. The country managed to overcome apartheid. America, with a baggage of centuries, also solved a host of issues long back.

In US media, they let in the non-privileged sections, particularly, Blacks. We are yet to evolve into a society of responsible people. Our collective attitudes, biases and prejudices remain a lot similar to what they were till a few decades back. Its very easy to talk about getting liberal but practicing it is far more difficult.

In this case, I must say, there is need to understand why the Dalit groups and communities found the cartoon in bad taste. Goodbye.

Summer Vacation and Kids: Teach Children an Extra Language, Make Use of Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:50:00 +0000

Whichever language you want the kids to learn, first get attractive, colorful books

Summer vacations have just begun and it's a wonderful opportunity for you to teach your kids an extra language.

If the children learn an additional language its a big advantage for them.

That's not just an additional skill but it opens mind, and gives exposure to an entirely new culture.

Frankly, it's not too tough, because kids have great ability to pick up things, quite fast, at that age.

For example, if you are Tamil, Telugu, Kannada or Malayalam speaker living in North India, there are chances that your kids can't read books in their native language. Similar is true for Bengali, Punjabi, Marathi, Oriya or Gujarati speakers in metros or living in Southern cities.

Your kids, perhaps, understand a bit when you speak your mother tongue. But if you make them read the script, it will be a great achievement. If, however, you are a Hindi speaker in a North Indian state, and none of you [parents] know a third language, you can always find an elderly neighbour who would be too willing to teach his language to your kid.

In fact, kids enjoy a lot when they start learning a new language. You would be surprised to see their enthusiasm, trying newly learnt words with friends and amid family members. But what is necessary is to instill the drive in them.

Urdu story books for children

Firstly, you must get good story books. Coloured books with lots of photographs, caricatures and cartoons attract kids.

Don't say that your child doesn't want to read, and rather remains hooked to television, watching the cartoon channels. The kid surely doesn't watch TV all day.

You can promise him or her a big gift, once they learn the basic and finishes a few books. Kids love a bit of challenge & if you give them books that have stories or even comics, they'd learn fast.

Even I was astonished with my little daughter's sudden interest in learning, when she suddenly started recognising words, and began reading all by herself. And all this without going through the primers. She is now reading headlines in Urdu newspapers also.

Though in Urdu-speaking [mostly Muslim households], Muslim kids are taught Arabic and hence most of the Urdu alphabets are recognised by them, but still, in India, Urdu is not as much in schools and street. And it takes an effort to make your kid read Urdu, because the nastaliq font is different from Arabic.

And, of course, Urdu is an entirely different language. The sounds 'bh', 'gh','jh', 'th', 'ph', 'chh', 'Dh', 'Drh' and even French 'zh' [as in vision] are totally unique in it and so is the manner in which they are joined. Then there are four 'T' and three 'S' in the alphabet.

While a section of parents feel that children will someday learn it and hence don't take it seriously, the reality is that once the child reaches teenage, it becomes difficult for him or her to sit and seriously learn the language due to the load of studies.

Another section feels that there is no use in learning it. Similar is thinking among speakers of other languages also. I have umpteen friends who hail from Maharashtra but can't read Marathi, despite the closeness of script.

Even kids born in Keralite families who live in North India, can't differentiate between Manorama and Vanitha. Each language opens an altogether new dimension and the door to a new beautiful world. Just give it a try. First focus on reading, as writing can come later.

But yes, the toughest task is that you will have to find attractive books for them. Earlier posts related to this subject:

1. Don't look at governments, do it yourself: First Urdu cartoon website launched

2. No cartoons, comics in Urdu papers

Board in Bhopal: Tells how to say Salam, the Islamic greeting, correctly

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:42:00 +0000

A board that instructs how to say Salaam correctly

Passing by one of the lanes in the old part of town I spotted this board. The hoarding installed in front of one of the oldest talkies in the city, tells how to say the Salam [Salaam] correctly.

The scripts reads, 'Salam ka sahih tariiqa' or the 'Right way of greeting the other person'.

It is 'Assalam-o-Alaikum' or 'Assalamu-Alaikum', not Salam Alaikum. And the reply is Walaikum Assalam.

As the words are in Arabic, it is possible that people may not know the exact pronunciation. I've commonly heard 'Assalam-Walaikum' also.

It can be a religious issue, just a linguistic exercise or an age-old habit due to which people only greet others with the first half of the sentence, as if they are in a hurry.

I haven't seen such boards and hence took the photograph. Apart from Urdu, it also mentions the correct 'Salam' in devnagari [Hindi script]. As far as the meaning goes, it is 'Peace be upon you' and the reply is 'So be on you'.

For people with roots in Awadh [region around Lucknow], we were always more accustomed with the 'secular' Adab [pronunciation: Aadaab]. It still comes more natural to me. Just like Khuda Hafiz, which I am more comfortable though most of my acquaintances now say Allah Hafiz.

The board is installed over a kebab seller's shop. It might get a new banner or hoarding any day, as these days flex advertising banners have almost pushed painters out of the job, as they can be easily be prepared and put up. Hence, I thought, I should click the photo.

Enough words for a post now. Hope I haven't put you in a fix and you are not thinking whether you spell out the Salaam correctly. Adab Arz!

Did you know Donyi Polo is the major traditional religion of Arunachal Pradesh?

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:01:00 +0000

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is quite a big state--just a bit smaller than West Bengal and more than twice the size of Kerala.

Still, how little we know about this state that borders China. How many among us are aware that the main traditional religion of Arunachal Pradesh (AP) is Donyi Polo.

Have you heard of that? In the last couple of decades, followers of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism have grown at the expense of Donyi Polo.

It is commonly referred to as the 'faith of the Sun and the Moon'. Interestingly, here Sun is regarded as Mother while Moon is father.

Symbol

But still, the religion remains one of the most dominant faiths in the state. As converts to other faiths still carry the traditional beliefs.

Whenever Arunachal is described, its religious composition is shown in terms of Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and OTHERS.

And it is these others who form almost 30% of the population of the state, and are carelessly termed as followers of tribal religion or simply as Animist.

As per last census, Hindus were over 3.7 lakh, followed by Christians who were over 2 lakh, Buddhism that has nearly 1.5 lakh followers, Islam that has 20,000 adherents.

The Donyi Polo religion also has over 3.3 lakh followers. Donyi Poloism is the religion that believes in supernatural. They have their own rites and rituals apart from sacrifices to appease deity.

There are legends, myths and practices dating back to centuries. All the tribes of the state have faith in this belief. The Donyi Polo mission is active for several decades. Now there are people converting to this faith and also reverting back.

Dadi Bote: A deity

The Encyclopaedia of North East says:

The Donyi-Polo has emerged as a symbol of synthetic force. It represents almighty in its omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent form.

Donyi-Polo is the source of light, generator life, sole protector of all creatures. It is the essence of truth, justice, beauty, morality, love and goodness.

The person having faith in Donyi-Polo will not continue in metaphysical dwarfism, he raises himself to high orders of spiritualism. Donyi-Polo is the set of eyes of Lord that observes all living beings from heaven, day or night, each creature is under surveillance.....

The uniqueness of culture of North Eastern states is often praised but rest of India still doesn't know much about the beautiful region, except, perhaps, Assam. Apart from names of states and their capitals, little effort is made by us to know more about Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Meghalaya et al.

Religion is just an aspect. There are big and small states with indigenous population, that have varied customs and culture. There is enormous tourism potential also. However, for us North East remains a distant land.

While ending this post, just another addition. Arunachal is much bigger than Haryana, Jharkhand and Punjab and just a bit small than Bihar, but it is 28 times the size of Goa. This could perhaps give us an indication of how little we know about states in our own country.

Community Concerned: Kayastha groups worried over fall in political representation in Parliament and Assemblies apart from decline in influence

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:12:00 +0000

Rajendra Prasad

Jyotsana Srivastava's victory from a constituency in Varanasi in the recently concluded Uttar Pradesh (UP) election may not seem significant to you unless you are a Kayastha.

After all, when results for the 403 member UP house were declared, she was among the few [three or four] Kayasthas who managed to win. Another contestant, Mukesh Srivastava won from Payagpur while one, Mr Nigam, got elected from Kalyanpur.

Now compare this to 1952, when 52 Kayasthas were elected to UP Assembly. And there were leaders like Rajendra Prasad [President of India], Sampurnanand [UP chief minister], Lal Bahadur Shastri [Prime Minister] among numerous other towering personalities of the community.

No wonder, there is a feeling of concern among Kayasthas, who are considered among the forward castes, over their steep decline in representation in Parliament and Assemblies. In Kayastha community's in-house magazines and programmes, there is growing expression of concern over the decline in their influence as also the clout in society.

As a website* of the Kayastha community mentions:

The participation of Kayasthas in Govt. Service was over 50% at the time of independence, which is now estimated reduced to less than 9%. There were as many as 75% Secretaries or Head of Departments in a particular state in 1977, which is now reduced to a few. There is only one MLA in M.P. Likewise first Bihar Assembly was having 52 Kayasatha MLAs, which is now reduced to only three.In Jharkhand Assembly, there is no Kayastha MLA...

The site suggests that Kayasthas should also form alliances like other groups for electoral success. There is similar concern that is seen at different fora and one could understand the reasons for their worry.

Kayasthas are less numerous. But as the word 'Kayastha' literally means, 'writer', the community always stressed on learning. As worshippers of 'pen' and 'ink pot', they earned their living by keeping records and through administrative jobs.

Lord Chitragupta

Not just in Mughal era and British rule, even earlier wherever there was a Raja, he would keep a Kayastha to keep his office and records. Mughals, especially, relied on Kayasths, who also culturally got close to Muslims and even great Urdu scholars came from this community.

Nonetheless, due to their focus on education and their exposure, the Kayasthas, who mostly lived in cities and towns, remained vocal and active in all spheres. There were a host of Kayastha zamindars in pre-independence era in Northern India.

The Kayasthas also had a script of their own, Kaithi, which is forgotten now. Even most young generation Kayasthas aren't aware that once there was a much developed script which was used by their forefathers for a long period.

Comparatively, the Kayasthas are more in numbers in UP, Bihar and Bengal. However, the Bengali Kayastha doesn't seem affected as much. Or at least, not worried over this decline in representation and less concerned about his caste identity, unlike the UP-Bihar Kayastha.

Uttar Pradesh

In 1952: 52 Kayasthas elected

In 2012: Less than 5

In judiciary and civil services, the percentage of Kayasthas remained quite high. Politically the decline had begun but after VP Singh implemented Mandal Commission report, the Kayasthas' strength in legislatures came down drastically.

With middle-level castes asserting themselves other than the backwards, Dalits and Tribals, Kayasthas were no longer getting favour from political parties. Even in urban centres, it was becoming difficult to claim a seat as a person gets ticket on the basis of the numerical presence of his/her caste group in the constituency.

Srivastava, Saxena, Mathur, Bhatnagar, Asthana and Nigam were getting replaced by Yadav, Meena, Dangi, Gujjar, Kushawah, Kori, Majhi, Maurya and Balmiki. The scenario is same across the country now, either in Assemblies or Parliaments.

In 1952, the first Lok Sabha had 47 Kayasthas. In 1999, the figure was just 5. The first Lok Sabha had 8.7% Kayasthas and in 1999 there were just 0.9%. The change came in a few decades. Though till 1977, their percentage, even after fluctuation, remained substantial, post-1989, their number fell steeply.

Famous Kayastha personalities in India

While the Mandal movement affected all the Upper Castes, none of the groups suffered such a sharp decline in its representation as Kayasthas.

The Brahmins, and even Thakurs (Rajput), in comparison, have still managed to retain their hold and numerical strength to a certain degree in politics.

For those who aren't aware of the caste system, Brahmins, Banias and Thakurs are the Upper castes. Kayasthas are also considered as an Upper caste.

The Kayasthas mainly worship Lord Chitragupta, their patron deity, who keeps a record of good and bad deeds of human beings on earth.

One of the most famous Indians, Amitabh Bachchan aka Amit Shrivastav, [son of Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan is also a Kayastha. And so was the great Vivekananda. Also, other famous Kayastha personalities include Urdu poet Firaq Gorakhpuri, Subhas Chandra Bose, Prem Chand & Jai Prakash Narayan [JP].

[*The website link]

[A caste in Maharashtra, Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu or CKP, to which Bal Thackeray belongs is also considered as Kayastha though there are reservations expressed from some sections regarding the group]

Great Indian Heroes: Do Muslims have a place in RSS' vision of India?

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:21:00 +0000

Sometime back I went to a friend's place and saw a calendar on the wall. The friend saw me looking at it and sheepishly said that someone in his family had brought it.

"You know I don't have a Sangh [RSS] link", he tried to explain. Of course, there was no need for him to explain or feel embarrassed over it.

But the calendar was interesting. It shows great Indian figures over the ages in a Saffron background.

In this map, there are many personalities about whom there can not be any dispute about their contribution to the country.

There are some exceptions though but the remaining ones are heroes for all of us, Indians, irrespective of our religious affiliations or caste & creed.

One positive thing was that the list had Sikh, Buddhist, Jain* and [even] Parsi heroes. The Hindutva brotherhood has in the last couple of decades tried to co-opt Sikhs and Buddhists, but they still remain wary of Christians and Muslims.

There was no Muslim featured though. Isn't that strange! If Mughal kings like Akbar, who had even started a new religion Din-e-Ilahi is not secular enough or Shah Jehan for building the monument that is pride of the country, there is still no dearth of Muslim heroes.

Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled and his sons executed by British. Tipu Sultan was the king who fought the British and was ditched by both Muslim and Hindu powers--Marathas and Nizam, else the imperialists may not have succeeded in India.

In 20th century, we have had great freedom fighters, poets, writers and apart from them, the Muslim musicians--from Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan to Ustad Bismillah Khan who kept the legacy of classical Hindustani music alive in this country.

Ashfaqullah, Abdul Hamid, Kalam don't qualify?

If Ashfaqullah Khan is forgotten, there is a name that can never be contested by RSS also. Havildar Abdul Hamid, the army man who showed exemplary courage in the 1965 war against Pakistan, blowing up Patton tanks, and laying down his life in the line of duty.

If Abdul Hamid or martyrs like Brigadier Usman, whose bravery ensured that Kashmir, in the troubled times, remained an Indian territory, are not fit enough, then who is? APJ Abdul Kalam, a thinker, scientist, people's president and the father of Indian missile programme, isn't he worthy enough?

Still, its good to see the Akhand Bharat vision getting more inclusive. There have been great generals and superb soldiers but the selection of, Field Marshal late Sam Manekshaw, that represents the Zoroastrians, is indeed interesting.

Is it that you could do great service to the nation but if you are a Muslim or Christian, you can't be considered a 'hero'. Of course, everybody has the right to select their heroes. But the calendar represents the inherent apathy towards the two major religious minorities.

Why not Gandhi?

The Heroes in the Calendar 'Parakrami Bharat; Vijayi Bharat'

Among the ancient personalities whose photographs and names are shown in the calendar, are kings like Vikramaditya, Chandragupta Maurya, Rajaraja Chola, Maharana Pratap, Harshwardhan and even Ashoka, who had embraced Buddhism after Kalinga war.

Of course, an important personality that has been ignored is Dr BR Ambedkar. It couldn't be oversight. After all, the personalities representing different eras, and different regions, have been selected after quite an exercise.

Among freedom fighters the names of Rani Laxmi Bai, Chandrashekhar Azad, Tatya Tope, Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Remaining figures include Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, the great Sikh ruler, apart from Shivaji, Hemachandra, Prithvi Raj Chauhan, Shyamji Krishna Verma, Subhas Chandra Bose, Ahilya Bai Holkar, Krishnadev Rai, Harihar Bukka [founders of the Vijayanagar empire], VD Sawarkar, Pulkesi, Sardar Patel et al.

Subhas Chandra Bose was not a Hindu Hero alone, he was a hero for all Indians. Whenever Jhansi queen Laxmi Bai's name is taken, her close confidante Ghouse's name is also remembered. He hadn't hesitated to turn canons to target mosque when British took refuge there.

Yes, Sankaracharya, Chanakya, the staunch communist Bhagat Singh, who had rejected religion, figures in the list of great Indians. But can someone complain? After all, perhaps, the most well-known Hindu of all times, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, doesn't figure in this list either.

[*Lala Lajpat Rai had a Jain lineage though it is not mentioned generally]

Real-life fairy tale story: Indian boy goes missing, gets adopted in Australia, returns a millionaire after 25 years

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:05:00 +0000

It is one of the most amazing real life stories. The story of five-year-old 'Sheru', who had got lost after his elder brother's death, ended in an orphanage in Kolkata, from where he got adopted by an Australian couple.

Sheru, a Muslim boy, who had become Saroo, by then, had forgotten a lot but had certain faint memories about his childhood, the slum in Khandwa [Madhya Pradesh], where he lived, about his mother Fatima alias Kamla, and his brother.

Educated, ready to take on his father's business, he tried to keep the memories of the distant land of his birth alive, so that he could one day meet his parents and real family.

Poring over Google Earth for years, he finally reached the railway station near which his family lived. The name 'Khandwa' rang the bell.

Years later, he returned home, and hugged his mother though she couldn't understand his language now, and he had forgotten his Hindustani [Hindi, Urdu]. He got to know that his elder brother was no more.

This real slumdog millionaire story has caught the imagination of innumerable people in the Central Indian state and whoever saw or heard of the reunion got affected by the saga. All these years his mother had been hoping that someday her lost son would return. At the Patthar Wale Baba's mazaar [shrine] in Burhanpur, she had made numerous trips.

She also went to Hindu saints and other Muslim fakirs. God answered her prayers. Albeit 25 years later. But the son was now back, a foreign babu. Once he stepped out of the railway platform a quarter century later, the past flashed into his mind. He straight walked to the area where his home was located.

Local residents, neighbours and denizens of Khandwa turned emotional when they saw the reunion. Saroo has left for Austrailia but will be back soon again. Family members say that he intends to learn the language also and would be visiting his family on a regular basis.

The Mercury reports: "I kept in my head the images of the town I grew up in, the streets I used to wander and the faces of my family, I treasured those memories," he said. The memories helped him track down his family. For the past 10 years, Mr Brierley has scrolled the internet for clues.

The mother-son reunion after 25 long years

"Using Google Earth, I spent so many hours zooming in and out looking for something I recognised," he said.

He created a Facebook group about the locality in the town & interacted with people to get an idea and to ascertain if it was exactly the place he belonged to.

The quest ended finally. The boy had discovered his roots. He took the ticket, permission from his parents [the Australian couple who had adopted him] and headed back to India, to meet his family.

Sheru was third among four siblings viz. Salim, Guddu, Sheru and Shakila. The boys came from poor family but had self-respect.

As Fatima's husband had left her and married another woman, she had a hard time raising the four children. Instead of working as rag-pickers, the elder boy would sell 'datun' [twig used to clean teeth in rural India] and Sheru would sweep compartments in the train and would get money in return from passengers.

What An Amazing Saga

One day in October 1987, the brothers didn't return in the evening. After a long search, the body of Guddu was found near the track. There was no news about Sheru. The family searched for him up to Mumbai in the West, up to Delhi in the North and as far as Nagpur & Hyderabad in the South but to no avail.

On February 12, 2012 Saroo Brierley from Tasmania, who had taken a flight from Australia, arrived in Delhi. He took next flight to Indore [in Madhya Pradesh] and then reached Ganesh Talai, the Muslim dominated locality in Khandwa. After reaching the main square, there was sudden brightness in his eyes.

Saroo saw the mosque and its 'kangure' [motifs]. Now he knew he was home. Someone else now lived in this house. The house owner couldn't understand English. But Ghaffar Miyan, an elder, caught the word 'mother', which Sheru was repeating again and again, asking 'I am looking for my mother and brother'.

Ghaffar Miyan immediately took him to the house where the family had shifted. Once Fatima heard about her son's arrival, she jumped off her bed and rushed towards the mosque. Sheru immediately recognised her. Later a youth who understood English was called and thus began the conversation that continued for hours.

THE AMAZING STORY OF SHERU IN HIS OWN WORDS

"I was sitting near the door of the compartment and fell asleep. When I woke up Guddu was not around. Id didn't know what to do then. I was crying. Train kept running and running and then reached a big station, the next day.

I got down but could not understand the language. A woman later took me to a place where there were many kids and was given food and taught", Saroo alias Sheru told the family now through the interpreter.

Then & Now: Once he could only peep in, today he flies back

"I don't know how much time I lived there. One day the teacher introduced me to a couple and said that they were my parents now. They gave me clean dress and took me along in an aeroplane. I was admitted in a school, and a teacher would come at home for my education. Later, I got admission in school and a driver was deputed for ferrying me".

"As I got older, my parents handed me the fisheries business. They told me about the organisation I was adopted from in Calcutta. When I expressed my intention to find out my roots, they encouraged me. My father John and mother Sui are great people".

"I didn't remember much about my childhood. But the images of carrying my sister Shakila on my shoulders, meandering in the lanes of Ganesh Talai, sweeping the train bogeys and face of my mother apart from my brother Kallu scolding me would come back to haunt me."

"For two years I sat for hours on internet and would trace all rail routes, looking at stations. My father, John, advised me to take my childhood photo along. I would learn Hindustani and would return soon so that I could talk to my mother to my heartfelt contentment".

Shakila, who was married a few years ago, came back to meet her lost brother. One of his childhood friend, Aleem, also met him. Sheru's brother Kallu says that prayers at Burhanpur's mazaar had to work. "We put hands on the four stones and they turned. We knew then only that he would return".

"Allah unko duniya ki badshaahat de", says Kallu, wishing his Australian brother more success in life. One only marvels at the luck of the family and the destiny of the boy. If only all the missing children would return to their parents, the world would have been so beautiful.

[Part of the report from inputs by local residents, newspapers and Dr Devendra Sahu, Dainik Jagran's correspondent]

The fascinating story has been reported in international press and in a few publications in India also. It is really an awesome real life incident that can bring tears to anybody. It can be inspiration for a Bollywood thriller [even a Hollywood] movie with all the necessary human emotions in abundance.

[Photo courtesy The Mercury]
[*Fatima alias Kamla. In poor families in certain parts, there is not much thought before naming a kid,'s especially the girl. Hence, often the name, either first name or second name and even aliases could be of any of the communities]

The Muslim King who fought against Babar: Hasan Khan Mewati allied with Rana Sanga against Mughals [Glimpses of Indian History-1]

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:24:00 +0000

Babar, the founder of Mughal dynasty, had arrived in India in 1526, a period when Muslims were already settled in India for centuries [more than 700 years* before his arrival].

And the Sultanate in Delhi had seen umpteen rulers belonging to Slave, Khilji, Tughlak, Syed and Lodhi dynasties for almost 500 years when Babar came.

Still, owing to popular culture and the rhetoric during Ayodhya temple movement, Babar** is often seen more as ‘The invader’, on lines of Mahmud Ghaznavi and Mohammad Ghori.

The difference was that Babur didn’t plunder and leave. Babar [born 1483] made

India

his home, lived here and also died here [death 1530 AD].

His successors were thus Indians. Just to recall that Zahiruddin Muhammad Babar [also spelt as Babur] didn’t bring Muslim rule to

India

, which was well-established here from the era of Qutubuddin Aibak and even before his reign.

Either it was the attacks by Huns and Shaks or the medieval period when Turks and Mongols turned towards

India

, the invasions were not about religion. When Babar came to India, a Muslim king Ibrahim Lodhi was the Sultan, who ruled Hindustan from his capital, Delhi.

Babar’s army defeated him in Battle of Panipat in 1526. History can be interpreted in different ways but it can’t be erased. Babar was yet to establish himself as the supreme monarch as he faced strong opposition and the Lodis hadn’t given up as yet.

Mewat's challenge to Babar

The biggest challenge was the strong-headed Raja Hasan Khan Mewati, the Rajput chieftain whose ancestors had been ruling the region [Mewat] for long [almost two centuries] and who had declared himself as a sovereign King.

Hasan Khan Mewati was ready to take on Babar's might. He formed a grand alliance to take on the Mongol. Along with Rana Sanga, the ruler of Mewar, Hasan Khan Mewati allied with Chittaur's Sisodia Rajputs and got ready to take on the forces of the Mughals.

Besides, several other Rajput chieftains, Afghan chieftain and Ibrahim Lodi’s brother Mahmud Lodi was also supporting this confederation. In his memoirs Babar recounted later how he was troubled by Hasan Khan Mewati.

In Baburnama, he refers to Hasan Khan, who ruled from Alwar and around, as ‘the sole leader of all trouble and mischief’. He even termed him as ‘impious mannikin’. Hasan Khan’s ancestors had earlier given trouble to Bahlul Lodi also.

Though Delhi and Agra had been won, a decisive victory was needed to establish Babar’s suzerainty in North India. It was in 1527, when the historical battle of Khanwa took place, almost 50 km near Agra. It is wrongly dubbed as a Mughal king’s battle against [Hindu] Rajputs.

Rana Sanga and Hasan Khan Mewati alongside other Rajput kings and Mahmud Lodi, fought against Babar’s army that was also supported by several Hindu Rajput chiefs. Hasan Khan Mewati commanded an army of 12,000 soldiers. He fought bravely but died in this battle.

It was theartillery that gave Babar's army an edge. Though he was forgotten, years later the Mewati history termed him ‘a martyr’. Folklore and right-wing nationalism had termed it as Hindu India’s battle against an invader, Babur.

Mewat was for centuries a troubled area for the Sultanate. It was Rana Sanga who had sought Hasan Khan’s cooperation in taking on Babar. It is often not mentioned and remains mostly in history books that who had invited Babur to

India

.

Rana Sanga had also invited Babar to India

Apart from Daulat Khan, the Governor of Punjab, who was harassed by Ibrahim Lodi, and Lodi’s kin Alauddin Khan, Rana Sanga had also extended invitation to Babar. Rana offered military aid as well as financial support if he came from Kabul to take on Lodi.

However, it was later that the relations between them got strained. Historians suggest Rana didn’t expect Babur to settle in

India

and considered him a threat to his influence. Babar accused him of breach of trust, as after inviting him, Rana didn’t help in his conquest.

Hasan Khan built this fort in Alwar [Inset: another view]

Historian Satish Chandra, in his book 'Medieval Indian history: Sultanate to Mughals', surmises that Rana Sanga felt that the conflict between Babar and Lodi would stretch and this would give him the opportunity to target regions which he wanted to have control over.

Besides, he thought that Babar would return after the victory, just like Timur [Tamerlane]. The Hindus and Muslims, neither kings nor the subjects, in those days were as communal or bigoted as a section in both communities today is.

Neither Rana Sanga's fight was not against Islam nor Babur's against Hinduism [he in fact fought the last Lodhi king]. They were simply driven by political considerations, power and personal ambitions. Babar describes Hasan Khan as leader of the ‘Mewat country’.

Waqiat-e-Mushtaqi accuses Hasan Khan Mewati of creating a confederacy that was aimed at overthrowing Mughal power. It was after Hasan Khan Mewati’s death that the road to establishing the Mughal empire was cleared. Babur faced little resistance thenceforth. But Hasan Khan’s name had remained buried in voluminous texts or just mentioned in footnotes.

The Hero of Mewat

Mewat, located South of Delhi, is a region spread over Haryana, Rajasthan and also part of UP (Uttar Pradesh). Now there is a district ‘Mewat’ in Haryana also. Mews chiefly are Muslim but there customs are close to Hindus as well.

Mewat, a representative map

The backward region remained off radar for decades except when Shuddhi-Tabligh movements had turned it into a flashpoint in pre-independence era but there is progress visible here.

For Mevs [or Meo] their brave leader’s memory lived on. Now he has been resurrected as a hero.Over the last couple of years, Indian historians are again focusing on him.

Eminent author Siddiq Ahmad Mev, who has written several books on the subject including the culture of Mewat, says that Hasan Khan was seventh ruler of the state founded by Bahadur Nahar. Hasan Khan ruled from his capital Alwar. He had built the Qila-e-Bala or fort at the top, which exists till today.

He died on March 15, 1527. Now every year, a grand function is organized in his memory. Top politicians, litterateurs, Members of parliament, activists and Mewati leaders representing different groups pay homage to Hasan Khan Mewati on this day.

[*Muslim traders had arrived in Southern India, particularly, Malabar region of Kerala from Arab in the seventh century itself. Besides, Muslims had reached Sindh almost at a similar period.]

[**Babar is neither a Muslim hero. He is not an absolute villain either. A historical figure and an important medieval king who founded one of the most important dynasties in the world.]

[History is another of my passion and I was thinking of starting a series on Indian history. This first post which focuses on medieval Indian era. The aim is to bring to fore lesser-known facts pertaining to our history through this blog--Indscribe]

Back to Blogging: Less posts, more readers & my blog's journey

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:53:00 +0000

Ever since 2005, I have been writing consistently on this blog and though the bygone year was least productive in terms of the number of posts which I churned up, still, it was a satisfying year for me.

The joy of blogging is all about the freedom you have in expressing yourself and the fact that you don't need to worry about the constraints of newspaper columns or the demands of the editor.

Even though I wrote fewer posts, I felt that the quality wasn't compromised. The year 2011 had begun on this blog with an off-beat feature on the smoking saint:

Killed by Indians, Revered by Indians' about the East India company's 'Christian' officer who was killed by Indian soldiers but over the years whose grave became a place of reverence and where people offer cigarettes.

COMMUNAL HARMONY & OFF-BEAT

Strange and unique stories included Pind-daan ritual for MF Husain and his soul's salvation by Hindus in Bihar [Read], 'Ganesha on Muslim couples' marriage invitation card' [Read], stories on condition of Sindhi newspapers and magazines in India et al.

TRAVELOGUES

Some travelogues that included pieces on Lucknow. First about 'Blogging from Lucknow: The romance of Rumi Gate then about 'Clock towers of Awadh', Wandering from Aminabad to Hazratganj, Culture of non-vegetarian street food in India 'Bun-Kebabs and street food'.

Or the post on the huge 'Chaubara', a Clock tower-cum-watchtower in Karnataka's Bidar. There was a post on Kanpur, 'Ganges and Greenery but no Gazelles'[Read]. Many posts were about Shias who interest me a lot viz. Shia populace yearning for political clout and Bohra community in India.

POETRY & LITERATURE

Urdu poetry is the defining feature of this blog. There were reports about couplets recited at Mushairas like this post. The demise of veteran poet of Bhopal 'dabistaan', Ishrat Qadri was a personal loss, it was titled, 'We haven't forgotten you Ishrat Sahab' and 'Buy a Urdu paper campaign' that began from Kolkata.

CRICKET

Though I focused a lot on cricket in the earlier posts like the articles on memories of the world cups of cricket from the first such even in 1975 [Read and Read] to Zaheer Khan's sporting journey [Read] & Azamgarh throws up a hero [Read] but in latter part of the year I couldn't keep the tempo.

FEATURE

Several satisfying posts like about the serendipitous discovery of a hidden heritage, which I wrote after finding this little-known but amazing Shia shrine in Unnao, and the one on centenary of shifting of capital from Calcutta to Delhi, 'Calcutta 1911 and Ismail Merathi's Urdu primer' [Read].

MUSLIM ISSUES

There were posts like 'Indian Muslims must avoid street protests' [Read], as images of angry crowds and furious mobs create a bad image of the community. And yes, firing in Forbesganj [Read] or article on media's astonishing softness on Sanatan Sanstha: Terror convicts termed as servants! [Read].

POLITICS & SOCIETY

Posts on 'Peace Party's growth in Uttar Pradesh [Read]. Decade of Print media boom in India that defied international trends. Among other off-beats posts were my visit to a Circus after a long time and returning sad, a post on Arjun Singh amongst others [Read]. Even a guest post.

There was focus on politics, stories on election scene and also a post on 'Narendra Modi's chances to become India's Prime Minister' [Read]. Come on you can't call me 'sickular' or 'pseduo', I tried to be objective even if some of you would differ.

Not many movie reviews though I did watch Shahrukh Khan starrer Ra One and wrote a piece. There was another piece on 'Ghantaghar' which was about a father constructing a clock tower in his son's memory in Lucknow [Read].

KASHMIR

I focused on Kashmir in the posts like 'Eternal Suspects: Mistreating Kashmiri youths outside J&K' and 'Patriotism or Petty politics at Lal Chowk'. There were a couple of posts on Indian Muslims' and their issues including communalism, police excesses but mostly introspective ones like 'Sorry, I don't need a Muslim leadership' [Read].

WOMEN POWER

In positive stories, there was focus on Saba Anjum, the India women's hockey team captain's journey was mentioned in the post, 'Muezzin's daughter is national team captain' and story on Muslim girls breaking tradition and contesting students' union election in AMU [Read].

Whither Blogging: Soaring Traffic, Lesser Comments

Though there is less discussion on blogging now, I notice a trend. The traffic on this site has gone up sharply even though I am not even posting every week. Last year, sometimes only one article was posted a month.

But despite the surge in traffic, there are lesser comments. One of the reasons could be the moderation of comments, which I had introduced. Many people who are not on blogs, try but failing to log in, simply walk away without commenting.

But even otherwise, I feel, people are reading, even spending more time on blog, but avoid comments. The ones, who make wild or abusive comments, are of course filtered. Either Hindu or Muslim fundamentalist, none can get through.

I can't stand meaningless debates and the endless arguments of hate-filled 'Anonymous' netizens who keep suspecting others' patriotism and nationalistic credentials or rake up an old issue, discussed a million times, and again 'demand' your answer.

BLOGGING IN 2012

For this year [2012], I had intend to write more often. Till now I have been quite regular and hope to write twice the number of posts compared to last year. For last year's annual blogging round up [year 2010], you can go to THIS LINK.

So keep reading, friends.

Clueless Congress: Rahul Gandhi, his party's disconnect from Muslims and the community's aspirations

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:52:00 +0000

Congress has suffered a jolt with Samajwadi Party's landslide victory in UP elections. The drubbing is not just because of consolidation of Muslims voters but also other sections, however, the fact remains that Muslims didn't get lured by Congress' promises.

There are several reasons:

1. Muslims don't want anything special but simply need basic amenities. However, Congress governments fail to deliver even on this count in states where they are in power.

Muslim ghettoes that overwhelmingly vote for Congress, remain the same. There is no change. The lesser said about the presence of hospitals and dispensaries or schemes regarding opening schools during Congress regimes, the better it would be.

Muslims don't expect any party to promise that it will get them moon. It is well-known that such things [which BJP would instantly term as 'appeasement'] are not possible. Congress promises implementing Sachar panel recommendations but UPA's first term went without any step in this regard and soon this five year term at the centre would also end. Won't people feel that they are being taken for a ride?

2. If you can't provide jobs or better civic amenities, the most basic expectation is that the law-and-order would be effective and there would not be fear of communal riots. But either it is Rajasthan where policemen fired at Muslims in Gopalgarh, a one sided action which was initially defended by state government, unjustifiable use of force at Karbala Jor Bagh despite a court order in favour of Muslims or illegal detentions [harassment] of Muslim youths in Delhi, the situation remains the same. What's the difference between Rajasthan and NDA ruled Bihar where firing in Forbesganj occurred?

3. The Congress-led UPA government cares about the morale of police & security agencies but not sensitive enough to the demand and morale of hundreds of millions of Muslims. From police to lieutenant governor, at every step attempt was made to stop information sought regarding the Batla House encounter case. Would heavens have fallen if a judicial inquiry in Batla House encounter was instituted?

After all, inquiries keep lingering for years, and even if there is a recommendation, you can simply ignore it. Haven't you been doing this for the last sixty years. This strange attitude shows Congress' contempt towards us [Muslims]. It hurts. You don't consider us anything except electoral slaves.

4. Twice in Maharashtra, Congress fought election on the promise that it would implement recommendations of Sri Krishna Commission panel regarding 1992-93 Mumbai riots. This hasn't materialised. No wonder, Muslims voted for SP and your party lost in BMC election in Mumbai.

In fact, recommendations in all such cases including the infamous Maliana killings still gather dust. There is either no will or a strong right-wing presence in your party which ensures that not a single killer cop would ever get punished.

Such is the hold on bureaucracy that in cases like Hari Masjid firing where policemen entered mosque and fired at devotees, Maharashtra police acts with unusual zeal to protect its tainted cops.

5. Congress often gets Muslim votes by default. Muslims wanted an alternative. Many of us wanted a party that would be centrist, even a bit towards the right, but which would not act dubiously. Under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, BJP had somehow got a bit of Muslim support.

Unfortunately Gujarat happened, and just the fear that Gujarat carnage didn't recur, Muslims had no option but to support your party. There was no third front [unlike the United Front or Left Front in late 90s] and hence Congress became the sole alternative.

6. Even though the Muslim electorate forget all the past follies of Congress ranging from installation of idol in Ram Temple to former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao's promise of rebuilding Babri Masjid, but even today, there is no clarity in its approach.

Forget giving adequate representation to Muslims, the party leaders and 'Muslim faces' imposed by it remain out of touch with ground realities. Perhaps there is a feeling that Muslims have no option and will keep on voting for your party.

Just for the record, SP has inducted 10 Muslims in its 47 member cabinet. Congress wouldn't have named five. It doesn't show interest in letting Muslim leadership in the party grow. If there are outspoken politicians within party they either don't go up or are not given as much importance.

7. Rahul ji, your leaders aren't approachable. At ground level, they fly or whiz past us without listening to our problems. When we tell them, they appear listening sympathetically listen and when they go back, simply forget to take action.

Now if we come to the issue of virtual world, it is common complaint that Congress leaders aren't approachable on Twitter or Facebook. A few of them have accounts but don't interact or reply, compared to other parties.

Akhilesh Yadav promised promotion of Urdu

Initially I thought that I would give this post a title 'Open letter to Congress from an Indian Muslim' [or Rahul Gandhi]. But somehow, one feels, it would be futile. It is not that Congress leaders won't know what their voters expect from them.

In Urdu papers, these issues are mentioned regularly. But is there any interest visible on part of India's oldest political party when it comes to improving infrastructure in Muslim localities or ensuring swift action on schemes for Muslims.

8. Despite tall claims made by UPA-I and also UPA-II, Muslims are still denied loans by banks. Figures suggest that there is little change despite reminders and rebukes.

The money for scholarships don't reach the students easily. Congress blames opposition parties that rule states from where many complaints about lack of implementation of policies for betterment of minorities are received.

Congress leaders immediately release huge amounts when Chief Ministers of non-Congress states accuse Centre of bias in releasing funds to non-Congress states. While releasing the funds, the UPA leaders can push the States for release of funds for minorities. Can't they? Why year after year, funds are earmarked but only to get lapsed.

9. Rahul Gandhi seems sincere and interested in redressing the problems of Dalits, Muslims and other sections. But the party doesn't seem interested at all. Whenever Congress governments take charge of office, they begin acting arrogantly.

Target Next: Election 2014

Just now Congress has managed to come to power in Uttarakhand. We are yet to hear a word regarding Muslims. Will the status of Urdu as second official language, which almost ended during BJP rule, be restored? We haven't heard a word as yet.

10. The role of UP unit of Congress in closing down Urdu medium schools in post-independence era is too well known. It may not be printed too often or voiced publicly but the steps that were responsible for backwardness among Muslims in North India, aren't forgotten. Even today, Congress cares little about Urdu. Here is an old post: Read

It is possible that at the national level where the issues are different and electorate think in terms of installing a government at the centre, the voters' behaviour might be different. In UP, the party that was in a position to defeat BSP was supported and of course Muslims overwhelmingly voted for SP.

When Congress leader Salman Khurshid talked about Muslim reservation, Muslims were not amused. The 4.5% quota was a bad joke and it was meant for all religious minorities [that include Sikhs, Christians, Jains & Buddhists apart from Muslims] but was projected as if Muslims will be the sole beneficiaries. Bhai ham log itne saal se bewaqoof ban rahe hain, aur kitna banenge!.

It is just an exasperated Indian Muslim's rant. One hopes that Congress would understand that Muslims, like rest of Indians, don't want anything special. Good governance, access to basic amenities, justice and understanding of their issues. Of course, no false promises. And whatever little you promise, at least deliver or show the intention to deliver.

[This was the third and last part in the series of posts after UP elections. First was about SP's victory and the second about BSP's strange relationship with Muslims]

Mayawati's strange relationship with Muslims: Why BSP wanted to throw away all its Muslim support?

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:00:00 +0000

'They didn't vote for us' : Why should they?

BSP has lost power in UP and its leader terms loss of Muslim vote to the party as one of the main reasons. More than others, she has to reflect over it.

But before coming to her strange relationship with Muslims and TEN points on Muslims' disillusionment, just a recap. Wayback in early 1990s, the rise of BSP had given hopes to Muslims, who wanted an alternative to Congress in North India, especially, UP.

Muslims felt that if BSP manages to get a majority of Dalit votes, it would be in a position to form the government on its own.

Though Muslims had soft corner for SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav because of his bold stand in the Babri Masjid issue, it was clear that Yadavas were not as numerous as Dalits.

Also, whenever Muslims actively supported SP in those days, it led to reverse polarisation in favour of BJP. Kashi Ram's efforts from the days of BAMCEF bore fruits and the BSP had finally managed to become a strong cadre based party in Uttar Pradesh.

Though Dr Faridi had passed away long back but his dream of forging a Dalit-Muslim alliance was coming into reality. Muslims were disillusioned with Congress, which was responsible for backwardness of Muslims in UP.

Congress appeared to seek Muslim vote only because if it didn't win, there was the fear of BJP coming to power. After Kashi Ram's death, Mayawati finally took control over the party. In her initial tenure she didn't seem to take any important pro-minority steps.

But whenever she lost, she seemed upset that Muslims didn't vote for her. However, a substantial percentage of Muslims always voted for BSP. In 2007 when she sought Upper Caste support and got absolute majority in UP Assembly, it was time Muslim community expected some good decisions.

Muslims didn't want anything out of the way from the party. However, just keeping the state 'riot-free' could not be a sop for Muslims, as they also get aspirational. Strangely, she never even tried to understand Muslim psyche or their just demands.

Nasimuddin: None better than him!

Nasimuddin Siddiqui remained her sole link to Muslims and as far as his image or understanding of the needs for the community, the lesser said is the better. In this tenure, she remained aloof from Muslims. In fact, one felt that she has certain disdain or disinterest towards Muslims.

Earlier when she lost, she had (in)famously said that Muslims are 'kattar' [fundamentalist] and didn't vote for her party. On this occasion, she said that Muslims didn't vote for her. Doesn't she realise that Muslims have no reason or obligation to vote for her.

Here are just a few points I would mention regarding Mayawati's strange relationship with Muslims.

1. Forget any schemes or projects aimed at uplift of Muslims, BSP government never tried to even build bridges with Muslims. Kashi Ram, when he had roped in Urdu poets and intellectuals in late 80s and early 90s, knew this well that a few 'occsaional' statements are enough to make the Muslims happy.

2. When Azamgarh was defamed or when Muslim youths were routinely picked, she never even sympathised with the community or speak against the trend of demonising the place. Muslims expected nothing from the state government, just statements that 'Azamgarh shouldn't be branded as den of terrorists'.

3. When BSP MPs Akbar Ahmad Dumpy and Ilyas Azmi protested in Parliament, wearing the striped keffiyeh and raising copies of Mail Today, over the Batla House encounter, she had reprimanded them
for their stand, without consulting her. This didn't go down well with Muslims, who in fact, wanted her to take a stand.

4. Muslims have an emotional link with Urdu. The language killed in UP during successive Congress regimes and the discriminatory law that stops opening of Urdu medium schools in the state was promulgated. SP did take steps for restoring Urdu's status.

But BSP never seemed concerned about Urdu. In ten years, I have seen just two Urdu banners of the BSP supremo in Lucknow in more than ten years. Her government took no interest in continuing services of Urdu translators or the issues pertaining to the language.

Of course, she stalled Azam Khan's Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar University project. The Arabic-Persian university which was the only big project announced for Muslim students during her five year regime, remained a non-starter.

When recently the Congress danged the carrot of reservation for Muslims in the OBC quota, which was in fact for all minorities, she was first to oppose it though later realising the folly, changed the stand and asked for a separate quota.

5. Neither priority was given to Muslims in recruitment in police nor in other government schemes. For a while [2010-2011] scholarships were given to Muslim girl students in schools but they were also insufficient and mostly in cities. When she spoke about quota for Dalits in private sector, she forgot Muslims.

Akbar Ahmad 'Dumpy' spoke but Maya...

6. Certain things hurt a lot. She didn't interact with Muslims, even Muslim women. Even this could be ignored as it had become her style.

But when delegation of Ulema went to meet her, they were asked to take off their footwear and frisked in such a manner, that Muslims felt offended.

7. Whenever new districts were named, it was done after Dalit leaders. Unlike other caste groups Muslims never opposed her constructions, parks and memorials, as they had seen how post-independence Congress governments in UP had erased Muslim-sounding names in UP.

While BSP never cared to initiate any scheme or project after a Muslim freedom fighter's name, it even went ahead and changed names that disturbed Muslims. A case in point is Amroha, which is now part of JP Nagar. Its a question of identity. Over the years, the word, Amroha, had become to symbolise Muslim culture and if the district had to be renamed then why not BSP consider a Muslim personality for renaming it?

Everybody on the street asked, why she takes decisions so arbitrarily as if we don't exist, have no identity and no voice. Christening places is also an interesting electoral ploy but it works. Once even Jayalalithaa had named a Tamil Nadu district 'Dindigul' as 'Dindigul Qaid-e-Milleth' after Maulvi Islamil and the decision had earned her huge Muslim support then.

8. Mayawati CAN'T BE written off. She might bounce back. Yes, her Dalit support remains intact. But it remains a mystery why she doesn't at all care about Muslim support. Why, after all, she takes it for granted or feels that it Muslims will anyhow vote for her.

The elephant was even termed an Upper Caste symbol in slogans during campaigns by changing the earlier anti-Upper Caste stand 'tilak-tarazu aur talwar, into maro jootey chaar', but Muslims, who were never averse to wear the blue hue, were neglected.

9. Perhaps, she felt that Muslims will vote for BSP wherever a Muslim candidate is fielded by her party. So the strategy of fielding more Muslims was enough! But the fact is that Muslims were too hurt. And they are so disillusioned that the feeling wouldn't go in five years. 'Sukh-dukh mein saath' [even if just verbal] is what one expects from the leader.

10. The issues of Muslim artisans were never on priority. The weavers were suffering but the UP government didn't take interest. The power [electricity supply] situation in Muslim dominated parts of cities and towns remained as bad as it was during BJP rule.

If not wholeheartedly, there can be at least, moral support to an extent. But she neither tried to implement a development agenda for Muslims, nor speak on behalf of Muslims who felt besieged on several occasions. If she didn't understand Muslim psyche, why she never took any step towards getting emotionally close to Muslims. At least, should could have a got a few good advisers. What stopped her from doing that? It's a big question?

Mayawati may win once again. But it is a bit saddening that she somehow remains apathetic to Muslims. Had she been a bit proactive, she could have cemented a winning Dalit-Muslim alliance. If a party gets support of this block, there is no question of electoral loss for it in Uttar Pradesh.

Mulayam couldn't muster more than 30% even if all Muslims and Yadavs voted for him. Mayawati could get over 30% just if half of Muslims supported her [and 40% if all Muslims supported her]. Had she taken a few positive steps, a majority of Muslims would have supported her. After all, a party that is more likely to win gets more support.

Leaders, MLAs, and politicians who were part of the government, always expressed their frustration. I'm not talking about the legislators whose sole aim is 'influence, power and money' but the educated ones who wanted to raise real issues of Muslims at the grassroots.

But she didn't evoke any confidence among Muslims. The message was not for once that 'this is your party also'. Of course it is a Dalit-based party, Muslims didn't want to be wooed [like Brahmins were once] but there was need for some acknowledgement for their support.

It was never done. This stand has cost her in other states also. Muslims earlier considered BSP an alternative but they don't seem enthusiastic about it anywhere. It is not a question of inherent biases. It is simply a thing about losing a big opportunity. Call it her whims or whatever. Mayawati is, after all, Mayawati.

UP election 2012: Samajwadi Party Wave Or Voters' consolidation against Mayawati's BSP?

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:51:00 +0000

Akhilesh Yadav: Thank you UP!

The results of Uttar Pradesh Assembly election have thrown a surprise. Though everybody expected Samajwadi Party to do well, the landslide majority has astonished even the party's most ardent supporters.

Once the elections are over, everyone worth his salt can write an analysis and spell out reasons for Congress' debacle, BJP's poor show and Mayawati's failure to hold on to her vote. But the truth is that anyone who travelled in UP, would have sensed a wave.

It [the vote] was not for Samajwadi Party. It was more for a party that was best suited to defeat the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Of course, Akhilesh proved himself as an affable alternative. Even though law-and-order front was not at all as bad as in the previous regime, there was a growing sense of disenchantment towards the BSP government.

Can it be blamed for caste prejudice? The Upper Caste and even a section of Muslims who wanted Mayawati to lose power, wanted the regime to go anyhow? Not exactly so. Just five years back Muslims had wholeheartedly supported Mayawati and so did the Upper Castes.

Then what happened in the last five years? The complaints about unnecessary spending on statues to an extent smacked of inner prejudices. Even in the past, when Dr BR Ambedkar's statues were erected in UP during BSP's initial regimes, one could sense the Upper Caste's [even so-called 'elite' Muslim] discomfort.

When King George Medical College's name was changed, even Muslims seemed apalled. Though it was a colonial name that had been replaced with that of a Dalit icon Shahuji Maharaj, a move that shouldn't have been opposed. After all, post-independence, Muslim poets, writers and personalities were forgotten in UP.

Hardly any building, park or monument was named after Muslim freedom fighters or minority leaders in the six decades and even whatever had remained was either changed or destroyed. Still, Maywati's creations seemed to cause more heartburns.

Just like in earlier election, when everybody was fed up of 'Goonda Raj' and people on the street openly talked about Mayawati's arrival, on this occasion there was a clear consolidation against BSP. The reasons, even not too convincing, were aplenty.

People talked about her 'aloofness', her 'arrogance', her 'lack of interaction', her 'narcissism' in the same breath. What did it stem from? After all, the law-and-order situation wasn't as bad as it is often projected. People on the ground said that there was corruption.

A Dalit auto-rickshaw driver told me that it was his dream to buy a three-wheeler of his own. But couldn't do it because the rickshaw cost Rs 2 lakh. However, for its permit, he needed another Rs 3 lakh apart from a ruling party politician's recommendation in RTO [Transport department].

4.5% quota was not just for Muslims but all Minorities

People in all walks of life had similar tales to tell. They claimed that earlier 'kaam to ho jata tha', now much more money was needed apart from political connections for your work to be done.

Either it was getting recognition for your primary school or starting a sawmill [a person spent Rs 10 lakh for re-starting his own saw-mill as the licence had expired].

It was such tales of corruption that perhaps hit Mayawati. The stories about the corruption kept on spreading. Urban legends spread fast. Maya's aloofness and 'attitude' probably made it sound more credible. MLAs complained she was inaccessible.

The honeymoon between Upper Castes and Dalits was over. Brahmins felt they had been totally neglected after the government was formed with their support. Was their grievance genuine or it was the gradual decline in their traditional influence in rural UP [and urban] that perturbed them.

Was it Maya's overconfidence that did her in or it was part of strategy to consolidate Dalit voter, which backfired? One thing is sure, as voters realised that SP is the only party in position to convincingly defeat BSP, the indecisive voters also supported it.

Though Yadavs are not a big block compared to Dalits, Mulayam managed to get the backing of the powerful backward castes. Though incumbency could be a factor, Mayawati didn't lose her hold over the Dalits. But the party was no longer evoking interest among other caste groups.

Even the huge number of young electorate that came out to exercise franchise for the first time, seem to have supported SP, which is no less surprising. As far as BJP is concerned, it had been marginalised long ago. Apart from infighting, Uma Bharati's import from Madhya Pradesh failed to enthuse it.

Veteran BJP leaders couldn't instill any confidence in its workers. Rahul Gandhi worked hard but people wanted to vote for a party that would form a government in the state. It was not a union election and hence there was no need to waste the vote.

The promise of 4.5% reservation for minorities that included all religious groups including Sikhs, Christians, Jain and Buddhists further angered Muslims, because Congress touted it as a Muslim reservation, which it was not.

Salman Khurshid, who is not a politician of grassroots, again had to face his wife Loiuse Khurshid's defeat. Even in its bastions, Amethi, Rae Bareli and Sultanpur, its candidates performed badly and the party lost at most of the places.

The remarks on Batla House issue had angered Muslims. The party twice won Maharashtra over the promise of implementing Sri Krishna Commission report but never did that. It couldn't even order a judicial inquiry in the Batla House encounter. What use is such party?

The anger over Kalyan Singh's entry to SP, which was evident last time, was a thing of past now. A new record was created as far as victory of Muslim legislators is concerned. Even a Muslim contestant won from Lucknow where communal polarisation and Shia-Sunni dispute [causing division of votes] was reason for lack of Muslim representation from the City for decades.

At least 69 Muslim candidates won the election, with SP's Muslim contestants emerging victorious in 43 seats. This is the highest ever number of Muslim MLAs in Uttar Pradesh Assembly. The positive aspect is that SP has got majority and there would not be any horsetrading.

Akhilesh Yadav had made many promises. It is his personality that helped the SP and drew the electorate. He must get the credit for changing the public perception about SP. A section worries about decline of national parties in UP, India's most populous state that has a population of 200 million.

But it is also a healthy aspect for Indian democracy. The checks and balances would make it more vibrant. SP has to deliver on governance and development. Ajit Singh's RLD is getting further marginalised in the state politics.

Just for the record, the difference in Assembly composition in 2007 and 2012. In the 403 member UP legislative assembly, a party needs 202 for absolute majority.

2007-2012

Parties' tally in UP Assembly

Year BSP SP BJP Cong RLD Others/Independents
2007 206 97 51 22 10 17
2012 80 224 47 37 [Cong+RLD] 15

Congress and BJP can't be complacent and need to rework their strategies. Electorate won't reward them just because the are 'national parties'. SP's victory will do well to keep UPA's arrogance in check. Similarly, BJP leaders also need to do lot of introspection.

Sound bytes and articulation in TV studios won't fetch them power in the cow belt, which is the route to power at Delhi. After this result, BJP leadership would surely have realised it. Will anlyze more in coming posts on this blog.

For the list of names of winners and losers in all the constituencies in UP, check the Election Commission's website. And another link that tells name of all the winners on one page is HERE.

Hindus fight to get justice for Muslims in Gujarat riots: The Great untold story of secular India

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:38:00 +0000

RB Sreekumar

If ten years after Gujarat riots, the issue continues to be at the centre stage of Indian politics and the judicial process is moving forward, even if slowly, credit is due to Indian society.

One must admit that it is mostly the non-Muslims, the secular Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Jains who have fought on behalf of Indian Muslims. Putting their lives in danger, they have fought for the minorities' rights and their justice.

It is an incredible story, if someone ever wrote it. Activists who painstakingly fought for victims, journalists who risked lives to do 'stings' and nail culprits, lawyers who have in trying times and braving social stigma [even threats] sided with victims.

Prashant Bhushan

If Gujarat riots were India's shame. The fight for justice is Independent India's glory. A large section disapproves of human rights activists. But mostly this right-leaning segment of middle-class forgets that societies in other countries also act similarly.

In Pakistan, human rights activists who speak and fight for Hindus, Ahmadiyyas or Christian minorities are disliked by a large section, seen as 'noise-makers' and abused on Twitter and Facebook.

It is not an easy job to side with the victim, a person of other community, and take a stand. Particularly, when the might of state is against you. Frankly, majority of Muslim community had no idea how to fight this battle. On every front, it is mostly the non-Muslim leadership that has stood by Gujarati Muslims.

Teesta Setalvad

It was Harsh Mander, who resigned from Indian Administrative Services (IAS) in wake of the riots, openly saying that his colleagues didn't do what was expected from them during the pogrom.

Till date, he has been fighting for relief and rehabilitation. Teesta Setalvad is a symbol of this amazing story. The communalists, the right-wing dislike her.

However, for poor Muslims she is a messiah. Yes, she spoke for the 'other'. You have to be a victim to realise how it feels when someone speaks for you.

How can we forgot Mukul Sinha, whose Jan Sangharsh Manch (JSM), has painstakingly collected vital evidences, records by scanning thousands of pages of documents, so that the culprits are today feeling the heat.

Rahul Sharma: Ordered firing that saved 300 Muslim kids

And Prashant Bhushan. At every forum, he has taken up the cause of sufferers. The senior lawyer-activist has been a defender of civil rights and his commitment towards secularism, is surely amazing.

There aren't enough Muslim activists who can take the fight at this level [Of course, Shabnam Hashmi is there but who else?].

The 'intellectual' or common Muslim had little time to think of it or dare do it in Gujarat, let alone act for years in such a hostile atmosphere when section of bureaucracy, society and officials see activists as enemies of Gujarat.

All these are Hindus. How many can dare take on the system in such a way as RB Sreekumar did. The intelligence chief, he was an insider. Disgusted by what happened in Gujarat and driven by pure humanity and conviction, he has been at the forefront in the fight.

Nandita Das

Since 2002, at ever forum he has openly said what others suspected but couldn't have been established easily: about officers' laxity, alleged complicity and the politicians' role in letting the riots go on after Godhra train burning incident.

For many he is a maverick police officer. But IPS officer Sanjeev Bhatt has risked his entire career at stake. He named Narendra Modi repeatedly. Even Muslim officers were obsequious and enjoyed plum postings a few years after the riots, content with the fruits of power.

It takes extraordinary courage to speak up when you are in the 'system'. Bhatt has no qualms. Many of these people are staunch Hindus and deeply religious. And yes, their religious beliefs give them the strength when they stand by Muslim Gujaratis.

Mallika Sarabhai

Exemplary commitment towards service was shown by several officials in 2002. Who won't be indebted to Rahul Sharma, the IPS officer, who ordered firing on the mob when rioters were on way to burn a madarsa where 300 children lived, in Bhavnagar.

Sharma later came up with information that showed politicians' nexus with rioters. The government acted against him, gave him charge-sheet. Satish Verma faced departmental harassment.

FIRs were filed against Bhatt. He was arrested as well. I don't know if any other country can have similar example of people in high offices taking such strong stand amidst the typhoon of hate and violence that had swept Gujarat then.

Sanjeev Bhatt

The figure of deaths in Gujarat was enormous. But it could have been even greater but for such brave men in uniform. The combined efforts have resulted in Supreme Court monitoring of cases, constituting the SIT, rapping government, all important steps.

Surely, it is wrong to squarely blame Gujarat or Gujaratis. Innumerable Gujarati Hindus are fighting this battle for the last decade. Their dream is a secular India, a secular Gujarat, for which they are all striving for.

Harsh Mander is a Sikh. Mallika Sarabhai belongs to a Jain family. Christian activists are also involved in this campaign to secure justice. Can we forget the contribution of Indian media that has shown its commitment towards secular India.

Harsh Mander

Artists also expressed their protest. Movies like Rahul Dholakia's Parzania that told the story of a Parsi family which lost its son as he had a Muslim-sounding name or Nandita Das' Firaaq shows the agony they underwent in the aftermath of the massacre.

Ashish Khetan, whose landmark Operation Kalank had established the role of Babu Bajrangi as well as the alleged go-ahead given to Bajrang Dal-VHP leaders in 2002. This is just an example. Innumerable journalists, activists and writers have done every bit to ensure that the wheels of justice move.

So that the society doesn't forget the horrors. When we talk of DG Vanzara, who is in jail for fake encounters, we see only one side of the picture. There are officers who didn't budge despite immense pressure.

Officers who we must salute. V K Gupta, Manoj Shashidhar, Narasimha Komar, Vivek Srivastava, M D Antani, Upendra Singh and Keshav Kumar led from the front and ensured that violence was controlled in their areas.

Mukul Sinha

Go anywhere in India, the respect Teesta Setalvad's name commands, is unbelievable. People have seen her act, speak and passionately fight for Muslims.

Criticising perpetrators of riots is fine for outsiders. It's very easy. But its not an ordinary task to speak for the victims when it is considered 'a moral sin', especially when you are part of the 'system' [bureaucracy] in the Gujarat.

Call it conscience, courage, honesty, humanity or sense of duty, these officers have done something rare. And there are many such officers who have defied the diktats and decided to act as per law.

Whether Gujarat is shining right now or not, whenever history of this period [200-2012] would be written in future, it will be due to these people that the next generations would see as heroes and they would not have to hang their heads in shame for the conduct of rioters.

Rajnish Rai

Honest officers, the courageous activists, the ordinary Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Parsis who fought to ensure justice for their Muslim brethren.

It is this reason that entire Gujarat can't be condemned or defamed. There were no personal gains involved. All of them paid price and faced harassment.

Trolls & hate-filled anonymous cyber warriors con't understand these sentiments. The fighters are not 'pseudos', 'sickulars' or 'Congis', but humans. No wonder we are a mature democracy.

Despite the occasional failures, we can redeem ourselves, bounce back and set new standards. There is no fun fighting for yourself. Everybody does it. But what we have seen in a decade is something extraordinary. It sends the message that humanity and justice ultimately prevail.

This is a story of many heroes and it has a lesson for every society. Our salute to all the heroes. [There are many more activists, lawyers and journalists who played their part in this fight for justice. Some names mentioned above are just to give an indication about the nature of this fight.]

This was second part on the series on post-Godhra killings on this blog on the tenth anniversary of riots. Read first part here.

Reflections on Gujarat riots, post-Godhra killings and should the carnage be forgotten?

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:17:00 +0000

Mass Hysteria Was Seen IN Gujarat During The RIOTS

Gujarat riots, often termed as post-Godhra killings or the Gujarat Genocide, evoke extreme reactions.

Ten years have now elapsed since the unprecedented scale of mass murders and rapes, in which Muslims largely suffered, had shaken the country.

Whatever happened in Gujarat then was shocking not just by the scale of violence or the inaction of the State government.

Independent India has seen many riots in the past. Justice was denied to victims of riots in Delhi 1984, Meerut-Hashimpura-Maliana killings 1987 & Mumbai 1992-93 as well. These days it's fashionable to say, why talk about old wounds? And that one must forget the past? Is it? It is really important not to forget.

Let's see the reasons:

1. In Gujarat, for the first time, a mass hysteria was seen. The hate that was incited against minority Jews in Nazi Germany was seen in democratic India's Gujarat state. People were not ashamed. Middle-class, educated people participated in riots and looting.

2. Across the world, in failed and lawless states, an 'enemy' is invented and people's ire is directed towards it rather than focus on government's failures. This strategy suits the ruler. As aggressors feel the government is their, standing solidly by their side, they go out for the killing.

Its classic strategy to mobilise the people. It could be the 'immigrants' who are blamed for bringing their culture or snatching jobs or the wealthy minorities. However in 2002, the violence surpassed all previous standards.

3. It's not just the goons, the anti-socials and criminals, the unemployed and the employed, sudden start seeing a 'cause'. They unite behind the 'macho' leader. It makes them feels 'potent' to participate in murders and sexual violence. Rape is always about power. Psychologists agree that the 'high' is more about subjugation.

It brings out the worst, the beastly behaviour out of the society. After all, for years, people were fed on false notions like stories of Muslim aggression and their appeasement that inflamed the hidden hate. With police siding by the rioters. Abetted by leaders, Aided by police, it was the dance of death that left nearly 2,000 dead.

The cable TV revolution had occurred a few years ago. And hence the horrific killings were seen across the world. Even people within the 'Parivar' were astonished. Shanta Kumar condemned it, Vajpayee is learnt to have been upset, but was prevailed upon by the hard-liners' camp.

Of course, the rioters had no qualms. In later years, Tehelka's sting 'Operation Kalank' captured Babu Bajrangi's spine-chilling confessions. See the LINK.

SHAMEFUL ACTION

VERSUS

REACTION THEORY

4. If a crime takes place, it is the law that should take action. Surely, the victim or his kin will be angry. But it is not that you identify the person on the basis of his caste or creed, and then go on murdering children belonging to his religion, burning people, killing by hundreds or raping their women.

Further, you shamelessly try to justify this. Even ten years later, most of the top leadership of BJP just does this. They repeat the 'action for reaction' theory for justification. Blame was pinned on all Muslims for doing the coach. Isn't this utterly shameful.

5. Those who were termed conspirators of Godhra train compartment burning, were booked, even charged for Terrorism under the stringent POTA. Many were falsely implicated and later released. Others get sentenced for life and long years in prison. It was surely an unfortunate incident. Of course, state was proactive in this case.

6. But when it came to the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat, police didn't register FIRs, witnesses were threatened, statements were not registered, investigation was shoddy, proper sections of IPC were not applied, evidences were concealed, the 'accused' were not 'identified'.

The killings in Gulbarg Society, Naroda Patiya, Best Bakery, Sardarpura and umpteen other massacres were conveniently buried. In rural areas of Gujarat, the situation was even worse and things didn't get reported for long. Muslims left en masse from towns and villages.

The prosecution seemed to have little interest in the cases. The situation was so bad that Supreme Court had to intervene and ponder over shifting the cases from Gujarat, as there was fear that justice would be subverted.

7. People talk of good governance now. What else can we expect. The first option was exploited and can't be replicated. Yes, there will be good governance wherever there is fear. Either it's during Emergency years or it is the Nazi Germany or dictators [other monarchs], there is an order visible on the street, not in democracy.

8. And where is justice? Even if all atrocities, injustice and oppression is forgotten, where is even the slightest remorse or even a healing touch? The victims were not given compensation. It took courts, human rights bodies and commissions to raise such issues.

The victims live in camps in extremely inhuman conditions. The leaders who talk of 'Sadbhavana' could also have focused on rehabilitation. Aren't they aware of the condition in Shah Alam Camp and similar other temporary shelters for victims.

9. None of the top BJP leaders or administrators visited the refugee camps to take a look at the face of the orphan kid or put a hand on the head of a girl whose family was suffered in the massacre. Nothing of that sort ever happened.

It was a pogrom that was aimed at teaching the minorities a lesson. Gujarat was for long known as RSS' lab for Hindutva. It is a different matter though that the reaction perhaps exceeded their own estimates.

10. The BJP leaders often talk of outsiders demonising Gujarat or insulting the state. These days one commonly hears about the 'campaign to defame the 5 crore Gujaratis'. But it is conveniently forgotten how, Muslims were demonised for years, even after the riots.

In speeches during election campaigns, there were shocking statements. The names of Sohrabuddin and ''Miyan'" Musharraf were taken to rouse popular feelings and to cleverly link them with the Indian Muslims. Hate was spread in a calculated manner.

11. For those who talk how Gujarat is being targeted, they should recall the way Muslims were targeted in speeches. This is all on record.

Like the speech in which burqa wearing women were targeted and made fun of, that whether they go to respond nature's call while wearing burqa. See the Link.

12. For years after the riots, the fake encounters continued. Muslims were targeted routinely and killed or arrested. For rogue cops it was a wonderful idea to get accolades and medals. Today DG Vanzara and others of his ilk are in jail, proving how several of the state police officials were complicit in extra-judicial killings.

13. When it was sensed that the anti-Muslim posture can't go on and on infinitely, India saw the birth of a leader who meant business and won't tolerate any injustice. International PR agencies were hired. The resurgent Gujarat was born. This article in Caravan magazine by Vinod K Jose tells how this branding took place. Read at this Link.

Gujarat and the Gujarati was now positioned as the 'victim'. If you say a word about riot victim's rehabilitation or justice, you were termed anti-Gujarat, accused of being pseudo secular, a person who unnecessarily talks about the ghosts when there were none and when the state had become a sort of utopia.

It was 'Gujarat's Asmita'. Not different from the Hitler's theory. Some decades back, MS Golwalkar had inked his thoughts about culture and minorities in Germany. It didn't take too long for a 'successful' trial that was made in Western India.

14. These days BJP leaders often say that another 'Gujarat' [carnage] can't happen. How are they so sure? Is it because they know the consequences now? Though justice is delayed, and often denied, the process even if slow, when initiates, begins to give sleepless nights to the aggressors.

It is not easy for the 'tainted' to get clean despite using all the resources, to absolve yourself of a shady past. Of late, Collectors-DMs and SPs get worried that if it law-and-order is not brought under control, they might be transferred or face the ire of judiciary. The leaders also fear that their could be action on them from the top.

15. The horrors that unfolded during the riots are too chilling to be recounted. The mini-stories 'Shah Alam camp ki rooheN' by Asghar Wajahad. One of the stories:

When night descends on Shah Alam camp, the children don't fall asleep. They wait for the spirits of their dead parents...Siraj asked his mother, 'how are you?', She looked happy. Now I am a spirit, a soul, nobody can set me afire...Siraj said, 'mother can I become like you?

Read the mini stories here.

It is wrong to think that such riots can't recur. The battle to secure justice for Gujarat riots is on. And it's not easy. As far as last few years in India are concerned, the pressure of activists, media and the understanding that riots will only bring a permanent taint on politicians, such incidents have reduced.

It could happen only because the victims, the civil society, the non-governmental organisations, the judiciary, the innumerable GUJARATIS who fought against the 'system', and kept the issues alive. One must salute them.

Don't look at Government, Do it yourself: First Urdu Cartoon Website launched

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:30:00 +0000

First a great news for Urdu lovers, as also for those who love cartoons. A website that features cartoon strips in Urdu, Urdu Cartoon Kids, has been launched.

To give a sense to reader why it is so important for me is because despite nearly 150-200 million speakers in India and the fact that Urdu is an official language in Pakistan, there was hardly anything for kids in this segment on the internet.

For years we have heard Urdu speakers lament that the language is not linked to employment or it doesn't have resources. The truth is that no one stops you from doing anything. Hundreds of newspapers are published in Urdu and they are full of politics or other mundane news.

However, there is no focus on kids. They don't realise the importance of the young generation learning the language. Unless the kids gets comfortable with the script, there can't be a strong readership for Urdu or magazines in the coming generations. We don't have a magazine like 'MagicPot' that appeals to 3-7 year segment either.

Government in India established 16 Urdu Academies in India apart from NCPUL and some other institutions for promoting Urdu. Urdu speakers could have put pressure on them to take up such work. Alas, after the Khilauna ceased publication, even kids' magazines don't invest in cartoons, which are the first to attract children towards the written word.

Even more shocking is the fact that though Urdu has the status of official [or national] language is Pakistan, I didn't know of any cartoon site from the country either. Such gross neglect towards children is astonishing by any standards.

But blaming others is easy. What is more important is that you do the job and set standards. It's not easy but it's not impossible either. The website Urdu Kidz Cartoon has been launched. It will get enriched in the days to come.

Now children who surf the net, can read their favourite cartoons, the ones which we read in 70s, the decade of 80s or even the newer comic characters, in their mother tongue. Spread the word, friends. Such projects need your moral support.

Thank you Taemeer.com. A big thanks to Syed Mukarram Niyaz. I wish to thank each of the team members individually. Thank you Mr Syed Nomaan, Ms Andaleeb, Mr Arshad Jamal Hashami, Mr Jawed Nehal Hashami, Mr Shoaib Saeed Shobi, Mr Ejaz Obaid, Mr Syed Hyderabadi and Mr Sawood Ibn-e-Sayeed.

Netizens had put up old cartoon strips in Hindi [and English] that were published in Indrajal comics in the past, on blogs and sites. However, we hadn't seen such a passion among Urdu-walas till now. Hope the creation of this website would awaken others as well.

Till now Urdu comics were not easily available in India. I am not aware about the situation in Pakistan though.

Just last month I had written the post 'No cartoons, comics in Urdu newspapers' on this blog and had written a post earlier also.

Within a month, I am witness to the birth of this website. Now it's our job to take the site ahead, in terms of suggestions, at least.

True to the catchline, a site for 'eight to eighty year old kids', as there is a child in every adult, this website fills an existing void. Of course, it is just the beginning. So what are you waiting for? Just logon to the UrduKidzCartoon.

Political parties wooing Muslims in Uttar Pradesh elections: SP, Congress aggressively campaign, BJP reluctant, BSP cold

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:59:00 +0000

A NEW LOOK SP CAMPAIGN

Most of the political parties are wooing Muslims, who constitute 20% of the electorate in the state. It is not that other caste groups are not being wooed.

But as Muslims are a sizable chunk and spread across the state, there seems an effort to get their vote. Of course, there is a belief that the community votes 'en bloc'.

CONGRESS

Most parties are in this race to get a grab. Posters, banners, advertisements indicate Congress, which is naturally flush with funds, doing the best.

It simply urges electorate to vote them and give them a chance to rule UP after almost 22 years. Its advertisements talk about corruption in central schemes, forcible land acquisition during the BSP rule and issues like poor implementation of Central schemes.

Congress has no dearth of advertisements. In its banners, Muzaffar Ali makes a passionate poetic appeal, asking the voters to bring back UP on track, by supporting Rahul Gandhi. One of the such Urdu couplets, which I read:

'Ye chiragh jaise lamhe yuuN hi raaigaaN na jayen
Koi khwab dekh dalo, koi inquilab lao'

SAMAJWADI PARTY

The Samajwadi Party has turned hi-tech. Its campaign is quite sophisticated. Under Akhilesh Yadav, the party has done its best to shed the earlier image, and is now talking about progress to all sections of the society apart from rule of law and justice.

CAN CONGRESS CONNECT WITH THE COMMONER?

Its advertisements show 'elephant' gobbling public funds. The printed ads in Urdu newspapers are also about a bright future--clean roads, parks, stadiums et al.

Clearly, Mulayam Singh Yadav' son and his political heir wants to establish a rapport with the huge young population that is all set to vote in this election.

BSP...err

In sharp contrast, Mayawati's BSP seems to be disconnected with Muslims. It doesn't seem to be making any effort either. Advertisements are missing in Muslim localities. No Urdu pamphlets, advertisements for 'Muslim media' at all. In some constituencies, the contestants on their own have got publicity material printed for minorities.

It is learnt that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) believes the Muslims will do tactical voting, and if BSP's Muslim candidate is in a winning position, they will support it. Hence simply field more Muslims, and forget. Perhaps, this is wishful thinking, as Muslims don't seem enthusiastic about the party.

BJP: WE TOO ARE IN THE RACE

Though in the last election, there was a feeling that BSP is a good alternative even though it had no track record of major welfare steps for the minorities.

This time it seems an altogether different situation. The disenchantment is not about anti-incumbency alone. Muslims say party doesn't care about them at all.

BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY

Even BJP is appealing for a chance. The banners ask voters to support it, for effective law-and-order, and transparency in governance. The morale of BJP cadre is not too high.

Though it has nothing much to expect from Muslims, it hasn't ignored them either. 'Hindutva' is not an issue anymore in UP. Party now talks about development.

The Ram Janmabhumi-Babri Masjid is no longer an issue here. In other states, this may stir passions, but having seen the rise and fall of BJP and its politics here, the voter has no interest in such 'siasat' now.

The party reminds voters that Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is supposed to have a following among section of Muslims, was repeatedly elected from Lucknow. BJP is reluctant, yet seeking votes from Muslims.

Even though Uma Bharti's entry was expected to change the mood but except a few constituencies of Bundelkhand, there is no resurgence visible on the ground. She has not been able to make a difference as yet.

Apart from the mainstream parties, the new feature is that over half-a-dozen 'Muslim' parties are in the fray in UP elections. Peace Party has a presence across the state.

Its president Dr Ayub is a well-known face in UP now has put lot of effort in campaign. His candidates also seem quite enthusiastic though its not going to be easy for them to translate this 'response' into votes.

ELEPHANT ATE ALL FUNDS: SP

On the other hand, Ulema Council urges Muslims to vote for it, because it raised the issue about demonizing Azamgarh and the indiscriminate arrest of youths.

The banners with the symbol 'kettle' and couplets, are visible off and on. Other caste groups are also being wooed by the parties in their pockets of influence in similar manner.

Apart from Dalits, Brahmins, Yadavs, Jats, Kurmis, Lodhs, even much smaller castes ranging from Rajbhar to Nonia are all important in this election.

Here we just took a look at the language these parties are speaking to with Muslims. With just a couple of rounds of polling left, the stage is set for results, that will start pouring in on March 6.

Let's see whom the politically aware UP electorate is going to gift the power. Or will it be a hung Assembly, as predicted by several politicians and analysts.

India's Shia street: Passing by Shia Muslim localities in Lucknow

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Urdu verses on Karbala on a hoarding at a haveli in Old Lucknow

Recently I had a chance to spent sometime in Shia dominated localities in Lucknow during a short trip.

Though Shias form a sizeable chunk of Muslim population in India, being a minority within a minority, their culture and traditions aren't too discernible to public eye.

Except the rituals during Muharram, there is little focus on the Shia sub-culture among the Indian Muslims.

Though I know many persons belonging to the Shia community, I had no close friend and as a result several aspects about them were not known to me before.

As the ruling family of Oudh was Shiite, the influence of the Shiasm was quite strong on the culture and traditions.

One may not agree entirely but several leading historians and writers ranging from Qurratul Ain Hyder to Amaresh Mishra [author of Lucknow: Fire of Grace] have termed the era of Nawabs of Awadh as a confluence of Brahmin-Shia ethos.

Though that period has passed long ago, Lucknow has dozens of Shia mohallas. And hence the Shia street is more visible in Lucknow. At other places, Moharram is observed for ten days or at the most 40 days every year.

A view of Shia college on the day of Eid-e-Zehra

But in Lucknow the mourning period stretches up to 2 months and eight days [68 days]. The 'Azadari' continues during this entire duration.

Even otherwise, the innumerable monuments and puts Lucknow in a different league as far as Indo-Islamic culture is concerned.

Here elegiac Urdu poetry reached new heights. Poets like Anees and Dabeer were masters of this art form [marsia] and composed long sorrowful verses on the tragedy at Karbala.

Apart from this not much is more to non-Muslims or even Muslims. Frankly, there is often a level of prejudice among Sunnis. However, there is much more to Shia culture in Lucknow. It is not just about Imambadas or the Ashura rituals.

Just a few observations:

1. A couple of months back when I had passed through Nakhas, I'd seen black flags atop all the houses. This time crimson flags were visible everywhere.

View of a street in Old Lucknow

It was Eid-e-Zehra. Though I was well aware about Eid-e-Ghadeer, I came to know about this festival [Eid-e-Zehra] for the first time. I saw colour spread on the streets also to express the .

2. Unlike other Muslim localities where one is used to seeing travel agents' advertisements about Haj and Umrah, here tour operators advertised other trips as well.

They included pilgrimage to places important for Shias that are located in Iran, Iraq, Syria et al.

3. Every few feet one could see posters or pamphets on the walls about a 'majlis'. Most of the posters were in Urdu but some in Hindi and even in Roman Urdu. Many shops had put up boards that 'sheerini' (sweets) for 'tabarruk' to be distributed during the 'majlis' are available.

Poster in Lucknow about Delhi issue

4. Shops were selling casettes and CDs of 'nauhas' [poetic genre about events that led to the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain AS and his companions at the battle in Karbala].

The posters announced arrival of new 'nauhas' and about facility of downloads on cellphones also. CDs and DVDs include that of marsias, salams, manqabats, nauhas et al.

5. The incident involving alleged police high-handedness at Karbala Jor Bagh [Delhi's Dargah Shah Mardan] seemed to have a strong reaction in Lucknow.

The walled city had billboards in abundance about the Sheila Dixit government's mishandling of the issue and Congress' anti-Shia stance. Another notable feature in Shia quarters is that many people are seen dressed in black.

6. Huge posters dotted the streets. There were long messages in Urdu from religious heads.

Also, photographs and life size images of the clerics were seen.

Posters in Walled Lucknow about 'majlis' and Eid-e-Zehra

7. Advertisements about Shia TV channels and websites were also seen.

A day [or two] later, there was again a clash between Shias and Sunnis, strange Lucknow phenomenon. The city has no history of Hindu-Muslim rioting except a communal clash. But this sectarian issue continues to take the form of street fights here.

It was after years of agitation that the processions of the sects were allowed. I have a feeling that if such law-and-order issues continue during the Azadari or Madah-e-Sahaba Juloos, the administration might be forced to restrict the processions once again.

After writing this post, I realised that I had now written a couple of posts on Shias:

1. Indian Shias: Poor political representation despite substantial population

2. Hidden Heritage: Coming across a Shia shrine in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh

3. Shias focus on acquiring more political clout

4. Shia-Sunni blackboards in Lucknow

Urdu poets enchant audience at the annual 'Jashn-e-Jamhooriyat' mushaira in Lal Qila

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:57:00 +0000

Pt Anand Mohan Zutshi 'Gulzar' inaugurating a mushaira in Delhi

One of the most awaited Mushairas is the annual poetic soiree held on the occasion of Republic Day in the historic Lal Qila.

This year the Mushaira Jashn-e-Jamhooriyat was held just a few days prior to January 26.

Chief Minister Sheila Dixit inaugurated the event while Deputy speaker Shoaib Iqbal, Delhi Urdu Academy's chairman Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, Secretary Anees Azmi were also present.

This year many important poets didn't attend the event. Though the standard of poetry rendered from the stage was not extraordinary, still the mushaira was held successfully. The audience sat till 3:30-4 am and enjoyed the poetry.

Read a selection of couplets recited in the mushaira. Octogenarian Pt Anand Mohan Zutshi Gulzar Dehlvi's couplets had set the tempo:

maiN ajab huuN Imaam Urdu kaa
but-kadoN meN azaan detaa huuN

aajkal do jurm haiN maiN ne jinheN apnaa liyaa
ek Muslim-dosti hai, ek Urdu ka jihaad
[Pt 'Gulzar' Dehlvi]

Many important poets were missing, however, poets like Rahat Indori, Waseem Barelvi, Nawaz Deobandi got fulsome praise.

do gaz sahii magar ye merii milkiyat to hai
aye maut, tuune mujhko zamiindaar kar diyaa
[Rahat Indori]

saudaa uruuj hii kaa na tuu apne sar meN rakh
suuraj ke Duubne kaa bhii manzar nazar meN rakh
[Waqar Maanvi]

miyaaN ye maut bhii Allah ka inaam hai varnaa
musalsal zindagii se aadmi uktaa gayaa hotaa
[Tabish Mehdi]

tamaam umr kisii bewafa ke saath rahe
mere chiraaGh hamesha havaa ke saath rahe
[Wasif Farooqi]

sulah ke vaaste bazid kyuuN ho
teer baaqii nahiiN kamaan meN kya
[Salim Siddiqui]

kahaaN kii dostii kin dostoN kii baat karte ho
miyaaN dushman nahiiN miltaa koii ab to Thikaane ka
[Waseem Barelvi]

jin pe luTaa chukaa thaa maiN dunyaa ki daulateN
un vaarisoN ne mujhko kafan naap kar diyaa
[Nawaz Deobandi]

afvaah thii ki merii tabiyat kharaab hai
logoN ne puuchh puuchh ke biimaar kar diyaa
[Rahat Indori]

begunaahii ki sazaa kuchh bhii voh de sakte haiN
mohtasib unke, qalam unka, adaalat unkii
[Matin Amrohvi]

qayaamat tak na maange-gaa voh paani
taGhaaful ne jise tere Dasaa hai
[Dr Tabish Mehdi]

puuChhte kyaa ho ki ruumaal ke piichhe kyaa hai
phir kisii roz yeh sailaab dikhaaenge tumheN
[Rahat Indori]

pahle to uskii yaad ne sone nahiiN diyaa
phir uskii aahaToN ne kahaa jaagte raho
[Mansoor Usmani]

Besides, traditional romantic poetry was also read from the stage. Eminent poet Muzaffar Razmi Kairanvi, who represents the classical school along with 'Gulzar' Dehlvi, also rendered his 'shayri' that was appreciated.

Several poetesses also participated in the event. Waseem Barelvi presided over while Mansoor Usmani conducted the proceedings.

Read reports of successful Mushairas held in India in recent past at this link

Of fanatic 'liberals', free speech flag-bearers, false journalism and Indian Muslims' restraint during Jaipur Literary Festival

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:45:00 +0000

1. Firstly, not a single person among India's nearly 200 million Muslims had issued any threat in case Salman Rushdie arrived here but a section of media portrayed it as if Muslims were hounding him and ready to teach him a lesson.

2. Just Deoband and one or two other groups had urged the government that he shouldn't be allowed to enter India. This is a pure democratic right, a demand.

Forget fatwas, no organisation had issued any warning or hinted of violent protest. Even government didn't say that it will stop him from coming here. A Muslim minister, Salman Khurshid, had gone ahead to say that it was Rushdie's legal right and he was a PIO and couldn't be stopped.

3. How much more responsible the community could be? But the blame is being put on Muslims and they are being termed as fundamentalists who are accused of harping over an issue even after decades.

Rushdie didn't come claiming certain underworld threat. He later accepted that he had been misled. Now who misled him, it remains unclear. He blames government but doesn't name any agency or person. Isn't it his failure that he didn't turn up. However, with the Congress-led UPA in power, the 'appeasement' theory has also been floated to defame Muslims.

4. After he didn't come to Jaipur, self-styled flag-bearers of free speech began reading excerpts from the banned book as a mark of protest. Even after this provocative act, much to TV channels' chagrin, no Muslim burnt any effigies or held any demonstration, which is also our democratic right. Just like free speech, these democratic rights should be protected as well.

5. If Jamat-e-Islami activist or any other worker said that he will oppose Rushdie, journalists with intellectual pretensions grill him asking 'how you will oppose'. In his response that 'it will peaceful opposition', the interviewer goes ahead to ask, 'have you read the book', 'why you oppose it'. Of course, when you call Verses 'Satanic', we feel hurt, and if we simply say, 'we're hurt', you want to say, 'why you are hurt?'.

6. It was not courageous on part of Amitava Kumar, Kunzru and others to read the SV passages. If the writers had courage they should have stayed back and [possibly risked arrest]. That would have added to their reputation perhaps but they ran away. At least on this count one can recall Taslima Nasreen, who was threatened and attacked but still had the courage to stay in India for long.

Still, a section of pseudo-intellectuals have gone to absurd lengths to argue for freedom of expression. They are fighting a battle, which Rushdie backed out of. The fact is that everyone thought Muslim would protest or make an issue out of it but that didn't happen.

7. It suits their perception--either news channels or websites that publish false stories. They all were let down, so they joined the fake intellectual Jehad and tried to create an issue. There were regular reports for days that Rushdie had threat.

Who had issued the threat? Of course, there was none. Little opposition perhaps but that too not on street. And do you want to take away our democratic rights that we can't even say that 'we oppose him', almost a Nazi vision of liberty.

The fact remains that majority of this country remains moderate in terms of inter-religious issues. We won't support if they had ever tried to draw Husain's paintings again to express their solidarity with the late painter. We don't support reading the excerpts now. But we don't even create a scene after you read them out. This is our country, if we feel hurt, we will express it. That's all.

8. Sorry, I can't be liberal enough as per your wishes or your standards. In a foreign country you may burn your flag but this is not how we perceive freedom in India. I can't have gods [or deities] pictures on shoe soles or verses called as Satanic. I am not that sort of liberal.

As the ongoing issue over an Indian couple's children taken away by authorities in Norway because they fed them with their hands, suggests, there are different sets of standards--[cultural] as well as free speech]--in India and Europe.

Some of our self-styled 'intellectual' writers who still have inferiority complex fail to appreciate our diversity and freedom and get a bit too obsequious and servile when it comes to foreigners. For them Rushdie too is almost a foreigner. Thus they turn apologetic about the vast masses being 'poor', 'less liberal' et al.

9. We can't be Europe overnight. If you feel as an urbanised upper middle class Indian, you have the right to look contemptuously towards the rest, this is also bigotry. Amitava Kumar, did you utter a word when journalist David Barsamian was evicted from India?

Yes, just months back Barsamian was deported. Where were you Mr Kunzru when Husain's house was attacked and his galleries ransacked. Ruchir Joshi, whom I hadn't heard of this 'author' till recently, and who is now defending free speech in studios, wasn't seen when James Laine's book was banned by BJP-led NDA government. Later the ban was revoked.

10. Mercifully, Muslims don't have any Bajrang Dal, VHP, Shiv Sena or even Ram Sene to go to a venue with 'lathis'. I am sure, if a Muslims had even gone and raised a slogan during the course of festival, he would have been termed as a terrorist.

The writers--Amitava Kumar, Hari Kunzru and two others--Jeet Thayil and Ruchir Joshi, who tried to suck up to Rushdie without any real threat to freedom of expression or censorship were simply playing to gallery at the fest. But it was no cause. Rushdie hadn't arrived and they also didn't dare to stay back.

11. Why these writers all these years never thought about a legal battle to get the ban on Satanic Verses upturned in India. They are liberals but the arm-chair liberals who would simply enjoy celebrity status just like film stars who can't take to streets or fight for cause, and vanish if their is a slight chance that they might face discomforting situation.

12. Freedom of expression comes with enormous responsibility. In fact, every freedom. As a person tweeted, 'You hurt a billion and you want freedom of expression but if any of those hurt by you air grievance, their freedom of expression is bigotry'.

Jaipur has over half-a-million Muslims. In the season of throwing shoes, none of them even held a demonstration or protest. Because the section that is pompous enough to consider themselves as liberal and the rest of Indians as 'traditional' or 'non-progressives', don't know an iota about India or its culture.

The vast millions in India are not intellectual bigots like you. That's why this multi-cultural nation has survived despite conflicts. Rushdie's visit was a non-issue. As an Indian Muslim, I had no interest at all. But again it was turned into a 'minority issue'.

France is secular and liberal to an extent that a Sikh can't wear turban and Muslims can't wear their skullcap. In Britain, it's different. Scandinavian countries have their owns standards. The laws are markedly different in America. India can't be France or Norway.

See examples of Muslim's indifference and apathy to the issue on one hand, and on the other hand dirty journalism practiced by sections that tried to link it to UP elections. The words like 'appeasement' and 'vote bank politics' were used, even when Muslims remained silent.

Fatwa or No Fatwa, Deoband will be blamed every time

In India, even if a Hindu says 'Ram', Muslims would say Lord Rama or Ramachandra Ji as a mark of respect. Pick up any Urdu daily newspaper and you will find deities and religious heads of other faiths addressed respectfully. Similarly Hindus always use the term 'Paigambar Mohammad'. This is our culture of mutual respect.

13. After false reporting on Deoband's fatwa, Rediff again continued its unethical journalism. Read this interview with a Jamat-e-Islami leader.

They couldn't get anything sensational from Saleem Engineer and hence began the interview with a introduction, '...is national secretary of the Jamaat-e-Islami....the organisation which is an offshoot of the...party whose objective is to establish Islamic rule in Pakistan and enforce Shariah'.

14. How shrewd and how subtle! Rediff is not alone. Many TV channels and their loud anchors did the same for TRP, as it made news. Newspapers gave similar headlines. On one hand, Muslims didn't protest, uttered no irresponsible word. On the other hand, they are still being branded as 'fanatics' and 'fundamentalists'.

15. I think I have made myself clear. I oppose MF Husain's nude painting and also the attack on galleries featuring his paintings or his house. I oppose Rushdie's offensive writings and also condemn if someone threatens him. Indian Muslims have shown remarkable restraint in dealing with this controversy.

Despite the TV channels, 'intellectuals' and 'liberals' trying their best to make an issue out of it, the community remained largely silent and avoided taking to streets. I am a moderate Indian and I refuse to be judged by your fake standards of liberty or freedom.

Delhi's egoist poetic voice falls silent: Urdu poet Shuja Khawar passes away

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:54:00 +0000

Shujaa' Khawar

Shuja Khawar, who was probably the most distinct poetic voice in Urdu to have come up from Delhi in the post-independence era, bid final adieu to his admirers and poetry lovers.

A master of Dehlvi Urdu idiom and the famed 'Taksaali zabaan', he hadn't penned poetry for the last 16 years due to a paralytic stroke that had rendered him bed-ridden. Then, for many years, he couldn't recognise his own writings, let alone compose poetry.

No wonder TV channels and newspapers seemed oblivious to the extent of loss for literary world. But in recent years, Shuja had recovered to an extent and was attending cultural events. People were expecting that he would be penning poetry once again.

Sadly, the silence turned eternal.

ek uskaa saraapa hai ki bas meN nahiiN aataa
kyaa haalat ho gayii, mere andaaz-e-bayaaN kii

It's not pure emotion but Shujauddin Sajid was worthy of being called the poet laureate of Delhi. This is not an exaggeration. Nusrat Zaheer in his editorial page column wrote an obituary titled 'Miyaan, Dilli Khamosh Ho gayi...', the words spoken to him by Farooq Argali at the graveyard.

Truly, it's a huge loss for the Dehli's culture as well as poetry.

raat usne dasht-e-jaaN ko gulistaaN kar diya
hamne bhii har usuul ko qurbaan kar diyaa

But the reality was that Shuja never compromised on his principles:

thoRaa sa badal jaaye to bas taaj ho aur taKht
is dil ka magar kyaa kareN, sunta nahiiN kambaKht

I remember Shuja Khawar's recital in poetic meets in mid-80s that were shown on Doordarshan. And then his name Shujauddin Sajid, the Deputy Commission of Police (DCP), Delhi appearing in news papers. In later years he had dropped 'Khawar' and called himself just 'Shujaa'.

Shuja reciting his couplets in early years.

Knowing his candidness and the temperament, people often wondered how he could work in police. Famed satirist late Sardar Dilip Singh had recounted a humorous piece as to how he wanted his friends to impress them with his friendship with a police officer.

Shuja quit the job in late 80s. Now we expected him to devote himself to literature. After all, here was a poet whose poetic calibre was acknowledged by literary giants and critics, like Firaq Gorakhpuri, Qurratul Ain Hyder & Zo Ansari, all least generous in their praise for others.

Apart from ghazals, he also wrote Nazms. Shuja was also known for use of 'muhaavras' in his couplets:

aab voh aai jo chehre par aduu ke baad-e-wasl
aur paani, voh jo merii aarzuoN par phiraa

The 'Qalandar' poet cared little about name or fame. It is not that he wasn't aware of tricks of the trade. An immensely lovable person, Shuja remained firm on his beliefs and walked the path he chose in literature, without siding with any of the major groups.

haalat use dil kii na dikhaai, na bayaaN kii
Khair usne na kii baat, to hamne bhii kahaaN kii

hue mahruumiyoN ke jab ham aadii
to us zaalim ne chilman hi haTaa dii

Last year when I saw his photograph, I was stunned. He was a pale shadow of his past. It was due to his innate mental toughness he had managed to come a long way from the period when he couldn't even understand his own words after the stroke.

poNhchaa huzur-e-shaah, har ek rang ka faqiir
poNhchaa nahiiN jo, thaa vahii 'poNhchaa huaa' faqiir

Shuja Khar (Third from right)

After years of illness and solitude, he was once again getting back to the centre stage of Urdu poetry.

Urdu Academy had organised a grand programme in his honour, 'Ek Shaam Shuja Khawar ke Naam'. Eminent litterateurs termed a poet who took forward the tradition of Mir Taqi Mir, Ghalib, Zauq, Yagana Changezi in Delhi.

Speakers recalled how words and phrases appeared in his command. In the jam packed Aiwan-e-Ghalib academy hall, Shuja's admirers' presence and enthusiasm proved that he had lived all these years in their hearts.

maut ki azaadiyaaN bhi aisii kuchh dilkash na thiiN
phir bhii hamne zindagii kii qaid ko kaaTa bohat

The cardiac arrest proved fatal. Dehli ka baanka shayar chala gaya. Who is there to carry the Dehlvi poet's legacy? Despite the fact that I loved his poetry, I couldn't post his works except one ghazal. Now I intend to put up his ghazals selected couplets soon at my poetry site B est Ghazals.

Rediff's report on 'Deoband' fatwas: Wrong facts, irresponsible journalism

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:54:00 +0000

Rediff article that links Deoband to Surya Namaskar fatwa

It is perfectly understandable if a religious institution is criticised for issuing frivolous or controversial fatwas, just like a post written on this blog sometime back, but it is unfair if you criticise someone by attributing decrees which they didn't issue at all.

One of the most popular sites, Rediff.com surprisingly posted an article that surprisingly has not just factual error but also wrongly accuses Deoband for fatwas which they didn't at all issue. Strangely, even after it was brought to their notice, they didn't bother to correct it.

There was no quote. Of course, no effort to get version and the institution was wrongly accused. I noticed the report as I had written a post 'Fatwa Factory...' sometime back on this blog. This recent Rediff article had similar headline.

The article blamed Deoband for issuing fatwa against Surya Namaskar. The seminary never issued any such fatwa. The particular religious 'opinion' was issued by Darul Ifta Bhopal. The Rediff report that doesn't carry writer's name goes ahead to say that, 'seminary has issued fatwa against Surya Namaskar....'.

It then falsely mentions the diktat against Veena Malik. Again, this was the call of All India Muslim Tehwar Committee.

They had termed that she was now 'biradari-baahar' [to be ex-communicated, huh! who is listening and who is bothered?], a sort of call that khap panchayats issue. Of course, condemn-able but why accuse Deoband.

Cleverly, the article says 'Majlis-e-Shoora' but doesn't tell reader that this 'Majlis' was that of Tehwar Committee, not Deoband.

By any journalistic or ethical standards, this is unusual. If Rahul Gandhi makes a statement, how can simply attribute it to Nitin Gadkari and then accuse the latter again and again through similar other misrepresentations? This is not just shoddy reporting, it is unethical and gives bad name to media.

The article further says that in defence the seminary says it's opinion that is not binding. When the writer didn't contact the seminary for version, they themselves wrote this line to support the article. Had they spoken to Ulema, they'd have been told that the above mentioned diktats were not issued by Deoband.

Rediff article that links the Veena Malik 'diktat' to Deoband

Deoband has issued several controversial fatwas in the past. If Rediff reporters made a slight effort, they could have made a good case against Deoband but they sullied journalism through such a false story. It is such news reports that create impression among citizens that journalists are irresponsible guys.

In which other profession, you can make such blunders. In print media also, you can lose job for such errors. Of course, it's easy to make changes on the internet. Still, even after being informed in comment section by readers and through other media, they haven't bothered to cross-check the facts or rectify mistakes in the last two weeks.

Even the most careless person would make such errors. Journalists can't generally get away with such factual inaccuracies. Then, how could the site that grabs millions of eye balls act with such carelessness? They could have either done groundwork to mention the really controversial fatwas of Deoband or simply written on the trend of fatwas issued from the seminaries [and such so-called moral guardians].

Why they got so irresponsible? Any answers Rediff.com?

[My article that was critical of such fatwas in the past. Read it here]

Saffronisation in Madhya Pradesh: Isn't it BJP's appeasement of the majority community?

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:38:00 +0000

Towards a Saffron state!

We hear the BJP make so much noise about appeasement of minorities, particularly Muslims. But does anyone use the term 'Majority [or Hindu] appeasement' when the party goes all out to ensure Saffronisation in a state.

In Madhya Pradesh, BJP seems to have steadily taken the RSS agenda quite far without a whimper. As a commentator in a national newspaper recently remarked that by keeping a low-profile BJP leaders in MP have silently pushed the Hindutva plan ahead.

But in the last few months, people have begun to see the design. Either it is the stringent law against cow slaughter that will put onus on any cattle trader if he is 'caught' taking bovines to prove his innocence or the introduction of Gita in school syllabus, MP is clearly outpacing Gujarat as the Hindutva lab.

1. The 'Surya Namaskar' may seem to be a innocuous activity akin to Yoga but the seriousness of the government in implementing it, clearly shows that it wants majority community's style of worship to enter hitherto secular schools. Personally many people won't find it too disturbing.

2. The party had proposed renaming Bhopal as Bhojpal in an apparent move to get rid off its Muslim heritage. The founder of modern Bhopal was Dost Mohammad Khan, the first Nawab and ruler of the medieval dynasty. On the ramparts of his fort in the lake, the huge statue of Raja Bhoj was erected.

Was it not majority appeasement? It didn't work though as party understood the popular mood was against the proposed name, Bhojpal. There has been no end to such decisions during the last few years. You may find them innocuous at your own risk.

3. Even when Abhinav Bharat members were caught for acts of terrorism, no statewide hunt was launched by MP police. But when Kashmiri youths were caught, they were immediately dubbed as terrorists. They were later released when it was realised that there was no case against them.

Further a campaign was launched against Kashmiri students in Bhopal. It was alleged that if Kashmiris would be allowed to come in such large numbers, this would facilitate the entry of militants who could then sneak into the state.

4. Steps were taken to ensure that Kashmiri Muslims didn't come for studies in MP in large numbers. It became a national issue. Similar was the case of stringent law against conversion and the religious profiling of Christians that was stopped after it came in open. Isn't all this clear case of Hindu appeasement?

5. The issue is that there is clearly a larger design. When Gita lessons were about to be introduced, the leaders of Sikh, Christian and Muslim communities opposed it. They termed it a step to turn all state-run schools into Shishu Mandirs.

Then, the State government, said that it had no objection to add teachings from scriptures of other communities as well. It was cleverly aimed to mollify the protesters.

When the opposition died down, the BJP government silently introduced the Gita chapters in the curriculum in schools.

As long as it is a secular state bound by constitution, there has to be a limit to this form of appeasement. Muslims can teach Quran in Madarsas and Hindus can teach Gita or other scriptures at private run schools or Saraswati Shishu Mandirs.

6. Public memory is short. Sometime back the decision to ask students recite 'Bhojan mantra' was also taken in the state. The education department had then insisted that it was not 'objectionable'. It is not that everybody is a fool. They try, see the response, then either act or stop and reintroduce things slightly later.

7. It is not the state government is concerned about education or students. The state run schools are in a mess. There is little interest to save schools, let alone open new ones. The buildings are in poor state. Of the 1.3 lakh government schools, over 25,000 schools have no toilets.

8. Government teachers, students are used to swell crowds by all parties. They come free and can't question the decisions. So it's easy to force them to attend rallies or mass Surya Namaskar. Unlike party workers brought from far-flung areas at the cost of transportation, the children won't even ask for money or lunch.

9. Schoolteachers are forced into election duties, regular vaccination drives and all government functions. The truth is that there is no concern about schoolchildren's fitness or education standards in these schools. The interest is just to further the agenda.

10. In fact, MP is a classic case. Unlike Gujarat, where Chief Minister Narendra Modi was till a few years back quite vocal and often made crude statements about Muslim community, BJP leaders in Madhya Pradesh have been silent and have projected its image as an inclusive party.

In MP that has 50 lakh [five million] Muslims, the BJP has held conventions for Muslims. The CM's pet Kanya Daan scheme for Hindu couples has been extended to include 'mass nikaahs' that are held at the expense of the government.

When there was criticism that advertisements for 'Beti Bachao' scheme, the hoardings were quickly changed. The photographs of Muslim girls adorned them. The couplets like 'HadithoN [HadeesoN] ki zeenat haiN betiyaaN' were also introduced as slogans.

On the law-and-order front, the riots were controlled quickly and there were no major communal clashes. The activities of Bajrang Dal and other allied Hindutva groups were kept under control. No wonder, a section of Muslims felt comfortable with Chouhan as Chief Minister.

The down to earth approach of the Chief Minister has made him popular among Muslims also. Party is expecting Muslim votes in the upcoming Assembly elections. Many BJP leaders had got Muslim votes in the last election and this was a surprise for the party.

Then what prompts the State BJP to take decisions that are now leading to controversies. Everybody in the power corridors in MP knows that the top state leadership doesn't want any issue that will cause disharmony or unnecessary controversy.

10. Clearly, good governance and popularity are not enough. The RSS doesn't want the BJP to become a Congress' version 2.0, even if it outperforms the latter on various indicators. In the last two terms, all Sangh institutions in MP have got so strong that even if the party doesn't come to power for decades, they won't face any problem.

Huge chunks of prime land have been given to them. If a BJP leader wants to keep his chair safe, then the first thing he must do is to keep the RSS in good humour. Once he is done with that, he can be assured that there is no internal threat to his rule, and focus on politics and governance.

Unfortunately for the party, the President's nod for the bill came just now when Surya Namaskar was to be organised. The controversy over Gita lessons hadn't died. For years, BJP has raised the issue of 'alpasankhyak tushtikaran', now they are doing aggressive appeasement of the bahusankhyak [majority] and not many seems to notice!

No cartoons, No comics: Urdu newspapers, magazines neglecting children

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:29:00 +0000

Khilauna published foreign comic strips

Despite fears about survival of Urdu in the decades after independence, the language continues to thrive in India, 64 years after independence.

But it's surprising how Urdu newspapers and even magazines continue to neglect children. Surprisingly, even the kids' magazines have few cartoons.

It is this segment--the kids--that will grow up to read the papers and if circulations fall in future, the reason would be lack of any effort to draw the young generation towards the language.

In fact, most of the Urdu papers have no concept of cartoons or comic strips (except political cartoons in a few papers). None of the Urdu newspapers published from Delhi, Hyderabad or Lucknow have a single cartoon for kids. Though there is no dearth of cartoonists in the country, they have neither any cartoon nor any translated comic strip.

Foreign cartoon strips--Dennis the Menace, Phantom, Archies or Richie Rich are translated and published in other vernacular papers. One could understand that many papers don't have resources to pay for the strips as they are expensive but the reality is that there is no serious effort to get indigenous cartoon strips either.

Children in the age group 4-10 get attracted towards papers if they see a cartoon, a sketch which they are asked to colour or similar activity. If they find such stuff, then they evince interest and without anybody's effort start reading over a period of time.

But despite umpteen conferences regarding future of Urdu, this aspect remains neglected. Only recently Urdu editors' conference was held in Hyderabad. Though Vice-President Hamid Ansari advised the papers to draw youngsters, I wonder if anyone of the seasoned editors could understand the essence of his speech.

Comic strip by Shakil Anwaar Siddiqui

Excessive focus on politics is harming Urdu press. Till 80s, Shama publications' Khilauna [do you call it Khilona?] published Richie Rich, even Archies and other international comics. Apart from these translated strips, there were Indian authors' who drew awesome comics.

A case in point is 'Shuja'at', the thrilling strip by Shakil Anwaar Siddiqui that continued for a long time and had kids hooked.

There is ample official patronage and money for Urdu in India. Apart from over a dozen Urdu academies, there are big institutions like NCPUL.

But Urdu media remains obsessed with politics. If those who love the language want Urdu to survive and thrive, they must focus on getting children interested in reading Urdu magazines and papers. This is the need of the hour.

Indian Muslims must avoid street protests

noreply@blogger.com (indscribe) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:46:00 +0000

An incident that largely went ignored in national media recently occurred in Jalna, which is located in 'Congress-ruled' Maharashtra, and has lessons for Muslims.

Upset over circulation of a distorted photograph on Facebook, Muslims took out a protest. There was ruckus during the procession that sought stern action against culprits. Some youths in the demonstration had face-off with traders and resorted to stone pelting. A vehicle was also reportedly torched.

What happened thereafter is incomprehensible. The Jalna police registered cases under sections meant for dacoity and attempt to murder against these youths. They were arrested and sent to jail and the father of one them died of heart attack when he heard news of his son's arrest.

Certainly there was no need for any ruckus in the procession and if, at all, there was lawlessness, it warranted legal action. But the police should have applied the appropriate sections under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), not the cases meant for acts that didn't happen. Instead they used such harsh sections that are never used in such incidents. One again you can cry 'injustice' or recite couplets like 'ham aah bhi bharte haiN to ho jaate hain badnaam, voh qatl bhi...'.

But there are several lessons for Indian Muslims in this:

1. Firstly, many would say that it is 'injustice' and that protests which are much more violent--ranging from open arms display by right-wing groups to Barjang Dal attacks during Valentine's Day or the Gujjars blocking railway track, don't invoke such harsh sections.

The fact is that incidents like Forbesganj firing, Gopalgarh killings and now Jalna arrests, show how administration acts in such cases. Was a mere Facebook post so damaging for a religion professed by hundreds of millions?

2. Couldn't the local Muslims have taken legal route--either filing FIR in the police station or getting case registered through a private complaint in the court. Else, submitting memorandums to district collector. Couldn't they have taken a leaf out of Muslims in another city [I have forgotten the name], who took Hindus and Sikhs also along, while taking their delegation to the officials.

3. How many protests have Jalna Muslims undertaken for issues pertaining to their socio-economic backwardness or how many times have they joined hands with other communities in taking out protests. We, mostly, go out, when there is an 'attack' on 'our religion'.

4. We exclusively take out protests. In such instances, there is often a risk, that the section of policemen or officers who don't like the sight of a 'Muslim juloos' may use extra force. There is apparently a feeling that with such processions, Muslims want to show their 'strength'.

This feeling is reinforced and officials sometimes take stringent action. If another group that is allied to a political party may get away lightly with a protest, it doesn't mean that you will also be let off that easily. The cases would be registered, youths hounded and their future [careers] affected.

5. A history of such incidents must have taught us that often the 'protesting minority' is seen as 'the other'. In Jalna, 60 Muslim youths were sent to jail. While one may criticise police action and the case may or may not stand in the court later on, the reality is that there was lawlessness to an extent, which you can't justify. And now the youths and their families are suffering.

The youths will experience what it is when your name is once registered in the local police station and you are deemed a troublemaker. It is really frustrating to see Muslims repeating the same mistakes again and again across the country.

6. Protest is out democratic right.But if you feel that someone else can get away with a violent protest and thus you should be spared as there was just a 'mere stone pelting', it is not a practical argument. Words like 'injustice', 'biased action', 'communal mindset' are often used but this can't justify your stand.

It also hurts the image of the community that it is ready to take to streets at the slightest provocation. Is our religion or belief so weak that any damn person's post or photo on a social networking website can hurt it. And why not take proper action, rather, than chanting emotional slogans and taking to the streets.

7. Frankly, you must protest for other people, belonging to other communities also for valid reasons, not just your own community as if you are absolutely isolated. We only go out for ourselves. This reinforces the set 'image' of Muslims. Each such protest results in loss for Muslims. This pattern is going on for decades.

8. I can recall dozens of incidents in the last decade alone, starting from the Kanpur case to the recent incidents that occurred in Rajasthan and Bihar. The violence in Kanpur had occurred in 2001, when Muslims protesting desecration of Holy Quran were fired at.

At least, 13 Muslims were killed as per official reports and the destruction of property of Muslims was immense. Not just right-wing groups but UP's notorious PAC smelt blood again and went about loot and destruction.

The better example is the case where Muslims took members of all other communities along and they took up the cases of online mischief that was 'hurting religious feelings' with the officials. Hindu leaders took up example of pictures of Gods that were morphed and similar was complaint of Sikhs.

As a result, the administration promptly acted and with greater sensitivityYou must take others along, rather than blowing your own trumpet alone.

9. Don't always think that it is you who gets the raw deal. In daily life, almost everybody who is unprivileged gets a bad deal from police and administration. The Tribal, Dalit and other weaker sections, a poor belonging to higher caste, are also a victim of numerous injustices.

So don't think that you alone are targeted all the time and stop raising the bogey of 'victim hood'. You are no special that you would be treated less harshly. Thus Jalna incident should again serve as reminder that reckless actions can lead to further problems.

Muslims must learn to hold silent sit-ins and dharnas, if at all, it is necessary or innovative forms of smart protests that attract media rather than affecting traffic and turning off others. Otherwise they run the risk of getting labelled as aggressors and termed as 'troublemakers'. It's time to ponder seriously whether mindlessly protests serve any purpose or they instead hurt us.

10. And yes, new media is evolving. There will be a lot of stuff that you may find offending. But it shouldn't drive you crazy. You must learn to ignore things as well. One can only hope that repeated incidents will now serve as lesson for the community and they would learn to be more responsible and tactful.