Indian Muslim Blog: News And Views about Indian Muslims

How 'emotion' destroys man and makes him a tool in politicians' hands: Hope, Fear and Future

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 May 2026 06:06:00 +0000

By Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

People consider 'group interest' as own interest and thus the sentiment or emotion makes them choose sides, take decisions.

Fifteen or twenty years later, many realize that the political parties they fought for, were never truly for them and that they had spent years, wasting own energy.

The feeling of 'collective' benefit or strength of entire majority or minority is not the absolute truth. It brings a feeling of elation but that's for those who haven't got enough in life & get happy easily.

Ultimately, each person is alone and one's failure in life or a certain progress is personal. Hence, falling for emotion and supporting the parties, ends up hurting in the long run. Politics gives a sense of power. But is it worth it?

Or it takes you down a road that ends up weakening you! Should a man simply focus on improving his and her lot, own family, rather than falling for politicians' promises! It doesn't mean that politics should be rejected.

But that one must not get brainwashed and spend own energies for the sake of those who use citizens for a ride. Not everybody is absolute fool or fully intelligent. Some are lucky and some don't get enough options.

But the sense of collective strength is a chimera. It makes a person feel stronger. Is sentiment enough run a life. Does it make a person prosperous, his family wealthy and ensures that he would live his life comfortably in future.

The feeling and the imagination that everyone who is 'like us' or belongs to 'our group or community' must have a common interest and similar trajectory in life, is far-fetched.

Truly independent and far-sighted men look beyond this obsession and the pettiness. They aim right, work for themselves and don't get befooled.

In the West Bengal election, lot of people voted in a particular way because the sense of fear was instilled in them that other group will outgrow or take over resources and is being pampered.

That's how fear works. For one group, it is this fear. For other group, the fear is that if they didn't keep a party in power, the next party will take over and harass or target them.

In a way, both the sides are in the same boat. The minds are manipulated. Fear is instilled in their minds and the growing sense of paranoia or obsessive fear that turns into hate for the 'other', drives them to keep acting like soldiers of the parties.

The real independent man is the one who is never fooled or who has learnt from his mistakes. One who is neither paranoid, nor obsessed, but is completely having his sight at this mission, not willing to act as a tool for politicians.

SUMMARY: The urge for 'community' interest is about sentiment--fear or hope. That our group should dominate or shouldn't suffer. It is understandable that more people fall for it, quickly.

That's a sure-shot formula. In a way, it's good also. See people, understand them, but always chart your own course. What are your views!

[By special arrangement with The International and The International View LINK, LINK & LINK ]

Saffron surge: In India, BJP wins Bengal, now dominates all regions, except South

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 May 2026 04:18:00 +0000

In India, BJP has now almost complete dominance in Northern, Central, Western and Eastern regions.

The party that brought 'Hindutva' to the centre stage is now, the ruling party in more than 15 states in the country.

BJP is firmly entrenched in big states of North India that include Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, has its chief ministers in Assam, Bihar and Odisha in the East, controls Gujarat and Maharashtra in the West.

Besides, it has consistently formed governments in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the two states in Central India. Now, with the victory in West Bengal, BJP is all set to rule Eastern region.

The 2026 Assembly elections have been shaken the opposition parties and the political landscape of India has changed. Quite clearly, Congress has failed to strike a chord with the voter. Despite inflation and unemployment, gas crisis and high fuel prices, BJP keeps on winning, election after election.

Opposition parties are clueless. They fail to fight and are not visible on the ground. It is cadre and strength of party workers on the ground, their ability to take over streets and leaders' firm conviction that catches attention of the voters.

In India, people want strong leaders, especially, those who seem to act decisively. Softness and liberal attitude seen as weakness. Besides, the society remains feudal and right-wing has gained strength in the country.

Mass media aligns with BJP. The headlines in newspapers and the debates on TV channels are mostly supportive of the party. Congress and other parties remain stuck in the era when politicians hoped that if not on this occasion, we will win the next time.

But now politics is 24/7. One has to be active and alert round the clock. BJP focuses on the statistics, acts with precision and tries all ways to exploit the weaknesses of the opposition parties. It has learnt the art of winning and the power over different wings, bureaucracy, helps it.

[By special arrangement with The International and The International View LINK, LINK & LINK ]

Angry over cake smeared on face, man kills three friends, later shot dead in 'encounter' with police

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 May 2026 01:40:00 +0000

Sudden anger over CAKE smeared on face on birthday, led to three murders and the fourth killed in 'encounter' later in Khurja town in Bulandshahr. Four families devastated and many ending up in jail.

That how a seemingly minor incident, angered Jeetu (right) so much that his anger took three lives. Akash, Amandeep and Manish are no more.

Later, police chased Jeetu and his companion, who were injured in the confrontation. Jeetu is no more and the fifth person got injured in the cross-fire.

ANGER is deadly and it can destroy lives. Jeetu is survived by his wife and a child. The families of three others are also in a state of shock and mourning.

If only, the two sides had managed to control their tempers a bit. May be, Jeetu shouldn't have overreacted. But now it's a lifelong pain for the surviving members of the families.

The flash of anger, the extreme feeling can be momentary. It is a lesson for people to teach their kids to not get provoked over any minor or even slightly bigger issue, lest, one things get out of hands, there is no way to control the situation.

Sudden rage, obsession and a flash of anger can create a major issue. This incident is just an example and it should serve as a lesson to people who feel that showing anger is about power. No, it doesn't make you powerful.

Actually, the strength is to deal with anger. Real power is about ability to think about the repercussions. Inability to deal with the tendency to get into a fit of anger, takes a person towards such outburst of rage.

It is high time that society learns about it. That youth and the children are told about the affects of exhibiting unnecessary anger. If you have resilience and you are able to deal with a situation, with a sane mind and a composure, then it shows a man's real strength.

[In Association with The International and The International View LINK, LINK & LINK ]

Controlling Journalism: Media owners dictating policy, deciding to suppress information is unfair and unethical

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 03 May 2026 01:53:00 +0000

By Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Mathias Döpfner told Politico staff that those who were uncomfortable with company's core values, should work for other companies.

This was after a staff member asked him to justify his contention that Iran was the aggressor in this war. Döpfner who owns The Telegraph and Politico said that journalists should clearly support Israel.

Clearly, it is about editorial interference and an extreme position. The company's core values don't seem to sync with journalism that demands fair reporting, truth and unbiased coverage.

Most people have their leanings but for media persons, the aim is to do their best to go for truthful and objective reporting that shows all the different sides of the picture.

If a media owner is so blatantly biased, how would readers get to know the other side of the story. In such a scenario, the particular media house will just put up one-sided and biased information.

Unfair. That people like Mathias Döpfner owns the media houses, is indeed a loss for society--as this is embedded journalism, owning media to serve a purpose.

Truth, fact and reality are the casualty. It is bad and hurts the credibility of journalism and journalists. Media can't be dictated to show just one side and behave in a way that it blinds the society and shows just the aspect, the owner wants to show.

Where are the values of integrity, truth and justice? If people start acting in this manner and control media organizations to control minds and use media as a weapon to misinform or give slant to news and views, then it's a huge problem.

If mindset is crooked, then people can insert opinions in reports and give clever twists to reports. This is a shameful practice.

The entire media structure is crumbling because people sense that media owners play this clever game and this makes it difficult for honest journalists who want to practice journalism--basic and correct, factual and honest.

If owners impose certain ideological litmus tests and turn newsrooms into echo chambers, rather than places where people hunt for facts and multiple perspectives, then it is lethal for journalism.

If owner signals that just one side has to be presented or unethically supporting a party, under the guise of journalism, then it erodes the public trust. It's rigging.

The control over journalism is due to media concentration in hands of certain people and if owner is corrupt or biased, then fair reporting is the casualty. Embedded journalism is not a new phenomenon but at such a scale, it is horrific.

Man carried sister's skeleton to prove her death to bank officials in India: Major lesson form Odisha incident

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 May 2026 20:45:00 +0000

People were shocked when image of the man carrying his sister's skeleton, which he had dug out from the grave, appeared in the media.

There are lessons from the incident. The fact is that if an official or a clerk says 'no', it is 'no', even if this is their own procedural issue or there is an alternative way to redress the grievance.

The spelling error or a certain small inaccuracy that can be sorted out, but the person at the seat is not interested in solving the issue, it remains unresolved.

You need a connection, a phone call or money to grease palm or get a middle-men who specializes in getting things done. In cities, some way may be found.

A politician, activist or media focus, but otherwise, it's tough for common man. For the poor, it is infinitely tough as no one comes to his aid.

In documents, the mistake made or error inserted by a staff member at an institution. The ordinary citizen wants it corrected.

The response is--'no big thing' or 'it can't be corrected' or 'it will require process or no issue', 'no harm due to it', 'chalega', or 'it will take time', 'next time', etc.

In the card, father's name spelling is wrong or address is wrong or anything that people say, is not big issue and can be corrected, but for one man, especially, if he is poor, it may not be corrected despite repeated efforts.

Things become extremely tough for those who are not privileged or not urban. Here, sometimes role of a political party, its unit or a worker who can get things done, becomes important.

In document, a mistake, something that doesn't tally, but is not corrected by a clerk though he made that mistake and now doesn't want to go to his own boss and tell that he made a silly error, makes it difficult for the citizen.

In the unique identification system, Aadhaar card, a person's father's name was mentioned in local language with the word 'late' and it later got changed to 'let' as as a prefix with the complete name.

The bank apparently wanted proof and as his sister had died, he went out to dug and brought out the remains. Carrying the skeleton, he reached the bank. This report led to outrage across the world.

Actually, the extent of poverty and the common man's condition remains bad. But, media tries to project India as a land of Ambanis, Adanis and the rich or wealthy.

Though at ground level, things aren't as rosy. PR job hides the reality. For common man, things are tough. For a illiterate man or tribal, a rural person or an ordinary poor, it's even worse.

To prove that his sister had indeed died, he had to dig the ground and bring the corpse to the bank. Jeetu Munda's plight, even if the bank claims that he was inebriated, which often authorities do [raise such a point to save themselves] has brought to fore the situation on the ground.

Report courtesy: The International at The International View. LINK, LINK & LINK

Maharashtra Map in Urdu: District map of the State that is known as bastion of Urdu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:36:00 +0000

Maharashtra is one of the major states and has a population of nearly 120 million. Apart from Marathi, Urdu is also the important language in this state.

For a long time, need was felt that a proper and new district map of the state, ought to be uploaded, for the benefit of people, especially, students. Hence, this map has been presented it.

The erstwhile regions of Khandesh, Berar and the part of Nizam's princely state--the districts that include Aurangabad, Nanded, Latur, Parbhani and Osmanabad, are also included in this vast state.

Mumbai is the capital and it has Bollywood, Urdu poets and authors, apart from neighbouring towns like Bhiwandi and Malegaon that are also bastions of Urdu. Muslims in Maharashtra have kept Urdu close to their heart.

In the past, maps of India and different states have been uploaded, here. In this series, historical maps were also posted and recent maps have also been recreated in Urdu. Some of the maps and the links are available, below.

Madhya Pradesh map in Urdu. LINK

Uttar Pradesh map in Urdu. LINK

The map of Bihar that had been drawn and recreated in Urdu, had got wide publicity and several newspapers had covered it.

Towns of Awadh, a map that shows 'qasbahs' of the region around Lucknow, and several other regional, national and international maps, have been posted here. The project is on and more posts, especially, rare and historical maps, would be posted as well.

Students need the map and lack of proper, updated atlases makes it difficult for them. New maps are not easily available and even on internet Urdu maps are not available freely. Hence, this map has been posted. It is not fit to scale and is just for educational and informational purpose.

Brahmin chief ministers in India: Mamata Banerjee, her politics, identity and portrayal in media

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 05:01:00 +0000

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Till early 1990s, it was more common to have Chief Ministers belonging to the Forward Castes in the major states.

Over the years, it changed and now Backward Community leaders are calling the shots. The BJP successfully managed to get Backward or OBC vote.

Right now, among the big states that have 100 million or more populace, the Brahmin chief ministers include--Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra and Bhajan Lal Sharma in Rajasthan. Among smaller states, Assam, which is ranked 15th in populace, can also be added.

A few other Upper Caste or Savarna leaders are at the post in certain states. However, it has been a major change in the last few decades in India. In the first fifty years after independence, it was common to have Upper caste, especially, Brahmins at the top post in states but no longer.

Lot of people in North India, talk about Mamata Banerjee as if she is a leader of particular section.

She was the main leader who stood against Communists, for years. But, identity & acceptance are due to her being a Brahmin leader too.

This aspect is conveniently ignored. It is mentioned in way, as if she is a leader who gets mainly Muslim support. West Bengal is over 70% Hindu. Different groups vote and there are other factors too.

Definitely, Muslims vote but Forward Castes, Backward Castes, Dalits, other communities too.

Parties that win do need strong cadre, it is known. Communists, TMC or BJP. No one disputes. But when it comes to West Bengal, it is presented in a way, as if just the Muslim support alone, puts her in this position.

Her politics, fighting on the streets, long battle against Communists, is the reason that she has been the chief minister in West Bengal for several terms. The BJP is trying hard to replace her and the results of Assembly elections will soon reveal if Mamata continues to run the show in Kolkata or BJP wins.

But for a long period, Mamata has been central to the politics of West Bengal. Credit is due. That's because of the never say die attitude. But, having mentioned this aspect, Bhadralok identity in Bengal can't be totally ignored.

The Bhadralok identity is central to West Bengal. Here, one has to be among the particular castes to lead institutions and parties. That's a fact and, hence, just claiming that consolidated Muslim vote is a reason for her strength, is not the absolute truth.

If a person is a Brahmin leader, what stops anyone from mentioning it? Or in this context, people in North will just consider chief minsters of Maharashtra and Rajasthan, as they belong to the party, the majority is more comfortable with!

WhatsApp created image of West Bengal is now so strong in North India that people who may not have much interest or don't even visit, have a strong feeling about what the state is and this is mostly through the posts that keep circulating throughout the year.

Majority can wreck society, act as its own enemy: How right-wing majoritarianism creates a wound and becomes an enemy of the society

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:56:00 +0000

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

When a society gets deeply polarized, a section targets another section daily, hate crime & hate speech become common, without any check...

What will happen? If you hate a section of own people, you don't need enemy as you have become the main force destabilizing your own society.

Strangely, those who abuse, target and attack, coin new and cheap terms to use them to harass other section, feel that they are doing a service to their nation.

They feel they have an enemy and are acting against it. Actually, the enemy they seek is no where else. They just need to see the mirror. They are the 'enemy' themselves.

The majoritarian tendencies that turn towards fascism, have the potential to tear apart social fabric. People indeed fall for it, get almost mad, obsessive and they can't be made to see reason.

This section becomes a zombie. They don't understand anything. You can't discuss an issue with them, because they have already been poisoned to so much extent and brainwashed to a level that discussion is totally meaningless.

They feel they are the ruling class and have the right to sit on others' chest and demand 'explanation' as per their own terms, as if they are first class citizens and the rest are second class citizens.

Bigotry turns them into maniacs and they imagine that the other group is completely homogenous and imagine certain things about that entire groups and there is no a millimeter they can change their opinion, even after piles of evidence.

This is a classic behaviour in those societies that witness rise of fascist tendencies. When a group is about to go into self-destruction mode, they start complaining and hating everything. They are never satisfied, always talking about any issue under the sun, while competing with the second or third group.

This compulsive and obsessive behaviour and the 'what about them' mindset, always 'competing' with other group, takes them to a level where chance of civilized conversation or a decent debate is zero.

As extremely vulgar and insensitive terms are used, the other sections find it difficult to engage or respond. Cheap language is one of the examples that a society is turning rotten. The more cheap is the language, the higher is the level of rot.

It is always felt, people experience it. The rowdy groups and the vigilantes that are not connected with government, appear and take law in their hands. They get treated softly and become part of system. In a way, they feel they are powerful but at the same time lament about own weakness.

They keep on repeating that they are powerless, again, comparting themselves to 'other'. This is also used to exhort other people from the majority community to embrace this ideology and follow the same path of right-wing extremism and radicalism.

When you create a wound, scratch it and then obsess over it, there is no escaping the issue, the wound keeps growing and it demands to be scratched more and more, until this process turns them into an extension of the wound.

Central India: Vast region that is casually termed as part of 'North India' is a huge region spread over three states

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:18:00 +0000

Central India is often termed as 'North India', as all that is north of S India, is labelled 'North'. But central region exists.

Region or 'subah' & 'states' are often carved out, recreated or reorganized, but this region that is divided in three provinces or states is a region that has nearly 150 million populace. That's more than the population of Russia.

Indore, Nagpur, Bhopal, greater Raipur that includes Bhilai and Durg, Jabalpur, Gwalior are million plus cities here. Ujjain and Amravati also exist in this region. The region as we see starts from Chambal region and Gondwana is located here.

The states got fresh names and then again new names. Certain regions' names were changed and just remained in books, as official names become popular. In old maps, Sironj was an important town in Central India.

In ancient era, Vidisha and Ujjain, the two historic towns were more prominent. Sanchi is located here. This region also has Khandesh in the vicinity. Burhanpur, the gateway to Deccan, is also located in Nimar region, just below Malwa, in the western part.

Dhar, Mandu and Ellichpur, that were once seats of empires and the princely states like Bhopal, Indore and Gwalior, apart from Deogarh and Nagpur kingdoms, Bastar, are included in this vast region that is now divided among three states.

Actually, the Tribal heartland, districts with huge concentration of the people belonging to scheduled tribes or adiwasi, exist here. From Alirajpur, Dhar and Jhabua in MP's east to Betul, Mandla, Dindori and Shahdol, Chhindwara & districts like Jhabua or Ambikapur, Bastar region in Chhattisgarh & then in the tribal dominated districts of Vidarbha.

After 2011, no census was conducted. But India has a multiple systems of counting and data is available along with mathematical ways and projections. It is estimated that Madhya Pradesh has a population of 90 million [9 crore], Chhattisgarh has a population of 31.5 million [3.15 crore] and Vidarbha has a population of around 25 million [2.5 crore].

Major towns include Indore that has grown fast and its urban area is touching 4 million. Nagpur's urban population is second to it. Bhopal's urban population is also estimated to be around 3 million. The fourth biggest centre is Greater Raipur that includes Naya Raipur and the adjoining cities of Durg and Bhilai.

Together, this also crosses 3 million. Apart from these four cities--Bhopal, Indore, Nagpur and Greater Raipur, there are certain other million plus cities in the region. They include Jabalpur and Gwalior. Once Jabalpur was among the biggest cities in this region but its growth slowed down after independence.

Bhopal became capital and Indore turned into a commercial township. Later, in 2000, Chhattisgarh was carved out and Raipur also grew faster in the next quarter century. Amravati, Akola in Vidarbha, Bilaspur, Korba in Chhattisgarh, Ujjain and Burhanpur in MP, are among other important towns.

CENTRAL INDIA: PAST AND PRESENT

In medieval India, there were 16 subahs. Malwa, Berar and Khandesh were three of these subahs. None of them exist now. The boundaries were changed again and again. Khandesh was split between MP and Maharashtra.

Berar province was included in modern 'CP and Berar' state. But later, in 1956, after the reorganization of states, Nagpur didn't remain capital as Madhya Bharat, Vindhya and Bhopal princely state were combined with other princely states of central India, to form Madhya Pradesh.

Berar is often casually termed as Vidarbha region, though all districts of Berar are not part of Vidarbha and all the parts of Vidarbha don't fall in the Berar region. However, this region is now part of Maharashtra, though geographically, it is in central India and close to Madhya Pradesh.

Questions over media trial in Nashik case: Media groups published unverified information, went for witch-hunt!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:20:00 +0000

By Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Blame a person, based on hearsay or wild claims & even before trial, charge sheet or court’s verdict, conduct a media trial resembling witch-hunt, ignoring the basics and ethics of journalism?

Claims made citing ‘sources’ and ‘anonymous sources’, writing anything wild is not journalism. The mad race to get eyeballs and to get anything ‘sensational’ that leads to reports without due diligence, legwork & shoddy journalism, ends up hurting everyone in the society.

Misusing power of media, making unverified claims, not even aware about person’s role and post, using her photo as if already case is over and the person is a convicted criminal? Times of India, NDTV and India Today Group's Aaj Tak didn't double check or confirm the basics!

The level of irresponsible ‘journalism’ by media houses is an example of serious rot. No apology for false info and just sharing company’s response as ‘clarification’, without even admitting that they had no idea about the role or even duties of the person.

The Nashik case has shown how much media can be immoral and destroy lives, without an iota of shame or regret. Just anything you are told & your write it like a steno, without basics of journalism, not even confirmation.

This is the mockery of justice. Besides, extremely wild and hateful terms like 'corporate jihad' and claims of 'conversion racket' were thrown in, to make the story more sensational, without adhering to journalistic standards.

Media has power to publish and with power comes responsibility. Today anybody makes any allegation and you will publish photo, terming someone as almost a mastermind of a crime plot that is worse than pulp fiction.

It’s petty and cheap. If this is the way media functions, it will tear social fabric. Either mischievous reporting or a hurry to write without conformation and without knowing the basics, it affects lives and…

…the erosion of media’s trust affects the basic structure of a society where law and investigation ought to be fair and every person must get a fair trial, is at risk due to such careless media reporting.

If at all these media groups had any credibility, all has crumbled. It’s over. That’s the corpse of media, lying unattended. It’s over.

*False information published, no apology

*Unverified info, facts compromised

*Claim taken as ‘truth’ and ‘fact’

*Photo used as if a mastermind of crime involved

*Witch hunt & Targeting

*Campaign to prove a conspiracy

*What was spoon fed, reproduced, not cross-checked

*Immoral journalism

*Dirty ‘journalism’ destroys, damages lives

The media houses that have indulged in this cheap act, must be held accountable. It is as if you were already biased and prejudiced & without any proper check, you went out for the hit job.

Lot of people have questioned the role of media groups and certain ‘anchors’ who are not necessarily journalists but pass off as journos even if they might not have been schooled in basics of journalism.

The principle of innocent till proven guilty, doesn’t exist, if media sees a person with a prejudiced mindset. There is no scope as everyone copy-pasted and pushes same story with a manic urge to get more and more eyeballs.

There is a reason that respect for the profession has hit rock bottom. This is sad that media can go so wild and careless to such an extent. There is more to written about this case and it will in a way be remembered by people as an example of media’s worst possible sensational tendencies that can be witnessed in public space in this era.

[A shorter version of this piece has also been published on the Medium]

AltNews that fact-checks information, news and reports, has also published how media groups didn't confirm basic facts and didn't follow standards of journalism either. READ

Misinformation and inaccuracies in media reports in Nashik case. READ

Indian journalism's credibility crisis: Double standards in reporting, diluting or demonizing on the basis of person's name or faith is shameful

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:10:00 +0000

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Indian journalism is in a deep crisis. Just go through this example and see how incidents are reported--diluted, hushed up or hyped, sensationalized, selectively. A few days ago, this serious incident involving national security took place.

Amal Tiwari was arrested from Buxar. Not in hurried operation, but after long investigation & when a lot of information was obtained, especially, because it was a case that needed rigorous probe due to the sensitivity.

But the same media that is quick to sensationalize, avoided mentioning it as 'international terror plot' & no serious follow-up stories were published. No reports of ATS teams rushing or reports about NIA taking it up, crime branch or other wings' investigation.

And of course, no frenzy among journos who are seen rushing to police stations and pushing mikes in front of officers, as it happens in any such case. Generally, whenever such a major crime or expose is made, there is hysteric reporting in the case where there is just a suspect or even a claim about someone's involvement. Adjectives and prefixes are inserted with sensational headlines. But this serious case was turned into a mere 'security breach'. Nothing about modules or arrested person's links, no news about probe teams or what came out in the form of investigation report and no 'sources' mentioning what was found in search and nothing about family, past acts or other aspects. In one case, a name is thrown and everyone gets into frenzy, reporting day and night, throwing stories after stories, using sensational terms and getting actively involved. But on the other hand, paying little attention despite seriousness of the case. How?

There is a reason. The reporters and journalists, they have certain inherent inclinations or biases. They are unable to get rid of those perceptions. That case after case, one incident gets excessive focus and other is diluted.

In one case, the focus is extreme and even without much evidence, attempt is made to turn story sensational. But in other case, effort is to totally ignore the news or write in a manner that despite all the stuff, it should be relegated to inside pages and no serious follow-up reports.

In most countries, media faces criticism but in India, there is a higher and strong tendency to report stories based on 'who' is the suspect. The identity of the person who is involved, decides if the case will be on front page or the news would be relegated to an inside page.

If victim belongs to a particular section, his plight would be understood, otherwise, even the victim is not seen as victim. Besides, if a claim is made against a person who has an identity that doesn't gel with the mainstream idea of majoritarian forces, then, even the person will face media trial and character assassination. All journalistic ethics are thrown out of the window. False allegation is made, no arrest has taken place, but the person would be treated as a criminal and photographs would be published to destroy the image of the person.

This pattern continues because whenever a family suffers, they don't understand the mechanism and get under such huge pressure that for them, getting out of defamation campaign is more important than documenting the falsehoods of the newspapers and TV channels to later take action for false reporting.

A person who has not been involved in any office and just a false claim is made because of rumour or vested interests of a rival or if someone has made an allegation about the person, it is not mentioned in reports that this is 'alleged' or this is a claim.

The claim is presented as fact even if within days it is revealed that the charges were false. But by then, the person gets demonized and job prospects, future get damaged due to the sensationalism and the streak of media to target and defame. The worst aspect is that the other person who has not just been booked and arrested but convicted and jailed for a horrific crime, is termed as 'man released after ten years', not even a mention of charge or crime or prison. The template and the method is quite clear.

Even those who led mob and were convicted for mass murder and were sentenced to life term, but on their release from jail, the headline is simple: 'Man released after 15 years'. No mention that the person was involved in leading a mob that attacked a house or shop and raped, murdered the innocents.

Most newsrooms have this issue and the person writes story depending on his personal biases and thoughts, not on the basis of standard journalism practices. The standards should be the same. If a person is suspect, then he should be suspect and he should not be treated as criminal or convict. And it should be in all cases. Not just national security, but the worst cases of crimes too, it is seen that people report with zeal in one case and just ignore other case. Keep similar standards and basic practices, if not ideal as idealism is too tough to expect in the times we live.

Example of subtle ways to suppress or sensationalize reports and headlines:

-In an incident, a man assaults other person & its definitely a crime. But in headline his full name is mentioned and termed 'darinde ne apne ghar mein ye kiya'. -In other incident, a man killed his two daughters with an axe like weapon. But headline doesn't use the term 'darinda' or monster & there is no name in headline. Maintain certain standards in media. Assault or attack is not equivalent to murders. Further, if you have started practice of taking names of killers or assailants in headlines, then in each case, take the names, otherwise just don't take name in headline in each case. Not just that one in ten cases where it suits you, you will take complete name in headline. Otherwise, you will hide it. Media must be responsible. It has to act fair and should appear fair in practice. Reporting or journalism can't be done whimsical way. Report each incident as per the standards of journalistic ethics. It shouldn't be that you are paid to run a service to demonize a person in one case and act as PR manager of accused in other case or make the gravity of an offence lesser or turn an incident more serious depending on your mood swings.

Journalism must have a certain seriousness. Writing a pulp fiction style story for sensational crime magazine episode in one case and otherwise so soft just because you feel it that way or you have a particular motive!

The checks and balances that are needed, don't exist. Press council acts when complaint is made to it. But on regular basis, the extreme bias that is shown in reporting, continues to make lives difficult for innocents.

Communalism to Criminal mindset: Bigotry, hate speeches, divisive propaganda hurts society

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:43:00 +0000

Communalism is first step. Then minds become criminal and that is the most worrying aspect for any society.

If X commits theft in your house, will you go to his house & commit theft?

For example, if a woman is molested, accused must be booked, not that a woman of other side be molested in revenge.

It is sick to take revenge and become a criminal. However, it becomes acceptable when mob mentality takes over. It leads to rise in dirty thought process.

The casual hateful remarks become common. The level keeps going up.

Media groups want eyeballs and hence headlines are given with the aim to draw attention.

Thousands of crimes take place in a country daily but one is selectively taken up. Clear sides are taken and people become so brainwashed that they refuse to see reason.

Entire groups are seen as enemies and then all energies are directed against targeted group.

This level of hateful behaviour makes people blind and they keep getting radicalized.

Most often it's not in the interest of the people but in the moment, whipped up sentiments, passion and anger appeal more.

If poison is injected in a part, it spreads to entire body. Hate too spreads & grips all, weakens nation.

People know it but when bug of bigotry bites, men transform. The tendency to 'otherize' comes with majoritarianism & it destroys society.

The situation becomes critical when organs of state turn blind eye and leaders become complicit.

Or when media becomes a participant in the dirty project to create wedge between communities.

If politicians incentivize communalism, many loafers emerge and the law & order goes to a toss. The ramifications are severe.

Sometimes, ten or twenty years later, a few people among those who have spend their lives drowned in hate, realize that it was the time they wasted.

Many others still won't as people like to justify their acts as accepting own fault is rare.

If you want a better future for yourself, your family and next generation, introspect and act against hate, to save nation and society.

Unjust, Unfair: A country's president abducted, another country's supreme leader assassinated, does any international law exist?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:31:00 +0000

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

A country's president and his wife were abducted and taken from away from their nation.

Within days, another nation that is faraway, across the Atlantic ocean, in another continent, is attacked and its supreme leader is assassinated.

Is that how the world should run? Isn't it extremely unjust, unfair and flouting the norms! But this has happened in recent weeks and there is not enough condemnation or outrage at the blatant attacks on two countries.

For almost 120 years, US has been involved in forcing regime changes, supporting coups and toppling governments across the world. Nothing has changed. The old pattern continues even in 2026.

'Might is right' can't be the way world should run. That's not a proper system for a world order in the twenty first century. There should be a certain respect for sovereignty and semblance of international law.

Ironically, the media mechanism is such that words like 'attack' or 'invasion' are not even used when a super power or a rogue nation commits a strike in Asia, Africa, Latin America or any other region.

For decades, wars have been forced upon countries just due to the whims of certain people in big nations who happen to sit at the powerful posts and wish to control resources or just want to distract citizens from an issue.

We have the news agencies, the 'major' newspapers from New York, Washington and London, publishing reports with such headlines that tend to 'normalize' such attacks. The fact that sovereignty of nations is breached doesn't bother them.

Who gives authority to any country to do a 'regime change' in another nation? The established and renowned media houses that had justified Iraq war, have once again acted in the exactly same and notorious way.

Among newspapers like New York Times, Washington Post, TV channels like Fox, CNN and the agencies like AP and Reuters, do we see any change? Any questions about Israel and its nuclear status while publishing headlines about Iran that had its program inspected and was ready for deal.

Words like 'attack' or 'invasion' are missing, the terms are easily replaced by 'capture' and 'strike'. No special editorials or front page articles against wars and unprovoked attacks. No outrage when over hundred school children were killed in Iran.

Remember, how world leaders came out in solidarity over incidents of violence and justice in the past? But on this occasion, everything is buried under the carpet and hushed up. It is clear that some nations have the power to get away with everything.

The attacks on Venezuela and Iran have clearly shown the lack of any proper system. Most countries are silent or avoid taking stand. Media is 'compromised' and can go to any length to twist information, support aggression and justify war.

The attack on Gaza took place when Biden was president and the atrocities continued during Donald Trump's regime too. Trump had earlier promised that he would not take America to wars in faraway countries. But this didn't happen.

In fact, many countries have been targeted in the last couple of years. Strikes were ordered in Iraq, Somalia, Yemen and several other countries during his term.

Israel manages to drag US to fight it's war for dominance in Middle East, Iran is again the target

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:20:00 +0000

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Let's analyze the situation that has arisen after America and Israel launched fresh attacks on Iran, starting the war in 2026.

Actually, it can be summed up in this sentence: 'Again, Israel manages to drag US to fight a war'.

That's the hold of Israel on America that it can persuade the superpower to fight for Israel's regional interests. It wants United States of America to do the job and help establish Israel's dominance in the entire Middle East.

US agrees and attacks Iran. America apparently has no choice but to listen and act when Israel expects something. The cycle continues. Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and so on. America is again in the midst of a war that may not end soon. Its image hurt, it devalues itself. Across the world, it is now seen as a puppet of Tel Aviv.

Having said this, the reality is that due to America's support, Israel wields clout. Many countries in Gulf, irrespective of their stand and rhetoric, maintain relations with Israel or are indirectly under the control of US-Israel's axis. They also have American bases.

In Gaza, the same superpower was witness to killings and didn't act despite tens of thousands dying and a large number of them being children. Over the last few years, certain Middle East nations have preferred to remain silent and were more eager to normalize relations with Israel, even aided Tel Aviv, with supplies and maintaining diplomatic relations.

Israel's nuclear status is never an issue at the international stage. It is not under any pressure or made to declare it's nuclear status or asked to give up its weapons. So much bloodshed took place in Gaza but there was no accountability and the invasion shows that the bloodlust remains even after the death of tens of thousands, a large number of them were children.

US is thousands of kilometers away from America, there is the vast Atlantic ocean in the middle and practically no direct threat but the regime in Tehran is still termed as a threat to America.

One after the other, countries in Middle East have been destroyed. If Israel doesn't like a regime, US media fervently starts a propaganda operation to term the nation as enemy. Of late, Iran, that had refused to be subjugated and remained independent, became the target.

Even a decade ago, American newspapers were publishing reports like 'Iran a few months away from nuclear…'. Despite Iran opening its facilities for inspection and signing agreements, Iran was shown as a threat while Israel's nuclear status is seldom questioned.

In fact, this propaganda goes back to the first decade of the century. It never stops. Media groups are often more than eager to support Israel's version and push its narrative as akin to America's national interest.

In Asia and Africa, the propaganda outlets in New York, Washington and London are increasingly seen as the arms of the Empire and not independent media organizations.

Their aim is to justify any action and demonize any country or leader. From the era of Vietnam to the numerous attempts to change regimes all over the world, this process never stops.

They justified all lies to pave way for justification of US, UK and allies' attack on Iraq by peddling lies regarding weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

They did in Libya and they do it everywhere. They casually misinterpret a phrase or a statement and deliberately misinform readers to give a false impression about any faraway country that never had any interest in conflict with US, let alone attacking it.

The aim is to control resources, the objective is to establish hegemony and the motto is defeat of any nation doesn't act as per whims of the gang of the powerful countries.

Leaders of the World: Role of Tunku Abdul Rahman in transforming Malaysia in 20th century

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:10:00 +0000

By Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Tunku Abdul Rahman was one of the leading personalities of the twentieth century.

He was a prominent leader within the country and also a statesman at the international stage, apart from prime minister of Malaysia.

The founding father of the country, he played an instrumental role in the birth of the nation after a long period of colonial rule.

He understood the challenges well and brought the diverse communities together, henceforth paving way for a bright future of the people and for the progress of his county.

During the second World War, Japan attacked Malaya and defeated the British. It was in this period that his concern towards his people was visible. Later, he visited London, finishes his law degree and returned.

Once in active politics, he brought UMNO and Malay Chinese Association (MCA) together. The formation of the Alliance was an important step. Tunku was now touring all over Malaya and was gaining in popularity.

The changes were swift during the 1950s. It was an eventful decade. He became president of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). Later, he went on to become the chief minister and home minister of Malaya.

He led a mission to secure independence from Britain and after attaining freedom, he worked on his way towards formation of the federation of Malaysia. In 1963, Malaysia was created as an independent nation.

Under Tunku's leadership, the Alliance won elections. For a country that was coming out of colonial rule, a visionary leader who was acceptable to all the sections of society, was needed.

He was a leader who fought for his country's independence and later played major role in transforming Malaysia as an important voice on the international stage.

He saw Malaysia as a melting pot of diverse cultures, different races and wished to promote multiculturalism in order to foster harmony and strengthen the country. There were many obstacles in his way. The racial tensions had come to fore in 1969.

But even after relinquishing power, he remained a major figure. He took interest in diverse fields. Also, had a liking for sports, ranging from soccer to golf. Born in 1903, Tunku saw the world change dramatically.

He was witness to the world wars and the end of the empires. Dozens of independent countries had appeared on the world map. He was the man who is credited for laying foundation of the modern Malaysia.

From an administrator in Kedah to the prime minister of Malaysia and a world leader, it was a long journey. Kuala Lumpur was no longer a place to missed on the world map. Tunku was the first secretary general of Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC).

Also, he was a key figure in formation of ASEAN--Association of South East Asian Nations. Tunku passed away in 1990. A man who remained active all his life, he is rightly seen as one of the prominent leaders of the world in the twentieth century.

How propaganda is used as a tool to manipulate minds, defame and defeat the opponent: Misusing media to manufacture public opinion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 08:49:00 +0000

By Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Propaganda is a big tool and organized propaganda is a mechanism that is used by powerful groups, societies, communities, leaders, rulers, business tycoons and sections, with different aims.

It is used to weaken an opponent, defeat the adversary or rival. Politics, economics, power and clout, international or national standing, it has an impact on all.

Certain country or society, race or big group can be blamed or defamed by misuse of media and through negative propaganda. If you constantly relay propaganda, it affects the people..

.. and can even change the opinion of masses. The extent depends on investment in this exercise and the availability of plaint media. Actually, it is such a powerful method that it is used as a tool in statecraft.

If a firm or an entity gets maligned, the reputation is hurt. Similarly, if false news or fake information about a state or a country, a geographical region or a group of people is constantly aired, then it affects both sides.

People who are blamed, often don't realize that it is not truth, but a planned defamation campaign. They too start believing and this weakens them. Certain entities and groups have a command over this 'skill' and have mastered the tactics.

Morale can be affected, thoughts can be manipulated and the people may be forced to think about an aspect and take it seriously, though it may not have much truth in reality.

Planned and organized propaganda is used to show a side as progressive, strong and noble or a side as weak, regressive, bad and evil. The constant barrage of misinformation, affects minds.

Along with media, rumor mongers and professional propagandists, conspiracy theorists and all sorts of people involved in shady acts or dirty tricks may be 'used' to create a false narrative or a discourse that suits the entity that is funding the project to spread propaganda.

Often the media that is termed as 'mainstream' is also part of it, due to the corporate interests and media house owners' tilt, greed, interest or pressures. Defaming one and praising other over a long time, does change the balance in society.

Hence, it is important to understand the propaganda and see how media groups might be involved in such practices. A battle may be won or lost, without being fought on the ground, just because of the negative publicity or rumors.

If your opponent is constantly involved in negative propaganda against you, it may be wrong but people feel that there must be some truth in the charges. When such misinformation comes from multiple places, people are bound to believe it.

The reason is that through propaganda, a doubt is created in minds. Then people feel, 'there must be some truth, after all, it is being said again and again. Hence, there must be some element of truth'. Over a long period, it becomes an accepted version.

That's the victory of propaganda. But the side that is involved in it, uses money and funds the propagandists. However, other side may not even have basic media, let alone, hiring PR managers or publicity campaigners.

Always remember that the entities, groups, nations and firms that have media power and also invest in publicity as well as propaganda, use tactics to conquer & crush their rival. Embedded journalism is just one part of it.

There are lobbies and companies, which offer their services. The agencies that promote a nation or a race, a geographical region or a religion, for a price. But what about those who have no propaganda, in fact, have no stake in media? Truth won't matter. You get defamed &'defeated'.

I may sound 'repetitive' but it must be repeated as it needs to be understood--Drilled in mind! Professional propagandists act with a purpose. They keep circulating falsehood, wild and fake information. But they keep doing it.

Hence, some people do fall for it and a section feels that there must be some reality, as 'many' are talking about it. That's how propaganda works to some extent. Every society or group has a mechanism to 'say' certain things and has particular aims. Hence, they ensure that they have their media machinery apart from propagandists.

They do their job and even if they don't get success, they manage to create a perception for a section of their own people and a section of others too. The aims could be unethical or nefarious but the world is harsh and the fittest has to use multiple ways to keep self, ahead, while stopping a prospective rival.

The point is that others do and it is not about ethics alone, as propaganda is always part of statecraft. Real point is that do you have own media machinery, its multiple wings or your own propaganda to tackle the professional propagandists of the other side?

Targeting a group or community is rulers' ace strategy to divide masses, turn majority hateful towards minority: Divided society stops asking questions from rulers, US to UK same mindset

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 02:39:00 +0000

Targeting a minority group or any social group is a sure-shot way for ruling party or a ruler to remain in powerful. As society gets divided on religions or racist lines, they are no longer united.

The people see the other groups of same society as 'enemy'. The jealousy, the anger, constant hatred makes them feel that the other group is getting more dominating. They keep comparing and get obsessed. When the society is not united and get addicted to fanaticism or bigotry, they forget asking questions that need to be asked from the government.

Either America or Britain, both countries are witnessing the same situation. 'Immigrant' or 'Immigration' i.e. race and religion have emerged as key factors in this game. Interests of individual communities are seen, not the entire society and country.

The fear, scare, propaganda ensures that people remain trapped and are ready to compromise their future due to the narrow mindset and the brainwashing, apart from poisonous views and prejudices spread by media.

The owners of social media platforms are racist or bigot, having tilt towards right-wing, then you can imagine how easily a narrative can be spread even in countries like United States and England [Britain]. When society is divided, they no longer fix responsibility of leaders and go with the wave.

Rulers love it when they are not held accountable and the public is more interested in hateful agenda, rather than questioning the ruling class. A few points below to understand how this madness starts and reaches the level of extreme hatred among groups in a society.

1. In many regions, a tried & tested formula is to 'identify' a few smaller groups and be in constant attacking mode against them--blaming them and spreading propaganda against them.

2. Certain individuals would emerge and repeat lies about the minority group, weave stories and generalize, demonize the latter. More people will start believing it, due to social media.

3. Also, the minorities would be blamed for any and every damn reason, otherized and hated. It gives the local majority and its people a 'reason to live for' & it works as the 'majority' never likes to introspect or take blame for its own failures.

4. Majority is powerful and owns most of the local, traditional as well as new media. Hence, the prejudiced views against Black or Muslim, Arab or South Asian, African or any group with a different homeland or religion, will go 'mainstream' with ease. Believe it, accept it, as 'everyone' is saying it.

5. The politicians, too, like such rhetoric. It's a majoritarian mindset and the discourse actually borders on fascism as well as fueling bigotry and discrimination.

6. In coming days, I will give examples with data to explain how this happens and how deluded the people can become, in a short span of time.

7. Hate, xenophobia, racism, worst emotions are directed at certain group of people and in short-term it does unite locals, a section that indeed feels insecure.

8. Long-term, it damages the country and its society, economy, even those who felt that they were going to benefit and had gained prominence by raising these issues.

9. Offense is the best defense? We have heard and known this sentence, a lot. But, in the last few decades, this phrase has acquired a totally different meaning.

10. It is used as a strategy to deny rights to people, perpetrate injustices and is used as propaganda to create a narrative that completely brainwashes people.

11. The vast majority starts to feel besieged, gets obsessed with vague ideas and weird fear about future. When a group is identified, it becomes easy for leaders to manipulate public.

12. If there is any issue and government wants to divert public attention, they have the perfect alternative. They know how public can be made to focus on another issue. They had identified one group earlier, this time other group and next time yet another group.

Just make your 'influencers' go out and start blaming any section. Media will amplify the hate and all main issues will be forgotten. Governments love such societies that have more interest in hating each other, rather, than asking questions about corruption, huge money transfers, illegal actions and siphoning off funds or other corrupt practices. Who wants jobs or healthcare? Society enjoys the feeling of power when it targets a section. Petty.

This method and the system is replicated again and again, region after region, country after country as people do have a tendency to fall for conspiracy theories.

[Shams Ur Rehman Alavi]

The Towns Of Awadh: Qasbahs in Uttar Pradesh's central region depicted in bilingual Urdu, English map

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 01:01:00 +0000

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

This is a map that shows the qasbahs or historically important towns in Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh. In the traditional sense, the town were no a city but important place, a step above the rural place, apart from its own uniqueness.

Most towns in and around Lucknow developed in medieval era and later. They evolved as centres of learning too. The qasbahs of Awadh were hubs of knowledge and literature apart from business and were seen as important places for hundreds of villages in vicinity.

Clans and powerful families settled here to lead their life in an environment they could create and change, away from the big cities that were over populated and also had a fast, crazy life. Most of these qashabs or towns carried the old world charm, a tinge of modern world as well as scent of rural India.

Often, the families that had Qazis, Muftis, military men, land owning families or litterateurs, didn't want involvement in the politics and palace intrigues or sectarian issues other than politics of the court in the capital during the era of a Nawab or a Raja, and preferred to stay away in a town where they stayed in lush green environment and could have a much relaxed and enjoyable life.

The qasbahs were not just hub of Urdu poetry and literature but also had their own economy. One place was known for a fruit, other for cultivation of a particular crop, yet another for lac work or handicraft, unique sweets or a particular handicraft.

READ: Qasbahs of Awadh, satellite towns of Lucknow, that protected its culture

This is a basic map of towns or Qasbahs in Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh in Urdu, for geography students and map enthusiasts. It is purely non-commercial and for mere representational purpose. Just for educational purpose.

The aim is that children, particularly, Urdu speakers and the students in Urdu medium schools in rest of the country, are able to identify places, their names, location, distance from state capital, and seek information.

Apart from towns, the boundaries and the names are visible. Urdu is one of the two state languages of Uttar Pradesh, along with Hindi. Hence, there is need for map too. One, often finds that there is a lack of maps in Urdu.

Hence, we are putting up the maps on the internet. This map is just for illustrative and representational purpose. The figure is not to scale and does not claim to represent geographical boundaries.

READ: District map of Uttar Pradesh in Urdu for educational purpose

This map mostly shows the towns in Lucknow district and around. As you can read the names--Atrauli, Sandila, Haiderabad, Kursi, Behta, Dewa, Jaggaur, Satrikh, Maal, Jindaur, Haiderganj, ITaunja, Amethi, Kakori, Nagram, Kakori, Mohaan, Malihabad and others.

In Western UP and other regions too, towns were prominent and had a bustling life. From Nehtaur in the western part of Uttar Pradesh to Bilgram in Awadh, prominent personalities in diverse fields emerged from the qasbahs of north India.

How one becomes prisoner of identity: Fixed social identity that turns man towards hate and rivalry with other sections

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:09:00 +0000

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

One's social identity is a result of multiple factors. But, a man often views self [and is seen by others too] as representative of a strong & fixed social identity.

This identity that's either inherited, worn, chosen or thrust, is lifelong & the person often considers himself in a particular segment though he may be at the same time, part of many other circles, but he doesn't realize or doesn't want to accept.

Even in same religion and region, I see how followers of sects and sub-sects, behave and look at each other with animosity, though at times what they claim about self is absolutely against the core principles of that sect too.

It's just because of geographical location, family or clan, that a particular thought about the crafted identity emerges and it is so hard, inflexible that everything else is ignored.

Decades pass and the person passionately carries this sense of identity, often like mobsters' groups. Battles are fought in the minds and the passion to be standing against others, keeps man going with the wind.

Do we honestly stand for our identity without hurting others? Is our aim just to have certain respectability and gain acceptance in a little or local circle to boost own ego. Clearly, there is also an element of hope in terms of 'validation'.

Locally, when one is part of any group, the adherence to its ideology is the binding factor. The group now needs the fear of other group(s) or talk about growth of the 'other', to keep its members remain united and be actively supporting own group.

The radicalism as seen among right-wing groups of different sections, is a manifestation of this tendency. In South Asia, it is increasingly become an issue as the suspicion of the 'other'--any group that is not seen as 'mainstream', is used to motivate cadre to spread hatred against them.

Or fight is for a greater cause of overall public good or it is a collective narcissism of groups and their friction and due to petty rivalries, jealousies & existing tendencies of groupism among the humans...?

If level of mistrust towards other group and this communalism or level of hate remains up, the youth will keep joining you to feel the sense of strength.

This is an established method to gain members and keep them in your grip. In 1980s, separate right-wing groups were formed and they kept on growing--starting with cow vigilantism to attacks.

Then, they targeted 'Western values' and celebration of St Valentine's Day. The level kept rising with each generation and then the mobs took law in own hands and fanatic wings became 'mainstream'.

So much that media started referring to them as 'fighters for the religion' or as 'guardians of cows' and 'defenders of the faith'. That's how democratic setup was hijacked from within.

United States of America's role in world order: Leadership reflects intent for peace or disruption, destruction and wars?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 18:46:00 +0000

In modern era, most of us are quite well informed and a large section knows but many still fall for propaganda, when it comes to understanding international affairs. '

The reason is that overwhelming influence of the dominant media from one or two countries, the strong control and also soft power of the global superpower.

Throughout 20th century, this super power toppled regimes or led wars, nuked Hiroshima & Nagasaki, caused deaths of millions in brutal invasions from wars in Vietnam to Iraq, Afghanistan to Libya, now Iran directly or through proxy or a rogue regime.

Thousands of kids died in Gaza but no US' intervention or bid to save lives. Days turned into weeks, then months, a year and so on, but scale of destruction and killings were not stopped. One strong message and 50,000 lives could have been saved in Gaza.

Unfortunately, the global order is such that a veto or just one nation's support, can make such a big difference--lasting peace or constant chaos. Misusing media power to term X or Y country as demon, target, then other & other, still claim to be leader of the land of free world?

If any nation allows atrocities, gives a complete free hand to a regime, remains more focused on geopolitics and sells weapons or ignore all international norms to act as they did in Guantanamo Bay, then where is the morality?

Isn't weapon industry for this purpose! Never for peace, just a mask. The global super cop has its propaganda media that divides this world into--west and east, as if rule of law exists in one region and no rule of law in other. But how cleverly, this is engineered.

The World Wars that killed tens of millions were also fought in Europe, on Western soil, however, so easily the media dismissed and defames Asian or African nations.

Create any story or use false claims to invade countries, directly, or through proxy or pet regime?

US needs to evaluate its role in the world, especially, when it comes to world peace. The Unipolar global leadership era when it was easy to get away by any weird claim or ruse, and commit atrocity and leave a trail of destruction, is over.

Is Elon Musk influencing global opinion: Modulating minds, controlling society to capture global narrative

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 12:20:00 +0000

By Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

This post is about an influential man and it needs to be read, seriously.

As we see how Elon Musk labels groups, cleverly re-packages his 'thoughts' and sell them to appear as 'patriotic' feelings or racial supremacism in order to influence minds, the extent of his actions are getting more clear and visible.

It seems that Musk is doing it systematically--one group at a time, then next and so on. It is not fair.

Anyone who is otherizing communities, in a manner that it could drive a wedge in society, must be confronted. This is our job as a journalist.

Just see his posts. There is a lot of exaggeration and the tweets that can create panic, turn groups against each other, revealing his thoughts about one group after the other group, in order to steadily strengthen his hold over narrative.

Perhaps, there is a wish to control everything in the world--narrative, countries, people's opinion, power, be leader of wester world, and have his 'will' prevail over all.

All the rhetoric that the Western White man likes to hear, is reflected in his posts on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. It is deeply problematic and I feel that this must not happen at this level.

My personal view is that a person who was once seen as a tech genius, working for overall good & an innovator, is now, seen as a person with deep racist hate. The manner in which he is generalizing and expressing his views about communities, is a tragedy.

Right now, he appears to be possessed. Tears of kids in Gaza didn't seem to affect him & he supported Israel. Earlier, also, it was constant anti-immigrant rant from him, otherwise it is about the Blacks or Africans or the focus on 'border'. When he recently posted a black guy's video, it was seen as a dog whistle against Africans and the blacks.

My view and that of many others like me [though these may count or not, affect or not], is that xenophobia and hatred must be stopped. If there is extraordinary level, then we must be alarmed. It must be placed on record, mentioned and it must be known, lest it's forgotten that how a tech company owner who also builds cars, sends rockets to space, can come to this level.

The liking once a few had for him, even a cent of trust, all he has damaged himself. As he owns the platform, he uses it in a way, he wishes to use it. But it is not an ongoing Crusade or a civilizational war. It is really surprising that a person, who is himself an immigrant from South Africa, can be take such harsh anti-immigration line.

That too in US--the land of the immigrants. Influential people whose words can affect lives of people in other countries, as propaganda and hate do affect different sections of society. Majorities often blame minorities and peddle hate against the latter. These include conspiracy theories and misleading claims.

That's the cause of concern for people in any country. Unfortunately, democracy too has failed to solve the issue. If majority in any sense--race, language, religion, class, community or section, is made to feel insecure because of 'growing minorities' or propaganda about the 'other', then the result is horrible.

Germany witnessed it in the last century. Hitler was an elected leader and a popular leader. The level of torture the children and women, suffer in Palestine, has been one of the worst in centuries and your point of view, is well-known.

Actually, it appears that 'Apartheid' or Nazi ideology pr White Supremacist belief can't be owned up at this level, so one after the other, targeting each group and otherizing in a way that it is seen as 'Patriotism' or MAGA mission.

There may be 125,000 rapes in US and tens of thousands of murders in his own country. No one even needs to cherry pick, just start posting names and photographs of 200-300 of the rapists and murderers or serial killers and those who shot kids in schools, all will be clear.

Who commits most crimes! But as he has 'reach', he can take a case of Haiti or a case of Honduras, push it daily, ensure that it reached millions, tens of millions.

Man repackages apartheid, but separates it as 'anti-Black', 'anti-Muslim', 'anti-Africa' & 'anti-immigrant' sentiment, time to time, repackages, all disguised in patriotism or MAGA mission. No public personality can admit to be Hater, Racist, Zionist or Fascist, believer in Apartheid.

So, he may play the game differently and pose as a patriot. Making other groups feel 'insecure' & on the basis of it, turning into a cult leader, strengthening his voice through conspiracy theories that have too much impact, and ultimate aim to have a huge bunch of followers, 'say' in world affairs, misusing his money and platform, ultimately to gain more and more money, prominence and power.

READ: Modulating Minds, Spreading prejudices, Elon Musk aims to control the world through global opinion?

Modulating minds, controlling global narrative: Is Elon Musk spreading prejudices, pushing a right-wing agenda to control masses' minds?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 14:51:00 +0000

By Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Billionaire and social media owner Elon Musk has come in for sharp criticism on internet.

The man who didn't show much emotion when schools and hospitals were targeted in Gaza and tens of thousands were killed, but is now frantically pushing a divisive agenda.

As he owns an influential social media platform, X, [formerly Twitter], he is supposed to behave responsibly. But, he has lately been sharing controversial views, bordering on hate and having the potential to demonize entire communities.

The racist and xenophobic overtones are clearly discernible. As he owns the platform, that can control a user's reach, his own tweets seem to have been exempt from any restriction and reach millions, giving him a disproportionate edge, over the rest.

Not the Epstein island culprits, but brings other and old issues in other countries to raise fingers, intervene in other nations and subtly demonize entire groups, races and communities.

Intervening in Germany, UK, hate against Africans, blacks, browns, Islamophobia, all is simple. Certain power block also helping him. Aim is to put pressure on the regimes and go for more and more control over the world?

One day, focus on an African in Europe, on the other day about England, not about the supremacist and school shooters or the skeletons in the cupboards of powerful people in own country. If the posts, tweets are seen carefully, it's mostly about race, religion and Asia-Africa, immigrants and 'otherizing' people.

It becomes easy to control minds. It's possible to shift the people's focus off anything if you own media. If 10K whites are booked for offences in year, media has power to relegate to inside pages, but it can pick 10 offences by Black or Hispanic, immigrant or Muslim, splash on Page 1.

This will demonize, damage and devastate those communities, through negative portrayal. Misuse of a big social media platform, to term certain groups or communities as outsider or more prone to committing crimes, without giving data or mentioning statistics, is nothing less than brainwashing of the society.

READ: Complete report on Elon Musk and his hateful posts, Islamophobia and racism

This is horrible. Many prominent personalities have noted how Musk has been going about, his posts going to the next level. If you have a billion or more audience on your platform and you post messages, endlessly, on a spree to push an agenda, it can create tremendous impact.

"Am I detecting a continuous wave of Islamophobic comments and tweets from Elon the past few weeks or is it just me?", wrote Lady Velvet alias Hend F Q who uses the handle @LadyVelvet_HFQ. Just like her worry, many others have posted about the change in Musk's behaviour on X.

Will he realise. Can the world deal with it! Won't this lead to huge shift in public opinion and might pose grave thread to social ties, relations. Such careless demonizing can cause disturbance in societies on ethnic, racial and religious lines. It's not something that should be ignored. [The image is representative, AI generated]

WATCH THE SHORT VIDEO ON MUSK AND HIS ACTIONS

How fascism comes under the garb of nationalism: Inflaming passions through propaganda, claims about 'insecurity' among natives

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 01:45:00 +0000

By Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

A woman tells a story about her child in a class that has students from other backgrounds too. She made it sound emotional and even 'scary'.

Definitely, no kid should feel lonely or hurt. No one should feel offended by others' culture. Acceptance is needed. But I will explain how propaganda is used, lies are relayed, sentimental appeals are made and hateful propaganda is brought under the garb of 'patriotism' and the 'emotional' link is added to turn it more palatable.

Let me explain that how fascism comes wrapped in wild conspiracy theories. Even if a place is 95% white, they can claim to be 'turning into minority'. It's your right to accept or not accept others. But once anyone gets obsessed with the thought of looking at fellow humans as 'them' and 'outsiders', bigotry forces them to make any claim and sound so sweet and innocent but inner soul consumed by hate. Even if 1% outsiders come, you can believe that it is 18%. Yes, it happens, because of manic obsession. Then, there is another issue. Those 1% will come and stay in a part and that part will be labelled as 'ghetto' by your xenophobic media that always does it this way. Such fears and panic spread and no amount of data or clarity, will ever clean the minds that get dirtied or bitten by this 'us versus them' bug. It is natural that in a few schools and colleges, there would be more immigrants or outsiders. But everyone is always a minority in one sense or the other. Country, ethnicity, religion, race, gender and so many other things are involved here. You try to sound passionate and helpless but it's basically hatred that comes out in this form. Right-wing cleverly does it, specialists at it. We are all humans. If you guys want to take this route, be clear, just stay as an island. Discrimination with own species on own planet. How mean and petty! Out of 1,00,000 if 3,000 are 'different', they will be naturally stay somewhere. If you can't bear the sight of a person of different race or feel that there is an invasion, clearly say that you don't like humans who come to this land that you got registered from God and decided to drop here, with the decision to be here, forever. There is a difference between 'not wanting to hear' or 'getting irked because you don't want anyone else'. It's a cunning style and talk of 'my kid or family' not feeling comfortable, because 'other kids and families who have come here', is a crude way that is aimed more to gain sympathy and create scare This actually aims to rouse your feelings and fears. Any complaint must be redressed. There is bullying too, white kids bully whites, browns too do it to their own race and blacks too do it. It is human behaviour. Complaints are made, and there must be immediate action. But open discrimination, anger over presence of the 'other' and deep seated prejudices, the worldview that makes you feel superior and others as unworthy to be around you, is sickening. It happens again and again. Even within one country, it is possible on linguistic or ethnic, religious or regional basis. If you give a race or outsider angle, it is just a soft cushion you adjust behind your back, ready to shoot your inner biases at the other. You don't need to believe me, but fact is that world doesn't function in this way. People who burning with hatred, they and their societies disappear, very fast, because they feel they are entitled to not just own lives but also entire environment, city, sky, streets, world around them, as a CONSTANT, never changing and always remaining same as per their whims. A white serial killer becomes 'disturbed' and immediately after crime, reports appear that he suffered from childhood trauma due to 'parents separation' or any such issue, or even his 'loneliness', all attemps are made in media that he would be humanized and shown as 'just like us' and 'how could he be bad', as 'bad' is always the 'other'. If 'our' guy commits an act, then he is 'from our race', 'our own' and its like family, because if we consider him 'opponent', we'd have to accept that our people can be bad too. No, that would make us own up that our society too has bad apples. Now blame the rest and term them 'outsiders' and put all your own failings in life, all reasons, all blame on rest--issue solved. After all, it's easy to believe that we are angels and we never commit any crime & it's always the other who is at fault. In fact, all the countries engaged in war or colonizing or robbing or sending soldiers to committing massacres in other countries, was just aimed at 'civilizing' (sic) them, and World Wars were fought because you guys were all so simple, naive and civilized, and somewhere read that 'others' fight, so you learnt to fight and killed millions in process. Your eyes, heart and ears are hurt by 'others', you are full of yourself and sorry, there is no solution. In fact, I really like the way you people act. Keep walking this path and make your race safe, keep your land and yourself, amazing and extraordinary. Media loves it, politicians too know this system against 'them' helps as it turns out the worst and most passionate anger from 'locals' who get 'worried about own existence', buy these badly educated inhuman persons' theories, feel they are better than rest, turn hateful and this never stops. Everyone has a brain and they are entitled to nasty thoughts too. They have freedom to choose and world history tells us, what happens to people who have contempt for fellow humans, but present it so 'innocently' as you did. Completely insulating self is also an idea. The best way is to openly accept own prejudiced views, say that you are uncomfortable with 'others' and that there is no need to hide feelings.Tell people that you hate other humans and there won't be any need to work hard to sound noble even as being evil or circuitously reaching this point. 'Blame the vulnerable' and branding the real vulnerable or outsider as a threat, spreading rumours, demonizing them, terming the outsider as an enemy or alien (sic) as if they are coming to get your resources, is shameful. Conceal own petty thoughts and appear as custodian of all great humane values! All is crystal clear now. Racists can't fool everyone, all the time.

Kashmiris open homes, mosques to give shelter to visitors stuck out in the open due to intense cold: Communal Harmony Project-59

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 05:34:00 +0000

This is the latest news, as severe snowfall in the winter, caused a difficult situation for visitors in Kashmir. Nearly 2,000 vehicles got stuck in biting cold and people were left in the lurch.

However, amidst such a situation, Kashmiris opened their houses, mosques for the visitors and tourists trapped in sub-zero [-20, -15]degree temperature amidst snowfall.

This is indeed a good gesture. In fact, it happens a lot. However, it is not reported well. Negative portrayal of Kashmir is common in media.

People must help others. When Kashmiri shawl & dry fruit sellers go to rest of India, they should be treated well. In Lucknow, other cities too, there have been incidents in the past when Kashmiri traders were hassled, harassed and forced to leave.

The most recent incident occurred in Himachal Pradesh. In HP i.e. Shimla or other districts and towns, citizens should stop anyone who mistreats & misbehaves with the traders of Kashmir.

Strengthen national unity and spread harmony by understanding others. Those who write editorials, forget to mention these aspects. We must remember that when we talk about unity and integrity of the country, it should be not just theory, but in practice as well.

One must not thump chest and feel happy if someone gets assaulted or their rights are taken away. We want them 'in mainstream' and for this, we must ensure that they feel at home. Every Indian must shun discrimination and hate.

Be humane, spread positive news, bring communities together & shame the negative people who create divide in society and weaken the nation. If anyone says that this place or this region is not integrated well, they should first introspect and also look at own conduct--our duties.

Rise in racism, anti-immigrant sentiment in the world: Native's claim on country on the basis of majority's race, religion and skin colour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 10:51:00 +0000

[In view of the recent anti-immigration sentiment in United States and other countries, this article has been written. Ten points, an explanation in this form for easy understanding.

By Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

1. People have no control over own birth and one can be born anywhere as it is not a baby's choice. Sadly, parents' race, religion, country or skin colour, faith, determines a lot.

2. A White Christian in Europe or UK, too is born in his home, and he or she has no control over own birth either. But later in life, the person feels he or she owns entire country & casually tells 'other' that latter doesn't belong to them.

3. Even a right-wing Hindu in India casually asks a Muslim whose ancestors lived here for 1,000 years, to 'go', 'leave', as if the former owns entire land in India and can even decide who should live here or be expelled.

3 (ii) This is a strange sense of entitlement! Humans are indeed weird species. I or you can decide who will enter our house but such megalomania that all land, entire nation is my or my community's property and anyone who is 'different' can be otherized and discriminated with?

4. The sickening audacity that 'I belong' here & a belief that I can decide, tell others to 'leave', judge others, issue diktat on the basis of my skin tone or faith is extremely difficult to understand. One must remember that Whites in US are also European immigrants' descendants, not the natives.

5, Interestingly, even if someone is a first generation immigrant, but due to complexion or ideology, faith or race, he can pass judgment on a local living for ages, and otherize him/her...!!!

6. If the issue is analyzed, then we realize that Media has played a dirty role in dividing society, terming 'outsiders' for every issue, which in turn emboldens people to spread hate, racism, xenophobia. It influenced people the wrong way.

7. It's shameful majoritarianism, everywhere. In Gulf region, many regions now have 75-85% outsiders and millions of Christians, Hindus live, without any such discrimination. There is no restriction or bias on the basis of culture, faith or food.

8. In some cities and countries in West Asia, locals are less than 25% or just 15%, but they are not insecure or hateful. Compared to past, the immigration system is more relaxed and diverse communities live in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Doha, Kuwait, Sharjah etc.

9. But, in Europe and US, even 2-3% minorities are seen as 'others' and anger, jealousy, insecurity is visible. The psychological fear, hysteria and the anger over immigrants' arrival as if it's an 'invasion' is bizarre.

10. A serious discourse is needed. Western countries that have in the past, enslaved countries in the East, Asia and Africa, or took steps that caused migration and arrival of refugees, all these aspects can no longer be ignored.