Support for Pakistani Artists - A righteous approach or a case of opportunism

A section of Bollywood has come out in open support of the Pakistani Artists after the unfortunate Uri attacks, in which, 19 of our soldiers embraced martyrdom.  Popular Filmmaker Karan Johar  claimed that Artists are vulnerable soft targets and they should be left alone! Other big names like Salman Khan and Shyam Benegal have also spoken in favour of the Pakistani actors. Now let us see as to how justified is their support.  

Picture Credit: Times of India

First and foremost, as a part of a professional industry, the members of our film fraternity need to know that every market provides some opportunities, and at the same time, every market has some threats.  The liberalization of Indian economy has led to an unprecedented rise in the spending power of the Indians, and Bollywood has been gleefully cashing on this opportunity. The once elusive magic figure of 100 crores has become a norm these days. Therefore, the same Bollywood cannot cry foul on being confronted with the threats (that include the diplomatic and military confrontation with Pakistan) of the Indian market. The film fraternity can do well to learn a lesson or two from our sports fraternity in Cricket, Badminton and Kabaddi, who like them are also in the field of entertainment but have decided to boycott Pakistan in solidarity with our armed forces and the mood of the nation.

Some people also come up with arguments such as Artists are border-less, Art should not be mixed with Politics etc.However, all these arguments hold little or no merit. To begin with, Artists are not border-less. They don't perform in a vacuum or a flag-less land rather they perform for a specific audience within a specific boundary, and hence they have to be accountable towards their audience, and also the land in which they perform for earning their livelihood. Secondly, god forbids but if the next 26/11 was to happen, and the house of some of the Bollywood personalities was to be attacked (particularly those who are supporting the Pakistanis now), then it is the members of our  Armed forces, who would put their lives at risk for these so called 'border-less' people. I shudder to think of a day when our soldiers start behaving like Bollywood personalities and start saying - "Don't mix our lives with politics".

If a section of Bollywood  expects an average Indian to use one of its hands for placing a wreath on the bodies of our soldiers, and the other for clapping in adulation of the Pakistani Artists, then it is perhaps asking for too much. While sympathising with Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan et al, Bollywood also needs to be mindful of the sentiments  of the families of the martyrs, who have sacrificed their lives so that people from the film fraternity could live a peaceful and a comfortable life in Mumbai without the fear of any external aggression.

For long it has been believed that rogue elements like Dawood Ibrahim have a strong influence over Bollywood, and  looking at the pro Pakistani voices at a time when there is  lot of resentment against Pakistan, and  also when India  is trying to isolate Pakistan from all the corners, one cannot help but wonder if ISI has indeed managed to penetrate in our film industry!   

India's Light Combat Aircraft radiates the Bahraini sky

There are two kinds of people in this world:

1). Who have seen Tejas fly

2). Unlucky people

I am glad that I belong to the first category ;). Sharing some pictures of Tejas clicked by me from yesterday's flight display at Bahrain International Airshow

    LCA - All set to take off

     Details of the test pilots on the giant screen

                             The flag bearer of Indian military might in the Middle East sky

 Dancing in the foreign skies for the first time 

                                                          Demonstrating vertical climb

 Stunning! Isn't it?

 High G turn

 Small, swift and an extremely potent aircraft

Landing after justifying the faith of the well wishers through a successful flight display

Open letter to Manmohan, Sonia & Rahul

Manmohan Singh Along with Sonia Gandhi

Manmohan Singh:  
Prime minister is the guardian of the country. He is the torch bearer of the Raj Dharma. He is the hope of millions of poor and weak citizens of the country. He is the one who has to fructify the promise made by the architects of the constitution, by securing to all the Indians - the virtues of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

You are sitting at a very esteemed chair and the country expects you to live up to the demands and expectations of this chair. It's unfortunate that you have chosen to behave like the helpless Dhritrashtra, who knew in his heart that Pandavas were right, and yet chose to silently support his adharmi sons! Before the fight against corruption began, you were a highly respected person in India. You were regarded as one of the best Finance Minsters this country has ever produced, and at the age of 79, destiny provided you with a wonderful opportunity of signing off as one of the best prime ministers as well! Alas you shall now be remembered as the leader of the most corrupt government of India.

Don't forget that  you are from the land of King Harischandra and Lord Ram. Don't forget that you are the follower of a religion whose gurus have lived and died by a code. And don't forget that your surname is Singh (Lion). For god's sake stop mewing like a Cat and roar like a Lion for a change. Stand up for the common man of India and let the corrupt forces within your government know that enough is enough. Please discard the Jokepal drafted by your colleagues and support the real Lokpal bill. You have an opportunity of creating History, don't become a part of History.


Sonia Gandhi :
You came to India as a daughter in law and India treated you as its own daughter. Such is the love of Indians towards you that despite being a foreigner, you hold the record of having served as the president of independent India's largest political party for 10 consecutive years.

Nature has designed us to love those who love us. Even animals love those who love them. India loves you, do you love India too? India has given you its vote but what have you given India in return other than dozens of scams like 2G, Commonwealth etc? Why aren't you willing to take a concrete step against corruption?

Why shouldn't India believe that you have actively/passively been involved in corruption yourself? After all, is it just a co-incidence that the moment your party comes to power for the second time, Mr Quattrocchi gets a clean chit from the CBI (which is incidentally controlled by your own government)?  If Dr Swamy is to be believed then in the past you have been guilty of violating FERA and of using the official residence of the then Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi  for your personal business! He has accused you of many more wrong doings (and has given many proofs substantiating his allegations). I don't know whether these charges are true or not but I know one thing for sure that when Anna was busy fighting for a corruption free India, you were busy holidaying at Europe with your son!

India is the land of Sita and Laxmi Bai. Please live up to the high standards which the daughters of India have set for you.

Rahul Gandhi:
You could have arrived at the Indian political scene as a fresh stroke of wind. Amidst a plethora of old, energy less, corrupt, regionalist and castist politicians, it would have been refreshing to see a young politician with new and innovative ideas for the nation. Unfortunately you have disappointed one and all by becoming the classic case of  'an inferior product with an excellent packet'.

You have made many so called secret trips to the rural parts of India at the pretext of understanding the nation. However, what I fail to understand is - how come all your secret trips land up on the first page of prominent newspapers! Instead of these PR stunts had you genuinely traveled the length and the breadth of the country, you would have realized that in this country a common man has to pay a bribe for acquiring the birth certificate of his children and the death certificate of his parents! He has to grease the palms of the registrar for getting his own house registered and the RTO officer for the papers of his own automobile! He has to pay bribe for his passport as well as the driving license! Infact not a single work in the government offices of our India gets done without paying a bribe!

The noted Gandhian Anna Hazare who has caught the imagination of the nation with his non violent crusade against corruption.

Your destiny has perhaps been scripted by god's favorite Pen. You are not just born in India's most powerful political family, but you are also getting to use the surname of undoubtedly the most powerful leader of modern times in this world. Great leaders like Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi etc drew their inspiration from Mahatama Gandhi. Try contesting an election on the name of Raul Vinci (the name which you had used in your university), and you would know for yourself as to how deep in the water you stand! You are using the surname of Gandhi but you have not inculcated a single value of Mahatama Gandhi in you. All his life, Mahatama Gandhi stood up for the rights of the Indians. Mahatama Gandhi would come to street to solve the problems of the Indians, whereas whenever you come on street, you end up becoming a problem for the Indians (thanks to your cavalcade and elaborate security arrangements)!

Mahatama Gandhi: The man who needs no introduction

Life always gives a second chance to everyone. Valmiki was a dacoit, life gave him a chance to become a sage, he grabbed it with both the hands and became immortal by writing Ramayana. Supporting the 'Jan Lokpal' bill is going to be your 'Valmiki moment'. Jan Lokpal is the impetus that shall convert your ordinary political career into an extra ordinary one. If you rise above the vice of greed and side by the common man of India, then like Valmiki, your name shall become immortal in the History of Indian Politics.


Final words to all the politicians:
The pride of power can be more intoxicating than any drug possibly known to mankind. However, pride always comes before a fall. History has witnessed the downfall of proud men like Ravan, Kansa & Duryodhan. If you fail to learn lessons from History, and if you continue to ignore the common Indians on the issue of Jan Lokpal then you shall see you fall too.






References & Related reading:
(1). Do you know your Sonia
(2). Truth about Rahul's MPhil 

A memorable speech by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in the European Union

Born in a very poor family, Dr Kalam went on to become a very famous scientist and subsequently the President of India.  Dr Kalam is the live example of the fact that "if you have the talent, then India has the opportunity for you". 


Watch this 'Missile man of India' at his philosophical best :

Atal Jee's poetic message to Pakistan: Must watch

How I wish we had hundreds of politicians like him.

Did the government kidnap democracy today?

Today the Government clamped down on the peaceful protest of Baba Ramdev against Black Money.

To the best of my understanding, Baba Ramdev's main demands are as follows:

(1). Declare all the Black money (including the one stashed abroad) as national property
(2). Stringent punishment for the corrupt (death penalty)
(3). Fast track cases against corruption (verdict to be given in a year)

In my humble opinion, the demand of death penalty may be little extreme. However, all his other demands are quite justified. Infact I wonder why does it take a Baba Ramdev or an Anna Hazare to remind the government of the rampant corruption in the country! Why can't the government take counter measures on its own?

It's a shame to see Shibu Soren become the chief minister of Jharkhand (with the support of the Congress Party) even after being convicted by a court for murder, Laloo Yadav enjoying the luxuries of his home even after decades of fodder scam coming to light, Raju walking out of Jail at the pretext of medical reasons etc. I won't be surprised if tomorrow Kalmadi, Raja and Kani mozhi also walk out of Tihar with a smile on their face!

How can the prime minister who lost his sleep over Mohammed Haneef continue to sleep over the issue of corruption? How can Sonia Gandhi who comes up with some farce 5 point agenda of fighting corruption not think of something concrete?

Some people allege that Baba Ramdev's campaign was supported by BJP and RSS. They may be true, but so what? Aren't the cadres of RSS and BJP Indians too? Don't they have the right to fight against corruption? The issue of corruption is larger than the name of the individual fighting against it. So no matter who is fighting against corruption, India must support that person.

As far as today's action of the government is concerned, it is extremely shameful. When the Maoists talk with guns, then the government says that they must shun violence. And when poor Indians protest peacefully, then they are greeted with batons and tear gas shells.


With deep pain, I am reminded of the scene from Rang de Basanti in which the corrupt government clamped down on the peaceful candle light demonstration at India Gate:





May god be with the innocent men, women and children, who were forcibly separated from their family members, and were left on the unsafe roads of Dehi at the mercy of the vultures of the night. And may god be with the innocent men & women who got injured in the cowardice act of the government. Perhaps the government feels that its a crime to dream of a prosperous India which is free of corruption.

Media's dirty crusade against indigenous weapons Part II - Arjun Main Battle Tank

Place:    Rajasthan
Month:  March, 2010
Event:   Comparative trials between Indian Arjun and Russian T 90 Main Battle Tanks
Result:  Arjun emerges victorious. Surprises everyone by trouncing T 90 in almost every aspect of the trials.

India's indigenous MBT - Arjun

Not long ago, many people had written off Arjun and had dubbed it as one of India's biggest failures. Those were the days when people would criticize Arjun at work and even when they were not at work! When Arjun was in its nascent stage (and hence not a platform as matured as the T 90), they would want India to shun this project, conveniently forgetting the fact that the legendary Israeli tank - Merkava  also had many short comings to begin with, but Israel did not denounce this project. Instead, Israeli Army accepted this tank with all its limitations and  continued to give its feedback to the scientists who used the same to fine tune the next batches of Merkava. That is how this tank went on to become one of the most admired tanks of the current generation.  Had Israel accepted the 'brilliant' idea of the self proclaimed Indian Defence Pundits, then it would still have been importing its Main Battle Tank from a foreign country! 

In their endeavour of belittling Arjun, the critics had forgotten the basic fact that even the best athlete of today must have fallen hundred times before standing on his feet for the first time. If India starts abandoning its defence projects, every time we face some problem, then we shall never be able to become a self dependent nation.

Some critics in the media have a problem with the Rs 300 crore spent on the R & D of Arjun. As per them, its an obscene amount of money! How I wish these guys did their home work  before wagging their loose tongue.  They should have perhaps looked at the balance sheet of Gillette, which spent nearly 4500 crore in the R & D of Gillette Mach 3 razors. Needless to say, the amount spent by Gillette on the R & D of a shaving razor is 15 times the amount invested by India in the R & D of its Main Battle Tank!  Does the figure of 300 crore still look 'obscene' ? One of my friends-Mihir, who is a keen defence enthusiast once wrote:
"The USN spent $500 million on the F-111B (this in the sixties!!!) and finally rejected it. They spent $2 billion on the A-12 and had nothing but a wooden mockup to show for it. The US Army spent $5 billion on the M-2 Bradley – it was a huge headache to develop. The Crusader was scrapped after $11 billion spent. The Commanche after $8 billion.. The V-22 has been in development for the last 25+ years and is barely entering service now, after $20 billion spent in development and 30 lives lost."

Let our 'champions' in the media compare all these with the money given to DRDO, and they will know for themselves as to how deep in the water they stand !

Some people criticize Arjun for the presence of few foreign components. However, they forget that even the American M 1 Abrams Tanks have foreign components in the form of British armour, rifled gun, and a German 120 mm smoothbore gun!. They also forget that  DRDO has constantly been replacing the foreign components of Arjun with their Indian counterparts. For example the track of Arjun which was earlier being supplied by Germany is now being manufactured locally by L & D. Similarly the current batch of Arjun uses imported engine and transmission. But DRDO has already started working on a more powerful 1500 HP indigenous engine. We are also developing our own transmission.


Many critics have been criticizing Arjun's weight. As per them, at 58.5 Tons Arjun is overweight!  So let us have a look at the weight of some contemporary tanks which are considered to be the best in the business:

American Abrams M1A2 ===> 69.54 tons
German Leopard 2           ===>  60.79 tons
French Leclerc                 ===>  54.5 tons
Israeli Merkava                ===> 65 tons
Russian T 90                    ===> 46.5 tons

Even a casual glance at the above mentioned statistics is more than enough to inform the readers that barring the French Leclerc & the Russian T 90, all the other tanks of the world are heavier than Arjun. So does Arjun deserve the criticism on the issue of weight? Moreover, one must never compare Arjun with T 90 because Arjun provides far superior protection to its crew than the T 90. Its worth mentioning that in one of the tests, Arjun demonstrated its crew protection abilities by withstanding a shot from the T 72 at point blank range! Such level of protection does come for a price. Having said that, one must note that despite a higher weight, the pressure exerted by Arjun on ground is lower than the pressure exerted by T 90.

The amount of controversies and  flak received by Arjun from its own people is something which no other weapon system of the world must have ever received. At one point of time, the coffin of Arjun was about to get its final nail, when Arjun's engine reportedly failed in one of the trials. Many supporters of Arjun cried fowl at this reported failure. Some of them hinted at a possible sabotage. No one knows what's the truth. But this compelled DRDO to install a Black Box type device inside Arjun as a precaution.

Undeterred  by  all the criticism, the makers of Arjun were so confident of its abilities, that they started pressing for comparative trials between Arjun and T 90. Unfortunately for them, the people at the helm of affairs would find some excuse or the other to run away from the comparative trials. However, after years of dilly delaying, Arjun was given a date with the T 90 and it rose from the ashes like the mythical bird Phoenix, by outclassing T 90 in almost all the parameters. Taken aback by the results, the Indian Army ordered more Arjuns for its fleet. DRDO is now working on the Mark II version of Arjun which shall be an improvement over the version of Arjun that took part in the comparative trials. But the biggest gain of the Arjun project will be visible in the Future Main Battle Tank, which shall be designed by DRDO by using its decades of experience & knowledge gained during the development of Arjun.


Related Reading:
(1). Arjun tank outruns, outguns Russian T - 90
(2). Arjun Experiment
(3). Arjun: India's Main Battle Tank (MBT) from T 80 to Generation Next
(4). Piercing the Army's armour of deception

Related discussion:
http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#CommMsgs?cmm=748139&tid=2544426200563600458