Monday, November 16, 2009

PROBLEM IN TAPPING BEST TALENTS


Addressing the National Education Day function in New Delhi on 11th day of this month to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India’s first education minister, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, of late, has admitted the truth that attracting best talents for IITs, IIMs, and central universities is a great problem in present circumstances. Is it possible to give opportunities to deserving talents in the framework of existing reservation policies promoted by government? Not only the above prestigious institutes but all other institutions and government departments are also facing quality problems. Our governments – Central or State – lacked foresight in implementing reservation policy in admission of students in higher education. It has been seen that students of reserved categories securing even 2% marks in entrance examinations have been granted admissions in undergraduate and post graduate courses of Medical Science, Technology, Agriculture Science and Business Management etc.There is reservation in recruitment and promotion of teaching staff also. If 50% of our students and teachers come through various reservations, will it not be a day dream to think over quality? As you sow, so you reap. At least Research and Development wings and higher education sectors should have been granted exemptions from reservations.

The government can open 20 more IITs, 10 NITs, 6 IIMs and 600 model schools during the 11th plan (2007-12), but how can it ensure that high quality teaching staff are also recruited? Our scholar Prime minister has realized the problem but suggested no solution. He and our learned education minister Mr. Kapil Sibbal, both know the problem and solution as well, but their hands are tied in present set up of democracy and appeasement policy launched by their predecessors. This is the main reason as to why a scientist working in India never dreams to win a Nobel Prize but the same person when goes to America easily gets it.

Not only educational institutes but all government departments are also facing the quality problem due to the burden of numerous incompetent staff and officers as a byproduct of policy of reservations in recruitment and promotion. At present almost all the top managerial and technical posts of U.P. Power Corporation Ltd, Utpadan Nigam, Jal nigam, Setu Nigam, Irrigation, PWD etc. are held by members of a particular reserved category ignoring the talents and competency of officers and staff of general category. The quality of work in all government departments is getting deteriorated day by day. Here, in our country opportunities are snatched from the real talents in the name of social justice.

B.K.Sinha, Varanasi.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

NOBEL TO INDIAN ORIGIN


The seventh day of October 2009 was indeed a great day of pride for every Indian, when the names of prestigious Nobel Prize winners in the field of Chemistry were announced. After a long gap of eight years a scientist of Indian origin was selected with two other scientists for the highest award. Dr. Venkatraman Radhakrishanan, a Tamilnadu born gem of India, a senior scientist at the MRC Laboratory at Cambridge has been awarded the Nobel Prize along with two other scientists, Thomas E Steitz from USA and Ada E Yonath of Israel for their studies on structure and function of the Ribosome. It will help to prepare more reliable antibiotic drugs for the cure/prevention of several chronic diseases. It is surprising that a man who completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Physics, switched over to study of Biology and Chemistry and finally achieved the goal successfully. He has proved that knowledge and research know, no barriers and nothing is impossible.
Congratulations Mr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan! We are proud of you.

Monday, September 7, 2009

HOLIDAYS IN GOVT. DEPARTMENTS


In democracy, several methods are applied to attract voters – to award public holidays in order to appease followers of different religions, communities and castes is one of them. Sometimes government offices remain closed for 3-4 days in continuation causing serious hardships and problems to common people. How a country may afford five out of twelve months in compulsory holidays! Don’t get amazed – we are affording. An employee of U.P. government is legally authorized to avail 160 numbers of holidays (Gazetted-40, Restricted-02, Sundays-52, Second Saturday-12, Casual leave-14, Special casual leave-06, Earned leave-31, National holidays-03) in the year of 2009 as pre gazette of state government. No country in this world, other than India can award such a huge quantity of compulsory holidays. These holidays are responsible for non completion of different important projects in time, unnecessary delays in justice from courts and day to day hardships of common people. Sixth Pay Revision Commission had noticed this unhealthy traditions and strongly recommended curtailment of holidays, but no government could dare to bell the cat due to the fear of losing the precious vote bank of a particular section of population. But there are several methods to maintain balance without hurting the feelings of any community. The chronic problem may be solved and all the offices may be kept open for all the six days starting from Monday to Saturday by adopting following alternatives –

  1. Restricted and Second Saturday’s holidays may be cancelled for ever.
  2. The name of gazetted holidays be changed. These may be given a new name – Festival Leave.
  3. Except National holidays, no holidays should be declared public holiday.
  4. One can avail six festival holidays in a row, only on the eve of a particular festival

If a Hindu worker is willing to go home on Holi, he may gladly avail six days’ festival leave. Offices may be kept open with the help of workers of other religions and the persons unwilling to avail their leaves on that particular occasion. It will be the duty of head of office/department to keep office open for all the days except Sunday. It will increase the efficiency and output of all government departments. The present notification of holidays may be kept intact with dates. One can avail festival leaves at the time of festivals only. Gradually the number of festival leaves may be reduced from 40 to 25.

The employees will be the best beneficiaries because those working at distant places from their homes may celebrate that festival with their dear ones. They can easily get such leaves and spend at least one week with their kith and kins. Like casual leaves, every employee will try to make a good balance of festival leaves for availing these at correct point of time. The employees, who avail less than the prescribed leaves may be awarded incentives on pro rata basis. This system will not hurt the feelings of any community. It is in greater interest of our country in general and the employees in particular. The common people can visit any office on any day (except Sunday) for their works.

In the beginning, any reform invites oppositions and sharp reactions but after proper counseling, unanimity may be derived. Only a strong will power is required. We cannot dream to establish our country in the category of developed nations without increasing the number of working days.


Thursday, August 27, 2009

अमर गायक मुकेश

प्रख्यात संगीतकार सरदार मलिक कहा करते थे - जब मुकेश गाते हैं, तो ऐसा लगता है, जैसे सात बाँसुरी के मीठे स्वर एक साथ निकल रहे हों.संगीतकार अनिल विश्वास मुकेश की मीठी आवाज के दीवाने थे. वे कहते थे - मुकेश के स्वर में जो विशेष माधुर्य और संप्रेषण था, वह किसी अन्य गायक में नहीं पाया गया. फ़िल्म इतिहास के आरंभ से लेकर आजतक मुकेश के गाये जितने गीत लोकप्रिय हुए उतने गीत किसी अन्य कलाकार के नहीं. वे जो भी गाते थे "हिट" हो जाता था. यह मात्र एक संयोग नहीं था. उन्होंने धन कमाने के लिये ही अपने गायन का उपयोग नहीं किया. उन्हें जिन गानों को स्वर देने का प्रस्ताव मिलता था, पहले उनकी गुणवत्ता की परीक्षा कर लेते थे, पश्चात अपनी सहमति देते थे. दस में से दो या तीन प्रस्ताव ही उनकी कसौटी पर खरे उतरते थे और वे उन्हीं गानों को अपना स्वर देते थे. यही कारण रहा कि उनके समकालीन गायको की तुलना में उनके द्वारा गाए गीतों की संख्या बहुत कम है, लेकिन लोकप्रिय गानों की संख्या बहुत अधिक. संगीतकार कल्याणजी के अनुसार मुकेश द्वारा गाया कोई भी गीत गुमनामी के अंधेरे में कभी गुम नहीं हुआ. वे जो भी गाते थे, जनता की जुबान पर चढ़ जाता था. मन्ना डे कहते हैं कि वे स्वयं और अन्य गायक भी मुकेशजी की तरह हिट गाने गाना चाहते थे लेकिन हिट गीत गाने का सौभाग्य तो सिर्फ़ मुकेशजी के ही पास था. उनकी आवाज़ में एक जादू था जिसका स्पर्श पाते ही कोई भी गीत जन-जन को प्रिय हो जाता था.
अमर गायक मुकेश चन्द्र माथुर का जन्म देश की राजधानी दिल्ली में २१, जुलाई, १९२३ को हुआ था. संगीत से लगाव होने के बावजूद भी संगीत की विधिवत शिक्षा प्राप्त नहीं की उन्होंने. शायद उन्हें इसकी आवश्यकता भी नहीं थी. एक बार सुनकर कठिन से कठिन राग, धुन या गीत की हू-बहू नकल उतार देने की प्रतिभा उन्हें जन्म से प्राप्त थी. मित्रों, स्वजनों और आसपास के लोगों से प्राप्त प्रशंसा ने कुछ ज्यादा ही आत्मविश्वास भर दिया था उनमें. वे रेडियो आर्टिस्ट बनना चाहते थे. वहाँ आडियो टेस्ट भी दिया, लेकिन संगीत विद्या का कोई प्रमाण-पत्र प्रस्तुत नहीं कर पाये, लिहाजा छाँट दिये गये. लेकिन उन्होंने हार नहीं मानी. मुंबई में एक बड़ा कार्यक्षेत्र उनकी प्रतीक्षा कर रहा था. उन्होंने अपनी किस्मत मुंबई में आजमाई. प्रख्यात अभिनेता मोतीलाल उनके दूर के रिश्तेदार थे. मुंबई पहुँचकर उन्ही के घर में सिर छुपाने की जगह पाई. प्रयास और संघर्ष चलते रहे. एक रात मोतीलाल के यहाँ पार्टी चल रही थी. फ़िल्म उद्योग की सभी प्रमुख हस्तियाँ उसमें मौजूद थीं. युवक मुकेश ने कुन्दल लाल सहगल का एक एक लोकप्रिय गीत उन्ही की आवाज और तरन्नुम में सुनाकर सबको सम्मोहित कर दिया. महान संगीतकार अनिल विश्वास ने इस नायाब हीरे को करीब से देखा, सुना और परखा. अपनी अगली फ़िल्म "पहली नज़र" का एक गीत गाने का मुकेश के सामने प्रस्ताव रखा. तकदीर जैसे स्वयं चलकर उनके पास आई थी. मुकेश ने "हाँ" कर दी. और इस तरह रिकार्ड हुआ अमर गायक के स्वर में पहला अविस्मरणीय गीत - दिल जलता है तो जलने दे, आँसू न बहा फ़रियाद न कर...मधुर आवाज़, अदभुत भाव संप्रेषण, पूर्ण परिपक्वता और कर्णप्रिय धुन का अनोखा संगम था इस ऐतिहासिक गीत में. पहले ही गाने ने लोकप्रियता के सारे रिकार्ड तोड़ दिए. मुकेश रातो-रात स्टार बन गए. वह जमाना कुन्दन लाल सहगल का था. वे भी मुकेश से प्रभावित हुए बिना नहीं रह सके. उन्होंने मुकेश को अपना उत्तराधिकारी घोषित किया. उनकी मधुर आवाज़ पर मुग्ध हो सहगल ने अपना निजी हारमोनियम मुकेश को उपहार में दिया जिसपर वे जीवनपर्यंत रियाज़ करते रहे. सचमुच मुकेश ही सहगल के सच्चे उत्तराधिकारी थे. स्वर सम्राट का उत्तराधिकारी एक स्वर सम्राट ही हो सकता था. एक बार विविध भारती के जयमाला कार्यक्रम को मुकेश ने प्रस्तुत किया. एक घंटे के कार्यक्रम में उन्हें अपनी पसंद के गाने अपने संस्मरण के साथ सुनाने का शुभवसर प्राप्त हुआ. उन्होंने पूरे कार्यक्रम में सहगल के ही गाने सुनवाए. अपना भी कोई गाना नहीं सुनाया.
मुकेश मुंबई आए थे गायक-अभिनेता बनने का सपना लेकर, लेकिन अभिनेता के रूप में वे सफल नहीं हो पाए. पश्चात उन्होंने अपना सारा ध्यान गायकी में लगाया जहाँ उन्होंने सफलता और उत्कृष्टता के अनेक मील के पत्थर स्थापित किए. उनके पुत्र नितिन मुकेश ने उनके पदचिह्नों पर चलते हुए गायन का क्षेत्र चुना और सफलता भी प्राप्त की लेकिन अभिनय करने की मुकेश की अधूरी इच्छा की पूर्ति उनके पोते नील नितिन मुकेश ने की है. नील हिन्दी रजत पट के एक व्यस्त, सफ़ल और लोकप्रिय अभिनेता हैं. मुकेश की आत्मा निश्चित रूप से सन्तुष्ट और प्रसन्न हो रही होगी.
नये गायकों और संगीतकारों को प्रोत्साहित करना तथा उन्हें अवसर प्रदान करना मुकेश का स्वभाव था. बहुत कम लोगों को ज्ञात होगा कि आज के प्रसिद्ध अभिनेता ऋतिक रोशन के दादा महान संगीतकार रोशन को मुकेश ने ही अपनी फ़िल्म मल्हार में पहली बार संगीत देने का अवसर दिया था. फ़िल्म विश्वास में मनहर ने एक युगल गीत "आपसे हमको बिछड़े हुए एक जमाना बीत गया" में मुकेश के लिये अपनी आवाज़ डब की थी. मुकेश जब रिकार्डिंग के लिए पहुँचे तो मनहर की आवाज़ सुन सुखद आश्चर्य से भर गये. वे उसकी आवाज़ से इतना प्रभावित हुए कि गाने को अपनी आवाज़ में रिकार्ड नहीं कराया. गीत मनहर की आवाज़ में ही रहने दिया गया. इस तरह मनहर को गायक के रूप में पहचान मिली. महेन्द्र कपूर को भी संघर्ष के दिनों में मुकेशजी ने हमेशा प्रोत्साहित किया. वे अपना जन्मदिन सार्वजनिक रूप से मनाने से परहेज करते थे. उसदिन वे चुपके से गाड़ी में बैठ चल देते और फुटपाथ के किनारे सोए बेसहारा लोगों को कम्बल बाँटते. वे एक महान गायक तो थे ही, साथ में एक संवेदनशील इंसान भी थे. यही कारण था कि वे अपने गीतों में उच्चतम स्तर का मधुर भाव भरने में सदैव सफल रहते थे.
एक अच्छी शुरुआत मिलने के बाद मुकेश ने फिर पीछे मुड़कर नहीं देखा - सफ़लता की सीढ़ियाँ चढ़ते गये, चढ़ते गये. जिस आकाशवाणी ने उन्हें कभी रिजेक्ट किया था, वही आकाशवाणी प्रतिदिन उनके सैकड़ों गाने बजाकर अपने को धन्य मानती है. ऐसी कौन सी विधा है जिसे मुकेश ने अपना मधुर स्वर न दिया हो! लोकप्रिय गानों की शृंखला जो "दिल जलता है" से आरंभ हुई थी, "कभी-कभी मेरे दिल में खयाल आता है" पर उनकी असामयिक मृत्यु के कारण समाप्त हुई. भारत का ऐसा कौन बालक, युवा या वृद्ध होगा जिसने मुकेश के गाने न गुनगुनाए हों! दिल जलता है, तू कहे अगर जीवन भर मैं गीत सुनाता जाऊँ, आवारा हूँ, आसमान का तारा हूँ, दम भर जो उधर मुँह फेरे, मेरा जूता है जापानी, सबकुछ सीखा हमने न सीखी होशियारी, मैं आशिक हूँ बहारों का, बड़े अरमान से रखा है बलम तेरी कसम, महलों ने छीन लिया बचपन का प्यार मेरा, सुहाना सफ़र और ये मौसम हसीं, छलिया मेरा नाम, डम डम डिगा डिगा, ये मेरा दीवानापन है, होठों पे सच्चाई रहती है, बोल राधा बोल, सजन रे झूठ मत बोलो, सावन का महीना पवन करे शोर, कभी-कभी मेरे दिल में खयाल आता है, एक दिन बिक जाएगा माटी के मोल...........अपने ३५ साल के कैरियर में मुकेश ने हजारों कर्णप्रिय और लोकप्रिय गाने गाए जो आज भी उतने ही ताज़े लगते हैं जितने पहली बार फ़िज़ा में बजने पर लगे थे. मुकेश ने हर तरह के गीत गाए हैं - हँसी, रोमांस, देशभक्ति, खुशी और गम. जो भी गाया पूर्णता और परिपक्वता से. संगीत निर्देशक के निर्देश पर भी वे रुकते नहीं थे. रियाज़ से सन्तुष्ट होने पर ही रिकार्डिंग की सहमति देते थे. मेरा नाम जोकर का कालजयी गीत, जाने कहाँ गए वो दिन, उन्होंने सत्रह दिनों के अभ्यास के बाद रिकार्ड कराया था. पाश्चात्य और शास्त्रीय संगीत क अद्भुत संगम है इस गीत में. मुकेश की मधुर आवाज़ में उभरते दर्द ने इसे सर्वकालिक महान गीत बना दिया है.
दर्द भरे गीतों के वे शहंशाह थे. आज भी उनका सिंहासन ज्यों का त्यों है. ऐसा लगता है मुकेश की आवाज़ ईश्वर ने दर्द भरे गीतों के लिए ही बनाई थी. मधुर रेशमी आवाज़ के साथ भावों का गहराई से संप्रेषण उन्हें अद्वितीय गायक बना देता था, और गीत बन जाते थे सदाबहार एवं अविस्मरणीय. सामान्यतया हाई पिच पर गाने पर गायक-गायिकाओं के स्वर पतले और कुछ कर्कश हो जाते हैं, लेकिन मुकेश की आवाज़ हाई पिच पर भी न केवल अपरिवर्तित रहती थी, बल्कि कुछ और मधुर हो जाती थी. यह विशेषता सिर्फ़ उन्ही के पास थी.
हिन्दी फ़िल्मों में समकालीन ऐसा कोई अभिनेता नहीं जिसने उनका प्लेबैक न लिया हो, ऐसा कोई संगीतकार नहीं जिसने उनसे गीत गवाकर अपने को धन्य न माना हो. राज कपूर की तो वे आवाज़ ही थे. लेकिन मुकेश स्वयं को धन्य मानते थे, तुलसीकृत रामचरित मानस की चौपाइयाँ गाकर. बालकांड से लेकर उत्तरकांड के प्रमुख अंशों को प्रख्यात संगीतकार जयदेव के निर्देशन में उन्होंने अपने मधुर स्वर में रिकार्ड कराया था जिसके लिये उन्होंने कोई पारिश्रमिक नहीं लिया. जीवन के सभी रसों का समावेश है उनके मानस-गान में. बालकांड का वात्सल्य-रस, अयोध्याकांड का करुण-रस, अरण्यकांड का विरह-रस, लंकाकांड का रौद्र-रस तथा सुन्दरकांड एवं उत्तरकांड के भक्ति-रस की गंगा जो मुकेश के स्वर में प्रवाहित हुई है, वह अद्भुत है. क्या मुकेश के पहले भी इतना डूबकर किसी ने मानस-पाठ किया था? शायद नहीं. तभी तो नित्य ही प्रातः आँख खुलने पर किसी न किसी मंदिर के ध्वनि विस्तारक यंत्र से रामायण की चौपाइयाँ उस अमर गायक की आवाज़ में गूँजती हुई सुनाई पड़ती हैं. भारत के प्रत्येक रामायण प्रेमी के घर में तुलसी के रामचरित मानस के साथ मुकेश द्वारा गाये रामायण के कैसेटों ने भी स्थाई आवास बना लिया है. इससे बढ़कर उस अमर गायक को और क्या श्रद्धांजलि हो सकती है !
अपने उत्कृष्ट गायन के लिये ऐसा कौन सा पुरस्कार है जिसे मुकेश ने प्राप्त न किया हो. सर्वश्रेष्ठ गायक के लिये राष्ट्रपति पुरस्कार से लेकर फ़िल्मफ़ेयर एवार्ड कई बार उन्हें प्राप्त हुए.वे उस ऊँचाई पर पहुँच गए थे कि पुरस्कारों कि गरिमा उनसे बढ़ने लगी थी, लोकप्रियता के उस शिखर पर विद्यमान थे जहाँ पहुँच पाना किसी के लिए एक सपना होता है. करोड़ों भारतवासियों के हृदयों पर उनका अखंड साम्राज्य था और रहेगा. २७, अगस्त १९७६ को डेट्रायट, कनाडा में एक संगीत-समारोह के दौरान एक प्रचंड हृदयाघात ने असमय ही उनको हमसे छीन लिया. लेकिन मुकेश आज भी अमर हैं. कलाकार की कभी मौत नहीं होती. उनके गीत आज भी वातावरण में वैसे ही गूँजते हैं --
एक दिन मिट जाएगा माटी के मोल
जग में रह जाएंगे, प्यारे तेरे बोल.

Friday, July 24, 2009

INDIAN POLICE


In 1971, an all time hit Hindi movie – Pakeezah was released. There was a song in the film with mukhada – Inhin logon ne le linha dupatta mera……The antara of the song with the line – Hamari na mano sipahiya se puchho, jisane bazariya me chhina dupatta mera (If you don’t believe me, ask the constable himself who snatched my dupatta in open market) truly reflects the original character of Indian police. Any good civilian always avoids going to a police station for lodging complaints against anti social elements for the atrocities of low degree. Women rarely restore courage to contact a policeman for daily eve teasing incidents. In police stations they are afraid of more serious eve teasing. The entire police department is run by black money. Right from appointment of constables to the transfer/posting of top officers, heavy kick backs always play an important and decisive role. The police department is deeply plunged from top to bottom in the ocean of corruption. In Varanasi, any truck, tractor or bus can move to any part of city, any time by paying Rs. Ten only to the constable posted at the check post of the no entry zone. This is the story of every city more or less. Policemen pay less attention to crime control and more to money making. Sometimes when they are forcibly sent for hard duties like encounters due to one reason or the other, best known to top rank and file, they have to face heavy casualties as they are not mentally and physically prepared for odd duties. Only a month ago, the nation viewed on TV, an encounter of one dacoit, Ghanshyam Kewat near Chitrkoot. Nearly 500 policemen armed with latest weapons struggled for more than fifty hours. The dacoit managed a successful escape killing four policemen but luck deceived him. While crossing nala, he was hit by bullets and forced to breathe his last to the good luck of policemen. It was a fight of one versus five hundred.

The entire system of police department lacks vision, training, zeal, guidance, professionalism and honesty. Sometimes for eye washing and proving their existence, our policemen go for fake encounters – the tally of which is bigger than actual encounters.

After independence, a complete overhauling of police department was required but unfortunately nothing could be done. The working of police is unchanged. They still live in pre independence era. Political interference, insensitive bureaucracy and deep rooted corruption have made the department ineffective and unreliable in the eyes of common people. Discipline always comes from top. The government with strong will power of eradicating corruption and overhauling the department by implementing reforms suggested by different commissions time to time may check allegedly fake encounters in future. The government and police must first win the confidence of peace loving disciplined civilians with friendly behavior.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Gavaskar : 60, not out


On July 10, last, the cricket loving people of the world celebrated 60th birth day of legendary Padmbhushan Sunil Manohar Gavaskar who has been the strongest childhood images for a generation. It was amazing to watch him, frozen in his stance, having left the ball alone, bat pointing down the pitch, holding the stare of a glaring fast bowler. When Sunil Gavaskar started his career, India was lacking even a slow medium pacer for practice session. The feat of Gavaskar is unique in its nature as he achieved it by always facing the new balls delivered by the fastest bowlers of the world of their time – John Snow, Bob Willis, Ian Bothom of England, Holding, Marshall, Roberts, Garner of west Indies, Lilly, Thompson of Australia, Imran, Sarfaraj of Pakistan and Richard Hadlee of New Zealand in the very beginning of all the innings of his record studded career as the finest opening batsman, the world has ever produced. He always replied the speed and bounce of the fiery bowlers with his technique on all the fast wickets of the world. He loved to use his bat for his protection rather than wearing a helmet. His performance and achievements are as high as the crown of mother India – the great Himalayas.

Before Gavaskar took the rein of Indian batting in his strong hands, we were used to hear the story of defeats only by any cricket playing country. Who can forget his debut Test series in West Indies where the world watched a lad making centuries and double centuries in a row enabling his team to clinch the series from the mighty jaw of great Garry Sobers. The record of run scored by a new comer in his debut series is still unbeaten. The borne genius scored 650 plus in series with an average of 200 plus. India started tasting victory on foreign soil due to toil of unparallel Gavaskar. Before him it was a dream only. It will never go beyond the memory of cricket lovers, the most memorable day of Indian cricket, the 28th day of December 1983, when the Little master Gavaskar, the history man of the world cricket, flicked Winston Davis of his toes to square leg for his 30th Test hundred eclipsing the three-decade-old record of 29 centuries by Sir Don Bradman of Australia. It was a day, indeed, for every Indian to raise his head with pride and happiness. He was the first to break the 10,000 run barrier also.

Master blaster Sachin Tendulakar remembers Gavaskar on his 60th birthday with his tributes, “ I am always in awe of him. I wanted to make the most of my good fortune in being privy to the wisdom of Sunil Gavaskar. When our coaches told us to follow a particular routine and we asked why, the reply was Sunil Gavaskar did this. He was the ultimate example, and to our coaches and to us, if he did something, then we had to do it as well. That’s also one of his great contributions to Indian cricket. Whichever way you may look at it, he is an institution. When he retired, for our generation, 34 Test hundreds was the ultimate ambition. For me, he still is and will continue to remain my hero.”

As a cricketer, he is well known to every body. But in his second innings after retirement, he has set up many milestones also as commentator, writer, administrator and advisor. The recipient of Padmabhushan award and the honour of Sheriff of Mumbai, Sunil Gavaskar has been inducted in the ICC hall of fame. The Border-Gavaskar trophy has been instituted in his honour.

It is the right time to confer Bharat Ratna to this one of the greatest sons of mother India, Sunil Manohar Gavaskar for his sky touching achievements and contributions to world cricket in general and Indian cricket in particular in the auspicious year of his 60th birth day. Let us hope, government of India will think over in this direction.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED


The motive behind setting up enquiry commission is not truth finding. The real motive behind is dumping the burning issues in a deep freezer beyond the memories of common people and the other motive is to provide re-employment to a retired judge of ruling party’s choice. Three commissions have been constituted so far to inquire the mysterious death of Netaji’s Subhash Chandra Bose, one Jain commission for Rajiv gandhi’s Assasination case, three for Godhra-riots, Shah commission for access of emergency with no line of action till date. Reports of numerous enquiry commissions are lying in the shelves of different ministries. Liberhan commission was set up to inquire how Babri masjid was demolished. Justice M.S.Liberhan took 17 years in finding facts which are known to every citizen of India. Justice delayed is justice denied. Had the Allahabad High court made it reserved judgment public on ownership of contentious 2.77 acres in the temple town before demolition of the mosque, the accident could have been avoided. A lot of public money was spent on controlling riots and useless Liberhan commission thereafter. But who cares for tax payers’ money. A good chunk of it is always consumed by government machineries in the form of scams, scandals, security of VIPs, foreign tours, MP/MLA funds and enquiry commissions.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

माँ

धरती अत्यन्त सहिष्णु है,
पर कभी-कभी विफरती है -
भूकंप कराकर देती दंड,
ज्वालामुखी धधकती है.

आकाश की सीमा नापे कौन,
अनन्त, अनादि और विशाल,
जीवन देता खुश होने पर,
क्रुध्द होकर बनता महाकाल.

तू अतुलनीय है माँ मेरी,
देव, देवियाँ और धरती,
आकाश, मेघ, पर्वत, सरिता,
तेरी तुलना में क्या गिनती.

न कभी कुमाता हो सकती,
मैं हो जाऊँ चाहे कठोर,
यह सारी सृष्टि एक ओर,
ऐ माँ मेरी तू एक ओर.

अपराध किये मैंने ढेरों,
पर आशीर्वाद दिये तूने,
क्रिया-प्रतिक्रिया नियमों को,
झूठा ही सिध्द किया तूने.

कच्ची मिट्टी सी सोंधी है,
तू प्राणदायी शीतल पवन,
जलते दीये सी रोशन है,
ऐ माँ तुझे शत-शत नमन.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

पिता

वह तुम्हारा पिता ही है जिसने --
तुम्हें अपनी बाहों में उठाकर हृदय से लगाया था,
जब तुम इस पृथ्वी पर आये थे;
उँगली पकड़ाकर चलना सिखाया था,
जब तुम लड़खड़ाये थे.

वही है वह, जो सदा तुम्हें प्रोत्साहित करता है,
तुम्हारे सारे सद्प्रयासों को दिल से सराहता है,
कोई भी लक्ष्य जब तुम पाते हो,
खुश होता है वह, मन्द-मन्द मुस्काता है.

बाल-मन - जब कोई झटका लगता है, उदास हो जाते हो,
उन क्षणों में तुम्हें मुस्कुराने की प्रेरणा देता है,
गालों पर लुढ़क आये अश्रुकणों को पोंछ,
पेट में गुदगुदी लगा हँसा देता है.

तुम्हारी कभी खत्म न होनेवाली शंकायें,
उससे बात करते ही दूर भाग जाती हैं,
तुम्हारे तरह-तरह के प्रश्न --
धैर्यपूर्वक सुनता है, समाधान निकालता है, मार्गदर्शन करता है,
आगे बढ़ने की हिम्मत अनायास आ जाती है.

कभी सोचा है --
तुम्हारी छोटी उपलब्धि पर भी,
उसकी आँखें क्यों चमक जाती हैं,
आगे तुम बढ़ते हो, गर्व से उसकी छाती,
क्यों चौड़ी हो जाती है !

बार-बार माँ की तरह
सीने से नहीं लगाता है,
वात्सल्य, स्नेह और मधुर भाव,
कोशिश कर छुपाता है.

समय के प्रवाह में,
जब स्वयं पिता बन जाओगे,
बनावटी कठोरता का राज,
खुद ही समझ जाओगे.

फ़ादर्स डे (२१.०६.०९) के अवसर पर रचित

Monday, June 15, 2009

Mera Bharat Mahan

Three incidents of last fortnight have revealed the fact that corruption has got deep roots in our system and society. Justice Nirmal Yadav of Punjab and Haryana High Court has been recommended removal from services by Chief Justice of India on the charge established beyond doubt that she received money, mobile, land, whiskey and more from a private individual. Last week CBI exercised raids on 250 places of the country at a time and found 67 officers possessing moveable and immoveable properties worth many crores, gathered by unfair means. FIRs in black and white were lodged against corrupt officers by CBI. Illustrated daily from Delhi, The Hindustan Times in its exclusive report (June,12,2009 ) has unveiled the embezzlement in Chief Minister Relief Fund. The money received by donations for Punjab Chief Minister Relief Fund to help victims of calamities like flood, fire and serious accidents was disbursed as Diwali handouts, staff honorarium, grants for foreign tours, press clubs, bar associations, sangeet sammelan, medical treatment of MLAs. Money was also loaned to individuals and clubs. Successive Punjab governments did nothing despite repeated objections from auditors. The Prime Minister Relief Fund is also not an exception. Who can forget historic Bofors scandal by Rajiv Gandhi, Fodder scam by Laloo Yadav, Four crore kick back received in the gallery of Loksabha by Shibu Soren and crores and crores in cash found lying beneath the mattress of Sukhram. Nearly 300 crorepatis are representing poor people of socialist democratic India in newly formed Loksabha.

Recently an International agency – Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, in its report has adjudged our bureaucracy as the worst among countries of Asia. Politicians after sincere efforts of many years have secured top ranking in corruption with bureaucrats as runner up, the report says. It is in astonishing.

During natural calamity caused by unprecedented flood of river Koshi, last year in Bihar, people preferred to go to the camps of RSS, Baba Ramdev and Asha Ram Bapoo for relief. Only 40% of electorates turned to exercise their right to franchise in recently concluded Loksabha polls. This clearly shows the apathy of the people for the prevailing system. It is not a good sign for the health of our democracy and MERA BHARAT MAHAN.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Our Men in Blue capable of retaining T20 crown

Our men in blue are quite capable of retaining the world twenty20 title. Last time Team India was not a favorite team. No one had expected the world title as the majority of team-members were inexperienced and the captain was also in learning stage. Now the scenario is completely changed. All the members of Team India have got good experience of T20 International matches. Except NZ, they have registered convincing victories over all the cricket playing giants. At present they are fully charged. Team India has good combination of bowling attack in both varieties - spin and pace. Harbhajan Singh is one of the best spinners of the world. Pragyan Ojha has developed a wonderful skill of spin bowling for T-20 matches. All cricket pundits have watched him in action in the second edition of IPL and in recent world cup tournament under progress. The critics are amazed with his miraculous performance. He is almost unplayable to most of the batsmen. We have two very good fast bowlers – Ishant Sharma and Zahir Khan. Ishant Sharma is always capable of breaking any settled partnership by his accurate slightly out of off stump fast delivery, where Zahir picking up early wickets with the help of his swinging yorker in his first spell with shining new ball. Yuvraj, Yusuf and Irfan are best all rounders.They have developed expertise in T-20 version especially. We have got good varieties in our attack as such.
The batting of our men in blue is also very impressive and has got a good depth. Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma may be considered as the best successful opening pair of the world. Dhoni and Raina can exploit any bowling attack and accelerate the run rate with desired velocity, any time. Yuvraj Singh and Yusuf Pathan are above all. Their stay only for five avers at the batting crease may keep the opponents five million kilometers away from victory. Our tail in the form of Irfan, Harbhajan and Zahir is also reliable. Their eyes always remain on boundaries for hitting consecutive fours and sixes. Team has got good combination of offense and defense. Fielding of young blue men is also of world class. It is a balance team in all respects. In addition, Team India is lucky enough to have cool Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its captain whose intelligent moves on ground keep everyone remembering the moves of great Vishwanathan Anand on chess board. Had Virendra Sehwag been fit and part of blue men squad, the victory would have been beyond doubt. Though nothing can be predicted for T-20 matches, yet keeping in view the established talents and capabilities of our men in blue, one can confidently say that Team India will come off with flying colours. A cent percent commitment and a favour of luck, a little bit, are however required all the time
BEST OF LUCK – MEN IN BLUE!

Monday, June 8, 2009

HEY RAAM

What happened to our system! In the country of Vikramaditya, the devil of corruption is taking the shape of lady monster SURSA . Ruling parties are busy in celebrating their unexpected victory and oppositions, in introspections. Judiciary has also started tasting apples with Adams. During tenure of late P Narasimha Rao as Prime Minister, an impeachment was processed in Parliament against sitting judge of Supreme Court, Mr. Cho Ramaswamy for his involvement in corruption and malpractices. He anyhow managed the blessings of the then PM and escaped narrowly. The proposal was turned down as it could not muster support of two third of MPs. Now Chief Justice of India has once again recommended the removal of a judge, Justice Nirmal yadav of Punjab & Haryana High Court on the charges established beyond doubt that she received money, mobile, land, whiskey and more from a private individual. Here also the Union Government is not allowing prosecution. If someone expects some fair deal from politicians, he may be called a day dreamer. Politicians after sincere efforts of many years have secured top ranking in corruption with bureaucrats as runner up in a recent survey report published by an independent international agency. Now judiciary is unveiled. Birds of the same feather flock together. Who will save this country?

HEY RAAM!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

OPPORTUNISM IN POLITICS


There was a time – Jai Prakash Narayan was several times invited by Pt. Nehru to join his cabinet but each time he refused to oblige him. Jai Prakash narayan clearly told that his ideology and way of working did not match with Nehru style, as such there was no question of joining the union cabinet in his leadership. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was also offered a respectable post in the party by Pt. Nehru in 1957 to which he also politely refused.

What happened to politicians of present era? No body wants to sit in opposition. Last year in July, 2008, Mayawati’s BSP voted against UPA, opposing the nuclear deal on behest of left parties. They exploited her slept ambition of being Prime Minister of India. She started day dreaming. During last general election she used unparliamentary language for Congress, especially for Rahul Gandhi. Now she has extended unconditional support for Congress-led UPA government. Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party also announced its support in Mayawati’s style despite the UPA’s reluctance to include it in the new government. Laloo Yadav also fought election against congress by tooth and nail. He has also extended his unconditional support to Congress without being formally requested to do so. Another aspirant of coveted chair of Prime Minister, the leader of evaporated Third Front Devegauda has also extended his support without consulting his mentor, the left leader Prakash Karat.

Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, Miss Mayawati and Mr. Laloo Yadav are afraid of CBI where a number of corruption cases are pending against them. Mr. Devegauda is a very cunning politician. His eyes are simply on a berth for his son in union cabinet.

The politics in India has entered into a new era of opportunism where there is no place for principles, ideologies, character and high moral values.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

A SETBACK TO UP GOVERNMENT

When any act or law is implemented with vested interest and sweet will of a person, it is defamed and gradually loses the faith of common people. During Emergency, keeping aside all democratic norms Mrs Indira Gandhi misused the MISA (Maintenance Of Internal Security Act) and DIR (Defence of India Rule) and put entire opposition behind the bars. Even great men such as Mr Jai Prakash Narayan and Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee were not spared. In the eyes of Mrs Gandhi, they were the greatest threat to National security. No bail was granted to them. They had to spend nearly two years of their valuable life in the jails of Independent democratic India. Similar game was played by Miss Mayawati, the Chief Minister of UP and Mr Varun Gandhi was falsely implicated in National Security Act. Had the High Court not come forward well in time, the life of this young politician would have been spoiled. Thanks to Advisory Board of Allahabad High Court – it did not follow the guide lines adopted by executive on ruler’s behest and saved the career of a youth. Our judiciary is well known for its delayed justice but in this case it has set a good precedence of quick and in time justice. It is a major setback to authoritarian attitude of UP Government. It is an undemocratic theory to curb the activities and voices of opposition by misuse of laws and government machineries.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

DAY DREAMERS

Leaders of all political parties – small or big – regional or national nowadays, are day dreaming for the coveted chair of Prime Minister of India. A common electorate when starts reading newspaper in the morning, finds a new name added daily in the list of probable. How many Prime Ministers India can afford after election! Only Congress and BJP are capable of touching the mark of three figures after results are declared. If they project Man Mohan Singh and L.K.Advani as the future Prime Minister, it appears natural and normal. But when Laloo yadav, Ram Bilas paswan, Mulayam Singh yadav, Mayawati, Jay Lalita, Karunanidhi, Sharad Pawar, Kamath Ajit Singh, Devgoda, Chandra Babu Naidu etc start day dreaming for Prime Ministership, with the help of handful of MPs, one surprises and laughs at them. These aspirants are so serious for their goals that they may go to any level, join hands with any party or group. If Taliban is helpful in fulfilling their dreams, they won’t hesitate in taking their help.

For Laloo Yadav, BJP is the greatest threat to the nation . He describes it a communal party. When he was made Chief Minister of Bihar for the first time with the help of Jansangh – the original version of BJP, he had declared RSS and Jansangh, secular and nationalist organizations on the floor of Lok Sabha after emergency. Mayawati enjoyed the chair of Chief Minister of U.P. three times with the help of BJP. Is it not a proven fact? CPI and CPM had also shared power with Jansangh in several states after 1967 elections. In center also they were allies when United Front led by V.P.Singh was in power. Jay Lalita, Karunanidhi, Navin patnaik, Chandra Babu Naidu – they all have been political partners of BJP till recent past. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru had invited RSS to participate in Republic Day Parade of 1963 after China’s aggression. Mr Narsingha Rao, the then PM had expressed faith in Atal Bihari Vajpayee and requested to lead the official Indian delegation to Geneva UNO summit. Mr. Vajpayee successfully led the delegation and gave befitting reply to Pakistan’s allegations of atrocities in Kashmir. Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat as their move was turned down by majority. Even China had supported India. Now BJP has become untouchable for them. If BJP offers the chair of Prime Minister to Laloo, Mayawati, Devgoda or even to left stalwart Mr. Kamath, will they deny it in the name of communalism?

The words – secularism and communalism are used by politicians only for their vested interests as and when required. Electorates of India are aware and will give befitting reply to these opportunist politicians, hankering after power and the coveted chair of Prime Minister Of India.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

ANOTHER MILESTONE BY ISRO

Indian defense establishment has been seeking since long a satellite capable of watching our border and transborder activities of infiltrants through clouds and during darkness after sunset. ISRO made it possible when the 300kg RISAT-2 was shot into space by ISRO workhorse PSLV-C12 rocket on 20th of the month at 6.45am. India thus became the fifth country of the world to have such a satellite. It is an asset to the country as it will work in a microwave band that will enable it to see the object in an invisible media like clouds, fogs and darkness of night.
Weighing 300kg, the spy satellite, as described by media has been developed in collaboration with Israeli Aerospace Industries’ space division. It will provide all weather, 24 hours surveillance. It can produce clear images in all conditions. It will help security agencies monitor the country’s International border round the clock.
We are proud of our scientists!
CONGRATULATIONS ISRO!!

Monday, April 20, 2009

स्वरचित कविता - वसंत

झीने कोहरे की साडी का अवगुंठन सूर्य उठाता था,
पोर-पोर में मस्ती भर, जब पवन जगाने आता था.

आम्र-कुंज में बौरों पर, भौंरे संगीत सुनाते थे,
पंचम स्वर में श्यामल कोयल के गीत उभरते जाते थे.

रक्त पुष्प - झूमे पलाश, सम्मोहित करते दृष्टि को,
रसभरे फूल महुआ के गिर, मदहोश बनाते सृष्टि को.

फूली सरसों ने दिया रंग, मधु लेकर आ पहुँचा अनंग,
यौवन, बचपन तो डोल रहा, सुधिहीन वृद्ध का अंग-अंग.

राजा वसंत के आने पर,किसलय-सिंहासन बनता था,
हरा मुकुट मंजरियों का, सिर उसके सुन्दर सजता था.

कथकली, कथक से लोकनृत्य - सब मोर दिखाया करते थे,
नर-नारी क्या पंछी-पंछी, फगुआ दुहराया करते थे.

अनुरंगी कुसुम परागों का, विस्तृत चन्दोवा तनता था,
कुन्द लता का मोहक ध्वज, हरपल लहराया करता था.

गुलाब, केतकी अनायास, दिन भर मुस्काते रहते थे,
टेसू, अशोक के लाल फूल, मन को उकसाते रहते थे.

पर अब वसंत इस नगरी में, बस दबे पाँव ही आता है,
गमले में उगी डहेलिया की, छवि बिन देखे वह जाता है.

विकसित स्वरूप, सबकुछ बदला, सिमेन्ट का है बढ़ता जंगल,
कहाँ अमलतास, गुलमोहर पर, उड़ते भौरों का सुर-सरगम!

अब दूर-दूर तक सरसों की, झूमती कतारें कहाँ कंत,
कुछ पता नहीं कब गुजर गया, इस नगरी से सुन्दर वसंत!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

The beard verdict & The Controversy

The controversy generated by the remarks attributed to Justice Markandey Katju of the Supreme Court of India while dismissing a Muslim student claim to sport a beard in violation of the rules of the Christian minority school, he studied in, is refusing to die down.
Justice Katju is reported to have said in his judgment …..We do not want to haveTaliban in the country. Tomorrow a girl student may come and say that she wants to bear a burqa. Can we allow it?
Muslim religious leaders after going through the judgment have become furious on Justice Katju. The are passing unhealthy remarks on honorable Judge of Supreme Court of India which come in the category of contempt of court. Syed Sanaullah, Nazim of Indara-e-Sharia Bihar says – Such kind of person does not fit to be a Supreme Court Judge at all who tries to spread communalism…..by his hate remark…..Mr. SQR Ilyas of All India Muslim Personal Board has also passed similar remarks.
In India leaders of minority community can pass any arrogant remarks on our apex constitutional body and constitution also. They are most privileged citizen and above law.Neither court nor law enforcing authorities can take any action against them. Our court and administration can punish only gentleman like Varun Gandhi for his fundamental constitutional right of freedom of expression.
How long the appeasement policy will continue!

Monday, April 6, 2009

राम ने सीता-परित्याग कभी किया ही नहीं

अब तक यही मान्यता रही है कि भगवान श्रीराम ने माता सीता का परित्याग किया था और अपने राज्य में तपस्यारत एक शूद्र का वध भी किया था. ये दोनों प्रकरण मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम श्रीराम के चरित्र से मेल नहीं खाते. प्रचलित वाल्मीकीय रामायण के उत्तरकांड में इन दोनों घटनाओं का विस्तार से वर्णन है. लेकिन गोस्वामी तुलसीदास ने अपने रामचरित मानस में इन दोनों घटनओं का उल्लेख तक नहीं किया है. वाल्मीकीय रामायण का ध्यान से अध्ययन करने के बाद यह तथ्य स्वयं सामने आ जाता है कि उक्त दोनों घटनायें काल्पनिक हैं, क्योंकि उत्तरकांड मूल वाल्मीकीय रामायण का अंग है ही नहीं. इसे बहुत बाद में जोड़ दिया गया -- यह अन्तःसाक्ष्य, वहिःसाक्ष्य और परिस्थितिजन्य साक्ष्य, तीनों प्रकार से स्वतः सिध्द है. रामकथा पर सबसे प्रामाणिक शोधकर्ता फ़ादर कामिल बुल्के का स्पष्ट मत है कि वाल्मीकीय रामायण उत्तरकांड बहुत बाद की प्रक्षिप्त रचना है. हिन्दी के प्रख्यात साहित्यकार डा. राम कुमार वर्मा और राष्ट्रधर्म के सम्पादक श्री आनंद मिश्र अभय ने भी इसकी पुष्टि की है. वाल्मीकीय रामायण के उत्तरकांड की भाषा, शैली और कथानक के वर्णन की गति युद्धकांड तक के रामायण से सर्वथा भिन्न है. इसके अलावा रचनाकार ने उत्तरकांड में छः बार यह सिद्ध करने का प्रयास किया है कि उत्तरकांड भी मूल वाल्मीकीय रामायण का ही अंग है, जबकि इसके पहले के किसी कांड में ऐसा प्रयास नहीं किया गया है. उत्तरकांड में ही एक श्लोक में कहा गया है कि महर्षि वल्मीकि ने आदि से लेकर अंत तक पाँच सौ सर्ग तथा छः कांड का निर्माण किया है. सर्गों और कांडों की गिनती करने पर युद्धकांड तक पाँच सौ सर्ग और छः कांड पूरे हो जाते हैं. सातवां कांड, जिसे उत्तरकांड कहा गया है, कहाँ से आया? किसी भी ग्रंथ का अंत फलश्रुति से करने की परम्परा संस्कृत के सभी ग्रन्थों में पाई जाती है. महर्षि वाल्मीकि ने युद्धकांड में ही फलश्रुति लिख दी है.
संपूर्ण रामकथा महर्षि वेदव्यास ने भी महाभारत के वनपर्व के रामोपाख्यान पर्व में लिखी है. ब्रह्मांड पुराण, विष्णु पुराण, वायु पुराण, कूर्म पुराण, वाराह पुराण, लिंग पुराण, नारद पुराण, स्कंद पुराण, पद्म पुराण, हरिवंश पुराण, नरसिंह पुराण में भी रामकथा का वर्णन है, लेकिन सीता-परित्याग एवं शंबूक वध का कहीं उल्लेख तक नहीं किया गया है. वस्तुतः सीता-परित्याग की प्रामाणिकता है ही नहीं.
उत्तरकांड के रचनाकार द्वारा योजनाबद्ध ढंग से निहित उद्देश्यों की पूर्ति हेतु वाल्मीकीय रामायण में उत्तरकांड को जोड़ा गया और प्रचार किया गया. चूँकि महर्षि वक्मीकि की पांडुलिपि कहीं उपलब्ध थी नहीं, तथा श्रुति और स्मृति माध्यम से ही लाखों वर्षों तक वाल्मीकीय रामायण जनमानस में विद्यमान था, अतः उसमें एक कांड और जोड़ देना सरल था. ऐसा पुरुषसत्तात्मक समाज की, स्त्रियों पर श्रेष्ठता बनाये रखने तथा जन्मना वर्ण-व्यवस्था के औचित्य को सिद्ध करने के लिये किया गया. बडी चालाकी से इन दोनों विषयों पर रचनाकार ने अपने मत के अनुमोदन हेतु मर्यादापुरुषोत्तम श्रीराम से मुहर लगवाने का प्रयास किया है.
वाल्मीकीय रामायण का पूरा उत्तरकांड कल्पनिक है और हजारों/लाखों वर्षों बाद मूल में जोड़ा गया. सीता-परित्याग और शंबूक-वध की घटनायें पूर्णतः असत्य हैं. श्रीरामचन्द्रजी ने ग्यारह सहस्त्र वर्षों तक जनकनन्दिनी सीता एवं समस्त भ्राताओं के साथ राजनगरी अयोध्या से प्रजा-पालन करते हुए कोसल देश पर सुखपूर्वक राज किया था.
लेखक ने इस विषय पर अपने दो वर्षों के शोध के पश्चात एक शोधपत्र पुस्तकाकार में प्रकाशित किया है, जिसमें समस्त तथ्यों का सन्दर्भ के साथ वैज्ञानिक विश्लेषण किया गया है. विस्तृत जानकारी के लिये पुस्तक प्रत्येक भारतीय को पढ़नी चाहिए. वाराणसी के प्रतिष्ठित प्रकाशक संस्कृति ने यह पुस्तक प्रकाशित की है. निम्न पते पर यह पुस्तक हमेशा उपलब्ध है --

संस्कृति शोध एवं प्रकाशन
एन ८/सी, बृज एन्कलेव (मधुवन उपवन के सामने),
सुन्दरपुर, वाराणसी-२२१००५
ई-मेल - sanskritishodh@gmail.com,
deenbandhuvns@sify.com

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

CELL PHONE


Have you not seen/experienced –
1. A doctor using his mobile phone while examining his patient.
2. an adolescent using mobile by holding the same between his tilting neck and shoulder while driving his high speed bike on a busy road.
3. A grown up gentleman driving his four wheeler in a very busy locality of city with one hand on steering and the other on his ear, holding mobile. His wife and his children may be seen with him in the car.
4. You are delivering lecture in a seminar and audience mobiles start ringing.
5. You are traveling in Rajdhani express taking deep sleep and a mobile of co-passenger starts ringing with pop tones.
6. A saint in meditation keeping his mobile on his Aasan.
7. You are engaged in serious talks with your friend and his mobile starts ringing.
8. You are presenting your best project of your career before your boss and he signals to keep your mouth shut because he has received a call from his daughter – 2 years old.
9. You are in bath room and your mobile starts calling you.
10. You are taking your dinner, enjoying your favorite dish and undesired calls start playing the role of kabab men haddi.
11. You are offering prayer in a temple and another devotee, standing by you, starts talking loudly on his cell phone.
To keep a latest cell phone and using the same on a public place has become a fashion and status symbol. It is the most popular birth day gift from parents to their children. Every month 15 million consumers are added to the telecommunication network. In our country nearly 36.67 crore mobile consumers have been registered upto Jan. 2009. By the end of the year 2010, 50 crore people of India are expected to be registered mobile holders. Our country is the biggest market of cell phones. A good chunk of family budget is now spent on bills of mobile phones. It is more than the money spent on milk, vegetables and fruits. Sale of cold drink is now touching its lowest ever level because middle/lower class youth prefers to use his pocket money in purchasing top up card for his mobile, instead of wasting money in cold drinks and ice creams.
Mobile phones are snatching peace from our life. Latest world wide researches say that continuous use of mobile phones have dangerous side effects. It may result in brain-cancer (temporal lobe), heart attack, undefined headache, depression, anxiety, hyper tension etc. Road accidents have touched sky height due to use of mobile phones. The continuous and free entry of high power micro waves from transmission tower to your bed room may prove hazardous. Peace loving and health loving people must think now how to minimize its use. Explosion of atoms may convert Nagasaki and Hiroshima into ruins but controlled explosion of atoms in nuclear power station may lighten the houses of millions and millions. It is we, who have to decide how to use the boon of science and technology in our life.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

HOLI

Holi is the greatest and most popular colourful festival of India. It has a great cultural and social impact. It advocates socialism in every sphere of life and society. It is a festival celebrated collectively, forgetting all differences – economic, social, cast based, gender based and whatsoever. All the sorrows of life, routine depressions, and bitterness with neighborhood take deep plunge in the ocean of Happy Holi. Everybody embrace each other and greets with smile of joy. Holi gives a great message of unity among diversities. This festival of colours comes every year in the Hindi month of Phagun (March) with arrival of Vasant. People sprinkle different colours, abir-gulal on each other to express their inner happiness. Nature also celebrates this occasion in the same manner. All the seven colours of spectrum may be seen on different flowers, blooming in this particular season with ultra tender leaves on their stems. Cuckoos sing on mango trees and people also sing and dance under their shadows on rhythm of local musical instruments.
All Indians should catch the true message of Holi and take pledge to live throughout the year with love, affection and everlasting joy.
Hajaron rang duniya men, par hamne teen rang chhante hain,
Tiranga banke niklengen, sare bazaar Holi men.
Jai ho, jai ho, jai ho…………………

Samata, samrasata, samanata – jai ho………

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

AS YOU SOW, SO YOU REAP


Cricket is very popular in India, Pakistan, Srilanka and Bangladesh. It was taking the shape of a common religion among the people of subcontinent. It was re-establishing the fact that all the countries of the subcontinent have a shared heritage, culture, civilization, likings and tastes irrespective of different ways of worships. Terrorists do not believe in peaceful co-existence and respect to all religions; fundamentalists too. Cricket, therefore, was placed on the top of the hit list of terrorists and result was seen by entire world on March, 3, at Lahore. Six innocent Srilankan players were seriously injured. No words are capable enough to condemn this crime.
Pakistan was an integral part of Ancient India and British India also, up to the year of 1947. The great Indian culture and civilization was nourished and flourished in Indus valley and pious land of Takshashila. But unfortunately, during the period of struggle for freedom, Mr. Jinnah and his followers played a trick to grab power and started spreading the feelings of hatred against Hindus and Hindustan among Muslims. He was successful in convincing the English rulers and most of the Muslim population that Hindus and Muslims are two different races and cannot live together peacefully. His thoughts were given the name of Two Nations Theory and a separate homeland for Muslims was demanded. Indian National congress and British rulers who always believed in divide and rule, bowed down to the demand of Jinnah and Pakistan was formed on a very weak foundation of hatred against India. To add more fuel to the fire, Pak demanded the merger of Kashmir with the Muslim homeland, only on the ground that Muslims were in majority in Kashmir. They tried to grab Kashmir three times with the help of their armed forces but each time they faced humiliating defeats in the hands of strong Indian army. Pakistan lost its eastern part resulting in the birth of Bangladesh. Religion was proved a bond too weak to keep them united. Very soon, Pakistan realized that it was not at all possible to grab Kashmir by invasion with the help of armed forces. They, therefore, planted and encouraged terrorism in Kashmir in the name of Islam. America deliberately or undeliberately supported Pakistan in its all unfair moves. United States provided all means whatsoever to the militants of the region to oust communist government of Afghanistan. A fierce terrorist organization – Taliban - was thus formed with the blessings of American administration which has taken the shape of Bhasmasur today. Pakistan and America are bound to face the consequences. Very soon Pakistan will be disintegrated into pieces. As you sow, so you reap. India also cannot live peacefully in the shade of terrorism. There should be a conscientious among all parties on the issue of terrorism that it must be nipped in the bud at any cost by all means. There is a proverb in Hindi –
MAHIMA GHATI SAMUDRA KI, RAVANA BASA PADOS.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

AZAHAR JOINS CONGRESS

last week Md. Azaharuddin, former captain of Indian Cricket team joined Indian National Congress in a public meeting at Hyderabad in a cerimonial way. In their speech, Congress leaders described Azahar as a great son of India and a rare gem to Indian cricket. They used all good adjectives to their dictionaries in their ornamental language for him. Azahar's proven role in match-fixing was forgotten. It is needless to mention that BCCI have imposed a lifetime ban on Azahar for his malpractices, like match fixing in gentlemen game of cricket. Entire nation felt ashamed when this episode was uncovered. He has played dirty games with the prestige of our nation. Congress has decided to award him a ticket for Lok Sabha from Hyderabad parliamentry constituency. Is it not an act of glorifying the crime of match fixing? Congress should stop talking of character, honesty, moral and high values in politics as preached by Father of the nation - Mahatma Gandhi. Appeasement policy of Congress has already taken the price of unfortunate partition in past and now it is going to weaken the roots of largest democracy of the world. Mukhtar Ansari, the known mafia has also managed a BSP ticket from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat. If a candidate gets slightly more than 20% of polled votes in a multicornered contest, he is bound to win. With the help of minority votes, both Azahar and Mukhtar Ansari may win their parliamentary seats and become part of Union cabinet.
Long live Congress! long live BSP!! Long live corruption!!! Long live Democracy!!!!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Rail-Budget

RAIL-BUDGET

This refers to Rail-Budget presented by honourable Rail Minister Mr. Laloo Pd. Yadav on 13th instant. What is first and final expectation of a passenger traveling by Indian Railways? It is a question to be replied by Mr Yadav. It is regretted that he did not utter even a single word on this important issue while presenting his interim budget. A passenger always wants completion of his journey timely and safely. He hardly bothers whether tea is served in an earthen pot or in a plastic cup. Mr. Laloo Yadav has not, as yet ensured his passengers a safe and time bound journey. Only after seven hours, the rail budget was presented, fourteen bogies of Howrah-Chennai Express faced derailment near Jajpur Road in Orrisa claiming more than twenty lives and serious injuries of several hundred passengers. Number of trains has been increased on same tracks for cheap popularity without considering important safety measures. Now-a-days no routine maintenance of tracks is carried out except emergency maintenance after accidents. Number of berths has been increased in the same coach ignoring the facilities of toilets and cleanliness. Is it possible to sit on any platform of any railway station like New Delhi, Howrah, Varanasi, Mughalsarai and so on without putting a handkerchief on your nose? Even Rajdhanis are not running on time. It has become a regular practice to keep the trains standing waiting at outer signals for hours in search of suitable platforms on all the big stations. Mr. Laloo Yadav sells dreams and always beats drum of his self proclaimed success by his own hands. He is master of this art. I would like to draw his kind attention towards timely and safe operations of all trains.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Pub Culture

This refers to editorial Just Saffron dated Jan.30,2009. Times Of India appears to be very much worried for modern India. Have you got any real concept of modern India in your mind? It is strange that an intellectual like your columnist advocates pub-culture for an advanced and modern India. Free sex, use of liquor – anywhere, any quantity, any age group, living together without marriage, gay-culture, teen aged boys-girls roaming about hand in hand in malls instead of going to schools are necessary parameters for a modern country in the eyes of your columnist.
A country is recognized by its rich heritage, high per capita income, dedicated leadership, technological development, high standard of education, efficient and transparent administration, good law and order and minimum economic disparity among citizens. For all basic elements narrated above, discipline is the most important thing, required in every stage of life. Is pub-culture going to help even a little to attain above objectives? Karnataka Chief Minister Mr. Yediyurappa should not be criticized all the time like Mr. Narendra Modi even for adopting right stand only because he comes from a so called saffron party. Mr. Ashok Gehlot is a Chief Minister of Congress ruled state. He is not from English media targeted Saffron-Brigade. But he is also against pub-culture. Both CMs are mass leaders. They know India and Indian culture. Their views cannot be ignored with jokes only on grounds of prejudice. Lastly, it is my humble request that the pious colour should not be dragged into unnecessary controversy. It is a symbol of purity,, strong character and sacrifice in Indian culture. Making superfluous and insulting remarks on Saffron Colour hurts the feelings of millions.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

INDIA 1.0 UP

It was a nice well deserved victory for India.
Yusuf Pathan's intelligent throw to stumps, resulting in 1st wicket fall of Srilanka may be termed as - well begun half done. Jaysurya - Man of the match, played a brilliant inning of 107 but none of his team-mates could help him in accelerating the run rate. Ishant Sharma did a marvelous jog by grabbing 3 wkts, thus forcing the middle order to remain in their limits. Srilanka anyhow managed a satisfactory total of 246/7.
Start of Indian innings was also disastrous. Great Tendulkar was victim of a very bad decission of umpire. He was given lbw on 5. But Gambhir was not at all disturbed. He continued playing his natural game without giving unneccesary respect to the bowlers. Raina gave a good company to Gambhir and their partnership of 113 runs wrote the story of India's victory on screen. Unfortunate run out of Raina was a big jolt but Yuvraj and Dhoni controlled the situation with patience.
Dhoni is a gem player. With the passage of time, he is getting more matured and intelligent. He was never in hurry. Throughout the innings, India appeared never in crisis. All players including Rohit Sharma were full of confidence. They did not bow down even a little to the spin magic of Mendis. The miraculous Mendis remained wicketless after his full quota of 10 overs. Indians have learnt how to play his magic spin. It is danger alarm for Srilankans. Had Sehwag been in the winning squad, match would have been finished in 40 overs.
It was a well deserved clinical win. Congrats Dhoni.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

BALIKA BADHU

The serial, shown on COLOURS TV channel is hearttouching. It is a document of atrocities on women in Rajsthan. Mixi and gas stove are seen in kitchen of Anandi; TV, sofa telephone are also there in drawing room. People are also using mobile phones and automobiles. It proves that it is not the story of ancient days, on the contarary, it is story of today. It shows how much, the people of the country in general and Rajsthan in particular are orthodox, traditionalist, backward and cruel to women. If the story is nearer to truth even a little, it is a matter of national shame. It is black spot on the face of Govt. of India, Govt. of Rajsthan and the Women's Liberation Movement lead by self proclaimed prgrssive women. Mrs Medha Patekar, Arundhati Rai and Shabana Azmi should go to the villages of India instead of shouting slogans in front of Gate way of India. There are a number of Anadis, Kanganas, Sugnas, Sumitras and Yamunas in distant villages of so called shining India. They should be taken care of.
Women themselves are the chief exploiter of women. All the innocent women characters of Balika Badhu are victims of Kalyani Devi. Sensible men should also come forward and take oath accompanied by firm effective actions to give justice to their mothers, sisters and daughters.
People responsible for early marriage of girls should be awarded severe punishment. Social awareness is necessary and most important.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Reservations

Some great Indians like Former President APJ Kalam dreams India to be a Super Power in coming ten years. Is it possible with the present policy of our govt on reservations? It is a proven fact that merit is not required to become an IAS, IPS, Doctor or Engineer. Inefficient people are on the top of almost all govt. organisations. Demacracy has now become a game of power-grab, totally based on appeasement policy. The detoriation in working of govt organisations may be seen and experienced at every moment of your life. Public Distribution System, Police, Administration, Power sector, PWD are some living examples. Our constitution had provided reservations only for ten years and not for indefinite period. Politicians have given this policy an indefinite extension for their short gains. Talents are ignored. Can India fulfill the dreams of great APJ Kalam? It is a matter to be seriously thought and debated by intellectuals