Professional Documents
Culture Documents
12 Aug All English Editorials
12 Aug All English Editorials
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In an era where everything is available at the swipe of a finger, patience seems to ASIAN VOICES
Coup in Africa have become a forgotten virtue. And reading requires time, effort, concentration and
of course patience. It seems that while the older generation has forsaken the reading Heritage sites
W est Africa, where coups d’état in Burkina Faso,
Guinea and Mali in the recent past, coming as
they did against the backdrop of continuous
conflict in the Sahel region where violence has displa-
habit, sadly enough, the current generation, nurtured on a diet of instant gratification, preserve past,
finds it increasingly challenging to commit to a book or on spending time to read, build the future
what to speak of making reading a hobby
H
ced more than 2.5 million people and spread to Benin
and Togo, seems headed into a new period of instabil- eritage sites preserve past,
ity. If not arrested, the trend of violence in Africa’s co- build the futureThere are
astal states could wipe out its economic development 1,157 World Heritage prop-
gains. But obviously nobody is listening. The latest to erties in 167 countries as of
July 2023, and a great many of them
join the list of African nations where the armed forces are tourist destinations. World Her-
or political figures backed by them have ousted a ci- itage sites are recognized for their
vilian government is Niger, where a coup was effected outstanding value to all humanity;
on 26 July. It was West Africa’s seventh in three years. they also create jobs, generate
What has the West worried is that while China is well- incomes, support local activities
established on the continent in major countries’ eco- through art and craft, and can foster
nomic and security domains and seems immune to sustainable tourism.
internal upheavals there, the fast-paced developments The relationship between World
in the aftermath of the Niger coup mirror those in Mali Heritage and tourism is a two-way
and Burkina Faso ~ in that they underline the near- affair: World Heritage properties are
major tourist attractions and the
impossibility of sustaining the US-led West’s hard secu- tourism sector has the ability to "pre-
rity and geostrategic interests and its slightly less en- sent" World Heritage to the public
thusiastic commitment to democracy in various parts and to help create greater awareness
of Africa. Washington’s much-vaunted twin-track pol- among communities about their
icy approach to counter China in Africa is premised importance and realize their eco-
on pushing a narrative denigrating Beijing’s mercan- nomic benefits. In our ever-evolving
tilist approach and Moscow’s so-called dark ops to and expanding world, the dramatic
achieving their strategic aims while simultaneously surge in international and domestic
working towards a new, more flexible regional policy travel poses both opportunities and
challenges for World Heritage sites
premised on ‘four pillars’. These have been defined by
and the communities residing around
the USA as fostering open societies; delivering democ- them. As the pace of change acceler-
ratic and security dividends; advancing pandemic ates, the impact of this trend on these
recovery and economic opportunities; and supporting iconic locations and the people who
conservation, climate adaptation, and an equitable live near them becomes increasingly
energy transition process. The developments in Niger significant.
are likely to have put paid to all that, at least for the The promotion of tourism, visitor
foreseeable future. One of the leading experts on glob- engagement and cultural interchange
al conflict and security, Vanda Felbab-Brown, points can bring a range of positive benefits
to a World Heritage site, contributing
out that tensions had been simmering between Niger’s
to its preservation, and education and
president, Mohamed Bazoum, and Mr Abdoura-
hamane “Omar” Tchiani, the head of the presidential
H
time of the day as students happens then? listening to my grandmother
guard that conducted the putsch with the backing of ave we inadvertantly learning courses, or people People take us for a ride. We read the Ramayana and explain
the country’s military elite. More interestingly, in keep- divorced our best life doing any type of regular job or start becoming more irrational it. Not just that, at times she research on it, promotes infrastruc-
ing with the script of West Africa’s recent junta partners ~ books? business for a living. than rational, living more by our would ask about characters of ture development and supports the
takeovers, the putschists justified their move as ne- Books are life partners In an era where everything whims than reasoning. We have the epic to check if we children well-being of the local community
cessary because of Mr Bazoum’s inadequate security that help you build your life bet- is available at the swipe of a fin- no stock of life’s intellect to bet- were listening to her and possi- while raising global awareness of its
policies; in fact, asserts Felbab-Brown, the ousted pre- ter while making you experience ger, patience seems to have ter understand people and situa- bly being prepared to imbibe importance.
love, warmth, romance, wonder, become a forgotten virtue. tions as we have become empty. the ideals that the Ramayana World Heritage sites often host
sident’s counterterrorism approach and his strong co-
adventure and thrills. Above all, And reading requires time, Though one’s life experi- taught us. unique cultural assets and fragile
operation with the West were “improving the security they guide you as friends, philo- ecosystems, and their global recogni-
effort, concentration and of ences come as learning they are Today, we as a nation are
picture”. While Western analysts rule out a direct Ru- sophers and guides imparting course patience. It not enough, look- fast losing that great cultural tion and popularity can also expose
ssian role in the Niger coup, nearly all of them flag the the right knowledge and wisdom seems that while ing at the hugely habit which was a part of every them to a range of threats, including
‘disinformation campaign’ Moscow has been running to lead a life that is purposeful the older genera- diverse humanity family. Can we revive it innova- over-tourism, pollution, degradation
in West Africa agitating against France and the USA, and beautiful. tion has forsaken and our role in it. tively to match today’s time of the site's integrity and authenticity,
accusing both powers of neo-colonialism and po- When was the last time you the reading habit, You may not be where soon we will have a gener- and even illegal trade in cultural arti-
larisation. But the fact is that the so-called propaganda, read a book of your interest? Ask sadly enough, the able to travel the ation of working-women grand- facts. Without proper management
whether Russian or Chinese, has fallen on receptive this of yourself and you will current generation, world and know its mothers and more nuclear fami- and sustainable practices, the threats
ears. Over the past decade and more, Niger’s ruling realise how the reading habit is nurtured on a diet people and cul- lies that have no grandmothers posed by the fast-growing tourism
dying slowly. of instant gratifica- tures, but by read- living with them? industry risk causing irreversible dam-
establishment has used brutal and violent tactics
But the big decline in read- tion, finds it incre- ing you can know All students while being age to the sites' unique values. This
against protesters and opponents, to which the West ing among the current genera- asingly challenging the world and encouraged to strive for acade- makes it clear that the balance
closed its eyes in order to maintain military bases, ura- tion is a cause for greater con- to commit to a learn what it takes mic excellence should also be between accessibility and conserva-
nium access, and cooperation to stem the tide of PRAVESH
cern, raising questions about the book or on spend- JAIN to live responsibly encouraged to read books that tion can be maintained only through
migrants heading to Europe. Going ahead, western future of intellectual curiosity, ing time to read, and purposefully make them quality human sustainable tourism. Sustainable tou-
powers will likely have to pinch their collective nose critical thinking, the wisdom of what to speak of The writer is Chairman and
Managing Trustee, Paras in it. Today, seeing beings too. rism seeks to create a harmonious re-
too, much as they did in large parts of West Asia, South life and the future of civilization. making reading a Foundation. He can be
reached at
our contemporary Look at our lawyers and lationship between visitors, the envi-
Asia, and Latin America during the Cold War. What could have caused hobby. praveshjain@parasdyes.com political culture, judges. As professionals they ronment, and the local community. It
this? When I start thinking about The thinking one often finds one spend quite a bit of time reading serves as a lifeline for World Heritage
Battle lines this sorry state of affairs, I dis-
cover there are several culprits,
may be simple: political party criti-
Why invest hours in a novel or cizing vehemently the other on
law books and journals, and
their case-files. You will hardly
sites, mitigating the negative impacts
that conventional tourism can have
N
playing their roles in destroying books of mythology or any other, certain issues involving great see judges and lawyers reading on these cherished properties. To
o sooner had Ashes 2023 ended that Nasser
the reading habit. when social media can offer personalities of our nation. anything other than law books ensure sustainable and responsible
Hussain said next year’s five-match India-Engl- First is obviously the tech- instant interaction, entertain- If one bloc demeans Nehru because they have no time for tourism development, as well as prop-
and Test series, starting in January, would be nological tsunami that crashes ment, and an endless array of for what they call disservice to distractions. erly manage the flow of visitors, it is
Bazball’s next trial. Bazball versus spin? No hassles, on our doorsteps, every now and engagements, fulfiment and the nation, the other bloc jumps It goes without saying that imperative that site the managements
you may say in India as so many bang the pub table, and then. It is as if we are living desirable distractions to kill to attack Vir Savarkar for what a judge should carry the ethical of such sites effectively collaborate
joyfully. Well might it have indicated the English in an age of everyday obsoles- boredom? he has done or not done for the emotion that best builds his or with all related public agencies. The
cognoscenti’s previously understated acceptance, rel- cence. Even before we are fully So where will this state of country. How many people in her character, and should stand UNESCO World Heritage and Sustain-
uctant or not, of Twenty20 batting in Test cricket's con- done with understanding one affairs lead to? Possibly, these our country have read The “Dis- out as an embodiment of moral- able Tourism Programme has intro-
text as a viable strategic plan. It could also have ex- technology, the other is already new age habits have led us to an covery of India” by Nehru? It is ity, discipline and good conduct; duced a fresh approach centered on
ceeded the joy of an English experiment withstanding knocking at our doors with more age of intellectual stagnation. possible that this one book wou- never pompous, arrogant or dialogue and collaborative efforts
temptations. Reading nurtures our minds, ld have made the nation aware high-handed. among stakeholders.
the rigours of a top-class contest implicitly to suggest a It is no secret that technolo- broadens our perspectives, and about him to some extent. It is painful to think of India The approach is aimed at inte-
heart-warming moral triumph over the perpetually ag- gy has transformed our lives. But sharpens our intellect. I think all this happens, per- as a nation that is losing its read- grating tourism planning and her-
gressive and abrasive "Aussies," who had retained the although it has brought count- Without a robust reading haps because the accusers and ing habit. A nation known for its itage management at the destination
urn simply because they won it the last time around. less benefits, it has also inadver- habit, the current generation is the believers know a part of the quest for knowledge and wis- level, valuing and safeguarding nat-
Given the bitter and serious disputes the series had tently dampened the reading missing out on the transforma- story or have no idea of both dom cannot afford this. ural and cultural assets while foster-
intermittently been marked by, the essentially con- habit. We simply don’t have tive power of varied literature. sides reasonably well. If our youth do not under- ing responsible tourism develop-
servative establishment in Blighty is perhaps not time. We are often so busy hand- May be inadvertently, we risk Had anyone read more about stand our culture and our roots, ment. By establishing an in-
inclined to give New Zealander Brendon McCullum ing this information overload stagnating in a world devoid of both individuals, maybe this the history of the ceaseless quest ternational framework for coope-
full marks for the combative durability of Ben Stokes' that we possibly never find time curiosity, imaginative leaps, shortsightedness may not have by the searching minds of our ration, the UNESCO program facilita-
squad. But if Hussain hopes Bazball to end, or even for a book. deep insights, and nuanced happened, because both have rishis, they may not only miss tes coordinated efforts across sectors
With screens dominating understanding. made so many contributions to these priceless treasures of to preserve heritage and foster susta-
appear to pose a serious threat, in the obvious excitem- our waking hours, smartphones What happens when we the nation in their own ways. inable economic development.
knowledge and wisdom but also
ent of a 2-2 draw, to India's virtual invincibility in rec- becoming the new life style, with don’t read? Slowly, we become It is thus that reading makes their connection with our way of
ent times at home, it could perhaps be a bridge too far. loads of social life content and unaware of things and life us more aware, knowledgeable, thinking and life.
Bazball, as of now, is still a matter of nuanced app- beyond, and attention spans around us. We become ignorant judicious, and gives us the tem- There is a saying - The man PERSONAL
lication and there are those stalwarts who will refuse to dwindling, books and reading and thoughtless, lose the ability per to accept all opinions. who does not read good books
go even that far. In the Ashes matches, for instance, have taken a backseat, especially to think critically and judge, and I remember sitting with oth- has no advantage over the man THANK You St. Jude for Prayers
England’s scoring rates fluctuated quite appreciably. for those who spend a sizable become blind believers. What ers in the family every evening who can’t read them. Granted. — Dwaipayan Chaudhuri.
Also, McCullum's theory obviously reckons with the
different degrees of technique-related insecurity Twe- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@thestatesman.com
nty20 breeds in batsmen trying to get on top of the
bowling. After the Ashes, Nathan Lyon said that he had
C
ongress leaders and workers Congress, these regional parties can- including Rahul Gandhi. Voters will the Dacca medical students to a sense of
in Uttar Pradesh are elated not fight against the BJP-led alliance give a befitting reply to the BJP in the the noble possibilities of their profession.
that the Supreme Court has at the Centre. Besides, it is only the coming polls and teach it a lesson . No doubt, the medical student enters col-
stayed the conviction of Congress which can prevent the con- lege not to be trained as a missionary, but
senior party leader Rahul Gandhi in a spiracy of the BJP to polarise the vot- Q. What is your take on the Yogi to learn how to earn his living. On the
criminal defamation case. The grand ers before the elections. Hence it Adityanath government in UP which other hand, it is the spirit of humanity
old party now hopes to win a good would be a win-win situation for the retained power for a second term apart from profit which entitles the med-
number of seats in the state as part of regional parties to go with Congress last year? Will the recent success of ical profession to special honour. That this
the I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Devel- in the elections and accept its lead- BJP in the bypolls and Urban Local spirit is not lacking in Bengal has been
opmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc in ership. Body (ULB) elections give the party proved by more than one recent example,
the 2024 Lok Sabha polls along with There is no dearth of winnable an upper hand in the Lok Sabha but an appeal to the highest ideals can
its allies like the Samajwadi Party and candidates in Congress in every state polls? never be out of place. How to supply the
others though doubts persist about and the regional parties will have to medical needs of the mofussil is a problem
the longevity of the alliance. accept this reality with honesty. A: Within one year of the second which Lord Ronaldshay endeavoured to
Senior Congress leader Akhilesh term of the Yogi government, cracks solve so far as possible through the med-
Pratap Singh is known for his prox- Q. Do you really think people seem to have appeared with the dou- ical officers appointed by local bodies. His
imity to the Nehru-Gandhi family. In will vote out the Narendra Modi gov- ble engine regime having derailed policy has been continued and extended
an interview with Manoj Bhadra, ernment despite the PM's populari- and inner contradictions coming to by Sir Surendranath Banerjea and its ben-
Singh, a former Congress MLA from ty and replace it with the Opposi- the fore. Fighting between the minis- eficial effects are beyond doubt. At the
Rudrapur in Deoria district, talked on tion alliance? ters and leaders is now a known fact, same time, if we expect young medical
various issues concerning Uttar impacting development works. men to exchange the possibilities of a city
Pradesh, including the present and A: BJP as a party is now in shambles Besides inflation and unemployment practice for un-remunerative work in rural
the future of his party in the elec- with infighting and disputes. The have increased the anger of the peo- districts, their sacrifice should at least be
torally most important state in the coming Lok Sabha polls under the ernment and the party will also retain Modi government is now only rely- ple against this government. The gov- shared in some form by the public.
country. leadership of Congress. power in Chhattisgarh and ing on polarisation of voters before ernment’s control over the bureau-
In UP too, Congress party's mass Rajasthan. Thereafter in the 2024 Lok the elections as it has failed on every cracy has also weakened as there is NEWS ITEMS
Excerpts: base has increased under Rahul Sabha polls, the Opposition alliance fronts, including development, cre- no permanent DGP for the past one
H
ave we noticed that the ing has the potential to restore ethical Nichiren Buddhism frequently link in his native town this afternoon. Normal
number of management behaviour and encourages the align- the applied philosophy to their pro- activities ceased all over the country as
books on “workplace spiri- ment of personal values with those fessional well-being. This serves as a the casket was placed in the vault, trams
tuality” has grown tremen- of the organisation, which directly great source of inner strength were stopped, telegraphs and telephones
dously over the past 30 years, along impacts how much respect and dig- because it gives us a solid foundation stilled, and millions stood for a few
with an equal increase in conference nity co-workers feel from their supe- in the midst of life's uncertainties and moments with reverence and respect.
papers and symposia talks on this riors. Adopting spiritual conscious- gives us the ability to overcome chal- Shops and businesses everywhere were
subject across continents? The ques- ness at a corporate level can help lenges with resiliency and clarity, suspended the entire day. The cortege,
tion that arises is ‘Why is there such employees stay focused and self- turning adversity into opportunities, with the widow and other relatives, Presi-
an intensified curiosity to learn the aware, which can greatly improve ‘changing poison into medicine’. dent Coolide and Cabinet Ministers and
nuances of spirituality that can be work-life balance and personal well- In modern society, we face vari- notables passed through an avenue of
practised in professional life and the being. ous challenges, from personal set- tens of thousands of people. Thousands
workplace’? In the early 1920s, when work- backs to pressing global crises, filed past the bier throughout the preced-
In the sleek boardrooms and place accidents and fatalities were extreme climatic conditions to dis- ing night. The floral tributes were so
bustling hallways of corporate estab- common and, in many cases, work- criminatory social inequality. By tak- numerous that they overflowed the house
lishments, a maze of intricacies hides To reconcile one's personal their study. Later it was further ing conditions were nothing short of ing self-responsibility and seeking on to the lawn and adjacent gardens.
beneath the shiny veneer. Navigating beliefs with professional aims, defined as “having compassion gruelling, the idea of incorporating solutions with wisdom and compas-
through the treacherous waters of
modern business is like walking on
today’s corporate professionals are
increasingly putting importance on
towards others, experiencing a mind-
ful inner consciousness in the pur-
spiritual practices into the workplace
emerged as a grassroots movement
sion, we can contribute positively to
our own lives and the world at large. CRITICISM OF
thin ice; entry-level executives to C-
suite personnel often get tangled in
gaining spiritual consciousness that
can be implemented in their profes-
suit of meaningful work that enables
transcendence.” Their research cen-
with people seeking to live their faith
and/or spiritual principles at work.
In today's digitally connected
world, the consequences of our POLICE
the intricate web of hierarchies or sional atmosphere. This entails con- tres on the premise that spirituality Now, with growing corporate smallest actions have far-reaching DACCA, AUG 11
oppressive bureaucracy, stifling cre- templating one's life and discovering can include a broader feeling of pur- complexities at more psychological effects. By developing a deeper sense Addressing the parade of the Dacca
ative freedom that often takes an its purpose through introspection, pose, meaning, and connection to levels, organisations are accepting of empathy and recognizing the Civil Police and the Eastern Frontier Rifles,
unholy route of grabbing-the- glory interacting with others around one, something more than oneself and is spirituality at work as an essential interconnectedness of humanity, we His Excellency the Governor spoke of the
from others or shifting accountability and transcending oneself by serving not just confined to religious views. tool to build a healthier organisation- can foster compassion for each other. need for improvement in the housing
on to the next shoulder. others. A corporate workplace is not a al culture; this change is taking place In an age often marked by uncertain- accommodation provided for the Bengal
Real-doers often lose their voice Modern spirituality inherently place where employees are merely around the world and for a good rea- ty and disillusionment, a strong phi- Police and of the unwarranted criticism
in the crowd; this endless loop of justifies a deeper comprehension of present physically, they bring their son, as it immediately impacts the losophy with spiritual assurance can frequently directed against that body. His
decision-making quandaries leaves human identity and psychosocial entire selves to the workplace, includ- plethora of advantages listed in any bring hope and joy. By tapping into Excellency said: I spoke last year of the ten-
them disengaged with a distorted development in the workplace ing their values, beliefs, and objectives company's human resources manu- the wellspring of inner wisdom and dency to criticise the police and I expressed
perception of the original objective. because of its link with the ultimate for their personal lives, and aim to fos- al, such as improved employee pro- compassion, we can discover a pro- sympathy with you in what seemed to me
In this fast-paced and complex world purpose of human life. In the late ter an atmosphere that honours and ductivity, less absenteeism, increased found sense of purpose and joy that the injustice and ungratitude of the public.
of the 21st century, many individu- 1990s, ‘workplace spirituality’ came respects these aspects in other peo- motivation and dedication, improved transcends external circumstances. Some people seem to think that the main-
als seek a philosophy that can offer into existence and in frequent dis- ple. A few decades ago, many organi- job satisfaction and performance, Through the practice of gratitude and tenance of law and order is in the interests
solace, purpose, and guidance. This cussions as a brand-new idea. sations were reluctant to bring up the lowered workplace stress, decreased appreciation, we can find content- of the Government alone and that the
can be one of the biggest reasons why Sandra J. Ashmos and Dennis F. topic of spirituality at work due to its employee burnout, improved ment and share positivity with oth- police only exist for the protection of offi-
individuals are increasingly looking Duchon investigated the incorpora- religious and communal overtones. employee morale and also decreased ers, contributing to the creation of a cials. This of course is a complete fallacy.
to gain knowledge offering answers tion of spirituality in the workplace Although the concept of spiritu- rates of staff turnover. more harmonious society. The police are the servants of the public as
to both their personal and profes- and its effects on staff morale, organ- ality at work can seem similar to Surprisingly, this improved work well as of Government.
sional lives. isational culture, and performance in practising a religion, this is very dif- environment practice also lessens (The writer is a marketing and branding
professional based in the Delhi-NCR region.)
LASCARS ON
CROSSWORD NO-292521 STRIKE
MADRAS, AUG 11
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 A strike of shipping lascars started
ACROSS 13 Source of Thames 25 Components of 2 Nasal problem: 15 Is to go wild about
yesterday at Port Cocanada. The cyclone
produced water antimony finally factor in blood lecturer supporting
YESTERDAY'S SOLUTION for river (5) used to engrave? disorder is in it (8) rising Australian which visited Cocanada in November
9 10 1 Caught at rack
initially taking
14 The French, with one (9) 3 Moral approach seem scientist (9) caused damage to cargo boats and silted
11 Q I P S B I B difficult problem: 27 A lunatic at sea in yonder people 17 Raised concerns up the northern channel across the bar.
GUNN E R C L E A N S E favourite dress promoting energy
capturing zone in on a ship? (8) about setter
12 13 C O O O A A T T down (6)
German city 28 Womans behind (5) becoming divine? (8) The boats used the south-eastern chan-
A C T OR S T R I NG E N T
4 Vulgar book about
(7) curtain material in 5 Flaxen stuff, looking 18 Star turn finishing nel which was charted out by the port
second public
M E D E R E
gathering (5,3)
16 Unexciting? the lower area old, covering ends of early after bow authorities until the wreckage was
14 15 16 POS S I B L E S I NC UR Accordingly cut line (6) settee (7) before our group (8) cleared and dredging operations com-
9 Black Prince, say, is
E N Y U N O (4) 29 Pop group try this 6 Science time in 20 Old woman covering
17 18 reported as pleted in the northern channel. There
R I P A T T EM P T M OO 19 Supporting entry of punch? (4,4) comprehensive a blemish in cosmetic
19 20 21 O T E M E D
something black (6)
Minister in ceremony 30 Keeps a device for picked up a hint (9) (7) was not, however, sufficient water in the
10 Official marks
22 23
WA S T E S T A I RC A S E popular gain and is
(4) punishment 7 Primate ready to 21 Sally of timeless south channel at high tides to enable fully
E I T L D N made to look daft
21 A lot of the (6) receive king (6) mockery? (4) laden boats to negotiate the passage to
24 25 26 A N T I P A S T I E L V E S ambience around 8 Stage fellows 22 Equipment orbiting
(8)
colleague comes carrying one end of Earth or Venus? (6) sea. The port authorities have now
S R A E O A I E DOWN
EMO T I O N N OV I C E
12 Ethanol is
from ham banner ... (6) 23 Collided with small declared the northern channel open for
unexpectedly
27 28 L N N D S E E obtained in
(7) 1 One speaking Mass, 11 ... left over from vehicle (6) navigation as from August 6, but the las-
precipitate? (9)
24 Drunk unable to complete on the farewell 26 British taking stand cars are evidently not willing to forge the
open house (5) radio (8) performance? (4) in French port (5)
bonus and are petitioning the port officer
29 30
for permission to continue to use the
NOTE: Figures in parentheses denote the number of letters in the words required. (By arrangement with The Independent, London)
south-eastern channel.
businessline.
SATURDAY AUGUST 12 2023
T
here is often a lament about communityled local action. Local
human development teachers and health workers require
Opposition MPs, especially those who have
visited the troubletorn State recently, could
have offered a cogent set of proposals. They
barely went beyond intermittent chants of
“sack the Chief Minister”.
It is unfortunate that in the face of trauma
Incremental CRR, and its impact on liquidity
and distress, Parliament failed to rise beyond ICRR, a tool at the disposal of the RBI to control liquidity, is expected to suck out ₹20,00040,000 crore from the system
polarised politics and ego battles to extend a
healing touch. Indeed, today’s MPs should bl explainer excess liquidity in the system and the
central bank is now exercising it. What
with the bulk of money coming to banks
as deposits. If we assume that 85 per
reflect on the role and import of a Lokeshwarri SK this means is that banks will now have to cent of money was received as bank
parliamentarian — namely, that Parliament park more liquid cash with the RBI. deposits, then the increase in bank
O
is not any other debating shop that limits n August 10, the Reserve Bank deposits due to the deposit of ₹2,000
of India asked banks to What are the contours of the ICRR notes would be around ₹2.6lakh crore.
itself to exchanging witticisms or barbs, but maintain an incremental cash proposed by the RBI? Around 10 per cent of this amount will
an institution where laws and solutions reserve ratio (ICRR) of 10 per cent on The RBI has stated in its monetary result in RBI impounding around
ought to emerge from informed debate. Just the increase in their deposits between policy that from August 12, 2023, all ₹26,000 crore from banks as ICRR.
about everyone seems oblivious to this May 19 and July 28. scheduled banks should maintain an But the sum can be higher if the
distinction. additional CRR amounting to 10 per liquidity injected due to forex
What is ICRR? cent of the increase in their net demand operations is considered. Some banks
Before moving on to ICRR, we need to and time liabilities (NDTL) between MONEY. Drawing in the excess may have deployed the incremental
understand cash reserve ratio first May 19, 2023 and July 28, 2023. deposits in other channels. So the ICRR
(CRR). Banks are required to maintain It may be recalled that the RBI had that credit growth in the economy is not money can be anywhere between
liquid cash amounting to a certain announced the withdrawal of the ₹2,000 affected. ₹20,000 crore and ₹40,000 crore.
FROM THE VIEWSROOM. proportion of their deposits and certain notes in this period and this had resulted
other liabilities with the RBI. in banks witnessing large deposit How much money is expected to What will be the impact of ICRR?
This is a tool at the disposal of the RBI inflows. The RBI is trying to pull out flow to the RBI as ICRR? The RBI’s main intention is to contain
Looking beyond victory and defeat to control liquidity in the economy and
can also act as a buffer in periods of bank
some of this money from the system.
The central bank is, however, assuring
If we do some backoftheenvelope
calculation, the value of ₹2,000 notes in
inflation through this tool. As liquidity is
sucked out, banks will have lesser money
January evening in 1999 when stress. Banks are currently required to banks that this is a temporary measure circulation was ₹3.56lakh crore by May to lend, thus bringing down the demand
B Baskar India lost to Pakistan in a maintain 4.5 per cent of their net and that the ICRR will be reviewed on 19, 2023. The central bank had said that for goods and services and, thereby,
nerveshredding Test match when demand and time liabilities as CRR with September 8. around 88 per cent of the ₹2,000 notes prices. Shortterm interest rates can
the RBI. If liquidity balance is restored by then, had returned to the banks by the end of move higher as the supply of funds gets
I
t was a tense packed stadium the capacity crowd at the Chepauk
on Wednesday evening when Stadium stood in unison and The RBI has the option to impose the RBI may return the funds back to the July 2023. Of this, some of the notes tight in the economy. That is another
archrivals India and Pakistan applauded the victorious Pakistan ICRR, in addition to CRR, in periods of banks ahead of the festival season so have been exchanged for other notes tool to bring down inflation.
met, this time on the hockey turf team when it ran a lap of honour
of the Mayor Radhakrishnan after the match. And this after
Stadium, Chennai, during the India came incredibly close to
ongoing Asian Champions Trophy. winning from a desperate LETTERS TO EDITOR Send your letters by email to bleditor@thehindu.co.in or by post to ‘Letters to the Editor’, The Hindu Business Line, Kasturi Buildings, 859860, Anna Salai, Chennai 600002.
In the end India defeated Pakistan situation early on with Sachin
quite comprehensively by four Tendulkar scoring a magnificent
goals to none with Harmanpreet hundred in a losing cause. Chasing Retail prices versus CPI reportedly being sold at around passenger footfalls. More than that, creeping inflation is always welcome phenomenal change in the field of
Singh scoring a brace and Jugraj 270 for victory, half the Indian side This refers to the cartoon Pocket ₹200/kg or so in most parts of the the Railways needs to tighten in an economy, as it gives an impetus advertisement and how people see,
Singh and Akashdeep Singh were in the pavilion with just 82 (August 11), wherein the country. ticketless travel and plug the for entrepreneurs to enhance perceive and get influenced by the
getting on the scoresheet. on the board. Tendulkar was shopkeeper says “inflation may Kumar Gupt loopholes in revenue leakages. In production. “intimate” kind of advertisements.
Cheering them in the stands were literally the last man on the deck come down, but not the prices!” Panchkula, Haryana parallel, the Railway Ministry should The central bank, however, can curb These influencers are no experts on
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK when wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia Hats off to the cartoonist for so focus on expeditious completion of the unproductive loans of the products they advertise, but
Stalin and India offspinner and walked into bat. They put on a effectively highlighting the unending Improving rail infra the signalling system Kavach, to commercial banks — by qualitative mouth a few lines in a mellifluous and
local hero Ravichandran Ashwin. 136run partnership taking India pain and agony of the general This refers to ‘Are rail investments on avoid Balasore type of incidents, credit control measures — to lessen appealing voice.
But what brought more joy than to victory’s doorstep before it masses, who are faced with spiralling the right track?’ (August 11). The besides complete elimination of all the liquidity in the system. But it And the viewers often fall victims to
India’s victory was the famously imploded and fell short prices of various items of daily use. Ministry of Railways has been manned level crossings. needs to encourage productive substandard or unhealthy consumer
camaraderie between the players of 12 runs. It was then that the The endusers have no choice but to investing crores of rupees in the RV Baskaran investments for accelerating the products.
and the fans’ sporting nature. Chennai crowd decided to put bear the brunt of high retail prices, recent past towards redevelopment Chennai nation’s economic growth . Hence, the authorities — the Health
They gave a rousing reception to aside its bitter disappointment which could be due to middlemen of major stations across the country, S Ramakrishnasayee Ministry, FSSAI and ASCI — have to
the Pakistan players during their and cheered the Pakistani team’s and/or commission agents operating including enhancing passenger Productive investment Chennai be extra careful and frame laws that
warmup and warmly applauded victory lap led by their peerless in wholesale markets nationwide. amenities. The author’s This refers to ‘RBI holds repo rate as would protect the public from
their national anthem. Young fans captain Wasim Akram. It may be recalled that the timely apprehension that such huge inflation pressure persists; imposes Reinin influencers unscrupulous advertisers and
were even seen seeking Sporting contests are often intervention of the Department of investments on sprucing up railway ICRR to drain liquidity’ (August 11). Apropos ‘Govt tightens norms for extraordinary claims being spread
autographs from yesteryear great sites of bitter rivalry but they can Consumer Affairs had significantly stations would have little impact on That the RBI has asked scheduled influencers who make healthrelated through these newage influencers,
Rehan Butt, who is now Pakistan’s also be arenas of heartwarming brought down the retail prices of enhancing the return of every rupee commercial banks to maintain an claims’ (August 11), the arrival of just for raking in profits at the cost of
coach. gestures as seen on last tomatoes in Delhi and NCR. But in spent needs to be given a considered incremental cash reserve ratio of 10 social media and with it a special public health.
This of course brought back Wednesday evening and that the absence of similar steps being view. True, the proposed amenities per cent is unwelcome, to say the class of advertisers called Kosaraju Chandramouli
wonderful memories of that January evening of 1999. taken elsewhere, the same were should result in attracting more least. It must be remembered that “influencers” has brought about a Hyderabad
Published by Nirmala Lakshman and Printed by S. Ramanujam at HT Media Ltd. Plot No. 8, Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida Distt. Gautam Budh Nagar, U.P. 201306, on behalf of THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD., Chennai600002. Editor: Raghuvir Srinivasan (Editor responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act). ISSN 0971 7528
CM
YK Social Media Pakistan 0342-4938217 . . . . . . . . NDNDE
Our Opinion, Their Opinion ,, If you want to succeed you should strike
EasternChronicle
GUWAHATI, AUGUST 12, SATURDAY, 2023
VIJAY GARG
Villages moving towards digital India Shramik Card along with insurance
O
benefits. The Union Labour Minister
ur writers, thinkers and has shared that the portal has received
politicians have always registrations for over 400 occupations.
spoken about two Indias— Given the unregulated nature of these
one that lives in our cities markets, this is a great way to ease the
and the other in our villag- process of seeking and employing
es. Both are integral to the nation yet skilled labor. Besides employment
are deeply divided in culture, income, creation, the digital revolution has
technology, and access to resources. created opportunities for economic
The technological gap, however, is activities in rural India by making
gradually fading thanks to a digital them an integral part of the market
revolution bubbling at the heart of our value chain for products and servic-
nation. According to a 2022 study by es—both as suppliers and consumers.
Nielsen, rural India’s internet presence This was further aided by the Jan Dhan
J
UPI [Unified Payments Interface], called, which brought crores of people
ust over a month after the violence started in and government schemes such as into the banking system and transpar-
Manipur on May 3, and with things spiraling the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital ency in transactions.
out of control, Union Home Minister Amit Shah Saksharta Abhiyan, have enabled
convened an all-party conference as a first pos- Internet access in remote parts of 5) WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
itive move. Many opposition parties spoke out, our country. As a result, untapped My experience with rural communi-
human potential is finding space to ties has convinced me that our women
requesting that N Biren Singh be ousted as chief minister
realise itself. Numerous corporates, are a formidable force and can uplift
due to his total failure to handle the situation and claimed non-profits, and educational start- their communities if given an oppor-
partisanship. The Centre remained indifferent to Singh’s ups are reaching rural India with tunity. For example, Angrekond, a
departure, but the nation’s prime minister agreed to skill training, health and nutrition village in Raigad, has raised self-help
consider all ideas with an “open mind.” After Prime awareness, self-help group (SHG) groups comprising 30 women thanks
Minister Narendra Modi has come back from his inter- empowerment programs, and more, evant to the prescribed school curricu- OPD, one can seek medical advice as name, his crop, landholding etc. with to digital and financial literacy pro-
national trip, it is hoped that the Manipur crisis would by leveraging video conferencing and lum, to teachers, students and parents. well as medication through audio and the retailer. In essence, allowing the grams. Once homemakers, they are
take primacy in the government’s mind.The Opposition other technological platforms. Similarly, E-Pathshala, developed by video. The Since the pandemic, a few farmers to list their produce and direct- now self-made entrepreneurs. Many
highlighted Modi’s utter silence on the subject as many I share a few key sectors that are NCERT hosts educational e-resourc- NGOs have built effective virtual clin- ly sell it to retail chains—giving them non-profits are partnering with tech
enabling rural populations with oppor- es including textbooks, audio, video, ics to cater to antenatal and pediatric the power to negotiate a fair price for companies to empower rural commu-
delegates tried unsuccessfully to get to speak with him.
tunities for a better tomorrow. periodicals and a variety of print and care after hospitals were converted their harvest. Multiple startups have nities, especially women. These net-
Over a hundred people have been killed and many have non-print materials through website to Covid-19 care centers. In addition, created similar marketplaces. Bain & works are introducing communities to
been displaced as a result of the unrest in the vulnerable 1) EDUCATION and mobile app. Collectively the availa- startups’ digitisation of single medi- Company’s research shows that the online skill training via YouTube and
Northeastern state. Unruly crowds have recently gone on The Indian edtech market is gaining ble apps offer host explanation videos, cal stores enables patients in remote Indian agritech sector got $1 billion social messaging apps, leading them
the rampage, forcing security personnel to bow to their a strong foothold. The heart-warming e-books, interactive lessons, in 12 to 15 areas to access medicines outside their in funding from 2017 to 2020. Many to become entrepreneurs and manage
demands. The troops, who have operated with exemplary story of Ranjitsinh Disale, a govern- Indian languages. This is a significant village limits. startups are developing AI-enabled small businesses. According to a sur-
moderation, have brought out that ethnic issues can only ment schoolteacher in Maharashtra step towards better and more inclusive technology and apps to provide end-to- vey by McKinsey, the digital economy
be resolved by political means, not military means. So and winner of the $1 million Global education. 3) AGRICULTURE end solutions, which include soil test- could create 60 million jobs by 2025, and
far, the BJP’s vaunted double-engine sarkar has failed to Teacher Prize, is particularly poign- Around 70 percent of India’s rural ing, microfinance, weather updates, many of these would require function-
appease the warring factions. The quarrel arose when a ant. Disale revolutionised the use of 2) HEALTH households depend on agriculture and more. al digital skills. Technology is key to
QR codes in textbooks by embedding The healthtech market will likely according to the Food and Agriculture making a level playing field for the two
High Court judgment directed the state administration them with audio poems, video lectures, be worth $50 billion by 2033 (RBSA Organization (FAO). Therefore, 4) ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT Indias and opening a treasure trove of
to suggest to the tribal relations ministry that the Meiteis assignments, and more, allowing stu- Advisors Report). It is a sector that uses agritech is naturally drawing inter- The Ministry of Labor and opportunities for rural communities.
be granted Scheduled Tribe status. The mostly Hindu dents to access an interactive school the agency of NGOs, the private sector est from farmers, governments, and Employment’s e-Shram portal, a dig- As we walk from 75 years, towards our
group, which is dominant in Manipur’s field accounts environment, especially for girls, on and government initiatives through private startups. One such is the ital database of unorganised workers, next milestone as a nation—100 years
for around 53% of the state’s population. days they missed school. As a result, a competent network of ASHA work- Karnataka government’s e-Sahamathi is a fine example of a digital upgrade. of independence, I hope to see a digi-
They are comparatively well off, and granting them the Ministry of Education soon ers. The eSanjeevani app (a national app. The e-governance department has For the first time e-Shram allows tally forward, enabled, and inclusive
ST status rightly sparked outrage and terror among the announced that all NCERT textbooks browser-based application facilitating developed the e-Sahamati app with the construction and migrant workers India—where the rural communities
largely Christian Kukis and Nagas, who are concerned would embed QR codes. Similarly, the doctor-to-doctor and patient-to-doctor help of National Informatics Centre to access job opportunities in an retain their distinct identities and are
Indian government has also introduced tele-consultations) has facilitated over (NIC). Under this app, farmers must organised fashion. Additionally, as deeply connected with urban centers
that their portion of the pie would be eaten away. The
free digital e-learning platforms such five million tele-consultations and was agree to share their crop information per the ministry, it is to provide social and the world.
court order sparked demonstrations, with thousands as Diksha and E-Pathshala. Diksha a boon during the pandemic, especially with the aggregator which will in security to workers, offering a pension (The author is a retired principal
marching in tribal unity to reject the inclusion of the offers engaging learning material, rel- in rural areas. Through eSanjeevani turn share details such as a farmer’s after the age of 60 Years if you have a and educational columnist)
Meiteis on the ST list. The crisis spiralled out of control,
resulting in death and damage. The cultural fault lines
that were always present in the state closest to the border
look to be irreparable. As Hindutva groups within the
Meiteis gain momentum, the schism is rapidly becom-
ing a communal confrontation. Numerous of chapels
Combating violence in sensitive areas
have been wrecked in Manipur, thus ending the BJP’s SATYAWAN SAURABH Ensure coordination between various to build roads and improve connectiv-
C
government agencies, non-governmen- ity in Naxal-affected areas. These pro-
promising North-eastern campaign. In this climate of ombating violence in sensi- tal organizations, and international jects not only increased access but also
mistrust and worry, it is critical that the federal and state tive areas of India requires partners to effectively pool resources brought economic benefits to isolated
governments work together to establish peace and quiet. a comprehensive and and expertise. areas, reducing the influence of extrem-
multi-pronged approach. There are many examples where ist groups. The “Gunotsav” program
By addressing root caus- development programs and approach- in Assam focuses on improving the
es, engaging local communities, and es have yielded positive results in quality of education in government
investing in education and economic combating violence. The “Rajasthan schools. By enhancing the learning
development, these programs aim to Madarsa Board” initiative focuses environment and teacher training,
foster social solidarity and counter on the modernization of traditional it improved educational opportuni-
extremist narratives. This introduc- Islamic schools (madrassas) in the ties for children, making them less
tion sets the stage for effective devel- state. By including subjects such as vulnerable to extremist influences.
opment initiatives that empower indi- science, mathematics, and English in Some states, such as Kerala, have
viduals, promote tolerance and build the curriculum along with religious implemented de-radicalization pro-
a resilient society against the spread studies, it provided a more all-round grams that focus on the rehabilitation
of violence. A comprehensive and education to the students. As a result, of individuals affected by extremist
multi-pronged approach is needed to students became less vulnerable to ideologies. These initiatives provide
design and implement effective devel- extremist ideologies. The “Sadbhavna” counseling, vocational training, and
opment programs to combat violence project in Andhra Pradesh aims to pro- reintegration support, helping individ-
in vulnerable areas of India. mote social integration among diverse uals to reintegrate into society.
It is important to understand the communities. It brought people from The success of development pro-
underlying factors that contribute different religious backgrounds togeth- grams in combating violence lies in
V
ladimir Putin’s reputed toughness was called political marginalization often play can help reduce feelings of hopeless- nate counter-narratives that challenge and helped build stronger ties between fostering social cohesion, and pro-
a role. Involve local communities in ness and desperation that extremists extremist ideologies and propaganda. communities. The “Udaan” program viding opportunities for education
into question for a little more than a day when the design and implementation of can exploit. Encourage dialogue and Media, local influencers, and religious focuses on providing skill development and economic development, these
the commander of the Wagner armed group. programs. Their insight and active interaction between different religious, leaders can play an important role in and job training to the youth in the initiatives can make a significant
Putin Suffers A Blow posed a danger to Russia’s participation are essential to ensure ethnic, and social groups to promote this endeavor. Engage youth through Kashmir Valley. impact in vulnerable areas of India.
leader by seizing possession of the southern city of Rostov- relevance and sustainability. Focus on understanding and tolerance. positive activities, sports, arts, and cul- By increasing their employability Together, these efforts contribute to
on-Don and marching his forces to Moscow. The insur- improving access to quality education Building social solidarity can help ture to divert attention from extremist and providing economic opportunities, building more inclusive, tolerant, and
gency was called off when the hired killers were 200 km and skill development opportunities. bridge divisions and reduce the appeal influences and provide them with a it aims to combat feelings of alienation resilient societies, ultimately reducing
from the capital city, and Prigozhin returned following Education can empower individuals of extremist narratives. Strengthen sense of belonging. Continuously mon- and hopelessness among youth, there- the effects of violence and promoting
an amnesty agreement purportedly mediated by Belarus to make informed choices and oppose law enforcement and justice systems itor and evaluate the effectiveness of by making them less vulnerable to rad- lasting positive change.
President Alexander Lukashenko. He agreed to travel to extremist ideologies. Promoting inclu- to ensure fair and speedy resolution development programs to make neces- icalization. Development schemes such (The author is a poet and political
sive economic growth by investing of conflicts and complaints. A sense sary adjustments and improvements as the “Road Connectivity Project” aim analyst)
Belarus on the understanding that no action be taken on
his warriors and that the treason cases brought against
the Wagner group’s leader and his members be dropped.
SOULSCAPE
T
The Wagner’s head has been at odds with Moscow’s
defense establishment over the conduct of the Ukraine he angels never do wicked and hells were all temporary, because luxury, so is it in the spiritual world.
crisis for some months. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu deeds, so they never get pun- no effect can outlast its cause and no The terrible degradation of the masses There is first, the apparent self
ished and never get saved. cause is eternal; therefore all effects in India is the price nature pays for the (body); second, the mental self who
as well as Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov are Blows are what awaken us must come to an end. production of great souls like Mirâ-bâi, mistakes the body for himself (the
the focus of his rage. He stated that Russian military and help to break the dream. The whole of the Vedanta Philosophy Buddha, etc.* “I am the holiness of the Absolute bound by Maya); third, the
authorities had attacked Wagner camps and murdered They show us the insufficiency of this is in this story: Two birds of golden holy” (Gita). I am the root, each uses Atman, the ever pure, the ever free.
a large number of his troops. His startling move was world and make us long to escape, to plumage sat on the same tree. The one it in his own way, but all is I. “I do Seen partially, It is nature; seen wholly,
allegedly prompted by the government’s decision to place have freedom. . . . above, serene, majestic, immersed in everything, you are but the occasion.” all nature goes, even the memory of it is
Wagner under military leadership.Prigozhin’s uprising A thing dimly perceived we call by his own glory; the one below restless Do not talk much, but feel the spirit lost. There is the changeable (mortal),
may have been brief, but it cast doubt on Putin’s grasp on one name; the same thing when fully and eating the fruits of the tree, now within you; then you are a Jnani. This the eternally changeable (nature), and
power. What concerns Moscow the most is the existence perceived we call by another. The sweet, now bitter. Once he ate an excep- is knowledge, all else is ignorance. All the Unchangeable (Atman).
of equipped and exceptionally skilled Wagner mercenary higher the moral nature, the higher tionally bitter fruit, then he paused and that is to be known is Brahman. It is the Be perfectly hopeless, that is the
the perception and the stronger the will. looked up at the majestic bird above; all. . . . Sattva binds through the search highest state. What is there to hope
warriors in various regions of Africa and the Middle East The reason of the harmony between but he soon forgot about the other for happiness and knowledge, Rajas for? Burst asunder the bonds of hope,
wherever governments have contracted them. Putin thought and matter is that they are two bird and went on eating the fruits of immersed in his own glory. binds through desire, Tamas binds stand on your Self, be at rest, never
and the Russian elite clearly overestimated Prigozhin’s sides of one thing, call it “x”, which the tree as before. Again he ate a bitter Luther drove a nail into religion through wrong perception and laziness. mind what you do, give up all to God,
potential as a thorn in the flesh. His revolt has harmed divides itself into the internal and the fruit, and this time he hopped up a few when he took away renunciation and Conquer the two lower by Sattva, and but have no hypocrisy about it. Svastha,
the Russian strongman’s image at a time when he cannot external. The English word “paradise” boughs nearer to the bird at the top. gave us morality instead. Atheists and then give up all to the Lord and be free. the Sanskrit word for “standing on
afford such a development, considering the fact that the comes from the Sanskrit para-desa, This happened many times until at last materialists can have ethics, but only The Bhakti-Yogi realises Brahman your own Self”, is used colloquially
majority of Europe and America are opposed to him. which was taken over into the Persian the lower bird came to the place of the believers in the Lord can have religion. very soon and goes beyond the three in India to inquire, “Are you well, are
language and means literally “the land upper bird and lost himself. He found The wicked pay the price of the great qualities. (Gita, Chapter XII.) you happy?” And when Hindus would
beyond”, or the other world. The old all at once that there had never been soul’s holiness. Think of that when you The will, the consciousness, the express, “I saw a thing”, they say, “I saw
THOUGHT OF THE DAY Aryans always believed in a soul, never two birds, but that he was all the time see a wicked man. Just as the poor senses, desire, the passions, all these a word-meaning (Padârtha).” Even this
that man was the body. Their heavens that upper bird, serene, majestic, and man’s labour pays for the rich man’s combined make what we call the “soul”. universe is a “word-meaning”.
Chinese Philosopher have had to deal with the united ican and Islamist would help him to tary backing as a strategy to maintain overshadow military dominance over Readers can send in their letters
Pakistani army. Pakistan has had retain power unlike Nawaz Sharif civilian supremacy. But the division civilian government through planned to eastern.chronicle@gmail.com.
T E
he Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unanimously ach time the Olympics
kept the repurchase rate (repo rate) unchanged are held anywhere in
at 6.5 per cent for the third consecutive term the world, we await
— exhibiting its unwavering focus on containing infla- India’s medal tally
tion. The MPC made a slight upward revision in the infla- BHAGWAN SHANKAR with great anticipation. It’s the
tion forecast for FY2024 from 5.1 per cent to 5.4 per cent. sport of shooting that con-
Interestingly, while the inflation forecast for Q2 has been sistently instils hope in us, as
sharply raised from 5.2 per cent to 6.2 per cent, and that it reliably garners numerous
for Q3 has been raised from 5.4 per cent to 5.7 per cent, the medals. Have we ever given a
estimate for Q4 has been kept unchanged at 5.2 per cent. thought as to why it happens?
Amid volatile internal and external conditions, the central The answer lies in the fact
bank’s steadfast commitment towards anchoring inflation that Indians inherently pos-
is reassuring. RBI governor Shaktikanta Das asserted that sess talent for shooting. Our
“bringing headline inflation within the acceptable range is mythological texts also make
insufficient; our focus must remain unwavering on aligning references to bows and arrows
inflation with the 4.0 per cent target.” Towards achieving in the context of sports, hunt-
this aim, apart from keeping key policy rates unchanged, ing, and warfare. Of course,
the MPC sustained its withdrawal of accommodation the term ‘arms’ has a very wide
stance while also supporting growth. The decision on the connotation and, accordingly,
retention of monetary policy stance, however, was arrived it has been defined vividly
at through a 5:1 vote, rather than unanimously. In its bid to in the Indian Arms Act as a
anchor inflation, the MPC also announced the imposition weapon of offence or defence, Firearms, the most significant form of weaponry, emerged during India’s medieval period
of an incremental cash reserve ratio (CRR) of 10 per cent saving certain exceptions.
for the net demand and time liabilities (NDTL). The Cash Arms play an important trol and maintaining law and interested civilians persisted, benefit from a more lenient cies can contribute to local law
Reserve Ratio (CRR) is a monetary policy tool used by role in people’s lives and soci- order. Consequently, citizens albeit incurring substantial regime, complete with neces- enforcement by promptly noti-
central banks to control the amount of money that banks ety as a whole. Be it national have limited access to arms. costs each time. sary criteria for applicants and fying them (through emails/
are required to hold in the form of reserves with the central security from external aggres- Coming to India, our With the liberalization of a fixed timeline prescribed phone calls) about crime pre-
bank. It is expressed as a percentage of the total deposits sion or maintenance of law homeland, there has been a the economy in 1991, there for the police and licensing vention and detection. In the
that a bank holds. The primary purpose of the CRR is to & order in society or crime practice of households in the emerged a demand from the authorities. The database of times to come, private secu-
ensure the stability of the financial system, manage liquid- control, arms and regulation general public possessing some private sector to authorize Arms licenses is centrally rity agencies could collaborate
ity, and influence inflation and economic growth. In the of arms hold tremendous form of weaponry, even if it’s arms manufacturing to lever- maintained through the with the police, ushering in a
present case, the incremental CRR is aimed at absorbing importance. Different coun- as simple as a lathi, dating age their capabilities. The National Database of Arms much-needed era of Public-
excess liquidity spurred by withdrawal of Rs 2,000-rupee It would be tries around the world have back to ancient times. In addi- shooters’ lobby in shooting Licenses (NDAL), accessible Private Partnership (PPP) in
banknotes and healthy capital flows. The central bank’s distinct regulations, shaped tion to this, people have also sports also pressed for more to government authorities at a complex and diverse nation
wise reassurance of reassessing this move on or before Sep- in fitness of by their social and historical maintained items like spears, liberal policies, aiming for the district/state/central lev- like India. It’s worth noting
tember 8 also wards off the apprehension that increased things if the circumstances. On one hand, swords, maces, and more greater allowances in terms els. This centralized database that similar private agencies
tax outflows could lead to liquidity crunch amid a festive the United States offers its citi- within their homes. Firearms, of the number of arms and will facilitate the monitoring are playing a substantial role in
season. The RBI’s cautious and calibrated approach appears process of arms zens a constitutional right (2nd the most significant form of ammunition they could pos- of arms possession. Addition- advanced countries concern-
prudent in the wake of a series of internal and external licensing could Amendment) to possess arms. weaponry, emerged during sess for professional purposes. ally, the Amendments to the ing internal security, spanning
shocks that loom large on the horizon. While the vegeta- On the other hand, in many India’s medieval period. How- The general public also joined Arms Act have extended the domains such as law and order,
ble price shocks may be transient in nature, the uptick in be transitioned other countries, access to arms ever, possession of firearms in, seeking leniency in arms license tenure (from 3 years criminal investigation, intelli-
crude oil prices and aberrant precipitation patterns may online and made for the general public varies was primarily restricted to law possession regulations to safe- to 5 years). In the realm of gence gathering, and forensic
malign the outlook to a greater depth. Amid potential tur- from being restrictive to very enforcement agencies rather guard their lives and prop- illicit arms, enhanced punish- science laboratories. It is high
bulence, resilience of the economy, reflected through dis-
predominantly restrictive. For instance, highly than the general populace. erty in the face of escalating ments have been introduced time that we also understand
ciplined inflation, becomes a prerequisite for long-term faceless restrictive countries encom- The British colonial rul- crime and law enforcement as deterrent measures. Sport their role and provide them
growth prospects. On the growth front, however, MPC’s pass Japan, Australia, New ers introduced the Arms Act challenges. shooters would find satisfac- with a respected and viable
projections appear incomprehensible. Despite highlight- Zealand, and others, while with the intention of prevent- Governments faced sig- tion in the resolution of many operating environment.
ing potential risks arising from subdued global demand, countries with restrictive poli- ing local Indians from possess- nificant concerns over record- of their issues, undoubtedly All in all, the Arms Rules
instability in global financial markets, geopolitical conflicts, cies include the UK, Germany, ing arms or firearms in order to keeping and the tracing/ providing a significant boost of 2016 constitute a significant
and other challenges in the global economic landscape, the India, and more. avert potential uprisings. Fol- tracking of arms. Criticism was to the sport. The new regula- stride toward arms reform in
MPC upheld its forecast for real GDP growth in FY2024 at In the USA, people believe lowing India’s attainment of also directed at the illicit arms tions have opened up the pos- India, aligning with the evolv-
6.5 per cent. Moreover, the quarterly predictions have also that allowing widespread pos- independence, the new Indian trade and the process of obtain- sibility of establishing more ing landscape of internal secu-
been retained at 8 per cent for Q1, 6.5 per cent for Q2, 6 session of arms benefits soci- government endeavoured to ing arms licenses. Moreover, Rifle clubs in states/Union rity in the country. However,
per cent for Q3, and 5.7 per cent for Q4. It appears that the ety and the nation, affording transition from an exceed- there was an elevated demand Territories, thereby offering there are still many miles to
retention of growth projections has been made consider- citizens the freedom to defend ingly restrictive regime to a for basic arms (SBBL/DBBL/ a more professional avenue be covered in this direction.
ing the improved demand scenario. Still, it could have been themselves in their daily lives. more flexible one concerning Pistol/Revolver) from the rap- for shooting practice for both It would be in the fitness of
more realistic. Going forward, the chances of a rate cut This empowers society to com- the Arms Act of 1959 and the idly expanding private security governmental and non-gov- things if the process of arms
appear elusive in the near future. At the same time, despite bat frequent criminal activi- Arms Rules of 1962. Amend- agencies operating under the ernmental entities, as well as licensing could be transitioned
certain short- and mid-range risks, the possibilities of rate ties and maintain law and ments were periodically intro- Private Security Agencies Reg- individuals. online and predominantly
hikes are also less likely. For the coming months, prolon- order, with citizens participat- duced to this effect. ulation Act (PSARA), which It is also believed that the faceless to mitigate concerns
gation of rate hike pause appears to be a viable proposi- ing alongside law enforcement Some degree of private sec- currently employs around 10 increased presence of licensed of corruption and inefficiency
tion. However, nothing can be said with certainty amid agencies. Certainly, there’s an tor manufacturing was permit- million young individuals. simple arms among the gen- within government offices.
what could safely be called an uncertain scenario. One has inherent risk of arms misuse, as ted, allowing the production The Arms Rules of 2016 eral populace and even pri- Arms licenses could adopt the
to keenly look for the monetary policy stance the MPC evidenced from time to time in of single-barrel breech-load- address the majority of the vate security agency personnel format of plastic cards or be
adopts in its upcoming meetings. Meanwhile, the govern- the USA due to predominantly ing (SBBL) guns and double- previously mentioned con- would be conducive to enhanc- integrated with other official
ment should endeavour to enhance supply-side attributes, mental health-related issues barrel breech-loading (DBBL) cerns. Firstly, it allowed manu- ing law and order maintenance, cards, such as PAN cards, driv-
which could aid the RBI in containing inflation while also in specific cases. As a result, guns. However, the manu- facturing in the private sector as well as crime control in a ing licenses, passports, Aadhar
maintaining a healthy headroom. discussions about gun con- facturing of Prohibited Bore for all types of arms (small or vast country like ours. More- cards, etc.
trol have been ongoing, lead- (PB) guns and Non-Prohibited large), provided a license is over, it could serve as assis- The writer is a retired IAS
ing some states to implement Bore (NPB) guns, alongside obtained for this purpose – a tance to the police apparatus, officer, formerly Addl Chief
Never a Barbie
Lok Sabha missed the opportunity to provide a healing
touch to Manipur’s bruised and battered people. The
opposition rightly used the important parliamentary
tool of no-confidence motion to force a detailed
discussion on Manipur, which has been burning
for the last three months, and get the government
to commit to decisive action to put an end to the
violence and take action to bring the communities
together. But Manipur got lost in a din of speeches that
The ‘Barbie’ movie is a marketing success and the true winner is consumerism, not feminism
A
sounded more like a campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha
elections. The opposition and the treasury benches s a child, I held no dolls “reported lower body
indulged largely in blame games and talked more fascination for Bar- esteem and greater desire for a
about issues other than Manipur. The raging violence bie. I didn’t desire or thinner body shape”. Over the
in the state and deepening divide between its major own one, and even years, the company attempted
communities—Meiteis and Kukis—has put Manipur though my classmates had reti- to course correct by intro-
nues of them, the fashion doll ducing career Barbie dolls to
on a powder keg. Importantly, the no-confidence SHUTAPA PAUL seemed unrelatable to me. I showcase that women could
motion was an opportunity for the government to mean blond hair, blue eyes, a shine in all spheres, tried to
send a loud and clear message about its intention to keen interest in the kitchen — be more inclusive with dolls
establish peace and protect the lives and property of thanks but hard pass! In fact, such as the hijab-wearing Bar-
the people of Manipur. The people of the state, and dolls in general did very lit- bie based on Olympic fencer
the Northeast at large, were expecting that the critical tle to pique my interest. Call it Ibtihaj Muhammad, and gave
discussion in Parliament would result in some concrete bad parenting, limited access Barbie a new ‘curvy’ body. The
assurances by the government and an action plan A 2006 study to superfluous cash, or general latest being a limited edition
for the return of peace. But the discussion on the no- deduced that 5 disinterest of my parents, but of ‘Weird Barbie’ dolls based
confidence motion concluded with the prime minister’s dolls really weren’t anything on Kate McKinnon’s charac-
reply offering no hopes for the end of the strife.
to 8-year-old that I missed. For the entire ter from the film (why they
girls who played length of my childhood, I had would call this unique char-
— KHOKAN DAS, KOLKATA via email two dolls brought back by my acter “weird”, which carries a
with Barbie dolls father from a Kathmandu negative yet eccentric tag, is
millenniumpost.in “reported lower trip. The duo lasted perhaps a beyond me). Mattel’s endeav-
body esteem month or two. I was bored of ours, while a step in the
Log on to write letters to the editor or send them to them easily and my inquisitive Barbie may be an entertaining film but to celebrate it for being feminist is fallacious right direction, still belies an
letter2editor.mp@gmail.com. You can also send your comments to The Editor, and greater self found it infinitely more approach that largely feels plas-
Millennium Post, Pratap Bhawan, 5 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110 002 desire for exciting to take them apart to a Barbie Dreamhouse Airbnb, nist is fallacious. It is, at best, a tiny diet book simply asking tic (no puns intended).
examine the little motors that even the Google homepage a shallow attempt to show- kids to ‘Don’t Eat’ in order to So, watch the film for its
a thinner had them walking and croon- when you search for ‘Barbie’ — case what women face in lose weight — many vintage mediocre entertainment. But
Tweet of the day body shape” ing. RIP, my dolls. you name it and the pink pub- the real world and provides Barbie dolls have been steeped don’t put it on the pedestal for
Obviously, you know I’m licity campaign changed their a fantastical solution to gen- in controversy and were even- being a torch bearer of feminist
leading to the mass hyste- hue to form what undoubtedly der inequalities. Would I ask tually discontinued. thought. The agent provoca-
ria surrounding the latest is the marketing campaign of children to refer to Barbie to But the doll’s most harm- teur’s clear intent in all this is
Wow! 3 hugely important laws which ‘Barbie’ movie. Grown-ups the year. It is also blatantly evi- understand feminism? Nope. ful long-term impact has been to benefit the doll franchise.
dressed in pink, thronging the dent that Barbie’s success is an Barbie, the movie, joins the created in the minds of young Therefore, let us call out capi-
will affect all of us, are introduced at movie halls in a sort of collec- attempt by the doll-maker, Mat- line of attempts by the doll- girls. For the longest, Bar- talism and consumerism, and
the end of this session, w/o any disclo- tive global euphoria. The film tel Inc., to reinvent and stay rel- maker to shed its problem- bie dolls peddled impossible not camouflage it in the rosy
sure or discussion. The colonial wolf PRASHANT BHUSHAN is a marketing success. The evant in the highly competitive atic past. And there are many! notions of beauty and bodies garb of being progressive. Will
publicity blitzkrieg had brand toy space. From projecting women as to children around the world. you catch me in the film hall?
of sedition brought back in sheep’s @PBHUSHAN1
partnerships and collaborations I have read enough spoil- bimbettes not liking mathe- A 2006 study in the journal, Sure; I’ll be dressed in black.
clothing. This is New Democracy in that turned our living experi- ers to deduce that Barbie may matics, or needing male help Developmental Psychology, The writer is an author
Modi’s New India! ence into cotton-candy pink. be an entertaining film but with computer virus, or teen- deduced that 5 to 8-year-old and media entrepreneur.
An X-box, a Balmain hoodie, to celebrate it for being femi- age babysitter Barbie sold with girls who played with Barbie Views expressed are personal
tionship with the leader of the school ity enrolled with a voice coach who media attention. Many of us think some
rugby team. He has a supportive family, taught him to bring a baritone into his garden-variety bullying builds charac-
CULT a posse of close friends and gets to go on
a dream trip to Paris but the scars left by
voice and cut down on the “girlish”
hand gestures.
ter. But as former US president Barack
Obama said as part of the It Gets Better
FRICTION the bullying still run deep, though they There is a tendency to romanticise project, which aims to empower
don’t define him any more. our school days, especially when viewed LGBTQ+ youth: “We’ve got to dispel the
SANDIP In Rocky Aur Rani, the bullying story- through the rose-tinted glasses of the myth that bullying is just a normal rite of
ROY line isn’t about the protagonists. school WhatsApp group. But the truth is passage.” And, most importantly, “what I
Chandon Chatterjee is Rani’s father, a school can be horrible for those who want to say is this. You are not alone. You
man whose passion and profession is can’t quite fit in. When Vikram Seth was didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t do
y cup of feel-good runneth dancing. It’s a passion which makes him
M
invited to give the Founder’s Day anything to deserve being bullied”.
over. the butt of jokes and ridicule. In a film address at his alma mater, Doon School, We cannot ever create the perfect
In an odd twist of fate, I that is all about love stories, young love, in 1992, he didn’t mince words. “I had a world where everyone always feels safe.
watched Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem old love, the most tender moment terrible feeling of loneliness and isola- Children can be cruel and will pick on
Kahaani and season 2 of Heartstopper, involves none of the main love-lorn tion during my six years here. Some- differences to figure out who is the runt
the LGBTQ+ teen drama series on Net- couples in the film. The movie finds its times at lights out I wished I would never in the litter. Some of those who get bul-
flix, on the same weekend. (SPOILER heart-stopper moment when the two wake up,” he told his undoubtedly star- lied eventually come into their own. I
ALERT for those who have not watched men, as different and chalk and tled audience. He said he was “teased imagine many of those who once bul-
either.) cheese—the brash young Rocky and the and bullied” because he just liked to read lied Karan Johar now try to curry
At first you would think the twain can urbane older Chandon—let their guard and was not interested in games, gangs favour with him. And all those who
never meet. One is a high-octane Karan down together. and groups. He shared this story not to bully do not turn into horrible, violent,
Johar extravaganza about mismatched At the show I had gone to, the audi- gain sympathy points but to reassure spouse-beating monsters either. But
and star-crossed lovers, family values ence, which had been laughing, chuc- someone like him who might have been the shadow of that experience must live
and cultural stereotypes, shot through kling, tittering, suddenly fell silent. And in the audience, that it can get better. on in both sides.
with bling and nostalgia. The other is when the scene ended, I heard people I could have been one of those kids. I At one point in Heartstopper, Ben, one
the hit series about school romance clapping tentatively, then a little louder liked to read and was not interested in of the boys who treated Charlie badly,
(gay, lesbian, bi, trans, asexual and more) and then whole-heartedly. Some might games, gangs and groups. But luckily I admits he was messed up and asks for his
set in contemporary England. In a world have appreciated the dancing. Or the was good in studies and enjoyed debat- forgiveness. Charlie looks him in the eye
where teen series are bristling with sex Sanjay Leela Bhansali-style opulence of ing and quizzing. It all helped protect and says,“I’m glad you realised what you
and drugs, its protagonists kiss and cud- the Durga Puja set. This was Kolkata, A still from ‘Heartstopper’. me. I was different but it was a kind of did was wrong but you don’t get to
dle. They should have been insufferable. after all. But I think that most of us difference others admired in our all- ambush me into forgiving you.”
Instead, even cynical viewers have fallen understood that Rocky Aur Rani had humiliating joke, jeered for being a man Johar wears close to his own heart. He boys school. Some other boys were not When I heard that, I understood why
in love with the tenderness of it all. quietly became a story not just about who dances. “I knew I had to do this not has written about his own experiences so lucky. I remember a quiet boy who my friend didn’t want to join our school
Both are love stories that foreground mismatched and star-crossed lovers just for myself, I had to do this for all per- of being bullied in his memoir, using his was often teased and bullied for being a WhatsApp group, so we could all pre-
families and acceptance. However, but about letting go of the pain of being formance artistes who are catcalled for sense of humour as armour against a little effeminate. I would not tease him tend we had moved on and the past
there is something else they unexpect- bullied. not conforming to traditional concepts world where he did not fit in as some- but I did not have the courage to stand didn’t matter any more. It never stops
edly have in common. To me, both felt Tota Roy Chowdhary plays Chandon of masculinity,” said Roy Chowdhary. I one who was both overweight and up for him either, afraid that would mattering.
like cinematic group hugs for all those Chatterjee in the film. He told The Indian remembered a friend of mine, Ashok effeminate. Later, when he played a blow my own cover. Years later, I recon- The best we can hope for is that like
who have been bullied in the school Express that while his phone had not Jethanandani, who was learning Bhara- small part in a television serial, the actor nected with him as an adult. When I Chandon Chatterjee in Rocky Aur Rani,
yard and at home. stopped ringing since the film released, tanatyam in the US. A fellow dancer told Lilliput took him aside and told him that asked him if he wanted me to include it does not stop you from dancing either.
In Heartstopper, it’s one of the protag- his favourite scene was not the much him he should focus on the more “mas- people would make fun of him because him in the school WhatsApp group, he
onists—Charlie. He is outed in eighth talked about Durga Puja pas de deux. It’s culine” tillanas, not the lyrical javalis. “It his hand gestures were very effeminate. shuddered and said school days were Cult Friction is a fortnightly column on
grade, bullied relentlessly. In season 2, the scene that leads up to it, when his looks kind of awkward for a man to be Johar writes: “That stuck with me. I the last thing he wanted to relive. issues we keep rubbing up against. San-
he seems to have put that trauma character is asked to perform at a sangeet dancing Radha’s part,” she said. stopped acting.” He told his father he Every time there is a suicide in some dip Roy is a writer, journalist and radio
behind him as he revels in his new rela- ceremony and becomes the butt of a This pain is obviously something was taking computer classes but in real- posh school, the subject of ragging gets host. He posts @sandipr.
GETTY IMAGES
BROMANCE AT
about other serious men.
The tribalism that many English-speak-
ing Indian women display in favour of
Barbie is not wanton wokeism. It is anger
directed against a type of man who contin-
ues to dismiss and demean our stories,
I
n the past three weeks, many of boys-club worlds imagined in
us have been delighted by three Oppenheimer, where the language
films that have depicted mascu- of genius allows them to keep
line fragility in deliciously women at a safe distance. So,
diverse ways. There was Oppen- the reaction to these films
heimer, where a Great Director made a captures a deeper masculine
Great Film about the ethical dilemmas of malaise amongst our elites.
a Great Scientist. Karan Johar and a team Finally, in a country that
of writers imagined the hellishly sexy seems to be losing its moral moor-
Ranveer Singh as Rocky, unshackling ings, where many of us deploy an
decades of emotional stunting accorded to song. Some of the young men—they must of Indians surveyed were comfortable arsenal of whataboutery to avoid asking
shiny “all about loving one’s family” Pun- have been 16 or 17—were humming the speaking English. Oppenheimer had both ourselves tough questions, these films and
jabi himbos and the gender norms within lyrics to each other. Others complained English and Hindi shows; Barbie was only conversations reminded me that the
their families. And there was Greta Ger- that they felt peer pressure from their lib- released in English. In India, in its first power of entertainment is to offer ethical
wig’s kinetic Ken—played by Ryan Gos- eral feminist classmates to watch Barbie. week of release, Gerwig’s film was encouragement as opposed to tedious
ling—with his own insecurities, lack of Unlike conversations on Indian social released on 850 screens, while Oppen- sanctimony. In each of these films, a man
independent housing, and theme song in media, a space where 67% of users are heimer played on 1,900. confronts his morality and shows the
Barbie. All this as we build anticipation for male (according to a 2021 Meta paper), the Bijli said the decision to allocate screens audience how he relishes and relinquishes
Shah Rukh Khan’s continued attempt to boys at these screenings were relatively is based on analytics of past audience the power society bestows on him. Some
redefine the tired tropes of the Indian silent through it all. There was no jostling responses. The Barbenheimer numbers do so through science, others through
action hero with a crew of women soldiers to out-discourse anyone. Walking out of a are not a straightforward story of women’s dance.
in Jawan, a film that appears to be like show of Barbie in Faridabad, I overheard compromised access to cinema, they tell I watched Barbie, RRKPK and Oppen-
Chak De! India meets Pathaan via Chen- a young man tell his friend, “bandon par a story of the interest expressed by audi- heimer more than once across two cities
nai. Men are fun at the movies again. At bahut barsi yeh film (the film rained attacks ences (both men and women) in science without any research intent in mind.
least, for some of us in the audience. on men).” When I asked him if he enjoyed and Oppenheimer director Christopher Rather, like others in the audience, I
I have no interest in opining on the it, he smiled and said he did and would Nolan’s work within the minuscule elite hoped to escape the odious violence of our
merits of these movies; most of us are insist his family watch it. market for English content. daily news cycle and my own mundane
exhausted by the number of post-modern I spoke to Sanjeev Bijli, executive Data clearly shows that men hold more routines. Watching Barbie, I could feel a
hot takes these pictures have generated director of PVR INOX Ltd, the largest cin- free time and purchasing power than (left) Ryan Gosling as Ken in often discounting it as feminist man-hat- cumulative flinch from the women when
online. Instead, I will take you on a strictly ema exhibitor in India, about Barbe- women. This skewed access to independ- ‘Barbie’; and Ranveer Singh, who ing froth. The Oppenheimer shows I fre- the line about an “undertone of violence”
offline ground-up tour of the audiences nheimer. He said he was “heartened” by ent incomes and safe spaces, compounded stars in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem quented were more packed, more male was mentioned. Perhaps I imagined it.
watching them at cinema halls. Across the box office performances of both films. by crippling time poverty, results in Kahaani’—the films offer an and more self-serious in monochrome. Perhaps I needed to. At RRKPK, I watched
seven cinema halls in Delhi, Faridabad When I asked him about the age and gen- women being unable to watch the films escape from the violence of our Not all Indian men reject Barbie or Bol- a woman seated in front of me cry when
(Haryana) and Mumbai, I observed and der composition of the audience, his they wish to at a theatre. Such a gender daily news cycle. lywood romance but a certain type of Singh offered his monologue on the tradi-
interviewed viewers. This is hardly an insights, based on data from his screens, gap is far more relevant for Hindi films, anglicised upper-caste Indian millennial tional family. She was watching the movie
exhaustive and representative take. How- aligned with what I had witnessed. where language does not restrict access. male and middle-aged uncle will never with her son. I thought about the conver-
ever, hanging out at cinema halls offered “Twelve- to 34-year-olds remain the pri- Bijli said early data suggested the audi- accept them. I know this man very well— sations they might dare to have at home
three signposts to help understand the mary audience at cinema halls in India,” ence for RRKPK was gender-balanced, he believes he can only learn from Great after the film.
appetite for a modern and vulnerable he said. Barbie did witness a younger audi- with the film doing particularly well in Men and Dead Women; he is convinced Following an Oppenheimer show in
masculinity in contemporary India. ence, with far more women. “Oppenheimer metros. I imagine if women in smaller that all art made by women and queer peo- Lower Parel in Mumbai, a young aspiring
First, we run the risk of doing a great was typically 60-70% men in the hall. Bar- towns had more money and more free- ple is meant for women and queer people; engineer said he felt so worried. “Look at
disservice to young men—particularly bie had a female skew, which is different dom of mobility, you might see Bollywood he thinks any commentary on family, love our news. We must be careful about how
those from Gen Z and Gen Alpha turning from the worldwide trend where both romances doing even better at the box or sex—principal sites that curtail female our leaders behave and how we behave.”
up in sequins and pink for Barbie or cheer- men and women have come out to see the office. freedom and impose surveillance—is friv- I hoped the self-serious uncles watching
ing the men performing Kathak in Rocky film. I wish more men had come to see Second, this is not to say that the relent- olous. He can only appreciate gender the film might give the film’s moral bar-
Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (RRKPK)—if Barbie in India but the film’s business is less orgasmic squealing from tech-bros struggles when they are presented with an gains a good long think, praying more of
we surmise that Oppenheimer’s box office more than respectable for an English lan- and history uncles (and the people they adequate dosage of female misery. The us spend time feeling through films as
collections being higher than Barbie’s in guage film that is not dubbed or massy.” have mentored or brainwashed) about the fact that India is one of the only countries opposed to analysing them. In deeply dark
India is a simple marker of the general He makes an important point. Greatness of Nolan’s film does not signal I witnessed a mixed crowd of where Nolan’s film outperformed Barbie times, perhaps a darkened cinema hall can
masculine reluctance to engage with films Familiarity with English belongs to a a patronising lack of curiosity to engage at the box office is not a sign of sexism writ lead us to some light.
that tell stories of how all is not healthy sliver of the upper-caste urban popula- with what is dismissed as “women-cen- male and female school and large. Rather, the box office collections
with our gender norms. Across cities, I tion, men more so than women. Accord- tric” content. Nearly every young and college students at the and my interviews, supplemented by the Shrayana Bhattacharya is an econo-
witnessed a mixed crowd of male and ing to survey data collected by the not-for- middle-aged woman who watched Barbie ‘Barbie’ screenings, united in internet commentary, highlight that a mist and author of Desperately Seeking
female school and college students at the profit Lok Foundation and business infor- and spoke to me complained about how certain category of self-serious men (who Shah Rukh: India’s Lonely Young
Barbie screenings, united in their giggles mation company Centre for Monitoring several men in their immediate social cir-
their giggles and enthusiasm enjoy more purchasing power, influence Women And The Search For Intimacy
and enthusiasm for the “I’m Just Ken” Indian Economy (CMIE) in 2019, only 6% cle refused to consider the film “serious”, for the ‘I’m Just Ken’ song and space than most of us) love movies And Independence.
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THE TRIBUNE
established in 1881 Looking beyond the desk-thumping
The political mood is one of possibilities and a strong contest between BJP and the Opposition
Repealingseditionlaw serious ‘Pappu’ image that was
Move welcome, but substitute shouldn’t be draconian plaguing him all along, even rob-
O
bing him of his seat in Amethi.
FTEN misused against activists and jour- Of course, the leadership ques-
tion will always trouble the
nalists, the archaic sedition law is all set to
Opposition. And the trump card
become history. Union Home Minister Amit
that the Congress has up its
Shah — who introduced three Bills in the sleeve can be played by the BJP
Lok Sabha on Friday to replace the Indian as well — relinquishing the PM’s
Penal Code (IPC), the Criminal Procedure Code and the post in favour of one of the non-
T
Indian Evidence Act — announced that the sedition law Congress parties to form a gov-
had been proposed to be removed. The decision comes as HUMPING their ernment. The BJP can offer the
a pleasant surprise as barely two months ago, the desks, the ruling par- sun and the moon to non-Con-
Law Commission had recommended retention of Sec- ty members resound- gress satraps to split and defeat
tion 124A (sedition) of the IPC and enhancement of pun- ingly exhibited their the Opposition. But the political
ishment for the offence. Citing its misuse and the result- confidence and mood is one of possibilities and a
ant ‘chilling effect’, the Supreme Court had in May last turned the no-confidence strong contest between the BJP
year put the sedition law on hold, pending a review. motion into an opportunity to and the Opposition; sentiment
Absent from the original IPC, which was drafted by flex their muscles, announce that goes beyond the desk-
their achievements and pro- thumping of the participants in a
Lord Macaulay and came into force in 1862, the sedition
claim their impending victory in one-sided debate. And that could
law was added in 1870. It was widely used to suppress the
the 2024 polls. The Manipur con- be the reason why another pro-
freedom struggle after its ambit was expanded in 1898. flict between Meiteis and Kukis cession is going to be taken out
The Punjab High Court had in Tara Singh Gopi Chand was thus reduced to a sideshow. MUSCLE-FLEXING: The Manipur conflict was reduced to a sideshow during the debate on the no-confidence motion. ANI in Nuh for yet another show of
vs The State (1951) declared Section 124A IPC unconsti- But across the country, it has had strength in a place battered by
tutional, but the Supreme Court upheld its validity in an impact much larger than conclusive evidence of antipa- case of a downward slide for the bulldozer justice.
Kedarnath Singh (1962), while restricting its scope. what the BJP seems to have fac- thy towards the BJP; yet, there BJP. Many of its seats have to It is important to remember
However, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — which tored in. It has struck a chord far are plenty of indications to pre- come from a one-on-one fight that the violence in Nuh is not
will replace the IPC — proposes to have a provision that and wide with a group that has sume that the BJP may not be
It seemed these totally with the BJP in Madhya just about Haryana, but also
punishes ‘acts endangering sovereignty, unity and actually no reasons of identity to the most preferred party for apolitical youngsters Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, neighbouring Rajasthan. Many
integrity of India’ with life imprisonment or imprison- feel empathy for the victims. Or insecure young women. Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal of the Muslim mobsters who
ment up to seven years and a fine. One hopes it’s not the at least that is what one found And in this context, the Oppo- (they might even have Pradesh, Uttarakhand and else- attacked the Hindu mob are
sedition law by another name. Doing away with this law out while interacting with about sition’s no-confidence motion voted for the BJP where. Unemployment, under- supposed to have come from
20 young women recently. over the Manipur issue and the employment, price rise and Rajasthan. In fact, the violence
is not a standalone measure. It’s part of an overhaul of the earlier) considered the
Though they were all exclu- constant reminder of assault on women’s safety could all add up would be more about Rajasthan
criminal justice system undertaken by the government,
sively from north India — Hin- women can only add to the anti- assault on women to a neat pile of grievances that than Haryana, where religious
two decades after Justice VS Malimath Committee on di and Punjabi-speaking peo- incumbency sentiment that may gain critical mass in the run- polarisation and its electoral
Reforms of Criminal Justice System submitted its report ple who have probably never seem to be growing in many during the conflict up to the polls. And every state mobilisation may be required to
to the Home Ministry. There is a lot that can be changed visited the North-East — most states. Himachal Pradesh and has a separate set of reasons for defeat the Congress. A clean
in procedural laws. But the government should tread cau- of them were visibly upset Karnataka were good examples
a gender issue, voting the incumbent out. sweep for the BJP, as it had hap-
tiously while redrafting the substantive criminal law. about the goings-on. It seemed of anti-incumbency becoming something that made The results of the 2018 Assem- pened in the 2019 Lok Sabha
these totally apolitical young- an antidote to all the chest- bly polls in Madhya Pradesh, elections, looks difficult in all
sters (they might even have thumping nationalist rhetoric. them feel insecure in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh had these states, except perhaps
voted for the BJP earlier) con- This growing sentiment can hurt their own hometowns. absolutely no bearing on the Uttar Pradesh. However, past
F
hometowns. Many of them do the BJP opening its account in its ally). So, wherever the BJP But now, the success of the an administrator.
IVE months after the Supreme Court ruled that not seem to have recovered electorally non-traditional states succeeded, the strike rate was Bharat Jodo Yatra, the election of Even while condemning bull-
the appointment of the Chief Election Commis- from the shock of having like Tamil Nadu or Kerala. incredibly high — an almost per- Mallikarjun Kharge as Congress dozer justice and upholding the
sioner (CEC) and his/her deputies would be watched the ghastly video. It had scored a perfect 10/10 in fect result — which is impossible president, the formation of the High Court’s stay on demoli-
made by the President on the recommendation A survey on the impact of the Haryana, 26/26 in Gujarat, 5/5 in to replicate. Over 250 of its 303 Opposition alliance INDIA and tions, it has to be underscored
of a committee comprising the Prime Minister, rape and parading of women in Uttarakhand, 7/7 in Delhi, 4/4 in seats came from this near-maxi- the revival of his Lok Sabha that the use of the term ‘ethnic
Manipur on the psyche of Himachal Pradesh, 28/29 in mum tally from states that fell in membership have all con- cleansing’ was indeed wrong.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief
young Indian women voters Madhya Pradesh, 24/25 in the Modi tsunami. tributed to the strengthening of Ethnic cleansing of millions hap-
Justice of India (CJI), the government has tabled a Bill in
will elicit more detailed Rajasthan, 11/14 in Jharkhand, After two terrible elections in Rahul Gandhi’s stature as a seri- pened during the Partition and
the Rajya Sabha that seeks to replace the CJI with a Cab- answers on their electoral pref- 9/11 in Chhattisgarh, 39/40 (with 2014 and 2019, top Congress lead- ous Opposition leader. He may then during the Bangladesh lib-
inet minister on the selection panel. The Chief Election erences, and one’s brief inter- allies) in Bihar, 25/28 in Karnata- ers are confident of taking the still not be a match for PM Modi eration struggle in 1971. Not a
Commissioner and other Election Commissioners action with this group of young- ka, 41/48 in Maharashtra (with its party’s tally to 100-plus, which is in public perception, but Rahul single family of Nuh has moved
(Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) sters should not be considered then ally Shiv Sena) and of a pretty conservative figure in has surely shaken off his non- even out of the district for good.
Bill, 2023, has caused an uproar among Opposition par-
ties, which have accused the government of ‘diluting and thought for the day
overturning’ the order of the apex court. The Centre has
claimed that the Bill is in accordance with the SC order Free election of masters does not abolish the masters or the slaves. — Herbert Marcuse
directing Parliament to frame a law in this regard. The
court had stated that till a law was framed, the selection
committee proposed by it would hold good.
With Assembly elections to be held in Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana later
this year and the Lok Sabha polls barely nine months
Giving lepers PM’s speech in Parliament
letters to the editor
Farmers need renewed policy
away, the Bill is apparently an attempt by the govern-
ment to retain control over the appointment of top offi-
cers of the poll panel. According to the legislation, two
a new lease of life Refer to ‘Bring 3rd motion in 2028: PM as 2nd
no-trust vote against NDA in 5 yrs falls’; it was
rather baffling to listen to PM Modi’s speech
Refer to ‘Punjab farmers’ debt’; the grim
picture of farmers’ suicides in the most pros-
perous state of India makes us rethink about
of the three committee members will be from the gov- RK Saboo in Parliament in response to the no-confi- the age-old problem of debt in the agriculture
ernment, thus giving it an unfair edge. dence motion. The Opposition moved the sector. It is a burning issue that needs to be
B
Over the decades, the selection of CECs and Election ACK in 1978, my wife Usha went to the Sector 17 market motion to make the government break its addressed with the introduction of more flex-
Commissioners by successive Union governments has in Chandigarh one evening. As she came out of the car, silence on the Manipur violence. But our PM ible loans and interest-free schemes by
been largely marked by lack of transparency. In its March she stepped on a leper in a heap of rags. She apologised spent more time reminding the people about national and regional banks. The absence of
ruling, the apex court had stressed that the offices of the and started talking to him. His story was heart-rending. He the faults of the Congress from Indepen- an effective fiscal policy for the agriculture
CEC and the Election Commissioners had to be insulat- said he and others lived near a river and had no means of sur- dence till 2014. It appeared as if he was sector at the national level has exacerbated
ed from the executive’s interference in order to allow the vival except begging. Usha went there next day and found 70- speaking in an election rally to woo voters. the challenges faced by farmers. Redirecting
Election Commission (EC) to function independently as 80 men, women and children — all badly infected, with sup- He spoke about Manipur much later, only revenue generated from direct and indirect
purating wounds and disfigured faces — begging during the after the Opposition had walked out in taxes towards the benefit of farmers is indeed
a constitutional body. The new Bill, which seeks to alter
day and spending nights under trees. She came home very protest. Such parliamentary proceedings are a viable approach to providing much-needed
the composition of the selection panel, runs contrary to
sad and shared the distressing encounter with me. just a waste of taxpayers’ money. support to the agriculture sector.
the letter and spirit of the court’s order. The new Bill I met then UT Deputy Commissioner MG Devasahayam YASH KHETARPAL, PANCHKULA RUPINDER KAUR, AMBALA CANTT
needs an urgent review as it threatens to vitiate the and apprised him of the leper situation. I also mentioned
process of making key EC appointments. that the Rotary Club of Chandigarh would take up a rehabil- DMK’s Draupadi barb Assault on the Constitution
itation project with the UT administration and raise the Refer to ‘FM counters DMK’s Draupadi Apropos of ‘Bill ousting CJI from panel to
funds required. Thereafter, I requested then Chief Commis- barb with Jaya saree episode’; the crimes select CEC, ECs tabled in Parl’; the Bill
on this day...100 years ago sioner TN Chaturvedi for a plot of land, to be allotted free of committed against women in Manipur are seeks to set up a committee comprising the
lease money, where the lepers could be settled. Our request undoubtedly reprehensible. However, PM, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha
was accepted immediately, and a plot was allotted in Sector likening the crimes to what happened to and a Cabinet Minister nominated by the
47. We named the place Chandi Kusht Ashram. Draupadi in the Mahabharata is con- PM for selecting future CEC and ECs. The
Soon, our Rotary Club meeting was held; planning and tentious. Finance Minister Nirmala proposed selection committee does not con-
lahore, sunday,august 12, 1923 action started. Firstly, the children were segregated in a new Sitharaman rightly pointed out the 1989 stitute checks and balances and will be a
home run by the UT Red Cross and we made sure that the lep- episode when then Opposition leader J Jay- mere formality since the Cabinet minister
OFFICIAL SOPHISTRY ers did not beg any more. A club member, BM Singh, arranged alalithaa was assaulted in the Tamil Nadu nominated by the PM will never vote
IT is interesting to notice some of the arguments by which official for them to grow and sell vegetables and provided goats for Assembly. Public memory is not so short. against him. As per norms, the law should
members defended the policy of the Central Provinces Government milk. They were given material to build huts for each couple DMK MP M Kanimozhi needs to be careful not be contradictory to the ruling of the
in regard to the flag agitation. Assuming that the District Magis- on the allotted land. A dispensary was started in a mud hut in her choice of anecdotes and examples apex court. The Bill is an assault on the
trate’s order was illegal, said the Home Member, was civil disobedi- with equipment, medicines, furniture, etc. for their regular from Hindu scriptures. judiciary and the Constitution.
ence the way to reverse it? The member was not evidently prepared treatment. We visited them frequently and supplied rations V JAYARAMAN, CHENNAI RS SEMBHI, LUDHIANA
for an affirmative answer to his question. And yet even a tyro could and other necessities. We were in constant touch with their seg-
have told him that civil disobedience is one of the recognised consti- regated children and monitored their health, education and Police inaction in Nuh, Manipur Judicious use of pesticides
tutional methods of testing the legality of an allegedly illegal order. general well-being. For years, it remained our top priority. Police inaction is writ large in Manipur and Refer to ‘Excessive pesticide use weighing
Indeed, if our memory serves us right, the Calcutta High Court on Realising that the task was enormous, I requested Rotary Nuh, where perpetrators of violence were down agri sector’ (August 7); the author says
one occasion refused to interfere with an allegedly illegal order on the Midtown Club to join us and then President BL Ramsisaria on the rampage. Rather, in Manipur, the that per-hectare use (290 gm) of pesticides in
ground that the order not having been challenged, the complainant took on the responsibility in 1980. A doctor couple of Midtown police allegedly handed over two women to India is low. At the same time, he claims that
had not suffered in any way and, therefore, no cause for interference Club, Subhash and Rekha, regularly tended to the patients the mob that paraded them naked. In Nuh farmers are using pesticides injudiciously.
existed. Another argument, adduced by the same member, was that and in time, all inmates were fully cured and declared leprosy- too, the police allowed mischief-makers to India ranks second in agricultural production
“to say that the honour of the flag was at stake, when it was allowed free. Usha invited the whole group for lunch in our garden, have a free run during the procession globally, yet when it comes to pesticide use, it
to float all over the province, except in a small area at Nagpur and Jub- drawing the wrath of our domestic staff! organised by the VHP. Why were such is at the 11th place. Countries such as Spain
bulpore, was to say something that could not be accepted.” It evident- Gradually, a community kitchen and dispensary were known miscreants not taken into custody and France with much less agricultural area
ly did not occur to the member that it was open to the agitators to say built in 1983. The first block of unit homes was built in beforehand as a precautionary measure? It and production make greater use of pesticides
in reply that the action taken in respect of the two places was in real- 1985, and the project was completed in 1988 by then Rotary is unfortunate that communal riots, than India. The European Union uses six
ity the thin end of the wedge, and that it was only by their own refusal Midtown President DP Khandelia. In February 1989, 41 instead of being firmly put down at Nuh, times more pesticides to produce 50 per cent of
to take the order of the district authorities in the two cases lying down houses were dedicated to them in the presence of then were allowed to spill over to Gurugram. what India produces. It is apparent that Indian
that they had prevented similar orders being issued in other cases. A Chief Commissioner Ashok Pradhan. This lax approach on the part of the police farmers use pesticides judiciously and in a
third argument, which was employed by the Chief Secretary, was that Now, all residents are totally disease-free and self-dependent. resulted in the loss of lives and property. cost-effective manner.
before a flag could be called national, two conditions must be satisfied Chandi Kusht Ashram takes pride of place in the City Beautiful. MAHESHWER SHARMA, BY MAIL NIRMALA PATHRAWAL, BY MAIL
— it must have been accepted by the government of the day and it A chance encounter changed the lives of so many fami-
must be registered by other nations — and that in the present case, lies forever. Happiness is a strange phenomenon. Indeed, Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit.
the national flag failed to satisfy both conditions. so is the pursuit of happiness. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com
H
ot on the heels of his Indian tour, 13A has been discussed from ethnic or security standpoints, questioned by many Sri Lankans. It is not
President Ranil Wickremesinghe seen as a genuine attempt to devolve power
INDIAN EXPRESS IS NOT AN convened an all-party conference but not adequately from the political standpoint, with but is seen as a strategy that was chalked
INDUSTRY. IT IS A MISSION. (APC) on July 26 to discuss the little emphasis on achieving long-lasting peace out over two decades ago to recognise Tamil
— Ramnath Goenka future of one of Sri Lanka’s most political aspirations and contain the raging
LEADERS’ RESTRAINT Peace Accord, it paved the way for the crea-
tion of nine provinces as devolved units IT’S A MATTER OF quashed in 2009 after a series of failed po-
litical negotiations. India’s role in 13A re-
CLASHES IN ANDHRA
A contentious topic at the best of times, the sincerity of the move and national se-
there is general agreement that the provin- curity vis-à-vis power devolution, it is al-
cial councils (PCs) have been made to fail by ready too late for the Northern and Eastern
C
the Lankan government due to the latter’s communities. They genuinely feel that
lashes between the ruling YSRCP and the opposition TDP refusal to empower the provincial adminis- successive governments have failed to
have been occurring frequently in Andhra Pradesh, making trations meaningfully. The PCs have often recognise their political grievances
one wonder whether the state is sitting on a powder keg. The appeared as entities that drain public re- DILRUKSHI Award-winning journalist and lawyer. She is and take timely decisions to demonstrate
sources and do not serve the public. HANDUNNETTI a founder and director of the Colombo-based political sincerity through power-sharing
latest confrontation between the two sides in Chittoor dis- Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR)
From time to time, many Southern politi- mechanisms.
trict led to violence in which 50 police personnel sustained cal parties have portrayed the PCs as a There is a lot of water under the bridge.
injuries, with a constable losing his eye. What emerged from this mechanism designed to undermine the is- The political leaders from the North and
episode is that the police were least prepared for such a turn, and land’s sovereignty and territorial integri- South of Sri Lanka need to overcome their
on available evidence, it appears that the TDP cadre went ber- ty—especially before the demerger of the hardline positions, acknowledge all valid
serk in Punganur, pelting stones and whatnot at the cops. Northeast was achieved. This impression concerns from both sides and address
The trouble began in Angallu village, where TDP chief has largely taken root in the South, and them sincerely.
both the PCs and the call for power-sharing Irrespective of the backdrop against
N Chandrababu Naidu went ostensibly to inspect the progress are viewed by many Southern parties and which it was introduced, the 13th Amend-
of irrigation projects. Obviously, some YSRCP workers sought sections of the public as supporting the ment is now a part of Sri Lanka’s Constitu-
to question his visit by staging a protest, but what transpired ‘Tamil cause’ or laying the foundation for tion. For the longest time, it has been dis-
later shows the kind of politics at play in AP. ‘separatism’. Very little has been done to ad- cussed from ethnic or security standpoints,
The former CM, usually in control of himself, went off the dress these fears and win public confidence but not adequately from the political stand-
rails using language that didn’t behove his stature. Hours later, vis-à-vis power-sharing as a practical way point, with little emphasis on achieving
to build trust among communities and for long-lasting peace and reconciliation.
his convoy, as per the police, took a diversion from the permitted
all people to live with a sense of equality Whenever a discussion from this stand-
route. This was when the TDP cadre caught the police off-guard. and exercise political rights. point did happen, it was often a case of us
The police have since slapped an attempt to murder case on The PCs are also seen as a ‘solution’ vs them, replete with mistrust, making
Naidu and several of his colleagues for instigating the mob. In a thrust upon Sri Lanka by India through a progress impossible.
new twist, Naidu claims local YSRCP activists attacked him as show of power by the latter at a time when Provincial Councils were established in
part of a conspiracy and is demanding a CBI probe. It is up to it was highly sympathetic to the Tamil po- 1988. A quarter century later, it would
litical cause wherein certain groups were be politically regressive to avoid discussing
the probe agencies to bring the truth to light as the TDP accuses
fighting for a separate homeland for Tamils. the steps necessary for the island govern-
the ruling party’s workers of pelting stones at Naidu’s congrega- There is also a history of Tamil militant SOUMYADIP SINHA ment to enable the effective functioning
tion. The latter alleges the yellow party deliberately creates a law groups being trained in parts of South In- of these councils.
and order problem. dia, so India’s interest in power devolution ing to bring up the old Amendment, President Wickremesinghe. The biggest challenge would be to allevi-
But we see from the sequence of events that the opposition— in the island continues to feed suspicions especially when the country’s main con- For his part, the president expressed his ate fears and find genuine answers to gener-
TDP and BJP’s ally Jana Sena—has made it a point to use ex- among some sections. cern was to overcome the financial crisis. genuine desire to implement the Amend- ate public trust in the system and to find,
tremely provocative language in public meetings and roadshows, This inherent distrust of intentions is Many suspected that this was done ment fully. He told party leaders that Sri from the proposals submitted to the presi-
compounded by the idea that power-sharing for reasons ranging from political expedi- Lanka should either retain PCs with ade- dent, futuristic ideas to move forward.
inviting the same from the YSRCP. One can only infer that the may result in emboldened Tamil parties un- ency targeting possible elections next year quate devolution of power or abolish them. To fully implement 13A would mean win-
intent could be to energise the cadre and instil confidence in dermining Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. In to paying India back for the emergency as- Unlike in the past, or as seen during elec- ning the confidence of both the Sinhalese
them while displaying to the other side that they are a force to short, implementing 13A in full will require sistance it provided during the recent tion campaigns where beating the contro- and Tamils. The ghosts need exorcising and
be reckoned with. We have pointed out in these columns earlier significant political will and a genuine ef- economic crisis. versial Amendment is done regularly to genuine concerns from both ends should be
that this strategy, if it is one, doesn’t augur well for anyone. fort to educate the South on devolution and These concerns were possibly also fuelled garner Southern votes, even arch-critics of addressed to effectively end the cloak and
Workers follow their leaders and resort to street violence. Lead- its merits, apart from addressing the fears by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s power devolution did not condemn the dagger game.
harboured by them. call to ensure a “life of respect and dignity” Amendment or the PC system. Instead, they The government—hard as the task may
ers of all parties must exercise restraint. One can understand
The Amendment’s history and evolution for the Tamil people of Sri Lanka and the questioned the necessity to prioritise it at seem—must work to win the confidence of
Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan’s ‘filmi’ dialogues, but Chan- will not make it easy for President Wick- full implementation of the 13th Amend- this juncture. the Sinhalese and demonstrate the value of
drababu Naidu should not stoop low. remesinghe to garner support among the ment. “We hope Sri Lanka will fulfil the as- On July 31, the Tamil National Alliance power-sharing so as to achieve a peaceful
Southern political parties despite his con- pirations of the Tamil people. We hope claimed the party was consistent on the de- Sri Lanka. A genuine commitment must be
sistency in pursuing reconciliation—with Sri Lanka will fulfil its commitment to im- mand for power devolution since 1956 and made to the Tamil people to fully imple-
CATTLE-REARING IN CITIES power-sharing at the core of it. Little won-
der that when the APC was convened, politi-
plement the 13th Amendment and hold
Provincial Council elections,” the Indian
urged PC polls be held without delay.
Twenty-five years later, many sour points
ment 13A, so that they can peacefully coex-
ist with the island’s Southern citizens.
MUST BE REGULATED cal leaders questioned his motives for want- Premier said during the meeting with around 13A remain, with India’s motives (dilrukshihandunnetti@gmail.com)
T
hat cities have a problem with stray cattle is no surprise.
However, a viral video of a stray cow repeatedly attacking
a nine-year-old schoolgirl in Chennai brought home
the dangers of the phenomenon. The city’s residents
SO MUCH BETTER IF OIL IS WELL
Modi’s reply
E
and commuters have noticed a visible rise in stray cattle
on the city’s streets, especially since the pandemic. The volving events in the global oil Ref: No-trust motion: A lost chance to
market have been attracting at- reassure Manipur people (Aug 11). Even a
Chennai Corporation does have a mechanism by which
tention similar to a celluloid layman knew the no-trust motion would be
cattle owners can be penalised—impounding the cattle till star’s much-awaited perform- defeated by NDA. Modi’s reply was a long and
the owner pays a hefty fine. However, this is a remedy that ance. Will the new ‘release’ be a Senior markets specialist one-sided diatribe against Congress, which,
RANJAN
relies on enforcement. hit or bomb? Production cuts, TANDON and author unable to digest his caustic barbs, staged
Of late, there is a perception that enforcement has been lack- shifting alliances, high-voltage a walkout. The people of Manipur have to
ing. Cows and buffaloes, which earlier roamed the streets at policy decisions and choosing Vienna (fa- solve their problems among themselves
mously host to never-ending spy games) for forward to defuse confrontation. Talks at sity), she would focus on West Asia studies as no assurance is forthcoming from both
night, now stray through busy thoroughfares in the daytime,
closed-door meetings while keeping the Copenhagen earlier in June were inconclu- and energy issues. NDA and INDIA . Both sides have lost the
sometimes holding up traffic or causing accidents. This week’s fourth estate oblivious to the happenings sive. The highly ambitious plans of Ukraine Saudi Arabia, keen to debut on the stage trust of Manipur as well as Indians at large.
incident involved a cow, part of a herd moving through a resi- within have all been tried and tested! failed to convince European members. A of world diplomacy, hosted the recent meet Parliament is not used for debates but only
dential area, that grew so agitated by the presence of a child With overt dependence on oil income to graded increase in sanctions on Russia is at Jeddah, initiating negotiations in the mudslinging, with money being wasted.
walking nearby that it threw her on the ground and repeatedly facilitate economic goals, OPEC+ members something the Western bloc is reluctant to Russia-Ukraine conflict and brokering Parthasarathy Mandadi, Tirupati
gored her. Thankfully, the child has survived. feel the pinch. Regardless of their geograph- concede. A lot is at play in international peace. This was Ukraine’s opportunity to
ical presence, almost the entire oil-produc- diplomacy which will determine the fate ‘galvanise’ the Global South. Among the in- Unity missing
Yet, while enforcement could indeed be strengthened as the
ing fraternity has reported much lower rev- of oil prices. vitees, India plays a strategic role as the In Parliament, the prime minister could have
Corporation now promises, it is essential to consider why cattle enues in the second quarter of this year third-largest consumer and a fast-develop- shown statesmanship by agreeing with the
in the city run loose through traffic, hardly the most felicitous with declining oil prices. Yet it would be pru- ing economy. New Delhi’s approach to the opposition and passing a resolution that all
atmosphere for an animal. Aside from the harm caused dent not to compare 2022 numbers as it was conflict has been ‘inclusive’, advocating dia- parliamentarians are with Manipur. Both Modi
by traffic accidents, the cattle also end up grazing on garbage, a year of “delinquent exuberance”—courte- logue and diplomacy. China remains the and the MPs present should have made an
consuming plastic and other materials that affect their sy Ukraine war. A higher share of US crude single-largest consumer of oil from Russia appeal to end the violence.
health and well-being. landing in global markets kept the rising and Saudi Arabia as of last quarter. Earlier N Nagarajan, Secunderabad
prices reined in consequent to production in the year, China facilitated the easing of a
The cattle reared in a metropolitan city like Chennai are Women’s rights
cuts at OPEC+ sources. seven-year diplomatic impasse between
mainly for dairy farming. The milk they produce sustains their With a protracted stalemate on the Iraq- Iran and Saudi Arabia. Beijing’s attendance Ref: FM attacks DMK, recalls how Jaya’s saree
owners’ families and meets local demand. However, cities lack Turkey pipeline, production outages in Ni- at Jeddah is viewed as a game-changer as was pulled (Aug 11). If Nirmala Sitharaman is
grounds and open spaces where the cattle can roam freely. Till geria and Libya, the escalating geopolitical Moscow hints at seeking other BRICS mem- really concerned about women’s welfare and
AP
there is demand for the product of the cattle, it is safe to assume unrest in Africa, and suspected reduced bers’ opinions, invoking optimism. empowerment, she should take the initiative
they will be reared in the city despite the troubles involved in drilling activity at ageing refineries in the Saudi has expressed its intentions to con- to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill,
US, a global supply crunch is imminent. With a protracted stalemate on the tinue with production cuts through Septem- pending for decades. It’s time lawmakers stop
doing so. The local body can engage with the cattle owners and
Continued sanctions on the Kremlin have Iraq-Turkey pipeline, production ber as Russia has indicated a reduction in shedding crocodile tears for women’s rights.
find a way for the cattle to graze—through licensing of cattle taken a toll on the smooth conveyance of oil oil exports. Brent crude currently trades at C G Kuriakose, Kothamangalam
outages in Nigeria and Libya ... and
and providing some grazing land, for instance. Chennai is a city supplies. The European Union is critical of $86, the highest since April. Earlier this
that, in its growth, has gobbled up less urbanised spaces while suspected reduced drilling activity PM’s assurance
re-routed Russian finished oil products find- year, this column considered $75 to support
even pockets of its heart have those who rear cattle and chicken ing their way into its territory. Interestingly, at ageing refineries in the US, a a rebound surge eventuality. With a predict- This is with reference to Country is with
to bolster their income; informal economies, whether in live- some members continue to patronise Rus- global supply crunch is imminent ed all-time high demand, major financial Manipur; peace will prevail: Modi (Aug 11).
stock-rearing, street-vending, etc., are integral to the city’s suc- sian oil at domestic production facilities. analysts have upped their price estimates Despite PM Modi’s assurance, the ground
With 65% of its oil imports from Russia, India’s neutral deportment to sanctions despite recessionary fears in China. A reality is that both the state and Centre failed
cess. Addressing the issue of livestock-rearing in urban spaces Hungary has sought another one-year ex- on Moscow is evident as imports of Russian prominent multinational investment bank- to maintain peace and harmony in Manipur. It
by carrying along all stakeholders will likely have better results tension of an exemption from EU sanctions, oil touched new highs in June. With Indian ing company has pegged it at $93 for mid- has impacted other states too.
than relying solely on penalties. thereby allowing Budapest to continue to Oil’s stakeholding in a subsidiary of Rosneft 2024, which could happen much earlier. Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali
export products refined from the Russian (Russia’s State oil company), the appoint- The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Urals at MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas-owned ment of an Indian director on the board of (SPR) is at a 40-year low. A replenishment is Animal management
Q U I C K TA K E Danube refinery. Slovakia’s Slovnaft refin- Rosneft in June this year shall facilitate sta- not too far in the future; when that happens, Ref: Girl, 9, suffers severe injuries in cow
ery, a subsidiary of MOL, meets 95% of the ble and long-term trade understanding. the prices are bound to kiss north. The de- attack, video goes viral (Aug 11). The recent
JUDICIAL DIVERSITY Central European country’s oil requirement
from imports of Russian crude. Bulgaria
India is not unique in forging such corpo-
rate ties; the endorsers of sanctions have
clining North Sea output could exacerbate
supply pains.
cow attack on a girl emphasises the need for
human safety. Swift action should be taken
T
he latest report of the parliamentary committee on law la- successfully obtained exemption from Brus- fostered closer relationships. Former Aus- Wars never benefit anyone except the bul- against cow owners, with strict penalties
ments the “diversity deficit” in the higher judiciary, but its sels for Russian oil imports that land at its trian Chancellor W Schuessel was on the lets that find targets. Combined initiatives in place. Urban areas should allow cows to
sole refinery, Neftochim Burgas, owned by board of Lukoil until last year. Karin for bringing peace in the Ukraine war would roam in designated zones with enough space.
suggestions appear stretched. Aware there are no reserva- Lukoil, Russia’s second-largest oil producer. Kneissl, Austria’s former Minister of For- stabilise the energy market, especially with The government’s involvement is crucial for
tions in judicial appointments, the committee still insists on Under a special understanding the EU al- eign Affairs, critical of the EU, well conver- the green transition unfolding. The weap- responsible animal management.
adequate representation of marginalised sections, favouring lowed Sofia to export diesel products con- sant in Arabic and an expert on the energy onisation of oil would be counterproduc- Dr V Parameswari, Tiruchy
quotas through a constitutional amendment. On the merit prin- verted from Russian crude to Ukraine! market and the Middle East, created quite a tive. Broader interests need to accord prec-
ciple, the committee observes collegiums use it as a “proxy” to With Russian Gas out of the ambit of flutter when she waltzed with President edence. Only then shall we usher in peace Double standards
“deny” diversity and “justify” the retention of “a particular sanctions, Austria continues its high de- Vladimir Putin while he attended her wed- and fuel stability. In Cooperative to ‘coercive’ federalism (Aug
pendence on imports from Gazprom, with ding in August 2018. She later was a member “The disunited mind is far from wise; 11), Shashi Tharoor failed to explain why the
class” of judges. No corroboration is forthcoming, however. It
no signs of a reduction in supply depend- of the board at Rosneft until 2022. Set to How can it meditate? How can we be at peace? Congress party procrastinated its support for
also says poor judicial diversity may mean the rights of many ence. Such ‘arrangements’ seldom provide head GORKI (Geopolitical Observatory When you know no peace, how can you know the AAP’s stance on the Delhi Services Bill.
social groups “are not being safeguarded”. The report doesn’t lasting redemption from ‘energy pains’. for Russia’s Key Issues, a think tank estab- joy?” —Bhagavad Gita This exposes the double standards.
dwell on the remark’s implications, if any. High diplomacy and parleys are the way lished as part of St Petersburg State Univer- (ranjantandon@live.com) Dharmarajan A K, Thalassery
Subhani
12 AUGUST 2023
P
rivals. Though the BJP realigned its political approach towards alliances after its hew! I’m so wants to get back to busi- Development nasty system. Buck up, Congress MPs had
defeat in Karnataka, Mr Modi exuded confidence that the party would remain in relieved Rahul ness (laddoos). She has to Rahul Baba, remember the
power for the foreseeable future and dismissed Rahul Gandhi as a “defective Gandhi finally eat her words (and laddoos) Strategy for 2030’. movie’s tagline: “Swad expected him to do so.
product”. found his jhumka. finally, much like Jagdeep wahi, soch nayi…” It’s a He may be tipped to be
Mr Modi was at his rhetorical best when he dismissed the Opposition as a black What jhumka? Dhankhar did, when the movie that also focuses on a future PM by his par-
spot that protects an adorable item from getting damaged by a jealous evil eye. The Ummmm… the one he lost man he had lectured and about Rahul Gandhi getting “them” versus “us”, inclu-
Lok Sabha witnessed the trailer of the battle of nerves 2024. Indians can get ready in Bareilly… or somewhere banished was back in the his bungalow back, even sivity and exclusion. tymen and flatterers,
for the blockbuster next year. in Gujarat (2019), stupid! House 26 minutes later. after he backed out of lead- These are crucial issues but Rahul failed to offer
Everyone loses jhumkas Jagdeep Dhankhar was no ing the crucial no-trust we can no longer run away
somewhere. Some find less autocratic than Jaya debate in Parliament, and from. As a run-up to India’s any viable solution to
GOD’S OWN
DECCAN CHRONICLE applies to Rahul. But it’s reality was a lot like Check: Rahul Gandhi as khadi as a weapon? Didn’t
really the jhumka song that Kunwal’s, bullied by a part of the parliamentary we always link khadi with
KAUSHIK MITTER
Editor
R. MOHAN
K. SUDHAKAR
Printer & Publisher
clinched the movie for audi-
ences.
strong woman (Sonia
Gandhi) and not allowed to
contingent (Opposition
INDIA bloc), upsetting the
ahimsa and Gandhiji?
Referring to August 7th as COUNTRY
Resident Editor TMC MP Derek O’Brien open his mouth despite status quo. Dhanalaxmi “Swadeshi Movement Day” God’s own country may soon get a
DECCAN CHRONICLE offices are located at: also lost his jhumka the being the benign patriarch sounds so familiar in the at the ninth National new name. A resolution passed by
Chennai: SP 3 Developed Plot, Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai 600032. Phones: (044) 22254750, other day, when he was of a parivaar. Like our for- current political scenario: a Handloom Day at Bharat the Kerala Chief Minister to
22254751 ordered to “leave the House mer PM, the country too person with rigid views — Mandapam, two days rename the State ‘Keralam’ which
Coimbatore: No. 2/22 Sengalipalayam Road, N.G.G.O. Colony Post, Kurudampalayam Village, was forced to take maun dictatorial, menacing, before the 1942 Quit India
Coimbatore-641022. Phone: (0422) 2231255, 2231256 immediately…” by a livid is what it is called in Malayalam,
Hyderabad: 36, Sarojini Devi Road, Secunderabad 500 003. Phone: (040) 27803930-4. Fax: (040) Jagdeep Dhankhar, behav- vrat back then. Seeing Dr moralistic, judgmental, ego- Movement anniversary. I has been passed unanimously in
27805256. ing like the imperious Singh in their midst, the no- tistical, stuck in the past, am reviewing my wardrobe the assembly. This reminds us of
Visakhapatnam: Survey No. 1/3A Beach Road, Near Kailasagiri Ropeway, Sector-9 MVP Colony, Dhanalaxmi played by Jaya trust motion got sidelined self-seeking, ambitious, and stockpiling weapons… when the TN government bent
Visakhapatnam - 530 017. Phones: (0891) 2552333/2552334, Fax (0891) 2755285 for a moment or two, and harsh, unforgiving, vindic- I mean khadi saris. My self-
Vijayawada: No. C 3 & 4, Patamata, Industrial Estate, Auto Nagar, Vijayawada (A.P.). Phones: (0866) Bachchan in Rocky Aur upon using the name Tamil Nadu
2555284/ 2555287, Fax (0866) 2555234 Rani ki Prem Kahani, when we forgot everything tive, arrogant, threatened… respect is at stake. Yes, I when ‘Thamizhagam’ is cuter and
Rajahmundry: Vemagiri, Dhawleswaram Rd, Rajahmundry 533125. Phones: (0883) 2417208, 2417618 she wants to throw Rani momentarily, including the and… abjectly lonely! She have jhumkas to match. sweeter.
Anantapur: Thapovan Colony, Bangalore Bye-Pass Road, Anantapur 515004. Phones: (08554) 276903, (Alia Bhatt) out of her barb, “The PM was in for- trusts no one, hates most A.P. Thiruvadi
Fax: 08554-276904 eign nations while Manipur people, treats those around Instagram handle
Nellore: Survey No. 527/2, Burranpur Village, Venkatachalam (M), Chemudugunta Panchayat, Nellore. house. By then, Chennai
Phone: (0861) 2348581/ 82, Telefax (0861) 2348580 Dhanalaxmi has had was burning…” her with utter contempt, @ShobhaaDe;
Karimnagar: H .No. 1-21-12/1, Cheralabhutkur Road, Mugudhumpur Village, Karim Nagar - 505186 enough of the jhumka- The chattering classes and metes out punishment Twitter handle Mail your letter to
Phone : 9121181123 thumka nonsense, and seemed far more worried cold-bloodedly, uncaring of @DeShobhaa chennaidesk@deccanmail.com
Before he left, he announced the granting of a hun- this expansion in Scottish jobs.
Farrukh
“The clouds have parted of several hours on their journeys. Obviously, the
The thunder falls media outlets and newspapers — some who are dred new licences to exploit North Sea oil and gas. So, while Hedgie is shaking hands with Mickey
Cabbages
The ocean thrashes fuels has caused climate change and certainly some Russia since its Ukraine invasion have had on gas mate-recording history. On Tuesday last week, the
The pebbles shift who are supportive of the oil magnates and capital- supplies from Russia. fires that have broken out in Greece, in Northern
& Kings Foam and crashes
The eternal drift”
ists who own fossil-fuel industries — report that
ambulances have been prevented from getting to
Hedgie proposed, at the same time, an expansion
of the carbon capture enterprise in Britain. His crit-
Africa, in the United States and in India and China,
hit the south of Portugal. The heating of the planet
hospitals, causing deaths etc. ics, including some MPs from his own party, oppose — these fires — costs lives and billions of whatever
From Whose Sari Now — Lady Chatterji’s The scare stories are scary but I’ve read several the new licences on the grounds that they run a currency in devastation, not to mention the dese-
Cover, by Bachchoo and have the distinct feeling that they lack solid evi- coach and horses through the commitments cration of natural habitats.
dence of such tragedies. towards net zero that even Hedgie’s government has Scientists tell us that the temperature of the
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are making eyes water. The real or imaginary — will act ment’s political impera-
OMATOESentered RBI expects this to contin- like a self-fulfilling prophe- tives. That is why the cen-
India about 500 ue for another couple of cy, unless both investment tral bank, which had been
years ago, spent a months, till prices begin to and consumption demand okay with inflation staying
couple of cen- moderate in October. are curtailed. in the 6 per cent zone, now
turies in neglect, This is not very different Central banks do that by wants to bring it down to
and then suddenly picked up from what happens every increasing an entrepre- 4 per cent. It has taken a
in the early 19th century. By few years. Tomatoes are neur’s cost of finance, by very small step by raising
the time William Roxburgh notoriously difficult to reducing the availability of the incremental cash
published Flora Indica in store. They spoil quickly in loans. If the actual interest reserve ratio — the propor-
1832, the tomato was already the refrigerator, where oth- rates on loans go up, entre- tion of new cash that banks
“very common in India.” er vegetables thrive. They preneurs will think twice have to park with the RBI —
Some three decades later, dry and shrivel at room CONSTRAINT: Farmers have a very short window to sell their tomato crop and get the best price for it. PTI before borrowing to invest. to 10 per cent. The impact, as
Birdwood’s Catalogue of temperature, especially in Consumers, too, will post- experts say, is going to be
Vegetable Productions of the the summer months. They same cycle is repeated. Fuel prices have a similar pone their plans to take per- marginal. But it is a clear sig-
Presidency of Bombay get squished and crushed In most years, govern- impact, again, because we sonal loans to buy homes, nal that the RBI will take big-
reported that “the fruit is eat- while they are being trans- ments do not care much. buy petrol every few days. cars and big-ticket con- ger steps to squeeze liquidity
en as a salad and a sauce.” In ported. So, farmers have a But every five years, the Prices of such items of daily sumer durables. By tighten- to curb inflation, if it has to.
1893, a report on the ‘Gar- very short window in which Centre wakes up, when gen- or frequent purchase affect ing the flow of money — its However, food inflation is
den Crops of the North- to sell their tomato crop and eral elections are around the our ‘inflation expecta- liquidity — central banks a global phenomenon right
Western Provinces and get the best price for it. corner. That is because tions.’ If they go up sharply, can stop the economy from now, which is expected to
Oudh’ said, “The vegetable When there is a shortage every politician knows the we start expecting that overheating. The pause on last throughout this year. It
was coming more into — as there is right now — voters’ psyche. They do not inflation will remain high in investment and consump- has happened because of
favour with natives as an tomato prices shoot up. The blame governments for the foreseeable future, and tion demand reduces the climate change-induced
article of food on account of price signal makes farmers unemployment nor for eco- that affects all our con- demand for labour and stops crop failures, Russia’s
its acid taste.” Right now, grow more tomatoes in the nomic slowdowns. But they sumption decisions. wages from rising too fast. Ukraine war causing a
tomatoes are omnipresent next season. That causes a sure do so when it comes to That is why even though The drop in aggregate shortage of wheat and
in Indian kitchens, acting glut and farmers have to the prices of vegetables. the RBI cannot do anything demand helps reduce oilseeds, and also ‘price-
as a souring agent and sell at low prices. In some In fact, food inflation is The government about food prices, its mone- prices, causing inflation to gouging’ by giant multina-
adding body to our curries cases, when prices crash, the key to consumer senti- will have to bring tary policy has to take the ease. Mind you, none of tional agri companies. In
and gravies. Indeed, butter farmers simply dump their ment. We deal with food prices of tomatoes seriously. these monetary strategies such a situation, the Centre
chicken, probably our most crop on the roadside prices every day, as opposed retail inflation The RBI’s interest rate deci- can affect the demand for might have no option but to
famous culinary export, has instead of paying the cost to something like house down, even if it is at sions are based on main- vegetables. What they can impose price and trade con-
more to do with tomatoes of transporting them. This rent, which goes up once a stream economic theory, change is inflation expecta- trols. That might cost some
than butter. makes them reduce tomato year. When tomato or onion the expense of which says that inflation tions as other things become votes of rich farmers and
So, when the price of cultivation in the next sea- prices go up suddenly and economic growth. expectations are even more visibly cheaper. crop traders. But their
tomatoes goes up, even the son. This causes a shortage sharply, it makes people important than actual infla- There are just six months number is too small to
RBI has to take notice. and prices go up. And the oversensitive to inflation. tion. If workers expect left for election campaigns make any electoral dent.
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costs — the line north of malee Harbour to Sri Lanka Wuan Yang 5 from docking at
HE new Frame- Trincomalee Harbour to at the time of its independ- Hambantota last year.
work Agree- Vavuniya and beyond. For ence in 1948. Britain did not Speaking at a seminar last
ment on Trinco- the Lankan forces, this har- quite attempt a Diego Garcia, month on Sri Lanka’s
malee oil tank bour was never to be lost to but handed back the naval strategic geography in the
farms, to be the enemy. Further, in 2003, base and OTFs to Colombo Indian Ocean, Vice Admiral
VALUABLE:Trincomalee Harbour is the geo-strategic crown jewel of Sri Lanka’s vital assets. @SRILANKA_NAVY/TWITTER
based on the agreement of the Supreme Court of Sri only in 1957. Sri Lanka tried Anup Singh (retd) said the
January 2022, was among a Lanka, after hearing a reviving OTFs by first invit- Indian Navy could make for-
slew of pacts signed during bunch of petitions, separat- the key assets are 99 oil tank in January 2022 on the eve of ing the US and later Singa- mer Chinese President Hu
Sri Lankan President Ranil ed the Eastern province farms (OTFs) of World War II Chinese Foreign Minister pore, but both turned down Jintao’s Malacca dilemma
Wickremesinghe’s recent from the North-East provin- era, some of which have been Wang Yi’s Colombo visit. the offer to operate the OTFs. come true as 80 per cent of
visit to India. It is a grand cial council as the ISLA had restored. During the Indian The division of OTF assets India seized the opportunity Chinese oil tankers passed
plan for turning the Trinco- made a two-year provision Peace-Keeping Force’s (IPKF) was in three parts: the Cey- in 1987 with the ISLA. below Hambantota. Trinco-
malee Harbour and region for a referendum over joint- 30 months in Sri Lanka, its 36 lon Petroleum Corporation Writing in the Colombo Tele- malee Harbour is recognised
into an energy hub. ness which was never held. Infantry Division was (CPC) was allotted 24 OTFs, graph last year, Rusiripala as an unspoken part of New
This harbour is the geo- A cordon sanitaire consist- deployed around them, with LIOC would continue operat- Tennakoon noted the prob- Delhi’s Indo-Pacific strate-
strategic crown jewel of Sri ing of Sri Lankan Navy’s the harbour being used for ing 14 OTFs, and a new joint lems of land lease and funding gy. The ISLA and Trincoma-
Lanka’s vital assets. It is the Eastern Command and an logistics by sea. Later, 57 venture of the CPC, the new- inadequacy of the CPC in the lee Framework Agreement
world’s fourth largest natural army division surrounded Mountain Division, which I ly created Trinco Petroleum new agreement. More impor- have revived and reinforced
deep sea harbour and New the harbour. During the commanded, took charge of Terminal (TPT) and LIOC, tantly, he observed that Sri India’s vital interests in it.
Delhi has eyed it for decades. ceasefire agreement in the Trincomalee when the IPKF would activate the remain- Lanka’s objective over the Equally, Colombo’s efforts
Along with the 1987 Indo-Sri 1990s, the Liberation Tigers was being withdrawn as it ing 61 OTFs. Wick- years has been to ‘regain con- to get New Delhi out of it will
Lanka Accord (ISLA), letters of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had was one of the two de-induc- remesinghe has appointed trol’ of the OTFs and Trinco- continue, but India’s foot-
were exchanged between then literally surrounded the har- tion hubs in 1989-90. The former CDS Admiral Ravin- malee Harbour by developing print is likely to stay there.
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi bour from Sampur in the IPKF had concerns about dra Wijegunaratne as Man- the assets independently and On March 24, 1990, INS
and then President JR south to opposite Trincoma- potential security threats, aging Director, CPC, and not as a joint venture with troop ship Magar lifted
Jayewardene, stating that lee Fort in the north. including the possibility of Chairman, TPT. Today, Lan- India. In 2022, then Energy anchor from Trincomalee
Trincomalee or any other port This harbour is 40-m deep and attacks by the LTTE or other Trincomalee ka IOC operates 206 fuel sta- Minister Udaya Gammanpila Harbour, carrying the last
in Sri Lanka would not be can shelter warships, aircraft disgruntled Tamil groups. Harbour is tions across Sri Lanka and is blamed previous govern- group of the IPKF. Sri Lan-
made available for military carriers and large merchant ves- In 2003, Lanka Indian Oil a one-third partner in CPC ments for losing Trincomalee, ka’s then Defence Minister
use by any country prejudicial sels. It has one of the world’s Corporation (LIOC) was cre- recognised as an storage terminals. The July but Tennakoon contends Ranjan Wijeratne, who bade
to India’s security. It also men- most elaborate underground ated to repair, maintain and unspoken part of 22 Framework Agreement is that such claims are falla- them farewell, quickly called
tioned that India would con- ammunition depots, pillboxes operate 14 of 99 OTFs. They to expand infrastructure cious in the light of letters then President Premadasa
sider armed intervention if and artillery emplacements. were leased for 35 years, with New Delhi’s projects and also evaluate exchanged between leaders to report that the last foreign
diplomacy failed. Singapore has constructed a India paying an unknown Indo-Pacific strategy. building a petroleum after signing the ISLA. soldier had left Sri Lankan
Besides creating provincial flourishing wheat flour mill that annual subsidy to Sri Lanka. pipeline from the Indian The docking of a Chinese soil. The harbour was back
councils, the ISLA amalga- is Sri Lanka’s bread basket. But A new agreement was signed mainland to Trincomalee. conventional submarine at in Colombo’s control.
TIDE
fulfilling its own aspirations is a very upwardly mobile and talist in nature because of its
and dreams and working for dynamic section of the larger so-called self-centrism, how-
personal goals. It has little to society. As has happened all ever, is very erroneous and
They are slaves who dare not be do with secular picture of the
society. It is this section of the
overtheworld,themiddleclass
in India also has chased ful-
malicious, to say the least. He
has no time and inclination to
In the right with two or three society that supports funda- fillment of its own aspirations. think deeply about the com-
Lowell
ISSUES &
mentalist ideologies that the
rulers embrace.
Through better education,
through efforts to elevate its
position of the middle class
fromsociologicalpoint ofview.
WATCHFUL STANCE
F
- A translation of a own living standards, through He also does not have the time
Nakshatra Ardra (Whole day) NON-ISSUES statement in Hindi by caring for fine aspects of good and inclination to realise that OR the third
Moon Mithuna (Rajandekar Panchang) famous television anchor and cultured living, the mid- the middle class has people time this year,
Adhik Shravan Krishna Paksha Tithi Ekadashi 06H 31M By VIJAY Rajdeep Sardesai dle class in India has made fromallreligiousfaithsingrow- the Monetary
Muslim Muharram 24th Hijree 1445 at a recent programme tremendous progress over the ing proportions. So, if this all- P o l i c y
PHANSHIKAR organised by another past few decades. In the encompassing middle class is Committee
television channel. process, it has become an supporting what Mr. Rajdeep (MPC) of the Reserve
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important segment of the Sardesai calls fundamentalist Bank of India (RBI) opt-
NATURAL WIN
HIS is nothing but a nationalsocio-economicpyra- Government,thenisitthatpeo- ed for a status quo on
senseless theorisa- mid and has lent the country plefromallreligiousfaithshave policy repo rate, keeping
tion by a politically- a strong middle-layer muscle. a similar political thought- it unchanged at 6.5. The
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motivatedjournalist All these factors have often process? And if that is so, who pause was expected after
HE Narendra Modi Government registered a nat- whohasbeenknown embellished the contribution isMr.Sardesaitonegateasocial as the central bank is
ural win when put on the mat by the Opposition to have positioned himself of the middle class to nation- reality of the larger society? focussed on withdraw-
through a motion of no-confidence in Parliament. against Prime Minister Mr. al progress and prosperity. It is The current reality of India ing accommodation to
This win, of course, was a foregone conclusion, Narendra Modi and his BJP- from this class that the larger is that a major socio-political keep the inflation targets
thanks to the overwhelming numbers Prime NDAGovernment.Posinghim- Indian society acquires much upheaval is taking place in the within reach. Though a
Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has amassed under the ban- self to be an intellectual of high of its competitiveness and fine country for the past many sectionofthemarketwas
ner of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Being about order,Mr.RajdeepSardesaihas tastes in different areas of col- decades--slowlybutinvariably. hopeful of a cut in the
just one-third of the NDA numbers, the Opposition, rechris- often indulged in promoting lective and individual living. The common people are repo rate, the trajectory
tened as I.N.D.I.A., could not even countenance a victory. wrong ideas in the society The middle class, thus, is increasingly thinking deeply of inflation and growing
through his professional work known to form the bulk of about various forces that have gap in demand and sup-
Yet, it pushed the Parliament into the motions of a motion
and personal statements. In national opinion on most dominated the public dis- ply of food and vegetable
of no-confidence against the Modi Government and earned other words, he represents a issues -- being naturally vocif- course in the country. Their items would not have
a bad name about which it did not seem bothered. segment of the society that has erous and insistent upon liv- current electoral behaviour is allowed a risk at this
Though the NDA leadership knew the shape of the out- oftenderivedpleasureinjump- ing by its value-system. Middle an outcome of this deep and stage. The pause in repo
come of the exercise, it did not leave anything to chance ing to conclusion without class values cover virtues like widespread thinking about the rate is a good news for
and made amazing preparation to confront the Opposition much deep thinking about frugality, sensible thinking, nuances of what the country home loan buyers but
with facts and figures that were meticulously planned and issues and events and devel- moderation in everything, for actually needs. The changing there is also signal of
positioned in the entire debate lasting three days. While the opments through the trajecto- example, as everybody knows. electoral choices of the com- tighter policy in the
speaker after speaker from the ruling benches was vigor- ■ ry of time and history. It is only natural, therefore, mon people in India, thus, are future. This zone of
ous and systematic about what he or she was asked to do, The Indian middle class Ofcourse,whenMr.Sardesai that the political opinion of the being made as per the practi- watchfulnessneeds tobe
the Opposition benches presented a pathetic picture of made that statement, the middleclasshasitsownimpor- cal realism that has little to do covered with caution by
chaos and lack of coordination. has demonstrated a anchor from the host channel tance in electoral politics of with “middle class” as a seg- the markets to keep the
The three-day debate, however, gave a clear impression consistent upward and another guest at the pro- any democratic country. In ment with a particular ideolo- targets inside the con-
that the Opposition was not in the least serious about the trajectory of progress. gramme took a strong excep- India, too, a similar situation gy, a particular choice-range. trollable bands. RBI
motion of no-confidence. That was demonstrated clearly In this process, political tiontothestatementandinsist- exists and persists. The Indian middle class has Governor Mr.
when Congress leader Mr. Rahul Gandhi was in a tearing choices also form a ed that Mr. Sardesai was wrong In the process of political demonstrated a consistent Shaktikanta Das’ hawk-
hurry to wind up his speech on the second day and vanish, inhisthinking.Yet,Mr.Sardesai emergence of Mr. Narendra upward trajectory of progress. ishness in highlighting
major part of the insisted upon completing his Modi as Prime Minister and In this process, political choic- the possibility of a rise in
without bothering about the details and the negative impact changing social order.
his act would leave on the Opposition unity. On the third statement without bothering beyond-dispute national es also form a major part of the inflation print should
day, too, Mr. Rahul Gandhi was missing from the House Unfortunately, shallow about the correctness of his leader, the middle class has changing social order. food prices continue to
even as Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi completed near- theorists do not realise views or their appropriateness played a key role. It is obvious Unfortunately, shallow theo- spiral in the near future
the depth and detail of fromapublicplatform.Thishas that the Indian middle class is rists do not realise the depth is a warning that the
ly two-thirds of his speech. And then in just a few minutes been his style. This is what he an integral part of the major and detail ofthissocietaltrans- country needs to heed
after Mr. Gandhi’s belated arrival, the Opposition staged a this societal has often done -- spreading bulk of political and electoral formation. before making its finan-
walk out, accusing that the Prime Minister was not speak- transformation. wrong narratives. choice of the people. That is their misfortune! cial plans. The
ing on the Manipur situation. It did not have the patience Government has already
to wit for a little longer to see what the Prime Minister had initiated steps to control
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by whatever the Opposition did in those three days, as if it cultural produce in the
was only playing games that did no damage to the ITHBengaluru day). The place is desolate, but plastic-free town is a one-of- A thick cloud of mist coming months.
Government. Most speeches by the Opposition members experiencing the top offers a stunning view a-kind destination. envelops the hill town during
were shallow and purposeless -- leaving behind one big its hottest of the Nilgiri mountains. Officials spare no effort to the monsoons, and the float-
question: Why did the Opposition move the motion of no- summer, my Itastoundeduswhenwesaw conduct periodic checks and ing clouds make for a spectac-
confidence in the first place when it did not want even to family and I a young forest ranger striding imposestrictpenaltiesonthose ular sight. Gorgeous lakes, gur- EARN IT
I
hear what the Prime Minister had to say? To this question sought an escape to cooler fearlessly in the tiger reserve, flouting the rules. gling waterfalls and stunning
being asked nationally, the Opposition obviously has no climes. So we packed our bags home to scores of big cats. We A ride on the Nilgiri forests of giant pines make you NDEED, World
answer. It did create the so-called issue of Manipur all right, andheadedtoOoty,the‘Queen learned that solitary walks in Mountain Railway (NMR) is a fall in love with the place. Cups are not deliv-
of the Hills’. The trip from the jungle, even after dusk, are must. Built by the British in No trip to Ooty is complete ered on a platter.
but had done no homework on the subject to pin the
Bengalurualsotookusthrough part of the training regimen. 1908, the exclusive toy train is without shopping for choco- You have to fight for
Government down. Bandipur, Mudumalai, and The ranger assured me wild the only rack railway in India lates, teas, spices and euca- it constantly, con-
In sharp contrast, Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah Coonoor. Girish, our driver, animals were not a threat where the train runs on a lyptus oils (Nilgiri oil). Outlets sistently and full might.
had a detailed response to every possible question on alerted us of the umpteen hair- unless provoked and recalled toothedrackrailproviding bet- hawking these products are a The aforesaid gist of
Manipur, its past, its present and its future. He and every pin bends along the route as bumping into a tiger that same ter grips on the steep Nilgiri rail dime a dozen. A familiar sales Indian captain Rohit
other speaker from the ruling benches, had all the details we braced ourselves for the mor ning tracks. ploy is to entice shoppers with Sharma’s views on the
mastered and digested -- to be presented with great impact.
MIDDLE SPACE
arduous journey. but kept N M R free samples. The fresh moun- forthcoming quadrenni-
The similar was the story of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Navigatingavehicleonthese going.The always tain air lends a delightful aro- al event sums up the
Modi. He was fully prepared and had all the details with winding roads is no walk in the forest haverelied ma and taste to the teas, spices mood in Team India as
him to answer any last-minute queries. He did not miss a park. However, the hill station’s rangers BY N J RAVI CHANDER upon its and chocolates. they gear up to have
single chance to hit hard at each and every weak spot in the proximitytoMudumalaiforests camping s t e a m On our return journey another shot at the Cup
Opposition attack or its collective conduct -- from times is a boon to wildlife enthusi- in the jungle have overcome locomotive fleets. The train throughBandipur, weencoun- that has eluded them
deep in history. In sharp contrast, the Opposition looked asts. One can spot leopards, their dread of the big cats, and runs through the picturesque tered some precious scenes. A since last 12 years. It was
like a bunch of wayward men and women who did not know bears,wildhogs,Malabar giant the same holds for the tribals Nilgiri mountains from mammoth bear waited by the in 2011 that India won
what they wanted and what they were doing. It was only squirrels, peacocks, langurs, wholivealongsidethewildani- Meetupalyam to Ooty via roadside for the traffic to ease their second 50-over
natural for the Government to tide over the challenge of elephants, and antelopes here. mals. A loud cheer echoed as Coonoor. It passes through before skipping across to a World Cup trophy in
the no-confidence motion.The whole episode exposed how The Vibhuti Malai Murugan wesawMalabarGiantSquirrels umpteen tunnels and scenic nearby stream. Mumbai but since then
shallow the Opposition is in every aspect. Kovil, Bokkapuram, built by for the first time.The antelopes stations like Lovedale and Subsequently, a family of have been denied anoth-
Bollywood actor Mithun were a dime a dozen, but the Wellington, besides offering wild jumbos emerged from the er encore. Captain Rohit
Chakraborty,isauniqueshrine. tiger was elusive! breathtaking views. The her- bushes, and finally, a bright- Sharma has underlined
One can reach it by renting a The picturesque Ooty tea itage museum in Ooty houses coloured peacock crept close thepresenceofself-belief
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fit as a fiddle, climbs it every tos here is unbelievable. The NMR. to amaze! championships at home.
HE way out of disappointment is through effort. India would be hot
The way out of worry and anxiety is through favourites as hosts and
effort.The way to respond to unfairness, injustice,
tragedy and misfortune is with effort. The way to
get beyond the obstacles standing in your path is
Every Man in his Humour Letters to the EditorEvery Man i in familiar conditions
which should actually
work as a spur for the
with effort. It is truly amazing what some good, sustained team. However, the bur-
effort can do. It will make you wonder why you didn’t get
started sooner.When you are discouraged, make a little pos- Processed food Pakistan’s fall
den of expectations can
also act as a double-
itive effort and your attitude will remarkably improve. When Sir, edgedswordwhichRohit
you are weary, make a little positive effort and it will ener- In modern times, the lifestyle of people has seen a lot of changes. Sir, Sharma is aware of. By
gise your spirit. Sitting around worrying, complaining, being People prefer tasty food over healthy food, as a result of which The London-based advisory firm Henley & Partners’ assess- talking about confidence
angry and frustrated will do nothing to improve the situa- many are suffering from one or the other disease. These days due mentindicatesanatmosphereofdistrustthatPakistanhasearned and the hard work
tion. Start to take effort, though, and you enter a whole new to a busy lifestyle, people are more dependent on junk food, which owing to its act of promoting terrorism and mismanagement required to with the glo-
positive, productive frame of mind. is a very serious matter. It’s also dangerous because scientists say of public affairs. As per the assessment, Pakistani passport has ry, the skipper has sent a
With effort, there is a very real and attainable connection that processed food can become a major cause of diseases like been ranked the world’s fourth weakest in terms of number of positive message in the
between where you are and where you would like to be. Make cancer in the coming decades. Junk and canned items are being destinations Pakistani residents can visit without needing a team. It should boost
the effort, and work your way out into the bright light of sold indiscriminately in the market, which can be prepared and visa. The assessment states that Pakistan ranks ‘better’ than their morale and at the
achievement. eaten in less time. In the run-of-the-mill lifestyle, people are only three countries namely Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan but same time make them
Waiting on the other side of your problem, there is a solu- unhesitatingly buying and consuming such ingredients whether these are countries where fundamentalism rules the roost. . aware of the challenges
tion. On the other side of your discouragement, there is joy. they meet the standards of health or not. Many types of chemi- A.Q. Khan, an architect of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, ahead which could be
Once you get through your trouble, it will be behind you. At cals are used to keep the packed food fine for a long time. These admiredinPakistanbutviewedwithsuspicionoutside.However, conqueredonlywithtotal
the moment it may seem like everything is going wrong, chemicals are very dangerous, which have many harmful effects this imbroglio is hardly a scenario that has arisen overnight. focus and dedication. It
because you’re seeing the world from a negative perspec- on our body. According to 2017 data from the Global Burden of Being a neighbour of this recalcitrant country, New Delhi has will also be a personal
tive. The way out is to work yourself through. Disease Study, 20% of deaths in the world are caused by malnu- been vigilant and choking the terror financing routes. Clearly, target for Rohit Sharma
The world will look better when you resolve to make it bet- trition. People have to be careful about junk food. the time is not on Pakistan’s side. who had missed the bus
ter, when you take the disappointments in stride and refuse Sumati Gayki - Thakare back in 2011.
to let them stop you. You are better than the difficulties that Jayanthi Subramaniam
now plague you. Work through them, put them behind you,
and your life will be richer for the experience. Readers please note the change in e-mail address. TheHitavada welcomes Middles (upto 550 words), letters for this page, and contributions to other sections
ATTENTION also by e-mail at: maindesk@thehitavada.com; editor@thehitavada.com. The editors may rephrase letters for clarity of thought and constraints of space.
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