Eutopia in Democracy

 I don't think democracy can bring eutopia. Our sense of Eutopia in governance takes heavy clues from "Ram Rajya", which in present is perceived as religious aligned doctrine. The idea takes clues from the epic Ramayana and it's logical to name it after Ram. 

What is the idea "Ram Rajya" and why India a democracy can learn to create a Eutopia society. Ram never was elected as a leader, he was born as the eldest son to a powerful king. But his character is something to learn from and still relevant for people who are elected as leaders.  These characteristics are inclusivity, respecting diverse views, and integrity of character that doesn't change with convenience.  However it was a bit easier for him to be a god among humans and not facing elections every five years.

Ram rajya equates to prosperity and equal treatment for its subjects, respecting meritocracy in administration, and a diplomacy of strong almost filial relationship with neighbours. This is what we can learn from it.

However it's not easy to achieve in democracy where parties fight among themselves dividing the society. Ram Rajya represents unity in political ideology, however, the very construct of democracy gives rise to divided political ideologies. It brings hatred and discomfort. So how can a democracy achieve Eutopia.

 Democracy is of the people,  for the people but should be a little less of by the people. Elections are easy to use and easy to implement. An imperfect society will only choose imperfection. Further creating more corruption, divide and false narrative and appeasement. Elections are bound to do that. 

I had a dream, which glimpsed into a rough blueprint to achieve a eutopia democracy. It's rooted in selection and not election. Based on meritocracy where the "supreme leader" comes from a proven track record and paves the way when a more competent alternative is there. People need to choose "national agenda" and key issues, not people.

The election process needs to change to cater to the best way to define "National Agenda". The most difficult part of this puzzle is the selection committee, which can be very objective leaving no room for subjectivity in the matter. 

The ministers need to select their leader. But the ministers themselves need a proven record and trial as a subject matter expert to drive the national agenda in their respective field. Each ministry is almost independently chosen but still expected to work collaboratively. We don't need a political party to dictate ideology and move away from popular leaders. 

Easier said then done but then that a dream

Virtual Reality

I had a bizare dream today. Crystal clear almost like a movie with me playing a negotiator for a kidnapping deal.

The characters were are as follows:

A men who's family was kidnapped. (Mr V)

Kidnapped people : Wife (around 60), daughter, son in law, 1child (~ 6 months), Boy (3-6 years)

Me: Negotiator

Kidnappers den :

Kingpin

3 musclemen

2 members i was speaking to frequently. (M1,M2)

The plot begins with the family already kidnapped and the first round of negotiations already gone wrong. I was instructed by someone (not Mr V) to save whatever i can.

I am in a village waiting to be received by some one, when M1 arrives. He is a mature young man who is here to talk business and sincere towards having a deal. We walk towards a guesthouse where he makes me comfortable with general inquiries. After refreshing we started discussing the deal.

I was told the family is taken good care however they only have one more day if this negotiation fails. We talked at length and the day concluded where i need to come up with a final offer.

The next day i was greeted by M1 and M2 and told that Mr V is coming for talks with the boss. I was blindfoldedly taken to the location where everyone was. It was a typical village location with open fields on the back and a large structure, a mesh of houses, almost fortified in front.

There M1 excused me on a charpai, put under trees, with M2. M2 was 18 something, enthusiastic young lad who believes in his family business of kidnapping.

After a hour, I saw a white sedan, chauffeur driven, arriving at the gates and a suited man being escorted inside. M2 told Mr V has arrived and would be meeting with the boss. Something within relaxed me as if i was on a vacation. Next 3 hrs i spent with M2 chatting and joking, going through fields and nearby pond like i was at a friends place.

When having meal M1 joined and broke the news that negotiation failed and the family will be executed today. Everything blew apart, blank and then when could get a grip i begged everything is not over. I started saying whatever i could make of, Mr V not doing as good as it looks, him being a bankrupt.I begged Mercy for the newborn and then the boy who just started understanding the world , the old lady a mother, the young couple and the new parents. M1 and M2 almost apologetic just listening to me and trying to console. I offered a deal from my side and tried everything i could, and then i heard a dim blast followed by a cry, cry of a baby, getting louder by each moment.

M2 broke "It must be the son in law. He was due first." The cries now even in the head became unbearable. I started running away but the cries kept growing. I wanted to go to Mr V. I had so much to ask?Head started burning, scenes changing rapidly from a crowded worship place, to a fast highway, to a island.And then i suddenly woke up.

It doesn't end there, but now the thoughts were controlled. First reaction was revenge but then Why followed.

Why did it happen?

Why Mr V didn't give in?

What is he going through?

Was the demand too much, he could have at least save someone?

Didn't they gave a fair chance?

Who is at fault?

Its not revenge. It is much more complicated. A strike to kingpin's den may get some temporary peace but it will set a cycle of rage and blood in motion. It can be a resolve to methodically strike, beyond personal grieving,down outlaws and the kind. A resolve to eliminate the root's rather than trimming branches.

Another way "Gandhian way" would be to deny anyone to bend the will by force. This would require immense courage and heart, well beyond what I and most have.

I can still hear the cries of the baby just don't want to think beyond.

Mid-Night Drama 4th June 2011

By now we have got used to disappointing answers by our leaders, especially the PM. On midnight crackdown on Baba Ramdev Dr. manmohan Singh replied with "It is unfortunate that operation had to be conducted but quite honestly, there was no alternative" reminds me of a murder accused breaking down in court. Again he said “government was concerned and serious about fighting corruption” and ‘there was no magic wand to do so”.
Is this the helplessness or lack of intention? Yes there is a magic wand and it's the will and resolve. An honest reply by govt. presenting a solid and time-defined course of action would have resolved the whole issue. In fact it’s not late to do so. Why should People like Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev take centerstage, when it's the duty of our ministers to raise and resolve these issues?
Even bigger question is why do they have such huge public support? It has been more than 60 years since we achieved independence. The issue of corruption and black money is being raised for more than 40 years. Lokpal bill has been hanging for more than 15 years. This only shows the seriousness and concern of our government.
Let’s review the core questions
· Do we believe corruption is evil and we should act against it?
· Do we believe creators of black money are at fault and should be punished?
Corruption is not something that is practiced and preached by few. It has got its root within each and every one of us. There cannot be a scale on how big a corruption should qualify as corruption. We must first ask ourselves:
Will it be ok if we have a society without corruption?
Before answering this think of the costs (keeping only the less wealthy in your consideration):
· No more getting work done with bribes.
· No more special queues at various agencies.
· No more “very best” education for our children if they are not in merit.
· Declaring and filing Taxes truthfully.
These are just the tip of the iceberg, a structure without corruption will change the way we live, we think. How many of us can survive?
Considering we still want to give it a go. I think Lokpal bill can really prove to be the magic wand.
An agency that overlooks key concerns raised by public and judges the intentions of government in a quantifiable way is just what is needed to achieve it.

The Lost Omnipresent Symbol

Well must be pretty clear where I am pointing to. I completed the Book, “THE LOST SYMBOL” by Dan Brown, yesterday. Dan Brown has been my favorites, but this work in particular has become my favorite. It’s not the twist and turns, nor the mystic factor but the most simple and novel idea that defines God, its form, its power. The insight it provides in right/wrong, truth/untrue.
The question “Who am I” is probably the oldest question that has remained and probably the one which gave birth to the universe that we know. The question still unanswered, yet every single element we interact tries to point at something. An answer that is too simple, too evident, to except. Still every law of nature, every noted observation tries to tell us the same thing. It makes us so small, unimportant and negligible that we don’t want to accept it, not even more important than a dust particle. Though as a race we have created everything imaginable. The answer is lost not because it was hidden, but because we never wanted to accept it. Always trying to achieve what we always have, just not wanting to accept it.
I must admit that the Book has opened up yet another dimension for me to understand the Supreme Being, the Great Architect, “GOD”. It blends so beautifully to my current beliefs as if it was already there just eluding me. Apart from “IT” being personal, created by an individual, it now has an existence in many. “E Pluribus Unum” has never looked so relevant, a force that draws its power from the unison and focus of individuals, a power that is “Omni”, seemingly controlling all the dimensions. It is no more only “Personal” and has an existence beyond the individual. If I try to make sense of the verses, this has been there in all the religions. The “Mahavakyas” in Hinduism goes a step further where the "many" seize to exist. That is probably so disturbing about the revelation that one does not want to accept it.
It would be unfair to skip “Noetic science”. For me it was a great catalyst to the thought process around the theme, however somewhat unrelated to the plot of the novel. Whether or not thought or soul has a mass, I do believe it exists as an independent entity and has the ability to influence anything and everything. I believe we haven’t yet understood its true nature. The current dynamics/dimensions devised by man may not be enough to define its true nature. Thoughts as part of one’s soul may be the medium of interaction between the supreme and individual. Effects like sound, light and time may have a relation to the thoughts and its impact as well, which if true will justify and quantify the science of astrology and the effects of various rituals, verses and mantras mentioned in almost every single religion known to mankind.
To wind up, the book is a signature Dan Brown work, which opens so many threads for one to catch upon. Certainly not un-putdown-able, but very definitely a “Ordo Ad Chao”. A light that proposes an answer to the root of all friction, among various religions, believers, non-believers and believers of science “Óloi gia énan, énas gia ólous”.
Read Bhagwad Gita 10:33. (chapter 10 verse 33)

Democracy - For The People, By The People

We have always been so proud of us being Indian, and of India being a democratic country. Ever boastful of our rights, of our power to elect and decide the fate of our country. We have shown strong emotions on every political, economic and social event that happened around us. We promote and praise NGOs that work for the betterment of under-privileged. Yes, we are a true democracy in every sense of it.

Yes, we do crib about social injustice and corruption that has crept in. We wonder what went wrong and what should be done. Let’s take a step back and look at it. Let’s look at the meaning of democracy and the premise it sets up. Let’s for once be truly proud and appreciate our constitution and the favours it has given to all of us.


Let us re-iterate our fundamental rights, as it should mean to me:

Right to Equality: “I am equal as any other person and so has a right to demand equal favours given to it irrespective of its beliefs, or abilities”.

Right to Freedom: “I am free and thus demand a favour to condemn and stand against any one who restricts my freedom. I am free to choose the way I want to live and where I want to live and thus demand that I be provided the necessities to do so.”

Right Against Exploitation: “I have to stand against any exploitation and thus demand a favour to punish the one who exploits. The specifics of exploitation be left to a moral court, with a basic outline as the gain of individual or small group of people as against the masses.(minority rights)”

Right to Freedom of Religion: “I should uphold my beliefs and thus demand a favour to denounce any one who contradicts it, and has the audacity to say it on my face.”

Cultural and Educational Rights: “I have the right to reciprocate by beliefs and thus demand a favour to help spread it. I demand a favour of admission to any house of knowledge, and thus demand a favour to understand my need and ability.”

Right to Constitutional Remedies: “I should be given a favour of justice against anyone who breaches my fundamental rights. Against the one who doesn’t treat me as equal or exploit me.”

Right to Property: “I have the right to own, and should always be willing to give it up for public purposes. And thus demand a right over any property that can be made to public use.”

The only word where you would have doubted my intentions is when I attached “demand a favour” with every sentence I have used. But isn’t it true. Doesn’t it come as a part of human nature and so is very natural to be in a constitution, by the people and for them? We always tend to create an exception for the under-privileged. We always tend to doubt anyone who has done more than average. Stand united against him to protect our fundamental right to live.

Favour, is what we demand in a democracy. Not as a bribe, but as a right. It is our fundamental right to live and hence no one can ask a “Why” against it. We have earned it because we are born as a human being. It is the duty of all to provide me a living. The one who is capable is not because of his will, intelligence or virtue. It is because I have given him the liberty by not matching or exceeding his abilities. It is I who has chosen to be average and thus provided him a chance to be above average. He has not earned it, but was there at the right time and right place, again not because of his virtues but luck. We cannot accept that someone within our reach has exceeded our abilities. We always denounce one who does not acknowledge us, because we demand an acknowledgement as a right for his success. We always tend to hide behind the screen of social equality to hide our own failures and for not giving us a chance to reach for our dreams. We demand the one with abilities to compare with us. We never ask or expect them to deal with us in anyway but to repay what they have earned from the society back to it.

Anyone famous should give us a right to peep into their life and expect the same to be done by him. We ask then to stand naked as we do in front of them. The problem comes when we encounter someone with lesser abilities than ourselves and he demands the same from us. It is then that we cry foul and start talking.


When choosing our representatives we do the same. The abilities or virtues of a human being do not matter because we cannot see through it. Abilities are nothing but a twist of fate that can usher on anyone and so should be discounted. Virtues are views and change from one to another. The one who denounces someone whom we are not able to condemn openly is virtuous. We expect our leaders to be human and so should be prone to human emotions and errors. We expect a promise of something that we have not earned, without realizing that it is taken away from someone who has earned it.

This is the basic premise set by democracy. A democracy is only as good as the people who make it, only as virtuous as its constituents. If we demand a favor by definition we should be ready to give it. We cannot allow someone to take anything from anyone unless we can volunteer the same from our side. We cannot hate someone for earning more than us unless asking the poorer to condemn us. A relation where one accepts without offering something cannot be real. It can only lead to a democracy like ours, created by us. What is given to us as favors is nothing but a small portion of what is taken away from us.

Let us analyze and see whether some of these events or thoughts have there roots in the way we define fundamental rights and where do they contradict with the way they are stated in constitution. Let us see how we have used the power called constitution

Partition: Well one may argue the role of constitutional rights in partition, But as I see it, it is one event which has its roots deep within. It tried to impart every single right to everyone, Right to Equality, Freedom and Religion. It is even more dangerous as it was done on morality of doing the right thing, justified by sacrifice. Sacrifice has always been the single most indicators of morality and being right.

Reservations: Unearned preferences given to backward classes in the name of equalizing status and in repayment against injustice done to them for generations is a straight forward noncompliance of the first and the very basic right to equality. It clearly shows why a democracy can never give equal rights. The irony is that it is done in the name of these fundamental rights and we believe in it.

Demand for separate states/ formation of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh: Why do we need to have different states if it is our right to move, settle and earn in any part of the country. The demand for new states does not come out of the need of administration but as public revolutions and a cry for a state of there own. Isn’t it a mockery of the right to freedom? Certain political parties and groups oppose others to live and sustain in some part of country in full sunlight solely on the basis of their origin.

Licence Raj: For more than 4 decades after independence, we have seen the full wrath of licence Raj; it looted till there was not enough left. Although regulations are much reduced, it has left a permanent scar on psychology and philosophy of economics rather than economy of India as such. The crime once again done in the name of protection of public and supporting indigenous industries, saving right to freedom and against exploitation. It is one "overbearing, unfair, undemocratic system" gift of democracy.

The list is endless and I will continue to bring up the points and this blog has become big enough. So to conclude do we really understand the meaning of democracy and where is the current form leading us.

Time For Action

My pain on State of Affairs in India has not yet eased. In fact it has become worse. I have answered so many why’s to me and they all point to one place, The Leadership. It’s not the corruption or lack of will, but a lack of vision. A vision that none of the political parties have shown.

The root of the problem is in the quality of Indians, and in the attitude to adjust. The problem is in how we perceived independence and pampered the generation next. We believe we own this nation and have the right to exploit. We do not think twice before invading others space. The problem is not in being selfish, but in being foolish.

We demand favors, not as debts but as right, never ever thinking of repaying it. We don’t see the taxes we pay as a payment towards services or investment for a better tomorrow, but as a ransom paid to a mafia and are ok as nothing can be done.

In the name of equality we have created the best case of inequality. In the name of promoting talent we have made a system of awarding non-performers. Clearly something was wrong in the way Leaders have led the way.


Please feel free to correct me on any assumptions or facts I quote in answering the questions below:

Now let’s directly address the specifics:

Q: Repelling terrorists is another question but why has our government failed to address problem of local riots and communal unrest that have happened periodically in different parts of India.

A: The way I see it, most riots are catalyzed by employing local goons that live on unrest. These are mainly people who want to use force against week to live through. They are not concerned about the issue but are paid to do so to fulfill selfish aim for a few. Many are a result of revolution by people who have been oppressed for ages. A few incidents simply used the fuel of fear and aimlessness.

Q: Why do many Indians prefer to work in US UK and other countries?
A: This has little to do with patriotism or lack of it. In fact patriotism sometimes holds us back. Infrastructure and opportunities do form part of the argument but it’s mostly the lifestyle and the social environment that has attracted people. Esthetics of a place gives a big impression. The onus to keep our city, state and country livable is on every citizen and blame cannot be passed to anyone else. It is often said as a joke that “In US you can kiss your girl in the middle of a road but you cannot spit and pee. But in India it’s the other way round.” Yes government can impose penalties but it cannot be corrected if notconsidered by everyone else.

Look at the relative number of beggars on street. In India they feed on pity whereas in many other places people do road shows or offer services for public and thus accept what people feel like giving. They do not beg but they earn it. It’s a difference in attitude. Well one may advocate that the attitude itself is dependent on relative maturity and wealth of society. A country where everyone is stomach full can afford to chase dream and have the ‘right’ attitude.

When addressing these problems I tried to think of possible solution. Of many things one that is most needed is the change in attitude. We need an attitude to support ourselves, to deny any pity, to consume only what we earn, to stop undermining others and respect everyone for their ability and to stop the use of force of any kind.

To achieve this we need to take out the parasites. Those who do not want to produce those who need aid, not circumstantially but because that’s the only way they know to survive. We need to distinguish between the responsible and the not. But who has the right to do so?Well without a court to do so, we can say that those who cannot take care of themselves cannot support a family. So unless one proves worthy of supporting self should not be allowed to have a family. But how do you ensure that. Again it may be as simple by insuring that if the family cannot do so government can do so without taxpayers sharing the burden. This can be done by enforcing to buy a compulsory insurance by couples before having there first child, and let the insurance companies work out the details. Stop distributing free/subsidized rations. Deal use of any kind of force very strictly. Yes I am suggesting that let government be the one who controls all the force. Let police be the only and ultimate mafia.

So what happens to sick, old and disabled. Well it’s too simple and the most difficult to answer. Because the answer comes out of natural logic and opposes the age old habit of ours to show pity. Let different sections of society have their definitions and support who they want. Let them have their own criteria and pay for it. Different groups can support one or more NGOs and decide to support and pay for who they want to. It will promote one to save for future and in times of trouble, and will make one more responsible towards the society. This will deny a few worthy but will create a strong bonded society in a longer run.

We can then channelize our energy in giving proper infrastructure and opportunities of growth, without bias, let the best one grab the opportunity. Yes a lot will perish in this and only worthy will survive to live, but isn’t it the way it should be. Shouldn’t we just care and nourish for the future, led by the present and respect our past. It will ensure the future to groom in a competitive environment without worry. It will make one live for self and family and thus help the whole nation. It will give one time and resources to enjoy retirement. The one not willing to live will not be able to live. It will then make the administrators to deliver results and outperform their promises to survive.

It just needs a resolve on our part to:
Not give-in to the ‘OK’ attitude.
Not accept what we have not earned.
Pay for what we take from society.
Not allow someone to take something it has not earned.

Now the question is : Are we willing to do so?

patriotism is like charity -- it begins at home.

Professionalism : The meaning of this word has changed to me over time. When I passed out of college I wanted to be a professional, I believed it means someone who has an attitude to bring effectiveness and efficiency. Unfortunately it only means someone who does not have a heart, emotionless creatures trained to follow standard set of procedures which they themselves may not believe in.

 If I have to compare our “free media” and politicians, there is at least one thing in common. They are both hardcore professionals, the only difference may be that they have different rule books and code of conduct. Both are equally heartless and ruthless. This became all the more evident after November 26^th.  

The Tag “Breaking News” Has become as annoying and meaningless as speeches of politicians. When Government, opposition, common and uncommon should all have look concerned and united. They all looked at it as opportunity. For some it was an opportunity to ask for resignations while for others it is there chance to be CM. If few have shown insensitivity by visiting the “Wrecked Palace” to visualize climax of a film, others have ensured they make it an issue that takes priority over all.

After 26^th I have been asking these questions to me.

Is this an attack by Pakistan and should we attack them back?

Unlike the popular, and my initial, reaction I would say, no. I too believe that these organizations are the pets that the masters can no longer control. It should not be mistaken with a cancer which goes off with the patient. It will just transfer its roots. The country which can help the most is the one who helped them grow in there backyards. We need to pressurize and persuade Pakistan to help eradicate them. We should look at the facts that now these organizations are biting there own masters more then they have barked at us.

Is this terrorism preached by Islam?

Well, no straight forward answers. But if I have to be precise, the religion is certainly used as a tool. Not most Muslims are terrorists but unfortunately most terrorists believe they are Muslims. They believe they are doing it for Islam. I really appreciate many Islamic organizations which have come out after the attacks and shed tears and shown resolve to fight terrorism. It hurts when I see my Muslim friends lower there eyes in shame, because they feel guilty, as these people have shared the same religion. We should also understand that the bullets that take life do not ask religion.

Are our politicians at fault and should we ask them to resign?

Fault Yes, Resignations No. Till now I have always tried to pick lesser of the evils, but no more. At least on this subject I am pretty clear in my head. Resignation of Home Minister or CM and getting a new one is not a solution in fact it is a distraction that should not have happened. All common and uncommon should participate in devising a system that can bring accountability and transparency. I want to remind you all what happened on 22^nd of July, when the MPs flashed money in the parliament. Irrespective of whether it’s true or not, it is a bigger shame and threat than the attack by outsiders. These were our very own representatives. The outburst of Narayan Rane after not getting the chair “Post of CM Maharashtra” was another act. It seamed like for him what ever happened was nothing but just another opportunity. At least here I should mention the name of “Raj Thakre” and “Shiv Sena Leaders” who chose to keep quite and not trying any of the political gimmicks. I have seen a few ambulances sponsored by MNS and Shiv Sena helping people that day. Although I would love to ask him if he still think Mumbai should not welcome people from other parts of India. Has this changed him from a politician to a human, an Indian, a Mumbaikar. Well I guess it would be clear as soon as he opens his mouth.

We need a change in the overall legislative system. Judicial, Police should all get a overhauling. We need a system that promotes Nationalism rather than Partyism. We need to get a structure where performance of ministers can be evaluated on a quarterly basis. Office holders should have the right qualifications and experience. Accountability should come in. Ministers swapping loyalties, having a criminal record, with foul language, and those who misuse government machinery for personal or political use should be trialed in the court of Law and should not be allowed to contest again. Well unfortunately this would mean 90% pink slips.

Let us not mourn 26^th of Nov, but celebrate it as a Day when a Nation awoke. Let us make proud all the Martyrs and our brothers and sisters who lost there lives or loved ones. Let the spark that has ignited simultaneously in our heart, not faze out. Please do not waste your anger out on streets in protests, keep it within and channelize it constructively to form a revolution. We should have woken up a long back, but lets not waste this one. Let us throw out the fear and start asking questions. Only the right Questions

 

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