Tuesday, June 20, 2017

What shall be the leadership Profile Of President? Ten Key Questions?


1.       Is he capable of providing political leadership as president to the country, within framework of constitution?

2.       Is he has enough experience and knowledge to make right political and constitutionally correct judgments?

3.        Is he capable enough to give right advice to PM in case he or she is deviating from constitutionally assigned path?

4.       Is he mature enough to support PM keeping national interests in mind.

5.       Is he has qualities to understand military dimension of power, defense needs and its effect on geo-politics?

6.       Is he has required judgment to take right military decisions in case of political crisis?

7.       As supreme commander of defense forces is he has leadership qualities to inspire soldiers?

8.       Is he has right connect with military veterans?

9.       Is he graceful enough to represent country in international forums and conducts himself well?

10.   Is he has the required personality to take military salutes?  


Citizens of the country please make judgment with above ten key questions. Political parties will surely like to put someone who is just a rubber stamp? Let us clear be clear the kind of military powers President has he is not a Rubber Stamp but competent enough to check political deviations from constitutionally valid path? 

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Beheading of Soldiers: Ten Questions Generals are Not Asking Govt?

1. Why are there no adequate legal framework to support counter insurgency operations of the military and CAPF? We all know AFSPA is an incomplete law and has no provisions for timely trials of arrested terrorists?

2. Why are more soldiers punished in court martial for human right violations than terrorists punished in civil courts?

3. Why is Indian defense policy so defensive in nature that it aims only on creating marginal military superiority over adversaries and not decisive edge?

4. Why are govts not focusing on delivery of good governance as lack of it fuels insurgency? Good governance means 1. least corruption 2. Efficient justice system 3. Sensitive and responsive public govt inter phase and 4th Inclusive growth.

5. What are the political social and economic plans of the Govt to solve insurgency? In absence of same army can not keep loosing soldiers?

6. What is the foreign policy to solve major disputes having military bearings? It directly impacts military preparedness and response? India is asking US to declare Pak a rouge nation but not doing herself so. The proposal of Sh Rajeev Chandra Shekhar MP to declare Pak a terrorists nation blocked by BJP.

7. Why is govt following a soft policy which is detrimental to moral of soldiers? Like constant abusing and beating of solders by public or not taking legal actions killers of soldiers like Yasin Malik. First time in Indian history we see such videos where soldiers being beaten by public.

8. When the pot is boiling still why is Govt ignoring key issues like 7th pay commission, total career packages less than police, harassment of soldiers and their families in hands of civil criminals and goondas and grabbing of their properties? How can Army maintain high morals if this continues?

9. Why are key modernization projects of  armies being constantly ignored? In modern wars armies with inferior equipments will only deliver defeats?

10.  What is the long term Indian Defense Policy so that military can prepare its doctrine and accordingly prepare itself? There is no defense minister, NSA has no military leadership experience, military lacks integration, civilian like Ram Madhav with no security exposure call shots and military is not part of decision making.   

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Is Pak Strategy of Counter Insurgency Operation Better than Indian Strategy? Kashmir Boiling Once Again

Since birth both countries, India and Pakistan have faced insurgencies and have adopted different strategies of counter insurgency operations. This blog makes an attempt to compare both strategies.

 Broadly, for an easy understanding of a lay man,  counter insurgency operations below threshold of an open war, can be classified as under:

1. Hammer to Crush Under Martial Law. This is the most brutal form of counter insurgency strategy and was followed by Russia in Chechnya. The strategy uses brutal military force under total command of military political power. It causes lowest attrition to troops and brings quick results if the terrain is not hostile. 

2.  Iron hands  The strategy of iron hand is to press insurgency under special military laws, where political powers remain in civilian hand but all civil forces work under command of military. Military is given control of counter insurgency operations including may be forming of special military courts. Civilian population is put under military laws. It results into lesser casualties to troops and takes reasonably shorter times to get results. 

3. Iron Hands with Velvet Gloves  An Indian innovation, wherein it means military assisting police and state over longer periods using minimum military force. Counter insurgency operations are conducted under peace time laws of the land with few powers given to military to assist police in arrest under incomplete laws like AFSPA. India probably is the only country in the world which follows it wherein police powers of arrest has been  extended to Military under civilian laws which are rightly so taken note by Supreme Court. Under this strategy insurgency is treated as normal law and order problem where in some regions are declared disturbed and army is deployed. It requires huge mass of forces on ground and may takes decades to get results with no assurances. 

4. Iron Hands with Velvet Gloves Wearing Bangles A new innovation by Indians. No one knows what it is in military terms, where in troops take beatings and use guns like toys. 

5 Aid to Civil Authority Short term military deployment to assist civil authorities under civilian laws. 

All above strategies requires constant attempts to bring peace through a political solution to bring normalcy.

Indians, after Independence for first 10 years adopted the strategy of Iron hands and were able to solve and control insurgencies in some regions to restore peace at faster paces. Pakistan in early stage of her history as independent country, adopted the strategy of 'Hammer to Crush' and were able to bring all disturbed frontier regions and Baluchistan in-spite of hostile terrain, under control.  The same policy did not work in Bangladesh due to lack of mass and momentum of a separated military force. In fact at the time of Russian invasion, the hostile regions of Pakistan had come to terms of near peace. 

While still fighting fading insurgencies, due to unfounded apprehensions of Indian politicians of a military coup and attempts of Babus to control military like police, India made a mid course correction and shifted the strategy of counter insurgency operations from Iron hands to Iron Hands with Velvet Gloves. Since adoption of such strategy, India is witnessing increase in insurgency which has now even engulfed the Central India under Maoists. Insurgency in Punjab failed as population refused to support a foreign funded insurgency. But the threats of it making returns in much larger areas of entire North India still exist. 

The Kashmir Valley, which was brought under control over 10-15 years of counter insurgency operations by military suffering very heavy losses not only in terms of troops killed but also troops court martial  for violations of Human Rights, is disturbed again. Troops acting like police, are put under defensive mindsets and taking beatings of organised stone peltings. A situation which was brought under control by army in-spite of Pak interference  has been mismanaged by politicians and situation is again back to worst. Political parties like  National Conference are fishing in troubled waters and BJP is still hoping against all hopes for peace in valley on its own. Valley is burning due to four main reasons. 

1. First time in history, people of Jammu have become partners in state governance where in BJP and PDP have coalition govt.  The situation is not palatable to many in Valley who so far have always controlled political power in the state. 

2. Political parities like national conference, which lost power in last elections, are fishing in troubled water to regain political control by making governance by coalition govt impossible.

3. Pakistan naturally has intensified her attempts to gain geo-political upper hand over India but even then is not in position to fuel situation as she did in late nineties using Afghans. Using Punjabis for this purpose like Afghans, carries an inherent risk of backlash back home which Pakistan will surely avoid. 

4. Though BJP govt is projecting a brave and bold face but fact is that the strategy of counter insurgency operations of Iron hands with velvet gloves as followed  by NDA govt has been diluted to Iron hands with velvet gloves wearing bangles. 

Stone pelters and those who are organizing such crimes are not only allowed to violate laws but also given encouragements by ordering forces to take their beatings. The situation is surely alarming and carries the risks of troops melting like as they did in 1962 at Sela in NEFA. Compulsion of coalition Govt forcing BJP making adjustments with PDP are pushing the state to high intensity of civilian disturbances risking national security. Surprisingly military intensity of resistance of insurgents is still low but can be escalated swiftly if civilian disturbances remain high.  

Pakistan is due for elections. Nawaz Sharif came to power in Pakistan breaking hold of PPP by using home grown militant groups. International pressure, deteriorating security situation within country and certain terrorists groups challenging authority of military, has forced Pakistan to act against hostile terrorists but protecting friendly ones.   But such military pressures do not fetch votes. With approaching elections, Nawaz sharif is likely to use Kashmir disturbances to please friendly terrorists who in turn can help him win next elections. Let us not forget BJP enjoys good relations with PMLN and will not like PPP in power. 

Pakistan on other hand, in the same period, shifted her strategy of Hammer to Crush to strategy of Iron Hands. It helped her avoid imposition of Martial Laws. The results seems encouraging in SWAT and Karachi however due to hostile terrain results are not very encouraging in Baluchistan. The levels of terrorist attacks in Pakistan have come down significantly. Military Courts are quick to give death penalties to anti national criminals. 

The need of the hour is to take a professional view of disturbed security situation in the country. Increase in area and intensity of insurgency in country is worrisome issue. The insurgency surely needs a right military dose. Indian doing experiments with insurgency by bringing methods which in military strategy can not be validated, should be avoided.

Who in govt controls situation is not clear? India has no defense minister. Is it Home Minister or NSA or PM or Ram Madhave of RSS? 

Valley dominated by Brahman converted Muslims, has a very high levels of political consciousness. These people refused to even accommodate Muslims of Mirpur due to caste differences which became one of the reason of Kashmir dispute. These people are again refusing to adjust democratically with the people of Jammu, Doda  and Leh. 

Kashmir has only one solution and that is allow Kashmiris to settle in Valley to give it a regional cosmopolitan shape. Army is competent enough to hold Pakistan.

Let military act like military, Dont try to use lions as sheep as if lions leave man eating habits and learn to survive on grass then who will deal with the beasts. 

Hope good sense prevails.












Thursday, March 30, 2017

Politics of Extreme Polarization & Inherent Risks to National Security

Polarization is a natural process of bipolar existence and is reflected in every aspect of life. All forces in universe are manifestation of bipolar energies playing dance with each other. Bipolarity in essence is cause of cosmic dance which sustains lives and is reflected in each and every expression including human behavior, thoughts and politics. 

Since ancient times, natural course of polarization in politics has affected socio-economic and political evolution of mankind and India is no exception.  In India, which has a very complex social composition and equations of castes and religions, politics of polarization has always played key role in power politics. Whenever powers of polarization were intense and extreme, it resulted into a very high levels of violence and destruction every-time making India vulnerable, divided and weak.   

In ancient times; Parashuram; a mixed blood Brahman, used the forces of polarization to check growing political power of Jaduvanshi Kchatriyas. As is said Parashuram united all non Jaduvanshis to launch thirty six attacks to push them out of Central India (It appears that these wars were fought between Assyrians and Sumerians being on one side and Jaduvanshi Parthians being on other side and fought in Babylonia. The story is based on Parashuram Smriti, which are stories brought by migrants into India). Alignment of masses in favour of Parashuram gifted them political power and lasted till rule of Rawan. The military campaigns of Parashuram resulted into worst genocide carried out in Indian History (In Indian context it is the history of people and not only land. Many People have been migrants. India is land of Migrants).

The polarization created by Parashuram in due course of time gave birth to reverse polarization when Ram, a Kchatriya organised masses and tribes including Vanaras to defeat a Brahman King Rawan who had protection of Parashuram. It may be noted that Bharat was born to Jaduvanshi mother and he was rightful inheritor of throne as per treaty of Dashrath with father of Kaykai. 

Similarly in Mahabharat two groups of descendants of Yayati  (Jajati) who called themselves Partha/ Aryans fought with each other when one force became too dominant and refused to adjust with other peacefully. Alignment of Masses in fovour of Arjuna tilted the balance ( Ram and Parashuram never called themselves Aryans. The use of word Aryan started with Parthians using it during time of Mahabharat).

Later in history , when Shoodra and Budhist rulers were dominant in India, rise of statue worshiping Brahmanism brought by migrants from Arabia, Babylonia and Egypt, resulted into many bloody battles. Pushyamitra Sunga; a Brahman committed yet another worst genocide of Budhists in Indian History. (India is a land of Native Shoodras except Uttarapath which was under Parthian/Aryan. These Shoodras are present today in every castes including Brahmans. Statue worshiping religion of Brahmanism is the religion of migrants who came from Middle East and wrote Parashuram and Manu Smriti in India. Let us not forget India is land of Yagna and advait mat and not statue worshipers and followers of dvait manu smriti).  

The polarization between Budhism, Jainism, Shaivism, Krishnaism on one side and Brahmanism on other side saw rise and fall of many empires/ kings and resulted into many bloody battles.

By the time of Kanishka and Harsha, Brahaminism was marginalized by Budhism, which by now had mixed with Jainisms, Shaivism and Krishnaism to lay foundation of Sanatan Dharma, Brahmanism then aligned with rising Islam which resulted into many Arab raids into India and finally invasion of neo Islamists from Central Asia. This new alignment of power gave birth to new polarization resulting into marginalization of dominant Budhism in India and emergence of Muslim-Brahmanism Alliance. 

Muslims ruled India in close alliance with Brahmanism wherein a power sharing arrangement emerged. Muslims were rulers, Brahmans and their close allies like Kayasthas and some segments of Baniyas, were revenue collector and land record keepers and they together acted as political advisers of Muslims. Many Buddhist kings who with change of power dynamics adopted Brahmanism through a process of purification, retained their power under Muslim rule as their allies.

Aggressive Islamic-Brahman rule created yet another reverse polarization when under Bhakti movement masses organised and staged resistance. It gave birth to rise of Maratha, Jat and Sikh powers who were supported by masses. Unitedly they neutralized  aggressive Islamic- Brahman alliance and created a new power balance. The new power equation thus created a process of integration and assimilation to give birth of a Hindustani identity which followed the basic fundamentals of Sanatan Dharma where in Islam and other religions like Christianity were also accommodated. Assimilation with Brahmanism also started. India was settling when British arrived.

When the India was at peace under the rule of people and Dalits were being given new respect (Marathas, Jats and Sikhs recruited them in their armies and gave them official positions including new names like Mahar, Jatav and Ramgharias), British arrived with much more advanced technology and warfare techniques. Brahmanism found an opportunity and leaving the path of Sanatan Dharma aligned with British power.

Treaty of Vasai sealed the strategic alliance between British and Brahmanism and resulted into British rule. Once having captured power in India, clever British started neutralizing political power of Brahmanism. Peshwa was deported to Bithoor in Kanpur. Aggressive British attempted to consolidate political power and created a new form of polarization which led to 1857 revolt by masses.

After 1857, British changed their political strategy in India. They divided Indians into two dimensions of powers and created a very clever separation among them. Soft power of dominating caste of Brahmans, Kasythas and Baniyas and hard power of martial castes spread across all religions and castes including some gotras among Brahmans and Dalits. Soft power was given space in peaceful democratic politics wherein, It gave birth to Congress and other political parties like Hindu Mahasabha and social groups like RSS. Hard power manifested itself into British Indian Army and Princely States which had martial castes including Dalits and Tribal dominance.

British took care of marginalized suppressed Dalits and gave space to the rise of leaders like Baba Saheb Ambedkar who staked claim in power politics of India.

Within the hard power structure of India, British gave enough space to Muslims. However absence of Muslim leaders in soft power dimension and emergence of dominance of Brahmanism in new form of Hindutwa within it (rise of leaders like militant Tilak & Sawarkar and increased Hindutwa character of Congress), made some Muslim leaders like Jinnah suspicious. It polarized the soft power space and gave push to emergence of movement for Muslim Pakistan based on two nation theory. Newly emerging argument of fierce Hindu nationalism by many leaders like Tilak and Sawarkar and increased Brahmanised character of Congress in fact strengthened the argument for Muslim Pakistan.

WW I & II shook the foundation of British empire and helped rise of American power with Jews funding. In emerging new geo-political order, it made more sense for British to bi polarize Indian politics on communal lines to create a fault line between Hindus and Muslims.  Accordingly British with US consent, cleverly exploited prevailing bipolarity in soft power space and fueled two nation theory being advocated by some of Muslim leaders and equally fueled and supported by Hindu Rasthra theory (resurgence of  Brahmanism in new form).

Creation of Pakistan helped power projection of USA and UK alliance in Geo political space against Russia and also created weakness within South Asia by creating a communal fault line based on two nation and Hindu Rashtra theories. If two nation theory polarized Hindu and Muslims then Hindu Rashtra theory in addition created multiple fault lines in Indian society where in it also made other religious and social groups like Sikhs, Jains, Budhists, many tribes, many social groups like Jats, Marathas, Patels, Gurjars, Ahirs, Dalits and many more insecure.

Let us not forget that since inception till Indira Gandhi, though congress advocated secularism but in practice it always was dominated by moderate Neo Hindu Rashtrawadi leaders (a new avtar of Brahmanism). Hindu Rashtrawad deviates from teaching of Sanatan Dharma to create a religion for political and commercial purpose. The difference between strategy of Congress and Hindu Mahasabha or RSS is only that Congress practiced (till Indira) moderate and passive neo- Hindu nationalism and others aggressive/ militant and proactive Hindu Rashtrawad. In fact both express repackaged  Brahmanism in new form and are two faces of same coin of Brahmanism.

During British rule, emergence of two nation theory and Brahmanist Hindu Rashtrawad destroyed accommodating and assimilating Hindustani culture of Sanatan Dharma as emerging in Pre British Period.

British after creating Pakistan, left India to her fate in hands of Congress dominated by moderate passive Brahmanist Hindu nationalist leaders who put a very clever political strategy in place to take total control over political power. To leaders of soft power as expressed by Congress, martial castes holding hard power were treated as a threat. Prevailing political situation was cleverly polarized in favor of soft power of moderate Hindu Congress by two pronged strategy:-

1. Gaining political support of insecure groups like Muslims, tribal and dalits and creating a poll winning robust formula of Brahman- Muslim-Dalit/Tribal to have control over political power.

2. Progressive isolation, division, defamation, weakening and marginalization of farming martial castes and maintenance of insecurity among Muslims through riots and among Dalits/ Tribals portraying Martial Castes as Goondas and Criminal. 

At time of Partition, Muslims in India felt insecure and favored congress for protection. Congress cleverly kept Muslim insecurity alive by constantly staging communal riots, maintaining armed dispute with Pakistan and taking help of militant groups advocating aggressive Hindutwa like RSS. In fact all actions of RSS till Indira Gandhi helped Cong politically.

Congress strategy to keep Dalits and Tribal to her side was bit different. They were given reservation in political power structure of India (which was rejected when Muslims during British period demanded same), reservation in govt jobs, certain legal protections, promise of ownership of agricultural lands and generating fear of Goondaism of Martial Castes (Modi in recent election has used the word Goonda/ Criminals playing same politics). The strategy though helped Congress to remain in power but in reality did not help Dalits in their economic upliftment and assimilation with rest of the society. Yes untouchability to some extent has been diluted but a new identity of Dalits has emerged.

Let us not forget, politics of reservation is most deceptive and cunning strategy. In reality, it brings only 24% reservation in jobs in organised sector and with almost 50% positions being vacant the real gains in jobs are only 12% and that too is taken by creamy layer whereas real loot is happening through banks where almost 20% of the bulk of bank business loans given to high castes, are stressed. In addition, 8 lakh temples in India provide a very secure and safe money supply to this lobby. They hold almost 8000 tons of Gold which if used can remove the poverty of India. India in fact is a rich country of deliberately kept poor people. 

Politically, the above strategy polarized Indian society into two. One power center was reflected in Brahman, Muslims and Dalit alignment and other was in dis-organised martial castes. Congress put forth the strategy to weaken martial castes and their hard power by:

1. Some of the martial castes of Brahmans and Dalits aligned with rest of them and supported Congress.

2. Initial Isolation of princely states, then their systematic marginalization and then its unconstitutional abolition just after 1971 war when popularity of Indra was at its peak. Please note that Shashi Tharoor in his latest book "An Era of Darkness" has admired princely states for looking after farmers better than British. In fact performance of Cong rule in Independence India has been worst than even British. Shashi Tharoor has kept quite on it. Princely States have given the biggest sacrifice of giving away their sovereign power to create the Idea of India and yet they have always been portrayed as Goondas. In fact they together deserve the Bharat Ratna to make India happen. 

3. Abolition of Zamindaris and land holdings ( Land Ceiling Act)  in name of socialism. Most of the land holders were martial castes.

4. Putting agricultural products selling and price control mechanism in place in name of creating food security. It created total control of govt over rural economy with no say of farmers. Most of them being from martial castes and communities. They suffered and are suffering.

5. Preventing farmers from change of land usage without Govt approvals thus debarring them from making its use for business by raising debt from banks.

6. Disarming martial castes by Arms Control Act.

7. Not developing education infrastructure & banking in rural areas to keep them in age of darkness. And also not providing same banking and tax advantages as given to business communities (like HUF). In fact almost 90% bank loans for business since independence has been given to high caste lobby.

8.  Defaming martial castes branding them as Goondas, criminals and fools. Post independence movies helped in creation and sustenance of such fear and impressions.

9. Isolating and marginalizing martial castes based army from political decision making of the govt and reducing the salary, compensation and support systems of soldiers. It further hit the martial castes and rural economy. After 1973 Indra went ahead to even tweak officers cadres to have her loyalists in key positions.

The above strategy helped Congress till Indira not to govern but rule India. However it also created reverse polarization wherein political landscape saw emergence of third front and political regionalism.

After death of Indira, Rajiv emerged as leader riding sympathy wave. But here was the problem. He was married to a foreigner Sonia Gandhi of a Christian faith and was not seen as a moderate Hindu leader and same was not acceptable to many other high caste temple lobbies. To please them Rajiv even allowed opening of locks in Ayodhya in disputed Babri Mosque but it did not win him their favour and at last he was eliminated.

By now, more aware Muslims and Dalits, who were also desperate for inclusive growth, searched for more political options and started switching support away from Congress. Marginalized farmers most being martial castes, were becoming assertive under their leaders like Charan Singh. The extreme polarization which kept Congress in power weakened. India thus moved into an era of political coalition and adjustments which brought many benefits.

It is surprising to note that India has made rapid growth in the era of political coalition and regionalism. Governance become more responsive and inclusive. India saw higher GDP growth. Till Indira, when the total political control remained in hands of Congress, the GDP growth of India was lesser than even British period. In fact the era of political coalition and regionalism has opened new opportunities to put India as developing economies.

It also had its pitfalls, as political battles became intensive and more divided, it gave prominence to political funding thus giving rise to corporate manipulation of political policies and rise of crony capitalism.

Naturally the era of coalition and regionalism is not palatable to Hindu Rashtrawadis, who till now had ruled India as moderate Congressmen. The new power polarization was required to put them back in absolute power control.  Rise of Islamic radicalism in Middle East, Afghanistan and to some extent in Pakistan has provided them an opportunity of polarizing people. The new game thus started and new multi pronged strategy as under for grabbing political power has been put in place:

1. Keep mask of development as face. As people in all section of society need development so launch certain populist schemes to keep them mesmerized.

2. Keep political funding in control by assured support to crony capitalists. Govt policies favour rich.

3. Polarise people on Hindutwa and Muslim terror lines but do not adopt Congress strategy of triggering riots. If riots helped congress to maintain insecurities among Muslims for votes, fear of Muslim terror has helped consolidation of non Muslim vote making Brahmanist Hindutwa more attractive as reverse polarisation. Keep using Pakistan and few actions by own army to strengthen the argument.

4. Create more social fault lines by creating more identities like maha Dalits and maha OBCs to create more divisions and exploit it for political advantage.

5. Keep conflict with Pakistan alive and use it for polarization. After all it helps politicians on both side of borders. If Congress has best relations with PPP of Pakistan then BJP is having similar relations with PMNL. 

The above strategy has succeeded in creating polarization of almost same intensity which was achieved post independence during Congress rule. BJP hopes to rule India for another 15-20 years using same strategy but creation of more social fault lines is a dangerous trend which may result into new reverse polarized alignments and carries the risk of division of the country if it goes out of control.

Political desperation for power using intense and extreme polarization strategy and possibility of reverse polarization in same intensity, is hurting the foundation and idea of India. Some in western power block are happy to see new fault lines which may at last check the growth of India sinking her in darkness of violence like Pakistan. Regional violent polarization of Hindu- Muslim in South Asia will also help these vested interests in Western block to divert attention of radical Islam from West to India. Radical Islam is posing serious threat to global peace specially so Western Economic Powers. It needs to be contained and best way is to pitch it against Hindutwa. Most unfortunate part is, many in India are willing to play this Western funded game and push India into darkness of violence.

Though power game of polarization and reverse polarization are natural phenomenon but are required to be kept below critical limits of tolerance. Any crossing of lines breaking these critical limits carry risk of violent reactions and shall be avoided.

India has no choice but to follow the path of Sanatan Dharma of Hindustani Tahzeeb as is also structured in her constitution. History is testimony to the fact that India has performed best when political debates have been done peacefully and conducted under the principles  of Santan Dharma. Whenever the intense pressures has been used India has witnessed the worst kind of violence.

In given situation and under the present Constitution, as long as we have a strong professional military to uphold national sovereign power, the pitch of internal political debate for elections shall be kept below critical limits of tolerance.  Our military shall be powerful enough to neutralize any internal or external threat to defend Constitution. There is no need to increase the pitch of political debates to the levels of shouting and fist raising. The graceful conduct of politics is an essential need of the hours as political pitch is surely rising to create intense polarization which is a threat to national security and must be avoided at all cost.

India has no option but build her future on foundation of Sanatan Dharma assimilating and infusing every religion, faith and belief to set and example of co existence and harmony. Such path shall also guide the world to manage differences and conflicts towards achieving global peace. In information age, when rigidness of religious ideas must soften up to reason science and knowledge, India shall not create a religion out of Sanatan Dharma which it is not. Education and development to remove poverty is the bigger challenge.

Radicalism in Islam threatening world peace is passing natural phase wherein modern and ancient Islams are at conflicts. It will settle down with process of reasoning and some military actions. It will be defeated at last and Muslims need help for same. It shall not give a ground for Indians to adopt to reactive radical ideas and invite conflict & destruction to themselves. Indian Muslims are more like rest of Indians in behavior and reject violence. Some aberrations may be there but Indian authorities are capable enough to deal with it. There is surely no need for public to panic and take this battle in rigid manner to streets. India shall not allow rise of non state actors. We shall learn from the bad and failed experiments of Pakistan.

Hope good sense prevails. Greed of power shall not push the future of our children to darkness and invite yet another violent division of India and this time it may be in many parts. India is nation of many sub-nationalities which are well integrated in the glue of Sanatan Dharma. Sanatan Dharma is based on reason and freedom to carry out modern interpretation of ancient thoughts. It is the most apt path to the human future. 









 







































Difference Between Sanatan Dharma and Hindutwa. Sanatan Dharma Accommodates All Religions Including Islam

In political circle use of word 'Hindutwa' is quite frequent and being used for politics of polarisation. General impression is being created among youths that Hindutwa is nothing but Sanatan Dharma. But is it so? Let us carry out a check?

Q 1 - Are Sanatan Dharma & Hindutwa not same?

Answer -

No. Sanatan Dharma is more of way of life which is supposed to be lived following certain fundamentals which are more of humane in nature and is not a religion. Whereas Hindutwa makes an attempt to make a religion out of Sanatan Dharma and pitches it against other religions like Islam and Christianity and tries to use it for political advantage.

Q 2- What is the difference between Dharma and Religion?

Answer:-

Sanatan Dharma is broad path for humans which can have many panths and sampradya. Sanatan Dharma talks about human lives as a flow of rivers, which may have origin like steams from different places, travel in different country side but at the end meet in same sea. It talks of unity in diversity. Krishna said in Geeta every human shall follow his own path as he believes is right. Sanatan Dharma is based on four main fundamentals

1. Objective of human life is to liberate from sufferings and achieve Nirvana or Mokcha by realising truth of cosmic existence. Every religion including Islam has described this stage in different forms as perceived or understood in a given time and place. Every enlighten human may describe it in his own words.

2. To achieve that humans shall make attempt to awaken consciousness (Chetna) or follow path of Bhakti as with out awakening consciousness or bhakti  it is not possible to achieve Nirvana or Mokcha. God is interpreted as per the stage of consciousness. People of lesser consciousness worship statues whereas with higher consciousness follow the path of Chintan and meditation  .

3. Every human shall use the God gifted reason to awaken consciousness as it is not possible to do so without constant reasoning with self and with surroundings. It is fundamental right of every human to reason every teachings and adopt it as per his or her understanding. Sanatan Dharma discourages indoctrination of minds to create false strong and impulsive impressions of blind faiths.

4. The human reasoning shall be done in the atmosphere of peace where all emotions are stable and balanced and the reason can prevail. Called Sat Sangh- The company of truth.

Sanatan Dharma applies above fundamental principles on all humans and gives them freedom to choose  their own path as realized by them provided above principles are not violated. The teachings of Sanatan Dharma can accommodate any religion and have universal applications.

Whereas Hinduism as promoted by concept of Hindutwa is more like religion which tries to differentiate from other religions. Religions by concept have more strict codes and does not give space to reason. It wants humans to follow and believe what is preached by few notified people of elite classes. Religions promote indoctrination of minds and support radicalism.  Religions have political objectives of establishing supremacy of one thought over others. Religions try to control money and always have commercial objectives as part of its order. Extreme radicalism may lead to barbaric violence.

Hindutwa tries to create a religious order citing teachings of Sanatan Dharma and adopts a very narrow approach.

Q 3. How is it so that approach of Sanatan Dharma is broad and can be followed by all humans and approach of Hindutwa is narrow?

Answer

Sanatan Dharma is not only broad but it has 360 degree approach in all three dimensions of human existence. A Muslim following Islam peacefully reasoning its teaching interpreting it in light of modern science is following Sanatan Dharma as any other Budhist, or Chritian or Sikhs, Or Jain or Jews, or Shaive or vaishnav in similar manner. Where as Hindutwa tries to hi jack teachings of Sanatan Dharam to present it as religion playing it against religions.

Question 4. So does it mean concept of Hindutwa tries to degrade Sanatan Dharma?

Answer

yes. As explained Sanatan Dharma has very broad based approach and acts as glue to cement brotherhood and love among all faiths where as Hindutwa tries to create a very narrow faith.







Sunday, January 15, 2017

Legacy of Raaj: President Living Like Viceroy, PM like King, IAS like Lords and Sahayaks in Army

In last three days, media is in full swing to create TRP by reporting news in sensational manner over issues like food and Sahayaks in forces, crossing lines in alarming manner and creating dangerous wedge between officers and soldiers. Enemy agents are trying to exploit situation to trigger rebellion in forces. Certain posts of alarming nature are being circulated by certain political groups in Whts App suggesting rebellion. Just for votes and political power certain political groups are singing chorus with enemies. Situation surely is not healthy and causes concerns in minds of patriotic citizens. If govt fails, military is there to hold the country but if military fails even God will not save us. Shamelessly in alarming manner military is being attacked which so far has been a single institution in the country which has withstood test of time.  Worst, while sensationalising issue no media house has pointed out that an army proposal is pending with Govt on Sahayaks for few years. Why is govt sitting over it?

There is no doubt that certain legacy of Raaj are acting as barriers to delivery of good governance and efficient administration. India on the path of growth surely can not sustain it for longer times unless such barriers having roots in British Raaj are removed. Major Barriers are:

1. President lives like a British Viceroy in huge house with thousands in his service moving around in horses buggy where as government staff has no place for offices. Ideally President shall be shifted to a house like Teen Murthy Bhawan and scales of staff and facilities scaled down to level which suits a president of a poor country like India and his present house shall be used to house key offices and host key national events like cabinet oath taking, cabinet meetings ect and visiting international dignitaries

2.  PM and their families are creating new legacies like royals, Even their family members being given life time free govt accommodation, transport and huge security. Every PM on his death needs a memorial on Yamuna Bank and museum in Got accommodation where his kins can stay and have offices. 

3. MPs are not behind and scaling up their perks and benefits day by day. A MP is given a life time pension even if he attends parliament to disrupt it for one hour whereas in army a short service commission officer even after serving ten years including in operations is not given any pension. Politicians are creating new avenues of life time pensions by creating new awards. 

4. Civil administration has four tier British colonial structure which only serves IAS. A Tahseeldar or BDO who is in touch with public may retire as Tahseeldar or BDO with no motivation to work but an IAS must retire as secretory with highest possible salary grade, promotions and highest pension for life. Britsh were still considerate of some services where in they made sure that an ICS officer with minimum 15 years service and experience in district is made collector. Now we have IAS with just 3 years of service with baby experience managing key administrative unit enjoying all perks with a big staff and fleet of cars which adds on to his ego and arrogance rather then grooming him as public servant to serve people. Lack of ground experience and blind wisdom due to ego and arrogance among IAS is the single biggest reason for delay in decision makings and most of govt schemes failing due to bad planning and poor execution. No where in the world Govt administration has four tiers with separate cadre entries. It defies all logic of professionalism as required for delivery of good administration. In time of specialization generalists with no sense history, social sciences and economics are administrative leaders.  

5. India is country where British used military police to control people. Present day police structure is based on military organisation to control people rather than having a community policing model to serve people. It also follows four tier colonial model having four distinct cadres. It just can not deliver community policing and the result is that today almost 99% of the IPC officers have not even investigated and solved more than ten cases. Police leadership like IAS lacks ground experience and they move around like Military Generals scaring people.  

6. Judiciary has totally collapsed. There are huge corruptions in courts. Delivery of justice takes decades. On top of it, Judges are rewarding themselves with servants even after retirements and write Justice as title once retired. Community justice system is missing. Jury system has been destroyed. People are suffering. Good people avoid courts to accept sufferings. 

7. Military is still structured on WW II model which can not meet the requirements of modern hybrid wars. Military still follows the colonial model of having a deep separation between officers and PBORs.   It still maintains distinct JCO cadre who are actually gazetted officers but are paid and treated like non gazetted. Worst it has tried to copy bureaucracy by inflating ranks and promotions. Today Indian army companies are commanded by Lt Cols whereas worldwide   same are commanded by Captains. Army has become top heavy creating more drains on resources. It still maintains sahayak system. Effective higher management of Military is missing. Imbalance in structure is naturally creating frustrations and inefficiencies. 

8. Other govt organisations are not legging behind in this unjust race to grab resources. NFU is one such examples which rewards inefficiency. 

British created a model to control people and not to serve them. India since independence has not reviewed its governance administration structure. Present structure where cadres pay more attention to grab more share in loot, just can not deliver. It is totally unprofessional and needs major structural reforms to overhaul it to make it people focused. Unfortunately that is no where in sight. Lobbies and unions are preventing it to happen. Who so ever is in decision making is looting best. Whoever can lobby best is getting next best loot. Isolated military finds it self totally isolated and marginalized affecting its moral and functioning.  Net result is in addition to inefficiency poor country is almost spending Rs 60000 crores per annum just to feed these loots. 

Unless India overhauls its administration structure the promise of growth and prosperity will always remain a dream. Worst if it is not now and allowed to rot like this, it will turn into a security threat by giving birth to more rural insurgencies and city mafias.  

It is high time Govt forms a committee of independent expert of global standing (keeping IAS and judges away) which shall submit its recommendations to a committee of MPs/ Govt to create an efficient model which can serve the need of efficient delivery of services to people for next 25 years.
The committee of experts shall look into the structure and compensation models comprehensively. Accordingly then a law be  put in place to stop loots by various lobbies and cadres.  










Friday, January 13, 2017

Is It Only Question of Watery Daal and Burnt Roti of BSF or There are Certain Fundamental Issues at Its Core Threating National Security?


Two videos of BSF & CRPF constables complaining about poor food quality, living conditions and salaries have gone viral in social media compelling PMO to ask details of the case. If, it was not the social media making massive number of people reacting, these two acts would have been ignored. If seen in eyes of discipline of forces, both acts violate established rules of forces and need actions against these constables. However the issues raised by them may also not be ignored and is surely a subject of investigations. 

Prompt reaction of PMO and Home Minister without waiting for report and actions of senior officers and also disclosing it to press under pressure from public actually undermines disciplined atmosphere of CAPF and is surely not advisable. It encourages indiscipline and makes jobs of senior officers to control constables more difficult. Political leadership needs to learn art of managing public pressure and not destroy the functioning of CAPF and autonomy of chain of superior officers. 
Nevertheless govt surely needs to investigate certain key issues discreetly without making it an issue of public debate. 

The issue showcases the tip of undercurrent of frustration which prevails among CAPF. An avoidable social media outburst by constables needs a comprehensive looks rather than just taking it as a question of Daal and Roti and discipline in forces? 

1. Are the entitlements adequate to meet the calorie requirements of constables in field conditions?

2. Are the cooking conditions hygienic and method of cooking adequate to make food tasty and palatable?  

3. Are the procurement and supply systems adequate? 

4. Are there sufficient procedure to check the quality and cooking conditions by officers? 

5. Is there corruption and officers are engaged in selling rations as alleged? 

6. Are the living conditions of troops in field areas hygienic and they have adequate and suitably comfortable arrangements for their beds, toilets, bathing and clean drinking water? 

7. Do the posts have adequate man days available to look after their administration as well as carry out required operations effectively?

8. In addition to manning, do the posts have required additional lightening and security support system like electronic surveillance and barbed wired perimeter fencing to make posts effectively secured?  

9. Is the chain of command responsive and have adequate authority and financial empowerment to tackle any problem which may arise in due course of duty?

10. Are the officers adequately engaged with constables? 

11. Most serious of all. Why did in spite of existence for such  long time they fail to manage an effective system?

Certain other stress factors adding into the fuel of frustration which led to above embarrassing outburst surely cannot be ruled out.  
  
The above outburst has also generated an unpleasant, unjustified and unpalatable debate of parity with army soldiers. It is very unfortunate and alarming that prolonged deployment of army in CI ops which is actually their secondary role to be undertaken only in extreme emergency and for short durations, has degraded status of army to be misperceived as police force. Use of army type uniform by CAPF, which is illegal in eyes of law, has also strengthened above wrong perception.

Primary role of army and terms and conditions of their job profile is totally different than CAPF.  Military is master of national sovereignty under its civilian supreme commander; President and governed by international conventions. It operates in geo-strategic space of foreign lands. Military is an essential enabling tool of national foreign policy and engages itself in military diplomacy and war to impose national will if required. Whereas CAPF operate within national boundaries or under military frontlines in wars under military (In war battle front lines are working boundaries). 

Nevertheless, principles of natural justice demand, that in same working conditions the compensation allowances shall be same but while doing so the principle of average career compensation cannot be ignored. Military is already fighting its case with govt and has been demanding certain principles, formula, benchmarks and standards for govt compensation structure for various services. 

After 1973, when 3rd pay commission changed the well established principles of govt salary structure as decided by first govt under PM Nehru, the problem erupted. Just to reward IAS, subsequent pay commissions have been making the govt pay structures more and more complex. It has resulted into creation of totally unprofessional, unjustified and unbalanced govt administrative cadre and compensation structures creating problems for all. Pay commissions  have only rewarded IAS.

Situation is alarming when it is noted that each arm of govt which is in position of decision making is, rewarding itself without caring about justice. MPs and MLAs have given themselves totally unjustified compensation structures. Politicians even for a single hour in parliament or assembly disrupting proceedings, reward themselves a life time OROP based pension whereas short service commissioned officers in army even after serving nation for 10 years don’t get pension. Politicians are also taking the excuse of security threat to reward them life time govt accommodation, transport and massive security cover at cost of public money. In addition, govts are constituting, various awards and pensions to grant certain additional pensions to politicians and their other key loyalists. 

Judges are not behind. In addition to their fat salaries and pensions for delivering pathetic justice system, they have rewarded themselves servants even after retirements. People wait for justice for decades and face huge corruption in courts but judges must loot govt treasuries. 

Pay commissions have become tools in hands of IAS to reward themselves.  They have ensured that every IAS officer even being most corrupt and inefficient retires from highest grade and pension with OROP. Many unwanted organisations have been created by them to create more perks and benefits. Even after retirement if they face corruption cases, their unions make sure that govt is forced to protect them. Other officers of other govt cadres are not behind IAS. On excuse of parity their unions have ensured grant of NFU to themselves even if they are not promoted. 

In last 70 years govt after govts, have failed to assure minimum wages and social security for masses but shameless and unjustified loot of public money by public servants is continuing.  Today a situation exists where in just to reward politicians, judges and IAS, GOI is spending approximately Rs 60000 crores public money per annum extra on sustaining the govt structure which actually delivers bad governance and inefficient administration. It could be more if a detailed investigation is done.

In eyes of law all these classes are public servants but in line with best HR practices as established and followed worldwide, there exist no principles, formula and justification of cadre and compensation structures for various govt services.  Whosoever is in decision making loots best. Who so ever can lobby best gets next best loot. Disciplined services; like Military, Para Military and CAPF (bulk of them coming from rural areas and middle and lower income groups), are silenced in name of discipline and managing threat to democracy and left with simmering discomfort and anger. On top of that some try to manage this anger cunningly creating divide among them. 

Anarchy exists. No one seems to be in control. But can this anger which has a possibility of exploding be left unattended? If govt or civil administration or CAPF collapse, country can still survive to revive under military but if military structure collapses nation cannot live even for a single day. India lives in the most dangerous and volatile region of the world. 

Considering the alarming situation of shameless loot there is surely a need for expert and honest interventions. There is need for a law to fix basic principles of cadre structure and compensations for various public services. Based on these law then actual salaries, pensions, allowances and perks can be fixed keeping in mind the minimum wages of common civilian worker and provision of social security for masses. Judges and IAS surely lack expertise to recommend such structure and laws and they also have vested interests. There is therefore need for creation of a committee of parliament and committee of independent civilian experts on working our best possible govt administrative organization and compensation structure. The following procedure shall be followed:

1. Committees of independent experts constituted with best in the world shall recommend over all govt administrative structure, various cadre strengths, basic principles of compensations for all public servants including politicians and judges, and formula for calculating minimum wages of civilian worker and social security of masses. Compensation structures of the public servants shall be connected with the minimum wages and social security of masses. 

2. Compensation structure of military, para military and CAPF shall be based on established principles.

3. The concept of average career compensation and average compensation index to draw parity shall be taken as terms of reference.

4. The committee of civilian experts then shall submit its report to Committee of Parliament which shall then take views of military, para military, CAPF, various cadre and trade unions and again refer it back to committee of independent expert for their views. No direct interaction between independent expert committee and various unions shall be allowed. Views of Chief Justice shall also be taken. The committee shall also take public opinion. 

5. Expert Committee of parliament then shall submit the report to Govt which in turn then draft out a law and present it in parliament for debate and passing it as law for consent of president. 

6. Based on this law various pay commissions (one each for politicians, judges, military, CAPF and civil public servants) shall then recommend cadre and salary structures only once. 

7. The laws shall then be reviewed every 25 years. Within these 25 years compensation structures shall automatically adjust based on given principles and formulas. 

Unless the fundamental principles of natural justice and law are followed, such complexities affecting the functioning of govt will continue. When millions sleep in the country hungry without jobs and shelter, bad governance is emerging as security threat to a nation of billion people. Unless the govt machinery has well oiled administration and forces no executive decision can be implemented effectively. Public servants cannot continue rewarding themselves when masses do not have minimum assured wages and social security. 

People make nation. Nation is not for public servants. Public servants must serve people. If they fail and continue looting as it is happening now, then please remember the words of Krishna “ Hey Arjun! Asat ki to satta nahee hai aur sat ka abhave nahee hai” ( injustice has no right over sovereignty of justice and sovereign justice based on truth surely exist. Its matter of time, when revolution by masses, will defeat injustice. Its fundamental principle of concept of Kala (time) which always moves in direction of truth and can be ignored only on peril of the nation. 

Time is friend of none. It is cruel and ruthless and brings destruction if truth doesn’t prevail. India has been formed on principle of Satya Mev Jayatey. Let truth be victorious. Let good sense prevail among those who are looting this country risking her very survival. Before it is too late wake up and act. 

One more point in addition, apparently it seems, as now the govt is in process of deciding allowances, at least the video of CRPF constable looks instigated and motivated and possibility of officers involvement cannot be ruled out. If true, it amounts to serious breach of discipline and govt must take note of it.  

Friday, January 6, 2017

Brief Review of Political Scenario in India By A Military Veteran

National PoliticaScenario

  1. Indian democracy is not a governance by mandate of majority (more than 50%)  but political manipulation by minority voice where a coalition with just over 30% votes can form the govt. 
  2.  Possibility of govt of minority voices opens up space for caste or religion based political maneuvers resulting into promotion of hate and divisions among society causing national security concern.
  3. All major political parties in India are controlled by lobbies or families with no space of internal democracy within. Indian democracy is actually politics by autocracy which counter-minds the spirit of democracy. 
  4. Funding of all major parties are not transparent. Major capitalists fund and support them to bargain policy concessions. It is also a serious security concern as it gives space for foreign powers and agents to own political parties in India. 
  5. Criminalisation of politics is on rise across all parties.
  6. India probably is only country in the democratic world, where civil servants specially so young IAS officers with very less administrative experience and maturity as collectors of district, become returning officers with final say on filing of papers of nomination and announcement of results. It promotes Babu- Politician nexus.
  7. Political regionalism is on rise. Though one hand it is having positive influence in terms of more performance challenges giving rise to growth and more space for regional voice but on other hand it also encourages political desperation permitting certain anti-national activities as being witnessed in WB. 
  8. While allocating tickets to candidates almost all political parties charge money or favour. There are even unconfirmed reports of Rajya Sabha tickets being sold for Rs 250 crores.   It increases influence of money on governance ignoring poor. 
  9. Indian democratic system provides enough space for proxy governance. If a political leader is convicted he appoints his Dalal as CM or PM. Such space counterminds constitution totally. 
  10. Some splinters groups sometimes succeed in rousing public emotions on genuine issues like corruption and crime but such moments peter out over years as either they use such momentum to create their own political identity to grab political power or are bought by existing players.
  11. Political career of most of the political leaders starts with 
    1. They are born in families having political influence or money or 
    2. They fail to secure any job or work and their unemployment pushes them to dalali and chamchagiri of a local political leader for money or small contract works.  Their loyalty is checked on standards of they able to lick spit of leaders. In addition to money, homosexuality and use of sex among political cadres is on rise. Or
    3. Criminal and local goondas making foray in politics. 
  12. Parliament has little say on major issues. MPs coming from countrysides to Delhi prefer disruption in parliament to paid lobbying in ministries for their clients then discuss major issues for public cause. 
  13. Cabinet works as rubber stamp to the decisions of owners of political parties to which they belong. 
  14. Election commission, civil servants and judiciary are showing no signs of any attempt to check the negative trends. 
  15. Media is controlled by rich and they play their tunes. 
  16. Ideologically no party in power shows any difference as governance is managed by civil servants. Politicians get more engaged in administrative decisions for loot and babus take executive decisions which are supposed to be taken by politicians. 
  17. Politicians try to show their performance based on populist programs or schemes then focusing on macro policy issues.  
  18. International pressure for good governance guided by many suggested policy framework work better than any internal policy formulation. Most of good governance policy of Govt of India are driven by International inputs/ pressures. 
  19. Indian Govt lacks capacity of policy formulation in field of macro economics and geo-political space. 
  20. Politicians show no support for effective functioning of judiciary to dispose of criminal cases in short periods and use it as a shield to protect their corrupt deeds. Conviction rates of corrupt politicians and babus specially IAS is one of the lowest in India in world.   

Assessment


The above scenario and trends are likely to continue as no signs or attempts to reverse above are visible. The coming decade will see heating up of political battles driven by desperation to serve rich and lobbies.  Deepening divide between rich and poor will widen up more. Society will be more fragmented creating space for caste, communal conflicts sometimes may be violent. Caste and religion ridden society is unlikely to organise itself to resist loot at mass scale except few movements. More and more space will be available for foreign powers to intervene and influence events. Rich will continue parking money abroad rather than reinvesting their profits to generate jobs.  Criminalisation of politics may give birth to regional mafias posing open challenge to governments. Masses will be kept devoid of quality education which is seen as a threat by autocratic parties. 

Increasing population of  middle class and urbanization may throw some hope to city based political movements for reforms but unless these movement connect to caste ridden rural India these are likely to be short lived. 

Military will see more marginalization and isolation due to obvious interests of lobbies and families engaged in loot and plunder. 

International pressures will continue shaping Indian macro economic, good governance and geo-political policies. 



Recommendations

Considering above scenarios where is then hope in this hopelessness? 

1. Citizens shall give more importance to quality education, development and growth than caste, religions and lobbies. Bring development in center stage of politics for debate and judging/ rewarding performances than caste and religions. 

2. Isolate and defeat those in elections who speak language of hate and division. 

3. Party in power at Center shall not be given power in major states. Keep political power distributed among various parties to create more uncertainty for them so that performance becomes a major debate. No lobby or family shall be in dominating position to decide Indian destiny.  

4. Dont keep any party in power for more then two terms and keep them out of power for at least two terms. It will balance out their attitude to serve people rather behaving like lords. Show them power of vote. Same applies to political candidates. 

5. Become citizen soldiers and be loyal to India and Indian constitution and give issues based support to any political party. As an Indian there is no need to be loyal to any political party or leader. 

6. Vote in every election. 

7. If no candidate is suitable then vote NOTA. NOTA is powerful tool to convey displeasure and censure. Use it effectively. 

8. Political fitness of any candidate shall be seen in terms of education, qualification, experience, police and IT records and social contribution. 

9. More and more ex servicemen, retired govt and private company employees and honest businessmen shall voice their concern as independent political auditors and opinion makers to educate masses. Yatha Rajah Thatha Praja. Masses do look for such advises from successful people and elders. If one is scared of expressing opinion public-ally then educate those who are in close contact in private.

10. Use social media to express discontentment. Corrupt politicians and babus are very sensitive to such open expressions.

PLAY YOUR ROLE AS CITIZEN SOLDIER. IT IS QUESTION OF FUTURE OF YOUR CHILDREN.  NO POLITICAL PARTY OR LEADER IS ABOVE INDIA.