Saturday
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
5 april, 2014
Morung Youth Express
7
Reality Check, leaving aside politics N
ever in the history of free independent India has the grand old Congress party faced the prospect of complete irrelevance as it readies itself to face the moment of truth – the ‘saach ka saamna’. It is no political rhetoric when we say that the Lok Sabha election 2014 will go down in history where the people in the rural areas and in the urban towns and cities, literate and illiterate, rich and poor, north and south, east and west, regional and national, Hindus and Muslims, Christians and the Parses, the Buddhists and the Jains, all came to that ultimate meeting point of agreeing to the bitter truth that it is not just any other party but the mother of all the parties – the Congress party which beyond all reasonable factors of doubt is in reality a hardcore communal party in its mindset. The Muslims in India always fearing at the back of their mind that India as Hindustan might one day be provoked and rightfully so, would go the Pakistan way of segregating, isolating and illtreating the minorities, the Hindus and Christians in particular as second class citizens and as such had always voted en-block inorder to protect their interests with the Congress party being the main beneficiary. Coming direct to the point, the Muslims of India had been the major vote bank of the Congress. While the majority Hindu Indians inspite of whatever they say and which ever party they might be rooting for ultimately presses the EVM button on caste lines, the Muslims were very obedient to what they were generally told by their political and religious elders. The Congress had all these years fed on this fear by feeding this fear and even covertly engineering riots from behind the scene. However it has been just a oneway street. While the political party they voted for benefitted, the Muslims just could not see through the cosmetic benefits that came their way. When the Muzaffarnagar riots took place the Congress was quick to blame the BJP as usual and the ruling Samajwadi Party of inaction which was very much true. Rahul Gandhi even went to the ex-
tent of visiting the Muslim riot victims. So far so good. But now with the decision of the Samajwadi Party to not field any candidates to fight both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi the people seems to have got the picture. The Lok Sabha election will come and go but the ruling Samajwadi Party will remain and the Muslims of Uttar Pradesh cannot effort to antagonize it. They have already suffered enough. Hence like it or not the Muslims of UP have to vote for the Samajwadi Party or any other party the SP boss wanted them to. But in doing so Netaji Mulayam Singh Yadav knows the advantage goes to the BJP or Mayawati’s BSP – both his political rivals and hence the decision not to fight the mother-son duo. The Congress as it is with no hold in Uttar Pradesh is not a threat but the obligation of Sonia and Rahul will come handy if at all he is to play a national role. In both scenario he wins and so why not a riot to make it sure. And working behind the scene of the Mazaffarnagar riot is the Party you have guessed which is as good as mine. They get the muslim vote by default in that two constitutiencies. So much for secularism. With India opening up its economy, Indians as a whole benefitted but minus the North-East and the Muslims. The per-capita income of the average Indians increased with extra money to burn, there were jobs for the taking, the literacy rate increased, Indian names became permanent fixtures on the superrich lists, natural resources got exploited, multi-national companies made India their home and India also had its own Silicon valleys. Amidst such advancement the Muslims got confused by the day. Neither did they have extra money to burn nor did their literacy bar graph spiked. The presence of some Pakistani rotten apples in India saw to it that all Muslim youths became suspects, terrorists or terrorists in the making. They expected the Congress to come to their rescue but the Congress very conveniently had only Modi to be blamed for all the ills the Muslims were facing and did nothing to alleviate their fears. Infact
the congress were feeding on that fear. And then again the muslims saw that the much feared BJP Party had more Muslim leaders than the Congress. The Congress in their policy to always maintain the muslims as a vote bank had intentionally or unintentionally ghettoized the muslims and forced them to face the brunt of everything that was going wrong with the Congress party. The muslims are no more surprised that muslims living in Gujarat today are doing exceedingly well in every parameter of wellbeing, and just as fish takes to water they are taking to Modi’s slogan and model of ‘development first’. Gujarati muslims today say, OK Godhra happened but in the first place it was because nearly a hundred Hindu pilgrims - Kar Sevas were burnt alive to death inside the infamous train. However much the propaganda wing of the Congress try to paint N.Modi as a devil incarnate they cannot just explain why Muslims are flocking towards Modi. Take M.J Akbar, a staunch congressman with a never say die attitude who had with his multifaceted personality been the ever Gandhi family loyalist for which the Gandhi family should and must remain forever grateful today is wearing the much preferred hat of the BJP spokesperson. The Congress actually do not digest uplifting of the muslims beyond a certain marked level. This in itself speaks volume of the Congress stagnancy and taking for granted attitude of the Congress party’s uncureable disease. It is but natural and again speaks volume about the state and condition of a political party when party men and women fights for the party ticket. While even a senior leader of Jaswant Singh’s stature was denied the BJP’s party ticket and asked to toe the Party line or face expulsion, the Congress Party’s ministers and heavy weights from the Prime Minister to Finance, External Affairs to Home, from Information and Broadcasting to Agri and its allied, having seen the writing on the wall is doing their utmost best to avoid the ignominity and humiliation of a resounding defeat in the
coming election and requesting to be burdened and sacrificed for Party works. Some call this trend of the Congress ‘the height of hypocrisy’. The only potent issue that the Congress had was to paint Modi with the color of communalism but with the Supreme Court having given the clean chit to Modi, it is but natural that the issue has been given an unsung quiet burial. Anyway, ask any Political Science student about the provisions the founding father of our constitution Dr Ambedkar has provided to safeguard secularism and we see all misgivings collapse like a house of cards. I for one am not a critic of Mayawati for erecting the statues of fellow Dalit Dr Ambedkar. Dr Ambedkar is the sole reason that the Indian constitution is studied and followed up in the constitutions of many a nation that got independence in around and after India got her independence. Despite his immense contribution to the idea of India as a free nation and a republic he never received his due and it was all because he was a dalit. It is poetic justice that Dr Ambedkar is being recognized today even as the Gandhis shouting and kicking is being relegated to the back ground. Never in the history of Nagaland since statehood has an opening, an opportunity in every way one look at it looks so promising and surreal. We see the very dramatic decline of the Congress regime in the centre as never before even as the NPF led government victimized as it is by the central government is at its best of strength having won three state assembly elections consecutively. The state of Nagaland surrounded by Congress ruled states has for long cried itself hoarse against the cruel step-motherly treatment of the UPA government. But having managed to not only hold its fort but even expand beyond its borders have earned itself the respect of not just the ‘Big Brothers’ but the ‘Big Boss’ as well. As such it is no surprise that today N.Rio the Chief Minister of Nagaland is easily the tallest men standing without any crutches what so ever in the North-East not accountable to any ‘Big Boss’
but very much on his way to become the ‘Big Boss’ of not just Nagaland but that of the North-East & beyond. As it is, Rahul Gandhi is no longer in that gear of canvassing to win the Lok Sabha election which he knows before-hand is a lost cause and as such the Congress in Nagaland should have understood and taken the moral high ground by accepting Rio’s idea of the Nagas having a consensus candidate. Rejecting the idea with the justification that it was suggested only after Rio had declared his candidature was just too amateurish and Oh! Very shortsighted as well. It is not Rio who is blowing his trumpet but just as any lay person sees and knows, the time, the circumstances, the power of now, the power of tomorrow, the reputation, the capability, the acceptability infact the everything all points to Rio and favors him alone. One for all, all for one and he is the one. His weight alone as a Chief Minister for more than a decade where anti incumbency which is the common enemy every politician fear and dread became his friend speaks volume of his political acumen. Nagaland today is at a juncture where we can be truly very confident that the so many problems and contradictions that we all are aware of but felt helpless can actually be brought to a closure. We can now not hope but be assured of those developments other congress ruled states of the North East enjoyed but was denied to us. We can now breathe easy and thank God for the circumstances which HE alone manipulated in Nagaland’s favor. The BJP along with its more than a dozen allies will be a counter check to each other and in this scheme of things our own Rio will be holding forth. Please do be the father, the brother and the friend of every Naga irrespective of Party affiliations, religion, caste, creed or color and remain our super-achiever. The ball is in your court Boss. Allow us to hope and pray that God’s work in play never goes in vain. Our prayer remains. Benito.Z.Swu Dimapur
A Swiss Visiting Nagaland And The North East Again Fredy Bodmer, Switzerland
the name “GANDHI” I dropped in on the Director to find out how come. He was surprised and enquired why I, a foreigner was interested. So I told him of our longstanding (Monika longer than me, Fredy) connection with Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of the Mahatma and many other friends in India, including the SIMC. He was thrilled and in typical Italian, lively manner told me that all the different Italian Colleges in Merano got united under this one name “GANDHI” with the theme: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Out of 3 propositions, an Italian Writer and Poet, a radical South Tyrol Nationalist and Gandhi, the Mahatma was chosen by the parent-, studentand College-Council. Director Aliprandini said, that the problems with individual students and families, the political mounting tensions between the Italian and German language groups and the economic turmoil in Europe, he was doubly happy to have the Mahatma as an extraordinary example from outside our continent. It’s of great help and inspiration to me as well as a challenge for the college, students and staff, he said. Leaving he thanked me for the spontaneous visit and said that it made his day, apparently it did not start so well. He asked me to keep in touch. He told me that beginning of next year, dates still to be fixed, he’s arranging a major event on the theme Gandhi, and other great Asian people (Dalai Lama), inviting specialists on Asia from other parts in Italy. He asked me to be there too. The longer our exchange went on the more enthusiastic he became and “warmed up”, and after a delicious espresso he said “I am Riccardo” to “GANDHI” Colleges in Merano, which I answered: “I am Alfredo”. Two South Tyrol, ITALY happy men, friends bid farewell. RajPassing an Italian College with mohan Gandhi, the grandson of Ma-
A
fter 10 days in Delhi, one month in Tamil Nadu, short spells in Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata, my wife and I have come to the salubrious Sechü-Zubza, near Kohima, for some weeks to meet people in this region for the fifth time. Nagaland striving for unity and India’s election battle are the talk of everyone and fill the newspapers and TV channels. The two articles below, about Italy are a guide and challenge of the most urgent needed values for Europe and the world facing grave economical (high unemployment), financial and political (Crimea) turmoil too. Election also means examination not only of the candidates, their motives and deeds, but also our own. “Do I walk the Talk”, as Mahatma Gandhi would say, him not striving for politics but serving selflessly the masses. Gandhi lived by the guidance of the “Inner Voice” correcting and directing him on the path of nonviolence and truth. Not only Nelson Mandela, the recently demised great statesman of South Africa was an exemplary follower of these values, so is Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma and of Rajagopalachari. Together with other sound leaders, men and women in India, he may fulfill MG’s vision come true. That these values are alive in Italy has changed my attitude towards our neighbouring country. We Swiss often feel superior, but are in the same boat to examine where we are heading to. The spiritual values that brought growth to nations have always come from the East. I am deeply, deeply grateful to India’s Soul, Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama and the faith and courage of Daw Aung San Sue Kyi.
Now that Accorinti has opened hatma and longstanding friend was Messina's city hall to the public, delighted with these news. families have begun camping out The “Dalai Lama & Gandhi” of Mes- there to complain about the lack of accommodation in the city. He does sina, Sicily, ITALY Renato Accorinti has been mayor what he can to offer people help, but of Messina since June 24, 2013. He is it's impossible to assist them all. As a Vegetarian and Buddhist and has it is, Accorinti works 14 to 16 hours met twice with His Holiness the Da- a day and sleeps only two to three lai Lama. In his office is also hanging hours. Anyone who accompanies him is a large picture of Mahatma Gandhi. Accorinti lives to Gandhi’s principals astonished by his stamina, and by the
The Naga Blog is a forum on facebook where Nagas from Nagaland and around the world network, share ideas and discuss a wide range of topics from politics and philosophy to music and current events in Nagaland and beyond. The blog is not owned by any individual, nor is it affiliated to or associated with any political party or religion. The only movement it hopes to stir is the one raised by the voices of the Nagas every step of the way, amassing perhaps to mass consciousness one day. www.facebook.com/groups/thenagablog
A Golden Boy Of The Underprivileged ?
Jeremiah Pame: "My mother sells vegetables in the market and my father goes to field and I have to cook for my younger brothers and I have to study for my exam." That was what a little boy said when I asked him about his studies. His name is Martin Newme, he is only 12 years old. He is extraordinarily good in studies despite poverty and hardships. He studies at United Builders School, Tamenglong, Manipur. AMAZING FACTS: He has been getting only FIRST POSITION, ever since he started going to school at Tamenglong. Sometimes parents of his classmates will be surprised to see this boy some would even say,"Wow this little village boy has been getting first position all these years !" His handwriting is exceptionally good. Now he is in Class 6. He wants to become an IAS officer. When I met him and his father last December, the father said " He studies very hard. he got first position throughout the year." PARENTS: His mother is illiterate. she sells vegetables in the market. His father is just a matriculate, he cultivates paddy and vegetables field. He runs from pillar to post just to make both ends meet. His village is around 60 Km away from the town. So he has to cultivate field in the village and when he has completed some works in the village, he comes to town just to be with his familyfor a while. There he goes to work and earn daily wages. PAINFUL REALITIES: Martin is just only 12 years old. He has 2 younger brothers. they also go to the same school. When the parents are away to earn money, Martin cooks for them and takes them to school. Even after taking care of his brothers he has to study hard. When I asked his father just a few days back, my heart broke for this little hero. "He is still wearing last year's school uniform because we cannot afford to buy him new one till now. I'm waiting for some money which i had earned some days back. Sometimes life becomes too hard. I wish I could provide everything, but to tell the truth, some evenings, I'll be worried how to get food for the next day. I just hope God will provide!” In December 2013 when I met this boy i just gave him Rs. 1000 to buy new cloths for Christmas but he did not buy clothes, he just gave it to his father so that his 2 younger brothers could get Christmas dresses. I'm sharing this story to tell fellow Naga brothers and sisters that there are so many children who are exceptionally intelligent but they just don’t have their basic necessities. If Martin is provided with proper facilities he would definitely become an IAS officer someday. Those who are born and brought up in a good family please make the best use of every privilege and opportunity. Because there are many children who wish to be like you.
Time for an Original Anthem for the Nagas Joel Nillo Kath: Isn't it a matter for concern that God bless My Nagaland is the ditto copy of God Bless America? Shouldn't a collaborative effort be made to produce THE ORIGINAL since we have highly talented musicians and songwriters? Is there anyone out there willing to take this mantle? Be Swu: I follow DR. WATI AIER's composition. His previous works can be refer to or if not he is one man whom we can ask for help!
Renato Accorinti
of Truth and Nonviolence. A huge task in the Mafia contaminated city. He always walks barefoot and moves around on bicycle. He is a physical education teacher, not a party politician, and he campaigned as part of a citizens' movement called "Let us change Messina from the bottom up." Celebrating his election win he wore a T-shirt “free tibet”. His first official act as Mayor was to remove the glass-barrier which barred the access for the public to the municipality offices in the City Hall.
southern Italians' newfound enthusiasm for politics. Messina is plagued with unemployment, poverty and organized crime. The city with 250’000 inhabitants has a budget shortfall of €600 million ($812 million). Messina is the stronghold of the Mafia. The new mayor of Messina is a man of the people. The tireless nonpartisan is known to go barefoot through the city. And in the land of Berlusconi and the Mafia, he is fighting against corruption, organized crime and widespread disenchantment with politics.
Enzedes Ciredge: After all, we are not the Americans. Parroting their Anthem is rather very funny. IF we are really Unique, Ours so called national Anthem should be Unique and Pure in its own way. Yes, no more COCKTAIL. Should be PURE Naga in Words and Music. Let everyone participate and select the BEST out of it. Wabang Pongener: There is already a beautifully written song by Uncle R Kevichusa , called GOD BLESS NAGALAND. I like that song.
(The Naga Blog was created in 2008 by Yanpvuo Kikon. This column in The Morung Express will be a weekly feature every Saturday)
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