l ISSN : 0030-5014 l Vol. 72 l No. 19 l November 1, 2020 l

OPINION 24 Either Black or White

100 YRS OF MOPLAH RIOTS 26 Flight of the Bulbuls

ANALYSIS 30 Apostate Europe! 06 COVER STORY/ #RSSVIJAYADASHAMI 40 ‘Hard Truth’ over GDP Hindutva is the acknowledgement REPORTS of our Selfhood

34 ‘Fear is going to change ANALYSIS sides’: Macron’s mes- 16 sage to Islamists Rashtra Sevika Samiti: An organisation of women, by 36 Madrasas: The Holy women, for the Nation Cow for Congress in Rajasthan

INDIC WISDOM-II 50 Adhyatma & Spirituality

COLUMN 04 Readers’ Forum 20 OPINION/ ROSHNI ACT 38 REPORT/BIHAR ASSEMBLY 05 Editorial SCAM-J&K ELECTIONS 2020 15 News Round-Up Systemised Loot of the NDA leaving nothing to 46 Defence Scan System by the System chance

Editor: Prafulla Ketkar l Asso Editor : G Sreedathan l Sr Reporter : Nishant Kumar Azad l Web Consultant: Ganesh Krishnan R l Associate Art Director: Shashi Mohan Rawat l Sr Graphic Designer: Mukta Surma Kataria DTP Operator: Manoj Kumar Singh l Cover Page Design : Shashi Mohan Rawat l E-mail: [email protected] l Website: www.organiser.org l Phones: 011-47642018, 20, 22

Bharat Prakashan (Delhi) Ltd. Email : [email protected] Street, Paharganj, Office: Vishva Samvaad Kendra, Managing Director Subscription New Delhi-110055 First Floor, Dr G B Pant Marg, Bharat Bhushan Arora Arvind Sinha : 011-47642001 Sanskriti Bhawan, 2322, Lohia Panth, Jiamau, Hazratganj, General Manager Agency Laxmi Narain Street, Paharganj, Lucknow Jitendra Mehta Upender Singh : 011-47642000 New Delhi-110055 Director & Publisher Customer Complaint Cell Gujrat Office : Bengaluru Bureau: Bihari Lal Singhal Phone : 011-47642015 B-1, Parav Apartment, Office: Vikrama Prakashan, Email : [email protected] Behind LG Hospital, Mukti Maidan, No. 106, 5th Main Road, Advertisement Department Maninagar, Ahmedabad-380008 Post Box No. 1804, Chamrajpet, Email : [email protected] Gujrat Bengaluru-560018 Phone : 011-47642006,09,30 Registered Office: Lucknow Bureau: Bureau Chief : Sunil Rai Circulation Department Sanskriti Bhawan, 2322, Laxmi Narain Printed and Published by Bihari Lal Singhal on behalf of Bharat Prakashan (Delhi) Limited, published at Sanskriti Bhawan, 2322, Laxmi Narain Street, Paharganj, New Delhi-110055. Printed at HT Media Limited, Plot No 8, Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida (UP) - 201306 READERS’ FORUM

APROPOS (Hope Article 370 be

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25*$1,6(529R9RO     1R  New MD of 51HZ 'H OKL *$ Organiser, October 12, 2020. 12 FWRE H,U       6 $VKZ LQ(6KXNOD   <5XJDEG   Farooq Abdullah,the former Chief Bharat Prakashan Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, appears to be a cat’s paw of The famous China.Otherwise he would not social work- have sought the support of China er and suc- for restoration of abrogated Article cessful busi- 385*(85*( 252 370. The Article 370 was the nessman 7KH7 K   H   LPPLQHQWLPPLQH FULVLVWKDWPHGLDLQGXVWULHV53ERWKQHZVDQGHQWHUWDLQPHQW QW 3 FULVL (5,6+(5 DDUHUH     JJRLQJWKURXJKLVVWORXGKDWPDQGHGFOHDU,QVWHDGRIDFFXVLQJ,6RWKHUV+ERWKWKH RLQJ WKURX LD LQGXVWUL LLQGXVWULHVQG VKRXOGJKLQWURVSHFWLV ORXG DQDQGPDNHWKHHVQHFHVVDU\ERWK QHZ FRXUVHFRUUHFWLR XVWULH   V      VKRX G FOHDU ,QVW V DQG HQWHUW proverbial goose that laid the gold- Shri Bharat OG LQWURVSHF HDG RI DFFXV DLQPHQW ZZZZZ W DQG PD LQJ RWKH RUJDQLVHU NH WKH Q UV ERWK RUJ HFHVVDU\ FRX WKH  en eggs for the ruling elite. Bhushan Separatists, were enjoying special Arora has privileges granted to state of J&K taken over Depriving Bengal of under the special provision which the charge as the Managing Opportunity was a temporary one. It should Director of Bharat Pakashan APROPOS (The curious case of the have been withdrawn long back (Delhi) Ltd., publishers of state of West Bengal) Organiser, but even after lapse of 70 years it Organiser and Panchjanya October 18, 2020. The popularity continued. PM Narendra Modi weeklies. of BJP in West Bengal has been showed the courage and nullified He has taken over the growing leaps and boundssince the controversial provision. responsibility from Shri Arun 2019. CPI(M) ruled the state for Stringent action should be initiated Kumar Goyal. n more than 30years. Firebrand against Abdullah for making sedi- leader Mamata Banerjee of tious statement and debarred him the current scenario of the clashes TMC dislodged CPI(M)from power from the Lok Sabha. between India and Chinese mili- and people heaved a sigh of V. K SACHIN, Through web tary in Ladakh. The tunnel will relief. People were expecting a enhance the connectivity even in better administration but her 10- Crossing all Limits bad weather conditions. The tun- year rule made them disillusioned APROPOS (Enough is Enough) nel is a boon for the residents of because her rule promoted Organiser, October 25, 2020. Lahaul-Spiti who used to remain anarchy. Her politics was Farooq Abdullah has made no cut off from the rest of the country characterised by hatred towards efforts to save the people of for almost six months due to the Hindu society. She openly Kashmiri from terrorists. Kashmiri inclement weather. It will also appeased the Muslims. Both Hindus were forced to leave the make the future projects easier. Communistand Congress are in state after threats were issued HARSHIT AHUJA, Himachal a bad stage. Naturally BJP from mosques to leave the state. became vigilant and active and By seeking Chinese support for APROPOS (We withdraw started its expansion rapidly and restoration of Article 370, Abdullah this film keeping in posed very big challenge to TMC. has crossed all limits. mind hurt sentiments’: BJP which had only two members NIHIRIKAKAUL, Jammu Tanishq withdraws con- in the Lok Sabha bagged 18 troversial ad promoting 'Love seats in 2019. BJP lost more than An Eye on China Jihad') Organiser, October 14, 120 activists so far. Still it is APROPOS (India’s Strategic 2020. NO, still their statement fighting valiantly. Achievements has left China showcases hypocrisy; they said SRIDHAR.V.KULKARNI, Disconcerted) Organiser 25, 2020. it is for well-being of Maharashtra The building of water tunnel in employees/partners. Do they Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh mean that Hindus are going to Farooq Abdullah is undoubtedly a game-changer destroy their stores? China’s Cat’s Paw? for the Indian Army particularly in @SIKKAYATHARTH,Twitter

Organiser 4 November 1, 2020 Civilisational Fraternity – A Vaccine for Multiple Viruses he festive season is relatively subdued thanks to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Still, we cannot entirely give up the celebrations that essentially bring positivity in our life. Vijayadashmi is the celebration of victory – the victory of Dharma over T Adharma. When the world is going through different kinds of upheavals, how to stand for the cause of Dharma? Similar to an unknown virus Like Covid-19, if we deal with the known viruses with full rigour and by increasing our inherent immu- nity, we will be contributing to the cause of Dharma. The irresponsible, expansionist and exploitative behaviour of Communist China is evident even when the world is grappling with the Pandemic. Though the political and military leadership is fighting the enemy with full rigour, overall intel- lectual and media narrative looks very defeatist. Some media houses and politi- cal parties are using the occasion to corner the present dispensation for their petty political objectives. The role of ordinary people is also very crucial in such a scenario. As Prime Minister Modi cautioned us – 'Lockdown is over, but the virus is still there', and we cannot be careless until a tested vaccine is available. The second thing we are Similarly, the communist virus that has been inflicting many blows from outside wanting in is recognition of and within is down but not out. It has been trying its best to weaken our demo- the principle of fraternity. cratic structure in all possible ways. We must continue to boycott and reject What does fraternity mean? Chinese dumping of goods in the Bharatiya market and opt for the Swadeshi Fraternity means a sense of goods as we did during the freedom struggle. common brotherhood of all Another threat to peace and prosperity is the virus of Islamic fundamentalism Indians-if Indians being and terrorism. The recent incident of teacher’s beheading in France is a lesson one people. It is the for the entire humanity. Blasphemy is an alien concept to the Bharatiya ethos. principle which gives unity Unfortunately, practitioners of such intolerance are exercising unconstitutional and solidarity to social censorship and perpetuating violence. They consistently target our real practice life.” of 'liberal' spiritual democracy. Some intellectuals even defend the same in the — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s name of 'secularism'. This fraudulent interpretation of concepts itself is a virus, concluding remarks in the and we have to fight it out with the same intellectual acumen. Constituent Assembly on Not that the Communist-Jihadi viruses cannot be neutralised with a vaccine. the Constitution making The problem lies in our weakening social immunity. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar process and future of our right from the debate on Preamble to the Constitution to his last speech in the democracy, November 25, Constituent Assembly reminded us about the value of fraternity. A sense of com- 1949 mon brotherhood of all Bharatiyas is the only solution for most of our problems. That is not going to happen through legal means. Primarily, when many inimical forces are attacking the faultlines for their advantage, the solution lies in the com- mon understanding of our history, ancestry, culture and idea of the motherland. Each one of us, who wants to stand for the righteousness, will have to incul- cate this fundamental sense of fraternity in our fellow Bharatiyas. We will have to reciprocally instil among them these values common to us and keeping ourselves alive as a civilisation since the time immemorial. Bharat can defeat all kinds of viruses due to its civilisational memory. Fortunately, there are positive signs of a reawakening of Bharat on the sound edifice of those civilisational values. Starting from the individual level, if we impress upon that sense of belongingness to the entire society, victory of Dharma against all Adharmic viruses will be ensured. The festival season is to make a firm resolve in this direction. @PrafullaKetkar Organiser November 1, 2020 5 COVER STORY

Hindutva is the acknowledgement of our Selfhood Vijayadashmi is the foundation day of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the speech of Sarsanghachalak on the occassion is considered as the review of the previaling national scenario. This year’s speech on the background of Covid Pandemic Scenario provides a philisophical foundation for the resurrecting Bharat

e are all aware that this Vijayadashami the cele- Ayodhya at the bhoomipujan and shilanyas brations are restrained in terms of numbers. We samaroh of the soon-to-be constructed Ram are also aware of the cause. To prevent commu- Mandir there. The Citizenship Amendment Act nity spread of Corona virus social gatherings are was lawfully passed in the Parliament as per the restricted. due constitutional process. This law envisaged Since March the talk about Corona pandemic expediting the process of granting citizenship to has shadowed all other talk about developments our brothers and sisters who face discrimination across the world. Many noteworthy incidents and persecution in some of the neighbouring took place between the last Vijayadashami and countries and are displaced to seek refuge in our W now. With due observance of parliamentary pro- country. These countries have a history of reli- cedure, Article 370 was abrogated well before gious persecution against minorities. This the Vijayadashami of 2019. After Diwali, on amendment in the Citizenship Act does not November 9, 2019, the Hon. Supreme Court oppose any particular religious community. The passed an unambiguous, verdict in the Ram constitutional provisions for granting citizenship Janmabhoomi case, thereby making a historical to foreigners who come to Bharat continue to be judgment. The exemplary patience and under- the same. But those who wanted to oppose this standing of Bharatiya people regarding this judg- new law misled our Muslim brothers by propa- ment became evident in the restraint along with gating a false notion that it was aimed at restrict- piety and festive fervour displayed on August 5 in ing the Muslim population. Opportunists took

Organiser 6 November 1, 2020 #RSSVIJAYADASHAMI

The Spirit of Bharat or ‘swa’ should be the compass directing our intellectual brainstorming and plans of action —Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghachalak

advantage of this delicate situation by unleashing organ- workers and cleaners displayed an extraordinary sense ised violence and causing social unrest in the name of of responsibility by dedicatedly serving the infected protests. As a consequence, a tense atmosphere was patients. Maintaining social distance with their own family created in the country that put our communal harmony at members, these warriors, risking their lives, embraced stake. Even before something could be thought out and the death-scare posed by the virus and bravely stood at done to resolve the situation the Corona pandemic crept the frontline in this war round the clock. Citizens of the in and gradually took hold. In the background, the efforts country too mobilised private resources and left no stone by rioters and opportunists to reignite the conflict still unturned in offering all possible help their fellow beings continue. It is not making a mark on the collective con- needed. While even in these testing times, the tendency sciousness or garnering headlines in publications other to exploit the drawback of the needy to one's own advan- than the ones that fuel such activities because of the tage surfaced here and there, the larger picture was that overwhelming discussions of Corona in the media. of sensitivity, cooperation and mutual trust between gov- The scenario is common throughout the world. In com- ernmental administrative agencies and society. The parison to many countries, Bharat stood strong in the women-folk also propelled in action with self-motivation. face of adversity and dealt with the calamity effectively. Those who were displaced owing to the pandemic or the There are some reasons why we escaped Corona debil- ones who lost jobs and faced misfortune and hunger itation that few countries could not. Our governing and faced difficulties while remaining patient and tolerant all administrative agencies promptly sprung up in action. along. In fact, many anecdotes of people ignoring their They cautioned citizens, created emergency task forces own troubles and stepping up to help others came to the and efficiently implemented control measures. The media fore. Ferrying the state migrants back to their homelands, monotonously aired news on just this issue. While this arranging for food and resting spots on the way, deliver- exercise created an atmosphere of disproportionate fear ing food and medicines at the doorstep of the sick or among the common man it also compelled the society to needy, great efforts were jointly made by the entire soci- exercise caution and restrain by obeying rules. ety to cater to such critical needs. By setting the example Government officials, medical practitioners practising dif- of unity and sensitivity, our society displayed a larger set ferent forms of medicine, police officers, municipality of service activities in response to the quantum of the

Organiser November 1, 2020 7 COVER STORY

find alternate sources of employment they are compelled to explore other sectors. Getting employment in a new sector mandates prior training. These are the problems The corona pandemic has bestowed facing the displaced today. Finding a replacement for the migrant workers to complete the pending tasks that were the wisdom to differentiate regular abandoned halfway is becoming a challenge too. from irregular and eternal from Therefore creating employment opportunities and provid- temporary upon all of humanity. With ing training to the unskilled is essential. In cases where families are facing such deprivation, stress creeps up in many families actively deliberating the households. To prevent negative dispositions like sustainable lifestyles compatible with crime, depression and suicide there is an extensive need of counselling and support services at this time. the time and space and the ways to Since March Sangh swayamsevaks are working to fill transition into those, people have the gaps wherever needed in this difficult backdrop. They will also make wholehearted contributions in the new become acutely aware of the merit of Sewa initiatives enumerated above. I am hopeful that cultural ethos. other members of the society will also decipher the need for persistent long-term efforts and make needful contri- butions. The world does not have a complete understanding of Herculean problem. Many of our traditional habits per- the virus. It is a transmutable pathogen that is rapidly taining to cleanliness and hygiene, healthy lifestyle and communicable, but its virulence is low - this much we strengthening immunity with the science of Ayurveda also have come to understand. Therefore, safeguarding one- proved to be useful in this period. self from this pathogen for a longer time is essential. At Homogeneity and unity of the society, deep compas- the same time, while working to find the remedy to the sion and cooperation during difficult times- all aspects social and economic challenges posed by it on our fellow that make up for what is called the social capital were beings will be the long-term focus. While we must not let experienced during this time, reflecting our centuries-old fear cripple us, we need to proceed cautiously and strate- cultural ethos. For many, the kind of patience, collec- gically. With the social life nearing normalcy, complying tivism and self-confidence experienced was a first since with the rules and motivating others to do the same is our Independence. I respectfully bow to all the volunteers moral responsibility. who are known and unknown, those who are alive and Many other facets of our society became apparent who laid their lives for service, medical practitioners, during the battle against this pandemic. A shift in favour municipality workers and all other agents of service from of introspective thinking is trending across the world. The different sections of the society. They are all admirable. phrase “new-normal” often comes up in conversations. Our sincere homage in the holy remembrance of all those The corona pandemic has brought lives to a total and who sacrificed their lives. complete standstill, forcing curtailment of several activi- To emerge from the current scenario a different kind of ties that man went about mechanically earlier. An evalu- Sewa initiative is required. Restarting educational institu- ation of the merits of those activities made it apparent tions, compensating teachers, resending students to that the superficial practices that had invaded human life their schools and colleges while paying a fee for the were unnecessary, while the essential ones comprised same, these tasks are arduous. Schools that stopped the heart of life in these times. Some activities though receiving funds cannot afford to pay their teachers. watered down did not fully fade. Within one week of lock- Guardians who lost their jobs or shut businesses are in a down, we noticed a marked difference in the quality of the fix as they do not have funds for their ward’s fee. We will air we breathe. Water bodies like rivers, springs and have to devise service assistance to ensure the opening ponds cleared up and clean waters began flowing out. of schools, paying teachers’ salaries and students’ edu- Bird songs tinkled human memory again as the birds and cation. Displacement left many unemployed. Failing to other creatures were audible in neighbourhood parks and

Organiser 8 November 1, 2020 #RSSVIJAYADASHAMI open urban spaces. In the rush towards amassing wealth and consuming more, we alienated ourselves from cer- tain basic life functions which during this time of need fell back on our plate and added meaning and joy to life. We Homogeneity and unity of the society, have become mindful of the value of some virtues. The corona pandemic has bestowed the wisdom to differenti- deep compassion and cooperation ate regular from irregular and eternal from temporary during difficult times- all aspects that upon all of humanity. With many families actively deliber- make up for what is called the social ating sustainable lifestyles compatible with the time and space and the ways to transition into those, people have capital were experienced during this become acutely aware of the merit of cultural ethos. time, reflecting our centuries-old Humans have once again realised the importance of fam- ily systems and the need for harmonious coexistence cultural ethos. For many, the kind of with nature. patience, collectivism and Whether these realisations are merely side effects of the pandemic breakout or has humanity actually shifted self-confidence experienced was a its stance in these matters, will be answered in time. first since Independence However, one thing is clear that this calamity has played the role of that magnet which has attracted all human consciousness to the vital life values. Until recently the philosophy of integrating the world and ethical code with us. We must now pace up our on the basis of the market forces dominated human efforts to secure cooperative bonds with these countries. imagination but with the latest turn of events, the idea of The impediments in this journey like the differences of safeguarding life and exercising international coopera- opinions, conflicted issues and old grouses must be set- tion by promoting unique strengths and assets of each tled sooner than later. country is an idea that has started to take shape in the We intend to be friendly with all. This is our nature. But global mind. The philosophy of ‘Swadeshi’ has trumped mistaking our benevolence for weakness and attempts to once again. It is time to redefine these adages in view of disintegrate or weaken us by sheer brute force is unac- the current Bhartiya context and to rebuild paths that will ceptable. Our reckless detractors should know this by lead us back to our time-tested values and traditions. now. The indestructible patriots of Bharat Mata and their China’s role in the breakout of this pandemic may be formidable valour, leaders with a sense of self-respect disputable but its misuse of their riches by unleashing and the indomitable ethical-patience of the citizens terror on the borders of Bharat and boisterous efforts to should have sent a loud and clear message to China. invade our territories are well-known to the whole world. This must compel it to reform its attitude but if push Bharatiya defence forces, government and the people comes to shove we will not fall short of alertness, firm- remained unfazed and responded sharply to this attack. ness and readiness, this resolve is clear among our This example of a strong resolution, exercising self- countrymen. respect and bravery has stunned China. Going further we External threats to the country's safety and sovereign- must be watchful and remain firm. Even in the past, the ty is not the only call for our vigilance. A careful analysis world has time and again witnessed China’s expansionist of many of last year’s internal events also demand alert- attitude. Rising above China economically, strategically, ness, understanding and harmony in the society and pre- in securing cooperative ties with our neighbours and at paredness of governmental agencies and national lead- international relations is the only way to neutralise those ership. Push and pull for power on the part of those out demonic aspirations. The policies proposed by our lead- of it is intrinsic to the democratic political process, how- ers seem to be charting those very horizons. Sri Lanka, ever, exercising discretion to see political competition for Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar (Bhramhadesh)- such what it is and not as a bloody battle between enemies is neighbouring countries have shared a friendly bond with pivotal. Healthy competition is always welcome, but the us and are more or less aligned over issues of values competition that morphs into hatred, bitterness and ani-

Organiser November 1, 2020 9 COVER STORY

mosity that weakens the social fabric is unwarranted. ing and alerting our brothers and sisters so that they can Forces that see opportunity in rifts among competitors, not be shepherded away by such predators. that wish to weaken and fragment Bharat, that have long To avoid this type of confusion about the Sangh, real- projected our diversity as differences and insinuated peo- ising Sangh's preference for a specific vocabulary and ple into unfortunate scrimmages over old disagreements how it interprets certain popular terms is crucial. Hindutva resulting in formidable struggles are very much prevalent is one such term. Its meaning has been distorted by in the world and active in Bharat. They should not be appending a ritualistic connotation to it. Sangh does not given that opportunity by us. The government agencies use it to refer to this misconception. To us, it is the word should seek cooperation of people to immediately nab expressing our identity along with the continuity of its and severely punish the culprits if incidents of crime and spirituality based traditions and its entire wealth of value violence continue to occur in the society despite mea- system in the land of Bharat. Therefore Sangh believes sures to curtail those and attempts of total restrain on that it is the word applicable to all the 1.3 billion people criminal and violent tendencies. We must see to it that who call themselves the sons and daughters of our actions do not create any opportunities for them. To Bharatvarsh, whose everyday life is a striving toward an ensure this, our reactions to government decisions or alignment with its moral and ethical code and who are expressions of discontent must heed national integrity. proud of the heritage of their ancestors who successfully We should be sensitive towards people of all religions, traversed the same spiritual landscape since time regions, castes and linguistic backgrounds and conduct immemorial. Being oblivious to the true meaning of this ourselves within constitutionally warranted limits. term weakens the thread that integrates us with this Unfortunately, those misaligned with or opposed to our country and society. It is for this reason that this term is socio-cultural values have, while professing to be the the first target of castigation by those who instigate inter- champions of democracy, constitution and secularism, group conflicts, who are bent on splitting our country and continued to fool and confuse the people of our country. society. They by presenting as separate, our diversities In his August 29, 1949 address to the Constituent which are traditionally accepted, respected and are a part Assembly, Revered Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar used the of larger scope of Hindu philosophy in reality, try to con- phrase “grammar of anarchy” to describe the actions of vert them into a source of alienation or separatism. such elements. We have to learn to identify such dis- ‘Hindu’ is not the name of some sect or denomination, it guised elements and defuse their conspiracies by alarm- is not a provincial conceptualisation, it is neither a single

Organiser 10 November 1, 2020 #RSSVIJAYADASHAMI caste’s lineage nor the privilege of the speakers of a spe- cific language. It is that psychological common denomi- nator whose vast courtyard cradled human civilisation, that which honours and encompasses innumerable dis- China’s role in the breakout of this tinct identities. There may be some who have an objec- tion in accepting this term. We do not object their using pandemic may be disputable but its other words if the content in their mind is the same. misuse of their riches by unleashing However, in the interest of the country’s integrity and terror on the borders of Bharat and security Sangh has over the years humbly assimilated the colloquial and the global interpretations of the term boisterous efforts to invade our Hindu. When Sangh says Hindusthan is Hindu Rashtra it territories are well-known to the does not have any political or power centered concept in its mind. Hindutva is the essence of this Rashtra’s whole world. Bharatiya defence ‘Swa’(self-hood). We are plainly acknowledging the self- forces, government and the people hood of the country as Hindu because all our socio-cul- tural practices are directed by its principles with their spir- remained unfazed and responded it percolating in the personal, familial, professional and sharply to this attack social life of each one of us. Circumambulating the emo- tional ambit of this view of life does not require giving up one’s faith, language, land or any other identity marker. It only mandates an abandonment of the quest for To be able to increase the atmosphere of faith in each supremacy. One has only to be alert and keep away from other and friendliness, restraint and patience we all need the selfish and hateful forces who confuse and instigate to accept and embrace the truth of our larger and shared people by showing them false dreams of supremacy, identity. Our actions cannot waver in time following a encourage radicalism and foster separatism. political cost-benefit calibration. Bharatiya cannot be The deplorable attempts to disintegrate the unity that extricated from Bharat. All attempts at doing this have has perpetually remained an inextricable part of the always failed, we have many testaments before us to diversity of Bharat by making false promises and by cre- prove so. It is the time to realise that our instinct for ating hate amongst scheduled-castes, scheduled-tribes emancipation is nudging us all to integrate with a single and the so called minorities of our country are underway. sentiment. Acknowledgement of the fact that the emo- Members of this conspiratorial gang instigate and pro- tional spirit of Bharat, its acceptance for and support to mote slogans like “Bharat tere tukde honge” (Bharat will multiple belief systems and faiths, is a byproduct of the be disintegrated). An unusual blend of political interest, Hindu culture, traditions and Hindu practice of not just tol- separatist and fundamentalist tendencies, a hatred of erance but acceptance and respect of all, is the need of Bharat and a quest for global domination is working to the hour. dampen Bharatiya unity. We will have to patiently pro- The word ‘Hindu,’ features in almost every statement ceed with a deep understanding of the matter. While of Sangh, yet it is being discussed here because several remaining free from the influence of these forces we must related terms have gained popularity in the recent past. focus on integrating our society through peaceful means, ‘Swadeshi’ is one such word which is oft-discussed in obeisance of our constitution. If we exercise self-con- nowadays. The ‘Swa’ or ‘self’ here refers to the same trol, remain balanced and keep each other’s best interest Hindutva. That very eternal philosophy underlying our tol- in mind then an environment of mutual trust can prevail erant and accepting nature which was hailed by Swami which will aid in the resolution of old conflicts; while the Vivekananda on the land of America referring to all peo- mistrust that stems from contradictory behaviours would ple as brothers and sisters, meaning parts of a single unit make the solutions seem unattainable and problems or family. Poet laureate, Shri Rabindra Nath Thakur also unfathomable. Reactionary and fearful stance and unrea- clearly emphasised a philosophical foundation for the sonable opposition lead to uncontrolled violence and the Bharatiya revival based on this very concept in his essay gulf separating the people widens. ‘Swadeshi Samaj.’ Shri Aurobindo proclaimed it in his

Organiser November 1, 2020 11 COVER STORY

Uttarpara address. The introspections and contempla- tions conducted by our society after 1857 and the expe- riences of the exercises conducted by several national bodies are encased in the Preamble to our Constitution which embodies the same spirit of Bharat. That spirit or ‘swa’ should be the compass directing our intellectual brainstorming and plans of action. It should be the light that illuminates the directions, aspirations and expecta- tions of our country’s collective consciousness. The results of our efforts in the physical plane and their con- sequences should be in accordance with this principle. Then and only then will Bharat qualify as self - reliant. Places for production, the workforce that is involved in the production process, economic benefits emanating from sales of the production and the rights of production must be in our national control. But this alone does not qualify as Swadeshi methodology. Shri Vinoba Bhave ji findings or sponsored research by the corporate sector or identified a combination of self-reliance and non-violence under the pressure of the market forces and middlemen, as Swadeshi. Late Shri Dattopant Thengadi ji claimed only then such a policy will be compatible with the Swadeshi cuts beyond goods and services and stands Bharatiya view and be a truly Swadeshi agrarian policy. It for attaining a position of international cooperation by is likely that incorporating these changes immediately achieving national self-reliance, sovereignty and parity. within the present agrarian and economic system might So to achieve financial independence in the future and not be possible. In that case, the policies should focus on attain a position of international cooperation we are open creating a conducive environment to translate the sug- to foreign investors and give relaxations to companies gested changes into reality. offering newer technologies, provided they engage on Some positive steps in the direction of assimilating our terms and mutually agreeable conditions. But such a this ‘swa’ in our economic, agriculture, labour, manufac- decision has to be based on mutual consensus. turing and education policy have been taken. A new edu- In self-reliance, dependence on self is intended. Our cation policy formed on the basis of extensive delibera- vision decides our destination and our path. Even we tions and dialogue has been declared and launched. attain a prime position by following the same wasteful Along with the entire educational field, the Sangh has exertions that the rest of the world is after, that will cer- also welcomed it. “Vocal for local” is a great start in the tainly be a courageous victory. But it will be in the exploration of the possibilities of Swadeshi. But, for these absence of the spirit and participation of the ‘Swa’(Self). initiatives to be successfully implemented the process For instance, while designing our agricultural policy we will have to be watched and monitored keenly to the fin- should empower our farmer to control his seed banks, ish. Therefore given these wide-ranging perspectives we create manure, fertilisers and pesticides on his own or will have to imbibe this spirit of ‘swa’ or self, only then we procure these from areas neighbouring his village. He can move forward in the right direction. should be educated about the art of storing and process- Our Bharatiya thought does not endorse struggle as ing his produce and have access to such facilities. We an essential ingredient of progress. Struggle is consid- have a deep, extensive and ancient history of agriculture. ered as a last resort for the elimination of injustice. The Therefore the newer policies should aim to make our conceptualisation of progress here is based on coopera- farmer aware of modern agricultural science and also tion and coordination. Therefore, the spirit of oneness is enable him to blend that knowledge with time-tested, critical to actualising self-reliance in various aspects of contextually relevant traditional knowledge. The policies life. Self-reliance then essentially implies overall well- should be such that a farmer should be able to use these being and upliftment of the whole nation through coordi- research findings and sell his produce without getting nated efforts and cooperation with each other, akin to trapped, either in the profit aimed interpretations of those interdependent organs of one body. A policy-making pro-

Organiser 12 November 1, 2020 #RSSVIJAYADASHAMI

self-employed, initiating eco-friendly businesses and self-sufficient production units aiming to bolster the eco- nomic progress has drawn the attention of many intellec- tuals alongside the policy-makers of the country in this time of Corona. Those employed in these sectors from small-time and seasoned entrepreneurs to farmers are all eager to taste entrepreneurial success for our nation. The government will need to provide extra cover for them so they can attain world-class standards that will allow them to stand a competitive chance alongside other eco- nomic giants of the world. Along with the allocation of funds, its actual disbursement on the ground has to be ensured so that they can restart again after six months of the corona crisis. With a progress-oriented mindset, the developmental path of the country whose destination complies with the cess where all concerned people and parties discuss and culture and aspirations of our people will have to be deliberate extensively and draw consentient conclusions delineated. After establishing consensus with a positive fosters the spirit of oneness and trust among all. Open contribution from all views we must freeze the execution dialogue with all, drawing consensus through discussion, plans in letter and spirit. If it is ensured that the rewards ensuring cooperation and resultant trust - this is the pre- of the developmental achievements percolate down to scribed method for securing credibility and eminence the most disadvantaged; if exploitation and extortion by amongÀf¸ff³fû one’s ¸f³Âf: Àfd¸fd°f:family Àf¸ff³fe and community.Àf¸ff³fÔ ¸f³f: ÀfWXd¨fØf¸fZ¿ff¸fÐÜ middlemen and touts are eliminated; the producers and Àf¸ff³fÔ ¸f³Âf¸fd·f¸f³Âf¹fZ U: Àf¸ff³fZ³f Uû WXdU¿ff þbWXûd¸fÜÜ manufacturers have direct interface with the markets and the developmental schemes, only then our dreams can Samaano mantrah samitih samanee come true, otherwise dangers that cause failure are lurk- Samaanam manah sahachittameshaam ing around. Samaanam mantramabhimantraye vah While all the suggestions made above are highly sig- Sameenena vo havisha juhomi nificant the collective resolve of a society is the preceptor ( Let our speech be one; united our voices. May our and the foundation of the nation’s development. The con- minds be in union with the thoughts of the Wise. Sharing sciousness that has prevailed in the aftermath of corona, a common purpose; we worship as one.) \ viz, realisation of the true meaning of ‘self,’ spirit of one- Fortunately, we can rely on and expect from the pre- ness with all the people, the importance of cultural values vailing political leadership to engender the feeling of one- and environmental awareness plus the need for remedial ness and trust with regards to matters small and big actions to restore its balance should not be disregarded among all the people. An administrative system connect- by our society. We must not drop the momentum, lose ing the society with the government has to be more sen- sight of these indispensable values and fall back in a pat- sitive and transparent to facilitate and accomplish this tern of insensitive behaviour. Gradual and consistent task in a better fashion. Prompt implementation of mutu- practice of right conduct and responsible behaviours of ally agreed policies does not require massive changes an entire society alone can bring rewards. Starting with and boosts the environment of cooperation and coordina- small incremental changes, conducting regular aware- tion. Remaining alert and exercising total control over the ness initiatives can cause this behavioural shift. Each implementation of proposed policies till the end-point is family can be a part of this movement. Once a week all significant. Besides policy-formation promptness and family members can get together to jointly do some transparency at execution also optimise policy rewards. prayer and have homemade food followed by two to The need to decentralise agriculture and manufactur- three hours of informal discussion. The above-mentioned ing sectors by supporting small and medium scale enter- subjects can be deliberated in those discussions as prises, creating employment opportunities, aiding the actionable items and small family level resolutions can be

Organiser November 1, 2020 13 COVER STORY

etal harmony these are vital discussion topics. Emphasis can be laid upon participation of our family in actual pro- grams and initiatives, e.g. our family can contribute in If we examine the subject matter Blood Donation, Eye Donation or help create awareness about its importance. holistically in the informal family Through these minute undertakings, harmony, upright- setting, exercise discretion as to ness, patience, discipline and values-driven personal conduct can be cultivated. Consequently, our the relevance of the issue and by collective behaviour while in keeping with the civic choice accept or reject a view, then discipline becomes that which augments mutual cooper- the resulting behavioural changes ation and harmony. If we work to raise the general level of consciousness of a common man and nurture his will more likely be permanent intrinsic spirit of oneness with Hindutva as the guiding force, if we make individual efforts for developmental progress with a deeper understanding of the structure of our country and acknowledge our interdependence to taken, which can further be reviewed in the next week’s cooperate with other members of the society, if we have discussion. The act of discussion in the family is confidence in our collective strength to achieve any paramount, newness or oldness of the subject/object dream and set developmental goals rooted in our values notwithstanding, the outcomes of an investigation alone then in the near future Bharatvarsh will emerge as the decide the usefulness and relevance of the issue. Our torchbearer for the rest of the world and come to be scripturesÀf³°f: ´fSXeùff³¹f°fSXQÐ describe ·fþ³°fZ this method¸fcPX: ´fSX´fi°¹f¹f³fZ¹f as- ¶fbdð:Ü known as the Bharatvarsh that showed the path of peaceful and congenial progress to humanity- freedom Santah pareekshyanyatarad bhajaate mudhah and equality in the true sense of the word. parapratyaneya buddhih Behavioural conduct of such individuals and families If we examine the subject matter holistically in the will create an overall atmosphere of fraternity, meaningful informal family setting, exercise discretion as to the action and lawful order in the whole country. Rashtriya relevance of the issue and by choice accept or reject a Swayamsevak Sangh has been working to effect these view, then the resulting behavioural changes will more changes directly in the society since 1925. Such an likely be permanent. organised state is the natural state of a healthy society. In the beginning, matters of common concern like Such an organised society is the precondition for the res- domestic arrangements, design of the dwellings, our urrection of this country that has become independent family culture, long-standing customs and traditions can after the centuries-long darkness of invasions. Many be discussed. Owing to everyone’s familiarity with great personalities have worked to build such a society. environmental concerns, ways for total boycott of After independence, with this very goal in mind, our con- plastic, water conservation, increasing green cover by stitution was crafted in age-relevant codes of desired planting saplings of flowering plants, fruit trees and conduct and passed on to us. Sangh work only will vegetables in our courtyards and terraces can be ensure inculcating a clear vision to realise the discussed and actionable plans jointly created. According objectives of our constitution, and the conduct of mutual to the time available and the needs, all of us spend harmony, the spirit of oneness and the sentiment of money over personal and familial requirements every national interest are paramount. Swayamsevaks are day. We can contemplate what amount of money and sincerely, selflessly and dedicatedly involved in realising time we spend for our society on a day-to-day basis and this goal. With an invitation that you all to be their fellow- how to go about doing it? Do we have friendly workers in this campaign for upstart reconstruction, I end associations with people and families that belong to my´fiV³f address ¶fWXb°f ÀfZ here. CXØfSX EIY IYQ¸f d¸f»ffIYSX ¶fPXZ A³fZIYÜ different castes and regions and speak varied U`·fU IZY CXØfb„ dVfJSX ´fSX Àf·fe dQVff ÀfZ ¶fPXZ A³fZIYÜÜ languages? Have we mingled deeply- sharing meals and ÜÜ ·ffSX°f ¸ff°ff IYe þ¹f ÜÜ visiting homes of those acquaintances? To promote soci- n

Organiser 14 November 1, 2020 NEWS ROUND-UP

Mera Gaon, Mera Tirtha for Rural Tranformation

Bhopal: Bhau Saheb Bhuskute Smriti Lok Nyas is running ‘Mera Gaon, Mera Tirtha Abhiyan’ campaign for water conservation. Under this, sand bags were placed at nine places on the arterial river in the Bankheri area. Many farmers have benefitted from this. People associated with the trust said 44 people put up bunds by pil- ing sand bags in nine places in a week. Activists said they will not only conserve water but pro- vide water for farmers for cultivation. ‘Mera Gaon, Mera Tirtha Village Development Committees of Kamati and Kharsali did Members associated with the Mera Gaon Mera Tirtha the job of setting up a bridge near the arterial river of Project encourage the villagers, farmers and youths to Kamati village. Bandhan will now conserve water. conserve water. Only after this, along with the villagers Bhau sahib Bhuskute Trust makes various efforts and the youth themselves come forward and do shram- every year for water conservation, nature conservation, daan. In the last two months, sand bags piling work has the main task of which is piling of bags. been done by these youths in many places. VSK Bharat

Love-Jihad can’t be tolerated; Govt should enact law – VHP

The Vishva Hindu Parishad, expressed its concern over non-Muslim girls into their trap by force or fraud! This is increasing incidents of suicide by Hindu girls who were not only an uncouth and grotesque way of increasing trapped in love jihad by jihadis, and merciless killing of the population through ‘Ghazwa’ to materialise demo- Hindu girls for not converting to Islam. The Parishad graphic jihad, but also an added range of terror cam- has demanded enactment of a law to stop such inci- paign. The Hon’ble High Court of Kerala, having called dents. it the most disgusting method of religious Dr Surendra Jain, the Central conversion, had tagged it as Love- Joint General Secretary of VHP, Jihad”. said that lately there has been a News of love jihad funding is in the spike in such incidents. “Whether it wide public domain now. Organisations is the case of a love-jihad victim like the PFI, SIMI, ISI are behind such sacrificing her life by self-immola- incidents. That is why whenever and tion in Lucknow or the recovery of a wherever there is a love jihad case in a headless body of the love-Jihad vic- court of law, big lawyers are immediately tim found in Sonbhadra, these incidents have been given millions and crores of rupees as fees to stand up coming out in large numbers during the last 8-10 days to plead for the lone-wolf love-jihadists. VHP warns this which are enough to shock even a stone-hearted per- unholy alliance that these elements should fear the ire son,” he said. of society and stop this disgusting act immediately. All “It cannot be the thinking and mindset of a civilised the state governments have been expressing concerns society to systematically ensnare, corner and lock in over these conspiracies from time to time. n

Organiser November 1, 2020 15 ANALYSIS

Rashtra Sevika Samiti: An organisation of women, by women, for the Nation The Samiti, the largest women’s organisation in the country, stands out among feminist outfits in terms of its philosophy. Rooted in the ethos of the country, it believes in the ideals of matrutva (motherhood), kartrutva (duty consciousness) and netrutva (leadership)

n APARNA SINGH he journey of the plight of women in the same was not accorded to the India and indeed, across the world women in other parts of the world was in huge contrast. While ancient which was mostly under the influence India, guided by the philosophy of the of Semitic philosophy which regarded Vedas, always regarded women as women as inferior beings. Under the the source of power and prosperity, influence of such Semitic philosophy

Organiser 16 November 1, 2020 T RASHTRA SEVIKA SAMITI

voluntary organisation for women, has remained outside the national discourse on women either out of choice or has been purposely denied its legitimate place. They labelled it as traditional, orthodox and communal which does not stand for gender concerns and reinstates patriarchy. If we dive down the structure, function and the life of the sevikas, one will not find a match for its contemporaneity. As early as the 1930s and 40s a sevika named Bakultai Devkule, a shooter, motorist, swimmer, first sevika and the all India General Secretary (karyavahika) of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, married a non-RSS affiliate, against the wishes of

Rashtra Sevika Samiti, the world’s largest voluntary organisation for women, has remained outside the national discourse on women either out of choice or has been purposely denied its legitimate place. They labellled it as traditional, orthodox and communal which does not stand for gender concerns

her father. There are numerous examples which defy that Samiti is orthodox and patriarchal. The founder, Vandaneeya Lakshmi Bai Kelkar (Mausiji) herself becoming a widow at a very early stage undertook the task of forming such a vast organisation on October 25, 1936. She along with another lady named Vandaneeya Saraswati Tai Apte took the organisation across the country. Modernity can be gauged from the fact that sevikas, consisting of married and unmarried women, bow before them every morning in the shakhas. Their contribution to nation-building made them sacred transcending their identities as widows, the mere sight of whom and the medieval degradation of our society, the is abhorred by the orthodox elements of the society. plight of women in India also became deplorable. Since its inception Samiti has always stood for a Many socio-cultural movements took up the task of strong and determined role of women in nation- reinstating the old glory to women. Surprisingly, building. The feminist movements could not find most of such movements were initiated by men. resonance with this organisation because it was West never had any past to look up to for the anathema to their basic understanding of the respectable place of women in society. They saw relationship between men and women as binaries. exploitation by men as the reason for their pitiable Samiti advocated that they are complementary to condition and it was this that gave rise to the male- each other unlike any other feminist organisation female dichotomy which dominates the feminist around the world or even within the country, who discourse around the world including India. always saw conflict between them. Samiti is often Rashtra Sevika Samiti, the world’s largest accused of not upholding the rights of women. It was

Organiser November 1, 2020 17 ANALYSIS

During the Covid pandemic, the Samiti distributed 4,26,237 gloves, masks and PPE kits, 1,09,696 ration kits and served 4,23,794 food packets.

Rashtra Sevika Samiti took up the cause of women not for individual rights and liberty to the extent that she openly displayed her bisexuality and even resorted considering them as victims but to unlock the potential to child abuse as an expression of female liberty. of the 50% of the population necessary for nation- Taking the inspiration from such proponents for building. Labelling it as orthodox is to delegitimise its women rights will instil similar ethos in the movement which we are witnessing is the blatant genuine efforts to make women take a lead role in its display of woman as a commodity. Succumbing to endeavour to bring glory to the motherland the western idea of feminism and women rights which was in perpetual competition with men, Indian feminist movement also fell prey to such ideas. therefore denied a place in the national discourse. Rashtra Sevika Samiti took up the cause of Not playing victims and taking up a more women not considering them as victims but to responsible role in nation-building was seen as a unlock the potential of the 50% of the population dent on the feminist agenda. The three ideals of necessary for nation-building. Labelling it as Samiti for matrutva (motherhood), kartrutva (duty orthodox is to delegitimise its genuine efforts to consciousness) and netrutva (leadership) in Jija make women take a lead role in its endeavour to mata, Ahilyabai and Rani Lakshmi bai respectively bring glory to the motherland. It reiterates that are themselves stark examples of denying the economic strength cannot be the sole factor gender roles ascribed to women of the deciding the capability of a person to make a contemporary society. Beauvoir, a protagonist of constructive impact on the existing social structure. feminism in the western world, was a lady who stood Economic independence for women to secure their

Organiser 18 November 1, 2020 RASHTRA SEVIKA SAMITI safety post-marriage tussle, as advocated by the very close associate feminist is a lesser objective of Samiti. Imagine if passed away. She every man claimed to be economically dependent performed the final rites only to support himself, what would happen to the and joined the meeting on existing social system where most women are 14th evening and on the dependent on men for their economic needs? For 15th, she was there till the Samiti earning a livelihood is not to just become self- finale. She said that dependent but to become dependable for their ‘Person’s loyalty is not children, family and particularly for the nation. important but loyalty to When Samiti refers to women as matrushakti it element is important not only refers to a biological mother but the one (vyakti nishtha nahi tatva who sows the seeds of empathy, character, nishtha hi mahatvpurn sensitivity, morality and affection among the hai). Setting an example upcoming as well as contemporary generations. before her sevikas that no Such tasks are also shouldered by pracharikas (full- ritual, no tradition is as time workers) who have chosen to never become important as the task of biological mothers but are referred to as matrishakti reinstating Bharat Mata to because they instil the moral character and love for her past glory. Pramukh Sanchalika Lakshmibai Kelkar the nation in their sevikas. Samiti has held that women are more capable in many skills not only because mythology or the dharma says so, but it Feminist outfits could not find resonance with Samiti has also been proved in many pieces of research in because it was anathema to their understanding of the modern world. A 2018 research report of Robby Berman in the World Economic Forum found that at the relationship between men and women as binaries. any hour of the day women are capable of doing Samiti advocated that they are complementary to more work than men. Another study published in each other unlike any other feminist organisation, BMC Psychology found that women are better at multitasking than men. Just like the reproduction, who always saw conflict between them capability of women is not their achievement but their anatomy, similarly capability to do more work Samiti works pan India and in more than 18 other is because of the genetic makeup of the brain. countries. With more than 2700 shakhas and 475 Samiti acknowledges these differences not to look plus sewa projects Samiti proactively addresses the down upon the other gender but as a greater challenges before the society. During the pandemic, responsibility to contribute towards the family, it distributed 4,26,237 gloves, masks and PPE kits, society and the nation. 1,09,696 ration kits and served 4,23,794 food Mausiji, addressing the annual meeting of all India packets. Samiti is aware of the vices existing in the Rashtra Sevika Samiti held in Mumbai in 1953, said society and vehemently opposes subjugation and that ‘woman is the charioteer of life and man is the oppression of women and also prepares its sevikas hearse (jeevan roopi rath ki saarthi stri hai aur purush to confront and oppose such situations. But it sees rathi hai). She wondered if man represents motion the permanent solution not simply in legal then who has put him into motion? It is the woman protections and perpetual competition with men but who puts the man into motion. Unlike the claims of in preparing a generation with virtues. Samiti takes the feminists that Samiti is a traditional organisation up this task on themselves as the first teacher of which seeks to uphold Brahmanical rituals, it has their child. It is the only organization by the women, always kept its mission of nation-building above of the women and for the nation, which talks about everything else. During the annual meeting of all India its duties first and their rights later. Rashtra Sevika Samiti held in Wardha in 1961 from (The author is a State Tax Officer and a research scholar in November 13 to 15, the sister in law (wife of Mausiji’s XLRI, Jamshedpur and writes on economics and husband’s elder brother) of Mausiji, who was also her socio-cultural issues)

Organiser November 1, 2020 19 BRIG (RETD) ANIL GUPTA OPINION ROSHNI ACT SCAM-J&K

Systemised Loot of the System by the System The people are watching how CBI handles the Roshni Act Scam and how many high and mighty of Jammu & Kashmir’s who’s who is finally brought to book

oshni Act scam of Jammu & Kashmir is the classic example of the misuse of now impugned Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution by Kashmiri leaders to loot the state exchequer and empower the influential and powerful by giving them ownership of the illegally encroached government lands at throwaway prices. It all began in 2001 during Rthe last leg of the tenure of Farooq Abdullah who had resources for augmenting the state’s power returned as the state’s Chief Minister in 1996 after a generation capacity through the commissioning of long spell of President’s Rule. As per the Constitution new hydroelectric power projects and hence was of J&K, any legislation concerning rights of popularly referred to as the Roshni Act. Ownership permanent residents of the state could be passed could be given only if the unauthorised occupants only with 2/3rd majority in both houses of the were permanent residents of J&K—natural persons legislature. Throwing the statute book to wind, a law or companies - fulfilling conditions under governing was passed by ‘voice vote’ to sell encroached law. Initially, 1990 was set as the cut-off for government lands to the encroacher themselves. It encroachment on the state land. The government’s came to be known as Jammu And Kashmir State target was to earn Rs 25,000 crore by transferring 20 Lands (Vesting of Ownership to the Occupants), Act lakh Kanal of state land to existing occupants against 2001. Purportedly, the Act was aimed at raising the payment at market rates.

Organiser 20 November 1, 2020 The High Court has ordered a court-monitored time-bound CBI inquiry concurring with the petitioners that Roshni scheme worked to facilitate illegal vesting of state lands

The original Act was amended twice subsequently 2007 by Ghulam Nabi Azad. Amendments made in in 2004 & 2007, again without following the laid down quick succession by Ghulam Nabi Azad enabled procedures. The later amendments were motivated open loot of the government land and allowed many and an open invitation for encroaching government politicians, their relatives, government and police land and get it regularised. These amendments also officials to encroach upon the prime property and had a hidden agenda as it unfolded later, and that have it regularised at dirt-cheap rates. A lot of non- was to change the demography of Jammu. While the agricultural lands were sold at agricultural rates. Azad original Act entitled only those under unauthorised wanted to become Sheikh Abdullah 2. occupation for a prolonged period before the passing Abdul Rahim Rather who had initially conceived of the Act, subsequent amendments diluted it and the scheme again became the Finance Minister of the moved to unauthorised occupation on a cut-off date state when Omar Abdullah formed a coalition initially of 2004 by Mufti Mohammad Syed and later government with the Congress in 2008. During a

Organiser November 1, 2020 21 OPINION ROSHNI ACT SCAM-J&K

beginning of undoing Roshni. Under the new rules, from market price, the rates were brought down to specific percentages of the market price depending upon the category of encroached land, namely residential, commercial and agricultural. For political parties and charitable institutions, the rate was fixed at 25 per cent of the market value. Incidentally, both NC and Congress parties are beneficiaries of the scheme and have built massive complexes in Srinagar on encroached state land, land worth crores were sold to these two parties for few lakhs. Over and above, the scheme was loaded with ‘rewards’ and ‘penalties’: a rebate of two to 25 per cent for people who make the payments within three months to one year and a similar penalty for those not doing the same. The rules were amended twice in quick succession each time easing the terms helping the encroachers. Roshni’s fate was finally sealed on February 9, 2007, when Azad reintroduced the scheme in the legislature as a“revolutionary step” after Sheikh Advocate Ankur Sharma addressing media persons at Press Club Jammu Abdullah’s historic and path-breaking land-to-tiller settlement. The amended law that earlier sought CAG report in fact only touched the financial barely ten per cent of the costs from the encroachers aspect of the scam highlighting the loss of now gave them FREE. They would have to pay a nominal fee of Rs 100 per Kanal for getting mutation revenue to the State through arbitrarily in their favour in the revenue records. 1, 77,395 Kanal amended rates but did not highlight the latent land in Jammu was almost gifted free or at throwaway intent of demographic change which the local prices to change its demography, only 15.47 crore was realised to regularise such a huge chunk of land. advocate Ankur Sharma termed as “Land Jihad” In 2006, the government had estimated resource mobilisation of about Rs 25,500 crore by selling about discussion in State Assembly at Jammu in 2010, 2,58,100 acres State land under unauthorised Abdul Rather admitted that free ownership rights occupation. Only about Rs 76 crore was realised were conferred on the vast chunk of land due to which against a demand of about Rs 318 crore raised by the targeted revenue could not be generated. The the end of March 2013 with actual transfer of about coalition dharma prevented rather from revealing 43,520 acres. Of this, a significant portion (about much more than this because the entire exercise was 42,500 acres) was categorised as ‘agricultural’ and a den of corruption and systematic loot of the system transferred free of cost! In hundreds of cases, the by those who had taken the oath to follow the price of land was not recovered despite the lapse of Constitution and were part of the system. the allowed period of 2 years. In November 2005, Ghulam Nabi Azad took over The declared aim of Roshni Act to generate as the Chief Minister. Exactly a year after assuming revenue for investment in enhancing state’s power office, Azad issued a circular that marked the resources was lost in the open loot of state land and

Organiser 22 November 1, 2020 became a designed exercise to regularise While the original Act In October 2020, the encroached public lands. Big family estates built on High Court with the public lands under unauthorised occupation were entitled only those Honourable Chief shown as a split among family members to claim under unauthorised Justice in the chair gave higher rebates in the land price. Rates were arbitrarily occupation for a its historic judgement applied and rebated even lower than the circle rates which can be fixed for stamp duty purposes fixed by a high-level prolonged period considered a significant committee. Cases which had already been disposed before the passing of milestone in the entire of were revived to favour the blue-eyed through pick the Act, subsequent episode of unbridled and choose an approach. loot of the state property By March 2013, about 2,55,800 acre State land amendments diluted by its custodians. The was reportedly under encroachment. Thus, the whole it and moved to High Court has ordered exercise only abetted further encroachments. All this unauthorised a court-monitored time- happened because very deficient Rules were bound CBI inquiry approved by the government and implemented in a occupation on a cut- concurring with the shoddy manner. It caused immeasurable loss to the off date initially of petitioners that Roshni public exchequer and abetted encroachment of public 2004 by Mufti scheme worked to lands. All these irregularities were brought out in the facilitate illegal vesting public domain through the report of Comptroller and Mohammad Syed and of state lands. The Auditor General (CAG) presented to the state later 2007 by Ghulam Court also ordered to legislature in March 2013. CAG in its report, had Nabi Azad. complete identities of all complained of non-cooperation by the state influential persons government officials and its machinery. Point to note Amendments made in (including ministers, is that Audit could check only a limited number of quick succession by legislators, bureaucrats, cases as all records were not provided. Ghulam Nabi Azad government officials, The findings of the CAG report were forwarded to police officers, the State Vigilance Organisation (SAC) by the enabled open loot of businessmen etc.) their Principal Accountant General (Audit) for the government land relatives or persons investigations. A local advocate from Jammu also and allowed many holding Benami for approached the High Court in 2014 for court- them, who have derived monitored investigations into the transfer of land politicians, their benefit under the Act under the Act. CAG report in fact only touched the relatives, government and/or occupy State financial aspect of the scam highlighting the loss of and police officials to lands. A tall order revenue to the State through arbitrarily amended indeed because of the rates but did not highlight the latent intent of encroach upon the involvement of the demographic change which the local advocate Ankur prime property system in the sordid Sharma termed as “Land Jihad.” Vigilance did probe episode. the case but selectively. It indicted two dozen officials The grand finale is awaited yet. The people are including three former Deputy Commissioners, but watching to see how CBI handles the case and how actual land grabbers were not named. many high and mighty of Jammu & Kashmir’s who’s High Court in 2018 ordered an end to sale, who is finally brought to book. Those opposed to purchase or any other transaction in respect of land abrogation of 370 and 35A and advocating its reversal acquired under the Roshni Scheme. The Act of 2001 must read and understand in detail as to how the said was finally repealed a few weeks later by the State articles were being blatantly misused by the powerful Administrative Council in November 2018 without to loot the erstwhile estate? Incidentally, it is the only clarifying the status of land which already stood sold tip of the iceberg. and muted. Petitioners once again knocked the doors (The writer is a Jammu based veteran, political commentator, of the High Court by filing fresh Public Interest columnist, strategic and security analyst. The views Litigations (PIL). expressed in the article are personal)

Organiser November 1, 2020 23 JAIBANS SINGH OPINION FATF-TERROR STATE PAKISTAN

EitherEither BlackBlack oror WhiteWhite After regional arm of the Financial Action Task Force has retained Pakistan in the enhanced follow-up list on the premise that the country has failed to curb terror funding and money laundering, pakistan has no scope to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan be in a grey list. There are

no shades of grey in the we do not know how much it will fall. We do not have issues related to curbing foreign reserves to save the Rupee. When Rupee falls, everything will become costly-electricity, gas terrorism and oil. Once we are on the blacklist, our entire economy will be destroyed due to inflation,” Khan is akistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has, reported to have stated in an interview given to a in the last few days, become quite vocal prominent news channel recently. in airing his deep concerns about the The statement and concern is more a product of possible blacklisting of the country by the political survival than concern for the country. Being Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in its quite wary of the possibility of being blacklisted, plenary meeting scheduled for October Khan is preparing his country for the worst and 21-23, 2020. “If Pakistan is put on FATF’s blacklist, simultaneously trying to blame India and his political then like Iran, deals will end. No international opponents. “Who is trying to put us on the blacklist? Pfinancial institutions will deal with us. It will impact It’s India. For two years, India has been trying to the Pakistani Rupee, and when Rupee starts to fall, blacklist Pakistan by lobbying with the international

Organiser 24 November 1, 2020 community,” Khan is saying to everybody and “good friend” China was supposed to be the last. anybody ready to listen to him. He is also voicing his Blacklisting by the FATF is a devastating concern about hale and hearty Nawaz Sharif nightmare for Pakistan, and yet the country is creating problems. At the same time, sitting in exile showing no inclination to mend its ways. There are in London and adding, for good measure, that the two reasons behind this. The first is the confidence former premier is taking advantage of the humane that its “friends in the organisation” will bail it out yet act by his Government in allowing him to leave the again. Three out of the 36 votes in the organisation country for medical reasons. Khan is also leveraging can keep it out of the the situation to put pressure on the Senate of the Blacklisting by the blacklist, and such country which is dominated by the opposition and FATF is a devastating support is available has rejected some FATF related bills. from China, Malaysia Things are not good for Pakistan is quite evident nightmare for and Turkey. The second by the fact that the Asia Pacific Group (APG), which Pakistan, and yet the reason behind this is the regional arm of the FATF has retained country is showing confidence is the Pakistan in the enhanced follow-up list on the assurance that good premise that the country has failed to curb terror no inclination to friend China and some funding and money laundering. The APG has opined mend its ways other Islamic nations that Pakistan has completely failed to implement the will come up in support FATF’s technical suggestions. should the blacklist sanctions be put in place. After Notably, since coming on the FATF grey list in all, the country is managing quite comfortably 2018, Pakistan has been given many deadlines to despite being on the grey list because of these full fill its commitments, improve transparency in friends. financial dealings and take action on the financing In the meantime, Pakistan is working hard to pass of terrorism. Even in February 2020, FATF was quite new laws in compliance with its Anti-Money vocal in its censure of Pakistan. Its press release Laundering/Countering Financing of Terror dated February, 21, expressed, “concerns about (AML/CFT) obligations and give its friends some Pakistan’s failure to complete its action plan in line leverage in the upcoming plenary session of FATF. with the agreed timelines and light of the terrorist Pakistan has been able to ward off the FATF financing risks emanating from the jurisdiction.” blacklist for too long now while failing to stand by its Pakistan has done little since the February promises made to the organisation and the world. session of the FATF when it was again placed on Since the last plenary session in February there has the grey list instead of being blacklisted, as should been a firm conviction across the globe that if have been the case. Whatever little has been done Pakistan fails to comply by October, the global body in matters concerning money laundering and tax will put the country in the ‘Black List’ along with evasion is with a distinct political bias directed North Korea and Iran. against the political rivals of the ruling party like As things stand, Pakistan is far behind in Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari. implementing the recommendations from FATF and Also in February 2020, to reduce pressure, the is, as usual, taking superficial actions to avoid the Pakistani Government, as directed by its army, blacklist, or better still, get its name cut from the grey formulated a brazen plan of getting a lower court to list itself. It is hoped that FATF will take a firm and convict the terrorist Hafiz Saeed for two terror righteous stand this time and not allow Pakistan to crimes. The conviction coincided with the visit of UN steer itself off the hook yet again blatantly. If Pakistan Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, to Pakistan. succeeds in its nefarious designs, then the very The sentence held no consequence since it was credibility of the international organisation will get liable for appeal in a higher court, but, it was enough jeopardised. India is directly affected by the terror for the friends of Pakistan in the FATF (mainly China activities that emanate from Pakistani soil and needs and Turkey) to ensure that the country continues in to move fast and strong if she wishes to check the the grey list for another six months instead of being malevolent designs of the neighbouring country. blacklisted. The February deadline, orchestrated by (The writer is strategic analyst, columnist and commentator)

Organiser November 1, 2020 25 KHILAFAT MOVEMENT PART - IX Flight of the Bulbuls Once the Afghans started feeling the heat of the hijrat, they suspended it and n DR SHREERANG turned their Muslim ‘brothers’ back after dishonouring them and their women-folk. GODBOLE

oetry has been described as the spontaneous outburst of innermost feeling. But poetry that seeps into the collective consciousness of a peo- ple also reflects their psyche and influences Pbehaviour. Bankim’s Vande Mataram extols the country of residence not as a mere piece of land but as a Divine Mother to be revered and worshipped by her children. Once the vision of the Divine Mother has been revealed to the people, as Sri Aurobindo said, “... there can be no rest, no peace; no further slumber till the temple has been made ready, the image installed and the sacrifice offered” (Rishi Bankim Chandra, Collected Works of Sri Aurobindo, 16 April 1907). It is possible for a people to have an alternate view of their country of residence. To them, it is sacrilegious to refer to a piece of land as their mother, and indeed blas- phemous to confer divinity and pay obeisance to it. In his poem Taranah-e-Hindi (Anthem of the people of were oppressed in the land, (the angels) will say, “Was Hindustan), better known as Saare jahan se accha, the not Allah’s earth spacious that ye could have migrated poet Iqbal offers his view: “Ham bulbulen_ hain_ is ki, yih therein? As for such, their habitation will be hell, an evil gulsitan_ hamara” (We are its nightingales, it is our journey’s end” (Quran 4.97). Only the feeble who are garden abode). Birds flock to a garden to enjoy the fruit unable to devise a plan and are not shown a way are that hang from its trees. They are certainly not obliged to exempt. The Quran gives the following assurance to stay there if the garden becomes desolate; they those who emigrate, “Whoso migrateth for the cause of simply emigrate. Allah will find refuge and abundance in the earth, and In the summer of 1920, the Khilafat Movement was whoso forsaketh his home, a fugitive unto Allah and His still undecided regarding its final course of action. From messenger, and death overtaketh him, his reward is then May to November 1920, nearly 60,000 bulbuls emigrat- incumbent on Allah...” (Quran 4.100). ed (undertook hijrat) because in their view their abode The Prophet encouraged hijrat, indeed performed it had become unholy due to the forces of disbelief. It is himself. In the fifth year of his mission, when the Prophet inconceivable that an emigration of this proportion could saw the affliction of his Companions, he said to them: ‘If take place if it did not have theological basis. you were to go to Abyssinia (it would be better for you), for the king will not tolerate injustice and it is a friendly Islamic injunction on Hijrat country, until such time Allah shall relieve you from dis- The Quran clearly enjoins the believers to emigrate to a tress’ (The Life of Muhammad, A Translation of Ishaq’s land where they can attain faith rather than remain in the Sirat Rasul Allah with Introduction and Notes by A. state of wronging themselves (by continuing to live in Guillaume, Oxford University Press, 1965, p. 146). The unbelief). To those who do not emigrate saying they affliction and distress refers to the ‘persecution’ at the

Organiser 26 November 1, 2020 100 YRS OF MOPLAH RIOTS

hands of the yet non-Muslim Quraysh tribe of Mecca. In pp. 119, 120). September 622, upon the loss of support of his clan after the death of his uncle Abu Talib, the Prophet himself The Afghan offer undertook hijrat from Mecca to Medina. It may be noted As Turkey, Arabia and Persia were under European that hijrat is not the flight of cowards. It is strategy to Christian rule, Afghanistan was the only dar al-Islam. regroup in Islamic lands and then wage war to reclaim Afghanistan dreamed of filling the power vacuum creat- the infidel land for Islam. Hijrat and jihad are not differ- ed by the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. On ent. Hijrat is preparation to wage jihad with a vengeance. February 9, 1920, Amir Amanullah (1892-1960) of Clearly, those who look upon the country of their birth Afghanistan delivered a speech stating he was ready to as a Divine Mother and those whose attachment to a give up his life for the Khilafat and would welcome land depends on its state of belief or otherwise are a Muhajarin (those who perform Hijrat) from India to world apart! Those who cannot or will not grasp this sim- Afghanistan. This speech was widely publicized in India ple truth will be unable to fathom the hijrat of 1920. and created great excitement (The Hijrat of 1920 and Afghanistan, Abdul Ali, Proceedings of the Indian History India as Dar al-Harb Congress, Vol. 43, 1982, pp. 726, 727). Sometime after 1803, Shah Abdul Aziz (1746-1824), son Amir Amanullah issued the following Nizamnama of Shah Waliullah, issued a fatwa (Fatawa-i-Azizi) that (Ordinance) for the comfort of the Muhajarin (Source the country was being ruled not by the orders of the Material for a History of the Freedom Movement in India: ‘Imam-ul-Muslimin’ but those of the Christian rulers. With Khilafat Movement, Vol. X, Government of Maharashtra, regard to India under the British, the ruling of his disciple 1982, pp. 398,399) : and son-in-law Abdul Haiy (d. 1828), was even more 1) Any individual who thinks of migrating into specific, it was ‘the country of the Enemy’, for ‘no Afghanistan shall obtain a passport either at recourse is made to our holy law’. Interestingly, Abdul Haiy accepted service under the East India Company From May to November 1920, nearly 60,000 (The Khilafat Movement in India, 1919-1924, bulbuls emigrated (undertook hijrat) because in Muhammad Naeem Qureshi, dissertation submitted to University of London, 1973, p.118; see also Shah Abdul their view their abode had become unholy due to Aziz: His Life and Time, Mushirul Haque, Institute of the forces of disbelief. It is inconceivable that Islamic Culture, 1995, pp. 24-26). emigration of this proportion could take place if it Classically, dar al-harb includes those countries where the Muslim law is not in force in the matter of wor- did not have a theological basis ship and protection of the ‘Faithful’ and dhimmis (non- Muslims who pay tax to get protection). When a Muslim Peshawar or Dhakka. He who places his foot on the country does become a dar al-harb, it is incumbent upon soil of Afghanistan shall be treated as an Afghan sub- all Muslims to withdraw to a dar al-Islam and re-conquer ject enjoying full rights as such. He shall consequent- the dar al-harb, erstwhile dar al-Islam. When in 622 CE ly be bound to abide by the Muhammadan Law and the Prophet performed the hijrat to Medina, he returned the internal laws of the realm. to Mecca eight years later as a conqueror. The 2) Any person entering the soil of Afghanistan and supporters of the hijrat of 1920, in advocating emigration swearing allegiance to the Government of to Afghanistan, had this very end in view (Qureshi, Afghanistan shall be given plots of culturable lands ibid, p. 119). as detailed below:- An unmarried man 6 jaribs (1 As the British rulers were endangering the Khilafat, jarib=0.49 acres or 2000 sq.m) of land. A married India had become ‘unholy’ in the Khilafatist view. The man 8 jaribs of land. An unmarried girl or any minor chief proponents of this view were the Ali brothers. In a shall get no plot of land. letter dated April 24, 1919 to Viceroy Lord Chelmsford, 3) Till before the crops of the lands allotted to them they stated, “he (a Muslim) must migrate to some other (Muhajirin) are ready to be reaped, these persons and freer land with a view to return to it when it is once shall get the following ration: An adult 5 seers (Kabul more safe for Islam... In view of our weak condition, weight; 1 seer=7.066 kg or 15.58 lbs) of wheat flour migration is the only alternative for us...” (Qureshi, ibid, per month; A minor (from 6 years till puberty, 3 seers

Organiser November 1, 2020 27 KHILAFAT MOVEMENT PART - IX

(Kabul weight) of wheat flour per month. ument summarising the views of Indian Muslims on the 4) Those persons to whom plots of lands have been Khilafat. allotted shall be advanced, in the first year, by way of On March 25, 1920, Maulana Azad had argued that takavi (advance), 6 Seers of wheat and Rs. 5 per hijrat was not possible as Muslims had no place to go to. jarib to enable them to buy ploughs, etc. The cash In an about-turn, he wrote the so-called Hijrat ka fatwa takavi shall be refunded after three years in three which was published in the Urdu daily Ahl-e-Hadith of yearly instalments. Amritsar on July 30, 1920. He advised those ‘seeking 5) The Indian Muhajir shall be exempted from payment righteousness’ to get in touch with him or obtain instruc- of land revenue for a period of three years. This tions from pro-hijrat ulama. shall, however, be realised in the fourth year in In his fatwa, Azad said, “After taking into account all accordance with the State rules. the provisions of the Shariat, contemporary events, the 6) No political work shall be undertaken without consult- interests of the Muslims, and pros and cons (of political ing the Afghan Government. issues), I feel satisfied... the Muslims of India have no 7) Persons who are educated, or those who know Art choice but to migrate from India... Those who cannot and Science, and the Government considers it nec- migrate immediately should help the migrants essary to engage their services, shall be taken in (Muhajirin).” Those who remained in India were ‘not service if desired by them, and shall get pay accord- allowed to have any co-operation or connection with the ing to their qualifications. The rest of the men shall body known as “the enemy of Islam”, and one who fails be at liberty to take up service or follow any trade or to do this will, in accordance with the holy Quran also be profession. counted as “the enemy of Islam”. Azad maintained that 8) The Indian Muhajirin, when first entering the soil of his opinion was not at all based on political grounds. Afghanistan, shall stay for a period of one to two Azad’s object was not (the temporal aim of) saving Constantinople but saving the Muslim faith. His only Disillusioned, the muhajirin wanted to come over to reservation about the hijrat was regarding its conduct. It the Indian side. But before that, a group of Afghans ‘should be made in an organised form and not in a hap- hazard manner’. His other qualification was that he con- from the Khost area attempted to flee the ever- sidered it ‘essential to take an oath of migration before increasing stream of muhajirin and come over to one actually migrates’. Late in the campaign, when he the Indian side in a sort of counter-hijrat could see its limitations and dangers, he remained stub- born and true to his principles, making only minor quali- fications on practical grounds (Hijrat: The Flight of the months at Jabal-us-Siraj, when sites would be Faithful: A British File on the Exodus of Muslim Peasants selected by the Government, where plots of lands from North India to Afghanistan in 1920, Dietrich Reetz, shall be allotted to them and quarters built for them Verl. Das Arabische Buch, Berlin, 1995, pp. 35, 36). in the event of there being no free quarters. The Khilafat Workers Conference held in Delhi on Preparing for Hijrat April 25, 1920 welcomed the Afghan offer. The ulama The Khilafat Committee seems to have been the main were divided on whether hijrat should be performed. organisational base of the hijrat campaign. A Central One prominent Khilafatist who advocated the hijrat was Hijrat Office with branches all over India was opened; a Maulana Azad, blue-eyed ‘nationalist’ of the Congress. broad-based propaganda campaign was launched. Local hijrat committees sprang up all over India and in Maulana Azad, champion of Hijrat the Frontier Province in particular. The Peshawar Maulana Azad’s contribution to the Khilafat Movement Committee bore the brunt of the preparations for hijrat was mainly conceptual. His speech at the Calcutta and was known by the name Anjuman-i Muhajirin-i Islam Khilafat Conference on February 28-29, 1920 sum- Subah Sarhadi (Organisation of Islamic Emigrants of the marised arguments for the theological interpretation of Frontier Province; Dietrich Reetz, ibid, pp. 44, 45). the Khilafat movement in a classical manner. His treatise Mosques were frequently utilised for encouraging Masala-e-Khilafat wa Jazirat al-Arab (The Khilafat issue hijrat. Maulvis preached from the pulpit that Muslims and the Holy Places of Islam) was the major Islamic doc- who did not migrate would become infidels. Writers

Organiser 28 November 1, 2020 100 YRS OF MOPLAH RIOTS

stirred popular emotions through prose and poetry. The proceeded on hijrat was equivalent to one complete vernacular press published rosy accounts of life in company with its Indian officers (Dietrich Reetz, ibid, pp. Afghanistan. The people were told stories of red carpet 53, 54; also Qureshi, ibid, p. 132). receptions which awaited the muhajirin (Qureshi, ibid, pp.125, 126). The bubble of pan-Islamism The muhajirin had to pass through barren mountainous Beeline of the faithful country in the heat of Indian summer. Food and water For commencement of the campaign, a symbolic ges- were scarce. Once they left Indian territory, their trek ture was intended. The Urdu-paper Zamindar turned into a nightmare. In spite of the Amir’s promises, announced on May 7, 1920 that 1338 persons, corre- very little was actually done. The muhajirin were sponding to the year of the Muslim Hijra era, were ready oppressed by the Amir’s officials, who kicked and beat to proceed to Afghanistan. Though some enthusiasts them. They were subjected to harsh, even brutal treat- had secretly started crossing the border, the hijrat as an ment at the hands of the people of their adopted coun- organised exodus started on May 15, 1920, - the day the try. Their womenfolk were dishonoured. The muhajirin peace terms with Turkey were published in India - when were reported to be so bitter against those who induced the first qafila of eager muhajirin crossed the border for them to emigrate that they were swearing to shoot the Kabul ‘with great happiness and success’. Mullahs when they reached their homes. The road from In the beginning, the hijrat took off slowly. One reason the Frontier to Kabul was dotted with muhajirin graves. was that the CKC and Jamiyat-ul-Ulama were preoccu- According to eye-witnesses, the Khyber Pass was lit- pied with the proposed inauguration of the Non-cooper- tered with corpses (Dietrich Reetz, ibid, p. 69). ation programme. Besides, the hijrat was encountering During August 1920, the roads to Kabul were con- strong opposition from prominent Khilafatists like Ajmal gested and winter was approaching. Afghanistan could Khan, Kitchlew, Jinnah, Iqbal and others who honestly accommodate only 40,000 Muhajirin up to winter. On believed that the venture was not in the best interest of August 12, 1920, the Amir postponed the hijrat. There the community (Qureshi, ibid, p. 126). were reports that the Afghans were turning back the The first batch of intending migrants consisted of 53 muhajirin at the point of gun and bayonet (Qureshi, ibid, persons who crossed the famous Khyber Pass during p. 141).Disillusioned, the muhajirin wanted to come the week ending May 15, 1920. At its height (July 1920) over to the Indian side. But before that, a group of the campaign was limited to the North-West Frontier Afghans from the Khost area attempted to flee the ever- Province from where around 85 per cent of the emi- increasing stream of muhajirin and come over to the grants hailed, while around 10 per cent came from Indian side in a sort of counter-hijrat. They had been Punjab and another 5 per cent from Sind. The highest dispossessed of their land in favour of the arriving estimate assessed the number of muhajirin who had muhajirin. Trouble was brewing in Khost area where arrived in Afghanistan at over 50,000 (Dietrich Reetz, both the arriving emigrants and the local population ibid, p. 52). In addition to the 40,000 muhajirin estimated were deeply discontented (Dietrich Reetz, ibid, p. 70). by the Afghans, over 7000 had emigrated after the Amir About seventy-five per cent of the Indian muhajirin final- announced suspension of hijrat. Besides, small parties ly returned to India (Qureshi, ibid, p. 146). had gone to Khost as late as September 1920, and a The Hijrat movement, conceived as it was in the large number of the muhajirin had gone to Afghanistan make-believe concept of pan-Islamism, was doomed to through routes other than the Khyber. The total numbers failure. Once the Afghans started feeling the heat of the involved may safely be estimated at between fifty and hijrat, they suspended it and turned their Muslim ‘broth- sixty thousand (Qureshi, ibid, p. 148). ers’ back after dishonouring them and their women-folk. Two factors were worrisome to the British. As whole The bulbuls who had deserted their garden discovered villages were vacated, there was heightened speculation that the grass was certainly not greener on the over land and property which the intending emigrants other side! were forced to sell and prices tumbled. The second fac- (To be continued…) tor which alarmed British officials was the growing (The writer is a Doctor and author of many books on Islam, impact of the hijrat on police officers and the army. By Christianity, contemporary Buddhist-Muslim relations, Shuddhi early August, the number of Muslim soldiers who had Movement and religious demography)

Organiser November 1, 2020 29 ANALYSIS FRANCE TEACHER GOPAL GOSWAMI BEHEADING

France teacher Samuel Paty (Inset)was beheaded by his student for allegedly insulting the Prophet Apostate Europe! France and rest of the world will see more such gruesome incidents in the near future as Europe is on the target with the first stage won by infiltrating six million Muslims into it. The Syria-ISIS game is out to have a final battle to control ageing Europe

TERRORIST in Paris last week asked Chechen origin—who was believed to be furious on students to point out a teacher who showing the cartoon on Muhammad. This happened in showed Prophet Mohammed cartoons in Paris, the capital city of France, the most liberal country class before beheading him in the after India in terms of religious freedom until it turned street.” paradise for the radical Islamic extremists. Last week, this was the headline of There are debates on ‘some people doing this in the almost all newspapers, news websites and TV across the name of Islam cannot be generalised as to the whole of globe after a terrorist beheaded a History and Geography Islam.’ Instances being quoted from other religions to “Ateacher Samuel Patty, 47, who previously received death justify that all are not same and few are everywhere. Let’s threats for producing the images in a lesson on freedom understand the root cause of this killing, beheading in the of expression. The suspect has been named as 18-year- name of apostate and blasphemy in Islam. We have seen old Muslim boy Abou Alakh—a Russian national of ISIS and other terror organisation doing the same and

Organiser 30 November 1, 2020 The killing triggered massive protest across France propagating it on the media. It’s basically Islam needs to reform if And shall be beheaded! to instil fear amongst those who speak up l According to Islamic hadiths Nadriban against the cruel, outrageous practices in Muslims wish to live Al Harith, who was an Arab Pagan doctor the seventh-century Arabian tribal warfare peacefully with others. from Taif, used to tell stories of Rustam to grab money, land and females of other Because if at all the and Isfandiyar to the Arabs and scoffed Kabila. It was fought, conquered, looted Muhammad. After the battle of Badr, Al- than distributed among the members. The Islamic caliphate Harith was captured and, in retaliation, loot included females as well and becomes reality the Muhammad ordered his execution in the distributed. Islam is only for males, the things would be worse, as hands of Ali. So the first beheading was females being treated as a commodity. ordered by the Prophet himself. According Hence the male can use, abuse, change, Pakistan, Syria, to certain hadiths, after Mecca’s fall, and exchange the female is the biggest Afghanistan, Yemen, Muhammad ordered many enemies reason for not allowing reforms. Syria, Iran, Iraq etc. are executed. Based on this early jurists In Quran its quoted by the God, that all postulated that sabb al-Nabi (abuse of the the messengers before Muhammad and Islamic countries but are Prophet) was a crime “so heinous that their teachings will abide by the Muslims, the reason of worry for repentance was disallowed and summary it implies the Ved, Puran, Upanishad, the world and execution was required”. Ramayan, Mahabharat and God’s l The only punishment of those who incarnations are too to be followed by themselves too wage war against Allah and His every Muslim including Tanakh and Bible. Messenger and strive to make mischief in Not following the commandments of the Quran is the land is that they should be murdered, or crucified, disobedience to the teaching of Allah; hence each Muslim or their hands and their feet should be cut off on is apostate! opposite sides, or they should be imprisoned. This

Organiser November 1, 2020 31 ANALYSIS FRANCE TEACHER BEHEADING Then smite the necks and smite of them each finger. (8:12) l Now when ye meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when ye have routed them, making fast of bonds; and afterwards either grace or ransom ’til the war lay down its burdens. (47:4) Let’s have a look on few incidents out of millions of such cases where people from both Muslim and non- Muslim communities were beheaded for so-called apostate or blasphemy. Case 1 Kamlesh Tiwari ‘Rangila Rasool’ was written by a disciple of Swami Dayanand namely Pundit MA Chamupati or Krishan Prataab in 1927, whose name was never revealed by the On December 2, 2015, Azam Khan, a publisher, Mahashe Rajpal of Lahore. The book was a politician from Samajwadi Party from Uttar Pradesh, retaliatory action from the Hindu community against a made a sarcastic comment on decriminalisation of pamphlet published by a Muslim denigrating Mata Sita. But based on Muslim complaints, Rajpal was arrested & homosexuality law, targetting the Rashtriya acquitted in April 1929 as there was no law against insult Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Kamlesh Tiwari of Hindu to religion. The section 295A which penalises offensive Samaj Party retaliated with a similar comment on utterances was framed in the aftermath of the Rangila Rasool case, Jinnah helped frame it. Rangila Rasool had Prophet Muhammad. On October 18, 2019, Tiwari a surface appearance of a lyrical and laudatory work on was brutally murdered by two Muslim assailants, Muhammad and his teachings. For example, it began with Fariduddin Shaikh and Ashfaq Shaikh, in his office- a poem which went “The bird serves the flowers in the garden; I’ll serve my Rangila Rasool”, and called cum-residence at Lucknow Muhammad “a widely experienced” person who was best symbolised by his many wives, in contrast with the lifelong celibacy of Hindu saints. The references were shall be a disgrace for them in this world, and in the taken from Islamic scriptures only. hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement. Muslims continued trying to kill Chamupati. After Except those who repent before you overpower them; several unsuccessful attempts on him, he was stabbed so know that Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. [Quran 5:33– to death by Ilmuddin a young Muslim carpenter on April 34] Those who annoy Allah and His 6 1929. Ilmuddin was sentenced to death on October 31 Messenger—Allah have cursed them in this world and 1929. He was represented by Mohammad Ali Jinnah as in the hereafter, and has prepared for them a a defence lawyer, the so-called great secular leader until humiliating Punishment. Truly, if the Hypocrites, and then. The so-called philosopher Allama Iqbal led the those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who stir funeral ceremony, where he declared: “This uneducated up sedition in the City, desist not, We shall certainly young man has surpassed us, the educated ones.” One stir thee up against them: Then will they not be able of pre-Independence India’s outstanding thinkers had no to stay in it as thy neighbours for any length of time: qualms in glorifying murder in the name of hurt religious They shall have a curse on them: whenever they are sentiment. Ilmuddin is now revered as a ghazi in found, they shall be seized and slain (without mercy). Pakistan. The greatest surprise ever is Mahatma Gandhi [Quran 33:57–61 condemned Chamupati for writing Rangila Rasool and l When the Lord inspired the angels (saying) I am with justified killing of him by Ilmuddin. This dark part of history you. So make those who believe stand firm. I will was never shown to society by the leftist historian and throw fear into the hearts of those who disbelieve. resulted in the radicalisation of Islam in there

Organiser 32 November 1, 2020 backing day by day. social media extensively against the Royal family. When arrested by police, he said in the court he was following Case 2 the path of Islam as per the Quran. On December 2, 2015, Azam Khan, a politician from Samajwadi Party from Uttar Pradesh, made a sarcastic Case 5 comment of decriminalisation of homosexuality law Nigeria-The murder and beheading of Gideon Akaluka, a towards life workers of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh young merchant who allegedly desecrated the Quran, led (RSS) ‘homosexuals. Kamlesh Tiwari of Hindu Samaj Party the outbreak of unrest in May 1995, kept a city of about 3 retaliated with comments on Prophet Muhammad that he million people at the edge of a knife. was the first homosexual having relations with his friend Abdullahi Umaru was murdered after Musa Yaro Abu Bakr, which were as usual considered derogatory by furiously raised his voice and read an excerpt from thousands of Indian Muslims who protested & rioted across Risallah, the Islamic edition, and then passed his the nation and demanded death penalty and beheading for sentence: “He who insults our Prophet Muhammed must Tiwari. Tiwari was arrested, charged under the National die. You, Abdullahi Umaru, who insulted the holy Prophet Security Act, by the Samajwadi Party Government-led by Mohammed, must therefore pay the price for your crime. CM Akhilesh Yadav and jailed for about a year by the Uttar You have to die by the sword.” Pradesh Police. On October 18, 2019, Tiwari was murdered by two Case 6 Muslim assailants, Fariduddin Shaikh and Ashfaq Shaikh, In Nigeria a woman, Brigade Agbaheme allegedly in his office-cum-residence at Lucknow. Tiwari killed with murdered for “blasphemy” against Prophet Muhammad. his throat slit. According to police officials, the assailants According to Sahara Reporters, “Angry Muslims youths kept a revolver and knife inside the sweets box. During in Kano decapitated a woman trader over allegations that the attack, one assailant slit his throat while another fired she blasphemed Prophet Muhammad. at him. He was stabbed 15 times. The self-acclaimed The victim, who was said to be of Igbo extraction, was Muslim leader Asad Owessi celebrated the killing while he accused of blasphemy during a religious argument at was descending at an election gathering in Mumbai. Wambai market.” By going through the incidents, we can conclude the Case 3 similar patterns of beheading, slitting the throat, or killing On September 26, a young Muslim man of Pakistani origin by any mean in the name of blasphemy and celebrating it stabbed two people Friday outside the former Paris offices is evident that the motive is to dictate and superimpose of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, where 12 people Islamic sharia tradition upon the non-Islamic people. The were killed in 2015. A video from Back home Pakistan vision of Islamic caliphate is primary teaching to any surfaced on social media where his father was seen Muslim kid. Reducing the number of disbelievers by any celebrating the act of his son in the path of Deen or Jihad mean is service to Allah; one will find heaven with beautiful and wowed to send his remaining two sons in the work of girls and wines after death. There is one famous phrase in Allah that is Jihad. the Quran “convince the disbeliever to embrace Islam, Ali Muhammad Khan, a Pakistani Minister, tweeted threaten if doesn’t agree and kill him if doesn’t convert.” “Beheading is the only punishment for those who mock Islam needs to reform if Muslims wish to live peacefully the Prophet Muhammad,” in Urdu, “One cannot be a with others. Because if at all the Islamic caliphate Muslim unless one considers the Holy Prophet becomes reality the things would be worse, as Pakistan, Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the last Prophet and Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Iran, Iraq etc. are the last messenger. Belief in the end of prophethood is the Islamic countries but are the reason of worry for the world foundation of Islam,” Khan added in another tweet. and themselves too. France & rest of the world will see more such gruesome incidents in the near future as Case 4 Europe is on the target with the first stage won by A Muslim man in Copenhagen, Denmark was arrested for infiltrating six million Muslims into it. The Syria-ISIS game threatening Elizabeth II, the queen of Sweden and her is out to have a final battle to control ageing Europe. family for beheading her. In October 2019 he wrote on (The writer is a research scholar)

Organiser November 1, 2020 33 REPORT ‘Fear is going to change sides’: Macron’s message to Islamists After a French school teacher was beheaded by an Islamist terrorist, lakhs of demonstrators took to the streets lauding free speech and decrying ‘Nazislamisation’

n ORGANISER BUREAU

n a stern message to Islamists in France, a deter- mined French President Emmanuel Macron said, "Fear is going to change sides. Islamists should not be able to sleep easy in our country.” He was responding to the beheading of a French teacher Samuel Paty by Islamist terrorist. Paying tribute to Paty, Macron hailed the teacher as a "quiet hero". "He was killed precisely because he I incarnated the Republic. He was killed because the Islamists want our future. They know that with quiet heroes like him, they will never have it,” Macron said. Recent beheading of history teacher Samuel Paty has triggered unprecedented response in France, which forced the government to launch a massive crackdown on madrasas and Islamist institutions that churn out radicals. Paty was killed by 18-year-old Chechen Islamist Aboulakh A in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, around 25 miles north-west of Paris. The terrorist also shouted Images of Samuel Paty 'Allahu Akbar' as he launched the attack. displayed on govt buildings of The teacher had 'invited Muslim students out of the France to express solidarity classroom' before showing a Charlie Hebdo caricature of the Prophet crouching with a star drawn on his but- tocks and the inscription 'A star is born', reported the Daily Mail. complaint to the school and held a meeting with the A father of a 13-year-old student at the secondary teacher, school principal and an official from the edu- school in middle-class Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a cation authority. suburb 25 miles from the centre of Paris, told Reuters The attacker was shot dead by police about 600 Mr Paty had told any Muslim students to leave yards from the killing when he refused to drop his because the cartoon would likely cause offence. For weapons and threatened the officers. It is unclear Muslim fanatics, any depiction of the Prophet is blas- whether the gunman had seen the video. phemous. Following the incident, Islamists across the world One girl, thought to be Muslim, stayed behind by justified the gruesome murder of the teacher. mistake, and later told her parents. They made a legal The French President denounced what he called

Organiser 34 November 1, 2020 FRANCE TEACHER BEHEADING

an 'Islamist terrorist attack', claiming: “One of our com- patriots was murdered today because he taught the free- dom to believe or not believe.” He said the attack should It is Islamic separatism that we have to attack. not divide France because that is what the extremists Islamic separatism is a conscious effort, a politico- want. We must stand all together as citizens. religious one. It repeatedly breaks with the values “It is Islamic separatism that we have to attack. of the Republic and aims to form a counter-society. Islamic separatism is a conscious effort, a politico-reli- gious one. It repeatedly breaks with the values of the Mounted terrorist attacks in France that have killed Republic and aims to form a counter-society. This takes more than 250 people over the past five years the form of taking kids out of school, developing sports —Enamanuel Macron, French President and cultural communities that become an excuse for teaching principles that do not conform to the laws of the Republic. This indoctrination negates our principles such who recently beheaded French history teacher Samuel as equality of men and women and the dignity of the Paty has not done a serious crime. According to some scholars, he should not have committed the murder by himself but should have allowed a shari’ah court to award death penalty. In India, too, Islamo-Left-Liberals who were very vocal in the case of murder of George Floyd, 46-year-old US black man -- and launched a cam- paign ‘Muslims lives matter’ on the lines of ‘Black lives matter’ -- remained tight-lipped about the decapitation of the French teacher by an Islamic radical. Talking to a Turkey TV channel, Sheikh Ali Al-Yousuf of the International Union of Muslim Scholars said from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence, the Chechen teen has “not done any serious crime”. Punishment for insulting Prophet Muhammad is death, he said. “…The sentence should be carried out by a shari'ah court in an Islamic state. According to Al-Yousuf, Islam is growing in France and elsewhere in Europe because of its ‘moral virtues’. He says: "Anyone who follows what is happening in France – the attacks against Islam and Muslims, and especially what we have seen lately – will see that there is an obvious media, political, cultural, and ideological campaign against Islam, Muslims, and the Prophet Muhammad, against every Muslim individual, as well as Muslim symbols, like the hijab. All this is crystal clear – it is called Islamophobia.” human being,“ said the French President. Even after mounting onslaught on civilians and insti- The French anti-terrorism prosecutor has ordered an tutions, Islamic scholars try to play the victim card. “This investigation into the murder with a suspected terrorist is the problem, before we talk about this act [murder of motive. Four people, one a minor, were detained hours Samuel Paty] – its judgement according to the shari'a later, the office of anti-terror prosecutor Jean-Francois and our opinion about it... We must firmly focus on all the Ricard said without elaborating. Police typically fan out hostile and disgraceful actions that have been directed to find family and friends of potential suspects in terror against Muslims for many years, actions supported by cases. the government and extremists in France and elsewhere Meanwhile, the general refrain among leading Islamic that were meant to distort Islam's image in the West," Al- scholars across the world is that the Chechen student Yousuf said.

Organiser November 1, 2020 35 REPORT Madrasas: The Holy Cow for Congress in Rajasthan While the Centre has introduced National Education Policy-2020 for reforming education, the Rajasthan government has given legal status to Madrasa Board; Vedic Education Board, Gaushalas left in the lurch

n AGNIMA SHARMA, JAIPUR

t’s the petty politics of appeasement yet again coming It needs to be mentioned here that the to fore in Rajasthan as the Madrasa Board has been modernisation of madrassas was also mentioned in given the legal recognition by the Congress the Rajasthan government’s Budget 2019. The item government while the Gaushala grant has been number 116 of the Ashok Gehlot government’s trimmed in the state. To add more to the woes, the Budget 2019 mentioned “Chief Minister’s Madrasa much-awaited Vedic Education Board announced by up-gradation scheme”, and about Rs. 7 crore were the state government has been delayed till date, and allocated by the government for the same. It, the ambitious project is yet to see the light of the day. indirectly, shows the government’s intention of giving I With all these developments, the Muslim madrasa boards a free hand in the state, said community seems happy-going in the state while the sources. Hindus here are feeling depressed and oppressed Officials said that Rs 9,000 crore grant for 3240 with the autocratic decisions of the state government. madrasas was stopped by the central government A few months back, the Hindu community was quite earlier, leaving them on the verge of closure. happy after the Congress government announced the However, the state government came up to aid them formation of the Vedic Education Board in the state, and hence allocated Rs 188 lakh to them. A total of 2 thinking that a meaningful initiative has been taken lakh students are studying in these madrasas. under the Congress tenure in the state. However, the Meanwhile, former MLA Gyandev Ahuja said, “We wait went endless, and till date, there is no official have demanded that the Tablighi Jamaat and announcement of any such board. madrasas should be banned in the state as their Meanwhile, the Rajasthan government gave legal education goes against national sentiments. status to the madrasa board. Going further, on October However, the state government started funding them 16, it further announced to bear a total of 90% of the from going against our demands. Also, it gave them cost being incurred in the development of madrasa, equal status as that of the education board which while the madrasa board will be incurring the remaining surprises us,” he added. 10% of the expense. An outlay of Rs 15-25 lakh per While the Muslim community is celebrating the madrassa has been earmarked by the state state government’s decision in the state, the gaushala government; confirmed officials were adding that “The owners, on the other hand, are decrying the Rajasthan government asked the state-wide madrasas amendment in the Rajasthan Stamp Act, 1998 due to to file an application from October 14-29 in order to which the surcharge meant for cow welfare will now receive grants for their infrastructural development.” be used to contain drought, flood and public health

Organiser 36 November 1, 2020 GAURAKSHA

Congress plays petty politics of appeasement again in Rajasthan; Madrasa Board given legal recognition while Gaushala grant trimmed exigencies, besides catering to cow welfare. During Vasundhara Raje’s last tenure, Rajasthan The state government a few months back in May promulgated the Rajasthan Stamp (Amendment) became the only Indian state to have a dedicated Ordinance, 2020 to amend the Rajasthan Stamp Act, ministry for cow welfare whose first minister was 1998. The Section 3-B of the Act with the phrase Otaram Dewasi. In 2018, the Vasundhara Raje “surcharge for conservation and propagation of cow and its progeny”, was added with an ordinance “and government imposed 20 per cent cess on sale of for mitigating natural or man-made calamities”. liquor for the protection of cows Subsequently, on August 21, the Congress government introduced the Rajasthan Stamp associations in the state have decided to raise their (Amendment) Bill, 2020 aiming at widening the use voice against this injustice in one way or the other. of the surcharge to “provide immediate relief to While some have decided to write letters to the state people suffering from the sudden outbreak of COVID- government, the others have decided to stage dharna 19 in the form of food, shelter, transportation and in all assembly areas on September 21. health services and also having in mind the future After that, a strategy shall be chalked out to start need of resources for emergent situations. a movement against this autocratic decision which The Bill was passed by the assembly on August 24. poses a threat to cow welfare in the state. The gaushala owners in the state are tensed and The Congress government’s move to divert funds aggrieved on the decision and are awaiting revoking dedicated for cow welfare to fight calamities is the amendments in pandemic times, It needs to be drawing strong criticism from the various dals of mentioned here that the surcharge for cow welfare Rajasthan. Head of the Rajasthan Cow Welfare was introduced by the previous Vasundhara Raje-led Committee Dinesh Giri termed the legislation as gau- BJP government in 2016. droh (betrayal of cows) and said that as a result of During Vasundhara Raje’s last tenure, Rajasthan the Bill, cows in the state would starve to death. became the only Indian state to have a dedicated Now, all eyes are set as to where does the Gehlot ministry for cow welfare whose first minister was government go next—towards appeasement or to Otaram Dewasi. In 2018, the Vasundhara Raje look into the needs of Hindu community people who government imposed 20 per cent cess on sale of are also awaiting a significant help from government liquor for the protection of cows. With amendments amid pandemic times when their incomes have also in cow-related laws, the different gaushala been trimmed. n

Organiser November 1, 2020 37 REPORT

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (C), Sr Leader Bhupendra Yadav & other BJP leaders releasing party’s manifesto for Bihar polls, in Patna on October 22 NDA leaving nothing to chance Although Nitish-led NDA has a clear edge in the upcoming Bihar polls, RJD-led coalition is putting up a good fight

n ROY KESHAV SHARMA AND NISHANT KR AZAD

ihar elections have always been unpredictable but myth is that Muslimsand Yadavsvote en bloc for RJD. what can be said with certainty is caste plays a The data seems to suggest a different story. NDA has major role in them. Therefore, distribution of tick- bagged 25-30% of the votes from total polled by these ets, taking into account all the caste permutations communities.This could be because of Nitish Kumar’s Band combinations, is a key to winning an election for a pro-Muslim initiatives where you can see that his govern- political party. ment has taken several steps that have benefitted the The political landscape of Bihar has undergone a sea Muslim community in the last decade. change since 2015 Assembly elections. Lalu Prasad-led It appears that in this elections, BJP-JD(U)combine is RJD and Nitish Kumar-led JD(U), which romped home in not being seen campaigning aggressively, though BJP 2015 elections, parted ways with JD(U) forging an has always been ahead of its rivals in campaigning. alliance with the BJP to share the power. However, the NDA is leaving nothing to chance. Prime Given the restrictions and Covid situation, the voter Minister Narendra Modi will address election rallies from turnout is likely to go down. Urban, educated voters, October 23, which will enthuse the cadre. However, there upper castes are most likely to skip voting, say will be criticism that his rallies which are likely to attract observers. Since these sections generally vote for the huge crowds will spur the spread of the pandemic. BJP-JD(U) combine, they are feared to be at the receiv- The propaganda that BJP is helping LJP clandestinely ing end. However, there is just an assumption. Another will cast a shadow over the Gathbandhan. Another criti-

Organiser 38 November 1, 2020 BIHAR ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2020

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav (extreme right) with leaders of coalition partners cism is that BJP, which always attack the Communists Fifteen years of Lalu’s rule had left many women virulently, has spared them this time around. It is a fact that RJD’s promise of 10 lakh jobs a year voters scared. Immature speeches of Tej Pratap has created a buzz among the youths. However, a large Yadav and irrational approaches have also alienated section of educated people is dismissing it as a political many from the party jumla. The reason: no roadmap on how this many jobs will be generated is not given in the manifesto. But the rural people are not that sceptical. would notice that RJD has smartly got rid of Lalu Yadav RJD has an upper hand in rural areas. During lock- from all its posters and campaign materials to ensure a down, many people living in slums in Metro cities such as clean youth image for the party which is also echoing Delhi and Mumbai have returned to their rural areas. with the youth voters of the state. No matter what is the Another factor that may work in favour of RJD is its result of the election, the RJD post-election will be choice of a youth as the chief ministerial candidate. Tejashvi’sparty with very little traces of Lalu Yadav.In a There will be a good turnout of youths for voting this time way Tejashwi Yadav might win or lose the election, but he because of the Covid-19 situation. Old people will avoid has emerged as the sole leader of the party. going for voting. RJD took a right step by collaborating Fifteen years of Lalu’s rule had left many women vot- with Left parties.A large section of youths are Influenced ers scared. Immature speeches of Tej Pratap Yadav and by the Left ideology because the role model they relate to irrational approaches have also alienated many from the who took a good stand for Communism for pan India is party. itself from Bihar. Bihar is one of the most youthful states LJP, JAP and Congress will also play a role in this of India and RJD has struck right chord by prioritising election because they will be acting as a catalyst in youth in this election right from poll promises to cam- ensuring who will rule Bihar in the next five years. LJP is paign messages and management. If you look at any not likely to make a great impact. However, it can upset RJD rallies, you would observe all youthful faces on the BJP’s prospects where party candidates are locked in stage taking charge whereas the scenario is exactly contest with rebels. Anyway, there is no chance of LJP opposite with the NDA rallies where you see all old peo- winning two-digit seats. Except in a few seats, indepen- ple taking charge of the campaign that has lost connec- dents are not in position to emerge victorious or play the tion with the youth. Also, if you observe closely, you role of kingmakers in the government formation. n

Organiser November 1, 2020 39 ANALYSIS GDP DEBATE SANJU VERMA ‘Hard Truth’ over GDP Can Bangladesh be really compared with India, a country with a nominal GDP of $2.94 trillion?

M.F.'s recent projection that Bangladesh's nominal GDP per capita is expected to exceed India's in 2020, creating a furore. First and foremost, com- paring India to Bangladesh is like comparing apples with oranges. India's nominal GDP is $2.94 I. trillion, while in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, it is $10.51 trillion. India, under the Modi government, became the 6th largest economy in 2019, overtaking France and 5th largest, after sur- passing the UK, in February 2020. Comparable fig- ures for Bangladesh are merely a GDP of $348bn and $861 billion, in nominal and PPP terms, respectively. Moody's has projected 10.6% real GDP growth and a 4% retail inflation for India for FY22, in a massive thumbs up, to Modinomics. number will be 22.28% higher than Bangladesh! Goldman Sachs predicts real GDP growth of India's exports last year stood at $322bn, in 15.7%, while Fitch predicts a 9.9% growth for India, terms of FOB, while imports stood at $617 billion, in FY22. Modi's wily critics fail to recognise that, on CIF basis. What this implies is, India's overall while IMF predicts an increase of 8.8% for FY22 for annual trade (exports + imports) at $939 billion, is India, it estimates the Bangladesh GDP to grow by 2.7 times higher than the entire economy of a mere 4.4%. Bangladesh, in nominal terms. India's apparel With COVID-19 pandemic derailing all large exports are expected to touch $300 billion by 2024- economies, IMF has predicted a fall in India's nom- 25, resulting in a tripling of the country's market inal GDP per capita from $2100, in 2019 to $1880, share globally from 5% to 15% cent. The lion's in 2020, while forecasting Bangladesh's to rise to share (71.27%), of Bangladesh's total exports of $1890, in 2020. However, what Modi's critics do not just $40.53 billion, on the contrary, is limited to only mention is the fact that India's GDP in PPP terms in 10 countries, leaving it highly vulnerable. Again, of 2019, was 11 times greater than that of this $40.53billion, $25.53 billion came from apparel Bangladesh. IMF's GDP per capita (in PPP terms) goods, which means Bangladesh is in a highly pre- for India in 2020, is pegged at $6,284 compared to carious situation, given its disproportionate reliance Bangladesh's at $5,139. In effect, in terms of PPP on textiles apparel. India exports approximately per capita, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, India's 7500 commodities to about 192 countries.

Organiser 40 November 1, 2020 ernment is desperately trying to convey that not only is the economy trekking back to pre-pandemic levels, but will also surpass that, in FY22 (2021-22). However, the IMF projections for FY22, which put the Bangladesh GDP growth at only 4.4%, completely debunk the Bangladeshi government's tall claims. So basically, both for FY21 and FY22, global bodies do not endorse the supremely enthusiastic claims by the Bangladeshi government. What is, therefore, both surprising and embarrassing is the fact that, the leftist cabal in India, including stray academicians, who know nothing about how the laws of economy work, have been jumping in glee, at Bangladesh's supposedly superior numbers, driven by nothing but their visceral dislike for Prime Minister Modi, who has completely vanquished the opposition and the Left, electorally, repeatedly, in one election after another. Available data on macroeco- nomic aggregates such as household consumption, trade and private investment does not support that the

The leftist cabal in India, including stray aca- demicians, who know nothing about how the laws of economy work, have been jumping in glee, at Bangladesh's supposedly superior numbers, driv- en by nothing but their visceral dislike for Prime Minister Modi

Again,81% of exports of Bangladesh come from the RMG sector, and the textile and Apparel sector con- Bangladeshi economy is anywhere close to achieving tributes around 20% to Bangladesh's GDP. It employs the projected 8.2% growth rate in FY21. One thing is around 20 million people in the country and needless to for sure; there will be ongoing costs to the Bangladeshi add, the country's textile sector is not in very good economy both due to the impact of shutdowns as well shape. as the fear of pandemic preventing people from resum- Before proceeding any further on the India versus ing normal economic activity. The combined effect will Bangladesh debate, let us compare how these two result in a significant contraction of the economy. countries have fared in recent times, with respect to Economic stalwarts in Bangladesh have categorically handling the Covid-19 pandemic, the worst global pan- dismissed their government's projections as unrealistic demic to affect humankind in 102 years. It needs to be and an overestimation, with lack of adequate quarterly mentioned here that while the Bangladesh government data, only adding to the existential problems. believes that its economy is on track to achieve 8.2% As Dr Muhammad Mahmood, the noted growth rate in 2020-21 (FY21), not everybody shares Bangladeshi economist and intellectual writes, "To that enthusiasm. The World Bank predicts only a mea- understand the intensity of the impacts from the Covid- gre 1.6% growth and the ADB forecasts only a 4.5% 19 pandemic on the Bangladesh economy, we must growth, in FY21, for Bangladesh. Experts opine that have to have a clear grasp in identifying the mecha- there is an implicit message that the Bangladesh gov- nism through which shocks through individual markets

Organiser November 1, 2020 41 ANALYSIS GDP DEBATE to the economy are transmitted. The most widely May, 2000), 91% of sample families considered them- reported measure throughout the world of a nation's selves to be financially unstable. 47% saw their earn- economic performance is the gross domestic product ings drop below the international poverty line of Tk160 (GDP) or the aggregate output of the economy which is (US$1.90) per person per day, 70% experienced food composed of household consumption (C), private insecurity and 15% either ran out of food or remained investment (I), government expenditure (G) and net hungry, or missed meals." exports (X-M). Therefore, the equilibrium growth path Opposition leaders from India like a clueless Rahul of the economy can only be understood as the sum of Gandhi and the out on bail, ex-Finance Minister of the growth of each of these components. Now we can India, P. Chidambaram, who even went to jail on damn- easily work out what is happening to the economy by ing corruption charges, have been delirious with joy, just looking at Covid-19 induced economic shocks that based on the wrong premise that Bangladesh has are transmitted through individual components to the overtaken India, on the GDP front. As the hard data in aggregate economy. The striking feature is the short- this piece showcases, the truth is quite different. India run reduction in the supply of labour which leads to is 11 times bigger in terms of GDP, compared to declining spending on consumer goods and services, Bangladesh, despite having a huge population that is 8 in particular durables, health and personal care ser- times larger, than our neighbouring country. An esti- vices, travel, recreation and entertainment etc. This is mated 80% of workers in the informal sector have due to social isolation, illness, concerns for their become unemployed in Bangladesh. As many busi- nesses are closing, a very large number of workers are not able to go back to their jobs. That is clearly reflect- India's apparel exports are expected to touch ed in a very large number of people migrating from $300 billion by 2024-25, resulting in a tripling of urban to rural areas. It is suggested that a large seg- the country's market share globally from 5% to ment of these unemployed workers face the prospect of permanent job loss. As a consequence of very high 15% cent. The lion's share (71.27%), of levels of unemployment, a very large number of people Bangladesh's total exports of just $40.53 billion, are already finding it hard to make ends meet, in on the contrary, is limited to only ten countries, Bangladesh, with the economy also currently facing the additional prospect of plummeting remittances. It is leaving it highly vulnerable estimated that migrant remittances have declined by over 25%, during the pandemic. Migrant remittances income and savings. Also, there is a perceived fall in constitute about 9% of Bangladesh's GDP, so the the value of capital assets or what is known as the adverse impact is indeed very steep. A large number of ''wealth effect'' which also has to be taken into expatriate workers are returning home, further adding account." to the worsening unemployment situation. He further adds that "It is estimated that All these factors clearly suggest that households, in Bangladeshi RMG workers lost US$500 million in particular in rural areas where the bulk of the people wages in four months from March to June. The Institute reside, are experiencing serious financial stress caus- of Labour Studies also estimated that 1,915 garments ing a sharp decline in household consumption, in factories were closed down, rendering 324,684 work- Bangladesh. A large number of households are also ers unemployed due to the pandemic. Many of these debt-laden, and that will negatively impact consump- workers were not paid their outstanding wages and tion expenditure, too. Household consumption salaries. It is most likely that many of these workers will accounts for two-thirds of GDP. Therefore, it can be never work again. According to the Bangladesh reasonably assumed two-thirds of lost output due to Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), 164 million Covid-19, can be attributed to the decline in household have joined as new poor in the country due to Covid- consumption expenditure. 19. A recent survey conducted by the International Dr Mahmood further says, "Reduced household Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research (ICDDR) in consumption expenditure causes a decline in business Bangladesh found that during the lockdown (March- confidence which leads to a decline in private invest-

Organiser 42 November 1, 2020 ment. The country also faces very low levels of foreign out the strengthening of the US dollar and its domi- direct investment (FDI), accounting for about 4% of nance as the global currency could impact the way total private investment. The drop in investment means global trade worked and could make a global economic that the country will be less wealthy in the future, and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic even more diffi- this will impact negatively on future productivity and cult, which should be a big concern for Bangladesh, income. Also, economy-wide reduced productivity of given its disproportionate reliance on the USA, for capital represents idle capacity in the economy result- trade. ing from reduced consumer demand as well as the dis- There are also increased costs of international trade ruptions in global supply chains caused by Covid-19". now for countries like Bangladesh. According to the He adds, "there have been some net changes in gov- World Trade Organisation (WTO), global trade is ernment expenditure to mitigate the effects of the pan- expected to decline by anywhere between 13% to 32% demic. While there has not been any reduction in gov- in 2020. Even if countries get through the pandemic, ernment expenditure, additional outlays were made for there is the looming danger that the commitment to an taking increased health response measures and open, rule-based trading system is on the retreat. As a expanding existing transfer programs, including sub- result of that, the Bangladesh economy may face sidised food grain supply measures. increased challenges to its growth prospects. Besides However, the government largely relied on monetary the country's over-reliance on the export of RMG and policy measures, in particular interest rates for provid- overseas remittances, the introduction of an external ing assistance to the private sector to tide over the cur- shock to one or more components of GDP will have a rent difficult situation including the provision of subsidy discernible effect on economic growth, for Bangladesh. for interest payments. Monetary ease to counter fiscal stringency postpones and aggravates private debt problems. Such measures will also cause distortions in India is 11 times bigger in terms of GDP., financial markets with a consequent impact on the compared to Bangladesh, despite having a economy. The budget for 2020-21 stipulated some huge population that is eight times larger, reduction in expenditure, putting on hold low priority development projects while increasing expenditures on than our neighbouring country health care, agriculture and social safety. Overall, it appears there has been little net change in government As the situation is unfolding in Bangladesh resulting expenditures in real terms". from the spread of the virus, all the broad economic Both exports and imports have been declining and indicators suggest significant declines in household are expected to further decline due to decreases in consumption, investment and exports without any sig- consumption and investment demand both at home nificant counterbalancing government expenditures to and abroad. The Bangladesh Taka is a proxy for the US restore the economy to equilibrium. dollar. As the US dollar appreciates against all major Therefore, the published GDP growth figures by the currencies, so also the Taka. But either way that is Bangladeshi government, do not look tenable. To over- unlikely to help boost Bangladesh exports (Bangladesh come the challenges posed by the Coronavirus, India exports are invoiced in the US dollar) as the domestic announced a massive Rs 20.97 lakh crore stimulus demand in the US has been declining as in other major package in May 2020 and followed that up with another destinations of Bangladesh exports in Europe. The US Rs 90,000 crore assistance under the Pradhan Mantri economy contracted by an annualised 32.9% in the Garib Kalyan Yojana, taking the overall stimulus by the second quarter of calendar year (CY) 2020. During the visionary Modi government, to an unprecedented Rs same quarter, GDP in the Eurozone declined by 12.1% 21.87 lakh crore, amounting to almost 11% of India's and in the EU by 11.9%. GDP Calls for a vigorous economic stimulus package The International Monetary Fund (IMF) already in the form of financial support that is needed urgently pointed out that the global strengthening of the US dol- in Bangladesh, have, however, fallen on deaf ears, as lar was likely to amplify in the short-run fall in global per experts. Speaking of the Wuhan virus, India, under trade and economic activity. In fact, it further pointed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has amongst the lowest

Organiser November 1, 2020 43 ANALYSIS GDP DEBATE fatality rates at less than 1.5%, and one of the highest recovery rates at 87%. Bangladesh, on the other hand, is tottering, with no clear direction on how to fight the Covid pandemic. In sharp contrast to the lazy and apathetic attitude of the administration in Bangladesh, India, under Modi, is a textbook case of how adversities can be transformed into outstanding opportunities. Two of post-indepen- dent India's biggest reforms about the farm legislation and the new labour codes have seen the light of the day, in the midst of a raging global pandemic that would have deterred a lesser leader. But Prime Minister Modi is made of sterner stuff. Around 42 crore beneficiaries have been directly given cash support through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) amounting to Rs 53,248 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) till June 2 2020. In addition, the government has also released Rs The Rs 1.7 lakh crore PMGKP package was 2,814 crore to about 2.81 crore old age persons, wid- announced by the Modi government on March 26 this ows and disabled persons, as of June this year. Each year, to protect weaker and most vulnerable sections of beneficiary received cash of Rs 500 under the scheme the society from the impact of the lockdown, due to as the first instalment and another Rs 500 as the sec- Covid-19. Under the package, the government ond instalment. For each instalment, the government announced free food grains and cash payment to disbursed Rs 1,407 crore to 100% identified beneficia- women and poor senior citizens and farmers. Its swift ries. Also, 2.3 crore Building & Construction workers implementation is being continuously monitored by the have so far received financial support amounting to Rs Central government. 4,313 crore. By June this year, the government had transferred Since it has been established with hard data that Rs 8,488 crore into the bank accounts of PM Ujjwala Bangladesh is no match for India when it comes to eco- Yojana beneficiaries. Also, 8.58 crore free Ujjwala nomic heft, the next question that arises is, whether cylinders have been delivered while a total of 9.25 PPP per capita is a good measure, don't forget, in crore cylinders have been booked. The Modi govern- terms of this particular metric, India is far ahead of ment has also released an amount of Rs 895 crore for Bangladesh. In contemporary macroeconomics, gross the benefit of 59.23 lakh EPFO account holder employ- domestic product (GDP) refers to the total monetary ees, where the government has decided to make the value of the goods and services produced within one entire 24% PF contribution of both employer and country. Nominal GDP calculates the monetary value in employees.for a specified period, to help people tide current, absolute terms. Real GDP adjusts the nominal over the Covid crisis. gross domestic product for inflation. PPP, on the other Again, the Modi government also released the first hand, attempts to convert nominal GDP into a number instalment of PM-KISAN (Rs 16,394 crore) and trans- more easily comparable between countries with differ- ferred it to 8.19 crore identified farmers who got Rs ent currencies. PPP is a great yardstick to measure 2,000 directly in their account, during the pandemic, in standards of living and productivity between the two the last few months. The government also disbursed countries. Rs 20,344 crore to women Jan Dhan account holders To better understand how GDP paired with purchase till June 2. A sum of Rs 10,029 crore was disbursed as power parity (PPP) works, suppose it costs $10 to buy the first instalment to 20.05 crore Women Jan Dhan a shirt in India, and it costs $12 to buy an identical shirt account holders. Another Rs 10,315 crore has also in Bangladesh. To make a like to like comparison, we been credited to 20.63 crore women Jan Dhan account have converted local currencies, the Indian Rupee and holders. the Bangladeshi Taka, into a common unit, the US

Organiser 44 November 1, 2020 Dollar. The PPP would, therefore, be 12/10, or 1.2. In needed to be addressed, and this is precisely what this other words, for every $1.00 spent on the shirt in India, piece has done, corroborated by hard data. it takes $1.20 to obtain the same shirt in Bangladesh, Bangladesh, which has witnessed a healthy growth which means for the same product, one needs to shell over the past decade owing to Sheikh Hasina's poli- out more money in Bangladesh, than in India, as cies, was among the first few countries to describe Bangladesh has a far weaker currency versus the US India's move to withdraw the special status granted to Dollar, compared to the Indian Rupee, which is better Kashmir under Article 370, as an internal matter and positioned and far stronger, versus the US Dollar. supported India at the UN Human Rights Council ses- Modi naysayers going ballistic, claiming Bangladesh sion as one of the 47 members. has overtaken India in terms of Nominal GDP per capi- To cut a long story short, in light of ample proof pro- ta, would do well to know that India is far better off, at vided above, comparing a behemoth like India which least 22.28% richer than Bangladesh, in terms of PPP scores handsomely on a plethora of economic param- per capita, as India is far more competitive, has huge eters, with a much smaller nation like Bangladesh, is forex reserves, a stable Rupee and has a broadly pure harakiri. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, per diversified export basket, unlike Bangladesh which capita GDP of India surged from Rs 83,091 in 2014-15 depends largely and disproportionately on its garment to Rs 1,08,620 in 2019-20, a substantial increase of and apparel goods' industries. 30.7%. Under Congress-led U.P.A. 2, it had risen by far Amidst the brouhaha, one should not forget that in smaller,19.8%. Hence the Congress should start seri- the next one year, projects like the Rampal Maitree ous introspection, rather than indulging in puerile the- Power Plant, India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, atrics, on this issue. The icing on the cake is the fact rail links between Akhaura-Agartala and Chilahati- Haldibari and Khulna-Mongla rail line, are expected to Modi naysayers going ballistic, claiming be completed with assistance from India, in line with it's Bangladesh has overtaken India in terms of "Neighbourhood First" policy. India and Bangladesh have decided to have a high-level monitoring mecha- Nominal GDP per capita, would do well to know nism on a regular basis which will monitor the progress that India is far better off, at least 22.28% rich- of the ongoing projects. Several initiatives to boost er than Bangladesh, in terms of PPP per capita connectivity and trade have been taken by both coun- tries. And, this includes the movement of Indian cargo from Agartala to Kolkata via Chattogram and expan- that the Modi government has used the Covid pandem- sion of the scope of the Protocol that governs trade and ic to unleash significant bang reforms, with no room for transit, on inland waterways. incrementalism, whatsoever. External stability has Also, parcel and container train services between never looked better, with India's foreign exchange the two countries have been started. India has recently reserves at a record high of over $551 billion, the 3rd gifted 10 locomotives to Bangladesh. Even in 2017, highest in the world. While Bangladesh is in the throes India had extended a credit line of a good $4.5 billion of a food crisis, India's robust agriculture sector grew to Bangladesh and signed 22 pacts, to help the Muslim by a healthy 5.9% and 3.4% in the March 2020 and nation in various areas including strategic sectors. The June 2020 quarters, respectively, with food grain pro- Bangladesh liberation war turned into a full-scale India- duction likely to exceed 300 million metric tonnes in Pakistan war, leading to the surrender of 93,000 FY21. During the pandemic, the Modi government has Pakistani soldiers in Dacca (now Dhaka) on December given free ration to 81 crore people for months togeth- 16, 1971. India was the first country to recognise er, in one of the biggest socially inclusive initiatives, Bangladesh as a sovereign nation. In 2021, globally. In effect, the Modi government has fed a pop- Bangladesh plans to celebrate the golden jubilee of its ulation, equal to 2.45 times, the size of the USA and independence on March 26 1971, in 16 countries, that is certainly a tall achievement by any global yard- including India. The moot point is, India and stick, whatsoever! Bangladesh share a very cordial and warm relation- (The writer is an Economist, National Spokesperson for BJP and ship, but the falsehoods surrounding GDP numbers Bestselling Author of 'Truth Dare –The Modi Dynamic')

Organiser November 1, 2020 45 EFENCE CAN D BY S AIR MSHL PK ROY (RETD) Representative Photo Representative IAF TEAM IN FRANCE TO INDUCT SECOND BATCH OF

Representative Photo Representative RAFALE AIRCRAFT INDIAN ARMY APPREHENDS CHINESE MEDIA reports indicate that an IAF team, headed by the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) has reached France to SOLDIER IN EASTERN LADAKH coordinate various activities for the induction of second batch A PLA soldier identified as Corporal Wang Ya Long of Rafale aircraft. Four aircraft are expected to arrive in India was apprehended in the Demchok sector of next month. The first batch of five Rafales had landed at Eastern Ladakh on October 19, 2020 after he had Ambala airbase on July 29, 2020. These aircraft have been strayed across the LAC. He was provided medical carrying out extensive flying in eastern Ladakh. assistance including oxygen, food and warm clothes to protect him from the vagaries of extreme altitude and harsh climatic conditions. On receipt INDIAN NAVY-SRI LANKA NAVY MARITIME of a request from the PLA, he was handed over to China at the Chushul-Moldo border personnel EXERCISE SLINEX-20 meeting point after completion of all formalities, as per established protocols.

AUSTRALIAN TO PARTICIPATE IN ‘MALABAR 2020’

MALABAR series of Naval exercises started in 1992 as a bilateral Indian Navy—US Navy exercise. THE Eighth Edition of annual Indian Navy (IN)-Sri Lanka Navy Japan joined the Naval exercise in 2015. This (SLN) bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-20 was held off annual exercise has been conducted off the coast Trincomalee from October 19 to 21, 2020. The Sri Lanka Navy of Guam in the Philippine Sea in 2018, off the coast was represented by SLN Ships Sayura and Gajabahu while the Japan in 2019 and is expected to be held in the the IN was represented by Indigenously built ASW corvettes Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea later this year. Kamorta and Kiltanunder. In addition, the ALH and Chetak As India seeks to increase cooperation with other helicopter embarked onboard IN ships, and Dornier Maritime countries in the maritime security domain and in Patrol Aircraft also participated. The exercise was aimed at the light of increased defence cooperation with enhancing inter-operability, improve mutual understanding and Australia, Malabar 2020 will see the participation exchange best practices and procedures for multi-faceted of the Australian Navy. maritime operations between both navies.

Organiser 46 November 1, 2020 INDIA SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRES BRAHMOS SUPERSONIC CRUISE MISSILE AND NUCLEAR-CAPABLE PRITHVI-II MISSILE

INDIA successfully test fired its Brahmos supersonic cruise missile from Photo Representative INS Chennai this week. It also successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable missile Prithvi-II as part of the strategic missile’s night trials. BrahMos as ‘prime strike weapon’ on board Indian ship will provide the capability of engaging naval surface targets at long ranges. This was the second night trial of Prithvi-2 in less than three weeks.

CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF VISITS COLLEGE OF DEFENCE MANAGEMENT RAKSHA MANTRI RELEASES DRDO CHIEF of the Army Staff General MM PROCUREMENT MANUAL 2020 Naravane visited College of Defence Management this week and interacted with officers undergoing the course. During his address, he spoke about the current security scenario and focused on the geo-strategic implications on capability development and force utilisation of Indian Army in pursuit of national interests. He also spoke on issues concerning integration, theaterisation and modernisation of the armed forces in general and TO encourage more participation of Indian the Indian Army in particular. industry, including Start-ups and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises in Defence Research & Development (R&D) for achieving ‘Atmanirbhar INDIA HANDS OVER SUBMARINE TO MYANMAR Bharat’, Raksha Mantri released a new version of EXTENDING its policy of enhancing Defence Research and Development the capacities and self-reliance of Organisation Procurement Manual 2020 (PM- neighbouring countries, India has 2020) this week. Some of the salient features of handed over a submarine to PM-2020 are: Myanmar. This Russian-origin Kilo- • Facilitate indigenous Defence Industry by class submarine will be simplifying processes. Representative Photo Representative commissioned by Myanmar as its • Help realising Prime Minister’s ‘Atmanirbhar first-ever submarine. Spokesperson of Indian MEA at his weekly Bharat’. media briefing said “Cooperation in the maritime domain is a part of • Facilitate faster execution of R&D our diverse and enhanced engagement with Myanmar. In this context, projects/programmes. India will be delivering a Kilo-class submarine, INS Sindhuvir, to the • Exemption of bid security and performance Myanmar Navy. This is in accordance with our vision of SAGAR— security up to Rs 10 lakh. Security and Growth for All in the Region—and also in line with our • No negotiations for commercial off-the-shelf commitment to build capacities and self-reliance in all our items/services wherever price discovery neighbouring countries.” Indo-Myanmar military cooperation has been happening through market forces. steadily growing over the period. Some of the recent highlights are: • Performance security for service contracts • Training their military officers at Indian military establishments. linked to payment cycle instead of total • Conducting exercises and service-to-service staff talks. contract value. • Supply of military hardware and software—Islander maritime • Procurement of stores from development patrol aircraft, naval gun-boats, 105 mm light artillery guns, partners, safeguarding of free issue material mortars, grenade-launchers and rifles. through insurance cover instead of bank • Supply of electronic equipment, including radars for its frigates guarantee. and corvettes. • Liquidated damage rate for development • Coordinated anti-insurgency operations, destroying insurgent contracts reduced. bases and apprehending militants under ‘Operation Sunrise’ since • Delivery period extension process simplified January 2019. for faster decision making. n

Organiser November 1, 2020 47 Book Review

VIJAY KRANTI WORLD AS SEEN BY AN INDIAN RADIO BROADCASTER Subhash Vohra belongs to that rare breed of journalists with firsthand experience of 50 long years of working, living, traveling for various radio networks and having a close look at the social and political life of numerous countries

here are very few Indian journalists who have had known to the present generation. This simplicity of the privilege of working actively in many countries his style and language reminds me of late for long periods. And there are still fewer ones who Khushwant Singhwho onceshared his wisdom with have worked as broadcaster with fourleading inter- me in his affable style, “OyeKaake! (Hey Kid!), writ- T national public broadcasting corporationslike All ing simple is the most difficult thing.” India Radio, BBC, Deutsche Welle and Voice of Subhash is adept at identifying petty looking America. Subhash Vohra belongs to that rare things to explain the deep characteristics of soci- breed with firsthand experience of fifty long years eties and nations. He walks you through two full of working, living, traveling for various radio net- pages to share the story of how a public dust works and having a close look at the social and bin,which had suddenly fallen down behind a bus political life of numerous countries. stop, was fixed back on the pole after long and tir- His book, ‘Journey of a Broadcaster’ (published ing efforts by two waiting passengers and a local by Opus of Washington DC and Sanbun Publishers resident – just to show the sense of ‘civic solidarity’ of New Delhi) is a very interesting, absorbing and, and pride in ownership of public property among at times, hilarious close peep into the social and ordinary German citizens. political life of these four and many more countries The book has quite a sumptuous treat for he traveled to on professional or self-assigned jour- Bollywood fans too. Subhash has gone into details neys. Subhash has his own unique style of story- of his personal encounters with popular personali- telling. His choice of easy and simple words to tell ties like Mohammad Rafi, Nutan, Manna Dey, Asha even very complex stories and some outstanding Bhosley, Talat Mahmood, Hemant Kumar, Van chapters of recent history of these countries would Shipley, IS Johar, TunTun and many others for never let the reader put down this otherwise bulky whom visit to BBC used to be a near must during autobiography (333 pages) of a broadcaster lesser their London travels because of BBC’s tremendous

Organiser 48 November 1, 2020 Book Titles: JOURNEY OF A BROADCASTER Authorss: Subhash Vohra US Publisher: Opus, Washington DC (Price: US$ 28) Pages : 333 Indian Publisher: Sanbun Publishers, New Delhi (Price :Rs. 495)

popularity back in India. Subhash has gone into details of his personal But some of his most interesting encounters are encounters with popular personalities like with the Communist countries like East Germany and Czechoslovakia where he was forced to come face to Mohammad Rafi, Nutan, Manna Dey, Asha face with a robot like heartless communist bureaucra- Bhosley, Talat Mahmood, Hemant Kumar, Van cy and police. While driving back with his family from Shipley, IS Johar, TunTun and many others for Prague to Cologne in Germany, where radio Deutsche Welle was stationed in those years, their car was whom visit to BBC used to be a near-must dur- stopped by the Czech police for overspeeding at 95 ing their London travelsss kmph as against permitted limit of 90 km. When Subhash pointed point to the officer that there were no er came from his home to issue the Czech money and speed limit signs on the highway, the officer curtly told an official receipt. On their return the family was him that this information had been put at the entry issued 50 hand written cash receipts of 10 Krone each point from German side. “The rules remain same on before their exit-Visa documents were returned and your return journey too,” the officer told him in an as they were allowed to drive further. The book is no less clear tone as a robot. interesting even when Subhash is describing his The fine range for over speeding was from 10 to experiences in Britain, America and other countries. 500 Krones. But he was ordered to pay 500 Kronesfor For example he has dedicated one full chapter to the being an ‘Auto Kapitalist’ for driving a German BMW culture of road signs in Britain, Europe, USA, Canada car in a communist country. However, the officer would and India to compare the road signage culture of15 refuse to accept cash 500 Krones in the absence of countries he drove through with his family. His notes the original receipt issued by the bank to Subhash in about his radio interviews with many outstanding per- Prague where he had purchased his Krones. The fam- sonalities like Chinese dissident Harry Wu and Prof ily was ordered to deposit their exit-Visa documents John Kenneth Galbraith shows how meticulously the with police and go to the nearest bank, 20 km away in author has worked on this book. To say it in a sen- a town to bring fresh cash with official receipt of tence, this book is unique for presenting very interest- exchange. But the bank had closed by the time they ing and important aspects of life as seen by a reached the town after asking for the route 15 times radio broadcaster whose only tool is his communica- along the way. It was only after banging the door of the tive language. bank and informing the guard that they had come on (The writer is a senior journalist, a veteran China watcher police orders to exchange the money that the manag- and Chairman, Centre for Himalayan Asia Studies and Engagement - CHASE)

Organiser November 1, 2020 49 Indic Wisdom-II Adhyatma & Spirituality As a result of intellectual bullying, we could provide very shallow understanding of Dharma to such fellow countrymen who are educated through English medium and are not familiar n GURUJI SHRI NANDKISHORE TIWARI with Sanskrit either

gnoring sane, sensitive and soft voices is first towards India for its inner light, no enlightened being sign of yielding space to divisive forces. Such ever questioned the supremacy and depth of Indic translations have done more of a disservice spiritual wealth, not even when we were under foreign than service. And, the ones amongst us who rule. However, it’s another story that not all beneficia- areI bestowed with the awareness and discernment ries have been humble enough to acknowledge and shut our own eyes and keep validating such (disserv- express their gratitude towards the land of source of ing) translations then we fail in carrying out our their knowledge. It’s indication of depth of Indic spiri- responsibility. Do you really think that we have not tual truth that even when invaders were inflicting failed in carrying out our responsibility in this sense? attacks and subjugating India politically, intellectuals Keeping cultural stream of thought pristine is seri- accompanying these invaders, missionaries and for- ous business. It’s responsible endeavour. Because, it eign rulers were still in awe of our wealth of knowl- involves accommodating necessary changes which edge. Pandemic has made many across the world are inevitable, in such a way that eternal flow of realise the value of yoga and meditation serendipi- knowledge traditions stays crystal clear to be imbibed tously. It’s an open secret that many celebs practice by every coming generation. Devising such practical Yogasanas worldwide yet few acknowledge. Do you paths in every phase which would keep mirroring eter- agree? Those of us who have observed positive nity as it is by accommodating temporary changes ‘impact’ of vibrations caused and effected during which come and keep passing away giving ways to chanting of Sanskrit shlokas, which are unfailingly new ones, is the role and responsibilities of gurus. We experienced, they should acknowledge, assert and have always welcomed changes but we have never reiterate it in unequivocal voice. We feel this ‘impact’ let those become accumulated dogmas for next gen- during mental recitation as well as during vocal chant- eration. This is the strength of only living guru param- ing. Why are we not acknowledging and asserting this para existing on the face of earth. Guru is valued here experience as an authentic evidence of Sanskrit’s most, which in disguise is the value accorded to real being instrumental in healing? Such collective act of knowledge. Essentially, Bharat being custodian of omission is sign of self-doubting and laziness. We self-reflective and self-aware culture, it must stay mir- must overcome it. It’s no way telling comment on roring sparklingly clean and transparent spiritual tradi- other languages which are not Mantric. And, it must tions of self-realisation. And, none should be allowed not be construed to mean anything other than reitera- to hijack it. In spiritual field (Adhyatma) keeping sanc- tion and assertion of unique quality of Sanskrit from tity is not optional, it’s responsibility. And, responsibil- which all can benefit globally. We must not be shy of ities are carried out thoroughly as an expression of narrating and describing this mystic attribute of gratitude. Do you agree? Sanskrit. Popularity of Sanskrit is win-win proposition It’s not in present phase alone that Indic knowl- for whole population of the world. Do you agree? edge is being looked up to. World always looked (The writer is the propounder of Sahaj Smriti Yog system of self-realisation and founder of Darpan Ashram)

Organiser 50 November 1, 2020

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