THE RADICAL CONTENTS : Page No. Dangers to secularism.. Kuldip Nayar 4 HUMANIST Emergency, Indira Gandhi and RSS.. L.S. Herdenia 6 Vol. 82 Number 5, August 2018 Dismantling India – A 4 Years Report 8 A Review of 4 years of Modi-fied India.. Qurban Ali Monthly journal of the Indian Renaissance Institute Lok Sabha Elections 2019: 10 Devoted to the development of the Renaissance A Perspective for Opposition Unity.. Prem Singh Movement and to the promotion of human Importance of Defending Democratic Values and 15 rights, scientific temper, rational thinking and a Constitutional Rights -by United Action humanist view of life. Gautam Thaker

Founder Editor: Proposal of Simultaneous Elections to 16 M.N. Roy the Parliament and Assemblies.. K. Pratap Reddy Survey: Bihar tops hate-speech list.. S.M. Shahbaz 18 Advisor: Dr. Narisetti Innaiah The fuss about meeting Muslims.. Jawed Naqvi 19 Editor: India needs a modern, safe railway system and not 21 Mahi Pal Singh bullet trains, E Sreedharan tells Hindustan Times Terrorism is not due to religion: Editorial Board: 21 Locate underlying Politics!.. Ram Puniyani Ramesh Awasthi, Rekha Saraswat, N.D. Pancholi, Dipavali Sen Amartya Sen hits out at Modi govt, says India has 23 taken a quantum jump in wrong direction since 2014 Printer and Publisher: Express Web Desk Satish Chandra Varma What you can’t measure properly, 24 you can’t manage properly Send articles and reports to: Shripad Dharmadhikary Mahi Pal Singh at E-21/5-6, Sector 3, Rohini, Delhi- 110085. Book Review Section: (M) 09312206414, 09015020456, 07042548234 Illuminated Genius... Chris Edwards 27 On Faith and Science... Edward J. Larson 33 or E-mail them to: Human Rights Section: [email protected] or PUCL Condemns Republic TV for the Fabricated, 34 [email protected] Malicious, Motivated and Scurrilous Attack on Adv. Sudha Bharadwaj Please send Subscription/Donation Supreme Court Seeks Response From UP 36 Cheques in favour of Government on Encounter Killings:Survey bares policing reality The Radical Humanist to: S.M. Shahbaz Satish Chandra Varma, Treasurer IRI, Sharm Inko Magar Nahin Aati! Yet They Do Not Feel Ashamed! A-1/103, Satyam Apartments, Vasundhra Union Minister Jayant Sinha Garlands Ramgarh Enclave, Delhi- 110096. (M) 9811587576. 38 Lynching Convicts After Release on Bail Email ID: [email protected] Alok Kumar Please Note: Authors will bear sole accountability 4 top leaders of pro-Hindutva outfit involved in Gauri 39 for corroborating the facts that they give in their Lankesh’s murder: SIT write-ups. Neither the IRI/the Publisher, nor the TNM Staff Editor of this journal will be responsible for Eminent social activist Swami Agnivesh assaulted 40 testing the validity and authenticity of statements by BJP’s youth wing in Jharkhand on July 17 & information cited by the authors. Also, sometimes some articles published in this journal Wrong Cost Calculation: Modi Govt’s Big Move to 41 may carry opinions not similar to the Radical Woo Farmers Gets a Thumbs Down Humanist philosophy; but they would be Rounak Kumar Gunjan entertained here if the need is felt to debate and Freethinking writer and politician shot dead in 43 discuss them. Bangladesh

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 3 Dangers to secularism

I RECALL after the Independence, politician as per the rules even and diplomat Syed Shahabuddin articulated the if 10 people were to Muslim point of view. He did not ask for be recruited, the separation but suggested a self-rule for Muslims selection committee within the country. Nobody took him seriously, must necessarily have not even the Muslims because the partition had members from the brought misery to both the communities. dalit, ST and minorities Now Assauddin Owaisi, the president of All- communities. This India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, has was as per the Kuldip Nayar demanded that there should be reservation for memorandum issued Muslims in the armed forces. Owaisi is quite by the Department of Personnel, he added. right that the Muslims have come down in Owaisi also pointed out that the Minister for numbers in the Indian army. But that was Minority Affairs, Muqtar Abbas Naqvi, had inevitable because the division was on the basis wrongly claimed that the percentage of of religion and the Muslim armed forces went minorities in government jobs had increased. “I to the Pakistani side. had exposed the wrong claims of the The thinking is faulty. I recollect that the government,” he said. According the leader, Constituent Assembly was discussing the “Muslim recruits in the CISF are mere 3.7 per subject of reservation—the then Home Minister cent. In CRPF, they are just 5.5 per cent and in Sardar Patel had proposed 10 percent of Rapid Action Force are just 6.9 per cent.” He reservations for Muslims—the Muslim leaders even challenged the Narendra Modi government in the Constituent Assembly stood up and said to release the data of recruitment in all central that they did not want any reservation because government organizations. it had led to the formation of Pakistan. The parliamentarian from Hyderabad also Owaisi’s grievance is that despite the Prime said the the government should release data of Minister’s 15-Point Programme expressly recruitment to banks, the railways and other stating that all efforts would be made to increase PSUs to reveal how many minorities have been the share of the minorities in Central recruited. “The BJP is not doing justice to Government jobs, little was done about it. Owaisi minorities. I have all the right to question the pointed out the same thing at a public meeting government,” Owaisi said. recently and was rightly questioned by some Congress is the only party which is supporting groups on his linking of recruitment into the Muslim point of view. Prime Minister Modi paramilitary forces with religion. recently accused publicly that the Congress was However, Owaisi defended his statement, a party for Muslims over the alleged remarks saying that “those people are totally ignorant, by Congress president Rahul Gandhi who arrogant, and they do not read. I want to ask supported the continuance of practices like triple them: isn’t this issue related to the Prime talaq during his speech in Azamgarh. Minister’s 15-point programme? Point number “For the last two days, I am hearing that a 10 of the 15-point programme clearly states naamdar leader—a a sarcastic reference to about the recruitment to state and Central Rahul Gandhi—recently said that the Congress services for Muslim communities.” Owaisi said is a party of Muslims. I’m not surprised. Even

4 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh once to find the students talking in terms of ummat, said that Muslims have the first right over their community. The then Vice-Chancellor nation’s natural resources,” Modi recalled. calmed the students down with the explanation Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at that there was no contradiction in being a the meeting of the National Development staunch Indian and a staunch Muslim. Council in 2006 had said: “We will have to devise My feeling is that we are all Indians first innovative plans to ensure that minorities, and Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians later. particularly the Muslims, are empowered to Even the constitution’s preamble has the word share equitably in the fruits of development. ‘secular’ to describe the nation’s ethos. Mrs They must have the first claim on resources.” Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, is the Modi, during his speech, also wondered one who include the word during the emergency. whether the Congress was interested only in The Janata Party changed all other additions the welfare of Muslim men and not women. “I that Mrs Gandhi had made, but left the preamble want to ask the naamdar of Congress, please as it is, without any amendment. tell that is the party only for Muslim men? It is unfortunate that political parties are Because they don’t stand with Muslim women furrowing their lonely plough while keeping the on issues of triple talaq and nikah halala,” he shield of secularism. I have heard some voices added. demanding separate country. Parliament should Whatever the case, Muslims do not feel suo moto take notice of such demands and warn involved in the affairs of government. Owaisi the nation that the people with such thinking are has rightly said that if the Muslims were to misusing the constitution which gives one participate in the country’s development, India’s person, one vote even though Hindus are 80 example would be followed in the rest of the percent in the country. world. He did not himself jettison the parochial Owaisi may be doing all these to garner vote point of view he espouses. in the forthcoming elections. But he is sowing I have seen that most Muslims leaders are the seeds of hatred which should be nipped in talking in terms of co-existence as if they were the bud. I also find the RSS active when the two nations. They should realize that there is government is conniving at their activities to only one nation, India, and religions come support Hindutva. Leaders who would take a second. Not long ago, I went to address the stand on secularism are silent. Silence and the Aligarh Muslims University and I was surprised voice of Owaisi seems very loud.

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 5 Emergency, Indira Gandhi and RSS DATED: JUNE 28, 2018 L.S. Herdenia I do not hold any brief for Indira Gandhi as Here I will like to draw attention that if the far her decision to impose emergency is emergency was so bad why the then Chief of concerned. There is no doubt that emergency the RSS congratulated Indira Gandhi when the period will be recorded as a black chapter in Supreme Court gave judgment in her favour. the democratic history of the country. But MD Deoras, in his letter written from certainly I have every reason to differ with Arun Yerwada Central Jail, dated 10th November Jaitely when he compares Indira Gandhi with 1975 wrote “Respected Smt. Gandhi, Prime Hitler. Minister Government of India, New Delhi, let Hitler perhaps was the cruellest ruler in the me congratulate you and five judges of the history of mankind. Besides destroying all the Supreme Court have declared the validity of your democratic institutions of Germany, which had election”. Prior to that Deoras in his letter written a glorious history of democracy, he targeted one from Yerwada Jail dated 22nd August 1975 particular community (Jews) and wanted their addressed to Mrs. Gandhi stated “Respectful total physical annihilation. But Indira did not Namaskar from the Jail, I listened with rapt target any particular community. In our country attention to your broadcast message relayed there are leaders who orchestrated the genocide from the AIR and address to the nation on of people belonging to particular community in August 15, 1975. Your speech was suitable for Gujarat. Hitler’s cruelty did not have any limits. the occasion and well balanced. I took my pen Because of his brutal attitude even great to write this letter.” In this letter Deoras praised scientist like Albert Einstein had to leave his the programme which Mrs. Gandhi announced motherland. But during the emergency there is in the course of his speech. Deoras writes “as no record that anybody left India because of you said in your speech delivered on 15th August the so-called atrocities committed by Indira 1975 inviting the entire country to this work, it Gandhi’s dictatorial regime. On the contrary was most befitting occasion and the time”. stalwarts like Jayaprakash Narayan were At present the BJP and the RSS claim that allowed the access to highest possible medical they were the main opponents of the emergency help. Similarly J. B. Kriplani, a great freedom and it was largely due to their struggle that the fighter and Gandhi’s chosen disciple was not emergency was lifted. But the fact is that the arrested despite the fact he continued to lead RSS assured Mrs. Gandhi that the Sangh keeps public stir against emergency. In fact Kriplani itself aloof from the power politics. In the same complained that he had been left out while all letter dated 10th November 1975 Deoras writes his friends were given the privilege of “The Sangh has been referred to in connection imprisonment. with the movement of Jaya Prakash Narayan. Hitler not only destroyed democracy but The name of the Sangh has been linked with destroyed Germany itself. But Jaitely must the Bihar and Gujarat movements again and appreciate the fact that Indira restored again and without any cause. In reference to democracy, ordered elections fully knowing that the clarification of the fact that the “Sangh has total annihilation awaits her. Perhaps, she was no connection with these movements.” aware that the voters are going to punish her Deoras repeatedly reassured the Prime severely for her decision to impose emergency. Minister to “set free thousands of RSS workers

6 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 and remove the restriction on the Sangh. If done Broadcasting Minister, Bansilal was the so power of selfless work on the part of lakhs Defence Minister and Sanjay Gandhi was the of RSS volunteers will be utilised for national most confident person of Indira Gandhi (Sanjay upliftment (government as well as non- was the younger son of Indira Gandhi). All these government)”. three were the main executioner of the Deoras also sought the help of Vinoba Bhave emergency. Later BJP co-opted both V. C. in lifting the ban on the RSS. He wrote from St. Shukla and Bansilal. V. C. Shukla contested George’s Hospital’s prison ward no. 14, Lok Sabha election on BJP ticket, BJP became Bombay. Deoras writes “at the feet of part of the Haryana state ministry headed by respected Acharya Vinobaji, this is my prayer Bansilal. Sanjay died in an air crash in 1980 to you that you kindly try to remove the wrong but BJP admitted his wife Maneka Gandhi in notion of the Prime Minister about the Sangh the party and made her Central Minster and and as a result of which the RSS volunteers she continues to be so. To the best of our will be set free. The ban on the Sangh will be information Maneka Gandhi did not condemn lifted and such a condition will prevail as to the emergency so far. If Indira was like Hitler enable the volunteers of the Sangh to participate then VC, Bansilal and Sanjay Gandhi were her in the planned programme of action relating to main commanders. Shah Commission, which country’s progress and prosperity under the the Janata Government constituted to enquire leadership of the Prime Minister. Prayer for your into atrocities during emergency found them blessings.” guilty of doing several acts to enforce Shri Jaitely claims that Indira Gandhi was like provisions of emergency. It was V. C. Shukla Hitler. Why then the Sangh, of which you were who monitored the censorship on media. What part in 1975 and even now, top boss accepted happened that the BJP rewarded Shukla? This Indira Gandhi as his leader. It may be mentioned was the volte face of the BJP which is political here that Vinod Dua in his popular programme wing of the RSS. “Jan Gan Man Ki Baat” has termed Deoras’s In the end it may be mentioned that RSS has letters as a piece of apology. admiration for Hitler. This admiration was During emergency a slogan was very popular. reflected in some school textbooks of Gujarat. The slogan was “Emergency ke teen dalal, There was hue and cry against the act of the Vidya, Sanjay, Bansilal”. At that time Vidya Gujarat government and then laudable Charan Shukla was the Information & references to Hitler were removed. Articles/Reports for The Radical Humanist Dear Friends, Please mail your articles/reports for publication in the RH to: [email protected], or [email protected] or post them to: E-21/5-6, Sector- 3, Rohini, Delhi- 110085. Please send your digital passport size photograph and your brief resume if it is being sent for the first time to the RH. A note whether it has also been published elsewhere or is being sent exclusively for the RH should also be attached with it. - Mahi Pal Singh, Editor, The Radical Humanist

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 7 Dismantling India – A 4 Years Report A Review of 4 years of Modi-fied India Qurban Ali Four years of NDA’s governance with failed in getting their promises fulfilled so they Narendra Modi as Prime Minister has been will polarize communities, he said. Vidya reviewed and compiled in a Report called Bhushan Rawat talked about cow-politics, ‘Dismantling India’, this report was launched which has created a huge problem for the small on 14th July at Constitution Club, New Delhi. and medium farmers; this fear of cows and its In this detailed report. There are 24 articles by protectors has disturbed the village economy. eminent writers critiquing who questioned this The second Session Dispossessed India & government’s actions, policies, and directives. Fading Rights had four speakers Karen Gabriel, Some of the writers came together with the Kavita Krishnan, Usha Ramanathan and Vijoo editors of the book to discuss and speak on these Krishnan. Prof Karen Gabriel showed how this issues, which has and will change the picture of government has silently introduced many things the nation if this government continues to remain in Higher education. For instance, in Higher in power. The Report is supported by a series education, they introduced four modern Indian of tables which has recorded four years of mis- languages and Sanskrit. But there are no rule by the Modi government, including the list teachers for four languages while they have of hate speeches he and his party members teachers for Sanskrit. So students are made to delivered in these four years. opt for Sanskrit and no choice is given. The The first session Rising hate and Irrationalism Sanskrit department has been asked to teach had four speakers Gauhar Raza, Souradeep Roy, history through Vedas, distorting the history, Subhash Gatade and V.B. Rawat. Gauhar Raza, introducing their re-writings of history covertly. said that this government is attacking the Usha Ramanthan speaking on ADHAAR said scientific institutions in such a way which will that this ruling party when in opposition strongly be irreversible and the country will be taken back advocated against Adhaar but when they came many years. This government not only into power they not only took U-turn but propagates unscientific and irrational views but implemented ADHAAR in such a way that in these 4 years has slowly reduced the created havoc in the country. Vijoo Krishnan publication of scientific journals. Souradeep Roy said that the farmers land will be protected but speaking on Unmaking Indian Culture said that within 6 months they brought Land Ordinance. the attacks on culture is not only on artists and Massive protests were organized and they had writers but on the common man of India, every to pull back the ordinance. Now they have single person living in this country is attacked. implemented these land acquisition bills through Talking about the rise of Hindutva in these years, the BJP ruled States. In Odisha, 92% of acquired Subhash Ghatade said, that the right-wing which land is lying un-utilized. This party made many used to work covertly has now started working promises during elections for the farmers, when openly and defiantly. The trishuls have changed they came into power they said that these were into Swords. The hatred seeded deep inside the only Chunavi Jumla. Kavita Krishnan said the common man is at its height. In Ranchi, RSS worst kind of attacks on Women Autonomy and was meeting to devise various mechanisms to rights happened in the present government. This win 2019 election via social media. They have government has diluted many laws related to

8 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 women. The fight by women rights group on spoke on the onslaught on the cultural institutes triple talaq where Supreme Court gave the by making such people as the heads of such order. But this government is now bringing a institutes who don’t have any experience on law, which will again give powers to police and Culture. Ashokji said that Hindutva is nothing state to criminalize Muslim men. but a big threat to Hinduism and if the leaders The third session which gives an Overview of Hindus have to protect their religion then they of 4 years, the speakers Prof Arun Kumar, have to fight the Hindutva forces. Ashok Vajpayei, Harsh Mander, Mani Shankar All the writers and editors released the report Aiyar and Dr. Syeda Hameed. Prof Arun in the afternoon, which was followed by talk on Kumar said that the two attacks on economy the book by the editors. Dr. John Dayal thanked by this present government, one was all the writers and publication house for getting demonetization and GST the way it was this book printed and published. He said it was implemented. The GST has impacted the a mammoth task to clear the name of the book. employment, Jan Dhan Yojna aggregates small When one prominent lawyer advised us to keep savings of small people and invested in large the title properly otherwise, there will be criminal sector. Harsh Mander gave first hand action. But it was fortunate that Media House information on the horror account of Mob came forward to publish the book. Leena Dabiru Lynching across India which he visited during spoke on the tables and how the web links were Caravan-e-Mohabbat. He also talked about the removed from the Internet. She also said that it great examples of communal harmony shown is important that this book reaches to places by father of two boys one in Delhi and another from where the information is been collected. in Asansol. In both the cases they appealed to She also thanked the Interns who helped in the political leaders and the masses to shed collecting all the data. Shabnam Hashmi spoke communal hatred and preserve harmony. Mani on the need to have such a document. The Shankar Aiyar spoke on the issues of the difference between earlier governments and the neighbourhood policies with the present present government is that they have reached government, and how the situations with the the 50 % mark of the 14 points which qualifies neighbours got adverse during this regime. Fascism, if they come to power than Fascism Dr Sayeeda Hamid highlighted the issue of will be at its peak. She said at the time where being a Muslim at this present political and social the spaces of dissent are receding, it is important scenario. She said that she was not made to that we keep doing such programs and we keep release that she is a Muslim women now more preserving the democratic spaces. than any Governments in the past. Ashok Vajpeyi 14th July 2018

“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if it needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” – Nelson Mandela

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 9 Lok Sabha Elections 2019: A Perspective for Opposition Unity Prem Singh Before discussing the complex subject of not cease because the fundamental spirit of the opposition unity, it would be appropriate to look Constitution and the institutions based on it was at some obvious facts. Firstly, there exists no not meant to ‘develop’ a neo-liberal India. The opposition to the neo-liberal policies that has popular adage ‘Shining India’ and sometimes prevailed for the past three decades in the ‘New India’ given by the neo-liberal rulers under country - none at the level of mainstream the umbrella of corporate colonialism or neo- political parties, none at the level of intellectuals imperialism is against this fundamental spirit of and ‘thinking’ class. Therefore, the process of the Constitution. Fourthly, politics that has been selling the country’s resources, labor and public fed upon a blend of negative tendencies such sector enterprises/establishments to corporate as individualism, family-rule, communalism, houses and multinationals will continue in the casteism, regionalism, money power and muscle same way unabated. There appears no power will continue to flourish in the country if possibility of a change in the condition of farmers, the dinosaur of neo-liberalism is allowed to unorganized/organized sector workers, artisans, swallow the world. Fifth, politics will continue small entrepreneurs and the unemployed. The to retain its character as a game of money power gap of economic disparity will keep rising at the in the circumstances because political parties/ same or higher speed. Consequently, social politicians will get to collect huge amounts in tensions, alienation, suicides, crimes, the name of legal and illegal funding, in the superstitions, falsehood, obscurantism and deceit process of the sale of the country’s resources, will continue to be rooted in society. Secondly, and in the process of the disinvestment of public despite the current government’s defeat in the enterprises. 2019 Lok Sabha elections, there will be no eradication of communal fanaticism. A point that II needs to be noted in great seriousness is that The hopeful and the forward-looking should the character of the current communal not perceive this as a statement of pessimism; fanaticism is deeply and irrevocably related to it is reality, a stark and plain reality. In the light the neo-liberal system. Opposition parties and of this reality, the unity of opposition parties for secular intellectuals may cry themselves hoarse the 2019 Lok Sabha elections should mean about the need to save secularism but they ‘electoral’ unity but with a respect for always brush this truth under the carpet. They democratic and constitutional values. This unity are not even ready to understand that secularism should be forged before the elections and should and socialism are inter-related and secularism be done with a realistic approach, i.e. aiming at cannot be saved by abandoning socialism which the electoral victory but without forgetting the is a fundamental value embedded in the essence of democratic values. The Modi-Shah Constitution. Rather it can be predicted that partnership has transformed the democratic communal fanaticism will increase and its havoc process into a hunger to win elections. will be unleashed faster over the society if this Democratic proprieties do not matter to them. fact is ignored. Thirdly, the devaluation of the In the Modi-Shah partnership, the Lok Sabha Constitution and the constitutional institutions will elections of 2019 will be such an un-ethical

10 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 fierce battle that democracy will have to run For this, a coalition at the national level based around seeking some refuge! The opposition on national understanding, is a necessity. The should not fall a victim to the hunting-instinct of contentious issue in this regard is whether the Modi-Shah in the election race. alliance of the remaining parties other than the It is true that elections are the most important NDA will be formed with or without the aspect of democracy. But at the same time it is Congress? At both levels, that of ideas and also true that elections are held only if there is efforts, plans are going on through the initiatives democracy. If democracy continues, there will taken by leaders and the intellectuals. It is worth always be some possibility for a politics that mentioning here that the Congress and the BJP would fight against the menace of neo-liberal- both are in favor of two-party parliamentary communal nexus. Dr. Lohia said that the task democracy. Former prime minister Manmohan of politics is to fight evil. But in the present times Singh and senior BJP leader LK Advani, during India’s leaders and intellectuals do not seem to the UPA regime, have advocated for a two- believe in that. Under the dictates of neo-liberal/ party system in the country suggesting that the neo-imperial wave, the current politics in India rest of the parties should merge with the BJP has become an evil process in itself, one that is or the Congress. Further, the BJP has been in unconcerned about the repercussions. Politics favour of the presidential system in India on the should not be allowed to turn into a permanent pattern of the US. In fact, that would make the carrier of evil. For this it is necessary that there most suitable condition for corporate politics to should be possibilities for governments to change flourish if India has a two-party contest like in the elections. Therefore, the electoral unity America. of the opposition parties, which could change In such a situation, if the coalition is formed the present government and the power equation, without the Congress, then the Constitutional will play an important role in the direction of system of multi-party parliamentary democracy making democracy more meaningful. will get validity and strength. The Constitution In the NDA along with the BJP, over 35 other recommends the federal structure of the Indian parties, big and small, are included. Less than a state. But since Independence, centralistic year remains now for the Lok Sabha elections. tendencies have been getting encouragement Until the elections come, the possibility of and have reached the peak under the present breakdown in this coalition seems unlikely. The government. The federal structure of the state dissatisfaction shown by some of the parties like is inseparable from the concept of Lokjan Shakti Party, Apna Dal, Rashtriy Lok decentralization of power, resources and Samata Party is not about the government’s governance. If a pre-election coalition is formed policies or the failures. It is a ploy to bargain for without the BJP and the Congress there will be the larger number of seats in 2019 Lok Sabha some defense for the federal structure and the elections. The Modi-Shah team understands this idea of decentralization. Whenever prime intention very well. minister Narendra Modi speaks about a In the recent past a strategy of ad-hoc ‘Congress-free’ India, he considers the alliances of the opposition parties was able to Congress as the main opposition party. It means defeat the BJP in some parliamentary and that he intends to eliminate the non-Congress, assembly seats. But this ad-hoc coalition non-BJP concept of the third force in Indian strategy will not be effective in the 2019 Lok politics. Such a situation suits the Congress as Sabha elections. The national level elections well. The voter would elect the Congress with should be fought with a national level strategy. a majority of its own in 2024, if not in 2019.

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 11 Then, there would not be any hindrance at all it will not allow that government to complete for Rahul Gandhi becoming the prime minister. its term. In the case of mid-term elections, The Congress has not come out on the roads again there will be a contest between the BJP to support the demands of farmers, laborers and the Congress. and unemployed agitating all over the country The formation of a front separate from the against the government policies during the last Congress does not mean that the Congress is four years. The largest minority of the country opposed as a political party. The Congress is a has been passing through a deep crisis under capable party in its own. It has the party the present regime, but the Congress has not organization at the national level. In the last Lok held protest in its support even once. The main Sabha elections, even after a bitter defeat, it reason for such behaviour of the Congress is had the second place in the Parliament. It is its power-enjoying character. But there is also second in getting corporate funding after the a strategy involved. And it is a serious one. BJP. In the states where Congress has a strong The Congress probably wants that the hold, it would contest elections with full force. Muslims, scared by the RSS/BJP and its In case the opposition without Congress does affiliates, will blindly vote only for the Congress not get a full majority in the 2019 Lok Sabha in future. After the politicization of dalits and elections, the Congress can support the third backward communities, the Congress might see force government from outside. However, in Muslims as a lump sum vote bank. It is such a situation, some constituent parties of the pertinent to note here that after abandoning NDA can also join that government. the Congress, the majority of the Muslim votes go to the parties called as the third force of III Indian politics. The coalition of the third force can Modi’s falsehoods cannot always fool people. be named as the National Front for Social Nor can the ‘Chanakya-Neeti’ of Amit Shah Justice. All the parties, including the Communist win the elections and form the governments parties, can join this front. This will include those at any cost for ever in the future. Modi has who do not want to contest the next Lok Sabha made the government a tool in the hands of elections in conjunction with the BJP and the the corporate houses to make indiscriminate Congress. The process of formation of the profits. It has become a government which National Front should be started without delay. benefits the richest person first. Farmers- In order to move forward in this direction, it will workers-artisans-entrepreneurs-unemployed, be appropriate to form a co-ordination devastated by this oppressive government, will committee with a convener. Sharad Yadav could vote tomorrow, if not today, against the BJP. be a name for the post of convener of co- The money of the corporate houses and the ordination committee. There should be four or bought-media would not be able to save its five spokespersons of the proposed front who power. The Congress seems to be waiting for would constantly explain the nature, policies and this very time. If the concept of the third force progress of the National Front directly or through in the politics is eliminated at the national level, media. A committee should be formed to prepare then the Congress will get that anti- the election campaign strategy and election incumbency vote. And after the rule of the material. Congress for five or even ten years, there will The question of the role of small ideological be the BJP turn. If a government of the third parties in the National Front is also important. force is formed at the center with the Congress, The mode of their co-operation should be drawn

12 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 up. It would be better to keep off the parties The decision of choosing the main leader of and individuals who advocate politics/governance the National Front, who would also be the prime without ideology (including the ideology of the ministerial candidate, is a very complex task. But Constitution) from the National Front. They are in order to put a strong and serious fight in the a direct product of corporate capitalism, hence 2019 Lok Sabha elections, there is no choice direct supporter of the neo-liberal ideology. Civil before the opposition leaders but to make this society organizations and individuals, who work decision honestly and wisely. I wrote an article with a political understanding should be linked titled ‘The Relevance of Third Front’ before the to the National Front. These could be 2014 Lok Sabha elections which was published organizations and individuals associated with in several magazines and portals in Hindi and industries, mines, agriculture, education, services, English. In the article, I argued in support of a commerce, trade, literature, arts, studies, sports pre-election coalition unity of political parties and so on. Non-Resident Indians, who are other than the Congress and the BJP. I also politically conscious and concerned about the suggested the name of senior CPI leader AB deteriorating conditions of the country, could also Bardhan as the leader of the proposed third front. be linked to the National Front. These efforts However, the main opposition leaders, who were should be made with utmost seriousness so that urging for a post-election coalition, did not an atmosphere of broad consensus and faith concede to my proposal. could be created in favour of the National Front The names of Mamta Banerjee and Mayawati all over the country. With such an approach the are in discussion for the leadership of opposition’s prospects of playing an important role in the alliance to be formed for the 2019 Lok Sabha future politics of India by the National Front elections. Mamta Banerjee comes from an would be enhanced. ordinary background. She had found the basis The possibility of the victory of the National of a ruling and resource-rich political party while Front would increase if the common minimum was in the Congress. But after leaving the program would be prepared with the promise Congress, she worked hard in the process of that the new government will review the neo- forming and strengthening the Trinmool liberal economic policies in favor of farmers, Congress (TMC). She has achieved her political workers, small-scale traders/entrepreneurs, status through a long struggle. As a result, she is students and unemployed. The BJP and the the Chief Minister of West Bengal for the second Congress cannot make this promise. Apart from consecutive term. Her government in the state this, the leadership of the National Front, due to is not dependent on any other party. The recent its social base, would not be able to implement Panchayat election results in West Bengal show the policies propagated by the World Bank, the that she has a strong hold on the voters. The International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati Organization, the World Economic Forum etc. comes from the dalit community. In today’s as promptly as the Congress and the BJP do. politics, she is the only self-made leader. The As a result there will be a reduction in the loot BSP has status of a national party. The party of corporate houses and multinationals at least has its units and supporters in most of the states. to some extent. Furthermore, with the victory In the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, her name was of National Front, there could be once again a proposed for the prime ministerial candidate of possibility of making the economic policies the third front. Mayawati is opposed to capitalism according the Directive Principles of the at least verbally. Given her social base and verbal Constitution. opposition to capitalism, her government’s

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 13 political economy can be somewhat different upon as the leader of the National Front will from the prevailing neo-liberal economy. She is have to raise the level of her/his thinking. There not currently an MLA or MP. Therefore, it is is no substitute to sublimation in the times of possible for her to give full time to the deep crisis. preparations of the National Front and for the elections. IV The above mentioned two names are SP Shukla, former Secretary of Commerce considered here because, apart from them, and Finance, is a person who has been critical currently no other leader is in the serious to the New Economic Policies from the very discussion. Senior DMK leader M Karunanidhi beginning. He seriously contemplated upon the is 95 years old. The age of Mulayam Singh is anti-people consequences of the same and also 78 years, but his health is not so good that he put a sound ideological resistance to them in can be the prime ministerial candidate of the the initial round. Recently I had a discussion National Front. Of course, he can play a with him in Pune on the question of opposition significant role as an advisor. If he takes the unity in view of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. I campaign outside Uttar Pradesh, then it will be shared my views and perception with him. He a big achievement for the National Front. Nitish agreed to the idea and said if the next elections Kumar’s name used to go very well earlier, but are fought under the leadership of Mamata or he has gone along with the BJP after breaking Mayawati, it will be a step forward - an entry the grand alliance in Bihar. Even if he returns, of the gender aspect in the stream of the he will not be able to restore his goodwill. subaltern politics which started in 1989 with the Chandrababu Naidu recently came out of the implementation of the Mandal Commission NDA. There is no surety that he will not return report. to the NDA fold again. Naveen Patnaik is the The intellectuals and activists of the country, Chief Minister of Orissa for the fourth who are worried about the basic values of the consecutive term. In 2009, he left the BJP-led Constitution - socialism, secularism and NDA and formed an alliance with the Left democracy - and the erosion of constitutional parties. He is not a vocal leader and does not institutions, should play a positive role in the go much out of Orissa. He is not involved in the formation and acceptance of the National Front. political hustle-bustle related to the 2019 Lok In India, leaders have often inspired intellectuals Sabha elections. He was not even present in and artists. Now it is a turn of the intellectuals, the swearing-in program of the Janata Dal (S) artists and conscious representatives of the civil government formed with the support of the society to extend their guidance and co- Congress in Karnataka recently. So far, he is operation to the leaders in the times of crisis. non-committal. Efforts should be made to bring Dr. Prem Singh teaches Hindi at Delhi him into the fold of the National Front. University and is president of Socialist Party Last but not least, the person that is agreed (India) The Radical Humanist on Website ‘The Radical Humanist’ is now available at http://www.lohiatoday.com/ on Periodicals page, thanks to Manohar Ravela who administers the site on Ram Manohar Lohia, the great socialist leader of India. Some of Roy’s important books are also available at that site. - Mahi Pal Singh

14 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 Importance of defending democratic values and Constitutional rights by united action Gautam Thaker In the last week of June, BJP lashed harsh of inscribing in golden letters in country’s history. attacks on Congress party on the Emergency Keeping in view the above background and clamped in the year 1975. From Bombay, the the history, comparison can obviously be made. Prime Minister and from Ahmedabad, Party In the year 2018, it is being felt as if shadow of President uttered strong words of criticism. that emergency has reincarnated. In the country, They showed aggressive gestures as if it were freedom of expression has been banned. the last attempt to launch an attack on the Especially, dangers are mounting against mass Congress party before the forthcoming elections media, media personnel and journalists. Some for 2019. Actually they should have also revealed of them have even been murdered. Lack or the outcome of four years’ administration and absence of truthful news because of Gobelian tasks completed but it did not happen so. canvassing or propaganda and due to ‘Godi Actually we all need to understand or realize Media’, is a matter of concern. In the name of as to why emergency was clamped by Indira patriotism and cultural nationalism, freedom of Gandhi. At that point of time, there was writing and especially freedom of speech are unbearable inflation and unimaginable sought to be banned. Corruption has reached to corruption. In the year 1974, on both these the peak level of Everest. On the economic front, counts violent agitation was spearheaded by the people have not yet been resuscitated from the students. It was known as “Nav-Nirmaan” or assault and shock due to ‘Demonetization’ and ‘Roti Riots’ agitation and had spread throughout imposition of GST. Systematic efforts are being the country under the leadership of Jay Prakash made to suppress and cow down the activists Narayan. Indira felt that in order to stick to the struggling without allegiance of any one party, power, new stringent laws shall have to be for preservation, protection and reforms for enacted. As if this was not enough, Allahabad people’s liberties. Anybody expressing voice of High Court issued a directive banning her to dissent is being labeled or branded as insurgent. contest elections for next six years. She felt that On evaluation of entire situation prevailing in by attacking on fundamental rights aimed at the year 1975, in this year of 2018, it appears as preventing liberty of thoughts, speech and if we are pushed behind by 43 years. In short, expression, and distancing the people by in view of arbitrary, anti-people, dictatorial misleading them; she can stick to the reins of approach of to-day’s rulers, concerned citizens power. Hence, she announced for press and those in favor of constitutional democracy censorship and banned freedom of thoughts, are distressed and sad. Presently, even the ruling speech and expression. People of the country party’s leaders are also reported to state that could not tolerate or bear with this and all the more serious and unimagined situation worse parties joined together and gave the leadership than that of earlier emergency has arisen. to Jay Prakash Narayan and thereafter as a While democratic values are being violated result of parliamentary general elections, people and rulers are attempting to stick to the power secured second independence. People of the by disregarding constitutional provisions, then it country by means of resistance and does pose a big question as to how to struggle confrontation, had done an excellent task worthy against the five ‘m’ elements namely ‘Money,

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 15 Muscles, Madira (liquor), Media and Machines confrontation. In short, in the present situation, (EVM)”. We will also have to face against people need to remain united irrespective of their structures of democracy sought to be intangibly caste, creed or racial affiliation. The ruling party sucked or squeezed from within. While the needs to take quick, effective steps impartially issues of education and health have degenerated to solve the problems faced by the poor people into monstrosity, people have to consolidate its and thus control the deteriorating and worsening stand or object for saving the democratic values. situation. It appears that for the sake of preserving our 02-07-2018 rights and liberty without being dismayed, we M - 09825382556; shall have to be awake, by constant Email : [email protected] Proposal of Simultaneous Elections to the Parliament and Assemblies K. Pratap Reddy The concept and the proposal made by the Part VI of the Constitution. present Union Government for “simultaneous While, it is, no doubt, true that the power of elections”, for Union Legislature and for the conducting elections of Union of India State Assemblies comprising Union of India will (Parliament) and the Elections to State lead not only to impracticable result but would Legislatures vested in a common functionary, also result in destroying the Federal Structure viz the Election Commission of India, but such of INDIA, THAT IS BHARAT as declared in exercise of power must necessarily be in the very first Article of Constitution of India. conformity with the distribution of powers of The largest ever constituted Constitution Bench Union of India and its constituent states as of Supreme Court of India in “Keshavananda enumerated in different lists of Schedule VII of Bharati’s case”, in the 1973declared the Federal the Constitution. Structure of our country is a “BASIC It will be noted, while Article 368 of the FEATURE” of the Constitution, which cannot Constitution vests powers on Parliament to be interfered with even by an amendment of amend the Constitution, but any amendment the Constitution. affecting any of the powers of the States in While declaring India as union of states, the Schedule VII is required to be ratified by at least powers of Union Legislature and the constituent half of the Legislatures of the States comprising federal units i.e., states, namely, the Legislative, Union of India. the Executive and the Judiciary, have been While, item 37 of List II of Schedule VII of specifically provided for in three different lists the Constitution vests power in State of Schedule VII of the Constitution. Along with Legislatures with regard to conducting of the distribution of powers in Schedule VII, elections to its legislatures, but it is subject to different provisions have been made for the the power of Union Legislature. functioning of the Union Legislature and the Now coming to the functioning of Union Union Executive in Chapters I, II, III and IV of Legislature, it must be noted that clause (ii) of Part V. Likewise, the Legislative, Executive Article 83 pronounces the term of House of and Judicial Functions of the States have been People (Lok Sabha) shall be for five years, enumerated in Chapters I, II, III, IV and V of unless sooner dissolved. Likewise, Article 172

16 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 of the Constitution declares that the term of a circumstances as declared by the largest ever “State Legislature” shall be for five years, unless Constitution Bench of Supreme Court of India sooner dissolved. However, the provisions for in Keshavananda Bharati’s case in the year the dissolution of House of People in case of 1973, that the Federal Structure of India is a Union Legislature and in case of Assemblies of “BASIC FEATURE” of the Constitution and the States depend upon different circumstances cannot be interfered with by the Union and different reasons as provided in the Legislature even by a Constitutional respective Articles. amendment. Therefore, in can be derived from One thing must be understood that, while it different provisions of the Constitution that there is, no doubt, true that the fixed term is a fixed is no constitutional possibility of conducting term of Lok Sabha and State Legislatures, but simultaneous elections to Union Legislature and there are different provisions dealing with the the State Legislatures comprising Union of India. dissolution of Parliament and State Legislatures It may be kindly noted that such a proposal which have been experienced in the long history of conducting simultaneous elections to Union of seven decades of our constitutional history. Legislature and State Legislatures is not only In this background of different provisions of constitutionally impossible but would also lead the Constitution for Union Legislature and State to anarchy in the functions of Federal Structure Legislatures depending upon different of the Constitution. An Appeal For Donations For Republishing books written by M.N. Roy & other Humanist Literature Indian Renaissance Institute has embarked upon republishing/reprinting the large amount of books & other material written by M.N. Roy as most of them have gone out of print, though requests for these books continue to pour in into our office. Connected humanist literature will also be published. Following books, at the first instance, require immediate publication: ‘New Humanism’; ‘Beyond Communism’; ‘Politics, Power and Parties’; ‘Historical Role of Islam’; ‘India’s Message’; ‘Men I Met’; ‘New Orientation’; ‘Materialism’; ‘Science & Philosophy’; ‘Revolution and Counter-revolution in China’; ‘India in Transition; Reason, Romanticism and Revolution’; ‘Russian Revolution’; Selected Works – Four Volumes(1917- 1922), (1923-1927), (1927-1932) and (1932-1936); ‘Memoirs’ (Covers period 1915-1923). We request readers and sympathizers to donate generously for the above project as this literature will go long way in enriching the humanist and renaissance movement in the country. Cheques/Bank drafts may be sent in the name of ‘Indian Renaissance Institute’ to: Satish Chandra Varma, Treasurer IRI, A-1/103, Satyam Apartments, Vasundhra Enclave, Delhi- 110096. (M) 9811587576. Email ID: Online donations may be sent to: ‘Indian Renaissance Institute’ Account No. 02070100005296; IFSC Code: UCBA0000207, UCO Bank, Supreme Court Branch, New Delhi (India) Rekha Saraswat Satish Chandra Varma Secretary Treasurer

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 17 Survey: Bihar tops hate-speech list S.M. Shahbaz (From left) PUCL secretary Sarfaraz, law interns Swaraj Siddhant, Aditya Bharadwaj and Supriya Kumari, and PUCL general secretary Praveen Kumar Madhu during the news meet at Nilgiri Bhavan on Monday. Picture by Manoj Kumar Patna: Bihar has had the highest number of The survey team comprised Swaraj Siddhant, hate speech incidents from 2014 to 2018 a second-year student of BA-LLB at Chanakya followed by Uttar Pradesh and Telangana while National Law University Patna (CNLU), the leaders of the BJP-led NDA contributed to Supriya Kumari, a second-year student at the highest number of hate speeches during the ICFAI University, Dehradun, and Aditya period, says a study by law students. Bharadwaj, a second-year student of the same Over 78 per cent of the total hate speech course at Indraprastha University in New incidences reported from across the country Delhi. were by BJP leaders in 2017. The BJP’s share They conducted the study under the aegis of in hate speeches has risen over the years - 21 the People’s Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL), per cent in 2014, 45 per cent in 2015, and 58 Bihar, a human rights body. percent in 2016, according to the students. Praveen Kumar Madhu, general secretary, The students said a comparative study of hate PUCL, said: “Incidents of lynching and speeches at the time of state elections during communal violence are plaguing the country the past four years reveals factors behind the because our political leaders resort to inciting victorious track record of the BJP in Gujarat, casteist, religious and ethnic passions in people.” Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal He added that the students used media Pradesh. reports to study the number of hate speech The study found that during Bihar Assembly incidents from 2014 to 2018. elections in 2015, the BJP leaders sought Asked what motivated them to examine the people’s votes by making caste- and religion- use of hate speech to derive electoral benefits, based remarks on 14 occasions - 45 per cent of the law interns told The Telegraph that the total hate speeches in that year in the state. acknowledging the influence of vitriolic remarks The RJD contributed 29 per cent of the hate on the political behaviour of the masses speeches and grabbed second position in persuaded them to examine the issue in a seeking votes through caste-based politics. scientific manner. The JDU-led by Nitish Kumar has the Their internship at PUCL for a month will cleanest track record among all political parties end on July 31. in Bihar in not mixing religion with politics. Courtesy The Telegraph, Jul 10, 2018

18 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 The fuss about meeting Muslims Jawed Naqvi ABOUT three years ago, eminent historian fair thing to want? Romila Thapar urged Indian intellectuals to wake On the other hand, I can’t understand to save up and protect democracy against a determined, my life what or who a Muslim intellectual is. subversive right-wing incursion. That is roughly Do they have to be practicing Muslims to what Noam Chomsky has been saying, albeit qualify? One knows of Muslim clergy, Muslim to a wider audience, probably across the world. forebears, Muslim culture and history. She was not exhorting Hindu intellectuals and One could stretch the point and say that Dr he was not addressing the Jewish intelligentsia. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a Hindu What do we suppose these so-called Muslim intellectual, as he studied and wrote about intellectuals are all about, the ones that seem to Hinduism. But then Wendy Donniger would have riled India’s first woman defence minister argue that she has an equal grip if not a better Nirmala Sitharaman? The minister was one on the study of Hinduism without being a screaming and sounded worked up about the Hindu. In any case, are we to assume that the news the other day that Congress leader Rahul motley group of Muslim academics and Gandhi had met some Muslim intellectuals. professionals was reading the finer points of the “The Congress is playing up the card of Holy Book to young Gandhi? Or on a serious religion and communal division. It may lead to note, it would be perhaps more reasonable to the kind of division and communal disharmony assume that Muslim men and women, given that which prevailed during the partition in 1947,” Ms they may not all be practicing Muslims, were Sitharaman thundered at a crowded press discussing issues facing Indian democracy like conference. I’m told she also warned that should everyone else. Then why call in a group of there be communal violence in the run-up to the Muslims to say something that an enlightened 2019 election, the Congress would be responsible. Hindu or Dalit, a Sikh, Christian or Parsi can It was a dire threat, which the Hindutva affiliates also express well? Why not call them together? are more than capable of carrying out, but what In fact, that could be even better. It would give is the anger based on? I have at least two the Muslims a chance to share the predicament photographs from different occasions staring at of the Dalits, something not always on their me in which Prime Minister Modi is surrounded radar. And it would give the Dalit and the Sikhs with grey and white bearded Indian men donning something to think about the plight of the different types of headgear usually associated Christian community or vice versa. And what with sects of Muslim scholars and clerics. does one do after the rendezvous? Can we There was an information ministry press seriously promise job reservations to Muslims release to go with the Modi-Muslim meeting in as some want and thus expand the quota regime April 2016. As for his second meeting in January while not increasing the size of the pie? Would last year with another group of Muslims, anyone that not irk the Dalits? Also, is there even one could check that out with Messrs M.J. Akbar thing that ‘Muslim intellectuals’ would ask for and M.A. Naqvi, both ministers in his cabinet. that has not been asked for the community They were in attendance, as the picture relentlessly by others? suggests. It is not clear what Ms Sitharaman Do Muslim intellectuals have a trick up their was angry about. Did she mean that Muslims sleeve that their friends from other faiths have should meet Modi but shun Gandhi? Was that a missed? Look again; the Sachar Committee

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 19 report, which thoroughly explored — with hard Tilak and W.C. Bonerjee against the British evidence — the social and economic plight of administration after a 10-year-old Hindu bride Indian Muslims, was compiled and presented died of wounds on the nuptial night. The by a non-Muslim. And it so happens that most government increased the age of consent for Muslims swear by its findings. Implement the brides to 12 years, still short of what reformers recommendations of that report if anyone has like Mahadev Govind Ranade would have the guts. This business of tokenism — of wanted. Tilak and Bonerjee opposed the pigeonholing Indians — has proved to be notionally increased age of consent. ‘Hindu unhelpful. If the Congress is interested in dharma is in danger’, was the cry in Calcutta improving the lot of India’s Muslims, it has to and Bombay. The result is that child marriage consciously go hand in hand and with the continues unabated in parts of India despite new camaraderie and goodwill of the Sikhs, laws. The Muslim clergy’s demand to keep the Christians, Dalits and other minorities. And you rights of Shahbano under their purview was a cannot improve the condition of an Indian Muslim similarly regressive move. while inflicting a nightmare on Muslims in A few of us tried to plead with Rajiv Gandhi Kashmir. not to yield. The group included Muslim men Let me share a stark lesson that prompts me and women from Bombay’s Tinseltown and the to make my case. Rajiv Gandhi with his late theatre don Habib Tanvir. What Rajiv said overwhelming majority in parliament was was heartbreaking. “It’s such a pleasure to meet threatening to pass a bill that would overturn liberal Muslims like you. But you have to the Supreme Court’s orders for a regular persuade the Muslim Personal Law Board to maintenance from the ex-husband of a divorced step back on the Shahbano case.” He needed Muslim woman thus putting them at parity with the grassroots votes, which intellectuals cannot other Indian women. The Indian clergy, not deliver. As for his effusive love of “liberal unlike the ones seen in the picture with Mr Modi, Muslims”, they can continue to live in hope, and wanted the right to deal by themselves with a garnish it with a bit of faith should they feel female Muslim divorcee. The misplaced outrage equipped. was akin to the one displayed by Bal Gangadhar Courtesy Dawn, July 17th, 2018

The Radical Humanist Rates of Advertisement/Insertion Journ al size: 18cmx 24 cm- Prin t area: 15cmx20cm Ordinary Special Ordinary Special For One year Second Back cover Rs.2,500 Rs.3,000 2nd Back Cover Rs.20,000 Rs.30,000 Third Back Cover Rs.2,500 Rs.3,000 3rd Back Cover Rs.20,000 Rs.30,000 Last Cover Rs.3,000 Rs.3,500 Last Cover Rs.20,500 Rs.30,000 Ordinary page: Ordinary page: Full page Rs.2,000 Rs.2,500 Full page Rs.15,500 Rs.20,000 Half page Rs.1,500 Rs.1,500 Half Page Rs.10,500 Rs.15,000 Quarter page Rs. 600 Rs. 900 Quarter page: Rs. 6000 Rs. 9000

20 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 India needs a modern, safe railway system and not bullet trains, E Sreedharan tells Hindustan Times The retired civil engineer, who led the construction of the Konkan Railway and the Delhi Metro, said bullet trains are for elites. Retired civil engineer Elattuvalappil actually less than 50%.” Sreedharan, who led the construction of the He added that the Railways’ accident record Konkan Railway and the Delhi Metro, told the has not improved. “Many also die on tracks, at Hindustan Times in an interview published on level-crossings, in suburban sections,” Sreedharan Sunday that the country needs a modern, safe told the newspaper. “Almost 20,000 lives are lost and fast railway system, and not bullet trains, on tracks yearly. I feel Indian Railways is 20 which will cater only to the elites. years behind those of advanced nations.” “Bullet trains will cater only to the elite A Right to Information query last year revealed community,” Sreedharan said. “It is highly that more than 40% of train seats go vacant on expensive and beyond the reach of ordinary the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route, where the Centre people.” is investing Rs 1 lakh crore for India’s first bullet The retired engineer, who has been tasked with train. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the standardising metro services in the country, said foundation stone for the project in Ahmedabad Indian Railways has not made progress apart from in September along with Japanese Prime Minister implementing bio-toilets. “Speed has not Shinzo Abe. The Centre has taken a loan of Rs increased,” Sreedharan pointed out. “In fact, the 88,000 crore from Japan for the project, which is average speed of most prestigious trains has come expected to be completed in 10 years down. Punctuality is worst – officially 70%, Courtesy Scroll.in, 3 July 2018 Terrorism is not due to religion: Locate underlying Politics! Politics in contemporary times is wearing Ram Puniyani the clothes of religion; much too often. It may feelings of religion or nationalism. be global politics of imperialist countries, to Priyanka Chopra, the star from bollywood who control the oil wealth, or the politics to re-impose has been doing a serial in US values of birth based inequality in South Asian television, Quantico, has been in the news for countries, religion is the cover. In Pakistan and similar reasons (June 2018). In one episode of many West Asian countries , it in the name of this series; the character played by her thwarts Islam that feudalism-authoritarianism persists the nuclear attack by some Hindu-Indian terrorist, and is being strengthened, in Myanmar-Sri in the nick of time when Indo Pakistan summit is Lanka Buddhism is the cover, while in India, it to take place. The hurt sentiment brigade is the label of Hinduism, which is being abused announced ”Hindu Sena appeals to public in to stifle the values of equality and liberalism. general to boycott any work, ads or movies of Too often such acts of sectarian politics affect Priyanka Chopra and appeals to Indian the creative people, their gazal concerts are government to strip her of Indian citizenship and disrupted, their films are banned-attacked by the deny her entry in India.” In an over bending storm troopers. Many times warnings are given attitude the actor tweeted “I’m extremely to them and apologies sought for the hurt saddened and sorry that some sentiments have

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 21 been hurt by a recent episode of Quantico. That Upadhaya, Swami Dayanand and Swami was not and would never be my intention. I Aseemanand among many others who were part sincerely apologize. I’m a proud Indian and that of Hindu nationalist organizations, some owing will never change,” One actor from film industry allegiance to RSS directly. The investigation did Pooja Bhat did firmly stand with Chopra, lead to arrest of many of them; two of them, RSS defending her right of freedom as an actor. ex Pracharaks have been convicted for life term What is in continuation with this pattern is that in case of Ajmer blast. while in current times the films, serials, acts of The likes of Sadhvi Pragya, Purohit and fiction abound with Muslim characters as Assemanand have been let off on bail. Swami terrorists-extremists, this episode of Quantico, had confessed and given the details of planning showing a Hindu character in the evil role brought of terror acts in presence of a Magistrate and lot forth the usual threats and demanded the of material was recovered from the lap top of cancellation of citizenship of the actor! One must Swami Dayanand Pande. One Sunil Joshi, who say that labeling any act of violence in the name was also alleged to be part of the team, was of religion is a trend which has picked up in the murdered and it was presumed that he wake of 9/11 twin tower tragedy. While the was murdered for making sexual advances to terrorist groups were groomed, indoctrinated by Sadhvi Pragya. Despite these investigations; later the superpower US, to join the military fight due to change of the Government at Center against Soviet Russia’s occupation of (2014); the likes of Sadhvi and Swami have got Afghanistan, the whole exercise of indoctrination bail! Whether the truth will ever be upheld and was done by using a version of Islam prevalent honored is the question. What also remains in Saudi Arabia. The master of the planning was unanswered is that Rohini Salian, who was the sitting in Washington. The whole act of insane public prosecutor in the cases involving Sadhvi terrorism was done in the name of Islam. The etc. was asked to go soft on the cases with the US media came to coin the phrase ‘Islamic change of Government at the center. It does raise terrorism’ and religion and terrorism got many question related to crime and punishment. associated for the first time, despite the fact the In Mumbai blast (1993) cases one people from many religions have been involved Rubina Memon was given life imprisonment as in the acts of terror most of the time. It was in the car used for blast cases was registered in continuation with this trend that when India her name. In Malegaon blast, Sadhvi owned the witnessed the involvement of number of Hindu motorcycle used for blasts but was given the bail! nationalists in the acts of terror, the word, Hindu In present times things are much worse as terror, saffron terror or Hindutva terror started during last few years the number of Hindus floating in the air. Apologies were demanded for involved in lynching in the name of cow has gone use of this term in the wake of granting bail to up immensely, funds are collected for the family the likes of Pragya Thakur or Aseemanand. of Shambhulal Regar the brutal killer of Afrazul, in In the aftermath of Malegaon blast of 2008, the name of love Jihad! The associations of killers the meticulous investigation of Hemant Karkare, of Prof Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh to Hindutva the Maharashtra ATS chief, brought forth the fact organizations are coming forth. While the actors that the motor cycle used for the blast was owned of the stature of Chopra can wriggle out to save by Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, an associate of their careers and films with an apology, the need different Hidnutva organizations. With his to look at the construction of perceptions is needed investigation hoards of Hindu names cropped up. more than before, as religion has been dragged in This led the trail to Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit, Major the murky World of politics all round.

22 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 Amartya Sen hits out at Modi govt, says India has taken a quantum jump in wrong direction since 2014 “Things have gone pretty badly wrong... It has taken a quantum jump in the wrong direction since 2014. We are getting backwards in the fastest-growing economy,” Amartya Sen said. Express Web Desk lavatories or sewage with their hands whose demands and needs have been neglected. Highlighting the recent report of a Dalit youth who was whipped for asking a salary hike from the manager of a petrol pump in Madhya Pradesh, he said they (dalit) are going around without any kind of certainty about their next meal, healthcare or education. Taking a dig at the BJP-led government, Nobel laureate and renowned the economist added that during freedom economist Amartya Sen struggle it was difficult to see that a political Nobel laureate and renowned economist battle could be won by playing up the Hindu Amartya Sen Sunday criticised the BJP-led identity, but that has changed now. “But, that central government, stating that the country has has happened. Which is why, at this time, the taken a “quantum jump in the wrong direction” whole issue of Opposition unity is so important,” since 2014. “Things have gone pretty badly the 84-year-old economist said. “It is not a battle wrong… It has taken a quantum jump in the of one entity against the other (or) Mr Modi wrong direction since 2014. We are getting against Mr Rahul Gandhi, it is an issue of what backwards in the fastest-growing economy,” India is,” Sen added Sen said. Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra The economist was speaking during the launch Modi’s ambitious healthcare scheme– of Bharat Aur Uske Virodhabhas’, the Hindi Ayushmann Bharat, development economist edition of his book ‘An Uncertain Glory: India and activist Jean Dreze termed the soon-to-be and its Contradictions’ that he co-authored with launched scheme a “hoax” as it was actually development economist Jean Dreze. not big as it was being claimed to be. “The budget With the economy on a downslide, Sen said, (for the scheme) for this year is 2,000 crore. the country is now second worst in the Even if it is spent, it’s less than 20 rupees per subcontinent region. Of the six countries in the person,” he said. region–India was the second best after Sri It is projected as health insurance for 50 crore Lanka 20 years ago. ”Now, it is the second people, but it is virtually nothing, said Dreze, who worst. Pakistan has managed to shield us from helped draft the first version of the Mahatma being the worst.” Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee He further said the government has also Scheme (MGNREGA). deflected from issues of inequalities and the With PTI inputs caste system. He pointed out that there were a Courtesy The Indian Express, whole group of people, those who clean July 9, 2018

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 23 What you can’t measure properly, you can’t manage properly Shripad Dharmadhikary Shripad Dharmadhikary critiques the recently released NITI Aayog’s report on Composite Water Management Index. On 14 June 2018, the NITI Aayog released its of 25 June 2018 calls it a “a giant step towards report titled “Composite Water Management data-based decision-making for water” . The Index”. Somewhat incongruous with the report and the Index that it introduces can be plainness of its title, the report has got huge media described a good initiative that can provide a attention. Most of the media has highlighted the useful tool, that would need to be used in shocking revelations of the report “that 600 million combination with several other measures, to people in India face high to extreme water stress address some of the elements of the water crisis. in the country. About three-fourth of the It also has several critical gaps and its utility will households in the country do not have drinking depend on how these gaps are addressed. water at their premise. With nearly 70% of water Important initiative being contaminated, India is placed at 120 The good part of the report is the initiative to amongst 122 countries in the water quality index”. create an index that can measure progress made These are indeed very serious findings, and in managing water resources by different states. indicate the extent and depth of the water crisis As is said, what you can’t measure, you can’t that has gripped the country. manage. Indeed, one can say that the strength The report itself begins with the dire warning of this Index lies much more in its process than that “India is suffering from the worst water crisis in its content – at least, as of now, till some of the in its history and millions of lives and livelihoods issues related to the parameters it measures are are under threat”, and presents the above facts addressed. to underscore the gravity of the situation. It then The Index measures 28 indicators in 9 themes posits the report and the Index (the Composite and comes up with a single, final score. It also Water Management Index) as being developed provides separate scores for the different “to enable effective water management in Indian themes. Certainly, data and measurements are states in the face of this growing crisis.” Against not being used for the first time by Governments; this background, and the glowing terms in which no past or present government could have the report describes itself – “a landmark managed water resources without the use of data. achievement in the context of India’s water Moreover, past governments, through the Water management”, high expectations have been Resource Information System (WRIS) have also raised. taken initiative to put data and information in public Unfortunately, the report itself is quite domain. So these elements are not new in the disappointing, measured against these Index. What is new is the combining of several expectations and the challenges that it has itself parameters to provide a rounded assessment outlined. A realistic assessment of the Index though one single number, the final score, as well shows that it is useful, but far removed from the as the thematic scores. hyperbole that is sought to be created around it The other, possibly the biggest strength of the - Amitabh Kant, NITI CEO in Economic Times Index is that the “conceptualization, development,

24 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 and operationalization of this Index has involved score, notwithstanding the fact that most the close collaboration between several levels of Narmada river downstream of the dam has national, state, and local policymakers and become desiccated and has seen large scale government officers.” Since water is a state ingress of salinity, creating a host of problems. subject, states are the major collectors and This problem created by the dam is not picked repositories of data related to water. States are up by any indicator. often reluctant to share data or collaborate in Similarly, there are no indicators for measuring generating data. This is particularly true in cases water quality and pollution, for measuring where inter-state river disputes exist. Given this, whether rivers are flowing and alive (the so called any process that brings together the centre and environmental flow), no indicators to measure the states to collaborate in putting together data whether water is being distributed equitably in and information in an integrated manner is most the state, no indicators on livelihoods other than welcome. irrigated agriculture that water sustains – for Having said that, it should be pointed out that example, fishing, and so on. All this means that in terms of the actual parameters and indicators, the Index hardly captures real sustainable there are some important gaps. management; it most remains an indicator of Gaps in the indicators conventional management of water resources, Most of the indicators chosen are indeed something that has failed the country and is important. Some such indicators are those that responsible for many of the ills that beset our measure the extent of restoration of water bodies, water resources today. areas covered under groundwater recharging, Even in the indicators selected, there are total irrigated area in the state, extent of urban problems of measurement. For example, to and rural water supply, urban waste water measure “Source Augmentation (groundwater)”, treatment capacity etc. Indeed, it is what is left one indicator is “Number of overexploited and out that is more of a concern. critical assessment units that have experienced The report itself stresses that “the Index is a rise in water table in pre-monsoon 2016…” expected to… ensure sustainable and effective But this can depend not only recharge measures, management of water resources”, yet, it does but on the quantum of rainfall in the earlier year. not include many parameters related to So it cannot provide a correct measure of sustainability. Indeed, the problem lies in very resource augmentation. framework for understanding sustainability. For A very surprising finding of the report is that example, one of the indicators is “total number most states have displayed an excellent of major and medium irrigation projects in the performance in terms of crops planted as per state”, and the more there are, the higher the agro-climatic zoning. It is seen that when score. Now major and medium projects irrigation is introduced in an area, farmers often essentially mean large dams. The impacts of such shift to water-intensive crops. Often, these crops large dams are very well known. Many large are not as per the local agro-climatic character dams on a river will effectively kill the river and and hence the crops use water inefficiently and its ecology and such development can hardly be use larger amounts of water than those crops called sustainable. Yet, the report counts more grown in conditions where they are the natural major projects as better water management, crop. Growing of rice in the dry areas of Punjab unconditionally and in an unqualified way. No is a well-known case. In fact, growing crops that wonder then, that Gujarat - with the Sardar are not aligned with the agro-climatic zone is Sarovar dam on the Narmada gets the highest considered as one of the important reasons for

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 25 the large consumption of water for irrigation. Yet, think tank has to rely on reports from foreign the report indicates that in most part of the country, and international agencies for highlighting such crops are grown in alignment with the agro- critical issues of our own water resources, it raises climatic conditions. This finding seems difficult important questions: Are our own agencies not to believe. For example, for Maharashtra, the coming out with such assessments? Do the report says that the area cultivated by adopting publications of our official agencies lack standard cropping pattern as per agro-climatic credibility? Is it that our official agencies are zoning is 99%! Whereas the report itself notes afraid to put out assessments that are critical of that water-intensive sugarcane being grown in the current situation? the drought-prone areas of Maharashtra is a What is more difficult to understand is that known example of crops misaligned to the agro- some very important statements in the report are climatic zones. based on newspaper reports. For example, that In a larger sense, if, as the report says, most “54% of India’s groundwater wells are declining, of the crops in the country are in alignment with and 21 major cities are expected to run out of the agro-climatic zones, then it is difficult to see groundwater as soon as 2020, affecting ~100 why there should be “unchecked extraction of million people” is taken from the WRI, and a groundwater by farmers … driving the country’s World Bank Report, but as quoted in Hindustan groundwater crisis, with 54% of wells declining Times and The Hindu. It is rather odd that an in levels due to extraction rates exceeding official publication should refer to newspapers recharge rate”, another finding of the report itself. and online news portals for referencing such There are several other such anomalies that important facts; these should be taken from either indicate the need to look more carefully at the official reports or academic publications. measurements of the selected indicators and to The referencing in the report is ad-hoc and subject them to better cross-checking and completely unacceptable for a report of this verification. nature and level. The references given in the The data being reported footnotes do not mention the year of publication It is ironical that the findings of the report that or any other details, nor is there a list of a list of made some of the biggest media splash are references at the end where the details of actually not its own findings. In fact, these are references given in the footnotes are presented. facts that have been included in the report more In conclusion as a background to provide the context. So the Given all this, it is clear that the Composite fact highlighted by the report that “600 million Water Management Index is a useful and Indians face high to extreme water stress and welcome initiative, but there are a number of gaps about two lakh people die every year due to and shortcomings that need to be addressed to inadequate access to safe water” is actually be able to realise its potential. To address these taken from WRI Aqueduct and WHO Global gaps, it will be important for the NITI Aayog to Health Observatory as per the footnote in the get feedback and input from a much larger group report. That up to 70% of our water supply is of stakeholders, including people who have been likely to be contaminated is also taken from WHO critically studying the water sector in the country. Global Health Observatory. Shripad Dharmadhikary coordinates the This is not to say that facts should not be taken Manthan Adhyayan Kendra, a centre set up from such reports of other agencies nor do we to research, analyse and monitor water and want to cast any aspersions on the authenticity energy issues. of these studies. But when the country’s premier Courtesy IndiaTogether, 01 July 2018.

26 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 Book Review Section: Illuminated Genius Chris Edwards Einstein can be compared in terms of historical significance, and Gribbin wrote that statement in 2002. His insights in Einstein’s Masterwork should be understood in light of what he wrote then. He is a believer in studying the historical conditions of a person’s time for putting the impact of the work into context. For example: “What made Newton and Einstein so special was that they didn’t have just one brilliant idea (like, say, Charles Darwin and his theory of natural selection) but a whole variety of brilliant ideas, within a few months of one another” (p. 4). One should not read this as a physicist defending the preeminence of his subject against biology, but rather as an overall historical John Gribbin’s book, Einstein’s Masterwork: determinist making the case that if there ever 1915 and the General Theory of Relativity, were two people whose contributions can only shines new light not only on Relativity Theory be explained through individual genius then it but on Einstein’s intellectual processes. would be Newton and Einstein and for the Einstein’s work fits well into a narrative of reasons stated. scientific history already established by Gribbin As a young man in his very early twenties, in his earlier works: Schrodinger’s Kittens and Einstein enjoyed socializing over coffee in the the Search for Reality and The Scientists: A Swiss city of Zurich. The notion of atoms as History of Science Told Through the Lives fundamental particles, Gribbin writes, had yet of Its Greatest Inventors. Interestingly, in this to be established. The desire to prove that atoms later work Gribbin stakes out a position of were composed of more than pure theory called historical determinism, one which argues that Einstein out into the realm of philosophical individuals usually do not matter that much: science. “This was what appealed to Einstein; What is much more important than human the idea that the power of the human mind and genius is the development of technology, and it mathematics was alone enough to conjure up is no surprise that the start of the scientific deep truths about the world” (p. 25.) revolution “coincides” with the development of One wonders if perhaps Einstein’s social the telescope and microscope. I can think of success in the café’s amounted to a phase. only one partial exception to this situation, and Newton, being the sort of man who stuck even there I would qualify the exception more sewing needles under his eyeballs and liked than most historians of science do. Isaac (probably) fooling people into believing the fallen Newton was clearly something of a special fruit feature at the center of his greatest insight, case… (p. xix). never married and never produced children. No Keep this observation in mind as we consider one suffered from his detachments even if that Isaac Newton is the only thinker to whom money cheats did later suffer from his work as

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 27 a top bureaucrat at the royal mint. Einstein may prepared him to think of light as being made of have understood everything that Newton had photons rather than waves. Gribbin writes: scientifically, but Newton seemed to know In the paper that became his doctoral something that Einstein did not: you do not get dissertation Einstein had already used the idea to take anyone with you when you go out there. that molecules of sugar dissolved in water are By this time, the problem that Einstein would being bombarded by water molecules from all need to solve had been established by science sides, and that the way the sugar molecules move in 1901. Gribbin writes: through the sea of water molecules affects the The German physicist Philipp Lenard had measurable properties of the solution: its discovered that electrons could be knocked out viscosity and its osmotic pressure. The success of the surface of the metal by shining ultraviolet of Einstein’s results provided powerful light onto it. Strangely, he had also discovered circumstantial evidence in favour of the kinetic that the energy of the electrons ejected from theory, but even that was not direct proof that the metal surface did not depend on how bright atoms and molecules exist” (p. 61). the light was. Whether it was faint or dim the This is the second paper of 1905 that focused electrons always came out with the same energy on what is known as Brownian motion, which (essentially, the same speed). How could this Einstein statistically predicted. Even the use of be? Just four years later, Einstein would explain circumstantial evidence from that paper may the phenomenon…(p. 33) have had its important effects; Einstein was Einstein’s Masterwork then enters the about to engage in a process of inverse Annus Mirabilis phase of Einstein’s life and questioning. A phenomenon now existed that Gribbin lays out the four great works of required explanation; this was Lenard’s puzzle Einstein’s miracle year. Gribbin begins with the regarding the fact that the intensification of a doctoral thesis, a pedestrian work (for Einstein) light beam did not increase the ejection of that “wouldn’t tax the imaginations of the electrons from the object that received the light. professors at the university too much” (pp.47– Particles of size that are hit by molecules will 48). Einstein produced no new research for his usually take the hit relatively equally on all sides, doctoral work, instead he developed a but constant bombardment produces rapid mathematical system for understanding how statistical anomalies, which means that sugar molecules would change sizes by occasionally the force of the impact will favor absorbing water in a solution, and then further one side over the other, causing a large particle used these equations to determine how to to move in herky-jerky motion but nonetheless measure the solution’s viscosity. The in a general direction. This is the famous dissertation was unimpressive only in “drunkard’s walk” concept of particle motion, comparison to Einstein’s other work; which is but it can only be determined with statistical to say that it didn’t alter a paradigm and warp models. everyone’s mind, but “he developed techniques By the time Einstein got to Lenard’s puzzle with widespread applications for industry regarding the intensity of light and electron wherever suspensions of particles in liquids are discharge, he had been thinking in terms of used” (p. 51). The work simplified a process. particles, statistics, and inverse questions for Most importantly, Einstein’s dissertation some time. Perhaps, equally as important, he prepared his mind to think in terms of particles had built up confidence in his methods. Here, and their behaviors. Atoms are fundamental to Einstein would need to connect to the mind of molecular theory, and thinking like this likely his intellectual antecedent. Gribbin writes of the

28 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 situation regarding illumination at that time: could be fooled relative to the stance of Isaac Newton thought of light as a stream of observation. This freed Einstein to theorize that tiny particles, and used this model in his attempts intensifying a light beam did not increase the to explain his observations…. His 17th century power of waves, but instead increased the Dutch contemporary, Christiaan Huygens, had number of photons. This would solve Lenard’s argued for a different interpretation of the same puzzle. More photons would knock off more phenomena, based on the idea that light is a form electrons but not increase their speed. A greater of wave; but Newton’s model held sway intensity of waves, producing different colors, (largely because of the god-like status that his would increase the overall energy shooting into successors gave to Newton) until the work of the electrons and therefore increase the speed. the Englishman Thomas Young and the (The Nobel Prize came for Einstein in 1922 and Frenchman Augustin Fresnel early in the 19th evidentiary proof for his theory in 1923.) century (p. 69). But 1905 was still not over, and Einstein began Young developed the famous double-slit to build upon the work of other theorists who experiment, which indicates that waves of light were working on the concept of motion and how cancel each other out through a rippling and it related to an observer. Einstein, having already distinctly wave-like motion. These experiments, broken with the wave theory to produce a model as it turned out, did not establish light as a wave. that better explained the photoelectric Instead, the experiment revealed a property of phenomenon, now broke away from the concept light that could be exposed in that instance and of the ether because “he said that what matters that could only be described by thinking of light is how two objects move relative to each other, as a wave. Einstein understood that in order to and that there is no absolute standard of rest solve Lenard’s puzzle, he would need to think against which motion can be measured” (p. 100). of light in a different way. This is the central concept of the fourth paper, Max Planck established the starting point of the one that features Special Relativity. Einstein a revolutionary syllogism with a 1900 paper that started with new first principles, referencing no stated that light could be thought of as quanta. one, and began with the principal that some Blinded by waves, Planck did not take the aspects of physical reality are purely related to syllogism to its natural conclusion. In 1905, the relation of two objects. The “ether” might Einstein theorized that light acts in packets of be described as a stable reference by which energy—particles—and used the photoelectric motion could be measured, but Einstein effect as proof. This is one of the most understood that two objects traveling at the interesting parts of Gribbin’s book because he same speed, or a force like electricity/ makes it clear that although Einstein would later magnetism that moves through two conductors win the Nobel Prize for the “Photoelectric paper” that are the same speed, provides its own (as it is now known), that in fact “the section on reference and that movement is relative to the the photoelectric effect was only a relatively small objects and not to the ether. This made two part of the paper: one of several examples that points for understanding motion rather than Einstein used to illustrate the importance of the three. It is the difference between standing on concept of light quanta” (p. 82) a rock and watching a rabbit racing a turtle and Light, thought Einstein, only looked like a standing on the turtle while watching a rabbit wave statistically speaking. Particles could race a turtle. Gribbin writes: present as statistical waves at a certain level. Einstein proved that an observer in one inertial This is the first inclination that the “observer” frame would perceive objects in a different

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 29 inertial frame shrunk in the direction of their imagination? (pp. 119–120) motion relative to him, and he would see clocks By 1909 Einstein had secured a professor’s in the other inertial frame running more slowly post that paid him the same as what he made in than clocks in his own inertial frame. An the patent office, but “Rather than settling down observer in the other inertial frame would see in Zurich and working his way up the academic the mirror image of this—he would see the first ladder there, Einstein’s move marked the observer’s clocks running slow, and the first beginning of his years as a peripatetic professor, observer’s rulers and other equipment (and, hopping from university to university in search indeed, the first observer) shrunk. All of this has of…the opportunity to work on what he wanted” now been confirmed by experiments (p. 108). (p.123). This work led to the understanding that mass Einstein’s insights into motion and gravity and energy are the same thing, and thus E=MC2. began by understanding that “a theory of This 1905 culmination was the Special Theory accelerated objects is also a theory of gravity. of Relativity, which might be better described The explanation is disarmingly simple, although as a specific theory because it applied only to nobody before Einstein spotted it” (p. 135). the phenomena of energy and mass. Could it Einstein used an analogy with elevators but be applied more generally to explain a larger Gribbin updates it to spaceships. Because gravity picture? It’s the equivalent of Darwin realizing and acceleration is indiscernible, once the that natural selection applied specifically rockets on a ship go off, everything starts to (specially) to beetles and finches, but wondering float. Shine a light on the wall at that time and it whether or not it applied to all life everywhere. will make a little bright spot. Then turn the rocket Gribbin states that the outpouring of work by on again so that the ship shoots forward and Einstein in 1905 qualified him as a genius but “Everything falls to the floor…But what “was ahead of its time.” Einstein stacked one happens to the light beam?” (p. 136). brilliant insight on top of another in 1905, but he Light moves at a speed and so while the was really finishing syllogisms started by other photons are en route, the ship moves forward a physicists. 1915 would be different. little and the beam will hit a different spot on Mathematicians scribbled in the margins of the ship. Observers will see a bent beam of light. Einstein’s theory, providing a greater validity for This meant that “gravity must bend light by just his ideas but also piquing the theorist. Few people the right amount to make acceleration and quite knew what he was talking about and so gravity precisely equivalent” (p. 136). It was honors and positions came slowly. He kept up 1911, he published, and this portion of the theory his work at the patent office but started looking was subject to evidence collection. An for new jobs. In the funniest section of the book experiment was set up in 1914, but the First Gribbin writes that Einstein: World War got in the way. This was good, writes …actually applied for a post teaching Gribbin, because Einstein’s math predicted the mathematics at a Zurich high school, enclosing wrong result at that point. It should enhance with his application copies of all his published our conception of Einstein’s genius to know that scientific papers. The bemused school he was smart enough to go and find help when governors did not shortlist him for an interview, he needed it. He got a numbers man, Marcel even though in his covering letter he pointed Grossmann, to help with the equations. out that he would be able to teach physics as From “First Steps” Gribbin moves into “What well. How different might the development of Einstein Should Have Known” which features physics have been if they had had more geometric concepts that had been worked out

30 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 since the 18th and 19th centuries. Carl Freidrich mistake,” Gribbin notes, “the equation he Gauss created non-Euclidean geometry (dealing rejected in 1912 was very nearly the solution with other than flat surfaces) in the late 18th he had been looking for” (p. 148). The century but did not share it with anyone. Other theoretical world now owned Einstein almost geometers found the same concept on their own completely and he worked in isolation from slightly later: everyone but for the occasional visits from his They all hit on essentially the same kind of wife Elsa. The concept of the “lone genius” is ‘new’ geometry, which applies on what is not a myth, but everyone can miss something known as a ‘hyperbolic’ surface, which is shaped important. Spinning from an inability to make like a saddle, or a mountain pass. On such a sense of Mercury’s orbit with his theories, curved surface, the angles of a triangle always Einstein “looked again at the calculations from add up to less than 180 degrees, and it is possible 1912 [and] saw almost immediately where he to draw a straight line and mark a point not on had gone wrong, and how with a relatively minor that line, through which you can draw many more tweak he could come up with properly covariant lines, none of which crosses the first line and all field equations” (p. 150). of which are, therefore, parallel to it (p. 140). Einstein’s Alfred Russell Wallace was named Gauss and a now-famous student named David Hilbert, and when the two corresponded Bernhard Riemann developed “spherical after Einstein saw the pathway to General geometry,” which mathematically explains lines Relativity, Hilbert wrote back that he had taken on a curved surface. Gribbin explains this the same path to a different destination. Einstein through the idea of longitude lines, which are almost did not finish. Physics had taken a parallel at the bulge of the globe but intersect at physical toll; he fell sick and did not visit Hilbert the north and south pole. In “The Masterwork” but dragged himself back onto the path and: section Gribbin describes the importance of Reworking the calculation of the orbit of “tensors” in Riemann’s geometry. Tensors are Mercury with the revised version of this theory to Riemann what vectors are to Euclid (the gave the right answer! The theory now geometrically uninitiated might like to know at predicted a perihelion of 43 seconds of arc per this point that vectors to Euclid are century, exactly matching observations. Einstein measurements of an object’s direction and was so excited that he suffered heart speed). Gribbin writes: palpitations and had to take a rest. But this The distances between points in Riemannian wasn’t all. The same revision to the theory gave space are calculated in terms of a particular a new prediction for the bending of light by the kind of tensor, known as the ‘metric tensor’. Sun, not 0.85 seconds of arc as he had previously The metric tensor that applies to curved four- calculated, but exactly twice as much, 1.7 dimensional spacetime has been described as a seconds of arc (pp.151–152). ‘vector on steroids’ and has sixteen components This latter result would be proven by Arthur of one another (p. 146). Eddington in 1919. Einstein’s theory worked in Gribbin explains that the Special Theory is a the inverse by explaining an already-known theory for Euclidean space, while the General phenomenon, and it worked directly, by creating Theory applies spacetime with a curvature. The a prediction that could be proven through General Theory contains the Special Theory in experiential evidence. As for Hilbert, Gribbin the same way the Riemann’s descriptions writes “Was it all Einstein’s work? The evidence contain Euclid. The mathematics wore Einstein suggests that it was, although Hilbert was within out and he quit on it. “This turned out to be a a hair’s breadth of getting there first” (p. 153).

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 31 There’s more to Gribbin’s book in the light, because of Einstein physicists do “Legacy” chapter, which explains what the understand light’s interconnections with space, General Theory has been used for since 1915. time, gravity/acceleration, and speed through the However, at this point the book review must general theory of relativity. Because of John end. Gribbin’s books about Einstein and the Gribbin, Einstein’s process and works are now General Theory presents such a new and accessible to a much larger number of readers. important conception of Relativity Theory that In fact, Gribbin writes so well that his book takes it brings up new questions and possibilities. Late on its own paradox. By attempting to shine a in the book Gribbin lightly jabs at “amateur light on the genius of Einstein, Gribbin further theorists who delight in trying to find a better illuminates his own. theory than Einstein’s”(p. 191). And so caution About the Author will be exercised and a caveat stated: the Dr. Chris Edwards teaches World History following paragraphs do not represent a and AP World History at a public high school in possibility for a new theory, but rather a few Indiana. He is a frequent contributor to Skeptic questions raised from Gribbin’s interpretation. magazine on a variety of topics and the author Gribbin has written a definitive work on of several books. He currently directs the Einstein, his intellectual process, and the creation Scientech/Ball State University Summer of a true Masterwork. Even though no one still Institute for Math and Science teachers. fully understands the wave-particle duality of Courtesy eSkeptic

THE RADICAL HUMANIST SUBSCRIPTION RATES In SAARC Countries: For one year - Rs. 200.00 For two years - Rs. 350.00 For three years - 500.00 Life subscription - Rs. 2000.00 (Life subscription is only for individual subscribers and not for institutions) Cheques should be in favour of The Radical Humanist. In other Countries: Annual subscription (Air Mail) $ 100.00; GBP 75.00 Note: Direct transfer of subscription amount from abroad may be sent to: IFSC Code: CNRB0000349, MICR Code: 110015012 in the Current Account Number 0349201821034 at Canara Bank, Maharani Bagh, New Delhi- 110014, India.

Cheques and money transfer details may be sent to: Satish Chandra Varma, Treasurer IRI, A-1/103, Satyam Apartments, Vasundhra Enclave, Delhi- 110096. (M) 9811587576. Email ID:

32 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 In Science Salon # 28, Dr. Michael Shermer talks with Edward J. Larson, University Professor of History and Hugh & Hazel Darling Chair in Law at Pepperdine University.

SCIENCE SALON # 28 Edward J. Larson — On Faith and Science

Throughout history, scientific discovery has Order On Faith and Science clashed with religious dogma, creating conflict, controversy, and sometimes violent dispute. In along with that of other creationism-evolution this enlightening and accessible volume, trials; what Darwin believed about God and distinguished historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning religion; why biblical literalism took off in author Edward Larson and Michael Ruse, America in the 1960s and 1970s leading to philosopher of science and Gifford Lecturer, creationist movements to rewrite science offer their distinctive viewpoints on the textbooks; what really happened in the Galileo sometimes contentious relationship between trial; how so many prominent scientists science and religion. The authors explore how throughout history believed in God but did not scientists, philosophers, and theologians through actually use their science to prove God’s time and today approach vitally important topics, providence; why atheism became so prominent including cosmology, geology, evolution, genetics, in the early 21st century but not before, even neurobiology, gender, and the environment. though atheist arguments against God’s Broaching their subjects from both historical and existence have been around for centuries; Gould philosophical perspectives, Larson and Ruse and Dawkins and different approaches to avoid rancor and polemic as they address many science and religion; the rise of the nones and of the core issues currently under debate by the decline of religion in the West (but it’s the adherents of science and the advocates of increase in other areas); the limits of human faith, shedding light on the richly diverse field knowledge. of ideas at the crossroads where science meets Listen to Science Salon via iTunes, Spotify, spiritual belief. Google Play Music, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, In addition to these topics, Dr. Shermer and TuneIn, and Soundcloud. Dr. Larson discuss: the Scopes Monkey trial This remote Science Salon was recorded on and how legal complications shaped its outcome, June 20, 2018.

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 33 Human Rights Section: PUCL Condemns Republic TV for the Fabricated, Malicious, Motivated and Scurrilous Attack on Adv. Sudha Bharadwaj, PUCL National Secretary. PUCL Stands in Solidarity with Sudha Bharadwaj The PUCL strongly condemns the recent was not enough, it was followed by a national fabricated, malicious and motivated attacks debate on Prime Time TV at 9 p.m that day against Advocate Sudha Bharadwaj and other hosted by the channel’s anchor, Shivani Gupta. human rights defenders, by Republic TV and It is pertinent to note that in the earlier arrests its anchor Ms. Shivani Gupta, Deputy Editor Mr. of the five human rights defenders under UAPA Shawan Sen and its Managing Director, Mr. on 6th June 2018, a similar fabricated letter was Arnab Goswami, by way of a series of produced by Republic TV allegedly addressed programmes presented on Republic TV on 4th to the same “Comrade Prakash”. On 7th June July 2018 as ‘Super Exclusive Breaking News . 2018, Advocate Sudha Bharadwaj had Relying on a fabricated letter allegedly addressed a press conference organized by the addressed by her to a Maoist named ‘Comrade Indian Association of People’s Lawyers (IAPL) Prakash’, the channel repeatedly aired, in New Delhi to condemn the arrest of completely false, unsubstantiated and scurrilous Advocate Surendra Gadling of the Nagpur High accusations against Advocate Sudha Court. Bharadwaj. We stand by her in her categorical The PUCL is extremely proud to have denial of having ever written this letter. advocate Sudha Bharadwaj as its member. She The channel revealed no source and details has been a dedicated trade unionist for more of how the letter was procured, accused her of than three decades and has served as a general stating that ‚Kashmir like situation had to be secretary of its Chhattisgarh branch, during created and of receiving money from Maoists, which time the branch did remarkable work in without even seeking any clarifications from her the State. She is also associated with the or questioning the authenticity of the letter. Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha, which was founded The letter has been used by the channel to by the late Shankar Guha Niyogi. She started label lawyers and human rights defenders as her legal practice in the year 2000 and has since, ‘Urban Naxals and attempts to establish links fought innumerable cases of workers, farmers, with Kashmir separatist groups. The adivasis and poor people in the fields of labour, programmes have been aired with headers land acquisition, forest rights and environmental of‚#UrbanNaxalsExposed . rights. Since the year 2007, she has been Similar allegations were made against other practicing in the High Court of Chhattisgarh at human rights defenders and lawyers including Bilaspur and was nominated by the High Court senior human rights activist and founder of the to be a member of the Chhattisgarh State Legal PUDR, Mr. Gautam Navlakha, telecast in Part Services Authority. She also supported young 2 of the programme, via a second letter lawyers to set up the Jagdalpur Legal Aid group supposedly procured by the Channel. As if that as a civil society initiative to provide legal aid to

34 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 incarcerated Tribals. She is a visiting faculty at must be obtained and aired simultaneously the National Law University Delhi, where she with the accusation or allegation to give a teaches the course on tribal rights and land complete picture to the viewer. In the event acquisition. of inability to obtain the version of the Advocate Sudha Bharadwaj’s consistent and affected person(s) within a reasonable selfless work in the field of human rights, speaks period, the same should be aired for itself, and is evidence of her pro-people simultaneously and authentic positions at all times. As a human rights lawyer contemporaneous records of the effort she has appeared in cases of habeas corpus should be maintained”. and fake encounters of adivasis in the High Court 9. Before broadcasting any such news / of Chhattisgarh and also made representations programmes, the channel must take necessary to the National Human Rights Commission in steps to ascertain its veracity and credibility.” the defence of many human rights defenders. (Source:http://www.nbanewdelhi.com Recently the NHRC sought her assistance in assets/uploads/pdf4_Guidelines_ investigating a case in Village Kondasawali on_Broadcast_of_Potentially_ (Sukma, Chhattisgarh). Defamatory_Content_13_12_12_E.pdf). We are unequivocal in stating that her brave and relentless efforts to contest human rights In light of the above: violations by the state and her defence of human 1. The PUCL calls upon the National Human rights defenders, stands in opposition to the ethos Rights Commission (NHRC) and the courts to of Republic TV and its owners. It is clear that take note of this trend and take measures to this vicious and fabricated campaign was done arrest it immediately. to malign her image and reputation and cause 2. We also call upon the Republic TV to issue her both personal and professional harm and an unconditional apology to Sudha Bharadwaj injury. and demand that the programmes aired by it be We wish to reiterate that the tenor and shrill immediately withdrawn from its website, social nature of the Republic TV report gives the clear media and other public platforms. The Republic impression that they are also acting as TV should also carry prominently and in detail mouthpiece and agents of investigating agencies, the letter of denial issued by Adv. Sudha who have no compunction in twisting and Bharadwaj repudiating the allegations made by subverting the law. All of this goes against the Republic TV channel in the same prime time National Broadcasters Standards Authority News Slot as earlier. (NBSA) Guidelines on Broadcast of Potentially 3. We also call upon the democratic minded Defamatory Content, which categorically state citizens of India to condemn the unprincipled that manner in which Republic TV has defamed “5. A news anchor / journalist / presenter Sudha Bharadwaj and oppose such insidious and should not make any derogatory, derisive or collusive attempts by State agencies and media judgmental statements as part of reporting outfits to silence human rights activists against or commentating. the vindictive State policies and action. 6. As a norm, a news channel should not 4. We further condemn the constant profiling report – live or recorded – any statement that of human rights activists working tirelessly is per se derogatory or derisive. against the state’s anti-people actions and 8. Before reporting any accusation or policies as ‚urban naxals/ Maoists , in an allegation the version of the person affected attempt to malign them and influence public

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 35 sentiment. 7. We further urge the NHRC to take 5. We demand that the National Broadcasting immediate action against those responsible and Standards Authority of India (NBSA) register issue order restraining the Republic TV from a complaint against Republic TV for violating airing such fallacious and unverified it’s Code of Conduct and also calls upon the programmes maligning human rights defenders Editors Guild of India to initiate appropriate in the future. action in the matter. Mr. Ravi Kiran Jain, 6. We urge the NHRC to immediately order Dr. V. Suresh, a transparent and impartial investigation against National President, PUCL the said programme of the Republic TV. National General Secretary, PUCL Supreme Court Seeks Response From UP Government on Encounter Killings A Public Interest Litigation seeking probe into encounter killings in the state had been filed by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties. New Delhi: A Supreme Court bench followed by a magisterial inquiry and a criminal comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and trial, in accordance with law. Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Advocate Aishwarya Bhati, who appeared Chandrachud on Monday sought a time-bound for the state, reportedly accepted the copy of reply from the Uttar Pradesh government on a the petition. The bench posted the matter for Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a probe hearing after three weeks. into encounter killings in the state, a report in A report in The Wire had cited UP government the Indian Express said. The UP government figures which showed that by January 2018 the has been asked to submit a reply within two police had conducted 1,038 encounters. In these, weeks. 32 people were killed and 238 injured. Four The petition was filed by the People’s police personnel also lost their lives. Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). According A detailed investigation into the encounter to Firstpost, Sanjay Parikh, appearing for cases by The Wire revealed discrepancies in PUCL, alleged that as many as 500 encounters the accounts of the families of those killed and have been carried out in Uttar Pradesh the police. Out of the 14 cases of police recently, in which a total of 58 persons have encounter killings that The Wire looked into in been killed. four districts of western UP, 11 had the same According to the petition, “over 1100 pattern. The victims were in the age group of encounters have taken place in the past year, 17 to 40. They were all under-trials in a number wherein 49 people were killed and 370 were of cases. injured. According to the figures given by the It may be useful to recollect in this context State of UP to the NHRC, in the encounters, that in an interview to India TV in June 2017, 45 persons have died between 01.01.2017- UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath had said, 31.03.2018,” said a report in Livelaw. “Agar apradh karenge toh thok diye jayenge Parikh reportedly submitted that each of the (If they commit crimes, they will be hit).” encounters be investigated on the basis of FIR, Courtesy The Wire, 4 July 2018.

36 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 Survey bares policing reality S.M. Shahbaz Patna: A group of law students on Monday Patna City Chowk police station. said surprise surveys they had conducted as part “Besides lack of adequate manpower, we of an internship programme had revealed found poor condition of lock-ups, absence of several shortcomings in policing in the city. women police constables in the thanas,” said The volunteers, who study in different law Yashashwi Vats, a second-year law student at colleges, surveyed six police stations in Patna Lloyd Law College in Noida. from June 15 to June 30. They found that the Vats quoted Patna SSP Manu Maharaaj as level of legal and technological awareness saying: “The DK Basu guidelines are guidelines among police officials is “very low” compared and not laws. There can be some deficiencies to other model police stations across the country. but the police are capable of dealing with every During their month-long internship type of crime with the people-friendly motto and programme with People’s Union of Civil responsive policing in the city.” Liberties (PUCL), a human rights body founded One of the prominent findings of the students’ by Jayaprakash Narayan in 1976, six interns is the lack of a separate information technology went on surprise checks at the city police cell to deal with cyber crime cases and to stations to gauge the condition of law and order maintain FIRs lodged online. in the city. Vishnu Manjari from Central University of They compiled their findings in “Patna’s police South Bihar (CUSB) said: “Lack of computer stations - a report”, which they released on operators in thanas leaves no option among Monday. people other than visiting police stations Ruchika, one of the investigators, who is personally. The online FIR system launched last pursuing LLB (Bachelor of Law) in Symbiosis year is waiting to be implemented at the thana Law College, Noida, said: “CCTV cameras, level.” according to the DK Basu guidelines, were not Praveen Kumar Madhu, the general used in the surveyed police stations which secretary of PUCL, said: “The project enhances makes internal procedures opaque and the cops’ practical knowledge among law students who disrespectful behaviour with the public remained come to our organisation. It gives an insight into unchecked because of absence of technological the ground realities in crime and criminal control surveillance.” system of the state.” The students surveyed police stations such Vinita Kumari, Priyanka Kumari and Amit as Kotwali, Adarsh Thana at Gardanibagh, Kumar from the CUSB were other members Mahila Thana, Gardanibagh Thana, SC/ST of the team. Thana, Gardanibagh, Khejakala Thana and Courtesy The Telegraph, Jul 04, 2018

“The people of this country have a right to know every public act, everything, that is done in a public way, by their public functionaries. They are entitled to know the particulars of every public transaction in all its bearing.” Justice K K Mathew, former Judge, Supreme Court of India, (1975)

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 37 Sharm Inko Magar Nahin Aati! Yet they do not feel ashamed! Union Minister Jayant Sinha Garlands Ramgarh Lynching Convicts After Release on Bail The life sentences handed to the eight men, including a BJP functionary, was suspended by the HC and they walked out of the jail and headed straight to the residence of Sinha, where the minister feted them. - Alok Kumar Union just want to win election and for that their leaders minister can cross any limit,” Ajoy Kumar told News18. Jayant Sinha A mob of more than 100 cow vigilantes had poses for a on June 27 last year hacked cattle trader picture with Alimuddin Ansari to death in broad daylight in the eight Ramgarh area of Hazaribagh ditrict. Sinha represents the Hazaribagh seat in Lok Sabha. convicts The gruesome lynching had shook the nation Ranchi: Union minister Jayant Sinha and the case was handed over to a fast-track welcomed and feted eight men convicted in the court, which on March 21 this year completed Ramgarh lynching case in Jharkhand after they the hearing in a record five months and were released on bail on Thursday, triggering a sentenced eleven accused to life imprisonment. political storm as the opposition accused him However, Jayant Sinha had questioned the and the BJP of fanning communal tensions manner in which the police investigated the case deliberately. and demanded a CBI inquiry in April this year. The life sentences handed to the eight men, All accused went to the Jharkhand High Court including BJP functionary, was suspended by from where eight of them got bail on June 29, the high court and they walked out of the Jai exactly a year after the incident. Prakash Narain Central Jail and headed straight Justifying the welcome accorded to the to the residence of Sinha, where the minister convicts, Amardeep Yadav said that Sinha garlanded them. The convicts were led by local always believed that they were innocents and BJP leader Amardeep Yadav, who is also the framed in the case. “That’s why he provided OBC Morcha president of the party legal and monetary assistance to them in his Lashing out at the minister, Former Jharkhand personal capacity. There is nothing wrong in CM and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) supporting innocent people.” leader Hemant Soren told News18 that it was Referring to the three other convicts, he a very sensitive issue and what Sinha did was expressed hope that they too would get bail from absolutely unbecoming of a union minister. the High Court as necessary paper works were Jharkhand state Congress Chief Ajoy Kumar under way. “Jayant Sinha personally examined accused BJP of fanning communal sentiments the papers related to the case and interacted as the Raghubar Das government in the state with lawyers”, he claimed. and Narendra Modi government at the Centre News18 tried to contact Jayant Sinha but his failed to deliver on their promises. office responded saying he was busy at a “Any kind of support to such elements is programme and was unavailable for comments. deplorable. This is the true color of BJP. They Courtesy News 18.com, July 8, 2018.

38 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 4 top leaders of pro-Hindutva outfit involved in Gauri Lankesh’s murder: SIT Sources in the SIT suggest that the four leaders, one of them a retired Army Colonel, are being shielded and funded by the outfit. TNM Staff In another breakthrough in the murder Kale is said to have received Rs 1.25 lakh investigation of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, per month to handle logistics for Lankesh’s the the SIT probing the case suspects that four murder. top-level leaders of a pro-Hindutva outfit were “Amol Kale was shown several speeches the ones who conceived the plot to kill her and made by Gauri Lankesh by these four persons. other rationalists. After instigating Kale, they convinced him that According to a source in the SIT, after Gauri Lankesh was to be killed as she had made questioning the accused, it has been revealed derogatory statements against the Hindu religion that the six accused in the case were the and Hindu gods,” the source added. executors of the murder plot and investigators The SIT source said that these four men hold have launched a hunt for four more persons important positions in the a pro-Hindutva outfit connected to the murder. and after the arrest of the six men – Amol Kale, “There is a suspicion that a retired Army Amit Degvekar, Manohar Edave, Sujeet Kumar, Colonel, who became a member of a pro- KT Naveen Kumar and Parashuram Hindutva outfit is one of the four men who Waghmore, the pro-Hindutva organisation is hatched the plot,” the SIT source added. trying to shield these four men. The SIT is in the process of gathering “One of the people we are looking for is evidence against the four suspects and then nab Nihal alias Dada. At least three of the four men them. These four suspects are suspected to are being shielded by this organisation which is have ordered Amol Kale, a suspect in the case, funding them while they remain underground,” to kill Gauri Lankesh. the SIT source added. Initially, the investigation had revealed that Amol Gauri Lankesh was shot dead outside her Kale was the handler of the other five accused. home in Bengaluru on September 5 last year. However, after Kale’s questioning, it seems more Courtesy The News Minute, people were involved, the source said. Wednesday, July 04, 2018. Respecting others’ view-point I have repeatedly observed that no school of thought can claim a monopoly of right judgement. We are all liable to err and are often obliged to revise our judgements. In a vast country like this, there must be room for all schools of honest thought. And the least, therefore, that we owe to ourselves as to others is to try to understand the opponent's view-point and, if we cannot accept it, respect it as fully as we expect him to respect ours.. -Mahatma Gandhi

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 39 Eminent social activist Swami Agnivesh assaulted by BJP’s youth wing in Jharkhand Sangh crosses another limit Swami Agnivesh thrown to the ground, his pagdi taken off, hit with shoes and fists Condemn the Attack on Swami Agnivesh by BJP’s Youth Wing The attack on Swami Agnivesh in Pakur ruling powers within the Centre and at the State district of Jharkhand by the BJP goons on July are only facilitating and strengthening such mob 17 has to be condemned widely. Though the lynching. State BJP spokesperson P Shahdeo has denied It is also to be noted that it was only recently the involvement of BJP, he has added that such that the Supreme Court had come out heavily an outburst is not ‘unlikely’, given Agnivesh’s against such mob lynching. One Muslim or a track record. This statement itself is enough for Dalit is being lynched every week in this country. any politically sensible person to understand their The Supreme Court had stated that such involvement. The video footages can reveal the horrendous ‘mobocracy’ cannot be tolerated truth further. and allowed to become a new norm. However, Swami Agnivesh is one of the first the BJP Government has conveniently allowed mainstream political personalities to take a bold such practices to continue and did not take any stand that nuclear energy is not needed for action to curtail their own ‘mobocracy’. This is India, right from 1980s. He was one of the a matter of shame for one of the largest earliest known personalities to support the democracies in the world. struggle of the people’s movement on Narmada In this context, it is the responsibility of the dams in India. His contribution on the issue of civil society in this country to condemn the attack bonded labour in India is internationally on Swami Agnivesh and make all efforts to recognised. For his contributions, he had strengthen the democratic traditions in this received various awards in India and abroad. country. This is a clear signal for the emergence One may agree or disagree with the views of of fascism in India. Swami Agnivesh, but his contributions cannot KP Sasi be rejected. For details see- The attack on Swami Agnivesh is certainly a https://countercurrents.org/2018/07/17/ symptom of the growing intolerance of freedom eminent-social-activist-swami-agnivesh- of expression in India. It is unfortunate that the assaulted-by-bjps-youth-wing-in-jharkhand/

40 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018 Wrong Cost Calculation’: Modi Govt’s Big Move to Woo Farmers Gets a Thumbs Down CCEA in its meeting on Wednesday approved an increase in MSP for summer crops, especially paddy and dal, as a move to fulfil its Budget promise and address farmers’ concerns about the cost of crops. Rounak Kumar Gunjan

The move comes as a way to address farmers’ distress as major nationwide protests have taken place this year. (File photo) New Delhi: The Cabinet’s decision to expected C2 costs to be taken into increase minimum support price (MSP) for consideration. This formula factors in multiple Kharif crops, intended to appease farmers, does costs, including imputed rent on land and not seem to have struck the right chord. interest on capital, which makes the cost of CCEA in its meeting on Wednesday production much higher. approved an increase in MSP for summer crops, During the announcement of the Budget in especially paddy and dal, as a move to fulfil its February 2018, Arun Jaitley had said that the Budget promise and address farmers’ concerns insurance of MSPs of Kharif crops at 1.5 times about the cost of crops. their costs will be based on the A2+FL costs, The increase, however, is based on A2+FL and not the more ambitious C2 costs formula formula, which takes into account actual cost favoured by farm scientist MS Swaminathan. plus the imputed value of family labour in the “The increase in MSP is not adequate. A2+FL production of a crop. does not factor in everything that goes in, in Farmer associations across the country are producing crops. Swaminathan report also states unhappy with the cost calculations as they that it is C2 which needs to used to calculate

August 2018 THE RADICAL HUMANIST 41 MSP,” said Pushpendra Singh, a farm leader in whose MSP are well below the 150 percent of Uttar Pradesh. the input cost,” an official source had said prior The move comes as a way to address to the meeting. farmers’ distress as major nationwide protests The MSP will largely apply to paddy and with various demands have taken place this pulses but will benefit ‘nutri-cereals’ like millets year. the most. The added cost of MSP is 0.2 percent According to aggregated data provided by of GDP, according to the Cabinet note. The farmer associations in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya share of paddy in the additional outgo will be Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Maharashtra around Rs 12,300 crore. the current rise in MSP would have been A range of crops was covered by the latest approximately 40 percent higher had it been MSP, unlike the usual focus on rice and wheat. calculated on C2 costs. A procurement mechanism is to be announced The CCEA has approved a rise in MSP for later. The highest priority, in calculating the cost paddy by approximately Rs 250 per quintal to of production, has been given to labour, which Rs 1,800 per quintal. Earlier, the prices were at is about 53 percent while other costs like Rs 1,550 per quintal. The cost would have been fertilisers, farm animals, pesticides, seeds and Rs 2,250 had C2 costs been factored in. irrigation make up the remaining. The cost of the revised MSP is estimated to According to a report in The Economic be around Rs 33,500 crore as of now. Times, the government delayed the Minimum support price is a form of market announcement of MSP of kharif crops, the intervention by the government to insure farmers sowing of which has already begun, as it was against any sudden fall in agricultural produce weighing whether to take such a big political prices. The MSP is a guaranteed price for their decision considering the huge financial burden produce from the State. on the exchequer. Farm associations are also now concerned Farm experts are of the view that the sharp about state governments improving purchasing increase in the paddy MSP could further boost mechanisms. “Now the ball is in the court of India’s rice production, which touched an all- concerned states. They need to work time high of 111 million tonnes in 2017-18 crop meticulously on improving the amount and year and the output is much more than the mechanism involved in purchasing of crops,” domestic demand. said Mohini Mohan, national secretary, Bhartiya The cultivation of paddy, which is a water- Kisan Sangh. guzzling crop, needs to be discouraged and not Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted, they said, adding that higher rice had announced that the Union Cabinet will production will lead to increase in government approve the increase in MSP to at least 1.5 times procurement and swelling of the food subsidy of the production cost in the forthcoming bill. meeting. This hike assumes significance given that it Paddy is the main Kharif crop, the sowing of covers the crop which constitutes over 50 which has already begun with the onset of the percent of the total acreage of food grain crops southwest monsoon. during Kharif season. This move is expected to “In some of the Kharif crops where the MSP put an additional burden of an estimated Rs is already 1.5 times of the production cost, the 12,000 crore on account of procurement based increase will be minimal. But there will a sharp on records of procurement in previous years. increase in crops like paddy, ragi and moong, Courtesy News 18.Com, July 4, 2018.

42 THE RADICAL HUMANIST August 2018