ISRO SCIENTIST WAS INDIAN INFLUENCE TREMORS IN BOURSES WICKEDLY TRAPPED * RISES IN MALDIVES * WILL CONTINUE

October 2018 I Rs. 50 www.powercorridors.in POWER CORRIDORS NEWS IN PERSPECTIVE

BALANCING ACT ON RSS A TIGHT ROPE RNI No. DELENG/2014/55799, Delhi Postal Regd. DL(ND)-11/6168/2018-19-20 Our Working Areas SAMTA Memorial Foundation Enable, Educate & Empower Cataract Patient Waiting Family Planning Blood Donation Plastic Surgery operation Shelter Programme Camps Camps

Samta Community Subsidised School Prisoners Swachhata Development Food Development Transformation Abhiyan

Inspiration from Late. Samta Purushottam Agrawal (10th November 1955 —­ 5th March 2011) Her personality, beliefs, principles and love.

Samta Memorial Foundation focuses on bringing meaningful transformation in the life of those who lack resources or opportunities, the less privileged ones in the rural and tribal India. We ENABLE, EDUCATE & EMPOWER them through focused initiatives in health, education, Women 4000+ 2, 57,900+ 2,41,478+ Empowerment and rural infrastructure. Organized In Maharashtra Rural & Tribal People Cataract Patients Operated Diagnosed In 76 Different For Free. For any questions, contact us on : Locations Samta Memorial Foundation 6 th Floor, Gala Impecca, Andheri Kurla Road ,Andheri (E), Mumbai - 400058 Landmark: Near Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Entrance : Next to Lakozy Toyota Nearest Metro station: Chakala [email protected] www.samtamemorial.org +(91)-22-67733600 [email protected] www.samtamemorial.org +(91)-22-67733600 Contents POWER CORRIDORS www.powercorridors.in

Chairman & Editor-in-Chief: Nandan Jha Editor: Vivek Sinha Subscribe to Power Corridors Editor-in-charge: Naresh Soni Consulting Editor: Satish Mishra Monthly News Magazine and save Editorial Advisor: Manoj Rastogi Bureau Chief (Maharashtra): Nirmal Mishra upto 50% on the cover price Copy Editor: Payel Sannigrahi Social Media Manager: Vivek Bansal Art Department Art Director: Prabha Singh Chief Illustrator & Designer: Umashankar Shukla

Patron: Dr. Ved Pratap Vaidik Marketing Manager: Ritika Jain Research Team: Tooba Maher, Kamal Kishor Gautam Rishi, Lovely Jain Chartered Accountant: Santosh Kr Prasad Publishers: IFIE (Interactive Forum on Indian Economy) Head Office: K1/12, Level 1, Chitranajan Park, New Delhi-110019 IFIE is the publisher and owner of the monthly news magazine Power Corridors 15 COVER STORY Corporate Office : F-42, Ground Floor Sector-6, NOIDA-201031 Phone : +91 120-4135442/ 4114354 RSS ON Mumbai Office : 1915, Sumeet Apartments, Royal Palm, Goregaon (E), Mumbai TIGHT Mobile : +91 9769420651 Kolkata Office : 24, Sir Hariram ROPE Goenka Street, Kolkata 7 Contact - 9830889999 Sangh needs to strike a Nagpur Office : 80, Shreenagar balance with core Hindu Empress Mill Society, Bandra Ring Road, ideology as it evolves Nagpur 440015, Contact - 8446707707

Overseas Branch Offices Ukraine Street Mikhail Term Cover Price (@50/-) Discount Savings (Rs) Price (Rs) Maksimovycha 8 Kiev, Ukraine - 03022 +38-0631282989 6 months 300 40% 120 180 +91-0631282989 Russia Grizaduboboi, house 2 office 128 38 Moscow, Russia 1 year 600 45% 270 330 +79671667777 FOREIGN AFFAIRS +91-8527918427 CHINESE Norway, Sweden, 2 years 1200 50% 600 600 Denmark, Iceland & Finland Furukroken -1 DREAM 1481, Hagan, Norway +4791888819 POSSIBLE? For avertisements contact: [email protected] Trump’s aggression has made it easier for Jinping All rights reserved. No part of this to spread his ambit publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission from publishers.

Printed at ENTERTAINMENT MP Printers a unit of D. B. Corp. Ltd. B-220, Industrial Area, Phase-2, DIGITAL SHOCK Noida (UP) Impressions are our Advertorial features. for cartoon comic books To subscribe, e-mail: [email protected] They have been paid by the Advertisers. 52

www.powercorridors.in OCTOBER, 2018 7 POWER CORRIDORS Contents EDITORIAL Chairman’s Message

ashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the world’s largest voluntary organisation was established in 1925 at Nagpur, Maharashtra. The might of this organisation can simply be comprehended by the fact that two of its Pracharaks rose through the ranks to be the Prime Minister of India. I had a personal connect with three SarSanghachalaks --Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya), KC Sudershan, and Dr Mohan Bhagwat. It’s precisely for this reason that I say, I Rhave seen RSS from very close quarters. Sangh was banned three times since independence, during 44 the Emergency thousands of its Swayamsewaks’s were stuffed in jail. Despite such challenges, RSS has kept growing. The numbers of Swayamsewaks in its Shakha have increased steadily and it has now FOREIGN AFFAIRS NANDAN JHA expanded to every part of the globe, wherever Hindus exist. After 93 years since its inception, the sixth facebook.com/jhnandan SarSanghachalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat has endeavoured to define the ideologies of RSS. Last month, MALDIVES in a three- day seminar at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi he imparted his vision to visitors from across India is back in the game the world and on the third day he answered questions about RSS. This was an exceptional attempt to @Nandan_jha4 at this strategically located clear myths associated with RSS and has drawn a lot of appreciation and criticism. In this issue, we are island nation, yet China bringing out an analysis of what Dr Mohan Bhagwat had said and reaction of intellectuals. I hope, like remains a concern the previous issue, this issue will also be received with same admiration and warmth l 42 Editor’s Note EDUCATION 30 REFORM Prosecute all who plotted false case BIG STORY BLOCKS n this era of mediocrity, excellence and passion are rare to find. If it does exist in an individual MALICIOUS Marxists raise the bogey of then s/he must be handled with care. Unfortunately, this was not the case with Nambi Narayanan, saffronisation to stall all the former ISRO scientist. Narayanan was at the peak of his career during nineties, when he was INTENT attempts of education reform maliciously implicated in a false espionage case, tortured in custody and his reputation ruined Ace ISRO scientist Nambi by planting fabricated stories of his sexual escapades with foreign women. Narayanan’s only fault Narayanan was falsely Iwas that he was passionate about his research at ISRO and was striving to make India a super power implicated in an espionage in Space Science. It’s not the fabricated false allegations against Narayanan that is surprising, what’s surprising is that it took twenty four years for him to get a clean chit from India’s Supreme Court. It case to stall India’s space VIVEK SINHA research programme is common knowledge that all those who are working on vital areas such as space sciences will be on the radar of foreign spy networks and could be targeted to derail India’s research activities. What's facebook.com/viveksinha28 baffling is how could a bunch of police officials in Kerala Police and sleuths of Intelligence Bureau run riot for over two decades and we as a nation remained mute spectators. Did the Kerala police officers @viveksinha28 have the jurisdiction to investigate Nambi Narayanan’s case? Why did none of our haloed institutions seek an answer to this simple question? Kerala police’s investigations into this case was akin to a traffic constable investigating a murder. 49 Can we boast of ourselves as the world’s largest democracy if our famed institutions have been DISCUSSION rendered hollow by termites? Narayanan was no common man. He was spearheading India’s cryogenic space programme and was on the board of at least half-dozen other elite space related researches. For- SOCIETY Compromised mer Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Narayanan’s former colleague at ISRO put in his weight LGBT community is euphoric 34 police officers behind him. Other famous scientists such as former UGC Chairman Prof Yashpal and others wrote an after decriminalisation of sex SPORTS open letter in his favour, but despite this the state government of Kerala in cahoots with compromised with same gender. They plan and IB sleuths police officers continued to harass Narayanan. Their intent was clear. In fact, Narayanan was not the to press for more rights CRICKET implicated target. On their radar was India’s growing space prowess. So when they were not able to sabotage ISRO 46 directly, they chalked out a plan to discredit a genius scientist and with that the space research went MARKETS GAMES Narayanan in down the drain or at least was substantially delayed. Of course, Narayanan has now salvaged some of his reputation back, albeit after twenty four long years, but then the main casualty has been country’s Gentleman’s game in BOURSES a false case. space programme. Our prestigious space research programme has been delayed by several years which Rajasthan touches a new low. Their target was was the real intent of making Narayanan as the target. How much loss has the nation borne due to STUMBLE Infighting in Rajasthan Narayanan’s exit will remain a matter of conjecture and academic discussions, but it will be good if we Cricket Association gets ugly Markets will remain in trouble India’s growing identify, shame and prosecute the officers who fabricated Narayanan with malicious intent. We cannot l for the next 9 months. Every turn back the clock to 1994 but then let’s fix the loopholes in our institutions Cover: Umashankar Shukla space prowess rally is an exit opportunity

POWER CORRIDORS 8 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 9 POWER CORRIDORS QUOTES NEWS IN BRIEF

#METOO SABRIMALA The Me Too movement started by local and international TEMPLE NOW individuals, celebrities included, it is a movement against sexual harassment and sexual assault. This hashtag, #Me- A movement that OPEN FOR ALL Too spread virally in October 2017 but it has come into the began in the West SC strikes down Sabrimala temple’s forefront of the news in India at this time. Stars not only from in October last year Bollywood are coming out with their horror stories, South rule of no women between the age has been brought of 10 and 50 to be allowed inside for Indian cinema stars are also coming out. In the MAMI film to the forefront in festival, AIB’s and Rajat Kapoor’s films have been dropped worship. They are not a completely India today with different sect to be making their own amidst allegations while, Tanmay Bhat has stepped down several women from his position as CEO of AIB and Nana Patekar has been religious rules, everyone is free to coming out with enter at a place of worship. issued a notice by the Maharashtra Woman Commission. their personal Ex-TERI chief R K Pachauri has also had to face charged in horror stories from a sexual harassment case. These are just a few allegations; several industries. social media is pouring with new horror stories on the daily. ADULTERY IS NO LONGER A CRIME: SC SC decriminalizes adultery, scraps Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code, wife is no longer obliged by the husband, everyone can work on their own free will, but this verdict does not come in the form of all cheer as this will weigh heavily on women and men seeking divorces. Just because the act of adultery is no longer considered a crime, the way it plays Stern action needed out for a marriage is still as damaging to avenge Pak Army’s as it was earlier. This law cannot help rebuild marriages that have long barbarism against Indian burnt out due to suspicion “My name is not Tanushree and my soldiers. Time to give it back name is not Nana Patekar,” Bachchan to Pakistan in the same coin. said when asked to react to Dutta’s —General Bipin Rawat recent TV interview. ­— Renowned Hindi Film Actor Amitabh Bachchan NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS 2018 The winners were announced for 6 categories. In Economic Sciences Paul Romer and William Nordhaus for their work on climate change and the “You are actually endogenous growth theory. In Physiology acting smart. When “All Muslim women have a or Medicine, James P. Allison and Tasuku you are before the Honjo for their discovery of cancer therapy court, you have to be quarter of a brain” A Saudi sheikh by inhibition of negative immune regulation. BISHOP GETS sincere and upright In Physics, Gerard Mourou and Arthur … we will sell each said. In their eyes, Ashkin for their method of generating high- JAIL FOR RAPE and every property women are only intensity, ultra-short optical pulses in the of yours and render sex machines. — field of laser physics. In Chemistry, George CHARGE Ensaf haidar @miss9afi you homeless. You Smith, Frances Arnold and Greg Winter for Bishop Franco Murakkal arrested on the control of evolution and used it for purposes that bring the greatest benefit To those trying to advise (directors) will have Dear women. I’m 21st September, and his bail plea has to look for your of humankind. For Peace, Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege, for their efforts to been turned down by the High Court. me on what i should and requesting you all .. end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict. should not post on social houses like you are please do not make false Murakkal’s lawyers have argued that media... making others wait allegations and derail the case has been fabricated against him for an action he took against the for their homes,” the what is an extremely F**k off SC said. NIKKI HALEY RESIGNS nun on a separate case. The survivor crucial movement. She stepped down as US Ambassador to the United had alleged that the bishop had Thank you —Supreme Court Please. Just the truth. No Nations. The former governor of South Carolina has sexually assaulted her 13 times over — Suchitra Krishnamoorthi personal agendas. No been a frequent critic of Trump, she had been his a period of two years, starting from @suchitrak lies that disempower the envoy to the UN. Haley was in favor of global trade May 5, 2014. The final arrest of the truthful. and free markets. She was also the first woman to Bishop came after five nuns of the be chosen at a top-administrative position in Trump’s order held a month-long protest, and — Actor Sandhya Mridul cabinet immense political pressure.

POWER CORRIDORS 10 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 11 POWER CORRIDORS

COVER STORY COVER STORY

RSS Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat RSS walks on a tight rope RSS is still unable to set the discourse in India. In order to change this ecosystem, Sangh Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat reached out to intellectuals in a mega-conclave. He ended up disowning portions of Golwalkar’s book “Bunch of Thoughts”. Other Sangh stalwarts are not happy.

VIVEK SINHA to have ardent critics of Sangh in the VVIP a cult organisation which should be banned. @viveksinha28 arena of Vigyan Bhawan. Even as historians sang paeans about What followed was a three-day dose Jawaharlal Nehru and their communist n this era of information overload it’s by Bhagwat on nationalism, education, stooges hailed the efforts of Sheikh Abdullah the perception that matters. People, women’s rights, security issues, Muslims, in Kashmir they conveniently forgot to tell organisations, leaders and commu- Uniform Civil Code and Sangh’s thinking the world about RSS’s herculean efforts to nities have to manage and fight out about these issues. keep Jammu Kashmir as an integral part this perception battle. The Rashtriya It was a monologue and questions were of India. It is hardly mentioned in history ISwayamsevak Sangh (RSS)--- world’s largest allowed only during tea and lunch breaks books that it was only on the persuasion of voluntary organisation, that boasts of mil- where RSS functionaries described about Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, lovingly lions of Swayamsevaks (voluntary workers), Sangh, its thinking and their ideology in called Guru ji by RSS swayamsevaks, that has been at the receiving end of this per- Hari Singh the erstwhile ruler of princely ception management, thanks to concerted An entire generation state of Jammu Kashmir signed on the In- efforts by the cabal of Communist-Congress was made to believe strument of Accession and so Kashmir be- nexus. came an integral part of India. Academicians Ever since its inception in 1925, RSS re- that Sangh is a never bother to discuss or research about mained too involved in the grass roots work the Praja Parishad Movement in Jammu and committed to its famed “man making” conglomeration of Kashmir and the martyrdom of Dr Syama of Indian citizens, which in effect means blood-thirsty men Prasad Mookerjee, the twin events which character building and instilling patriotic brought relative calm during the turbulent fervour about India. Perception manage- who wear outdated times in Jammu Kashmir immediately after ment became a casualty in this effort, so ballooned khaki independence. much so that over the last seven decades During the Indo-China war it were the since India’s independence RSS had to re- shorts, and are a cult RSS Swayamsevaks who responded to clari- main content with a negative press largely on call by Nehru and offered unconditional controlled by Communist card holders. organisation which support during the war. Acknowledging Mohan Bhagwat, the sixth RSS Chief should be banned RSS’s efforts during the war a contingent of (SarSanghachalak) decided to take things RSS participated in the Republic Day pa- head on. The three-day outreach pro- an informal chit-chat. Well, superficially it rade of 1963. Yet again this piece of history gramme from September 17 to 19 at New was a genuine effort by an organisation that remains on the margins. There’s hardly any Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan was aimed at this had always been the favourite whipping boy footage or photographs available of this his- course correction. RSS functionaries had of historians, academicians and media. An toric moment. The reason was clear: Erase dished out invites to leaders across political entire generation was made to believe that from public memory all good deeds and parties, luminaries of film industry, media Sangh is a conglomeration of blood-thirsty moments about the RSS. barons, academicians, lawyers, among oth- men who wear outdated ballooned khaki The 1975 Emergency that was fought ers. The invitee list was carefully prepared shorts, imprison their women in purdahs, tooth and nail by the RSS remains another Illustration: Umashankar Shukla have often targeted freedom fighters and are forgotten chapter in contemporary India’s

POWER CORRIDORS 14 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 15 POWER CORRIDORS COVER STORY COVER STORY

history. In fact, before Narendra Modi took the bull by its horns and dished out invita- “When we speak of “Bunch of Thoughts”, perience everything that the volunteers are the reins of India in 2014 hardly any editor, tion to all, to come and listen to what RSS we do it with reference to the circumstance doing today and how they think, all your RSS functionaries should note that the cabal of academician or historian mustered courage is and its idea of Bharat. The chosen theme and context. It does not remain eternal. The questions will be answered,” Bhagwat said Communist -Congress critics who are placed to talk about the atrocities and high-hand- was “Bharat of Future”. The RSS function- eternal thoughts of Guru ji (the second RSS while answering questions on Muslims be- edness of Indira Gandhi during Emergency. aries worked overtime to reach out to the Chief) have been penned in his book “His ing projected in a negative light in “Bunch at high pedestal are not ill-informed rather Stories about the men who stood against this Sangh’s fiercest critics and doled out VVIP Vision & Mission”. All the past based think- of Thoughts”. brutal assault and rape of Indian democracy invites. The expectation was that the Sangh’s ing have been removed and only thoughts Golwalkar’s book “Bunch of Thoughts” they are well-informed, and their opposition to have been systematically erased. critics would come, listen to Bhagwat’s lec- that are eternal based on the future have serves as the guiding philosophy of RSS Sangh is a well thought out strategy Fast forward to the Shri Ram Janmab- ture, indulge in one-to-one interactions get been kept in that book. You should read volunteers and gives a sneak peek into the hoomi Movement in 1992. It was the demo- their doubts cleared and walk away with a that, you will not find such topics there. ideological moorings of Sangh. lition of disputed structure referred to as the change of heart. After all Sangh’s philosophy The second thing is that the Sangh is not Sangh stalwart KN Govindacharya was Babari Mosque that got massive coverage has been that ‘to know about Sangh one a closed group. If Dr. Hedgewar has said not convinced. He said one can disassoci- but the modalities need to be discussed.” munism like other Semitic religions is a and efforts were made to implicate RSS and has to come over to Sangh’ (Read Mohan something that does not mean we will abide ate from what Guru ji had said but there is How far the Sangh critics have been totalitarian concept that does not tolerate its cadres for masterminding it. The indis- Bhagwat’s Question and Answer) by it forever. As the time changes, so do the no question of the issues being expunged swayed with Bhagwat’s philosophy is yet any alternative point of view. That there criminate firing on karsewaks (devotees) Even the most die-hard optimist would ideals of Sangh, our thinking, articulation from the book. “To cull portions from the to be seen. Bhagwat himself said it categori- can be an indigenous approach than what by the then Uttar Pradesh government led agree that this was an innocent assumption also changes. And we have this permission ‘Bunch of Thoughts’ implying that the next cally that the entire three-day event was not is propagated by Maoist-Communists is by Mulayam Singh that led to the death of and quite naïve assumption. Well, the crit- to keep the change going from Dr. Hedge- editions will not carry these passages… meant to convince anybody rather to state anathema to them. Indoctrinated through thousands of karsevaks was brushed aside ics whom RSS and its leaders are trying to war. Otherwise, he would have specified this who has the rights for these…you may the facts before all and sundry. lethal doses of Naxalism these people who as a law and order issue. Even today debates, win over are no usual critics rather almost clearly that he wants us to run a national differ from ‘Bunch of Thoughts’ you may The million dollar question that remains fashion themselves as champions of liber- discussions and talks take place about 6th all of them are well informed captains of volunteering union, start the branch; he even disassociate with certain sections but unanswered is that these fiercest critics of alism are most illiberal class. It were these December 1992 but thousands of innocent their respective fields who defend their fief- did not tell us to do a single thing, he gave denying its existence is doing injustice to Sangh, who owe their allegiance to Com- whom RSS thought could bring a change of people killed in cold blooded murder by doms with zeal. They are the satraps who us ideas, teen volunteers used them, what the facts.” Govindacharya explained that munist philosophy, and are placed at high heart through the 3-day conclave at Vigyan the UP Police in targeted firings on 1st and know each and every fact and they carefully they deemed suitable, they kept, the rest even if there is a need to disassociate from a pedestal academics, media, films, arts Bhavan in New Delhi. 2nd November 1990 on orders from Mu- choose what to ignore and what to highlight. they discarded. The Sangh has been growing certain thoughts of Guru ji then too the and culture are very well informed about The RSS functionaries should take note layam Singh government is seldom talked This ensures that the country gets to know the same way. So, if you believe the Sangh parameters needs to be clearly spelt out and Sangh, its ideologies, policies and facts. that their fiercest critics are not ill-in- about. Ditto for the Godhra carnage of 2002. only those facts which benefits these vile to be a closed union, then questions arise the forum chosen carefully. “It’s a question Their opposition to what RSS stands for is formed rather they are well-informed and Reams have been written about Modi-led satraps and they continue to sway public in your mind regarding what is written in about changing the beliefs of Sangh…yes the not done in the wake of naivety rather it’s their opposition to Sangh is a well thought perception about them as champions of free “Bunch of Thoughts”. I say, you should ex- finality may rest with the SarSanghachalak done in full consciousness. Reason? Com- out strategy l Even after four speech and liberals of the highest order. years of Modi RSS and its functionaries in their naivety believe that these critics can be won over government it’s still by showing them the true picture of Sangh. Well nothing can be far from truth. A person the Communist thugs in deep sleep can be shaken and told about who successfully set the sunrise but a person who is wide-awake yet chooses to close his/her eyes cannot be the national discourse. informed about the sunrise. Bhagwat re- RSS remains in a peatedly said that it was not his intention to change anybody’s perspective rather to reactionary mode and lay down the true facts before them. It’s for the RSS to take stock of this ini- is able to offer only tiative and how far it has been able to drive bland statements home its point. But the fact remains that even after four years of Modi government Gujarat government leading the pogrom it’s still the Communist thugs who run the against Muslims but unsuspecting karsevaks show and successfully set the national dis- being burnt alive on the Sabarmati Express course. Sangh is still in a reactionary mode train coach is seldom talked about and is and is able to offer only bland statements conveniently forgotten. and denials. The Sangh leadership has been well Ironically, while the three-day exercise aware of this phenomenon. With Narendra was meant to win over the critics Bhag- Modi at the helm since 2014 situation may wat’s comments about Guru ji Golwalkar’s have been a tad conducive and media slight- book “Bunch of Thoughts” has angered a ly more considerate in objectively analysing section of senior Sangh stalwarts. Sever- the RSS and its ideology, yet the seven-de- al of them have questioned the rationale cade old stranglehold of Congress-Com- about such announcement. Bhagwat and munist clique has meant that even today other Sangh functionaries have defended genuine national issues are brushed aside the move as the flexibility permitted by Dr and the country continues to discuss and Keshav Baliram Hedgewar to adopt changes debate frivolous issues. according to changing times and evolve as It were these factors in mind when RSS per the times. Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat decided to catch was the founder of RSS. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat (left) and PM Narendra Modi (right) at former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s funeral

POWER CORRIDORS 16 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 17 POWER CORRIDORS COVER STORY COVER STORY

Hindi. We just need to start respecting our force people to switch from here to there mother tongues. Language is a part of our since all religions are the same so whatever feelings and culture, this why languages are religion one is assigned they will achieve Q&A necessary for mankind to develop further. In wholeness there itself. If you are still con- order to have complete knowledge of your verting then your motive is not to inculcate own language you do not need to hate other spirituality. God is not sold in the market. It languages. Don’t remove English, keep it, All religions are same shouldn’t happen because it’s motive it not but keep it at its place. The dominance that the spiritual development of mankind. You English has in our minds needs removal. so whatever be one’s can study the history of our country and You go to France their language is French, religion they will international history and see for yourself ‘If all religions are to study in Israel you will need to know He- what have been the role of people who have brew, for Russia you need to learn Russian. achieve God. If you are done religious conversions. And why only Everybody uses their language and they still converting then the Sangh swayamsevaks, the entire com- have made this happen. We need to make munity should protest against conversion. similar efforts. We need to get our work your motive is not to It is my personal matter, as to whom I chose same then why convert’ done in our national language. We can do inculcate spirituality. to worship. Spirituality is not something this, we just need to begin somewhere and you sell. RSS Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat elaborated Sangh’s ideology during 3-day it will be done. We have no enmity with God is not sold in the English, we need great English speakers. On the decreasing population of Hindus meet at New Delhi. On the last day he answered a slew of questions that We do not hate other languages. market Ans: Population is akin to weight, because But for the development of the nation we as the number of mouths increase they will described RSS’ views on a range of topics. Edited Excerpts need to teach in our mother tongue, this is towards her. Except your spouse, you should require food as well as they would need necessary. The question that comes up is look at all other women as your mother, a place to stay and so the environmental Translated by PAYEL SANNIGRAHI that we have a lot of languages, why don’t this is the ideal situation. We need to awak- resources will be used more. There is a ques- we have a single language. So we need to en these values in men. This is why teen tion of birth rate as well, and within the On Hindutva and Hinduism choose to learn one Indian language and we development work should continue and Hindu community the birth rate is decreas- Ans: Hindutva, Hinduness, Hinduism, these need to make up our mind about which one. enterprises teaching self-defense to wom- ing. The policies are not the only thing to be are wrong words as “ism” is believed to be a I believe Hindi is okay to be our national en should also increase in number. Sangh blamed, our thinking is also to be blamed. closed object. So there is no “ism”, rather it is language, and we need to work in majority swayamsevaks have also started working on There are two other things as well, and they an ongoing process. Gandhi ji has said: “the sectors in Hindi. This is how people from this. The environment of society should be are demographic imbalance which is caused constant search for truth is called ‘Hindutva’. different states are learning Hindi. People such that it does not encourage criminals, due to conversion as well as infiltration. There is a beautiful quote by Radhakrishnan of the Hindi state who speak in Hindi do this is our responsibility. I have seen that I have already spoken about conversion, ji but I don’t have it with me at this moment, not learn any other language. Hindi speak- in a few states of our coun- infiltration is a topic which causes distress so I will refrain from saying it, but there is ing people should also learn any one other try, women do not step out across the country and, there should be a part of it which I would like to share with language from another state. If we do this of the house after 5-5:30 in strict rules and regulations. you, that ‘Hindutva is a process, a constant then we will have our national language. the evening, while in other ongoing process, it is the most dynamic, This needs to be done on priority. parts of the country, wom- On Reservation and it has the contribution of everyone who We are neglecting Sanskrit and so is the gov- en are out late wearing all Ans: Removing social inequalities and has become a thinking in India’. This is why ernment. If we feel that our entire literature, types of clothing without a making all opportunities Hindutva cannot be named as Hinduism, our traditions and culture are in Sanskrit care, alone, and they are not equally available this is what I believe. so we need to learn Sanskrit so our scared. This is not the result to everybody was And the only thought process that can har- children will also learn Sanskrit. of law but of the environment the reason why monize with all other religions and castes Pic: PTI over there. We need to all reservation was is the thinking of Bharat, and the thinking On women safety come together to create that made a part of of Hindutva, because the synergistic basis Ans: In earlier times when kind of environment. the constitution. is unity. All the people living in India are women were indoors, their All reservation Hindu, on the basis of identity and nation- safety was in the hands of On religious Conversion categories have ality. This a few people know, and speak of Ans: It’s often said that if all reli- meeting of two families and the matching can spend your entire life with a person or their family members but complete support it proudly while some others knowingly gions are same then why oppose of their thoughts. We fully support it. The not. We support the inter-caste marriages. now women also work of the Sangh. To do not show their pride about it, but just conversion. So, if all religions are first inter-caste marriage happened in 1942 Sometimes I think that if we calculate the outdoors in the same way get rid of social in- acknowledge it and there are others who the same, then what is the at Maharashtra. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar percentage of inter-caste marriages in India, as men do. They definite- equality all parts of know it but avoid saying it for whatsoever need for conver- and Guru ji (second RSS Chief) were among the most number of people would be from ly should be capable of t h e reasons and lastly there are people who do sion? Why the people who wished this couple. Guru the Sangh. being able to handle not know about it, so they do not speak their safety. This is why about it. ji in a letter addressed to the couple said, “your marriage was not only the result of On the issue of mother tongue, Hindi, young adults of today, On inter-caste dining and inter-caste mar- both girls and boys riages (roti-beti relation) physical attraction, you are also trying to Sanskrit and the English language say that we are all equal in this community. Ans: When we talk of the dominance of En- need to be trained Ans: We completely support the “roti-beti” and this work is be- relations (inter-caste dining and inter-caste I am very glad about this and you deserve glish it’s not in the policy making institutes, all the happiness of the married life.” So, do it is in our minds. Today the situation is such ing done by Sangh. marriage). The inter-caste dining (roti) is When does a woman easier. Inter-caste marriage (beti) is a lit- not create difference amongst humans in the that the elite class of India greets each other name of marriage; everyone has their own only in English even if they know other Indi- become unsafe? When tle tough because it not only inhabits the a man changes his gaze idea of social harmony, it also implies the likes and dislikes, you just need to see if you an languages or even if they can converse in

POWER CORRIDORS 18 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 19 POWER CORRIDORS COVER STORY COVER STORY

constitution in which reservation has your opponents, then you can let us know mean we will abide by it forever. As the been mentioned is completely supported but there no such thing in the Sangh. If we time changes, so do the ideals of Sangh, by the Sangh and this support will remain. speak the truth, and it is against you, then our thinking, articulation also changes. And How long will this reservation exist will be it is not something we will hold back from we have this permission to keep the change ‘RSS is in a continuous determined by the people for whom this saying. We believe that traditionally, na- going from Dr. Hedgewar. Otherwise, he reservation was created for. When they feel tionally, ancestrally and due to the common would have specified this clearly that he that they do not need this any longer, then motherland we are all Hindus. We have been wants us to run a national volunteering they can decide what to do with that law. saying this and we will continue to say this. union, start the branch; he did not tell us dialogue with outside world’ But until then this policy should be intact, Now, when we speak of “Bunch of Thoughts”, to do a single thing, he gave us ideas, teen this is Sangh’s view. Now, what should be first, when we discuss anything, we do it volunteers used them, what they deemed of Section 377. He spoke at length on the par- done with the ‘creamy’ layer? Other people with reference to the circumstance and con- suitable, they kept, the rest they discard- ticipation of women in the RSS and its affiliates, believe that reservations have only been text. It does not remain eternal. The eternal ed. The Sangh has been growing the same reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs, deplored done on the basic of social inequalities and thoughts of Guru ji (the second RSS Chief way. So, if you believe the Sangh to be a lynching in the name of cow protection and at not denominations. There are more castes MS Golwalkar ji) have been penned in his closed union, then questions arise in your the same time, strongly supported cow protec- asking for reservation, what do we do about book “His Vision & Mission”. All the past mind regarding what is written in “Bunch tion. But his speech will long be remembered for that? To find a solution to this the govern- of Thoughts”. I say, you should experience the subtlety with which he touched upon several ment has created forums and they should everything that the volunteers are doing matters. In response to the question on why no take the correct decisions regarding this today and how they think, all your questions Sangh Pracharaks is the organising secretary of issue. Reservation is not the problem, the will be answered. any other political party except the BJP, Bhagwat politics meddling with the reservation is On the Uniform Civil Code simply said “because no other party demands it”. the problem. Ans: The guiding principles of our constitu- He explained the disadvantages of the NOTA tion says that people of a nation come under option, nuances of implementing uniform civil On minorities and former RSS Chief Gol- one law. People should willingly follow one In-charge foreign affairs department code, decision-making processes within the walkar’s negative portrayal of Muslims in constitution. When people speak of the Uni- of the Bharatiya Janata Party RSS, commented on the concept of Swadeshi, his book “Bunch of Thoughts” form Civil Code they think only about the to just name a few. Ans: “Minorities”--- the definition of this Hindus and Muslims. Everyone’s traditions VIJAY CHAUTHAIWALE At the same time, he was very candid in word is still not clear in our country. Be- will have to endure a few changes and so @vijai63 accepting that the Sangh has a limited role in fore the advent of British we never used will the Hindu community. For instance, the politics. That must be a disappointment for the word minorities, we all belonged to one tribal have their own conventional laws, and SS SarSanghachalak (chief) Mohan many. Bhagwat was bold enough to say that community. Yes it’s is true that distances and the constitution has kept all these diversi- Bhagwat’s lecture series this week some sentiments in M.S. Golwalkar’s Bunch differences have increased. In my view let’s ties in mind. But as a society and a nation Would it have been possible for us to build a has been the most significant event of Thoughts are out of sync with the current not think that we need to integrate the mi- we should try to choose one form of law “Berlin wall” so as to avoid contacts with other for the RSS since the 1974 speech thinking within the RSS. This was a clear indi- norities rather we need to think that we need enforcement. nations, thoughts, cultures?… And who build by then SarSanghachalak Balasa- cation that the process of evolution and progress to integrate our own community members On the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi at Ayo- such walls? Those who are not confident about Rheb Deoras. Titled ‘Social Equality and Hindu is still going on within the Sangh. The RSS is all themselves try to build the walls” who are disassociated and dispersed they dhya Consolidation’, Deoras’ speech had dispelled about these subtleties. It has a nuanced approach need to be integrated. It’s because language Ans: Bringing an ordinance (for Ram Tem- This is the real difference between other doubts about the RSS view on castes, Varna to some issues and firm stand on others. The also plays its role. Minorities means they are ple at Ayodhya) or not, can we do it legally, ideologically driven movements in India like system and most importantly, on untouchability. word “Hindu” has different connotations for the different and we are different and both need will it not be challenged after it is brought Communism and the RSS. While the RSS is flex- After four decades, his speech is still considered RSS, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Hin- to come together. Why? Because that will into effect, are we sure about it or not? After ible enough to make changes without diluting the final words on these issues by the RSS. du Swayamsevak Sangh (the overseas affiliate be result in wellbeing of both communities. being challenged, will there be questions core principles, closed systems like Commu- Pic: Power Corridors The canvas of Bhagwat’s speech was much of the RSS). For the people who would like to If there is no wellbeing can we leave each that this ordinance was brought in with an nism remains caught in a time warp. wider, and the ease with which he handled the see everything in black or white, it’s a difficult other? We are the sons of the same country eye on the elections. These are some of the The core question is: where does the RSS topics, simplifying (without over-simplifying) proposition to accept. At the same time, it is we should live like brothers. So Sangh has its questions to think about. I can speak about draw its strength from (to rediscover itself demonstrates not only his superb communica- a difficult task for the Sangh to explain these own reservations about this word ‘minori- Sangh and its swayamsevaks that a grand every few years)? First, the RSS is in a contin- tion skills, but also the clarity of mind and pur- distinctions in detail in today’s world that con- ties’. Sangh does not accept this word. Ev- temple should be built at the birth place of uous dialogue with the outside world. There pose. His speech was a combination of humour, denses all thoughts into 280 characters. erybody is our own and if they have drifted When we speak of Shri Ram ji as soon as possible. There were is an effective feedback system within the anecdotes, passion, conviction and flexibility. Similarly, Bhagwat’s elaboration on the apart then we have to bring them closer. If several temples of Shri Ram that were pulled RSS that keeps the top leadership aware of He spent a significant time of his speech on swadeshi was not isolationist by any stretch of there is a fear within the Muslim community “Bunch of Thoughts” down but we are not talking about all of ground realities. Second, RSS leaders are good the life of RSS founder K.B. Hedgewar, even as the imagination. By rejecting comments by one then come to us and know for yourself what them but at least the place where he was listeners. Even bitter or negative feedback, if we do it with he stressed on the progressive evolution of the of the most revered personalities in the Sangh, is Sangh. Near a Muslim colony if there is a born at Ayodhya a grand temple should be given with constructive intent, is always tak- RSS right from its early days. Then, Bhagwat Bhagwat has rightly differentiated between the Sangh shakha then I can guarantee that the reference to the made. And Shri Ram’s temple was present en in a positive spirit. Third, is the collective gave the widest-ever definition of Hindutva temporal and eternal aspects of the Sangh’s people (Muslims) of that colony feel much at this place this has been proven through decision-making process in the organisation. circumstance and by connecting it with values such as sacrifice, thoughts. He has made clear that the Sangh is safer. This is why our call is for nationality, laser rays. If this happens (Shri Ram’s temple Contrary to perception, there is not only an gratitude and patience, and not with religious not a ‘closed system’, and kept options open for our belief is towards the devotion to moth- context. It does not at Ayodhya janmabhoomi), a big reason for extensive discussion on every issue within the faith. He categorically said that there is no disre- future generations to further fine tune his own erland and this is Hindutva. Without any the feud between Hindus and Muslims will RSS, but it also takes added efforts to arrive at spect for those who would like to use the word utterances. Neither Hindu society nor the Sangh reason why should there be fear. Come see remain eternal come to an end. This issue should not have a consensus. Sometimes the RSS even defers ‘Bharatiya’ instead of Hindutva. But at the same are closed systems. External factors do influence for yourselves, talk to people, come to events based thinking have been removed and only been kept pending for such a long time. If decisions if a consensus is not readily available. time, he stood firm on the concept of Hindutva. us, both positively and negatively. In his historic organized by the Sangh, see how it goes, thoughts that are eternal based on the future this was done in the interests of the coun- It’s, therefore, not difficult to imagine that even On several contentious issues, he was up- 1974 speech, Deoras made a curious observa- what we discuss. In my experience whoever have been kept in that book. You should try, if politics was not involved, the mandir before this series of speeches by the RSS chief, front. He stood firm on building the Ram temple tion: “We blame Muslim and Britishers for these has come for our events, their perspective read that, you will not find such topics there. could have been built much earlier. Yet any- there must have been in-depth internal dis- at the site of the birthplace of Ram in Ayodhya. rifts (between castes). They might have done regarding us changes thereafter. So definitely The second thing is that the Sangh is not ways better late than never. So a grand Ram cussions on every aspect of the speech. That is He also talked about Article 370 and Article few things… We could not have kept ourselves come, see for yourself and if anything we a closed group. If Dr. Hedgewar (first RSS mandir should be built at his birth place, as the real strength of RSS, which many are not 35A, on gender equality and on the elimination insulated from coming in contact with others. say seems to be against you or influenced by Chief) has said something that does not soon as possible, this is my belief l aware of. l

POWER CORRIDORS 20 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER 2018 21 POWER CORRIDORS COVER STORY COVER STORY

society…” Govindacharya wanted to know irresponsible than be wrong and respon- war Bhawan. But, emergency was imposed in what has changed since 1960s, when Gol- sible”. Govindacharya said that Thengadi 1975 and in July the basement was flooded. walkar wrote Bunch of Thoughts, which is ji explained that in a healthy organisation Somehow these notes and other literature being recognized and accepted today. “Is the the functioning will be healthy but in an in drenched and half- drenched condition scourge of Wahhabism not present today unhealthy organisation the healthy work were recovered. All these notes were then that was present in the 1960s? Has funda- functioning will have its boundaries and sent over to the homes of Swayamsevaks mentalism lessened in today’s time? Has limits. because emergency was still in place. When anything been discarded by the religious Delving deeper into his thoughts Gov- emergency was lifted all these notes were heads of Semitic religions in context of In- indacharya recalled the sequence of events brought back. Dattopant ji said that all other dia?” Govindacharya questioned. He quickly where the authentic transcript of the final notes came back but the notes of the 1972 added: “Has jihad been discarded or has speech of Golwalkar ji was lost due to un- meeting and Guru ji’s speech never came conversion been said to be anti-religious? foreseen circumstances. “A booklet named back,” Govindacharya recalled, a tinge of These are some of the questions that need Disha Bodh was published in 1972. When I sadness was clearly visible in his eyes. to be thought over deeply.” read it I felt that all the essentials (of Guru “I told Dattopant ji that you were also Dattopant Thengadi had once said that if ji’s speech) were left out. I did not feel good. present in that meeting and you remember you want to damage an organisation just do a lot of these things…you have also said two things: One, increase the comfort level that it is the magnum opus and there is of cadres and two, make the leaders status hardly anything left to say after this. It was conscious. This will ensure that the leader said with such finality. It will be good if you is cut off from their cadre and the cadre will write about what Guru ji had said in that Pic: Power Corridors be cut off from the masses. “Thengadi ji was last meeting,” Govindacharya said. On this quoting his conversations with Congress Dattopant Thengadiji request of Govindacharya Dattopant Then- politician DP Mishra. Mishra told Jawaharlal gadi ji replied: “Listen I cannot even dare Nehru that he (Nehru) had been a great help had said, “At times to tinker with anything about what Guru ‘Scourge of Wahhabism to Sangh by imposing a ban on the RSS. ji had said. And I am not even qualified to Mishra explained that around 65,000 people it is better to be right write that Guru ji had said such and such have been incarcerated by the then Nehru and be irresponsible thing. I can only say about my views. But government and these people are being in- that Guru ji had said such and such things fused with RSS ideology in jails, all at the than be wrong and I cannot say this.” is still present today’ government expense. The government is not be responsible” In the absence of this authentic last going to keep them behind bars forever and speech of MS Golwalkar which Dattopant whenever they step out these well-groomed Thengadi called as the magnum opus, it is Sangh stalwart KN Govindacharya was upset at RSS Chief saying that RSS cadre will be the torch bearers of Sangh the “Bunch of Thoughts” and other books ideology,” Govindacharya reminisced. He I had listened with great concentration to written by Golwalkar that have guided scores Guru ji’s thoughts in “Bunch of Thoughts” are not eternal further explained that Nehru asked Mishra what Guru ji had said in this meeting, and of Sangh Pracharaks and other Swayamse- what would have he done. Mishra replied a lot of things which even I remembered vaks. As Govindacharya has said Golwalkar VIVEK SINHA SS Chiefs are recognised as Golwalkar’s another book “Vision & Mis- that he would have constructed posh offices were not present in that booklet. There was had the foresight and clarity of thoughts to @viveksinha28 original thinkers whose words, sion”. This was indeed quite a departure from for Sangh in all districts replete with modern a tick system that was followed for writing talk about the threats from an ever-rising speeches and writings form the earlier working and thought processes luxury facilities, such that the RSS cadres notes during those times, which was a kind Muslim population which is increasingly the basis of Sangh’s function- within the Sangh. “Bunch of Thoughts” is need not step out and remained confined of note taking through relay method. The coming under the influence of Wahhabi ing and of its over 36 affiliate one of the few authentic writings of Guru ji within their luxurious offices. notes were taken in this fashion of Guru ji’s thoughts. Several other Sangh ideologues Rorganisations, which includes its political that has remained as the guiding philosophy In fact, in the 2002 meeting of the last speech. I spoke to Thengadi ji and asked also expressed their displeasure on Bhag- arm Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On 19th of millions of Swayamsevaks. Selecting ex- Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Thengadi ji had for those notes. Thengadi ji said that it was wat’s disowning the sections of “Bunch of September, Dr Mohan Bhagwat, the current cerpts from this book and announcing that said: “At times it is better to be right and be kept on the racks of the basement of Hedge- Thoughts” l RSS Chief, explained to an eager audience at certain issues and concerns (about Muslims) New Delhi’s imposing Vigyan Bhavan that are raised only in a specific context has raised Sangh no longer follows each and every word some eyebrows and created quite a flutter. written in Golwalkar’s famous book “Bunch Sangh ideologue KN Govindacharya of Thoughts”. Bhagwat was responding to said: “To cull portions from the ‘Bunch of a question of whether RSS still considers Thoughts’ implying that the next editions To cull portions Muslims in a negative light as portrayed in will not carry these passages…who has the from the ‘Bunch* the “Bunch of Thoughts”. rights for these…you may differ from ‘Bunch “….when we speak of “Bunch of of Thoughts’ you may even disassociate with of Thoughts’ Thoughts”, when we discuss anything, we certain sections but denying its existence is do it with reference to the circumstance doing injustice to the facts.” Govindacharya implying that the and context. It does not remain eternal,” explained that even if there is a need to dis- next editions will Dr Bhagwat explained. Golwalkar, lovingly associate from certain thoughts of Guru ji referred by Sangh swayamsevaks as Guru ji then, “…What will be the parameters and not carry these was the second RSS Chief and his writings what will be the forum… to change the passages...who has have largely been the guiding philosophy of beliefs of Sangh…though the finality may Sangh over the last several decades. rest with the Sarsanghachalak…what is the these rights? Dr Bhagwat further explained that eter- context…are these sections constant as eter- nal thoughts of Guru ji has been penned in nal values or they are variable as changing

POWER CORRIDORS 22 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER 2018 23 POWER CORRIDORS COVER STORY COVER STORY

Selected excerpts from “Bunch of Thoughts”, the famous Guru ji’s teachings have been compiled in the new book book written by second RSS Chief MS Golwalkar titled 'MS Golwalkar His Vision & Mission'. Excerpts Compiled by Vivek Sinha Compiled by Vivek Sinha “Then came the question of Muslims. They had come here as in- “The Hindu was asked to ignore, “The founder of Islam was a powerful person. He could bring together “Then came the Islamic thought. vaders. They were conceiving themselves as conquerors and rulers even to submit meekly, to the the people who were disintegrated on account of internal clashes due It is said about Islam that it does here for the last twelve hundred years. That complex was still in their vandalism and atrocities of the to various differences and antagonism. He awakened their urge for not believe in boundaries and mind. History has recorded that their antagonism was not merely Muslims. In effect, he was told: progress and organized them to channelise their energy in building does not recognize nationalism. political. Had it been so, they could have been won over in a very “Forget all that the Muslims have an empire. But, even he met only Gabriel. He also had some extraor- But, we see that the group of short time. But it was so deep-rooted that whatever we believed done in the past and all that they dinary experiences and he also heard some divine sounds. He did not, countries recognized as Arabic in, the Muslim was wholly hostile to it. If we worship in the temple, are now doing to you. If you are actually, see God. The boon of experiencing and seeing God in full countries are green with envy he would desecrate it. If we carry on bhajans and car festivals, that worshipping in the temple, or glory, has been bestowed only on the progeny of this land.” and jealousy for one another. would irritate him. If we worship cow, he would like to eat it. If we your taking out gods in proces- They fight against one another. glorify woman as a symbol of sacred motherhood, he would like to sion in the streets irritates the Muslims of different races came “This collective worship of the motherland by our entire society from molest her. He was tooth and nail opposed to our way of life in all Muslims, then don’t do it. If they to Hindusthan at different times Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from city-dwellers to forest-dwellers has aspects-religious, cultural, social, etc. He had imbibed that hostility carry away your wives and daugh- but they fought hard to destroy established a bond of blood between its inhabitants. All these people, to the very core. His number also was not small. Next to the Hindu’s, ters, let them. Do not obstruct one another. Islam also failed to with their different methods of worship and different languages are a his was the largest….” them. That would be violence!” annihilate nationalistic feelings concrete manifestation of a great Hindu society which is the child of and establish global thinking” “Thus, it was due to the utter “No other people in the world “Whenever the Muslims slaugh- this motherland” lack of will and conviction on the have so far been so singularly tered cows to insult Hindu feel- part of our leaders to face the unfortunate as we Hindus in this ings, the Hindus were told that it “An untenable argument is being “Worship is not business. It is Muslim intransigence squarely regard. The leaders of various was the religious right of Mus- repeated ad nauseum that the but pure surrender, a one-sided from the standpoint of undiluted peoples have always striven their lims and that, being tolerant to concept of Hindu Rashtra is op- affair. We only give. Only those nationalism, that the seeds of utmost to infuse self-confidence, other religions, they should not posed to the idea of secularism. who surrender their all can appeasement of Muslims were to rekindle the drooping spir- object to it. Although there is not First of all, this idea of secularism, pull a nation out of the ruins of sown…as they dared not tell the it among their people and to a word of sanctions in Quran for born in the west, is out of place destruction and take it to the Muslim to forget his separatism, make them virile and cow-slaughter, Pandit Jawa- in our country. Centuries ago, pinnacle of glory” they pitched upon the docile conquering in the harlal Nehru had given the Kings of Europe had established Hindu for all their preaching. The face of enemies. Muslims a written assur- their kingdoms after uprooting “Character building has to start first thing they preached was, But here, we had ance that on the advent the theocracy of the Pope. This from the top. If the leader at the that our nationality could not be leaders who were, of swaraj cow-slaughter saw the rise of ‘non-religious’ top is morally upright, morality called Hindu, that even our land as if, pledged to would not be banned state as opposed to theocratic will percolate down to the lower could not be called by its tradi- sap all manliness keeping in view their state. Today, religious state is strata of the society. This will lead tional name Hindusthan, as that from their own ‘religious sentiments’” supposed to be another name to strong character building. would offend the Muslim.” people” for theocratic state, which is You cannot build this structure intolerant and opposed to other bottoms up. On the other hand, “In other words, the Hindu beliefs and faiths. In our country the efforts of providing physical “The direct result was that Hin- “When the temple was told that he was im- there was no place for such a comforts should begin from the dus were defeated at the hands of Somnath was reno- becile, that he had no spirit, conflict or intolerance.” bottom.” of Muslim in 1947. And who were vated and there was the no stamina to stand on his own legs these Muslims? The overwhelm- consecration ceremony, and fight for the independence of his “An untenable argument is being “Further down in time, Islam rose from the same community. It is not ing majority of them were those many great leaders and motherland and that all this had to be repeated ad nauseum that the necessary to tell how intolerant this religion is; everybody is aware who were converted to Islam at scholars of our country injected into him in the form of Muslim concept of Hindu Rashtra is op- of it. History is full of stories of its intolerance, aggressive attacks and the point of sword or by temp- had gone there, includ- blood. What a shame, what a misfor- posed to the idea of secularism. bloodshed. This religion is capable of horrific genocide by distorting tations of power and pelf. That ing our former President tune that our own leaders should have First of all, this idea of secularism, the principles of dharma.” is, they were the progeny of that Dr. Rajendra Prasad. come forward to knock out the ancient born in the west, is out of place section of our society, which He said that by rebuild- and indomitable faith in ourselves and in our country. Centuries ago, “The British created such an “Hindus lead their life based on this had not the mental stamina or ing Somnath, we were destroy our spirit of self-confidence and Kings of Europe had established education system that even if belief. One cannot lead a life based the self-respect to stand up in wiping out the stains of self-reliance, which is the very life-breath their kingdoms after uprooting our people could not change on this birth alone. It is necessary defence of their swadesh and twelve hundred years of of a people!...to preach impotency to the theocracy of the Pope. This the colour of their skin, they to temper one’s behaviour with the swadharma but preferred to slavery’, who were those a society which gave rise to a Shivaji saw the rise of ‘non-religious’ would surely end up becom- thought that one may have to take join the enemy camp to save enslavers that he had in who, in the words of the great historian state as opposed to theocratic ing ‘Brown Englishmen’. more births. Therefore, he will stake their skin. And we, children of mind? Who had broken Jadunath Sarkar, ‘proved to the whole state. Today, religious state is The idea was that even if the everything to attain the goal of his heroic ancestors of peerless the temple of Somnath? world that the Hindu has drunk the supposed to be another name British Empire was physically life. Even if he cannot attain the valour who for centuries braved Clearly, the Muslims. To elixir of immortality’, and to break the for theocratic state, which is annihilated some day, the goal in this life, there is no room for and stamped out waves after whom was it a point of self-confident and proud spirit of such intolerant and opposed to other people of our country would disappointment. He will attain it in waves of the invading hordes of honour and devotion? a great and virile society has no parallel beliefs and faiths. In our country remain British in their hearts. the next life. So, a Hindu need not Muslims, accepted defeat at the The answer is very clear - in the history of the world for the sheer there was no place for such a Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna feel disappointed with life. The duo hands of such a people!” to the Hindus.” magnitude of its betrayal.” conflict or intolerance.” appeared on the scene in of desire and disappointment take such a critical situation” us away from our goal"

POWER CORRIDORS 24 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER 2018 25 POWER CORRIDORS COVER STORY COVER STORY

and Christians in India are non-national en- tities. To mobilise Hindus against them, has been the prime task of the Sangh so far. It is precisely for this reason that entry for these ‘New Hindutva’ of RSS Chief communities is banned in Sangh’s Shakhas. Sangh has only been motivated to make India a Hindu Rashtra. To be ‘Anti-Muslim’ is the driving force behind this goal. Dr Mohan Bhagwat Jansangh and BJP have been the political wings of RSS. Till date, no Muslim or Chris- he speech delivered by Rashtriya depicted as a manifestation of Sangh which tian has become the President of these parties. Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief is the real face behind the mask of the BJP. Even though a few Muslims and Christians Shri Mohan Bhagwat at Vigyan These developments have led to Sangh’s have become their members, and were even Bhawan (New Delhi) will be advent into the battlefield directly now. Who picked up as Ministers, but their position has remembered for a long time as was not invited were not sent the invitation remained marginalised within the party. Not Thistorical. This lecture-series can be analysed for Mohanji’s lecture-series? Leaders of all the a single Muslim candidate was put up in the from two perspectives. Firstly, RSS Chief led prominent political parties, well-know intel- recent elections of UP. This has been said for to an ideological re-birth of the Sangh. And lectuals, renowned journalists, academics, or the first time that Sarsanghchalak is ready to secondly, he made Sangh the cannon fodder of one can say that the elites of Delhi as a whole accommodate Muslims in the Hindutva fold. Modi government. First consider the second were invited. I also attended the event for a He said that, “Hindu Rashtra doesn’t mean perspective. The critics of BJP and RSS are day, for unfortunately, I didn’t see a single well that there is no place for Muslims here. The alleging that the independent voice of Sangh known non-BJP leader or an eminent intel- moment it is said that is no place for Mus- has ceased to exist, which has been accentu- lectual there. The subject of his lecture series lims here, Hindutva would cease to exist.” ated in the past by other Sarsanghchalaks. was- ‘Future of Bharat’, but he speak a word Old swayamsevaks reacted to this statement The writer is a veteran journalist, Sangh is now just one of the cog in wheels about it. Had he been really concerned, he furiously. Some senior swayamsevaks called political analyst and columnist. He of the locomotive of the Modi Government. would have worked hard to prepare his speech and asked me, “Has Mohanji not turned the was the founder-Editor of PTI’s Hindi Sangh is not steering the government. The and would have presented the map of India of ideological beliefs of Sangh upside down?” Dr Ved Pratap Vaidik (left) with fifth RSS Chief K.Sudershan ji (right) news agency Bhasha government is steering the Sangh, the lion his dreams as I did while delivering the First They were also irritated by the fact that Mo- in the Mumbai session. The Hindutva of Mo- and anti-Muslim waves during the partition DR VED PRATAP VAIDIK is not wagging his tail but his tail is wagging Gyani Jail Singh Memorial Lecture in 1996. hanji dubbed the word ‘Hindu’ as non-Indian. hanji is not that of Sangh. It is the Hindutva which forced Savarkar and Golwalkar to take the lion. This has forced the Sangh to invent However, he only seemed to be worrying of Gandhiji. This Hindutva is all-inclusive, anti-Muslim line. Now after seven decades, this new strategy. about projecting a new image for the Sangh, Some senior tolerant, liberal and accepts the notion of things have changed a lot. If Sangh’s swayam- Sangh is really worried that whether 2019 so that it benefits could be conferred on BJP. ‘unity in diversity’. sevaks have started wearing trousers in place will see the return of BJP into power or not? The analysts after having gone through the swayamsevaks asked Sarsanghchalak talking about such a Hin- of khaki shorts and their colour has changed Despite long speeches of Narendra Modi and lecture-series summarised it as a double-play. me, “Has Mohanji not dutva is no lesser than an ideological turmoil. from khaki to brown then why does it appear so many dramatic campaigns, the 282 par- The Modi-Shah duo has compelled Sangh Sangh’s Hindutva was fashioned on the Ital- wrong to make the ideological fabric suitable liamentary seats in 2004 stand at 272 now. to change its outlook, hide its real self, and turned the ideological ian and German style. It is precisely for this to modern times? It is also possible that the Despite cashing-in on a majestic majority in display its outer manufactured image. If this beliefs of Sangh reason that the concept of Fatherland has Dhwaj Salute which was fashioned by taking Uttar Pradesh, BJP lost four parliamentary is not so, then what has compelled Sangh to been preferred instead of Indian concept of inspiration from Hitler and Mussolini may seats there, and somehow managed to grab turn its ideological beliefs upside down when upside down?” They motherland. The European concept of na- also change into Indian Namaste. The concept power in Gujarat. The party had to resort to so it is in its 93rd foundation year? tionalism have been fashioned on the basis of ekchalakanuvartitva (one-man authority) many tricks to form Government in the states This argument can be correct to some were also irritated by of one religion, one language, one caste, one and dictatorial leadership has also gone out of North-east and Goa. Karnataka also slipped extent but firstly let us find out that which the fact that Mohanji colour, etc. Gandhi’s Hindutva was all-inclu- of fashion. away from their hands. The implementation aspects of Sangh’s ideology are being aban- sive and tolerant of diversities. If the Indian It is not really the case that only Mohanji of GST and demonetisation has played havoc doned by Mohanji. Sangh’s superstructures dubbed ‘Hindu’ as Prime Minister goes on repeating the name has steered the movement for change. For- Sangh is really for the traditional voters of BJP. The new law stand on the base of ‘Hindutva’. Hindutva non-Indian of Gandhi, it is not surprising. However, mer Sarsanghchalak Sudarshanji led to the regarding the Scheduled Castes has also done as a concept was formulated by Vinayak Sarsanghchalak doing the same could be di- establishment of Rashtriya Muslim Mahila worried that quite the same. Now, one fails to witness the Damodar Savarkar who clearly postulated sastrous. It is like an ideological earthquake. Manch in 2002. He even requested some- whether 2019 will same enthusiastic crowd in the rallies of Na- that only those are Hindus, who believe that What Mikhail Gorbachev did to the names one like me to inaugurate it. In 1965-67, the rendra Modi like before. On the other hand, their fatherland and holy land resides is in of Marx and Engels, Sarsanghchalak could President of Jan Sangh, Prof Balraj Madhok see the return of unpopular leaders of the opposition are now India. Consequently, Muslims, Christians, end up doing the same with Hedgewar and started a campaign for the indigenisation of BJP into power succeeding in attracting the crowds at their Jews, and Parsis are not eligible enough to He said that this term was given to us in the Golwalkar by invoking the name of Gandhi. Muslims. Had this campaign been successful, rallies and people attentively listen to their be called Hindus. Had they taken birth in seventh century by foreigners (Muslims) and The RSS may face the same fate which the some Muslim would have been the President or not? Despite charges against the Modi Government. Re- India, though the country became their fa- then it got stuck with us. Soviet Union met. of BJP by now. garding the foreign policy, while the wheels therland, but their holy land is located outside It is not known whether Mohanji even It is alright that Mohanji didn’t controvert After being in power, now BJP realises long speeches of of the chariot are revolving very fast and are the country in Mecca-Medina, Jerusalem or consulted the working committee of the RSS the ideas of Savarkar and Golwalkar, how- that why it so crucial to re-define Hindut- Narendra Modi and making lot of noise but the chariot has not Rome. Since these places of worship are not or not before making such serious assertions? ever, he explained that ideas tend to change va, a fact which I argued in my book “BJP, moved an inch further. The opposition parties located in India, these communities are not We even don’t know whether senior Pracha- according to the requirements of space and Hindutva and Muslims”, about a decade ago. so many dramatic along with the intellectuals have left no stone national, they are rather a-national (arashtri- raks agree with him or not? If they are not in time. We must understand that when Savark- Today when Sangh’s Swayamsevaks are at the campaigns, the 282 unturned in projecting a bad image of the ya). Sangh had caught hold of this idea since agreement, then Mohanji’s assertion would ar penned ‘Hindutva’, the communalism of helm of affairs, if they want to succeed as rul- Modi Government. It has been dubbed as its inception. Sangh’s second Sarsanghchalak meet the same fate which the term ‘Gandhian the Muslim League was on the rise. Even ers of this great and big country India, they parliamentary seats communal, violent, self-possessed, arrogant, Guru Golwalkar provided an extension of Socialism’ got in the end which was passed Gandhi himself got trapped in the cobweb will have to call Hindutva as Bharatiyata, and under Presidentship of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2004 stand at 272 and what not! And all these flaws are being the same logic when he argued that Muslims of Khilafat. It was Muslim League’s radicalism Bharatiyata as Hindutva l

POWER CORRIDORS 26 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER 2018 27 POWER CORRIDORS Mr. Yogesh Lakhani has received 500 International & National Awards & was Felicitated more than 5000 times in the last 18 years BIG STORY BIG STORY

However, subsequent events clearly demon- strated that the intent was self-serving and at times, diabolic. Nambi’s tryst with misfortune began in October 1994, when based on an IB input, the police seized a diary from Maldivian women – Mariam Rasheeda and Fauzia Hassan. During KERALA their interrogation, Nambi’s name surfaced. Thereafter it was all mayhem. He along with his colleague D. Sasikumaran and five others were arrested and interrogated harshly and charged under the Secrets Act for leaking designs of cryogenic engine in lieu of receiving unac- POLICE AND IB counted millions from the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistan’s espionage agency) and The writer is former Special Secretary, sexual favours from the two women. It is a Research and Analysis Wing different matter that the search of his house Pic: PTI and a check on his antecedents embarrassed the investigators comprehensively. mation from sources who cannot be produced IB’s centenary endowment lecture to mention IN THE DOCK The media had a field day, intoxicated by in courts as witnesses or from technical devises in his inimitable style that sometimes in the AMAR BHUSHAN the heady cocktail of information involving which can neither be shown nor played before intelligence game, innocents were unfortu- women, ISI and ISRO. They continuously judges to avoid compromising their operat- nately picked and framed. He hoped that IB ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan’s false ran angry and salacious stories, calling upon ing tools. At best, they can share information would draw right lessons from the indignities ambi Narayanan, former in- the then UDF government to purge ISRO of with the Police in confidence which it must get heaped on his friend Nambi Narayanan and indictment exposes the pitfalls of charge of cryogenics division traitors and expose the US conspiracy of de- corroborated by prosecutable evidences. The Sasi Kumaran and avoid inflicting similar trag- in ISRO (Indian Space Re- railing India’s PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch intelligence agencies’ occupation is merely to edies. The sting in his simple words was for investigating espionage by Police and search Organisation), must Vehicle) programme. Inevitably, the politics identify the suspect, understand his motive, his everyone in the auditorium to feel. be a happy man today. He no got involved. Leftists blamed the government modus operandi and know about his network IB made the same mistake when it hounded Intelligence agencies Nlonger carries the stigma of being an espionage for soft-pedalling the case under American of contacts. Ratan Sehgal, one of its brightest officers and agent. In 2018, Supreme Court exonerated pressure. Even opponents of Chief Minister IB’s role should have ended once Nambi forced him to retire. Sehgal’s frequent meetings him completely of all charges and has now Karunakaran in the Congress conspired with Narayanan was taken for questioning and wait- with a US diplomat was cited as evidence to awarded monetary compensation of fifty lakh the opposition to have Karunakaran removed. ed for him to reveal ISI’s collaborators in the condemn him as an espionage agent for the US. rupees, apart from constituting an SIT (Special His ouster was reminiscent of withdrawal of ISRO and the role of Maldivian intelligence It was never proved what secrets he shipped. Investigative Team) to inquire into the role of Congress support to Prime Minister Chan- agencies in subverting Indian nationals at Pa- Actually, he was far too smart to be subverted police officers of Kerala and Intelligence Bu- drashekhar on the spurious ground that the kistan’s behest. Instead, they acted as investi- but was felled by departmental pettiness. Like reau in maliciously framing him for allegedly latter had authorized surveillance around Rajiv him, Nambi Narayanan was far too wiser to selling the technology of cryogenic engine to Gandhi’s residence. sell liquid engine technology to the enemy. Pakistan in lieu of huge amount of money. It Finally, CBI entered the scene. They had President APJ Kalam It had been his life-long passion and he had is some relief for a man whose personal life, the benefit of looking at evidence collected who headed the solid worked very hard to develop it, certainly not career and reputation had been ruined and by the Kerala Police from a distance and a to share with Maldivian women. But then, he who remained ostracized for nearly a decade little more objectively. They encountered no propulsion system did not reckon the destructive power of the with no relief coming from subordinate courts, ISI operative, no evidence of Nambi’s sexual Police and IB. media and the civil society. escapades, no acquisition of unexplainable in ISRO at the time The accused of Samba spy scandal fared His case illustrates the systemic infirmities wealth, no incriminating conversations, calls of this incident, said worse than Nambi Narayanan and their suffer- in dealing with an espionage case. Investigative or communications and no breach of security ance was more gruesome. It happened in 1976 agencies like the Police and the CBI (Central of his work in ISRO. In 1996, they dismissed at the IB’s centenary when based on IB’s intercepts, gunner Sarwan Bureau of Investigation) look for evidence all charges against Nambi Narayanan and D. Das and his colleague Aya Singh were arrested that can conclusively link the suspect with Sasikumar and submitted a closure report endowment lecture in 1976 by the Army’s Military Intelligence his handler and the organization that he is which the court promptly accepted. Not hap- that sometimes (MI) for carrying out trans-border smuggling supposed to be working for. It is not easy to py with the CBI’s course of action, the state and peddling tactical information pertaining obtain such evidence as they involve finding an government of Kerala issued a notification innocents were picked to troops’ location in the Samba sector in Jam- operative based out of India and an intelligence authorizing the Police to re-investigate the mu to the Pak Military Intelligence. Facing service that works behind a cobweb of sub- case and even obtained its endorsement from and framed heat from ruthless interrogators, Das named terfuge. Since the emphasis of investigators is Kerala High Court. Capt. Rathore and Capt. AK Rana as their on procuring evidence that stands the judicial However, it was in 2018 that the Supreme gators and manufactured information to fill accomplices who in turn implicated others to scrutiny, their ‘intent’ and ‘training’ push them Court exonerated both indicted scientists, with the gaps in the evidence. They sold to Kerala escape torture. Between 1978-79, 157 active to decide which evidence to choose, which all retrospective service benefits. For Nambi Police a calamitous picture of what Nambi was duty Army officers including Brigadiers, Lt. to discard and how to handle suspects in the Narayanan, it had been a long journey of pain, up to. The IB officer who was supervising the Cols, Majors, Captains, JCOs, NCOs of 168 interrogation centre and how far to go to fix the humiliation and loss of a promising career as case from Delhi was known for his obsession infantry Brigade and its subordinate units and evidences. The ‘intent’ can be both genuine and a scientist. But he traveled the distance coura- with the ISI. He apparently convinced himself 11 civilians were arrested on charges of spy- mischievous. In Nambi Narayanan’s case, the geously. The Intelligence Bureau’s role in this that Maldivian girls were ISI agents and they ing for Pakistan. Their merciless questioning initial intent of IB (Intelligence Bureau) and case remained highly questionable. There is no had honey-trapped Nambi Narayanan and Sasi produced volumes of doctored confessions. state CID of Kerala Police may have been to denying that intelligence agencies--IB, R&AW Kumaran to steal the cryogenic technology to Later, in a farcical Court Martial trial, 19 expose an espionage module which threatened and DMI (Directorate of Military Intelligence) benefit Pakistan. Late President APJ Kalam officers were sacked, 14 including Rana and to sabotage country’s ambitious cryogen- face an envious task of uncovering an espio- who headed the solid propulsion system in Rathore were sentenced to life imprisonment ic engine development programme. nage agent. This is because they obtain infor- ISRO at the time of this incident, chose the and others were departmentally punished.

POWER CORRIDORS 30 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 31 POWER CORRIDORS BIG STORY

Twenty-two years later, the Delhi High The CBI further stated that Sibi Mathew and the same would be liable to be quashed on the Court termed their trial a monumental his team miserably failed even in conducting ground of malafide exercise of power, eloquent miscarriage of justice and exonerated all verification of the records of Hotels which were proof thereof being facts and circumstances of them. However, the Supreme Court located at Trivandrum to ascertain the veracity on the record.” set aside the High Court’s judgement Malicious of the statement of accused persons and sug- Coeval with the challenge to the jurisdiction under an erroneous belief that the gested that “the above facts are being brought of the State in ordering re-investigation, was clock could not be turned back after to the notice of the competent authority for the filing by Nambi Narayanan of a complaint so many years, when all accused had their kind consideration and for such action as before the National Human Rights Commis- long completed their punishment. It deemed fit.” With filing of the Closure Report sion against Human Rights Violations which he was a unique case of espionage in which by CBI before the Criminal Court, criminal was subjected to at the hands of erring Kerala droves of officers and men were pun- prosecution case of espionage against Nambi Narayanan State Police. The Human Rights Commission ished based on confessions, extracted should have come to an end and their other examined the case and inter alia held as under: in interrogation centres. There were no The state government of Kerala and its police report submitted to the State Government of “In our considered opinion, this is an unusual independent evidences, no verifiable Kerala must have initiated criminal and depart- case of gross violation of human rights of a technical inputs and no witnesses that framed ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in mental proceedings against the erring Police repute scientist whose long and distinguished could conclusively link the indicted of- Officers of the Kerala Police. career in space research has been tarnished ficers with the Pak Military Intelligence. But, marginalizing the CBI reports, the apart from the physical and mental torture to R&AW faced its Nambi Narayanan a bid to derail India’s prestigious cryogenic moment in 2004 when Rabinder Singh, State Government of Kerala decided to with- which he and his family were subjected in the a joint Secretary, was suspected for programme draw the earlier notification entrusting the above manner. It is difficult to assess in precise working for the CIA. He was prompt- terms the monetary compensation to which ly placed under video and audio sur- he sensational case he is entitled... The Commission considers the veillance, which produced huge data, of Nambi Narayanan, sum of Rs 10 lakhs as the appropriate ‘imme- clearly hinting that he was passing a renowned ISRO diate interim relief’ under section 8(3) of the classified papers to the CIA. But nei- scientist, which Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 to be ther his handler nor footprints of his commenced with his paid to the complainant by the Government of constitutionally guaranteed right to life and operating agency ever blipped on sur- Tmidnight arrest on November 30, Kerala. This amount be paid within a period liberty to the mercy of the executives which veillance radar. He was also never seen 1994 on allegations of espionage of two months and compliance reported to would sound the death knell of an egalitarian handing over any classified document were found to be false by the the Commission.” democratic society and came to the conclusion to any unauthorized person. There was Central Bureau of Investigation Nambi Narayanan has also asserted his legal that the decision of the Kerala Government enormous pressure from all quarters on (CBI) during its initial investi- rights in claiming compensation for the dam- “does not comport with the known pattern the chief investigator to arrest Singh on gations and they filed a closure age suffered by him, by filing a civil suit which of a responsible government bound by rule of suspicion, interrogate him and extract report before Criminal Court. is still pending. The comprehensive report of law ” and thus held that the decision should a confession. And if the espionage case Writer is Advocate-on-Record The CBI’s closure report came the CBI addressed to the State which ought to be reconsidered and any action taken “shall did not stick, then the suggestion was Supreme Court of India for after meticulous, sustained and have triggered the state machinery to function not be namesake, making administration of to plant drugs, weapons and secret Nambi Narayanan and former Judicial painstaking investigations after swiftly in taking action against the erring police justice a mockery.” However, against the above documents on his person and frame Member of the Central Administrative officials was only made to hibernate and in its decision of the Single Judge, the Kerala State him in a different case to punish him. Tribunal which they concluded that the allegations of espionage against own testudinal pace the cunctator government did not move to the Division Bench of the The investigator argued that fearing tor- DR. K.B.S. RAJAN Narayanan and other scientists dealt with the issue in its leisure hours, and High Court but the private respondents – the ture, Singh would surely spin a story three police officers – did. The Division Bench like Samba officers and Maldivian girls were false. The acceptance of on the basis of certain reasons: One, on the of Kerala High Court etiolated the CBI report and falsely implicate former chiefs, pol- the said report by Criminal Court advice of State Police Chief on CBI Report as one of the opinion and held that it is for the iticians, retired defence officers, RAW thereby discharging Nambi Pic: PTI and two, the absence of any direction by the officers etc. He therefore refused to Narayanan was affixation of an Chief Judicial Magistrate or the Apex Court to government to consider or not to consider arrest Singh in the absence of conclu- indelible stamp of malicious take action against the investigating officers. and its decision is based on sound reasons and sive evidences. The suspect meanwhile The CBI report prosecution by the Kerala Police. With the passage of 15 years time by then, the ultimately, it narrowed down the entire case escaped from India and landed in the It is thereafter that the CBI, State Government of Kerala decided to close into a single question when it stated, “Whether US with the CIA’s help. addressed to Kerala independent of its above closure matter to CBI and to have the re-investigation the entire case and thus exonerated the said relying on such a report any disciplinary action The media, security experts and report, rendered another report conducted through its own State Machinery, police officials! should be taken against the concerned Police misinformed people pilloried this government should addressing it to the Chief Secre- raising another pregnant legal question as to It was this decision of the State that forced officers is the only question”. And stating that RAW investigator for letting Singh have triggered swift tary of Kerala highlighting the the power of the State in this regard. This issue Nambi Narayanan to approach the High Court it is within the realm of the Government and go unpunished but the latter did not omissions and commissions of was considered exhaustively and decided by the for redressal of his grievance. A Single Judge that “it may not be proper for this Court ex- relent. Unlike in the case of Nambi action against erring the Kerala State Police stating Apex Court in the case of K. Chandrasekhar examined the entire issue and framed the ma- ercising power under Article 226 to interfere Narayanan and Samba spy scandal, he that it was unprofessional on the vs State of Kerala (1998) 5 SCC 223 which terial question as to whether the State Govern- with such decision making process and arrive refused to let doctored confessions be police officials. part of Sibi Mathew (his designa- declared lack of jurisdiction of the State Gov- ment was justified in deciding not to take any at a different finding or to direct Government the basis for prosecuting Singh. It was ernment in ordering for re-investigation and action against the erring police officers. The to reconsider the same” and further stating a very difficult decision to take but he Instead the report was tion at that time) to have ordered indiscriminate arrest of top ISRO in addition, the Court profusely dealt with the learned Single Judge analysed the case from that as to the finding “whether the accused took it nevertheless, for it was legally made to hibernate were tortured or not is a disputed question justifiable and morally sustainable. If scientists. main matter of illegal arrest and conspicuously all angles -– the casual approach of the Kerala highlighted the high handedness of the State Government in considering the report of the of fact”, and thus it is for agencies such as the Kerala police and the IB had restrained National Human Rights Commission and the themselves from concocting evidences Government and passed strictures against it CBI; torture inflicted upon Nambi Narayanan, Civil Court which Nambi Narayanan has ap- with dubious intent, ISRO would have and branded the entire action of the State as (pointing out that “the very arrest and deten- launched PSLV with liquid cryogenic one of “malafide exercise of power”. The Court tion of innocent persons on false accusations proached to arrive at a proper finding regarding engine of Nambi Narayanan and his has held: “Even if it is assumed that the State Is nothing but torture”), the calamitous effect such disputed facts. The Division Bench of team, a decade earlier l Government had the requisite power and au- and consequence of “midnight arrests or the Kerala High Court not only allowed the thority to issue the impugned notification, still house breaking by the police” throwing the Appeal but also set aside the earlier Judgment

POWER CORRIDORS 32 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 33 POWER CORRIDORS BIG STORY INTERVIEW

of the Single Judge. Undaunted by the aforesaid court. The amplitude of this power casts an compensation has to be awarded, without any decision of the Division Bench of Kerala High obligation on the police … [and it] must bear trace of doubt, to compensate the suffering, Court, Nambi Narayanan decided to challenge in mind, as held by this Court that if a person anxiety and the treatment by which the quin- their order and knocked at the doors of the is arrested for a crime, his constitutional and tessence of life and liberty under Article 21 Q&A Supreme Court in July, 2015. The Apex Court fundamental rights must not be violated.” In of the Constitution withers away. We think unhesitatingly and with a comprehensive order, fact, it was on the aforesaid principles and pa- it appropriate to direct the State of Kerala to issued notice to the State, the CBI and the three rameters that the case of Nambi Narayanan pay a sum of Rs. 50 lakhs towards compensa- private respondents. And after elaborate hear- has been examined and the Supreme Court tion to the appellant and, accordingly, it is so ing on a number of days and also permitting has arrived at the firm conclusion, “…there ordered.” Time calendared for payment of ‘I was brutally Nambi Narayanan to present his case, in the can be no scintilla of doubt that the appellant, the above amount is eight weeks. Apart from final judgment, the Apex Court stated, “To a successful scientist having national reputa- awarding the aforesaid compensation as public say the least, the delineation by the Division tion, has been compelled to undergo immense law remedy, the Supreme Court also stated, Bench is too simplistic.” humiliation. The lackadaisical attitude of the “…We hasten to clarify that the appellant, if The Supreme Court analysed the matter State police to arrest anyone and put him in so advised, may proceed with the civil suit tortured in custody’ under an enlarged horizon. First the Court police custody has made the appellant to suf- wherein he has claimed more compensation.” adverted to the aspect of compensation and fer the ignominy. The dignity of a person gets On the issue of conducting inquiry against In a free wheeling chat ISRO Scientist Nambi Narayanan explains how viewed the same from the point of public law the erring officials, the Supreme Court said: remedy. It has reflected the anguish of Nambi “We think that the obtaining factual scenario his false implication had adversely affected India’s space research Narayanan in the following words: “It is urged calls for constitution of a Committee to find by the appellant that the prosecution launched out ways and means to take appropriate steps people who are willing to work for others. Now against him by the Kerala police was malicious SC said: “The against the erring officials. For the said pur- the mission is to find out who all are these peo- on account of two reasons, the first being that lackadaisical pose, we constitute a Committee which shall ple. There are definitely some persons who has the said prosecution had a catastrophic effect be headed by Justice D.K. Jain, a former Judge worked for them. on his service career as a leading and renowned attitude of State of this Court. The Central Government and Q: In your book “Ready to Fire” you have scientist at ISRO thereby smothering his career, police to arrest the State Government are directed to nominate said that even if somebody has the designs s/ life span, savings, honour, academic work as one officer each so that apposite action can he cannot build a rocket, it’s not something well as self-esteem and consequently resulting anyone and put be taken.” The case of Nambi Narayanan is like making a cake. Can you please elaborate in total devastation of the peace of his entire unique and unprecedented. That all the media on this? family which is an ineffaceable individual loss, him in police afforded priority to the Supreme Court’s Judg- Ans: Let me explain to you in a layman’s and the second, the irreparable and irremedia- custody has made ment in Nambi Narayanan’s case with front language. Let’s take the example an aircraft like ble loss and setback caused to the technological page coverage is the eloquent evidence to this the Airbus. Now this Airbus is serviced and advancement in Space Research in India.” the appellant fact. The case has multi-facets within. The maintained by our own people. After these air- After profusely quoting from the CBI re- suffer ignominy” human right violation has earlier been dealt crafts complete a particular number of flying port, the Supreme Court has categorically held, with by the NHRC. The public law remedy hours then they completely refurbish it, which “From the aforesaid report, the harassment and has now been taken care of by the Apex Court means that they shift the entire aircraft to our mental torture faced by the appellant is obvi- and the civil Court has before it the pending country and then starts the process of rebuilding ous”. The Apex Court further observed, “The compensation suit for damages. In between, this aircraft from scratch. So there is a specific criminal law was set in motion without any the jurisdiction aspect of the State Government VIVEK SINHA people answerable, some probably from out- procedure for this, there are spare parts and basis. It was initiated, if one is allowed to say, of Kerala by ordering re-investigation after side the country. We need to investigate and @viveksinha28 methods to assemble, there is a sequence of on some kind of fancy or notion. The liberty the highest investigating agency (CBI) had find out whether the circumstances indicate assembly, etc etc. Now all these are done by our and dignity of the appellant which are basic to conducted the investigation has also been dealt that there was a conspiracy. For instance, there Q: After 24 years, your name has finally own people, there is no American involvement his human rights were jeopardized as he was with by the Apex Court in its earlier judgment. was a contract between India and Russia on the been cleared by the Supreme Court of all es- here. Now my question is, if we can completely taken into custody and, eventually, despite all While the National Human Rights Commis- cryogenic project but Russia backed out from pionage charges. Who do you think was the assemble an entire aircraft then why can’t we the glory of the past, he was compelled to face sion, the Supreme Court in K. Chandrasekhar the contract without any valid reasons andPic: PTI then real culprit in this entire saga? have our own aircraft like an Airbus? Can’t we cynical abhorrence. This situation invites the case (supra) and in its present judgment and they said that it was a forced measure which was Ans: I wouldn’t say there is one culprit, rath- make this aircraft? We are doing everything, public law remedy for grant of compensation the Single Judge of the High Court of Kerala beyond their control. Later on we found out that er there are many people in the story. According all the parts, drawings, methods, sequences, for violation of the fundamental right envis- have all held in favour of Nambi Narayanan, it this was because of the Americans, and then to me it is a fabricated case and the Supreme assembly procedures everything we have but aged under Article 21 of the Constitution. In is only the Division Bench of the Kerala High America issued sanctions against both Russia Court also says it is a malicious prosecution. still we are buying Airbus only from the west- such a situation, it springs to life with imme- shocked when psycho-pathological treatment Court that held against him by vilipending the and India on this matter. So the whole issue is And as you know from the very beginning Ker- ern world. So, what I am explaining to you is diacy. It is because life commands self-respect is meted out to him. A human being cries for judgment of the Single Judge of Kerala High that it’s not a game of hide and seek. Ameri- ala police were investigating this and then the the meaning of technology and its transfer. Yes and dignity.” The Apex Court next focussed justice when he feels that the insensible act Court. If one may say so, when target is fixed cans made it very clear that ‘we are not happy Intelligence Bureau (IB) also investigated. So, we have the knowledge about ‘Know How’ of its attention on “custodial torture”. It held, has crucified his self-respect. That warrants and justifications sought thereafter, justice is about India getting this technology from Russia’. you can say it is the IB that is responsible, the Airbus aircraft’s technology but technology “From the aforesaid analysis, it can be stated grant of compensation under the public law the casualty. Nambi Narayanan’s persever- The next question that comes to mind is, why Kerala Police is responsible, the government is transfer happens only when we also have the with certitude that the fundamental right of remedy. We are absolutely conscious that a ance has brought him his remarkable success. should America be unhappy? And the answer responsible… I wouldn’t say it is one person ‘Know Why’. Even if we have the spare parts of the appellant under Article 21 has been gravely civil suit has been filed for grant of compen- No doubt, he had to wait for twenty four years. is probably they didn’t like the competition. You who was responsible, it is a group of people the aircraft we only have the ‘Know How’ we affected. In this context, we may refer with sation. That will not debar the constitutional But his patience paid. As the Hindi saying can look at it that way, but the point is that they who were responsible. don’t have the actual technology which is ‘Know profit how this Court had condemned the ex- court to grant compensation taking recourse goes, there may be delay but not darkness in issued sanctions against us, saying that it comes Q: Why were you targeted… was this some Why’. Similarly, in the case of a cryogenic engine cessive use of force by the police.” The Supreme to public law. The Court cannot lose sight of God’s Court. Faith of the general public in under the missiles control regime. Though this kind of an international conspiracy to derail mere possession of drawings means nothing. Court extracted from yet another decision in the wrongful imprisonment, malicious pros- judiciary has increased manifold. The motto never comes under the missiles control regime, India’s cryogenic programme? There is no technology transfer. the case of Delhi Judicial Service Association ecution, the humiliation and the defamation of the Apex Court “Yato Dharma tato Jaya” there is no institute in the world using cryogenic Ans: Well, there is nothing on record about Q: Before you were maliciously prosecut- vs State of Gujarat, wherein it has been held - faced by the appellant”. Keeping in view the (where there is Dharma, there is victory) is technology. So all these circumstances make it such issues but circumstantially when you look ed, were you approached with some kinds of “The police has power to arrest a person even report of the CBI and the judgment rendered in overwhelmingly manifested in the judgment look very malicious. Yet the Americans didn’t at it, this does look as if there are a group of inducements or were asked to give up this without obtaining a warrant of arrest from a 1998 the Supreme Court has held that “suitable in the case of Nambi Narayanan l come here and dig this place, so there must be

POWER CORRIDORS 34 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 35 POWER CORRIDORS BIG STORY Memories become lifelong when they are gathered at best CORPORATE places. Come and experience the Breathtaking View of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and world class services at the cryogenic programme… oughly and finally they only found out the truth Court came to my rescue. They quashed the Ker- White Hotels Katra. Ans: The answer is no. But let me tell you in and they wrote that it is a false case. But I would ala government’s order for further investigation. any such international conspiracy they wouldn’t have appreciated if the CBI would have also They have very clearly said that it is a malicious say such a thing openly, they will try to do these found out as to who fabricated this case. If it prosecution. They went ahead and have formed things without creating any suspicion. They will was a false case then it was a fabricated case as a committee and the committee is supposed to not expose themselves. Also, probably because well. If they would have found out what was the find out about the officials (who implicated me) they already knew my character, that I am not motive, things would not have taken this much and their whereabouts. The only remedy that available for any inducements. All the compa- time, these many years, but they didn’t do that. I got was from the Supreme Court and finally nies that came to me for contracts were trying Yet they found out that this was a false case. the decision has come which is written and then to be nice to me… they would say that ‘you Q: What about your former colleagues at it could also be told. There is public support, are an awesome fellow’…‘you studied in USA’ ISRO, especially the former President of India people like you, other people and media are etc…. ‘so why don’t you give us a contract’. Other Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam… how was his reaction? also with me now and that is what is happening fellows, the French fellows also came in a similar Ans: All of them knew me that I have not manner, but I turned them down. I said okay done anything wrong, they were supporting send me your quotation let me have a look at me. But their open support came a little late, I came to India from it. Then I didn’t bother both of them about this. after one year or one and a half years, but yes the US because of So they knew that I was not available and they they supported me. All these people wrote an could not lure me so they did not approach me. open letter explaining to the whole team and Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Q: Was it your passion, your abilities and also appreciating my contribution to the entire but unfortunately your capabilities which went against you… organization. They also mentioned in that open such that they tried to discredit you through letter that it was unfair to have such a case on me. Sarabhai died this dubious scheming and all… Q: And what about former president Dr. Ans: I was holding so many responsibilities Kalam… under mysterious at that time. I was the project director for the Ans: Actually I was a very close colleague of circumstances second stage of Vikas engine PSLV, I was the Kalam, and he always used to appreciate me. He project director for Cryogenics, I was Deputy told me that don’t waste your time in fighting Director for Liquid Spender and so on and so this case. Kalam reasoned that I could make forth. I can keep on going about my responsi- good use of my time more meaningfully, more bilities during those times. So I was crucial in productively for the country. So, he offered me a the launch vehicle development. Now, if I can be job, a place to use my time far more effectively. Q: Sir it’s been so long now, what lies next removed for sometime then there is a likelihood He also told me to believe in God and that God for you, what is the way ahead? I understand that the entire programme will get delayed, if will punish them and called me to work with that you have lost so much and you could’ve is not completely abolished. So what they have him. I said thank you and went back to court. contributed so much for the country’s space done is that they have delayed it by removing Q: You came back from US at the request programme. The relief from Supreme Court me from these projects and the bad name that of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. Did you ever regret is too little and too late but still what lies next I received meant that no one was going to get coming back to India and falling into this for you… what are you going to do now? How in touch with me ever. trap? are you going to take this further? TRIG GROUP Q: What was the role of CBI officials in Ans: I came because of Sarabhai and unfor- Ans: Well, my only regret is that if this case this matter? tunately Sarabhai died under some mysterious had not have happened at least we would have Safety & Security Solutions Ans: If not for the CBI, the truth would not circumstances but then after him others en- been far ahead of our schedule like earlier. My have come out. The CBI investigated it thor- couraged me and helped me. So I never had the aim was to make India a super space power. opportunity to regret about having come back to But that dream was shattered. I have reached India. Even after this case started I kept working the stage where the younger generation should Public spaces over 50 million sq. feet run my way through and I won the case. You know take from the point where I got it and then try smoothly with our security solutions. my case is not a normal case, I was fighting two to teach the culprits as far as this case goes and governments-- Centre and the State, both pow- then put them in the place where they really erful governments. Some kind of activity were should be. And as far as I am concerned I am Over 1000 million lives are safeguarded going on and I was helpless. Initially the media going to prefer to be with my family and I would with our security solutions. was also against me and they can manipulate associate myself with certain assignments and things. But, slowly I got public support and other things which could be useful to the society TRIG Provides: then visual media brought out the truth and but non-ISRO related matters. Securing over 500+ Business Centres. finally the CBI gave a big twist to my case by Further, I have realized that in our country DDWatch & Ward saying that it was a false case. Even after this wherever there is power I see them get a kick in D people did not believe. Till this time nobody their heads by misusing their power. A minister DEvent Security D made a clear statement saying that this was or even a peon sitting on a powerful seat tend to DSecurity Consultancy TRIG Group is the first choice as a security a malicious prosecution misuse power. Barring a few, everyone wearing DDFacility Management partner among various sectors such that my arrest was a khaki thinks they have become a Superman D unwarranted and and they can do anything they want, nobody can DE-Security Systems as Real Estate, Banks, Transportation I was tortured question them. In my case the Kerala Police had DDCorporate Security & Logistics, Health Care, Hospitality, Entertainment, FMCG & Telecom. while in custo- no jurisdiction, it was like a traffic police solving DDRisk Management dy. Later on, a murder case. I must say that we should learn D the Su- to be within the framework of our constitution DInvestigation & Detection For any question please call us: preme and our rights l DDLogistics & Technical Support DDExecutive Travel Security DDCash Management Services POWER CORRIDORS 36 OCTOBER, 2018 +(91)-22-66783333 www.triggroup.in OPINION FOREIGN AFFAIRS

the US amount to $517 billion, while the US against Washington. The head of the US North Korea), and that shouldn’t change.” exports only $130 billion to China. Morgan Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Philip Xi Jinping is also getting a free pass from Stanley estimates that the US might forfeit Davidson, is on record that “China is now Trump on geopolitical competition because 0.2 percent of its GDP growth as a result of capable of controlling the South China Sea of the latter’s failure to shore up the US’ the trade war with China, while the editor of in all scenarios short of war with the United alliance system in Asia. Trump’s indiscrim- the Chinese Communist Party’s mouthpiece States.” China’s deployment of sophisticated inate trade war and tightfistedness towards Can Trump Halt Global Times, Hu Xijin, has admitted that anti-ship missiles and the advancement of allies and strategic partners have weakened China’s growth rate might slow down by its ‘A2/AD’ (Anti-Access Area Denial) naval the web of friends with which the US used up to 1 percent. Hu is defiant that “we can strategy to prevent the US military from to try and contain China’s rise in previous accept” these losses which are “not terrible intervening for long enough until China administrations. Trump’s allergy for mul- for us”, but the Communist Party sets GDP establishes a fait accompli have unsettled tilateralism and his inability to look at key targets zealously and cannot afford a slump American military planners and conveyed Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, China’s Rise to the Top? which could hamper its dictatorial hold over signals to countries in East Asia that China India, Vietnam and Indonesia as part of Chinese society. Stimulus packages by the is the decisive force. The ease with which a bigger strategic counterbalancing coa- It would be a mistake to get carried away by government to boost domestic consumption China commandeered the Scarborough lition against China have unshackled Xi and reduce dependence on trade may help Shoal from the Philippines as the US and sowed doubts into the minds Trump’s aggressive tone and pugilistic style of mitigate the worst impact of Trump’s eco- watched passively, and the rapid speed of countries nomic war on China, but again, 19 percent with which China has dredged over rhetorically punching China. A thorough evalu- of China’s GDP comes from exports and the 3200 acres of artificial islands in adjustment pains will not be easy. the South China Sea and con- ation of his record shows that he has been more verted many of them into de facto military bases, leave no bark than bite, and Beijing is thankful for it “The advocacy and doubts that China has mus- soft power lead which cled itself into an favourable @sreeramchaulia Winning the Trade War position vis-à-vis the US. China is facing tangible pressure from the US enjoyed over SREERAM CHAULIA Notwithstanding recent Trump on the economic front. The China until Obama warnings to Beijing n September 26, the plain neo-mercantilist American leader, who from the US Vice Pres- Sreeram Chaulia is a professor and dean at speaking president of the believes that trade deficits imply that the the Jindal School of International Affairs. was in office is now ident Mike Pence that United States, Donald US is losing while trade surpluses mean the US military “will His most recent book is ‘Modi Doctrine: Trump, attacked China the US is winning, has slapped tariffs on The Foreign Policy of India’s Prime disipating. US’ not be intimidated” and with personal animus at $250 billion worth of Chinese exports. He Minister’ favourability around “will not stand down” Othe United Nations Security Council. As has threatened to “immediately” impose in the South China Sea, the Chinese Foreign Minister looked on tariffs on an additional $267 billion, i.e. all the world had shrunk Xi’s China is displaying and shrugged, Trump unleashed a tirade 100 percent of Chinese exports to the US, drastically” self-assurance based on its against Beijing for meddling “against unless China changes its “unfair practices relative military upper hand. my administration” in the upcoming US and gives fair and reciprocal treatment to It is true that Trump is Congressional elections. The motive, he American companies.” Further, Trump is raising American defence ex- claimed, was that “they do not want me or demanding that Beijing end its controversial penditure in keeping with his us to win because I am the first president ‘Made in China 2025’ industrial policy for National Security Strategy goal to ever challenge China on trade.” Later, global domination in hi-tech manufacturing of facing “long-term strategic he alleged that China was spreading “pro- fields through massive state subsidies. competition” from China and Rus- paganda” in the American media against So far, the hyper-nationalistic Chinese sia. But China has an edge here as its him “because we are beating them on have not blinked and are retaliating with primary sphere of influence and military trade.” Trump’s in-your-face behaviour has tariffs on US exports to China. Targeted Quiet, face-saving accommodation of operations is the Indo-Pacific, while the US shocked both friends and foes of the US Chinese tariffs which hurt local economies at least some of the American demands remains thinly stretched due to its and it is well proven that he is an insurgent in Republican Party-ruled states of the US on trade may thus* be inevitable for China. global commitments in street fighter who thrives on poking other have visibly riled Trump as he risks blow- Trump could claim he is winning the trade Asia, the Middle East nations in the eye. But the crucial question back from his own white working class vot- war against China, and for once, his boast and Europe. Trump’s “China is now is whether or not he packs a punch in ing base before legislative elections. A senior may not be completely fake. obsessive antagonism terms of policy and strategy to pressurise Communist Party adviser, Lou Jiwei, has toward Iran and the capable of and stop China’s ascent to number one sta- argued that China can damage the US more Losing the Geopolitical Contest ever-present clouds of * tus in the international system. Is Trump by restricting the supply of intermediate China’s assertive and combative foreign war and terrorism over controlling the really a tough nut nemesis of China or goods on which American domestic manu- policy under President Xi Jinping is most the Middle East which tied South China Sea in a blowhard paving the way for China to facturers rely. Enraged Chinese nationalists obvious in the military and geopolitical do- down the US in that troubled overtake the US? Will his reign revitalise are suggesting that their government should mains, and it is in these arenas that Trump is region leave room for China to all scenarios short America to stay ahead of China or is his squeeze American investors in the vast Chi- being trumped by China. Beijing’s ambitious metastasize across Asia. The Chinese of war with the ‘America First’ philosophy inadvertently nese domestic market and make life hell defence spending of approximately $250 strategist Wang Jisi has astutely noted that ‘making China great again’? The answers for them if Trump keeps harassing China billion per annum and its multi-pronged “despite labeling China as the United States’ United States” lie in a measured assessment along four on trade. But in spite of China’s steely will- pursuit of pushing the US military out of principal rival, the Trump administration dimensions of international power, viz. ingness for tit-for-tat war, the fact remains the Indo-Pacific maritime region has al- has fixed its attention on the world of economic, geopolitical/military, diplomat- that it has more to lose than the US from ready upended the balance of power in Asia disorder (especially the Middle East and

ic/institutional and ideological. battling Trump. Total Chinese exports to UMASHANKAR SHUKLA ILLUSTRATION:

POWER CORRIDORS 38 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 39 POWER CORRIDORS FOREIGN AFFAIRS SOCIETY

which had earlier banked on American backing to resist Chinese inducements and threats. The phenomenon of weakening US alliance bonds had started during President Don’t end Reservation, give it to all Barack Obama’s tenure but is booming un- der the isolationist and transactional Trump. SWARN SINGH SALARIA or any politician in India, utter- China is loving this trend. ing the word Reservation would open up the can brimming with Abandoning the Diplomatic/In- warms. Regardless of what they feel about it, regardless of what stitutional Realm Fis the most pragmatic logic, they are com- Trump’s flat rejection of “globalism” and pelled to walk on the political strings. But embrace of narrow “patriotism” is another the question is ‘How long can we afford factor benefiting China as it seeks the mantle such political balancing acts?’ Those mo- of world leadership. Xi’s triumphant pos- ments when you get the chance to make the turing at international forums as the new history doesn’t come to you every day, and champion of multilateral cooperation and when such moment come we have to jump his contrasting of China as a constructive off the political strings and do what is truly ‘good guy’ on the world stage presents a necessary to build up the social equity, to perfect foil to Trump’s image of an ‘ugly bring opportunity to the last man stand- American’ with a mean attitude. The writer is a social activist, businessman ing in the queue. A very simple question China’s narrative is that it is spearhead- ated prosperity in the West at one time, but thing in world affairs.” With democracy which has been tossed many times before, ing ‘globalisation 2.0’ through ‘inclusive’ they are increasingly being blamed as unjust regressing internationally, the China model and a Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur however remain unaddressed ever is, ‘Do mega connectivity corridors like the Belt and unfair since the economic crisis began of a long-horizon authoritarian develop- we really need caste-based reservation in its and Road Initiative (BRI). It amounts to in 2008. Trump capitalised on this illiberal mental state is inspiring and incentivising current form? This thought often comes to redesigning the world’s diplomatic and sentiment to win the 2016 presidential elec- poorer countries. China’s ascent and vastly my mind when I see people, despite of good institutional architecture while Trump is tion and, since assuming office, has deleted expanding influence in the Global South, educational degrees and sharp brains reel withdrawing the US into a corner for bilat- promotion of democracy and human rights contrasted with the troubled and inward- under joblessness and poverty. And, their are enjoying benefits of reservation for gen- eral hardball bargaining to win short-term abroad as a US foreign policy principle. The ly-focussed Western democracies, are in- only sin is that they do not belong to SC-ST erations after generations, such misuse of gains. When Trump pulled out the US from advocacy and soft power lead which the US dicators for developing nations as to which or OBC category. Had they have belonged to reservation benefits need to be identified and the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade enjoyed over China until Obama was in way the wind is blowing. It is premature to that privileged community they might have stopped. Thirdly, Imagining establishment agreement immediately after being sworn declare liberal democracy dead in the water. got the job in reservation quota, but sadly of Social Equality with the Reservation in in as president, China celebrated as this co- Comebacks do happen in history. But the they are born in Rajput, Thakur or any other Jobs is like giving incomplete treatment to alition had been put together by Obama to founder of China’s state-guided capitalism, upper-caste family. a disease. Dream of Social Equality would isolate China. Beijing is evidently relieved Deng Xiaoping, sounds far more prophetic What kind of social equity are we trying to remain a dream until we bring Equality in to see that the US under Trump has neither $517bn today than the American scholar Francis establish when we snatch a job from a poor Education. There should be similar quality the generosity nor the resources to compete Fukuyama, who had launched the doctrine but meritorious general category student of education in all the parts of India. There with it in trade agreements, development is the total amount of of Western liberal domination in the 1990s and gift it to the rich but a moderate SC-ST are few rural areas which doesn’t even have assistance, foreign aid and connectivity Chinese exports to US but is now chastened by democracy’s de- student? Can we make India a better place to a school, then there are areas where school corridors. The excess capacity that China cline. Of course, there are limits to how live with such gross injustice? I have full sym- exist, but the SC-ST still faces the discrim- has accumulated in manufacturing and far and deep the ‘Beijing Consensus’ will pathy for what people of SC-ST community ination. As soon this inequality gets fixed, construction is so vast that it can literally penetrate. Blowback to Chinese hegemonic have faced in the past, that discrimination this disease would also be cured. remake the entire developing world to suit conduct and debt trap diplomacy is emerg- shames every head down. But this is another Last but not the least, Government its geopolitical goals even as the US steps ing. But Xi Jinping has a distinct advantage set of injustice and indiscrimination happen- must launch a scheme ‘Give Up Reserva- aside as a bystander. For decades, the US $250bn as he seeks to fulfil his ‘Chinese dream’ of ing with the meritorious youngsters of India. tion’. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi had posed as a do-gooder which economi- Chinese exports slapped prosperity at home and influence abroad. So, what is the solution? Firstly, Quota had announced the ‘Give It Up’ scheme for cally and militarily stabilised Latin America, There is no global equivalent to China in system need to be knit with Aadhaar. Record LPG and called on people to give up their Africa and Asia. It cultivated ties with elites with new US tariff economic, institutional and diplomatic ca- of every family who claims reservation facil- LPG subsidy voluntarily, hardly had anyone and citizens in poor nations and determined pabilities anymore. In Asia, the military de- “Dream of Social ity need to be monitored and a mechanism imagined that millions of people would come their fates through Bretton Woods lending terrent to China is also diminishing. Except need to be evolved so that no affluent class forward and give up their subsidy, such is institutions. Today, that swagger has disap- the injury that Trump is inflicting through Equality *would can avail this facility. Annual income of a the magnificent charisma and fan-following peared. There is only one big money-spinner his trade war, the rest of his actions and family must be considered before giving res- of Narendra Modi. This magical effect of in sight: China. remain a dream until $130bn policies are enabling rather than disabling ervation. On the other hand, candidates with Modi can do wonder in fixing the faux pas China. It would be a mistake to get carried we bring Equality low family income must get the preference, in reservation. Slipping in the Ideological Tussle US exports to China away by Trump’s aggressive tone and pugi- no poor candidate should be kept out just be- PM Modi has exhibited unbelievably Trump is a blessing in disguise for China at listic style of rhetorically punching China. in Education. There cause word SC or ST is not inscribed on his/ strong will when he stood for the rights the level of ideational struggle too. The lib- office is now dissipating. A survey by the A thorough evaluation of his record shows should be similar her Job Card. Secondly, there is a need to lim- of Muslim women and got the law passed eral democratic values with which the West Pew Research Center in 2017 showed that that he has been more bark than bite, and it the Quota opportunity per family, only one against Three Talaaq. used to anoint itself as morally superior to the US’ favourability around the world had Beijing is thankful for it. To conclude with quality of education or two members of a family should be given It was not an easy decision, it was his authoritarian China and Russia are them- shrunk drastically and is now practically the Chinese scholar Xu Guoqi, Trump is “a the benefits of reservation. When they get moment of jumping off the political strings selves imploding. Liberal free markets and equal to that of China. Another Pew opinion gift for the current regime in China. Because in all the parts of the job, they would be considered uplifted, and he created the history. This gives me cosmopolitan discourses about a ‘borderless’ poll in 2018 puts Xi ahead of Trump by 7 of Trump, Xi Jinping’s Chinese Dream could India” so no need to offer reservation to any other every reason to believe that only PM Modi and interdependent world may have gener- percent in global confidence “to do the right be achievable now” l in that particular family. Currently, families can do such wonder again l

POWER CORRIDORS 40 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 41 POWER CORRIDORS OPINION EDUCATION

sition of Marxist ideas without any dialogue and widespread consultation. While Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR) Reform in education is published the books of Communist lead- ers like EMS Namboodiripad, nationalist historians like RC Majumdar and Jadunath Sarkar were dumped in garbage. dubbed as Saffronisation The countrymen cannot expect a clear picture regarding the history, national char- acter and duties till a distorted scholarship is leading them. Whatever social and political Marxists have spoilt our education system over the last seven crisis is growing today, that relates to a dis- torted history writing, crippled education decades. They shout saffronisation whenever an educationist system and dysfunctional development pol- icies which were framed and worked out by attempts to correct the education system of our country. They do the Marxist lobby. However, much to our de- light, people are now getting to know about this to hide their own misdoings and devious agenda these misdoings of Congress-led Marxists. Now is the time when the countrymen must be told that what exactly this saffronisation of education and history is. Shouldn’t we rectify the flaws in our History? Is it justified that Marxist history writing where ‘Aryans are Invaders, and the same. There has been a gradual increase miserably fails in safeguarding the inter- Mughals are Indigenous’ must continue to in the number of universities offering San- ests of those students who are failing their be taught in our classrooms? Why an ag- skrit as a subject in the West. Therefore, until exams commit suicide? If strengthening gressive invader like Akbar must be called we go on neglecting Chanakya’s Arthshastra, the wisdom, scientific values, emotional, ‘Great’ and the valiant patriot like Maharana Niti of Shukracharya, Ramayana composed spiritual and factual learning has been Pratap should be abandoned? by Valmiki, Mahabharat by Vyas, and Raja- dubbed as ‘saffronisation’, why this ‘saffro- Why should the Indian knowledge tra- shastra, there cannot be a fulfilment of the nisation’ must not be revered and welcomed dition be hidden from the students? Does sense of pride for us, Indians. whole-heartedly? going ahead for the communal harmony While there are multiple universities The education which has been impart- The writer is a social basing themselves on just one Bible and ed since the last six decades by the likes of activist and a social media marketing and unification at the level of the Govern- consultant ment and society is sectarianism? Is it not Romila Thapar and her group is seriously a fact that right from the Radhakrishnana What is taught in flawed! Marxists seems to be most vocal @ivivekbansal Commission (1948-49), Kothari Commis- about the secular-based politics, but in sion (1964-66), National Education Policy these Madrasas to 1941, they extended their support to the VIVEK BANSAL (1989), Rammurti Committee (1992) and the young minds two-nation theory by passing a resolution. If many others emphasised on the value-based they really care about the secular content of education and learning? Those people who of Muslim kids has education, why they fail to extend the same are opposed to the indigenisation of educa- never occurred to to the country-wide growing Madarsas? tion, which category they must be placed in- What is taught in these Madarasas and how Invaders, Anti-National or Foreign Agents? these Marxists. It it affects the adolescent and young minds “Why an aggressive The groups which are vocally opposed of Muslim kids has never occurred to these to the nationalist education are seldom seen is because to them, Marxists. It is because to them, the only invader like Akbar talking about the communalised education the only colour of colour of communalism is Saffron. * under the Madarasas. Those who completely The truth is that failing to match BJP in should be called transformed the education system as Marx- communalism is the democratic arena of polity; the Marxists ‘Great’ and the here is a hue and cry relating to In the independent India, Congress par- ist in West Bengal are the same people who Saffron have become the enemies of Indian culture, the saffronisation of education ty outsourced the writing of history to the are protesting against the move to indigenise values and wisdom. Till the time, when all valiant patriot these days. But what exactly is Communists. The latter were only inter- it. Why the mother of all Indian languages the educational and institutional affairs in like Maharana this ‘saffronisation’? No one ested in fragmenting this nation since they and the manifestation of Indian culture and this country was favouring Marxists llike explains its content and intent. were accustomed to see sixteen different soul, Sanskrit, was not allowed to be com- Romila Thapar, Satish Chandra, Arjun Dev, TWe know that Communalism doesn’t have nationalities in this one unified nation. This Koran, here in India, despite having a great etc. they were thriving with celebration, Pratap should pulsorily opted into the curriculum? And a definition, and similarly, saffronisation group was also the one which first nurtured now when there are attempts to incorporate corpus of textual knowledge in the form however, when it ceased to exist they are be abandoned? has none. How can you identify the issue the idea of two-nation theory based on a Sanskrit in the curriculum as an elective of Veda, Upnishada, Purana, etc. forget a unhappy now. Interestingly the same abuses Why should the without defining it in the first place? Those communal division. How can such people subject, what explains the anger and dissat- university, we don’t even have a special- which Marxists and their acolytes coined for who are most vocal on the alleged saffroni- write a comprehensive history of India? isfaction against it? Didn’t a materialist like ised department which celebrates them. the Indic scholars have backfired on them, Indian knowledge sation is the ‘Red lobby’ who have painted Those who are raising hell over alleged Jawaharlal Nehru also admitted the signifi- If an educationist points this inefficiency and they are gradually getting marginalised. traditions be hidden the history of India in the sole colour of their saffronisation today comfortably tend to cance of spiritualisation of education? The and suggests a course-correction, (s)he is The clarion call of the saffron soul of India ideology. They have been conspiring to dis- forget the fact that under the Indira Gandhi issues and practises of spirituality is only dubbed as a communalist. If this is not being is thriving again! The ‘Renaissance of India’ from the students?” figure the presentation and characterisation Government, Nurul Hasan in his capacity as opposed by a few in our country, while the anti-Hindu, then what is? which Sri Aurobindo envisaged cannot be of our country since the last six decades. the Education Minister oversaw the impo- whole West is looking towards us regarding Is not true that our education system far away, and now, it is cementing itself l

POWER CORRIDORS 42 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 43 POWER CORRIDORS OPINION FOREIGN AFFAIRS

arrest of former Maldivian President Mohamed and international condemnation. They urged the almost 12-hour long elections, while those Nasheed, considered close to India, and dete- Yameen to restore the credibility of the elector- that did get access said they were not allowed riorating bilateral ties between the two countries. al and political process by releasing political to speak to anyone. Only a few selected foreign The rapid flurry of activity by India to reach out prisoners. The Emergency was lifted 45 days journalists were allowed to cover the elections. MALDIVES: INDIA to Maldives immediately after the informal later. In the months leading up to the election, The result could not have come at a more op- results became available underscores the im- international observers said Yameen had portune moment for India. India was feeling portance that this tiny nation of less than half worked to stifle opposition to his candidacy by unrelenting pressure of increasing Chinese a million holds for India. India’s pro-active intimidating and imprisoning critics under presence in its neighbourhood. Maldives has welcoming of the Maldivian election result was broad counter terrorism and anti-defamation recently emerged, next only to Pakistan, to use quickly followed by similar voices from Sri laws. Yameen has defended such moves as nec- its rapidly expanding ties with China to cock a BACK IN LOST GAME Lanka, USA, Canada and others. The US State essary for national security. With a number of snook at India. What has been particularly Department spokeswoman said that USA was prominent opposition figures of the country galling is that Yameen rushed into a Free Trade ready to work closely with the new government put behind bars, former President Mohamed Agreement with China last year; signed on to expand cooperation on their shared interests Nasheed living in exile, a defunct parliament China’s Belt and Road Initiative; changed its in an independent and prosperous Maldives as laws to lease out several prime islands to China; well as a free and open Indian Ocean region. “China owns about allowed China to build an observation post in On the other hand, China extended a guarded Makunudhoo, the westernmost atoll not far welcome to the election of Ibrahim Solih - wide- 70% of Maldives’ debt. from India; China loaned money to overhaul ly viewed as an ally of India - a day after he It will continue to the international airport and financed construc- defeated the pro-Beijing incumbent Abdulla tion of a bridge. All these have contributed to Yameen, and expressed hope that the new gov- have a significant say exacerbating India’s security challenges and ernment would keep a conducive environment frayed its relations with Maldives. for Chinese investments. This quick show of in policies pursued by In addition, Maldives has emerged as a huge international support for the election re- Maldives.” stronghold of Islamic fundamentalism and sult was designed to send a clear and unequiv- Wahhabi ideology with financial help from ocal message to the incumbent President Ya- Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan. With these meen that he should not try to play dirty and elections, India is back in the game. But it will steal the election in an unethical manner from have to play its cards judiciously. Its strategy of the opposition. The huge victory by the Joint waiting patiently in the wings has most unex- Opposition candidate was registered despite pectedly paid off handsomely. What worked the fact that the Yameen government left no and a crippled judiciary, there was a big question in India’s favour was that, unlike Nepal, it did Courtesy: FT stone unturned to intimidate and threaten the mark over a free and fair election in the Indian not allow itself to become an election issue he formal announcement on 29th of the large numbers that were waiting patient- opposition parties. After a long, uncomfortable, Ocean archipelago nation. The picturesque in Maldives. Equally importantly, the results September, 2018 of the results of ly to cast their ballots. Ultimately about 90% of protracted silence after the election results be- islands face an existential threat from climate will be perceived as a huge strategic setback the Presidential election in Mal- the people eligible to vote exercised their fran- came available, Yameen conceded defeat and change. A different kind of peril comes from for China. China’s strategy in recent years has dives, held on 23rd September, chise. It would not have come as a surprise to called Solih to the presidential palace to con- Islamic extremist groups, which have recruited been to support autocrats and despots and dole 2018, declaring Ibrahim ‘’Ibu’’ Mo- any keen observer of developments in South gratulate him and express his support in serving young men and women from the Maldives, a out millions of easy money and purchase their Thamed Solih as the winner convincingly defeat- Asia that India was the first country to congrat- the country and the people. This was however predominantly Muslim nation, to join their loyalty. It has been extremely successful so far. ing his rival and incumbent Abdulla Yameen ulate Maldives on the results of the election. soon followed by an appeal from Yameen’s par- ranks in Syria and Iraq. India has been con- Results in Maldives would serve as a serious The writer is a 1978 batch IFS officer Abdul Gayoom has closed the first chapter on The Statement by India’s Ministry of External ty, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) to the cerned with the political instability in the Mal- reality check. It will however be fallacious to and has served as Indian Ambassador Election Commission to delay announcement dives, which is just around 1,200 km away from assume that China has been thrown out. Chi- to several countries the transfer of power in Maldives. There were Affairs welcoming the result was issued even serious apprehensions that the incumbent might before the Election Commission officially -de of the results on some claims of fraud. In re- the Indian mainland, for a variety of reasons. na owns about 70% of Maldives’ debt. It will ASHOK SAJJANHAR indulge in dirty tricks and try to illegally cling clared the results. This was closely followed up sponse, all the four opposition parties who had The country, home to around 22,000 Indians, continue to have a significant say in policies @asajjanhar to power, notwithstanding the convincing vic- by a telephone call from Prime Minister Nar- jointly fielded Solih, three of whom had sup- is of strategic importance to India and its grow- pursued by Maldives, notwithstanding the fact tory - more than 58% going for Solih while only endra Modi to President-elect Ibrahim Solih ported Yameen in the 2013 elections – Solih’s ing proximity to China is a matter of anxiety that both former President Mohamed Nasheed around 41% voting for Yameen - when the congratulating him on his victory. Modi also Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) along with for New Delhi. In July, India expressed concern and Ibrahim Solih have asserted that they will “With these elections, President’s party asked the Election Commission conveyed his good wishes for the strengthening the Jumhooree party, Adalat party, and a faction over announcement of the review all infrastructure contracts awarded to to delay the formal announcement of the result of democracy, peace and prosperity in the island of the ruling PPM - appealed to the interna- presidential election with- China as they were not commercially viable India is back in the on account of suspected fraud. Solih is expect- nation under the leadership of Solih. The two tional community to ensure a peaceful and out allowing democratic and lacked in transparency and democratic game. But it will ed to be sworn in on November 17, 2018 when leaders agreed to work together closely to further smooth transfer of power. This call was signif- institutions, including procedures. China has reacted scathingly to Yameen’s term comes to an end. The provision- strengthen relations between the two countries. icant as Yameen has shown himself to be brazen Parliament and the ju- these statements terming them ‘’irresponsible.’’ have to play its al results that became available on the evening Solih invited PM Modi to his swearing-in cer- and audacious in dealing with the opposition diciary, to work in a During past seven months, former President of 23rd September, 2018, the day the polling emony in Male on 17th November, 2018. PM parties, the bureaucracy and the judiciary. In free and transparent Nasheed had called on India several times to cards judiciously. Its was held, were welcomed with jubilation and Modi also invited Solih to visit India at an ear- February, 2018, Yameen had imposed a state of manner. Yameen’s militarily intervene in Maldives. Judiciously strategy of waiting excitement by the people of the country. The ly opportunity. It is expected that Modi will pay emergency in Maldives after the island nation’s defeat in the recent India did not act and decided to bide its first indication that some surprise might be in his first visit to the island nation before the year Supreme Court reversed criminal convictions election was unexpected, time. That time has now come. patiently in the store became available when people in huge is out. Maldives is the only country out of the against nine of his opponents including former with most observers pre- India can move forward wings has most numbers thronged the polling booths to cast 9 SAARC countries that Modi has not visited President Mohamed Nasheed. The security dicting that Yameen would with confidence and their votes. Many people had to stand more since coming to power. He was due to go to forces had stormed into the Supreme Court and rig the elections using state ma- circumspection to unexpectedly paid off than 5 hours in queues before they could vote Maldives in March, 2015 when he had traveled arrested two of its five sitting judges, including chinery which he had subverted. mend the battered and the Election Commission extended the to Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka but can- the Chief Justice, sealed parliament house and Some International observers bilateral relations handsomely.” end-time for polling at several stations because celed his visit at the last minute because of the detained prominent opposition leaders. Impo- said they had been denied ac- and put them on sition of emergency had evoked sharp Indian cess to polling booths during an even keel l

POWER CORRIDORS 44 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 45 POWER CORRIDORS INTERVIEW BUSINESS & FINANCE

are the real factors. IL&FS in my view is not that so called deregulation was only because have General Elections, How do you think more than 5-10% of the problem. prices had fallen. You were taking advan- market would behave in this pre-election Q: When a company in which major tage of a fall to say that it is deregulated period? Q A stake is owned by the blue-chip PSUs meet and now it will be a free market. I used to Ans: Markets will behave as they are & such fate, the credibility of the overall say let’s wait for prices to go up and then we behaving, I don’t see any let up in the force PSUs get shaken. What is your view on will see whether any govt has the courage of the bear market. Of course, we will have this? to hold on to the theory of deregulation. I some very steep bear market rallies for sure, Ans:Yes, I agree, because everyone con- don’t understand why they asked OMCs to but they will be short-lived, they will only Nifty may fall to 9000 sidered it almost like a govt company and cut prices, they could’ve simply cut excise give people some chances to exit. Basically, suddenly we are being told, no it is not. So more, because excise had anyway raised con- by and large we are looking at very troubled As the mayhem in market continues, Market Master, Shankar Sharma you can’t assume that anything with a govt tinuously. Instead of a Rs 1.50 off in excise next 9 months. stamp would never have such fate, in fact the they could’ve given Rs 2.00 off, why OMCs speaks to Naresh Soni and guides you through the maze truth is most govt company remain poorly were asked to share the burden. @NareshSoni_ Q:What is the real cause of concern cause I don’t know what policy is driving managed. IL&FS which is a quasi govt com- Q: Generally market reacts negatively 22,490cr for the markets, what is making markets this thinking that Weak Rupee is Good for when interest rates are hiked, but on last so frantic? India. In reality weak rupee is the biggest Friday when RBI didn’t change the repo sold by FIIs between Q: As on 8th Oct 2018, Nifty has shed more Ans: There are plenty. Oil is a huge worry disaster in macro-economic that India can rate, market reacted frantically. Why? 28th Aug and than 1400 points from its high and market and I have cautioned for the last two years. afford. Because our exports don’t rise be- Ans: I watch markets for decade but even cap is eroded by 22 lakh crores. Is it safe to Oil has virtually gone up by 2.5 times up cause of the weak rupee, but our inputs rise I was taken aback by the market’s reaction to 8th Oct 2018 assume that the rally has ended? from the lows of 2016. The government immediately because of the weak rupee in staying put on the repo rate. But this market Ans: Yes, there is absolutely no doubt somehow believed that these gains were per- rupee terms. As a result of that your Trade is far more intelligent what we all give it that the bull market in India is over for a manent and therefore it took the gains and Deficit widens, your Current Account Defi- “Any rally here is credit for, it swayed though the fact that the while. Bull market and bear market cycles spent all the gains in filling the fiscal deficit. cit widens and you have no means to fund RBI was saying that we will not raise rates are all fairly temporary. It could be a few As it turns out that wasn’t a very wise move those deficits, except rely on foreign flows, a chance to exit, to defend the currency. 16.8% months or could be a few years but a nothing they should’ve kept this amount as a buffer whether it is FDI or FPI. And FPI flows are we are looking at a I view it as a very negative thing, because permanent about a bull market nor is there amount against future oil price rises so that extremely nervous and they are being neg- right now it should’ve been the priority to rupee has weakened anything permanent about the bear market the consumer of the country is not held to ative, if domestic flows also turn negative, very troubled next 9 somehow prevent the slide in the rupee. By but for now this bull market is over, it has ransom. Even, a housewife will know this you can imagine what can happen. not raising rates, RBI signaled that they are against Dollar in 2018 ended, and ended conclusively. that if suddenly a lottery comes your way, Q: There is a general phenomenon, months.” okay if rupee depreciates. Now the math is till date the husband wants to spend it all on buying whenever US economy does well, we say clear, that if you let it depreciate your im- fancy houses and cars but a housewife typ- now FIIs will withdraw from Indian mar- pany has shown up exactly that, so it is really port goes up, your export don’t necessary ically is more conservative and she will say kets and invest in the USA. How big is that consistent with the PSU Banks, BSNL, Air follow, your current account, your trade Q: That scares more, when you say ‘No, let us create Bank Fixed Deposits, let fear now, as the numbers are hugely in India or ITDC and all other PSUs which deficit widen, and then you have problem, ‘troubled’ can you please explain how us create some assets, some gold or jewelry. favor of the US. over the time has shown they are poorly because to fund those deficits you don’t have much more downside are you expecting? So, the govt thought like the husband and Ans: No, I don’t agree. There is enough managed companies. adequate inflows coming in. BoP itself comes Ans: I don’t see much greater down- not like the wife and that’s where we are in money in this world for both the emerging Q:We have seen how the OMC stocks under pressure, so market read it right, that side in small caps, there might be 5% more this situation, when we are suddenly look- markets and US markets. It is never that did a sort of somersault after Govt asked why is RBI not raising rates to protect the slide, that is pretty okay because they have ing at a Current Account Deficit of 2.8% this is better so I’ll pull 100% of my money them to reduce prices. Is there any fear currency. It was a brilliant reaction, I really already fallen throughout the year. Real or 3%, my view is it could be as high as from here and go to the US. Funds go to all in the market of Petrol-Diesel being reg- top my hat to it. problem lies in the large caps, where I 4%. And, you’re looking at definitely Fiscal markets and that is what the theory of Asset ulated again? Q: Dates of election in 5 states have think the damage is still to come. If you see Deficit slippages much beyond 4%, so you’re Allocation is. Ans: Of course, I have said this for years been announced then next year we will Sensex or Nifty, they are barely remained looking at the twin deficits of 8-9% on year Q: Do you think market is disappointed flat for the year. In my view you’ll end the out. Of course, that will be the problem of with the way how govt polices are being year down, a 10% down from last year’s new government, whoever comes in, but the implemented? closing of Sensex-Nifty levels is not a lot. country will suffer, that is what spooking Ans: Well, all I can say is when I see a Looking at 31,000 on the Sensex and 9,000 the markets. good policy, I will be the first person to talk on Nifty comfortably. Those levels shouldn’t Q:Another haunting story is Ru- about it. surprise anybody, I mean normal down is pee which has breached 74 against Q: Do you see any connect of this car- 10% is no big deal, it happens routinely. the dollar? How do you see this as nage with the IL&FS crisis? Q: Between all these scary possibilities, a concern? Ans: IL&FS crisis was basically a catalyst do you also see any opportunity in the mar- Ans: Many people are saying for this carnage, but at the end of the day kets? How a trader or small investor can that other currencies have also remember, it is just a company with some make best out of this negativity? fallen, I was looking at the list, exposure to banks and other institutions, it is Ans: Good thing is, it’s a great market for it has got Nepali currency and not like whole banking system is collapsing. both the traders and investors. For traders, Rwandan currency, and Tu- The point is that the market was looking for they will get opportunity to play the bear nisian currency, some very- a reason to fall and it found an immediate market rallies which will happen. For in- very nice countries. So, we reason in the form of IL&FS. But that is the vestors, if they do their maths right, and are now happy to compare symptom, it wasn’t really the problem why they can build a basket of 10-15 very good ourselves to African and the market fell. The market is falling because small cap stocks, which will give them very Latin American countries. of obviously a very out of control CAD and good return once the bear market is over. It is a tragedy that we have Fiscal slippage because of the Oil prices that I think metals and commodities are the fallen to these levels, be- resulted an impact on the currency. These best sectors where you get such investing opportunity l

POWER CORRIDORS 46 OCTOBER, 2018 OCTOBER, 2018 47 POWER CORRIDORS SOCIETY

Homosexuality decriminalised The LGBT community is ebullient after Supreme Court struck down the provisions of Section 377 that made sexual union a criminal Administering offence. The community is now gearing up to press for other rights SAMIKSHA GARG free primary he date 6th September, 2018 marks a monumental day for health care to the LGBTQ+ community of India, as Section 377 was part- ly struck down by the Supreme rural India TCourt. It came into force in 1861 when India was still under the British rule. This archaic law states “Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be pun- ished.” Basically, anything that is out of the realm of heteronormative definition of sex, was deemed penalty worthy. Immediately after the verdict was re- 1 Van = 25,000 patients per year vealed, my Instagram feed and twitter timeline was dawned with rainbows, smilies 1 Van ~ 20 villages per week and everything nice, rightfully so. All the people from the community were sudden- 1 Van = 31 lakh per year ly exuberating a pure sense of joy. Section Cost per patient = 124 (within NRHM 377 went against the intrinsic values of The India became one of first south Asian cry tears of sheer happiness. Now the com- economy rate of 150 per patient for Constitution, downright challenging the countries to decriminalise homosexuality, munity can really be out in the open, they a rural Mobile Medical Van) fundamental rights of Right to Freedom. especially considering the deep rooted stig- can really be themselves and celebrate Right to Equality and Right to Privacy. You ma which arose due to most of the religions Truthfully, it is very hard for me to As on 31st July 2018, Wockhardt would think that this pain in the butt of ar- regarding homosexuality as a sin and the comprehend the hate LGBTQ+ Commu- Foundation operates 148 Mobile 1000 vans ticle (yes, I did that) would’ve been scraped nity gets, be it in the name of religion, tra- in 19 states of India by our leaders the moment the Constitution Section 377 ditions, morals or anything else. Just the was laid down, clearly that wasn’t the case. It thought of not being able to have a choice, took countless unsuccessful attempts- with went against the living in a closet, fear of not being accepted, Contact: one successful attempt when the law was intrinsic values of having people look down upon you, being Mr. Denis Varghese struck down in 2009 but we went back to treated differently just because someone’s the old ways in 2013- by the activists, law- Director our Constitution, identity is ‘abnormal’ for others is a very yers and NGO to finally be able to achieve hard to swallow pill and leaves a sour taste M: +91-9167374716 victory. Section 377, though, is not just stuck downright challenging in my mouth. W: www.mobile1000.org to the sexual practices of an individual, it is our Fundamental rights Humans would readily kill a person from E: [email protected] also about how some citizens are deprived something they can’t do anything about of the privilege of living a life with dignity, of Freedom, Equality rather than accept them, at the same time respect and acceptance. The verdict is rev- and Privacy will hope for world peace- hypocrisy at it’s olutionary as it is one step towards normal- finest. It is high time for us to realize that if izing the existence of the community in the same teachings were passed down through we want to move forward, we will have to eyes of society. generations which lead to desensitisation of accept the diversity and get over the hate for Although, striking down the article is a the society to a great extent. something that does no harm to anyone in huge triumph for the community, the fight Justice D.Y. Chandrachud put it very apt- any shape or form. In a utopia of mine, there has just begun. Many people are still against ly,“It is difficult to right a wrong by history. are people who are dancing and prancing homosexuality, it will take a lot of time for But we can set the course for the future.” around in rainbow clothing, every balcony them to come around. Plus the recognition Watching all the videos, reading the in- of the house has a pride flag waving from of same sex unions by the state, same sex terviews, looking at all the pictures of the afar to a same sex couple kissing in the marriage, adoption and anti-discrimination bright, joyous faces were so moving that it public with people not caring about it and laws are yet to be passed. would make a person who is not LGBTQ+ #loveislove is not just a hashtag l

OCTOBER, 2018 49 POWER CORRIDORS SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT

Infighting in Rajasthan Cricket Modi remains concerned Association touches new low multuous history replete with such incidents seasons (2010, 2011). Now, the faction-rid- about underprivileged where both the parties have challenged each den Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) is other in a bid to usurp power. After Mr. Mo- struggling to hold even district-level selection di’s relocation, Mr. Joshi also resisted growth tournaments. Although the RCA was one of Mr. Lalit’s son Ruchir Modi. When in 2017 of the first state associations to comply with fresh elections on the lines of Supreme Court recommendations from the controversial Su- approved Lodha Panel Recommendations preme Court-appointed Lodha committee, it were held, the cricket fraternity was hopeful is now marred by infighting, blatant govern- of the game getting kick-started in the ment intervention, and litigation including state. Moreover, it was during IPL criminal cases. It is more or less entirely 2018 that the BCCI even lifted the run by retired judges. “We are not longstanding ban on RCA and playing cricket on the field but in SATISH MISHRA brought it back into its fold, but the courts,” R.S. Nandu, secretary, things remained dicey. Again, RCA, said. “Every day there is a @satishNBT with the start of domestic sea- hearing in one matter or the other.” Writer is a Senior Journalist son 2018-19, an ad hoc committee The judicial intervention has taken ith Lalit Modi Group was put in place to run the cricket over nearly all aspects of the cricket stumping Rajasthan affairs due to the ongoing battle of su- body’s functioning. Such is the factional- NIRMAL MISHRA not a fictional story. Nor is it an attempt to soon found my way to making movies.” Cricket Association premacy between the two factions. Result: ism in the RCA, that two retired high court glorify an individual without any rhyme or Two years back, Mahaveer made a movie (RCA) president and In last one decade when sustained effort of judges have been appointed as arbitrators to very child has a dream. But reason or exaggerate a situation that never called Dekh India Circus with Nawazud- Congress heavyweight, Mr. Lalit Modi had brought Rajasthan to the resolve matters, while there are several peti- this dream keeps evolving as existed. I did proper research before start- din Siddique with noted Director Imtiyaz CP Joshi, a new era has started in state. Joshi Top twice has fallen to the bottom even as tions involving the association being heard the child grows up to become ing this movie which was in my mind for Ali as the presenter. ‘Somehow it has not Whad completed an year & half in office as the the judiciary-run state body, with the shadow in the Rajasthan High Court. The rift is be- an adult. But there can be ex- quite sometime. I traveled to Gujarat, went been released so far but won four nation- RCA president before his forced exit from of Lalit Modi still looming large, is riven by tween two factions — one owing allegiance ceptions like Prime Minister to the school where Modi ji was studying, al awards. When asked about the future apex cricket body in state. He has been re- divisions. Ouster of Mr. Modi has pushed a to current RCA president, Congress leader ENarendra Modi whose dream to play a met his teachers and also visited his village of short-films in India, Mahaveer replied moved from the coveted post and the entire once-flourishing Rajasthan cricket into dis- C.P. Joshi, and the other his predecessor, for- major role in the society to help the less Vadh Nagar and interacted with the inhabi- in the affirmative, “If you make good working committee is dissolved. Fresh elec- array, rendering it almost dysfunctional. The mer IPL commissioner and one-time BCCI fortunate started in his school days. And tants and also spoke to his family-members short-movies people will watch” About tions to reelect the office bearers of RCA will current state of affairs is a far cry from the vice-president Lalit Modi. Modi lost control that is what producer Mahaveer Jain has to have a first hand experience,” explains the new Censor Board chief Prasoon Joshi, now have to be conducted within 3 months. time Rajasthan cricket was in the ascendancy, of the RCA in the 2017 elections, which was portrayed in his 32-minutes short movie the ebullient film producer. “Chalo Jeete Mahaveer says that with his open mind and An 8 member ad hoc committee, formed un- capped by Ranji trophy titles in successive allegedly rigged by rival l which was co-produced with Bhushan Ku- hain” was released by Star in its 14 channels progressive nature he is the right person for der the Rajasthan Sports Act, has been put in mar of T-Series and presented by Anand L including Hotstar. the job. Even as Mahaveer has two-third place to oversee the cricketing body’s day-to- Rai. “Chalo Jeete Hain” released sometime The movie, Chalo Jeete Hain has been full fledged Hindi feature films in mind day work. The committee will be headed by Fiasco saga in Kabaddi continues back. It is based on a childhood incident so well-made that top industrialist Mukesh to produce in coming days, he feels that Vinod Saharan and will have four members Confusion reigned supreme at the trials conducted by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India of Modi while he was in school and was Ambani said: “It’s one of the most inspi- the Indian film industry is in an extremely from both factions. Recently office bearers about 12 years old “The school Modi ji rational movies I have seen.” Good words good phase. ‘It’s the golden period for Bol- of 16 districts had filed a complaint citing (AKFI), with the rival association’s players turning up for a match, that was never scheduled, against the ‘Indian’ squad. Neither the men’s nor the women’s national team came for the trials was studying had a student who came have also come from cricket legend Sachin lywood,” he signs off on a positive note l inefficiency on part of Joshi to carry out the from a poor family of lower caste. A con- Tendulkar, actor responsibility. There are 33 cricketing districts as it came to light that a Delhi High Court’s order dated August 2, was completely misinterpret- ed by the petitioners from the rival New Kabaddi Federation of India (NKFI). The NKFI had cerned Narendra that time swiftly moved Akshay Kumar affiliated with the RCA that determine the fate to help him by generating money even by and actress Kan- of the office bearers who run the cricketing conducted their own trials in Bengaluru last month and selected the men’s and women’s squads with an eye on a trial match against the national teams that took part in the Asian Games. The doing plays,” informed Jain while talking gana Ranaut , body in Rajasthan. Mr Joshi was found flout- to Power Corridors in Mumbai. “Modi ji among several ing the Sports Act that demands a president to NKFI’s allegation is that there has been rampant malpractices with regards to selection of the Indian teams for Jakarta Asian Games. The Delhi High Court order had clearly stated that as was inspired by Swami VIvekananda’s epic others. Talking conduct domestic tournament, he also failed saying, “Bas wohi jeete hain jo doosre ke liye about Mahaveer, to carry out the annual audit mandatory for per clause 9 (i) : “The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India — respondent no. 4 shall conduct a selection process which shall commence from 15th September, 2018 at 11 am.” There was no jeete hain.” I don’t claim to know Modi he was born the books of the Association. This triggered personally. I had met him with directors in Rajasthan the rebellion. Official complaint was filed mention of any national team required to take part in the trial process. When the petitioner’s lawyer Bharat Nagar was asked that nowhere in the court order it is stated that senior India Raj Kumar Hirani and Anand L Rai re- and had come around two months back by these districts. garding film industry. He said how good to Mumbai to A person who revolutionized RCA is already teams need to come for selection trials, he replied: “Well that’s an interpretation. We will submit our prayer that we came for trials but Indian team didn’t turn up.” When asked that since it was films help in nation-building. Interestingly, study Commerce out of country, hence Mr. Joshi started his old while President of India Ram Nath Kovind in Rithambhara tricks of maneuvering the units in his favour. only mentioned trials, why did the players of the rebel body (NKFI), who got all kitted up, not compete against other aspirants, the advocate said: “But we had come here to play the national saw the movie and Vice President of India College. It backfired and he had to pay the price with Venkaiah Naidu saw it in Parliament House But “I got chair. This is not the first time that RCA has team.” As it eventually panned out the AKFI, following court orders, conducted an open trial where girls from all age groups competed in front of observer Justice SP Garg l Modi himself hasn’t seen the full movie. interested in courted trouble. The association has had a tu- He has seen the trailer. “No, the movie is advertising and

OCTOBER, 2018 POWER CORRIDORS 50 OCTOBER, 2018 51 POWER CORRIDORS CHIEF GUEST Inspired Through The Vision of Jury Chief CHIEF GUEST Inspired Through The Vision of Jury Chief ENTERTAINMENT Inspired Through The Vision of

Comic books feel digital pain Shri Narendra Modi Shri Ram Nath Kovind K.G. Balakrishnan Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Hon’ble President of India Hon’ble 37th Chief Justice of India Today’s Shri Narendra Modi Shri Ram Nath Kovind K.G. Balakrishnan young, prosperous and ‘online’ Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Hon’ble President of India Hon’ble 37th Chief Justice of India generation may consider comic books to be ADDRESS BY HON’BLE UNION MINISTERS outdated, but for those born in the 80s and 90s a ADDRESS BY HON’BLE UNION MINISTERS @CsAjita comic book and its characters were an effective medium to bond with friends AJITA SRIVASTAVA Shri Narendra Modi K G Balakrishnan Hon’ble Prime Minister of India AWARD CEREMONY Hon’ble 37th Chief Justice of India eing a 90s kid has its own perks Spiderman comic from someone who has the was to see Raj comics, an Indian comic book as we were born in a world new Superman issue, being a part of cold war publication setting up a big stall. It is a good which was bridging the gap be- between Marvel and DC, interesting debates effort and a convention this big gets people ADDRESS BY HON’BLE UNION MINISTERS tween retro and urban. It was in of why my superhero is better than yours, interested. But if we are talking about efforts, the 90s that computers came to calling that one kid who got highest marks in last ten years Marvel studios has come up Bmost of our schools and everything changed. in P.E. Saboo, all these simple things which with a series of such good movies that many Before that most of our summer vacations made kids realize how important face to face people who lost their touch came back to this Shri Rajnath Singh Su Shree Uma Bharti Shri Narendra Singh Tomar Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot consisted of two compulsory activities, going friendships are. I read a blog in 2017 which world again. Kids who watched these movies Hon’ble Minister of Hon’ble Minister of Hon’ble Minister of to your grandma’s house and gaining five stated how kids today are developing anti- are now searching for its source material. Hon’ble Minister of Home Affairs Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot Govt. of India Drinking Water & SanitationShriRural Rajnath Development Singh & PanchayatiSu Shr Rajee UmaSocial Bharti Justice & ShriEmpowerment Narendra Singh Tomar pounds and reading comics. Speaking of social attitude and I couldn’t help but think The smart generation of today believes in Govt. of India Hon’ble Minister of HomeGovt. Af fairsof India Hon’ble Minister of Govt. of IndiaHon’ble Minister of Hon’ble Minister of comics, I recently visited my favorite book- how these things weren’t a problem when we research. Its thrilling to watch some of them Govt. of India Drinking Water & Sanitation Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Social Justice & Empowerment store in my hometown. I remember spending were teens. They had much more time to go trying to explore and experience the same. Govt. of India Govt. of India Govt. of India hours there to find new Spiderman issue out and meet people, talk, exchange interests. These movies have created a new curiosity that I haven’t read yet or to look for the new Now, being cooped up in your room with a for them, to know where it all came from. JURY MEMBER batman comics, or reading Chacha Chaud- phone and its different offerings are practi- Nowadays, when I talk to my nephews and JURY MEMBER hary or Pinky because they were just pure cally definition of growing up. Comics were nieces, they are more interested in which Su Shree Uma Bharti Shri Narendra Singh Tomer Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot fun. Seeing all the comics stacked neatly in a source of entertainment, that came cheap. social media they should be a part of first. If Hon’ble Minister of Hon’ble Minister of Hon’ble Minister of a showcase made me nostalgic. Curiosity Its portable and well, doesn’t need a Wi-Fi. I talk to them about it, they actually look at Drinking Water & Sanitation Rural Developement & Panchayati Raj Social Justice & Empowerment got better of me and I asked, “Gautam , are Even though its science fiction, which me as if I am a part of a cult they don’t these new ? “He replied with a sad smile, is basically precursor to science facts know about. Maybe a JURY MEMBER “No, they came a year ago.” He didn’t explain because fiction is a work of imagination and visit to comic con any further. He didn’t need to. I could read no discovery or invention Is possible without will help ?l between the lines. In this digital age, even it. This reminds me of an incident from my comic books are available online. Everything high school. In 1999, a new comic series seems to have upgraded now a days, the life was introduced by Alan Moore and Kevin style, pocket money, kids being extremely O Neil called “ The league of extraordinary Justice Gyan Sudha Misra Subhash Ghai S.Y Quraishi JusticeSonal Gyan Mansingh Sudha Misra Anil Kumar Sinha Former Supreme Court Judge Former Chief Election Commissioner Padma Vibhushan FormerS.Y Quraishi CBI Director SonalDirector Mansingh, Producer Anil Kumar Sinha Subhash Ghai aware of their choices. You cannot fool them, gentlemen. “ The series became an instant fa- Former Supreme Court Judge Former Chief Election Commissioner Padma Vibhushan Former CBI Director Director, Producer even in simplest of things. Today, kids are vorite because of its vintage characterization. born in a world where everything is available Years later, I am sitting in an exam where first so easily. Life has become incredibly fast and question in the paper was which salt is used Justice Gyan Sudha Misra S Y Quraishi Sonal Mansingh Anil Kumar Sinha Subhash Ghai they are offered assortments on a large scale. in photographic print. Almost everyone got Former Supreme Court Judge FormerADVISOR’S Chief Election Commissioner Padma Vibhushan ADVISOR’SFormer CBI Director Director, Producer Hence, they have developed a taste. Now that answer wrong because that question from an early age, they know how to put was simply out of syllabus. But I knew it ADVISORS DATE : 31st August 2018 DATE : 31st August 2018 logic into every situation. was potassium chloride because in the VANUE : Vigyan Bhawan ,New DelhiVANUE : Vigyan Bhawan ,New Delhi Then why go to a physical book store comic it was used as a prime evidence to buy comics when you can have them of a crime. It was one of the happiest An Initiative By TIME : 10 A.M.Media Onwards Partner TIME : 10 A.M. Onwards available by just clicking few alphabets on two marks I ever scored. a keyboard ? Its illogical. What everyone I visited comic con last year and POWER seems to miss is that they weren’t just comic was happy that so many people An Initiative By Supported ByAn Initiative By Supported By books. They were more than that. They were are still interested. Most of them CORRIDORS medium of communication between a group were just there because it’s a of kids. They started reading them alone but grand event, but it was fun to Shiv Kumar Sharma Dr. Suresh Chand Gupta PA to Former PM when they finished it, they automatically see many of them trying to look President,Dr. Suresh Bharat Chand Vikas Gupta Shiv Kumar Sharma Dr. Suresh Chand Gupta Atal Bihari Vajpayee NationalParishad President PS To Atel Bihari Vajpayee Shiv Kumar Sharma Bharat Vikash Parishad became a group, bonding over the same into this. I met a girl who told me National President PS To Atel Bihari Vajpayee characters and their stories. Even the shy that she stole her brother’s Captain Bharat Vikash Parishad one in the group used to discuss how cool America tee and was wearing it from Brought any big change in 115 Aspirational Districts? Barry Allen is. They used to hang out at their past two years, not actually knowing what it favorite book stores. Exchanging their latest means. One of the best highlights of that day Send Nominations. Category: DM, SP, MP, NGOs, Individuals

Email: [email protected] Contact: 9967069881, 9899860108 POWER CORRIDORS 52 OCTOBER, 2018