ISSUE 9 JANUARY, 2014
Dedicated to the cause of marginalized and downtrodden
Volume XI Rs.10/Rs.10/----
TEMPLE WORSHIP NOW TOO EXPENSIVE FOR THE POOR
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 1
NANDANAR THE “OUT CASTE” ADORED BY EVERYONE
‘Nandan’ was born in an “out caste family” in a village called Adhanur on the river banks of Kollidam in Tamil Nadu. At the age of eight years, he started to work in the farm fields of a vedic scholar in his village. The childless couple treated Nandan with affection as their own child and poured lot of affection. In return, Nandan remained a sincere servant.
One day, Nandan arrived late from the farm field after finishing his daily chores. As the master was not in the house, vedic scholar’s wife instructed Nandan to go and meet his master in the nearby temple of Lord Shiva, where he was giving speech about the glories of Lord. Nandan shyly arrived at the spot and he was well aware of the fact that he was not allowed to move freely amongst the crowd of the villagers, since he was an `out caste’.So, he moved away from the crowd and stood alone, watching and listening to his master with admiration and awe.
His master passionately illustrated the glories of the Lord Nataraja and concluded that a life is unfilled without visiting the temple of Lord Nataraja in Chidambaram . Nandan enthusiastically picked up those concluding messages instantly
Later, Nandan fervently asked his master queries about Lord Nataraja. His master gave him brief knowledge about the Lord and asked him to chant ‘Shiva Chidambaram’ as Moola Mantra to get His blessings.
At his hut, Nandan continued to meditate ‘Shiva Chidambaram’ for two days and when he rose from the meditation, he was very calm and composed, different from his usual style. His master was surprised to see Nandan’s charisma. Nandan fell at his feet seeking permission to worship Lord Nataraja at Chidambaram.
The affection towards Nandan made the master to put an obstruction to Nandan’s request, fearing that his safety would be jeopardized, if he would enter the temple . Therefore, Nandan’s master ordered him to prepare the 120 acres land for cultivation immediately and Nandan could start his journey to Chidambaram only after the harvest would be over.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 2
NANDANAR - THE “OUT CASTE” ADORED BY EVERYONE
On that night, Lord Shiva blessed Nandan; so that 120 acres of land can be prepared for harvest in an overnight; s o that Nandan could make his journey to Chidambaram and worship Lord Nataraja on the day of Arudra Darisanam.
In the next morning, the master and his wife were st unned to see the heap of grains on their backyard. The whole villagers assembled and witnessed the miracle.
Nandan received his master pe rmission to start his journey to Chidambaram immediately.
Nandanar start ed his journey through Thiruppankur, whi ch is 8km away from Adhanur ( Nandanar’s Villag e). The deity of Thiruppankur is Sri Shivalokanathan and in front of the sanctum sanctorum , a huge Nandi and balipeedam were positioned . Nandanar had the reticent feeling about his low status always. He ea rnestly wanted to have dharshan of Lord, but the big bull stood as a hindrance to his desire. He wept like a child and prayed to God . Nandi move d a bit and turned his neck to one side. Nandanar had good dharshan of Lord Shivalokanathan. This miraculous incident happened in Thiruppankur and Nandi can be viewed today. Nandan had a dream in that Lord Nataraja’s divine instruction was that he should visit the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Chidambaram through the East Raj agopuram at the earliest. He pray ed to Lord about his low status preventing him from entering the temple. Lord Nataraja enlightened him to shred out his lower status by walkin g through the sacrificial fire and surrender to Lord.
The villagers assembled at the East Gopuram.The moment arrived, Nandanar walked into the massive sacrificial fire and he emerged out with brilliant radiance .
He walked gracefully with the vedic b rahmins inside the temple with all the respect and honour. Abruptly, Nandanar disappeared from the sight; the crowd continued their search for him. Later, they found his attire at the feet of Lord Nataraja. He vanished in the luminou s blue light radiated from the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 3
DESPERATE CALLS
You can enjoy your prosperity only if you share your income with the deprived and thus discover the satisfaction that it provides .
Support the self employed visually impaired persons
Tamil Nadu Labour Union of the Blind, a voluntary outfit , run by visually impaired persons will organise a meeting on 10 th January,2014 at Chennai to donate plastic wire bundle to self employed visually impaired persons , who make a living by repairing chairs and sofas made of plastic wire.
The organisation proposes to provide plastic wire bundle to one hundred self employed visually impaired persons, by way of encouraging and supporting their efforts. The cost of each plastic wire bundle is Rs. 125/-. The organisation needs support for this effort.
Contact person :Sri.R.Ganapathy,Joint Secretary,Tamil Nadu Labour Union of the Blind, Mobile:9551544694 ***** Need educational support
Mr.D.Sairam is a poor visually impaired man. His son Mr.D.Giri Sekar, is studying second year Electronics and Communication Engineering in Sri Krishna Polytechnic College, Arakonam, Tamil Nadu.
Mr.Giri Sekar requests kind hearted persons for financial help for his education. Cheque may be drawn in favour of Sri Krishna Polytechnic College, Arrakonam and sent to the following address: Mr.D.Giri Sekar, S/o. Mr.D.Sairam, Jangalapalli Village Post, Pallipat Tk, Thiruvalluvar Dist.631208 Cell:8148055969 ***** Needs sewing machine
Ms.Renuka is a poor lady and her husband suffers from serious eye ailment with septic formation. Her daughter is presently undergoing tailoring course, which will be shortly completed. His daughter wants sewing machine for self employment. Contact: Ms.Renuka, Thirunintravur near Chennai. For further details, please contact: Editor, Nandini Voice For The Deprived, Phone: 044 24916037, E-mail: [email protected]
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 4
DESPERATE CALLS
Hearing impaired student needs support
Mr.A.Kumar, S/o.Mr.P.S.Anbu is studying second year fitter course for deaf and dumb in Training Centre for Adult Deaf, Chennai.
Mr.A.Kumar requests kind hearted persons for financial help for Rs.45,000/- (Rupees forty five thousand only) towards 2 nd year fees.
Cheque may be drawn in favour of Training Centre for Adult Deaf, Chennai. Contact address: Mr.A.Kumar, Training Centre for Adult Deaf, Chennai ,48, Santhome High Road, Chennai-600 028 ***** Need support for medical treatment
* Ms.Anulekha, daughter of Mr.Malaisamy , age 3 years is suffering from acute lymbhoplastic leukemia. Estimated cost of chemotherapy treatment at Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Centre, Madurai is Rs.3,00,000/- (Rupees three lakh only) for two years.
* Ms.Hanin Fathima, daughter of Mr.Sirajudeen , age 3 years is suffering from acute lymbhoplastic leukemia . Estimated cost of chemotherapy treatment at Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Centre, Madurai is Rs.3,00,000/- (Rupees three lakh only) for two years.
* Baby Navaneet, age 1 year is admitted in PICU at Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital, Chennai for medullary infarct with aspiration pneumonia with shock. Estimated cost of treatment is Rs.3,00,000/- (Rupees three lakh only) . * Ms.Saranya, daughter of Mr.Srinivasan , age 18 years, is suffering from heart disease. Estimated cost of open heart surgery at Bharathirajaa Hospitals & Research Centre Pvt Ltd.,Chennai is Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh only).
* Mr.Kamrudeen, age 5 years, is suffering from heart disease. He has to undergo open heart surgery at Frontier Lifeline Hospital, Chennai. Estimated cost of the surgery is Rs.3,30,000/- (Rupees three lakhs thirty thousand only).
* Ms.Renugadevi, daughter of Mr.Satyanarayanan , age 13 years is suffering from heart disease. Estimated cost of open heart surgery at Madras Medical Mission Hospital ,Chennai is Rs.2,86,150/- (Rupees two lakhs eighty six thousand one hundred and fifty only).
Cheque may be drawn in favour of concerned hospital and sent to the following address: Secretary,Women’s Welfare Syndicate,Flat No.5, Raja Mathangi, O.No.14, N.No.27 Josier Street,Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 5
Reader’s Forum
Readers’ forum provides space for the readers to give
expression to their views on a variety of socio economic
issues that is of relevance to the society.
Further enrichment of the journal with your thoughtful inputs would certainly go a long way in promoting the cause that the journal seeks to espouse .
Informative and useful journal
Dear Sir,
Thank you ve ry much for sending Nandini Voice For The Deprive d. It is really interesting to read and very informative. Moreover , you are covering topics from spiritual to socio political aspects.
I will forward it to all my contacts.
***** A.Subramani Dear Sir,
While going through the contents of Dec ember issue, I was particularly happy to read about the life story of Bhagwan Ramana Maharshi.
He is perhaps the last Maharshi( realised soul) the Sacred land has given birth to. Please keep the spiritual flame alive by giving such life stories to inspire the young Indians.
Other thing I liked i s about your reference to JK Gal braith,the economist and Ambassador to India. JK Gal braith has mentioned in his book how India was successful in gaining self sufficiency in food and he gives the credit to the Indian farmers, who whole heartedly adopted the new technology. ***** J.K.Gaur Some thoughts on salt
Dear Sir,
Doctors prohibit salt intake for health reasons - mainly to regulate blood pressure while sa sthras do so for spiritual reasons. Salt causes emotional upsurge in human bodies.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 6
READER’S FORUM
Gandhiji undertook his Salt Satyagraha at Dandi which was a turning point in appealing to the entire populace as salt was a basic ingredient in food. So,salt appealed to the people at the deeper emotional level on the bigger issue of swaraj or self rule eventually.
Even today, a group called "Agariyas" traditional salt extractors work in pitiable conditions in India. One should pray for the well being of such groups to whom we owe our salt.
Chennai ***** Bharath kumar K
Corruption in educational institutions
Sir,
It is no more secret that in Tamil Nadu (I do not know about other states), the appointment and promotions for teaching faculty in colleges and universities, particularly government owned, are largely based on bribe amount paid.
When educational institutions are subjected to such rotten conditions mainly due to the corrupt politicians in power and bureaucracy, the basic foundation of the society itself get steadily uprooted.The concerned people, who understand the seriousness of these deplorable conditions, seem to be helpless
Name withheld on request ***** Rajaji’s thoughts
Dear Sir,
Please refer the article on Rajaji in December 2013 issue, which is interesting.
Rajaji wanted swaraj to bring happiness all round. But, this has not happened. In West Bengal, several sphere of life including health, education and food have deteriorated over the last 34 years.
Rajaji’s thoughts have become a mere dream in West Bengal and India as a whole.
Kolkata Satyendra Nath Das Sarma
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 7
CONFER BHARAT RATNA ON ANNA HAZARE
During the last five decades, the cancer of corruption has been steadily spreading in India ,with the government machinery now becoming intolerably corrupt. With section of bureaucrats and politicians in power indulging in corruption and nepotism, every other section of society including educational institutions and judiciary are now deemed to be corruption ridden.
In such dismal scenario, Anna Hazare singularly continued his anti corruption agitation and later on several people jumped into his bandwagon Anna Hazare alone suffered by going on long fast for the cause repeatedly.
He successfully stirred the conscience of the country men and created hope amongst them that successful fight against corruption would be possible.
It is a great tribute to Anna Hazare that his crusade and the public opinion that he built have forced the politicians to pass the Lokpal bill after several years.
Government of India should honour Anna Hazare by conferring Bharat Ratna. There are several other people in recent times, who have been the recipients of Bharat Ratna for excelling in their area of activity but they did not suffer or sacrifice for the cause.
On the other hand, Anna Hazare has little education, belongs to a lower middle income group and has no particular backing of any sort until recently; and he has carried out his near life long crusade against corruption with his personal sacrifice.
Anna Hazare stands on different footing and conferring Bharat Ratna on him would be a fitting tribute to this great man by a grateful nation.This would also give confidence to the future generation to emulate Anna Hazare and carry on the task to the logical conclusion.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 8
TEMPLE WORSHIP NOW TOO EXPENSIVE FOR THE POOR
Just like the cost of services and price of essential commodities like vegetables, cereals,
fuel, apart from house rent, education, medical expenses etc. which are increasing steadily, the cost of worship of God in temples is also being hiked.This is causing frustration amongst people, who can not afford to pay.
It is tragic that even in temples, official power, money power and sometimes muscle power hold sway
In famous and well known temples, there are paid and unpaid dharshans, apart from special dharshans for the so called VIPs and VVIPs .When these so called VIPs and VVIPs visit the temples with their kith and kin and associates and the preference is given to those who can afford to pay for paid dharshan,the poor and down trodden people have to wait in lengthy queue for long time, till these tribe complete their preferential worship.
Poor people get chance to worship the Almighty only after these “privileged people” complete their worship and leave the spot..In temples like Tirupathi, those who can not pay wait for even upto 24 hours in cage like queues. In almost all the temples, the fees charged for doing archanas and abishekhams have been increased considerably in recent time, even though most of these temples are rich due to generous donations that they receive from the devotees.
The temple authorities simply fix the price for archanas, abishekams and other forms of worship based on the cost factors and “business opportunities factors” . If the particular temple is considered by the devotees as powerful, the charges demanded are much higher. In such circumstances, the poor people find it impossible to do archanas and other forms of worship in temples, which they desire.
Such commercial practices in temples and undue privileges shown to rich and mighty are causing enormous damage to the cause for which Hindu religion stands.
Great sages like Adi Sankara. Swamy Vivekananda, Kanchi Paramacharya and others have repeatedly said that there is no distinction between one person and other in the eyes of God. Only difference can be in the quality of mind set and compassion for others amongst individual devotees . In several stories in mythologies , equality before God is clearly highlighted .
God should give wisdom to these so called VIPs and VVIPs that atleast in temple premises, they should conduct themselves without air of superiority and arrogance.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 9
WILL TAMIL NADU GET RID OF LIQUOR GRIP?
It is reported that so far in the financial year 2013-2014, the sale of liquor by TASMAC shops in Tamil Nadu upto end November 2013 is around Rs.21,600 crore.
Based on the trend in the recent past, it can be reasonably expected that the sale of TASMAC shops would touch Rs.25000 crore for the entire financial year 2013-2014.
With sale of over 40 lakh cases,Tamil Nadu has now emerged as India’s largest liquor market.
Growth of liquor sale in Tamil Nadu
Fiscal year Revenue in Rs. crores % change 2002-03 2,828.09 2003-04 3,639 28.67% 2004-05 4,872 33.88% 2005-06 6,086.95 24.94 2006-07 7,300 19.93% 2007-08 8,822 20.85% 2008-09 10,601.5 20.17% 2009-10 12,491 17.82% 2010-11 14965.42 19.80% 2011-12 18,081.16 20.82% 2012-13 21,680.67 19.91%
Marketing professional will be pleased, but should the government be so?
The increasing sale of liquor by TASMAC shops may be viewed as very gratifying and rewarding by a marketing professional, who would not think about any other aspect except success of the marketing strategy adopted. It appears that the Government of Tamil Nadu which is responsible for managing TASMAC outfits and for selling liquor, view the marketing success of TASMAC in the same way as the marketing professional. Is it lack of concern?
So far, Tamil Nadu Government has not expressed any concern about the adverse impact of such increase in consumption of liquor, which is now having average annual growth rate of more than 18%.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 10
WILL TAMIL NADU GET RID OF LIQUOR GRIP?
Several recent acts of Tamil Nadu Government such as increasing the number of TASMAC shops all over the state, providing permit for liquor shops in the malls and the move to create elite TASMAC shops, make one suspect that the present Tamil Nadu Government does not view such growth of liquor consumption as negative and disturbing phenomena that need to be checked.
It is reported that TASMAC is hoping to win over those belonging to the upper middle and higher income group by offering them top and expensive brands by rolling out swankier outlets in malls across the state.
Possibly, this move has been made after the recent trial with an elite retail outlet at Alsa Mall in the Egmore area in Chennai, which has turned out to be a huge success for TASMAC.
Three more outlets in malls are reported to be planned for next year .The elite outlets are seen as places, where people with high disposable income as also women can buy the liquor of their choice conveniently. Special steps are being taken to ensure that these outlets are made swanky with interiors at considerable cost .
Unacceptable justification
Ever since the marketing of liquor has been taken over by Tamil Nadu government, it has been giving justification for its move by stating that if total prohibition were to be implemented in the state, it would lead to widespread use of illicit liquor . This argument has been rejected by the social scientists, as negative explanation and defeatist attitude. It has also been pointed out that illicit liquor are readily available in Tamil Nadu even now.
Social fabric of the state disturbed
It is now well realised all over Tamil Nadu , particularly amongst those belonging to lower and middle income group, that the rapid spread of liquor consumption has seriously disturbed and affected the social fabric of the state.
There are enough evidence that families are getting disturbed, particularly the families belonging to lower income group. The women and children have been subjected to severe mental and physical harassment by drunken men around and both major and minor crime rates are steadily increasing in the state.
Even more disturbing aspect is that even some school students are reported to have taken to liquor habit, who are in the formative age group. In private conversation, several teachers, particularly in the government schools, point out that school students attending the classes in drunken state are no more uncommon.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 11
WILL TAMIL NADU GET RID OF LIQUOR GRIP?
Such students are violent prone and the teachers particularly the women teachers, confess that they are often scared to discipline them.
Though the rule says that the TASMAC shops can not sell liquor to those less than 21 years age, it is not followed in practice. In any case, teenagers can ask elder drinkers to buy for them.
Drunken male teachers in primary classes misbehaving with girl students is also reported frequently in the media, which clearly indicates the sorry state of affairs.
Cases have been reported of the drunken husband stabbing and killing the children in front of wife, when she would refuse physical relationship with him or just to punish his wife.
A school student who was very keen to study was discouraged by the drunken father, who wanted him to go for job and earn money . One day,the drunken father when he saw his 15 years old son taking food and reading text books, dropped mud in the food plate, to express his displeasure. The helpless poor mother felt very sad and almost wanted to commit suicide.
A girl student studying in 9 th std says that her goal is to become a police woman, so that she can physically beat her father, who often used to beat her mother in drunken state.
All such, several disgusting stories of real life happenings are increasingly taking place every day in Tamil Nadu. Many incidents of disruption of harmony in family life and emerging unsafe conditions in public life due to wide spread liquor habit in the state are being repeatedly discussed in social media, several TV shows and in the print media.
The frequent protests by the people across the state against location of TASMAC shop in their area is the indication of aam aadmi’s disapproval of Tamil Nadu Government’s liquor policy
Good old days when prohibition was in force
Senior citizens in the age group of 60 and above can vouch for the fact that they have seen excellent conditions in Tamil Nadu earlier, when prohibition was enforced under the leadership of great stalwarts like Rajaji,Kamaraj as Chief Ministers . That was the time when the drunkards were viewed with high disgust in the society and many family members felt ashamed about them.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 12
WILL TAMIL NADU GET RID OF LIQUOR GRIP?
With great efforts and positive campaign and propaganda by great thinkers and writers like Kalki Krishnamurthi and others, one or two generations were brought up in Tamil Nadu who have not seen liquor.
All such advantages and positive climate built over several years of hard work by the concerned people were wiped out in one stroke, when prohibition was lifted in the state. Rajaji’s plea
Realising the great harm that lifting of prohibition would do to the state, Rajaji, the elder statesman, went to the then Chief Minister Karunanidhi’s house and waited for him in his car and then pleaded with him not to lift the prohibition.
But, his appeal was turned down and thus paving the way for the alarming liquor habit that is sweeping Tamil Nadu today. Make it an election issue
With the Tamil Nadu Government taking steps to strengthen its liquor outfits, it appears to be doubtful, whether the Tamil Nadu will return back to the golden days of the past when total prohibition was enforced in the state,
As the vote bank politics is now the primary driving factors for the ruling party in power to take various political and economic development oriented decisions, it appears that the best method to fight for prohibition is to make the government’s liquor policy as an election issue.
Lakhs of women in Tamil Nadu feeling the adverse impact of the liquor habit,particularly belonging to the lower income group,may respond to this liquor prohibition campaign, when they would exercise franchise in the coming parliament election.
WHY NOT CONDUCT FREE KARATE COURSE FOR WOMEN?
Tamil Nadu government has the habit of offering freebies every now and then to keep the voters in good humour.Such freebies are largely funded by the liquor money.
Now that Tamil Nadu government is unlikely to shut TASMAC shops, let it start number of free karate classes for women all over the state, so that the suffering women can beat back their drunken husbands to protect themselves.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 13
SHOULD GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU SHUT THE TASMAC SHOPS?
VIEWS OF THE COLLEGE STUDENTS EXPRESSED IN THE ESSAY COMPETITION
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, conducted an essay competition for college students in Tamil Nadu on the subject “Should Government Of Tamil Nadu Shut The TASMAC Shops?”. There was good response from the college students all over Tamil Nadu.
Following students were awarded prize in the essay competition
• Mr.P.Kirthiraj, A.M.Jain College, Chennai
• Ms.Sushmitha Sathasivam, Stella Maris College, Chennai
• Mr.C.Murugesan, Annai Velankanni College, Kanyakumari
• Ms.A.Sheik Hasina, Annai Hajira Women’s College, Tirunelveli
• Mr.K.Sankar,
Anna University Engineering College, Dindigul
Amongst the participants, no student approved the present liquor policy of Government of Tamil Nadu and several students criticized it in strong terms.
Highlights of the views expressed by the college students are given below.
.
Harm being done to the society
Liquor habit is spreading in Tamil Nadu rapidly like ink on the blotting paper.
Tamil Nadu appears to be heading towards an era of drug addiction, with consequent severe harm to the overall well being of the society.
Several concerned citizens have appealed to the Government of Tamil Nadu to shut the TASMAC liquor shops. But, the Tamil Nadu Government does not seem to listen.
Den of corruption
TASMAC shops in general have now become a den of corruption. Many TASMAC employees who are low paid and are not considered as government employees, have been caught for mal practices. Complaints of adulteration of liquor and short weight are not uncommon.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 14
SHOULD GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU SHUT THE TASMAC SHOPS?
Many TASMAC shops are reported to be operating beyond stipulated hours and sometimes are said to be over charging customers, particularly on festival days and week ends when demand for liquor soar.
Lack of alternate ideas
Tamil Nadu Government says that TASMAC shops are necessary to avoid illicit liquor. But, this is not so and is not acceptable.
Probably, Government of Tamil Nadu lacks the will to enforce prohibition. On the other hand, it has given the sanction of law and legitimacy to the unchecked liquor consumption by citizens, which is contributing to the increase in liquor consumption.
The fact is that Tamil Nadu Government is earning huge income by liquor sale through TASMAC shops and it does not want to lose the revenue, whatever may be the consequences.
Certainly, there are ways and means for maintaining the balanced budget for Tamil Nadu even without liquor sale, by promoting industrial and economic growth in a big and appropriate way and by curtailing wasteful expenditure and avoiding counter productive freebies. Gujarat state has shown the way.
However, Tamil Nadu Government seems to lack alternate ideas and has chosen the easy option of multiplying revenue by liquor sale.
People are susceptible to temptation
Government can not say that it would run TASMAC shops but people should refrain from drinking.
When such liquor shops are operating in nook and corner of the state, people are tempted. Particularly, when the government goes to the extent of organizing elite liquor shops, the temptation is even more.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 15
SHOULD GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU SHUT THE TASMAC SHOPS?
TASMAC liquor is now tsunami
Like tsunami wave, TASMAC shops are causing havoc, particularly amongst the poor families. Women and children are being subjected to great misery and harassment. In the process, the economic and social state of thousands of poor families have been uprooted.
Now, there is the grim threat that liquor consumption may spread among women folk too. TASMAC liquor flow is now veritably like tsunami wave.
Pinching the baby and then swinging the cradle
In all the TASMAC shops, it is prominently written that liquor consumption is injurious to health and family harmony.
After exhibiting such board, the Government which is supported to be a welfare government, is itself is selling liquor. It is an act like pinching the baby and then swinging the cradle.
Undoing welfare measures
Government of Tamil Nadu has implemented several welfare measures for helping the cause of the poor women and children and people belonging to lower income group.
However, TASMAC shops are undoing the positive impact of such welfare measures, leaving the women and children from lower income group in utter distress.
See the writing on the wall
Historically, Tamil Nadu has been tradition and culture bound with high value system with regard to several aspects of life. Tamil Nadu has been the trend setter for other parts of the country . Today, sadly, liquor consumption is highest in Tamil Nadu compared to all other states in India and Tamil Nadu has become a bad example for others.
Tamil Nadu Government should see the writing on the wall and commit itself to the cause of prohibition and the principles advocated by great Indians like Mahatma Gandhi, Rajaji, Kamaraj, EVR and Anna. It should shut the TASMAC shops as early as possible, atleast in a phased manner.
If it would not do so but focus on multiplying its income by boosting liquor sale, the posterity will hold the present Tamil Nadu government responsible for all the deplorable conditions that would happen in Tamil Nadu sooner or later ; most probably sooner than later.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 16
DOES ELECTION COMMISSION HAVE THE TEETH ?
The responsibility for holding election in free and fair manner rests with
the election commission. This task of the election commission can be well
carried out , only by it preventing the criminals and corrupt persons from
contesting the elections .
Further, election commission has to ensure that the election campaign are
carried out within the acceptable norms and rules. In both these tasks, the
election commission is not measuring up to the expectations.
This is not only disappointing but is also causing problems for fostering a
vibrant democratic society.
In the recent assembly elections, Modi, Rahul Gandhi and Jayalalitha were judged by the election commission to be carrying out campaign contrary to the rules and norms . But, after issuing much publicised notice to them ,the election commission did not want to go beyond expressing concern or cautioning them or asking them not to repeat such
behaviour. Now, we need to keep in view that election commission is not a charitable body or advisory agency and has to discharge its duties in a way that norms and rules would be adhered to and elections would be conducted in a fair manner.
Obviously, the politicians take the election commission for granted, knowing fully well that it would not go beyond expressing concern. To this extent, the election commission has reduced itself and virtually surrendered its power by not exercising it.
The election commissioners have to declare that those against whom charges of corruption and criminal acts have been admitted in the court cannot contest elections, as they remain suspects in the eyes of the judiciary. It would be a calculated risk , if such persons would enter the assemblies and parliament.
On the other hand, the election commission simply takes the convenient stand that it has no powers to do so and it only looks up to the Government of India or the Supreme Court to give directives to it. Election commission has failed to realise the fact it is a constitutional body with huge responsibility to the country. When it has the duty to hold free and fair elections as expected by the framers of constitution, it has to take all the necessary steps that are necessary to do so. As a constitutional body, it certainly has not only the duty but also the residual and inherent powers to act to fulfill its duty, which it should exercise.
Election Commission should not make people suspect that it lacks the teeth and it can only shout but cannot bite.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 17
KANCHI MU TT SHOULD NOW FOCUS ON PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT WAS ESTABLISHED
Millions of devotees of Kanchi Mutt and Kanchi Paramacharya feel highly relieved that the judiciary has acquitted His Holiness Sri. Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and His Holiness Sri. Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal.
The devotees hope that the dark chapter of over nine years will now end.
All said and done, there is no doubt that enormous damage has been done to the prestige, reputation and sanctity of the Kanchi Mutt.
One hopes that the seers would take all possible steps to retrieve and restore the sanctity and status that Kanchi Mutt commanded during the period of Kanchi Paramachary a. During Paramacharya’s period, m utt did not have much mo ney but commanded great respect and sanctity, which money cannot bring .
Obviously, the Mutt should focus on teaching and preaching advaita philosophy . for which the great Kanchi Mutt was established by Adi Sankara. While certainly, the Mutt can bless and encourage the devotees to serve different social causes such as education, healthcare etc., the focus of the Mutt has to stay on propagating the Hin du philos ophy , of which a dvaita is a part.
All the social issues and causes will be elegantly served , when Kanchi m utt would focus on spreading undiluted Hindu philosophy . ***** What reader’s say
I remember an article written by Paramacharya hims elf on this very topic in answer to a question reg arding the need to bolster the m utt finances, social welfare schemes, opening of schools and hospitals and preventing conversion etc.
In summary, Paramacharya said, "The m utt should not stray away from it s intended purpose, which is to pray for the welfare of humanity and spread the message of non duality. Then , all the rest will follow automatically. Otherwise, we will be doing the same things the Christiam Missionaries and the Muslim Clergy are doing. We will only be following the ir lead and not leading. Lead by example in a direction th at is the only way to salvation." ****** S.V.Raman,USA.
When m utt extends its sphere of activities to commercial activities for philanthropy or social service, these kind of issues like property deals etc can crop up. Then, Seer may not get the respect of religious community as its head , with regard to spiri tual issues ( like Paramacharya's time ). Money brought this problem to Sankara mutt. N.K.Ravi, Chennai
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 18
SEXUAL HARASSMENT - CHANGING TIMES
Prof. Dr. Susheela Kaushik
Several ministers, judges, media barons and heads of well known institutions and religious leaders are accused of sexual crimes.. These individuals, whose names are being tossed around, have obviously believed that they are too powerful for any laws to touch them..
They have not understood the generational changes that are taking place among the young women of today. The women are no longer prepared to take sexual crimes lying down nor are hesitant or afraid to publicise this. The bold statement of the photo journalist of Mumbai, who was a victim of sexual harassment, that she would go back to work after a fortnight of hospitalisation has put the issues in a different perspective.
The young women have realised that it is not their mistake or provocation that make the men behave the way they do. That it is the patriachal system and masculinity concepts that drive the men to behave violently and obnoxiously towards women.
The women have understood that forgiving and forgetting attitude on the part of women will only encourage such men and make other women vulnerable.
The parents are prepared to accept that it is no longer against family honour to acknowledge the rape, sexual harassment and domestic violence and they have to seek justice.
While valour and chivalry, instinct to protect women by men are welcome, they need to be replaced by or combined with an understanding of the rights and dignity of women; respect for them as individuals , empathy for them as equal human beings and fellow citizens with fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution.
The massive protests, support by men and women of all ages ,particularly by the younger generation that spontaneously erupt all over India, when such crimes are reported, clearly point out to this understanding. The society is changing and the women will neither be chided nor ridiculed nor punished, if they speak the truth out. The NGOs, women's movement and the women's studies are available even in smaller cities to support and help them.
Above all, the legal system is slowly but steadily becoming more and more aware of the women's issues. Laws are being passed, judiciary is increasingly becoming more gender conscious and supportive and filling up the gaps in the laws and enforcement machineries. Many women (and men) lawyers are coming forward to fight cases involving gender based practices (even if they are not monetarily rewarding), thereby making laws and justice accessible to women.
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 19
THOUGHTS OF KANCHI PARAMACHARYA
Do not run after money, power and fame.
That will be like chasing one’s own shadow and will only elude us always.
If we do so, the only result will be our deviation from our goal, in the end of the day.
So fix a goal for yourself.
Walk towards it in the path of dharma.
The rest will follow!
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Edited & published by N.S.Venkataraman
Nandini Voice For The Deprived, January 2014 Page 20