SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2015 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU daily Col J P Singh, Retd to assert India's place as a future superpower. After leaving office, Dr. Kalam became a vis- udden demise of former President took the iting professor at IIM Shillong, Ahmedabad & Excelsior nation by surprise. It was shocking because Established 1965 Tribute to People's President Indore, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, he was the most popular President of all, S pride rose sky high. Fear of superiors vanished hours with books especially in mathematics. His Indian Institute of Space Science and Technolo- called People's President. It was surprising Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra from my mind altogether. Having gone through class fellows say that while they would play, he gy Thiruvanthapuram and an adjunct at many because he was hale and hearty till the fateful other academic and research institutions across moment of 27 July 2015 evening. He had started great moments with a great man, I wish to advise would read and read. After completing High my younger generation friends not to be scarred School, Kalam went to Saint Joseph's College India. He taught information technology at IIT, delivering his lecture at IIM Shillong when he Hyderabad, BHU and Anna University, Chennai. Polluting Jammu canals collapsed leaving the nation orphaned. of any perceived big, powerful and mighty peo- Tiruchirappalli from where he graduated in ater is a precious commodity being one of ple. Rest assured, they are all like Dr. Kalam. Physics in 1954 and joined aerospace engineer- In May 2012, Kalam launched a programme On 10th June 2002, Prime Minister Vajpayee for the youth of India called 'What Can I Give to the four most important elements for proposed his name for Presidentship. Dr. Kalam Whenever you get an opportunity, must meet and ing in 1955 at Madras. While Kalam was work- talk to them. That will add to your confidence and ing on a project, the Dean was dissatisfied with the Movement', with a central theme of defeat- human existence. India is a country, which was elected 11th (non political) President of India W in 2002, purely on merit, with the support of rul- give them happiness. Moreover when you go for lack of progress and threatened to revoke his ing corruption. He firmly believed that only the draws benefit from the Himalayas. Vast Indian ing, opposition and all national and regional par- an interview, don't be worried about the status and scholarship unless the project was finished with- children (daughters mainly) can force corrupt plains stretch over its foothills and the mighty rivers ties except CPM. He won with 9,22,884 votes. superiority of examiners because they are all like in three days. Kalam met the deadline. parents, with love as instrument', to give it up Dr. Kalam and there to help you to realise Impressed, the Dean told him that he was and can act as catalysts for corruption free India. flow down from its glaciers that are the lifeline of the His opponent Capt (INA) Lakshmi Sehgal of CPM got 1,07,366 votes. He was President from your dreams by selecting and giv- intentionally putting him under In 2011, a Hindi film was made on him, 'I am people of the Indian sub-continent. We in the State 25 July 2002 to 25 July 2007. ing you a chance. Just give stress to see his potential. Kalam' showing how Dr. Kalam influences a of Jammu and Kashmir are among most fortunate After serving a term of five years, he returned them an opportunity of Kalam wanted to be a poor but brilliant Rajasthani boy named Chhotu to teaching, writing and social service. He interviewing you. When 'Fighter Pilot' but narrow- and becomes his idol. Chhotu renames himself people in the country to be in possession of peren- received several prestigious awards, including I asked Gen Reddy the ly missed achieving his 'Kalam' in honour of his idolatry hero. nial waters of five rivers flowing through our territo- India's highest civilian honour, the BHARAT purpose of meeting, dream. He took the In his book India 2020, Dr. Kalam strongly he said, "I request- failure seriously but ry and supplying us with water for drinking and irri- RATNA. His extraodrinary success is an amaz- advocated a five point action plan to develop ing story of an ordinary Indian. ed him for job for motivated by teach- India into a knowledge superpower and devel- gation purposes. I am deeply pained, like others, because I too my ex boss to ers, he joined oped nation which included agriculture, food which he instan- DRDO where he In the Jammu region, we have the Chenab and was one of the lucky ones who met him for a short processing, education, healthcare, information & while in Delhi. In February 2001, I was accom- taneously served as Scientist Ravi rivers flowing through the territory of our state. agreed" Enquir- and Scientist communication technology, quality electric panying Lt Gen ARK Reddy, Chief of Staff, power, surface transport, infrastructure and self- Besides we have smaller rivers as well of which Northern Command to Army HQs when General ing how he Administrator. On knew him so one's dreams, Dr. reliance in critical technologies. Tawi is the largest skirting the hillock on which met him. Asking me to wait in PA's office, Gen- Kalam set a target of interacting with million eral went to his office. After sometime Gen Red- well, General Kalam would tell Jammu city is perched? Two major canals of told me that his the students, students which he far exceeded as President. He dy called me and I saw him walking with Dr. felt comfortable in the company of young peo- Jammu, the first Ranbir Canal is drawing water from Kalam in the corridor. I followed them stealthily. brother, 'Scientist "Dream is not the F' and Dr. Kalam one you see while ple, particularly high school students. "I intend the Chenab and second Tawi Canal draws water When they turned back I saluted. Dr. Kalam to share with them my experiences, helping them inquisitively looked at me as if I was looking for had been together in sleeping. Dream is from Tawi River. Both of these canals are vital for ISRO and DRDO. what does not let you to ignite their imagination and preparing them to something. Gen Reddy told him that I was his work for a developed India", he would say. Stu- irrigation purposes because large agricultural activ- Staff Officer and accompanying him. "Where Till then I only knew sleep". He later joined him as Pokhran hero, Indian Space and Research dents would ask him questions like class teacher ity in Jammu depends on the water resource of were you, why didn't you come in". While I was which he used to answer likewise. He would tell short of words, General came to my rescue say- great scientist, a missile man Organisation (ISRO) where he these two canals. In fact, these are the lifeline of and Bharat Ratna. I could not was intimately involved in India's them, "If you want to shine like sun, burn like ing, "since it was a short courtesy call I left him sun". None else could be more inspiring for Jammu agricultural activities and thousands of fam- with the PA". Seeing BIHAR on my shoulders, imagine he was so helpful, inspiring, civilian space program and 'military mis- humble, respectful and accessible. No wonder sile development'. He thus came to be known as youths. Hence students' loss is irreparable. Let ilies depend on the water from thee canals to irri- he asked, which part of Bihar? I told him that I us resolve to work tirelessly to make India a was from J&K. Gen Reddy told him that I was in such a great man had to be the President of India the 'Missile Man of India' for his work in the gate their farms. as 'People's President'. development of ballistic missile and launch vehi- developed nation (his dream) by 2020. That BIHAR Regt from North like him from South. He would be the most befitting tribute to him. Since It is sad to say that despite a clear understanding softly said okay, okay, repeatedly. He asked me Dr. Kalam was born in Rameshwaram to a cle technology. poor Tamil Family. His father's name was Jain- Dr. Kalam served as Chief Scientific Advisor he had desired no holiday on his death and want- that the law of the land prohibits polluting the water how the J&K was? I told him that it was getting ed us to work extra on that day instead, inspired better. While taking leave, he told me to come to ulabudeen, a boat repairer and his mother to the Prime Minister and Secretary of DRDO body, there is large-scale pollution of both of these Ashiamma was a housewife. Since he came from from July 1992 to December 1999. The Pokhran me to write this tribute to the greatest son of the his office next time when in Delhi. These few soil the same day. "we can shape our lives canals a little by the nature but mostly by human moments and words left a lasting impression in a poor background, he started working at an ear- II Nuclear tests were conducted during this peri- ly age to supplement his father's income. After od in which he played an intensive political and through will, persistence, ability and sheer beings. About nature, a number of nullahs flow into my mind. His humility and goodness impressed courage, but not given the right to choose how me immensely. Firstly, on seeing me, when he completing school, Kalam distributed newspa- technological role. Media coverage of Dr. Kalam the Tawi in natural course. However, as the citizens pers. He remained an average student during during this period made him the country's best and when we die", says Prime Minister Modi. I said something, I thought he felt that I was look- think Dr. Kalam was given the choice and he divert all the sewage and garbage into these nul- ing for someone and wanted to help and guide me. school days but was hardworking. He was very known nuclear scientist. He regarded his work inquisitive with a strong desire to learn and spend on India's Nuclear Weapons Programme as a way chose to say goodbye on his feet, in a classroom, lahs which ultimately carry it to the Tawi. This is how Later with little interaction, my self esteem and infront of his students. Amazing! the waters of Tawi are polluted. This pollution is ulti- Avanti Kaul tle at our minuscule worries - mately transferred to the farms for which the pollut- songs in which we talk about ed water is used for irrigation purpose. Imagine the fter a very long time, Bengashi's chowk, Bengashi's weekend was spent Smile a while Hindi conversations in colloqui- damage it does to the crops and animals that drink Awatching television. al Kashmiri, matador's which candid style of delivering wise lying unconscious on the floor, so happy family, we tried to make guage. And this is also our secret the water and some people use it for washing and Often on most weekends it is keep shuttling between Muthi- jokes and anecdotes still will put he tried to move her with the bar- every moment light and high- language." about grocery shopping, music, Bohri-Bantalab, Bengashi's con- bathing purposes. us in splits. Making someone rel of his gun and his boots. But spirited. Without blemishing the I frowned for a minute at my sports and dances classes or a versation with the gardener in laugh is either an inherent abili- my granny did not move and pre- dignity of our community, we friends…excuse me, when did However, we do not speak about the irresponsi- birthday invite; but this time it Hindi with a slang of Kashmiri ty or it is an ability one creates on tended as is she had died in the have made every moment in our we become Russians? Whereas ble behaviour of the people only who have no was spent watching comedy or the prolonged "ed" sound we purpose to live happy and kill the firing. She held on to her breath daily lives, worthy of the fun- the ninth grader behind me movies and stand-up comedy end most of the past tense words qualms of conscience in polluting the waters. We sadness from life. This ponder- (a stage actress par excellence). loving comedy soap. grinned and said, "Yes. No won- programs. In the language of of English language. I take ing lead to the next conclusion After ten minutes of theatricals, Even in earlier days in the der. You look like one too." Me are equally surprised that the Government authori- social media, I was ROFL and immense pride in being a Kash- very quickly and reminded me of she eavesdropped him talking in state of Jammu and Kashmir, the and my friend exchanged smiles, ties like Urban Environment Engineering LOL after every scene, punch or miri and love the way we find joy my maternal grandmother who urdu to his fellow looter - this Kings would encourage the pres- patting ourselves for our smart a dialogue. in every little conversation which Department (UEED) are complacent about it and narrated an episode of her life. lady is dead, we can't take her, ence of a humorist for exchang- way of dealing with the cantan- Humour indeed is the best is bundled with love. She narrated this incident let's go. ing some light moments in his kerous school senior. Well, that fail to perform their duty of checking pollution and medicine. Doctors while pre- These high spirited souls in from October of 1947, when trib- Even in a near-death situa- court. At tea-shacks on major was also our way of coping with bringing the defaulters to a court of law to punish scribing medicines to the ailing our community are across age. A patient should also advise certain als from North West Frontier tion, she could spin out a life sav- national highways like the Silk the mid-year admission into them for their non-civic activities. We have to Province of Pakistan had forayed ing wit. Later her cousins joked Route, a place was always schools after migration; where friend of mine called over her minutes of laughter. And hospi- friend to her place for dinner and tals should have a laughter ther- a surprise attack on the bordering to her and asked why she didn't reserved for a funny-man to no one liked us and where it was remember that we have Jammu and Kashmir Water as the case would be, her grand- apist on their panel of heelers. villages of Kashmir. She must go with the Pathan. Her jocular shares jokes with the customers. man-eat-man competition for Resources (Regulation and Management) Act for mother insisted on serving a This may look high on aspira- have been a teenager living in a self was at its best again and she Who can forget the ever thirsty sports, studies and extra-curricu- fourth helping to the guest with initiating punitive action in order to check pollution tions but given that the people big joint family and a dozen sib- replied, "What Pathan? He could King Aahid Raaz, of the televised lar. A light moment can some- who make us laugh are increas- lings in their splendid house in not even make out between gold drama on Doordarshan? times cool the heat of the steam. a life threat - I will die if you don't of these water bodies. However, authorities have eat this piece of mutton. The never taken recourse to the provisions of the Act ing; finding and recruiting them Baramulla. The tribals entered and the easily available brass. On the first day of joining a Probably, we can be the best should not be a difficult job - her village too with the purpose How would he know my real new school in Delhi, just after references to make the students guest ran away thinking the host- and initiated action against those who pollute the looking for a real Munna Bhai of looting, plundering, raping worth?" migration, I accidently bumped of Sociology understand the ess might really do something of water and endanger the crops and cattle. About half MBBS. and maiming innocent villagers. Guess that has been the spir- into my Kashmiri friend during "Survival of the Fittest", phase that sort. Upon being asked by its of all Kashmiri Pandits. We the morning assembly. Unmind- which was coined by Mr Herbert the granddaughter, the grand- a dozen major nullahs carrying garbage and While I spent time laughing, Very soon they were in the com- I also spent time thinking about pound of my granny and started laugh out our worries, struggles ful of our environment, we start- Spencer, a leading Sociologist. mother explained - I am fifth sewage from the residential areas have been the art of laughter. Making some- firing guns and hitting people and ensure that our smile is infec- ed chatting in Kashmiri. We We are surviving because we pass, I know the meaning of what allowed to enter directly Ranbir Canal in Muthi area. one laugh is not an easy job. The with the butt of their guns. My tious. History has been a witness almost immediately felt want to. In this attempt to fit in I said, just that I did not want you granny also received one such to the many upheavals that we unleashed and our decibels our new environs, we have been to marry that Punjabi boy. The Similarly, nine major drains carrying garbage and Mughal ruler, Akbar could not do without the wit and humour of blow and fell down on the had to face as the bona-fides of increased. Soon a ninth grader successful in making our lives granddaughter was once again sewage from the houses in vast area of Trikuta Birbal in his court. Charlie Chap- ground. One of the tribals dis- the valley. Prior generations as tapped my shoulder and asked more optimistic, happy-go-lucky ROFL. (BTW everyone other Nagar Extension and adjoining localities are lin became an iconic comedy mounted and got closer to her well as the recent ones had to flee with bewilderment, "So, what and up-beat. than a Kashmiri is Punjabi for us, actor and a film-maker, irrespec- with the intent of taking her along and re-invent themselves for liv- language are you talking in?" My What else would explain the even if they are Tamil's, Kanna- allowed to enter Tawi Canal, which flows from out- tive of hardships and poverty. to Pakistan. He saw that the ing a respectful life in the plains. lost-n-found friend jumped in to innumerable songs we sing and da's or Gujarati's). Keep the mil- side the Railway Station Jammu. When Engineering Philosopher Mulla Nasruddin's young beautiful damsel was And to maintain the sanctity of a answer, "Oh! This is Russian lan- dance on for merriment and chor- lion dollar smile on. authorities are contacted, they admit that there is pollution but on the question of diverting the nullahs and drains away from the canals is concerned all "Separatists in Kashmir are divided on everything that they say is that they have the draft plan but it cannot be executed owing to paucity of funds. We are surprised to know this pretext. What has fund- but united in destroying Jammu and Kashmir" ing got to do with enforcing the clauses of the Act according to which polluting the water bodies is a In an exclusive interview with K N Pandita But in a chance killing of a civilian by the secu- ic countries are against them and waging war ing. Daily Excelsior Special Correspondent rity forces, all these separatists combine to against them. UN has also condemned it. And lo Q How do you see the rehabilitation of Kash- cognizable crime. Why do not authorities initiate Hashim Qureshi, the Chairman of Jammu & protest and demand inquiry. How can one say and behold, here some people working on the miri Pandits and do you believe they have a say action against the defaulters? The authorities Kashmir Democratic Liberation Party reflect- they are not united? behest of their handlers are waving the flag of in the preservation of Kashmiriyat in the Valley should allocate funds and initiate steps so that the ed on various aspects of Kashmir politics, past HQ: Separatists in Kashmir are divided on Daesh. What message are they giving to the world as well? and present. He has been in close touch with everything but united in destroying the interests of about the freedom movement of Kashmiris? Ans: Without Kashmiri Pandits, we the Kash- work of diversion of nullahs and drains goes on as Kashmir politics since his return from Holland the people of Jammu and Kashmir. If they were Pro-Pakistan activists are now seen waving the miri's are incomplete. They have made glorious a regular feature. The people have right to pure and in 2000, and since a long time has been writ- united, they would reject the gun, call for strikes, flag of Daesh alongside the Pakistani flag in parts contribution in bringing education to the masses of un- polluted water. Their right is further fortified by ing forcefully on Kashmir situation. Following calls for election boycott etc. meaning everything of Kashmir. What impression will the world get people in Kashmir. My teachers were Kashmiri is the summarised interview he gave to our that destroys the economy of Kashmir. Those who about Pakistani society when Daesh flag is waved Pandits. In 1994, I published an article titled 'The the Act to which reference has been made. correspondent at his residence in Nishat in receive hefty cash doles from foreign benefactors along with Pakistani flag? I can say that doing such Tragedy of Kashmiri Pandits'. That was the peak of Srinagar. have to keep the pot boiling. They must do some- things is in fact a conspiracy against Pakistan itself. militancy. I rejected the assertion that Kashmiri Q: You are the founder of Kashmir Libera- thing to disrupt normal life here. These groups are Q : It is also believed that separatists do not Pandits left their homes on the behest of the then Smart City Mission tion Front whose mission is liberation of entire completely united in filling their begging bowls want an actual stabilisation of Kashmir because Governor Mr. Jagmohan. Two years ago, I pub- oon after Narendra Modi assumed the reins Jammu and Kashmir from three neighbouring with charity doles and then undertake adventures it serves their private financial purpose and also lished another article in Greater Kashmir (12 March of power, it was given out by the media and countries. You have been a strong advocate of in which they kill each other or destroy Kashmir. the conflict has given them an identity which 20121) under the title 'Towards Communal Harmo- non-violence as is reflected from your sustained Hence they adopt varying methods to tell their they might not have in the absence of it. How do ny. Both are on my blog (www.hashimqureshi- Ssome responsible members at the power writings. But JKLF started its mission in Kash- benefactors that they commit no fault in carrying you see that? jkdlp.blogsport.in). It gives a formula for their hierarchy that Modi was interested in creating one mir in late 1989 by brandishing the gun. Is it not out their agenda like raising meaningless slogans, Separatists are active on the behest of an entity return and rehabilitation on just, viable and human- hundred smart cities in the country. This rumour contradiction in the word and deed of JKLF? throwing stones, damaging public property and that has occupied part of Kashmir territory. The two itarian basis keeping communal harmony in the HM: I founded JKLF when I was in ''Azad calling for strikes. One who tells the truth is labelled occupying countries are engaged in a proxy war in front. created expectations among many states and peo- Kashmir. After Maqbul Bhat's martyrdom we con- as Indian agent. This is the stick with which they Kashmir. Both have hired agents in Kashmir. Obvi- However, let me say that Pandits, when back in ple that the scheme, if it goes through, might take sidered only civil disobedience not gun as the are quick to punish their opponents. What is their ously the hired agents have no qualms of conscience the valley, cannot be comfortable in isolated town- their cities into account. J&K was also mentioned instrument for freedom. Pakistani intelligence plan for "azaadi" or "accession to Pakistan"? Will and that is the reason why they are the most cor- ships. There will be many problems like security, authorities contacted me in Rawalpindi in 1985. such activates as they are indulging in going to get rupt politicians one can imagine. They have no by media as one of the likely beneficiaries of the socialization, inter-community interaction, and They proposed luring Kashmiri youth to Pakistani them anything? The entire Kashmir an society is a cause and no commitment. It is true that through above all restoration of mutual confidence. Sepa- scheme. training camps set up in "AJK". Its detail will appear captive of fear and suspicion. their clandestine role, they have found their identi- rate townships will be a temptation for the militants. There are reports that the State Government in my biography now under compilation. After a Q: How do you see the current situation in ty. Otherwise they are nondescript persons. Pak- week's training, they would be sent back to Kash- J&K? istan TV linked to vast network profiles them in Life lived under fear psychosis is no life. Separate may not bid for any of the first twenty smart cities. mir to indulge in subversion. I rejected ISI's pro- A: This government has no regular policy so larger than life size. How many of them are on the township means keeping them in prisons. That is No specific reason has been given why the State posal saying that I stood for independence of not to say. It runs on just day to day business. Resources payroll of ISI is anybody's guess? Therefore why foolishness. Brisk interaction is needed to remove will not bid for the first 20 smart cities. only Indian but also Pakistani controlled part of are used in wrong way and peoples' problems are should not Pakistan media give them wide public- clouds of hatred. Q What do you think is a permanent solu- However, not to be left out altogether, the State our State. Moreover, I said, I would not be a party left unresolved. What policy can a party hammer ity? to any proposal that entails killing and destruction out when it enters into deals with separatist in elec- What is the vision forJammu region as a part tion to resolving Kashmir? Government has constituted an 18-member com- of Kashmiri youth. When elections to State Assem- tions? Who does not know that Mufti and his par- of independent Kashmir? Ans: There would not be Kashmir question if mittee of senior bureaucrats and experts to prepare bly in 1986-87 were rigged and MUF candidates ty were overtly supported by the Jamaati-i-Islami We nationalists in both parts of the State believe India or Pakistan had captured entire territory of and approve online publishing of the 'Smart City beaten and abused, NC provided grist to militant and Hizbul Mujahideen? Why does not Mehbooba that Maharaja Gulab Singh is the father of the State original J&K State in 1947. Responsibility lies with machinery. ISI, having hooked Amanullah Khan in Mufti join the condolence parties of killed activists extending from Lakhanpur to Damchok in Ladakh. India, Pakistan and the world leadership. This is no Strategy' of the State and provide guidance/State the meanwhile, succeeded in pushing its subversive and shed tears at the funeral of militants now? Did We are for empowering the regions and sub-regions unipolar world today. One cannot close eyes to Pak- level platform for exchange of ideas pertaining to mission in Kashmir through the Amanullah Khan not the National Conference seek the support of in a manner that they are themselves handling istan playing a role in Kashmir. India will not give the 'Smart City Mission', The Government hasn't set faction of JKLF. Motivation for Kashmiri youth to separatists? All this is known to the government income and expenditure and planning and invest- and Pakistan cannot take. Thus Kashmir remains a cross the border and join the training camps was a agencies and New Delhi. These people get impor- ment. We even want that power should descend flashpoint in the sub-continent. Let all stakehold- any deadline for the Committee to submit its recom- mixture of resentment against monopolization of tance and publicity by indulging in stone throwing down on local bodies. This is our interpretation of mendations. ers sit round a table and focus on making Kashmir power by the NC-Congress regime, patronage by and waving Pakistani flags. And sadly India suc- devolution of power in J&K State. I may tell you a neutral zone like Switzerland. India, Pakistan and It cannot be said that no city in J&K qualifies for ISI and whipping up of religious sentiments by cumbs to those who perpetrate violence. Who are that in European countries even as important a doc- China, the three claimants to the territory must Jamaat-i-Islami propaganda machine. Large scale these people who are waving the flags of murder- ument as passport is issued by the local body in the under the aegis of the UN guarantee neutrality of Smart City nor is it true that at least the two capital proliferation of Kalashnikov in Kashmir was the ers and cannibals calling themselves Islamists of area where application is made. This is evidently cities do not qualify for Smart City. We do under- new and ominous scenario. Soon ISI betrayed the Caliphate? Mr. Cameroon, Prime Minister of the basis of secular democracy. In that sense Jam- Jammu and Kashmir. This conflict has taken the entire region a hostage to many negative develop- stand the financial constraints but nevertheless the JKLF and launched fundamentalist groups to give United Kingdom is right in saying that these groups mu region and its sub regions will enjoy full meas- the struggle religious colour. should not be called Islamic. Wherefrom has this ure of autonomy. No region or sub-region will have ments including wars, conspiracies and economic cities have to improve in a manner that these pro- Q: You usually caution separatists and pro- so-called Islamic State come? The holy prophet for- any complaint of discrimination because the very disabilities. Any time India, Pakistan can go to war, vide more and more facilities to the citizens. We Pak groups against disunity. However, when gave the killers of his uncle Hamza. Daesh cuts cause of discrimination will be eliminated. Devel- because of Mumbai, Gurdaspur like attacks and in hope the Committee will find a way out of how our militants conduct an attack on police post or throats of innocent people. Entire world especially opment of all the regions will be ensured on the the war no country is win the war. People of both communication towers or on civilians, the sepa- the Islamic world is against them; Egypt, Jordan, basis of secular democracy. This is the conviction countries can meet with distraction and we could State can become a beneficiary of this big scheme. ratists and pro-Pak groups remain tight lipped. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE and many other Islam- of JK Democratic Liberation Party that I am head- go back in 10th Century.