Priti Patel – a Rising Star of British Politics?

Vol: 28 | No. 5 | May 2020| R20

www.opinionexpress.in A MONTHLY NEWS MAGAZINE

Cover Story CORONA CARNAGE A pandemic of unimaginable proportion has wreaked havoc which has few parallels Thank You BIPL %DODML,QIUD3URMHFWV/LPLWHG www.balaji.co.in www.dighiport.in editorial

RNI UPENG01809 Volume 28, No 5 Covid 19: Internal EDITOR Prashant Tewari Associate Editor Dr Rahul Misra threats and external Political Editor Prakhar Misra BUREAU CHIEF opportunities Anshuman Dogra (DELHI), Diwakar Shetty (MUMBAI), Sidhartha Sharma (KOLKATA), ablighi Jamaat and its leader Maulana Saad with his global masters had se- Lakshmi Devi (BANGALORE ) DIvyash Bajpai rious issues with CAA, NRC, Triple Talaq, Babri Masjid court verdict etc in (USA), KAPIL DUDAKIA (UNITED KINGDOM) Rajiv Agnihotri (MAURITIUS), Romil Raj TIndia and they unleashed frustration during the national crisis of COVID Bhagat (DUBAI), Herman Silochan (CANADA), 19. The community is still hanging on to the political mat- Dr Shiv Kumar (AUS/NZ), Nithya Ramesh ters with a focus on discrediting Narendra Modi government (Fashion & Entertainment ) at any cost while the entire nation is combating the national Principle Correspondent health emergency. The country must take the threat of the Shakila Makandar Tablighis as an eye opener for future planning that must in- Content partner The Pioneer clude the complete ban on Tablighi Jaamat in India, seizers of Pratham Pravakta entire assets base of Tablighi Jamaat, identify ancillary units Legal Advisors of Tablighi Jamaat so that they can be stopped in operating Vishnu Sharma Adv under different names, punish the traitors of COVID 19, im- Vijai Krishna Adv mediately amend Article 25(1) so that the money and preach- Advertisement / Marketing Director ers from outside the country can be restricted in Diwakar Shetty Gopal Chopra their operations ( it is a national security threat ), Administrative Director set up expert committee to re-examine provisions Amit Pandey under Article 25-30 in the Indian constitution and On economic Bal Mukund Gaur give additional power to the police in IPC & CRPC front, we have Corporate Communication / PR to identity and book the anti national culprits. It is Sanjay Mendiratta a battle royal M M Upadhaya important that Deoband, Barelvi, Salafi ideologies managing the network of mosque in India must be Graphics & Design ahead of us to Writeword Commuications (Studio 8) brought under government supervision and con- Photographer trol as the temples of India are supervised under capitalise on the Ratan Shukla Religious endowment Act 1873. flight of firms from Overseas Marketing On economic front, we have a battle royal OEMCL Ltd (Mauritius), OEHCL ltd (DUBAI) ahead of us to capitalise on the flight of firms from China. Despite Advertisement / Circulation: China. Despite the doom and gloom scenario in the Delhi / NCR - Hemant Sharma: D 239 the doom and Defence Colony New Delhi 110024 INDIA country right now due to the lockdown, the fact re- Tel – 011 49060350 mains that the current Corona crisis has provided gloom scenario in Mumbai - Vijay Kalantri – Advisor: New an opportunity, too, for India. But for the country ExcelsIor BUILDING, 6tH Floor, A.K. NAYAK to take advantage of this spell, it would require the country right MARG, Fort, MUMBAI - 400001 (INDIA). major initiatives and that too, at a fast pace. Covid- Phone: 91 - 22 - 22019265 / 22019160 now due to the FAX : 91-22- 22019764 / 22019760 19 has provided the much-needed elbow room to The magazine is published and printed by Rajiv the political leadership to push for transforma- lockdown Agnihotri for Opinion Express Communications tion, more particularly land and labour reforms. & Entertainments Pvt Ltd, from Kumpu Graphic If a Communist China can serve the economic Press 2 Ashok Nagar, Lucknow & printed at Kumpu Graphic Press 2 Ashok Nagar, Lucknow – 226001 interests of the capitalist West, then India is even Tele : 91-522-4060880 & better positioned to do that. The world order is expected to change and diplomacy Nikhil Offset An ISO 9001 : 2008 Certified Company will play a key role in establishing India as an alternative, low-cost manufactur- 223, DSIDC Complex, Okhla Industrial Area Phase ing destination. For this to happen, first and foremost, Indian manufacturers must - I, New Delhi - 110020 Tele : 91-26812316, 26810097, 26810458, FAX:91 45792362 E-Mail : start thinking globally. In 2017, Deloitte research identified five countries, which [email protected], [email protected] it dubbed the MITI-V (Malaysia, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam) as an Registered Office: OPINION EXPRESS HOUSE alternative to China in which India was positioned at top. We have our advantage 24-A Clyde Road, Lucknow-226001 (India) Phone: 91-522-4060880 Fax: 91-522-2208242 in terms of a young population, cheap labour, domestic consumer market, rising # 24x7 mobility +91 9984437000 income levels and so on, but this will remain in theory only till the time policy email: [email protected] interventions grab the eyeballs of investors. Time holds a great value here and the All disputes are subject to be under jurisdiction of government must take immediate pro-active measures to avail once in a lifetime courts in Delhi. All content published may be subject to copyright, opportunity to make INDIA GREAT AGAIN. seek written permission to re-produce. Opinion Express is trade mark brand of Opinion Express —Prashant Tewari, E d i t o r - i n - C h i e f Communications & Entertainment Private Limited. Opinion Express May 2020 3 A Monthly News Magazine May 2020 Cover Story CORONA: LIKELY POLITICAL FALLOUT

P 5-15 Do they deserve 16 leniency? 49 Dragon Regional films are Engulfing the catalyst to unite 18 Nepal after India Tibet Mobile Governance 30 – way forward 38 Bofors scandal: A start of four pillar collapse in India

4 May 2020 Opinion Express Cover story CORONA: LIKELY POLITICAL FALLOUT GOVT FALLS..? NATIONAL EMERGENCY?

Sounds hilarious to me too..!!

By Promod Jain

Opinion Express May 2020 5 In recent times we have been ham- mered with the popular quote “Extraor- TEN COMMANDMENTS: 2020 dinary situation demands extraordinary measures” but this quote is half the 1. Corona is here to stay truth, the full truth is, that extra ordi- 2. Lockdown will be kind of “new” normal way of life. nary measures leads to extra ordinary consequences. 3. Blue collar work force will now be scarce and at premium Lockdown, was the most important and there may be situations where new theme would be extraordinary measure the Govt. could have taken. Lockdown was certainly not localisation than globalisation. imposed to flatten the curve but tacti- 4. White collar work force may be at, steep discount, creating cally intended to delay the curve, to gain time, to enable the Govt. for prepa- a divide among salary class. ration of such impending disaster. Thali 5. Casualty percentage of COVID, to remain in the region of and tali was tactically aimed to christen health workers as warriors with nation- 4 to 5% alist spirits and passion. This strategy 6. Govt. would expect banks to cooperate and help almost worth a salutation. A great psychological move . Govt. needed health “war- all sectors whereas RBI and investors would expect banks to riors” to work on infrastructure it devel- have necessary compliances and even heightened disclosures. oped. Anti India forces could recognize Once a complimentary measure will have contradictory this Govt. move and first attacked those consequences. warriors to flatten the morale. 7. Big will become bigger. Big fish will be gobble up the ailing Govt. has done, so far, a fabulous fish. It would not be sectors but only “bankable” and equity and commendable job with the support market friendly group, would flourish from health workers and police department across the India to an extent most 8. In 2021, it would be almost impossible to justify and of the citizen believed that convince people at large of the various action Govt. has taken “Politicians work too and to tackle the crisis. Present problem and in retrospect, would Police are honest too.” appear too miniscule, vis a vis various action Govt. has taken Now coming to the Consequences or not taken. Such will be perfect breeding ground of lot part, for any incumbent government, many convincing theories. Blame game would be at its best. in such situation, will definitely fail to satisfy the aspiration and expectation of 9. One can’t rule out vast population will see exodus towards the people. There will be a strong anti villages, including upper middle class of the society. incumbency wave backed by disparity in society, Big- Becomes- bigger, situation 10. It is impossible that under such pandemic, for any will run the risk of igniting into a civil incumbent Govt. to keep majority of the population happy unrest. Flame of dissatisfaction, already though, slowly simmering and brewing and satisfied. in the political pot and then at the right time a skillful trigger will this turn into a fully blown explosion. Social media will come handy for this “cause” to do the final act. Once Corona tamed, in retrospective situation, it would be impossible for the government to convince and convey the people the logic of lock down, when death percentage is merely 3-5% and even in absolute terms even if it is 1 lac casualty. Opposition would then ask if the lock down was worth for mere 1 lac casualty and lot many theories would come on play, in retrospect. Initial response to the lockdown of the Govt. was by and large, well received and accepted by General public and will continue to get the support for some time, may be even till 30th May. But thereafter how long, no one has answer and no one seems to have any clue. Goal post would keep changing and

6 May 2020 Opinion Express keep people confused, guessing and era III) Any explosion of number of of uncertainty sets in. cases will crumble, under pressure, We must accept that Corona is here In such situation, Govt. the two most vital pillars of the society to stay till we don’t get anti -dote or has two option either health workers and enforcement insti- vaccine which is still, at least, 9 months tutions such as Police. This is what the away to lift the lock down opposition parties waiting for. It is a In such situation, Govt. has two op- catch 22 situation. tion either to lift the lock down preced- preceded by formulation Now the other options Govt. has, is ed by formulation of strategy with the of strategy with the to continue the lock down for indefi- death percentage as acceptable devil nite period. Continuing the lockdown, and make this ratio as threshold refer- death percentage as is like riding the lion. If you get down ence to issue general health compliance acceptable devil and from. Lions back, lion will suck u but and regulation and open the lock down then how long u can ride on lion back. and or leave it on the respective state make this ratio as There are so many likely socio eco- government. threshold reference to nomic fall outs of continued lock down Lifting lockdown at this stage, situation, some of them are: may have its own fall out, even issue general health • Civil unrest though it may look economically • Civil disobedience (like Shaheen- responsible and attractive: compliance and Bagh) I) There will still be a situation of self regulation and open the • Run on banks imposed lock down, workers would still • Communal tension wary to return from the villages to the lock down and or leave • Breakdown of law and order cities and they would feel happy in their it on the respective state • Collapse of health infrastructure own shell back at home, even if they So what Govt. at present strength return workforce, for sure, will come government. and might may consider to impose na- at huge premium. Era of body shopper tional emergency and nationalise all may set in, in lines of IT industry. banks as it’s instant measure and reset II) Govt. would find itself in dif- the entire economy. ficult situation to politically convince now, when infected person is more than the masses of the logic of imposition of 40000 (a likely figure on 3rd may). A And why not, it is lockdown when infected person were Sitting duck opportunity for opposition Extraordinary time… not even 500 and lifting of lockdown parties. Extraordinary measures…

Opinion Express May 2020 7 Policy choices in the times of Corona This virus is an alien for which we were hardly prepared

Kunal Kumar sures are aligned with the needed long- focusing on pushing ahead on all cylin- term structural changes. The responses ders based on new emergent realities. he COVID- for every sector would have to be clas- In the short term, flattening the 19 crisis sified into short term (2–3 months) fo- curve of the epidemic below levels of is a bolt cused clearly on defeating the onslaught available capacity in terms of hospi- from the of the pandemic; medium-term (3 to 8 tal and ICU beds is a top priority, and blue.T There is no months) focused on socioeconomic re- mere lockdown won’t be enough to precedent of this vival; long term (8 months onwards) achieve that. Lockdown is not sustain- particular strain of the coronavirus, and hence, any projections of its impact can just be intelligent guesses. Predictive numbers need to be relied upon with great caution. One has to keep a very close watch on how the crisis unfolds and keep tinkering with different actions as facts regarding the virus trajectory, the effectiveness or otherwise of contain- ment efforts, and reactions of economic actors become clearer. The crisis would, as any crisis does, affect both the supply and demand sides of the economy and stress not only the financial markets but the socio-economic fabric of society. The country has been put under a nation-wide lockdown from the mid- night of 25th March 2020. While social distancing is necessary to prevent the rapid spread of the epidemic, there is a huge economic cost that it entails. There is no denying the fact that the choice seemed to be between GDP and lives. However, sooner than later, questions regarding rising unemployment, shutting down of businesses, increasing non-performing assets, supply chain disruptions, reduced investments, and contracting demand would become serious challenges. The sooner we re- frame the choice from being between GDP and lives to being between lives and lives, the better we would be able to manage the crisis. While this may seem to be the right time to undertake structural reforms that may help build longterm resil- ience to such crises in the future, our prime concern has to the revival of the economy in the present. To the extent possible, we should only focus on the short-term for the moment while trying to ensure that these short-term mea-

8 May 2020 Opinion Express able beyond a point as people will start to decide between a thin chance of dy- In the short term, flattening the curve of the ing from the virus and an almost certain chance of starving to death. The smart- epidemic below levels of available capacity in terms est ways of leveraging the lockdown lie of hospital and ICU beds is a top priority, and in the world of data. If a rapid testing methodology (NAT or equivalent) can mere lockdown won’t be enough to achieve that. be deployed at a large scale that enables quick Lockdown is not sustainable beyond a point as tests, then a sampling methodology can people will start to decide between a thin chance of ensure that the working population can be screened as per need. And, if needed, dying from the virus and an almost certain chance quarantined and then treated so as to of starving to death. allow them to get back to work as quickly as possible. The tests should not only be free but also be freely available. Fiscal deficit goals could be shelved providing relief to individuals and firms The country will have to be very cre- for at least the next six months. Fiscal most affected by the crisis and not on ative with the generation of resources. action needs to be directly focused on public spending on the creation of eco-

Opinion Express May 2020 9 agriculture is landless, no amount of support services can provide the foundation for sustainable upliftment from a state of perennial crisis. There is a need for actual redistribution of land between the haves and the have-nots. The political economy has to bite this bullet before it is too late. Government’s aspirations towards becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy are laudable. There are many priorities, programs, and policies currently. In the absence of harmonization amongst them, different actors in the economic system work towards different goal- posts in a fragmented and inefficient manner, sub-optimally addressing the national imperative. The importance of decentralization in solving problems in an agile manner cannot be exaggerated. Economic growth has to be a key objective of local governments. An integrated Ministry for Economic Growth, both at the Centre and State levels could be ex- amined to support local efforts and to nomic assets like highways and sewage bring convergence between the func- systems. The actions would include, in- tions of industrial policy, urbanization, ter alia, ways of ensuring people remain Revving up the economic regional development, and economic on payrolls or else are provided unem- growth through the ‘whole of Govern- ployment allowance etc. The crisis hit engine, in the long run, ment’ approach. manufacturing sector needs to be sup- would need more than The crisis has also brought the use ported through special loans, restruc- of technology into limelight. States and turing and rescheduling of loans, GST liquidity, doles and cities have set up war rooms, command breaks, tax incentives, altered insur- incentives. The country and control centres equipped with the ance premiums, especially in the case latest gadgets and applications for ef- of SMEs. After individuals and firms, can use this opportunity fective communication with citizens banks need to be supported. Govern- and stakeholders; gathering informa- ment can look at a law against layoffs to carry out structural tion from various sources; management during the crisis period. The role of the reforms of activities, essential supplies and RBI in this context will be crucial. lockdown; and predictive modelling for In the medium term, the focus has keeping up with needs of the future. The to be on rapid economic revival. The using resources as their hands are tied success of these efforts in the field of recently announced 1.7 lakh crores cri- with laws like the Fiscal Responsibility technology demonstrates its power and sis management package by the gov- and Budget Management Act, 2003. It should not end along with the crisis. ernment, which accounts for around is time that these restraints are relaxed Technology can play a tremendous role 1 percent of the GDP may need to be for the current financial year so that in increasing access to quality health scaled up to around 5-6 percent of GDP they can ramp up testing infrastructure, and education services to the masses. considering the magnitude of the crisis. health facilities, and buying of vaccines Even though they would be tremendous Within that package, resources would as per their need. gains, they would still account for only have to be found to support sectors Revving up the economic engine, in the tip of the iceberg, as the potential of most severely impacted by the crisis the long run, would need more than li- modern technology to transform gover- through incentives, moratoriums and quidity, doles and incentives. The coun- nance and citizen outcomes goes much easy availability of credit. try can use this opportunity to carry beyond these two important sectors. Also, investments into the expan- out structural reforms. A society with The country is facing the worst crisis sion of the healthcare system would unequal levels of ownership of capital in modern times and it would need to need to be continued with a significant and unequal access to basic services follow a structured approach to over- emphasis on the development/ sourcing like health and education would see an come it. Extraordinary times require of a vaccine to deal with the outbreak. exacerbation of such differences as it extraordinary solutions, and the state Collaboration with international agen- attempts to push frontiers of economic should step aside from the playbook to cies and being nestled in global efforts growth. Therefore, the first step should make them possible. in his direction would be immensely be toward land reforms. In a country Writer is Joint Secretary and important. States are playing the most where more than 70 per cent farmers Mission Director, Smart Cities critical role at the forefront of dealing have less than 2 hectares of land, and Mission, Ministry of Housing with the crisis, but face constraints in almost 40 per cent of the workforce in and Urban Affairs Govt. of India

10 May 2020 Opinion Express Maulana, Tablighi Jamaat and realpolitik of moderate Islam An incisive look at the birth and journey of Tablighi Jamaat which is largely being held responsible for spiking Covid numbers in India

Prashant Tewari

he Tablighi Jamaat (Society of Preachers) was founded by a Deobandi Islamic scholar Mu- hammad Ilyas al-Kandhlawi in Mewat, India, in 1926 with the Tobjective of establishing a group of dedicated preachers as a Muslim revivalist society, who could reclaim “true” Islam, which he felt was not being practiced by many Muslims. The slogan Al-Kandhlawi coined for his new organisation captured the essence of its activities — “O Muslims, become true Muslims”.By

Opinion Express May 2020 11 the mid-1930s, Tablighi Jamaat had a programme of belief, which included, beyond the five pillars of Islam and Is- lamic doctrinal tenets the following: Is- lamic education, modest Islamic dress and appearance, rejection of other re- ligions, high regard for Muslims ( yet allowed to operate in India since 1947 ), propagating Islam, self-financing of Tablighi trips, lawful means of earn- ing a living, and strict avoidance of divisive and sectarian issues. Tablighi Jamaat is often considered extremely orthodox in its interpretations, with the ability to convert Muslims into radical believers. The organisation grew fast in British India. In its annual conference held in November 1941, some 25,000 people attended. After Partition, it grew stronger in Pakistan and East Pakistan (lately Bangladesh). Now, Tablighi’s

The organisation grew fast in British India. In its annual conference held in November 1941, some 25,000 people attended. After Partition, it grew stronger in Pakistan and East Pakistan (lately Bangladesh)

largest national wing is in Bangladesh. The group has presence in 150 countries and millions of followers. Inciden- tally, it was our great Mahatma Gandhi who convinced Maulana Ilyas to stay back in India at the time of partition and India continues to pay a huge price for Mahatma’s sin. The Tablighi Jamaat members claim to be non-political but they tacitly support “secular” political parties in India to protect their interest after the partition of the country. They say the Prophet Mohammed has com- manded all Muslims to convey the message of Allah, and the Tablighis take this as their duty. They divide themselves into small Jamaats (societies) and travel frequently across the world to spread the message of Islam to Muslim houses. During this travel, they stay in local mosques. This free spread has enabled them to meet vulnerable deprived section of Hindu population in India and

12 May 2020 Opinion Express Opinion Express May 2020 13 backed up by the power of petro dollars associated with the Tablighi Jamaat. Tablighi Jamaat used “not merely to the & ISI dirty money machine including Mohammed Siddique Khan, leader of citizens of India” weapon extensively the vast network of Dawood Ibrahim the 7th July London Bombings in 2005, over the years under the nose of Indian and other anti-national entities, they was also a member of the Tablighi Jaa- state for the last 70 years by inviting have converted large section of popula- mat.https://worldview.stratfor.com/ many radical preachers and import of tion in the last 70 years with ease and article/tablighi-jamaat-indirect-line- petro dollars to facilitate the growth of without coercion with the tacit support terrorism Muslim population from less than 7% In of secular political outfits in India. 1947 to 14.5% in 2011 to likely 16.8% in The group’s modus operandi is de- Saad-The new Khalifa 2021 https://www.business-standard. ceptively peaceful, so much so that it Born on May 10, 1965, Maulana Mu- com/article/current-affairs/india-s- outsmarted even super cop Ajit Doval, hammad Saad is the Amir (chief) of the population-at-1-21-billion-hindus-79 now India’s National Security Adviser Tablighi Jamaat. He is the grandson of -8-muslims-14-2-115082600038_1. and a former intelligence boss, said Maulana Muhammad Ilyas, who found- html Furthermore, there are indeed in 2013--- “The movement was never ed Tablighi Jamaat*. Maulana Saad be- some links between Tablighis and the viewed adversely by the government.” came the chief of the Tablighi Jamaat on world of jihadism. First, there is evi- But the Tablighi Jamaat has been November 16, 2015. He was a member dence of indirect connections between banned in some Central Asian coun- of ‘Shura’ (central consultative council) the group and the wider radical/ex- tries such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and of Tablighi Jamaat from 1995 to 2015. tremist Deobandi nexus composed of Kazakhstan, whose governments see its He studied Maulviyat from the madrasa anti-Shiite sectarian groups, Kashmiri puritanical preachings as extremist. Kashif-ul-Uloom located in a part of militants and the Taliban. As per intel- Markaz. Former head of the Tablighi ligence reports, Rohingyas residing in Radicalism and Role in Acts Jamaat Inamul Hasan Kandhlawi had camps in different parts of the country, of Terror formed 10-member committee before have a direct link with Tablighi Jamaat Some TJ followers have worked his death in 1995 to look after the Ta- and they took part in a religious con- as allies of Jihadi and sectarian orga- blighi Jamaat affairs and this commit- gregation at the Nizamuddin Markaz. nizations. However, once they joined tee (commonly shura) was in place until There are around 40,000 Rohingyas liv- the militant organizations, they cut off 2015. Most of the scholars in this group ing in different parts of the country and their links with the Tablighis. The terror passed away during these 20 years in- only 17,000 have registered as refugees groups have used the TJ congregations cluding Zubair ul Hassan Kandhlawi. with the UNHCR. The government has as recruitment camps. Tablighi Jamaat A meeting was held in Raiwind Markaz repeatedly insisted that the Rohingya has been a sympathizer and supporter of on 16 November 2015 to fill up the va- are illegal immigrants, even those reg- jihadi organizations such as the Harkat- cant spaces of the shura legislation and istered with the UN refugee agency, and ul-Mujahideen, the Harkat-ul-Jihad- a new shura consisting of 13 members would be deported. But Tablighi Jamaat al-Islami, the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish- including Muhammad Abdul Wahhab and its Muslim Ummah (brotherhood) e-Mohammad, Al Qaeda and Taliban. was formed. Kandhlawi did not agree slogan is playing a dangerous game by “As per WikiLeaks, some of the 9/11 with this shura and declared himself as offering means and ways to assist Ro- al-Qaeda suspects detained by the US the head of Tablighi Jamaat, Kandhlawi hingyas to secure ration cards, Aadhar in Guantanamo Bay had stayed in the leads the Nizamuddin Markaz faction cards, ID proof to facilitate permanent Tablighi Jamaat headquarters in Niza- of the Tablighi Jamaat. Some of the in- stay in India. muddin West, New Delhi, years ago”. temperate statements of Kandhlawi led Coronavirus pandemic 2019-2020 According to Pakistani security analysts the Deobandi scholars to issue fatwa Amid Coronavirus Lockdown, a and Indian investigators, Harkat-ul- against him. number of patients from Nizamuddin Mujahideen (HuM) members, involved Saad claims to have 100 crore fol- were tested and found to be positive for in the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight lowers in 214 countries; this includes coronavirus, which resulted in Kejriwal 814 in 1999, were members of Tablighi almost 3-4 crore converts in western Delhi Government reluctantly register- Jamaat. UP that his Jamaat has successfully tar- ing an FIR against Kandhlawi for ar- The 2011 U.S investigation reports geted in the last 70 years in connivance ranging a Tablighi Jamaat program de- suggest that Tablighi Jamaat had sup- with the so called secular political par- spite restriction of such gatherings after ported members of Al Qaeda to get ties of India in general and UP specifi- March 16 at the Nizamuddin Markaz. visa and funds to travel from Paki- cally. Tablighi Jamaat has changed the The Tablighi Jamaat congregation took stan. Moreover, there are many more religious landscape of UP, Bihar, West place between 13 and 15 March 2020. such cases from Kenya, Somalia and Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Telengana, Kerala They had sought help from authorities Pakistan. It leads us to the conclusion and Maharashtra extensively by target- for vacating the premises on March that Tablighi Jaamat is used as a con- ing vulnerable and marginalized section 25. On 31 March 2020, FIR was filed duit by Islamic terrorist organizations of Hindu population with the power of against Kandhlawi and others by Delhi to facilitate travels for their members. petro dollars aided by secular ruling Police Crime Branch under Section 3 The Tablighi Jamaat has become jihadi elites of India by creating vote bank for (the penalty for offence) of the Epidem- spotter as they exhort the Muslims to secular parties and in return, converting ic Diseases Act, 1897 and Sections 269 devote themselves to religionhttps:// millions of Hindus by exploiting weak- (Negligent act likely to spread infection idsa.in/strategicanalysis/TabligheJa- ness of Article 25(1) ( this article guar- of disease), 270 (malignant act likely to maatUndertheScannerofGermanIntel- antees to every person, and not merely spread infection of disease), 271 (dis- ligence_armukhopadhyay_0405 One to the citizens of India, the freedom of obedience to quarantine rule) and 120b of the attackers in the 2017 London conscience and the right freely to pro- (punishment of criminal conspiracy) of Bridge Attack, Youssef Zaghba, was fess, practice, and propagate religion). the IPC. Later the police have slapped

14 May 2020 Opinion Express 304 (Punishment for culpable homi- etc. Unfortunately, the community is onslaught of the ever increasing threat cide not amounting to murder): ED has still hanging on to the political matters of monotheistic cult. filed a PMLA case and IT department is with a focus on discrediting Narendra But there are few questions that the scanning the bank accounts and suspi- Modi government at any cost while the nation would be keen to know from the cious transactions of Tablighi Jaamat. entire nation is combating the national government of the day: (a) the role of Over 2,000 people, including foreign- health emergency. The country must Indian foreign mission issuing tourist ers with tourist visa and radical Indians take the threat of the Tablighis as an eye visas with impunity and without proper from across the country, participated opener for future planning that must in- verification of the person travelling to in the Tablighi Jamaat gathering in clude the complete ban on Tablighi Jaa- India (b) the role of bureau of immigra- Delhi’s Nizamuddin which violated mat in India, seizers of entire assets base tion staff at the international airport lockdown guidelines and exposed many of Tablighi Jamaat, identify ancillary for allowing seamless entry of mentally to COVID-19. Nizamuddin Markaz has units of Tablighi Jamaat so that they can and physically sick persons in India (c) been the international headquarters of be stopped in operating under different the role of IB desk dealing with Tablighi the Jamaat for nearly 100 years. As per names, punish the traitors of COVID Jaamat & other related similar organi- reports, over large number of attendee’s 19, immediately amend Article 25(1) zations operating in India with zero began showing symptoms of COVID- so that the money and preachers from restriction, here it is important to men- 19 after attending the congregation at outside the country can be restricted in tion that Narendra Modi government is Nizamuddin Markaz, acted with crimi- their operations ( it is a national security in its sixth year of existence (d) the role nal intent to spread the virus across the threat ), set up expert committee to re- of Delhi government that failed com- country. examine provisions under Article 25-30 prehensively in allowing the assembly in the Indian constitution and give addi- of over 3000 jokers at a single place Why Tablighi Jamaat An- tional power to the police in IPC & CRPC despite there was an international red tagonized their Defense? to identity and book the anti national alert (e) the role of Delhi police under Spitting and pelting stones have al- culprits. It is important that Deoband, MHA for sleeping over a month till the most become weapons of war for the Ta- Barelvi, Salafi ideologies managing the situation became out of control and the blighis. It makes one question as to what network of mosque in India must be country is paying a huge penalty for the can be the reason for this kind of deplor- brought under government supervision incompetence of irresponsible govern- able behavior? According to some news and control as the temples of India are ment agencies. reports, there have been protests against supervised under Religious endowment Writer is editor-in-chief, medical staff and resistance against go- Act 1873. India is the only place on the Opinion Express. He can be can ing to hospitals is not related to Covid- earth where Hindus can claim as their be contacted at 19. Some of the issues cited by them are own; it is the last chance for the Hindu [email protected] & CAA, NRC, Triple Talaq, Babri Masjid community to save themselves from the twitter # prashanttewari11

Opinion Express May 2020 15 Do they deserve leniency? The act of undoing by Tablighi Jamaat is too severe to be forgiven

K. Vikram Rao (Maharashtra CM’s home office) made Tablighi Jamaat by Balkeshav Thackeray, the corona vi- Why the Modi government is he Staunch secular, the profound rus has also been camping. The security trying to make the decision to be Ganga jamuni and the nationalist guards have been infected with this co- punished? How much sacrifice TCongress President, Saradacan- rona virus. and need? dra Gōvindarāva pawar, asked who al- After the Shaheen Bagh in Delhi, After all what this Tablighi Jamaat lowed the Tablighi Jamat (March 13-15, the jalsa of this illegal nine-Storey Niza- is? The literal meaning of Tablighi is the itjēmā) in the marquez of Nizamuddin muddin Marquez is the second rarest propaganda of Islam by prōpēgandā| West (Delhi)? Why she was not banned? gift of Kejriwal, his own vote, and this akīdatamandōm | ITS FOUNDER (6 April) means Pawar did not listen to corona virus of three states has been (Amir) Maulana Mohammad Ilyas Arvind Kejriwal’s name, then he would traveled. Millions of plagued in the na- Kandhālavī made it in 1927 in his rec- have asked his own chief minister Ud- tional land. Now it is a different thing ognition, the Muslim people became dhav bal Thackeray that the period of lockdown It will also corrupt by their path | bring them back Till now the Hindu heart emperor go ahead of Ambedkar Jayanti (14th to the Prophet’s path At that time the remains self. In the Matoshree building April). This is the religious character of Pakistan movement was also fast. Mo-

16 May 2020 Opinion Express hammad Ali Jinnah considered every Muslim as his pawn, though he was separated from the good Muslims, they did not offer regular prayers. The Mosque would have gone astray. But Islam was like a fevicol to add everyone. For | Ilyas made the organization to make the people a true Islam matāvalambī by being angry with Rashid Ahmed Gan- gohi. His self-Respect Maulana Saad made it broader. It was the president of Islamic Pakistani (1990) Muhammad Rafiq Tarar, the father of Nawaz Sharif Muhammad Sharif, the director general of Pakistan, General Javed Nasir (1993) etc. Pioneer is the Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi, Inzamam Haque and Hashim Amla (South Africa) are members of it. It has millions of members in Pakistan and Bangladesh who are the enemies of India Now return to India’s Tablighi Ja- in a Jain college, then they demanded to serve biryani. | to defecate in the open, Bring them back to the spitting everywhere. Infection done, hāthāpāyī etc were treated normal Prophet’s path At that time There were so many ruckuses in the Pakistan movement Alijan mosque near the butcher yard of Lucknow. These tablīgiyōm had to was also fast. Mohammad increase the severity of the police. They were adamant that they will remain Ali Jinnah considered in the mosque, because they will go every Muslim as his pawn, straight to the heaven, where the fair- ies meet, then a security guard. It is said though he was separated that your rich Maulana Saad is miss- from the good Muslims, ing; he himself is in the kvārēntīna. The situation is that Allah is watching and they did not offer regular justice. The only daughter of Maulana Saad has not been able to get married. prayers. The Mosque Many Islamic scholars in criticism would have gone astray. of these tablīgiyōm said that the wrong explanation of the hadith is done by But Islam was like a fevicol Maulana Saad. The very iconic Maulana to add everyone khalid firangi mahli of lucknow has ap- pealed to the temperance...... An amazing horrible thing about this Tablighi Jamaat is that many of his mat |. Hardly any magazine, TV chan- members are from the Islamic nations, nel or platform is untouched, where especially from Malaysia, Indonesia, these people’s anti-social actions or Myanmar (Rohingya) etc. They are also news of the badama’āśī are not in the connected to the terrorist organizations headlines |. For example, when they There is a puzzle that why did Modi ran away from Delhi, these were the government not strictness on this sus- ones who were There was a proper ar- picious organization according to their rangement to keep the corona to be in- well-being policy? Why is the generos- vestigated, but they all secretly reached ity of sēkyularapanē? This vote bank up to the up limit. There a man of Delhi of Nehru-Indira Congress is natural. police put pressure on up police and en- The Congress has been in friendship tered them into Noida. Later up police with these girls but why did the Hindu detained that Delhi police. His name party show a strong step by taking strict was mo. Rehman | in ghaziabad, these steps? Country needs answers | guys were kept in the hospital. There Writer is renowned journalist were people in front of the nurses for of repute in India. the investigation. They were made to be Email [email protected]

Opinion Express May 2020 17 Dragon Engulfing Nepal after Tibet

18 May 2020 Opinion Express Dr. Kunwar Pushpendra Pratap Singh this mayhem caused by China but certain political persons who are followers It’s time to expose he culture of Himalayas has of Islam and some Muslim preachers always operated, largely fol- are unaware of the shrewd diplomacy the Chineses design lowing the laws and prin- of the left wing ideologues of India. The ciples of nature and, from intelligent Muslim intellectuals of India in the neighbouring a historical viewpoint, if we should demand an independent probe Tstudy and analyze the socio-cultural sit- by a team of United Nations regarding Himalayan uation of India, China, Tibet, Nepal and the total number of Muslim causalities other neighbouring regions of Buddhist in China due to Corona virus and also kingdom era then it will be evident that it is the whether there was any deliberate at- culture of the Himalayan region which tempt to infect the Muslim population has been acknowledged as the Oriental residing in China. Further, the point of culture. The lack of mechanical form of investigation must also reveal where transport never became an impediment from time to time the Muslim people in the spread of the philosophical teach- affected by Coronavirus has been sent ings of Lord Buddha to various coun- or deported and the probe should also tries of Asia situated both near and far throw light on the difference in popula- from India. The philosophy of Buddha tion of Muslims in China before and af- was highly acknowledged in the coun- ter the breakout of coronavirus till date. tries like Japan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Af- The left wing ideologues in India do not ghanistan and Thailand and humanity wish that common people of this coun- was enriched with highest forms of hu- try ponder over this much considerable man values like non-violence (ahimsa), viewpoint. compassion, empathy, modesty and wisdom. It is this culture ingrained with such high values is what may be termed In independent as Right Wing ideology by the so called communists of today. These self pro- India, these so called claimed communists who not only re- communists have gard Mao as the greatest ideologue of modern times but also perceive Maoist created so much form of governance as the best form of welfare system of governance, also go social anarchy and on to perceive those who have faith and intolerance that even belief in the Aryan Culture of India as dogmatic, superstitious and reactionary. a peace loving nation In independent India, these so called like India is in danger communists have created so much social anarchy and intolerance that even a of internal conflicts peace loving nation like India is in danger of internal conflicts due to this horde due to this horde of left of left wing ideologues. They narrowly wing ideologues. They view that the problems would only aggravate in the Indian sub-continent by narrowly view that the the coronavirus invented by China. The problems would only followers of Mao (China) have been successful in engulfing Tibet and today the aggravate in the Indian nationalist citizens of Tibet are forced to sub-continent by the lead a life of displaced refugees. From the viewpoint of natural spon- coronavirus invented by taneity the people of Nepal are perhaps most simple, straightforward and easy China. The followers of going. There is hardly any doubt that it Mao (China) have been is China which is not only responsible for originating the Coronavirus in its successful in engulfing land but also by shrewd planning in- Tibet and today the strumental in spreading the virus to the entire world. Being engulfed by this nationalist citizens of grave problem, the whole world today is forced to face the ill wills such as fear, Tibet are forced to lead a hopelessness, insecurity and death. Al- life of displaced refugees. though the left wing ideologues in India who support China are well aware of

Opinion Express May 2020 19 From the past many years, China has been highly critical of the lifestyle of its Muslim population and also instrumental in forcing the Muslims to renounce their religion. There has been also attempt on the part of the Chinese authorities to force Chinese men to reside in Muslim families.

20 May 2020 Opinion Express In India it is the left-wing ideologues nurtured by China who time and again justify the agitation of Saheen Bagh and programme of Tablighi Jamat. As per the inhuman diplomacy of China, the way in which it is trying to harm both the Muslim and Hindu population of India through its Corona infected Mus- lims is hardly been discussed and pon- dered upon. From the past many years, China has been highly critical of the lifestyle of its Muslim population and also instrumental in forcing the Muslims to renounce their religion. There has been also attempt on the part of the Chinese authorities to force Chinese men to reside in Muslim families. These kinds of news and information keep on floating on social media and certain news pa- pers. This fierce and inhuman diplomacy conducted by China has never been a topic of discussion among the so called armed chair left liberal intellectuals of India. One must understand the bias- ness inherent in the ideology of such intellectuals. In the midst of Corona crisis, the entire Muslim sect, residing in China would be wiped out completely, either they would be killed by the virus or those who would survive or remain unaffected would be forcefully converted and stripped off their religion so that they completely become Chinese. Moreover, attempts would be made by China to send its Muslim people to India, Pakistan and neighbouring Is- lamic countries to fulfil its goal of creating complete mayhem and chaos. In this way misuse of crisis of Corona on the part of China would be detrimental for Muslims and taking further advantage of the crisis of corona, China, in the guise of being a well wisher would by every means attempt to capture over Nepal. It is at this point apt to raise the overwhelming question as why the humanists around the world are silent over this. Why don’t the left wing ideologues of India, regarded as the so called well wishers of Muslims, send on their own an independent delegation to China in order to probe the above mentioned issues in question? Till date, perhaps, hardly any liberal or any left wing forum has ever tried to show with the Chinese establishment. From the last three decades and more, China and Pakistan have been jointly attempting to gradually infil- trate and settle people of Muslim origin in Nepal. ISI backed Talibani Mus- lims who have been instrumental in

Opinion Express May 2020 21 rendering this task have an intangible eyes of both Pakistan and China. Tak- encouragement of China. The land of ing advantage of the huge tragedy that Nepal acts like a safe haven for the ISI was caused by an earthquake few years backed Muslim terrorists operating in before in Nepal, China overplayed its India and also for other criminal activi- hand by displaying its munificent na- ties. The royal family of Nepal has been ture and was diplomatically successful the victim of joint conspiracy of China in its strategy to become greater well wisher of Nepal compared to India. In reality the truth is far from this. Taking full advantage of Taking full advantage of the Corona crisis, China has been successful in in- the Corona crisis, China filtrating a substantial number of Co- has been successful in rona infected Muslims to Nepal. China has made use of Corona crisis to fulfil infiltrating a substantial its three ill designs against Nepal and India. Firstly, to evict Muslims from its number of Corona soil with utmost precision, secondly, infected Muslims to to push the life of Nepali people deep into Corona crisis and thirdly, to send Nepal. China has made terrorists and people of Muslim origin, use of Corona crisis to infected with Coronavirus to India via Nepal in order to create mayhem and fulfil its three ill designs destroy the life of its common people. against Nepal and India. It is here worth pondering as why the human rights organisations around the Firstly, to evict Muslims world and the left wing ideologues of India who regard only themselves as the from its soil with utmost representatives of Indian intellect are precision, silent on this issue. The Muslim population of India are safer in India than they would have been in any other Is- lamic nation of the world but these anti- and Pakistan. Nepal was also influ- statist left wing ideologues of India fail enced like many other countries by the to see this blissful side. These so called changes in the previous century and af- left liberals play the role of inciting the ter democracy became the order of the terrorists, naxalists and jehadis. day in India with the establishment of Denying and turning a blind eye to- the Constitution, preference for demo- wards the praiseworthy achievements cratic way of governance in place of au- of the present nationalist government tocratic form began to gain impetus in of India has become a regular habit of Nepal. It has been few years now that these self proclaimed left wing intellec- Nepal formed its own constitution with tuals. Their main objective is not only to an all party agreement. The simple and criticise the international acclaim and straight forward citizens of Nepal has prestige showered on the present Indi- shown their trust with the Nepali Con- an Government but also to demoralise gress Party and thus democratic form the educated youth of hopeless future of governance has been established as and ruin the academic atmosphere of per the principles and procedures of the the higher education institutions by in- Constitution. stigating conflicts every now and then. Unable to withstand the simple and Thus, this China centric group of left spontaneous democratic system of Ne- wing ideologues does not harbour even pal, China and Pakistan with the help a scintilla of positive mindset. Class- of ISI have started creating political in- conflict, violence and weapon are their stability in Nepal. Gradually, covert at- only slogans. The transition achieved stance of their self conflicting nature. tempts were made to develop and nur- through non-violence seems irrelevant Any form of authenticity in their nature ture a pro China mentality in Nepal and to them. can hardly be expected and it is due to finally the liberal Nepali democracy has On the one hand, the left wing in- this reason that they receive most neg- been reduced to the China favouring sys- tellectuals proclaim themselves to the ligence at every platform of the world. tem of governance. From the religious spokesperson of human rights, freedom Only through infrequent modes of and cultural viewpoint, people of Nepal and dignity of an individual and a just communication and biased publica- and Hindus in India share close affinity and fair society but on the other hand tions they have been able to maintain and brotherhood bond. This close cul- have never even condemned the inhu- their narcissist attitude. It is a matter of tural bondage shared by the people of man treatment of the Tibetans by the great misfortune that even the United Nepal and India has been a thorn in the Chinese establishment. This is an in- Nations and the international court of

22 May 2020 Opinion Express justice have also not genuinely tried to it is trying to develop close ties with Ne- also initiated several relief programmes take up the case of Tibet. It is a matter pal by showering huge monetary help at for the welfare of Nepali people but the of huge disappointment. The interfer- this juncture and thus making it finan- fact remains that the present leftist gov- ence of China within the internal mat- cially cripple and the other, spreading ernment of Nepal would eulogise more ters of smaller nations of Asia continues coronavirus to Nepal and also to India the Chinese contribution than that of in this way. It is quite unfortunate that via Nepal though people of Muslim ori- India. The self-autonomy of Nepal is Pakistan while neglecting the issues of gin in China who have been infected by most crucial for India’s well being. The its own countrymen is slowly becoming Corona. In this situation, India should Indian left intellectuals who always a prey of shrewd Chinese diplomacy. in no way adopt soft diplomatic policy praise China deliberately keep this fact China is trying to reap advantage out towards China. Indian establishment is out of discussion but they hardly have of this Corona crisis in a dual way. One, well aware of this harsh reality and have any awareness that people of Nepal

Opinion Express May 2020 23 has forced the whole world along with India to again think over the potential and possible threat and dangers associated with the deliberate or accidental misuse of biological and chemical in- ventions. When the leading nations of the world were trying unanimously to make best use of science for technical advancement and overall progress and welfare of mankind, the devastating emanation of coronavirus from China has reversed the progress of the whole world towards a huge possible decline. Today the followers of Mao Zedong are also present in Nepal and Pakistan’s ISI is also very active in Nepal. It is quite definite that there are high chances that this kind of liaison can create lot of instability not only in Nepal but also in the areas of India which share their boundaries with Nepal. Nepal in itself is a small country with India on one side and China on the other. Since for long number of differences on several issues kept on emerging between India and China, so it is quite possible that in near will never be able to give up their faith must understand that the present na- future any kind of instability may arise which lies in Hindu culture and its heri- tionalist Government of India in its in Nepal. Rumours are such that the tage. If final call needs to be taken, the tenure would root out the problem of Maoists in Nepal with the help of China common people of Nepal will always naxalism from its soil once for all. The have created an army. The present gov- stand firm with the Indian Government left liberals who sympathise with the ernment of Nepal believe in favour of as it shares a common heritage with its Chinese establishment would be clue- establishing close ties with the Chinese Hindu people and also due to the fact less if the youth of this country asks as establishment so in future there are that India and Nepal share a relation why the Chinese Government in 1989 possibilities of growing interference of that of ‘Daughter and bread’. ruthlessly killed the Chinese students China in internal matters of Nepal. With At this point of time when Indian who gathered to protest at Tiananmen the passing of time, the Chinese activi- Government due to the Corona crisis is Square. The way in which with merci- ties within Nepal are on a surge so be- forced to adopt the strategy of nation- less use of brute and force the move- fore the political affairs of Nepal comes wide lockdown, the left liberal intellec- ments to gain self autonomy in Hong completely under Chinese control, it is tuals is trying to criticize the efforts of Kong and Taiwan were suppressed by quite necessary on the part of India to this nationalist government by fabricat- the Chinese establishment was really strengthen its relation with Nepal and ing factious narratives but has never appalling. make efforts to root out completely any condemned the evil act of Chinese es- Currently the communist form of possible presence of Pakistan’s ISI from tablishment promoting infiltration of governance is active in the countries Nepal. Many activities of China are self the Muslim people of its soil infected by like Russia, Korea, Cuba and China. It destructive. The leading nations of the Coronavirus to India via Nepal. How- is in China that communism has gained world must take necessary steps to iso- ever, the whole world has been accept- more impetus in recent times but in late China after the world recovers from ing the fact that India is tackling this India the forces of communism have the Corona crisis. pandemic in the most effective way pos- weakened to a great extent with every Our main concern should be to fo- sible. passing day. As far as China is con- cus on our fight with the present pan- Nepal would never fall prey to the ill cerned it has time and again breached demic of Coronavirus and while making designs of China and the Nepali Nation- every threshold of human right. In the necessary steps to take utmost care of alist Organization would gain support midst of Corona crisis, China has not the people of our nation also put dili- from the people in the upcoming elec- only concealed certain facts related to gent effort to save the world humanity. tion. Each and every family of Nepal has Coronavirus but also misrepresented The so called left wing ideologues, apart close ties with families in India. The left many of those facts by making use of from just studying Marx and Mao, must liberal intellectuals of India deliberately false propaganda. When the world has put genuine efforts to understand the do not bring forth or wish to discuss the moved quite ahead of the days of cold philosophy of other great stalwarts such internal conflicts, turmoil, dissatisfac- war and when all the countries have as Gandhi and Buddha. In the coming tion, angst and uncertainty prevailing stopped themselves from not only using future the trilogy of India, Nepal and in China. They are unable to foresee the but also inventing any form of biologi- Tibet will emerge as a new “knowledge ultimate collapse of Chinese economy cal and chemical weapon, at this point superpower”. which is already in its deploring state the conspiracy theories of Coronavirus (The writer is a Freelance and Maoism approaching its end. They being a potential biological instrument Journalist and Opinion Writer)

24 May 2020 Opinion Express Opinion Express May 2020 25 With The Children Of Sultan Qaboos - The Journey Will Begin

Abdullah Mubarak Said Al Hamdani be professed on social networking plat- the memberships of various interna- forms to reach the global audience to tional NGO to keep positive influence of [[Personal Secretary to His Majesty spread the message of Sultan Qaboos. Oman in the global society. Sultan Qaboos (personal staff), served New Sultan of Oman H.H. Haitham Post covid-19 era, we have to be ex- His Majesty directly for 30 years. Does bin Tariq has involved number of highly tra productive in buildings, oil & gas, Sultan Qaboos have a son? Yes, he does: reputed and experienced profession- tourism, technology or agriculture sec- As he will implement his vision of peace als to advise him. We have to work in tors. We have to get the economy run- and the prosperity, thoughts and mis- team’s spirit with set of good advisers to ning to keep the ordinary citizen of the sions with the new generation] excel in comprehensive development. country meaningfully occupied in trade Oman will be leading the region soon and commerce. Our economy is influ- I was a 12 years old child, when Sul- as we believe strongly in the teachings enced by world economies and the glob- tan Qaboos visited my parents and he of our legend Sultan Qaboos - God bless al stock markets. We would like to see asked - you would like to work for me? his soul in Heavens. Oman to lead the peace march across I said: I will be Honoured your majesty Media as your News magazine is very the world while maintaining economic and from there my journey began with essential for us. Opinion Express gave us & cultural development. H.H. Sultan Qaboos. I joined him in his the stage for years: I am a faithful reader We see His Majesty Sultan Hay- personal life and trips abroad, while he of Opinion Express, Indian newspapers tham bin Tariq Al as the right choice took care of my education till University and news channels and books & journals to lead the nation. The mutual vision in Economy and Finance. I learned royal are important to me and my gennext we inherited from Sultan Qaboos must manners but most important to me was studying university level courses. be carried forward to lead Oman with his vision to develop our beloved Oman There are some people calls me prosperity and peace. Rest assured, our in a world’s standards global civil soci- Sheikh because my position, back- respect and full support is extended to ety. Humanity can have history of cul- ground or because we (our family) owns him. We all need to respect the fact that ture, economic & scientific educational Majlis where people gather for celebra- life is not a chaos but a beautiful jour- interface. In our choice of mutual norms tions and meetings. We really inherit ney to eternity. We are bounded by the and values, we share common objectives the royal attitude of his Majesty, we ideology of our beloved Father Sultan as India and Oman has the same nature have a blessed family history, absolute- Qabous - “God Bless his soul” of cultural eastern manners. There is no ly inspired by Arabic legend Abu Feras doubt about our relations with beloved Alhamdani, one of the biggest philoso- (Inputs and classified in- India, off course without the manpower phers poet. I will devote my social sta- formation is received from our of India; we could have never reached tus for the welfare of my countrymen. I Middle East writer and colum- our goals. Peace is our power; this can joined the Blue Cross Foundation and nist Dr Mohiba Khalil) Oman Air Profile Oman Air is the flagship carrier of the Sultanate of Oman leum Development Oman (PDO) and Occidental, which are and an Official 4 Star Airline (Skytrax 2011). Founded in 1993, JNJ (Duqm), OMM (Marmul), RNM (Qarn AlAlam), UKH the airline has since witnessed massive growth and has played (Mukhaizinah) and FAU (Fahud). a major role in making Muscat an important traffic hub in the Currently Oman Air’s fleet consists of three Boeing 787-8, Middle East, supporting the commercial, industrial and tour- five 787-9 Dreamliners, six Airbus 330-300s, four Airbus 330- ism sectors. 200s, five Boeing 737-900s, 21 Boeing 737-800, four Embraer The airline currently operates direct international flights 175s and five 737 MAX. By the end of 2018 Oman Air will have from Muscat to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, taken delivery of five new MAX aircraft and three 787-9s. By Riyadh, Dammam, Madina, and Kuwait, in the Gulf region, as 2022, Oman Air’s total fleet size is expected to be around 70. well as Cairo, Amman, Tehran, Mashhad, Najaf, Zanzibar and Oman Air’s outstanding aircraft interiors include its First Dar Es Salaam within the wider Middle East/Africa region. Class Private Suite, which provides each of the First Class pas- In addition, Oman Air flies to eleven destinations in India sengers with fully enclosed, extra tall, Suite with doors to en- (Goa, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Hydera- sure privacy and converts to a very comfortable lie-flat seat in bad, Delhi, Lucknow, Bangalore, Kozhikode and Jaipur); Kara- the skies. The outstanding Business Class seats each provide chi, Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan; Kathmandu in Nepal; easy aisle access, ample storage space and the latest techno- and Colombo in Sri Lanka. The airline also flies to Bangkok, logical amenities. Economy Class seats offer adjustable head Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta in the Far East, Guangzhou and leg rests, together with generous leg and elbow room. in China and Nairobi in Kenya. Its European destinations are State of the art in-flight entertainment systems feature indi- London, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Frankfurt, Paris and vidual seatback screens, audio and video on demand and live Zurich. Oman Air’s domestic destinations are Salalah, Khasab satellite TV. In addition, Oman Air has pioneered both mobile and Duqum. It also serves 5 additional domestic points for telephony and Internet connectivity on board its wide-bodied The Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZAD), Petro- flights and this is available in all three classes.

26 May 2020 Opinion Express Abdullah mubarak said Al Hamdan

Opinion Express May 2020 27

A Legacy MisconstruedCivicism Welcome to Nanda’s Civicism, which is mystical, alluring & captivating

Amit Shankar

00 years ago, in. Renaissance Italy, there was much talk Leonardo Da Vinci’s of “Ideal Cities” the main purpose being beauty, func- Architectural

5tionality, minimizing pollution, becoming ecofriendly, Creation “The removal of diseases and effectively a cleaner and more holistic city. Milan lost 50% of its population in the plague and Bubonic Plague” across Euro Asia 200 million people died due to the plague. The Plague was spread around the silk route starting from has Inspired me To Far East into Europe. Centuries ahead of his time, Leonardo Design Eco friendly Da Vinci is considered a pioneer of modern urban architecture. His idea - Cities that were built upwards instead of out- Urban Cities wards, integrated with nature (especially water systems) and efficient transport infrastructure - this would make modern more efficient and sustainable. The psychology of colour is used in this painting with the movements in Have we though misconstrued the mas- shapes travelling back and forth from the centre to express the concept of ter’s own legacy? Civicism. A partnership between the Da Vinci advocated building upwards and today we have people and the government is shown in the shapes gravitating to the buildings which are sky high - we have created beautiful centre and back– denoting success and transition coming in form of a skylines across the world. Though did Da Vinci believe that “give and receive” partnership, civic we would reclaim land from the oceans? Destroy the Fauna mindedness within the community. The prominent colour Blue spread of the cities? Loose the very essence of his creative thought throughout the painting denotes the hands of the borough reaching out to process which was to make, eco-friendly, safer, beautiful, people on many different issues be it hygienic, pollution free cities. health, education, policies, environment. The series created by Nanda Khiara here explores the Blue - Positivity, Intelligence, misconstrued Da Vinci’s legacy on the ideal City - his communication, trust, efficiency, idea to create a holistic, plague free, pollution free city serenity, duty, logic, reflection Yellow- Optimism, confidence, self- designs and ideas have today resulted in us building esteem, friendliness, creativity. cities with beautiful sky lines but not necessarily the ide- Yellow - Physical courage, strength, warmth, energy, basic survival, 'fight al city, hence defeating the original purpose of his plan…. or flight', stimulation, masculinity, PINK - Physical tranquillity, nurture, The series’ title A Misconstrued Legacy has seven paintings: warmth, femininity, love, survival of Ocean; Energy; Fauna; Passion; Galaxy; Spirituality; and Es- the species. WHITE - sterility, clarity, purity, sence. Each painting explores the way our world is affected cleanness, simplicity, sophistication, efficiency by global ecosystem disasters. Nanda’s paintings show Da Vinci’s arches on the left side as time has progressed, the Title: Civicism Size: 5 x5ft/152x152cms architecture of the cities has become higher. We have today Year 2020 cities designed in all sort of abstract shapes, sizes, and the Medium Acrylic & Ink On Linen Canvas creation of the skyline is driven by corporate interests rather than a universal global image of what is needed for the future generation… we have shaken up the natural eco system which Da Vinci designed for urban cities thoughts were to get rid of plague and create cleaner ecofriendly cities., whereas today we have pollution ridden cities, with global warming… exploding in every part of the world… so yes, we have misconstrued The Masters Own Legacy… Origin - Early 19th century; earliest use found in The Eclectic Review. From civic + -ism. Ideas, sharing and caring have been the foundation of a blooming society. After all, society is a consolidation of beliefs, ethos, and values put together and nourished by the free exchange from both the ends; the civic authority and the society. Look around, any vibrant society that you will find anywhere in the world bears testimony to this exchange. Multi- faceted, multi- dimensional, these ideas become the catalyst 28 May 2020 Opinion Express

Definition - Civic quality, state, or behaviour. - the ideology and principles of citizenship and civil government; a social or political system based on this. devotion to civic interests and causes : CIVIC-MINDEDNESS Origin - Early 19th century; earliest use found in The Eclectic Review. From civic + -ism.

Ideas, sharing and caring have been the foundation of a blooming society.

After all, society is a consolidation of beliefs, ethos, and values put together and nourished by the free exchange from both the ends; the civic authority and the society.

Look around, any vibrant society that you will find anywhere in the world bears testimony to this exchange. Multi-faceted, multi- dimensional, these ideas become the catalyst in driving societal growth and inclusion.

Nanda Khiara’s latest painting Civicism brilliantly illustrates this doctrine. Using an exuberant palette; red, yellow pink and white, she fluidly charters the exchange, defining the contours of a society, its facets and ideas.

True to its name, Civicism explores the dynamic and collaborative platform that is committed to adding value, fuelling its progress. The bold red strokes, interspersed with other colours elegantly yet strikingly rush on a blue horizon, seeking convergence.

Polity to the economy, care to education, her brushstrokes aptly depict the complexity yet the natural state of exchange. After all, convergence has to be absolute. This painting Civicism also comes equipped with two POVs. Depending on the perspective, one would get to see either convergence or dissemination.

Welcome to Nanda’s Civicism, mystical, alluring and captivating.

Concept Note by: Amit Shankar

in driving societal growth and inclusion. Nanda Khiara’s latest painting Civicism brilliantly illus- Nanda Khiara trates this doctrine. London & Mumbai Using an exuberant palette; red, yellow pink and white, she www.nandakhiara.com, Civicismfluidly charters the exchange, defining the contours of a soci- [email protected] ety, its facets and ideas. True to its name, Civicism explores the dynamic and collaborative platform that is committed to Phone +447493429300 adding value, fuelling its progress. The bold red strokes, interspersed with other colours elegantly yet strikingly rush on a Nanda Khiara is a multi-dimen- blue horizon, seeking convergence. sional artist, who lives and works . Polity to the economy, care to education, her brushstrokes between three different continents. aptly depict the complexity yet the natural state of exchange. Originally from Kuwait, Khiara was After all, convergence has to be absolute. This painting educated in the UK and then lived in Civicism also comes equipped with two POVs. De- Hong Kong and India before return- pending on the perspective, one would get to see ing to live in the UK. She frequently either convergence or dissemination. expresses herself in large canvasses, which are imbued by her ingrained and intuitive understanding of change and evolution, themes which drew her to a study of Da Vinci’s seminal works and philosophy on urban cities. Khiara creates art to bring to the fore

herThe Passion psychology of for colour Life. is used inHer paintings are a poetrythis painting of with warm the movements and in vivid, profound shapes travelling back and forth from andthe complex,centre to express thelyrical concept of and romantic, Civicism. A partnership between the andpeople even and the dark government and is shown mystifying, depict- in the shapes gravitating to the ingcentre a deep and back sense– denoting of success herself. Working eminentlyand transition comingin acrylics, in form of a Khiara creates “give and receive” partnership, civic abstractmindedness works. within the community. Just when you label The prominent colour Blue spread herthroughout genre the and painting style, denotes the she surprises you hands of the borough reaching out to withpeople yet on many another different issues form. be it Bold, uninhib- ited,health, and education,expressive policies, Khiara has man environment. maintained a unifying thread through Blue - Positivity, Intelligence, hercommunication, diverse oeuvre, trust, efficiency, with an aura of serenity, duty, logic, reflection mysticismYellow- Optimism, and confidence, ever-evolving self- concepts. esteem,Akin to friendliness, generous creativity. and vibrant Yellow - Physical courage, strength, colours,warmth, energy, she basic conjures survival, 'fight bold composi- or flight', stimulation, masculinity, tionsPINK -with Physical subtle tranquillity, nurture,style and meaning. Khiarawarmth, femininity,creates love, unique survival of mediums to the species. narrateWHITE - poignantsterility, clarity, stories purity, that accentu- cleanness, simplicity, sophistication, ateefficiency her storytelling. Her artworks are a representation of her living experienc- Title: Civicism es Size:in 5Asia, x5ft/152x152cms Middle East, and Europe. Year 2020 MediumKhiara’s Acrylic work & Ink On has Linen been exhibited in London,Canvas Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmeda- bad, Amsterdam, Dubai and New York and has also been featured in contemporary art literature. Khiara enjoys writing periodic columns in the media about painting and methodology. When not in her studio, Khiara is a mother to two very talented teenage “We Should Steal girls and they have a home filled with art and music. the Masters Ideas Her Current Show “Feminine Iden- & create skylines tity” is running at The Civic Gallery, that are high up and RBKC Town Hall, From Feb - June 2020. Due to the Corona Virus – The touch the galaxy” exhibition is extended till September 2020. Opinion Express May 2020 29

Ideas, sharing and caring have been the foundation of a blooming society.

After all, society is a consolidation of beliefs, ethos, and values put together and nourished by the free exchange from both the ends; the civic authority and the society.

Welcome to Nanda’s Civicism, mystical, alluring and captivating.

Concept Note by: Amit Shankar

Mobile Governance – way forward GovNext Foundation is on mission to get delivered social justice to citizens on mobile technology platform

ovNext India Foundation is dedicated for ob- taining justice for the people by voicing their grievances through the legal process. It is committed to protect and deliver prompt social justice with the help of law, to defend and fight for the rights and privileges of citizens, so that the benefits of welfare measures embodied in the legislation reaches millions of poor people and every citizen is respected and fairly treated. GovNext has been campaigning for integrity and honesty in public life and integrity of Institutions. GovNext is devoted to promote democracy, good governance and public policy reforms through Gadvocacy, interventions and by formal and informal engagement with policy makers, dissemination of ideas, events, and campaigns and have submitted proposals on a number of issues including consumer protection, taxation reforms, public health, housing, right to information, right to education and employment generation. GovNext has been organizing a series of seminars on critical issues in Governance, Administrative Reforms, Ethics in Gover- nance, Self Governance etc.

30 May 2020 Opinion Express Pil As An Instrument Of tance including the fight against corrup- Social Change tion to streamline clean and transparent “Injustice anywhere is a threat to The biggest challenge at government to all the entire population justice everywhere- Martin Luther the governance front is of the country. King, Jr.” Public interest litigation is a litigation undertaken for the purpose to ensure that those at Issues Governance of redressing public injury, enforcing the helm of affairs do not Police Reforms, Judicial Reforms, public duty, protecting social, collective Administrative Reforms, Corruption. and diffused rights, interests or vindi- abuse it and the goods “Good Governance is perhaps the cating public interest. PIL is working single most important factor in eradi- as an important instrument of social and services meant for cating poverty and promoting develop- change and is working for the welfare of the poor and weaker ment- Kofi Annan (former UN Secre- every section of society. The innovation tary General)”. Governance is broadly of this legitimate instrument proved sections are delivered to the exercise of economic, political and beneficial for the developing country them in a fair, just and administrative authority to manage a like India. PIL has been used as a strat- country’s affairs at all levels. It consists egy to combat the atrocities prevailing efficient way. of the mechanisms, processes and in- in society. It’s an institutional initia- stitutions through which citizens and tive towards the welfare of the needy groups articulate their interests, exer- class of the society. In Bandhu Mukti and non-payment of wages to them. cise their legal rights, meet their obliga- Morcha v. Union of India, SC ordered iv. Matters of harassment or tor- tions and mediate their differences. It is for the release of bonded laborers. In ture of persons belonging to Scheduled now recognized around the world that Murli S. Dogra v. Union of India, court Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward no amount of developmental schemes banned smoking in public places. In a Castes, either by Police or by co-villag- can improve the quality of the citizen’s landmark judgement of Delhi Domes- ers. lives without Good Governance. tic Working Women’s Forum v. Union v. Matters relating to environmental The biggest challenge at the gover- of India ((1995) 1 SCC 14), Supreme pollution, disturbance of ecological bal- nance front is to ensure that those at Court issued guidelines for rehabilita- ance, drugs, food adulteration, mainte- the helm of affairs do not abuse it and tion and compensation for the rape on nance of heritage and culture, antiques, the goods and services meant for the working women. In Vishaka v. State of forests and wild life. poor and weaker sections are delivered Rajasthan Supreme court has laid down vi. Petitions from riot victims. to them in a fair, just and efficient way. exhaustive guidelines for preventing vii. Petitions against police for re- Poor, inefficient or corrupt governance sexual harassment of working women fusing to register a case, harassment by mechanism generates and reinforces in place of their work. police, death in police custody. poverty and subverts efforts to reduce it. Subjects of PIL are matters re- viii. Petitions against atrocities on That is why strengthening governance lating to general public: women, in particular harassment of is an essential precondition to improv- i. Bonded labour matters. bride, bride-burning, rape, murder, ing the lives of the poor, according to an ii. Matters of neglected children. kidnapping etc. approach paper of the Second Adminis- iii. Exploitation of casual labourers ix. Other matters of public impor- trative Reforms Commission.

Opinion Express May 2020 31 Challenges of governance have in- ing instances of gross lapses in police attitudinal changes in the police and creased since the liberalization of the conduct vis a vis citizens it is necessary eliciting the cooperation and assistance Indian economy, when the government that trust between citizens and the po- of the community. Further, the second started retreating from key areas of lice is restored. This can only happen Administrative Reforms Commission governance leaving vast gaps in control if there is transparency and basic ac- (ARC) set up by the Government on and regulation of vital sectors such as countability in the day to day function- August 31, 2005 in its 5th Report, titled education, healthcare and civic ameni- ing of the police and police stations. The “Public Order” submitted a detailed ties. Obviously a lot of lessons need to deficiencies in this vital area need to be blueprint for revamping the police ad- be learnt from global best practices and plugged through Police Reforms, better ministration system. also from our own experiences in differ- citizen police interface, transparency, These three formulations taken to- ent states. A vital lesson is that global- accountability, effective and integrated gether form a very credible base for re- ization is inevitable in an interconnected approach to public order maintenance, forming the system of policing to meet world but changes do not have to come etc. the contemporary needs of a pluralist at the cost of the people. That is why The last few years have witnessed democracy undergoing rapid socio-eco- globalization also requires strengthen- some genuine efforts to reform the police nomic change. There should be a coher- ing the institutions of the state- Legis- due to the unstinting efforts of the civil ent position on police reforms, which lative, Executive, and Judicial- in order society and some positive judgments each of us can take forward, individu- to make the system responsive to the by the Apex Court. The Supreme Court ally and collectively. The media also has needs and aspirations of a rising and a valuable role to play in disseminating restless younger generation. relevant information, raising public GovNext believes that citizens can The last few years awareness about the criticality of effec- intervene in making governance more tive and citizen-friendly police service responsive and efficient in order to ame- have witnessed some and building a constituency for good liorate the sufferings of the common genuine efforts to reform governance, including good policing. citizens and to create an environment of hope, fairness and compassion. We the police due to the Judicial Reforms recognise that the issues of governance Justice is integral to the functioning are complex and intertwined with each unstinting efforts of the of our democracy, to uphold the rule of other. We also recognise the complexi- civil society and some law and to preserve the faith of citizens ties of challenges of modern adminis- in the judiciary. A strong, independent, tration in critical sectors like policing, positive judgments accountable and efficiently functioning justice delivery, education, healthcare, by the Apex Court. judiciary is also essential for prevent- transportation, land management, in- ing corruption and abuse of power and frastructure, skill promotion, employ- The Supreme Court for dispensing justice, fairly and expe- ment generation and urban manage- ditiously to all our citizens. For this we ment. The issues also need domain ‘directives’ of September need to effectuate Judicial Reforms. expertise, goodwill and deep insights, 22, 2006 contained This would entail simplification of the besides structural changes. judicial processes and making it ac- in the ‘Prakash Singh cessible to all, reduction in procedural Police Reforms vs Union of India and complexities, addressing the problem of The need for reforming the police inordinate delays in the dispensation of system in India has been recognized for Others’ is one such justice, ensuring that judges of adequate many years. The system of policing in quantity and quality dispense effective our country is essentially based on the landmark judgment. and timely justice, increasing judge Indian Police Act of 1861, which was strength and commensurate infrastruc- designed to sustain the British colo- ‘directives’ of September 22, 2006 con- ture with adequate use of Information nial rule. Since Independence, several tained in the ‘Prakash Singh vs Union of Technology and electronic connectiv- attempts have been made to devise a India and Others’ is one such landmark ity, transparency in the appointment of statutory framework for an effective, judgment. The Court had issued seven judges and ensuring judicial ethics and accountable and people-friendly police clear and time-bound directions to the putting in place accountability mecha- service, but the considered recommen- Centre and State governments which nisms in order to stem increasing cor- dations of various expert committees have still not been complied with by ruption in the judiciary. and commissions have largely been ig- many states. To sum up, the desired judicial re- nored. Although many states have en- In September, 2005, a Police Act forms should take into account the fol- acted their own versions of the Police Drafting Committee (PADC) was con- lowing areas of concern Act, the basic framework of these Acts stituted by the Government of India un- Huge pendency of cases - There are and their supporting structure, namely der the Chairmanship of Mr. Soli Sorab- more than 3 crore cases pending in dif- the Indian Penal Code, the Criminal jee to draft a new Police Act that could ferent courts of India. About 60,000 Procedure Code and the Civil Procedure meet, inter alia, the growing challenges cases are pending in Supreme Court, 42 Code, remain largely unchanged. to policing and to fulfill the democratic lakh cases in different High Courts and Deficiencies on this front have led aspirations of the people. The Model about 2.7 crore cases pending in District to decline in trust in the state’s capac- Police Bill, which was submitted to the and Sub-ordinate Courts.The impact of ity to protect life and liberty and to en- Government in October 2006 made these delays and the denial of justice - is force rights. Also with the ever increas- recommendations for bringing about the cumulative loss of public confidence

32 May 2020 Opinion Express in the judiciary, and a resort to lawless- ness and violent crime as a method of negotiating disputes. Even judges of the Delays in the administration and dispensation apex Court have attributed the dete- of justice–These delays starting from procedural riorating law and order situation in this country to the failure in the effective hassles through the conduct of the proceedings and timely delivery of justice, rendering citizens with little alternative but to take right up to the delivery of the final judgment are the law into their own hands. The pen- inordinate and the consequent ‘pendency’ of cases dency has to be reduced and ultimately eradicated with a time bound target. is known to be shockingly huge running into almost Delays in the administration and dis- 3.00 crore cases today as mentioned above. pensation of justice–These delays starting from procedural hassles through the conduct of the proceedings right up are not enough judges. Current Judge there is inordinate delay in the existing to the delivery of the final judgment are to Population ratio is 10 to 1 million. vacancies in the High Courts. inordinate and the consequent ‘pen- The Law Commission report in 1987 Justice accessible to all- As envis- dency’ of cases is known to be shocking- recommends atleast 50 to 1 million. aged by the framers of our Constitution, ly huge running into almost 3.00 crore Population has increased by over 25 justice should be easily available/ acces- cases today as mentioned above. crore since 1987. The grim situation are sible to all and opportunities for secur- Inadequate judge strength- There further compounded by the fact that ing justice are not denied to any citizens

Opinion Express May 2020 33 by reason of economic or other disabili- Lack of accountability and trans- powers to create additional courts, ap- ties such as distance, etc. Also, the huge parency in the system – There is no ac- point court staff or augment the infra- financial burden on the litigant in order countability for delays and there is no structure required by the courts. Any to secure justice should be taken into recourse/system of redressal either. progress on judicial reforms has to take consideration when discussing reforms There is no provision for litigants or into account all these factors, but unfor- in the judiciary. lawyers to lodge complaints against tunately the problem is compounded by Need for decentralisation of the sys- delays (or any other grievance) except a lack of effective will across the board tem of administration of justice by es- to file “early hearing applications”, to institute these reforms. tablishing other tiers of systems within etc. before the very judges who them- the judicial hierarchy to reduce the selves might be partly contributing to Administrative Reforms volume of work in the Supreme Court the delay. The National Commission Administrative Reforms are essen- and the High Courts and alternative to Review the Working of the Constitu- tial for efficient management of India’s methods of dispute resolution such as tion (NCRWC) has recommended that resources, fair and responsive policy- mediation, arbitration, plea bargain- courts be accountable to the people. making, and a timely delivery of goods ing, pre-litigation counselling, special There should be a complaint redressal/ and services to citizens. Its biggest area forums for special categories of cases, grievance redressal cell to provide feed- of concern has been systemic transpar- etc, to be encouraged. back on the functioning and members ency and accountability of government Need for planning and management of the judiciary, with swift action and administration and participation of cit- of existing capacity / resources, includ- response. izens in processes of decision making, ing time management, use of technol- Lack of financial autonomy of the particularly those affecting their lives ogy, human resources. judiciary- The Judiciary does not have and livelihoods. We have always sought

34 May 2020 Opinion Express autonomy to institutions like the CBI, caste or religious networks, political any other issue of governance. Merely CVC and CAG and independence for in- party, vote bank, fraternity or cadre, to shrinking the role of the state by resort- vestigating agencies from the political obtain public resources disproportion- ing to poorly thought through and/or executive. There should be no interfer- ately or out of turn or to shield them badly implemented deregulation and ence in the autonomy of the CAG, whose from punishment for their wrongdo- mindless privatization is not necessar- reports on coal block and spectrum al- ings. The 2nd Administrative Reforms ily the solution to the problem – it is location exposed huge discrepancies in Commission’s 4th Report on “Ethics in simply abdication of its responsibility administrative decision making. It also Governance” says that “Corruption is by the government. As the events in the works to strengthen institutions like the an important manifestation of the fail- recent economic meltdown in US and Lok Pal and Lok Ayukta and the idea of ure of ethics and values system in a so- elsewhere has shown, such policy ac- ombudsmen in different walks of life. ciety. Unless values are restored, noth- tions just relocate unethical behaviour. ing much can be done to improve the Existing institutional arrangements Corruption conduct of human beings. Creation and have to be reviewed and changes made Corruption is commonly defined as strengthening of institutions for moni- where those vested with power are misuse of public office for private gain. toring adherence to these value systems made accountable, their functioning While private gain is typically inter- and enforcing them by properly design- made more transparent and subjected preted in terms of monetary benefit, it ing a set of incentives and disincentives to social audit with a view to minimize can assume the form of non-monetary are of utmost importance in promoting discretionary decisions. All procedures, benefits such as improved chances of ethical conduct by public servants. laws and regulations that breed cor- re-election and helping friends or mem- The solution to the problem of corruption or come in the way of efficient bers of one’s own social, professional, ruption has to be more systemic than delivery system have to be eliminated.

Opinion Express May 2020 35 well-being. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index of life expectancy, education, income and a host of other socio-economic indicators. The HDI also explains how a country with a lower GDP growth rate can score better on human development index. In the recent years more robust and multi-dimensional methods of measur- ing human development are being de- veloped. These take into account non- monetary indicators like education, health, sanitation, water, electricity and employment opportunities. The multi- dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is not a replacement for HDI but is increasingly being seen as complementary to it not only for defining poverty but also for targeting under-development with policy interventions. India’s track Merely shrinking the role of the state by resorting to record in dealing with the issues of human development is worse than the poorly thought through and/or badly implemented poorer neighbours like Bangladesh, Ne- deregulation and mindless privatization is not pal and Bhutan, according to economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. Since necessarily the solution to the problem – it is simply liberalization of its economy in the early abdication of its responsibility by the government. nineties, India has witnessed impres- sive economic growth but we are among the worst performers on the HDI front The perverse systems of incentives and ral habitats. This has been caused due featuring a dismal 135th rank among disincentives and their application to to reckless use of such scarce resources 187 countries. In contrast our Asian public life makes corruption a high and irresponsible disposal of waste into neighbors like China (91) and Sri Lanka return low risk activity. This needs to the environment. This degradation has (73) are doing much better. We have be corrected. Also, social monitoring obvious implications on human health, also been concerned about issues like through empowered autonomous and the economy, food production, tourism, malnutrition, unemployment, inequali- credible structures of civil society must flora and fauna and the overall environ- ties, poor quality of schools and hospi- be established for all levels of public of- ment in which we live and bring up our tals, lack of opportunities and vulner- fices, from the lowest to the highest. children. We have filed a number of pe- abilities of large sections of our people. The Corruption Perceptions Index titions in public interest over a range of We have also been taking up issues of (CPI), 2014 which measures the per- environmental concerns. transparency, accountability and good ceived level of public-sector corruption and responsive governance which have around the world has placed India at Human Development a direct bearing on issues of poverty 85th position out of a list of 175 coun- Human development is identified eradication and human development. tries. “Stemming corruption requires with expanding the richness and dig- strong oversight by parliaments, a well nity of human life and reduction of dis- INITIATIVES performing judiciary, independent and tress and poverty. It is the ultimate goal GovNext works to make a difference properly resourced audit and anti-cor- of any welfare, social policy or public through Public Interest Litigations, Ad- ruption agencies, vigorous law enforce- initiative. Still, the measurement of Hu- vocacy and Events. It uses democratic ment, transparency in public budgets, man development is a contentious sub- instruments available to citizens to try revenue and aid flows, as well as space ject. Some economists and policy mak- and address civic, environmental and for independent media and a vibrant ers treat economy’s GDP-driven growth developmental challenges arising out of civil society,” said Huguette Labelle, rate as a marker of Human Develop- lack of transparency and accountability Chair, Transparency International. ment. However despite intrinsic con- in the system. It has taken several ini- nections between the expansion of GDP tiatives in areas of governance, environ- Environment and overall development, the approach ment and human development and its The deterioration of the environ- is problematic due to occurrence of job- work on police, administrative and judi- ment leading to gradual degradation of less and unproductive growth. That is cial reforms is widely acknowledged by land, water and air is a matter of grave why development agencies like the UN, experts and administrators alike. The concern. Over the years, there has been World Bank, think tanks, NGOs and new thrust of initiatives for the GovN- a steady pollution and contamination of governments look for more composite ext is in areas of education, health, dig- precious resources such as air, water, soil and multifarious methods of measur- nity of work, cyber space, farmers and etc as well as the destruction of ecosys- ing human development. Some of these misuse of public money. tems and the extinction of many wildlife include a study of per capita calorie Govnext India Foundation species due to devastation of their natu- intake, income, expenditure and social www.govnext.co.in

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Opinion Express May 2020 37 Bofors scandal: A start of four pillar collapse in India

38 May 2020 Opinion Express J Gopikrishnan

healthy democracy evolves between legisla- ture, executive, judiciary and media. The Bofors scandal in 1980’s has started the decay in all the organs of democracy wherein all were compro- mised to save the elites of the country. Here is a caution: it may be possible that political bossA of the ruling party was disguised by the cronies in vested interest to take certain decision and it is a universal rule that the dead person should not be maligned since he cannot respond to the allegations levied in person. However the country has the right to know the truth when it was established that the money has exchanged hands in the purchase of the guns. The corruption in the defense forced should be treated as treachery against the nation and it must be investigated under IPC and stringent NSA guidelines. In 2005, the Delhi High Court quashed charges against all other people who were accused in the Bofors case. This included the Hinduja brothers, who were also accused of being middlemen in the deal. The CBI plea against the high court verdict was filed in February 2018 after an extraordinarily long delay of 13 years, it was rejected by the SC. (The court should have taken note of the fact that UPA I & UPA II was in power from 2004-2014 hence the question of an appeal in top court was completely ruled out). BJP leader and advocate Ajay Agrawal had filed an appeal against the Delhi High Court judgment in 2005 itself. The Supreme Court agreed to hear Agrawal’s plea and the case is currently pending in the court. The Supreme Court told the CBI that it could make itself heard during the hearings on Agrawal’s plea. Now the CBI should file an IA in the Ajay Agrawal case since the petitioner is sleeping over the case for the reason best known to him. Background: Mohan Guruswamy had investigated the case to know the political background and business nexus behind the scam. Olaf Palme, the prime minister of Sweden, soon befriended Rajiv Gandhi. Olaf Palme was a big and respected name in world affairs and had strenuously opposed the US war on Vietnam. He inspired Rajiv Gandhi to take the initiative on nuclear disarmament. The quid pro quo for facilitating Rajiv Gandhi’s easy entry to the global high table was the purchase of the Bofors FH45 howitzer. Palme was also facing a re-election and his party’s coffers needed topping up. The Indian howitzer order

Opinion Express May 2020 39 40 May 2020 Opinion Express would do the trick. The donation by the other documents and reports, makes Bofors Foundation at Karlskrona to the two things clear. While there is nothing Swedish SDP is solid proof. new in the claim made by the Brothers This made the Austrian competitor Hinduja of their “non-involvement in furious since it was assured of the order the Bofors case,” a mass of multi-faceted being the best gun and preferred choice documented evidence and information of the armed forces technical commit- gives the lie to this claim. On April 22, tee. Austrain leader Eisenberger told the 1987, the respected Swedish daily news- parliamentary committee that the funds paper Dagens Nyheter, quoting highly they wanted accounted for were paid to placed company sources in an original the Congress party and that a kinsman of report, identified the Hindujas as recipi- the Indian prime minister had received ents of the “commission” paid by Bofors them. The Austrian government then in connection with winning the Bofors- advised the Indian government to have India howitzer contract of March 24, this money returned and close the mat- 1986. The first irrefutable documentary ter. This was the first time the new In- basis of the Hinduja involvement in the dian prime minister heard about it. He Bofors-India payoff scandal came in the was furious. A very powerful minister in form of six documents relating to the his government was summarily sacked. Pitco-Moresco-’Lotus’-’Mont Blanc’- Now a way was sought to set this ac- ’Tulip’ track of ‘commission’ payments, count right. Bofors was required to close amounting to nearly SEK 81 million, this hole. This was being arranged via a published and analysed in The Hindu Swiss banker Francis Laffont. The route of April 22, 1988 and June 25, 1988. went like this. Bofors pays Laffont. Laf- Especially important were three trans- font pays Voest Alpine and the money action documents which made the link, already paid in India stays where it is. In “Pitco, c/o Sangam Ltd” and “Pitco, c/o all probability it was used up in the 1984 Mr G.P. Hinduja, Sangam Ltd.,” for 1982 elections. Eisenberger also told me that and 1984. By June 1988, the indepen- Voest Alpine’s representative in Delhi, dent media investigation had gained and a man called Unterweger, was Ottavio published a large number of authorita- Quatrochhi’s neighbor in New Delhi. Be- tive Bofors documents that gave the lie ing expatriate businessmen, they became to the ‘winding up’, ‘no middlemen’, ‘no good friends. As was the well-established commission’, ‘no Indian recipient’ story. practice then, Unterweger also cut a deal By late-1989, a great deal of further evi- with Quattrochi. What Unterweger did dence and information, notably from the not know was that Quattrochi had simi- Martin Ardbo diary entries and notes for lar deals cut with Bofors and Sofma, the 1987 seized by the Swedish police and French howitzer manufacturer. When from The Hindu investigation’s interac- the Voest Alpine deal collapsed, Quat- tion with the Hindujas, had revealed the trochi was required to close that account, involvement of the Brothers Hinduja as as did the Congress party. So one more lead actors in the crisis-management pay off stream was organised by Bofors and cover-up - in fact, had established to Quattrochi to close this hole. The Hin- that the Hinduja role in the Bofors how- duja brothers take this to the next level. itzer scandal went deeper than the role People like the Hindujas have friends of anyone. in all parties and many countries. Lest After a regular criminal case was reg- we forget, it was Atal Bihari Vajpayee istered by the CBI in 1990, this strategy who wrote to then prime minister P V of blanket denial continued, with S.P. Narasimha Rao seeking closure of the Hinduja and G.P. Hinduja reportedly Bofors case against the Hinduja broth- claiming to the CBI investigators, as late ers. And it was Srichand Hinduja who ac- as 1991, that “our family has never dealt companied Brajesh Mishra to his meet- with Bofors” and S.P. Hinduja going so ings with then British PM Tony Blair and far as to assert, in a newspaper interview then French PM Jacques Chirac after published on April 14, 1991, that “we the nuclear tests in 1998. Vajpayee and are not an appellant before Swiss courts Mishra were actively canvassing for ap- on the Bofors matter.” This unsavoury proval of the controversial proposed chapter should have come to an end with Hinduja power plant at Vizagapatam. the incriminating documents received in Legal Battle: The charge-sheet filed December 1999 by India’s premier crim- on October 9, 2000 by the Central Bu- inal investigation agency from the Swiss reau of Investigation in the Delhi court authorities in execution of the letters of Special Judge Ajit Bharihoke, read rogatory of February 7, 1990. But dur- along with the detailed post-April 1987 ing a phase of pre-charge-sheet jitters, record of the media investigation and the denial continued with new variants

Opinion Express May 2020 41 of the falsehood in a desperate attempt of the gun systems, ammunition and so landed in India, immigration would to block and even derail the lawful in- on. The evidence is absolutely clear that have alerted the CBI about their arriv- vestigation. No longer was it possible to these were ‘commissions’ in accordance al. Once the charges are framed by the deny the fact of Bofors payments into with the 3 per cent of the total contract Special Judge and the action moves de- the coded accounts opened by a Pana- value laid down in a Moresco-Bofors cisively to a trial, it could be a new and ma-based front spelt, variously, as M/s contract, as revealed to the Government even more worrying ball-game for the Mc Intyre Corporation and M/s Mac of India by the Bofors officials. brothers from the standpoint of both Intire Corporation, or ownership of this The CBI charge-sheet also docu- personal and business interests. After ‘M...’ corporation (by whatever name ments blocking manoeuvres by the the charges are framed, the CBI’s lever- spelt) by the three Hinduja brothers, three Hinduja brothers in Switzerland, age in making intransigent accused sub- Srichand, Gopichand and Prakash. undertaken to prevent the Government mit themselves to the law of the land will THE Bofors case, as investigated by of India receiving the legal assistance increase considerably - with summons, the CBI, is about criminal conspiracy, requested under the ‘dual criminality’ warrants, legal sanctions against prop- bribery, criminal misconduct by public provision. It also calls attention to the erties and business assets, and extradi- servants, cheating, criminal breach of significance of the change of national- tion proceedings becoming theoretical trust, forgery for the purpose of cheat- ity by G.P. Hinduja in June 1998 and possibilities - and there could be a high ing and using as genuine a forged docu- by S.P. Hinduja in April 1999; it found cost to staying away notwithstanding ment in respect of the Bofors-India a direct link between these events and the influence in high political places howitzer contract of March 24, 1986. “the stages of execution of the Letters the Brothers Hinduja are reputed to en- The first charge-sheet, filed in October Rogatory in Switzerland. The charge- joy. It was during UPA1 rule, Hinduja’s 1999, was against the former Defence sheet asserts that such conduct by the managed to kill the case in Delhi High Secretary, S.K. Bhatnagar, Ottavio three Hinduja brothers “shows that they court with the help of senior Congress Quattrocchi, W.N. Chadha, Martin Ar- are also conspirators along with M/s minister and maverick lawyer Ram- dbo, M/s A.B. Bofors for various offenc- A.B. Bofors.” The three Hinduja broth- jethmalani. The subsequent behavior es under the Indian Penal Code. The ers, two of whom have become U.K. of successive governments did indicate charge-sheet against G.P., S.P. and P.P. that while there is something to hide, Hinduja alleges that they were “party to they were not in agreement on what the criminal conspiracy with Martin Ar- The CBI charge- to hide. The Congress kept sheltering dbo and others during the period 1985- Quattrochi, and the BJP was more in- 1987 and thereafter and in pursuance sheet also documents tent on shielding the Hinduja brothers. thereof, they also received commissions The two roads crisscrossed, and neither from M/s AB Bofors”; that the Swed- blocking manoeuvres the truth prevailed nor did the law take ish arms manufacturer paid the three by the three Hinduja its course. brothers, through the ‘M...’ corpora- Road Ahead: The present Modi gov- tion, SEK 80.80 million; that although brothers in Switzerland, ernment of India is relentless in dealing the Government of India had laid down undertaken to prevent with high and mighty white color crimi- a requirement of no middlemen and no nals. The present government is even commissions in the howitzer deal and the Government of more severe on the issues of corrup- Bofors had agreed, “in pursuance of the tion in the defense sector. The Supreme criminal conspiracy, the accused per- India receiving the legal Court has rejected the appeal of CBI but sons dishonestly led the government to assistance requested with an advice to club the petition in the believe that there were no agents and in- pending Ajay Agarawal case. It is im- duced the government to part with” an under the ‘dual perative to the present government to amount that included “commissions,” criminality’ provision. investigate the matter without any po- thus cheating the government and put- litical witch-hunting and delinking the ting it to “a wrongful loss.” name of the Rajiv Gandhi from the pro- The supplementary charge-sheet cess to avoid giving political colours to makes clear that in the CBI’s profes- nationals and the third has reportedly the investigation. The country has wait- sional judgment, there is abundant acquired Swiss nationality, have defied ed for over three decades to know the evidence linking the ‘Arab-Tulip,” “Lo- the CBI’s summons and have, in effect, truth of the matter that has ruined the tus,” and “Mont Blanc” coded payments kept away from the law. They have been political life of many prominent leaders (SEK 37.03 million, SEK 31.99 million unable to come to India to attend their and in the process; it has established and SEK 11.77 million) into three Hin- substantial business interests and other new alternate leadership based on the duja Swiss bank accounts with the 1986 matters because the CBI would, without “Bofors politics”. Today, the sanctity of Bofors-India howitzer contract and the doubt, have knocked at their door and the four pillars of democracy is in crisis consequent payoffs. A CBI analysis of take whatever action, under the law of because of the process that started from the nine discrete payments made by the land, that it considered appropri- the bofors scandal has dark marks on Bofors into the three coded Hinduja ate in the interests of its investigation. our democracy. We have to safeguard accounts between May and December However, they have cleverly put their the institutions of democracy at any 1986 showed that the payments were fourth brother Ashok Hinduja in India cost to scale up the pride of our country contingent on, and linked precisely to, to regulate the business interest in In- 1.3 billion countrymen. the advance paid to Bofors by the Gov- dia. The CBI has also had a ‘look-out’ (Writer is India’s top inves- ernment of India and the payments notice issued against the three Hinduja tigative journalist and he is Bu- made on account of the actual delivery brothers which meant that had they reau Chief in The Pioneer)

42 May 2020 Opinion Express Priti Patel – A Rising Star of British Politics?

Kapil Dudakia to becominga fulltime politician. Her big break came during the tenure of PM wrote about Priti Patel a while Cameron. He saw the huge talent that back and felt that a reminder and resided in Priti and encouraged her to an update was in order given so take that final step. At the 2010 gen- much has changed in the past few eral election, Priti stood for the Conser- months.I vative seat of Witham, a new constitu- Priti led the Indian avant-garde in ency in central Essex, and won with a British politics and broke glass ceiling majority of 15,196. She has gone on to after glass ceiling. Following at great win the seat againin 2016 with an in- speed we saw Rishi Sunak, another PIO creased the majority to 18,646. If this arriving on the British political scene. was not enough, in December 2019 she Without any fanfare henuked everyone increased this majority again to 24,082. with his sterling performances in the In the time she has been an MP, she has House of Commons as the first Chan- worked in various positions including, cellor of the Exchequer of Indian ori- Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, gin. Enough about Rishi, I will do a full Minister of State for Employment and write up on him in due course. So let’s more recently, Secretary of State for revisit Priti, her background, her inspi- International Development and now ration, her aspirations and her achieve- she has become the first Indian to take ments to date. on the responsibilities as Secretary of Priti is the daughter of Sushil and The rising star knew State for the Home Department. She is Anjana Patel, a Gujarati couple who therefore now known with the ministe- of no boundaries to rial title of the Rt Hon Priti Patel MP. You might be forgiven in thinking Kapil’s halt her aspirations. that this was all plain sailing for Priti. She attended Watford So let’s put her achievements into some Kaleidoscope sort of perspective. She was the first Grammar School for Gujarati to sit on the front benches. fled the then increasingly dysfunctional Girls and then went on First Indian woman to have achieved Uganda of the tyrant Idi Amin to take this distinction in the UK. The first Brit- refuge in the UK. She was a bright to studying Economics at ish Hindu woman to secure such a high spark who observed, listened and learnt position in any British Government. from her surroundings. The family Keele University. Priti had to break not one, but several settled in Hertfordshire and whilst it glass ceilings in getting to where she is has now become a cliché, her parents her heritage faith. Most people do not now. She speaks her mind, sometimes engaged in setting up a series of News- know this, but as a child Priti was in fact a little more forcefully than a politician agents (or as some might say, the typi- present when the foundation stone for should, but knowing that she speaks cal British corner shop) which has now the now world-famous Neasden BAPS with integrity and an honest perspec- become so synonymous with Asians Mandir was laid. tive is reassuring in the world of politics in the UK. Whilst her parents worked The rising star knew of no boundar- that is mired by sleaze and deals. She hard, Priti settled into her new envi- ies to halt her aspirations. She attended rises above all of this and does what ronment and focussed on education. It Watford Grammar School for Girls and is good for her country, Great Britain. was not long before family and friends then went on to studying Economics at However, she has not forgotten her noticed her natural instincts in learn- Keele University. However, her inter- roots either. She has become a cham- ing new things and applying what she est in politics meant she also went onto pion for Indians not only in the UK had learnt. Her mathematical ability to do a postgraduate in British Govern- but also in India itself. I remember the allowed her to grapple easily with num- ment and Politics at the University of 2014 Indian elections that had turned bers, but then she was the daughter of Essex. Her education marked the road toxic. The media on the subcontinent a shopkeeper after all. Her parents and ahead and though she spent many years had become political and it was clear to grandparents were people of faith. Ev- working in the private sector, her am- the bystander that it had become anti- ery time they visited the Mandir little bition to become a politician was over- Modi. The western media took this lead Priti would be alongside them, as usual, powering. It was only a matter of time and without even checking facts started learning of the values imbibed in her by before she would make the transition to undermine and discredit the then

Opinion Express May 2020 43 CM Modi. It was Priti Patel who stood that she is fearless, she is self-reassured no longer is bound by the madness of alone as a British MP and denounced in knowing that her dharmic values im- parliament that had tied the hands of the biased media. She even wrote to bibed since childhood, will hold her in his predecessor. The politicking that the world-famous BBC, the so-called good standing. occurred since the Brexit referendum custodians of news integrity, that their What is really going on in Brit- was washed away in a flash during the coverage of the Indian election was bi- ish politics today? The Conservative last General Election. The first thing ased and very anti-Modi. Where politi- Party are of course in power, and now the Conservative government did, led cians fear to tread, Priti seems to step with a huge majority. The new Prime by the PM and ably supported by Priti forward and get on with it. It is not just Minister,the Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP was to make Brexit happen. And with

44 May 2020 Opinion Express Brexit out of the way, it paves way for a appreciate the giant that India is today. very close and fruitful relationship with So what do we make of the British- India. India needs to take advantage of Indian relationship now? After all it She was the first Gujarati this unique period in history. We have was Priti Patel (with support from PM to sit on the front now freed the UK from the clutches of Cameron) who galvanised a mediocre the EU. We now have in government relationship between the two countries benches. First Indian the highest number of leading ministers into something that is now seen as very woman to have achieved who are of Indian origin. This is now powerful. Britain still has a lot to do be- a government that can understand and fore India will fully commit. Quite obvi- this distinction in the UK.

ous when you think about it. After all India represents the biggest global phe- nomenon under PM Modi leading the largest democracy to superpower status over the coming decades. Any country with an ounce of intelligence will realise that being on good terms with India is the pre-requisite to their own economy doing well. Annoy India, and you can kiss the future growth of your country away. Whilst one Indian leads the largest democracy in the world, we have another person of Indian origin who can and will become the very powerhouse of this bi-lateral relationship in the UK. Only then can we assure of a good future for Britain post Brexit. For us in the UK, if the Conserva- tive Party continues to govern then I see great progress between our two nations. However, if by some misfortune we end up with a Labour Government in due course, then I fear their rhetoric may well turn into disastrous policies. And with that we can kiss the positive relationship of our nations away. I say this even though the Labour Party have just elected their new leader, Sir Keir Starmer MP. Keir has made some positive noises, especially in relation to Kashmir and in doing business with India. A word of caution my friends. Keir’s’ rhetoric hides an unholy truth. He has promoted several Labour MPs who have consistently shown to be pro- Pakistan, anti-India and have supported Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. I say to Indians in India, the Labour Party in the UK is akin to the Indian National Congress in India. You now know which side the bread is buttered, choose your friends wisely, or forever regret your choices. Priti Patel – A Rising Star of British Politics? And the answer is still a re- sounding Yes. As they say, watch this space and if you really want unadulter- ated non-PC commentary and observa- tions. follow me on twitter at: @kk_ OEG. At your peril of course!

Opinion Express May 2020 45 Book Review A terrific roller-coaster of a thriller – The Blue Jade

hobha Nihalani, brings to you a captivating story about histori- Scal artifacts falling into the wrong hands in this new page-turner. The- Blue Jade is a thrilling adventure in the murky world of black-market art set against the historical backdrop of the legendary princess-saint Mirabai.

Early Praise: Vivid and fast-paced, with a sharp- witted protagonist, Blue Jade is an absolute page-turner! SunirKheterpal – CEO Azure Entertainment From Hong Kong to India, a savvy art curator is chased by a deadly ring of smugglers for a highly prized relic. A terrific roller-coaster of a thriller that also takes us into the world of Princess Mirabai, a must read!!- Sidharth Jain, Chief Storyteller, The Story Ink

More on The Blue Jade: Neelam, starting her career as an art curator in Hong Kong, discovers a precious relic hidden inside a statue of Mirabai, the legendary Rajasthani princess-saint. The relic turns out to be the most sought-after blue jade pendant, long thought lost. Intertwining history and mystery, The Blue Jade is a captivating story about historical artifacts falling into the wrong hands. Neelam, starting her career as an art curator, discovers a precious relic hidden inside a statue of Mirabai, the legendary Ra- jasthani princess-saint. The relic turns out to be the most sought-after blue jade pendant, long thought lost. Neelam must complete her family’s unfinished mission of returning the jade safely to the Indian monument where it belongs. But this is no simple task – Neelam must outrun a More on Shobha: Vaswani – A Life in Spirituality. And a deadly ring of smugglers who are af- ShobhaNihalani has lived in Africa, memoir, A Gift from Above – Haresh ter the prized blue jade. As she trav- Asia, USA, and Europe. She is the au- and Harini’s Journey in Adoption. Her els through India, she trails the fabled thor of adventure and thriller novels: debut novel, Karmic Blues, was trans- journey of Mirabai, in a mystical link of The Silent Monument, the NINE tril- lated and published in Denmark. She history and present day. The Blue Jade ogy, Unresolved - A psychological thrill- has been a writer for over two decades is a thrilling adventure in the murky er, Trikon – a medical sci-fi thriller, and and has worked as a freelance journal- world of black-market art set against The Blue Jade. Recently, she wrote two ist, copywriter, book-keeper and is a the historical backdrop of the legend- non-fiction books, a biography of a hu- homemaker. Contact the author: ary princess-saint Mirabai. manitarian and spiritual leader – Dada [email protected]

46 May 2020 Opinion Express Book Review An intrigue of an undercover black-market trade in China arkly comical, Parinda’s lat- to make a success of it? Will Raghu be Valley where leads growth analytics est book ‘Made in China’ is a able to face his upcoming challenges or for a startup in the fashion industry, is Dsoul-stirring and thrilling jour- will he be trapped in the business web? mother to her precocious mini-me, a ney of a Gujarati man ‘Raghu Mehta’, lover of modern poetry, an avid traveler who is willing to do anything to make About the Author and photographer and a humor junkie. it big. Joshi brings together a brilliantly Parinda Joshi was born and raised Her M.O. is best described by Maya An- constructed plot and layered, rounded in Ahmedabad and later immigrated to gelou’s quote: ‘My mission in life is not characters creating an intrigue of an Los Angeles with her husband where she merely to survive, but to thrive; and to undercover black-market trade in Chi- navigated the challenges of starting life do so with some passion, some compas- na with the eternally the entrepreneur- from scratch in an unfamiliar milieu, en- sion, some humor, and some style.’ She ial spirit of Gujarat. riching herself with an MS in computer is the author of two novels, Live From science, testing her limits and redefin- London and Powerplay. Made in China Early praise for the book ing herself. She now resides in Silicon is her third novel. ‘Hilarious, richly textured, suffi- ciently outlandish and deeply human…a story I couldn’t resist being part of’- Ra- jkumar Rao, Actor and in lead role in the film by the same title. The book details the protagonist’s unusual entrepreneurial journey as he attempts to rise above his wretched cir- cumstances gets coaxed into a dark al- ley in Beijing and the roller coaster ride that ensues. In fact, the book seems so much more relevant today with the changing economic and demographic landscape of India and China. Also pre- miering on 11th Jan on Star Network is the movie made in the book. The book is still refreshingly different from the movie with a power-packed star cast.

More on Made in China Raghu Mehta is a desperate man. His handicraft imports business has un- expectedly collapsed and cash is drying out quickly, his wife thinks he is a loser and society considers him irrelevant. Meanwhile, his closest friends and family all seem to be running flourishing businesses and living luxurious lives in Surat, the diamond capital of India. A trip to China to scout for a new consumer goods business offers a glimmer of hope. But Raghu instead gets sucked into the black-market trade in the back alleys of Beijing. Everything about this new opportunity goes against his god- fearing, vegetarian, middle-class mindset - can he quash his natural instincts

Opinion Express May 2020 47 Persian artist unites the world with a message of peace: Mahsa Kooshesh

ahsa Kooshesh is Swedish – Per- sian actress, dancer and model Mwith a Masters in Biomedical Sci- ence. She moved to India year 2014 to pur- sue my dream of acting in Bollywood. Before that, in Sweden (where she live), she used to work as a Tv host for 2 different Persian TV channels and did some Persian music videos as an actress. Mahsa Kooshesh have mod- elled on runways shows and she is trained in many different dance forms including western dances, belly dancing and Bharatnatyam. She have danced, performed and taught Bol- lywood dance for many years which led to me starting my very own dance school in Sweden, called Bollywood Dance Fever. In India, Mahsa Kooshesh started with TVCs and several modeling jobs. She has many of billboards all over Mumbai and has been brand ambassador for a very prestigious diamond brand, to give a few examples. The first film project she did was with MTV In- dia, a short film where she played a Lakme Model. My dancing skills made it possible for me to work in film songs. So far Mahsa have done 4 film songs, her favourites are the first one, ”Yallah Yallah” in the movie ”Biker’s Adda” released 2015, and the last one which is called ”Chappan Tala” in the movie ”Yea Toh Two Much Ho Gayaa” released 2016. Mahsa last movie in India was”Missing on a Weekend” where she had a leading role, and was released during 2016. Mahsa left In- dia the same year because of health issues, and am now living and working in Sweden with some projects. By OECEL News Bureau – Entertainment Desk

48 May 2020 Opinion Express Regional films are the catalyst to unite India

ti Acharya is an Indian Actress who is known for her work in South Indian films. She is the title winner of “Mr and Miss South India 2016. Born in Rajasthan and brought up in Punjab, she is a graduate in Fashion Designing from NIFT, IBangalore and has actively been into theatre, modeling and dancing since a young age. Iti’s career in entertainment industry began when she was selected by Prasad Bidappa as one of the Grid Girls for the Formula One Racing. Her charming looks and fantastic dressing sense have always been a part of her package. She is recognised for her drop-dead gorgeous personality, which also added to her popularity in the glamour world. She, later on, was spotted by Kannada filmmakers and started her career as an actress. Her recent Kannada film is Kava- cha starring Shivarajkumar. She went on expanding in other South Language films including Malayalam and Tamil. She even starred in Hindi independent film Satyavati, a film based on corrective rape, screened in Washington DC centre & Harvard University film society. Her offbeat performance in Kannada social movie DHWANI (official selection @ Bangalore International Film festival) was praised by both press & board. Her English short film Mi- Amor, a tragic love story and Aashiq Phir Ek Baar - a Hindi short drama on father and daughter has been taken up by pocket films on their channel. Her upcoming project is the Telugu family en- tertainer Pasivadi Pranam. Her most famous films include KAVACHA (kannada ), DHWANI (kannada), Kerela Today (Malayalam), Seema Botha agatha (Tamil), Satyavati (hindi) and Mi- Amor (English ). Apart from the entertainment field, Iti is an active member of the International Human Rights Community, Karnataka. She has recently been appointed as a member of Anti- Corruption Commission as well. Our entertainment &fashion bureau head Nithya Ramesh has complied the article and interview with Iti.

Q What & who inspired you to be in the entertainment & fashion industry? I always was inclined towards art since a young age. My parents always pushed me to learn dance / theatre along with studies. I am a graduate in Fashion designing from NIFT. By the time I was in college I was modeling which eventually led to movies.

Opinion Express May 2020 49 Q How do you compare Indian film industry ( Bollywood) & (Regional ) with the present global benchmark? I think Indian film industry has always had its own identity in global market with a lot of unsung heroes on the list. Thanks to digitalization, now it’s easier to have an international reach for our films and actors. I have travelled to countries where people had seen my work or are fans of my co-actors. A lot of our Regional movies are making it to Cannes and other international film festivals almost every year. I am extremely proud of our films. I feel Indian film industry has a flavor of its own and I am sure the coming generations would continue to get our films more and more recognised while maintaining this flavor.

Q (Confidence) - from where you draw breath- taking confidence to shoot brilliant yet bold shoots? I don’t think my shoots are bold at all....I am just doing my job by doing justice to a look or a scene, trying to get the best out for whatever I m needed to do. As far as confidence is concerned it takes time to build in that....like any other Art you learn it by being consistent and lot of practice. I think now I am in a place where I know what works for me and what not. I can tell what picture or scene is going to come out well without looking at it. I think its result of my years of Experience.

Q How you have managed to adopt the linguis- tic barriers to expand footprint in Southern cinema? Like everyone else with great difficulty and lot of practice. It’s very important today to know the language you are going to work on. Every language has its own ways and man- nerism. Being an actor I have to do my research on that and try to get as close as possible. Obviously a 100 percent achieve- ment is difficult but the closer I can get the better my scene is going to be People usually don’t expect you to learn the language but it’s priceless the way they treat you when they notice you making an effort. The article is organized by OECEL News Desk.

50 May 2020 Opinion Express