TEAM ANNA HAZARE = RAM DEVJI = LOK PAL GOAL = 4 BULLS AND THE LION = WILL BULLS COME TOGETHER?

TEAM ANNA HAZARE

RAM DEVJI

LOK PAL GOAL

In our Childhood, we have heard the story of the 4 Bulls and the Lion. When the 4 Bulls were together, the Lion was afraid of them. When, the 4 Lions separated and were unwilling to help each other – the Lion ate them, one by one.

At first it was just Anna Hazare and a disparate team, which was trying to fight the Government on the Lok Pal Bill. There was no great semblance of Unanimity in the civil society represented by Team Anna initially.

And Politicians were trying their best to give bad name to each member of the team Anna. We all saw that.

Then came Ram Devji with a lot of enthusiasm. He was a staunch nationalist – but not experienced enough to tackle the tricks of wily Politicians. Some of his demands were better than those of Team Anna – but some demands were impractical.

The Politicians were harping on them. We were told through media and news papers at one point of time that most of his demands were accepted by Government ! But, Now – nobody knows what happened to those accepted Demands!!

Ram Devji admittedly had greater following than Team Anna. All over India. But no one expected the midnight attack on peaceful, sleeping Satyagrahis at the Ramlila Maidan. We find a perfectly peaceful, RajBala today in a paralyzed state. We find many in injured state. We do see lathis being used on defenceless people – on many TV  channels, though, even the reporters were not awake fully at that time. Can, we, in that sort of a midnight charging, expect statesmanlike reactions from Ramdevji and his team?

This is one side of the Picture.

In the background of this – we need to assess Team Anna’s reactions. 

Politicians are bent on giving Ram Devji a Bad name – by calling him RSS.

But, did we, and, did you, Team Anna, not see Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and all other religionists on dais with RamDevji at RamLila Maidan and even earlier? We did see on TV Channels all religionists speak on the Dais. Team Anna also was there.

I do watch his yoga karyakram on TV channels daily in the morning for a few years now – and I also do the asanas and pranayam along with the instructions he gives on TV. I am yet to hear even once – one word against any religion during his Yoga Karyakrams. In fact, he used to emphasize the uniformity and equality of all religions and the need to be together. Would RSS do that? I strongly doubt that. I do not think RSS can support the extraordinary religious tolerance and liberalism of Ram Devji. Even Ram Devji’s songs and prayers are absolutely religion-neutral.

I am not a follower of Ram Devji in any sense – and I also do not agree with some of his Demands. But, I do like his method of Yoga for Health and his propagation of Ayurved – and I can vouch that his Yog and his Ayurved do work. His sincerity, in my opinion, is undoubtable. For that matter, I also do not agree with some of Team Anna’s demands too. Such differences are bound to be there in Individual Opinions.

Simply because one or two RSS workers came and sat one day at his place does not make him or his agitation an RSS sponsored one. That is the easiest way for Politicians to divide Team Anna and  RamDevji. That ploy of Politicians has obviously worked – and Team Anna has fallen for it.

In my opinion, a similar, slightly different  ploy against any other member of Team Anna would have divided Team Anna also.

Now, Team Anna should decide – if they are willing to fall prey to this divisive mindset – or, persuade RamDevji for a more practicable, moderate agenda and include him too. Don’t give an absolute Nationalist like Ram Devji a bad name. There are not many, of that caliber. It may suit some others Politicians – who do not want a strong Lok Pal Bill. 

But, it does not suit Team Anna – to keep Ram Devji out of this fight against Corruption. But, for the present, Ram devji also must focus on strong Lok Pal. Other things can be fought a few months later – and together again. If the 4 Bulls learn to stick together – they win. But, of course, Team Anna can always ask the Government – what happened to those ACCEPTED DEMANDS of Ram Devji.

This Blog had also suggested inclusion of a few members of Parliament from the Opposition in the Panel. This has not happened. Team Anna also looked heavily hesitant – to seek such more inclusive panel, which would have ensured consensus or majority even before the Bill goes to Parliament.

Now – there is always a question mark on what the opposition will say in Parliament. They have NOT BEEN formally invited to give any opinion by the Government so far. So, their opinions will come in Parliament.

Team Anna must also make efforts to seek support from all corners – and accept it gracefully from all corners.

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BABA RAMDEVJI = ANNA HAZARE = DR.MANMOHAN SINGH = CRUSADE AGAINST BLACK MONEY & CORRUPTION

BABA RAMDEVJI’S CRUSADE

AGAINST BALCK MONEY & CORRUPTION

I had attended Baba Ram Devji’s week long “Yog Subir” at Hyderabad several years ago. He was highly effective in communicating yog to all educated and uneducated men, women and children who attended the Sibir. 

Let me affirm that many of the modern speakers fail – in being so effective because of the sheer difference in the commitment to the cause.

I pooh – pooh the political and other leaders who try to ridicule him.

Better become a Nationalist like him – I would urge them.

I have not seen any one who has done “Bharat Darshan” so totally (after Mahatma Gandhi) and with so much commitment and involvement,  as Baba Ram Dev Ji.

Every where, he has spread yog, health and Ayurved – in a way that no one else can even hope to repeat in future. His commitment to people is total. His contribution to people’s health is also total.

Much like Anna Hazare – Baba Ram Devji also used to talk of social issues like corruption in his Yog Sibirs for a long time. Therefore it is good that both Anna hazare and Baba Ram Devji are now fighting corruption and Black money, though from two different platforms – so very vigorously. I only wished that the civil society leaders used services of eminent people like Baba Ram devji and N.R.Narayana Murthy, who have done yeomen service to the nation in their own ways. In an earlier blog post also, I had emphasized this need.

Baba Ram Devji may use certain terminology – which may look like extreme solutions – like hanging for black money hoarders.  But, suppose some one (an Indian) has hundreds of crores in  foreign banks unknown to Government of India  – it is obviously acquired  by committing all sorts of crimes in and against the nation. If all of their crimes are brought out – they may well deserve even hanging. But, that is not the important thing. The law will punish them as they deserve.

What is important is – the needed resolve of the Nation to arrest the birth of Black money and its deposit in foreign banks – concealed from the Indian Government. All concealed money in foreign Banks obviously is illegal money. Government must declare it so – and seek their repatriation to the Government of India. Why there should be two opinions on it? Can such concealed money be legal by any stretch of imagination? This is exactly what Baba Ram Dev Ji says.

And, I strongly feel – he is very right.

If all the Black money comes back to India and further generation is stopped – our nation becomes a great nation. A lot of poverty in the nation will disappear. Baba Ram Dev Ji is very emphatic about it.  

There can’t be two opinions on – whether all Black money should be rooted out and brought back to Government treasury. It has to be.

Corruption has to be curbed totally.

Now, we have, in my opinion, a very respected, honest, upright, learned Prime minister – like Manmohan Singhji – in the Government,   and we don’t know how the future Prime ministers will be like – but right now, we have one who deserves the Post eminently, but for some of the Political shackles that are binding him.

We all vote on the basis of caste, religion, Party affiliation and so on – but – how many vote for such an eminent person like Manmohan Singh – if he is not backed by a Political Party? This is the unfortunate problem in this country – which must change.

But right now – Anna Hazare and Ram Devji are crusading for rooting out corruption and Black money – and Dr.Manmohan singh, in my opinion, may be more than willing to put in place the required legislations and efforts, with their help.

In my strong opinion – their agitations – will be greatly helping Dr. Man Mohan Singh, in bringing legislations and other measures that are close to his own heart and in silencing the detractors.

What is needed at this crucial juncture - is pressure on Government from all the people of India– and  total support to Ram Dev –Anna Hazare - ManMohan Singh combination – in achieving this Goal.  

There are some voices which are trying to distract – by ridiculing these trio. One of them says - Why a sanyasi should be doing all this?  

Sage Vishwamitra took Ram specifically to kill the Raakshasaas and taught Ram all martial arts for the purpose. Sage Vasishta supported him totally. Sages want that Dharma should be established and adharma should be rooted out – and they took all necessary initiatives for it, always, in India. Ram had then fought and killed the Raakshasaas. Let Raam Devji do it now. Or, with help from Ram Devji and Anna Hazare, let Mana Mohan Singh Ji  do it.

People of India have tolerated corruption and Black money long enough and allowed the country to come to this rot – but now is the time to speak up and support.

Let all of us speak up.  


Please do – NOW.

= yours

V.VIJAYAMOHAN

LOK PAL BILL DRAFTING COMMITTE = ARRESTING SMEAR CAMPAIGN = WHAT PRIME MINISTER CAN DO = WHAT CIVIL SOCIETY MUST DO

LOK PAL BILL DRAFTING COMMITTEE

SMEAR CAMPAIGN AGAINST

MEMBERS FROM CIVIL SOCIETY SIDE

Why could we not pass the Lok Pal Bill in last 42 years?

It is said, that the first Lokpal Bill was passed in the 4th Lok Sabha in 1969 but it could not get through in Rajya Sabha; subsequently, Lokpal bills were introduced in 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and in 2008, yet they were never passed and its pending.

Some body is definitely interested in introducing. But, some body is  definitely interested in stalling. So, it could not be passed.

But, who is interested in stalling the Bill – and why?

Now, there is a momentum from Government side and from civil side both, to draft the bill and get it passed in Parliament this year itself.

But, some people here and there are obviously and definitely interested in carrying on a smear campaign against the civil society members and other “fighters against Corruption” and see that the drafting of a strong Lok pal bill will not fructify – before the deadline or even after that.

Now, they want to find at least some small charge against all crusaders of corruption!! Even if it relates to periods long ago.

The main question therefore is – W H Y   EXACTLY   N O W  ??

I tell them - My dear Sirs, you won’t gain any thing if you win – in proving X or Y from the civil society or some one fighting corruption to have been corrupt in some sense in a small way at some long time in the past.

But, the whole country will lose – forever. What could not be passed for 42 years will remain without being passed for next 42 years too.

Yes, Sir. No one in India can perhaps be 100 percent free from all corruption. May be, you can prove it also against most Indians.

I am not denigrating my fellow Indians in this. We, the 99.9% of Indians want to be honest. But, the moment I step into the street, just to protect myself, feed my self, do the smallest things for my family, I have to indulge in corruption today, in our great Country. Don’t you see that at all? And sir, do you want that to continue in India, forever?

There is a stinking atmosphere of corruption all around us today – and therefore the civil society members have come forward to fight this in some way through the Lok pal Bill.

There are many, many others also fighting corruption, as Individuals, in their own small way, all over India. Don’t we see that many RTI activists are even getting killed – merely for seeking information about corrupt people and guilty people? And, what is India doing about them?

I therefore very strongly appeal to every one – stop all of your smear campaigns against ALL LOK PAL BILL DRAFTING COMMITTEE MEMBERS – FROM CIVIL SOCIETY SIDE, AND GOVERNMENT SIDE – and support the Bill whole heartedly and ensure that it becomes a reality. If you have any real problems against any member – fight your private battles later, after the Bill becomes a reality.

But, all the same – I know that, some one or other will be attacking all the active members fighting corruption on some ground or other – because, that was how, Lok pal bill could not become a reality for so long.

Therefore, I am making the following proposal /appeal to ensure that a strong LOK PAL BILL becomes a reality in India.

AN APPEAL TO

THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA

I appeal to the Prime Minister of India, Shri Manmohan Singh, in whom I do have immense confidence, to confer the status of Cabinet Ministers on the Drafting committee members, till the Bill is drafted, introduced in Parliament, argued in Parliament and approved finally and made into a Bill. This is essential to confer on them some immunity from any Petty cases that the smear campaigners may try to lodge against them for their ulterior reasons.

MY FIRST APPEAL TO

CIVIL SOCIETY MEMBERS

My First appeal to you is – Kindly support vigorously my above appeal to the prime minister, so that your  aim, my aim, many others’ aim about the success of Lok Pal Bill becomes a reality.

I request every reader of this Blog Post to convey this with their strong support -  to the Civil society activists and drafting committee members and those in the Government.

MY SECOND APPEAL TO

CIVIL SOCIETY MEMBERS

Today I saw, Swami Agniveshji saying some thing like this that – we did not level similar charges against the Government members in the committee (and probably retaliate thereby – which seems to be the implication).

I do welcome this statement, and say that you need not and should not retaliate against government members of the committee, who are reasonably clean.

But, please find a way to fight the smear campaigners - as a unified campaign. You, I and all of us  must protect all of us  from the smear campaigners.

You can’t leave the Bhushans or Anna Hazare or Santosh Hegde or any other fighter against Corruption to fight lone battles, even assuming some small mistakes by any of them. 

If We Don’t Protect the

“Fighters Against Corruption”,

Their will be no

“Fight Against Corruption”

The whole of India needs to remember this – and Act.

Arise, Awake, and stop not – till the goal is reached ! (Swami Vivekananda)

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BUILDING NATIONAL CONSENSUS ON FIGHTING CORRUPTION = & ON LOK PAL BILL = ANNA HAZARE & FRIENDS MUST TAKE SUPPORT OF ALL = TO MAKE LOKPAL BILL A GOOD REAILITY

NATIONAL CONSENSUS on

FIGHTING CORRUPTION

IN INDIA

ANNA HAZARE, the veteran Gandhian, has done well to focus the attention of the Nation, on the issue of Corruption and the need for passing a stringent Lok Pal Bill. Thanks to his and his associates’ efforts – the Lok pal bill drafting committee is now functioning.

But, let us be very frank that – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has responded quite quickly and sufficiently to the demand of Anna Hazare and his supporters, for formation of the drafting committee including five civil activists and five central Ministers.

But, corruption in India is too Big a phenomenon and too wide spread to be tackled by Anna Hazare and his small band of followers. When I say, small – I specifically compare them with the large numbers of powerful people involved in corruption – and therefore bound to be against the crusade against corruption.

Some of the corrupt people have a Big, vested interest in its continuance and will find many methods of throwing mud on the civil activists and their members in the committee.

Look at how, the RTI Activists are being attacked in recent past, in many parts of India and even being killed. How much seriousness is there in protecting these RTI Activists who are involved in exposing the corrupt people and corruption – right now? Many of them are already serious fighters against corruption.

Are we all sensitive enough to this basic problem? The RTI act will become totally ineffective – if these attacks on the RTI Activists continue unabated. Likewise, if the attacks, even if only verbal, legal and judicial, on the civil activists and Lok Pal drafting committee members do not stop, there will be serious hurdles in finalizing the Lok Pal Bill draft. This much is already clear.

Where RTI Act cannot succeed, because of violence against RTI Activists, is it possible that Lok Pal Act , will succeed, even after it is passed, against even more powerful people? It requires lot more co-operation from all sections of non-corrupt people. Just a small number of civil activists ,whose interests also do not always coincide, cannot be effective enforcers of the Act. What they are unable to do against RTI Act, can they do against Lok Pal act?

We have seen that happening earlier too.

Many times, it takes the Supreme court to come to the rescue of the affected persons. Some of these times, I don’t say, thank God. I say, thank the Supreme Court!

But, the sad fact is – legislatures are failing to take note of all these and come up with appropriate legislations and administrative actions,  to protect people’s rights fully.

Now, people say, on the experience of Dr.Vinayak Sen’s case and Supreme court Judgment – that the Law of sedition needs a re-look. I begin to feel, too many laws in India have not changed with times and needs and need thorough revision.

The Lok Pal Bill is no different – and is like a drop in the pond. But, of course, it is needed urgently.

We needed the RTI Act. And it came. Let us give the credit to not only the activists behind that – but also to Dr. Manmohan Singh’s team, for giving a good legislation to us. Let us also give due credit to all Opposition parties who voted overwhelmingly for the Act.

And, I say – the civil activists are failing precisely in this.

Recognize that Dr. Manmohan Singh, despite his all other coalition compulsions, which are real and cannot be brushed aside, is still moving ahead and has announced a clean committee from his side fast enough. Let us also recognize that the principal opposition Parties also said unequivocally that will support the Lok Pal Bill. I personally would have liked a committee with a few prominent opposition leaders too. It would have made the passage of the bill in Parliament that much easier, and the bill would have looked as a National Consensus from the beginning.

But, some of the civil activists – don’t want any such support, from some people elected by people of India with good majorities and sent to Parliament for the Purpose. This attitude divides the movement against corruption very badly – and creates unnecessary divisions against the Bill.

From the people’s side – a Kiran bedi, a NRN Murthy would have been great additions to the committee. Even now – they can be co-opted in some advisory capacity.

All those who want to fight against corruption, must enlist and take the help of all others too – in the fight against corruption. 99.9% of people, even those who are presently corrupt due to some compulsions, will willingly come out of  corruption, if the country provides an environment free of corruption. Less than 1% will be hard core in corruption. They only will need to be dealt with finally, harshly.

Look at what is happening in 2G scam. Industry leaders are also being put behind bars. In a corruption-filled environment, who were the persons who were frontrunners in corruption, and who were the ones who had to run along with others, just to secure their business too – is not clear at all.

When the ordinary man wants his Ration cards, Rations, registration of a plot of land, pass port verifications and so many other essential things of life, is he able to remain non-corrupting? He bows down before a system – for bare living and for a few simple essential purposes. Some times, it happens to a Business man too. The whole atmosphere is such. Even an honest Business man has to bow down before the corrupt system – to thrive and not just get left behind.

So, we first of all, need an atmosphere, which is reasonably free of corruption, and where the corrupt have some potent thing to be afraid of.

But, each of us have our other likes and dislikes – like some of us may be against naxalism, some against communalism, some against capitalism, some against this or that particular religion, some against this or that caste – and so on. These likes and dislikes are clearly dividing the fight against corruption. All the latest news about the committee members getting pitched against powerful opponents and getting totally distracted – is clearly disturbing the fight against corruption.

Please Put your likes and dislikes aside for the time being. They can come later.

Take all Support that comes by and do not spurn any  Support and any help - and ensure that a good, strong, potent Lok Pal bill becomes a reality in the next 4 months.

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ANNA HAZARE = LOK PAL BILL DRAFTING COMMITTEE = FIGHTING CORRUPTION = NEEDS SUPPORT OF ALL PEOPLE = FOLLOWERS MUST NOT DISCOURAGE SUPPORT OF ANY ONE

ANNA HAZARE

THE GANDHIAN WHO SHOULD TALK

(UNFETTERED)

The Fight for a strong Lok Pal Bill is getting into trouble.  The leader can’t talk. Or, some of the followers won’t allow him to talk the way he feels.

Gandhi, to my mind, never, allowed himself to be so cajoled, or,  so disciplined by his followers into, what he should talk or should not talk.

Gandhi’s way always was

v I go my way. I am convinced. You are welcome to come my way. It’s up to you.

v I am not going to hate any one, the Muslim or the British, or the Hindu, for any thing. There shall be No hatred in my way of doing things. Every Indian is my brother or sister.

v I fight to mend the minds. Not to hate the people.

This was Gandhian ways. Not bending to every person’s whims. If I feel, what I feel is right, I will feel that – until I find I am wrong. Then, I correct. If I feel what I am doing is right, I do that, any way. Who criticizes me is unimportant to me. I hate none. Every Congress leader was annoyed with Gandhi on some occasion or other in a very serious way.

But, it is difficult to understand a Gandhi. And, it is much more difficult to be a Gandhi.

To my mind, this was and is Gandhian philosophy.

Now – I express my views on the fight for Lok Pal Bill:

No Indian, to whichever political party he belongs, to which ever state, religion or caste he belongs, is  an enemy to any of us. If any one says – “zero tolerance to corruption”, for this one limited purpose, he or she must be welcome to say that. Many people are fed up with corruption. Even the corrupt are fed up with corruption.

The country has become so small in the eyes of all other nations, because of this one phenomenon. But, Corruption is INDIVIDUALISTIC. Crime is INDIVIDUALISTIC. No party is for it. But, no party is above it.

Our Prime Minister may have tolerated corruption because of coalition compulsions. But, don’t we all accept his impeccable integrity? The ministers he has nominated also have an excellent track record.

Likewise, Vajpayeeji in BJP was always a respected figure in his and all other Parties. Many leaders in BJP are also non-corruptible and have excellent track record. Many in the communist parties live at the same economic level that they did decades ago, which is clearly indicative of their non-corruptibility. There are some very good leaders in many regional Parties too.

What is the problem if these political parties declare support to Lok Pal Bill and pledge to root out corruption today?

The members from Anna Hazare’s side nominated for the committee – are excellent. So are the members nominated from Government’s side. Though this blog had suggested inclusion of two from opposition parties and may be, two more eminent persons from outside parliament – it is fine. If a ten member committee can produce a good Lok Pal Bill and if it is acceptable to Parliament, it is perfectly fine.

But, let the civil activists and others understand that those who finally have to debate and vote for the Bill – are especially the Opposition Parties. And, they do represent a vast percentage of Indian Public. Taking their support now is the most intelligent thing and the most ethical thing to do – in my opinion. The way some people are speaking against all politicians does not augur well. It is also unethical.

The political atmosphere in the country today is no doubt so polluted that many treat each other as enemies for almost no reason. But, let us accept that there are many, many good politicians, in every political Party. They are the hope of India’s future.

Let us understand that - yesterday is over. Today is a new day. If today, people say, we support “zero tolerance to corruption” I don’t see, why they shouldn’t be saying that at all. I don’t see why the nation should not be welcoming that.

After all, where is corruption in India? Every where! Every where, there is good and bad. From the street corner to the Parliament. But, the street corner is not bad. The Parliament cannot be faulted. Are some NGOs not corrupt? The law of averages works the same everywhere.

As earlier said, there are many good people at the street corners and in the Parliament. We can’t overlook them, if we have to fight the monumental corruption in our country.

If the Chief Ministers of all states say “No Corruption from now” – will Anna Hazare welcome that – or, will he welcome that partially only, from some CMs?

I think and I hope, Anna Hazare will welcome all – even if some people do not like it. He has the support of Kiran Bedi, Swami Agnivesh, Sri Sri Ravishankar, Swami RamDevji, Sadhguru Jaggi vasudev and several illustrious figures, who are toiling daily, in memorable ways, some times (in some ways) even more than Anna Hazare, for uplifting the Indian nation in some way or other. All these people are just as much Gandhians as Anna Hazare himself is.

Now, the Drafting committee has been appointed. Let there be no more disputes. Let every Indian come in support of it. Let everybody accept everybody’s support. Let there be no disputes on that too. 

After all, India needs a strong Lok Pal Bill, which has everybody’s support. We want a strong and non-corrupt India where everybody co-exists on the basis of love and non-violence.

I wish and hope Anna Hazare will enlist the support of all Political Parties in Parliament and seek their help in passing the bill.

Love, non-violence and universal brotherhood – will win the way – not hatred.

Yours

=Vijayamohan.V

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