Thursday, February 5, 2009

ಪಬ್ ಧಾಳಿಗೆ ಸ್ಕೆಚ್, ಭಯೋತ್ಪಾದನೆಗೆ ಬೆಂಬಲ? ಇದೇನಾ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ಸ್ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ?

All is not well in Congress! click on the image for report in English
ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ಸ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಸರಿ ಇಲ್ಲ...
ಒಂದು ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯೆ
News on 28th Feb 2009...ಇದಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಏನು ನಿರೀಕ್ಷೆ? ಇದೆ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ಸ್ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ!
Everyone knows the sponsors(political+religious) of Tehelka...Now Tehelka reaches the all time low by launch of Pink Chaddi campaign...If you are hurt by thier antics, mail to the following address...One can not get away, by hurting the sentiments! (all of a sudden the addresses/logo from their blog have disappeared!- what are they afraid of?) However, if you wish to see the addresses of those involved in this dirty campaign, click here...(oops... the link has gone offline...so here it is...The Pink Chaddi Campaign,C/O Alternate Law Forum,122/4 Infantry Road(opposite Infantry Wedding House)Bangalore 560001KarnatakaContact person:Nithin (9886081269)Divya (9845535406)Nisha ( 9811893733)Vivek(9845591798)Ratna (09899422513)
09.02.2009, Kannadaprabha

ಪಬ್ ಧಾಳಿಗೆ ಸ್ಕೆಚ್, ಭಯೋತ್ಪಾದನೆಗೆ ಬೆಂಬಲ?
ಆಫ್ಜ್ಯಲ್ ಗುರು ನಂತವರ ರಕ್ಷಣೆ ...
ಇದೇನಾ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ಸ್ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ?
Congress party workers oppose anti terror campaign at college campuses...indirectly in support of terror activities?
Bangalore police identify mastermind behind serial bomb blasts
Bangalore, Feb 5 (PTI) Police have identified the mastermind behind the July 25 serial bomb blasts last year in the city and the investigation has reached "final stage," Karnataka Home Minister V S Acharya said today."Culprits of the July 25 serial bomb blasts have been identified. The investigation into the case has reached the final stages. Our police officials will soon share the details," Acharya told reporters here without elaborating.Asked whether the terror suspect Sainudeen alias Abdul Sattar, whom the Hyderbad police arrested and handed over to the city police gave clues leading to identification of the gang, he replied in the negative."The gang is not from Hyderabad. But from another state. I can't give more details than this," Acharya said.Meanwhile, highly placed sources said a 12-member terrorist gang had executed the low intensity serial bomb blasts which claimed two lives and left at least six others injured.Acharya said he was not aware about the progress of investigation into the December 2005 terror strike at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in which an Assistant Professor of Delhi was killed and two others injured. (PTI)
Karnataka govt warns Srirama Sene
Bangalore, Feb 5 (PTI) The BJP government in Karnataka today warned the Srirama Sene, which threatened to "marry off" couples found dating during Valentine's Day, saying "if they take law into their hands, law will take its own course".
"They (Sri Rama Sene) are unnecessarily taking law into their hands. If they take law into their hands, law will take its own course," State Home Minister V S Acharya said, hours after Sene founder Pramod Muthalik said his men would oppose Valentine's Day celebrations and marry off couples found dating.Referring to the Sene activists' attack on a pub in Mangalore on January 24, Acharya claimed that preliminary investigations pointed to the involvement of some Congress leaders.The girls whom the Sene activists assaulted have been identified, but they refused to lodge formal complaint or share any details, he said, adding police continued their investigations.Acharya claimed that a Congress leader, who is also a Sene activist, has been found absconding since the event occurred. (PTI)
===========================
Konkani Federation Day report

30 comments:

Unknown said...

Sir,

I wanted to bring you a good policy that I've seen for police in US.

There is a way setup so that common public can donate to the police association.. and they get a sticker that they've donated.

This results in two things:
a) Increased revenue for the police men.

b) Increased expression of support from common public to police... which I believe is a serious problem now...

I hope you implement this simple provision so that people and police can get closer.

I want to see common public putting up stickers supporting our police men on their vehicles.. This would do a great change to the image of police and also boost their morale.

Unknown said...

Dear Dr.Acharya,
You cannot expect anything from the congress,who are used to POWER and feeling like 'FISH OUT OF WATER" without being in POWER,they dont learn lessons and that is why JD(S)is emerging as alternative to them.

I expect you to deal firmly with RAMAMSENE and proove LAW IS SUPREME....
REGARDS
Puneeth

freespirit said...

Sir,

Please check the website address given at the bottom of the post and tell us how you can ask us to assume the BJP is any different from the Congress with respect to policy on fighting terror if they do not ban the Ram Sena before the coming Valentine's Day, and definitely before the Lok Sabha elections.

Violence in the name of any religion is wrong. So far Hindus have always prided themselves on being tolerant and non-violent. These people are a shame on Hinduism.

http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Sep152008/state2008091490030.asp

P.S.-Please do leave a reply as to your thoughts on the link.

Unknown said...

Sir,

I want to Congratulate you and the entire police team for cracking the Bangalore case.

However, three questions:

a. What steps are you taking so that investigations do not take such a long time (6 months!) ?
I would specifically like to direct you towards identity card and RFID technology which would help track criminals easily... Please increasingly use technology to be able to counter these terrorists.

b. You haven't seemed to have reached to the roots of these modules yet... Wherever they might be based, we need to wipe out the roots of these modules

c. I find it surprising that there is no significant link to this module and the ones involved in Ahmedabad blasts.

d. Finally, in a recent interview in Dec., former ISI chief has claimed that ISI has penetrated so much in Bangalore that if they wish they can blow up bangalore in 30 minutes... Ofcourse, it might be exaggeration.. but, we need to weed out those modules.

Finally, Congratulations and Thanks for cracking the case!

Anonymous said...

Dear Freespirit
1. Media has gone overboard in reporting Mangalore episode. I request you to see the situation, without going by media reports
2. Leftist leaning mediamen are known to distort the statements of individuals, to suit their story, so unless the person who has made the statement owns the responsiblity, i refuse to comment on the printed statement.

freespirit said...

Sir,
I do not care what party those goons are affiliated to, or are supported by. They committed a crime, also Pramod Muthalik has committed several non-bailable offences, and are now threatening to do so again. As you are the Home Minister of the state I expect you to ensure that these people are in jail.

You may say that the media has blown the issue out of proportion but please do note that the Taliban also began like this. I would request you to take action before they commit serious crimes. Please do note that the public is not concerned about your political conspiracies and blame games. We want good governance, whether it is the Congress, the BJP, the SP or the CPM, it does not matter.

Unknown said...

freespirit, your emotions are appreciated but, look at things in appropriate perspective.

Here, no one supports Ram Sene...that is a nonsense unit and no one seriously cares about that unit.

1. Let the agenda not be set by media!

2. I'd like to ask you, is Home Minister supposed to work based on media reports ???

3. Just 2 days ago, there was someone screening lady's changing room in Hyderabad... For you, it is not big issue because Media did not make a big issue out of it..

Stop reactionary way of action... Understand things in right perspective.

The Mangalore pub attack was nothing but a stage managed drama by Ram sena, Media... and Cong. only tried to take advantage of it.

Look at Gujarat, isnt it safe there ?? ... Soon, Karnataka will also be safe.

The sensationalisation by Media is a bigger danger than any of these lallu pillu outfits...

Last question: Dont you think the media people who were recording there equal culprits ?? and Why are they not coming for enquiry.

Now, I attacked media because, you are asking our HomeMinister to take action based on these same media reports. But, govt.'s agenda cannot be set by media.

freespirit said...

A useful suggestion for Dr.Acharya:

Ban the Ram Sena and as punishment make its members enlist in the armed forces which have a shortage of personnel. Also make them do community work like helping out at women's shelters, etc. Two birds with one stone!

Anonymous said...

why are these sreeram senas not banned...They are not only degrading the hindu culture but also in the name of lord ram..doing filthy things....
what is the difference btwn these ppl and the ppl who kill oders in the name of Islam?
Ban these groups.
--Neha

Anonymous said...

hey,

what kind of a home minister are you if you can not protect your daughters from being beaten up bu goons? I am a hardcore bjp supported voting for bjp since 13 years. such acts make me ashamed! you will only end up alienating the youth..which is more than 50% of the population. you have to take strict steps to stop this goondaism. the best part of hinduism is that its a free and democratic religion...doesnt impose anything on you..lets u free. and more than anything else hinduism doesnt ask men to beat up women?
do something fast or poor lk advani would never be able to be pm!

manu,
delhi

Anonymous said...

Dear Dr Acharya,

For all the different reasons given by your many supporters as to why swift and punitive action must be taken against the Ram Sene, let me offer you a few more.

It is the job of the State to uphold the rights, safety and dignity of its people, and to the extent it does not, it has failed its duty.

Secondly, those Sena men are cowards not only for hiding behind their mob strength but for beating up defenceless girls who were physically too weak to stand up to them. Thirdly, what has your good governance done to ensure that those girls if they wished to file a complaint would be guaranteed protection and justice for the crime that was committed against them?

The action of the Sena reflect a deep rooted and malignant malattitude of men towards women who are exercising their right of choice as individuals, as citizens of a secular state and as women. The scope and space of their choice does not matter (and nothing can justify the attack!) but that they chose! As a secular state, you need to protect them and ensure they have the freedoms to exercise their power of choice.

Nothing! Absolutely nothing can justify the attack and especially violence against women. I will not waste your time with statistics and figures, we know that this demonic power exists, we know its forms amd we know its effects! You can pick up any local newspaper and it will have at least one incident of violence against a woman or a girl child. My question is what are we doing about it, at our level?

I urge you to use all the governance and legislative tools under your jurisdiction and ensure that these culprits are brought to book and make Karanatka the first state to outlaw such fascist vigilante groups that peddle a morality fashioned to suit their own feudal design.

My last point, the youth of today should be invited as participants rather than passive audiences to be directed. They are much more aware, smarter, and clued into a global culture. What we do for them, will make them the leaders of tomorrow. I also do not think any of us would want to be led by the likes of Muthalik and his ilk.

freespirit said...

Sir,

I sent in two comments. Kindly publish both or do not complain of media men showing only one side of the story.

Anonymous said...

guess u need to do come justice for the place wer u stand... u'd never realise dis dirty act by rama sena until it happens to ur own family ladies..acting cowardly at dis point of time wud never help u mr.. so act wit sane mind don b a puppet in d cheap goons hand who in d name of god n culture r demoralising india n our lovely state.. buck up, ban dem n punish dem til de turn into new leaves!!
cheers

Anonymous said...

Sir, Why cant you have the police issue press statements about the facts of this episode? As long as it comes from you no one seem to consider it.

Let the police department put out the facts instead of your department.

freespirit said...

Since you haven't seen fit to publish my earlier comment I'm going to have to type it all out again.

Rajkiran Panuganti,

1. Are you honestly trying to tell me that ALL media is biased? And if so, why is no one biased FOR the Government?

2. Of course screening changing rooms is an issue. However this is a bigger issue. This is an issue of basic rights. We do not want the Government's opinion on what constitutes morality. Let Dr. Acharya concentrate on putting Muthalik into jail instead of telling us what is right and what is wrong. Screening of changing rooms maybe an issue, but the whole society says that it is wrong. This is the BIGGER issue because there are actually some deluded individuals who say that the girls DESERVED to be beaten up! Or that pub culture is wrong. Drugs and nudity are NOT necessarily a part of pubs, why is that so difficult to understand? To curb drugs the anti-narcotic cell is present. As for nudity, as long as it isn't obscene, according to the Constitution, who are you to talk? Anyone above the legal age is free to consume alcohol; if the Government feels this is wrong then please ask them to impose a complete ban on alcohol, not just for pub goers.

3. As for the media being equally culpable; why are there no charges being pressed against them?

4. Gujarat is safe! That is one of the most hilarious statements I have heard for a long time. A state where only people belonging to a certain religion are safe does not make the whole state safe! If my Muslim friends are not safe, then the state is not safe. As simple as that. L.K.Advani talks about uniting in the name of religion. What happened to all of us being humans first? Why not unite in the name of humanity?

Unknown said...

freespirit,

I'll answer one-by-one.

a. Yes, All media is biased. No one is biased FOR or AGAINST the govt. They are only biased towards sensationalization and making money. You can see hindi channels like Aaj Tak and Sudarshan Tv, and to some extent Zee news,... you can see they are biased FOR the BJP again for sake of money.

b. If some individuals say girls DESERVED it, what can a Home Minister do ?? Under what law, he can curb them ?.. and Arrest ? ... Weren't they arrested and let off by the court ?? ... Who is to be blamed for that ? .. It is those media and those girls who did not come to file even an FIR. Without them, you cannot expect these people to be arrested for long!... If you people are sincere, you must make efforts for those girls to come and file an FIR. Wasn't it you guys who were standing first in line to protest accepting video footages as evidence in the name of humanity ??? .. Now, you people cry why those goons are roaming free!

c. What charges can you press against the Media ?? ... The moment any charge is pressed like in the case of Binayak sen, there is a hulla-gulla and so, there is no law to arrest those video-graphers. And, it is also not good to pass any law against media since it can be abused. That is why Ombudsman is a good idea... You can make Media accountable without restricting their freedom.

d. If you are making that comment about Gujarat, I'm sure how much you are influenced by Media. I'm sure you have never visited Gujarat in recent years.

Last week, Modi visited Godhra on Republic Day. You must read about how passionately muslims have welcomed Modi. Can you answer why NO mainstream media has reported it ?? And, I'm sure you don't know it! I'd suggest, call up your muslim friends who live in Gujarat and ask them and not those who live outside. I'm sure you must be from Delhi...

Remember, local people of any place know more than what is presented. Last year, when Modi visited Masjid in Ahmedabad, you must see what kind of thunderous applause he received. Again, it will not be reported in your media. There are many NGO's and media channels who made millions of dollars out of the incident. Haven't you read about the recent news given by Supreme Court's SIT team about how these NGO's have bribed the witnesses. That will be printed only in some corner and you guys want to live in some prejudiced world. And, remember, who was the Home minister in 2002, it was Govardan Zadaphia; who is responsible for not able to stop the riots. Now, he is with Congress and all of a sudden becomes Secular ???.. WOW!

e. Those who preach about being humans first unfortunately are living in a dreamland. At least my communistic friends are not so hypocritical. Why do we have the identity of India so important ? Why cant we erase the human drawn borders and say humanity first ? Why do all nations stupidly defend a piece of land by spending billions of dollars and raise military instead, we must say humanity first ? ... Why do we celebrate Republic day,.. Arent military to kill people ?? .. why cant we say humanity first there ??

At least, I'm not hypocritical. I say, every identity must be respected. Every religion must be respected. With every identity, way of living is associated and you cant ignore that. Nation, Religion, Language etc. are ALL important or NONE is important. All are nothing but identities. It is hypocritical to say my identity of being Indian is important but my identity of Religion is not important. That is hypocracy for me.

f. Just two days ago, a small girl child was beaten up in UP by police. Why aren't you making hulla of that ? .. Because, you don't identify yourself with her. Why dont you send pink chaddis to those cops ? btw, there is another group who wants to send pink condoms to you guys. Both sides are ridiculous in my opinion.

g. First of all, all this discussion about pub culture is nonsense. No one has defined what pub culture is and just keep arguing. In some cases, pubs (NOT ALL) have become haven for illegal activities. Haven't you read the news of 140 people being arrested in a rave party last month in Mumbai ?... You very well know that.

No one is against pubs or alcohol...It was made clear by the karnataka govt. You media doesn't show that! Pub "culture" if it can be called that is about these places becoming safe havens for illegal activities and not about girls or alcohol. And, in the video, if you see, even boys were badly beaten up. It is not visible for you feminist eyes. Don't make it a women's issue. It is societal issue!

Unknown said...

sir,
There's no need to take strict action against sri ram sena.They way of action by them might be wrong but their intentions are right.Where does the word taliban occurs here.Are they preventing any one to go to schools/temples.What is a pub for does their any lecture going on.Their are enough reasons to ban pubs.If you need evidences I can send photographs of what is going on inside a pub.Iam sure that no media will be ready to publish those photos.
sskbtech@gmail.com

Unknown said...

@freespirit,

Read a blog by one of the famous BJP-bashing media (CNN-IBN).. about how Muthalik.


http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/dpsatish/237/53146/how-media-made-muthalik.html

Also, read blog by Sagarika Ghose, -- another hindu basher and BJP basher..Though I dont agree with her first few paras, read the last five paras, where she suddenly seem to have realized what is going wrong with "elite".

http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/sagarikaghose/223/53147/panties-and-perverts.html

butters_dumbo said...

I am honored really to have this opportunity to speak to Dr V S Acharya himslef.

I have never expressed opinions on matters like this before because i thought there was decent probability for a set of people to employ truly extreme methods to express(force) their way of thinking on other people. But as time passed by i have realized that the number of such incidents have very horribly marred indian history for some time now... This war on religion is petty and can bring no good. I fear that if Rama sena is not dealt with strict measures, there will be many more such moral vigilante groups coming up.. I urge to atleast set a decent enough example for the future.. India has a bright future if not for these social ills which suck the bloom out of our country !!!

Unknown said...

@freespirit,

Here is one link about Gujarat riots:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sc-affidavit-wrong-didnt-know-what-we-signed-riot-victim/399007/

I'll have to dig out other articles if you want to know even more information.

One sincere request: Treat current media channels like blogs. They are free to say what they want but they are "opinionated". What you are seeing is editorial journalism.

Infact, in Share market, they call this industry as Infotainment (Information+Entertainment). These channels must be viewed like Movies based on real life story.

Few questions to which I request you find answer by yourself:

a. Did you ever see any interview of any family members of people died in Godhra train in mainstream media ? -- WHY ?

b. Did you hear about Marad massacre ? -- How different is it from Gujarat riots.

c. Wasn't Nandigram state-sponsored terrorism ? -- Remember, Budha babu said, "We paid back in same coin". Why did that issue die so soon ?

d. Is it justified to give Rajiv Gandhi "Bharat Ratna" when he said "When a Big Tree falls, the ground is bound to shake" ? in 1984!

e. Isnt the Vote-for-Note scandal the most disgusting thing in Indian Democracy ? -- Why has it died down in a week ?

f. When Naval Chief Suresh Mehta has said Media was a disabling force during Mumbai attacks, What do you think he meant ? -- Dont you know that terrorists were watching Media to know from where commandos were coming ? -- Then, Media acts as if they are "Voice of people"! and keep cursing politicians ??

g. Finally, What is your opinion on media regarding the Arushi case ?

Let me also tell you that I'm not a blind BJP supporter. I strongly admire people like Abhishek Singhvi, Salman Khurshid, Jairam Ramesh, Manmohan Singh, all of whom are in Congress.

There are also few wonderful news media which maintain standards like Indian Express etc.

If my aggressive language has hurt you, I hope you can understand but, clearly try to answer the questions I posed.

PS: Btw, I've clicked your link to see that you are from bangalore.

Anonymous said...

Sir,

I was pleasantly surprised to come across your blog today. I have read through many of your posts and do appreciate your attempt at reaching out to the pubic. It is a very progressive move and I do hope that your example will encourage more politicians to follow suit.

I was however quite disappointed to see the lack of confidence you have in the intelligence of the citizens of this country. We are quite capable of being able to form our own conclusions on the various media reports that we see.

If reports in the media are factually wrong I am quite sure that there are legal avenues available for you to pursue.

A free press is a corner stone of any democracy and do not for one moment think that the citizens of this great nation will tolerate any interference in this constitutional tool.

@Sateesh
Sir,
While you have every right to your own opinion I too have a right to mine. If you have evidence of illegal activities taking place I suggest you take that evidence to the police and if they do not act, our Honorable Home Minister has provided us with this forum where you can ask him why no action was taken.

If you are talking about consenting adults dancing, drinking or listening to music then that is really none of your business. If you do not like to dance or do not drink that is completely fine with me. But do not impose your views on me because I have my own and believe in them as strongly as you believe in yours.

The reason that this incident has created so much of a backlash is that the citizens of this country especially the youth deeply value their freedom to choose and make their own decisions. We are a very powerful and confident generation and we know it. Do not dictate terms to us, we will not tolerate it.

Anonymous said...

Print media has a lethargic press council, which wants the news report translated to english in triplicate, full newspaper, not cutting, will act after 6 months, no incidence of any action so far...
what about Visual media...whose style is like hit and run cases?

Anonymous said...

Print media has a lethargic press council, which wants the news report translated to english in triplicate, full newspaper, not cutting, will act after 6 months, no incidence of any action so far...
what about Visual media...whose style is like hit and run cases?

Anonymous said...

Print media has a lethargic press council, which wants the news report translated to english in triplicate, full newspaper, not cutting, will act after 6 months, no incidence of any action so far...
what about Visual media...whose style is like hit and run cases?

Unknown said...

@freespirit,

Can you please answer this for me: ( I assume you are one of those Modi basher)

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\02\13\story_13-2-2009_pg7_9

Look, Omar Abdullah is not granted VISA to Saudi. Now, tell me, WHY hasn't Indian media highlight this issue the same way they WRONGLY reported about Modi's VISA issue ??

Still, can't you see the bias ?

Congress has subverted many institutions in India starting from Emergency period - Media, Judiciary, CBI, now, Election Commissioner, .. they've destroyed every independent institution.

freespirit said...

@Rajkiran Panuganti:

Finally, you seem to get the fact that I'm a Bangalorean only. Now I can only wonder how long it will take for you to understand that I'm not pro-Congress, or anti-BJP.

As for all media being biased-fine. However I speak after seeing every side of the story. I believe that Dr.Acharya should not comment on morals, instead he should concentrate on his job. We can decide our morals for ourselves. If the Government feels that alcohol is injurious to health, let them impose a complete ban.

The hoodlums have been taken into custody for which I would like to congratulate Dr.Acharya. Better late than never!

Your arguments regarding Narendra Modi-your opinion! I am not for the Congress or against the BJP! I just believe everyone has the right to choose their faith and live peacefully according to their choices, as long as they are not harming anyone. Extremism in any form is dangerous. As for uniting in the name of Hinduism, let's all unite in the name of India! You're right,our religions are an important part of our identity, however how many truly devout Hindus are there today?? I, myself, am born a Hindu but I follow my conscience and not any scriptures or religion. Before I am a Hindu, or a Bangalorean, or a girl, or any such thing, I am a citizen of India. That's enough for me. L.K.Advani is aspiring to become the next Prime Minister of India, how is it right for him to make such statements?? In such a case it becomes right for Sonia Gandhi or Renuka Choudhary to ask all females to unite in the name of womanhood?! India is a secular country. Period. You talk about me living in a fantasy world, how will things change unless you TRY? And the purpose of the military is not senseless rampages of slaughter. They exist to defend, NOT to kill people!

I saw the video. Only one man was beaten up and he was beaten up only because, by his own admission, he tried to protest against these Ram Sena workers hitting the women. Of course it is a societal issue. I've read statements from leaders of this ridiculous group which say "Those girls should have been sitting at home learning to make chappatis for their future husbands." It is a societal issue when any person is denied equal rights based on their colour, gender, caste, religion, race, physical condition, etc. No one is trying to make this a women's issue. It's just that women are outraged because they feel unsafe. This is issue is more serious than when underprivileged women are denied their rights because here are people trying to take away existing rights of 'privileged' women.

I have always said The Indian Express publishes excellent articles.

As for other political parties. I do not approve of all their activities. Have I not made that clear already? It is commendable of Dr.Acharya to keep a blog; this is where I will air my views regarding him and his party. Right now I will freely admit that taking the Ram Sena workers into custody was a commendable action.

As for the Arushi case, I thought the media acted most irresponsibly. I believe the media needs to report with responsibility but I also believe that any body that places accountability on the media should not be in any way politically inclined.

In the end, I do not care what the political parties do as long as they offer a brighter hope for tomorrow. I want my rights and freedom to be respected, along with those of others, as long as these do not infringe on others' rights and freedom. I want better infrastructure, better governance, higher quality education and ,most importantly, a more tolerant attitude among people. The Government is in a position to encourage this attitude of tolerance so I suggest that they do so.

Unknown said...

@freespirit,

Good comment. I differ only in a small way. I'll assure you, this time, I'll not be as dumb as I was in guessing that you are a bangalorean.. :). At least, I think, I've also got some good brain.

a. There is nothing wrong in uniting in the name of womanhood.
Infact, you must! (but, please not at the call of Renuka :D ). Renuka has done more harm than good to women with things like article 498.
Men and Women are two divisions that God has created and this division can never be torn apart nor can be erased. Uniting in the name of one does not need to be anti another. Uniting is always a positive concept.

b. You must appreciate that there are sub-identities also other than the main identity of being Indian.

c. I appreciate your comment about military but then, I'd love to hear your comments about our army's role in kashmir ?

d. I dont classify people into "privileged" and "unprevileged" in my response.

e. yes, Ombudsman should be apolitical.

f. I strongly disagree with your statement that you dont care what political parties do. If youth doesn't become some part of some political system, how do we have right to criticize politicians ?

Lets also talk about duties and not just rights.

I'd like you to visit www.lkadvani.in and lets discuss there on the forum. Probably, you can change our minds.

As Arun Shourie once said, lets not be soda bottles, jab dhakkan kholte hai, ek dum se jhaag nikalta hai, uske baad sab khatam ho jata hai. You need to keep the campaign sustained.

Unknown said...

@freespirit,

I request you to watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8cGFMZ0XHc

Please watch the video from 4:20 to 6:00 ... Do you find that surprising ?

Few interesting facts that our Election Commissioner tells us about our "holy" media.

Unknown said...

@freespirit,

Look at one of the many initiatives that BJP has taken towards these societal issues:

http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20090223&fname=Girl+Child+(F)&sid=1

Hindu dharm mein sab se jyada zor diya gaya, swatantrata pe. Tantra means control and swa means self; (self-control) -- not control by units like ram sene... par, ab samaj swatantrata dhoond rahi hai sharab ki bottle main ?

Nasha woh kya nasha hai jo raat ko piyoge to subah utar jayegi; aao hum se haat milao rashtra bhakti mein, jiski nasha zindagi bhar nahin uthregi.

freespirit said...

@ Rajkiran Panuganti: I do not fight for the right to drink. I've said it many times; if the Government feels that alcohol is injurious to health, and is a bad influence on the society, then they should implement a complete an on alcohol. Suddenly a bunch of urban people relaxing with a drink or two after work is supposed to be against our culture, but when so many rural workers spend all their money on drink and then come home to beat and rape their wives it isn't against our culture?

I fight for the right to live without being threatened or beaten up. I fight for the right to live life on my own terms, the way I see fit. I fight for the right to be able to decide my morals, what's right and what's wrong, by myself. My parents have inculcated certain values in me and I follow those, however they've never attempted to force their opinions on me. The result-I've never been in a pub, nor do I drink. And not because it's against my culture; sati, child marriage, etc. are part of our culture; but because I don't find any particular pleasure in alcohol or smoking-plus they're detrimental to my health. I believe dance is a form of recreation, whether it happens to be bharatnatyam or salsa, and see no harm in dancing. I'll definitely follow a practice which might be against Indian culture if I feel there are benefits to it.

As for banning pubs, or the entry of women in pubs, simply because they lead to other evils; that happens to be a facile argument. Using the same logic one may argue that religion should be banned because it leads to divisions and fights. What do you have to say for that?

I did leave a response to your earlier comment but they have not seen fit to publish it. Hence, I will reply again.

I never meant to insinuate that you were dumb. All I wanted was for you to see the obvious.

Uniting in the name of womanhood; I wouldn't mind. However unity is sometimes seen as a threat to certain people. Case point happens to be a certain Mr.Sumanth of Save Indian Family. I've seen his website, there seems to be less of saving the family and more of saving the men. However as a leader of a secular country it might be wrong to ask people to unite in the name of religion. Since you are a leader of a country wouldn't it be more apt and appropriate to ask the citizens to unite in the name of the country?

Of course every sub-identity needs to be accepted and respected! However this sub-identity should not become the first priority. Case in point being our very own Ram Sena. They said women cannot go to pubs because they are our mothers/sisters/daughters. However aren't they also humans first, with the right to live as they choose without anyone else's permission?

As I said identities and sub-identities are important, and we need to fight as best as we can when any one is being threatened. In the above example they were threatening the very identity of women as human beings, trying to reduce their identities to mere extensions of others' identity. In the same manner Kashmir is a part of India and its identity. The military defends that identity whenever it is threatened.

You spoke about there being other issues which may be more important than this case. My point was that when the rights and freedom of 'privileged' group is threatened then what hope will others have?

I apologise for not making myself clearer, I do not care which political party comes to power as long as it brings with it a brighter future for India. I'm not old enough to vote as yet, however when the time comes I will vote and take as active a part in politics as possible.

I will try to visit Mr.L.K.Advani's blog, as time permits. Why don't you continue your arguments on my blog also? Maybe you can change my mind?