Top 5 Leaders of India

To answer that question, we need to ask another question. What do you mean by a leader. A leader is someone who has a significant mass following and people do as he / she asks them to do. Who leads by example and has made a significant contribution towards shaping the country. Following these tests, we have identified the top 5 which to our mind should come in this list. Giving chronologically from the time they were active:-

1. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: -

Who: - Freedom fighter par excellence; Defeated Gandhiji's candidate in the NCP elections; Managed to slip past the British intelligence and made way to Germany; Met Hitler who was a world leader; Formed alliance with the Japanese; freed the Indian POW's and formed the Azad Hind Fauz. 

Why: He is in this list because he managed to do what was unthinkable at the time. Escape from a well guarded home prison under British watch. Going undetected to Germany. Meeting Hitler who was at the peak of his power and a world leader at that time. Convincing Japan on the need to free Indian prisoners of war and forming the Azad Hind Fauz with them. The very idea. The very audacity in execution: that was the brilliance of Subhash Chandra Bose. He still ignites popular imagination and is still relevant enough to be discussed at social events(specially on the mystery surrounding his death). He defied the formidable force of Mahatma Gandhi and won the elections to the President of Indian National Congress against the candidate suggested by the Mahatma. 

Wikipedia: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

2. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel

Who:  A leader who through his actions came to be known as "The Iron Man of India.". 

Why:  He is in this list because he did what others in his time failed to do. He recognized the problems which the fleeting millions faced when they escaped from the fires of partition. He organized camps for the refugees. His efforts resulted in consolidation into what is now known as India. As per the understanding between the British and the princely states, the princely states had t
he option to  join India; join Pakistan or to remain independent. It was Patel who managed to coax, coerce and push the states to join the Indian State. Some states like Sikkim were left which later merged with India in the 1970's. Patel has been credited at giving shape to what is currently India.

Wikipedia: Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel 

3. Indira Gandhi

Who:  Daughter of first prime minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira was to India what Thatcher was to UK. She was tough, determined and followed.

Why:  At the peak of her career there was a saying: India is Indira and Indira is India. If she does not deserve to be here, none do. She won for us the 1971 Indo-Pak war which resulted in an independent state called Bangladesh. Her autocratic ways were criticized by many even as she went ahead, confident in herself, in her set ways. She took many bold decisions and not all of them correct. Declaring national emergency was one such case. She led a volatile life, often disregarding populist moves for what she considered right. Rebellious powers grew as a result of this and ultimately costed her her life. Her don't care a damn attitude, her persona and charisma, her defiance of the US which was protecting Pakistan, her defiance of the popular choices when she declared emergency and her defiance of the sacred rules in operation blue star is what makes her a fit entry to this list. She was, modern India's fieriest leader. 

Wikipedia: Indira Gandhi

4. JP

Who:   Jaya Prakash Narayan or JP was the Lok Nayak (People's hero). 

Why:  Because of his revolution against Indira Gandhi (total revolution); because he was the main cause for her declaring national emergency; because he was instrumental in igniting the popular imagination and doing all that was quite un-doable at the time. He brought to the fore what was known all through but never spoken: the trap of corruption and the hunger which India had fallen into. He spoke the people's language - in his own words. And that is what endeared him to the people. They saw in him their own face, their own suffering and their own voice. They banked upon him. They voiced his voice and they moved as per his direction. This is what a leader is all about.

Wikipedia: Jayaprakash

5. Narendra Modi

Who: The 15th Prime Minister of India and a world leader.

Why:  Because in 22 months he has achieved which few have achieved in 2 decades. Because his vision and mission inspires not only the Indian psyche but also the world community at large. Under his leadership, the world listens. Because his ministers are working  (which is a first in the Indian political scenario):

a. Suresh Prabhu has literally put life onto the sleeping Indian Railways. With major trains having wifi and coaches being clean. No major accidents since he has taken charge. Moreover, he listens. One tweet and help is on the way. One feedback and response is immediate. That is, putting the railways back on track.

b. Sushma Swaraj being external minister has ensured citizens can connect via twitter. One tweet with hashtag sos and help will arrive. She has spearheaded the Iraq evacuation where 168 Indians were saved. Gen VK Singh has helped and personally supervised the Yemen evacuation.  

c. With defense being in the hands of Manohar Parrikar  we have managed to get inside Burma for eliminating terrorists. A first for us.

Because there has been no major terrorist attack since Modi has assumed office (Pathankot notwithstanding) , because India is emerging and being recognized as a world leader.

And finally, because wherever he goes, the Modi chant follows - be it within or outside India. If that is not being a great leader, what is.

So, why does the list not contain Mahatma Gandhi & Pt. Nehru? Well....Mahatma Gandhi was an icon. He was not a leader but a saint who also did politics. He was Mahatma. This list is not about saints. Pandit Nehru was a dynamic personality. Lot of critisim about him on how he operated and dealt with - but his persona was overshadowed by the likes and presence of Gandhi, Bose, Azad, Patel and others. While the others in the list, stood their own grounds on what they did. Yes, Nehru was the first PM. But being the first there was so much less competition. He does deserve to be on the top 10 but I could not remove anyone from the existing list for his inclusion.

And Finally....Some Good News!!

Imagine a world in which everytime you wake, you hear some good news..a world where every dream of yours turns to reality upon wakening and you are forever happy. Or one where at least we see some good charitable stuff happening!

When I look at the morning paper, it unfortunately seems like a mourning paper.  The paper cries and quite literally, over rising prices, rising corruption, rising unemployment and some more over falling currency, failing economy and failed government.

 I quickly turn the pages to catch a glimpse of something good which must be happening around the world.  There MUST be something good somewhere, I argue. After all, why would God create a world where nothing is right. Do we need another flood and another saviour before the world has something good to offer?

I turn page after page, hoping to glimpse at one good news at least. Alas – there is none. Even the comics are a satire. Is it possible to have 7 billion people the world over and not one good event happening? Or is it murphy’s law that  we see only the bad news? I now look at each and every news headline. It goes thus: Politiocos fight amid border crises; Onion prices are up; Rupee at a record low; Gold prices are up again; Scam!!

My God! I put the paper down. No wonder there is so much depression around. I have given some more fodder to  the “bad” news hungry media “India suffers from depression!” That would be the irony of it.

I take refuge in the net. Google is the new devta (God) of internet. If Google doesn’t know – possibly no one does! So I Google it out. The results are heartening. Although I don’t find them in one place. There is no dedicated site for the good news.  Here are some findings...at least it may bring a smile to your lips. I would try to continue this endeavour throughout this week and bring forth more good news to you.

 

However, from the news below, I can safely say: DON’T WORRY! THE WORLD IS NOT ENDING TOMORROW!

1. India Celebrates its  66^th Independence Day (http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-celebrates-67th-independence-day/article5025010.ece)

2. Onion prices decrease after recording a high (http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/onion-prices-decrease-after-recording-a-high/article5020062.ece)

3. Amid slowdown Pizza Hut plans to give a bigger slice at same price (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/amid-slowdown-pizza-hut-plans-to-give-a-bigger-slice-at-same-price/articleshow/21837301.cms)

4. Google launches Rs. 12 crore (Approx $ 2Mn) hunt for India’s most innovative social entrepreneurs (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-company/corporate-trends/google-launches-rs-12-crore-hunt-for-indias-most-innovative-social-entrepreneurs/articleshow/21781373.cms)

5. Women turns 109

(http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2013/08/12/ross-township-woman-celebrates-109th-birthday/?hpt=us_bn7)

 Cheers! There is reason to smile yet.

 Abhishek

As I See It

The monsoons in India. The very word sound music to the ears after a long and hot summers where temperatures can rise upto 48 degrees Celsius in Delhi. Monsoon brings respite from the long heat and the rising electricity bills due to the constant “airconditioning” of our homes.

I welcomed the prospect of rains like others. However, while the Uttarkhand region was being lashed with rains, Delhi got sporadic showers. Mostly the weather was humid with sweat being a constant companion. The rain God eluded Delhi for most part.

So when finally it rained yesterday, I welcomed it. I thought – what is the best way to spend a rainy day – driving right through! With the pleasant sound of the rain on the roof of the car.  I left office on time to savor the feeling of being in rain. Probably one of the best decisions I made!

The pitter patter soon turned to a gale with the water coming down as if somebody was pouring it from a bucket. The wipers of my car seemed to be working overtime. Visibility soon turned to minimal with winds gushing at very high speeds.

I looked ahead. All the other cars had slowed their speeds to about 20 kmph. I followed suit. All the other cars soon turned on their blinkers. I resisted the temptation. Blinker is to be turned on only in dire circumstances I had learned and this did not seem so dire – yet: at least we were all moving. Further on, the wind speed increased and the visibility dropped further. I turned my blinkers on.

The wish for a shower, the wish for a monsoon rain was being washed away in the huge gush of water falling from the skies. The speed of the cars ahead soon died to a 5 kmph.  Damn! I thought.  A traffic jam!



Water Logging - A Constant Monsoon Companion

The cars ahead had stopped. I didn’t know till when the jam session is going to last. I felt like jumping off the car and getting drenched to cool off. I did the more sensible thing however and switched on the radio. Music and rain has a way of going together somehow. The rain now seemed to dance to the tunes as the music flowed through the system. I started enjoying myself.

The cars ahead moved and the gradually jam cleared. The musical shower continued till I reached home about an hour later than normal. Boy was I lucky!! From what I later saw in the news, actual jam began after the rains! and lasted for hours. Mainly due to water logging.  



Mohenjo Daro Drainage

In Delhi, the drains stop working as soon as the rains come. It’s as if they have a built in sensor which says “hey rain is coming: stop work!”  Water then flows to the streets and cars get a free under side wash.



Nowadays, I see, all the good underground drainages are being scrapped in most of Delhi. Instead old fashioned open “nullahas” or drains are being dug up and covered with tiles. Back to basics. What a way to spend money. Maybe the city authorities need to visit Mohen-jo-daro and learn a thing or two about building drains. That might help!

So… what is the best way to spend a rainy day in Delhi? Indoors! Having tea and listening to music. Or – if you feel up to it: music and the roof.  J

Abhishek

Beyond the stars - What could be there?

I am on my roof, looking at the bright starts. It is quite unusual to have such a clear sky in this season. Have you ever thought what could be beyond the stars? You would probably say more stars. It is true. One quiz game which we used to play as kids involved asking tough questions which required innovative answers. The answer to the question “how many starts are there” was “as many as there is hair on your head”. Good that we never used it on anyone bald.

The Stars : What's beyond

I now hear that there is not one but multiple universes. But the question I wish to ask is not the normal “whether there is life out there or not” but in fact the question is - if there IS life out there, is it possible that it’s a mirror image of life out here.

Just imagine what would THAT mean.

It could mean 2 things:

First: for every person here there will be an absolute identical person out there. An absolute twin in looks, appearance and having same relations. So there would be an identical Abhishek blogging away. There would be an identical you:  Your parents; your wife; children; friends; girlfriend everyone would be replicated in that universe. But is it a duplication of life here? No…it’s a mirror image right?  What we see in a mirror is absolutely reverse than what is actually happening (try holding your right hand up while looking in the mirror – the reflection is always  holding the left hand up).

What would that mean. It would mean, if you are rich, your mirror image in that other universe would be poor;  if you are generous, he would be stingy; if you are educated,(S) he would be illiterate.  But one thing, which will probably remain the exact same is the basic characteristic. So if you are a fighter in life, your mirror image in that universe would also be a fighter. Only the odds and challenges would be different. It could also mean that if given a choice between 2 cross roads you take one road, he would always take the other one. Also both of you will have the same equations with your relations to begin with, but then you would be thrown into the pool of circumstances.

What would you do if you find yourself in that situation suddenly. If in this world, you are struggling with your life (say in your job or studies or whatever) then the mirror image in that other world is in an entirely opposite situation. One thing common would be, he too would be struggling - in an opposite way. So if money is a problem, he probably would be the billionaire but the situations and fights would be exactly same. While you would be struggling to meet the basic needs of life, of a decent house, good clothes  etc, he would be struggling with how to fulfill the tax demands and how to meet the basic needs of keeping his factory intact. Both of you would have same odds and evens but of differing proportions. And remember, both of you have exactly same characteristics. So if you are a whiner, he is too. Both have problems in life -  only the proportions are different.  Only circumstances would change but the basic theory, the basic character would still be the same.   

The weather today is indeed astounding. Will buy the much awaited telescope one of these days and explore some more stars. It is true. Everyone sees his or her own life with a telescope. As if he or she is indeed the center of the universe and all the goodness or badness happens to only him or her. All this probably can be plot for a movie. Maybe I’ll write the plot anyway…just for the heck of it…..or maybe my other self in that other universe already has?

 

India: Travel Advisories & Disaster Recovery

I see the travel advisory which most countries have published on India. It says India is a risky place to be. I look at it and think. Just how big a population these countries support? India. Home to 1/6th of the population of the world. That’s more than a billion people! If this billion can survive and live to reproduce more, just how big is this “risk”?

I am still fuming at this, when I hear of the Uttarkhand crises. The floods which have claimed many lives and have at current estimates left more than 60 thousand stranded. 60 thousand! That’s a huge number. But floods are a natural phenomenon right? It can happen anywhere right? Then India is not really to blame right? Right on first 2 counts, wrong on the last.

While there is still a debate on how this is a man made ecological disaster, the poor show which is really to blame is the disaster recovery program.

The news says, 60,000 people stranded. 22 choppers put in place to ferry them (http://www.mid-day.com/news/2013/jun/210613-uttarakhand-floods-22-helicopters-pressed-into-rescue-operation.htm)

 22 choppers for 60,000 people! WOW! That’s 1 chopper for every 2,700 people. Assuming a seating capacity of 6 passengers, one seat for every 455 people. Just how many rides will these choppers be making daily?  If all 22 choppers are ferrying 6 passengers and doing 10 rides daily, it would take 45 days to take out all the 60 thousand people. Just how many would survive? Floods bring about disease. I shudder to think what would the death toll be when this happens. Infections, no medical care: children and elderly – stranded with an endless wait for a chopper? That’s not the best thing to happen in the world.

I am proud of India and its accomplishments. It has only been 66 years since independence and India is already on the verge of being super power. But: a super power which manages just 22 choppers for a devastation of this scale.

It has been 8 years since the National Disaster Management Authority has been formed. And all we could manage were 22 choppers. Where are the others – ferrying politicians and tycoons ??

Having vented out the anger, I still feel India is not a “risky” place as such. Let’s not jump to conclusions. It is, after all a natural disaster. Management of the disaster is another thing, but it does not show that India is a dangerous place. The billion people are still living. With so many people, problems are bound to be compounded (I am not at all saying that disaster management in India is good. In fact, the disaster management system in India is a disaster). I am however saying that 1 billion people still survive to an old age in India without disasters: hence the travel advisories may not be accurate.

 

So just how does the billion survive and where do they get their fighting spirits from? Faith plays a major role here. In Uttarkhand, while the latest houses fell to the nature’s fury like a house of cards, the 1000 year old temple still survives. What would you say to that? While some may argue that the modern and latest techniques used are not good enough; that like other things the material used is of inferior quality; that corruption has seeped into house building – something which probably did not exist 1000 years ago. For others – it is faith! The house of God cannot be swept away by a flood. Those that died, will find their way to the havens. With the situation at ground looking so bleak, I certainly hope so!

 Abhishek

Wait! Don't eat that burger yet

We went to see the latest Ranbir Kapoor flick, Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani. Big Cinemas at the Great India Place, Noida is a favourite destination for movies in our family. The screen is good, seats are comfortable and sound is awesome.

 

The Great India Place, Noida

The snacks ...that is another story however!! The guys at the snack counter (yes it’s always guys), are pressed for work, with long queues in waiting. They however don’t forget to do one thing every time. They actually put the burgers in the microwave, with the plastic cling film still on. This despite the supervisor being reminded every time we visit (and its almost every week whenever a new film is on) that, cling film is plastic and non microwavable at that. Eating that burger which has been microwaved wrapped in a plastic film is cancerous.

The least they can do (yes despite being pressed for work!) is to remove the film before putting in the microwave. Its somebody’s health and life that is at stake. I am a RK fan (used to watch his father as a child, who is also RK and now watch him as a grown up) but certainly won’t like putting my life at stake for him!

I motion for the supervisor. He eyes me suspiciously. He has been summoned on numerous previous occasions for the same thing and his instinct possibly warn him of the impending danger.

He comes almost apologising before he has reached me. I tell him the problem - again. Taking the still heated burger in my hand I explain him how eating this will be harmful for me. I tell him to check www.cancerresearchuk.org on their advisory on cling films. They say cling film may be microwaved but not while still in contact with the food. He apologises profusely and arranges a “fresh” burger. It is cold of course. No one bothers to heat it after removing the cling film: that that would be customer service. Unthinkable actually! How could I even imagine that. I am given the cold “fresh” burger and again showered with apologies. I take the burger in my hand, take my tray and the balance cash and move outside the line.

The huge rush at the counter is growing impatient. The doors of the hall just opened and people want to rush in. So what if their seats are already pre-booked and no one else can occupy it?  For their money they also wish to see the ads which are screened before.

I still see the counter. The guys are busy taking orders, putting the fries in the case, pouring the soft drink, putting the burgers - with the plastic film still on, in the microwave.....

Jago filmy audience Jago! Go a  minute late to your seat..no one would take it, you’ve paid money to book it. But please ask them to remove the film before putting it in micro. You need to be sure, what you put in your mouth atleast!

 

 Eat right, be health!!

Abhishek

As I hear it

“What is sound” a 3 year old asks you and you are having difficulty explaining this seemingly simple and innocent question.

In all of human existence and through the ages when man learned to speak in his different tongues, sound was used to convey a meaning. The core of human emotions and understanding of the world was derived from the meaning particular sound conveyed. The reliability was constant: whether for human or animal, sound always carried a meaning. Sound was the outlet of emotions for man and beast alike: whether it conveyed hunger, passion, anger or fear, both relied on sounds and the nature of emotions they carried. Even before it developed into a complex structure of a language, sound had a meaning. Nature too found a way of expressing its emotions through the various sounds: anger of the Gods, manifested by thundering skies. The resultant downpour, signified anger evaporating into benevolence, as if God was guilty of being angry and cried….giving the gift of life… Water.

Water itself was a cause of most pleasant as well as most terrifying sounds….  from the gentle water fall to the raging floods, the sound was enough to understand the varying emotions and moods of water, just like all other elements and inhabitants of the planet.

It was only after the advent of cars that a new age has dawned: the age of meaningless noise in the form of horns. The age when sound suddenly is a noise and is used as an object to “push away” vehicles in front.

There is another interesting twist to it. With the new age when small is the powerful, the honking is seen in inverse proportion to the size of the vehicle. The larger the vehicle the softer the horn and the smaller the car the more chatter it makes in form of meaningless honking. The impatience of the driver of the vehicle is similar to the impatience of a man with a weapon. The man with the weapon is always right and is ever demanding. And the possessor of the weapon which is capable of producing meaningless noise, demands that the vehicle in front would suddenly give way to the mysterious “giant” making angry noises. So is it that the honking is the new emotional outlet for the driver? Possibly. but the fact that there is so much of it, should make us wonder all the more, why are so many people angry?

The guy behind me, driving a small car and the guy beside him, driving a two wheeler, honk profusely at the crossing, as soon as the light turns green…Do I have a built in sensor and air plane that miraculously ferries me away as soon as the lights turn green? I  try my best to scurry away from the weapon wielding giant. He crosses me, looks at me with a sarcasm on his face and honks some more. I suddenly remember my neighbor’s dog…so small it looks like it cannot possibly hurt anyone, but it has the most incessant bark. It continues barking and baring its “vicious” teeth through the night, when all other neighborhood dogs have fallen asleep. True the weapon of noise is not for everyone. It helps the beast within us come out. The beast then drives away in his small car, a smug look on his face, while I am cast aside by his honking.

Should there be law which would give permit for honking? Should there be a tax on the number of times a car be allowed to honk? Can there be a rationing on the number of times you can press the “H” button in a day?

I am afraid to think of what would happen if future generations invent a device which allows them to retrieve the sounds of the past? We now know for sure that sounds never really die out. They live on in the atmosphere, much like the “atman” of the Geeta, changing their frequency but retaining their fervor.  The future human would soon discover that till about the end of 19^th century they are able to decode sound which they can decipher. Sound of the temple bells, sound of the hymns of church, of azaan from mosque, of people gathering for the evening, of music, of nature & occasionally, sounds of war. However post 19^th century things would begin to change. The sound of motor would be more prominent. If they happen to listen to sounds in a city, apart from roar of traffic, a new sound, meaningless in form and conveying no face of the emitter would be heard. Horns honking….now what face would that be? What do they convey? It would be all over…Will they think that a new species was developed  which had a language of its own? Will they believe a secret war was being fought with the hearing capabilities of the enemies?

 Where will this end….we already go to and from office with windows rolled up. There will be a stage when the windows of the cars won’t be enough to protect our ears. Will we still be emitting such sounds then? Oh yes! Because if anything, our desire to get by that car in front won’t get reduced, even though our hearing might…..

So what do I do when I hear such cacophony….I roll up the windows, turn on the AC and sing to myself…melodiously….nothing can beat that!

 

……phonetically yours

 

Abhishek Sharma