Pursuit of truth is essential for the survival of any society especially a democratic one. Enlightened debates form a part of the process. Public awareness of policy decisions and its true impact is the cornerstone of any democracy. Raising valid questions regarding the veracity of the worldview that a government tries to project is an important step in that direction. Dismissing such attempts as dissent and heresy subverts freedom and the very principles on which democracy stands.
Ideally in a democracy, majority voice should be the loudest and the most powerful. However in spite of many safeguards, there is a real danger of power falling into the hands of a minority. In most societies, wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few. Only the most naïve can deny that wealth translates into power even in a democracy. Wealth always seeks to gather more wealth. When corporate and economic interests collude with political interests, more often than not national interests take the backseat. How can minority rule be viable in a democracy “for the people and by the people” that explicitly champions the power of majority? The answer is disinformation, misinformation, and plain no information.
My question to you is, are you aware of such trends in your country? Does government policy always mirror public opinion? Have there been efforts by your government to divert attention from the real issues such as poverty, corruption, and environment? If so, what are the tactics employed? Do you believe everything that your government tells you? Are you aware of a media-government-corporate nexus? Is your government’s worldview at variance with the rest of the world? If yes, which would be the most outstanding example? What is the source of your information?
Thank you for participating.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Letter in Earnest Part II
This is a letter to me from my 80-year-old future self.
Dear Taz,
It is amazing to look back at you from a different space and time. I will keep this short because I know that time is a precious commodity for you. You are straining every limb and leaving no corners unturned to squeeze the best out of those 24 hours.
As I shift my gaze from the azure skies and turquoise sea that adorn my landscape, I cannot help but wonder how amazed you would be to know that I am currently on a vacation to Kepler’s planet. It lies in the Cygnus-Lyra region of the Milky Way and was discovered in your year.
You would be thrilled to know that grey hairs are no longer an issue as scientists have found a way to stop the build up of hydrogen peroxide which is the real cause behind the blocking of melanin synthesis (now you know why unwashed hair stinks!).
As you had accurately predicted, several species have died out in my time, the most devastating and unpredictable of course was the mass extinction of the corporate breed called risk-assessment managers. They were outsmarted by the scientists who discovered how to turn on the “bright side gene” and now all human beings are hopeless optimists and forever happy.
In my time, world is no longer throttled by the narrow notion of nationhood. We have a form of decentralized democracy uniting the whole world as Gandhiji had envisioned. Nonviolence as championed by Gandhi and Martin Luther King has truly entered our lives.
This I know will doubtlessly quell the unease in your heart for you have over time woken up to the inconsistencies and injustices of the world and the biases of the media. You agonize over the fact that the electronic media especially has been reduced to a propaganda machine for war and capitalism at the cost of truth. You know that its divisive agenda is aimed at keeping ordinary people in the dark and distracting them from the more immediate concerns of global warming and poverty but you wonder how many can actually afford to care amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. You understand the real issues behind terrorism and worry about how many are being duped by the false rhetoric of ‘Islamic terrorism’ while the real reasons for terror are much more complex and deliberately hidden from the purview of the masses.
In spite of these worries, I know you still endeavor to do your part in clearing the smog of untruth and persist in the cause of Ahimsa (nonviolence).
Hold on to your catch phrase “Let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice.” (Chapter 5 Verse 2 Al Quran.)
Be the change that you want to see. Let your life be a reflection of Islam-peaceful surrender to the will of God. Let the light of love permeate your thoughts, words, and deeds. Everything else will follow.
Grab hold of every opportunity that comes your way. Stay diligent for the return of the master.
Love,
T
Dear Taz,
It is amazing to look back at you from a different space and time. I will keep this short because I know that time is a precious commodity for you. You are straining every limb and leaving no corners unturned to squeeze the best out of those 24 hours.
As I shift my gaze from the azure skies and turquoise sea that adorn my landscape, I cannot help but wonder how amazed you would be to know that I am currently on a vacation to Kepler’s planet. It lies in the Cygnus-Lyra region of the Milky Way and was discovered in your year.
You would be thrilled to know that grey hairs are no longer an issue as scientists have found a way to stop the build up of hydrogen peroxide which is the real cause behind the blocking of melanin synthesis (now you know why unwashed hair stinks!).
As you had accurately predicted, several species have died out in my time, the most devastating and unpredictable of course was the mass extinction of the corporate breed called risk-assessment managers. They were outsmarted by the scientists who discovered how to turn on the “bright side gene” and now all human beings are hopeless optimists and forever happy.
In my time, world is no longer throttled by the narrow notion of nationhood. We have a form of decentralized democracy uniting the whole world as Gandhiji had envisioned. Nonviolence as championed by Gandhi and Martin Luther King has truly entered our lives.
This I know will doubtlessly quell the unease in your heart for you have over time woken up to the inconsistencies and injustices of the world and the biases of the media. You agonize over the fact that the electronic media especially has been reduced to a propaganda machine for war and capitalism at the cost of truth. You know that its divisive agenda is aimed at keeping ordinary people in the dark and distracting them from the more immediate concerns of global warming and poverty but you wonder how many can actually afford to care amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. You understand the real issues behind terrorism and worry about how many are being duped by the false rhetoric of ‘Islamic terrorism’ while the real reasons for terror are much more complex and deliberately hidden from the purview of the masses.
In spite of these worries, I know you still endeavor to do your part in clearing the smog of untruth and persist in the cause of Ahimsa (nonviolence).
Hold on to your catch phrase “Let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice.” (Chapter 5 Verse 2 Al Quran.)
Be the change that you want to see. Let your life be a reflection of Islam-peaceful surrender to the will of God. Let the light of love permeate your thoughts, words, and deeds. Everything else will follow.
Grab hold of every opportunity that comes your way. Stay diligent for the return of the master.
Love,
T
Friday, February 20, 2009
A letter in earnest
The following is a psychological exercise suggested by a friend. It entails two tasks-writing two letters, one to a younger version of you and the other from an older version. Here is the first one…
This is a letter addressed to 6-year-old Thehseen.
Dearest Chippu,
I see that you are up at 6.00 am and out in the courtyard with mom, taking in the freshness of the morning air and enchanted by the fog that envelops the fields far beyond. My memory of you is already clouded like that mist but I have not forgotten your wisdom, innocence, and tremendous faith in God. You cannot see the faults of others. You accept and love everyone unconditionally. You instinctively know much about life, death, and God that I am still seeking consciously to learn.
There are some things that I want you to keep in mind while growing up:
1. Keep reading as you always do. It will be of great help to you. As soon as you can, start reading the English translation of Al Quran by Abdullah Yusuf Ali daily. It will be a wise guide. You must also read the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Bible, Dharmapada, and all other scriptures. They will strengthen you.
2. No calamity can happen except by the leave of God. There is no power but Him so there is nothing else to be afraid of.
3. Anger is an enemy so keep away from it even though it may seem justified.
4. You cannot please everyone all the time. Just be yourself and learn to say ‘no’ to things that can overburden you.
5. You do not have to obey anyone who is not following the straight path even if it may be your closest kin but express your unwillingness in kind and loving terms.
6. You are not responsible for the sins of others. Keep your slate clean and forgive those who trespass. Repay hatred with love and it will be fruitful in the end.
7. Hold firmly to God’s loving hands and never forget Him for momentary pleasures. Enjoy life. Love, trust, and give as you do without fear by leaving all burdens, worries, and apprehensions to God. Keep your goal in sight always and do not be distracted. Remember body is the temple of the soul so take good care of all that you have been given, enrich it, and be a worthy vicegerent.
God gives us what we need, not what we want, so do not be surprised by the things that you get. There is much to learn from it. Keep your eyes and heart open for a lifetime of education.
You are good, I am good, the world is good. Peace.
Love,
Taz
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Kashmir-Illusion and reality
Try as they might, Kashmiris have little power when it comes to deciding their own fate. They are mere pawns in the hands of India and Pakistan who are destined to play the death dance forever.
Kashmir was always intended to be a festering open wound which would keep India bleeding and at loggerheads with Pakistan thus leaving us with little time or energy for any other meaningful pursuits of true growth or development into a major world power. This parting self-gift of the British was soon taken over by the Americans at the end of the Second World War when British colonialism waned and American imperialism sought new gains. Since then, America has supplied the ammunition and technology to Pakistan that has killed and maimed our jawans and created much domestic unrest.
Now thanks to the disobedience of the Frankenstein monster of terrorism it created and utilized quite effectively until now by proxy, America wants to bring Pakistan to heel. Like Iraq, Pakistani terrorism could have been tolerated and abetted until it got out of American hands and became unpredictable and self-destructive.
To our detriment, India is now being groomed to step into this privileged position of America’s lieutenant in South Asia due to the increasing probability of Pakistan failing completely. Consequently the Hindu right has been wooed to rush into Uncle Sam’s welcoming embrace.
I am not an America basher. In fact, I have utmost respect for Americans. I have many American friends and many Indian friends and relatives who reside in America. I am just stating the truth about the direction that American foreign policy has taken and I feel strongly that India should not forfeit the unique position of nonalignment that our forefathers had so painstakingly carved. I urge more people-to-people contact but think that prudence is the best course while treading the path of political, military, and strategic alliances.
Kashmir was always intended to be a festering open wound which would keep India bleeding and at loggerheads with Pakistan thus leaving us with little time or energy for any other meaningful pursuits of true growth or development into a major world power. This parting self-gift of the British was soon taken over by the Americans at the end of the Second World War when British colonialism waned and American imperialism sought new gains. Since then, America has supplied the ammunition and technology to Pakistan that has killed and maimed our jawans and created much domestic unrest.
Now thanks to the disobedience of the Frankenstein monster of terrorism it created and utilized quite effectively until now by proxy, America wants to bring Pakistan to heel. Like Iraq, Pakistani terrorism could have been tolerated and abetted until it got out of American hands and became unpredictable and self-destructive.
To our detriment, India is now being groomed to step into this privileged position of America’s lieutenant in South Asia due to the increasing probability of Pakistan failing completely. Consequently the Hindu right has been wooed to rush into Uncle Sam’s welcoming embrace.
I am not an America basher. In fact, I have utmost respect for Americans. I have many American friends and many Indian friends and relatives who reside in America. I am just stating the truth about the direction that American foreign policy has taken and I feel strongly that India should not forfeit the unique position of nonalignment that our forefathers had so painstakingly carved. I urge more people-to-people contact but think that prudence is the best course while treading the path of political, military, and strategic alliances.
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