June Issue

The Political Whirlpool - June 2011

With corruption, money laundering and scams involving politicians making headlines, almost everyday, Politics has become a dirty word, and people love to hate politicians. Undoubtedly, politics shorn of ethics is at the root of corruption, and there is a need for changing the old order. But this transformation cannot happen unless the people of India especially the youth stop looking at politics with cynicism and participate in the electoral process to bring the necessary change. The June issue of One India One People on Politics emphasizes the need for changing the political culture by resorting to ethical politics.

Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan 

In the lead article, Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, founder and President of Lok Satta Party, calls for a serious re-examination of our definition of politics and power, and evolution of a new political culture by conscious effort. But such a transformation of politics demands the eager and effective participation of the best and brightest in society, he says.

P. K. Ravindranath

Veteran journalist P. K. Ravindranath rues the decline of democracy, where the voice of the common man is stifled, as most parties jockey for power, compromise their principles, and abandon whatever little of commitment they have for ideology.

N. Vittal

N. Vittal, former Central Vigilance Commissioner, emphatically says that a single Lokpal Bill cannot weed out corruption, unless we improve governance, bring in transparency and accountability into our system, and free organisations of governance from political influence to deliver service.

S. Balakrishnan, senior journalist and editor, Deshbhakti Weekly, Mumbai, says that criminalisation of politics cannot be checked through legislation alone, but by powerful mobilisation of public opinion against this dangerous phenomenon.  


Mukut Sah, President, Citizens for National Consensus, which has done considerable work in the field of electoral reforms, calls for few urgent electoral reforms necessary for good governance, such as tight control over election expenses, keeping tainted candidates out of the fray, the right to recall a member for poor performance, curbing the role of money to induce voters and barring rigging of elections.

Jashwant Mehta

Jashwant Mehta, convener of Forum for Better Democratic Alternative, and authorof several books such as Quest for a better Democratic Alternative, advocates the Presidential form of government for better governance to end an era of hung parliaments, unstable governments and unprincipled coalitions among the political parties, who want to merely share the spoils of power.

Agatha Sangma

Agatha Sangma, Minister of State for Rural Development, GOI, says that though it is not easy for women in politics, many have gone on to become larger than life figures, and their tales of courage and determination are today inspiring several more women to aspire to positions of power.

Abhay Mokashi,

Senior journalist Abhay Mokashi, writes that voters do not seem to value the educational background, professional status and standing in society of independent candidates over candidates of political parties. As a result their number in the Parliament has been dwindling.

Bharat Dogra

Bharat Dogra, OIOP columnist who writes on social concerns, notes that women sarpanchs are successfully contributing to the development and progress of their villages.  While illiteracy and their low educational levels sometimes pose problems, it has not deterred them from playing constructive role in nation building.

In an interview with One India One People, Dr. Manohar Joshi, Rajya Sabha member belonging to the Shiv Sena, and former Speaker and Chief Minister of Maharashtra (1995-99) candidly shares his thoughts on politics with senior journalist Abhay Mokashi.

Know India Better (By Dr. M. A. Haque, Director-Scientifc (retd.) in the Ministry of Environment and Forests) features ‘The white tigers of Govindgarh’, in Madhya Pradesh, where the rare species of 'white tigers' were first spotted by the Maharaja of Rewa Martand Singh, on an hunting expedition. The historical Govindgarh palace and the scenic surroundings, today lie in total neglect. If the state takes initiative to restore the lost glory of Govindgarh, it can be a potential tourist destination and also a tribute to the white tigers.

Great Indians’ section

Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab (1899-1987)

a journalist-author, an able administrator, a social reformer and a leading freedom fighter who associated himself with social-constructive works and made public-service and nation-building the goal of his life.

Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran PVC (1946-1987) 

 The only recipient of the highest gallantry award of Param Vir Chakra from Mumbai, Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran died at his post fighting militants in Sri Lanka. He was a true leader and soldier who led by personal example.

Lt. Puneet Nath Datt AC (1973-1997)

During a militant operation, Lt. Puneet Nath Datt came face to face with a militant and killed him but also succumbed to his injuries. The incident was typical but the zeal and valour of the 24-year-old hero was uncommon, who lived to his motto – Death Before Dishonour, for which he was awarded the Ashok Chakra, the highest peace time honour. 

There are two ‘Indias’ within the country - an observation that has been made often to highlight the dichotomy between the rich and poor. While we want the world to view us as emerging superpower, it is ironic that millions living live in stark poverty. On one hand we have tones of food being wasted due to lack of storage facilities and on the other there are millions who cannot afford one meal a day. The different topics on the theme ‘Food’ in the May issue of One India One People bring out this contrast. The issue also brings into focus the growing demand for convenience food and subsequent growth of the food industry in India. There are also topics that show the way to good health. In sum, there is plenty of food for thought.   

A far off affair

While today, you can choose to land in the heart of this dustbowl at the Leh Airport, or at any other place along this ancient highway, just from Srinagar to Leh would be a 16-day journey over a dirt path till as late as 1960’s when the Indian army engineers carved a road up to Zoji-la to maintain supply lines. This army road has today developed into the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH1D) and is one of the two arterial routes connecting this remote district to the rest of India. The road then further extends to Manali and is known as the Leh-Manali Highway (part of NH21). It is roughly 900 kms from Srinagar to Manali, (approx. 425 + 475). Journey to Ladakh through either one of these routes will take two days. A third motorable road from Leh does exist, which connects Leh to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet but is in disuse as China does not allow Indians to use this all-weather road to go to Mansarovar.

Ladak

Quirky, feisty, impish, feral and ridiculously photogenic. Savage roads etched across a lunar emptiness; a soulless desert where rocks bleed colour. Brittle stone walls which in its lazy folds hide unending valleys; brilliant blue skies capering beyond the grasp of earth’s snow-clad fingers. Akul Tripathi rides to this place across the mountains – Ladakh and agrees that it is worth every gasp!

The road to Ladakh, and even spirituality for that matter, is not an easy one. It is dotted with high, treacherous mountain passes. This is from where the name Ladakh springs. Literally meaning the ‘land of many high passes’ (la = mountain pass), the Ladakhis have a saying which only one having experienced a journey into this naked wilderness can truly grasp. "The land is so barren and the passes so high, that only the best of friends and fiercest of enemies come by."

To appreciate the altitude of the place and the fearsome heights it sits at, let’s understand how high is Leh – 3,522m/11,750 ft. For someone reading this in Mumbai, New York or Sydney, try this. Sit in your car and drive in a straight line for three and a half kilometres. Now turn back, and see the point from where you started (if you can see it at all). Look up and imagine that distance above you. That’s how high Leh is, and with 22 metres to spare.