Bringing the wall down...

Recently the news of Tibet unrest overshadowed media as China went on crushing the Tibet rioters with a usual IRON FIST. World saw China unleashing close down on Tibet with every source of news out of China being shut. Great hue & cry was raised about the incident and China was criticized about its policy. But the story biased from perspective of the victim is always feared exaggerated. So what world saw or read was the general perception of how Chinese system control and functioning from the messages spread by loyal Dalai Lamas supporters worldwide. People viewed current Chinese crackdown as effort to salvage her reputation before Beijing Olympics and to prevent further demonstrations during the event.

However curtaining the freedom of press & using military crackdown on peaceful dissenters also raises questions about Chinese credibility and commitment towards ensuring peace in the region. First of all trying to dilute the identity of native people by inducing demographical changes and controlling daily affairs of monks and temples was the cause of outburst. People are always protective of their identity and any attempt to negate it always raises outcry. Maybe China can take a cue from India in these matters. India is the prime example of Unity in Diversity comprising of vastly different communities within its geographical boundary. India has always promoted and encouraged local culture and traditions giving reasonable powers to local bodies while at the same time placing a proper central control so as to prevent any dissenting tendencies. Sure there has been disturbances but in comparison to number of ethnic communities the experiment would be termed a success.

Also control of means of flow of information beyond certain extent lead to unrest as people then tend to take drastic steps in order to get attention from world community. Chinese authorities must realize this sooner or they must be prepared to face a rebellion at much bigger scale than this. Freedom of expression helps in peaceful venting of grievances and people find a proper platform to raise voice. Its not that US, EU or India does not faces any lesser problems but no such revolts happen there just because of freedom of expression thereby preventing a much sinister version of public unrest, reason for the fall of erstwhile Soviet Union.

However in my opinion Tibetan protesters must also realize that world has changed a lot from 1950 to 2008. Changes in IT and technology has given entirely new vision to lives and people are no longer restricted within their local environs. They must realize how difficult it would be for them to exist without the kind of help China can provide them in IT and infrastructure. They cannot remain isolated as a holy kingdom and let native Tibetans be deprived of modern advances. Nor would China let go a region full of natural reserves and a prime position in geopolitical scenario in central Asia.

Also countries like US should stop taking sides and use the situation to gain political mileage. Irresponsible statements and state visits like that of Nancy Pelosi will only increase mistrust at international stage. India faces a policy dilemma under current situation. India has rightfully granted refuge to Tibetans on its territory but that should not mean that any protests from its soil must be allowed. Its time to realize that for Indians the future lies together with Chinese and not against them. When India does not like anti-India propaganda propagated in POK how can we let the same happen against China.

So probably a middle path must be carved out between Chinese authorities and pro Dalai Lama Tibetans giving former the control over foreign policies while at the same time giving Tibetans sufficient room for governance through their own laws and customs. Most importantly one should not politicize Beijing Olympics. Olympics give nations platform to prove their mettle on field and every effort must be made to let it remain so. We does not want our future generations to look at 2008 Olympics the way we see earlier Munich and Moscow versions.

New Force of India

India's clout in World of Motor Sports is surely increasing at a fast pace. After years of wait Indian flag is surely to make its mark in next chapter of F1 Championships this year around. India was on F1 maps due to heroics of Narayan Karthikeyan and Karun Chandok, however it was lacking support and fanbase. Then came "Man of Happier Times" - liquor barron and aviator - Vijay Mallya who has truly changed F1 scenario of the country. His buying of Spyker F1 team in october alongside Michiel Mol. Now more and more people are turning towards this high adrenaline sport so far restricted among rich nd devoted motor sport fans. How successful this venture will be will be seen in months to come. This development followed announcement of Indian Grand Prix by year 2010 near Noida which will certainly boost F1 viewership in India. Today Giancarlo Fisichella's name was finalised for the second seat primarily because of the experience he brings to the team. The Renault driver will be partnering Adrian Sutil, who drove for Force India's earlier avatar - Spyker. He also drove for the team during winter practice sessions. Emergence of an Indian Team can also mean opportunity for Indian pair Karthekayen and Chandok in years to come.

However holding F1 in India is a mammoth task.

- F1 involves big sums of money and for setting up F1 infrastructure in India lots of investment will be required both from Private and Public sector. Barring TATA and Kingfischer only few are involved in sponsering Motor Sports and apprehension of other players must be removed soon.

-India lacks infrastructure at present and infact no airport in India can fulfill the F1 requirements. Each team travels in several jumbo jets and in total airports are required to handle nearly 40-45 jumbos at same time. However organizers are claiming that renewated Delhi airport will be able to overcome this problem. But it is a well known fact that Indian contractors delay projects by 2-3 years.

- Also a big problem in India is that Sports are synonymous with Cricket. This mentallity of Indian viewer must be quickly changed. Indian owned F1 team will surely help the cause. Mallya can furthur popularize the sport in country by giving opportunities to Indian drivers once the team is settled.

- Problem is furthur aggrevated by lack of Five & Seven star Hotels around NCR.

- Internal fued and lack of co-ordiantion among various ministries must also be held to bring this plan to light. Some people also accused Surash Kalmadi of taking credit for procuring F1 deal. Both the Motorsports Association of India and the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India have expressed some scepticism. The latter's president, Rajat Mazumbar, has said that "The only authorised body that can run motorsports in the country is ours" despite the fact the deal has been signed with the Indian Olympic Association.

However inspite of these complications involving India in F1 is a welcome step for FIA. India has a very large fanbase alongside Business potential which if properly tapped can take revenue and popularity to new hights. Selection of site in NCR is also a welcome step as New Delhi is one of the most well connected cities of India. Also 2010 Commenwealth Games will provide with great infrastructural support to F1 race in the region.

A lot will depend on how next season unfolds and success of the team. Selection of experienced driver like Fisichella will boost the morale of Team ForceIndia. Till then just wait for Australian Grand Prix on March 14th.

C2D in Working…

‘Centre would deal with Naxalism in a “holistic” manner.’ – Shivraj Patil (HM)

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee - “They were paid back with their own coin” while training his guns at Trinamool Congress workers.

Look within the two lines, its clear as a crystal. Bagging front lines in all National Dailies nowadays is the News of recent spate of violence in Nandigram and adjoin areas. These happenings in CPM’s own citadel reflects the results of there idealistic approach towards present world scenario. They remain cocooned in the Ideals of Bolsheviks when everyone including there forefathers (read Russia) and fathers (China) are giving up communism and fostering capitalism. But the picture is much murkier here. Not that CPM solely is responsible for killing, as it appears that Trinamool Congress supporters were also involved in the incident. But the scale of violence and the duration for which it has extended surprises us all. Why could so powerful CPM could not quell violence it its own adobe?? Further why was center so silent about the happenings?? It could have easily sent Army to Nandigram where it could have easily brought the onslaught under control. But No, Centre did not respond and the goons & mafia hired by political forces virtually rampaged entire area. Nandigram was almost cut from the country and no news, death toll or pictures were made available so as to give free hand to CPMs goons in the area.


Prakash Karat justified cadre action and blamed the Maoists and Trinamul for the violence while the Bengal CM argued that his government didn’t do anything in wrong politically cleansing Nandigram. What a shame! CPM cadres celebrating there victory over a small village is truly shocking. But much more unnerving was the quietness of centre and the U-Turn by CPM on its stance on Nuclear Deal. While CPM earlier was vehemently opposed to even discuss the deal now its supportive of the Central governments stance. This all gives us a view of bigger machinations running undercover where nor the violence nor the killing of innocent have any significance when political power comes into question. Cooperate to Dominate is the mantra of our truly headless chicken politicians and we paltry citizens can only watch.

Left or Right....

For the first time in the tenure of current UPA government, it is surrounded by almost all of the parties including allies Left and opposition BJP. Though myself a big critic of UPA policies this deal was only one thing which UPA has advanced as a significant achievement and now all others are crying foul.One has to understand the growing energy demands of India today and till alternate sources are developed which does not seems viable to produce in large amounts currently, nuclear energy is the only option left to meet the burgeoning energy demand. Passage of this bill will not only ensure supply of uranium fuel, it will also bring huge interests from ready to invest American players. Moreover India will be added as a certified member of the nuclear club and this will improve its credibility in World and UN. Ok, there may be some reservations regarding testing etc but they can be resolved and also India can test if need warrants without a big loss as compared to problems it is facing in running its reactors.

Opposition to deal comes from both international and national parts. China is opposing the deal because it will bring India at par with it without event signing NPT. It will make India technologically advanced and energy sufficient something which China can hardly swallow.But since UK, France, Germany, Japan etc are backing the deal it will be hard for China to oppose at international level.

But the most discerning part is that China has found an unlikely ally in form of Communist Party of India. I have no qualms about declaring them "Anti Indian and Pro China". What they are trying to do will take India decades. They have always places their communist counterparts in International arena above Indian interests. They always see China as their mentor. China has made deals with US after Indo-Sino wars of '62 and US has helped them transform into factory of the World, and now when their leader asks to stay away from US then it seems like "Devil saying Scriptures". They have to realize that old Comintern days are over in this age when even China is fostering economic liberalisation.

On the other hand even more comical situation is of BJP. Devoid of any issues at the moment it is using this as an issue against ruling alliance but forgetting that they were the ones who started the whole process when in power. Now they don't want Congress to take credit and so are crying foul.

Both of these parties should realise that Current India is an emerging middle class society full of energy and they are able to comprehend what these politicians are preaching. Also, I think that at present their is no threat to UPA government at present as if elections takes place now, Congress will the party most benefiting from it. Left is already reeling from criticism in West Bengal and Kerela while BJP is still not able to come to terms with UP debacle along with Gujrat and Karnataka troubles.

But we citizens of country can only pray that the deal is resolved and these politicians stop acting like headless chickens, so that India can usher forward in current international scenario.