Samvaad

Indian-American Community efforts profiled by New York Times

rohit — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 17:11:00 +0000

Friends,

I want to bring to your attention a New York Times article published today, "Indian-Americans Test their Clout on Atom Pact that captures the surge in Indian-American activism inspired by the Indo-US nuclear deal. As you know Young India has been active on this front and its stance on the issue being included in the article is heartening.

I would like to take this opportunity to clarify my statement regarding immigrant activism that was quoted out of context. Young India itself is an organization made up of immigrants and we ourselves focus on issues that help us accrue intellectual credibility. In that context, it is an organization's and community's perogative to pursue all matters, big or small, to ensure a space at the table of democratic discourse. My statement was part of a larger answer in regards to the general question of immigrant activism.

On behalf of Young India I would like to take this opportunity to commend the efforts of the Indian-American community to galvanize itself on this issue. We may differ in our opinion pertaining to the details of the deal with our fellow citizens but as members of this larger community we are energized by every member of it that is dedicating time and energy to the cause of meaningful Indo-US relations.

Peace.
Rohit.

Secretary Rice to testify on the Hill

rohit — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 03:00:00 +0000

Secretary of State Dr. Condoleeza Rice will testify in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday at 9:30am, April 5th. Last week Young India organized a Congressional briefing on the Indo-US nuclear deal - Dr. Rice's testimony's focus.

Based on our briefing and research and understanding of the issue we feel the following must happen:

- The deal must be broadened to include a larger ENERGY INITIATIVE of which nuclear energy is A part. In parallel, the nuclear aspects of this initiative MUST carry clauses that envision a new nonproliferation regime that incorporates regional security.

- Unclassified Nuclear Nonproliferation Assessment statement. This document is crucial. I don't think it has been provided yet. We are equally committed to Indo-US relations and nonproliferation and disarmament. They are not mutually exclusive and the day they chart different courses all of us will be in trouble. This assessment statement must be closely studied.

In conclusion, Secretary Rice should be asked why is India so keen on this deal given that by all estimates energy gains from this deal are modest at best. And why is the US so keen on this deal that it is ready to weaken the nonproliferation regime? She should be probed to share why she feels that THIS deal should be the basis for Indo-US relations as opposed to an initiative that would truly address the energy question for both nations and move them towards energy independence. She should be urged to expand the scope of the deal. As we said at the briefing, the deal cannot fall through but at the same time cannot go through in its current form. I hope
the SFRC plays its crucial role to achieve the best relationship with India.

I hope the Secretary is reminded that India and the US are democracies where transparency is a pillar of our governing systems. All aspects of this deal must be made public to both the Indian and American citizenry so that they can fully participate in this debate. Clandestine passage of this deal in an amorphous form will weaken the democratic traditions of both nations and create a weak and unsustainable platform for a new friendship. Let's have a deal that both people's can gain from.

Peace.

Indo-US Nuclear Deal

rohit — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 01:45:00 +0000

The governments of India and the United States signed a "landmark" agreement today allowing India to import nuclear technology to boost its civilian nuclear power program. In return, India agreed to open 14 of its 22 nuclear reactors to inspection by the IAEA as civilian reactors. Experts, citizens and even those who signed the document are unsure how this deal will impact bilateral relations in the time to come. The signatories may lay claim to a certain vision but only congressional and parliamentary passage will allow this agreement to see the light of reality.

The need for the people of India and those of the United States to come together in a collective pursuit for improving democracy cannot be overstated. Thoreau's influence on Gandhi and then Gandhi's influence on Martin Luther King Jr. already tie the two nations in a deep historic, intellectual and revolutionary relationship. The challenge is to rediscover that relationship in the modern context. Some believe this nuclear deal is a step in that direction. I believe the jury is still out on that.

It is no secret that the government of India has pursued this strategy of seeking nuclear technology as a means of alleviating its energy concerns in isolation and carefully avoiding a larger national dialogue on the issue. Transparency and communication are the cornerstones of successful democracy. Both these elements have been lacking in the Indian government's approach. But I am sure this debate will now take place. Unfortunately, in a very politically charged environment that will cloud the technical arguments needed to make the best scientific determination whether nuclear energy is indeed the best route to energy independence.

My deep desire to see the United States and India to lead the disarmament movement too seems to have suffered a setback because of this deal. It may well be that the two nations will abide by the spirit of the agreement and this will result only in civilian use of technology (given that technology is safe and cost effective) but as a student of interational politics it is hard to ignore the negative precedents this deal will set.

There are, however, some hearty developments to be noted. A new emphasis on gearing bilateral trade towards small and medium sized businesses is a very welcome step. I hope it is not just a statement to assuage those bruised by the nuclear deal but something that the two governments are genuinely committed to. For if that transpires then that would go a long way in enhancing people to people relations. Today, progressives in India tilt against the United States because the actions of American companies have affected and alienated the masses. Also, ideological hangover from the Cold War era persists. There is an obvious opposition to some US foreign policy. But then the American people are having the same disagreement with the President. No need to state the President's current approval ratings.

My call to my dear American friends is to join me in exploring new ways to cooperate. We must find ways that benefit both peoples and not just satisfy the appetite of our political elites that sometimes are afflicted with an obsession for ideas whose time has come and gone. Remember the eyebrows VP candidate Dick Cheney raised in the 2000 campaign when he suggested new nuclear reactors be built. The people of India share the same apprehension of this potent technology. I hope the ensuing discussion will help us find better ways to become the best of friends.

Peace.

Great Loss

rohit — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 15:04:00 +0000

Mrs. Coretta Scott King passed away earlier this morning. Her leadership of a movement that armed men and women not with weapons but conviction to challenge the most heinous forms of prejudice will forever inspire all of those who persevere for a just society. Mrs. King was a gracious symbol of a movement that fought the most hideous part of human nature. Her and Dr. King’s dedication to nonviolence inspired many. They executed the Gandhian method for nonviolent transformation to perfection.

In these times when India and the United States are searching for issues to build a “strategic” partnership through military collaboration and exchange of nuclear technology, our leaders are oblivious of a great collaboration that should become the basis for bilateral relations. Dr. King and Mrs. King went to India as a guest of Prime Minister Nehru in efforts to study and learn more about Gandhi's philosophy and techniques of nonviolence from February 2 through March 10, 1959. The interactions they had with luminaries of India’s nonviolent freedom struggle convinced them of the efficacy and moral necessity of nonviolence as the method for change in the United States. Many years later at a Young India organized tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Capitol Hill Rep. John Lewis, a very close King associate, shared with us how the Mahatma was a figure that the entire movement looked up to and followed.

I admire Mrs. King for her devotion to justice and peace, for her commitment to nonviolence and for her symbolizing what truly binds India and the United States – the collective battle for a society that is inclusive and respectful of everyone’s life, liberty and their pursuit of happiness. May God rest her soul in peace and give us the strength to be worthy followers of her.

Peace.
Rohit.

Hamas's victory in Palestine : A systems perspective

rohit — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 03:16:00 +0000

The Palestinian election results have surprised everyone, including its victors, Hamas. Beyond the context of the Middle East/West Asia politics there are lessons to be duly noted.

The results show that incumbent progressive forces are widely incompetent and complacent. Fatah is the latest casualty. The recently concluded Canadian elections and a little before that the German elections too are evidence of this phenomenon. Of course, unlike the United States where incumbency has a stranglehold on democracy, most democracies are not kind to incumbents. But in the recent past we have seen popular progressive movements faltering when their activism is required to transform into governance. Such results push back the progressive movement and allow radical ideas to fill in the void.

South America is tilting left and it will be very interesting to see if the populism that has fueled this shift is converted to accountable governance. Progressives must hold their own leaders to the same standards as they have their political opponents. Transparency must become a core value of all progressive movements. We have already seen this principle harmed in Brazil and Venezuela. The insistence on justice should not be limited to big issues but it must permeate all workings of our governments. In this context the people's right to information must be integral to all civil society and progressive political efforts.

Hamas has a chance to shed its radicalism for a more conciliatory approach towards peace. Both the Palestinians and the Israelis have immensely suffered over the last 58 years. Israel may not be able to easily forget attacks on civilians just like the Palestinians won't be able to easily forget atrocities committed against them. But they have no other choice. Reconciliation is not hoped for but is now demanded by history. Both sides have dug their heels on the matter of justice. What is a just solution? Who has the objectivity to adjudicate this conflict? No one. But there is a starting point - forgiveness. Both parties need to move towards conflict transformation. Only then can they move towards conflict resolution. With Hamas laying down its weapons this process will get a much needed push. The world will greatly welcome this move and give all the support it needs to win the peace. Hamas must seize this opportunity. It has to. If it does then Israel should break down all other barriers for peace. It's time to be statesmen.

Peace.
Rohit.

Is the Right falling apart?

rohit — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 15:09:00 +0000

Both the Republican party in the United States and the BJP in India have been the right-wing flag bearers in their respective political arenas. Both are struggling today.

The Republican party has lost its ideological and, most definitely, its legislative way. The social conservatives, who were virtually unopposed by socially moderate fiscal conservatives in the last Presidential election, seem to have disproportionate attention of lawmakers. Everybody in a democracy has their sets of issues that energizes them but here in America the last few years have seen a surge of right-leaning social activists become louder and more influential. That influence has extracted a broader political cost for the Republican party as a whole, who people now see alienated from the real issues of energy and the economy at large. Even their stance and strategy on terrorism is being called into question. More so because the strategy incorporated a war in Iraq. With both the House and Senate leaders under investigations (prosecutorial and SEC respectively) the structural and ideological cohesion the GOP enjoyed is almost gone.

In India, the BJP has little to show in terms of any policy inputs or even opposition besides some politically necessary pronouncements from time to time to let the public know that they are politically alive. They have been marred by serious infighting that erupted from the most unexpected of sources - a controversy over Jinnah, that shook the ideological foundation of the BJP and its parent organization the RSS. The only other times the BJP has been in the news has been when they have targeted cabinet members like Laloo Prasad Yadav and Natwar Singh for their alleged roles in corruption scandals. Nothing positive yet to come from the BJP as in any policy initiatives that one would expect given their dismal faring in the last general election. The fact that the masses rejected them hasn't yet forced them to review or even suggest any economic gameplan that is more inclusive than what the ill-conceived "India Shining" campaign banked on.

Extreme ideas have a limited lifespan. Their irrelevance to real issues that people face on a daily basis once revealed takes down the politicians who mouthed them. And as these ideologues slip into oblivion a more moderate and meaningful political entity emerges. Hopefully. It seems we're in that transition period both here and in India. Waiting for a real political alternative to emerge.

Peace.

No place for violence!

rohit — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 01:44:00 +0000

The serial bomb blasts have hit too close to home for me. A market that I regularly frequented saw a blast that killed more than 30 innocent people. I have always failed to understand what purpose the killing of innocents ever achieves. Such violence, in the name of any cause, must be condemned as forcefully as possible. There is simply no room for such violence in the civilized world.

We have to wait for the facts to come out before we can cast definitive blame. Preliminary reports suggest Kashmiri separatists. Young India has always supported a peaceful dialogue on Kashmir that places the Kashmiri people front and center. We have criticized military excesses and categorically denounced cross-border terrorism that in the name of freedom targeted civilians. We pledge to continue to fight for the displaced Kashmiri Hindus as we will continue to persist in our efforts to bring peace to the residents of the Valley who have lived in the shadow of violence for the last 16 years. But under NO circumstance will we tolerate murder. None.

Fundamentalism is the greatest threat to humanity. It must be vigorously challenged. And Young India will continue to do so.

Peace.

Historic Legislation for India's Poor

rohit — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 18:12:00 +0000

With the passage of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in the recently concluded Monsoon session of the parliament India has moved a step closer to its enshrined ideals.

72% of India's population lives in its villages. Upwards of 65% of the population lives off the land. Land ceiling laws have been poorly implemented thus most of the rural poor either have small landholdings enough only for subsistence or have none at all. To compound the problems with this reality agricultural employment is not all year round. Such conditions create almost starvation circumstances for the landless. This is the backdrop from which this Bill emerged.

Following are some of the highlights of the Bill -

* The Bill guarantees 100 days of employment to one person per household at Rs.60/day ($1.40/day).
* The scheme will be implemented in 200 of the poorest districts (out of 600 total)
* The whole country will be covered in 5 years.
* The Panchayats (village self-governments) will come up with the openings based on the general areas as specified in the Bill. These areas are predominantly infrastructure oriented.
* Those who cannot be absorbed in the workforce will be eligible for unemployment benefits.

This is a remarkable development. Finally there is a social safety net for the most vulnerable in India. The Government of India along with many non-profit organizations who tirelessly campaigned for this Bill must be congratulated.

The Bill places serious responsibilities on the Panchayats. Their role will be key in the success of this Bill. This is a true test for decentralized democracy. It must, however, be said that the Panchayats will need a lot of help to carry out the schemes sanctioned under the Bill. There is a dire need for training the Panchayat members in basic governing skills. The Panchayati Raj ministry must work with the Rural Development Ministry (the sponsor of the Employment Guarantee Act)to ensure that this training is provided.

Some social concerns persist. The suggestion that a man AND a woman each should be guaranteed employment per household given the problem of alcoholism among men was shot down. Also, the minimum wage of Rs.60/day is rather arbitrary. States have their own minimum wage laws that might conflict with the prescribed wage.

All things considered the passage of this Act signals that Indian politics is now looking inwards in a constructive way. Gone are days when heated communal rhetoric, caste sloganeering and obsessive hatred of Pakistan dominated the political discourse. Even if ever so slightly people's issues have made it to the surface this emergence of the people's agenda must be hailed as a welcome step.

Peace.

Looking back and ahead - India at 58

rohit — Mon, 15 Aug 2005 00:33:00 +0000

It's the morning of the 15th of August in India. 58 years ago on this day India was re-born. My beloved country broke through the shackles of imperialist bondage stepping into a new future of possibilities. That day of celebration was indeed muted by the pain of partition yet it was a day to honor the uncountable sacrifices made by India's most loyal sons and daughters.

For an Indian today is a day of patriotism - a patriotism that honors the struggles waged by generations before us to see India as a free and great nation. We are free in the political sense but the legacy of greatness that these great souls had established is faltering badly. India has been at its best when it has moved as one nation from the ground up. Today business leaders and policymakers pay little heed to the "ground" - India's villages. Most intellectuals too are fashionably ignorant towards that part of Indian society that really made independence happen. It was Champaran in 1917 that shook the nation.

This year I may do something other than make a blanket indictment of the existing political and economic system. Today I challenge India's youth. And that includes Indian youth of the diaspora as well. The opportunities that are availed to us are because some brave soul fought and died for them a century ago. India's youth cannot deny their own moral obligation to those who are still in need of independence from misery and want. India's founders did not build a nation that would forget its weakest but rather they built a nation that would place the suffering of our most vulnerable citizens atop the list of our priorities.

We must engage. Find organizations that work in Indian villages. Do research that will help better rural policy and strengthen rural democracy. Invent something that assists in bringing dignified livelihoods to our people. Campaign against development that kills rural India. Propose development that grows the capacities of our villages to sustain themselves.

The India of Mahatma Gandhi's dreams cannot be created without addressing the most fundamental problems of India's villages. A vision for India that is oblivious of the ground realities in rural India is a vision that is incomplete. So, this independence day let's do something for that 71% of the population that is often neglected in our daily cyber discourses. We do so at our own peril. These 71% taught us a serious political lesson last year in the general election and if intellectuals and current policymakers continue to ignore them they may be in for even greater surprises.

As we pause to honor the soldiers of our independence let us pledge to be true to their fight as well - a fight for a just and better India for all. And I mean ALL.

Peace.

Time for Justice

rohit — Thu, 11 Aug 2005 13:48:00 +0000

The latest report on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi is out. The Nanavati Report (text has not yet been made available) indicts senior Delhi Congress leaders of the time. Namely, Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar and HKL Bhagat stand accused.

3000 innocent Sikhs were killed in the violence that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguard on October 31st, 1984. Families have waited for two decades for justice. The Congress party has pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. Yet its own allies leave alone the opposition are not convinced. The onus is on the Congress. If the Congress demands that people like Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi should be charged then they should use every resource at their disposal to help seek justice for the 1984 victims and their families. Anything less than that would be an abdication of constitutional duty.

Along the same lines the BJP's insistence on justice for the 1984 riot victims will be seen as disingenuous as long as they not only shelter but praise Chief Minister Modi. Their hypocrisy in the realm of human rights is being terribly exposed.

The Indian political system MUST ensure justice for all dispossessed in their own homeland - be it Kashmiri Hindus, Gujarati Muslims or the Sikhs in Delhi. Let not parties exploit the pain and suffering of these people for political gain.

Once the report is released to the public we'll have more on the matter.

Peace.

What does Indo-Pak peace mean for the people?

rohit — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 02:18:00 +0000

Sometimes a picture captures reality and expresses our asiprations better than any set of words. This is one such picture from THE HINDU. People-centric policy-making finally penetrating through the impervious mindset of our polity. Let's hope this is the begining.

Peace.

Lance - An inspiration

rohit — Sun, 24 Jul 2005 21:12:00 +0000

Rare are moments in history when the soaring of the human spirit is so universally evident and awe inspiring as is in the case of Lance Armstrong's 7th and final Tour De France win. Coming back from the brink of death to win arguably the toughest sporting event in the world 7 consecutive times is a testimonial to his determination, his dedication and his love for cycling. And in the process he has deservedly so acquired a legendary status not only among cancer survivors but among all those people who dream of possibilities that challenge our imagination.

Today the cancer community and all of those who stand with them are proud to have a friend and a hero in Lance. As a survivor himself he has carried the burden of our expectations and through him so many have lived their dreams of winning and in the process gained strength to fight their own battles.

As he bids farewell to cycling he's welcomed to a life of greater work and contribution to the world. We wish him great health and seek his camaraderie in the endeavors to alleviate pain.

Peace.

An Opportunity for Change - Prime Minister Singh in Washington

rohit — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 12:06:00 +0000

As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gets ready to address a joint session of Congress he is presented with a rare opportunity to chart a new course for Indo-US relations. He must not waste it. Breaking through the typical niceties and declarations of democratic values, the Prime Minister should address issues that confront the common citizenry of both nations in their struggles for dignified living. And this can be achieved by proposing and acting on policy initiatives that positively impact the new economic partnership, promotes technological collaboration and articulates an unambiguous response to terrorism.

On the economic front much has been said of the growing partnership between the two nations. This partnership must indeed grow but not just for the industrialists on both sides but for the people at large as well. One way this can be achieved is by having both governments committing themselves to giving an equal amount of weight to develop small businesses. Instead of pitting one middle class against the other, the two leaders must find a way that enables small investors and businesses to cooperate with each other. This will provide greater opportunities for employment generation as well as forge a much closer relationship between the two peoples.

Additionally, collaboration in science and technology must not be held hostage to the defense sector alone. Some promising interaction has been initiated in the field of biotechnology, but for India its use will be validated only when these new technologies enable it to provide affordable health care to its most vulnerable. Increasingly rural indebtedness in India is associated with health care costs. Affordable technologies have made a great impact in tackling basic development issues. Cellular telephony has penetrated deep into India and other telecommunication advances have enhanced rural India’s access to information and resources. These technologies have also greatly improved governance. The Prime Minster should urge the Administration and the American business community to invest in assisting India to become a better decentralized democracy. Space collaboration should continue to grow in order to inspire the next generation of explorers in both countries. Overall the scientific collaboration should be such that gives children in both countries the motivation and opportunity to pursue careers in science. Both nations have produced some of the greatest scientific minds and thus the onus to promote a culture of scientific inquiry is their joint obligation.

Differences persist on the issue of terrorism - not in recognizing its threat but in response to its threat. There is no question that external terrorist threats are real and must be the top priority of the security apparatus. However, diplomatic efforts, if pursued in unison, can greatly diminish the effects of ideological rhetoric. Such efforts can only succeed if those who need this help the most take the lead in reforming their own societies - there can be no imposition of democracy. India must not abandon its positions to appease any foreign government, but it must possess the vision to engage with sincere peacemakers. Geopolitics is inescapable but holding the relationship between two of the most prominent democracies captive to conventional strategic interests is a great disservice to the rare opportunity that has befallen the two nations to forge a new bond.

Only history will tell us how these meetings affect the course of Indo-US relations but it must not be lost on any one of us how important this coming together is. We hope the two leaders can see through the ceremonial aspects and get down to addressing the issues that are front and center of their people as they leave home every morning in pursuit of a better life.

Peace.

Mr.Advani's Surrender

rohit — Sun, 12 Jun 2005 02:09:00 +0000

Contrary to hopes of internal reflection on the part of the BJP its President Mr.L.K.Advani succumbed to ideological might and reconciled with political reality. The party has been able to keep Mr.Advani but doesn't seem like out of any deep respect but rather out of convenience. With the BJP having a tough time in the last one year with the electoral defeat and then rifts with the RSS (Mr.Sudershan's disparaging remarks about Mr.Advani and Mr.Vajpayee)the BJP wanted to have a steady steward at the helm. As many analysts have concluded the second-tier leadership of the party is not upto the mark yet.

The resolution that the BJP parliamentary party passed reiterates its basic positions. Nothing new. Just a few days ago Mr.Advani had dared the Sangh to debate the Jinnah question. He seems to have backtracked on that. The debate on Jinnah itself was immaterial but the hope was that once a debate of that type started other ideological issues would be revisited in the light of current political situation. Well, that didn't happen. And hopes of that happening at all are quickly fading.

Indian politics can indeed use a responsible right-of-center party but that won't happen as long as the moderates in the BJP keep giving into the fringe elements who always outshout them.

Peace.

Political Earthquake in India? - The Advani Saga

rohit — Thu, 09 Jun 2005 21:54:00 +0000

I consider myself an avid follower of Indian politics. I've seen a lot of changes in the political landscape - the rise of Hindutva, severe caste fragmentation, corruption etc. But the recent unfolding of events in response to BJP President Mr.L.K.Advani's statement praising Qaid-E-Azam Jinnah's speech from 1947 has fascinated me.

The fact that such a right-wing "Hindu" hardliner as Mr.Advani visiting Pakistan then visiting Mr.Jinnah's memorial is significant. And as if this wasn't groundbreaking enough his words of praise for Mr.Jinnah where Mr.Advani called Mr.Jinnah a "secular" man. I've been trying to search for analogous situations (hypothetical) that could capture the improbability of Mr.Advani's statements. Just can't come up with one.

Now to the actual statement and its reactions. Calling Mr.Jinnah a "secular" man is misleading. In the context of Mr.Jinnah's speech that he gave on August 11th, 1947 he did indeed lay down very secular ideals for the newly established state of Pakistan. And I must say that Mr.Advani is correct in praising Mr.Jinnah for that. Just because after a long career of inciting violence in the name of religion Mr.Advani makes a statement praising someone else's secularism does not mean that Mr.Advani gets a clean chit or that suddenly we must forget his past actions. But we have to give credit where it is due. And unlike past right-wing leaders who have had to retract statements that were peppered even with a tinge of moderation Mr.Advani is sticking to his guns.

The overt support that the BJP is showing for Mr.Advani is dubious. The BJP and its brass owes a far greater allegiance to the RSS and its principles than to Mr.Advani. And in the past Mr.Advani has been the RSS favorite in the BJP. Now when the RSS is clearly unhappy with the Mr.Advani we'll have to wait and see where does the BJP go. Will it go towards a desperately needed ground of political centrism OR will it sacrifice its President for its ideology. Mr.Murli Manohar Joshi, a senior BJP leader has stated that ideology CANNOT be diluted.

Right after the general elections last year I had written piece appealing to the moderates in the BJP to disentangle themselves from the RSS. This may be a push, albeit from the most unlikely source, in that direction. At least that's my hope. Only the events to follow will tell us the full story. Stay tuned.

Peace.

ps. Who would have thought that of all the reasons Mr.Jinnah would be the issue that shakes the earth below the feet of India's "Hindu" Right??

Indian Parliament passes Patents Bill

rohit — Fri, 25 Mar 2005 04:24:00 +0000

The Rajya Sabha (upper house) passed the new Patents Act on Wednesday. Thanks to all of you who responded to our Action Alert.

The new Patents Act includes a modest number of suggestions Young India and its coalition partners were pushing for. Ambiguities remain and many hurdles will persist when it comes to affordable health care.

Our next issue of Samay will include a full analysis of the new Act. Stay tuned.

Here's a report from The Hindu.

Peace.

Urgent Action Alert- India's Patents Act!

rohit — Tue, 22 Mar 2005 21:21:00 +0000

With the Lok Sabha having cleared the Bill with modest amendments the short-term advocacy challenge is to ensure the remaining desired amendments are taken up by the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) tomorrow. As the email alert indicated the debate starts at 10am IST (11:30pm EST) and so the time at hand is little.

For background information read our Action Alert from SAMAY at :

Surrender To Multinationals - India's Patent Ordinance

The following links will help you bring upto speed with what has transpired over the last couple of days in the Indian parliament and where things are right now.

From Businessweek and the Associate Press

The Lok Sabha passes the Bill - From The Hindu

Press Release from Indian Activists and Coalition Partners (PDF format)

ACTION ITEM -

Please print out the following letter that has been written by our dedicated friends in India and that Young India has endorsed. Fax this signed letter to the following political party offices at the earliest.

Download letter here (PDF format)

* Indian Congress +91 11 230 17047

* BJP +91 11 230 174 19

* Communist Party of India (Marxist) +91 11 23747483

* Communist Party of India +91 11 2323 55 43

We will have a political analysis of this situation shortly.

Thanks.
Peace.
Young India Team.

Mr.Modi Denied!

rohit — Sat, 19 Mar 2005 14:28:00 +0000

On Friday the US State Department denied Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi a visa to enter the United States. Mr.Modi was scheduled to visit the US for a week starting Sunday, March 20th. The highlight of his trip would have been a speech at the AAHOA (Asia-American Hotel Owners Association, a predominantly Gujarati organization) convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Here's the official explanation offered by the State Department -

"We can confirm that the Chief Minister of Gujarat state Narendra Modi applied for but was denied the diplomatic visa" under the Immigration and Nationality Act, said a U.S. Embassy statement. The visa was revoked under a provision of the act "which makes any government official who was responsible for or directly carried out at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom, ineligible for a visa," according to the statement.
From the Washington Post of March 19th

This is an unprecedented decision. The decision took policy makers both in the US and India by surprise.

Young India was outspoken in its scathing criticism of Mr.Modi and his government for standing by as the state of Gujarat was transformed into a laboratory of hate and brutal violence. This decision by the State Department evokes many feelings. As the Indian government tries to negotiate with the State Department to review its decision a deeper analysis must be deferred till the conclusion of these discussions is reached. However, a few preliminary judgments can be made.

Gujarat is a state that has a great cultural heritage and has become a key player in India's economic future. We hope and strive for its success to grow and inspire other parts of the nation. No doubt. Yet there are times when the great work of a people gets overshadowed by events such as the brutality of the Gujarat violence in 2002 - both Godhara and the violence that followed. And when that happens we cannot ignore such events but rather must passionately pursue justice. The Best Bakery case and other attempts seek such justice in India have pathetically fared. Mr.Modi and his colleagues have been admonished by the Supreme Court of India who called Mr.Modi a modern-day Nero (the Roman Emperor who to sustain his power and position blamed the troubles in Rome on a small Christian minority who were burnt alive).

The Indian justice system has NOT been able to indict Mr.Modi or his colleagues. Now is the visa denial an insult to Mr.Modi or the Indian justice system? Why did it have to come to this? We'll have more analysis of this development in the next issue of SAMAY. The Indian government's protestations are expected by protocol.

There are arguments emanating from some quarters that the United States has no right to pass judgment on the internal matters of a functioning democracy. That argument is disingenuous. The United States or any other country for that matter does indeed have the right to deny a visa for a person whose native land may not indict him or her for heinous crimes. But let us not deflect the matter on to the United States' record. That's not the issue. Let us not belittle the larger humanitarian issue that has put Mr.Modi front and center of this issue. The apparent protocol violation is secondary. Morality is above propriety. That too if the propriety is of a cosmetic kind.

In conclusion, the US government's decision on the surface seems like breaking protocol. It will and has caused people not happy with this decision to call on US double-standards, which do exist. Yet on this count the US government has indeed put morality above protocol. We hope they have the political will to stand firm on their decision. Also, in ANY other circumstance such a decision could be viewed discourteous towards a democratically elected government representative. But NOT in this situation. We also hope that this development instead of making Mr.Modi a martyr of sorts in India turns the heat on him so that he can brought to justice and the people of Gujarat can finally get a leader that can lead them in the 21st century.

Peace.

Remembering a Great One

rohit — Sun, 30 Jan 2005 14:22:41 +0000

Friends,

Rarely does a life so inspires and impacts us as Mahatma Gandhi's did. 57 years ago on this day at 5:15pm IST Mahatma Gandhi was assasinated at Birla Bhavan in New Delhi. India plunged into unprecedented mourning. Jawahar Lal Nehru was beating back tears and emotions of despair has he addressed a grief stricken nation - a nation so deeply indebted to this one soul who not only led them to independence but persevered throughout his life to help lay the foundations of social and economic justice that are the pillars of Indian political and civic life today. The continuing evolution of India's democracy is a testament to the nonviolence that Bapu (as the Mahatma was affectionately called in India) helped permeate into the thinking of the founders as they worked to create a new democracy.

It was just a few weeks ago that I visited Birla Bhavan to meet with the Director of the Gandhi Smriti - the institution created to preserve this historic spot and further Gandhian ideas. Dr.Savita Singh, the Director, has been doing a fantastic job in preserving the legacy of the Mahatma. One cannot escape being thrown back to the evening of January 30th, 1948 while there. I took an auto-rickshaw to get there and my driver had never even heard of Tees Janvari Marg (Road). An entire generation is oblivious to Bapu, his ideas and his work. Not to say there aren't bright spots. The incredible genesis of the NGO movement in India thrives on the inspiration it gets from Bapu - even today! Young India is no different. Our name itself is the name of Bapu's first newsletter after he returned to India from South Africa.

Whenever we put forward an idea, volunteer our time and energy or even make a financial contribution to change something for the better beyond our realm of self-interest we contribute and add to the nonviolent betterment of our society. We become a part of nonviolence. It is not necessary that we protest for our nonviolent credetials to be validated. Bapu spent most of his life on small things like working around the ashram and from that sense of action came to him the biggest ideas that changed the world.

On this day I hope we do something small and meaningful. Our efforts will undeniably add up one day and make the changes that we seek in the world at large.

May Bapu's soul rest in peace.

Peace.
Rohit.

Pride

Jigar — Mon, 17 Jan 2005 20:03:21 +0000

Friends,

Today is another one of those days when we should all be happy to have the opportunity to pause, step back, and recognize, with pride, the accomplishments of the great mean and women who came before us. Rather than include a short quote from the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, here's a posting which I've made on my personal blog. It is important for us not just to remember MLK on this day, it is exponentially more important for us to recognize what MLK and people like him have given us. With that, I leave you with thoughts for today:

Let's all take moment to recognize the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on this holiday. While most of us (including myself) don't have the holiday off from work, it's hugely important for us to take moments out from days like these because the work that folks like MLK have done allows us to live our lives and prosper.

So I actually wanted to talk about something really specific here. That is the connection between MLK and Mahatma Gandhi. Now, a lot of people (Indians specifically) have been stepping on Gandhi's name in recent years. I'm not really sure why they do that, but there are various reasons, including, Hindu racist as well as (in Sepiamutiny's case) that Gandhi had nothing original to offer.

In any case, that's not why I'm writing today. I'm writing today because every Indian-American should take extra time to recognize that the work which both MLK and Gandhi did has given you the (hopefully) good life you lead today. We take our freedom and equality for granted, but it's really the great work of men like these that allow us brown folk (and every other color) to prosper. This really became clear to me a couple of years ago because of my work with Young India.

Most Indians think of MLK day as a day that Black people need to be proud of and something which Indians don't need to be as concerned about. What many people don't know is that MLK and the American Civil Rights Movements took much of the Indian Freedom Movement to heart when beginning their campaign in the United States. MLK even said, "the Gandhian philosophy of nonviolence is the only logical and moral approach to the solution of the race problem in the United States." Without the experience of Gandhi's work, the American Civil Rights Movement may have been very different and perhaps not as successful.

In the fall of 2003 we at Young India were organizing an annual tribute to Gandhi. This time we wanted to have it on Capitol Hill to ensure that folks who wouldn't normally attend such events would, at the least, get some exposure to the marketing for such an event. So with the 2003 tribute we invited Congressman John Lewis to attend. This man is truly amazing. As you can read in his bio, he was part of the Civil Rights Movement and was, in fact, the youngest person to speak at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before MLK himself spoke. He is really a connection back to the Civil Rights movement. I had the honor or introducing him during our tribute and the fire in his convictions was evident even with age. As he said, "Gandhi, through his life and his actions, taught us the oneness of the human family" and, "Gandhi's teachings helped us to not just liberate a people, but to liberate a nation"

It's only through this that I realized how lucky we are, as Indians, to have two great men to thank for what we have today. Without the catalyst of Gandhi's actions, India wouldn't have become an independent nation as it did (surely the British would have left, but the outcome could have been very different and India's "3rd way" soul may never have materialized). Without the work of King (and disciples like John Lewis) America would likely still be much more unequal than it is. This impacts us directly because as brown folk, we're still lumped in with every other non-Caucasian group out there and treated much the same. Sure we may have a great reputation of being well-educated and such, but in the end, Civil Rights are about equal rights to get that education and to have the opportunity to prosper. Without the Civil Rights movement here, our parents would likely not have prospered in the way that they did. Surely, a lot more work needs to be done, but we need to recognize how far we have come and how much we have benefited in our everyday lives.

If you've read to this point, then you're probably already thinking about what these great accomplishments mean in your life. And I thank you for that. Now I ask you to talk to the person in the cube next to you and show how much this really means to all of our lives. These holidays aren't just the chance to drive up to the mountains to ski. They're the chance to take a step back and smile at what's been accomplished on our behalf. These men didn't work so hard just for themselves. They did it for all of us.

Tsunami Relief Effort

rohit — Fri, 31 Dec 2004 06:00:27 +0000

Friends,

Young India itself does not have a relief fund but we want to let you know of reputable and trustworthy organizations (see Disclaimer at end of posting) through which you can provide direly needed assistance. The extent of the tragedy is enormous. I'll write more about the on-the-ground reaction in a few days. I am currently in New Delhi where the government is trying its best to cope up with the situation but is falling short of people's expectations. Information is not being appropriately communicated leading to panic. Not to forget the pathetic evacuation job, which was non-existent in most areas. But there will be enough time to point fingers and hold people responsible. Right now people are fighting for sheer survival.

Some links to assist the victims -

* The Hindu Relief Fund (South India's Largest Daily Newspaper)
* AID-India (Association for India's Development)

India Together has an informative site as well - Tsunami Relief

Please donate generously and refer as many people as possible to this site and others that are trying to help the victims. Any and all help is appreciated.

Peace.
Rohit.

**Disclaimer: Young India cannot receive funds on behalf of any of the organizations listed here. These organizations are not part of or affiliated with Young India in any formal or legal manner, and their inclusion here is not an endorsement by us of their efforts. **

YI Special Bulletin - "America Speaks: 2004"

rohit — Tue, 14 Dec 2004 06:21:11 +0000

We present to you a Young India special bulletin on the US
Presidential Election - America Speaks:2004. This bulletin analyzes
the reasons behind the verdict and shares with you our view of the
future. It's been a month in the making and we are glad that it took
us this long. We were able to analyze things away from the heat of the
election and to have a more long-term vision. True to our spirit of
seeking solutions we put forward ideas that could become the basis for
policy initiatives that help achieve our goals of improving
representative democracy.

"America Speaks: 2004"

This bulletin is the concluding effort of our 2004: THE DEBATE FOR
DEMOCRACY initiative. The momentous political events of this year
inspired us to undertake this endeavor that started last fall with
Mr.Mani Shankar Aiyar's visit to Washington. During the course of the
last twelve months we have held two Congressional briefings on the
Indian election, been invited to speak on Capitol Hill, televised
specials on the US Presidential election, in addition to being part of
many coalition efforts for peace. It has been a rewarding experience.
The year ahead has even more in store.

We feel this bulletin will assist in focusing our conversation about
democracy even more. In the coming year we intend to open another
front for our work - Indo-US relations. We think it is essential for
forward-looking ideas in both political systems to come together to
shape policy that will not only impact citizens in both nations but
will also have a positive impact on international affairs as well. Do
keep checking back with us through our website. We'll keep you posted
as well.

We sincerely hope you find our work useful and share it with many
more. We would love to hear back from you. Feel free to send us your
comments to info@yidream.org. Last but not the least we need your
support. You can assist us financially by sending checks payable to
YOUNG INDIA to PO Box 1791, Germantown, MD 20875-1791, USA. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your support and encouragement. We look forward to sharing with you our journey down the road of democracy.

Peace.

Young India Team.

America turns RIGHT

rohit — Wed, 03 Nov 2004 18:37:27 +0000

Less than an hour ago Senator Kerry conceded the election to President Bush. As time goes by we'll have more data to analyze the results but somethings are getting clear. Not only did the President carry the southern states he carried them with record turnouts thereby winning the popular vote. And even more importantly the Republicans have strengthened their grip on the Senate and House. They sent Senator Tom Daschle, the Democratic leader in the Senate, packing home. Most of the new winners on the Republican side are distinctly from the right-wing of the party.

Exit polls indicate that in the end "values" was the most dominating issue. We all felt that it would an issue but I doubt anyone other than the Bush campaign really believed that it would be THE issue. A new brand of cultural conservatism is on the rise. One which has now been shown as politically beneficial.

We'll have a lot more analysis on the site and events to grasp the emerging realities. Today is a day of celebration for neo-conservatives and a day of relfection for the progressives in this country.

Peace.

A Day to Celebrate

rohit — Tue, 02 Nov 2004 14:08:36 +0000

Almost all nations cherish their independence days as the most important days of their national life. I somehow feel that election day is equally important for two reasons. One, it most tangibly puts democracy in action and no matter how acrimonious campaigns may be if the elections are held fairly then every citizen has a voice. Second, I feel it's a day to pay homage all those people who laid down their lives for us to have the right to self-determination. And not just the ones in our countries but as history has shown that democratic movements derive strength from endeavors way beyond their own national frontiers. Today I feel a sense of deep gratitude towards all those great souls.

Congratulations to the people of the United States and may their democratic experiment get even better and inspire others across the world.

Do vote!

Peace.

The final hours...

rohit — Mon, 01 Nov 2004 18:13:07 +0000

A long political journey culminates tonight for American democracy. Tomorrow it will exercise its most cherished right. The national polls are as indecisive as are the voters split. There is no statistical measure that could help us predict the outcome. It all depends on who shows up at the polls tomorrow.

Moving beyond the statistical excitement and the electoral college permutations (which I've addressed in the last posting) there is a significant ideological fight at hand. George W.Bush is an icon for the neo-conservative movement. There's not even a close second to him. This derivative of conservatism that most notably championed the doctrine of pre-emptive war is really fighting for survival. Four years without power and more importantly a leader this ideology could face extinction. George W.Bush is their last hope since he embodies some of the old conservative principles that are electorally critical. If you look at the second string of Republican leaders there just aren't many of them that can appeal to the base across its ideological and intellectual spectrum.

A victory tomorrow will validate the neo-conservatives and show to emerging conservative leaders that their ideas can fetch votes too. George W. Bush did NOT run as one in 2000 so that that makes this election the first neo-conservative election. They were surely emboldened by their 2002 Congressional success.

There is no coherent competing ideology to neo-conservative thought today on the American political landscape. There are supporters of it and then there are critics of it. That's why it's no surprise that this election is more about George W. Bush more than it's about John Kerry.

A win for Bush, however, does NOT guarantee a more right-ward turn for the United States. That will hugely depend on the Senate races. The ultra-thin majority of the Republicans can conceivably evaporate. A Democratic Senate will alter the agenda for a Bush second-term, if that happens. So, I'd say keep a very close eye on the control of the US Senate.

Election results from Uruguay just came in this morning declaring another win for a left-wing Presidential candidate. South America is going left-of-center. International developments like these will temper the right-wing turn the Bush administration may want to take if they win.

A John Kerry win will create a more of a attitude change compared to an ideological one. The lack of ideological baggage may lend it more flexibility in dealing with issues. It may encourage a Kerry administration to look at things without the color of pre-conceived notions. A second-term may find a Bush administration more liberated from its right-wing base and electoral politics. Many questions remain and the answers to which will only be known in due course.

But no matter where you stand on the issues do cast your vote!

Peace.
Rohit.