Lets prove we are not the donkeys he referred to

We know some funny parsi people, don't we ? May be you would name Boman Irani or Cyrus Broacha. But I would zero up on our vary own Sam Bahadur Manekshaw. Trust me, Sam(taking a liberty to call him 'Sam') was the funniest of all. A small incident should make you believe so. Sam was almost pronounced dead in 1942 in world war II and a military surgeon almost denied to operate then captain Manekshaw since he was badly hit by nine bullets in lung, liver and kidneys. Surgeon asked what happened to him, funny Sam replied " Oh, a donkey kicked". This sense of humour at such a critical moment becomes a decisive for the history of Indian armed forces. Surgeon decided to operate Sam. And field marshal Sam Bahadur Manekshaw gets 'a page' in the Indian History.

I read Karan Thapar in HT and bit more in Economist and finally quietly observed some controversy about the funeral ceremony of this man. It was't funny anymore this time. Let me take you to neighbour Pakistan before I target my guns to few stakeholders of this controversy. Do you by any chance remember any truly democratic leader ruled this nation called Pakistan ? or any leader leading the nation without intervention of Army ? Almost no one. Not even "Secular Jinnha" (word 'secular' for Mr. Jinnha has copyright implications.. as Mr. Advani has it all..). Come back to point. All dictators of Pak we know belong to Army. Reason ? To put it simply - Foundation of the nation. Compare both India and Pakistan. India have had no such Generals or chiefs who forced the leaders to quite by the way of Bagawat. Credits to Founder leaders of nations. Hold on, that's my point. Equal credits to Founder Field Marshals/chiefs/Army Generals of such time. In today's time, it looks quite normal but it is abnormal in the times when your counterpart in Pak gets the highest rank simply removing/hanging the electoral leader of the house.

Except some difference of opinion during Naheru-Kariappa and some more, I see no major conflicts even if the Heads of Army had to forgo some credits. I just drew the comparison of those times because history sometime matters.

Whose responsible ? All. Let us accept, not just leaders of India but we all some how responsible for not being fair for giving enough credits to Field Marshals/Army chiefs/Generals. Who equally built/build the nation but just in oblivion and not on headlines of the national broadsheets. Some important questions for my readers which will explain the perspective. When we were in search of a true Bharat Ratna nominee for a such a long, couldn't we find Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw for these many years ? Not even media, who publishes a long wish list and some top 10/20 people in many areas(which also many times suggest the nominee). Are our leaders so insensitive about such a man who fought for four decades with highest military honour of Field Marshal ? If we could honour VV Giri or Amartya Sen(just because he gets Nobel prize, how many politicians knew him otherwise), why not some one from Army who brought a brave and famous victory of '71 war ? Its not just about the Bharat Ratna Award. Take another instance. What is the order of precedence, we offer to our Air/Naval/Army Chiefs ? Much below than some of the bureaucrats, e.g. member of planning commission or some former chief ministers etc.

Lets accept, if we can not offer same salary and perks what other gets but we can and we must honour them they the way they should be. It is not yet too late. Does Sam gets posthumous Bharat Ratna next year or not remains a question mark. I feel he would go back to oblivion. Though, we must prove that we are not "Donkeys" he referred for Japanese in 1942.

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Last take for readers : What is history and who writes it ? It is a chapter written by a victorious, all about how good and right he was. That is why we do not hate Nobel prize winner Sir Winston Churchill just as much as Adolf Hitler.

And Finally, What is your take on nuclear deal ? As they say, which side of the Jerusalem you are in ? so its just a matter of inclination you have for a political party not just a plain truth it seems. .

Attestant to a struggle of freedom; way to freedom - Tibet

I saw People's Daily correspondent saying on Times Now, " There is no need to protest for freedom during the Olympic since Tibet is an integral part of China" I ask very simple questions to him. Are you free to speak, write, and express what you feel even in your own country? Do you even know the 'real' (not defined by China) meaning of Freedom and for the people by the people theory? Let me admit, I do not even consider him to debate this large issue.

I got a real surprise when I saw the Bhaichung Bhutia on front pages of the most national broadsheets. Alas, when I saw Amir Khan coming on front pages for the same reason, I felt sad - a real embarrassment for being a fan for so long. Now, when I have just heard - Sachin Tendulkar will run with torch, I am in deep emotional trouble, this news would also hit front pages tomorrow and I would be let down first time; being one of the craziest fan of Tendulkar. (This makes me write even at midnight)

It is nothing new that Amir Khan has no shame for taking just a wrong stand without worrying the cause of crores (at least 5.5 Crores Gujaratis) but worrying for the cause of 1.5 Lacs and many times worrying just for his own publicity. While I am writing, it is my emotions, somehow stopping me to write anything bad for Tendulkar as I owe him many cheers and shoutings I did for TEAM INDIA when he exhibited the best of the Cricket and won games for every one of us. But even with many emotions can I ask, how can you run/march over thousands of massacred dead bodies with the Olympic torch? Your level of sports icon should have avoided the tourch is my personal opinion sir.

First time I have seen sportsman openly and vocally standing up for a cause (which is not flashy or glamourous) but a cause for freedom seekers. Bhaichung Bhutia is standing up today for many homeless; The Tibetans.

When Govt. India show red eyes to the peaceful protesters. It shows that we have not developed enough tolerance for getting a true and dynamic republican or a democratic nation. I am also against illegal and forceful stand by Foreign Minister to curb protests and a warning to many of our Atithis (Guests) to shut their mouth against China. I say illegal stand because the apex court of India has stated in 1991 "Govt. can not prevent from staging peaceful demonstrations". Shouting slogans, burning photos are not violent ways of protest (source: this week's Sunday sentiments, HT).

Most Asian countries have already bowed to Giant Dragon - who always claims Arunachal belongs to them since ages. Lets check 'em in short.

Singapore, " Supports Chinese Policy……."

North Korea, " Inalienable territory of China………."

Myanmar, " Internal Affair………….."

Japan, " Basically a domestic………"

Thailand, " Internal affair……."

Vietnam, " Govt. of China will take action…….."

Pakistan, " Concern with China's sovereignty…….."

Sri Lanka, " One China Policy…"
Do we need to stand a part? Let the readers decide.

Before I take a pause, does any one really get a solution by a violent protest or bloody struggle? NO. NEVER. Evidently, LTTE hasn’t got a solution in SL; Maoists in India are not serving any other purpose except harming badly the lives of many innocents; look at Pakistan and Bangladesh – they have been thrown two decades back by their own children; misguided fanatics are just blowing up themselves in the middle of Baghdad or Kabul for no reason and sadly ending up and shedding the blood of their own thousands of people; Sikh movement did not serve any purpose except the life of Mrs. Gandhi and their own Sikh people in Delhi; No battle field gave India a much needed freedom except diplomatic moves by many freedom fighters including Sardar Patel, Gandhi, Tilak and many more. Neither Godhara(Train burning) nor Gujarat riots except earning a shame for every Indians. Examples are endless to say that what ever-happened in Lhasa was terribly wrong and should never be repeated. Therefore, I strongly condemn the killings of innocent Chinnese by Tibetans.

Peaceful protests by none other than Tibetans will bring the Independence some day I believe. Don’t go too far, Gandhi or Nelson Mandela technique should work against dragons too. Piece of advise to Tibetians - Make some friends in both China and Lhasa (Gandhi made some friends in UK and in India and diplomatically it worked, didn't they ?).

When eyes of the democracy blinks

It takes ingenious effort to build up the pillars of the democracy. It takes a lot before we define the word "freedom of expression" and its dignified importance in the world's largest democracy.

I am the taker of both, Lippmannism and John Deweyism. I agree with walter lippmann - who debated widely the role of journalism. At the same time I also firmly believe the role of community journalism. ( Big fight, Face the nation, Ham Log and other public debates are some illustration of community journalism). What is my ulterior motive behind my inclination to some ideology ? Do not catch me wrong. I am clearly building the case before I go after some idiots or acclaimed journos.

It is ghastly to see Rakhi slapping her BF. It is amusing to read " Raj Thakrey ne Dahi aur Sakkar khaya, wo nek kaam se jail gaye - Sasur ka bayaan". It is surprising to see a breaking news when Mr. Amitabh shivers or her daughter in law sneezes out side Leelavati hospital. Why are we behaving like a suppressed spring coming out of a box post Doordarshan era? Or is this a normal behaviour in a content-less media ? Or its just a competition among news channel to steal the TRPs from Saans Bahu channels ? Why are they selling soft (usual) news in the wrapper of Breaking news all the time? Lastly, why some of leading print media devotes more number of pages to gossips, pg3 and sleazy khabarein than their national news coverage?

Dear readers, I don't mean to portray just a dismal picture of my(our) eyes. We do have Karan Thapar, Barkha Dutt, Rajdeep Sardesai, Aroon puri, Veer Sanghavi, Prabhu Chawala and endless list of prominent khabri(s). Take some examples, journos like Udyan Mukharjee - who dared and became the first one to voice the genuine opinion against R-Power issue highlighting his concerns against it's valuation and cautioned the retail investor openly in his column in HT, Karan Thapar daring many politician in their own drawing room fearlessly, Barkha Dutt covering news in riot affected area without so called Z security and there are many more examples. There are news channels where content based programmes are brought to audience and eagerly watched by them - Citizen Journalist by CNN IBN, Some of the debates by NDTVs and Times now. There are print media guys like Indian Express, TOI, HT, The Hindu, Economic and Political weekly etc. whom we can really depend on to see the things beyond our vision.

My friend Ketan argues that its simply demand and supply. Many readers would agree to him. I discordant to his opinion based on my perception - if you serve something good, people do buy if not now then latter. Best examples are the recent success of Taare Zameen Par and the success of Devil's Advocate and many more content based shows to cite.

I think we are at cross roads of some good and bad choices; between variety of programmes served via many medium. Lets be a class a part. Lets listen and watch the news in the manner it should be rather than a thrilling style of a bollywood movie. I do like to read PG3 news but not at the cost of readable article which is normally encroached by gossips of our beloved Rakhi. Lets give a round of applause for the one who broke real news from the street of Mumbai on 31 Dec. about NRI woman molestation or for someone from a red's land Singur than merely overly celebrating something which is just 'eye candy'.

Choice is ours'!

Sir Sachin Tendulkar or Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar

Is Sachin chevalier or Bharat Ratna ?

Those who know the history of feudal system - medieval institution, know very well the importance of Colonial award (as of now proposed) - Knighthood.

Ever since 1954, India has awarded it's highest civilian award to forty people for their highest degree of national service.

What shall matter the most to Tenudlkar ? A Vassal age award or very own Bhart Ratna ? I do not know the answer but Bharat Ratna will restore its own image if given to Sachin.

If we are talking about sport legends then what about Vishwanathan Anand ? Shouldn't we consider him also as the top honour contender ? Yes, we should, I firmly believe. Can we give Bharat Ratna to two people in one year ? Year 1991, when such honours were done to Sardar Patel, Morariji Desai and Rajiv Gandhi. So there is a way if there is a will. This year Government has decided not to honour Bharat Ratna, however, I firmly believe, it is never late if you realise what you have to do.

British award nomination itself is a big achievement, but denial to Bharat Ratna is not. Argumative pundits and analyst strongly opposes Sachin's nomination for Bharat Ratna based on his wealth and his appearances on television ads. Argument is, he makes enough(too much) money and so we should not. Let me ask them one thing. Have you ever seen Lata Mangeshkar singing songs free in Yashraj films (she sings national anthem for free) ? I really have a proud for her voice and her patriotism. But the point is, we can not compare apples with oranges - Sachin also make us proud by raising the Indian national flag when he demonstrates the best of cricket - which is admired all around the world. (pl. note I have nothing against Lataji earning bucks nor against Sachin earning big out of ads - both have right to do what they feel to do; constitution allows it and so this point should not be brought in for not giving India's top honour)

What if Sachin doesn't get it one ? Sachin need not worry cos Subhash Chandra Bose too did not get the one. We all (including readers of this column) know Subhash babu's patriotism and his contribution to Great Independent India. Posthumous or non posthumous, if government wishes to award, it can. Lastly, even Mahatama Gandhi too didn't get it. So don't worry Sachin. There are many great people with you.

I wish to see Sachin with Bharat Ratna rather than Sachin with vassal age-colonial symbolic Knighthood. You are above awards and honours.

Wake up.. Are you listening Bharat Ratna nomination committee !

Theme of equity gone ?

I have kept one old SMS which says

"buy essar oil @ cmp(220), tgt 550, SL as per risk appetite, horizon one month, reason mat puchhana warna paisa nahi banega."

Now, I have got a new sms from the same friend which reads "Lalu declares free tickets for all those who invest in stock markets; for travelling to their native village, just keep the DP statement with you :) "

Financial contagious tantrums the Indian market. But trust me, it clears long awaited dirt out of the market. Quick rich formula disappears from the market just in 56 seconds when SENSEX dips to circuit filters. Dalal street & Exchange plaza soon becomes un-holistic as most of the stocks listed on BSE and NSE feels the heat of gravity.

Market pundits say "It was expected but not the pace with which if fell".

Ok here we go then.. Doest it still attract me to invest in equities and in MFs ?

In a very short Answer - Yes, indeed.

Story still remains the same about Shinning India. As Einstein said - One minute in pain is an hour long experience and one hour in pleasure is a minute experience. I guess thats exactly the experience investors are undergoing at the moment. Personally, I am going long on stocks with my hard earned money. This is despite the fact that markets may make new lows considering rumors of some of the biggest bankruptcies are due to hit Global markets thanks to sub-prime credit crisis in the West(actually thanks to financial engineering and craftful packaging and marketing of Mortgage backed securities). Selectively some of the stocks such as NTPC, Tata Motors, RIL, REL, Wipro, Infy, Suzlon, Indiabulls, DLF, SBI, Kotak bank, TCS, Titan, JP Hydro, Ranbaxy, Nactor life, RSWM, Vardhaman text etc. still has same fundamentals to attract valuation. Their order books are full, margin yield are at historically high level, cash flow levels are at never before levels and above all, their investments in capacity expansion project gives a positive indicator.

Why now ? Why should I go shopping these stocks when I am expecting another fall. Reasons are very simple. First, I am not the one who believes in bottom fishing. Second, After the current market fall I am not receiving SMSs with aggressive targets by my 'wellwisher' friends. Well, that's a buy for me in equities.

Happy wealth creation.